USA > Illinois > De Witt County > History of De Witt county, Illinois. With illustrations descriptive of the scenery, and biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and pioneers > Part 10
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CHAPTER V.
FAUNA.
E apend a brief sketch on the Natural His- tory, as relating to the animal life of this county, found here during the early settle- ment of the county, and probably for some years subsequent thereto The most im- portant animals indigenous to this region are the
UNGULATA, OR HOOFED.
Of the hoofed animals, one of the most prominent is the Ameri- can Bison ( Bison, or Bos Americanus, ) which disappeared from the prairies of Illinois before the arrival of the white man, leaving, as the only evidence of its former presence, a few " buffalo wal- lows " in certain parts of the state. The bison is a large animal, with thick, heavy body, short, stout legs, short, black horns, and black, or brown, shaggy hair. Large herds of these animals at present roam over the plains at the eastern base of the Rocky Mountaius. Like the mastodon and other ancient animals, the bison is destined at no distant day to become extinct. The American Elk (Cervus Americanus), next to the moose, is the largest deer of America. It is remarkable for the size of its antlers, which sometimes grow to the height of six fret, and weigh from forty to eighty pounds. The animal itself is about as tall as an ordinary horse, is very fleet, and has wonderful powers of endurance. It long ago left the prairies of Illinois, and is now found in the northern parts of the United States and in British America. The deer family ( C'ervidor) has had, so far as is kuown, only one representative in this region, viz .: the common American deer, ( Cervus Virginianus) which disappeared from its prairie haunts several years ago, and is found in the mountainous regions of Missouri and the unsettled parts of other states. Its flesh is very sweet and palatable, and it is highly prized in the finest markets, where it commands a ready sale at the highest price.
CARNIVORI, OR FLESH-EATERS.
The most ferocious animal of the carnivorous order, common to this country, is the wolf, which belongs to the dog family (Canida). There were formerly two species of this animal in De Witt county, viz .: the prairie wolf ( Canis latrans), and the common American, or gray wolf ( Canis occidentalis). The former is small, with long body, elongat d, sharp muzzle, smooth tongue, and like all the dog family, has five-toed fore-feet and four-toed hind ones. It formerly inhabited, in large numbers, the wild prairie regious, but latterly has disappeared from this part of the state. The latter is large, with long, slim body, long, sharp muzzle, smooth tongue, and straight, bushy tail. In years gone by the howling of these wolves was the evening serenade of the pioneer settlers, and foreboded havoc among the flocks of those times. A few of this species are still found in dense woodlands and unfrequented thickets on the prairies. Two species of fox ( )'ulpes) are found here, the common or Gray Fox ( Vulpes vul- garis), and the Red Fox ( Vulpes fulrus). The former are still numerous in this region ; the latter, rare. Both species are noted for their extreme cunning, and their predatory habits. Foxes
40
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
are readily distinguished by their slender, pointed muzzle, long, bushy tail, aud the eliptical pupil of the eye. Of the Cat family (Felidie), the only two indigenous representatives are the Ameri- can wild-eat (Lynx rufus), and the Canadian lynx (Lynx cana- densis). The former was very common during the early history of this country. It was about thirty inches long, of a pale rufous color, dappled with gray, ears black on the outside, tail short, with black patch above the end. It was very destructive to lambs, kids, poultry, etc. It has, within the last few years, almost disappeared. The lyux was never common iu Illinois, though it was ceensionally seeu thirty years ago, and even later. It is about forty inches long, of a grayish color, streaked with black; ears tipped with a bunch of black hairs, and tail very short. It is further distinguished by having one molar less that the true eat, in each side of the upper jaw. It is extremely doubtful whether the panther (Felis pardus), ever inhabited these regions. A few individual members of this genus may have becu seen here during their migratious from one place to another ; but that this animal ever had any permanent habitation in this prairie country is highly improbable. The common Raccoon ( Procyon lotor) is one of the most familiar wild animals in these parts. It inhabits the timbered regions, generally near some stream or body of water, to which it resorts for food, in the shape of eraw-fish, frogs, mussels, etc. It also feeds upon roots, berries, young corn, "roasting-ears," birds, and other small animals. This animal, from the end of its nose to the tip of its tail, is about two feet long, and has a pointed muzzle, five toes on each foot, and a ringed tail. It is nocturnal in its habits, and in cold elimates passes the winter in a partially torpid state. Its fur is valuable. The raceoon belongs to the family of Procyonider, of which it is probably the only represen- tative in this region. There is no evidence at hand that the Bear family ( Ursida) ever had any represtatives in this county.
