Wildermuth Family - Tradition and Family History - David Clinton Wildermuth - page 6

-6-

   Supplies had to hauled with the ox team over almost impassable roads from points south of the Wisconsin river such as Dodgeville, Mineral Point, and Blanchardville. Such journeys required two weeks or more to make the round trip. Neighbors were far apart and a social visit often required a drive of 10 or 12 miles. The deep snows of the winter of 1856-7 which laid on the ground for a depth of 6 feet during the winter months caused unknown suffering and untold struggles.
   Feed was scarce and trees were chopped down and cattle were fed or ratherk kept from starving by browsing on the small twigs of maple, basswood, and such timber. It was there Father lived when the Civil War broke out and two of his boys, Henry and John, at the most suitable

age to assist him in clearing the farm, went to the war and never turned. The oldest son Edwin, returned alive from the war. This left father already growing old, with but one boy to help him Daniel. The youngest This boy with his sister louisa, worked on the farm and assisted in everything that was done and remained with him until his death.
   During the panic known as the Hop Crash, in the year 1868, Father came near losing everything. But with the assistanc of Daniel the farm was saved and built up to be one of the most substantial and beast cultivated farms in the community.  Having come from a fruit country he early planted an apple orchard. Although Wisconsin was not considered an apple country at that time, he lived to enjoy many a delicious morsel as a rewar & for his forethought and care in planting an orchard.
[Continued on page 7.]

©All rights reserved by Pathways in Genealogy. 2018 -2021. No part of this website/blog may be reproduced without the express written permission from the owner.