East and south Civil War was waged. A rail-splittin Lincoln led the way to freedom for the slaves long-caged. The Union, yea or nay? A starry flag with strpes, not bars, was pay. And America rose from Gettysburg renewed. (One day thence, where Black Hills lay, Mount Rushmore faces would be hewed from granite cliffs a dreamer viewed.)

The honor was not made too great; few would argue with the Four. Even at this late a date, the stone is speaking evermore: "This flame of Liberty we bore 'tis best served by loving Power least, lest men wax tyrant, oppress the poor." Yet men would still turn savage beast, and drive the Indian from the east.

Yet not all! David Guth--brave young man!--trekking west, he left Wisconsin. To Dakota Territory bison trails ran. Parting from the last of kin, he found a choice spot to settle in. For fuel bison "chips". Water? Nothing that a pick can't win. From thick sod he shelter rips. All else he brought along on trips.

Stadems, Second Wave of Immigration, Homestead like David Guth in a Sod House in Dakota Territory, 1880s

No bride but lots of soda crackers! A cow, a horse, three dozen chickens. His wagon overturned on hay as warm as furs. And snug beneath it, safe from cold winds, he spent three years, and dreamt of corn-filled bins? Now imagine yourself in his place! This modern life, its sins and dins, day after day the old rat race, exchanged for a fresh, new lease on God's grace!

What kind of soul was David Guth? Independence, self-sufficience, and hard work showed he had just the right stuff. But wicked things in men's hearts lurk that can cut heads off like a Turk! One day came an Indian chased by enemies berserk. Guth saved the bleeding, wounded one, just like the Good Samaritan.

It's sad how some must lump men all, the dross along with purest gold! At risk to life a lesser man must fall; but Guth, alone, proved firm and bold, upheld the Golden Rule old. He hid the man in a haystack, and his pursuers, it is told, chased his horse off down the track--thus a life was given back!

Please go to links to next installments of "Giant Footprints," as the phenomenal, nation-building pioneer experience unfolds into the Twentieth Century, and the sons and daughters come of age to meet the century's great challenges to America's very existence as a free country and people.

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