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long since scattered, many lie buried in the old cemetery
on the hill and of the Yankee colony which entered the
land and settled these fertile prairies scarcely one remains.
    September 24, 1904 her death came after a trying
illness.
    Of her it was written "To know her casually was to
confide at once in her perfect integrity and her entire
freedom from conventional falsehood and hollowness.
The graciousness of her face and manner was the true
reflection of a heart that knew neither deceit nor unkind-
ness."
   ............... ..........................................................
......
   CHARLOTTE OWISCONSIN VAN CLEVE               8
              Author-Helen M. Purdy
88               Portage, Wisconsin
    In looking backward over the records of the early
history of the State of Wisconsin, then a territory, the
name of Mrs. Van Cleve seems to stand out more promi-
nently than any of the pioneer women, although there
were many brave women who gave the best years of
their lives to the upbuilding of the state.
    Mrs. Charlotte Owisconsin Van Cleve was born at
Fort Crawford, July 1, 1819, and was the daughter of
Major Clark. She was born one hour after they arrived
at the Fort. It had been a long tedious journey from the
east, and the Major had orders to remain at Fort Craw-
ford sometime to rest before proceeding still further into
the territory.
     Her father, Lieutenant afterwards Major Nathan
 Clark, had orders to proceed to the head water of the
 Mississippi there to establish a fort to be called Fort
 Snelling. It was a long tedious journey from the east,
 part way by stage and part way by water. All were
 glad to reach Fort Crawford with orders to rest awhile.
 Just one hour after arriving at the fort, Mrs. Charlotte
 Owisconsin Van Cleve was born and was the first white
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