1
The Weasel family ( Mustelidx) belong to the well-known animals, minks, skunks, otters, common weasels, etc., most of which have long, slender bodies, five-toed feet, and glauds which secrete a liquid of very disagreeable odor. Otters and minks are hunted for their furs, which are very valuable. The former are amphibious, and are at present rarely seen. Th > costly fur called ermine is obtained from a weasel which inhabits the northern parts of Europe and Asia.
Weasels are brown iu summer and white in winter, the tip of the tail being black. The color of minks is dark-brown, or black, throughout the year. The otter ( Lutra canadensis) is black, and is noted for its size aud strength. Its toes are webbed ; head large and flat; ears short; tail slightly flattened, and nails eronked. It is aquatie, and subsists on fish. Minks and weasels prey ou birds, poultry and small animals of various kiuds. The skunk (Mephitis Americana) has a pointed nose, bushy tail, and is nocturnal. It feeds npon beetles and other small animals. It is also foud of eggs. It was very common a few years ago, but like most of the wild animals, is gradually disappearing. Of the opossum family ( Didelphididor), the only species here is the common opossum (Didelphys) Virginiana). Opossums are small animals, about twenty inches long to the tail, which is from twelve to fifteen inches iu length, nearly bare, and prehensile. Its hair is whitish with dark-brown tips. When captured and wounded, it feigns itself dead. It is a marsupial, or pouched animal, and carries its young, wbich at birth weigh only a few grains, in a ventral pouch situated near its hind legs. On emerging from this pouch, which oceurs four or five weeks from birth, the young twine their tails around that
of their mother, and thus supported ride on her back. The opos- sum lives ou birds, eggs, iuseets and other small animals. This animal, like the raccoon, is found in all parts of the United States aud throughout most of North America.
RODENTIA, OR GNAWERS.
The animals of this order are easily distinguished by their teeth. Iu the front part of each jaw they have two chisel- shaped ineisors, between which and the molars is a eousiderable space without teeth, these animals having no canines. The largest representative of the rodeuts ever known in this eouutry is the American beaver (Castor canadensis), and it is very doubtful whether it at any time had permanent habitat in this county. The rats and mice ( Muride) constitute the most nu- merous family of the rodents. They number, in all, about three hundred species in the world.
Their uppearance and habits are too well known to require description here. The black rat (Mus rattus) was formerly very common, but of late years it has been almost extirpated by the brown, or Norway rat ( Mus decumanus), which is much larger and stronger.
Of the mice we note, as found here, the common house-mouse ( Mus musculus ), the field-mouse, the meadow-mouse, the jumping- mouse (Juculus hudsonius of the family Jaculider) .- which bas a body about three inches long and a tail six inches,-and the tree mouse. The musk-rat ( Ondatra zibethicus), allied to the beaver, has but one species. This animal is about the size of a eat, and has a stroug, musky smell. It is amphibious, building its mud houses in ponds and shallow lakes. It is a native of North America, and is still quite common. Its fur, like that of the beaver, is valuable. The fur of the latter is used for making the finest bats.
The squirrel family (Sciruride) is represented here by the red (fox) squirrel (Sciurus hudsonins), the gray squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis), the flying-squirrel ( Pteromys volucellu), the ground- squirrel ( Tamias striatus), the gopher (Spermaphilus), the prairie squirrel and the woodehuek or ground-hog ( Arctomys monax,) all of which are so common that they need not be described.
Of the hare family (Leporidc), the common gray rabbit (Lepsus cuniculus) is the only representative now inhabiting this region. It is very prolifie, and is destined to propagate its species long after some of the auimals mentioned shall have be- come extinet.
Bats and moles-the former belonging to the order of animals (Chiropetra ), the latter to the order (In ectivori)-are still very numerous. Both are carniverous (insecticorous), and during hibernation are semi-torpid.
CLASS OF AVES, OR BIRDS.
