The Squatter
From 20th Century History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio by Hon. William A. Rockel
Chicago: Biographical Publishing Co., 1908
As an intermediate link between the passing away of the Indian and the coming of the white man, trenching on the border line of both periods, there appeared in the settlement of the northwest the unique character of the squatter, an individual who had little respect for the laws of God or man. Wherever he took off his hat and made his bed, that he claimed as his own. He knew nothing of the laws recognizing society, he cared nothing for those relating to morality. Very often too lazy and indolent to look after the cares of the household, he married a squaw solely for the purpose that she might perform that drudgery. A dare-devil fellow who enjoyed a fight as much as a frolic. He loved the products of the still, and sometimes raised energy enough to have a small one of his own. If he had any occupation at all, it was of that kind that excited his love of sport, such as hunting and trading.
As soon as his liberties were curtailed, he moved on to a country that would allow him to exercise his own sweet will. Sometimes he was a fugitive from justice from the older colonies and at other times he had drifted into this mode of living easily because he did not have talent and energy enough to enter into a more respectable one.
As the pioneer came he vanished. To have given him the title of "pioneer" would have been as much a misnomer as to have mentioned him as one of "the 400" of society.