HIBRAUOFCO^^GRESS,! I UNITED STATES OF AMEIMCA. t 1! LOIS. L, MURRAY INCIDENTS OF IN TWO PARTS. ^^- / ^ COXTAmiNG RELIGIOUS INCIDENTS AND MORAL COM MENT, RELATING TO VARIOUS OCCURRENCES, EVILS OF INTEMPERANCE, AND HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. BYMR8. LOIS L. MURRAY. WRITTEN FKO.>r rKKSONAI. EXIVERIKXCE AND ANCESIKAL A( COUNT OR CERTAIN KNOWLElXiE, IN THE YEAR 1S7S. GOSHEN, INDIANA : EV. UNITED MENNONITE PUBLISHING HolSE. 1880. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the j-ear 1879, by LOIS L. MUllRAY, In the Ofllce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. All rights reserved. PREFACE. From a sense of the tender mercy and love of our heavenly Father, I have desired to write some of the consolations of grace ; and have felt that it were ingratitude not thus to do. Some acquaint- ances and friends in the state of Kansas, remarked to me, that I ought to write some account of my "Frontier Life" in that State. And as earthly treasures have seemed to vanish from my view, and many of the cares of life with the same, I have thought proper to offer as a memento some of the observations and remembrances of life, commenc- ing with an authentic account of the first settle- ment of Granville, Ohio, in which my ancestors have acted a part ; then I have followed with re- membrances of cliildhood, and incidents of the same, and have spoken without enlargement on any detail, but have given mere facts without va- riation. I have sketched a little along through maturer life, and have detailed some accounts of the In- dians and, the dangers and trials of my frontier life. I have spoken of grasshoppers and drouths, IV. PREFACE. with a sketch of some things which might be classed under the head of Dangers and Trials. I have made mention of some serious evils, which have come under my notice, and have made some comment on a variety of those things which have occurred within my notice. I have spoken of friends and broken ties, of the uncertainty of earthly things, and of a home in heaven. Also of the progress and imprvements of civili- zation; and closed with a journey on the cars, and some additional remarks ; and if anything beneficial to anyone has been said, to Him that holdeth the stars in his right hand, be all the praise. CONTENTS. PART MRST. CHAPTER. A Colony 1 111 llliymo, tlic IJiibe, tlu' Home o Dusky Visions, tlic Wolvos ;■{ The Sugar Camp 4 Rest in a Tree f, A Bride A Feast 7 Infancy S My Fatlier () A Dream, a Text 10 A Fight 11 Left to her Fate 12 The Shive of Rnm l;» Poor Man, I will give yon Food 1 j^ A Pledge 15 Grandmother's Story K", A Protracted Meeting I7 Heavenly View IS A Dream 19 The Swearer 20 Returning from the Orchard 21 When Fifteen Years of Age 22 VI. CONTENTS. — PAST FIRST. A Convention 23 A Child, a Jewel 24 The Trumpet Sound 25 Going Home, the Christian 26 A Sleigh-ride, a Wish 27 Christian Converse, Experience 28 Removal ; Sketches by the Way 29 My Eldest Brother, a Rest 30 Providences, Afflictions, a Sacred Charge 31 Dear Father 32 A Sister on California Shores 33 PART SECOND. CHAPTER. On the Cars, on the Boat 1 A Great Pet, a Black Cook 2 An Explosion 3 Dark Stairs 4 In Kansas 5 The First Indians 6 Cabin Home 7 Two Squaws 8 We Counted Seventy-five, and still they Came 9 In Iowa, Much Loss, Return, Buffaloes. 10 Afflictions 11 A Dark Cloud, an Adventure 12 A Prairie Fire and Loss 13 A Poor Indian, 14 Dcgredation 15 A Floor of Rock , 16 An Indian, a Whip 17 The Squaws : "Give me that Cup." 18 The Indian Lullaby. 19 They Wanted Whiskey. Stratigem, the Wicked 20 Chasing Wolves 21 Mr. Gray Coat 22 An Invitation, a Sabbath-school 23 Reading Sermons, Singing, Celebration 24 No Machinery, Heavy Toil 25 t Vlll. COXTENTS. PART SKCOM). CHAPTER. Prairie Fire, God's Help 26 What we had for Food 27 He Went to Mill, Eleven Days Absent 28 In all our Walks and Labors Happy 2i) Through a Snow-bank and got Wood liO lied Paint, War Songs :)1 Cedar Creek, Snow Storm 82 Four Savages • . HH Met the Cannon's Roar 84 Doleful Lamentations . 35 A Journey, a Powwow, and Burial 8(1 Texas and Mexican Trains. A Farce 87 A Pair of Moccasins 88 "Sister, Please Give me a Cup of Water." 81) Dried in Indian Style 40 He Came for Protection 41 They had Ashes on Their Heads 42 Four Savages Pulled him. From his Horse 48 A Train Eobbed. . . . : ! 44 A Stolen Animal 4.") An Indian Feast 40 Antelope and Turkeys 47 Scalps of Enemies 48 A Flight From Savages ^ 49 Savage Indians, a Race for Life HO On a Stormy Sea, Testimony 51 Mr. G., Flight, Loss, and Danger. . 52 The Threat, the Conclusion 58 The Soldiers, the Indians 54 The Walk, the Mission 55 Pious Council, Wooden Shoes 56 A Dream, an Organization 57 Dear Mary, a Minister, a Quarterly Meeting 58 CONTKNTS. — PARI' SKi^OND. IXi CHAPTER. Captain £. F. Abbott Killed 59 Afflictions. Conference sent a Preacher ■ . . . . CA) Family Afflictions. Brother F. and Danghter 61 (Irasshoppers, I'light from Indians 62 Severe Winter, Loss 63 Cultivation, Drouths, Grasshoppers 64 Mrs. Green's Story 65 Prairie Fire, Distressing Scene 66 Sense of Duty, The Sick 67 Four Savages. "Where is White Man." 68 Five Indians, Stolen Horses 69 Six Serpents 7fl The Children's Fright 71 A .Texas Ox, Danger 72 Indian Johnson, A Wild Pony, Indians 78 Milling Expedition, Mr. Gibson 74 Sister Brown, a Letter, Poetry 75 A Minister's Visit, a New Dwelling 76 A Bioken Tie, Mary's Death 77 iSIy Children's Loss, a Railroad, Boarders 78 A Texan, Ruffians at Newton ; . 79 An Impression, a Sound, a Skeleton 80 Trials : House in Flames 81 An Ab.sent Son, Freezing to Death 82 Grasshoppers, Losses, a Visit, our Relatives, a Terrible Vis- itation. A Dying Charge, An Acquaintance 88 \\\ Adi' u. Kansas Home. 84 Alone Again. Heroism, Uncivility 85 Slie Changed he'r Name. Patrimony 86 Afflictions, Change of Residence 87 Within the Cars, Observations 88 A Lady, Union Flag, Penitentiary 89 At Mother's Home in Goshen 9(» JC. CONTENTS. — PART SECOND. CBAFIER. A Journey ' 91 New Country 92 The Reckless 93 Visiting the Sick, Religion 94 The Prayer of Faith 95 A Guide 96 PART FIRST. CHAPTER L— A COLONY. One morning in the year 1807, a company of thirty families, in New England, near the line of Connecticut and Massachusetts, citizens of the towns of Granville and Granby, were seen bidding their friends and neighbors a long adieu. They then entered their vehicles, and turned their faces westward, firm with the spirit of en- terprise and hope, as to a home in central Ohio, which was then a wilderness, inhabited by roving tribes of Indians ; also the abode of the turkey, deer, panther, bear, and wolf, and covered with heavy timber, very unlike the prairies of our more western lands. As these devoted emigrants moved onward, o'er hill and valley, mountain or river, they often halt- ed to prepare the hasty repast, and allow their wearied teams to regale themselves with food and rest ; and when the preparations of the hour were over, thanksgivings resounded to the God of all grace and blessings, as they remembered the di- vine command, to be thankful ; and when the shades of night fell around them, the voice of a beloved pastor was heard on the evening air : re- 1^ fXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LiFE. turning thanks for preservations during the day, and supplicating the blessing of Almighty God on the slumbers of the little flock of wearied trav- elers ; and when the golden rays of light illumed the horizon around them, with the divine blessing of Providence, they pressed onward. Pastor and school teacher, parents, youths, and little children, all chasing the wild scenery, sing- ing, conversing, and listening to the wild echoes. (The colony above mentioned stopped every Sabbath during their journey ; and their minister delivered them an address from the revealed will of Grod, and instructed the youth of the company in the form of Sabbath school.) CHAPTER II.-IN RHYME, THE BABE, THE HOME. And now a rhyme within these cohimns I will pen. A little sleeping babe, within a covered willow basket lay. Which to the wagon bows was firmly bound ; And swaying to and fro, the child rocked to sleep ; But as a mountain high they climbed. The coupling of the carriage disengaged became. When backward rolling, quickly overturned ; Then anxious parents hastily sought their child. They found it, still with peaceful slumbers blest. That babe, a woman now of seventy years, My mother I do call. But to my story now I turn, and trace Those emigrants to their new found home. There behold them, on the ground Now called Granville, Licking county, Ohio. Then a friendly In-other's help was given, Till all that colony a domicile could call their own; And then, unitedly a church and school house, All in one they raised. That colony of Presbyterian order- Yet what matters it, by what name Here on earth we are (tailed. 14 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. If that new name, which only they can know Who do receive, be oiiry : A ticket, or a title to that blest home, Beyond the etherial blue. But lo ! consumption followed with a stealthy tread, And laid its chilling grasp on one, Beloved by all that little band. The junior, ^Samuel Everiett named : Colonial contracts, his employment was to fill— His pen he held, as long as failing strength allowed, Then another held the pen, While he instructions gave. But oh! death pressed him on apace ; And then the weeping partner he did cheer, And bade her meet him in the better land. "My children," he cried, "So live, that you may meet your Father, When this short life is done : Where sorrow never enters. But my dear babe— hold her near, That I may a fathers blessing give. While on her head my hand I lay. Oh! Father, God, I pray thee bless my c-hild. And guide her to the realms of endless day. There may these dear ones meet. In one unbroken band, when time with them is o'er : *Samuel Everiett bought the hiiid where (Tranville, Ohio, is located, for a New Enghiiid colouy, and transtujted the business of the same, till death closed the scene, PART FIRST. 15 But Oh! the angels call, I to my Savior go- Adieu, loved ones, adieu !" Oh! see the elder sire, the fatherland grand-father. While he bows submissive near, his marble child. He cries, ''My Father, God, thy will be done. A little longer here I stay, then I Avill meet My angel child in heaven above!'' He stayed eleven years more, and then The youngest grandchild called and said: "I go to that bright land where angels dwell. Be faithful to the truth and right, And I request thee, dearest c^hild, to learn those blessed lines : 'Ashamed of Jesus, just as soon, Let midnight be ashamed of noon. No, when I blush, be this my shame. That I no more revere His name. 'Ashamed of Jesus, sooner far. Let evening blush to own a star. Tis midnight with my soul till He, Bright Morning Star, bid darkness flee.' " He no longer could converse, for by the ic-y hand Of death, his voice was hushed ; And then the pearly gates of the celestial V\t\\ Opened wide, to let the ransomed one With all the holy angels join. And as we near the gates of heaven stand. To watch the ransomed enter. Oh! let us turn And look, for there are wandering ones 16 IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. Still on the boistrous ^ea of life. The widow and the fatherless : Sustaining gTa(*e and help the widow's God affords; For with eight children, left in country new, The youngest only eighteen months had numbered; When like a lonely bird without a mate, The little ones unfledged, the widow lone. With toils incessant, never seemed to tire. The distaff she did hold, And wool and flax transformed to yarn and cloth. Her family did cloth. AIM' I'lKST. 17 CHAPTER IIL-DUSKV VISIONS, THK WOLVES. But \verv3 tliyre not t^onie tliiiiK!^, to fri.^lit Ik a* un- fledged birds i O yet^, and one dark nig-lit a pet calf cried Mo.>^t bitt:^rly. She said. ''I will rj and see." Bat to her dres:^, two children hun.i'- and cried, '"OliI mother stay/' And on the marrow, all that oi" tludr pet remained. Was just its hide rolled up. The bears had carried all els i far away. But hark I Indian wars in i)rogress are. And oft this family forbear throughout tlu^ ni,i>ht t:) sleej). As dusky visions, b^th in real and in fancy mc(4. The friendly Indian hides his i>un. While to the cabin he repairs. But lo ! (me night an Indian sentinal stood, With hatchet on his shoulder raisiMJ. Glittering- in the moonli.qht l~)eams. They watched all ni.^lit : But in the mornin,^-, lo I a loity stump, With spider web and dew upon tlie top. After a time mon^ pi^ar-e did rei.^n, and less of fi^ar ; IS INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER I.IFK. Then a little girl was seen, her mother's house to leave, A sister's home to find. Across the woods with liasty steps she flew, Till suddenly, three large dogs she spied — She stopped and scarcely dared to draw a breath. For oh ! those dogs might liarm ; But on they sped, the liarmless deer to find ; Then the child with speed bafore untold, Her sister's home did gain : But hark ! the wolves her tra(?k had found ; And to the house they came and round it howled. rAKT FIKST. 11) (CHAPTER IV.-THE SUGAR CAMP. And when the time to make the maple sugar came, Two children in the woods all night remained. They watched the fire — the syrup down to sugar boiled. A tent was spread, and all was closed around : But just a door, near which a fire was built ; iVnd when a growling bear they heard, ( )r prowling wolf around, They did the fire-brands throw, and heaped More fuel on their fires, to fright the wild away. Sometimes the mother came with light in hand : And oft the shell-bark hickory torch, More safe their pathway made. Until th-^ir mother's house tliev gained. :>() IXCIDKXTS OF FROXTIKK LIFK CHAPTER v.— REST IN A TR EH <.)ne clay a man came to their home and said : Last night I took my rest in the branches of a tree For when from neighbjr s honse I late returned, The .glaring- eyes, and snapping teeth around. Did tell me you had better get from off the ground And in the morning- 1 could see. The hungry wolves had knawed the bark. AH round the bottom of mv tree. I'AKT FIRST. CHAPTER VL— A BRIDE. Hut now eiiouKli of this, we will otlitn' tli()ii,L»litf^ engage ; And while we entertain, may we instruction finch The widow Everiett her eight children reared : Till in maturer years they found their mates. And perched within their own dear homes. Just seventeen summers o'er, the youngest child had passed. When she, a l^lushing bride did stand ; And while God's blessing, their pastor did implore. Her hand was held by hmi, With whom for many years, life's i)aths she trod. The bride-groom, I. F. Abl:)ott from New England Had come and won his bride ; And "T, their eldest child, do pen these lines. *Tho original name of the writer was Lois Lovina Abbott, born March 3(1, 1826. INi'lDEN'lS <>y FHOXTIEK I.Il K. CHAPTER VII.-A FEAST. And when fifteen years more had fled, I to an uncle's house did go : My grandmother and her eight children saw. And their companions too, All seated at one table, with grandmother at the head ; And with the rest, a minister of God, Who thanks returned to the almighty Giver of all good — And truly bountiful and nice was all : We cannot here enumerate so much. For turkey, pie, and cake, was only .just a part : And when the bounteous table rearranged be- (•ame. Many cousins side by side, with each A cui) of sparkling water standing by their plate : And ministers with lifted hand God'^ blessing- claimed. This visit o'er, they in carricige procession To another dwelling went : Tlu^ cousins at another uncles home arrived. Their i)arents tliere, a feast, again they found i)re- pared ; T'AUT FIKST. ■!■, But oh! they parted, in such numbei^^, Ne'er to meet asfaiii ; And that dear mother, who for more tlian forty years, A widow's pathway trod, Has went to meet her loved eomi)anion, k)ni>aKo : And of her (-hildren four have passed the pearly gates. And four more waiting stand. On Jordan's brink. And of those cousins who with sijarkling eyes and glowing cheeks, The family feasts adorned, A few have passed away ; While others still are left to tread these mortal shores ; But are their names all written in the Book of Life i A part that witness have, which Enoch did possess: And oh! that all who mortal are, Might of salvation's current drink. That they miglit thirst no more. A Savior's smiles, a Father recoiudled, A Christ within the soul— a faith how s\v(^et. iNCiDKNTS (IF FFIONTIEK I.IFK. CHAPTER VIII.-INFANCY. And now 1 will to infancy return, And there a mother's smile, While on her child she looked I greet ; And then my little chair I drew aside, And l:)y it lx)wed, to say my infant prayer. But disobedience and self-will in Adam's race is surely found ; And up the steps so very high and steep I climed, And hid behind the door, till lady left the room ; Then thought I would do the same, And one step taken, down I rolled. The next I knew, I lay on my fathers lap, Like a helpless babe. Whilst father wiped blood from off my face. And now let us of riper years a lesson take, And ne'er our heavenly Father disobey. For sin brings sorrow every where; But if we are led and helped by God's own hand. We will safely tread this rough world through. I'AUr 1-JRS1-. CHAPTER IX.-MY FATHER. While seated in my father's arms, lie told his little Girl of Jesus, who for sinners died on Calvary: For me, yes even me, his little child; Then I Avept, but they were precious tears: So much of sympathy for him who died for me. A school teacher l^oarded at my father's house, And very young I learned to read; But little follies I remembered, and l^ad examples saw. 20 IXCIDEXTS OF I-RONTIKR I.IFK. CHAPTER X.-A DREAM, A TEXT. One night I thought the judgment clay had come, And tried from God to hide ; Then I dreamed again that God and ministers followed me, As I from them did run ; But soon one picked me up, And in his arms he carried me, a little child. Soon after this I sat upon a school-house bench, . And heard a pale patient minister of God pro- nounce these words : "Come unto me, all ye that heavy laden are. And I will give you rest/' Now if you will read the three last verses ( )f the eleventli chapter of St. Matthew, You will have all the text. To a Sahhath-scho:)! I went, and tliere received mi-e good books, WTiich did in my young mind the same insi)ire : And in the chamber all alone with God, My little hands before me clasped, I ])rayed and know that Jesus heard. When I had learned to write. To my mother I a letter gave ; TAKT FIRST. And within it I had wrote, "Oh! Mother dear. To me yon have been kind, and for nie doin- much : I thank thee, and may I be ever kind to thee." I ran to hide, but mother called me back, and said, A letter write and to your grandmother it shall be sent. INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XI.-A FIGHT. One day in a porch that was just pailed around, I f^tood and saw drunken men in the street ; With clothing torn and stained with l^lood, Like beasts in human form— They struck, and l)it, and gouged each others eyes ; And one was nearly blind the remainder of his life. My mother came into that porch, And little sister standing l)y, said, "Oh! ma, Do not those men know that God can see ?" But ah! they were blinded by alcohol, And little knew, but just to fight. How bitterly by satan led,his weapon firey alcohol. I I'MIT KIK.-r. CHAPTER XII.— LEFT TO HEK FATE. Into a'lstore I went, there a woman sat already drunk. And still for whiskey begged : "Oh let me have just one glass more." No wonder that a child A sight so dismal would rememl^er. But this was not the last, of that woman to lie told : For once she took her little babe. And horse-back went to town : The father sought the babe, and found it by tin- road— The horse was feeding near : And drunken mother, partly in a nnid-pond layl The father tcok the babe. And left the drunken woman to lua- fat(\ ;^.0 IN<1I)KNT.S OF FKONIIKR LIFK. (^HAPTER.-XIII THE SLAVE OF RUM. The past would not suffice, The slave must go again : As she from town returned, Whild passing through a woods, She fell upon the ground — dead drunk : Then wolves were seen to cover something ui) ; And when two persons went to see what the wolves had found, There was Mrs. D. all ('overevd up with leaves. When they went to take the woman home, Near twenty wolves were coming round— They shot and robbed the hungry wolves. Perhaps you say, 'They robbed the wolves too much!" And oh! how ])ase and low ; And yet the truth has not half l^een told! For oh! the misery intemperance brings on such a family — We should not taste the i^oisonous cup, L::*st the serpent's fangs be fastened on our souls. May God our country save, From all that l:)lasts, and blights, for Jesus' sake. I'Ain FIRST. ;n CH AFTER XIV.-I WILL GIVE YOU FOOD. I saw one, who was called a tavern-keeper. Kick an old man, with silvery locks, Off from his porch ; Then whipped him with a heavy whip, And knocked his head npon the ground ; Tlien threw a bucket of water on him as he lay. The tavern-keeper had got the old man's money— That was all he cared. My mother called across the way : ''Mr. M., if you will come to my hack door, I will give you tea and food. He (-rawled upon his hands and knees, across the street, And after eating, soberness returned ; Then the good advice my mother gave. Was much and thankfully received. While tears rolled down his face. On a temperance pledge he wrote his name. And never was drunk again. Did Jesus come, sinners to save { Oil! yes, the vilest of the vile. INCIDIN r> OK FK').\'1II:K l.IFK (CHAPTER XV.-A PLEDGE. A young man fifteen yeart^ of age, A tern Iterance i)ledge took round our town, And cliildien over e^ix, and under fourteen signed the ijledge : And a weekly temi-eranee class was held. ( )ur leader i)rayed Almighty God to bless, Then asked each their mind on temi^erance to speaL. A reform, was soon l^rought round, And now that town, is for ])iety and temi)erance* famed. TAUT FiiisT. ;);i CHAPTER XVL-GRANDMOTHP^R 8 8T0RV. I well reinembc3r the ccjunteiianoe of my a.yed grandmother : Fair almost like a child. Her hair had blossomed for the grAve, And oft when wintry winds the snow drif t:^ pile 1, She out the winiiw lo Dk^d and sighed, th^n slid, 't)h how my li^arl: a dies for the stiff aring \)i:y: One night when in Conneoticut I dwelt, The -wind wa^ whistling r^nnd th ^. sn )w drifts high. I heard a scream for help— then it died away. I called my family to hark! We heard a call, twice or thrice, But whither should we lo3k or g ). A sleepless night I passed. When daylight came, deep search Wcis made, And in a bank of snow, a woman's corpse was found: Her frozen arms, a frozen babe, incircded round!" The serpent alcohol had crazed her liuslxunrs l^rain. And he had drove his hapless wife out in the howling storm: 84 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. And oh! the agony of remorse, That must have filled the drunkard's soul, When reason had usurped its throne. That drunken husband, once a lovely child had been, But oh! the dreadful work, the spoiler had done. Oh! mothers dear, may God forbid that you The dreadful work should see— a ruined son! And oh! dear youth, temptation shun. And ever do the right ; And may God keep your souls forever pure. Much there is that we have heard or seen in later years. That might be told of dread intemperance: But this the present may suffice, And on we pass to watch the swelling waves: Our life a floating bark which Jesus saves. TAiiT FiKsr. :^.> CHAPTER XVII.-A PROTRACTED MEET- ING. When nine years o'er my head to eternity had fled away, My parents changed tlieir residence, And five miles distant went to dwell. Soon a protracted meetino; in that vicinity was held, And in a new large barn, A platform for ministers was reared. God, through clay, did speak to those seated round. The good seed did fall on some rich soil. And upward grew to the glory of God's name. "A society was formed, and when dear friends Took their seats along the line, I thought I would like with them to go to heaven. I went forward and ca^t my lot with them. An aged mhiister went round and clapped each friendly hand, And when he came to me, he cried, 'Glory to God, is there another here to In-ing a diildtoGodr ;^,0 INCIDENTS OF FRUXTIEK LIKE. On a full breeze for heaven we sailed, And Avlien to and from the house of prayer we went, We ahnost seemed to walk the golden streets. But only as a seeker of rich pearls I stood, And sought our God alone three time:^ a day, Back of my father's orchard on the green, Where none but God could see. More instructions I needed in the way of life. Methodist CImrc-a of wliij'.i 'the writor v/ai a member eight ye;u-s and afterward b^e iiie assosiated with the M. E. Church of which .she was a member thirty-live years, and February 1879 s]ie was indentified with the United Mennonite Church. PART FIRST. ' 87 CHAPTER XVIII.-HEAVENLY VIEW. ( )iie ni.i>lit from my sleep I waked, And tears were rolling down my face. Our dream was this : Int3 a room I entered. And our Lord, the blessed Christ so very fair, Was seated in the center, To whom I did approach. His countenance so wondrous light— His smile how glorious sweet. At his feet I fell : With his hand he raised me up. Then I awoke : tears rolled like torrents doAvn my face. While that sweet vision of the lovely Christ, Ha^ all my life close on my footsteps seemed to tread. The lovely Christ the blessed one— but language fails. The glorious bridegroom his church doth love. Which he hath bought with his precious blood ; And of that church triumi)hant. May we make one for Jesus' sake. But we thought religion was not a dream, And with the poet still I said : 38 IXCIDEXTS OF FROXTIER LIFE. "Oil! tell me that my worthless name Is graven on thy hands. Show me some promise in thy book Where my salvation stands." I felt too vile for aught But to throw myself on the ground, And there with deep humility Bedew the earth with tears. I rose from prayer. The golden sun just at the close of day, Looked beautiful that hour ; But on one side a dark bundle seemed to rest, And it was said to me, "Your sins are all on Jesus laid, The Sun of Righteousness."" I stood and praised the Lord All tilings round me seemed to do the same : The trees, the lairds, the velvet earth. While I said, "Glory be to God, Blessed be thy holy name ;" And soon in union social meeting I rose and said, "The precious pearl I have found ;" And with the poet I could say, "Tis love that drives my chariot wheels, And death must yield to love." That was a happy meeting. And all was warmth, life and praise. PAKT KIKST. i^9 Time onward pass^ed for mouthy— all a ^weet peace. Three time^ a day, I went Back of father^s orchard alone to pray. While l^owed upon the gronnd, My Savior on the cross by faith I saw, While I looked and tears were on my face, I spoke these words more times than I can tell : "Oh blessed Jesus, blessed Lord/' 40 I N< "I DENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XIX.-A DREAM. One night I dreamed I stood upon a sea of ice, Which cracked and broke ; And as I into the water sank, I upward looked and cried, "Glory, glory, be to God, I am going home." And very full of joy was I, At the sweet thought of heaven. After a time temptations came, Then I would not eat one mouthful of pleasant food. If a motion jof sin within my soul I found, And a^ a hart upon a mountain Thirsts for cooling streams. So did my soul thirst for the living God. TAHT FIRST. 41 CHAPTER XX.-THE SWEARER. One day I heard a lady say, She had seen an aged man who enjoyed The perfect love of God through Christ. The aged man was happy, and faithful every where. With his son he did reside. Men came there to work. One was angry, and swearing too. But the elderly man walked near. While tears rolled down his withered face, He said, "oh! do not swear— You might die before the sun shall set." Then the swearer said with oaths upon hi.^ tongue, 'T will live as long as any here." They went to work— but in an hour returned, Bearing the swearer back — a corpse ! A limb had fallen from a tree And struck him on the head- He fell doubled to the earth, a mangled corpse. Sinners do not presume uijon God's mercy Or his rod defy, Or you may meet a dreadful doom. 42 IXC'IDENT.S OF FRUXTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXI.— RETURNING FROM THE ORCHARD. Now back to the aged pious man we will look, And think how much we wished The same grace might rest on such a one as I. One day when returning from the orchard, Where I had been to pray, There Avas a wondrous power rested on unworthy me: Much like Stephen, heaven seemed opened in the ^ky. There I thought I saw our blessed Lord : And angels round him bowed. This vision o'er us passed, And oh ! the bliss unuterable, Which did our being fill— It was more than we could ever speak or ever tell ; But silence heightened heaven. PART FIRST. 