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 PIONEER:, 
 
 A Story if tb^e ;f'4cikin|;. 
 
 4if Kai'isiis 
 
 
 
 
 By 
 
 
 
 
 
 .^ 
 
h Pioneer 
 

 Silent in Thought and Alone.' 
 
-5< 
 
 Pioneer^ 
 
 A Story of the Making 
 gf Kansas 
 
 Br 
 WILLIAM A. McKEEVER 
 
 Professor of Philosophy in the Kansas State 
 Agricultural College 
 
 Crane Ca. Company, Publishers 
 
 Topeka, Kansas 
 
 1911 
 
 •X 
 

 Copyright 1911, 
 By William A. McKeever. 
 
 ©ClA303:Ji3 
 
e Pioneer' 
 
By the same Author 
 
 I. Psychology and Higher Life. 
 
 II. Psychologic Method in Teaching. 
 
 III. Farm Boys and Girls. 
 
 IV. Home-Training Bulletins : 
 
 1. The Cigarette-Smoking Boy. 
 
 2. Teaching the Boy to Save. 
 
 3. Training the Girl to Help in the 
 
 Home. 
 
 4. Assisting the Boy in the Choice 
 
 of a Vocation. 
 
 5. A Better Crop of Boys and Girls. 
 
 6. Teaching the Boy to Work. 
 
 7. Teaching the Girl to Save. 
 
 8. Instructing the Young in Regard 
 
 to Sex. 
 
Dedication 
 
 ifn ntttttionnU rtmtmbrantit of tl|i? pxanttr mm ani 
 
 mamen voifa stttieh upon tl}t pinina 
 
 of KattHafi 
 
 'Now one by one they are passing, those brave 
 
 Pioneers of fair Kansas, 
 Over the River forever ; and as, from the far dis- 
 
 tand landing. 
 We hear the last stroke of the Oarsman through 
 
 vanishing heart-beat resound. 
 There comes a mysterious message to comfort 
 
 and soothe the remaining : 
 Fear not, for I will be with thee and o'er the dark 
 
 waters will bear thee. 
 With unfailing strength to thy haven, where thou 
 
 too hast earned thy reward!" 
 
 See page 96l 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 'Silent in Thought and Alone" .... Frontispiece 
 
 (< c 
 
 Kansas!' with Joy He Exclaimed, 'Land 
 OF My Hopes and Ambitions!'" 21 
 
 "Quickly upon the Wild Flower Fell the 
 
 Keen Eye of Elvira" 47 
 
 "So with the Two on the Prairie 
 
 Alone with Their Ox-team and Wagon," 71 
 
 "The Cabin Alone on the Prairie, En- 
 larged AND Partly Rebuilt" 83 
 
Introduction 
 
 For many years past I have felt a strong 
 desire to write some sort of story of the pio- 
 neer settler upon the Western prairies. It 
 has always seemed to me that the stories 
 of early life have had too much tendency 
 to cast a cloud of gloom upon a situation 
 that was anything but unhappy. We must 
 not forget that happiness is a relative term, 
 and that the primitive settlers — although 
 deprived of many of the ordinary comforts 
 and some of the necessities of life, as we 
 now view the matter — were reasonably 
 happy and contented with what they pos- 
 sessed and buoyant with hope of a better 
 time to come. There was joy and laughter 
 and singing among the inhabitants of those 
 primitive dugouts and cabins, just as there 
 are such things today among us, their de- 
 scendants, who dwell under more propitious 
 skies. 
 
 In relating this story I have followed in 
 the main the true biographies of my own 
 parents, giving the story as related to me 
 
by them and other pioneers. It has been 
 my behef that the simple but courageous 
 Hves they lived might be made to appear 
 praiseworthy, and the more so because of 
 the point of view of the story. 
 
 The reader will readily observe that the 
 best -known events of pioneer history are 
 merely mentioned here. Such was the in- 
 tention of the author, the purpose being to 
 leave those matters to the truly historical 
 records and to write down for posterity a 
 number of homelier pioneer scenes and events 
 that are rapidly disappearing from the minds 
 of the living. Indeed, if we wish to find 
 inspiration and help in the examples of our 
 ancestors, we must be able to understand 
 as nearly as possible just how they passed 
 their daily routine lives. 
 
 If this story should be the means of in- 
 culating a larger measure of respect and 
 reverence for those who performed so nobly 
 the work of laying out an empire upon a 
 barren waste, then I shall be exceedingly 
 happy over the outcome. W. A. M. 
 
The Pioneer 
 
 Prelude 
 
 Silent in thought and alone, at the close of 
 
 a day in November, 
 Reclined a silver-haired man, a grand sire 
 
 of near eighty winters ; 
 His grandchildren playing about him for the 
 
 moment having withdrawn, 
 Leaving him there with his musings. Remi- 
 niscent now he was. 
 Recalling to mind once more the stirring 
 
 scenes of his lifetime ; 
 And then as the slow-fading twilight came 
 
 softly in from the westward, 
 Picturing ill-defined shadows of the various 
 
 objects around him. 
 The old man lapsed into a dream, a terrific 
 
 struggle beholding 
 Out on the open wide plains, while the hot 
 
 sun was beating upon him, 
 Furiously tried and enraged with some 
 
 mighty giant he wrestled ; 
 
grije pioneer 
 
 And youthful again, he threw all the strength 
 of his buoyant young life 
 
 Into the combat ferocious, till the long 
 morning hours were far spent. 
 
 Now as the noonday drew onward, the com- 
 batants paused for awhile — 
 
 Stern Opposition Bold and the Pioneer Son 
 of the Prairie — 
 
 Then saw in each other's eyes some token of 
 favor and friendship ; 
 
 And ere had commenced to gather the mel- 
 lowing shadows of evening. 
 
 Complacently joined hand in hand these 
 one-time implacable foes 
 
 Were wending together their way through 
 wealth-laden grainfields and meadows. 
 
 Thus ended the youthful dream — the bois- 
 t'rous young children returning — 
 
 Symbolic in outline and form of the pioneer's 
 life on the prairies. 
 
 Gather about me, ye Children, ye many 
 
 Grandchildren attend me; 
 Hear while I tell you a story, a tale of the 
 
 brave pioneer. 
 
 Page 16\ 
 
Cfje Pioneer 
 
 a a a 
 
 The Journey Westward 
 
 Early one morning in May, in a year of the 
 middle fifties, 
 
 There walked a youthful man, over the 
 prairies he journeyed. 
 
 Far from the East he had come, from his 
 native home in Ohio, 
 
 Where his life of twenty-odd years had been 
 spent in the primitive forest. 
 
 For many long days he had traveled, now 
 by boat, and now by rail, 
 
 To the village of Keokuk, then alone on foot 
 through Missouri. 
 
 Straight and erect was this youth, and steady 
 of step and demeanor; 
 
 Stout and unyielding his heart as that of the 
 ancient Crusader 
 
 Who, spurred by religious zeal, set out to- 
 ward the Holy City; 
 
 And never had armored knight more zeal 
 for excitement or conquest. 
 
 Or was Gallihad seeking the Grail, of vic- 
 tory any more sanguine. 
 
 And now as the noonday sun was warming 
 the face of the landscape, 
 
 [Page 17 
 
i;f)e pioneer 
 
 Archibald rested awhile underneath a wide- 
 spreading oak tree, 
 
 Then entered the woodland below that 
 skirted the muddy Missouri, 
 
 And after a half-hour more along the dim 
 path in the forest 
 
 A humble cabin was reached, the lodge of 
 some sturdy frontiersmen, — 
 
 Three faithful hunters, collecting the skins 
 of the mink and the beaver. 
 
 Had they aught for the hungry to eat? and 
 a bed for the weary traveler? 
 
 Indeed! with abundance to spare, and like- 
 wise a welcome most hearty! 
 
 So with the two men he sat — the third hav- 
 ing gone up the river — 
 
 And gladly he shared their store of venison, 
 fish, and wild honey, 
 
 And cakes of the barley-meal baked on a 
 stone by the camp-fire. 
 
 Then, long and freely they talked — the hunt- 
 ers of eastern Kentucky, 
 
 Where more than two years before they set 
 out on their uncertain journey ; 
 
 And Archibald told of Ohio, how the loved 
 ones and many friends there, 
 
 In numbers came in when he left them, bid- 
 ding an anxious farewell, 
 
 Page 18] 
 
QTfte pioneer 
 
 Warning of famine and Indians, predict- 
 ing at last a dire fate — 
 
 That never again should they see him; 
 while others stoutly declared 
 
 That they longed to be free to go and like- 
 wise seek homes on the prairies; 
 
 That when he reported success, they with 
 all their possessions 
 
 Would follow and bring many with them 
 and there lay out a village. 
 
 And when Archibald told how his mother 
 had walked by his side 
 
 Down to the boat-landing fondly to give 
 him her last benediction, 
 
 Moist with tears were his eyes and husky 
 his voice with emotion; 
 
 And proudly he produced a New Testa- 
 ment that she had given him. 
 
 At nightfall the other returned, bringing 
 
 the boat down the river ; 
 Then peaceful they slept in the cabin, and 
 
 early at first sign of day 
 On the morrow their little boat over the 
 
 river would bear him, 
 With ample provisions well stocked, and 
 
 set him again on his journey. 
 
 [Page 19 
 
QTfje -pioneer 
 
 The Promised Land 
 
 In beauty the morning returned; and just 
 
 as the dayhght appeared 
 The fragile boat with its burden, the trav- 
 eler and his companion, 
 Pushed out for the other shore. Without 
 
 any mishap they landed, 
 And after a hasty farewell at the brink of the 
 
 turbulent river. 
 Archibald quickly ascended ; then mounting 
 
 a rugged cliff. 
 Wrapped in surprise and wonder he looked 
 
 on the landscape before him. 
 The rich rolling prairie all clad in green 
 
 vestments of beauty, 
 Adorned with many bouquets of lilies and 
 
 sweet-scented wild-flowers. 
 Kansas! with joy he exclaimed, land of my 
 
 hopes and ambitions! 
 
