Page 5 of Shoshone Sun (Native Sun #3)
- Paul Jacobs Homestead, 1866
Eighty miles west of Fort Laramie -
The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting golden rays across the sprawling fields that surrounded Paul’s homestead. Peter awoke to the gentle sound of chickens clucking outside, a reminder of the new life he and his family had embarked upon. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and stepped outside.
After washing up at the well, Peter made his way to the kitchen, where Mary was already bustling about. The scent of fresh bread wafted through the air, mingling with the aroma of coffee brewing over the fireplace. “Good morning, Mary,” he said, a smile spreading across his face.
“Morning, Peter! I’ve made extra for you. You’ll need your strength today.” She placed a generous portion of bread and butter on the table, along with boiled eggs, and a steaming bowl of porridge.
“Thank you,” he replied, digging in.
As he ate, he thought about the day ahead. Paul had promised to take him to a piece of land nearby that could be claimed for his own—a plot where they could start fresh. The prospect filled him with a mix of excitement and fear. He was eager to carve out a life for his family, yet the horror of the task weighed heavily on his shoulders.
After breakfast, Peter put on his boots and met Paul outside, where the horses were saddled and ready. “Are you ready for this, Peter?” Paul asked, his eyes sparkling with encouragement.
Peter squinted at the two large black beasts. Although he had driven horses in England, he had never actually sat upon one’s back and ridden it. But, how hard could it be?
“Um, I’ve never ridden a horse,” he said. “Back home, only the upper-class rode.”
Paul laughed. “I was in the same situation as you when I arrived here. But don’t worry, it will be easy. These boys are gentle giants, not wild mustangs.” Then he gave his nephew some instructions on the art of horsemanship, finishing with, “Ready now?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Peter replied, summoning up his courage and mounting his horse the way his uncle had demonstrated. He was determined to learn everything he needed to about this new and refreshing land. “Let’s go.”
The two rode toward the area Paul had previously scouted out. As they traveled, Peter felt a sense of freedom wash over him. The wide-open spaces were a stark contrast to the cramped confines of the farm back in England. The rolling hills and expansive sky felt like an invitation—a chance to build something lasting. For the first time since the idea had been brought forward, Peter was one hundred per cent confident that this venture was really going to work!
Back at the homestead, Susan settled into a routine that filled her with purpose. After breakfast, she joined Mary in the garden, tending and then harvesting and storing the vegetables. The early October sun warmed her skin, and she reveled in the earthy smell of the soil.
“Look at this!” Mary exclaimed, pulling up a handful of red radishes. “They’re thriving!”
“They are beautiful,” Susan agreed. As they worked, they chatted about everything from the challenges of farming to the joys of family life. Mary shared stories of her early days on the homestead, her voice filled with laughter. Susan felt a bond forming between them, and it was comforting to have a friend during this transition.
Later, she took a moment to walk through the garden alone, admiring the bright marigolds still blooming alongside the vegetables. It was a peaceful oasis, and she often found herself lost in thought, imagining the life they would build here.
When she returned to the house, she found Jane helping Mary prepare lunch. “What can I do to help?” Susan asked, eager to contribute.
“Could you chop these carrots?” Mary requested, handing her a small basket.
As she worked alongside Jane, Susan stole glances at her sister, who seemed more thoughtful than usual. “What’s on your mind?” Susan asked, concerned.
“I’m just thinking about how different life is now,” Jane replied softly. “It feels both exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time.”
Susan nodded, understanding her sister’s sentiment. “It is a lot to take in. But we will make it work. We’re together, and that’s what matters.”
In response, Jane put her hand on her sister’s. “I’m so glad to be here with you!” she said.
After lunch, Jane decided to explore the property. She wandered toward the creek that bordered Paul’s homestead, its gentle chatting soothing her thoughts. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting spotted shadows on the ground. She found a quiet spot to sit, listening to the sound of water and the rustle of leaves.
As she sat there, memories of Fred flooded her mind. She remembered their walks in the meadow, the way he’d smile at her, the plans they had made together. But those memories now felt like distant echoes, overshadowed by the reality of her new life. She had come to America to escape heartache, yet here she was, carrying that ache with her.
Still, the pain seemed to be fading every day, little by little. Just as Susan had predicted that it would.
After a while, she made her way back to the cabin, feeling slightly lighter. She found Mary and Susan preparing supper, the kitchen filled with the comforting scent of herbs and roasted vegetables. “Can I help with anything?” Jane offered.
