Its shadows shifting in the light of sun and moon, like the arm of a compass, swept the spreading acres of his farm, and he built his house some forty rods from the foot of it on higher ground.

David was the oldest of thirteen children.

His father had died the year before he came to St Lawrence county, leaving him nothing but heavy responsibilities.

Fortunately, his great strength and his kindly nature were equal to the burden.

Mother and children were landed safely in their new home on Bowman's Hill the day that David was eighteen.