This land had originally been allotted to the Native Cherokee people, as part of their Treaty of 1828.

There is much more to this story.

Two Copper Pennies follows that September day, with the family life and hardships of one man. My Great-Grandfather, Andrew Thomas Lyon, an Irish immigrant. Along with his bride, a Cherokee maiden, Martha Delphenia Owen, my Great-Grandmother.
They staked their claim, traveled by wagon, and built a dug-out, or soddie.
Nora, my Grand-mother, born 1897, was 4 at the time. The many tales of Nora's adventures have been passed to me. Including the story of the long leather change purse, and the pennies that she wanted so badly.
People faced hard ways, had strong dreams, and built strong families. They worked together, only looking forward to the future. Floods, wild animals, nature, unpleasant neighbors, rodents, and snakes, were common.
A lack of many everyday essentials were endured as normal. Drinking water, timber, fabric, common food-stuffs, wood for warmth, soap, warm blankets, shoes, meat, flour, salt, tools, grease, medical care, etc. Even something as simple as protection from the rain was a monumental attempt. Needless to say, having babies or anything that required medical attention .
Wise settlers began taking wisdom from the Native American Indians in order to survive. The marriage of my Irish and Cherokee Great-Grandparents was in its own way, survival.
She was resilient, never complained, supportive, appreciative, brave and cautious. Undoubtedly, she captured these, and many other characteristics from her heritage.
And now, I hope you enjoy the travel of one family, on what would turn out to be, a historical adventure through uncharted, unclaimed, open land.