In the following list of birds indigenous to the county, the old system of groups, or orders, is used rather than the new elassi- fication of birds adopted provisionally by the Smithsonian Insti- tute at Washington. The former, as it contains fewer and less difficult technical terms, will, it is believed, be more readily understood by the general reader. The chief characteristics of all the birds belonging to each order are given first, and ap- pended thereto are the names of such birds of the order as are indigenous to this region.
RAPTORES, OR BIRDS OF PREY.
These are generally of large size and stout form ; bills hooked and very strong ; claws sharp and curved ; wings extensive and
41
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
muscles powerful ; females larger than males; live in pairs and choose their mates for life (?). Under this order and belonging to the hawk family (Falconidc), are the sparrow-hawk ( Tinnun- culus alandarius); swallow-tailed hawk (Nauclerus furcatus) ; hen-harrier ( Circus cyaneus) ; gos-hawk (Falco palambarius) ; sharp skinned hawk, red-tailed hawk ( Buteo borealis) ; red-shoul- dered hawk, pigeon-hawk (Falco columbarum); white-headed (" bald ") eagle (Halietus leucocephalus; ring-tailed, or golden eagle (Aquila chrycetos).
To the owl family (Strigide) belong the great horned-owl (Bubo Virginianus) ; snowy owl (Strix nisa) ; barred owl ( Syr- nium nebulosum, or boot-owl "); American barn or screech-ow] (Strix flamme) ; spotted owl, marsh owl, Kennicott's (?) owl.
Of the Vulture family ( Vulturid(c), the ouly representative is the turkey-buzzard ( Cathartes aura)
RASORES, OR SCRATCHING BIRDS.
Birds of this order are characterized by their stout bodies, strong legs and feet, and their general adaptation to living on the ground. It includes the wild-turkey Meleagris galloparo), prai- rie-hen ( Tetrao cupido) ruffled grouse, or " partridge " ( Bonasa umbellus), quail ( Ortyx Virginianus), turtle-dove ( Turtur auritus). wild or passenger pigeon ( Ectopistes migratoria).
GRALLATORS, OR WADING BIRDS.
These have long necks, long bills, very long and slender legs, and slender hodies. Their general form is well adapted to wading. This order includes the plover ( Charadrius), common snipe (Scolopax gallinago), American woodcock ( Philohela minor), Wilson's snipe (Gallinago Wilsonii), mid-hen ( Fulica Ameri- cana), kill-dee (Aegialites vociferus), red-breasted snipe (Gam- betta melanoleuca), tell-tale snipe (Gambetta flavipes), water-rail ( Rallus aquaticus), sand-hill crane (Grus Canadensis), blue crane ( Grus Americanus), yellow-legged and upland plover, white crane ( Grus albus), and heron ( Ardea cinerea)
NATATORES, OR SWIMMING BIRDS.
They are broad and flat; feathers compact and well oiled ; legs wide apart, femur short, and feet webbed. Under this order are found the common wild-goose (Anser Americanus) summer or wood duck (Aix sponsa), Canada goose ( Bermicalu Canadensis), American swan ( Cygnus Americanus), brand goose, or "brant" [Anser Bernicla), butter-ball ( Bucephala albeola), mallard (Anas Boschas), blue-winged teal (Boschas crceca), American widgeon (Mureca Americana), red-head duck (Ay- thaya Americana), canvass-back duck (?) Aythaya vallisneria), green-winged teal (Nettion Carolinensis ), pin-tail duck ( Dafilu acuta), trumpeter swan ( Cygnus buccinator).
INSESSORIES, OR PERCHING BIRDS.
