The Parents of William Norris Kennedy
My parents were William Norris Pinkney Kennedy, son of John Herd Augustus Kennedy grandson of Cicero Kennedy born in Scotland reared in Ireland. John Herd was born in Ireland. William Norris Pickney was born in Noonan Coweta County, Georgia. He married Nancy Evelyn Paschall, daughter of Jacques Paschall and his Indian Wife. Jacques was a French soldier. Born in France. The Indian girl was captured in Georgia when about eight years of age and did not know her birth place or who her Indian parents were related to.
John Herd Kennedy died when his son W.N. P. was only 14 years of age. He fell from the bed dead while visiting his son who was living with his son's uncle, Edward Kennedy. J.H.A.'s brother. Nancy Evelyn married my grandfather when she was 16 and died when she was 20 leaving my father. His brother John died when he as about 19 years of age.
My mother was Missouri Angelina Cowart nicknamed Mittie. She was the daughter of Seaborn Ingram Cowart and Nancy Davis Cowart. She had six sisters and one brother Jackson Cowart who died in Mineola, Texas.
_Birth and First memories of William N. Kennedy
(the following memories were taken from hand-written memories that he wrote-
Spellings were as he wrote them)
_ I was born at Bowie, Texas September 12, 1884. I weighed either one pound and 15 ounces or not quite 16 ounces or else weighed a fraction less than 16 ounces. I walked at two years of age, scooted before that. I was strong even though I was very small until I was 14 years of age and I weighed 60 lbs. When I was 16 --100 lbs. -when 18 my average weight until I was about 60 when I gained 10 pounds.
My mother would have spoiled me but my father would have none of that because he had known crippled who were spoiled and who became real hateful.
My first memory is of playing with my cousin Nora Pittman and deciding we should marry and live in a dog house. Next memory was a spoon someone had given me, it was very small and I could scarcely reach my mouth with it but I would eat with no other spoon. One day it was misplaced and I refused to eat with any other spoon. My mother tried petting me into eating with another but I stubbornly refused. After wearing out several brooms, my father gave up, someone fed me, but the next meal, I said, "I do not need that spoon-any spoon will do." I was two years of age these times.
Lizards Eggs
Next I remember I dug a small hole in the ground with a spoon and found next day two small long eggs in it. I took them to my mother in a spoon and she informed me they were lizard eggs and she told me to put them back which I did. In a short time I saw two small lizards with exceptionally long tails come from my "well." I was three then so I was informed later.
My mother would have spoiled me but my father would have none of that because he had known crippled who were spoiled and who became real hateful.
My first memory is of playing with my cousin Nora Pittman and deciding we should marry and live in a dog house. Next memory was a spoon someone had given me, it was very small and I could scarcely reach my mouth with it but I would eat with no other spoon. One day it was misplaced and I refused to eat with any other spoon. My mother tried petting me into eating with another but I stubbornly refused. After wearing out several brooms, my father gave up, someone fed me, but the next meal, I said, "I do not need that spoon-any spoon will do." I was two years of age these times.
Lizards Eggs
Next I remember I dug a small hole in the ground with a spoon and found next day two small long eggs in it. I took them to my mother in a spoon and she informed me they were lizard eggs and she told me to put them back which I did. In a short time I saw two small lizards with exceptionally long tails come from my "well." I was three then so I was informed later.
The Death of John Kennedy-My Brother
_ When I was four I stole or rather swapped French harps with one of the Kathy twins, went home perhaps a half mile where my mother followed me and whipped me all the way back making me tell then I stole their harp all the way back I was warned to look for bear. There were a few wild bear in the country. I would not have been surprised to see a bear come from behind a thick brush of which there was plenty. A short time later I started helping the folks in the cotton patch which was over my head quite a bit. I remembered the bears and also we had recently had a mad dog scare in our neighborhood. I hurried but soon heard something following me and seeing I was not gaining on it stopped to see what it was only to learn it was my heart beating. Then not too long off I was sleeping with my brother John who was 7 and I was 4. I looked and missed him so I called my parents who came and looked for him only to see he was gone. Just then we all heard him at the door, outside. All hurried as it had blown up a cold northern. Upon opening the door we failed to see him, mother went one way and father the other. I jumped out aiming to go look but leaves had blown up deeper than I was tall. Too it was cold so I went back to bed where I found my brother asleep where we had first looked for him. For some reason we all had a feeling of awe, felt that something was seriously wrong but finally went to bed. Next morning John did not get up but was very ill and he never got up but died a few days later. His coffin smelled like watermelons--even now I think of his death when I smell watermelons. I remember too well the song they sang. Rock of Ages.. We children would cry when his name was mentioned or when we heard Rock of Ages for several months. I was 4 years old.
About that time my father begin taking me to doctors to try to have them straighten my knees so I could walk straight. - an impossibility.
About that time my father begin taking me to doctors to try to have them straighten my knees so I could walk straight. - an impossibility.
Riley and the Broken Wagon
_ Next high light in my life was when my brother Riley fell out of the wagon while it was running. It ran over his legs but luckily they had hit a ditch that rain had washed out and he was unhurt. I was six then and that same year we children went down on a creek near our home to gather wild pepper grass and a bad storm came up. My sister Eva, who is dead, now, made us go in behind a high bank until the worst wind passed.
I caught my first fish that year. I caught it with a pin tied to a string using a grub worm for bait.
I caught my first fish that year. I caught it with a pin tied to a string using a grub worm for bait.
Times Were Tough
_ My father traded for a nice looking horse but it took the glander and died as did all our other horses including one fine young mare, Daisy.
Times were hard, money was scarce and credit could be had for groceries, plow tools, black smith work and a few clothes. We could buy no more horses so my father broke a span of 3 year old steers we owned. They did not guide steers like horses, instead they just put one rope on one steer and pulled it as well as slinging it to show them the way to go. They taught them to turn left when you said how right when you called gee. My father had cut the timber off his land but the stumps and grubs underground roots remained. He had to break and cultivate this land with those wild cattle. How awful the plow would hurt him as well as the steers when it hit stumps or roots but having a determination and an iron nerve he managed to make his crop with which he bought a horse team, paid his debts and what things we had to have.
Times were hard, money was scarce and credit could be had for groceries, plow tools, black smith work and a few clothes. We could buy no more horses so my father broke a span of 3 year old steers we owned. They did not guide steers like horses, instead they just put one rope on one steer and pulled it as well as slinging it to show them the way to go. They taught them to turn left when you said how right when you called gee. My father had cut the timber off his land but the stumps and grubs underground roots remained. He had to break and cultivate this land with those wild cattle. How awful the plow would hurt him as well as the steers when it hit stumps or roots but having a determination and an iron nerve he managed to make his crop with which he bought a horse team, paid his debts and what things we had to have.