 How little the traveler dreamed of the riches 
 
 buried beneath him! 
 How little he conceived of the wealth that 
 
 the soil held in treasure! 
 How little he then foresaw that for many 
 
 long years in the future. 
 
 Page 20] 
 
Kansas!^ with joy he exclaimed, 'land of my hopes and 
 
 amhitions r " 
 
tlte pioneer 
 
 These prairies should be the scenes of such 
 stirring human endeavor! 
 
 But hark ! To his ears there came the clear 
 simple note of a song-bird, 
 
 A bright little meadow lark, that same true 
 companion and friend 
 
 That had sung to him back in Ohio. Quiet 
 he stood entranced; 
 
 For never since Phoebus Apollo came proudly 
 forth from Delphi, 
 
 Heralded by nightingales' songs of spring- 
 time, whereupon, 
 
 Catalia's crystal fount and the dashing 
 stream of Cephissus 
 
 Their bounds wide o'erflowed, and the people 
 made worshipful offerings, — 
 
 Never since then has mortal soul responded 
 to song any sweeter. 
 
 And as from the eastern hills the welcoming 
 sun overpouring. 
 
 Stern duty now recalled and broke off the 
 spell of enchantment, 
 
 Straightway Archibald turned; then, find- 
 ing no pathway to guide him. 
 
 Proceeded on his way through the dew- 
 glinted prairies to westward. 
 
 His firm elastic step keeping time with his 
 quick-measured heart-beat. 
 
 Page 22] 
 
tKfje pioneer 
 
 Eager he hastened along. The well-beaten 
 trail of the bison 
 
 Now pointing the winding way, and now 
 through the prairies he wandered, 
 
 In search of a tract of land, a homestead 
 that suited his fancy. 
 
 Occasionally a small hut or crudely-con- 
 structed foundation 
 
 Conspicuously marked the location now 
 abandoned and lonely. 
 
 Where some other pioneer bold had cen- 
 tered his hopes of the future. 
 
 But Archibald's former home had been in 
 
 the heart of the forest. 
 Where oft he had cleared out a farm, by 
 
 the aid of fathers and brothers. 
 Only to sell out again and once more fron- 
 
 tiersward to wander. 
 Now a homelike location he sought, where 
 
 slopes gently undulating. 
 With peaceful valleys between, and off to 
 
 the distance a woodland. 
 Should form a composite scene, superb in 
 
 its beauty and grandeur. 
 
 [Page 23 
 
Ct)e pioneer 
 
 The Long Journey Ended 
 
 Though hardships all the way and many 
 privations were suffered, 
 
 At length the long journey was ended. 
 'Twas a Sabbath eve ideal ; 
 
 And something pervading the place — the 
 breath of the low, gentle breezes, 
 
 The soft mellow bands of light in the west- 
 ern sky after sunset, 
 
 The delicate perfume of soil with its un- 
 marred adornments of verdure, — 
 
 All these things and others therewith were 
 somehow suggestive of worship. 
 
 Instinctively Archibald kneeled, and fer- 
 vently there outpouring 
 
 Acclamations of praise and thanksgiving, 
 very solemnly he vowed 
 
 In the name of the Most High forever to be 
 true to the trust 
 
 Which the Father had placed in his keeping. 
 
 And now, having wandered far 
 From the camp of the nearest settler, a 
 
 meager lunch was enjoyed 
 From the scanty store in his knapsack ; then 
 
 weary at length of the way, 
 
 Page U] 
 
i;f)e pioneer 
 
 A bed of dead grass was prepared whereon 
 he should spend the night. 
 
 How passing strange it seemed! For while 
 from the woods in the distance 
 
 The cry of the hungry wolf and the blood- 
 curdling shriek of the panther 
 
 Rang out on the chilling night air as dire 
 forewarnings of danger — 
 
 Bright in the sky above him the beckoning 
 stars reappeared, 
 
 As signaling earthward a message of heav- 
 enly care and protection. 
 
 So peaceful the traveler slept and dreamed 
 
 of the toil of the morrow ; 
 And never a brighter dawn, or a day more 
 
 inviting to labor. 
 Off in the distance yonder, the dim lines of 
 
 smoke curling upward, 
 Marked in peculiar way the newly-found 
 
 cla,ims of the settlers, 
 Neighbors all from the regions diverse, whom 
 
 a Fate most strange had gathered. 
 Uniting them closely now in a mutual bond 
 
 of affection. 
 
 [Page 25 
 
^Tfje pioneer 
 
 The New-Found Neighbors are Visited 
 
 Leaving an upright staff with handkerchief 
 fastened upon it, 
 
 Thus to mark the site where he purposed 
 to build him a cabin, 
 
 Straightway Archibald went to learn of the 
 plans of the others. 
 
 Some like himself were on foot ; others had 
 traveled in wagons. 
 
 And here and there an ox-team not far from 
 the camp-side was grazing. 
 
 Among them all a few tools and implements 
 crude were carried. 
 
 And likewise had others provided small 
 stock of Indian corn, 
 
 And meager supply of seeds and sprouting 
 bulbs for the garden. 
 
 Willingly now they arranged for a mutual 
 exchange of labor 
 
 The tough rigid sod to turn, or logs to hew 
 for the cabins. 
 
 Not a few of this sturdy band were com- 
 fortably housed in the dugout. 
 
 While now and then was seen the dark- 
 colored form of the sod-house. 
 
 Page 
 
tCfje pioneer 
 
 And many a jest went round as they talked 
 of their mansions and castles, 
 
 Or of how like those children of old, the 
 Israelites, they had come 
 
 To a land rich with milk and wild honey. 
 And was it not so? 
 
 Had not God's hand safely led them to 
 where His treasures were hidden? 
 
 Were not the soil, the moisture, the num- 
 berless shafts of bright sunbeams. 
 
 The health-laden breezes of summer, all 
 with His riches stored? 
 
 And so, well-content, they dwelt in their 
 newly-found homes on the prairies; 
 
 Alike the cares and privations, the joys and 
 triumphs, they shared 
 
 Each with the others a part, awaiting with 
 patience the harvest. 
 
 But stoutly the unbroken turf their force- 
 ful encroachments resisted. 
 
 And meager and poor indeed was the first 
 season's product when gathered. 
 
 [Page 27 
 
tKije pioneer 
 
 Indian Summer on the Plains 
 
 And then came quietly on those halcyon 
 
 days of the autumn. 
 Nature, now more calm, putting off her gay 
 
 vestments of summer, 
 Slowly her somber robes assumes, prophetic 
 
 of chilling winter. 
 Tinged with gray are the prairies now, yel- 
 low and golden the forests ; 
 Reddened and dimmed the sun's great face 
 
 high over all is watching 
 In solemn contemplative mood, the life of 
 
 the landscape receding ; 
 While a smoky haze hangs low, obscuring 
 
 the distant horizon. 
 Faint from the upper air is heard the weird 
 
 cry of the blue-crane, 
 That sad and plaintive refrain, a warning 
 
 of winter's privations ; 
 While far toward the western hills that 
 
 stately old monarch, the bison. 
 Is leading his hosts away to their winter 
 
 range in the highlands — 
 What mind can ponder all these and not 
 
 feel the weight of dejection .f^ 
 
 Page 
 
Wi)t pioneer 
 
 Is there any courage so strong as to stand 
 before them undaunted? 
 
 So, wan and unspeakably sad, one evening 
 
 late in October, 
 Archibald sat deep in thought at the door 
 
 of his humble cabin; 
 A settler had ridden that way from the post 
 
 and brought him a letter, 
 A message from home and friends and all the 
 
 neighborhood gossip ; 
 And now while pensive Night was folding 
 
 her black robe about him. 
 There seized upon his frame an impulse 
 
 well-nigh irresistible 
 Back to his home to return and there cease 
 
 his wanderings forever. 
 But soon the hot passion was past, and rea- 
 son again returning. 
 The steadfast purpose recalled to found a 
 
 new home on the prairies. 
 
 [Page 29 
 
^fje pioneer 
 
 Fierce Winter Breaks In on the Scene 
 
 Now came the winter on, hke the shadow 
 of some mighty demon; 
 
 Over the open plains all bared by the fires 
 of the Indians, 
 
 The unchecked northwind swept with its 
 missiles of sharp piercing arrows; 
 
 And driven before its force, the fleet hare, 
 the prowling coyote. 
 
 The swift-flying plover, the quail, and num- 
 berless flocks of wild chicken. 
 
 Alike to some sheltered nook or glen with- 
 drew for protection. 
 
 Anon the drifting snow lay deep in the val- 
 leys and gulches ; 
 
 Anon the sun peeped out and briefly en- 
 livened the landscape ; 
 
 While closely housed in their caves dim- 
 lighted, or in their cabins, 
 
 The few homesick settlers passed the weari- 
 some days in seclusion. 
 
 Tending their smoking fires, or chinking up 
 cracks with mud mortar, 
 
 Or heaping the turf around to keep out the 
 cold and the moisture. 
 
 Page 30] 
 
®l)e pioneer 
 
 Simple indeed was their fare, but the meat 
 
 of the hare and the sage-hen 
 Was added to what meagre store they had ; 
 
 and with any who lacked, 
 Provisions were shared by the neighbors; 
 
 and finally everyone safe — 
 Suspended hope slow returning — was 
 
 brought alive through the winter. 
 
