Pioneer Life in Illinois (Illustrated)

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.

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