Grandfather came to live with us
_ About this time, my grandfather Cowart became bedfast and none of the other children would keep him so he was brought to our home where he had to stay in bed or go riding to church or town on a mattress in the wagon pulled by oxen. One time returning from church the heel flies got after the steers and made them run away. They never stopped until they reached a tank where they went out into the water until the water nearly ran into the wagon bed. Father had to get out into the water and lead them out. Grandfather was not excited but laughed at the dilemma
An early frost made the cotton open early and after all crops were gathered and sold we took grandfather to Oil Springs Oklahoma near the town of Healdton. After drinking the oily water for two weeks he was well enough to return and refused to ride any of the way home as he was so thankful to be able to walk. He then soon returned to Alabama where his other children were and did not live long. I do not know the year he died. .
An early frost made the cotton open early and after all crops were gathered and sold we took grandfather to Oil Springs Oklahoma near the town of Healdton. After drinking the oily water for two weeks he was well enough to return and refused to ride any of the way home as he was so thankful to be able to walk. He then soon returned to Alabama where his other children were and did not live long. I do not know the year he died. .
School Life
_ I started to school at age 7. My teacher was Birdie Dyer a girl well known to our family. I counted her my sweetheart but did not tell her. I only went a few weeks when my father took pneumonia. Father was seriously ill for 22 days before beginning recovery. Doctors had to drive 7 miles in horse drawn buggy came twice each day. They lost all hope of his recovery, but he trusted in the Lord and never lost hope. a short time after he recovered two of his uncles came and took me with them for nearly a year. We visited Pennsylvania and other oil prospective states. I was taught how to look for faults, sync lines and other geological structure studies. They also taught me reading, writing and arithmetic. From that time on, I was from two or three years ahead of other children my age. My schooling was in rural schools generally limited to six or less months per year but my uncles had given me an incentive to study, and too my mother was better educated than any of our teachers and she taught me. I advanced enough that I graduated from high school when I was 14 years of age. I graduated in June and was 14 in September.
Working for the Dallas News
Upon graduation, I began working for the Dallas News , a weekly newspaper published in Dallas, Texas. I also took subscriptions for the Ardmorite a paper published in Ardmore then Indian Territory. I traveled in both states. I was paid $75.00 per month and expenses. I sent it all home. It was paid as a salary with the agreement that any subscriptions I took for the Ardmorite was my own. They paid me a 25% commission. This I kept and bought a fine buggy and an excellent horse which I drove hundreds of miles. Lots of my travel was in thickly populated country, but I made my first trip to New Mexico in 1898 when I was 14. I went up the Texas & Pacific Railroad to Pecos Texas then went through unsettled ranch country to Roswell, New Mexico. From Abilene, Texas to Pecos, Texas there were ranch houses possibly every 20 miles on an average. At each ranch house I watered my horse and refilled my 30 gallon barrel of horse water and my 10 gallon drinking water. A few times I found people who had lost their water or had been delayed and used it all. When this happened I divided and one time ran out of water myself but traveled all night and the Lord being with me found a good windmill with fresh cool water. Both my horses and myself had to drink a small amount then wait awhile before drinking more for we were so thirsty it would have killed us to drink to our satisfaction. An old Mexican woman who happened to be there and who understood our condition took over and rationed water to myself and horse. She could not talk English or I Mexican but she made me understand. May God have blessed her is my prayer in Jesus name.
Most nights I camped and cooked my bacon and bread generally in a hole dug in a low a place as I could find in which I built a fire with small sticks or buffalo chips. Most of the time I had onions and once in a while I boiled some dried fruit. I was successful by using care to not let the fire get away and do damage, but would cover my fire with dirt as soon as I was finished.
Many days I traveled without even seeing a human and when I would camp no one could be seen but generally the coyote wolves would begin howling as soon as twilight came. This kept up all night. On moonlit nights, I could generally shoot one which would stop the noise. But screech owls could not be stopped, they kept up their dismal screeching all night. Horses were not afraid of coyotes but would try their utmost to get loose and away if a timber wolf or panther (mountain lion) came near. I staked my horse with a long rope so strong he could not break it tied to so many times he would run until he would fall. Had he hurt himself enough to bleed the cat or wolf would have eaten him had I been unable to kill the beast. Owing to the small caliber of my gun, I would never try to kill the panther \as he was counted very dangerous when wounded. I killed several big wolves however, They generally weighed about 100 pounds and a coyote from 25-30 pounds. Panthers being cats could jump long distances even though deadly wounded and could scratch or cut one wide open with one lick, so I let them alone.
Traveling as a Newspaper Correspondent
_ One event I failed to mention, when I was seven I found a peach tree that had just come up voluntarily. I carefully drove stakes around it so it would not be trampled. I then kept weeds and grass away from it at the same time watering it often. This tree grew fast and when we left the farm, at the time it was three years old and was a fine tree. We were renting from the old lady Marlett where my brother Jeff was born that year. I was ten then. I asked Mrs. Marlett to please not destroy my tree and she readily agreed to do her best to keep it. The next year it made lots of peaches. Large yellow cling peaches, that did not ripen until nearly frost. Mrs. Marlett was so proud of the tree that she brought me a large basket full of those peaches. I saved the seed from them and planted a two acre orchard near Connerville, Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. From that orchard I got seed and planted a large orchard at Farmer, Texas. From it I took seed to Duke, Oklahoma where I had a fine orchard at my first wife's death in 1912. I am told that there are still plenty of these fine peaches near Farmer, Tx and Connersville, Oklahoma.
While traveling for the newspapers part time in a wagon and part time in a buggy, I always camped on the road each night. I made it a habit to plant peaches and plum as well as pecan and hickory nuts near my camps and I lived to see most of these grow. This brings to mind one time camping in pecan grove near Alma, Oklahoma on a beautiful clear stream of water and finding six small kittens where some owner who did want them had left them. At this time I was 14 and my partner 23, was Mr. Kirk Tucker. next morning Kirk said I should not leave these kittens to starve. "Let's find homes for them." We took them and dropped one at each home we passed. The last home was near town and five miles from where we found the cats. There was a Mr. Jenkins, a local correspondent for the Ardmorerite from Alma and he lived in the last home we visited. The next issue of the Ardmoreite had a news item. Four wild old kitten returns home after being left five miles away, the cat is well and needless to say will not be carried away again as he happened to be living with your humble correspondent.
At that time we were writing up many a towns which were springing up all over the country. after a nice glowing write up, we would say "among other prominent people we met was Mr. Cyrus Smith, Mr. Joseph H. Jones, etc. We then approached each man named in the position of sending this write up with his name and frequently that of his wife and children after getting his permission we broke the news to him that it would be necessary for him to subscribe for the Ardmoreite for a year. Most people readily did as it was counted an honor to have one's name in the paper then.
