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Dexheimer, Florence Chambers, 1866-1925 / Sketches of Wisconsin pioneer women
([1924?] )
Scott, Jessie, Mrs.
Jane Powers Walker, pp. 55-56
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Page 56
grain and vegetables. The mother managed the house- hold, spun yarn to knit the supply of socks and mittens, carded wool for the blankets, and homespun clothing, pieced quilts, covered lambs wool for comforts, and made all garments by hand, and much by candlelight. Candles were dipped, strings of apples were prepared for drying, currants and corn dried, and quantities of meat salted, and smoked, feathers were saved and made into big beds for comfort, also corn husks were dried and used in ticks for mattresses. In this hospitable home, many preachers and strangers were entertained, at times the house resembled an inn, for the visitors. The pastimes of the period con- sisted largely of arguments on religion, going to "pound" or "donation" parties and a lodge to which all farmers belonged, called the "Grange." Sunday meetings and prayer meeting were often held in this home to which all were welcome. Mrs. Walker was a woman of strong religious tem- perment, and great benevolence. Always interested in political events, she kept up on topics of the day, and lived to the grand old age of ninety-six years. Being an Original Daughter, she became a member of the society, Daughters of the American Revolution, and was present- ed with a gold spoon by the National Chapter. Her grave is marked by the insignia of the Chapter. * * * * Jane Powers Walker joined the Fort Atkinson Chapter two years after it was organized, and before Waupun had a chapter. She visited the Fort Atkinson Chapter when she was 92 years old and we listened to her stories of those early long ago days. Her eyes shown and her face glowed with enthusiasm as she told in easy flowing language of her early experiences. Mrs. Walker was very clever with her needle and presented the Fort Atkinson Chapter with afine piece of hand York, which the Chapter had framed. She also embroidered a ]Flece which she sent to President Roosevelt. At the age of 95 her sight began to fail and she died at 96. FLORENCE C. DEXHEIMER. 56
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