The perchers differ greatly among themselves ; all have three front-toes and a single hind-one ; feet well adapted to perching. To this order belong the majority of birds, of which we note, as belonging here, the wood-thrush ( Turdus mustelinus), mocking- bird ( Mimus polyglottus), blue-bird (Sialis Wilsonii), cat-bird ( Mimus Carolinensis), robin ( Tardus migratorius), brown thrush, or "thrasher " ( Turdus rufus), titmonse, or chickadee (Parus atricapillus), brown creeper ( Certhia familiaris), nnthateh, (Suta Carolinensis), winter wren ( Troglodytes hyemalis), cedar bird (Ampelis cedrorum), rose-breasted gosbeak ( Guiraca ludoviciana), 6
chewink ( Pipilo erythrophthalmus), meadow-lark ( Sturnella mag- nu), blue jay (cyanura cristata), wren ( Troglodytes domestica) warblers barn-swallow ( Hirundo hordeorum), bauk-swallow ( Cotyle riparia ), blue martin ( Progne purpurea ), cardinal red bird Cardinalis Virginianus), field sparrow ( Spizella pusillu), io- digo bird ( Cyanospiza cyanea ), great northern shrike, or butcher bird, ( Collurio borealis), yellow, or thistle bird (Sylvitica astiva), swamp, or red wiuged black-bird (Sturnus prelatorius), cow blackbird (cow-bird ") common blackbird ( Merula musica), king bird, or bee martin ( Tyrannus Carolinensis), raven (Corvus corax), common crow ( Corvus Americanus), summer red-bird, (Pyrangra (rstiva), scarlet tanager, Baltimore oriole ( Icterus Baltimore), peewee, or Phoebe bird, (Suyorius fuscus), kingfisher ( Ceryle aleyon ), ruby-throated humming-bird ( Trochilus colubris), yellow-billed cuckoo (Cuculus cunorus), ruby-crowned kinglet, golden-crowned kinglet, whippoorwill (Antrostomus vociferus), grass sparrow, or black-throated buntiog, lark, sparrow, finch, snow-bird (Junco hyemalis), chipping sparrow (Spizella socialis), night hawk ( Chordeiles popetuc).
SCANSORES, OR CLIMBING BIRDS.
Birds of this order have their toes in pairs, two in front and two behind. Under this order and indigenous to this county are the swift, or chimney-swallow ( Cypselus pelasgius), red- headed woodpecker, ( Melunerpes erythrocephalus), golden-winged woodpecker ( Chlaptes auratus ), Carolina paroquet ( Conurus Caro- linensis), sap-sucker (Picus pubescens).
(CLASS) REPTILIA, OR REPTILES.
Under this class we find represented here the order Testudi- nata, or turtles, and including such individuals as the box- turtle ( Cistudo virginea ), snapping-turtle { Chelyara serpentina), wood tortoise ( Glyptemys insculpta), and soft shelled turtles, in- cluding mind-turtles. Of the order Lacertia (lizards), the common striped lizard ( Ameiva serlineata) is the only representative we have found here. Under the order ( Ophidia), or serpents, we note the common black-suake (Bascanion constrictor), water- suake (Serpens aquaticus), rattle-snake ( Crotalus horridus), moc- casin ( Toricaphis atrapiscus), copperhead ( Trigonocephalus contor- trix), garter-snake (Eutania sirtalis), house-snake, joint-snake, blue raeer, and green snake. Of these the rattlesnake, copper- head and moccasin are very poisonous, and therefore most to be dreaded. The blowing, or hissing adder, a venomous serpent, is rarely seen here.
The class Batrachia, or frogs, has as representatives, the leopard frog (Rana halecina), bull-frog ( Rmna pipiens), wood-frog, tree- frog (" tree-toad,") ( Runa"hylu ), marsh-frog ( Rana palustris), common toad (Bufo vulgaris) tadpole, salamander (Amblystoma punctatum ), triton, or water-newt (Diemictylus viridescens), and mnd puppy ( Menobranchus lateralis).
The class of Pisces, or fishes, is represented, in the streams of the county, by the white, the black and the strihed bass, cat-fish, pike, sturgeon (rare), gar, goggle-eyed perch, sun-fish, chub, white perch ("croppie " ?), white aod black suekers, buffalo and a few others of minor importauce.
42
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
CHAPTER VI.
FLOR.I.
T is our object, in this chapter, to give, in a suc- einet manner, a catalogue of the principal native trees, shrubs, and grasses found within the limits of the county.