 [Page 31 
 
tlTfje pioneer 
 
 Spring Returns with a Voice of Freedom 
 
 And now once again came the springtime; 
 
 over the bare brown earth, 
 Superb in its freshness and beauty, a mantle 
 
 of green spread out, 
 Inspiring the settlers all with ardent hopes 
 
 of the future ; 
 And earnestly all fell to in the work of im- 
 proving the homesteads. 
 Late from their eastern homes whence the 
 
 fame of the new lands had lured them, 
 Came now a mighty host, on foot and in 
 
 slow-moving wagons; 
 Many in quest of homes, but some with the 
 
 thirst of adventure ; 
 Ruffians not a few there were among them, 
 
 inciting to riot. 
 
 Should now this virgin domain favor bond- 
 age or freedom forever? 
 
 Should the sound of the lash be heard, or 
 ever the clank of shackles 
 
 Resound to mar her fair name? Or a man 
 possess as mere chattels 
 
 The body and soul of his brother, or make 
 his brother afraid? 
 
 Page 32] 
 
tlTfje pioneer 
 
 Would they ask of the teeming soil that 
 
 treasured for all such abundance? 
 Would they ask of the sky overhead that 
 
 ever dropped blessings upon them? 
 Would they ask of the balmy air that wafted 
 
 such incense among them? 
 Would they ask of their inmost souls where 
 
 God should be speaking in wisdom? — 
 Whether all these free gifts were for some 
 
 and none of them meant for the others? 
 Nay! It could never be so, for the Father 
 
 Almighty forbade it! 
 
 But firmly the issues were drawn and slowly 
 
 the forces were mustered. 
 In solid ranks arrayed to fight for the South 
 
 or the Union. 
 And once again as of old, in a mighty har- 
 vest of carnage 
 Was garnered a precious Truth of God : 
 
 That half bond and half free, 
 No race of man may long hope to stand in 
 
 the light of his favor. 
 But seeing their erring ways must mend or 
 
 forever must perish! 
 Oh, that terrible carnage of war! How 
 
 brother fell upon brother. 
 
 [Page 33 
 
Witt pioneer 
 
 While over the face of the land came the 
 
 pall of death and destruction, — 
 May its awful details be effaced from the 
 
 minds of the living forever! 
 For long in their silent graves its countless 
 
 victims have slumbered; 
 Hushed and forgotten now are the piteous 
 
 cries of the orphans 
 And widows lamenting sore their most 
 
 wretched state of dejection; 
 While Time has been seeking to heal the 
 
 heartstrings once bleeding and broken. 
 
 Page 
 
Cfje pioneer 
 
 The Faithful Pastor and His Flock 
 
 And now for other scenes, but of goodness 
 
 and growth more prophetic. 
 Where moral wars will be waged and the 
 
 strongholds of evil surrendered. 
 
 Conspicuous among the throng of those 
 
 seeking homesteads in Kansas, 
 Came good young Brother Knipe, bringing 
 
 all his worldly belongings, — 
 A faithful wife by his side, and their pre- 
 cious flock of young children ; 
 Slowly they crept along in an ox-wagon 
 
 covered with canvas. 
 How tedious indeed seemed the way! How 
 
 slender their stock of provisions! 
 Threadbare and worn were their garments; 
 
 and yet of the future, how hopeful. 
 As daily their prayers went up to the 
 
 Father's throne for protection. 
 While out of the Sacred Word the pastor 
 
 would read a short message. 
 
 Can anything stand in the way of a faith 
 that is anchored so firmly! 
 
 [Page 35 
 
Wfjt pioneer 
 
 Can nakedness, famine, or sword, or peril 
 
 of other dire nature 
 Ever once subdue the soul that is fixed in so 
 
 firm a foundation? 
 So now to good Brother Knipe it seemed 
 
 that the hand of the Father 
 Was pointing clearly the way with many a 
 
 sign of fulfillment 
 Of promises spoken of old to all who would 
 
 follow His guidance. 
 And so they journeyed along for many a 
 
 week to the westward. 
 In quest of a suitable place to establish a 
 
 home and a mission. 
 Or a settled place wherein the pastor could 
 
 lay out a circuit. 
 
 Page 36] 
 
®f)e pioneer 
 
 A Call to Preach Accepted 
 
 At length that happy day with all its bright 
 
 prospects came to them. 
 A fertile, open land lay shimmering there 
 
 in the sunshine ; 
 A growth of fresh green grass appeared in 
 
 abundance and beauty, 
 And a winding stream near by insured the 
 
 convenience of water. 
 While the settlers far and near would give 
 
 them a hearty reception. 
 Remain with us, they urged, and preach in 
 
 our tents and our cabins 
 The same old gospel truth we heard so often 
 
 back in the homeland! 
 Remain but a little while and we will erect 
 
 a church building. 
 And so the compact was sealed, the settlers 
 
 all willingly joining ; 
 With axes and spikes came the men and 
 
 quickly constructed a dwelling 
 Wherein with his dear little flock the pastor 
 
 could dwell in contentment. 
 
 And now came the women, too, with many 
 a gift for the cabin — 
 
 [Page 37 
 
ZKlje pioneer 
 
 Second-hand garments for all, and crude 
 
 things for use in the kitchen, 
 With ornaments not a few, and generous 
 
 stores for the table. 
 And then on the next Sabbath Day, much 
 
 like the Disciples of old, 
 Without a concerted plan were they led by 
 
 the heavenly Spirit 
 Unto a near-by place where they halted and 
 
 fervently worshipped. 
 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, be- 
 cause the Lord 
 Hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto 
 
 the meek! 
 To bind up the broken-hearted; to proclaim 
 
 liberty to the captives 
 And the opening of the prison to them that 
 
 are bound; 
 To comfort all that mourUy to give unto them 
 
 beauty for ashes; 
 That they might be called trees of righteous- 
 
 nessy the planting of the Lord. 
 
 Page 38] 
 
tKfje pioneer 
 
 A Camp-Meeting Planned 
 
 Thus from the good sacred Word the pastor 
 proclaimed the true gospel, 
 
 So touching the hearts of all with the power 
 of the Living Spirit 
 
 That each to his neighbor came with hand- 
 clasp and brotherly greeting, 
 
 While solemnly all made a vow to serve in 
 the cause of the Master. 
 
 In a near-by grove where God had builded 
 His own leafy temple 
 
 A sacred feast would be spread, a camp- 
 meeting lasting a fortnight. 
 
 So heralds hurried forth, far and wide over 
 hill and through valley. 
 
 Announcing at every door the time and the 
 place of the meeting ; 
 
 All should have blankets for beds, whoever 
 had wagons should bring them. 
 
 And vessels for cooking their meals, with 
 ample stock of provisions, — 
 
 For even when feasting the soul, the body 
 must not be neglected. 
 
 The middle of August came on, the time 
 for the festal occasion, 
 
 [Page 39 
 
®f)e pioneer 
 
 A lull in the farm season's work giving 
 promise of many attendants. 
 
 Vast and unbroken the prairies waved in 
 the warm summer breezes. 
 
 Claimed by none, yet common to all, 
 aw^aited the scythe and the mower; 
 
 Dotting the plains in small patches the sod 
 corn appeared with its treasure 
 
 Of well-formed ears ; conspicuous off in the 
 distance here and there. 
 
 Awaiting the threshers* flail, was the har- 
 vest of oats and of barley ; 
 
 Well furnished with produce the gardens 
 supplied every temporal need. 
 
 In cornfields and sodfields about lay wast- 
 ing the ripe, luscious melons. 
 
 How fitting and natural, then, that all 
 should unite in the service — 
 
 That all should devoutly acknowledge the 
 blessings God had vouchsafed them. 
 
 Renewing their pledges of faith in His in- 
 finite goodness and mercy; 
 
 Renewing their efforts to walk in the foot- 
 steps of Jesus the Christ, 
 
 Who redeems fallen men who heed his 
 righteous examples and precepts. 
 
 Page m 
 
i;f)e pioneer 
 
 All Gladly Assemble for the Festival 
 
 In ox-carts and canvas-top wagons, on foot 
 
 and on horseback, they came 
 With camp fixtures, stock of provisions; 
 
 some with Bibles and hymnals. 
 Quickly the men set to work removing the 
 
 brush and the brambles, 
 Or hewing the rough green slabs for making 
 
 the pulpit and benches. 
 So eagerly too were the women bestirring 
 
 themselves at the camp-sides. 
 Arranging the wares and provisions for 
 
 ready use in the cooking. 
 And out of a crevice below a spring of cool 
 
 water was gushing, 
 A fountain of life for the thirsty ; and down 
 
 at the creek-bed near by 
 The hand of the Father had formed a bap- 
 tismal basin of sandstone. 
 And now all in readiness waited the hour 
 
 of the coming service. 
 
 The Sabbath Day dawned most fair; for 
 
 out of the founts of the sky 
 A beautiful shower had just fallen, scenting 
 
 the air with its fragrance. 
 
 [Page U 
 
^i\t pioneer 
 
 Then o'er the camp deep silence reigned, as 
 
 out of the Holy Word, 
 Just at the hour of nine, the good Brother 
 
 Knipe read the lesson : — 
 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
 
 He maketh me to lie down 
 In green pastures: He leadeth me gently be- 
 side the still waters. 
 He restoreth my soul. Yea^ though I walk 
 
 through the valley of death, 
 I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; 
 
 Thy rod and Thy staff 
 They comfort me. Thou preparest a table 
 
 for me in the presence of my foes; 
 Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup 
 
 runneth over. Surely 
 Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the 
 
 days of my life: 
 And I will dwell in the house of the Lord 
 
 forever. 
 Then came the sacred hymn. While Good 
 
 Deacon Brown lined the stanzas, 
 In rapturous tones the voices of all through 
 
 the timber resounded : 
 
 Oh, for a faith that will not shrink. 
 
