(P.22) Some twenty-eight or thirty years ago, when the country was new, the times were very hard in Oakland county. To get money for work was next to impossible.  Just at that time there came glowing accounts of the good times "out west," on Grand River. My brother-in-law and myself resolved to go there and work through the summer. Accordingly, as soon as the weather settled in the spring, we began our journey, driving before us a yoke of fat cattle, which we intended to sell upon arriving at our destination.

     On our way out, we crossed the Shiawassee river at a point where Corunna now Stands. There were (P.23) then no settlements on the river; and only one solitary house where we crossed, known as "Knagg's" Trading Post. From thence we made our way through to Scott's place, on the Looking Glass river. Here we found but one house, used as a tavern, on the site of what is now known as DeWitt. From this point it was 24 miles through to Lyons prairie, on Grand river, and not a single house or clearing on the route. From the latter place we proceeded down the river, some 18 miles, to a new settlement, then called Dexter, but now known as Ionia. Here we disposed of our cattle for a good price, and went to work at two dollars per day at the carpenter business. The place was building up very fast, and was filled with people from all parts of the country, who were looking up and locating land--there being a land office here. Late in the fall, as I was nearly ready to start for home, I fell in with an old acquaintance, Mr. -- --, a young lawyer from Oakland, who had been purchasing land. He informed me that he was about to return, and intended to pass through Livingston county, for the purpose of looking at some land which he owned, lying near Livingston Centre, and requested me to accompany him, as I was more accustomed to traveling in the woods than he, to which I willingly consented. Being compelled to wait a few days for me to finish a job of work I had on hand, he proposed to go to Scott's place and await my coming. I agreed to this arrangement and he departed. After completing my work, I started on my return trip, and arrived at Scott's just after dark, very tired and hungry. I found many more people there than the house could accommodate, and the landlord nearly out of provisions. We all had our (P.24) suppers, which consumed about the entire stock of edibles on hand, and then retired to rest on the floor, without bed or blanket. In the morning, Mr. -- -- and myself found that we were rather poorly supplied for our tramp through the woods, having no breakfast to start with, and no provisions to carry along. But as it was forty miles back to where we would be likely to obtain supplies, we concluded to push ahead. Providing ourselves with a compass and some matches we made a start, feeling in good spirits, for we were homeward bound, and our pockets well lined with money. We crossed the river at Scott's, and guided by our compass, took as straight a course as practicable for Livingston Centre. The first day we reached the Red Cedar river, at a small Indian village, called Okemos. From this Place we followed up the river, as our maps informed us that we would have to pass through a swamp if we crossed here. When we arrived at the proper place for crossing, the water looked too deep, and we went up the stream still farther in hopes of finding a more shallow fording place. On and on we went up the river for several miles, meeting with no success, until, knowing that we would be compelled to make the same distance back, we determined to go no further. Accordingly we placed our compass, matches and money in our breast pockets and stepped into the water. We did not anticipate a pleasant bath, for the weather was very cold and the snow was falling briskly. The river bottom was covered with weeds, and proved to be much deeper than we supposed. We moved on cautiously, and the water had reached nearly to our arm pits, when suddenly down we both went, our hats floating away down (P.25) stream. After considerable diving, plunging and scrabbling, we finally merged into the freezing air. The water which streamed from our hair and clothes, immediately formed into long icicles. We were indeed in a sad plight. With long poles we succeeded in getting our hats, but our matches were wet, and we had no means of building a fire to warm our chilled bodies. What was to be done? To remain standing there was certain death. We must keep in motion or perish! The sky was overspread with thick clouds, the snow was falling fast, and night was near at hand. It would soon be too dark to move through the brush, but we concluded to travel down the river to the point where we were to strike into the woods, if possible. We had proceeded but a few rods, when we discovered the snow to be covered with fresh tracks. "Look, said I, we are in the midst of a large pack of wolves!"  "Is it possible?" asked my companion, his face growing very pale; "then we may as well resign ourselves to our fate, for nothing earthly can save us!" "We have," said he, "no means of defense--no, not even a match to kindle a fire!" "That," I remarked, "would be the most effectual of all means, but we must do something, and that immediately. Not a moment is to be lost. Darkness is fast approaching, and the wolves will be upon us." Luckily we had with us an Indian pipe, which served the double purpose of pipe and hatchet. With this I went to work cutting large cudgels, standing them together with one end on the ground, so as to be easily reached. But I soon saw that this labor was useless, for our hands were so benumbed with cold, that it was impossible to wield them with any force. So abandoning this plan, we (P.26) tried to think of another. I hit upon one which I thought would succeed. "Let us cut some long, slim whips," said I, "and strike them around this beech tree. They will make a noise resembling the report of a pistol, and will, perhaps, frighten them away." My companion gave a short "yes," to all my suggestions. At work I went, cutting the whips and piling them at our feet. While I was thus engaged, the yelp and whine of the hungry wolves, broke upon our ears from every direction--some of them being very near us in the brush. It was now quite dark, and yet we could distinguish the moving forms of the voracious animals, skulking among the trees. We each seized a whip and commenced beating the tree and ground. Bat this did not have the effect anticipated. Nearer and nearer came the hungry beasts, sometimes within reach of our whips, dodging from side to side, and watching their opportunity to spring upon us We renewed oar exertions with all the energy and determination of men working for dear life. And by whirling around and keeping our whips continually going, we kept them at bay. The growling, fighting and snapping of teeth, from these exasperated brutes, was enough to appal the stoutest heart. How numerous they were we could not tell. Some of the time they would be engaged in a general fight, and again they would try to crowd each other upon us. The snow and earth beneath our feet being trodden together, formed a dark circle, within which they dared not venture. During all the long night we continued to beat the earth in the manner I have described. So incessant and absorbing was our labor, that not a word passed between us. Suddenly the noise of our tormentors (P.27) was hushed. The wolves had disappeared--not one was to be seen. Daylight had come unperceived by us, and our cowardly enemies had fled! Once more we breathed freely, and for the first time in ten hours, stopped to rest. Seating ourselves on a log, we endeavored to decide what course it was best to pursue. We should probably reach a settlement sooner by continuing on our intended route, but our compass would not work, and we were left without a guide in a trackless wilderness. We began to feel the need of food and rest very keenly, but these were not to be appeased here. Our lively exercise through the night had thoroughly warmed our bodies, and partially dried our clothes. There was no chance for our lives but to push ahead. Accordingly we made a start, but scarcely had we moved outside the circle, when we rushed back again. The physical and mental agony we had endured, had made us nearly wild, and this spot seemed to us our only place of safety. After reasoning with each other a few moments, we made another start, and this time succeeded in getting clear of the attractive place. All that day we continued our journey, and by taking views of distant objects, managed to keep in a tolerable straight line. My companion, not so much inured to hardships as myself, soon grew weak and faint. Many times during the day he fell down from sheer exhaustion, and declared he could go no further. However, by dint of persuasion, I succeeded in raising him to his feet each time. During the afternoon we became bewildered, and for the third time came back to the same large tree that we had previously used as an object. Here my fellow traveler became thoroughly disheartened and said he (P.28) could not possibly take another step. Taking his money from his pocket and presenting it to me, he said, "take this to Miss G--, if you live to get through. You may yet see home, but I must die here. Never mind me--go and save yourself ! " I tried every available means to get him started again. I even laughed and joked, while my own heart was fast sinking. After a long time thus spent, he once more resumed the tramp. Night was fast approaching, and we began to look around for some open space in which to pass it. A high piece of ground, where the timber was not very thick, was selected, and we commenced our preparations of defense against the wolves, whose visit we again expected. After cutting a pile of whips, we placed our backs against a large tree, and awaited the commencement of hostilities. While standing in this position I discovered a flickering light at a distance. We watched it eagerly for some time, trying to decide what it could be. At times it would entirely disappear, and again flash up quite brilliantly. Finally we concluded to go to it at all hazards, and ascertain what it meant. Upon arriving in the vicinity, we saw two squaws and an Indian boy seated around the fire, in front of a small tent. As soon as we made our appearance they ran into the brush like wild deer. We were anxious to communicate with them, for it was in their power to save us. Fortunately, I could speak a little of the Indian language, and that little was spoken in as loud a voice as I could then command. They soon came shying back, and we approached nearer the fire. No sooner did my companion feel the warmth, than he fainted away. The squaws commenced rubbing his face (P.29) with snow, and in a short time he again revived, but was very feeble. One of the squaws then pounded up some parched corn, placed it in a basin over the fire, and when sufficiently cooked, added thereto some oil which emitted a most unpleasant smell. This mixture she offered the sick man, but he was loth to take it. I persuaded him to try a few mouthsful, but no sooner did he swallow it than