09/23/2025
Added to our Log Cabin page: https://www.acgsi.org/genweb/county/places/log-cabins-allen-county-indiana.html
This is a primitive painting of a log cabin that I have had nearly on 50 years. I purchased it in a Good Will Store at a low price. Who painted it I do not know, possibly a local painter, for it is unsigned. For years I hung it in my classroom. Now it graces my “study”. When I look at it I am reminded of the poem published in the Nov. 6, 1839 issue of the National Intelligencer by John Finley.The poem describes the home of many a pioneer settler in the state and elsewhere. Some say it is the first poem using the term “Hooshier.” Here it is for you to enjoy. THE HOOSHIER’S NEST By John Finley Suppose in riding through the West, A stranger found a “Hooshier’s nest”; In other words, a Buckeye cabin Just big enough to hold Queen Mab in; Its situation, low but airy, Was on the borders of a prairie; And fearing he might be benighted, He hailed the house and then alighted. The Hooshier met him at the door, Their salutations soon were o’er; He took the stranger’s horse aside, And to a sturdy sapling tied; Then, having stripped the saddle off, He fed him in a sugar trough. The stranger stooped to enter in, The entrance closing with a pin, And manifested strong desire To seat himself by the log fire, Where half a dozen Hooshieroons, With mush and milk, tin cups and spoons, White heads, bare feet, and dirty faces, Seemed much inclined to keep their places.
But Madam, anxious to display Her rough and undisputed sway, Her offspring to the ladder led, And cuffed the youngsters up to bed. Invited shortly to partake Of venison, milk, and johnny cake, The stranger made a hearty meal And glances round the room would steal. One side was lined with divers garments, The other spread with skins of “varmints;” Dried pumpkins overhead were strung, Where venison hams in plenty hung. Two rifles placed above the door, Three dogs lay stretched upon the floor; In short, the domicile was rife With specimens of Hooshier life. The host, who centered his affections On game, and range, and quarter sections, Discoursed his weary guest for hours, Till Somnus’ ever potent powers Of sublunary cares bereft ‘em.
No matter how the story ended- The application I intended Is from the famous Scottish poet, Who seemed to feel as well as show it, That “burley chiels and cliver hizzies “Are bred in sic a way as this.”
