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Ocean to Ocean on Horseback: Being the Story of a Tour in the Saddle from the Atlantic to the Pacific; with Especial Reference to the Early History and Development of Cities and Towns Along the Route; and Regions Traversed Beyond the Mississippi; Together with Incidents, Anecdotes and Adventures of the JourneyGlazier, Willard W.

History

Ocean to Ocean on Horseback: Being the Story of a Tour in the Saddle from the Atlantic to the Pacific; with Especial Reference to the Early History and Development of Cities and Towns Along the Route; and Regions Traversed Beyond the Mississippi; Together with Incidents, Anecdotes and Adventures of the Journey

Name: Ocean to Ocean on Horseback: Being the Story of a Tour in the Saddle from the Atlantic to the Pacific; with Especial Reference to the Early History and Development of Cities and Towns Along the Route; and Regions Traversed Beyond the Mississippi; Together with Incidents, Anecdotes and Adventures of the Journey
Author: Glazier, Willard W.

Glazier, Willard W.

United States -- Description and travel

_Private House_,
                                                ANNAWAN, ILLINOIS,
                                            _September Twenty-sixth_.

Before leaving Wyanet I had _Paul's_ bridle--a Mexican make--repaired,
and when it was again used he chafed at the restraint of the curb. Not
for long though, for we were soon on the prairie, he evidently enjoying
it as much as his master. The roads were rougher than usual and there
was a change here in the soil, its black clayey loam being very rich and
productive, making Henry County noted for its fine farms. Eighteen miles
of grass-covered prairie, diversified by cultivated fields, brought me
to Annawan, where I was the guest of O. T. Buttermore, and while at this
place I received the following gratifying communication from Colonel
Stephens of La Salle--further proof of the good will to "the stranger
within their gates," of the citizens of La Salle:

                                                _September 25, 1876_.

    TO CAPTAIN WILLARD GLAZIER:

    I take pleasure in expressing to you on behalf of many of our
    citizens, the gratification afforded our people who listened to your
    instructive and entertaining lecture given at Opera Hall on Saturday
    evening last. While in conversation with several of our prominent
    citizens, among them, W. A. Work, superintendent of our public
    schools; A. J. O'Connor, clerk of the city court; W. T. Mason, Esq.,
    and others, all of whom were present and heard your lecture, I was
    requested to write you and tender their hearty thanks for the
    entertainment and their good wishes for your success in your ride
    across the continent. Should you ever again visit our city you can
    rest assured you will be most cordially received.

                                 Very truly yours,
                                               R. C. STEPHENS,
                                     _Late Colonel U. S. Volunteers_.

[Illustration: A HAPPY FAMILY.]


One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Day.

                                            _Farm House_,
                               BETWEEN GENESSEO AND MOLINE, ILLINOIS,
                                   _September Twenty-seventh_.

Started away from Annawan at nine o'clock but after riding about a mile
and a half I discovered that I had left my journal and was obliged to
return for it. All day I was on a seemingly endless prairie, dotted here
and there with cornfields and apple orchards. Illinois takes the lead in
stock-raising, and the horses and cattle seen in this day's ride were
fully up to the best standard.

Had dinner at the house of a coal miner, whom I found very intelligent,
and was well entertained by a talk on mining industries in Illinois from
a practical point of view. This is a bituminous coal region and there
are mines in operation all over the State.

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