he vomited it up. In fact, it left him in a worse condition than before. It seemed as though daylight would never appear, but it came at last, the sky being dark and gloomy as ever. We questioned the squaws respecting the distance to Livingston Centre, to which they replied by lifting up both hands, indicating many miles. Perceiving that they had a bridle in their possession, we inferred that a pony was not far distant. Thereupon I offered them three dollars to pilot us through, an I let my sick comrade ride him. To this proposition they readily consented, and sent the boy in search of the animal. Fearing that the little fellow would not succeed in securing the prize, I concluded to accompany him, but I had better kept away, for as soon as the pony espied me he tossed up his head, gave one snort, and flew from sight. One of the squaws then took the bridle and started in pursuit of the runaway. In a short time she returned leading the pony, but no sooner did my companion approach him than he again became frightened, and jumped about in a very wild manner. The squaws then threw a blanket over his head, and by this means he was mounted. After being seated on the pony, the squaws wrapped a blanket around my companion, and after giving directions to the boy what course to pursue, and where to meet, them (P.30) at night, bade him start. On and on we went, through swamps and over hills, the little pony bravely carrying his load, and the boy and myself walking by his side. It often seemed to me that the lad was guiding us wrong, but on mentioning my fears to him, he would only shake his head and grunt " kah! " We were doomed to pass another day without food or rest, but towards night our eyes were greeted with the sight of a rail fence, a sure mark of civilization. We soon emerged from the woods into an open field, and approached a small log house. Upon reaching this long desired haven, I assisted my companion to dismount, and we entered. Our wants were soon made known to the inmates, and a table was soon spread for our accommodation; but we were so completely exhausted, that it was with great difficulty we moved from the fire to the table. We had not so far lost our judgment as to at once satisfy the cravings of our appetite, so we ate very sparingly. Not so, however, with our Indian guide, who swallowed plateful after plateful, until literally gorged with food. After finishing his supper, we gave him the price stipulated and mounting his pony, he scampered for the woods. Upon inquiring of our hostess concerning our whereabouts, she informed us that we were within one mile of Livingston Centre, on the farm afterwards owned by Rev. E. E. Gregory. After remaining here long enough to get rested, we walked down to the hotel at the Centre. Here we were treated very kindly, and furnished with a good bed. We were awakened by being shaken and hauled about in a strange manner, and upon being aroused were told that it was late in the morning, and that they had experienced considerable difficulty in breaking (P.31) our sleep. Livingston Centre then contained but two or three buildings besides the hotel. From this place we hired a team to take us home, which we were not long in reaching. Subsequently Mr. -- had a severe fit of sickness, but he survived the shock, and was soon afterward married to Miss G-- , and they are even now enjoying life together."

     While upon this line of information, it may not be improper to say, that as late as the year 1845, William Lewis was on his way to a neighbor's, and when about sixty rods from his house he encountered three bears. He shot and wounded one--he reloaded his rifle and wounded another, when the first bear he wounded made an attack upon him. He was obliged to retreat to keep out of the bear's way, but it pursued him to within a few rods of his house. Francis Monroe, his near neighbor, went to assist him. They made an attack upon the bears and killed one of them, but the other two made their escape. Mr. Lewis was the champion hunter of Howell. He killed five full-grown deer in one day; three of them at one shot, with a single ball. He killed five full-grown wild turkeys at two shots, with a single-barreled rifle. In the early days of harmony and sport, it had come to pass that a bear had made havoc of the herds of swine and flocks of sheep of the farmers of the township of Howell; and Joseph Hogle said unto Abraham Van Nest, "let us pursue the bear even unto its death! " Accordingly they went in pursuit of bruin, with their   dogs and guns. Howbeit, they had not traveled far in the woods, before Abraham said unto Joseph, "we shall not find the bear, and I will return home." Nevertheless, Joseph was a man of courage and  (P.32) determination, and his sheep and hogs were in danger, and he said unto Abraham, "the bear must be killed!" and he continued the pursuit, while Abraham returned unto his own house. But a short time elapsed before Joseph heard the barking of dogs, and hastened to the scene of action. Forsooth he beheld the game--fired his rifle, and the ball struck bruin behind the shoulder. Notwithstanding, he did not expire until he had received six shots. The bear was exceedingly large and fat, and after it was dressed its carcass and hide weighed six hundred and forty pounds. And the neighbors of Joseph rejoiced and were glad that bruin was dead; and they had a jollification, and partook freely of a beverage called metheglin, insomuch that they became exceedingly cheerful through its effects, and each neighbor on returning to his own house, often deviated from a straight line.