Originally published in 1907. Pioneer Life in Illinois explores the life at Illinois from many view points. As the author himself has been born and brought up at Illinois, there is a nativity and originality to his work. As mentioned in the preface of the book, the author says "IN presenting this little book to the public, the author would not dare to claim perfection, for to err is human, but we have sought to give the conditions as they existed in this country in early days, and we have not sought to display style or learning, but we have sought to give the little book the same tone and as near in the same language that we used in early days as prudence will allow, and we will leave the reader to judge of the merits of the little book for himself; and we hope the good people will pardon any errors they may find. We hope you will be interested in the reading of it, and if some thoughts are presented which will prepare the readers the better for the battles of life and for usefulness to others, then we are well repaid for all our trouble." — PDFBooksWorld