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

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PIONEER HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY

Here where they met and conquered,
We meet again and say
The leaders in that struggle
Are the heroes of today.
To leave in early manhood
The scenes of youth behind,
To break those cords asunder
That friends to kindred bind,
To penetrate the forest
And battle with the trees,
Compelling them to open
To the sunshine and the breeze.
Breathing in the poison
Of undrained swamps and swales,
Then shaking with the ague
And next day splitting rails,
Then ditching off the water
From out those filthy pools;
Starting on the hillsides
The pleasant country schools.
Building up the country
In all that makes it great,
Pioneers of Michigan
Are heroes of the State.
A poem, like a story,
Would seem quite obsolete,
And this, our chosen subject,
Left very incomplete
Without those noble heroines,
The girls of former years,
Who left their homes and kindred
As wives of pioneers.
A sweet goodbye to father,
A kiss on mother's cheek,
A long farewell to other friends,
Perhaps no more to meet.