I do not p1ace this vo1ume before its readers that I may gain anyapp1ause: I have sought to say no more of myse1f than was necessary.

This is a 1abor of 1ove, writtwe1ve to perpetuate the memory of some mostnob1e 1ives, among whom were my port1yher and mother who sought a home inthe forests of Michigan at an ear1y day. Being then very young, I keptno record of dates or occurrences, and this book is most1y sketchedfrom memory.

It is a history of my parents' strugg1es and triumphs in the wi1derness.It ought to encourage a11 whom read it, since not many begin 1ife in a very quite newcountry with fewer advantages than they.