American Bison (Buffalo)
Many early settlers depended on the American Bison (buffalo) for food. Bison roamed the plains in herds and ate grass. The Indians also hunted the bison. The "buffalo" hides were used for blankets and clothes. A bison was very large and could kill a man.
The beaver was hunted and trapped by the pioneers. The pioneers used the
fur of the beaver to make clothes and hats and for blankets. The fur was traded
for food or other things the pioneers needed. The pioneers used the beaver
teeth for knives so that they could make arrow heads out of rocks or stones.
By MG and DM
Pioneers kept chickens for eggs and meat.
Pioneers used cows for their milk. They used the milk to drink and to make butter and cheese. If a cow got sick they would ususally kill the cow and eat its meat. Not all pioneers brought cows with them. Some bought cows when they stopped traveling.
By EW and AJB
Pioneers hunted deer for food and their fur. They used the hide for their clothes. Dogs were used to hunt deer. A deer provided many meals for a family.
Large venison roasts were put on a spit outside over coals and carefully turned.
By DB and BS
Every homestead needed a watch dog to warn of strangers and prowling foxes. Dogs could pull a sled if there were no horses. Dogs were good for hunting and could kill a rabbit or fox for food. The dogs were never used for food.
A cat was needed to stop mice from eating candles and food and to keep mice out of the cabin.
The pioneers butchered pigs for food. They made bacon, ham, headcheese, and other meats from them. The tail was roasted into a tasty treat. After butchering, the insides were blown up like balloons to make sausages.
Pioneers shot rabbits. They ate them. They also used them for trading for things they needed.