48 CHAPTER XXIL-WHEN FIFTEEN YEARS OF AGE. But liere we cannot stay— the moment t< tied, The hours have pased. The eldest of six children, we The younger ones loved. At home, or school, we thought We would the time redeem, And do with all our might What ere we could. Our studies all were mixed with prayer, We did not our Grod forget. Careless mirth and vanity we shuned : Those things we could not love — We had higher sweeter joys. Our Bible class at Sabbath -school we i)rized. And Pilgriras Progress loved to read. We could fathom all, God's Holy Spirit taught us there. When fifteen years of age. We taught a district school ; And ever that school with prayer connnenced. The committee said, that we should teach 44 IINCIIJENTS OF FR0NTIP:R LI IE. Eight hours each day of school. To this we did attend, And faithful Avas in all. The time we taught, within Ohio ground^ Of months we nnml^er tAventy-four ; And just the same in Indiana range, And ten in Kansas, Which doth make in all, fifty-eight months, Or nineteen quarters and one month ; And more than this, we every otlier .Saturday, Within that time did teach, Which now is not the tune^ PART KIKST.. 4o CHAPPER XXIIL-A CONVENTION. Tliy summer of 1841, Nearly all tlr3 paople thro iic>]i out tli- laurL To a political convention went, That in mount Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio, WcXS held. All the young' ladies in oar community. And I with them was dress 3d in white," With ribbons blue for sash ; And on the neck the same. In one large vehicle we rode ; And Just in front, On conveyance similar to ours, A band of music played ; But I will not tell all. For there was much display. When there arrived, we found Several thousand people on the ground ; And general Harrison too ; But near the lecture ground, Men upon a wagon stood, And wliilt^ there steeds went round tlie throng, With ax and mallet they split rails. 46 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. As hard as they could ply, To show how Harrison had toiled. And there were log cabins, built on wheels, And by horses drawn around. With union flags upon the top. To show that Harrison had in a cabin lived. We had a seat upon the lecture ground. But lecture o'er, a feast, all free was spread. To feed the numbers there. And more than this, a roasted ox. That looked nicely dressed. And all in form. Upon a wagon stood ; And flags were on its horns. And while the team went round. Men cut the meat from roasted ox, And said, "here, here, take some," A cannon men were firing. Burst and killed one man. That man had been one who drank too much, ( )f that he never should have touched. He left a wife, and several little ones. General Harrison to that widow went. Before he left that town : He gave his note for five hundred. To tliat widow to be paid ; And with this note she bought a home. Ere that time a home she ne'er possessed. PART FIRST. 47 TlioTigli Harrison the presidential ^eat obtained, He cjuickly passed from earth ; And I heard one say, Terhaps our nation loved, and honored him so much, That they robbed God of love, and lionor too." Surely time will pass away. With all its forms of gaudy show. 48 IXCIDENTS OK FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXIV.-A CHILD, A JEWEL. See that little boy on the street, With ]3are feet this wintry day. Does not God ^vithin that little soul a jewel see ? But there come boys, with socks and boots, All nice on their feet. They say, "For shame a barefoot boy." Then one stamps the little naked toes, And make him cry with pain. But all! the needy boy may rise, whilst others fall; And if he should not fill a presidential seat. He may with God in gloi^y dwell ; And there he will be clothed in angeFs dress- White and fair. Now dear child, Jesus can wash you clean from sin- He for you has died : He has promised wisdom if you ask, And he will surely give. • I* ART IMRST. 41> CHAPTER XXV.- THE TRUMPET SOUND. Hark ! wliile we pa^^ along, We hear the gospel trumpet sound : "Free grace." Amazing sweet, But lo! through instruments of clay, our God doth speak ; And 'tis the peals of mighty truth, God's Holy Spirit's sword, the word of God. But oh ! there are some who God resist and sin pursue. Dreadful thought ! they on the way to ruin mn. Oh ! hark, the sound eternity ! eternity ! In darkness wrapt, and far from God— A guilty soul. We hear a skeptic cry. Oh ! for a day. Oh ! for a single hour. Although an age too little were. For the much I have to do ; But ah ! that one has passed away. In despair he closed his eyes in death. Oh ! death, how dreadful must thy sunnnons be, To those that are at ease in their possessions. How the foe like a staunc-h murderer. Pursues the guilty soul through every lane of life : 50 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. She runs to every avenue and shrieks for help, But shrieks in vain ; For down the verge she is pressed— To endless ruin. PART FIRST. 51 CHAPTER XXVI.-GOING HOME, THE CHRISTIAN. But what a contrast now I see ; For standing by a Christian's bed, I heard her say, while at her hands she looked, And saw that in her veins The purple current would no longer flow, Dying is like going a friend to see. And a pleasant visit make. Then with peace and joy she said, "Jesus can make a dying bed Feel soft, as downy pillows are ; While on his breast I lean my head, And breathe my life out sweetly there.'' Once again, I by another dying Christian stood, A son of Samuel Everiett, Junior. He had oft, with me conversed About the family he was soon to leave. When the hour for him to bid the world adieu was near. He said, "Let me rise and pray." But when his strength would not allow him His bed to leave. 52 IXCIDEXTS OF KRONTIER LIFE. He raised a little, rested on one arm, While he prayed for all. A little later still, brother, wife, and children all, Were seated round, when he said, "I leave yon all with God, for I am going home." And calm and peaceful as a smiling babe Within its mother's arms, he went to rest. AVe cannot tell how soon our mortal life shall end; So let us keep our lamps all trimmed ; For life hath thousand strings, which soon may break. PART KIKST. 6S CHAPTER XXVII.-A SLEIGH-RIDE, A WISH. I one day ^aw four young persons, Full of life and health, merry, young, and fair ; They a sleigh-ride took, And started from my parents' door ; But in one short year. Three of the four were dead ! Once a young lady said to me, "I wish that I could have the headache One half hour, so I might know how it seems." But ah ! when a liride she stood. The hectic flush, was on her cheek. And in one year, consumption laid her low be- neath the sod ! Her little Mary, which she left. By the same destroyer fell ! Oh ! let me tell, there is nothing firm — liut heaven ; And there are consolations sweet, and joys divine. Which we may taste on earth ; But there Ave shall know as we are known, (3ur innnortal powers made strong. 54 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXVIII.-CHRISTIAN CON- VERSE, EXPERIENCE. Now dear Christian friend, please let me tell you How the Lord hath dealt Avitli me : I sought his face and asked That he would all his grace bestow. At church I rose and told what I sought. And was about to take my seat, Then quick as though , I had been struck— I felt the power : I stood erect and said, 'T have got the blessing now." And some good counsels I received that hour, From friends who said, "Hold fast by faith. Your heavenly Father's saving power, through Jesus' name confess ; And he will bless you, more and greater still." 80 very strong was faith within my soul, I said, I will, I do believe. When two weeks had passed away. In a prayer-meeting all were bowed in prayer. God, saw fit to send the Holy Ghost, With the Holy Spirit's power to fill the room, Like to the ancient Pentecost. One was there bent o'er with age, who said, J PART FIRST. 55 A^ long as I have lived, I never saw what I have seen tc-night." The Holy Ghost was there with power divine : To him be all the praise, Till time with endless ages blend. I had given soul and body to the Lord. And Christ his Father, did reveal— With power he shook this house of clay. "I in an instant saw, that God the Father Was the Holy, Holy, Holy One. God in Christ his boundless love revealed. And mercy, oh ! ho w free. Through my baing these words were spoke with power : "They will not come to me that they may have life." Salvation, oh ! how free and full. The Holy Spirit filled my being— A coal from off God's altar, had fallen on my soul, And the weight of glory overpowered the mortal clay ; But Jesus and the angels were very near. And Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, in my mouth and soul. The river of the water of life. *Tlic writer's experience as to some of the great things of God. in the way of salvation, is njl: fully given in this work: yet the sentiments here expressed were deeply experimental. 50 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. How clear and g^weet : I drank, and drank again. Bliss we cannot speak : It will take eternity to telL Yes God is love, oh ! blessed Christ, The Lamb of God, a three in one. The mystery is God's love, he calls himself my God- He calls a worm his friend. He tanght me his almighty power, Overshadows those he loves ; And those who in him confide. Shall rest secure beneath, the Almighty's shade When our being fully purified, and we his temple are, The immortal Jesus writes his name. With the holy spirit's power, which the angels read. A ransomed soul from every stain. Through Jesus saved alone, this day I stand ; And on that rock so firm, I build my hope of heaven. Borne on the wings of Jesus' name. Prayer mounts above the storm : Moves him that moves creation's frame. To listen and perform. 1>AKT FIRST. 5*7 CHAPTER XXIX.-REMOVAL, SKETCHES BY THE WAY. When about the age of twenty-one, my i)arents moved to the town of Rochester, Indiana, and re- mained there for more than two years. I have here found, a few scraps of writing, written dur- ing our stay in that place, which I Avill insert, as they in some measure show, how our feelings were exercised a^.4 time passed along. January 20th, 1849. I have this evening just returned from the churc-h, where I heard an address from these words : 'There remainetli therefore a rest, for the people of God." I have just looked upon the re- mains of a departed gentleman, who has left nu- merous relatives, and the church, to mourn his loss. Often have I heard that l^rother speak of the Canaan of rest. He has now i)assed Jordan a little in the rear— we shall soon pass the same : Jesus will be with, and cheer me througli the gloom. It is time for me to renew my activity.— I have been too stupid. Oh thou blessed God, forgive, and for Jesus' sake, whilst thou givest me 58 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. a place among mortals, oh ! never let me be guilty of the blood of souls. Then mighty Savior if thou seest fit to continue me here any longer, may I feel the realities of eternity and act accordingly. May I be perfectly holy, body and spirit. Give me a spirit of gratitude ; far more than I have felt or exhibited. In a word, do thou take full possession of every principle of my soul, body and spirit. I am very vile, thou knowest I am dust. — I am not worthy of the smallest favor from thee, yet I look to Calvary. Oh ! thou bleeding Lamb, thou hast suffered for me. I am clay in thy hands, mold me by thy power. I have often grieved thee, yet thou hast been towards me a God that forgives iniquity, plenteous in mercy and abundant in goodness. Yes, I i)raise thee for thy great love wherewith thou hast loved such an unworthy one. I trust in thee. Amen. January 21st, 1849. Last Friday night I spent watching by the death bed of a young lady, who had been taken suddenly sick a few hours before. She had been vain and thoughtless, and gave no evidence of a change of heart. Sometime ago she was a mem- ber of my class at Sab]:>ath-school. Several times I saw her weep, yet she lived among those who feared not God. She chose the vanities of earth , rather than to suffer afflictions with the people of PART FIRST. 59 God. Soon as she was taken, her speech became inarticnilate — no time to prepare for death. Oh ! shocking thus to go. A very profane man died a few yards from us yesterday ! He was irrational from the first at- tack of disease. He died— no hope. What a w^ord ; and can it be, eternity without hope i Time is but a moment, a part of eternity, a vapor soon past, yet dying mortals sleep on the edge of this precipice— this whirlpool, gulf or chasm. Oh! how can sinners sleep amid such scenes { The Holy Spirit alone can rouse the carnally secure sinners. "Ye will not come to me that ye may have life," says Jesus. They slight and grieve his dying, bleeding love ; they slight joys immortal, crowns unfading. How unwise the baubles of earth, preferred to heaven. The serpent creeps where floAvers are seen.— The poor stupefied vic- tim of his malice, is lured on to ruin, by his de- vices, and by the charms and viles of a wicked world, and the false insinuations of satan, and a wicked or deceitful heart. Man presumes to sin, till justice takes his case in hand, and mercy re- tires. Last Friday night I closed the eyes of poor M. Her disease is considered by many very con- tagious. Many say that she and others liave died with the cold plague here of late. I have lieen much exposed in turning over the l^ody of poor M., as the last breath came directly in my face. 00 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. The ninty-fir^t Psalm contains great promises. I am safe under the control of Almighty Love. I am in the hands of Jesus. He will take care of this frail tenement. I am safe in his power. He knows what is best and w^hen to call his child home : his will be done. If he should call very soon, he will save me for his holy name's sake. I shall have passed through this dark valley, and emerged into that glory, of which I have had an antepast here on earth. Yes, a blessed foretaste —a home in heaven. Triumphant thought, bliss immortal. Adieu, vain world. I'ART FIRST. 01 CHAPTER XXX.— MY ELDEST BROTHER. In the year 185'J, my parents changed their rei^^idence from Roche;:;ter, to Goshen, Indiana, and while there my eldest brother, after one short week of affliction, was called from earth to heaven. Oh ! how mnch I loved him, when a fair sweet child, and a lovely yonth. — But now adieu, we will soon meet again. The cares of earth will never fall on thee. Thou art at rest, adieu, dear l:)rother, adieu. The funeral sermon of my broth- er, R. B. Abl:)ott, was preached by the Rev. Van- nuys, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, at that place. In the sermon which he delivered, he spoke of my brother, as a young man of great modesty and excellence. Sleep, brother, sweetly rest, as Lazarus of old ; But when the Arch Angel's trump shaU sound, May I behold thee, lovely one, With heavenly glories crowned, And with the throng innumerable, Traverse the happy land. 62 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXXL-PROVIDENCES, AFFLIC- TIONS, A SACRED CHARGE. In the fall of 1851, 1 was married to an honest, sincere Christian, Samuel Murray, who had long been a citizen of Goshen, Indiana, faithful in the church, abundant in charity, always helpful in church enterprise and all good. Our Bible was daily read and we bowed in deep sincerity before our Father's throne, feeling that God was our Savior and Redeemer continually. But the clouds of affliction commenced to lower around us, and we were made to feel the uncertainty of all earth- ly things. My companion, about five weeks after our marriage, was seized with a severe lung fever, and brought down as it were, to the verge of the grave. After a partial recovery, he took a relapse of the same ; and when to all human appearance, his eyes were closed in death, and all around said he is gone, I gave him a few drops of bal- sam, then his eye-lids moved, he revived, and spoke. His complaint assumed at this time a typhoid form. The windows of the room were PART FIRST. 63 shaded, and the utmost quiet preserved: Our heavenly Father, granted a helping hand and our afflicted companion was spared fourteen years. But his constitution, received a shock, from which he never fully recovered. To my parents is due many thanks for their kindness, during that heavy affliction. After this we lived in or near Groshen, Indiana, about eight years, and God gave into our charge, three little immortal ones. The first a little angel spirit lent. We called Mary ; And while our minister laid his hand upon her head, He prayed that like ancient Mary, She might sit at Jesus' feet. The next, our William : a feeble tender child. We gave in '^covenant to God. And then our Martha fair, we to God's altar brought ; The minister prayed that our babe might serve her God, *The ^vriter of this little volume was given in infancy to God, according to the custom of various churches and her three chil- dren were also covenanted under the same form ; yet in after years Mrs. Murray felt convinced that according to the teaching of the New Testament she had a part to a«t, and in the spring season of 1879 went into the water near Goshen, Indiana, kneeled, and was baptized by pouring. 154 INCIDENTS OF FEOXTIER LIFE. As a Martha did of olden time. And soon we left for other land, And took our lovely babes. Ent ere we left, my father died ! TAKT FIRST. 05 CHAPTER XXXIL-DEAR FATHER. Poor man, his was afflictions many ; He managed well, and toiled. But losses came —loss top of loss, and sickness too, But father dear, you are rich in heaven ; And we will meet you there. The last words you to your daughter said on earth, were these : "If we would with the pure and holy live in heaven. We must be pure and holy here on earth." And thus dear father, may I meet with thee in heaven. And robed in angels' dress so free Adore our King. In Jesus' sweet embrace. May thy dear spirit rest. Your toils are o'er, And heavenly glories now are thine, With full fruition blest ; And near the great white throne. (){3 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXXIII.-A SISTER ON CALA- FORNIA SHORES. And here I stop and think of one, A sister very dear, With whom I walked and talked; Who went before my father died, To Calafornia shores. She wa« married at our parents' home, And shortly started for the distant land. Her companion, H. M. Porter, and herself. Are numbered with the church militant on earth ; And may they when done with time. With the church triumphant, in heaven rejoice ; And may their children three. So many jewels shine in heaven. And if that dear sister's face, No more on earth I see. May we clasp glad hands, with all dear friends, When time with vis is o'er ; And then with full immortal powers, We will sing sweet strains of love. PART SECOND CHAPTER I.-ON THE CARS, ON THE BOAT. On the first day of April, 1860, my companion, with his little family, started on the cars for Kan- sas; and as we passed along. Lake Michigan seemed to lay high and boundless, while the ze- nith dipped its wings. And we were reminded of the boundlessness of space, and also of eternity without bounds. Here we might stop and philos- ophize, but we look back and think of friends, whom we had left in Goshen. Little did we know how long the separation might be,— and that some of us never would meet again on earth ; l)ut the cars rolled on till we stoi)ped at Perue, Illi- nois. There was not at that day the same facili- ties for travel which our nation at present enjoys, therefore we took passage in a steam-boat, bound for St. Louis; and down the flowing, rolling tide our vessel urged its way. A few days i)assed, then we landed at St. Louis, changed boats, and started n\) the crooked Missouri River, bound for Kansas (J8 INCIDENTS OF FEOXTIER LIFE. City. The water of the river was muddy, and I saw dead cattle in the water along the banks. I remarked to a lady standing by, "I hate to see such water drank." Bat a man who was quaff- ing the same said, "Excellent water, madam, ex- cellent water." The first day on that boat, a lady said to me, "you ask the proprietor of this boat, for a key to your berth room, and lock your door inside at night, for last night a man while sleep- ing in his room had his pocket cut open with a knife, and eS500 taken from him." This was ad- vice which persons in similar circumstances, would do well to remember. PART SECOND. 09 CHAPTER II.-A GREAT PET, A BLACK COOK. My little Martha, three months old, was^ a great pet with ladies, who said, ''What a sweet babe Mattie is! what do you do with lier^ she never cries." But there was an old black cook who said to me, "Bless your life, mistress, I have sixteen children some- where in this wide world— they were all sold, and I can't tell where one can be found !" then she covered her face and wept. Surely separation of families, was a terrible feat- ure of bondage. We may well be thankful for freedom and peace. May God save our country from every surrounding danger. 70 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER III.- AN EXPLOSION. When we first started on this boat, there was much time spent in the large room of the boat playing cards ; but one day our boat stopped and, numbers came on board; and with the rest, a minister and his family. The minister's lady said, "The boiler of the boat they had left, burst, and soon as the explosion occurred, such swearing she never heard before !" The men employed on board said, "They knew something would go wrong, for there were so many white horses and preachers on the boat." But the lady said, "It was wonderful, that not anyone was harmed, for the lioiler had burst similar to one that had ex- ploded on the Ohio River, and killed many per- sons." In the first consideration of the case, we see superstition and sin, and in the second, the protection of the Almighty ; and on a much high- er scale of intellectuality do those stand, who fear and reverence God. The minister who had just come on board our boat, delivered us a ser- mon that evening; and we had no more card playing, but every evening was occupied in part with delightful singing. I had a bad cough dur- PART SECOND. 71 ing our journey, Mr. Murray and some of our lit- tle charge was not well, but a filial fear and trust in Providence, stayed our soul on God. Our boat at last landed at Kansas City, and we were taken in an omnibus to a hotel for the night. 72 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER IV.— DARK STAIRS. A Methodist family, with whom we formed acquaintance on the boat, was with us. We were taken up several flights of stairs, to a square hall, and turning near the stairs found ourselves occu- pying a long bed-room, in the hotel. About the hour of retiring, one man entered another bed- room joining ours. There was only a thin parti- tion between the rooms. Soon a man came into the hall, and loc^ked everyone into their rooms. After all were sleeping, I still sat near a dim light sewing. Soon I heard the steps of two men come up the stairs. I heard them unlock the room where one man slept — then I heard deep groans, fainter and fainter, till all was still. Then I heard men pass our door with heavy steps, and down the stairs a load they took. In the Word of Truth we read, "The dark corners of the earth are full of cruelty." Before the darkness had come on that night, when a lady in our room and I were conversing of our prospects, I glanced around and saw two men under dark stairs, watching all we said. I could distinctly see their heads near each other, and their eyes shining in PART SECOND. 73 tlie dusk. Perhaps some reflection from other apartments, made them more visible. I used cau- tion and cahnness at the moment, and said, "our means in payments was to come." Now stranger, traveler, lieware ! for satan's servants walk this earth; and in proverbs we read, 'The love of money is the root of all evil." And while you beware of men, ask God to save you from all sin ; for often satan and his servants set gins, or snares, to trajj the thoughtless, unprotected soul, and draw the wayward, wandering one farther and farther, down the steps of death. 74 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER V.-IN KANSAS. When the following day arrived, a man who had brought a wagon load down to the boat, and would return fifty miles out into Kansas, said he would take us out to Mineola. And as we passed along o'er pleasant lands, we saw one section all fenced in with rock, in one enclosure. Mineola was in a l^eautiful country, but the land was a higher price than we wished to give. After a stay in that place of two weeks, Mr. Murray came into the dwelling where we had made our stay, saying, "In one hour and a half, we will leave for Emporia ; as I have now an opportunity for con- veyance.'' Mr. Murray had bought some things, and placed fruit trees in the ground, which were left, and never recovered. 'He thought he would Sc3(-ure those things, but failed. During our stay at Emporia we heard the gospel preached. But soon Mr. Murray picked up a paper that was l)lown across the street, in which the Cotton woe d Valley was described. The next day he set out on foot and alone ; he went fifty miles, located his land, bought a wagon and yoke of oxen, and re- turned. Soon his familv were seated in a wagon PART SEC'0N1>. 75 drawn by oxen. To us this was a novelty never experienced before. But in all circumstances for one, I know, God was not forgotten. A man came back with Mr. Murray from the Cottonwood val- ley, where our land was located, and of wiiom Mr. Murray had bought the wagon— he came un- der pretense of business. His designs proved to be, to take every advantage of Mr. Murray, that satan could help a wicked man to devise. (Satan sometimes transforms himself into an angel of of light, to human appearance, and the worst side is not seen, till the false charm is broken.) That man got much heli3 and money from Mr. Murray, for which there was no remuneration. We afterwards found he had sought the frontiers of Kansas, to avoid justice. AVhen we arrived on the Cottonwood valley, at first we did not stop on our own land, and the many trials we met the first few months, I shall not here numerate but pass them over. it) INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER VI.-THE FIRST INDIANS. The first Indians we ever saw, Soon stood befoie the door, With wild and savage mien ; And without any dress but just one piece, And that was small. Their guns and hatchets in hand, They silent stood, and looked at us.. We thought we must not let them know we were afraid. Soon they asked for bread and milk. Then went away. One was called Big Indian Jim, And he had bragged how many white men's scalps He had cut off from their heads. I tell you, after they were gone, I did not feel much strength. Our health was delicate, Perhaps that did our nerves effect. 'ART SECOND. CHAPTER VII.-CABIN HOME. And Avlien we would not longer stay from lionie, We found our-selves in a new, hued log-house. Our floor was not of plank, but just of earth. Our window had no sash or glass, And we had just an open door ; But we were greatly pleased, To be once more at home, And our little jewels free from evil influence. We could gather our babes around Our Bible read, and bow in prayer. 'Tis true, we ^vere far from the pleasant home, We once possessed, near Indiana's shores. Where roses bloomed, and cherries ripened in the spring — Where apples, pears, currents and other fruits were found. Yet we could sound the praise of God, On the extended plain. Or by the ripening stream or skirting groves ; Or we alone could bow in pleasing groves. And while we looked, far in the ether l^lue above, Our faith took hold on God. Wild plums were in abundance found, 78 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. And grapes along the streams.— Birds sang in the groves, Upon the hills the Indians often stood, And we saw them walk near groves And banks along the streams ; But we had learned to put our taust in God, And feel that all was right. I PART S:iC()ND. 79 CHAPTER VIIL-TWO SQUAWS. One day on the prarie we looked And saw Indians start on an Indian trail, With spears and hatchets glistening in the sun. For more than two miles They sti etched their numbers along the plain, And still they came. I stood with babe in arms within our yard, Then I heard whoops and yells. Indians passed our door, two squaws came in. One was black, tlie other light enough to have been A white woman just tanned. She was troublesome and impudent. They bagged, then ransacked round tlie house. The whitest squaw said, "Money in that trunk.'' Then went to raise the lid, Which I had left unlocked. I told her, "Let that trunk alone. If you don't, white man will take care of you." She turned, looked at me, and said, "No smokey man is here." I told her, "There are two white men close by. m INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. Tliey will take care of yon. Let that alone." They did not meddle more, but soon went away TT^'k PART SECOND. HI CHAPTER IX.