I went on an adventure Labor Day
Learning more about our ancestry
The Homestead National Monument
Site of the very first known settlement
In 1862 through The Homestead Act
Abe Lincoln declared the law as fact
Government land in 160 acre plots
Settlers filed a claim to acquire lots
Life on the prairie was a hard task
From sunrise until the time of dusk
Two oxen pulled a nine inch blade
Little by little progress was made
Later, harvest of wheat and corn
Left many settlers weary and worn
Even in the blazing summer heat
They refused to give in to defeat
Original people given five years
Property was then free and clear
If land improved and dwelling built
Along with crops to produce profit
Daniel and Agnes Freeman by name
From Iowa to Nebraska they came
After midnight, when law in effect
He got permission to sign and left
In the Union, returned to regiment
But wanted to secure his settlement
Freeman School building remains
From 1872 to 1967, students came
Now, educational and heritage center
Provides information for all who enter
Operated by the Park Service, it is free
Hiking trails take you up close to see
Weekend demonstrations on display
Women in pioneer clothes of that day
Cast iron pot with coals for rabbit stew
Making dolls out of corn husks, too
After viewing a short film I saw there
Brought to light spiritual truth so clear
In the direct and unique way it was said
Concerning the acquisition of homesteads
For many, promised land they had found
Reminder Christians are heaven-bound
Also reflects back to the Israelite journey
Forty years after freedom from slavery