 Though pressed by every foe; 
 That will not tremble on the brink 
 Of every earthly woe. 
 
 Page ^2] 
 
tlTfje pioneer 
 
 The Power of the Spirit Prevails 
 
 Rhythmically to and fro swayed the forms 
 
 of some of the elders, 
 While others were beating with hand-claps 
 
 the measured time of the music; 
 Instinctively all seemed to feel the power 
 
 of the Spirit within them, 
 And that God had marked this place as the 
 
 scene of a mighty revival. 
 The meetings continued at length, each 
 
 day bringing deeper devotion. 
 And while from the pulpit the warning like 
 
 some awful doom was sounded. 
 Quietly through the assembly proceeded a 
 
 band of the workers. 
 Pleading with heedless sinners that they 
 
 flee from the wrath of heaven. 
 Bidding them come to the altar and there 
 
 seek remission of sins. 
 
 Hardened indeed was the heart that would 
 not feel the force of such preaching ! 
 
 Stubborn indeed the will that resisted such 
 earnest persuasion! 
 
 Old men long practiced in guile, who had 
 wronged and hated their fellows ; 
 
 [Page J^3 
 
Cfte pioneer 
 
 Others whose hearts harbored sin and who 
 came to make sport of the meetings ; 
 
 Neighbors whose greed made them foes, and 
 who no longer greeted each other, — 
 
 These and a great many more, now touched 
 by the power of the preaching, 
 
 All penitent, wrought with emotion, fell 
 prostrate there at the altar : 
 
 Some in loud tones their sins were confess- 
 ing, and pleading for mercy ; 
 
 Some lay dazed and speechless, or moaning ; 
 some with much fervor were singing, 
 
 O'erjoyed with the thought that their hus- 
 bands or wives or fathers or brothers 
 
 Had repented at last and turned to the cross 
 of Christ for salvation. 
 
 Laboriously now and long the members all 
 worked with the converts, 
 
 Explaining the way of salvation or giving 
 assurance of peace; 
 
 In happy confusion and led by the Spirit, 
 at random they prayed 
 
 Or sang broken lines from the church 
 hymns or shouted loud hallelujahs. 
 
 So on and on they continued from early 
 forenoon till near sunset, 
 
 None noting the passing hours or stopping 
 to think of their dinner. 
 
 Page U] 
 
^fft pioneer 
 
 Now you who would scoff at religion or any 
 
 such primitive worship, 
 May ever your lips remain sealed until you 
 
 have made explanation 
 Of that Mysterious Power which melts the 
 
 hard heart of the sinner — 
 Which takes away malice and envy and sub- 
 stitutes love for base hatred, 
 Which gives the sad beauty for ashes and 
 
 the oil of joy for mourning. 
 The garment of praise for dejection; and 
 
 yet more than all of these. 
 Which brings to the penitent soul that peace 
 
 which surpasseth all knowledge. 
 
 Then, after the many were baptized, re- 
 ceiving remission of sins. 
 
 With kind and affectionate partings all 
 turned once more to their homesteads. 
 
 [Page J^5 
 
l^fje pioneer 
 
 Story of the White Rose 
 
 Out on the roadside lone, away from the 
 
 scenes of endeavor, 
 Blossomed a delicate rose, with brambles 
 
 and bushes around it. 
 White as a lily it was, and all the sweet 
 
 incense of morning 
 Appeared to be latent within it : but whence 
 
 had it sprung? 
 And why should it linger there alone, yet 
 
 in seeming contentment? 
 The angels of heaven relate how early in 
 
 springtime their Father 
 A rare seed had tenderly planted, and with 
 
 forethought divine had placed 
 In its delicate folds a secret, a precious com- 
 mission of beauty. 
 
 For none of His beauty is wasted ; the song- 
 birds that sweetly warble 
 
 Unheard in the pristine forest, the flowers 
 that lavishly blossom 
 
 On mountain heights far from the haunts of 
 men, the bed of the ocean 
 
 Strewn with rich pearls and sea-mosses, and 
 likewise the vast boundless space 
 
 Page ^6] 
 
Quickly upon the wild flower fell the keen eye of Elvira.'' 
 
Cfie pioneer 
 
 Of the universe, radiant all over with splen- 
 dors bright tinted, — 
 
 These, yea! all these and more, in His 
 own good time shall contribute 
 
 Their meed of the grandeur that makes up 
 His Kingdom of Glory. 
 
 So with the wild rose blooming unnoticed 
 
 alone in the wildwood. 
 Its secret rare withheld and bided its time 
 
 of fulfillment. 
 Early in June one bright day, when all the 
 
 young vigor of Nature 
 Stood forth in fresh, leafy forms, filling her 
 
 heart with enchantment. 
 There traveled a child that way, a bright 
 
 happy girl of ten summers. 
 Radiant with beauty her face, fanned by the 
 
 breezes of morning ; 
 Ruddy and sweet were her lips, kissed by 
 
 the sunlight of heaven. 
 Quickly upon the wild-flower fell the keen 
 
 eye of Elvira, 
 And out to its beauty there flowed the 
 
 passionate strength of her love. 
 Fondly she took up the rose, enfolding in 
 
 the soft, moist earth 
 
 Page 4S] 
 
tlTfie pioneer 
 
 The growth of deHcate roots, and carried it 
 
 tenderly homeward. 
 And there in a half-shaded spot, not far 
 
 from the hardy young lilac 
 And sweet-scented moss-rose that grew in 
 
 her quaint rustic dooryard, 
 Deftly her treasure replanted. And faith- 
 fully here day by day. 
 As the long summer season passed on, 
 
 patient Elvira returned ; 
 For deep in her own pure heart, all rhythmic 
 
 with pulse-beats of music. 
 Strange and ineffably sweet, responded a 
 
 chord, soft subdued. 
 Meeting with accents most rare, the secret 
 
 God placed in the rosebud. 
 So she kept watch o'er her treasure, watered 
 
 and digged well about it. 
 Thus wooing its waning life back to its full 
 
 strength and vigor. 
 
 So for a decade Elvira, true to the prompt- 
 ings within her. 
 
 Ardently cared for her flowers, until from 
 their progeny came 
 
 A beautiful bed of roses, white, and trans- 
 formed by selection 
 
 Into the fairest of forms, the best that her 
 
 culture could give them. 
 
 [Page ^9 
 
Cfje pioneer 
 
 The Maid of the Prairies, and Her 
 Charms 
 
 Ages ago, says Tradition, out of the foam 
 of the ocean 
 
 Sprang Aphrodite, a maiden who brought 
 love into the world. 
 
 Ennobling the natures of all by making 
 them pure and unselfish. 
 
 Ever since then has this passion, fiery, un- 
 quenchable still. 
 
 Reigned in the hearts of the people, out- 
 lasting warfare and conquest. 
 
 Stronger than selfish ambition or even the 
 power of religion. 
 
 Wherefore not unexpected should courtship 
 creep in at the church-door. 
 
 Allying itself with the worship, offering 
 God its assistance. 
 
 And so from her home came Elvira, over 
 
 the hills from Missouri, 
 Out on the plains of Kansas to visit and live 
 
 with her sisters 
 Margaret and Ellen, whose husbands had 
 
 settled on claims together. 
 
 Page 50] 
 
tKfte pioneer 
 
 Fair of complexion this maiden, whose 
 twenty short years had perfected 
 
 And rounded her sprightly form, uniting 
 compactness and beauty ; 
 
 A heavenly blue were her eyes that spoke of 
 affection and firmness, 
 
 While flaxen and wavy her hair betokened 
 a sensitive nature, 
 
 And blushing upon her cheeks was the deli- 
 cate pink of the primrose; 
 
 Pure and chaste was her life as the lily that 
 grew by the brookside. 
 
 Acquainted with woodland and meadow as 
 well as with parlor and kitchen ; 
 
 The musical notes of the song-birds, the 
 piercing cry of the panther. 
 
 The lowing of cattle, the prospect of change 
 in the weather. 
 
 Haymaking, hoeing in cornfields, ox-driv- 
 ing, riding on ponies, — 
 
 All these and other such matters were thor- 
 oughly known to Elvira, 
 
 Whose aesthetic being was wont to render 
 them back as sweet music. 
 
 In the little log school-house back home, 
 the lessons mastered so well 
 
 Had fostered a love for books, the well- 
 chosen works of the Masters, 
 
 [Page 51 
 
tKlje pioneer 
 
 And many an hour alone had she passed 
 
 in reading her Bible, 
 Fixing in memory with ease the verses that 
 
 suited her nature. 
 
 Page 52] 
 
Wfit pioneer 
 
 A Stroll in the Shady Woodland 
 
 So it chanced that Elvira and Archibald 
 came to the meetings ; 
 
 Thrice before had they met at the Sunday- 
 school held in a cabin, 
 
 And there had a mutual friendship at once 
 sprung up between them; 
 
 Now more and more every day were they 
 seen in each other's presence, 
 
 Standing at times with the group, or sitting 
 alone at the camp-side. 
 
 Nor was all the time at the meetings de- 
 voted only to sermons ; 
 
 Many a joke or jest was heard, and many 
 a loud peal of laughter ; 
 
 Many new friendships were formed, none 
 waiting on ceremony. 
 
 Prices, the season's best crops, the question 
 of help in the haying. 
 
 Were favorite topics for men; while true 
 to their natures the women 
 
 Talked of the work of the household or 
 learned of the neighborhood gossip. 
 
 Early one bright afternoon Archibald called 
 for Elvira. 
 
 [Page 53 
 
tICfje pioneer 
 
 Wandering far through the woods they for- 
 got to return to the service. 
 