The editor of the paper was a large man weighing about 300 pounds wad was very tall and was a power in politics in that territory so at every gathering picnic, farmer, or stock raisers meeting Col. Suggs was wanted as a speaker. About this time, he had agreed to speak at a Negro picnic but for some reason was unable to make it so he called me in and had me fill his place. I drove out on the road and luckily overtook a Negro school teacher who wanted to ride to the picnic. I meant to ask his advice on a speech but he was greatly enthused as he too was to speak so he began as soon as he was seated in my buggy to tell me of the great progress of the colored race. I took notes on the high-lights of his discourse and when my time came to speak I was ready. I lauded the colored race to the skies yet advised them to be humble until God opened the eyes of the white man so the Negro could get his rightful place in labor and the mercantile field.
I gave three negro girls a receipt book and told them to solicit subscriptions, promising two $1.00 each one , the winner $2.00. The result was that the man who did not subscribe to the Ardmorite either had no money or could not borrow any. As a further inducement the contestants were mentioned in the paper as well as each subscriber.
While traveling for the newspapers part time in a wagon and part time in a buggy, I always camped on the road each night. I made it a habit to plant peaches and plum as well as pecan and hickory nuts near my camps and I lived to see most of these grow. This brings to mind one time camping in pecan grove near Alma, Oklahoma on a beautiful clear stream of water and finding six small kittens where some owner who did want them had left them. At this time I was 14 and my partner 23, was Mr. Kirk Tucker. next morning Kirk said I should not leave these kittens to starve. "Let's find homes for them." We took them and dropped one at each home we passed. The last home was near town and five miles from where we found the cats. There was a Mr. Jenkins, a local correspondent for the Ardmorerite from Alma and he lived in the last home we visited. The next issue of the Ardmoreite had a news item. Four wild old kitten returns home after being left five miles away, the cat is well and needless to say will not be carried away again as he happened to be living with your humble correspondent.
At that time we were writing up many a towns which were springing up all over the country. after a nice glowing write up, we would say "among other prominent people we met was Mr. Cyrus Smith, Mr. Joseph H. Jones, etc. We then approached each man named in the position of sending this write up with his name and frequently that of his wife and children after getting his permission we broke the news to him that it would be necessary for him to subscribe for the Ardmoreite for a year. Most people readily did as it was counted an honor to have one's name in the paper then.
The editor of the paper was a large man weighing about 300 pounds wad was very tall and was a power in politics in that territory so at every gathering picnic, farmer, or stock raisers meeting Col. Suggs was wanted as a speaker. About this time, he had agreed to speak at a Negro picnic but for some reason was unable to make it so he called me in and had me fill his place. I drove out on the road and luckily overtook a Negro school teacher who wanted to ride to the picnic. I meant to ask his advice on a speech but he was greatly enthused as he too was to speak so he began as soon as he was seated in my buggy to tell me of the great progress of the colored race. I took notes on the high-lights of his discourse and when my time came to speak I was ready. I lauded the colored race to the skies yet advised them to be humble until God opened the eyes of the white man so the Negro could get his rightful place in labor and the mercantile field.
I gave three negro girls a receipt book and told them to solicit subscriptions, promising two $1.00 each one , the winner $2.00. The result was that the man who did not subscribe to the Ardmorite either had no money or could not borrow any. As a further inducement the contestants were mentioned in the paper as well as each subscriber.
My time in Medical School
_ After graduation from high school, I was 14 and I went to work for the Dallas News. After I had worked a few months I decided I would be a doctor so against the advice of my best friend, Dr. C. G. Eggars who later became my father-in-law, I entered medical school working four hours each as a collector for the Dallas News on ads and subscriptions, also for the Fort Worth Star Telegram. This work was on a 25% basis and my earnings were sufficient to pay my expenses and enable me to send on an average about $40.00 a month home, however I did augment my earnings by acting as cashier for Mason and Dunn's Restaurant from 6:00 pm -9:30 pm. This paid my room and board. I had a room upstairs in a hall where 17 restaurant employees besides myself slept. I advanced fast in medicine and was liking my chosen profession extra well when after five months taken I was taken out on a charity call to a delirious woman who became frightened at my deformed body and that night I she thought I was a man from another planet. The next three calls the patients refused my assistance fearing my mind was as twisted as my body, so I quit medical school. But one thing I learned was that most diseases were brought on by people's carelessness in some way or by dissipation. Perhaps 60% by dissipation.
My Thoughts on People With Disabilities
_ It was pitiful to see people with twisted bodies and minds accompanied by brothers and sisters much older who looked fresh and young, only to learn that drink, over indulgence in eating, under nourishment, and in most instances caused by drinking intoxicants and promiscuous sexual indulgence were the cause of most of this suffering. These people who disregarded God's law not only suffered themselves, but was the cause of much sacrifice and suffering by innocent relatives or friends. In many instances there were children with undeveloped bodies caused my malnutrition, poor sleeping quarters and evil associates.
Many of these underprivileged children had nice forms and normal bodies but had no chance at an education or association with the right kinds of people. Then they would marry their kind and soon produce another family unfit to work their way into a better environment and soon produced another family unfit to take their place in decent society. But occasionally one would leave home and work their way into a better environment and soon become a good substantial citizen. Many of the underworld are of good parentage but drink or other vices brought them down and when their children, when given a chance, advanced on an equal with others more fortunate children.
Many of these underprivileged children had nice forms and normal bodies but had no chance at an education or association with the right kinds of people. Then they would marry their kind and soon produce another family unfit to work their way into a better environment and soon produced another family unfit to take their place in decent society. But occasionally one would leave home and work their way into a better environment and soon become a good substantial citizen. Many of the underworld are of good parentage but drink or other vices brought them down and when their children, when given a chance, advanced on an equal with others more fortunate children.
Teaching School
_ After quitting medical school, I took a commercial course at a good school in Tyler but owing to my deformity was denied good jobs so I went to work again in the newspaper business as I had been unable to send only about $25.00 a month home which was too little as my parents had a large family. My father had ruined his health by plowing on wet ground, and had pneumonia every other winter. Where he had $1.00, doctors asked $2.00. In newspaper work I could make big money for that day and time and I sent regularly $75.00 home. Soon my father got in better health and begged me to go to school, so I attended a state teacher's school for one summer session. I went to the Indian Territory and applied for a school teacher's job. People were mostly illiterate and the government knew it so if one could prove good character and a high school diploma with a short course in a teacher's college, they were given teaching jobs. My first school was in Fleetwood, Indian Territory. A place where nine schools had been broken up by bad boys, one closed Friday and I began on Monday next, September 2. I would be 16 on September 12. No one expected my school to last a month as my predecessor had stayed three weeks. He was an able instructor from Illinois but being a "Yankee" they finished him quickly. The boys mistreated him badly and would have done him bodily harm had not U.S. Deputy Marshals came to his defense.
