The Farm-1845-1850
At the time of my birth, we all lived on the family farm, which my folks named "Napsinekee Place'. It was an ideal place for an adventurous boy like me to grow up. There were trees to climb, a pond to swim and fish in, animals to play with, acres upon acres to explore, and mischief to get into, as I was prone to do from time to time.
Besides all the fun things to do on the farm, there was a lot of work too. Granted at my young age, I was exempt from doing a vast majority of the many chores, which was required to operate a prospering farm. I did have to do some things, like throw out the dishwater, help set the table, dry dishes, etc, but nothing too strenuous. That kind of work rested mostly on the shoulders of my folks, and my older sisters and brother. The brunt of the majority of the work, my folks took on. I do recall my Ma and Pa working hard from sun up to sun down to provide for us children. They did not complain about any of it though. Whatever difficulties my folks faced in the raising of us eight children, we were never made aware.
My brothers, sisters, and I, had everything we could possibly want. We had warm beds to sleep in, plenty of good food to eat, the freshest air to breathe, a sturdy roof above our heads, fine playmates to play with, and an abundant amount of love showered upon us all by our folks.
These formative years were strengthening ones for me. I learned at my Pa's knees all the important things a man should know in life: how to shoot, fight, and protect what is mine. From my Ma I learned to read and write, cipher, and how mind my manners, something of which has kept me in good stead over the years.