-WE COUNTED SEVENTY- FIVE, AND STILL THEY CAME. Once we looked toward hills, and saw Indians coining down. We counted seventy-five, and in numbers more they came, straight toward our house. All but one were Indian warriors ; some were very dark, others much lighter, and features more regular. The squaw came first to the do(jr. When she saw my fair babe, with flaxen hair, she raised both hands in wonder, and uttered excla- mations in Indian dialect. Then the Indians of lightest caste walked up and spake in angry tones. I thought to my babe, they meant some harm : and if they had taken it by its heels, and dashed it on the wall it would have been just what I thought they said. But the squaw ran l^ackwards the distance of several yards from their reach. The Indians were armed with everything white man or Indian would ever carry for warfare, re- volvers, guns, long spears, hatchets, knives and Indian arrows, they displayed. But as if by some Erratum. — The date on page CI, first line, j-hould read, in tlie fall of the year 1849. 82 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. power beyond my own, I feared them not ; I met the whitest ones at the door, as they came first. They shook my hand, gave their Indian salute, then asked for water. I gave them what was there, then they told me, "You go and get some more." I said, "No you go yourselves." I laughed, and showed them that I feared them not. Just then Mr. Murray came ; He walked through the crowd that was around the door, and took his seat in the center of our room. He assumed a downward look, and would not speak to them. They tried to shake his hand, but he would show no sign of friedship. I gave them seats that were in the room. Six of them sat down and smoked, then said to me, "How many miles to the Arkan- sas River." I counted on my fingures, to show them the many miles away, then they motioned the way and said, "We go." Then all but one of those wild beings left our house and yard. But the remaining one stepped in the house, and looked round : he saw a satin vest and when he had surveyed it over, and saw it was old, he said, "No good." Then Mr. Murray said, "A mean In- dian, very mean." But I said, "Hush, he is near the door." Then Mr. Murray said, "They might shake your hand, and that very moment, take your life." But I was carried above all, in perfect l)eace, by that Almighty Power that sways the rolling orbs, and gave the earth her frame. PART SECOND. S3 CHAPTER X.-IN IOWA, MUCH LOSS, RE- TURN, BUFFALOES. It was now in the fall of the year of 1860. The The settlers in Kansas had been too poor general- ly, to buy wheat for seed. They had depended for sustenance on raising corn, and all had failed, in consequence of a drouth that set in early in the season. A family left Kansas and went to Iowa : we went in company with them, and spent the winter in a house without a window. We had a very large fireplace and plenty of wood, and we had peace, trust and hope in God. And they of whom the world has not been worthy ; and far better than we, have lived • in dens and caves of the earth. While at this place, Mr. Murray got the re- mainder of the money due, from the sale of our home in Indiana, sent to him ; and en the first day of April, 1861, we started back to Kansas. When we came near St. Jce, Ave saw men running toward the town with guns in hand, and when we entered the t3wn on business, we saw soldiers marching the streets with swords in hand, and wearing red shirts. The money Mr. Murray had, was nearly 84 IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. all on Missouri banks. The war had commenced, the banks had broke, and he could only get ten cents on each dollar, accordingly for at least ^800, he only got ^80. But Christ our Lord, the Lord of heaven and earth, had not where to lay his head. Mr. Murray had already secured 160 acres of land, and thither we proceeded. When there arrived, we found the valley had been covered with buffaloes. Hunters had found plenty of em- ployment, for many heads and horns, lay on the prairie round, and our rough cabin door was tak- en down, and on it a buffalo had been dressed, and the head and horns lay in the middle of the room. We straightened things round, made them neat as we could, and again were at home. Our time was employed with domestic affairs. Mr. Murray was busy planting his grounds, and cultivating the same ; but visits from the Indians were frequent. About this time Mr. Murray wrote to his brother living east of us, that "our nearest neighbors on the west were at the Rockey Mountains." And surely if there were any white persons near the mountains, we were not there and it was two years ere we saw but just one white women ; and she was no company for us : her husband was very wicked — he reverenced not God, and had very little regard for any one, his own family not excepted. PART SECOND. 85* CHAPTER XI.-AFFLICTIONS. The fall of 1861, afflictions came thickly around us, my little son had the chills and fever, and we had no medicine to give, till he could not stand alone ; and my little Martha lost the power to sit alone. My dear Mary suddenly became very sick with congestion of the brain, and a very danger- ous fever. I wet my daughter's head with cam- phor which we had in the house, and when the natural color partly returned to her face, I walked my yard in agitation ; Then to my family I said, •'Keep very still, while I run to a neighbor.'' I passed very rapidly a mile and a half, and througli the providence of God, obtained the remedy nec- essary. I quickly returned, found my daughter in the quiet darkened room upon her bed, but irrational. The prescriptions were such as I had never administered before but through the bles- sing of Divine Providence, the fever abatJed as soon as the medicine took effect : yet I had to handle her like an infant for more then a week, we employed a man to go to the falls, twenty-five miles, and get medicine that broke the chills and fever on my other children. I had the chills also S6 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. but never gave up for one hour to take my bed but continued every effort in my power for the comfort of my afflicted children. God brought us through those trials, and for six years after- ward we had no severe afflictions of body, with the exception of Mr. Murray's poor health. PART J^riCONI). 87 CHAPTER XIL-A DARK CLOUD, AN AD VENTURE. Without the aid of machinery Mr. Murray with what assistance I could give him, succeeded in putting up for the winter following, two good stacks of hay. His wheat also made two nice stacks and a small one. The wheat was stacked across the river from our dwelling. Mr. Murray went to the wheat stacks and with a flail threshed out wheat sufficient for a grist then he cleaned and put it into sacks and left it uncovered in a rail pen. He had taken some pieces of carpet to the place and they was left on the side of the pen. Mr. MuiTay came home feeling very bad and laid down on a lounge. Soon a dark cloud lay along the horizon, thundei^ began to roll and the vivid lightnings to flash through the darkness that had suddenly settled around. Mr. Murray said, "Oh that threshed wheat will all be spoiled." Then I started out the door and in a short distance I ran in the darkness against an obstruction in our patli . then I turned, went into the house and got a cane to feel my way. I told husband, "Never fear, I will fix all right about that wheat.'' The 88 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. lightning very often showed the path— with my cane I journey on. I waded across the Cotton- wood, then went across a prairie to a little creek skirted with timber. Here the wolves howled so near to me, that it seemed as though I could al- most reach them with my hand: they seemed back of me, and on both sides, but as I walked onward I constantly whirled my cane around me, and thought perhaps I might hit one of those mu- sicians. I again entered prairie, and the howling stopped. The lightning showed my pathway, and I soon arrived where the wheat was left, en- tered the enclosure and covered the wheat with carpet and straw. I had noticed two rails on one side of the enclsure, the lightning had revealed this to he on the side towards our home. I was about to direct my steps accordingly, when a flash of lightning revealed some object more frightful to me than even the wolves : it seemed to be a dark visage like some human being. I stood still and in another moment the lightning made visi- ble the form of a black animal that stood con- fronting me, which I tried to lead for her compa- ny, but she refused to accompany me. Then I returned walking in the direction from whence I had come. I think the wolves were a little fear- ful ; for I gained my home in peace. And there is a moral which may be drawn from my fright at PART SECOND. H9 the time mentioned. Sometimes things that seem to us evils, are only in disguise. 90 IXCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XIII.-A PRAIRIE FIRE, AND LOSS. One day I saw smoke on high prairie above or back of hills. Mr. Murray lay sick on the bed. I told him, "Prairie fire is coming." He said, "It is not near.'' But soon I saw the fire roll along the hillsides ; then I said, "Samuel come quick and help'pull our wagon out from between those hay stacks, or it will be burnt up." We drew the wagon into the door-yard, and then the fire was very near, and as with a hurricane of wind, the flames, sut and smoke, were swept around. We got water and threw on things combustible near our dwelling, that we might save it from being consumed ; but the hay stacks were soon in flames, and all around was like a sea of fire, It was sur- prising how^the wind carried the fire — the waters of the]Cottonwood stopped it not. The fire was carried in the air, and soon two large stacks of our wheat were consumed in the flames. But not a sparrow f alleth to the ground without our heav- enly Father's knowledge. God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. PART SECOND. ♦J 1 He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. In the midst of every trial or disappointment there was an Almighty Arm on Avhich we felt to rest secure. And our soul enjoyed perfect peace, though our situation did not seem enviable, yet the God that f eedeth the ravens cared for us, and we could trust in him, and realize sweet consola- rion and security, beneath the Almighty's shade. 92 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XIV.-A POOR INDIAN. r The prairie range for stock was all burnt over, and our hay consumed by fire. But our cattle lived on browse about the streams. The Caw In- dians often came and asked for bread, and when they received it, they would go and bring a larg- er crowd and were rather annoying. I was told. "You must not give them anything for they will make more trouble.'' Then I did wrong, for a poor Indian came to the door and said, "Give me "aid bread." I told him, we have nothing but what my pappooses need, and when he turned away, he coughed so hard, if I could have called him back, I would have given him bread. But he was soon carried by his pony from my sight. I never have since then, turned the afflicted poor away from my door unfed. Our heavenly Father accepts the kind acts done in charity to our fellow mortals, as done unto himself. *Tlic year of 1860, the crops failed in Kansas, and those who remained in the country the following season, and were destitute received aid from the States. In reference to this the Indian spoke of aid bread. TART SKf'ONI). 98 CHAPTER XV.-DEGREDATION. By request, I will .still relate more stories. It was a time of scarcity with the new settlers, and out along our fence, a large stray hog with pover- ty had died. Some Indians came and said, "Some hogy meet out there : give to Indian some." We said, yes. Then they went and cut the hams and shoulders out, then brought the kidneys in, and roasted them on coals, and laughed and talked, as thoTigh they had a fortune found. I think they were not as bad as cannibals, yet in them we see a state of degredation, by us abhored. But are our .souls refined and free from all impurity i" and do we feast on heavenly things, or are cur souls with husks sufficed? 94 INCIDE^^TS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XVI.-A FLOOR OF ROCK. I said to Mr. Murray, "Ground floor spoils our clothes. If you can't get plank, please get flat rock." Then we had a floor of rock, and on a carpet we did not walk. Yet we could contem- plate the golden streets, and the paved walks of the New Jerusalem, and feel the heavenly breezes, wafted from the celestial shores, and sweetly sink into the will of God. Yet while we in this tabernacle of clay reside, temptations and trials may often be our lot and we may fail, through ignorance or weakness, from the perfect path of wisdom, yet the principle of soul for right, be firm for God and truth; and God looks deep within the soul, for he is omnipresent, evermore. I'AKT SKCONJ). 95 CHAPTER XVII.- AN INDIAN, A WHIP' Now I will tell that Avliich to you may ^eem sport. An Indian was at our home one day, and very troublesome. The Indian was in the door- yard. Mr. Murray wished to be at work, but was by the Indian detained. Then Mr. Murray drew his large ox whip, and I>tepped between the two, fearful that the Indian would be angry and re- vengeful. Mr. Murray cracked the whip above the Indian's head, and said, ''Clear out, you In- dian." The Indian jumped away, then laughed hard as he could laugh. The reason for his mirth I cannot define, unlesslit were the novelty of his escape ; but this I know, with hasty steps he left our home, to[find his dusky friends at camp. 96 IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XVIIL-SQUAWS. "GIVE ME THAT CUP;^ More of Indian mirth I will tell : Two squaws came to our house. They had a pappoose strapped on a board ; they wished molasses, Avhich I gave them in cups. I watched the teaspoons they were using : soon I saw one was missing. I walked c-lose by and down into a budget looked and saw it shine. I put my hand within the budget and the teaspoon took. When they were gone, my little Martha said, "Ma, the squaw that had a little pappoose, took away my pretty cup.'' I looked and saw it was gone, then ran — hard as I could — and when I overtook the squaws, said, "Give me that cup.'' A squaw took the cup from under her belted blanket, got a little more molasses with her finger from the cup, then I took it ; and when I had turned homeward, they laughed as though they had been glad ; and in a very merry mood they were. •AIM- SKCOM). CHAPTER XIX.-THE INDIAN LULLABV. I will relate what some child might please to read; For dilldren oft of others like to hear. Caw Indians on'-e were seated in our room. One had \oi\q; braided hair, Han2:in,i> back with beads upon the ends. My little Martha walked round. Took liold of the beads. And at them looked. The Indian whirled, and (-aught her in his arm<, He dandled hushed and sung, But she the louder sr-reamed. I said, "Give me that child;" And then the music stopped. But in the room an old dark squaw was seated. And with her fingLire> she comb3d her straight black hair. But if these are stories very small, [Truth. Dear child please look in God's holy Book of And there you may read of th^ lovely Je^u^: The babe of Bethlehem, Whom wicked Herod souglit to slay. Now if you wish to read that Which may wisdom give, Then study close the life of that Holy CUiild, The Son of G3i, the babe of Bethlehem. ^S IXCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XX.-STRATAGEM, THE WICKED, THEY WANTED WHISKY. We had a visit one day from a number of Indians who were partially intoxicated. They said, "Give us whisky." They carried long spears in their hands, and looked dangerous. I told them they were "mistaken in the place; for we never kept any whisky at our house." They said, they "heard there was some in the country, and were going to have it." They started for the house of a Mr. H. There they found a barrel that contained whisky, and started to carry it off. Then Mr. H. said to his son, "Throw the yard fence down quick, so those white men can rush in fast, and take these Indians." Then they dropped the barrel and ran off. Mr. H. had only used a stratagem, and the Indians had shown cowardlyness. The wisest, and most commendable deed would have been, to have made an opening in the Iiarrel, and let the whisky run out on the ground. Mr. H. had tried, like the wolf in a fable, to clothe himself in sheep's clothing, or to hide the worst side of his wicked doings. His wife had terrible spasoms: perhaps one TART saCONl). 00 cause might have been, the trial of having such a wicked companion. They lived for a time a mile and a half from us. They were then the nearest white settlers; and when he had got all the money and work of Mr. Murray he could get, then I heard him swear, lie would kill his own family. I saw him take his coat off, and tell his old father, with oaths on his tongue; he would wliiij him, if he said one word on political questions. I heard him tell a Mr. Miller, that he ^'killed a man in the state of Virginia, and ran away from justice, to the state of Missouri.'' And we were creditably informed, he had been run off from Missouri for misdemeanors. I heard him express his disregard for law, and realized that we had more of an introduction, to the way of the wicked, than was desirable. The way of peace they have not known. Their road is crooked, and leads to death. And I would with the poet say. Oh, dismal s^.ate of dark desjiair, To s?e my God remove, An 1 fix my doleful station, niiere I must not taste His Love. 100 IXOII>ENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHPTER XXI.-CHASING WOLVES. Soon other settlers came to the country; our county ^Yas organized, and the town of Marion Center was commenced. In a short time after our first settling in the Cottonwood Valley, we ccmimenced a little fun, which I will here relate. Mr. Murray never owned a gun, and there were plenty of wolves in our vicinity. Some of differ- ent kinds; the smaller ones we did not fear. One morning when we were all seated at breakfast, we heard a disturbance with the fowls in the yard, and heard them fly up on some new rails near the house. We suspected what was up and went cpiickly to the door. There stood Mr. \\\)lf, on his hind feet, his fore paws on the rails, and his moutliopen for a grab at the fowls before him; just back of him stood a wolf watching the fun, and about three steps from him another one ir^itting down watching the first, and a little fur- ther on another sat. I picked up a clap-board that lay in the yard, and drew it in a threatening manner, spoke loudly, and walked toward them. They started off, but as soon as I was silent, they would sit down and look at me. Sometimes I stopped to look at them; then, with board in hand, rushed at Jthem, at the same time making PART SKCONI). KJl what noise I could. In this way I often ran them from our yard. But one day my two eldest chil- dren said: ''We will never run Avolves so far again; for we chased two wolves a (luarter of a mile, and they sat down by a fence and would not go, but looked at us as though they meant liarm." Then I^said: '"Sure you must not go so far to chase wolves again.'' 102 INCIDENTS OF FROXTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXIL-MR. GRAY COAT. But one morning, when seated at our accus- tomed refreshment, we heard noise from the fowls about six rods from the door. I started with clap-board in hand; and, at the foot of a bank stood a large, heavy, gray animal, with heavy, black hair hanging thick and lengthy along the neck. I went right down the bank, toward Mr. Gray Coat. He would not turn around and run, but backed off side- ways, all the time looking me in the face. In this way I fol- lowed him, making what noise I could, looking at him, stepping toward him as he backed off, until he had passed over the little hill in the grove, and was nearing the creek bank. Then, in my haste to get out of the woods, I did not stop to count steps. I have seen three other species of wolves, but never saw but the one that looked liked that. I have seen large, dark, heavy buffalo wolves; and the high, lank, timber wolves; and the smaller prairie wolves; but if that animal, which I chased from that bank of earth, near our home, and then across the wood, was a wolf there is no oth- er species that I h ave seen, larger or more dan- gerous. PART SKl'ONI). lOM / / CHAPTER XX III.- AN INVITATION. A SABBATH SCHOOL. When busily employed with the occupations of domestic life, I heard a getleman conversin.i> with Mr. Murray, in our yard. After a short time Mr. Murray came into the house and said: ''Mr. Phillip Frank has come ten miles— from Cedar Creek. There has been a mii^- sionary through that part of the country. The settlers along that stream, with the missionary's help have secured a Sabbath School library; but there is not any one to open or close the Sabbath School with prayer. Mr. Frank said he thought he would come and see if we would attend the Sabbath School; and if you go, you will have to lide on an ox wagon without any box, but only a plank. I said: 'T will go." Accordingly, the next Sabbath we went five miles to a Sabbath School, with our (-hildren three, and happy as though we had in a gilded carriage rode. We found a goodly number of parents and children there for Sabbath School. A gentleman, by the name of Wrenfro, at whose house the Sabbath School was held, remarked: "My house lt)4 ixcii)e:nts of frontier life. it? open for any religious services." And, after the hour of school was past Mr. Wrenfro and his hos- pitable lady said: "You must not return to your home until you have dined with us." Their dwelling was a double log house of com- modious dimensions, and well filled at our religi- ous gathering. After such services, their table was amply supplied with excellent, nourishing food. Their hospitality seemed unbounded. Buffalo meat, venison and fish were part of the viands. At first their kindness almost overcame my self control, and my feelings would choke my utter- ance. Soon after the organization of the school, an old gentleman, who stayed with his son on the Cottonwood Valley, and had acted in the capaci- ty of a local preacher, visited our school, and preached two sermons; and we had cne prayer meeting in which three prayers were offered which was very cheering and beneficial to me. The last sermon that the elderly gentleman preached to the people of Cedar Creek, he told the people ''either brother or sister Murray will read for you a sermon once in two weeks." The poor old preacher had to seek a home in oth- er lands, for he met with unkindness from a wicked son. The last ti me I saw his face, he steed on a vehicle that was leaving the Valley. Look- ing back, he said: "Farewell! farewell! farewell Kansas!*' But no doubt before this hour in which I'AKT SECOND. Hi; we write, lie has been rejoicing with the rasomed in that blessed land, where fullness of peace and joy leaves no room for sorrow or woe. 100 IXCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXIV.-READING SERMONS, SINGING, CELEBRATION. Mr. Murray toiled, and labored far more than liis health j^^eemed to justify; he could not always attend our place of worship. Therefore I was chosen superintendant of the Sabbath-school: and Mr. Murray said, he "wished me to read sermons to the people,'' as they also desired: a'-cordingly I acted in that capacity and never failed to be present at such appointments, till more than four years had passed away. Our friend, Mr. Philip Frank, taught the children to sing, and led the singing at our religious servi- ces. Our sermons were read from the Rev. Wesley's writhigs, or from Bishop Morris' sermons. Oar heavenly Father granted His aid and blessings. I numbered and read our hymns which were sung with the spirit and understand- ing, and after sermons God helped me to speak whatever His Holy Spirit dictated on the occa- sion. Once a Mr. S. at the time when persons were gathering for service, seemed inclined to sport; but a hymn was sung, commencing, "Jesus let thy i)itying eye, C'-all back a wandering sheep. PART SKCONI). 107 False to thee, like Peter, I Would fain like Peter weep." And we sung again, "O, Love Divine, how sweet Thou art." Then a serious attention was expressed on every countenance, and God was there with His Divine blessing and heart-felt presence. On a fourth of July occasion, parents and children for miles around, assembled in a grove near Cedar Creek. Mr. P. Frank, acted as presi- dent of the day, and displayed the spirit of an excellent citizen. He arranged the children, and trained them to sing for the celebration. He supplied the bountiful free repast, with some things which made a draft on his purse. Mr. F. made some remarks concerning our National Independance. We had singing, prayer and speeches from the children; singing, then inter- mission and free dinner. Friendship on all sides was unbounded. Then Mr. F. came to me and said, "We want you to give us an address." There were only a very few minutes for consider- ation. The seats Avere again resumed, utmost stillness prevailed, then the voice of song resounded through the grove. God ciuickened. enlightened and blessed. We spoke of the first introduction of Sabbath-schools, the happy influ- ence of religion on youth, the consolations of the same in riper years; of intemperance as an evil, and the progress and pra^*tice of temperance as 1«)S INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. truly commendable; and of the beneficial ret>ultj< of Christianity in the civilizing of nations. Leaving ourselves in the hands of Almighty (rod; after singing and prayer, we left for our homes. PART SKroM>. 100 ( HAPTER XXV.-NO MACHINERY. HEAVY TOIL. After reaching- our dwelling, the busy oocupa- tioni^ of life were resumed; we had not the ma- chinery which now helps to lighten toil. But Mr. Murray cut his wheat with a cradle, and I raked it into bunches with a garden rake, then Mr. Murray bound it in bundles, and I and the children shocked it ui). When it Avas stacked, I pitched the bunches for him to stack, and morning and evening milked several coavs. But a heavy pain in one arm and shoulder, attended with numbness, often prevented my rest at night. Yet, we tried to do all we could, for Mr. Murray had no other help. The flail, with which our grain was threshed, was formed by tying two sticks together, and leaving one to fly like a heavy lash, to strike the unthreshed grain. That sort of Avork Mr. Murray should not have done, a< anything like dust Ava^ injurious to his lungs. 110 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXVI. -PRAIRIP: FIRE, GODS HELP. The grass on the prairie was growing more dry every day. The smoke of the prairie fires in the distance were numerous. There were indica- tions of an approaching conflagration, and no protection for anything combustible. And only Indian trails through th3 grass north and west of us. We were beginning to have some experience in these things, and found that by taking advan- tage of the wind we could w^hip out the fire with wet sacks and brush. Smoke and fire appearing still more near, gave us cause for action. Mr. Murray said: 'T will go and whip out prairie fire from a bend of the Cot- tonwood river across to another stream below." Mr. Murray and our eldest daughter went to the scene of the fire, and were gone a long time. Our youngest children were sleeping. Once 1 thought the fire was nearly out on the hills, but then it spread and was running in a solid line. The flames dispelling the darkness of night. I took a sack in a pail of water, and in haste went to the line of fire, and commenced to battle witli the flames, by beating the burning sod with the PART SKOONI). ! 1 I tlie wet sack. Thus I whipped out fire for fully one long mile. I saw that Mr. Murray was not near, and the wind had raised, I went to our home, and found Mr. Murray and my daughter. I said: The fire is coming fast.'' He remark- ed, "I have whipped it all out.'' The mistake was that the fire had caught back and spread, and was running in a loug line. swept forward by the wind. Mr. Murray started to meet the advancing conflagration. I accompanied him. We toiled rapidly to stay the impending evil, but a strong wind carried it swiftly forward. Then Mr. Mur- ray said: ''You go to the house and watch thiu.i^s there; parhaps I can do a little here.' I went and got two pails of water, and another sack, and went b3twa3n tha field fence and the fire and sat down in the grass. Then I prayed: "OI our Heavenly Father, Thou canst stop the con- suming element. Thy hand is omnipotent. Thou canst say hither shaltthou come and no further." The grass was very dry. The wind was high, and there was a long line of fire. The fire went out all along the line of hills north of our home. I know it was God who done that work; for the ravines and bottom land was full of dry grass, and nothing but the hand of Providence stayed those flames. The trustinu: child of (toiI, Tli()ii<2^h like the Hebrew children tried. Shall eon. 115 liad to go luucli farther than Emporia, and then liad to wait yome time to t^'et anything. And w^, like Paul, of whom we read in God's holy Book, have learned both how to abound and how to suffer need. oil I may wc, wlicii this sliort litV is done, An unbroken nunibei- make, Sl) near the tree of life in heaven; That, in eoncert we may take the o'cdden fruit, And of the livinu' fountain drink; Whicli Hows from tlie white throne. 