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remained as a family heritage, until both died of old age. Everyone of the children has fond memories of this team. Perhaps the most eventful period in the adventures of the Mies family was when brother Will became thirteen years of age and could manage a team and do farm work. From a knowledge of how other farmers and farm boys did things, farm work and farm life took on an entirely new aspect. There was no longer need of green and unskilled labor. He was an excellent manager. It was during this period, while the family affairs were on the upward incline, due to the fact that one boy after another was able to fit into the working schedule, that there came to our home another boy Joseph, born April 4, 1885, and who always vowed that he was glad that he came into a family with all those boys and a girl. His belated coming was a joy to all the family and most especially to his father. When the burden of farm work and management was lifted from the shoulders of father, father became a road commissioner and, in which work, he was expert. His greatest delight was to have his little chauffeur, not over twelve years of age, to hitch the horse to the buggy and drive him about. Father's part in bringing up his family was magnificent. He met many hardships. He always overcame them. Throughout life he demonstrated his absolute adherence to the principle of honesty and integrity. He loved his adopted country with a loyalty that amounted to a passion. Fourth of July, Columbus Day and other patriotic days were loyally observed. His family was reared to respect honesty, sobriety, frugality, patriotism, and to have no fear of hard work. I shall now turn my attention to the adventures and misadventures of another member of the family, who met life's tasks without faltering and who is entitled to equal credit with her companion in the rearing of a family and meeting the hardships and responsibilities of a pioneer life. This person is mother. She, like father, was born in Geisdingen, Germany. She was born April 26, 1847. She oame to America at a tender age. The family settled on a farm at Mendota, Illinois. The Enenbach family was large, consisting of three boys and four girls. The father of his family died from cholera in 1856. One of the girls died at about this same period. The burden of the family fell upon his surviving wife. At the age of 19, mother left family and friends and cast her lot with father in the hard task of building a railroad. Her duties were to look after the meals and lodging of many rough men. The men in those days who worked on a railroad were a hard lot. Many were men who were fleeing from justice and possibly some were escaped convicts. She bore her part uncomplainingly throughout this trying venture, and was present at the driving of the Golden Spike. next page |
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