The Water Pump
The selection of a site for a new farm was usually based on the availability of a good supply of clean water. The cabin dweller who had access to a "good bold spring" felt well blessed. The word bold meant "free running" and sufficient for household needs.
If no spring was near a home site, a well had to be dug. Finding the place to dig was usually accomplished by a "dowser." This method involved holding a stick in various ways. When the end pointed towards the ground it was considered the most likely place to dig for water. Hand pumps were considered an improvement on walking to the stream or spring for water.