Pioneer history of Ingham County, compiled and arranged by Mrs. Franc L. Adams, secretary of the Ingham County pioneer and historical society.

358

PIONEER HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY

him sprightly. There was a very large stone in the road in front
of grandfather's house, and when Scabbahoose reached it he gave
a loud whoop and a great jump over it. The string broke and the
jug fell onto the stone breaking it into bits, and the precious
liquid was soon lost to sight in the ground. The children who
had been watching him discreetly kept out of sight; then he began
to call" White Schmokeman! White Schmokeman!" till grandfather went to the door and inquired what he wanted. He told of
his sad loss and wanted to borrow a jug, but grandfather had none
to lend, and with a bound into the air he gave a whoop and ran
on to the camp, soon running back with another jug on his way
back to the tavern for more fire-water.
The early days were full of privations, which we of today would
not feel that we could meet. Eight pounds of sugar had to last a
year. Pumpkin molasses was their usual sweetening. Once a
year they tried to go back to Detroit for a few supplies. One of
the boys would drive the team of oxen, in a chair in the wagon,
would knit all the way there and back, adding to the store of socks,
mittens, caps, etc., needed for winter's use.
Doctors were almost unknown; grandmother was often surgeon as well as physician. When mother was about three years
old, Uncle Palmer, who was six, took her out of doors, helped her
up on a log and gave her a stick to hold while he chopped it in two.
At the first blow of the ax he completely severed the little sister's
first finger. She ran screaming to the house; grandmother
caught her up and held the stub of the finger tightly while she
looked for the severed portion. Not finding it she bound up the
wounded member and it soon healed. This was her first practice in surgery.
The Dean Cemetery, now known as the Fitchburg Cemetery,
was laid out, and one by one these sturdy pioneers have been
gathered into its bosom for the rest so well earned. But their
memories will ever live in the minds of those who knew them.
The parish of S. S. Cornelius and Cyprian, situated in Bunkerhill Township, Ingham county, is an institution worthy of
more than passing note. It is situated on section 10, some distance from any other settlement out in the farming district. In
riding through the country one comes upon it quite unexpectedly,