A Bon Homme Thanksgiving Message

A Bon Homme Thanksgiving Message

by Bob Foley

The Thanksgiving tradition originated in 1621 when Pilgrims celebrated their first year in the new world. William Bradford, founder and longtime governor of the Plymouth Colony settlement, wrote of the first Thanksgiving celebration:

"They began now to gather in ye small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health & strength, and had all things in good plenty."

Daniel P. Bradford, descendent of Plymouth Colony Pilgrim William Bradford, arrived in Bon Homme by wagon train on November 12, 1859 with his son Henry. His wife and family followed on the first riverboat of spring 1860. Like Plymouth Colony Pilgrims seeking freedom and prosperity, pioneers who founded Bon Homme County traveled far and endured much to create a community in a new land of so much promise.

President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863, amidst the Civil War. His proclamation recognized bountiful American opportunities and prayed for reconciliation of our bitterly divided nation. 

So, at Thanksgiving we not only appreciate gifts received that make us more comfortable, but also acknowledge hardships endured that forge our character. English author G. K. Chesterton wrote, "When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude."

Emma Abbott Madole assembled recollections of the 'First Thanksgiving' in Bon Homme from her parents, Alfred J. and Susan Bussy Abbott. She memorialized that 1877 gathering held in the home of pioneers, Peter and Annie Byrne. No doubt the Daniel P. Bradford family attended this joyous occasion. Emma Abbott Madole wrote:

"But 1877 was a good year! And Annie Byrne, a true community worker, invited people of the countryside to her home to give thanks for Thanksgiving Day."

They come one and all bearing gifts of food. These settlers were beginning to feel that Bon Homme was their home and Dakota their country. Already comfortable frame houses were taking the place of the old log cabins. The old candleholders were being relegated at the top shelf of the pantry and real kerosene lamps glowed in the darkness. There was plenty of food and they had much to be thankful for.

For the first Thanksgiving Annie had scoured the copper boiler and two bags of coffee where bouncing up and down in the hot water as the people arrived with their baskets of food. Alf Abbott had killed the fatted calf and Susan had brought a juicy rib roast. Besides, she had made apple pies such as no one else could make. Some brought roasted chickens with delicious sage dressing and gravy. Tom Bussy had shot a jackrabbit and had stood by to show Miss Jennie Slater how to make rabbit pie. Mrs. McCoy roasted to a golden brown several prairie chickens, which her husband had shot.

Then from the poorest family across the Missouri on Bon Homme Island came a huge catfish, buttered and baked to perfection. Nature had provided a bountiful harvest of pumpkins this season, so for dessert there was a variety of pumpkin pies, fragrant with the smell of spices.

As they gathered round the table, Annie struck the chords of 'Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow' and everyone came to attention. Men, women and children sang out with overflowing gratitude for the blessing which they had received."

We reflect at Thanksgiving on the past year, grateful for blessings received and hardships withstood. We celebrate a resilient community. We mourn profound losses. We give thanks for all God's favors.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Bon Homme Heritage Association.