You won't get any argument about what you posted wrt to life in early America. However, that was not the point of this article or my responses. Telling the truth about our ancestors achievements such as the ability to survive under harsh and unforgiving conditions is important just as important as not telling untruths. Untruths such as they were paragons if virtue, and learning when they clearly were not. The general lack of formal education does not denigrate the achievements of the era rather it makes them even more incredible.
IMHO the Constitution of the United States is the most important political document ever created. Its creation within a nation of limited literacy and education is amazing.
Sorry about the multiple posts.