 Slowly down by the creek they strolled, now 
 pausing to catch the sound 
 
 Of a waterfall dashing below on the shifting 
 sands and pebbles; 
 
 Now scenting the perfume of woodland or 
 meadow, or feeling the breath 
 
 Of the warm summer breezes inducing re- 
 pose and happy contentment. 
 
 Page 5^] 
 
STfje pioneer 
 
 The Strong Oak and the Clinging Vine 
 
 Near by stood a sturdy young oak tree 
 among whose numerous branches 
 
 Graceful entwined a wild grape-vine with 
 clusters of fruit hanging under — 
 
 The first was a strong support, a defense 
 against harmful intrusion, 
 
 The second a delicate vessel, yet each seemed 
 a part of the other. 
 
 Under this cool, leafy bower Dame Nature 
 had woven a grass mat 
 
 As if she expected some callers; hereon 
 were seated the lovers, 
 
 Elvira with one arm encircling the trunk 
 of the stout young oak tree. 
 
 And Archibald holding a branch of the grace- 
 ful, low-hanging grape-vine. 
 
 With faltering voice and slow he told of his 
 work on the homestead — 
 
 How two years before he had come and 
 with jealous care had built 
 
 With unaided hands a cabin with slab roof 
 and earth floor and fireplace ; 
 
 And how he had planned to rebuild, pro- 
 viding more room and more comfort; 
 
 [Page 65 
 
Cl^e l^ioneer 
 
 How he had lived there alone, far away 
 from the sound of a neighbor; 
 
 How he had planted out trees and struggled 
 to wrest from the sod-land 
 
 A small crop of corn and of barley; how 
 fondly he'd dreamed and hoped 
 
 For future success and contentment, with 
 grain and stock in abundance, 
 
 With at length a magnificent home for him- 
 self and 
 
 Pausing he turned to Elvira, whose eyes 
 were now moist with emotion, 
 
 Whose deeply sensitive nature had been 
 touched by his simple story 
 
 Of loneliness, suffering, longing for closer 
 friends and companions. 
 
 For some moments speechless they sat di- 
 vining each other's true motives ; 
 
 Meanwhile the sunlight was fading in dusk 
 and all nature was quiet. 
 
 Save for the turbulent heart-beat which 
 sounded confession within them. 
 
 Then Archibald faltered : Elvira, I seem not 
 unlike this young oak tree, 
 
 Excepting I stand quite alone with no pre- 
 cious burden to carry. 
 
 Will you take the place of the vine, ever 
 clinging to me for protection? 
 
 Fage 56] 
 
tKfje pioneer 
 
 Now while the soft fading twihght was 
 
 throwing its shadows about them, 
 Obscuring the place from the eyes of the 
 
 questioning world without ; 
 As clung the strong oak and the grape-vine 
 
 so the young man and the maiden, 
 There vowing forever united to travel their 
 
 life journey onward. 
 
 [Page 67 
 
tlTfje pioneer 
 
 A Dreadful Scourge Smites the Settlers 
 
 Quickly the months rolled around. Early 
 
 next year would Elvira 
 Return to the home of her people and there 
 
 to prepare for the wedding. 
 Archibald meanwhile worked faithfully, put- 
 ting his cabin in order, 
 Breaking the sod with his ox-team, and 
 
 bringing his crops under shelter. 
 But late in the summer the settlers began 
 
 to suffer from fever, 
 A scourge most malignant o'er taking them 
 
 ere the autumn was passed. 
 Like some savage beast of the forest that 
 
 stealthily creeps unexpected 
 Out of its lair creating great terror in camp 
 
 and in field, 
 So far and wide through the country the 
 
 pestilence entered the cabins. 
 Claiming now as its victim the only young 
 
 child in the family. 
 And now some courageous father, leaving 
 
 behind broken-hearted 
 A widow with children to care for without 
 
 provisions or money. 
 
 Page 58] 
 
Clje pioneer 
 
 iiiiiDuirumiiiaiiiiiiiumaiiiiiiiiuiiaiiiiiniiiiiaiiiiiuiiiiiaiwiiiiiiia 
 
 Time after time some lone dugout, desolate, 
 
 partly in ruins, 
 Bore witness of how the grim monster had 
 
 won every battle therein. 
 
 [Page 59 
 
tKfje pioneer 
 
 A Good Angel of Mercy Appears 
 
 Never a cloud but the sunshine is ready to 
 
 send a ray through it, 
 Never a loss but some profit may fall to the 
 
 wise and the prudent, 
 Never comes sickness or sorrow but brings 
 
 some bright angel of mercy, 
 With a presence gentle that heals and a 
 
 voice that gives sweet consolation. 
 
 So while the dark shadow of death was 
 
 hovering implacably o'er them. 
 Good Sister Knipe went about, leaving her 
 
 husband and children. 
 To call at the homes of the ailing. Calm 
 
 and prayerful she hastened 
 From one to the other; now cooling a 
 
 feverish brow, and now yonder 
 She poured out her tears for some mother 
 
 mourning the loss of her loved ones ; 
 And again would she work with the children 
 
 whose parents were sorely stricken — 
 Cooking and serving the meals, or washing 
 
 their clothes and their faces; 
 Making them garments from canvas torn 
 
 from the wagons ; loving them, 
 
 Page 60] 
 
tKfje pioneer 
 
 Only as true mothers can. Very often 
 while leaving some sod-house 
 
 Was she seen with the little ones clinging 
 about her, embracing her, 
 
 Pleading for kisses or crying and begging 
 her never to leave them. 
 
 From cabin to cabin went good Brother 
 Knipe, also offering solace. 
 
 Counseling courage and steadfastness, say- 
 ing short prayers at the bedside. 
 
 Helping to bury the dead, and procuring 
 new homes for the orphans. 
 
 So after many long weeks the scourge dis- 
 appeared, and behind it 
 
 Left many a home that was broken, many 
 a heart that was aching ; 
 
 But from the minds of the living it purged 
 every vestige of hatred, 
 
 Rendering each one more thoughtful of 
 friends as well as of neighbors. 
 
 Firmly uniting them all in a new bond of 
 Christian affection. 
 
 [Page 61 
 
3Ci)e pioneer 
 
 The Hopeful Signs that Failed 
 
 But how very few were prepared for the 
 
 season of Eighteen and Sixty! 
 No springtime was ever more hopeful — 
 
 warm showers and sunshine by turns 
 Lending beauty to forest and prairie ; early 
 
 a fresh new growth 
 Sprung from the slumbering earth, reviving 
 
 the hopes of the settlers. 
 Rank were the wheat and the barley; un- 
 hindered by frost or cold weather, 
 The corn and oats and potatoes, with early 
 
 produce of the garden, 
 Came on so quickly that many predicted a 
 
 year of great plenty. 
 Buoyant and hopeful was Archibald; after 
 
 the spring rush was over 
 Would he go across to Missouri, bringing 
 
 his fair bride back with him 
 To dwell in his cabin and they two would 
 
 found a true home, living 
 In joy and contentment together, with all 
 
 they desired around them. 
 
 But many a fresh young flower may wither 
 and die ere the seed-time, 
 
 PagejB2] 
 
^fje pioneer 
 
 Many a day that dawns fair may witness 
 a tempest ere nightfall, 
 
 Many a hope soaring high may be dashed 
 to the ground ere fulfillment. 
 
 So with the hope of Elvira; so with the 
 promise of Archibald; 
 
 So with the fate of the settlers — all who 
 braved the dry season of Sixty. 
 
 Like as the time when Demeter, fair priest- 
 ess of sowing and reaping, 
 
 Mourning the theft of her daughter, for- 
 bade that the earth should bear fruit 
 
 Till the day of the latter's return; so now 
 some strange god or demon 
 
 Seemed to be wreaking his vengeance on 
 every green product of nature. 
 
 Again and again would the lowering clouds 
 assemble to westward 
 
 With vivid flashes of lightning and far- 
 distant rumbling of thunder; 
 
 Time after time did the workmen return 
 from the fields for shelter, 
 
 Expecting a downpour of rain if not a de- 
 structive tornado. 
 
 [Page 63 
 
ZKfje pioneer 
 
 Disheartened, Many Return to the Home- 
 land 
 
 But no storms prevailed, neither rain to 
 bless and enliven the landscape. 
 
 Rivers and wells became empty or gave 
 scant supply for the household, 
 
 And frequently that must be hauled from 
 springs which were many miles distant. 
 
 Crazed for water the livestock would stroll 
 far away to the rivers. 
 
 Not again to be seen by the owner. Like 
 a fierce blast of fire 
 
 Coming from some mighty furnace the south- 
 west wind swept over the land. 
 
 Withering all vegetation. So curled and 
 shriveled the corn-leaves. 
 
 Soon dried and were carried away, leaving 
 brown and bare the stalks; 
 
 Too soon for the harvest the wheat and the 
 barley succumbed to the blast. 
 
 None having formed or matured except in 
 ravines and in lowlands ; 
 
 While orchard and garden all bare gave noth- 
 ing to succor the hungry ; 
 
 And wild game once plentiful now sought 
 some distant clime more propitious. 
 
 Page 641 
 
®f)e pioneer 
 
 Late in the year many settlers weighed 
 down with despair and dejection, 
 
 With the grim ghost of famine still lurking 
 in every dark corner, — 
 
 When all signs had failed and every faint 
 hope of aid was abandoned. 
 
 Now loaded their stock of belongings in 
 creaking wagons and ox-carts. 
 
 Or set out bravely on foot to return to the 
 land of their fathers. 
 
 Hungry and broken in spirit, admitting de- 
 feat and mis judgment, 
 
 Early in winter they came to the homeland, 
 relating their stories 
 
 Of loss and privation, and warning all of 
 their friends against Kansas. 
 
