Category: 19th century America
-
The Huzzah Creek Feud: Sallie Tubbs Remembers
“That road there,” Sallie said, pointing toward the dusty road, “is where the big family feud came to a head.” In 1915, at her 82nd birthday, Sallie Tubbs Camden told the tale of disputed land, fallen trees, bloodshed, and silence, the tale of the Huzzah Creek Feud.
Written by
·
-
The Names We Keep: Anders Bergum’s story
When Jens Andersen married his late friend’s widow, he did something extraordinary—he took the Bergum name as his own, ensuring Anders’ legacy would not be forgotten. Through weathered signatures, quiet vows, and the names carved in stone, this is the story of how a family name was chosen, not inherited.
Written by
·
-
The Call Up the Hill: Myrtle Payne’s Final Reflections
Myrtle put down the engraved guitar pick she’d been studying and sighed. “I don’t know, Harper. It just feels like my days are numbered, you know? I’m gettin’ old.” She tapped a pile of photographs. “That one’s for Cliff, this one’s for Agnes. And Delmer—any musical stuff goes to him.”
Written by
·
-
Threads of War: Rachel Blackwell’s Memorial Quilt
Rachel Elvira Blackwell’s hands, weathered by time, stitched steadily under the warm glow of the hearth. Around her, daughters laughed and sewed, their quilt a tapestry of family history—threads of war, love, and loss woven into each square. At its heart, a gold star gleamed, honoring sacrifice and memory.
Written by
·
-
An Odd Fellow with an Oath: Arthur Miller’s Journey of Friendship, Love, and Truth
Arthur Miller traced the painting’s path with a trembling hand. “Friendship, Love, and Truth,” he said, “are more than words—they’re a map for life.” As he prepared to pass the Noble Grand mantle to his son, he reflected on his journey: a pioneer’s struggles, family sacrifices, and the steadfast bonds of the Odd Fellows.
Written by
·
-
Jacob Oleson Aase: The Carpenter from Stavanger
Frederikke sat by the window, cradling their newborn, Fritz, as the noisy streets of Chicago bustled below. Jacob returned from the construction site, his hands calloused and his spirit weary. ‘This isn’t what we dreamed of,’ she whispered. Her words lingered, sparking their plan to seek new beginnings in Iowa.
Written by
·
-
From Civil War to Pyatt Hollow: The Bryan Sisters’ Unbreakable Bond
“We’ve lost so much,” Amy whispered, tracing the worn leather of the family Bible. The names of their husbands shimmered faintly in the dim firelight. Mary squeezed her sister’s hand tightly. “But we still have each other,” she replied softly. Together, they vowed to face whatever the future held.
Written by
·
-
Abner Mitchell’s Final Hour: A Wisconsin Pioneer’s Reflections
Abner Mitchell’s 84th birthday brought his family together one last time, gathering in the glow of the parlor’s firelight. As the mantel clock ticked toward midnight, Abner shared stories of war, faith, and the land he built in Wisconsin, leaving behind a legacy etched in both the soil and the hearts of his descendants.
Written by
·
My Kindred Chronicles 