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A PIONEER MINISTER BY REV. SUPPLY CHASE
APRIL 21, 1873
Many of the old farms bordering on Lake St. Clair were under water from six inches to two feet. Orchards of fifty years' growth were destroyed, houses were flooded. The city of Belvidere was entirely submerged, although the farm on which it was built had been cultivated for more than half a century. Under these conditions, in such a country, the crops were either entirely destroyed or badly damaged; food was necessarily scarce and high, and there was much suffering among the new settlers. Money was almost out of the question; some families were driven at times to the necessity of subsisting on leeks and greens of the forests and marshes. In the spring of 1837 the writer joined with his nearest neighbor and sent to Detroit for a barrel of pork, warranted good, which on being, opened, disclosed the skin and bones of an Ohio shock-fed hog of uncertain age. For this he paid thirty dollars, chartered funds. Even potatoes were not to be had. A few were obtained for seed at one dollar per bushel. But under all these privations, very little selfishness was manifest. Those who had, shared with those who had not. Hospitality generally prevailed.
FRONTIER HOSPITALITY.
Announcement for public worship was usually made in form something like
this: "Preaching at the school-house, in------settlement, on------ evening,
at early candle light, and don't forget to bring a candle. " And here they came, men, women, and children, generally a good sprinkling of babies, who frequently assisted in the musical part of the exercises, although it must be acknowledged they did not always keep the best of time. After preaching, the minister was of course invited to share the comfort of some one of the settlers' homes for the night. These were neither magnificent or extensive.
Michigan
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