 But some of those having more courage re- 
 mained and held to their homesteads. 
 
 And managed to live through the winter. 
 Foraging parties were sent out 
 
 To seek the wild products of nature, to hunt 
 for the deer and the bison 
 
 And small game of woodland and prairie. 
 At last came the alms from the East, 
 
 Provisions and second-hand clothing, and 
 all were given their portion. 
 
 [Page 65 
 
tCije pioneer 
 
 Hope, Undimmed and Eternal, Finds Ful- 
 fillment 
 
 Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-one! How 
 swiftly the months hurry onward! 
 
 Over the rolling prairies wide, alone with 
 his ox-team and wagon, 
 
 Archibald wended his way, at length reach- 
 ing the home of Elvira. 
 
 Though one year delayed by the drought, 
 and though hard times had pursued him. 
 
 Yet was his courage not shaken; for like 
 that bright star of the morning 
 
 Which signals afar through the darkness, 
 telling of day dawning brighter. 
 
 So Hope, undimmed and eternal, through 
 the gloom of despair ever shining. 
 
 Points out the way to the soul who without 
 it would perish forever. 
 
 Now had the marriage day dawned; the 
 June-time with delicate tracings 
 
 In every new bud and fresh flower its prom- 
 ise of harvest was writing. 
 
 Over the landscape entrancing the sweet- 
 scented zephyrs were playing ; 
 
 Page 66] 
 
(Kfje pioneer 
 
 Sublime and unclouded the sky its health- 
 laden sunbeams threw downward 
 
 In lavish profusion to all, expressive of 
 God's benediction. 
 
 And now in that cottage home near the 
 banks of the muddy Missouri 
 
 Was a beautiful bower designed, of juniper, 
 smilax, and fern leaves. 
 
 And branches of oak and cedar, with strands 
 of wild grape-vine entwining. 
 
 [Page 67 
 
(STfje pioneer 
 
 The White Rose Returns for the Wedding 
 
 So deftly the hands of the sisters — of Ellen 
 
 and Jane and the others — 
 The humble place had transformed into one 
 
 of sweet charm and rare beauty. 
 Fresh in the sunlight without there still 
 
 flourished the delicate roses, 
 Pure and white as of yore when the first 
 
 one, espied by Elvira, 
 Was brought from the roadside alone and 
 
 tenderly placed in her garden. 
 And a Voice divine had told her of some 
 
 precious secret commission. 
 These with affectionate care the sisters now 
 
 wove into garlands 
 Of fair and symmetrical form for gracing 
 
 the festal occasion ; 
 Above the smooth brow of Elvira, encircling 
 
 her hair bright and golden, 
 Was a wreath of roses and rosebuds; and 
 
 these with the simple white gown, 
 Befitted the innocent charm and the good- 
 ness of heart of a bride 
 That might have well pleased the Fair Hera, 
 
 the patron of womanly virtue, 
 
 Page 68] 
 
tCfje pioneer 
 
 Whose sanction was sought long ago for 
 blessing the conjugal altar. 
 
 Many came in to the wedding — the rela- 
 tives, friends, and the neighbors — 
 Everyone bearing a gift to the bride, some 
 
 simple home-made thing 
 For kitchen or bedroom or wardrobe, or 
 
 token of fond remembrance. 
 And now as the clock sounded ten the mis- 
 
 ister entered the doorway 
 With bride and groom and attendants. 
 
 And all in a silence impressive 
 Awaited expectant the service; for the 
 
 words were to bind two hearts 
 For weal or for woe together; and thus 
 
 through the long generations 
 To seal forever the destiny of those who 
 
 would follow them onward. 
 In the fervent prayer that was said the 
 
 pastor referred to the roses. 
 As symbols of beauty and goodness, noting 
 
 how faithful the flowers 
 To the primitive germ latent in them, and 
 
 how God now joined these two 
 To carry his purposes forward and bless the 
 
 land with their offspring. 
 
 [Page 69 
 
^fje pioneer 
 
 A Wedding Journey over the Prairie 
 
 After an hour of well-wishing in behalf of 
 
 the bride and the groom, 
 And after the guests had enjoyed a feast 
 
 of good things at the table, 
 The ox-team was yoked to the wagon, and 
 
 therein were stored the provisions 
 Required for the wedding journey, and all 
 
 the new household equipment. 
 Now came a final farewell — the kisses and 
 
 tears of the women. 
 The faint low prayer of the mother, who 
 
 saw her fair daughter departing. 
 The half-noticed words of the brothers, who 
 
 stood by to start up the oxen. 
 The father's last charge that Archibald take 
 
 the best care of Elvira. 
 Then mounted high on the wagon-seat they 
 
 passed to the open roadway. 
 Radiant with hope these two souls, to travel 
 
 life's journey together. 
 And who could foretell their future, the 
 
 manifold joys and the sorrows. 
 The alternate triumphs and losses attend- 
 ing the way before them.? 
 
 Page 70] 
 
'So with these two on the prairie . 
 
 Alone with their ox-team and wagon. 
 
Cfje pioneer 
 
 Just as when back in Old Eden man found 
 his mate in the garden, 
 
 And a fountain of Love issued forth deep 
 and unfaiUng forever, 
 
 So with these two on the prairie, — this man 
 and this maiden who journeyed 
 
 Alone with their ox-team and wagon, the 
 same fresh stream of affection 
 
 Coursed through their hearts and trans- 
 formed them, thus making their earth 
 like a heaven. 
 
 Page 72] 
 
®f)e pioneer 
 
 A Glad Welcome Home 
 
 At length was the wedding trip ended. At 
 the close of a bright June day, 
 
 With background of western horizon, and 
 shrouded in picturesque haze, 
 
 The cabin appeared before them, rejoic- 
 ing the hearts of the travelers. 
 
 A quarter-hour later the oxen in front of 
 the house stood panting, 
 
 And quickly alighting the two now hurried 
 to enter the doorway, 
 
 When suddenly burst on the scene a ter- 
 rific roar of confusion 
 
 As if some great swarm of demons were 
 loosed from the regions of sheol. 
 
 With gongs and cowbells and muskets and 
 war-whoops and shriekings and laughter, 
 
 The frightening din broke forth, while out 
 of the places of hiding 
 
 The neighbors closed round the young pair 
 with forceful expressions of welcome. 
 
 Quickly the candles were lighted, the bride 
 and the groom in amazement 
 
 Beholding before their eyes a long table 
 laden with good things. 
 
 [Page 73 
 
®;i)e pioneer 
 
 And through the humble cabin which Arch- 
 ibald left so unhomelike 
 
 Were furnishings new and adornments, the 
 gifts of his friends and his neighbors. 
 
 With merry jests and laughter, and taunts 
 for the bride and the bridegroom, 
 
 The company sat round the table till all 
 had been feasted, and then 
 
 A room was cleared for the party, where 
 Blind Man's Buff and Fruit Basket 
 
 And other such games were indulged in till 
 after the hour of midnight. 
 
 Page 1lh\ 
 
Wi)t pioneer 
 
 But Some There Were Who Failed 
 
 But not all who came to the West succeeded 
 
 in founding a homestead; 
 Some with the base lust of wealth, unwill- 
 ing to work for a living, 
 Were soon beaten back by want and the 
 
 rigorous force of the climate; 
 Some by homesickness subdued made a 
 
 hasty retreat to their people ; 
 Others, compelled to remain from lack of 
 
 the means of returning, 
 In poverty dwelt on their claims as examples 
 
 of permanent failure. 
 While now and then could be seen some 
 
 victim of appetite lingering. 
 
 As if grasshoppers clouding the sun and 
 
 preying on every green thing 
 Left by the drought and hot winds, were 
 
 not enough to deter him, 
 Sim Baylor, a sturdy young settler, added 
 
 the burden of whisky. 
 Through the first decade and a half of his 
 
 pioneer struggles this ranchman 
 With royal good courage and cheer had 
 
 battled with obstacles many, 
 
 [Page 75 
 
l^fje pioneer 
 
 At times with partial success, then again 
 
 would his fortune forsake him. 
 The wife he had chosen in folly of youth 
 
 from his fireside had fled, 
 Ill-furnished with comforts of home, by 
 
 intoxication made wretched. 
 Departing for some unknown place, and 
 
 leaving the children with neighbors. 
 
 Page 76\ 
 
^ift pioneer 
 
 Behold, What a Wreck of Manhood! 
 
 Behold now a scene most forlorn, a crum- 
 bling and leaky old cabin, 
 
 A broken-down team and old wagon, a 
 scrub cow or two, a homestead 
 
 About to be sold for the mortgage — a pic- 
 ture, indeed, of despair! 
 
 Behold now the wreck of a man created in 
 heaven's own image — 
 
 In whose eye there once shone the light and 
 sweetness of innocent childhood. 
 
 And whose face once clearly foreshadowed 
 the full strength of manly courage! 
 
 Such was the boyhood of Baylor and such 
 were his prospects of manhood. 
 
 But now what a ruin, what madness, what 
 depth of despair had he reached! 
 
 As blear-eyed and blackened in soul, broken 
 and weakened in body. 
 
 Halting and lame and shambling, he dragged 
 to his daily employment! 
 
 Forsaken and shunned by his friends, and 
 inwardly cursing existence. 
 
 He longed for the rest of the grave. But 
 was not this man a real hero.^ 
 
 [Page 77 
 
tKfje pioneer 
 
 Misguided, neglected in youth, lured on by 
 
 example of others, 
 From step to step downward he went be- 
 yond the last point of returning. 
 And then what a terrific struggle! What 
 
 tears and prayers intermingled 
 With curses and gnashing of teeth! What 
 
 pledges and firm resolutions. 
 And vows to God and his family that never 
 
 again would the tempter 
 Subdue him or make him afraid! But the 
 
 power of the demon had won ; 
 The weight of dejection forever pressed down 
 
 on his sin-hardened soul ; 
 Delirium awful and damning like some 
 
 fiery beast consumed him. 
 
