CHAPTER IX 

 RUNNING THE FERRY 



THE PIONEER 



BRIDGE BUILDERS CARRYING 



THE UNITED STATES MAIL THROUGH 



THE KANKAKEE SWAMPS 



IN A CANOE 



Away back in the chilly autumn oi 1836, 

 George Eaton, with his family, landed on the 

 banks of the Kankakee River at a place known 

 in the early days as Fottowattomfe Ford. He 

 built a log cabin on the right bank of the river. 

 He was one of the courageous pioneer settlers 

 redeemed the country from superstition and 

 savagery. He began pioneer life as a ferryman 

 and ran what was known as the Eaton Ferry. 

 He would transfer people from the Forter 

 county side t the sand ridges in Jasper county. 

 At the season of the year when the water was 



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