My job was secured from the district superintendent but required the permission or OK of the local trustees, generally self-appointed. This I easily obtained. Monday when I opened my school one trustee T.A. West spoke for the three "children, we need an education, you know as well as I you are partly to blame for never getting a teacher who will stay, so we must take what we can get. If things get out of control remember I will be plowing near. do not seriously hurt this poor cripple boy." To me he then said "this is a tough school, most men in this neighborhood carry the law on their hip". meaning six shooters--while exhibiting his.
The next move was to hand me a list of rules for "this school" with a penalty for violation. 1st fighting-a whipping not less than 20 licks not more than 40 licking to be by the teacher in person. Other violations in order with the penalty from standing in a corner to sitting on a dunce stool. etc. Things moved smoothly first few days as I put in my spare time telling of my travels etc. Horse and buggy days did not produce may travelers.
Each Friday afternoon we had a spelling bee with speeches and short songs by the pupils and a five minute speech by the teacher regulations
First two evenings were a success, then people began coming from a distance to attend, our house a one room affair was overcrowded, then on Wednesday a poor little orphan girl now deceased, Birdie Ervin told me. "You better leave and turn the school over to someone else next Friday." This I had no intention of doing, instead I drove to the district superintendent's home and informed him mischief was planned. He procured me a permit to carry a concealed weapon but advised not to load it and to only bluff.
Six boys had planned to fight at recess when the crowd was biggest, then when called in to receive their whippings they would bridle and saddle me on the stage. Macy West had asked permission to put his saddle in the house that morning which I granted. My predecessor had left a large fog wood switch over the black board where I could not reach it. it was still in place as Macy's father had advised leaving it there when instructing me on my first day. Friday morning I went early to the Fleetwood store and asked O.C. Walker to sell me a twisted rawhide whip. My 4 year old pony was very spry so he informed me I did not need a whip but here was one for a dime. I insisted when he finally said OK but it will cost $1.50 only I will sell it to you for 75 cents and given you $2.00 if you will hit your pony once with it. He then said you better hide that whip. I assured him I would. It had a loop of strong raw hide for a hand hold. it would slip over ones wrist and then prevent the whip from being taken away from the owner. I did hide this whip behind the blackboard. No one the wiser.
On time as they planned six, about 16-18 year old, boys began fighting, out in plain view, but I waited until someone advised me there is a fight in the front yard, then I stepped to the front of the house and called "come in boys" They marched in like soldiers. I asked them to be seated in front which they did. I then said "Boys, I am bitterly sorry to have to punish you but written rules cannot be broken in government schools, so you boys will have to be whipped but as your fathers are here, I will ask them to do the whipping." T.A. West jumped to his feet immediately and said " if a boy puts himself in a man's place let him go a man's gate". At this time two strange men entered but said nothing. (I learned later they were U.S. Marshals deputies sent by the Dist. Superintendent.)
I reached in my desk and laid my gun on the table and asked all people to stand in the rear of the building, except for three pupils I felt were loyal. Frank Herring 25 years of age, Allan Gordon, 6' 3", 23 years of age and another boy over age. I then slipped my whip loop over my hand before removing the whip from the concealed place and called for Macy West to step out. he asked if I wanted him to hand me my schalleighly but I began whipping him. At this juncture, one deputy marshal picked up my gun and told everyone to keep their places. I whipped him unmercifully then sent him back to his seat and called the others up and hit them five licks each
I turned to Miss Peggy, a sister of one of my pupils and asked her to take the school until spelling and recitations were over. She was much better qualified as a teacher than I was but for some reason had been unable to get the school before I came. I really thought my school was finished as Macy left a blood print every step he took where I had cut blood on his legs. I then asked Miss Peggy, "May I speak a few words?" Yes not over five minutes she answered. She felt as I did that I was finished and was certain she would be chosen to finish the school.
I spoke briefly. "I wanted satisfaction here. I felt parents were the only ones to whip their children but you chose otherwise. Macy know I have tried to treat everyone right as does Mr. West. Now I am leaving and will return Saturday night. We will have a meeting of all school patrons and the Superintendent of the district. But I tell you now, I neither made or put these written rules up but I do order them taken down. (Allan Gordon took them down.) Now one thing certain, if I should be asked to finish this term of school, no one can tell me what or what not to do except the district Superintendent or the U.S. government. Good day and thank you one and all." I asked someone to help me on my horse and left only to have Allan Gordon and one the U.S. Deputies accompany me. The deputy then made his identity known and handed me my gun which I had forgotten.
When we met, West demanded my arrest. A deputy marshal one of three present ask my age, then after I stated I was 16. He asked Macy his age. He answered 18. "alright if it goes to court it is a boys fight, but Mr. West you are subject to prosecution for interfering with a U.S. School, however if you resign as trustee and permit your children, Macy included, to continue to attend school you will not be prosecuted by law. Macy you are to obey your school master, in all ways if your father is to be free."
Monday when school started again everyone was in their place except the Cantrell children, who did not come again. However Peggy was present and asked the Superintendent for the school at our meeting, but was politely refused.
First thing I did was state, "Macy and I played a game, but I won; however Macy is a good loser and from now on we are partners, are we not , Macy?" uh huh, he answered. Alright we will organize a civil government you are the Marshall and you can appoint your own deputies. Allan Gordon will be judger and Frank Herring will be prosecuting attorney. We need three boys and four girls to act as secret service investigators". The other 8 months of that school was easy sailing. Today Macy West who lives in Grandfield Oklahoma is one of my best friends. In this school, I had 67 pupils from 1st grade to 12th. They were all white and they had to pay 5 cents per day tuition except 7 Indians paid for by the government. This netted me about $60.00 a month and the government paid $65.00. Farm hands were plentiful t 50-75 cents per day then.
My job was secured from the district superintendent but required the permission or OK of the local trustees, generally self-appointed. This I easily obtained. Monday when I opened my school one trustee T.A. West spoke for the three "children, we need an education, you know as well as I you are partly to blame for never getting a teacher who will stay, so we must take what we can get. If things get out of control remember I will be plowing near. do not seriously hurt this poor cripple boy." To me he then said "this is a tough school, most men in this neighborhood carry the law on their hip". meaning six shooters--while exhibiting his.
The next move was to hand me a list of rules for "this school" with a penalty for violation. 1st fighting-a whipping not less than 20 licks not more than 40 licking to be by the teacher in person. Other violations in order with the penalty from standing in a corner to sitting on a dunce stool. etc. Things moved smoothly first few days as I put in my spare time telling of my travels etc. Horse and buggy days did not produce may travelers.
Each Friday afternoon we had a spelling bee with speeches and short songs by the pupils and a five minute speech by the teacher regulations
First two evenings were a success, then people began coming from a distance to attend, our house a one room affair was overcrowded, then on Wednesday a poor little orphan girl now deceased, Birdie Ervin told me. "You better leave and turn the school over to someone else next Friday." This I had no intention of doing, instead I drove to the district superintendent's home and informed him mischief was planned. He procured me a permit to carry a concealed weapon but advised not to load it and to only bluff.