116 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXIX.-IN ALL OUR WALKS, AND LABORS HAPPY. We had to cross the Cottonwood river to gat any sprhig water. S3m3thii3s a sprhig afforded water about a half mile from hom3, SDmetimas we had to go much farther; and when Mr. Murray would coma in from work, I knew he would be thirsty. Therefore I always brought cool fresh water to the house for his benefit. I kept a Testament in my pocket, and read a chapter, as I walked in the pathway. I generally carried a small hymn book also, and if the country had been a desert, it seemed to blossom as the rose, and with gladness to break forth into singing. Mr. Murray worked very hard, considering his state of health, and when he came in from labor, sometimes he would get down on some hard place to rest. Then I would place a pillow under his head. And I know that as long as he lived, he remembered with gratitude, the many little attentions he received. I carried our wood from the time spring com- menced, till winter arrived at the close of fall, in my arms from a grove near by. And in all our walks and labors, we were happy; and why I* ART SEOON'l). 11*7 should we not be? Paul and Sila?* sung the praises of God in prison, and their feet made fast in the stocks. But free as the birds in the groves, we could hold sweet communion with God. And our lovely children run to meet us in our pathway and we could sing: "Our pathway bright, With heavenly light. And innocence, and smiles; Though satan grudge, The vain might scorn, Yet Jesus blest His own." 118 IX(;il)ENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXX.- THROUGH A SNOW BANK AND GOT WOOD. Mr. Murray could work in pleasant weather, bat sure as there was a change of weather and snow, his lungs distressed him, and he was sick. It snowed very hard one night, and snow drifts were very deep. The down wood in the timl^er was all hid by the snow. No wood at the house, and Mr. Murray sick in bed. I took our ax, and found my way through a snow drift, down a high l:)ank to timbered land, cut limbs from trees, and carried them to the house for wood. By this means we were comfort- able; and, after a few hours Mr. Murray's health returned. There was about three years of frontier life that our nearest neighbors east of our dwelling were three miles off, and at that time we did not know of any settlers west of us. The place where Ma- rion Center now stands, was in a north-west di- rection, and very few settlers were then near the place. But antelope and Indians ranged at large on the wide-spreading plains, or near the X1). 1-Jl wa« lost. Then I gave the horse loose rein, and he took me the straight way for home. The next day, while engaged in our duties of life, Mr. H., whom we have already mentioned, entered our dwelling. He was very full of laugh and said to me: "You got lost yesterday, for I saw your horse's tracks. How glad I would have been, if you had got away off on some distant stream and had to stay all night. It would do me more good than anything else, if you would have had to stay out doors and lost, without any fire, and in that storm." Then I said that if I had stayed all night in the storm, far from habitations, not knowing whither I had wandered, it would not have harm- ed me, for I had been doing my duty, and I would have been very happy. I know that I should have praised God for helping me to suffer so much for Christ's sake. His countenance chang- ed to that of solidity. He said nothing more, but soon went to his own quarters. Our God can quell the hate o^' man, And bless with honor, strength and grace, His trustincr little ones. ll^2 IXriDKNTS OF FKONTIEK LIFE. CHAPTER XXXIII.-FOUR SAVAGES. Mr. Murray was absent from our dwelling. I and my children were employed with our accus- tomed duties, or entertainments. When four large dark looking savages, entered our dwelling. Those Indians were much darker than the Caws, and all the clothing they wore was just one small piece. They spoke no engiish, but seated them- selves in our room and sharpened large knives, then they felt the edges with their fingers, to see if they Avere rightly prepared for use. They appeared very grum, and wild. We were defenceless to human appearance, yet our trust was in Him that made the world, and holds by power Omnipotent the (-ircling orbs, and in that power we were safe and free from harm. i'AIiT SHCONI). I'i- C HAPTER XXXIV.-MET THE CANNONS^ ROAR. War, within the bounds of our beloved Union, our lovely country, which has caused many happy homes, to b3 shrouded in mourning, was in progress. My youngest brother went to meet the canon's roar— the smoke and din of numerous l^attles, and to behold the horrors of war. His innocent face in childhood and youth, is pictured on the mind's eye of memory, in lines too vivid ever to be effaced. And when manhood liad Imt recent marked him for its own, that l:)rother of manly form, gentlemanly in deportment, stand- ing high in intelligence, and on the very pinnacle of educational fame, to whom higher science had proved but pleasant pastime, esteemed and loved by all who knew him, left his widowed mother, whose anxiety was far reaching, and very extreme for his safety, and went to meet scenes of conflict. He had been editor of a paper in Goshen. Indiana, when a mere youth, and now mother sent us the papers in which a number of his letters were printed, giving accounts concerning battles, in which he had been engaged. He also wrote to my daughter Mary, expressing kind 12^ IN'CIDEXTS OF FROXTIER LIFE. sentiments, and much sympathy, for suffering, distressed fellow beings, with whom he met. And those who may still survive the ravages of war, and were in company I, 74tli regiment of Indiana volunteers, would gladly testify, that his kindness, noble bearing and generous spirit, has not all been told. Captain Everiett Abbott sustained a relation to the readers of a political paper for the period of five years. '• And with reluctance he gave the parting hand to the brethren of the press. We here quote some of his farewell language. ''AH the feelings -of bitterness which have been engendered by political antagonism liave been forgotten by me, and henceforth I shall only retain the memory of so much of my intercourse with them, as has been mutually pleasurable. Farewells at this time, when the country is calling for speedy action, should be briefly spoken. And so to readers and friends, one and all, good bye." His influence for good morals and literature, was highly felt while in the army, by all with whom he was associated. Only twenty-one years of age at the time when he left the printing office, in Goshen, yet his young life blood soon to be laid at Columbia's feet. Among some of the pure sentiments of his *Wm. A. Beau is editor of the same paper at the present time. PART SECOND. 1-2 o yoTithful mind, we notice prose which we here in- fc^ert as a memoria: LIKE AN ANGEL. " 'Wliy, you would have me like an angel I' Said a young and beautiful girl, accompanying the expression with a toss of the head, and a light, but somewhat disdainful laugh. Perhai :s the words were addressed to a maiden aunt, who may have been reproving her rather severely for some thoughtless coquetery. And why not be like an angeK Indeed there can be no harm in becoming so. ''Angels are said to be very beautiful, and which is far more to be desired, their natures (•orrespond with their forms. They are gentle, (compassionate, loving and sinless. These are not forbidden traits. Angels cherish no evil passions in their 'bos 3ms. They wreathe not their faces in smiles, while hatred and envy are corroding their hearts. They entioa not with the eye to cast coldly away with the lip. In their beautiful home they meet not together to asperse the char- ai'ter of the absent. They rejoice not in injury t ) anyone. We are told that among them are seraphs and cherubs— beings of beauty, tender- ness, and love, and though you have not their wings, your beautiful form will befit the virtues ( f which they are possessed. "Do ycu never wish that you may sometime l'2d ISCIDKST.^ OF FROXTIER LIFE. really bacome an angel^ If so, hs as near as pos- sible like one now. Be pure in thought, and gentle in spirit. Discipline your mind by good deeds for the high destiny. By this means you will surely become, if not a bright angel in heaven, at least what is next to it, a true woman (m earth.'' The lines we have here inserted, was written when the author was fifteen years of age. We pass by many other sentiments equally ennobling and refined and leave him on battle fields meet- ing a soldier's lot, beloved 1:)y the company who claimed him as their captain, to which position he had risen by merit. And we return for a reason to those scenes that transpired around us. Ii PART SKCONI). CHAPTER XXXV.-DOLEFUL LAMENTA- TIONS. Runiory frequently reached us of bands of Indians led by white men, making depredations in some parts of the country. The Caw Indians were loyal to our nation, and some other tribes iseemed to wish them extinguished. One day several Caws entered our dwelling; they were painted red, and said, they were ''on the war path." They remained in the house a short time, begged a little, then took a westward trail. The Indians west of us, used mnch effort to prevent the Caws from hunting buffaloes, driving the buffaloes farther back, and westward, and killing the Caws. After a feAV days had elai)sed, the ('aws returned from their westward course, and camped half a mile from us. That night the doleful lamentations, and horid ix)wwow, seemed as though it had issued from some dismal i)it. When the morning STin was sheding forth its halo of light, Mr. Murray directed his morning walk to their cam}). He made some incjuiries. and the Indians told him, their enemies had shot one of their number, and killed him, and they 128 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER I>IFF. were conveying him back to their burial ground. Perhaps they imagined there was some merit in the doleful sounds uttered by that entire party of Indians, at the first dawn of day that morning. PART SK('OXD. 120 CHAPTER XXXVL-A JOURNEY, A POW- WOW, AND BURIAL. We had made arrangements for a journey to Council Grove, near the Caw reserve, for the purpose of selling a load of wheat to buy cloth- ing with the value of the same. Five in number we started after having secured a gentle cow^ to the back of the wagon, thus providing for tlie nourishment of our children as we journeyed. We had to travel slowly. I carried with me a supply of good material for reading. After we had proceeded a few miles on our journey, we arrived at the dwelling of an acquaintance, where our Mary remained until our return. After traveling some miles further with our heavy loaded wagon, when about to ascend an elevation of land, we left our little son to drive the oxen (which he was accustomed to do), and walked back of the wagon. The oxen became unmanagable, and the child leaned hard on the fore-board, which came out. He was precipitated forward — the beard fell, and lay ( n his head. The oxen continued their course. One wheel of the wagon ran across one corner of the board, marking it and sliding off; one wheel also grazed 9 130 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. and bruised one hip. Mr. Murray picked him up: I said. ''Oh! is he killedf' but he soon spoke, ;saying, "My head, OhI my head." We carefully placed him on the grass, and found cool water, with which we bathed his bruises. (Truly tlie future is vailed from our view and we know not what may be on the morrow.) But again we proceed on our way. When the hour to camp for the night arrived, we found ourselves near the Caw reserve land. Indians came round our camp fire, but said nothing, and soon left us. That night their powwow, exceeded all we had previously heard. They had something with which they made a ringing sound, and their doleful noises all in concert with the same. There were many Indian camps along the stream, on the bank of which we had stopped. The powwow, undescribable, would commence with one camij and take a perfe(*t round. Then the sounds would start round again, from one camp to another. When morning arrived, and displayed the autumnal dress of nature, we were reminded of an ever present Deity. And soon we were on our journey. When we had passed along some distance and in sight of high hills, a procession of Indians came from some timber, and crossed a strip of prairie, carrying a dead Indian, on a rude bier, formed with poles and strips of bark, and carried by four large Indians. The dead Indian Avas wrapped in his blanket and in the manner PART SE0ONI>. l:]\ described, carried to the top of the highest hill visible. Our observations could extend no fur- ther, as to the proceedings of that oc;casion. But I have stood on the top of a high hill, not far from my home, and looked into a rude enclosure formed by a circle of rocks, and within that circle, beheld the bones of an Indian, also other bones, and I suppose they had killed his pony and dog, that they might bear him company, to the better hunting groi;:nds. We arrived at the place of our destination: Mr. Murray sold the wheat he had brought for market; we secured things necessary and moved homeward. ^^- 132 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXXVIL-TEXAS, AND MEXI- CAN TRAINS, A FARCE. But ere the journey was over, we had wit- nessed the movements of Mexican and Sante Fee trains, of wliich if we had taken some note, we conld better describe at this time. Council Grove was a trading point for Mexican trains— other trains conveyed provision from that point, to distant forts. The American government trains, with large government wagons, were drawn fre- ({nently from that point by cattle; but the Mexi- can trains had six span of ponies, attached to each large loaded wagon. The Mexicans rode astride their ponies, and I think no other person could throw their long lash of whip with the same dexterity, and certainty of effect which they did, as they uttered their peculiar ''twang and cliee.'' A train was not composed of one wagon and its append- ages, but of a number, and sometimes their line of procession was quite extensive. I have wit- nessed their movments at several different times. Once as we stopped to prepare an evening repast, and camp for the night, a Mexican Train stopped a little distance from us, kindled their camp fire, arranged their ponies for the night, and seated PART SECOXI). ]:]:] roimcl in squads, partook of their food. Then some of them walked near and gazed at us. Their curiosity having subsided, they returned in a short time to their own camp. Then com- menced a pretended battle. I suppose there were not less than sixty Mexicans in that com- pany. They made much noise and brandished large Iwwie knives in the air; and motioned as though they would plunge their weapons, into the bodies of the ones with whom they were engaged. Their bright camp fire with the clear beams of a full moon shining round, made every movement very visible. After their commotion had abated, and those boistrous ones had retired within their camp, I committed my family and myself anew into the care of Omnipotence; and after refreshing slum- liers rose at an early hour to prosecute our jour- ney. There is much variety in the face of the country in the state of Kansas. Some parts by nature are more calculated for cultivation than others. The skirting groves, the rippling streams, the level bottom land prairies, or the gradual rolling plains, or more steep ascents, all show forth the works of God. But we are again at our dwelling on the Cottonwood valley, ready to resume our occupations there. 84 IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXXVIII.-A PAIR OF MOCCA- SINS. I taught each one of our children to read when they were quite young. Books took up much of their time and attention; especially our Mary, whose delight in learning was constant. The Caws would be very quiet when my children were studying their books. There was a missionary a short time at the Grove. An Indian acted as interpreter; he often visited our dwelling, and spoke very good English. Once he brought his squaw with him, and said, "We are hungry.'' I prepared a table for their refreshment. After the meal was over, the Indian spoke a few words in his own dialect; then the squaw opened a budget, from which she drew a beautiful pair of moccasins, covered with flowers formed with beads. She made me a present of them. And in speaking of me to our neighbors afterwards, he called me his mother. The Indian just mentioned, called his name William Johnson. He was a chief. Once several Indians came with him to our home. When they commenced to beg, he ordered them to leave, and they obeyed. Then he told me, "They don't need anything." PART SKCONI). 135 Will. Johnson said, ''White men atout the (irrove, would steal horses, and say the Indians had done it." He said, ''White men are just as bad as Indians." We afterwards found, that a gang of horse thieves, had made their head quarters at the Grove. The law was put in force and their opperations checked. The Caws sold many furs and buffalo robes at Council Grove. lot) INTIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XXXIX.-^'SISTER, PLEASE GIVE ME A CUP OF WATER." When occupied with household duties, and sometimes singing the sacred hymns which we had learned in other days, we heard a sound of coming steps, and saw an Indian ride before the door. He said, "Sister, please give me a drink of water." He took the cup which I presented, quaffed the sparkling draught, returned the cup, saying, "Thank you, sister." Then he placed his hand on his heart, and said, "Indian good in here, are you good too?" When I the infirmation gave, he bowed and went away. Thus we see a little of the refining influence, the sacred Gospel can bestow. PART SECOND. 1 M' CHAPTER XL.-DRIED IN INDIAN STYLE. After some time had elapsed, William Johnson again visited ns. He said, "I am going on a Buffalo hunt, and have nothing for bread." Mr. Murray lent him a sack, and let him have twenty- five pounds of flour. The Indians and their chief, were gone on their hunt about two weeks. When they returned, Wm. Johnson brought us very sweet, nice looking, Buffalo meat. It had been cut in strips and braided like basket work, cured or dried in Indian style, and several feet square. My children and some other persons, partook of the meat with relish, but I was pos- sessed of a little prejudice in the case, 138 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIKR LIFE. CHAPTER XLI.— HE CAME FOR PROTEC- TION. One evening, as the sable curtain of night was closing round us and offering rest to the weary, an Indian presented himself at our door and desired to remain in our dwelling over night. I consulted Mr. Murray, then gave the permission and prepared a pallet on the floor; the Indian was soon stretched on it fast asleep. In the morning after rising from his rest, he asked for water, bathed freely, and partook of the morning meal which we offered. We were informed afterwards, that the Indian had c-ome to us for protection fi;om his enemies. ;k«:<»ni). 1.3i> CHAPTER XLIL-THEY HAD ASHES ON THEIR HEADS. About an hour before the queen of day had closed her mission for those hours, several camps of Indians came in sight of our dwelling, and stopped for the night. Toward morning especially about the time a little sign of day appeared, many doleful sounds and lamentations, aross from their camps. The stillness of the night air allowed those sounds to reverl')erate along the groves, and streams. After the refreshments of the morning hour were over, and the reading of the Inspired Vol- ume, and family devotion led by our companion, Mr. Murray directed his steps toward the Indian (^amps; there he saw a scpiaw with ashes on her liead and face, her tears had made their lines, and mingled with the same; and half a dozen youths and pappooses had ashes on their heads, and their faces streaked with the same. Mr. Mur- ray inquired what was the cause of sorrow; they said, "One little chile die 'three days ago." The government l)uilt houses for the Caws, and the houses were painted white, but most of the Caws chose to put their ponies in the houses, and stay out in th »ir Indian t Mit< tliem selves. 140 IXCIDEXTS OF FR>NTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XLIII.-FOUK 8AVAGES PULL- ED HIM FROM HIS HORSE. Mr. Murray Avas always pleased, that we i;>liould serve God faithfully, and do his will, and when he was not too much exhausted, with the toils in the week, he attended his family to the place of worship, bearing a part of the same. And religion was the sacred bond that united our souls in unison to God. After one of the services, which was closed with the benediction, a young man remarked: 'l have come twenty -five miles to this meeting, and would go that far any day to such a meeting.'' The young man just mentioned, was herding cattle west of us soon after that, and four large savages were seen to pull him from his horse, scalp him and drag him off- His poor old mother never saw him again. Often I have seen her tears, and anguish heave her breast, while of this kind son she spoke. PART SKCONI). 141 CHAPTER XLIV.-A TRAIN ROBBED. About this time, a neighbor, who lived three miles east of us, Mr. Breiiot was employed to haul Ijrovisions to a fort. The Indians attacked his train, killed sixteen yoke of oxen, took posses- sion of all the provisions, and a young mare which Mr. Brenot had with him for riding i)ur- poses. Mr. Brenot and his hired men, merely saved their lives, from the power of the savages by flight. For when deadly weapons, and savage l)urposes were brought into a'^tion, that was their only resort. At that very time when Mr. B. was absent, a prairie fire swept away much of his property: thus he was subject to discouragment and loss. 142 IXC[I>KXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XLV.-A STOLEN ANIMAL. Mr. Murray had bought a mare and colt, and it seemed very necessary that we should have the fc^ervice of the large animal; but soon they were missing. They were gone several months; but I felt perfectly assured, they would be restored. A neighbor entered our home, and after usual salutation, said, "The Kicapo Indians have sold your mare and colt for a sack of flour, a little south of here.'' He accompanied Mr. Murray, and when they returned, they brought the miss- ing animals. I had fully believed that God could and would restore them— we were His children— the necessity of our case seemed to demand their restoration. I TAUT SKC,>NI). 143 CHAPTER XLVI.-AN INDIAN FEAST. Mr. Murray did not wish to keep a dog that had been given to him. A hirge Indian said, ''Swap." The agreement was made, then the In- dian took a wide long belt of leather, covered with flat pieces of brass, lapping one on to the other the whole length of it. These he fastened on the animals neck with brass fastenings so securely that he knew we could not release him. Then the Indian refused to comply with the conditions of the trade. The savage held his butcher knife in hand and though much we regretted the fate of the animal; he was treated according to heathen dictation. The Indian made the dog open his mouth, into which he spit three times, said a few words in Indian language, looked the dog in the face, then threw tobacco in his mouth, and dragged the poor animal after him to his pony, then dragged him onward. I suppose the Indians feasted on the animal; for once they begged a cat, and when we passed near the camp, they had it dressed for their food. 144 IXriDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XLVII.-ANTELOPE AND TUR- KEYS. I have seen antelope in gang^, of from fifteen t ) twenty-one; but Mr. Murray was no hunter, and never owned a gam. He said, '1 have no time to hunt;" and he was constantly employed. He said, 'T wish we had been married much before we were, and that I had always worked out in the open air, and not spent so much time in stilled air, in a shop. Sedentary employment is injurious, and farming is the most independant business." One morning when seated at breakfast, a gang of turkeys came close round the house. Mr. Murray said we should not frighten them away. We kept quiet till they left; then Mr. Murray made a large rail trap, and said they woiild be back again. Toward evening they returned: soon they all were caught. Then another flock of wild turkeys came round, and they shared a shnilar fate. He also made another trap, of dif- ferent dimension; and sometimes prairie fowls were caught. Mr. Murray was very reserved in speech; but when he spoke, it was with meaning. Of his children he thought much; and when two of I'AKT SK(')\I). 14") they were away from home, the Cottonwood stream was high, he thought they might bo drowned, and his anxiety was extreme; but soon they came. And when his little son had just put on new clothes, the child thought he would have a ride; he took a horse to water, and when he did not return, we thought perhaps the Indians had stole our child. And while I looked along the streams and called his name, Mr. Mur- ray hastened to a neighbor's house, and there found his boy. The children needed such a father to guard their steps from harm; to council and to lead, and save from youthful snares. 10 14(5 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIKK LIFE. CHAPTER XLVIII.-SCALPS OF ENEMIES. Incliaiis of different tribes, would often come round. Some Avore heavy bands of brass on their arms. Some had many holes cut in their ears, and rough rings inserted in the same; and from holes cut in their noses, rough rings hung. Some- times they carried by our door, the scalps of enemies; and once my children said, "Oh, ma, those Indians that just passed our door, had white men's scalps: they w^ere hanging from a pole, the hair was fine, and lighter color than the Indians' hair, and the hide which i:?howed was white, and they may kill us.'' I strove to soothe their fears and trusted in G-od. Alvout this time Mr. Catlin moved into a cabin just one mile from us. We were glad to have a neighbor near as that, on the frontiers. PART SKCONI), l-l-' CHAPTER XLIX.- FLIGHT FROM SAV- AGES. About dusk one evening, Mr. Catlin rode up to our door and said, 'The savage Indians out West, are coming right this way, and killing every hunter, and every one they meet, and driving oil or killing stock. I and my wife are going to start in a short time in our wagon, to get avv^ay from those wild Indians; and if you will get over to our housa very soon, you can ride with us in our wagon/^ Mr. Murray told me "'Take the children and go; but I shall remain; and if I ever leave, I never will come back; but if I am left alone, I vsull keep out of the Indians' way." I had just baked plenty of light loaves of bread. I placed several small loaves in a sack, and in another sack placed each one a change of clothes, tied them quickly together at the top, and placed them on a horse on which my children rode. We left Mr. Murray plenty of bread, milk and butter. We had very little time for parting words: our neigirnors could not wait. Indians might overtake us, and our scalps would pay tlie forfeit. We hurried on, and bv our neighbors yard 10" 14iS INCIDENTS OF FROMIER IJFK. two wagons stood, v\'itli a i'amiJy in each. Tliey (inickly took my children and our sacks into a wagon, and I on horse-back rode. Each ^vagon was supphed with those things which in their haste, they had gathered up for their necessities. But as we eastward hurried, a wagon-tire came ahnost off. We stopped and wrapped the tire W' ith rope, but our moments were very choice. Again, vrc hurried along. It was past.the hour for children's rest: my little William went to sleep, and dreamed that he saw Indians after him; then he jumped and went like he had wings, out of the wagon over on the ground. The company wondered, that the child seemed unhurt. After traveling twelve miles, we came to a good sized rock house. Families were all col- lected at that place from Cedar Creek; and from along on the Cottonwood. They had concluded in case of an attack, to make the rock house answer the purpose of a fort, and fight from tliat place if necessary. They also sent out men to watch the Indians, and find out what they were doing. They soon found that the Indians had changed their course, and went in another direc- tion; and after a day and two nights' absence, we returned home, found all right there, and Mr. Murray glad of our society again. The children had forgot, to all appearance, the hours of frigli^ and were glad to be at home. But soon wa heard a little, of what the Indians had done. TART SKCOXI). 