“Could you set the table?” Susan suggested, her eyes brightening.
“Of course,” Jane replied, her heart lifting at the simple act of contributing.
As they worked together, the atmosphere in the cabin became warm and inviting. Laughter bubbled up between them, and for the first time since their arrival, Jane felt promising confidence about the future. They were building something new together, and perhaps, in time, the pain of her past would fade.
Later that day, after returning from the land he had decided to claim, Peter couldn’t wait to share his experience with his family. The area was breathtaking—an open meadow surrounded by trees, with a gentle slope leading down to the river. He could already envision a house there, a place filled with memories.
When he arrived home, Susan and Jane were in the kitchen. The warmth of the hearth wrapped around him like a comforting embrace.
“You won’t believe the land I found!” he exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face.
“What was it like?” Susan asked, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.
“It’s perfect,” Peter replied, his excitement intense. “There’s a clear river, plenty of flat land for farming, and the trees provide a natural boundary. I can see our home there, and I know we can make it thrive.”
Jane looked up from where she was sitting with some mending, her interest piqued. “It sounds wonderful, Peter. You must be thrilled.”
“I am! And I can’t wait to get started. With hard work, I know we can build something special.”
As they sat down for dinner, the conversation flowed easily. They talked about their hopes for the land, their dreams of a future filled with laughter and love. Paul joined them, adding his insights and encouragement. “You’re going to need a lot of determination, Peter, but I believe in you. This land has potential.”
Peter felt a swell of gratitude for his uncle’s support. “Thank you, Uncle Paul. It means a lot to have you by my side.”
After dinner, as the family gathered around the fireplace, Peter could sense a shift in the atmosphere. Excitement hung in the air as they discussed plans for the future.
“When do you think we should start building?” Susan asked, her eyes shining with eagerness.
“I think as soon as possible and by that I mean right away!” Peter replied, determination lacing his voice. “We can start immediately by clearing the land.”
“I want to help,” Jane chimed in. “I may not have much experience, but I’m willing to learn.”
“And you’ll have plenty of opportunity,” Paul assured her with a warm smile. “We’ll all work together.”
The prospect of building their lives in this new land filled Peter with a sense of purpose. Each day would bring new challenges, but with his family by his side, he felt ready to face whatever came their way.
As the days turned into weeks, Susan found herself settling into her role as a homemaker and farmer in the new world. It wasn’t all that different than the work she had done back in England.
The difference was that now she would be doing that work for herself, and not for a landowner. And the thought of that was glorious!
With the help of Mary, she learned the ins and outs of gardening here while keeping an eye on Petey as he crawled in the grass nearby. The bond she formed with Mary deepened, and they often shared laughter and stories while working side by side.
One afternoon, as they tended to the garden, Susan turned to Mary, her heart full. “Thank you for making me feel at home here. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
Mary smiled, her kindness is radiating. “You’re part of the family now, Susan. We support each other through thick and thin.”
After they finished in the garden, Susan took Petey into her arms and strolled around the property. The beauty of their surroundings captivated her—wildflowers danced in the breeze, and the sound of birds filled the air, and mountains touched the sky in the distance. She felt a sense of peace, a stillness that had fled her back in England.
As she walked, her thoughts turned to the future. With Peter’s determination and her own resolve, they would create a life filled with love and laughter. She could envision family gatherings around the dinner table, children playing in the yard, and the joy of shared accomplishments.
As time progressed, Jane found herself engrossed in the daily rhythm of life on the homestead. One afternoon when she entered the kitchen aiming to help with whatever needed doing, she spotted Peter and Paul discussing plans for the new land that Peter now legally owned and had begun to clear. Their voices were filled with excitement and purpose, and Jane felt a warmth spread through her. They were building a future, and she was part of it!
“Jane, could you help me with these potatoes?” Susan called, breaking her daydream.
“Of course!” Jane replied, joining her sister at the counter.
The friendship between all of them grew stronger each day, and Jane felt a sense of belonging that she had longed for. They were building a family, piece by piece, in this new and unfamiliar world.
As the days turned into weeks, the anticipation of moving onto their own land became more touchable. The family’s excitement grew as they discussed the plans for the future, envisioning a home filled with love and laughter.
Peter often found himself daydreaming about what their lives would look like—a sturdy cabin, a flourishing garden, and the sound of children’s laughter echoing through the trees. He shared his dreams with Susan during their quiet moments together, their hands intertwined as they sat on the porch.