Six boys had planned to fight at recess when the crowd was biggest, then when called in to receive their whippings they would bridle and saddle me on the stage. Macy West had asked permission to put his saddle in the house that morning which I granted. My predecessor had left a large fog wood switch over the black board where I could not reach it. it was still in place as Macy's father had advised leaving it there when instructing me on my first day. Friday morning I went early to the Fleetwood store and asked O.C. Walker to sell me a twisted rawhide whip. My 4 year old pony was very spry so he informed me I did not need a whip but here was one for a dime. I insisted when he finally said OK but it will cost $1.50 only I will sell it to you for 75 cents and given you $2.00 if you will hit your pony once with it. He then said you better hide that whip. I assured him I would. It had a loop of strong raw hide for a hand hold. it would slip over ones wrist and then prevent the whip from being taken away from the owner. I did hide this whip behind the blackboard. No one the wiser.
On time as they planned six, about 16-18 year old, boys began fighting, out in plain view, but I waited until someone advised me there is a fight in the front yard, then I stepped to the front of the house and called "come in boys" They marched in like soldiers. I asked them to be seated in front which they did. I then said "Boys, I am bitterly sorry to have to punish you but written rules cannot be broken in government schools, so you boys will have to be whipped but as your fathers are here, I will ask them to do the whipping." T.A. West jumped to his feet immediately and said " if a boy puts himself in a man's place let him go a man's gate". At this time two strange men entered but said nothing. (I learned later they were U.S. Marshals deputies sent by the Dist. Superintendent.)
I reached in my desk and laid my gun on the table and asked all people to stand in the rear of the building, except for three pupils I felt were loyal. Frank Herring 25 years of age, Allan Gordon, 6' 3", 23 years of age and another boy over age. I then slipped my whip loop over my hand before removing the whip from the concealed place and called for Macy West to step out. he asked if I wanted him to hand me my schalleighly but I began whipping him. At this juncture, one deputy marshal picked up my gun and told everyone to keep their places. I whipped him unmercifully then sent him back to his seat and called the others up and hit them five licks each
I turned to Miss Peggy, a sister of one of my pupils and asked her to take the school until spelling and recitations were over. She was much better qualified as a teacher than I was but for some reason had been unable to get the school before I came. I really thought my school was finished as Macy left a blood print every step he took where I had cut blood on his legs. I then asked Miss Peggy, "May I speak a few words?" Yes not over five minutes she answered. She felt as I did that I was finished and was certain she would be chosen to finish the school.
I spoke briefly. "I wanted satisfaction here. I felt parents were the only ones to whip their children but you chose otherwise. Macy know I have tried to treat everyone right as does Mr. West. Now I am leaving and will return Saturday night. We will have a meeting of all school patrons and the Superintendent of the district. But I tell you now, I neither made or put these written rules up but I do order them taken down. (Allan Gordon took them down.) Now one thing certain, if I should be asked to finish this term of school, no one can tell me what or what not to do except the district Superintendent or the U.S. government. Good day and thank you one and all." I asked someone to help me on my horse and left only to have Allan Gordon and one the U.S. Deputies accompany me. The deputy then made his identity known and handed me my gun which I had forgotten.
When we met, West demanded my arrest. A deputy marshal one of three present ask my age, then after I stated I was 16. He asked Macy his age. He answered 18. "alright if it goes to court it is a boys fight, but Mr. West you are subject to prosecution for interfering with a U.S. School, however if you resign as trustee and permit your children, Macy included, to continue to attend school you will not be prosecuted by law. Macy you are to obey your school master, in all ways if your father is to be free."
Monday when school started again everyone was in their place except the Cantrell children, who did not come again. However Peggy was present and asked the Superintendent for the school at our meeting, but was politely refused.
First thing I did was state, "Macy and I played a game, but I won; however Macy is a good loser and from now on we are partners, are we not , Macy?" uh huh, he answered. Alright we will organize a civil government you are the Marshall and you can appoint your own deputies. Allan Gordon will be judger and Frank Herring will be prosecuting attorney. We need three boys and four girls to act as secret service investigators". The other 8 months of that school was easy sailing. Today Macy West who lives in Grandfield Oklahoma is one of my best friends. In this school, I had 67 pupils from 1st grade to 12th. They were all white and they had to pay 5 cents per day tuition except 7 Indians paid for by the government. This netted me about $60.00 a month and the government paid $65.00. Farm hands were plentiful t 50-75 cents per day then.
Private Detective Work
_ I was offered a sub deputy job that paid me $`175 per month and expenses. This job I kept for awhile then went to work for a private detective agency and saw my first of life in the raw in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. What I saw there is too pitiful, vulgar, horrible, and unbelievable to tell. I rose rapidly but soon quit because I could not as a Christian do as necessary, although in this I might have been wrong as someone must sacrifice if we have law and order.
Second Teaching Job
_ After another short college term, I began teaching again. This time near Connersville, I.T. now Oklahoma. My pay was better and I was more experienced, but had it not been for an old man, Mr. Quimby Lyes, who was a university graduate, I would never have made this term as the Superintendent was unfriendly and I had several pupils who could have taught me as a long time, however with Mr. Lyles help no one not even the Superintendent even guessed my qualifications. I was teaching under a 1st grade certificate when I should have had a third or at best a second certificate. I only had five Indian pupils and 85 white students. I taught two more terms here with no undue set back except in the middle of my left term there was a physical examination law passed which stopped me for good. But I appointed a girl, who helped me secure a 1st grade certificate as a teacher. I taught the school with her help. She drew the pay and handed it all to me. It gave her a break worthwhile. She is still teaching in a Texas State College.
Working for the Railroad
_ I soon started working for the railroad selling fruit, etc on trains, railway trains. I was doing well at this but soon insurance companies refused to issue me policies and the rail road made me quit. I then went to work as a geologist first in Louisiana then Indian Territory and Kansas and later in Texas.
Dora-the love of my life
_ When I was twenty I paid $250.00 as a down payment on 160 acres of what I thought was good oil land, (has 27 producing wells on it now.) I deeded this to my father who was to p[ay the balance in 10 equal annual payments. but he decided I did not know oil and traded it for a place of 3 acres and a good house at Boggy Depot, Oklahoma on which he owed nothing.