 Alone, unattended, unpitied, with hideous 
 
 moans and pleadings 
 And vain prayers to heaven for mercy, Sim 
 
 welcomed the angel of death. 
 So by the roadside they found him — though 
 
 nobody missed him or mourned him — 
 Where long his vile body had lain half hid 
 
 by the leaves and the snow-drift. 
 A lone spot out on the prairie once marked 
 
 by a stone, now forgotten, 
 
 Page 78] 
 
l^fje pioneer 
 
 Received the wretched remains and to earth 
 forever transformed them. 
 
 No more of the sickening story of Poor Old 
 Sim Baylor, the outcast, 
 
 The like of whose life is repeated ten thou- 
 sand times over today. 
 
 But thanks to the foresight and courage of 
 Kansas, now taking the lead 
 
 In outlawing traffic in whisky and all of its 
 kindred temptations. 
 
 And God speed the day when all nations 
 shall likewise in triumph assail 
 
 This death-dealing foe of men's souls and 
 usher in freedom forever! 
 
 [Page 79 
 
Cfie pioneer 
 
 A True Companionship 
 
 When God in infinite Wisdom created the 
 
 man and the woman 
 Ordaining the one for the other, designing 
 
 the varied natures, 
 A curse most dire was provided of bitter- 
 ness, woe and remorse 
 For all whose mating profaned the divine 
 
 institution of marriage; 
 For those whose compatible natures the 
 
 heavenly office fulfilled — 
 Each bringing unto the other what that one 
 
 instinctively needed — 
 For all such a full cup of joy o'erflowing was 
 
 vouchsafed forever — 
 The joy of love and contentment, the joy 
 
 of hope for the future, 
 The joy of work with its promise of ample 
 
 reward of achievement. 
 The joy of service for others, of giving one's 
 
 life up by piecemeal 
 In behalf of companion, or offspring, or some 
 
 stranger hungry in soul. 
 But rarer than all other treasures — the gold 
 
 and silver and jewels, 
 
 Page 80] 
 
tKIje pioneer 
 
 The merchandise, lands and houses — is the 
 
 heavenly gift of children. 
 Sweeter than orchestral music, or song of 
 
 the lark in the springtime. 
 Is the coo and the cry of infants fed at the 
 
 breasts of their mothers ; 
 The prattle and noise of children romping 
 
 about their own dooryard. 
 
 Who can doubt that the All-wise Creator, 
 the same Jehovah that promised 
 
 To Abraham offspring abundant on through 
 the ages to follow — 
 
 Who doubts that this Heavenly Father still 
 favors his worthy children? 
 
 Or that such favor was wanting when Ar- 
 chibald, true to his promptings. 
 
 With others, resolved in his heart a pioneer 
 race to establish? 
 
 So when to this home on the prairie the 
 First-born appeared, attended 
 
 By no physician or nurse — save a god- 
 mother called from the neighbors — 
 
 The heart of the mother rejoiced, recalhng 
 the secret commission; 
 
 And hkewise the father remembered the 
 vow he had made to heaven 
 
 To found in the West a true home and de- 
 voutly to bring up a family. 
 
 [Page 81 
 
tKfje pioneer 
 
 Joy in the Home with the Children 
 
 And now as the seasons passed on, the cabin 
 alone on the prairie, 
 
 Enlarged and partly rebuilt and with out- 
 buildings clustered about it, 
 
 Became the inspiring scene of many of life's 
 young endeavors. 
 
 Conveniently near the place had Archibald 
 planted an orchard 
 
 Of apples and peaches and plums, and small 
 fruit of every description. 
 
 Adorning the dooryard and walks were elm 
 trees and maples and cedars. 
 
 Underneath whose cooling shade the chil- 
 dren could play in contentment. 
 
 And oh! the many young souls to be 
 clothed and nourished and cared for! 
 
 With not a device or convenience and very 
 scant means for buying 
 
 At shop or store or from peddler the plain- 
 est of things for the household. 
 
 But some there be always among us who 
 seem to be marked for hardship, 
 
 For peril or sword or privation or other dire 
 earthly oppression, 
 
 Page 82] 
 
The cabin alone on the prairie, enlarged and partly 
 rebuilt," 
 
tKfje pioneer 
 
 And yet whose spirit undaunted seems des- 
 tined forever to triumph. 
 
 Such was the spirit of Archibald, such was 
 the strength of Elvira, 
 
 And so by the light of the fireplace or home- 
 made candle dim burning, 
 
 Elvira would sit with her sewing at night, 
 while nimble her fingers 
 
 Would fly through the stitches of garments 
 new, or at mending the old ones. 
 
 And though a fierce storm might be raging 
 without, and hungry coyotes 
 
 Mingling their blood-curdling cries with the 
 moan and the sigh of the north-wind. 
 
 And Archibald off at the village a two-days 
 trip for provisions. 
 
 Yet was she not afraid. Fondly in thought 
 would she picture the future 
 
 Of the little ones lying asleep on cots or on 
 pallets about her. 
 
 Seeing for each one a career of success, of 
 fame and of honor. 
 
 And firm indeed was her faith in the love 
 of the Heavenly Father, 
 
 To whom she resigned all her cares, receiv- 
 ing new strength for the morrow. 
 
 Page 8Ji\ 
 
tCfte pioneer 
 
 The Heroic Life of Elvira 
 
 How precious and rich is the treasure of 
 
 memory gleaned from the past, 
 Of a mother at evening with babe in arms 
 
 crooning the infant to slumber; 
 And after the day was far spent and the 
 
 light of the sun dim receding 
 Had brought out the heavenly stars, how 
 
 sweet and entrancing that love-song! 
 How simple and fervent that prayer! though 
 
 the voice of the singer was broken 
 And the whispered words of the prayer only 
 
 such as every true mother 
 The wide world round has uttered in thought 
 
 of her slumbering offspring! 
 
 And long ere the sun rose each morning 
 the same quick-moving Elvira 
 
 Would be seen at her work of preparing the 
 breakfast, fetching the water. 
 
 Churning, feeding the chickens, arranging 
 the house for the children, 
 
 While Archibald tended the cattle or 
 chopped the wood for the fireplace. 
 
 And yet in the whirl and confusion of end- 
 less work, and of children 
 
 [Page 85 
 
tCfie pioneer 
 
 Romping and crying and teasing, no mur- 
 mur was heard from Elvira; 
 
 But cheer and gladness and singing and 
 peace like a message from heaven 
 
 Attended her presence, inspiring the down- 
 cast, the ill or the needy. 
 
 Page 86] 
 
(Cfje pioneer 
 
 The Revival of a Sunday-school 
 
 Often with two or three children mounted 
 
 before or behind her, 
 Away to the sod church she rode where the 
 
 Sunday-school met; while Archibald 
 Stayed with his livestock or guarded the 
 
 homestead from fires on the prairie. 
 When weak and discouraged the small band 
 
 that came to study the Scriptures, 
 Would threaten disunion, Elvira would rally 
 
 them quickly again, 
 And make all to feel that the presence of 
 
 God would never forsake them, 
 If only they held ever true his promises, 
 
 steadfast believing. 
 And so when the leader disheartened had 
 
 fled to the Cave of Despair, 
 Declaring the people apostate and none but 
 
 himself still faithful, 
 Elvira appeared — as of old the angel had 
 
 come to Elijah — 
 Reproving the faithless members; and by 
 
 them selected as leader. 
 She marked in the Scriptures the lessons, 
 
 named the teachers of classes, 
 
 [Page 87 
 
tKije^ioneer 
 
 And fervently led in the singing. Thus was 
 
 the School, dull and lifeless, 
 Inspired by the zeal of a mother whom the 
 
 cares of work and children 
 And the many hard trials and privations 
 
 of building a homestead 
 Had never weighed down or discouraged. 
 
 Thus was a listless, apostate 
 Sunday-school out on the prairie, revived 
 
 by the faith of one woman. 
 Today in that place a church building stands 
 
 beautiful and inspiring. 
 Where throngs assemble to worship, and 
 
 where now for many long years 
 The faithful have come, and departed with 
 
 zeal and strength for the service 
 Of God and their fellow-men — a memorial 
 
 all of Elvira. 
 
 Page 88] 
 
^fje pioneer 
 
 Behold the Work of a Man 
 
 Behold now the work of a man imbued with 
 
 desire of improvement, 
 Who seeks neither favor nor friendship of 
 
 those who stoop to do evil ; 
 Who fears not to stir up offense among any 
 
 who traffic in crime — 
 A man whom the gods might have chosen 
 
 to go on the quest with Jason. 
 So Archibald, though less religious by far 
 
 than his good life companion. 
 Stood firm for the civic welfare. Schools 
 
 must be organized ably; 
 Highways established; committees in se- 
 cret for vigilance formed 
 For dealing with stock- thieves and robbers ; 
 
 aid sent the needy in winter ; 
 Good men elected to office for councils of 
 
 state and of nation; — 
 Such duties as these did Archibald give to 
 
 his conscience as burdens 
 Equal with those of the home as means of 
 
 safeguarding his children. 
 How nobly these pioneers wrought for God 
 
 and the home life and freedom 
 The thousands of pure men and women, 
 
 their offspring, may stand to witness. 
 
