The Travels of Increase Joseph: A Historical Novel about a Pioneer Preacher

4. Leaving Home

a Chapter 4 Leaving Home April 1852 The small group gathered in a field on the Link farm, which was a short distance from Plum Falls. They stood in a ragged circle, men and women and children of various ages. Little patches of snow remained on the hillsides and along the north side of the nearby woodlot, but the bright April sun warmed the group and encouraged them as they prepared for their journey west. These were the families that had turned out for Increase Joseph Link's Saturday night preaching sessions in the village park. These were the farmers who believed the words he spoke and respected his gumption for saying them. They supported him when many others taunted and even threatened him. After much contemplation and prayer, these were the families who agreed to move with him to the new state of Wisconsin, to begin afresh on soil that had never before seen the plow. They listened intently when Increase Joseph read from the green Emigrant's Hand Book and Guide to Wisconsin, which was published in 1851. 28 Apps "Central Wisconsin," he read "is a region of uniform aspect, beautifully diversified with timber openings and small prairies, which in fertility of soil can scarcely be surpassed; there are but few spots combining all the natural elements of health, wealth, and beauty, in a degree equal to this. The soil is soft, black and rich; the most exhausting processes make no sensible drain upon its richness ." They could hardly believe their ears for the soil of their farms in upper New York State had badly run out and each year seemed to yield fewer crops. Besides the Wisconsin lands being rich and new, they all looked forward to following Increase Joseph's tenets for nurturing the land as they nurtured themselves. They gathered this Monday morning at the Link farm as final tribute to their birthplace and to request safe journey for the long trip to Wisconsin. Increase Joseph Link wore his usual black shirt and pants, a long black coat and a black hat that he pulled down to his ears. His flowing white hair stuck out everywhere. Increase Joseph raised his long arms and looked out over the group of plainly dressed men and women. His wife Elwina and son, Increase Joseph II, now two, stood next to him. "We are about to embark on a great journey," Increase Joseph Link said. "We are here today to bid farewell to the home of our birth, and to gird ourselves for the challenges of our journey and a new land." His voice rose in volume and he looked skyward , as if to gather inspiration from the heavens. "Help us with safe journey. Let the land that The Travels of Increase Joseph 29 has nurtured us so far continue to do so in a new place. Now let each of us pray in our own way." Increase Joseph held high the Red Book that had taken on mystical characteristics. People wondered what words it contained. They must be powerful words, as the book was a guide for everything that Increase Joseph said and did. A great silence settled over the group of New York farmers about to embark on a new adventure . Several of them folded their hands and looked skyward. One couple knelt and bowed their heads. Several, with their hands shoved deep in their pockets, stood staring straight ahead. The children, behaving at first, began to fidget as the silent prayer continued. A meadowlark called from the pasture field to their right. A black crow flew over; some later claimed it was a symbol - but a symbol for what? The silent prayer continued. Now even the most devout wanted to get on with it, to load their meager belongings on the steam vessel and sail to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, their first, but not final destination . Increase Joseph Link stood like a statue clothed in black, his deep set eyes closed and his hands, holding the Red Book, folded in front of him. At first he seemed to be moving his lips, silently. But they too were now stilled. All eyes were on him, waiting, anticipating, hoping that he would say something, that he would declare the prayer over, and that they could begin their long journey. Emil Groskeep, in his early thirties, tall, muscular and with wide-set eyes stood closest to Increase Joseph. Groskeep...