GOVERNOR GEORGE L SHELDON

The Pioneers are going,—
In their stead
Sons of the Pioneers take the lead.

Born on some broad Nebraska farm,
Breathing the freedom of the open air,—
Swinging the cornplow with the sunburned arm,
Gathering strength to be, to know, to dare;
Learning the lesson in the district school,
Driving to market on the load of grain,—
Plunging into the deep, old swimming pool,
Facing the snowstorm and the summer rain,—
Up thro such simple, homely life to man’s estate
Arise our prophets of new truth and leaders of the state.

The Pioneers are almost gone,—
But in their stead
Sons of the prophet-pioneers are at the head.