WE believe as the Author of this book is so well known through this part of the country it would hardly be necessary to write much of an introduction; but by being solicited by friends who had learned that we were born and raised here in Illinois, we consented to do so; Mr. Chalfant first spoke of it then many others.

You will find the little book entirely original, nothing borrowed, and what you find herein that is good or bad, is our own production. The book does not take sides in party politics or church denominations, but the Author has given some of his own thoughts on different questions.

Table of Contents

Transcriber's Note: This table of contents has been created by the transcriber to aid the reader.

Page
Preface[11]
Introduction[12]
Cares[13]
Occupations[14]
Eighty Years Ago[15]
Sixty Years Ago[17]
Traveling in Illinois[20]
Names of the Early Settlers[21]
Going Back[22]
The Drill[24]
No Divorce[26]
Billy and the Wolves[28]
Disadvantages[29]
The Bear Chase[31]
The Wolf Chase[33]
The Coon[36]
The Beauties of Nature[38]
Men’s or Women’s Work[40]
Pioneers Making Lumber[41]
Hunting Day[42]
Peter Huffman[44]
Deer Driving[46]
Pioneer Boy[47]
The Third Boy[48]
Where Pana Stands[49]
The Snake[50]
The Wild Cats[51]
The Winters[52]
How the Pioneers Made Meal [53]
Our Native State[54]
Pioneer Work[55]
Morals[57]
The Changes[58]
The School in the Cabin[60]
Shelbyville in Early Days[62]
Wild Animals[63]
The Muley Steer[64]
Chimney Construction[66]
Where Things Grow[67]
Hospitality[68]
Religion[69]
Making Hay[70]
The Deer on the Ice[71]
Ben Overton[73]
The Spelling Match[74]
The Prices[76]
The Eggs[77]
Good Friends[78]
Love[79]
When I and Betsey Married[80]
Discontent[82]
Three Powers[84]
The Effect of Influence[86]
Jesus Cares for Me[88]
Greed for Wealth[89]
Christ will Wipe[91]
The Family Altar[93]
Self Sacrifice.[94]
Party Prejudice[96]
Intemperance[98]
A Sad Sight[101]
The Bright Side[103]
Good-Bye[104]