"An Interesting Early History of Decatur County"by Mrs. O.N. Kellogg |
| Chapter Twenty TWO WOMEN FREEZE TO DEATH-FIRST SETTLER IN HIGH POINT TOWNSHIP |
| Mr. Burrell's sister and mother-in-law were frozen to death on the
prairie west of Grand River in this county. They started on a Sunday
afternoon afoot to go about five miles to visit some relative, either
not observing the storm that was gathering, or underestimating the
danger of venturing out as the sun was shining when they started and
they were tired of stopping at home-no church or anything to go to, and
from pure restlessness they took the risks. There was a light snow on
the ground, though the track was plain of sled or wagon across the
prairie, but soon a heavy cloud overspread the horizon. It began to snow
and the wind commenced to blow furiously. They could have then taken
their back tracks and saved themselves but many people think it is a
sign of weakness to turn back, whereas it is only an acknowledgement
that man is not omnipotent. They continued their walk until the track
became obliterated and, not having thought of watching the points of
timber of any landmarks that lay in their view-they were lost. They then
concluded to separate and each take a separate course and try to reach
some house and send out help to the other. They started and, of course,
walked in a circle and met. This they did three different times as their
tracks showed and the one elderly woman went but a little way after they
parted the last time. Her strength was exhausted; hope and courage died
within her. She fell and apparently died without a struggle. The young
woman walked, or ran, many miles after this, but all in vain. At last
her strength failed and she sought a spot sheltered from the wind,
pulled up some grass for a pillow, and with her hands folded upon her
breast, laid her down calmly to die. Sad, sad fate! The first settler in High Point Township was Mr. Hankins, who, with his good wife, were somewhat elderly people, having several grown up children. They were cheery and lively and it was a good place to go a-visiting. This was in 1850. We were on visiting terms with our neighbors in Chariton, thirty-five miles, and at Duncan's and Rockhold's about twenty miles, at Notson Scott's, Stanley's, Gov. Ujhazi's, Varga's, Doze's, as well as Dr. Roberts; and other families near home. It seems as though a whole long life-time had intervened between then and now. Who thought then of the grand centennial year that has dawned so gloriously upon us. Thank God for Life, crowned with so many blessings and crowded with so many possibilities of noble deeds and achievements. Let us enter the arena with fresh courage, trusting in God, and struggling for the right. To the men and women of today is given a double task, that of celebrating the birthday of Liberty and also of planting seeds of integrity, virtue and truth, to germinate, bud, blossom and bear fruit that shall make other, yet more glorious, centennials of American freedom possible in the future. |
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