To Arise Yet Another Day

Great stands of timber covered much of early Oregon, and nearly all needed to be cleared before crops could be planted. Original pioneer families were each granted 640 acres — and in a first for the nation, one-half (320 acres) was in the wife's name. But all had to be cleared before either one could receive title. The daily back-breaking clearing and sawing was endless. And in order to arise yet another day, practiced settlers soon learn to rest their battered, beaten, sore and worn, work-weary bodies whenever and wherever they could.
"For many Menfolk and Missus,To honorably address each other's wishes,The Homestead decision was most equitably decided.For since they were Paired,The rewards would be shared,And real estate equally divided."