To add a detailed botanical description of each plant, or of all the genus, species, or even families, represented here, would fill a large part of this volume, to the exclusion of other more appropriate matter. By way of preface, it may be stated that vegetation is a sure index of the character of the soil in which it is growing. No class of persons realizes this fact su fully as does the practical, observant farmer. If he wishes to buy uncultivated land, the kinds of trees, shrubs, or grass growing in the locality decide for him the approximate depth aud fertility of the soil, and the consequent value of the land for agricultural purposes. According to its flora Illinois has been divided by botanists into three parts : the heavily tim- bered regions of the south, whose Jeuse vegetation is remarkable for its variety ; the central portion, which, except in the vicinity of the water-courses, is mostly prairie, and noted for the great number and variety of its grasses and other indigenous plants; and the northern seetion, which is about equally divided between woodland and prairie. This county lies within the great prairie belt, a region famous for the fertility and depth of its soil, and the luxuriance of its flora. Plants, like animals, are greatly influenced in their growth and development by surrounding cir- cumstanees. As man and the domestic animals have driven many species of the native animals from this region so, numer- ous kinds of indigenous plants have disappeared before the onward march of civilization. Hence, we find to-day, in the fields and meadows, few of the grasses and other plants that flourished in their native beauty here fifty years ago. Thus, under the great laws of evolution and suecession, all animated nature, from age to age, moves gradually but grandly forward toward the eternal destiny which the Almighty, in the beginning, ordained for all His creatures. The following is a complete
LIST OF NATIVE WOODY PLANTS.
Acer Saccharinnm, Rock Sugar Ma- Ceanothus Americanus. Red Root. ple. C. Ovalis, Great Red Root.
A. Nigrum, Black Sugar Maple.
A. Dasycarpum, Soft Maple, Silver-1 Leaf Maple.
A. Negundo, Box Elder, Ash Leaf Maple.
Esculus Glabra, Stinking Buckeye. Cephalanthus Occidentalis, Buttoo Bush.
A. Serrulata, Smooth- Leaf Alder.
Amelanchier Canadensis, True Ser- Prunus Virginiana, Choke Cherry.
vice-Berry.
Amorpha Fruticosa, False Indigo Shrub.
A. Canescens, Lead Plant.
Ampelopsis Quinquefolia, Virginia- C. Circinata, Pigeon Berry Creeper.
Asimina Triloha, Papaw.
Betula Nigra, River or Red Birch.
Carpinus Americana, Blue Beach, Corylus Americana, Hazelnut. Hornbeam.
C. Tomentosa
C. Crus-galli
Carya Alba, Shagbark Hickory.
C. Sulcata, Thick Sbellbark Hickory. R. Toxicodendron, Climbing Poons,
C. Tomentosa, While Heart Hick- ory.
C. Glabra, Pignut Hickory.
Dirca Palustris, Leatherwood.
Euonymus Americanus, Strawberry Tree.
Fraxinus Americana, White Ash.
F. Viridis, Green Ash.
F. Sambucifolia, Black Ash.
F. Quadrangulata, Blue Ash.
Gleditschia Triacanthos,
Thorned Acacia, Honey Locust.
Gymnoclados Canadensis, Kentucky S. Fragilis, Joint Willow, Brittle Coffee Tree. Willow.
Ilamamelis Virginica, Witch Hazel. "Sambucus Canadensis, Elderberry.
Juglans Cinerea, Butternut.
J. Nigra, Walnut.
Juniperus Virginiana, Red Cedar. Lonicera Grata, Woodbine.
Menispermum Canadense, Moonseed. Spiraea Opulifolia, Vinebark Spiraa.
Morus Rubra. Red Mulberry.
Ostrya Virginica, Ilop-Hornbeam, Iron-Wood.
P. Angulata, Cotton Tree.
Platanus Occidentalis, Buttonwood Symphoricarpus Vulgaris, Coral Ber- Sycamore. ry.
Populus Tremuloides, Quaking Asp, Tecoma Radicans, Trumpet C'reeper. A-pen. Tilia Americana, Bass-Wood.
P. Monilifera, Neclace Poplar, Cot- Uhuus Fulva, Red Elm.
tonwood.
Prunus Americana, Wild Plum.
Pyrus Coronaria, Crab Apple.
Quereus Macrocarpa, Burr Oak. (2. Obtusiloba, Post Oak.
Q. Alba. White Oak.
Q. Prinus, Swamp Chestnut Oak.
(2. Bicolor, Swamp White Oak.
Q. Imbricaria, Laurel Leaf Oak. Q. Nigra, Black Jack Oak.
Zanthoxylum Aroericanum, Prickly. Ash.
Q. Tinctoria, Yellow Bark Oak, Lendera Benzoin, Spice Busb. Quercitron Oak.
(2. Coccinea, Scarlet Oak.
Occidentalis. Black Raspberry
Q. Rubra, Red Oak.
Q. Palustris, Swamp Spanish Oak Pin Oak.
Rhus Glabra, Sumac.
Ivy.
Ribes Cynosbati, Prickly Gooseberry.