140 CHAPTER L.-SAVAGE INDIANS, A RACE FOR LIFE. Several of our neighbors, had been carelessly pursuing a westward course, looking at the face of the country, and pursuing wild game, when the Indians suddenly rushed near them, shot and killed one young man, and thought they had killed another. They shot and scalped him. He lay perfectly still on the ground, while they stuck spears into his feet, to see if he was dead. He was picked up by white people and afterwards recovered. They shot an arrow into the shoulder of one man, where it remauied for some time before it was extracted. The wound was inflicted when he was running from his foes. He succeeded in reaching the shelter of timber, and concealed himself along the banks of streams, till he arrived at his own settlement. A boy was in the company. Those that sur- vived, said, "They could not have been made to belive, any human being could have jumped as far as he did with every bound, while he fled from the Indians.'' I think he would never forget that race for life. Mr. Smith had a ranch near the Sante Fee 150 IXriDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. road. At that place the Indians contented them- selves, with driving off large fine horses. The man and his wife who kept the ranch, left very soon, fearing the Indians might return and take their lives. ^-"^•^ TART SECOND. lol CHAPTER LL-ON A STORMY SEA, TES- TIMONY. And now, clear friend, iu view of the dangers with which we were surrounded, let no one suppose that God forgets for one moment, his lowliest child that trusts in Him. Often the power of grace preserves secure, a calm within the soul when dangers stand thick around. Once a lady on a stormy sea, was asked by her companion, ''How can you be so calm, when our boat may sink, very soon^" The Christian lady replied, 'Tf you should hold a dagger near my heart, do you think that I would fear, when in your truth and constancy I do confided Thus in the care of a God of love, I feel that all is right; and life or death, and all the elements He holds in His Almighty power." God often makes His jewels shine, amidst surrounding trials. And among those who fled from savage violence, there was one who bore testimony, in the face of scepticism, of the sealing power and truth of tlie revealed religion of the Redeemer of a fallen world, before those congregated families. And I fully believe, God will own such an one before His angels. Again our domestic duties were cheerfully 152 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. and faithfully performed. It was ever our desire and aim to have our little family cleanly, comfort- able and happy. Just as regularly as I gave my children the food necessary for their existence, that often I taught them to read, or heard them recite what they had learned. And though dark clouds seemed to hang over the fate of the early settlers, and threatened their extinction, yet we could sing of love Divine, and talk with our Father, God. PAIIT ,SK( <»M). ]53 CHAPTER LII.-MR. G., FLIGHT, LOSS, AND DiVNGER. Having walked out into the yard, I saw a man approaching, whom I had never met before. He was rather heavy built, and had a thick dirk beard and mustache on his face. He said, 'T had a ranch on an old Sante Fee road, and lived ninety miles out from any settlement; friendly Indians told me, that Indians were going to kill me and my family, and advised me to get away with my family very soon." That night, they placed articles for necessity or comfort in their wagon, geared their horses and brought round their steeds; and the wife, a child and a brother, started on a journey, to friends in the state of Missouri. The father remained to try to save property and meet the coming events. After his family had left, he went immediately, to look for his cattle. He found a number shot dead; the rest could not be found. He returned to the liouse and saw feathers flying in the air; the Indians had been there, they had cut open a feath- er bed, and shook out the feathers. They had carried off lard, sugar, flour and some other things. Next Mr. Green saw his dog laying shot 154 INCIDENTS OF FRCJNTIEK LIFE. dead, and as he stood looking around, lie heard savage yells of Indians, and fled from his dwell- ing toward a stream. The Indians pursued him and he told us, ''For several hours I saw arrows glittering in the sun, as they were shot towards me, and I dodged them as I fled along the banks of the Cow Creek stream." He was very glad to reach our house and get food. i {•ART SECOND. 155 chapt>:r liil- the threat, the con- clusion. Mr. Green said the Indians had told him, "All the white people on Cottonwood valleys, would be scalped before lon£>-.'' And he said if the Indians came in the country for depradations, they w-ould go straight for the houses in the prairie; and he thought w^e could hide ourselves from them, and live in some thick timl^er. He remarked, that "when the Indians had killed persons, they would immediately leave." He said, "Those Indians are accustomed to prairie; they are fearful of harm in the woods." We heard from other sources, that the Indians said, on a certain moon they would scalp every white settler in the country or near the Cottonwood. All per- sons living near us left the country. Some of them never returned. Mr. Murray wished to i)ut in fall wheat, and said, "If I fail, I will h^. broke ui). and would not know what to do." He went to find his oxen on the prairie; not finding them, he returned, saying, "We shall all be killed: I (•an't tell where my oxen are, and vre have no means of conveyance to get away with. I saw an Indian on a pony, in a skulking manner, near some bushes; and when the Indian 156 IKC'IDENTS OF FROXTIER LIFE. saw me, lie lay over on the side of his pony, and fled rapidly. I think the Indian was a scout, and others will be in very soon, for murderous purpo- ses." He was painfully excited, saying, "What shall we do?" I said, "I will tell you. You want to put wheat in the field in order that you may have something provided for future necessities. We will go across the Cottonwood, into that heavy thick timber, and will take our stove, cooking utensils, bedding and clothing. AVe will keep quiet there. You can watch for the Indians as you work." There was a nice spring in the timber, and we soon carried this into effect. We moved to the woods, and lived there two weeks. We prepared a nice tent to sleep in, with curtains close around, to protect us from the millions of mosquitoes. Mr. Murray worked every day on his land, pre- pared his ground, and put in wheat. Sometimes I went home at night, and took chickens from their roost, to prepare for our food. We noticed every sound, we hushed every cry or noise from the children, and in case Indians came near our camp, the eldest children were to hide along the brush, and go East as fast as they could, while I carried or helped the youngest along in the same direction. But after two weeks had passed we found there was less prospect of evil to the settlers, and some were now at their homes: ac- cordingly we entered our house as occupants PART sEroxi). lo7 111 tlie woods with hooting owLs, My little children chose to stay; L'r^st Indian hatchets — poisoned arrows. Murderous knives or spears, Might make a crimson current flow. And oh! may each dear child Be safe from the dragon's power, Beneath the Almighty's shade. IXCIDEN'TS OF KRON'TIE?. LIFE. CHAPTER LIV.-THE SOLDIERS, THE IN- DIANS. Soon after this there were soldiers out west of us. Their horses were larieted on the grass, and they supposed there were no Indians near; but all at once, when the soldiers least expected, the Indians came with a rush of speed on ponies. They dashevd their blankets upward through the air, and at the same time uttered horrid yells, which frightened the soldiers' horses. They broke loose, and the Indians stampeded them off to their own quarters. There were many Indian warriors west of us. Tliey were seen many hundred strong, and well mounted, but government was now looking a little in that direction: although the progress of war in the States, was making a heavy drain upon the people. About this time, we received intelligence that seventy men were murdered by the savages, on Smokey Hill, in Kansas, in a north- west direction from us, and about seventy-five miles distant. The white settlers generally kept revolvers and guns loaded, in readiness for attack. Yet the defense our home possessed was the strong arm of Providence. PART .SK((>N'D. loO CHAPTER LV.-THE WALK, THE MISSION. The winter t^^ea^on wa« at hand. Indians* kept more dosely in their own (luarters. One of Mr. FrankV daughter.^ came to ytay with us, and learn to read. She remained lor t^ome time for that purpose. She was very pleasant, agreeable company for my children. One clear cold morning, tlit^ appointed time for meeting had rolled around. The air that Sabbath morning was unusually still, the Cotton- wood stream was frozen mostly over with ice. The animal we rode would not cross; then I said, ^T will be more comfortal^le walkhig this cold day. I leave you all to the perusal of book:* and in the faithful love and care of our heavenly Father, and will go and fill the mission God has given me to prosecute. I crossed on the ice, and when I had walked briskly near the distance of five miles, I arrived at the dwelling of Mr. Wrenfro, where our meetings were held, and found a congregation waiting for my arrival. God always attended those services with tlie aid of His holy Spirit. After realizing His special blessing, and i)ar- taking of the hospitality those friends were ever anxious to shower upon us, I pursued my course 160 I.VvIDENTS OF FRONTIKI! LIFE. homeward. When I had proceeded to the baiikt> oi' the Cottonwood, I saw the ice in the center of the stream had broke and washed av/ay, bnt there was several feet of ice still connected with each shore, and the cold w^aters dashed along the cen- ter of the stream. On the opposite bank, Mr Mnrray and oar three children stood. I walked out on the ice and when about to step into the rolling icy stream, my little boy said, "Oh, ma! oh dear ma!" Then I laughed and sung a happy sacred song. Cheerfulness, and confidential smiles, made our cup of peace full and running over. I'AKT SE«(>NI). IC.I CHAPTER LVI-PI0U8 COUNCIL, WOOD- . EN SHOES. After a little time, there ^vas a request brought to u.^, that I f^liould go ssveii miles below our home, iu the Cottonwood valley and hold meeting. A(;(*ordingly with Mr. Murray's appro1)ation, I went, and it gave me much strength and hel[) to feel that my companion thought I was in the way of duty. And sure I was in need of the strength, pious council affords- According to the request of Mrs. Winner, there was meeting at her house; then the appoint- ments were moved from one house to another. And I felt moved to speak from the words con- tained in the fifteenth chapter of St. John's gospel, the last part of the fifth verse. Namely, "With- out me, ye can do nothing." Sometimes the appointments were eight and ten miles distant, and sometimes the dwellings were more than filled. There were several families of French people, that had been brought up in the Catholic faith, but had no priest in that country, and tliey would ccmie and listen with deep attention, to every word spoken or read. Some would ask me many ciuestions, and I cannot express, how very 10 l(.yJ INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. niucli I desired, that the clouds ^Yhich enshrouded mollis, might break by the full beams of the Sun of righteousness. At one time the house of Mr. ]Brenot was filled with persons wishing to hear the gospel, and as many more were attentive listeners in tlie door-yard. After services, two French ladies came to me and said, "We want you ti) have a pair of wooden shoes like ours; you would find them very warm and useful.'' They took my measure, and soon after presented me with a pair of wooden shoes, which I received as a kind token, and i)reserved them several years as a memento. PART SEC )NI). 103 CHAPTER LVII.-A DREAM, AN ORGAN- IZATION. But with the exception of my husband, I stood alone as to C/hnrch fellowship. True we had brought our letters with us from Indiana, l)ut I thought if I could sometimes meet with tliose who were filled with the Holy Spirit, I would ])e very much refreshed. In a dream, I thought I stood in my accus- tomed place to speak to the people, and read the words of life, in the dwelling of Mr. Wrenfro. I thought an elderly gentleman entered the door of the house, fixed his countenance on me, smiled and looked very liai)py, walked straight tov\'ard me, extended his arm, grasped my hand, and with a cordinal welcome, exclaimed, ''Sister Mur- ray." The following Sabbath when at th^ir house, I inquired of the family if the father of the representatives of that family was a religious man, resembling his son J. AV., in features, but a little shorter, and of a very happy temperament. I re- ceived an answer in the affirmative; and they also stated, ''He was many years a class leader in the Church." About this time I was strongly impressed 11^ 1(34 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. that we must have a Church organization. Accordingly stated that I would then receive names of candidates for membership, and send them to the Church, requesting that ministers might visit us, when God might direct. This invitation for membership, was extended at the close of religious services at the dwelling of Mr. J. Wrenfro, on Cedar Creek, and responded to by several persons, who came forward and filled a bench, that was vacated for the purpose. I wrote the names of each individual, and extended the hand of fellowship. Then asked if any one present, wished to make any remarks. Brother Philip Frank rose, and said, ''During a severe affliction, I thought I would die, and promised God, that if he would spare my life I would try to he a Christian: and now with the help of God, I will endeavor to bring those good resolutions, into effect." There was a sacred influence, from the presence of God felt, by all present. And this is an authentic account of the first Christian organization near Cedar Creek, Kansas. But our duties at home were calling us, and we hastened thither. PART SECOND. 105 CHAPTER LVIII.-DEAR MARY, A MEVIS- TER, A QUARTERLY MEETING. The duties of the week employed our hands. I gathered wood from the timber, and there, often bowed in prayer. The pathway to the spring, was sacred to me. The several rounds of duties, were cheerfully performed. One evening, after the curtain of night had drawn its sable shades over the face of nature, and Mr. Murray, weary with the toils of the day, had retired to his couch, our dear Mary came io me, witli tears rolling down her face, and said, ''Oh, ma! pray for me: I want to be a Christian.*' Mr. Murray rose from his couch, and we all bowed in prayer. We told our dear Mary of Jesus, and the great love of God, and she obtained a hope that evening, that cheered her even in death. Our William said, 'Tray for me," and our little Martha lifted her infant voice in prayer. That week I wrote a letter directing it to the Method- ist minister of Emporia. I did not know the name of any religious minister, to which I could write in that country but merely directed in the manner stated. Our letter was sent from Empo- ItiG IXCIDKNTS OF FRONTIER lAFK. ria, to brother Roberts, the Cottonwood Falls circuit preacher. He came immediately to visit us, rode up, alighted, and turned to me as I stood near the door, saying, "Sister Murray, I have come in answer to your letter." It was a very happy and welcome reception, of that servant of Christ to our home; and the following day, being Sabbath, we conducted brother R. to Cedar Creek, where he preached a sermon, with which the people were much pleased. The sermon was delivered with unction and Divine Commission, brother R. returned with us to our dwelling, and the following morning left us, for Cottonwood Falls, twenty-five miles distant. He afterwards wrote us a letter stating that in (-onsequence of a severe seige of fever, he had been unable to return to our valley, and invited us to attend a quarterly meeting; and closed the letter with the words: 'In the world ye shall have tribulation, but in Christ ye shall have peace." Our Mary was a very trusty, faithful (;hild, and in my absence could do whatever should be done. Mr. Murmy could not attend the meeting, but I could very easily go, and felt that it would be a great privilege. Therefore, I started, the Friday morning before the meeting, taking our little son with us. We traveled on horse-back tw6nty-five miles, and arrive at the house of Mr. Hinkle, in the town where the meeting was held about the time for evening refreshments. We were given a very friendly welcome, treated with I rART SECOND. 1(J9 niucli hospitality, and our horses cared for. That evening we heard an excellent discourse delivered by a faithful servant of Christ. During those meetings, I met with some very excellent, and substantial friends. There I met with brother and sister Gibson, who afterward lived near Marion Center. They were ever faithful, with whom I often met in following years. The love- feast. Sabbath morning, was truly a feast to every Christian present. At the close of a sermon, I presented our letter of Church member- ship. Well pleased with our .iourney, Monday evening found us all as a family, at our own dwelling, and everything moving as usual. And we had truly a prayer circle at home. 170 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE, CHAPTER LIX.-CAPTAIN E. F. ABBOTT KILLED. One iiiglit I had just retired, when I sprang from my couoh exclamhig, 'Tather is here." And again I dreamed that I saw Captain E. F. Abbott, my youngest brother, walking with several of his company, their arms around each others shoul- ders, my brother appearing prominent— his white Avrist-bands and bosom clean and stainless; but a cannon was pointed toward them, and smoke issued from the muzzle. Then I awoke, feeling a deep impression, that we should soon hear sor- rowful intelligence. The following week we received a paper from Goshen, Indiana, stating: '^Captain E. F. Abbott has bsen shot and killed (at Jonesborough, south of Atlanta) in battle, when he was rallying his company for further combat." It was further remarked, that in consequence of his death, "A widowed mother was being brought with sorrow to the grave.'' Truly war is a dreadful scourge to any people where its ravages may oome, and is contrary to the spirit and teaching of the New Testament. May God quickly roll round that time, when PAK'l' SKCOND. 171 nations t 180 IKCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. after the attack, she said, "I am going to die.*' Her last words were, "Jesus is coming, he is coming/' AVhen the society on Cedar Creek was first formed, this young lady had come forward, and added her name to the list of those who desired to serve God; and now King Jesus, the immortal glorious Jesus, had come and received her to Himself. Though her friends were left to mourn, yet their loss was her gain. Time was passing onward, and it became nec- essary that I should go to Cottonwood Falls on business. Therefore, leaving everything at home *the best arranged possible, I went, taking my little son, who always attended me, when called to leave our home on business. There was no one to share the burden of care: I now had all to be^r. On leaving home, I employed some one to remain with tlie children left at liome. Sometimes we had to go to Plymouth, forty miles, for milling, and sometimes to Emporia, fifty miles distant. At one time when returning, we had to stop and remain over night. We stopped at the house of an elderly gentle- man, a deacon in the Baptist Church. They had a protracted meeting in progress. Near the hour of service, I put on my bonnet to attend the family; Deacon Beverly, Preacher R., and Deacon Williams, walked near and united in saying, I should ''speak first in the services.'' Bro. B. sai d he would follow. From a sence of duty, and PART SECOND. IHl from reciuest, I felt bound to comply, opened my Testament, and the words contained in part of the eleventh verse of the 22 chapter of Revela- tions, were presented as a subject for re- marks. The words, "He that is unjust let him be unjust still/' Then Bro. R. followed with remarks on the five first verses, of the same chapter. The hospitality of brother and sister Beverly, has been very abundant toward me, and my family. May God bless the many dear friends, vrho have displayed true Christian kind- ness. The blessed Savior has said, "Whosoever giveth a cup of water only in the name of a disciple, shall not loose his reward." I and my children bowed daily together, in unison woi*- shipped our Savior and Redeenier, and on rising in the morning, I walked directly to the door, looking ui)ward, felt truly to adore the Giver of all peace and blessing. We felt consolations which those who know not God cannot fathom. But we often heard rumors of Indian troubles. My children were sometimes frightened, and thought they saw Indians in the distance. Mr. Murray had commenced a house on our home- stead, which— with some assistance from my mother, who came to visit us— was iirepared for a dwelling. I taught a school in the house— a three months term, not long after entering it as a dwelling. I also taught three months in a log school-house, on the opposite side of the Cotton- 12-^ 1S2 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. wood River, from our dwelling. The following c?eason a school trustee came and offered good wages, and said, the neighborhood would help me in different ways if I would move three miles distant and teach their school. We moved to the place, bought a Sabbath-school library, taught the day school, and kept up Sabbath- school, through all the pleasant seasons of that year. •ART SECOND. 183 CHAPTER LXIL-GRASSHOPPERS, FLIGHT FROM SAVAGES. During an intermission of school, my scholars said, "Oh! teacher, come and look, there are many little creatures moving between ns and the sun, they make a shadoAv like a cloud on the earth." As we stood looking, they commenced to settle round us thickly on weeds, bushes and grass. GrasshopiDers in vast numbers, covered all vegeta- tion. The heavy drouth that year had already injured the corn crop; and now grasshoppers were sweeping the sustenance from the remains of vegetation. But our school was still progressing when word came, that Indians from west of us, Avere coming in that direction, Indian warriors four hundred strong, committing depradations as they came. They had often threatened destruction to the settlers, and now all persons for miles around, were rushing toward the Centre, to take refuge in the Court House. Our little family and articles necessary for our comfort, was taken into a wagon and with the crowd we entered the commodious rock building. A rock wall which now stands, was not then built; but the men 1S4 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. l^ronglit their wagons round in a circle, to delay the progress of the Indians, in order that the white men might gain advantage. There were a goodly number of volunteer soldiers, come to our assistance, or protection. They stationed men with revolvers in hand, about the door of the house, expecting an attack, and sent men to find out what the Indians were doing. There was a Doctor Rogers with the company of scouts. He had a spy glass and a fleet horse: he trusted to the fleetness of his horse, and de- layed some time, watching the movements of the Indians, after the rest were returning. The Indians saw him, and tried to cut off his retreat. Then came a race for life, as the Indians had fleet horses: the doctor put spurs to his horse, and with the greatest exertions possible, barely made his escape. The Indians robbed, killed stock and plun- dered considerably. They knew the white peo- ple were prepared for them at the Center, and did not enter the town, but took their course toward Council Grove. Soldiers were in that town, and the Indians did not wish an encounter. They went to the Caw Reserve and had a battle with the Caws. The Caws were victorious; then those savage Indians, through fear of being pursued, separated into small bands, and fled in different directions. But those persons at Marion Center, were in ignorance for some time, as to the course the Indians were pursuing; and as there PART SECOND. 185 were not provisions at the Center, to keep so many persons, they started in wagons, and on horse- back, went to Cottonwood Falls thirty-five miles farther east. They hurried forward, soldiers riding along the sides of the procession, not knowing what moment they might hear the horrid war whoop, or see the murderous steel descend on the helpless ones, or feel a death wound inflicted. The few soldiers were unskilled in warfare and all might have been easily over- powered. But we at last arrived in the town, and took refuge in a large rock school-house. We found the citizens of that place in a state of excitement. I heard one man in high standing in society remark, "It would be a blessing to the world if the savages were all exterminated.'' We remained in that town, till we heard of the Indians, pro- ceedings. The settlers then returned to their honaes and occupations. When our school was closed in the fall of the year, I and my children moved to our own home. 186 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER LXIIL-SEVERE WINTER, LOSS. The following winter many hundreds of cattle died. The settlers said, "Perhaps the grasshop- pers had poisoned the grass." They had surely injured the strength or amount of sustenance in it. A more severe winter than usual followed, and instead of a mild winter and early spring, that is usual in Kansas, winter was protracted beyond its usual period; and when the boom, boom, of the prairie fowl, or the notes of the prairie lark should have saluted our ears, storms of snow, sleet and wind, fell pitiless on the cattle of Kansas. Weaker than usual, a protracted winter they could not endure. Dead cattle lay along the banks of streams more than could easily be numbered; many had slipped down creek banks, powerless to extricate themselves, had perished. Others from weakness, were inca- pable of rising when down: the sleet and storms finished their existence. A widow lady not far from us, owned one hundred head. They all died but just one. Mr. Murray had secured a few cattle; they had increased to about thirty-four, and that winter sixteen of our cattle died. I had traded for a few PART SErOXI). 1S7 sheep, and lost fourteen lambs, that season. The fall previous I took seventy-five dollars worth of seed wheat of the treasurer of the school district in which I had taught: it was poorly put in the ground by one to whom we had rented, and the following harvest, I did not receive the value of the seed in grain. Our improved land was rented constant- ly, and I was to receive one third of each crop, with the exception of the year, when I found seed wheat, I was to receive the half of the crop. 188 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER LXIV.- CULTIVATION, DROUTHS, GRASSHOPPERS. I think if small grain is put in the ground at the proper season, and rightly put in, it is a very sure crop in Kansas, or in most parts at least; but on such bottom land, if put in late, thereby not obtaining good root in the earth, or if put in care- lessly, or too little seed, the sunflowers which seem natural to the soil, shoot above the grain, causing it to blast. I never knew a crop of rye to fail in Kansas. But corn crops have often failed from drouths late in the season. Therefore corn in that country, should be put in the ground very early in the spring; the first of April is not too soon in that country, as a general rule, and makes much better corn, than the later seasons of planting. Often new settlers in that country, have been too poor to buy seed wheat, got their corn in late, and received no crops. On high land, a dry sea- son would cause greater damage. Partly from ignorance of the proper season for farming, and partly from other causes, Kansas has suffered much. One year I remember traveling a few miles over prairie. The spring wheat had dried up too short for binding, fall or winter wheat PART SECOND. 