This 160 acres was near Farmer, Texas where my old friend Dr. Eggars (Pronounced Aguers) We had each had other sweethearts, one of each to die, mine on our wedding to be day and hers one week before her wedding to be day. Neither were aware of the others loss until we moved back about one year after the event. I first found another sweetheart Perl Gegg, who was a pianist at the Baptist church. We would have married but she steadfastly declared she would never be anything but a Baptist regardless of what the Bible said. So I dropped her and went to see Dora who readily agreed to permit me to take her to church. There was no other church there so we had to go where Pearl was pianist. Dora readily agreed to assist her as before as her musical knowledge was far superior to Perl's. Dora and I soon came to love each other with our old ardor and despite her father's advice she married me on her 19th birthday --April 5, 1905. After our marriage, she only lived seven years and one month and a day after our marriage, but we were supremely happy. At her death we had two boys, Ernest-born dead on April 30, 1906. James W. was born May 25, 1907. Ruby May was born May 30, 1909 and Mittie Emma born July 3, 1911. At Dora's death, I had 80 acres of land on which we lived. I had 27 head of cattle, two good teams and three other horses, good, and extra good farming equipment. I kept my children myself after her death only until August 6th on which date I was defeated for County clerk Greer County Oklahoma.
This 160 acres was near Farmer, Texas where my old friend Dr. Eggars (Pronounced Aguers) We had each had other sweethearts, one of each to die, mine on our wedding to be day and hers one week before her wedding to be day. Neither were aware of the others loss until we moved back about one year after the event. I first found another sweetheart Perl Gegg, who was a pianist at the Baptist church. We would have married but she steadfastly declared she would never be anything but a Baptist regardless of what the Bible said. So I dropped her and went to see Dora who readily agreed to permit me to take her to church. There was no other church there so we had to go where Pearl was pianist. Dora readily agreed to assist her as before as her musical knowledge was far superior to Perl's. Dora and I soon came to love each other with our old ardor and despite her father's advice she married me on her 19th birthday --April 5, 1905. After our marriage, she only lived seven years and one month and a day after our marriage, but we were supremely happy. At her death we had two boys, Ernest-born dead on April 30, 1906. James W. was born May 25, 1907. Ruby May was born May 30, 1909 and Mittie Emma born July 3, 1911. At Dora's death, I had 80 acres of land on which we lived. I had 27 head of cattle, two good teams and three other horses, good, and extra good farming equipment. I kept my children myself after her death only until August 6th on which date I was defeated for County clerk Greer County Oklahoma.
A Bad Second Marriage
_ I came home and took my babies and went to the fields where I carried them with me to and from work where I was boss on several oil wells near Vernon, Texas. These were wells I located. I made good money for awhile then went back to Duke Oklahoma where I hired my children cared for. (The biggest mistake I ever made in my life) From then on I continued to make good money but people who cared for my children and whose groceries I furnished besides paying a good salary, handled my money as if it was inexhaustible, so instead of gaining financially, I was not even holding my own though I made big money. I went home and saw my poor babies starved for affection and decided to marry and see if they would not be better off. I could have married Hazel Underwood 24, a bookkeeper who had saved $1100.00, a true Christian and who could marry anyone she wanted but possibly part for pity was willing to marry me. I felt like I would cheat her while Fay Butler who asked me to marry her was a poor little girl whose parents were divorced and who was not able to meet the right kind of men. She professed to love my children who she had loved all her all of their lives. She said she had known them always as she was homeless, I did not feel like I was cheating her. She made a good wife and a good step mother until her two daughters Gladys and Marie were large enough to demand her love then she lost interest in her step children. I believe a neighbor woman, Mrs. Smith, who later begged me to marry her ugly daughter planted distrust in her mind. I hired my first children cared for paying $100.00 per month and feeding a family of 6 but again they were not treated with kindness. So I quit a good job with an interest in a big oil deal and went home to try to find happiness which I thought I had after we had another beautiful daughter who died at age of 8 days. But soon I persuaded her to let us visit her mother when I did so her mother or someone else persuaded her to quit me. I loved her too much and our babies. She also taught my babies who were two and four when we quit to also hate me. God have mercy on her soul.
After her separation, my life seemed even now to have blacked out for a few years. I was well fixed financially when we quit. We owned free of debt a fine 7 room home -- one city block at Blair Oklahoma besides other property. After the divorce and all was over, I quit my job, and I began again hiring my children cared for , I paid $100.00 per month to care for my three older children with expenses We were keeping a good apartment for her and our two beautiful babies and still having money left. I again returned to the oil fields but my quitting one firm hurt until I could not get a good job besides my mind was off from loss of my wife. I loved so dearly and my babies who seemed part of my own life. So I worked anywhere I could and even for weeks had no job except for street peddling, sleeping in cheap rooming houses and generally living with no care so I could keep by children in school. I sent money for the care of the babies but was advised later by postal clerks that bank drafts were burned upon receipt by their mother who had no doubt lost her mind completely. Our separation was in 1922 on June 26. My divorce was granted in August that same year. Berta married the next day after our divorce.
After her separation, my life seemed even now to have blacked out for a few years. I was well fixed financially when we quit. We owned free of debt a fine 7 room home -- one city block at Blair Oklahoma besides other property. After the divorce and all was over, I quit my job, and I began again hiring my children cared for , I paid $100.00 per month to care for my three older children with expenses We were keeping a good apartment for her and our two beautiful babies and still having money left. I again returned to the oil fields but my quitting one firm hurt until I could not get a good job besides my mind was off from loss of my wife. I loved so dearly and my babies who seemed part of my own life. So I worked anywhere I could and even for weeks had no job except for street peddling, sleeping in cheap rooming houses and generally living with no care so I could keep by children in school. I sent money for the care of the babies but was advised later by postal clerks that bank drafts were burned upon receipt by their mother who had no doubt lost her mind completely. Our separation was in 1922 on June 26. My divorce was granted in August that same year. Berta married the next day after our divorce.
A Broken Man
_ Edna at your request I am writing this. My life from the time I married your mother you know pretty well. When my mind is clearer and I am not so very lonesome, I will write up to your mother's and my marriage. Where I believe I should stop but if you prefer I will write it all as it comes to mind. Page 10 will begin with 1923. A life of loss and loneliness. I am again a ship upon a large ocean with no compass or helm. No one who is really interested in me. Children who do not even know my love and anxiety and whose deceptions though seemingly perfect were known to me all along. This secret will die with me. I will always love and pray for you all.
October 27, 1954- A Brief History
_ At 70 years of age, I look back and think my first desires was or were to pay back everything to everyone. I felt I owed to the people who produced the flour, sugar, and other foods we did not produce at home as well as to the people who produced at home, people I knew. Too those who did for me the many things I could not do for myself. Many of these things I have never not will I ever be able to repay. And now I enjoy machinery, electricity, radio and myriads of other things, I have never produced not could , my prayer is God bless them.
A Farmer
_ As a boy, I began selling watermelons, raising early and late roasting ears and various vegetables with the major thought of trying to repay some of the many favors the family showed to me. I was happy when we started to town to be able to give my sisters and brothers who had no money--a few cents for they did so many things for me. My first real contribution to the help of my family was when I was 11 years of age. I had planted and worked one acre of cantaloupes and muskmelons and my father took his team and wagon we hauled then 11 miles to Bowie where we sold them, thus being able to buy flour for breakfast, coffee and sugar and a few musts in clothing until the cotton crop came in. From then on each year while the other children were playing, I planted things in cans, sacks, and boxes in Winter for early Spring transplanting.
