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

REPORTS OF PIONEER HISTORICAL MEETINGS

75

A muffled sob of sorrow,
Perhaps a falling tear,
And then a noble heroine
Commences her career.
A long and tedious journey
To a cabin in the woods,
A fire place to cook by,
A dearth of household goods.
And on each noble housewife
The triple burden laid,
Was that of being mother,
And nurse and kitchen maid.
And when these urgent duties
In proper time were done,
And to the arms of Morpheus
The family had all gone,
Such ambition born of love
As only mothers feel,
Prompted them before they slept,
To ply the spinning wheel.
Making clothes and blankets
To keep their loved ones warm,
Moulding thoughts and actions
By love's sweet gentle charm;
Thus rearing sons and daughters
To guide the ship of state,
Those pioneer mothers
Have made this nation great.
Were I to write in history
A page for coming years,
I'd write among the heroes
The names of pioneers.
And on the page beside them,
Inscribed with filial pride,
Those heroines, our mothers,
The pioneer's bride.