 [Page 89 
 
i;f)e pioneer 
 
 The Herder-Boy Tending His Flock 
 
 Sweet is the breath of the prairies, the roll- 
 ing plateaus and the valleys 
 
 With long winding streams or deep hollows 
 branching in many directions ; 
 
 And over it all in the springtime a fresh 
 tint of green spreading out 
 
 To meet the dim gray of horizon or low- 
 hanging haze of the cloud-mist ; 
 
 While scattered about o'er the scene in quiet 
 contentment the cattle 
 
 Are grazing or waiting meekly their turn 
 to go down to the water. 
 
 Circling unnoticed among them the herder- 
 boy rides on his pony, 
 
 Hallooing, whistling or singing. With shep- 
 herd's dog close at his side, 
 
 To bring in the stragglers many, he rounds 
 up his herd, making certain 
 
 That none may be missing or lost, then 
 brings them back home at each evening. 
 
 Then early again on the morrow the cattle 
 return to the pasture ; 
 
 Eager for grass, they go running with herder- 
 boy close at their heels. 
 
 Page 90] 
 
tICfje pioneer 
 
 Although at times some young neighbor or 
 brother would go as companion, 
 
 Day after day o'er the grass plains the 
 youthful lad rode unattended 
 
 Except by the many dumb creatures — the 
 cattle, the dog, and the pony. 
 
 But you who may dwell in the city where 
 thousands of human forms pass 
 
 Constantly hither and thither; where clat- 
 ter and din and confusion. 
 
 And towering buildings many, and smoke- 
 clouds obscuring the heavens, 
 
 And ceaseless whirl of excitement at theatre, 
 ballroom or playground, — 
 
 All you who suffer this cramping and limit- 
 ing life of the city, 
 
 How little indeed you know of the freedom 
 and joy of the prairie! 
 
 How like your abode to a prison, how lack- 
 ing in fresh inspiration' 
 
 But out on the wide open plains the herd- 
 boy communes with wild nature : 
 
 Digs out the ground-squirrels and badgers, 
 chases the wolves and the rabbits, 
 
 Matches the fierce bulls in contests, leaps 
 over streams and deep gulches, 
 
 [Page 91 
 
Vtf)t pioneer 
 
 Falls from his quick-turning pony, fights a 
 
 mad steer in a thicket, 
 Races his pony with others, sleeps on the 
 
 grass in the sunshine, 
 Flees from the hghtning and wind-storms, 
 
 learns to defy every danger. 
 
 Page 92] 
 
tlTfje pioneer 
 
 Alone, and Taught by the Spirit 
 
 And was it not Abraham, father of Israel's 
 
 hosts, who wandered 
 Alone on the desert when God came forth 
 
 in a strange fiery vision? 
 And was it not out on a mountain the Lord 
 
 unto Moses appeared, 
 Inspired him to write the Commandments 
 
 for ruling a mighty people ? 
 And was not the sweet singer David a 
 
 herder-boy tending his flock 
 When called by Jehovah's appointed to rule 
 
 as a king of the land? 
 And did not the Nazarene, Jesus, return 
 
 from the wilderness, where 
 Through fasting and prayer he abode, to 
 
 startle the world with his teachings? 
 
 So with the herder-boy riding at will o'er 
 
 the wide open prairie : 
 Although far away from companions, and 
 
 all habitations human, 
 A Presence attended him, ever revealing 
 
 rare meanings within. 
 The oft-veering winds whispered secrets of 
 
 storms approaching, or sunshine; 
 
 [Page 93 
 
Cfje pioneer 
 
 The steep rugged hills echoed speeches or 
 
 shouts or laughter to please him ; 
 The swift-flowing brook furnished music that 
 
 matched Saint Cecilia's chantings; 
 The gold-tinted clouds spoke of heaven and 
 
 God's protection and favor 
 To any of earth's living creatures observing 
 
 his order divine; 
 And likewise the cattle and horses as well 
 
 as the wolves and the wild birds ; — 
 All these had a message well known to every 
 
 young boy of the prairies ; 
 And he in return would address them — 
 
 now whispering, now declaiming, 
 Now coining the air into singing, and now 
 
 deep in silent wonder. 
 Thus cherished and schooled by Dame Na- 
 ture, reflective, courageous, undaunted. 
 To manhood the herder-boy grows, a master 
 
 of men and of issues. 
 
 Page 9i\ 
 
Wf)t pioneer 
 
 A Land of Wealth and Plenty 
 
 The years in their cycles passed on ; slowly 
 
 the broad open prairies 
 Their primitive beauty gave up to conquest 
 
 of farmer and ranchman. 
 Near by the site of the cabin that once 
 
 housed the poor lonely settler 
 The well-furnished dwelling appeared, con- 
 spicuous as witness of plenty; 
 Railways and industries many, with wealth 
 
 of equipment; school-houses, 
 Churches in country and village ; well laid- 
 
 out parks and good highways ; 
 Thousands of cattle in pastures ; rich-laden 
 
 grainfields and meadows; — 
 These now thick covered the landscape once 
 
 held by the fierce warlike Indian 
 For hunting the hare and bison or meeting 
 
 in strife his red brother. 
 But better by far than all these, and richer 
 
 in promise of glory. 
 The strong sturdy sons and fair daughters 
 
 of pioneer Kansas came forth. 
 Assuming the place of their parents, joining 
 
 in marriage, advancing 
 The work that had been so well started, 
 
 rearing a new race of children. 
 
 [Page 95 
 
i;f)e pioneer 
 
 One By One They Are Passing 
 
 Little we know what the morrow may bring 
 
 that will cheer or dismay us ; 
 Little we plan for the future but vanishes 
 
 ere its fulfillment; 
 Even while happiness reigns and the boon 
 
 of contentment is present 
 With some of the children of men, others 
 
 are burdened with sorrow, 
 Or loss or illness or failure of all their fond 
 
 hopes and ambitions. 
 But whether through calm or tempest our 
 
 barque may proceed on its journey. 
 As each day it carries us nearer the end of 
 
 all earthly desires. 
 We know that our Captain is faithful. His 
 
 love and infinite Mercy 
 Reward each soul that is true to the secret 
 
 commission he gives it. 
 
 Now one by one they are passing, those 
 brave pioneers of fair Kansas, 
 
 Over the river forever ; and as from the far- 
 distant landing 
 
 We hear the last stroke of the Oarsman 
 through vanishing heart-beat resound, 
 
 Page 96] 
 
®{)e pioneer 
 
 There comes a mysterious message to com- 
 fort and soothe the remaining : 
 
 Fear not, for I will be with thee and o'er 
 the dark waters will bear thee 
 
 With unfailing strength to thy haven, when 
 thou too hast earned thy reward! 
 
 [Page 97 
 
tClje pioneer 
 
 The White Rose Still Faithful 
 
 So passed the life of Elvira; and after her 
 service was ended — 
 
 Her children all married and gone, her grand- 
 children blessed with her kindness, 
 
 Her husband attended so long with the best 
 her affection could give him, — 
 
 She vanished, like some precious flower that 
 blossoms in springtime and summer 
 
 And leaves a sweet fragrance behind, bear- 
 ing its seed for the autumn. 
 
 And quietly fading away to the bosom of 
 Him who conceived it. 
 
 And while to eternal rest were the mortal 
 remains being lowered, 
 
 Blinded with tears were all eyes and choked 
 every voice with emotion. 
 
 What now were those beautiful hands that 
 so long had been faithful in service.'^ 
 
 And what of those dear sweet lips that 
 healed every wound with their kisses : 
 
 And where was that gentle voice that 
 soothed us in childhood with singing.^ 
 
 Transfigured now are all these : transcend- 
 ent with splendor and beauty. 
 
 Page 98] 
 
tKlje pioneer 
 
 In memory's fond embrace shall they linger 
 for ever and ever. 
 
 Now over that humble grave the delicate 
 
 white rose is growing, 
 Fresh and sweet as of old when its ancestor 
 
 found by Elvira 
 Out on the roadside alone, was given a place 
 
 in her garden ; 
 Pure and chaste as the wreath that encircled 
 
 her brow at the wedding. 
 And ever as springtime returns with fresh 
 
 flood of vigor and beauty, 
 The whispering breath of the winds all fra- 
 grant with perfume of roses 
 Recalls from the past a commission, a sacred 
 
 charge to a maiden 
 To yield up her life on the prairies in making 
 
 a home ; and whose children, 
 Inspired by her courage divine, should honor 
 
 and glorify Kansas. 
 
 [Page 99 
 
®t)e pioneer 
 
 The Land of the Free Forever 
 
 O Kansas! Thou land of the brave! Thou 
 symbol of struggle and freedom! 
 
 Where love ever reigns in the home and 
 none is afraid of his neighbors ; 
 
 Where poverty, wretchedness, crime and 
 remorse now scarcely e'er enter; 
 
 Where manhood no longer is wrecked by the 
 terrible alcohol demon; 
 
 Where eagerly maidens and youths, all buoy- 
 ant with health and ambition, 
 
 Share with their elders the plans and the 
 work of upbuilding an empire; 
 
 Where sweet little children, reared by the 
 care and protection of parents, 
 
 Run out in the sunshine to play, as happy 
 and free as the song-birds. 
 
 O Kansas! Dear Kansas, all hail! The 
 fairest, the pride of the nation! 
 
 Lead on in thy contests for right, lead on 
 in thy struggles for freedom! 
 
 And out of thy loins may there come a 
 mightier host of the righteous — 
 
 Of the Pioneer's strong, noble sons, well- 
 armed with the sword of the Spirit, 
 
 Page 100] 
 
i;f)e pioneer 
 
 Of the Pioneer's daughters most fair, with 
 love as their weapon of conquest, — 
 
 Whose labors shall help to maintain God*s 
 Kingdom among us forever! 
 
 [Page 101 
 
yt3] n 1911 
 
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