Upon returning from school, I hurried into my garden where I worked until I could not see trying in a small way to partly pay for my rearing. For some reason, my brother except-Mitchell who was much younger than me were never interested in my ventures only for a short time--once in awhile. Then at the age of 12, when I left home with my parents' permission and advise to shun all evil, I grew further from my brothers and sister. I loved then very dearly as I had no one else to love but though I brought my earnings home more than our average neighbors still the other children were jealous and felt that I thought myself better than they. When I was 16, I began teaching school and was forced to accept them as pupils even though the eyes of the school was upon them and me. I was forced to try to make examples of them for the rest of the school. After teaching I was never home for long as I tried to help them and go to school myself except when teaching. I made for the family as much money as they made for themselves but to the children I was always as a stranger and when my parents left the other children with me, I could not do what was expected.
Upon returning from school, I hurried into my garden where I worked until I could not see trying in a small way to partly pay for my rearing. For some reason, my brother except-Mitchell who was much younger than me were never interested in my ventures only for a short time--once in awhile. Then at the age of 12, when I left home with my parents' permission and advise to shun all evil, I grew further from my brothers and sister. I loved then very dearly as I had no one else to love but though I brought my earnings home more than our average neighbors still the other children were jealous and felt that I thought myself better than they. When I was 16, I began teaching school and was forced to accept them as pupils even though the eyes of the school was upon them and me. I was forced to try to make examples of them for the rest of the school. After teaching I was never home for long as I tried to help them and go to school myself except when teaching. I made for the family as much money as they made for themselves but to the children I was always as a stranger and when my parents left the other children with me, I could not do what was expected.
Personal Challenges
_ When I began teaching, I did what I have done ever since. I tried something I knew was too large for me, but I felt God gave me talents to use and if I quit because I was ashamed to go ahead, I would be as two other crippled boys and one crippled girl, I knew. They were just be a burden on their families with no family or sweethearts of their own and no responsibilities...just burdens on those who loved them. At an early age I resolved to marry and rear a family while I was ashamed of myself for wanting a fine formed girl, still no other would I think of as wife and mother of my children. Luckily Dora was never ashamed of me. She often told me "your mentality is what makes me love you.".
We always were leaders in any neighborhood we lived in and had she lived I would have, I am nearly certain made a success financially, but after her death my insignificant self began to show. I lost my ambition but I worked harder than any man I knew. I went back to, nearly altogether, manual labor for which I naturally was unfit. Until a year after marrying Berta who helped me to regain my self-respect or whatever you might call it, I was just a little man trying to do a big man's job. I then again began using my brain and had I not had to leave her, we no doubt would have lived together and made a good happy home. I had securities that would have made me rich in a year or so but without her signature which I could never get were worthless. I could not then realize that my presence meant more to her than my money. She goaded me into buying a fine home, when we quit we had the best in the town of Blair, Oklahoma where we lived. I thought being home weekends was enough. I now know it was not. Losing all I had worked so hard for and having three large children was too large a burden for a stepmother to take with two small children to care for.
We always were leaders in any neighborhood we lived in and had she lived I would have, I am nearly certain made a success financially, but after her death my insignificant self began to show. I lost my ambition but I worked harder than any man I knew. I went back to, nearly altogether, manual labor for which I naturally was unfit. Until a year after marrying Berta who helped me to regain my self-respect or whatever you might call it, I was just a little man trying to do a big man's job. I then again began using my brain and had I not had to leave her, we no doubt would have lived together and made a good happy home. I had securities that would have made me rich in a year or so but without her signature which I could never get were worthless. I could not then realize that my presence meant more to her than my money. She goaded me into buying a fine home, when we quit we had the best in the town of Blair, Oklahoma where we lived. I thought being home weekends was enough. I now know it was not. Losing all I had worked so hard for and having three large children was too large a burden for a stepmother to take with two small children to care for.
An Old Man's Thoughts
Now at 70 for the first time in my life, no one depends on me. I am feeble in body and mind but again I am trying to make a comeback. I have succeeded in making three oil well locations this year. I know several young men who have tried and have none. God gives us to us what we go after in a degree. any of my children should have deeper, much deeper minds than my own as all have mothers whose brains were much greater than mine. If only circumstances do not prevent any of them should really make great strides in life, just their minds and count nothing too big to go after if only patience is used but always prepare for what you try for. do not think you are too small no one is great without effort.
Age 15
_ The year I was 15, I traveled in a wagon part time along-part time with a cousin Berry Cowart-age 35. One time I wanted to camp at night in a beautiful grove of post oak near Pauls Valley Oklahoma. This grove was deep in a small creek bottom but instead of camping there we went upon a high ridge for the night. During the night, the wind blew fiercely here we were and I bemoaned the fact we were down in that thick timber but when daylight came there was only stubs of trees where the beautiful timber stood the night before. Another time that year, we camped upon a high knoll near the Sabine River near Mineola, Texas. It had not been raining there but had up near Bonham about 150 miles away, in flat country and the country between was flat. next morning, we got up to dins we were on an island of about five acres, but a quick survey showed us we were several feet above the water level so we were not afraid. Any way we could not have gotten out. We stayed 11 days with no grub except one half pound of bacon, and plenty of salt and rice. We also caught a few fish which we had to boil. Our team had plenty of good grass. We planted a row of pecans just at the water's edge. This round ring of pecan trees is likely there yet, just south of bridge S.W. of Mineola and de South of Grad Saline on or near Van Zant County line.
Berry had a large bird dog, a setter, called Joe. There were lots of men walking over the country bumming their eats. They were called tramps. One would walk up and ask, "May I have a bite with you." This would happen possibly three or five times a week. Berry would say "certainly you are welcome" then he would set put a greasy plate we kept for such occasions and say "Joe, please wash the gentlemen a plate." Joe would lick the plate clean, most times the man would eat without the plate, sometimes wash it himself, but always would look at me thinking I was Joe.
Berry had a large bird dog, a setter, called Joe. There were lots of men walking over the country bumming their eats. They were called tramps. One would walk up and ask, "May I have a bite with you." This would happen possibly three or five times a week. Berry would say "certainly you are welcome" then he would set put a greasy plate we kept for such occasions and say "Joe, please wash the gentlemen a plate." Joe would lick the plate clean, most times the man would eat without the plate, sometimes wash it himself, but always would look at me thinking I was Joe.
Growing Corn and Farm Life
_ The year I was 12, I cleared two acres of land for all it would make in two years. I planted it in corn-Iowa Silver mine and Iowa Gold mine--an early corn. Common corn was in roasting ears about June 20 but mine was ready May 1. I sold it as roasting ears and had neighbor children help me cut the stalks about a week before I planted another crop in the middle of the rows. It was up when corn was cut off and had been plowed once I left to work for the Dallas News. They wrote me it was in roasting ears just after all field corm was too hard to eat, so my folks cut it again. I had previously asked my neighbor boy who helped me, plant it again which he did and it was up nicely when the second crop was cut. Seasons were just right that year so the third crop made only once after I was grown and was able to get two good crops. That year the 3rd crop was very poor, but my boyhood corn made three good crops, with new land and rich soil.
