| Description |
"The Indian camp was located in the little valley, named after the Indian Chief, Arropene. This particular valley was a part of the reservation that was given to the Indians by the white man. Here was located a small lake that was mostly kept alive by the spring run-off from the surrounding hills. To the south and east of this lake was a small spring from which flowed a stream of water that meandered its way to the lake, thus furnishing the Indians with fresh, clear water. The nearby hills and mountains supplied wood for their fires and fresh meat to roast or jerk. Often I could see smoke spiraling into the sky. The settlement of Manti was new and its enterprising settlers had been pushing their ownership of the acres in all directions. Ike Allen began to homestead some sixty-two acres of hill and brush land that was just two rows of hills west of Arropene Valley. Because of the nearness of the Indians he sold his land to me." Grandpa seemed to anticipate my next question for he answered. "No, I didn't pay too much for it. I got It real cheap. I had two oxen, Bill and Bawl, to help me. Often after working them all day I would feel so sorry for them that I just couldn't drive them the five miles home to Manti, so I would tie them to my wagon, which I always kept filled with a plenti-ful supply of grass or hay, and then I would walk to Manti, returning on foot to my farm for my next day's work. Many times as I yoked my oxen in the morning I would notice that the remaining hay in the wagonbox seemed to be pressed down into almost human shape. "Each noon I watered my animals and returned to my wagon where I could let my oxen eat, then stretching myself out in the shade of the wagon I would eat my lunch and rest for an hour. "Sometimes after I had satisfied my hunger, there would be a sandwich or biscuit left over. These I would rewrap and slide under the edge of the hay thinking I might eat them later. Many times these leftovers were forgotten when quitting time came. 8 |