189 had done better; but corn was quite short on upland, and grasshoppers had stripped all the leaves from the stalks. But the cane fields stood fresh and green. Grasshoppers do not generally disturb sugar cane, and drouth does not easily harm it. The year which I just mentioned, there was much suffering from lack of the necessaries of life. A committee -of ladies was sent out from the town of Marion Center, then our county seat, to find out the suffering ones; and among otiiers in lack of necessities of life, they found a sick woman, and her little babe eleven days old. All the nourishment she had received during that time, was merely bran bread. Let us consider when we have all that is required for the strengthening of our mortal bodies; those things which are palatable and nice, are we just as thankful, and do we love the great Giver of all good, just as much as we should do^ May God help us to be thankf q1, and forbid that we should live as the beasts that perish; but heirs to an immortal crown may our souls bow before the throne of Deity in thankful adoration. But to return to the subject of our rented land; I did not receive more than enough to pay our taxes, taking one year with another. Some years we received very little or nothing and our family we surely felt nuist be comfortable. Therefore our stock often had to be sold, to get money to pay taxes: while we retained the pro- ducts of the field for our home provisions. 190 IXriDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER LXV.-MRS. GREEN'S STORY. But hark, I hear a soimrl of voices: two ladiei^i are at the door. Mrs. Green, whose husband had fled from the Indians, had returned, bringing her mother with her from Missouri. They remained at our dwelling for some hours, and Mrs. G. related scenes that took place while she lived on Cow Creek. She stated that "A train going to Texas, passed that way, and a young man belong- ing to the train, shot a squaw, killing her. Then Indians came round the train, and said, if the man who killed their squaw Avas not given up to them, they would kill every one on the train; the man had to be delivered over to the will of the savages; then they commenced with his forehead, turning the scalp back, and cut all the hide from his body." Thus she said, "He was skinned alive." Tlie muscles of the woman's face, and excitement while relating this, showed how terrible the scene appeared to her. Mrs. G. also stated, that while she lived at the same ranch, "An Indian, while drunk, inserted his butcher knife into the body of his squaw, so that some of her intestines protruded. The other Indians replaced them, sewed up the wound, and -the squaw recovered." PART SECONP.* 191 After this recital, Mr. Green entered, and stated, that when the Indians wished to rob trains, they would at night, get under or near the wagons; and at the first movments at dawn, kill the unsuspecting travelers. But those persons took their departure from our dwelling; and a diversity of cares, time en- gaged, and onward fled the hours. 192 INf IDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER LXVI.-PRAIRIE FIRE, A DIS- TRESSING SCENE. I have sometimes had occasion to ride a good sized animal, through prairie grass on rich bottom land, where the grass was above my head when on horse-back. Persons that never saw such prairie grass may wonder at this, and if they should see a fire in dry grass of this description, at night especially, they would remember it a long time. Our neighbor, E. Smith, informed us that he had just been out West all alone, watching the Indians and trying to find horses, which the Indians had stolen from him. He was then on his return home: but when near a bend of the Arkansas, where two streams met, he had wit- nessed a distressing scene. Many horses belong- ing to the Indians, were congregated together, and surrounded by burning flames. The prairie grass being extremely high and heavy, there was no means of escape; and he said, "Such rearing, plunging, and biting of the suffering, dying animals in the burning fiames, he never would wish to witness agani. The soil in Kansas is generally rich; and heavy growths of grass are yearly spread over the PART SECOXl). 19:i country. When the grass, dried by the rays of a summer sun or drying winds of fall, ignite with the flames of an Indian, or travelers' camp fire; or, as in the past purposely set by revengful Indians, such a fire swept onward by strong wind, has often roused the sleeping pioneer, in the late hours of night, by the glare of flame, to behold his granries and out-buildings being con- sumed. Some have lost their dwelling by this means. One man not far from u>i, lost his life in trying to save his property from the devouring element. When there were no roads, nothing but In- dian trails, there was much trouble from those fires. Persons acquainted with the country, can arrange preventatives, against the occurrence of such calamities. But to one who fears nothing from the consuming flame, the sight of those long lines of fire, rolling from valley to hill, and extending from one assent to another, sometimes appearing as an extensive sea of fire, at times a darkness of smoke preceeding the same; then the brilliancy of reflection on the sky, and flash of extending flame, and the cracking of burning weeds, in the midst of progressing, rising, and sometimes towering flames, would appear as truly grand; though such a sight, always filled my mind, with anxious thought and sympathy for the distressed. 194 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER LXVIi.-SENSE OF DUTY, THE SICK. I was often called on to visit the sick, during several years, when physicians were distant. Ministers of the gospel preached at stated periods, yet they were often distant; and I was sometimes requested to attend to religious services, on funeral occasions. From a sense of duty I com- plyed; and felt that I had merely filled a servant's place, and done my heavenly Father's bidding. Once when requested, I failed to go; I felt some indisposition as to health, yet ever afterward regretted the failure. I cannot regret serving God fully; we are dust, yet our heavenly Father loves us still. The circuit preacher requested me to hold and fill an appointment on the Cottonwood valley; but my cares were many. He said, "Riding would be beneficial to your healh, and less toil more for your good." Yet I thought of the language once addressed to Timothy: 'Take charge of the Church till I come." And I let the work rest altogether on the responsibility of Bro. T. S. PAHT SK(«»N1). ]i that they swam the river in their flight; but they took with them a horse belonging to one of the men who had pursued them. My little girl soon returned, bringing our horses with her. The family of Mr. H., had left our part of thr country, and another of sui)eri()r ([ualities. moved into the same dwelling. This family was composed of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, and two little girls. 10(5 IKflDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER LXIX.-FIVE INDIANS, STOLEN HORSES. A few months after their arrival in our coantry, Mr. B. was afflicted with an intermitting fever. His faithful wife, business like and true, had fed and tied their horses of fine appearance, in full view of the door where her husband usually placed them. After this arrangaient for the night had been made, ^ve savage looking Indians came to the door and wished to stay in the house that night. Mrs. B. gave them to understand that her family was sick; and motioned them to stay in an old log hut. They set down on the ground not far from the horses, and near one end of the log building. Mrs. B. then told her husband, "Our horses will be taken by the Indians this night." When all was quiet and the evening hours were fast passing, Mrs. B. still kept a little aperture of opening at the door, and remained listening at the sound of the feed- ing animals; as they made good use of the new mown hay. Soon she said, ''Mr. Brown, our horses are gone!" He then sprang from his couch, started out, then turned and took his revolver; the Indians were still in sight, mounted on his horses, and part walking. He did not shoot or speak. The moon was shiiihig, he pur- sued closely after them, as they went along the valley toward the house of Mr. Creamer. The gentleman and a young man his son, had just returned late from a ride, and were preparing to leave their horses for the night; when Mr. Brown called out with the highest tones of voice he could command, "Indians I Indians I save your horses.'' Then the Indians fled precipitately from sight. But soon whoops or yells resounded in the night air, then other Indians on the opposite side of the stream above our house, yelled again, and their savage yells were answered by Indians, in the valley below near the stream, and ]:>y others back on the hills. In tliis maimer they apprized each squad of Indians, that the v\diite I)eople were aware of their proceedings. It was well for my children, that they were so closely locked in sliunber, that although wakened by the dismal sounds, they scarcely knew what tlie omen might be, till our neighbors hi.rried to our dwelling; then we found that our horses had been stolen. Two g\)od animals and a colt that had been placed not far from the house for tli(^ night, were gone. Two other horses belonging to a neighbor, living at that time on our land were taken. The Indians stole about thirty head of horses that night; and would have taken twice tliat number, if the white people had not become 18" 19^ IX( IDENTS OF FR<)XTIP:K IJFE. aroused to the knowledge of their deeds. Two of our neighbors rode rapidly to. the dAvellings of Mr.. J. and M. Rigs, who kept murh stock on hand, and were well prepared for encounter with the Indians; a number of white men were soon col- lected and followed the Indians in a south-west direction, guided partialy by their tracks.^ iVfter two days they saw a large Indian ride our mare u}) to a ranch, our colt peculiarly marked by natural white spots, walking l:)y her side. By this means, they soon found where more of the horses were, but the Indians wished to kill the white men, and were only kept from blood- shed, violence and cruelty, by their chief. They drew their weapons and placed a revolver at Mr. Brown's breast. Their chief came that moment near, and at the word of command they with- drew their threatened violence. The Indians were anxious for fight; then their chief said, "Pay the Indians money, then they will give up the horses." Accordingly the white men paid the required sums, and got part of the horses. For one of my horses they paid seven dollars, and for another six. One of our liorses was so badly injured by a nail of an Indian saddle, that the animal was nearly useless for riding ever afterward, and one of Mr. Brown's horses wos so badly injured, that it was of little account. The Indians told the white men, "If you liad not found us out ciuick, we would have got many I'AHT SKCOM). no more horses, and we will yet steal all back, and take many more.'' Therefore, our horses were very closely secured with chains and padlocks; and the slightest sound or movement at night, I would be on my feet, looking out for Indians. One moonlight night a man rode up and called out to us, 'Take care of your horses; Indians have been seen round; soldiers are look- ing for them." But the Indians never molested our horses again. 200 INCIDENTS UF FRONTIER I.IFE. CHAPTER LXX.-SIX SERPENTS. With a request, I here comply, for one said to me, 'Tell iis about serpents." I thought I would pass these little stories ore. But when not far from my house, I cleaned wheat; two of my little children were seated under the shadow of a stack. I worked, and screened, and filled the sacks of wheat. Soon the children stepped before me, pale and speechless, started in to their mothers face; then pointed where they had been seated. There upon the ground, a monstrous serpent lay. I got a lengthy stake, and when it was dispatched, my children their story told. They said, 'Tt came toward us rolling in the form of hoop, and when we .jumped away, it struck the stack, then straightened and slowly went to creep away." Although it was large, it was not of the boa's dimensions, yet to my children it had threatened death. And once my eldest daughter stoopped to dip sparkling water from beneath the shadow of rocks, when something struck her bonnet; then she hastily withdrew. But a quick glance dis- played six serpent's heads protruding; and spite- ful tongues arrayed, just above where she had stoopped to dip the cooling draught; and when PART SECOND. -JOl she turned to leave the plaoe, a lengthy rattle snake with poison fangs, did strike her dress. The child's call brought aid, and the venemous reptile was slain. Once my little boy was playing hide and seek, when looking wild and strange, he stepped ciuite near and said, "Ma, in the dark place where I hid, there is a large cold ring of iron." Then I looked and there, still in a serpents coil a large reptile lay; but soon it was powerless* made, and carried from the place. When I was walking near low pasture ground, a child ran forward in a path, but cpiickly she returned, and said, ''Oh, ma, don't you hear that noise!'' And sure it was very plain, and the' sound was like telegivaphic wire in its vibrations. The child said, 'Tt is a serpent .just behind tliose bushes, and it is very large." The child ran and brought a stake. Though a little fearful of the consequences, I hesitated not to strike a blow. Then its large jaws it threw extended wide and a cotton mouth displayed.— I backward jumi)ed, then forward stepped the battle to renew, and when it was gained, we onward walked along the path. Of reptiles, I might tell more, but this will sure suffice. In the country new, near rocky (piarries or low lands, near groves and streams, it surely was not strange, that reptiles should abound. And taking it for granted that the lady who recpiested this account, ha^ given us INCIDENTS OF FRoNTIKll LIFE permission, we will pass to tell a little story which in mirth was ended. ■1^ c ^^^ I'AIM- SHiONl). 203 CHAPTER LXXL-THE CHILDREX'S FRIGHT. One evening' my cliildreii said, "Motli-r there surely is an Indian standing on the hill above the house; the horses will be stolen, or we might l)e killed." Then I said, 'T will go and find him out.'' Accordingly, I took a pitch-fork and went con- fronting the frightful foe; but lol a gentle colt allowed me to walk up and place my hand upon his side. • Then I returned and laughed about the apparition. And a moral we find. Imaginary evils often prove only blessings in disguise. 204 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER LXXII.-A TEXAS OX, DANGER. The trifle I liave jue^t related, brings to mind, that which for the moral I will t^ketch. A wild and dangerous Texas ox was ranging round our yards, and would chase any person, if it saw them out side the fence. A cattle herder on a trained horse, which would jump away whenever the animal went to gore his side, and then a large l^lack braided leather whip, with quickness he applied; but still he failed to keep the animal away. A lady stopping at our house, went out with just a club in hand; I called, "You will be killed;^' but she with careless air went on. When i saw the threatened danger, I ran between the woman and the foe. When it turned at me, I struck the tines of a pitch-fork, with all my strength, into his smoking nostrils. Still he onward came till I had backed against a fence; then his fury tore the fork tines from his bleeding nose, and his long horns struck by each side of my body on the fence; then quick I yelled, at the sound he whirled; and very soon the fence a safeguard proved. Now the moral we will consider. If persons meddle with other people's frays, often hate, or ART SECOND. 105 danger triets its power upon the party lai^it engaged, llierefore, judgment, and caution ever Bliould direct our ways, while peace and kindness still are w^ritten on our souls. :^0() INCIDKNTS OF FRONTIKH LIKE. CHAPTER LXXII.-INDIAN JOHNSON, A WILD PONY, INDIANS. Time Avas flitting Avitli a bii^y wing*. I and my f'liildren in their western home, when Indian Johnson entered and received an offered seat; he !set in silence for sometime, then a train of Indians was seen approaching, and first of all the train, a young squaw nearly white rode ui), with a child in her arms. Johnson arose immediately, saying, ■'That my squaw: I have two squaws now. One Indian died, then I took his squaw." Johnson's first squaw came next, with two pai)00ses on the pony which she rode. They all bowed in recog- nition; then the trail of Caw Indians passed on. There is considerable difference of shade in the complexion of different tribes, l)ut coarse ^^traight black hair is their inheritance. The young Caw Indians seemed very regardless of €[)ld, and would ride their ponies in most extreme weather deiititute of any clothing. When the Indians wished to break a wild pony for use, they would sometimes strap a young Indian fast to the animal's back, giving the youngster the bridle rein. They put this process ill operation at one time: the pony wa<^ uiigovern- .able and the young Indian strapped to the pony, .K(<>NI>. iiDsteafl of reiiiaiiiiii,i>" on it.s back, .i^jt turned ti tlie under side and was very soon killed. Indians still passed our home, wlien f?oin.^- to and fro on buffalo hunts; s(|uaws leading- th(* park horses, and carrying- pai)ooses on ixmies, Tiiey often dragged tent |)()les attached to tli(^ sides of their ponies; Indian men carrying guns and other weapons, ready for hunting excursions: also carrying polecats, beavers, muskrats, or whatever game they might have found, exceptingr the heavier game that was carried on their ponies. The Indian cahoot, with feathers sticking: in their hair, was to stnmgers yet a novelty. Hut no more white menV scalps, were carried by our door as there had once been in former days. Tiie country was being settled rapidly, and Indian visits l^ecoming less and less frequent. The Indians had often set our prairies on fiiv. Iiut how well traveled roads and fields, served for some proter-tion. And I can look back to th(^ time when I and my little son worked so rapidly, pulling ):)ig grass, and burning against a coming: fire, that blood filled my mouth, the circum- stances with me never to ocr/ur again. '20S IXCIDKNTS OK FKONTIKU LIFK. CHAPTER LXXiV.-MILLING P]XPP]DI- TION, MR. GIBSON. Milling- expeditions, and for trade at Cotton- wood Falls, Plymouth and Emporia, after Mr. Murray had been taken from iis, had been my lot, and that of my little son. We once met Mr. Gibson, when he was return- ing from mill, he walked ciickly in front of his team and with a friendly shake of the hand, he said, ''You must visit my family at Marion Csnter.'' We had becoma aoiiuainted at a ciuar- terly meeting, and our families were ever sincere friends. Brother and sister Gibson stjod alone for several years as Christians in frontier life. But i^jon, Bro. Gibson passed to that home beyond these mortal shores, where Mr. Murray had first arrived, while their families were still left on the 83a of life; but our frail barga is drawing nearer and nearer th^ port of rest in heaven; and though the waves roll high and boistrous, yet we are securely resting on that Almighty arm, whose love and faithfulness, will soon luring us, where friends shall part no more. PART siH'uxr. 203 CHAPTER LXXV.-SISTER BROWN, A LETTER, POETRY. And there i^ another dear twister, namely, Maria Brown; who with her conii)anion, and two children, came to live about a mile from our dwelling, yoon after the time of Mr. Marray's death. She was a faithful friend, pious, sincere, sympathetic, benevolent and active in all .i^-ood deeds; she was a faithful steward in the Method- ist Church for about eight years. And now her two daughters, names are wrote m the (/hurcli militant, and we hope to meet in the triumphant Church above. And may the companion of that sister in Christ, who is now trusting in the saving power of his Redeemer, be at last num- bered with the faithful, near the throne of Clod in glory. And if sister B. should ever look upon these lines, she will remember the many times we have bowed in unison, before the throne of merf:y both in congregations where saints have met, and in retirement where none but God could hear, those fervent i)rayers we have uttered in l:)ehalf of loved ones;, and we have unitedly felt salva- tion's current flow, and dr inked of the fountain of life, which lifted us far ab )ve the uiu\^st, which those feel who know not God. 2]'> IN( IDKNTS <»F FKONTIKK lAVK. All tliin.s?!s of a worldly nature i^ perishing, but God is immutable; his words of promise, firm as the throne of Deity. Since writing the al)()ve lines, I have received a letter from the sister just mentioned, a portion of which I will here insert. Florence, MAmoN Co., Kansas, May 12, l-sTV. Dear sister Murray, your very welcome letter is at hand. I hope and pray that you may enjoy more and more of God's love, and may his smile cheer you continually; I know from blest experience, that we shall be extremely happy, if we trust in Him, and follow closely in the foot- steps of our bless(^d Savior; even if we do have many things to try. us here; and cannot under- stand why we are i)laced just where we are; yet if we only trust in Him, we shall come off more than conquerers, through Him that has loved us. For Ave do know that God's promises were never yet broken; and He has said. He will never leave or forsake us. Sister Murray, I have been so very happy since our protracted meeting at Cedar Point, I cannot express my happiness. The sweet joy that I feel continually, it is a holy joy l^eyond measure. I wish all might feel as I do. I want to pray all the time. Yes, sister Murray, I know you under- stand this, for you have told me your experience, in happy days gone by. May our heavenly Father ever comfort you witli tlie sweet influence PART SECOND. -2] 1 of His Holy Spirit. May your pathway be illumi- nated by His smiles, and if we are not permitted to meet again on earth, I trust we shall meet in heaven. The following lines I respectfully address to sister Murray. Wlien the sinking sunbeams lie On the forest branches higli, And tlie hour of prayer draws nigli, Remember me. When tlu' cares of (hiy are gone, And the j)ensive liour steals on, And witli my God I am alone, 1 will remember thee. • When the quiet moonl)eams bright. Tinge the clouds with silvery light, -^ May the cross aj)})ear in siglit; I lis lovo encompass thee. When our (hiys on earth are ore, And Ave reach the shining shore; There we will shout, and sing Ilis praise Through all eternity. Makia Bkowx. 14 IXCIDENTS OF FKoNTIKK LIFE. CHAPTER LXXVI.-MINISTER^S VISIT, A NEW DWELLING. Brotlier Robert!^, tlie first regular minister that ever came up the Cottonwood Valley to proclaim the gospel, whom I attended to an appointed lAnre of AYorship on Cedar Creek, again visited our home on his way to Marion Center, to fill the place of a presiding elder. I again accompanied him on horse-back, meeting with sister Gibson, and other dear friends, whom I may never see again, till we shall sing eartli's trials ore. around tlie great white throne. After Mr. Murray was called to his home on high, many cares crowded around me. I labored faithfully and diligently that my children might be sui)plied with all of earth's comforts. I hired the breaking of fifteen acres of land; also more fencing made and re-set, and for a while, we surely had prosperity. The roof of the cabin on our home-stead had not been made of durable timber, and was not water in-oof : therefore, I felt the necessity of a new building; I arranged for lumbar and got it on hand; but shingles I could not get without going seventy miles, and bringing them in a wagon: therefore, I and my son went to Junction TART SKf',)Nlv. 1^1 •> City, and paid seven dollars a thousand, bringing home the required amount. The carpenters were employed, business moved rapidly, and we soon were occupants of a com- fortable lath and plastered dwelling. But in the midst of cares, I did not wish to wander from my heavenly Father; I desired to live near His throne of mercy; I laid my Bible near my couch, and immediately after rising, would kneel and read words of consolation and comfort. For years I had been specially blest, (when there was no intruder near) on rising from our rest, by going immediately into the open air, and worshiping Him Avhose designs and handy work is seen in all created things; and while the untutored Indian, sees God in the clouds, and hears him in the wind, shall modern skeptics say there is no Grod, and show a weakness of reasoning powers, equal to those heathen who say, '"The earth rests upon an ox, and the ox stands upon an elephant?'' But there are some whose eyes may rest on these pages, who know the power of a God of love, and free grace, to bless and teach, and guide into all truth: those who desire to know his councils. The blessed Savior who has magnified the law, and made it honorable, reaches down the power of grace, to lift us to the skies, and whosoever will accept, may receive the elevating knowledge of Divine favor. And God has said by the mouth of inspi- 14-- 214 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. ration, "In the day thou seekest me with all thy heart, I will be found." He has never told us to seek His face in vain; His promise is immutable. ''As the mountains are round about Jeru- salem, so the Lord is round about those that fear Him.'' As a child would love and fear to grieve or disobey a most worthy parent: thus let us regard our heavenly Father. Those who deep in their inmost souls possess this filial fear, are heirs to an immortal crown. And He has commanded us to call on Him while He may be found;" and those that come unto Him, He will in no wise cast out. He is no re- specter of persons; He seetli not as man seetli, but is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. TART SE(<>NI). '215 CHAPTER LXXVII.-A BROKEN TIE. MARY'S DEATH. A flitting sunbeam, or a pleasing dream, Are quickly past, and we are left to Aveep: The rose bud broke by ruthless hands; A spring flower faded in an hour. And broken ties; and deathlike forms, Our hearts must wring with pain; But Christ is conqueror over death; And God who is the resurrection, and the life, Can heal each broken heart, And cheer with hope Divine. My dear Mary was surely a very lovely, trusty, noble child. I taught her to read when she was very young: study was ever her delight; she boarded away from her own home, and went to school about five months, and became acquainted with a man of position and influence. She mar- ried at the early age of sixteen, and after one year of married life, she went to try the realities of eternity. But oil I the circumstances were painfully— heart rending. She said, "Oh mother I know I shall die.'' She wished to stay with her lovely babe, that was two weeks old at the time of her IXriDKXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. death. 