Neighbor children were anxious to help me as I could pay cash and cash was scarce. Their parents would buy my corn when they could have raised it themselves if only they would have paid for good seed.
That year I ordered from some place 6 black Minorca's pullets, and one rooster. I put them in a small old hut about 200 years from our house in the cotton field, luckily nothing bothered them. They cost me 50₵ each for pullet and the rooster was free. I sold or rather my folks sold every pullet we could spare for 25₵. Common chickens were worth about 11₵.
That year I was given a large rooster. My father thought it was large enough to crow so I began listening. I soon heard it make a strange noise and thought it was crowing. I heard it crown four times which I proudly told them. One day I saw it was sitting on a nest and when it flew off there were four white eggs. Imagine my embarrassment having to tell my father that my rooster was actually a hen.
Neighbor children were anxious to help me as I could pay cash and cash was scarce. Their parents would buy my corn when they could have raised it themselves if only they would have paid for good seed.
That year I ordered from some place 6 black Minorca's pullets, and one rooster. I put them in a small old hut about 200 years from our house in the cotton field, luckily nothing bothered them. They cost me 50₵ each for pullet and the rooster was free. I sold or rather my folks sold every pullet we could spare for 25₵. Common chickens were worth about 11₵.
That year I was given a large rooster. My father thought it was large enough to crow so I began listening. I soon heard it make a strange noise and thought it was crowing. I heard it crown four times which I proudly told them. One day I saw it was sitting on a nest and when it flew off there were four white eggs. Imagine my embarrassment having to tell my father that my rooster was actually a hen.
My father-a part-time preacher
_ My father was a farmer but liked to preach and when we moved to a neighborhood with no church he would start one. Possibly his best success was Selma, 7 or 8 miles south of Bowie, where he found 18 church members and began meeting and preaching. In three years he built up a congregation of 240 members. It was there when I was small I was called upon to lead a song as were other boys. My song was In the Vineyard of the Lord. I will work -I will pray-I will labor everyday-in the vineyard of the Lord. We children frequently played church with many happy hours for us and our neighbor children.
Working with Farm animals
_ I would break calves, colts, dogs, and even a big rooster to work putting each to a homemade wagon his size. But I could never teach a pig to guide or stop when called upon. I could not make, as hard as I could, a tom cat work to anything. I could not even drive one with a harness and nothing to pull. I worked a goat and it was good to plow a garden with. But it became a pet and would not permit any child to scuffle with me or any dog to ever come near me . It also butted cows when they came near.
The Art of Grafting
_ I loved to experiment and when I was taught budding I tried to bud different trees together, bud or graft. One time I grafted some apples limbs into a crab apple which grew wild there. I soon forgot about the trees but the next year or maybe the next-imagine my surprise to find two nice red apples on a crap apple tree. Crab apples wild were the size of small plums and so sour one could not eat them before a frost fell on them. Persimmons were not fit to eat either before frost. Red haws were like little apples and some were early and others did not ripen before frost. Children ate them but they were not counted fit to eat.
The Murder of a Neighbor Girl
_ One boyhood tragedy was a very beautiful girl lived near our home. She was 13. The same distance away which was a half mile, there was a boy who was 17 that lived there. This girl came daily to our home for milk and eggs. The milk was free but the eggs cost 7-10₵ per dozen. One day she failed to come about 9 or 10:00 so near noon her sister and brother much smaller came to see why she had not returned as she had left her regular time. We immediately got a horse and went to her home to let her mother know she had not been there. The entire neighborhood was alerted and a hunt was on for her but no trace was found. Some feared Indians had captured her but Indian neighbors said no wild Indians had been nearly for years. Some feared panthers or as some called them mountain lions or even timber wolves which weighed 100 lbs or more, may have gotten her. Anyway the entire country was out he hunt but she was not found until near 4:00 pm. The old man Lyles followed a dragged down grass trail to brush and tumbling weeds. Quickly a boy was lowered into a well with a rope when he had tied all the brush to another rope and let those on top pull the debris out until her body was exposed. he then stated "Draw me out--she is here but her head is cut off." It was not but nearly as her throat had been cut from one ear unto the other. her head had turned back as she fell into the well.
Following the trail back to a fence near Mr. Lyles found a triangle piece of cloth from a new blue jumper on the fence then saw where she had been killed. By this time, many gathered there and Mr. Lyles held the piece of cloth up and asked who has a jumper like this? One girl answered "Joe Chillotte." We had noticed that Chillottes folks were not in the hunt and five or six men went to their home. The mother was in the house when asked where Joe was she answered, "Cleaning out the cow lot." Asked what he had been doing that morning she stated he had gone rabbit hunting and had ruined a new suit by getting rabbit blood all over it. She showed us the suit, with a bloody pair of shoes. Three men went to the barn where he was working and asked him why he killed the little girl. He answered "I do not know" So he was taken to the nearest town 2 miles away and put into the rock calaboose to spend the night. He was to be taken to Ardmore Jail 30 miles away the next day, but we had not been home but a few minutes when five shots were heard. Then in the distance too far to recognize who they were, five men rode by in a run. Upon going back near the well where she was found, we saw the boy hanging in the tree by the neck, dead with five bullet holes in his body.
No one had anything to do with the family from then on and after they gathered their crops they disappeared leaving at night and no one knew where. I believe I was 11 when this happened.
Following the trail back to a fence near Mr. Lyles found a triangle piece of cloth from a new blue jumper on the fence then saw where she had been killed. By this time, many gathered there and Mr. Lyles held the piece of cloth up and asked who has a jumper like this? One girl answered "Joe Chillotte." We had noticed that Chillottes folks were not in the hunt and five or six men went to their home. The mother was in the house when asked where Joe was she answered, "Cleaning out the cow lot." Asked what he had been doing that morning she stated he had gone rabbit hunting and had ruined a new suit by getting rabbit blood all over it. She showed us the suit, with a bloody pair of shoes. Three men went to the barn where he was working and asked him why he killed the little girl. He answered "I do not know" So he was taken to the nearest town 2 miles away and put into the rock calaboose to spend the night. He was to be taken to Ardmore Jail 30 miles away the next day, but we had not been home but a few minutes when five shots were heard. Then in the distance too far to recognize who they were, five men rode by in a run. Upon going back near the well where she was found, we saw the boy hanging in the tree by the neck, dead with five bullet holes in his body.
No one had anything to do with the family from then on and after they gathered their crops they disappeared leaving at night and no one knew where. I believe I was 11 when this happened.
