What are two major misfortunes that befall the Creightons during the Spring of 1862? What impact do these events have on Jethro?

The first major event is that locals burnt down the Creighton's barn, which makes Jethro feel vulnerable. The neighbors start to protect the house from any more events like this, and they help provide the Creightons with everything they need for their crops. They also get a dog named Cap, which makes the whole Creighton family feel better.

The second event is that Tom got killed in battle. A fellow fighter in the war comes to tell the Creightons the news and Jenny writes Tom's name in the family Bible. This event makes the whole family grieve the loss and Jeth feels bad about the whole thing.