81ie said, ''O if I could live just a few years; but I know I shall die; I wish I had loved (xod more; I am too weak for much; but I can look up, and trust in God; all my hope and trust is in God now/' Sister Gibson and myself bowed by her bed- side in prayer, then a smiling heavenly radiance lit up her countenance making her seem almost angelic. The doctor said she was better; then Tier husband said, "O, Mary I am so glad; kiss me, my Mary.? Then for the last time, she imprinted a kiss on her husband's face. Soon we saw the destroyer, death was near. She said, '"Bring my babe that I may see it; then she said, "T am blind, I cannot see it, hold it near.'' She felt its face and arms, then said, "That will do." Soon the death rattle commenced; she tried to talk, saying, ''Mother, mother, mother.'' But her tongue became so useless by death, that she could not articulate the words she wished to si)eak; and when to all human appearance, she had ceased to live, her husband, myself and younger daughter, commenced to weep aloud. Then circumstances of unusual occurrence took place. Our Mary whose tongue had seemed useless by death, spoke aloud in a pleasant lively tone, saying, "What is the matter/ ' Then all was silent, and still in death. This was surprise indeed, Avliich caused us to remain for some time perfectly silent. I'ART SKCOM). -JIT When Mary had calhHl my name, and could not converse for mortification, and death held her in its cruel grasp, I >iaid to her, ''Jesus will o-o with you, Mary/' And I feel sure with the ransomed ones, she doth a smiling* angel stand, whispering. Mother, you and my dear child will come soon. But who can feel as a mother can; and sure there never was a more lovely daughter, than my own dear Mary. Xature had given her a form of perfect loveliness. Her delicate little feet I went to Idss, but they had clothed them with habila- ments for the grave. She had much the features of her father; and the same dark hazel eyes. Often I have seen her climb^ up on her fathers lap; but now those mor- tal frames were still in death. They laid her in her coffin, and were about to close the lid for the last time, then my impulse of the moment wa-s to stop the sextons work, when just as quick as whigs of thought, and impressed deep on the very soul, these words, "I am the resurrection and the life," so cliang\^d my course of action, that I spoke aloud, ''Grod can open that coffiin." And surely those numbered witli the dead; God's power to immortality can bring, for Om- nipotent Almighty i)Ower to Him alone belongs. The little girl my daughter left, is the image of ]wv mother; and now in Marion County, Kansas. Seven summers have i)assed over her infant head. May the angels of love and pro- l!lS IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. tection throw around her their bahiiy wings, and guide her securely, and wisely, till she meets her dear mother, where death shall never enter, and God will wipe away all tears from the faces of the ransomed. Surely there is nothing firm but heav- en. Christ says : "Set not your affections on things on earth, but on things in heaven, where moth and rust cannot corrupt, nor thieves l^reak through and steal.'' Afflictions multiplied, surely surrounded me; but God brings us safe through floods, and flames, to dwell with those to whom it is given, to be ar- rayed in fine linnen, clean and white, at the mar- riage supper of the Lamb. Surely they that trust in the Lord, shall be as Mount Zion, which can- not be removed. •ART SEL'OXD. -210 CHAPTER LXXVIIL-MY CHILDREN'S LOSS, A RAILROAD, BOARDERS. ' My little son who was ambitious and sensative, tlioagli a slender child, had tried to help his moth- er in many things, but I let him go from me, with the hope of his gaining more education. He remained witli his Grand mother one year, and . should have prosecuted his studies further, be- fore returning. But when he returned, a railroad had found its way up our valley, and a rush of emigration, was flooding our country, and there were many, whose influence was not for the best in our land. And the loss, which my children had met in the death of their father, wasbitterly felt by me, their widowed mother, and more than once have I heard deep regret for mistakes of youth, and may God throw around such in following years. His almighty protection. I and my young- est child Martha, struggled with toil and care; she took much from my hands, in care of stock, and charge of work. Once when I was sick, her care of me and all else, caused her a serious illness. But time changes things of an earthly nature. The busy hiun of enterprise and life saluted our ears, and a railroad conductor, Mr. O'Bryen, re- quested us to "board sixteen employees, Avhile they 220 IXCIDKNTS OF FI{(>XTIER I.IFE. Avorked two weeks, at grade work/' After a little consideration, I entei^ed upon the duties of the same. Those persons, we had consented to board- were very civil. I read daily from the Bible, in their presence, supplicated the l^lessing of al- mighty God to rest on all present; and sometimes, when I had retired, to anotlier part of the dwell- ing, I could hear them reading the Bible. They spent every evening in singing very nice religious hymns. Two of the young men had been trained in the midst of pious surroundings. A minister visited us, and we had preaching at our dwelling; some persons from a camp in the timber near, came to listen, and there was ciuite an audience. But near thi-ee weeks passed on- ward, and another conductor, Mr. Malady, en- tered our home, and requested that twenty-one persons, should get their board at our residenc*e, while the butments of a railroad l)ridge, was be- ing built. I ccmplied with the request, and in five weeks cleared one hundred dollars of all ex- pences. The stone-masons, and the contractor, took (juarters in a part of our dwelling. Mr. Mal- ady, who employed the workmen, was a true gen- tleman, though a Catholic. One of the masons was a Methodist, and one was a Baptist. The common work-men ouartered in a temporary l)uilding built for the purpose, and just came in for their meals. One day a new hand was added, and then another. The two new-commers, were look- ed ui)on suspiciously by the rest of the hands, and TAUT si:<;>NI . --1 11- one ijerson reciuested me, to take charge of sevei ty-five dollars, saying, '1 am fearful I will be robbed." This I kept for him till the day he left. ( )ii that day, I handed the roll to him, requesting Iiim to count it, which he dM in my presence; he then thcanked me for the care of the same. The first time one of the last boarders came in our dwelling to dine I noticed him speake very roughly to the workmen, that were in the room, and I resolved to speak to him of his rough ways. Accordingly, the next meal time, when he commenced to speak wickedly I said, ^'Harry, you are the first person that ever said such wicked words in my house.'^ Then Harry said, 'T am a black sheep,I never was so wicked till I went to war; mj mother wets her pillow every night with lier tears, on my account." I told him I was sor- ry, and hoiked he would reform. Perhaijs my ad- vice availed but little, yet one thing I do know. Big Harry never said rough words in my hous(^ again. But in a short time Martha said, ''Ma, just look at our sheep." I looked out, and saw our sheep running to the top of a hill near, then back on to the roof of a shed that w\as built against the foot of the hill; then they would run hack again. One large sheep had old clothing fastened around his neck, and a heavy old oil cloth tied to one foot. I went out to the shed, and when the sheep ran near. I re leased the one from his frightful ei pii page. Then I went to the house and said, 'T want acanef but not seeing one said, "I will go without." Then I XCIKENTS OF FKOXTIER LIFE. went to the rail road shanty. There was plank seating, from the sides of the door, all around the inside of the room. This seating was fully ocu- pied by the workmen. Big Harry sat in the door. The men did not look up: some of them were smoking, and not one lifted his eyes from the floor, when I stepped near the door and said, ''What have I done to cause offense^ My sheep are easily frightened, and once were gone a long time on account of fright— I don't want them frightened any more. If I have done anything wrong, tell me what it is." Then I turned and walked toward our house. Big Harry got ui) from his seat and came round, saying, "Mrs. Mur- ray, it was not me that done the mischief." But one of the masons told me that he saw him do it, and that he was in the fault; yet in my presence he was ever afterwards quite respect- ful. The third morning after. Big Harry and Jack were added to our list of boarders, Jack was missing; also a beautiful horse belonging to a poor laborer that lodged with the masons in oiu- chamber. That poor laborer was very small of stature, and depended on his beautiful team, to help support a wife and seven children. The thief had borrowed money, borrowed a revolver, got pay for work before it was done, stole our saddle and bridle, and left the country. The poor lal)orer made what exertions he could to find his horse, but failed. One day before Jack left, two men drove up. PART SK«'()XI). came in and requested a meal; it was soon ready, and while they dined there was mischief outside of our dwelling. The men returned to their wag- on that was left near our stable-yard, and not far from the railroad shanty. They had left two good overcoats, two blankets and a keg of cider vinegar on the wagon: all was missing and could not be found. The persons who had lost their l)roperty gave me their names on paper; and I told them I would inform them if I got any trace (^f the lost property. Some hours afterward, dur- ing the time of labor, our Martha walked up on the hill near our house, and loack near a ravine: she saw somjething that frightened her. She re- turned to the house and said, "There is something on the ground; I do not know what it is." Miss Raynolds was at our house at the time; she ac- companied Martha back, and they returned carry- ing two blankets. I showed them tp some of the stone masons: they said, 'They are the lost blan- kets." I sent word to the ,town of Peabody, the owners recovered them, and expressed many thanks to us for the same. One morning the contractor, Mr Malady, had to leave the persons in his employ for a short time, for the purpose of drawing their pay. Then part of those persons belonging to the shanty, thought they would hav(^ a jubilee: they came in a crowd to my back door, and on the outside of the dwelling they placed seats; and when seated commenced to sing. Then they would shout, clap -•J4 IXriDHNTS OF FRONTIER llFi:. their hands and say, ''Glory hallelujah!" then sing again. I said nothing, but merely closed tlie door. Soon some one said to them, ''Mr. Malady is coming!" then they s.-attered (juickly to their own quarters. But as we consider the ways of the wicked, the language of the inspired apostle Paul meets the case in consideration: "Despisest thou the riches of His goodness, and forbearance and long- ^affering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance; but after thy hard- ness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thy- self wrath, against the day of Avrath, and revela- tion of the righteous judgement of God, who will render to every man according to his*deeds." I'ART sH;()XI) CHAPTER LXXIX.-A TEXAN, RUFFIAX8 AT NEWTON. Mr. Malady paid off his workiiraii, and I heard him tell tlie stone masons not to leave my house till Eig Harry left. He said, 'T fear Harry might do some harm.*' The common workmen left im- mediately, r^nd soon every one had taken their de- I)artiire. TJien Martha and I vrero left alone. Toward (n'ening a man drove round near the house and alighted. I did not think his api;)earance indicat- ed any good; therefore prevented his entering the house. He demanded money. I told him, "Your horses are going to run off.'' He stepped a little toward them, and when he turned again, I had taken a strong green stick in hand, which was near by, and told him I had no money for him, but had many expenses to meet; and if he stepped one step toward me, he would be sorry. I stood with the stick rais3d; then he said, 'T am a Texan, I am a . I can get sins pardoned. \Miat are youf' I told him, ''You will find out to your sorrow, if you step one step this way." Just then his horses started, and ran a little dis- tance into a fen:-e — he started after them; then after a few thr ritening words, left the pre:nises. 2-^0 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIEU LIFE. God could have worked a miracle for our pro- tectiou, but I feel thankful that he gave the nec- essary energy, that kept that wicked person from crimes of deeper wrong. We were a little fearful of his return, and vv'ere much on our guard. About three days af- terwards he passed our house, partially intoxicat- ed, and driving two horses, which he had stolen; but he was not seen on our streets afterwards. The wicked flee when no one pursueth, and the fear of the Lord is to hate evil; yet there are s'jme who turn judgement into wormwood, and leave off righteousness on the earth; still they are commanded to seek Him that made the Seven Stars and Orion; and turneth the shadow of death into the morning: the Lord, is his name. After the rail road had been worked through past our home the distance of twenty-five or thir- ty miles, there was a delay in the prosecution of the work; a town called Newton being for a time the termination of the road, it became for that pe- riod a rendezvous for the ruffians of society. Men were daily shot down on the streets, either for the purpose of robbery or hate. Officers were pow- erless to suppress the riot and crime, till at last soldiers were sent to maintain the peace. I kept my front door and windows kicked during the day, and had my house closely secured at night. We often saw Mexicans, Texans, Negroes and cat- tle drovers passing. Therefore we thought care- fuUness and preparation for self-defense, was I'ART SK('.*J0 IN'cn^ENTS OF FRONTIKK LIFE. arrived at his home. The clothing and down tjfrass must have baen wet and therefore did not burn when the prairie grass round was consumed. The written word of God declares: 'The dark corners of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty;" and ''no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." 8atan w^as a murderer from the beginning, and Cain slew his brother, because he was more righteous than himself. What a happy change would be in this fallen world, if the love of God ruled in every heart. But oh! what devastation and crime has the prince of the powers of darkness accomplished by his aofencies. TAUT SKIOM). ■2'M CHAPTER LXXXI.-TRIALS, HOUSE IN FLAMES. Trials and afflictions were on every hand. I could not always get to Church as formerly on account of rheumatic affliction, but when I could ride to the place of worship, it was ever esteemed a privilege to meet with those who worship God in spirit and in truth, and when rising in the morning of each day, I opened my Bible and bowed before God, asking the Divine teaching of God's Holy Spirit and felt the consolations of the same. I was afflicted with neuralgia for several years, and the circumstances of the death of my dear Mary, rested heavily upon my mind. Other trials, which I will not mention, but leave with God, robbed me of earthly comfort. One extremely cold day the wind and snow was sweeping round; a man at the gate called out, 'T am freezing, can I get into the housed' I opened the gate, he came in, I made a warm fiiv. After he had warmed thoroughly, and wrapped well, he started on his journey. Martha was in the sitting room knitting. After the traveler had left, she called out, "Mother I heard some- thing fall in the chamber.'' I supposed it was some trifling event, and still continued my 'Z-rj ' INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. domestic affairs. Sdoii Martha said, ''I hear fire cracking and burning — the house is in flames.'' Martha carried a ladder to tlie back of the house; our well was near. I got water and ascended the ladder; I could walk on the roof of the kitchen, but could not walk on the roof of the main building, and carry water. I dashed water on the fire, but it would run and unite again. Mar- tha brought water several times, but I soon saw there must be a change in our operations; there never could have been more rapid work performed, than what was accomplished at that time. We could not get the ladder up our stairway; I set it against the house, ran up stairs, gave the sash of a window such a jerk, that the side strip which held the sash, broke into three pieces. The window being out, I drew the ladder into the chamber, shoved it up through the burning roof, and mounted upon it, surrounded by consuming flames. Martha more rapidly than would scarcely be imagined, drew and brought me water. We had two buckets, and a half gallon cup. There was no human being in the sound of our voice: we knew that all depended on our speedy exer- tions, and the help of Providence. Once some clothing in the chamber was near being consumed by flre falling from the burning roof. I threw water on them, and hastily turned a bed one side, and continued to contend with the flames. I said, ''Martha, if we see that we cannot extinguish the flames, we will secure those PART SECOND. . '233 things that are most valuable in the dwelling.' But we still w^orked on, and I prayed, 't)hl heavenly Father, help me; Thou hast helped me in days past; Thou canst help now; Thou hast promised to help Thy children when they call upon Thee; Thy word must stand." While I prayed and still battled with the flames, they raised less high, and soon were extinguished. Then om^ plight was more comical than desira- ble, for my hair was down, and hung in icicles; my sleeves were wet and frozen. I had taken off my shoes to walk on the roof, and my stockings were frozen to my feet. Martha had carried water up stairs so rapidly, that much of her clothing was wet and frozen. But soon comfort was restored and real thankfulness to God took possession of our minds. Grod has said in the 91 Psalm, 15 verse, "Call upon me and I will answer." He will be with His people in time of trouble, and deliver them. His word is truth, and though His children may often be surrounded by danger and trials, yet God never forgets for .one moment, His lowliest child that trusts in Him. God often moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. The bud may have a bitter taste, Yet sweet will be the flower. What we know not now, eternity will reveal. -•^^ IKCIDENTS OK FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER LXXXIL— AN ABSENT SON, FREEZING TO DEATH. Nearly all the settlers on our side of the Cottonwood river, were French people from Florence, down the valley for some miles. Sev- eral small streams that emptied into the Cotton- wood, were settled exclusively by French and were mostly Catholics. My boy was out near the great bend of the Arkansas, or somewhere near the south-west part of Kansas, on the buffalo ground nearly three months. I heard that several persons had frozen to death in that direction, and from some accounts I thought most likely, my son had shared a similar fate. One of our neighbors was brought home dead; he had frozen to death while the crossing prairie. His son who was with him was so near frozen that he lost part of his feet, and all his fingers. I heard nothing certain from my boy, and in stillness of the night, the clock bell would sound as a death knell, speaking of a lost, lost son. One evening two young men called, and said, ''We are very hungry." I gave them what I had pre- pared. They expressed their thanks, and said, "If possible in the future, they would be glad to TAIir SKCONI). reward me for the food I gave them." Then I remarked, I had done by them just as I would wish others to do by an absent S3n of mhie, for whom I felt much solicitude; they looked sorrow- ful and left our home, but when all was stillness around, and the cheerful sunshine was striving to make all nature smile, my boy entered our home. He regretted much his absence, and said, '•If I had come home and found our house burnt down, I would have felt very bad.'' Shall I dwell on the many trials that marked my path- way? Oh! no, surely not, for all things shall work together for good, in regard to those who love God. Our light afflictions, which are but for a moment work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal w^eight of glory. Yet we read that the wicked rob the widow and the fatherless. Wickedness stalks abroad in the land, to draw the young and unsuspected, into the snares of Satan. And how many parents' hearts have been wrung with anguish, when they have beheld dear ones that have been more precious to them than their own lives, whom they have taught t:) choose the path of piety and peace, by the luring smiles of a deceitful world, unconsciously drawn near the whirlpool of distruction. Dear youth who may these pages read, for the sake of your own best interest, in time and eternity, like king Solomon, ask God to give you wisdom, that your steps in life, may be guided thereby. God glveth liberally and up- 2.36 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. braicletli not. May you never have to repent, that you have bartered a pure conscience and youth- ful advantages, for a mess of pottage. Dear youthful friend, ever shun temptation; ask help of the strong arm of Omnipotence; keep a conscience pure, and ^v^hen this fleeting life is ore, may the bright realms of glory, and the melody of the ransomed, be yet more increased by the addition of your immortal being. FART SECOND. '^-V CHAPTER LXXXIIL- GRASSHOPPERS, LOSSES, A VISIT, OUR RELATIVES, A TERRIBLE VISITATION, A DYING CHARGE, AN ACQUAINTANCE. September 14, 1874. William Mnrray, thougli a mere youth, ^Yas married to Miss Laura Jane Joseph. They remained with me much of the time, but the ^-lummer previous was very dry, and grasshoppers had been very destructive. My son had met with several losses; our land tax had been very extortionary, and I had no income; our stock had been sold to pay taxes-, and my family was in need of help. A tract of land was s jld at low figures, sciuaring all debt, and rendering neces- sary assistance. A portion of the price remained unpaid till the following year, Febuary, 1875. I thought best to visit the home of a brother- inlaw, Mr. Hansjn Murray. I started on the cars, from Florence, Marion Co., Kansas, taking my daughter Martha with me, to visit her uncle, aunt and cousins, who resided in Holt Co., Missouri. I left my son and his wife in charge of our home; and the cars rolled onward, till wa :238 IXCIDENTS OF FROXTlEll LIKE, arrived at Forbs Station, Holt Co., Missouri. We were met, as we stepped from the cars upon the platform by Mr. Linville Murray, a cousin to Martha, though her senior, and were soon intro- duced to his daughter Anna, a lovely young lady about the age of Martha, and were by them conducted to their residence, where we met for the first time with the excellent lady, Mrs. Mary Linville Murray, and were soon met l)y many other dear friends, and made very welcome by all. Brother Hanson Murray was lingering on the shores of time, while consumption preyed upon his vitals. He was the last of five brothers, to bid adieu to earth. This brother of my departed oampanion, had long been numbered with the people of God on earth, and oh! how blessed the joyful foretaste of heaven on this side Jordan's flood, when God is all and in all to us. Oar brother was waiting to join the general assembly. and Church of the first bDrn in heaven. His numerous family was married, with the exception of a younger daughter, and all were trying to live, so that they might at last meet their Father in the new Jerusale:ii, where affliction and death, never can disturb tliB holy joy of the ransomed. Prayer meeting was often held in the dwelling of the afflicted one, and once when I and my daughter were present. Eight of his children, four sons and four daughters, and their compan- ions, his wife and their grand children were PART sEt.'oxi). 2::<> present. After the meeting had been diiely opened by reading the Word of God, singhig and prayer, the brother ready to cross the river of death, gave each of his relatives, and the compan- ions of his ('hildren, a separate council, and what we all considered his dying charge. There was iiuich weeping, and deep solemnity; a scene not easily forgotten by any present, yet the Father remained for some time, waiting and desiring his. home in heaven. I w^as in that community about five months, and took charge of a Sabbath-school class of young ladies; and am much indebted to the dif- ferent branches of the family of Bro. H. Murray, for their kindness to their aunt and cousin, dur- ing our stay among them. A young man attended meetings and Sabbath- s'jIiodI in their community, of piety and promi- nence. That young man and Martha, formed an ar(|uaintance which was lasting. My son wrote for me to come home; his family were not in good health. Soon as I (X)uld make arrangements for our departure, we complied with the request. But ere we left, we learned a sad account of one who was a resident of Holt Co., and who bore a disfigured appearance. He was once seated in a saloon, with three other persons. They were all engaged in playing card>i. in the time of a thuiid?^:- st )rm; and wh3M the lightning flashed vividly, and the thunder rv)ared 1 )udly, those wickel men blasphemously dar^d 240 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. the Almighty God, to come and play cardy with them. Immediately a current of electricity entered the saloon, forced a barrel of whisky against the door, and set the whisky on fire. Three of the card players were consumed by those flames, one broke his way through the window, and plunged into the Missouri river, whose waters rolled near by; thus extinguishing the fire that had kindled upon his person, and thus protracted his existence. That poor mortal tliought as he had a day of grace yet left, he had better prepare to stand before his Judge, and break off his sins by righteousness, and his iniquities by turning to the Lord. He desired the prayers of those who had an interest in a throne of grace, and requested that his name should be placed on the Church list. Though God bears long with the wicked, yet the inspired writer tells us in the Book of Divine truth, God has bent His bow, and made it ready, and judgment against sinners, and justice may not long slumber. I will here speak of another incident that came under our notice, of one who was hardened in sin, and dared the God who holds the elements in His control, to try the same on him; and soon he was laid a blackened corpse on the ground. The wicked may say, God will not visit all with speedy judgment. Yet, O presume not to s'n, but fly quickly to Christ; no longer grieve His word. He cries, How can I aive Thee up, Cr let the lifted thunder dro}). •2 41 1>ART SECOND. CHAPTER LXXXIV.-AN ADIEU, KANSAS HOME. Now let lis look round upon the faces of our kind friends, before we start on our journey to western Kansas. Martha let us go once more into those orchards. The apples hanging there on their native stem, you say, is "a curiosity to you. in our western country, in those early days, more care was taken for the growth of ^vheat or stock than for those healthy delicacies of life truit surely is among the choice blessings of Provi- dence, and no pains should be spared in the culti- vation of the same. Those fragrant sweet roses, and nice pinks in bloom, how sweet. Prairie flowei-s bloom in western lands, une sweet ball of flowers with fragrance rare and leaves surpassing art, I have seen upon those western hills: those flowers^ possessed modest worth; their name was sensative. Now dear brother, we your home must leave, and shortly you a home in heaven will gain, which Christ has gone before us to prepare. May the dear ones, you leave on this side the valley, you are about to enter, be blessed in tme and eternity; and may you b3 permitted with ho y c ne^ on the shining shore, to sound a more melo- 242 IN< IDKNTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. dious strain of joy, as each happy traveller arrives within the golded gates of the New Jeru- silem. But I must say to all and each, what to us S3ems a long adieu. Mary Linville, and Anna standing by your side, your face full of real sin- cere kindness; sweet lovely sister, I must say farewell. After many good wishes and parting words, we found ourselves gliding on toward our Kansas home. When there arrived, I met my only son and his wife. That evening Grod's Word was read within our dwelling, prayer ascended in deep sincerity to a throne of mercy. Martha held correspondence by letter with William A. Parker, of her acquaintance in the «tate of Missouri; they were engaged to be mar- ried. Time rolled onward. William Murray called a son his own; some weeks passed, and he moved his family to the town of Florence. Poor William; I remember you with a mothers sympathy. Your slender (Constitution, your many loses; and the serious accidents you have met, doth your health affect; but oh! the soul is more than all. Jesus waiting stands and shows His bleeding hands; he will sin«^ forgive, and wash you white as snow. Oh! trast in Jesus' name and own His cause; then you can sing of a home in heaven, Avhere toil is ore, and sorrow never shall come. Oh! do not despond, but rise with firmness and manhood. Resist all evil in the strengtli of your Redeemer; ]'ART SKCOND. 243 and may God bless you and your companion with all things for your greatest good, both spiritual and temporal. 16 '244 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER LXXXV.-ALONE AGAIN, HE- ROISM, UNCIVILITY. Martha and I were again alone, and our cir- cnmistances caused Martha to exert herself far more than girls generally do. The water in our well had failed; I employed two men to dig it deeper. Martha loaded and hauled the rook, to build the extra wall. Those persons we employed, promised they would chop and haul wood, and take wheat which I had on hand, as recompense for their work, but they did not return. All the down wood on our land, had been hauled off witlijut our knowing the extent of our loss, until I attended Martha to the grove. Then the girl with resolute heroism, sharpened her ax, and chopped down stately trees, loaded the heavy green wood on a wagon, hauled it from the oppo- site side of the Cottonwood stream, and chopped the wood right size for our stove, when near the door. Thus throughout the later season of the fall, and through the winter, till the latter part of the month of February, she got the fuel for our fire. In the fall about the latter part of October, when Martha and I were all the occupants of our home; one moonlight night, about the hour of TAKT SECOND. 