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Grandmother was born in 1883, her mother died when she was nine years
old. She would tell stories of her young life.
Folks would bank their fires, at night or when away
from home, in order to have a way to build a fire when needed. Grandma
said, they had been on a trip, and came home to find the coals all gone
out. So her younger brother was sent to the nearest neighbor, to bring home a
bucket of coals in ashes. Time past, the boy did not return. They were
getting worried, when they heard a yell, "Open the door". In came the boy
without the bucket, slammed the heavy door behind him, fast. There was a
loud thud and the scream of a panther. The boy proceeded to tell his
story.
He had reached the neighbor's house, and was invited
in. He told them he did not have time to come in, as the family was
waiting for the coals. The man said, "Come on in, I have something to
show you" So he went in, and was astonished to see a small stick with a
colored end, that would burn when brushed across a stone. He tarried a
bit longer and started home. He said he could hear footsteps behind him,
when they got close, he would run like the dickens, till he had put some
distance between himself and the sound. Again and again he repeated this,
till he was in hearing distance of his house. Grandma said it was a
terrible night, as they could hear the pigs squealing, as the panther
killed them. The family huddled close to the fire most of the night.
That was the first time the family had ever seen a match.
Lou Anne Allen, Attended Moss Schools from the 3rd. - 6th. Grades. |