Posted on: Adams Co. Indiana Biographies Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/In/AdamsBios?read=6 Surname: ------------------------- Biography of Mary Darst French When Adams Co. IN was more of a wilderness than it is today; at a time when roads were almost unknown; when wolves and bears kept the early settlers in constant alarm; and the lurking indian was to be made a friend, there immigrated from Miami Co. OH. a young couple who were destined to play a great part in shaping the future of our country. It was in the year of 1840, that Mr and Mrs Lot French , bidding adieu to kin and home, struck boldly into the wilderness and made straightway for this state, “The Unsettled West.” It is indeed hard for one of younger years to conceive the tru meaning of the above paragraph. Yet if you will let the finger of memory trace back the pages of history, it will tell you a story far more varied and thrilling then pen is able to describe. Where now we see large farms with their fertile fields, and lowing herds, beautiful country homes with their modern conveniences, rural phones and rural mail delivery, thriving villages and prosperous towns, all the true milestones in the history of progress and civilization., there stood the mighty woods, swaying to and fro in the silent majesty of all its years. It was into the heart of the latter that this young couple came, following the rude roads and trails, and were they were neither, clearing a path for themselves until they settled on a uncleared farm, which had been purchased by Grandpa French on a previous trip, on the very banks of the Wabash River, three miles north of the present town of Linn Grove. The hardships and dangers were many and great for as Grandma has told us; :the roads were sometimes so bad and progress so slow that when forced by gathering night and the fatigue of the day’s travel” to seek rest neath the starry tent which alone afforded shelter, they could look back and see the smoldering coals of the fires of the previous day. The dangers and hardships did not cease, when they had arrived safely at their chosen place, but rather increased. There in the midst of an unbroken forest which must be cleared ere they could till the soil, a home must be built, a life lived and a living made. Armed with strong muscles and stout hearts, they stoved and toiled, yet not in vain. Littlt by little, God’s eternal sunshine filtered through the openings made by the sturdy stroke of the pioneer’s ax. Day by day, these openings grew and ripening grain usurped the place of giant oak. Yet, they did not rest, neither lose faith in the task that they had set out to do, but year after year, the resounding echo of that awful ax was heard until a neighboring clearing was reached, and earth freed from innumerable years of servitude, gave forth her thanks in abundant harvests to them. For many years Mr and Mrs French kept a tavern on the old State road and many were the pioneer errants who shared their hospitality. Let me say here in due respect to the many of these early settlers who have gone before, and the few who still remain, that the above might be told of each. Yet, ‘tis the passing away of another of these grand persons from the earth of care, to that Haven of rest, that calls forth this short reminiscence. And ere I pass to give in detail her life of usefulness, let me quote (not only to her memory) but to the honor and glory of all. SOURCE: The Evening Banner; Bluffton IN Saturday, June 8, 1907.