|
|
BATTLE CREEK BY A. D. P. VAN BUREN
He is contributing towards developing the full agricultural resources of the country. In this Uncle rees has done his part. He began right. He set an early and good. example to the settlers. First a neat log house was erected. Then as fast as the land was broken up it was fenced off into lots and put into wheat. His fences would always do to pattern after. They were called the prettiest fences in the country. The rails were usually eleven feet long; his were ten, and the corners were laid up true and even. The settlers would often, in going to Battle Creek, drive out of their way to go by Uncle Rees's to see his fine fences.
He planted orchards of fruit trees early, and hence had fruit long before many of his neighbors, as the market in Battle Creek at that time will attest. Inside the house things must have been well arranged, for the affairs of the-entire family prospered. Our pioneer women did their full share of the work in planting homes here in this new country. And just as much credit is due them as to their husbands and brothers for what was accomplished in this early period. Many of them, after the work in the house was done, would go out and help pick up brush and clear off the piece of land for wheat in the fall, and sometimes they would drive the ox team to harrow in the crop. And. as regards perseverance, fortitude, and a cheerful spirit amid the trials and sufferings of that day, our pioneer women deserve the fullest meed of praise.
Michigan
Page 38
|
|
|
|
|
|