It is a distinct pleasure for me to write a foreword to the "Pioneer
Stories," having regard to the fact that its author and myself are
fellow countrymen, we having both come from the little Island which
has been well called the cradle of the American race. We have also
been both engaged in the promulgation of that Gospel without which
this old world will never be a scene of peaceful life, however much
it may advance in things material.
But it is also a pleasure
because of the intrinsic merits of the book which our author has
produced, and the production of which has cost him much travel and
careful investigation.
The Rev. G. R. McKeith is almost a
Scotchman, he having been reared so very near the land of Walter
Scott and Robert Burns.
This, perhaps, will account for the
fact that he has been so successful in obtaining the particulars
from so many individuals concerning their struggles and difficulties
as pioneers.
The Scotch are very tactful in asking
questions, (they call the process "spearing," which suggests the
idea of salmon spearing which is a very delicate operation,) and so
we have a succession of pictures of their physical and mental
difficulties, and the way in which these brave men and women
fighting the battles of their lives came out victors.
The
author has also "the saving grace of humor." He might have called
his book, "Hard facts of hard lives" and given a series of sad
sketches of the terrible hardships endured by these hardy pioneers
but, true to life, with its shadows and sunshine, he has looked at
both aspects of the case, and has certainly looked at the comic
side. I heard Dr. Talmage say in a Thanksgiving Sermon that "He was
quite sure that God approved of a hearty laugh or He would not let
so many funny things happen," and so we can say of this book:
"Behold herein what leisure hours demand.
Amusement and
instruction going hand in hand."
The book has also an historical and topographical value. The facts
herein recorded will undoubtedly give a foundation for future
histories.
It is interesting to know that these pioneers
were well represented in the ranks of the Grand Army of the
Republic. When the Unity of these United States was threatened and
in danger, these were the men who willingly gave their service in
defense of the Union, suffered the hardships of battle, and risked
their lives, for the purpose of gaining freedom that would be a joy
and a delight to untold generations.
It is with confidence
that I recommend the reading of this book to the descendents of the
Pioneers.
It is well to remember "the rock from whence we
were hewn, and the hole of the pit from whence we were digged," but
in how literal a sense is Isaiah's figure of "the hole of the pit"
applicable to the offspring of these grand workers of the past who
lived "the simple life," with in many cases a "dugout" for a home!
We are all their debtors; and of us all it may be said,
"Other men labored and we are entered into their labors."
Carey, J. Sevell
Exeter, Nebraska
February, 1915
The Camp
Fire
Drawn Specially for the Pioneer Stories by Mr. D. Dekker Of
Gary, Indiana
Pioneers of Fillmore and Adjoining Counties
Source: Pioneer Stories of the Pioneers of Fillmore and adjoining Counties, by G. R. McKeith, Press of Fillmore County News, Exeter, Nebraska, 1915