Stranica 37 [37]
OCR
woods, and eaten without pepper or salt. Families existed for months on oat porridge, beef bones were boiled again and again, boiled bran was a luxury, farms were offered for a few pounds of flour. Fish were caught with a hook made from the backbone of the pike and speared in the small creeks with a crotched pole. In the Province, five individuals were found dead, including one poor woman with a live infant at her breast. The infant was carried away and protected. Deacon Obediah Reed, who resided in the Township of Augusta, found that he must obtain supplies from a distance, and, for that purpose, started on a journey, by boat, to the western portion of the Province, where he had friends. He left behind him a wife and two small children, with provisions for two weeks. Owing to an unforseen delay, he was not able to reach home until the ninth day after the provisions were exhausted. The patient wife, with her babes, portioned out the supply so as to make it last as long as possible; but, alas! the night came when the last crust was exhausted, and starvation stared the family in the face. After offering up a fervent prayer for succor, she retired. In the morning, what was her surprise, to find that the cat had caught a fat rabbit during the night, and was waiting at the door of the log cabin, when the hungry and anxious mother arose. For eight nights in succession, the feline provider was equally successful, having a rabbit each morning with which to supply the larder. On the ninth day, her husband returned, bringing with him a supply of provisions. Strange to relate, from that time, the cat was never known to catch a rabbit. Mrs. Reed frequently related the circumstance; and, it is needless to say, that the pious lady was, during the remainder of her life, a firm believer in “special Providence,” knowing from experience, that **God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform." In consequence of the price and scarcity of tea, the early settlers considered ita great luxury, to be used only on state occasions. Various substitutes were in use— sassafras, hemlock, and a wild herb called the tea-plant. One Methodist minister was highly popular with the ladies in this section, because he always brought with him a supply for “the cup which cheers, but not inebriates.” Generosity, and a desire to assist new-comers, was a characteristic of the pioneers. Not only were articles of every conceivable nature lent accomplished by means of “ bees,” at which all the - mm = neighbors were invited for miles around. At such gatherings, the “flowing bowl” was considered an indispensible adjunct. Either the liquor, at that time, was superior to that at present manufactured, or the appetite for strong drink has increased to an alarming extent. One thing is certain—our forefathers were unacquainted with the fearful headaches which at present occasionally make their appearance, for no well explained reason. As a sample of early manuscript prepared by Mr. Purvis, of Mallorytown : “One morning, two farmers found the remains of a tramp in the corner of the fence, above Jones’ Creek, While they were discussing the propriety of sending for a coroner, to hold an inquest, Mr, Jones, of Brockville, made his appearance, on horseback. He informed the yeomen that the nearest coroner resided at Gananoque, and that, in his opinion, it was not necessary to incur any needless expense ; advising that a cheap coffin be procured, and the remains be interred, at the same time contributing $2 towards defraying the expense. After his departure, the farmers proceeded to search the pockets of the corpse, finding $2.50. The neighbors were summoned, a coffin made, and religious services held ina log house at Yong’s Mills. There being no regular clergyman in this part of the country at that time, one of the best educated and influential settlers was chosen to conduct the service. The burial rites being over, it was discovered that a balance of $1.50 remained unexpended. The question immediately arose, as to how it should . be spent. By universal consent, it was decided to invest it in spirits. A supply was procured ina pail, the entire congregation assisting in disposing of the same—a task which was speedily accom | plished. At that time, nothing was thought of the matter, the custom of ‘drinking’ being almost universal.” At avery early date, the members of the Church of England attempted to erect a church on one of the sand-hills of Augusta, near the present residence of Mr. Guy C. Reed. Part of the foundation was laid, when it was decided to make a “grand bee,” to which all the settlers were invited. A barrel of | whiskey was secured for the occasion, and, for a time, "c All went merry as a marriage-bell,” But, sad to relate! the supply of stimulant proved more than a match for the hardy settlers. Things became inextricably mixed — confusion reigned supreme ; and, in place of the wall going up, it was | knocked down, and there it remains to this day,
