But also lived in a close-knit community. If for instance, he was injured, neighbors would harvest his crops for him.....
Exactly.
My great grandmother was taking care of 3 younger sisters on the farm for weeks at a time when her parents were at the hospital in Ann Arbor with the youngest daughter. She was only 12 or so but took care of feeding animals, milking cows etc. Neighbors helped with harvesting etc.