“What do you think our home will look like?” he asked one evening, gazing out at the setting sun.
“I imagine it will be filled with warmth and love,” Susan replied, her voice soft. “And it will be a place where we can grow as a family.”
“I can’t wait to see it become a reality,” Peter said, determination filling his heart. “Every day we’re one step closer.”
With Paul’s guidance, Peter had begun to clear the land he had chosen, working tirelessly alongside his uncle. They spent hours chopping trees and clearing brush, each swing of the axe a testament to their commitment. The physical labor was demanding, but with each passing day, the land transformed into a blank canvas, ready for their dreams.
As they worked, Paul shared his wisdom, teaching Peter the intricacies of farming and land management. “You have to understand the land, Peter,” he said one afternoon as they took a break under the shade of a cottonwood tree. “It’s not just about clearing it; it’s about nurturing it. This land will provide for your family if you take care of it.”
Peter nodded, absorbing his uncle’s advice. He could see the passion in Paul’s eyes, the love for the land that had sustained him for so many years. “I want to make it a home for my family, just like you did,” Peter said, a sense of purpose swelling within him.
And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the landscape, Peter felt an unshakeable sense of hope. They were building something lasting—a life, a home, and a future—together.
With each new day, he was one step closer to realizing their dreams, and he could hardly wait to see what lay ahead.
Susan lay on the narrow, well-worn bed in their uncle’s house, her body still weary from the day’s labors. The low hum of evening sounds—the creak of wooden beams, the distant chirp of crickets, the soft coo of little Petey in his cradle—filled the room. Outside, the world was wide and vast, stretching far beyond the sight of the home Uncle Paul had built. The land where they would soon make their own home felt like both an exciting promise and an overwhelming challenge. As she gazed at the dim light of the fire flickering in the hearth, her thoughts wandered, mingling hope with a quiet dread.
Peter—her husband, strong and steady—had spoken often of the life they would create here in America. He had dreamed aloud of the farm they would build from the wild, untamed land. They had left England behind, with all its heavy traditions and struggles, seeking a new beginning. But that dream, as much as it filled her with hope, was also a weight she felt growing in her chest as the reality of their situation took hold.
Her thoughts turned to the land they had claimed, just ten miles away, nestled among the forest and hills. It was beautiful, yes—wide, open, with a stretch of creek that would be good for water—but it was also raw, untamed, and hard. There was no cabin waiting for them; no home to step into and rest. They would have to build everything themselves from the ground up. A roof over their heads, walls to protect them, a fireplace for warmth and cooking, a garden to feed them, animals to sustain them. And she, Susan, would be her husband’s side through it all, just as she had been since they first met back in England.
The thought of working alongside Peter filled her with both pride and anxiety. She had spent five years as a tenant farmer’s wife, working the daily tasks of a farm. She knew how to gather firewood, cook meals, tend to the garden. But this would be different. This was not the old familiar fireplace, nor the fields she’d grown accustomed to, dotted with the comfort of familiarity. This land was unknown. The work was harder, the risks greater. She would have to dig, build, haul, and mend alongside her husband, without the safety net of a town nearby.
Petey stirred in his cradle, his soft gurgles pulling Susan from her daydream. She reached out and gently rocked him back to sleep, her thoughts shifting to her child. What kind of life would he have here? She knew the promise of this new country—the land of opportunity, the land of freedom—but she also knew that opportunity came at a cost. The weather would be harsh, the winters cold, and the summers hot. There would be droughts, pests, and endless work that would demand more than she had ever given before.
But she loved Peter with a fierce devotion, and she loved their little boy even more. She had no doubt that they would succeed, that they would carve out a place for themselves here. She imagined Peter, strong and determined, working the land with hands worn from labor, but filled with the quiet satisfaction of their accomplishments. She saw her son growing up strong in this new world, a child of the earth, rooted in a land they had fought for.
Still, the weight of it all pressed down on her. The unknowns loomed large—how long before they had enough crops to feed themselves, before they could build a cabin sturdy enough to keep out the cold? How would she manage on her own with Peter working in the fields all day, and the baby needing her attention? She had no answers, only the hope that each day would bring them a little closer to their dream.
The sound of boots on the creaky floorboards downstairs startled her from her thoughts. Peter would be beside her soon, and they would face the world together, just as they always had. Susan waited for him, relaxed, holding onto the quiet comfort of the moment, knowing that tomorrow would bring its own struggles and triumphs. Together, they would build their life, one stone, one log, and one small victory at a time.