From Early Life & Times in Boone Co., IN Page 145: POEM THE OLD PIONEERS BY H.T. COTTON, Zionsville, February 9, 1887 Oh, I love to read the story Of the grand old pioneer. Living in his little cabin On the wild, wierd frontier. Far away from native homestead By childhood's memory blest, When this goodly land of ours Was a wilderness, out west. Oh, I fancy now I see him Sitting in his cabin door, In the shadows of the evening, When the hard day's work is o'er. In the forest dark and gloomy, Clustering all around his home, Undergrown with briars and bushes Where the bear and panther roam. And the prowling wolf in shyness, For the darkness lies in wait, Whilst he sits alone in silence, Dreaming of his native state. All unconscious of the darkness And the dangers lurking nigh, Until wakened from his musings By the panther's fearful cry; Borne upon the night winds chilly, Heard above the rustling leaves, Then he blinds the little windows, Just beneath the clapboard eaves. Piles the rough wood in the corner, On the heavy puncheon floor, Draws the string in through the latchet, Fastens well the oaken door. Wife and children all around him, Sleeps he 'til the morning sun, Safe as any king in palace, With his faithful dog and gun. Honest hands by toiling hardened, Honest hearts that knew no fears, Oh, I love to hear the story Of the grand old pioneers. Page 146: DEDICATED TO THE BOYS WHO CROSSED THE PLAINS WITH ME IN 1852. BY SAMUEL HARDEN. The following are the names of the company who left Eagle Village for California, March 15, 1852: Marion Patterson, James Duzan, George Harden, Henry French, James N. Lee, Issac Cotton and Samuel Harden.