Clothing was among the important items to be provided for, and a flock of sheep was among the first things to be looked after, the care and preservation of which in those early days of dogs and wolves was no small item. The wool from their backs was spun into yarn and woven into cloth by my mother's deft hands, and her cut and made into garments for the whole family. From her look also came many a bolt of cloth for the neighbors, with all of whom, comfort counted for everything, and mere style for less than nothing. The loose woolen shirt, the jeans pants, vest and wampus was the style for the men and boys; and for the women, the plain calico dress in summer, and the woolen dress for winter, were the order of the day. The year 1840 is approximately that of the building of the little brick school house from which we and many others graduated. It was also the church from which the circuit rider held forth once in four weeks. Feeling the need of more religious services in the community, Dr. A. Wilmot, Nathaniel Smith and father, with their wives, organized a Congregational Church - not as a rival, but as a helper - in maintaining religious services with all that can be implied in it. Owen Lovejoy of Princeton, who afterwards became famous in the nation's councils, was at the head of the Council of Organization. This church worked harmoniously with the Methodist people and for the general good of all, until in the process of settlement a few years later, service was moved to Lawn Ridge where the church still stands, and has the honor of being the parent from which the Congregational churches of Stark, Edelstein and Speer have sprung. It was not our design in writing this paper to give a biography of our father's life, only a few incidents in connection with his pioneer days, which with his optimistic views of life, were most thoroughly identified with those of his neighbors in upholding all that morally, socially and financially was for the best interest of all concerned; and we realize that we are drawing out this paper to great length, still do not see just where to stop. There is one thing more due primarily to my father's foresight which has become an universal blessing. It was early noted in the old settlement that there was but one spring of absolutely living water in the settlement. Knowing that the land was for sale and that it was liable to be closed to the public, father approached the owner with the proposition to segregate the spring from the balance of the tract, and sell it for the benefit of the public. Having got consent of the owner to do so, Uncle Erastus and Lucas Root joined hands with him in putting up the cash. The land connecting the spring with the public highway was bought and deeded to the public forever, and it became a veritable "Jacob's Well." There have been times of drought when it seems that both man and beast would have perished without it. Amongst the sad events of that early day was the death by lightning of my Uncle Nathan Stowell, who with my father and brother was making hay on the prairie, about three miles from home. The three were standing together not a yard from each other when a bolt of lightning struck Nathan dead. My brother, Orson, was also struck and blistered from head to foot, a spot on his arm burned to the bone, and a wound inflicted on his head from which blood flowed freely; while, strange to say, father did not lose consciousness for a moment, was not even knocked down. This uncle with a younger brother who died from the effects of an accident the following winter were the first two burials in Blue Ridge Cemetery. My father died in the year 1880 in his 73rd year; my mother in 1889 in her 81st year. We feel that we cannot close this sketch without a word in a general way for the old neighbors of pioneer days with whom we were closely associated for many years. Fraternity and reciprocity were characteristic of them as a whole; not that they always say "eye to eye," for they were all human; but in no case did their petty differences withhold the helping hand in the day of affliction, and be it said to their credit that such a thing as a lawsuit was never known within our recollection of more than 65 years. In looking back over the record of those in and around the old settlement as early as 1846, we can count the graves of at least 12 fathers and mothers who rest side by side in the little settlement cemetery. Within a half mile of our old home, we wooed and wed the faithful wife who has walked by our side for 46 years. Here our first child was born. Here when the curtain falls, we expect to be our final resting place amongst the old neighbors, kindred and friends we knew so long and well. Sincerely, Calvin Stowell 402 E. Henry St. Savannah, GA COMPLETION OF STOWELL FAMILY OF LAWN RIDGE FROM PRINCEVILLE AND VICINITY.