In a message dated 6/14/01 1:45:39 PM !!!First Boot!!!, hlm@qtm.net writes: << He came out sometimes at night to try to plow - with no mule - and raise some food for his family, but could not let anyone know he was home. >> Have heard tales of the wife pulling the plow when there was no mule. My family was lucky. the fram that was bought in early 1800s remained in the family until it was sold in 1976 - thereabouts. I have several pieces of furniture that came from the old farm. Told I was lucky as most had to sell their furniture to pay taxes on the property. Betty.