He was judge, arbitrator, referee, authority in all disputes, games, and matches whether of man-flesh or horse-flesh.

He was the peacemaker in all quarrels.

He was everybody's friend--the best-natured, most sensible, best-informed, most modest, unassuming, kindest, gentlest, roughest, strongest, best young fellow in all New Salem or the region about.

But Mr.Offutt's trading enterprises ended disastrously in the year 1832.

The store was closed, the mill was shut down, and Lincoln was out of business.
At the very moment, however, that he found himself adrift Illinois was filled with excitement over the Black Hawk War.