2 4-') eleven, when I wa^ wakeful on my cou(:li, a very heavy rap was heard on the door. I hastily waked Martha; we rose and placed more garments about our person. I stepped near a window, and under a curtain, looked out through the moon-beams on a portico, and saw two strangers. Martha and I thought those persons much out of place. We had rods, and each with determination held one. The heavy raps continued; we kept silent. Soon one said, "You had better open this door; you are in their; we saw you when we passed the house before night, and this door will be opened quick.'' I stepped near the door, and said, "If you break this door, you will be sorry; we are prepared, and will teach you better manners." Then he said, "Our team is sick. We want a book, your neighbor C. says you have got in the house.'' I said, "We don't open our door at this late hour; but if you will stand out away from the house that we may see you in the moonlight, I will put the book out of the house." Soon as this was done, I unlocked a window and dropped the book out side; then when one came to pick it up, I said, "Don't you never treat lone women so very uncivil again. You ought to be ashamed of your uncivility. They left without reply, and in the morning, soon as light of day ai)peared, Martha and I rode over to the house of neighbor C. There we found the persons who on our portico the night l^efore had stood. There were two families present. I 246 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. told before all in the house, how the young men had conducted, and said, "Mr. C, don't you never send persons to my house at such an hour. If they ever come in such a way again, they will repent of their course." Mrs. C. told me; "One of the young men will lose the chance to wed his bride, if we report to the young lady, the ill manners he displayed last evening.' We hope he learned a lesson, to be remember for time to come. PART SECOND. ■2Al CHAPTER LXXXVI.-SHE CHANGED HER NAME, PATRIMONY. Near the close of the month of February, 187?, Mr. William Parker came two hundred miles, and soon after his arrival at our home, Miss Martha A. Murray, changed her name, to that of Mrs. Martha A. Parker. But as I write, I stop, and out the window look upon the pleasant green. The sun looks now, with radience bright, from underneath a cloud. And nature smiles, while many trees all round, full bloom display. The spring time of the year, which nature crowns with grace is here; her velvet carpet spreads, and like an Eden seems. Thus might the young and fair forever see, naught but flowers along their path; but cares will come. And though our youth may bear their part full well. Yet youth as well as aged ones, are often made to feel, there is nothing firm but heaven. Yet young friend, William Parker: you have sought God, and owned His name, morning and evening, you look within the sacred pages to read God^s holy will; and bow around the family altar. Oh! may rays from the eternal throne, descend on your devoted souls, made one in Christ. 248 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. Now of my patrimony, let this suffice to say, as my children little liad of earthly goods or treasures, I did my all of earthly worth on them bestow. I have since then thought of Christ, who became poor and left His Father's throne above, a rich inheritance for us to gain. And if the avaricious ones of earth, have wronged, or still may wrong my children dear, they will have to settle with the judge of all the earth. To this subject, I will only add; our home in Marion Co., was sold, and now in Osage Co., Kansas, my children dwell; with the exception of a little grand child, who with her father resides in Marion Co. PART SK«'<)ND. iMO CHAPTER L X X XVII.- AFFLICTIONS, CHANGE OF RESIDENCE. The Winter and Spring of 1877, found the writer of these lines suffering extremely from rheumatic affliction in the left arm and shoulder. I learned an extent of suffering in that respect, wliich I had scarcely imagined. But when the warm settled season of the year arrived, God blessed the use of means. I recovered strength, and through the summer of that year, I walked weekly, one and a half miles to the town of Melvern, Kansas, where I met with the people of God, to worship the Giver of all consolation that will stand, by heirs of immortality, amidst the changing vicisitudes of life. I gladly heard the gospel dispensed, sitting under the droppings of the same. The Sabbath- school and singing at that place, was interesting. And when I heard the children sing, I thought of the words of inspiration. 'The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ." Late in the fall of 1877, it seemed Providence designed, there sliould be a change in my resi- dence. The way was prepared, and bidding my son and his wife adieu, accompanied by my 25(> IXCIDENTS OK FRONTIER LIFE. daughter and her companion, I way on the way to the cars at Williamsburg. I left Martha at the carriage. My son-in-law went into the car, and saw me take a seat. He spoke kind words and a parting adieu. ''And now dear children all, may Christian love forever make its home with you, and of each others interests, and health take care. And while ambitious to save earthly stores, remember heaven." I'ART SECOND. 2o I CHAPTER LXXXVIIL- WITHIN THE CAR8, OBSERVATION. = *Cli5ipter 88, was written iii u cur window. Now within the cars I am seated. My children's forms have faded from my view. I feel a weakness, and can scarcely sit erect, But must cheer up, and think on brighter things- Something more than parting. The cars slowly moving at the first, Then faster, faster, speed the way. Through a window now, prairie level see. Then rolling lands, vallys and groves. Smaller streams, and mighty rivei-s. Urge their way to the gulf below. But we look and see small elevations rise, Then height on height romantic, oft with groves adorned. Or rocky summits rising clift ore clift, And now a city's side, Powerful waters rolling by, which have for ages flowed. Now behold our mighty land, in her autumnal dress. Dotted ore with enchanted domes, or humbler peasant's cot. 252 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. Within the village, or round the solid city walls, Hear the busy active hum of human life. The immortal mind, how vast, how great. Behold the machinery of our day. Employed both in the city and the field. The cars adorned oft with beauty. Moving swift at his command. Who through a microscope might survey the stars. And tell the revolutions of more worlds than ours. By the telegraphic line with lightning speed. He talks with friends or nations miles away. The mind expands, and proves an origin immortal. Yet greater still is the Creator, God, Who holds the universe within His powerful sway. But as we fly along, in the rushing cars, Let us consider lesser things. As we out the window look. More less than real, each passing object doth appear: See fencing, rock, hedge and plank. Corn upon a thousand hills, ore many vallys too, Great powerful God is Thine. Cattle feeding on the plain. And the noble horse at large, on pastures fair. And stock condemned by Jewish laws, number- less enclosed. See a mighty oak, stand lone on the plain. Wind and storms, have added strength unto its growth. TART SECOND. 'lo'-i Thuis may our souls be more matured for heaven, And when all things mortal, from our vision fades, May our immortal souls have union with the Deity, And joyful stand within the New Jerusalem. And when before the great white throne, The congregated millions stand. May we behold a smiling Judge in Christ our Lord. Yet while we linger here below. May we follow according to Divine command, Whatsoever things are pure and lovely. Now of this soliloquy no more. At Kansas City, we have arrived. Here we take a through ticket for Chicago, Enter a sleeping car, and on an easy seat reclined,. Swiftly the (-ars rolled on until the dawn of day. •J54 IKC'IDKNTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER LXXXIX.-A LADY, UNION FLAG, PENITENTIARY. Then from a Station on the road, a Lady entei- ed of kind and tlioughtliil mien, her conversation full of intelligence and plans of charity. As we passed a Penitentiary, she said: "Look quick, boys are there, with whom I have talked about their sins, they say "Sabbath breaking, evil companions, and strong Drink, have been their ruin.'' I talk- ed with them of hope and reformation ; they wept like children. One said, he would "ever do the right in time to come, and would ask God, (who delights to heli) and bless), for aid, through futures days.'' Then this angel of mercy said: "Oh! how my heart aches for the wandering ones, who are drawn into Sin by evil influence." As we passed on, I looked on the dusky walls, and saw the Union Flag floating in the breeze, and thought: 'Oh! If there was no sin, how this earth would be to an Eden (-hanged," and here we remember a young man, who said: "Six years before that time, he was shot by one, who was under the influence of strong Drink." The wound had caused him much affliction and from that period he had been a Temperance Lecturer. PART SECOND. 255. 8in stalks abroad and many victims fall, Slain by the Serpents deadly power; But let the dying Sinner look to Jesus, For he is waiting to bestow the healing balm, Which makes the Wounded whole And cures the sin-sick Soul. When mercy is free, and Jesus' Love so great, Why will you turn away. Oh! Sinner come; No longer grieve a God of Love, And downi to ruin run. ii5(5 IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XC.-AT MOTHER'S HOME IN GOSHEN. We now stop at Chicago and get a ticket for the place of our destination. On again toward Go- shen, Elkhart Co., Indiana, we by an engines pow- er are carried, and through God's mercy and pre- serving care; when there arrived, my mother and a sister I met on the platform. When a few days Iiad passed, a brother, whom I had not seen for nineteen years, once more I met at my mother's home; and while before the Throne of Grace, we bowed in prayer, that brother, at the mercy seat, talked with God, and thanks were given for fa- vours past, and mercy claimed for time to come. And at my mother's home, this pleasant Spring of 1878, 1 have penned these lines, and if beneficial, or do entertain, to God alone be all the praise. PART; SECOND. 257 CHAPTER XCL--A JOURNEY. A suppLemp:nt. When Pioneers in their onward journey hur- ried forward, two sisters, with joyous smiles and innocent glee, marched side by side, or by turns guided the reins of the useful steed, that drew the loaded wagons onward. As they tarried at a dwelling for rest, a young lady, lovely and refined in all her ways, displayed her library, and the con- versation was elevating and poetical. But those young ladies, whose souls seemed as one for a few passing hours, could no more mingle in harmony of soul as one. The Pioneers passed on to a western home, and as they went along the silent stream of Stillwater river, not a ruffle on the water, yet it looked forth in grandeur, as a noble work of the Creator, God. They commented, concerning the placdd stream, but a sound broke on their ears. Then behold, circling waves, verging to a centre, round and round surged the edying waves, whirling, roaring, carrying all beneath the tunnel-formed waters. The youth's paused, then passed on; but a second Whirlpool saluted their wondering gaze. Then they smiled to see whatever they saw fit to consign to the watery elements; whirl round and 258 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. round, sink lower and lower, till lost in an un- known abyss. But "where are those sisters now f' Ah! The edying wave of time has surged and whirled the rounds of thirty-two annual revolutions; but some of those travelers have not yet fathomed the verg- ing goal. The oldest of those sisters, who walked along the green verdant banks of Stillwater, is the writer of this volume.— And in California, meeting trials and disappointments, dwells one, whose lovely face is pictured on the minds eye, in liga- ments, never to be effaced. But if friends meet no more on earth, there is a point of time, when lost to mortal gaze the faithful soul ascends to God. There is a Divine power, far surpassing the wisdom of this world, that can lift the child of God, from seeming dissolution, to walk the paved streets of the New Jerusalem, and bathe in the Water of Life, and drink from the crystal foun- tain of Salvation and never fading Glory; while the boundless waves, shall usher continually, a more glorious crowning to the citizens of Zion. The elder Pioneer, the father, who battled with the trials of life, has by those trials found a more speedy exit from earth. That father, who told his little girl the first she ever knew of Jesus, is at rest, and two noble brothers have met speedy exits down the verging waves; and the remains of another Pioneer, who passed more westward in company with myself, and three little ones, is resting beneath the sod in Kansas. Also a most PART SECOND. 251) lovely daughter has left the vain scenes of earth. But there will be a joyful meeting, when the waves of time have whirled their rounds a little longer; for truly, a Journey of a day, is a picture of human life. 17 ^60 IXCIDEXTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. CHAPTER XCIL-NEW COUNTRY. In country new, near bogy roads, ore swampy lands, where dense forests have demanded the wood-man's ax; pole-bridges have made the trav- elers journey, in an early day, more passable; and notwithstanding their roughness, they are some- times a curiosity. Thirty-two years ere this time, when the loaded vehicles of a pioneer rolled over a pole-bridge. The bridge shook through the whole length of it, which was more than three quarters of a mile long; as though there were no tera-firma beneath it and was a fair representative of any thing, without a solid basis. And a great contrast to country, where dry Prairie meets the eye of the traveler, skirted with groves and clear rolling streams; yet the Creator has formed each portion of our America, having its own peculiar advantages. PART SECOXI*. 261 CHAPTER XCIII.-THE RECKLESS. When I was honored with citizen-ship in my Kansas home, a traveler called and I gave him food; he was a mere youth, but had wandered westward, far from his native roof. He said "in a dark corner of the earth, where cruelty and sin abounded, men's bones, where he had been, were bleeching on the ground." * I believe the traveler was honest in his decla- ration; he was employed for a time as a laborer in Florence, Kansas. Again another traveler called, and when a re- past was preparing, he said: "I spent last night in the new railroad town of Newton; there was only a thin partition between my room and a dy- ing man, that had been shot in the evening by a desparado. The poor mortal, who was about to launch into eternity, uttered desperate oaths, as long as his fast-ebbing life would permit the words to flow. Oh! it was draadt'iil, such as I never want to hear again." Thus spoke our guest, and I would add: "Let me not die the death of the wicked, and let not my last days be like theirs." I have heard the reck- less boast, that "wicked out-laws, full of nuirder and revenge, have died without fear, and when -262 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. they knew tliey were mortally wounded, have only thought of, and acted out revenge." Oh! how dreadful, thus to rush, as it were on Jehovah's bucler. No wonder, the ire of a Holy God would rest on the wicked, whom he will consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and with the lirightness of His coming. 'Tor God, out of Christ, is a con- suming fire." How dreadful for an immortal Being, to have the finer sensibilities of nature callous and dead, to right and truth. Lost, lost forever, from the society of those, who are clothed in fine linnen, clean and white, and who follow the Lamb, whith- ersoever he goeth; on whose triumphant banner will be inscribed: Victory, victory, glory immortal to God and the Lamb. PART SECOND. -^'^ CHAPTt:R XCIV.-VISITING THE SICK. RELIGION. While walking along the banks of a rolling stream, seven wolves, an old one and six nearly grown, were started quickly in my path-way and skulking hide or swim the stream and on an oasis stop. From a fountain I dipped a sparklhig draught, and as I homeward turned, saw a wild- cat watch me from a bush; but hastening onward, found a traveler at my home, who said, "With the consumption a lady expects soon to die. She has no joy or hope of heaven. No one to tell her what to do. Will you please to go and tell her what you know of a Christian's hope and heaven. She has expressed a wish to see you, and sent this request. Although the lady lived ten miles away ni Marion Center, those miles were quickly passed on horse-back: and by the couch of Mrs. C. Billings, we talked of Him who wept at the grave of Lazarus. The sympathizing friend who loved a fallen world, and gave Himself to die, that He might lu-ing onv wayward souls, to eternal life ni heaven. The afflicted one recovered for a tune, and was faithful to her vows. Though now, she has gone to brighter realms, to hear the angels 264 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. ►sing, and clothed in garments white, with heavenly glorious light. Behold her Lord and King. I will tell yon of another lady, who lived seven miles from my home in Kansas. Once she sent a man to tell me to come and see her. I could not go that day, but soon went. When I entered her dwelling, I found her sick on her bed. Then she said, "Why did you not come quick; I thought I was going to die, and could not, till I had seen you; but now I am better, and shall get well.'' I told her if you please we will read a little in my Testament, and then we will pray. She assented, and when we rose from prayer she said, "You don't pray like we do. We pray to the Father, Son and Mary. Once when I was sick, a priest had me swallow a little God." I had more than once lamented this woman's dark state of soul, and tried to hold the light of truth before her mind. But she thought she would get well, and served mammon all she could. One day I met her, and she said, "Mrs. Murray, the old Boy will get me. I swear; 1 get very mad; the old Boy will have me after a little." I told her to ask God to help her stop sinning. Then she said, '1 keep and image hanging by my bed, and look at it very often. I have another in my trunk; it is nice, and wrapped with gause. I often look to it. You belive your way, and I will mine." Again we met, and ere she saw me, I heard PART SEroxn. 2G5 such oaths, as I riever before heard a woman speak. But when she looked round, she said, "The priest has been here, and I will try to be a better Catholic." Once more we met. Then she said, 'T am toiling all the time, and after a while I will have to die, and leave the riches I have got; we have no children, and who will get what I have accu- mulated." I said, Mrs. B., would it not be nice to know how long you would live, and make use of some of your riches for your comfort at least. 8he said, "Yes, spend what I have got, and then they would say, one big fool at last." I left her never .to meet on earth again. But in eternity who will be the wise (that shall shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father,) l)ut those who trust in a Triune God; the Almighty Father, who was in Christ His well beloved Son: reconciling a fallen world unto Himself, and the Holy Spirit, sent trom God to bring us near to Him, before whom the angels bow, while blis^ unutterable, each holy being fills. The blessed Spirit, the Holy Comforter can cheer His chil- dren with sweeter joys than earth can give, even though they may be surrounded by floods and flames of tribulation. Soon the ArchangeF^ trump shall sound, and the echo, "Time shall be no longer;" rend the vaulted skies. A smiling Judge, most glorious, the ransomed ones shall meet. But oh! the text in God's Holy Book, let every sinner read, "God out of Christ is a con- -0() IXCIDEXTS OF FEONTIER LIFE. t:«iiming fire/' God cannot look upon sin, with the least degree of allowance: "Therefore let lis flee from sin, as from deadly poison, and by true and living faith in the Son of God, may our souls be made white as the light. Saved now and ever filled with all the sweetness of the Gospel, sit at the feet of Jesus, and when the books are opened at the great day of general assizes, our souls shall appear in all the beauty and purity of the ransomed. C'lirist bids the guilty now draw near; Repent, believe, dismiss your fear. Hark, hark, what precious words I hear. Mercy is free, mercy is free. And when the vale of death, I've passed; When lodged above the stormy blast, I'll sing, while endless ages last. Mercy was free, mercy was free. Hallelujah I hallelujah I Amen. I'AKT SK(C)NI). :G7 •CHAPTER XCV.-THE PRAYER OF FAITH. There mas a time of extreme drouth in Kansas. It seemed that all vegetation would soon perish from the drying rays of mid-summer. Even dews failed to refresh the thirsty land. The time rolled round for a ciuarterly meeting at Cedar Grove, four miles from our dwelling. I filled the position of steward, and soon met the servants of God, at the place appointed for worship. Eld. Rice presided at the meetings. Soon after I met him, he remarked, 'Tt appears to me that there is not a spark of real piety, for the distance of twenty-five miles east of this.'' And in a sermon the next Sabbath morning, he re- marked, ^There has not one of you been praying for rain.^' Then he read from the Bible, "Ask of Me the early and latter riin." And after a very definite, sound and devout address delivered in his own peculiarly solemn and impressive manner, the congregation bowed in worship, while the elder gave utterance to prayer full of faith and power. In the afternoon of that day, when persons were collecting for service, they were compelled to hasten their steps, for abundance of ram f^ommenced to fall, and although in the former 268 INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE. part of the day, not a cloud was seen; yet at the close of the afternoon service, the water was standing in pools along the side of the street. But as we walked from the house of worship, one who had no thankful spirit, said, "I don't like that preacher; he prayed for rain, and there is not rain enough yet." But that night the face of nature was in a manner deluged by an unusual sweeping rain. The vines and gardens were revived, and comfort and nourishment afforded to many of the human family. The cause of God was honored by His faithful servant, whom God saw fit to honor. The prophet Elias prayed earnestly that it should not rain, and it rained not on the earth for the space of three years and six months; and he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded her increase. TART SKCOND. -200 CHAPTER XCVI.-A GUIDE. Children need the care of earthly parents; much more we need the presence and help of our heavenly Father. I will mention an incident for illustration. When passing homeward from a place of worship, ill company with a child, our rout lay across prairie land; suddeiily a mirage appeared before us. My child said, "It seems as though we would s:)on go into a lake of water: what shall we do.'' I ciuieted his fears, telling him, "It is only a deceitful mirage, fear not, we are on a well known path.'' But not till we could view the groves near our home, did the deception pass away. If my child had been alone, he would have fled from the right path, and wandered from his home. And if Jesus does not guide us in the journey of life, we will wander in i^aths of sin, gain much harm, and lose heaven. But if Jesus is with us how cheering the prospect; though floods of tribulation lie in our pathway, we shall be guided safely and securely beyond the trials of a deceitful world. Without Jesus, the soul is dark and blind; l)ut with Je-^us for our friend, the Holy Spirit our guide, God can fill our souls witli joy unspeakable, and full cf olc] y. il ( r i h -'0 IXCIDENTS OF FEONTIER LIFE. tried like Paul and Silas, who sung praises to God in prison. No angels arm had power to redeem a lost w^orld. God alone could pay the price of our redemption; he saw^ our lost estate, and infinite love arranged the plan. He left the sliiiniig seats above; Entered the grave in mortal flesh, And dwelt among the dead. Jesus told His followers: ''Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world.'^ The Holy Ghost can give power to His servants, and access to the heart of the wayward, and solid peace and joy to the humble child of God. Jesus has conquered death, and if the natural enmity of the human heart to God is changed to a fullness of heavenly love; so that w^e love God with all the soul mind and strength. Then we can say triumphantly, "Oh death, where is thy sting, Oh grave, where is thy victory.'" And w^e well might feel, it w-ould be better to depart from this mortal life, and put on immor- tality dwelling in the effulgence of that unutera- ble glory that awaits us. I know I am nearing the holy ranks, Of friends and kindred dear; For I brush the dews on Jordan's banks; The crossing must be near. TART SECOND. 271 Oh! come angel bands; Come and around me stand. Oh! hear me away on your snowy win<;> To my eternal home. I've almost gained my heavenly h:)me; My spirit loudly sings; The holy ones, behold they come; I liear the noise of wings. Oh! come angel bands, etc. Oh! bear my longing heart to llim Whe Vded and died for me; Whose blood now cleanses fro:n all sin, And gives me victory. Oh! come ans>:el l)ands, etc. ADDITIONAL. The aullior of lliis volume was born March 8, 1826. She was from earliest childhood the subject of religious impressions. At the age of nine years, her name was placed on the church-list. Jesus revealed Himself to her as a glorious Friend and Redeemer. Love to Jesus surpassed all earthly things in her estimation. Tears of love and joy often bedewed her face, while contemplating the love of the dear Saviour. The world with its allurements strove to draw her in its train, l^ut Jesus' love was more powerful and precious. When about the age of eighteen, God gave the power to believe and confess Jesus, an all sufficient Saviour, saving from all sin, sanctifying the soul, by faith in the dear Redeemer. From the very bottom of her soul she cried: 'T will, I do ]:)elieve" and after a little patient waiting and presistent faith, God sent the Holy Ghost with sealing pow- er, and gave the assurance, that not anything should separate her from the love of God in Christ Jesus. About Ihat lime, God brought mauy of the Youth's, who had leen taught by her in school, ADDITIONAL. 278 to the knowledge of His saving power. Being naturally of an extremely retiring disposition, a desire to do the will of God, under the influence of divine teaching, was the propelling motive, to action in the service of her Redeemer. Christ was pursecuted and His faithful servants will be also, and if the adversary of souls can block the wheels of salvation, He is ready for that deed; but God will not forsake or forget his little ones. God cared for, and watched over Mrs. Murray in all afliictions, dangers,. and trials; gave her a mis- sionary work to do in the West, made her indeed a friend to afflicted ones, who Avere far from the aid of physicians; and caused her to promulgate the Gospel, for the relief of thirsting, sin sick souls. She well knew, what mortal sufferings and phy- sical weakness meant, and therefore could smy- pathize with the afflicted. But God in His wisdom saw fit, that worldly treasures and hopes should perish; that he might draw his little one nearer to Himself, and fulfill all His own good will. After a sojourn of eighteen years in.Kansas, through the providence of God, Mrs. Murray re- turned to Goshen, Indiana; and now, as the eve- ning of life is approaching, she waits the directing of her heavenly Guide, and shall be watching for the brightest star that ever rose in the moral ho- rizon, to guide her to the unclouded Light of Im- mortal day. LoviNA. 274 ADDITiOXAL A DAILY FORM OF COVENANT. Blessed Father, loving Jesus, Holy Spirit, I give my body and soul into Thy hands, liave Thy whole Will on me; use me for Thy glory, and never let me grieve Thy spirit. • I Avill be Thine every moment and all Thou art is mine; may I be Thine forever. I give myself to Thee, give Thyself to me. Father, I reverence Thy majesty and sink before Thee. Thou art a holy God, I submit my all to Thee. I live under Thy inspec- tion and wonder at Thy glory. Blessed Jesus, Thou art my constant friend and companion. Thou art always with me. I can talk to Thee my medi- tor; Thou showest me the Father and my soul is. filled with what I call glory. Thou takest me out and bringest me in. Thou art ever with me ; Thou art my continual help. Holy Spirit, Thou art my comfortor; I feel from Thy blessed influence a con- tinual flame of holy love. I pray by Thy power, through Thee I am brought to Jesus, through Je- sus I am brought to the Father, and in the Father I am lost, swallowed up in what I call glory; and 1 can say, glory be to the Father, glory be to the Son, and glory be to the Holy Spirit. I have union with the Trinity, thus: I see the Son through the Spirit, I find the Father through the Son, and Gcd is my all in all. Amen and Amen. i