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As was previously related, after the completion of the railroad, the family moved to Mendota. In the previous recital about father and the recital of their migration back and forth from Mendota to the farm, the writer wishes merely to summarize these trips as they have relation to mother. These trips were made by wagon and possibly each trip required two days, or possibly more. In the first trip from Mendota to the farm, mother had among other responsibilities, the care of two small children, Will and Henry. In the return trip from the farm to Mendota, she had the care of five children - Will, Henry, John, Frank and George. In the last trip the writer has a faint recollection. It is connected with the fact that the wagon ran over brother Will's leg. The writer recalls very distinctly being asked by mother to get some plantain leaves and watching mother dress brother Will's leg. The writer can also distinctly recall that a cow was tied behind the wagon as the caravan came from Mendota. In view of the fact that there were no other cows, either male or female, with which she could be allowed to companion, she was permitted to graze with the buffaloes, and this was the origin of our dairy herd. On the farm, in addition to caring for the children, mother had many other cares. The young trees, as previously stated, had to be watered, and a thousand other things had to be done. To the writer it has always been a miracle how mother managed so well. She did all the housework, cared for all the children. In addition she made their clothes. The clothes making usually lasted until each boy reached the age of fourteen years. Father was willing to secure help for mother, but in almost every instance in an interview with a prospective girl, the information that there were five, six or seven children, always brought a turn down. Mother died a young woman, aged forty-seven years. In experiences she lived a century. The memory of mother is a cherished possession to every one of her children -- patient, kind, intelligent and always ministering to their welfare. |
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