A Standard History of Waupaca County, Wisconsin. An Authentic Narrative of the Past, with Particular Attention to the Modern Era in the Commercial, Industrial, Educational, Civic and Social Development.

              110 HISTORY OF WAUPACA COUNTY
mile from the road which was unknown to the other, because of the sleet and rain. On another occasion the writer bringing in a wagon box full of potatoes in the month of February, they being nicely packed with hay and blankets for protection, arrived at this same camp and it being quite cold a good fire was built on either side of the sled, and his bunk on the top of the load. During the night uncjuestionably a spark of fire fell where it ought not for he was awakened by an undue sense of heat and found his bed on fire and rapidly eating its way to undesirable quarters. However, the fire was soon smothered and rest the remainder of the night unbroken.
Advantages op Overcoming Hardships
"Notwithstanding the many seeming hardships and deprivations, all were endured wdth becoming fortitude, even though, in some instances, only boiled greens graced the festive board. But this was not long, for soon came the corn, then the beans, followed by buckwheat ground in a coffee mill giving cakes which were greatly relished, as well as those made from pounded corn in a wooden mortar, the pestle having a spring pole attachment. Any one now considering the seeming hardships the early settlers encountered would naturally conclude that happiness would be an unknown quantity, and joyousness and good cheer entire strangers, but such was not the case, and could the voices of the participants of those times be heard, methinks the united chorus w^ould be 'they were the happy days of our pilgrimage.' And not necessarily in consequence of the many deprivations, but rather the pleasure derived in surmounting difficulties and thereby making them real stepping stones or helps in the march of development. AVho in life's battles has not felt a renewed energy and zeal, as one after another of the obstacles that so frequently present themselves are overcome and left behind in the race ? And so in after life, as hindrances appear a recurrence to former conquests gives courage and hope that shall enable one again to be the victor. With a peculiar significance the experiences come to the pioneer for everything in the way of development, for a time at least, he feels and knows are entirely due or results of his own efforts, combined with the labors of his associates, and he may be well excused if he indulges in what may be termed a 'pardonable pride,' that he has been somewhat instrumental in their accomplishments.''
New London in 1854
"In March, 1853, I started from Fond du Lac county for the mouth of Red River, about three miles above Shawano.    I went by the way of Hor-