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 of 1836, 

 George Eaton, v/ith his family, landed on the 

 banks of the Kankakee River at a place known 

 in the early days as Pottowattomie Ford. Me 

 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, fie began pioneer life as a ferryman 

 and ran what v/as known as the Eaton Perry. 

 He would transfer people from the Porter 

 county side to the sand ridges in Jasper county. 

 At the season of the year when the water was 



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