A dweller in the backwoods.
1803. In the back counties of Virginia every planter depends upon his NEGROES for the cultivation of his lands; but in the State of Ohio, where slavery is not allowed, every farmer tills the ground HIMSELF. To all this may be added, that most of the “Back-wood’s men,” as they are called, are emigrants from foreign countries, but the State of Ohio was settled by people from NEW-ENGLAND, THE REGION OF INDUSTRY, ECONOMY, AND STEADY HABITS.—Thaddeus M. Harris, ‘Journal of a Tour,’ June 6, p. 59 (1805).
1817. The manners and accomplishments of gentlemen were united with the hardihood and capacity of suffering, necessary to the backwoodsman.—John Bradbury, ‘Travels,’ p. 10.
1817. In our late expeditions in the Illinois, where we have led the lives of thorough backwoods’ men.—M. Birkbeck, ‘Notes on a Journey,’ p. 167 (Phila.).
1818. J. K. Paulding’s poem, ‘The Backwoodsman,’ in six cantos, was published by M. Thomas of Philadelphia.
1826. The people in the Atlantic states have not yet recovered from the horror, inspired by the term “backwoodsman.”… The backwoodsman of the west, as I have seen him, is generally an amiable and virtuous man.—T. Flint, ‘Recollections,’ p. 174, 176.
1840. Mr. C. expresses his surprise that the backwoodsmen of America should profess to be the literal descendants of Aaron. Who said they were?—Elder J. Taylor, Millennial Star, p. 200 (Dec.).
1848. The back-woods-man [must have] his ‘chicken-fixins’’ and ‘shanty-cake.’—Knick. Mag., xxxi. 223 (March).
