The following reference to the pioneer epoch is from the pen of Hon. John R. Homer Scott, of Russellville:

I look back to the good old days with wonder, astonishment and sadness at the change. No bolts or bars, no locks or keys, no shotguns, pistols or bowie-knives were then necessary to guard against the evils which, in this day and age beset as on every hand. Killing, stealing, incendiarism and other heinous crimes, of the most atrocious and heartrending description, as constantly portrayed through the public press of the present day, were then almost unknown and unheard of, to shock our sensibilities, and cause sorrow, trouble and distress.

But all was peace and quiet, and the hearthstone and fireside, the sanctuary of domestic happiness, love and enjoyment. The people were united and cemented in the strongest ties of friendship and brotherhood. There were then no scandalous misrepresentations or bitter partisanship; no animosities, rancors, envies or jealousies, private or political; no desire or animus to pull neighbors down or traduce character. But each and everyone seemed intent upon an honest and laudable ambition and pursuit, which might result in the betterment of his own or his neighbor's happiness, welfare and prosperity.

Would to God that such a state of affairs as was embraced in our early pioneer code yet existed, for honesty, integrity, morality and virtue, as distinguishing and prominent characteristics, marked the advent of the early original settlers of the long ago, that we might again realize and enjoy the blessings and satisfaction which were once so very pleasant, even amid primeval forests and dense and lofty canebrakes, and have with us again as then, at all times, such grand, congenial and noble men for fellowship as Uncle Davy Harkey, Ransom and Madison Shinn, George W. Lemoyne, David West, John Wilson, John and Mathew T. Logan, Dr. Thomas Russell, Dr. J. McFadden, Dr. G. R. Davis, Dr. J. H. Brearley, Samuel Norris, Benjamin Langford, George Williams, John, Robert T., John L. and D. F. Williamson, Mahlon and John M. Bewley, Richard S. Witt, E. W. Duval, Thomas Murray, L. N. Clarke, J. L. Cravens, Kirkbride Potts, Stephen D. Lewis, William Rankin, James, Thomas and Philip Madden, Jesse and Thomas May, Dick Adams, John Howell, John and James Brewton, Andrew Scott, James and William Carden, Daniel Gilmore, A. J. Bayliss, Sam Hays, Hillary Herring, Abram and John I. Smith, William Parks, Charles and Josiah Perry, John Bradley, the Howells, Bernards, Jamisons, Logans, Sullivans and many other dear old friends fondly remembered, but now no more, whose smiles, presence, company and counsel once served to enliven, cheer and gladden our hearts.

Peace to their ashes.

John R. H. Scott and several of those named, were slave owners: 1850 Slave Schedule