R. Hirtellum, Smooth
R. Rotundifolium
R. Lacustre, Swamp
R. Floridnm, Black Currant. Rosa Lucida, Prairie Rose.
R. Blanda, Wood Rose.
Salix Tristis, Rose Willow.
S. Humilis, Cone Willow.
Three S. Eriocephala, Silky lead Willow.
S. Nigra, Black Willow.
S. Pubens, Red Fruit Elderberry. Sassafras Officinale, Sassafras. Shepherdin Canadensis, Buffalo Berry Smilax Hispida, Greenbrier.
Spiræa Tomentosa, Hardhack, Wil- low Spiræa.
Staphylea Trifo ia, Rattle-Box, Wood Bladder Nut.
U. Americana, White Elm.
U. Racemosa, Cork Elm, Hickory Elm.
Viburnum Prunifolium, Black Haw, Arrow Wood. V. Lentago, Sheepberry.
Vins Aestivalis, Summer Grape.
V. Cordifolia, Frost Grape.
Rubus Strigosus, Red Raspberry.
Villosus, Blackberry. Robenia Pseudocacia, Black Locust.
Of the forest trees the most valuable deserve special mention. Rock Sugar Maple is excellent ; the Black Cherry is used by cabinetmakers, and is a wood of good color and grain. The Shag-Bark Hickory is perhaps the most valuable of its kind. The White Oak is much used in making furniture and agricultural implements. The Blue Ash is capital for flooring. The Honey Locust is a very durable wood, and shrinks less than any other in seasoning. The Walnut is nearly all gone. The Plane tree, or Sycamore, is used by cabinetmakers. Of the Oak family the most and valnable kinds are the Burr Oak, Panel Oak, and the Pin Oak.
GRASSES.
In the following list of grasses, the common grain plants, not being indigenous to the conuty, are omitted. Some of the grasses given are not native, but are among those best adapted for ani- mals ; hence we include them :
C. Paniculata
C. Sanguinea,
Cratægus Coccinea, Hawthorn.
Cercis Canadensis, Judas Tree, Red Bud. Celastrus Scandens, Bitter Sweet, Wax Work.
C'eltis Occidentalis, Hackberry.
P. Serotina, Black Cherry, Cabinet Cherry.
Cornus Alternifolia, False Dogwood. C. Sericea, Kinnikinic.
C. Stolonifera, Red Osier.
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HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Phleum Pratense, Timothy. Agrostis Vulgaris, Red-Top.
Muhlenbergia Diffusa, Nimble Will. Calamagrostis Canadensis, Blue-joint,
a native grass of the prairies, where it grew from ten to fifteen feet in height.
Dictyli+ Glomerata, Orchard Grass. Poa Pratensis, Kentucky Blue-Grass. Poa Compressa, Wire-Grass. Festuca Elation, Meadow Fescue. Bronis Seciings, Common Cheat. Phragmites Communis, Common Reed.
Arundinaria Macrosperma, Large Cane.
Lolium Perenne, Darnel Rye-Grass Anthoxanthum Odoratum, Sweet- scented Vernal Grass.
Phalaris Arundinacea. Red Canary Grass.
P. Canariensis, Canary Grass. Panicum Sanguinale, C'rab Grass. Panicum Glabrum, Smooth Panicom. Panicum Capillare, Witch Grass. Panicum Crus-galli, Barnyard Grass. Setaria Glauca, Common Foxtail. S. Viridis, Bottle Grass.
S. Italica, Itallian Millet.
Andropogon Scoparius, (?) Brown- Beard Grass.
CHAPTER VII.
PIONEERS AND EARLY SETTLERS.
HE contents of these pages have been gathered with patience and diligence from all accessi- ble sources of information.
A complete record of the brave men who first settled in this county, was obtained from two honored members of that small band, Mr. J. J. McGraw, and his friend, Mr. A. L. Barnett.
The pioneers, through unremitting toil and hardship, through sacrifice and danger, have made possible the degree of comfort and culture now enjoyed by many thousands, and jointly with the settlers of other sections, have assisted and brought about the progress of science, letters and philosophy in this great valley. The germ of our beneficent system of free schools was planted by their hands, and nursed by their care. They brought with them the elevating ceremonies of a pure re- ligion, and the great ideas of personal freedom and the brother- hood of mankind.
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