Day 14 - Mary Leona Rhea

It was awful. She couldn't take it all in. Papa was dead and there was so much confusion. At 16, she was the oldest child and a lot of the responsibility fell on her. She wanted to go somewhere and grieve but no one would let her. It was “Lonnie this and Lonnie that” and no one seemed to understand that she missed her papa too. She remembered when Andrew died. He was her big brother and she really missed him but even though she helped with the smaller children, she wasn’t stuck with them like she was now.

She sat rethinking her idea of having children. She wanted to be free, to roam outside but was stuck with her younger brothers and sisters. Mama was lying down and there was a stream of people in and out of the house.

She knew she was pouting but she didn’t care.

“Lonnie”, William asked. “Will you play with me?”

She looked at the 2-yr-old William and was about to say no when she realized he just needed someone to pay attention to him.

“Yes Sweetie, I will,” she responded.

Taking him by the hand, she rounded up 4-yr-old Victor and headed them to the clearing across the road. It was better to be outside than cooped up in the house. She got them to play tag and for the first time in days, found a little time for herself.

She wished that the dark cloud that seemed to hang over the house would go away. How could Papa be gone? Why did that awful man shoot him? She would like to kill him herself. Uncle Sterling said they would catch him but it wasn’t good enough.

Her uncles had ridden over to the Brewer farm but he had already gone. There was a scuffle and it seems that Uncle Jim had knocked down on of Brewer’s brothers. They had come back all puffed out. She was disgusted with them. She didn’t quite understand why beating his brother would make any of this better.

“Lonnie”, William said, tugging at her skirt. “I’m hungry.”

“All right, lets go see what we can find.”

The brief time outside had helped clear her head. She found some bread and butter for William and Victor and sent them off to play. Aunt Sarah was sitting in the kitchen.

“Leona, come sit and keep me company.”

Leona slumped into the chair opposite her. She could see the river beyond the field and somehow it made her feel better. Like everyone in her family, the river was a constant in their lives and where they seemed to draw their strength.

Aunt Sarah was saying something so she turned her attention back to her. “How are you doing?” she asked.

“I’m fine,” she said.

Sarah looked at her closely. “I don’t think so,” she retorted. “I know you feel like everyone is depending on you. It’s a big burden, especially when you miss your papa.”

“Oh, Aunt Sarah, what is going to happen to us?” she cried.

“You will get through this, Sarah quietly answered. “It’s going to take some time and it will not be easy but your mama is strong.” You have all of us and you know things will get done. You don’t need to worry.”

“It’s just so awful. I want to run away somewhere so I don’t have to think about it anymore”

“Lonnie,“ Sarah said. “Take a break. Go out and visit one of your friends. Take the punt and go across the river. I know you've been here the whole time taking care of the little ones. I’m here now. I’ll take care of the kids. See if Billy wants to go with you. Just come back before dark.”

Leona didn’t need a second invitation. Sarah watched her talk to Billy and then the two of them headed for the riverbank where the boat was tied. She felt sorry for her niece, heck, she felt sorry for all of them. John Carter Rhea had been a good man and a good husband. She wondered what Jane would do. She couldn't see her remarrying; John had been the love of her life. Sighing, she got up and went to check on the youngsters.

Mary Leona Rhea would look back on the time with sadness. She missed her papa more than anyone realized. On her wedding day, she missed him the most. She dithered around trying to decide who to ask to walk her down the aisle. Fortunately she was spared the decision. 15-year-old Floyd came to her.

“Lonnie,” he said and then stopped. He looked at her sheepishly. “Um, I know a little about weddings and your father is supposed to walk you down the aisle. I know I’m not Papa but I would really like the honor.” He bowed his head waiting for her response.

Tears came to her eyes. She had considered her numerous uncles and older cousins, even her fiance’s brother but none of them seemed right. Then, out of nowhere, Floyd comes and asks. It was right. It felt right.

“Washington Floyd Rhea,” she said. “I would be honored to have you walk me down the aisle. There is no one else I would rather have.” And with that, she reached up and gave him a big hug.

Jane had been watching them from the balcony. She wasn’t quite sure what was going on but both of them looked happy. Considering that her oldest two often disagreed, she was glad to see them smiling at each other. Leona was leaving her and she was sad. She wasn’t going far and she could see her everyday if she wanted, it was just that she was her one child who had always been there. She knew she depended too much on her but Leona never complained. She was always willing to pitch in. Jane wondered how she had been given this great child who was going to be a great wife and mother.

She walked back into her room and went to the chest where she stored important papers and treasures. Digging to the bottom, she found what she was looking for. It was an old prayer book that her mother had given her on her wedding day. It was time to pass it on and although she had other daughters, it belonged to Leona.

She came down the stairs as Leona came in the front door. Jane smiled at her.

“What was that all about?” she asked.

Leona smiled back at her. “Floyd has just asked if he could have the honor of walking me down the aisle”, she replied.

“From the look on his face, you must have said yes?” she asked.

“Yes, it is the best idea. If Papa isn't here to do it, Floyd will do nicely.”

Jane was delighted. She agreed that Floyd should be the one to give his sister away.

“Come and sit with me a minute,” Jane said, gesturing at the sofa. “I have something for you.”

Once seated, Jane pulled the prayer book from her apron. “My mother gave this to me on my wedding day. It was given to her by your grandmother on her wedding day. I would like you to carry it with you as we have all done.”

On Oct 21, 1888, 20-year-old Mary Leona Rhea, escorted by Washington Floyd Rhea, married Columbus Reed Ross. She floated down the aisle in a dress made by her mother and aunt and decorated with embroidered flowers, by her younger sister. She had never felt so loved. In her hands, she carried a bouquet of flowers and wrapped in a fancy hankie, an old worn prayer book. As she had told her mother, it was something she would cherish.

Jane was overcome with emotion and like many mothers, cried. She realized this would be just one of many weddings but it was the first. For a brief moment she let sadness overtake her. Andrew should have had a wedding and John Carter should have been there to share this wonderful moment with her. But taking one look at her daughter’s triumphant face, she realized this was what life was about and felt the joy her daughter was feeling wash through her.

Day 9 - The home place

Jane loved her cliff house. As a wedding gift, John and his brothers had taken Sterling’s idea and turned it into a reality. The little house, built in 1885, had two large rooms. The front room with the view of the river held the sitting room and kitchen. The large wood cooking stove was enough to heat the house in the winter and the windows opened in the summer to keep the house cool. The granite back wall held a constant temperature making it perfect for the bedroom. Andrew was born the year after they married. He was an adorable child and always happy. Mary Leoni came along two years later. For the growing family, they added a wall in the backroom to afford themselves some privacy. The house was a little crowded as the kids starting walking but it was still comfortable.

However, when Jane found herself pregnant with the third child, it became apparent that more space was needed. Laura was born in 1870. With three kids, the crowding became more evident. Jane wanted to add on to the cliff house but there wasn’t much room. Not wanting to bother John with her concerns, she started scouting for land to build a new house. There was plenty to choose from since the family shared the acres and it was open to all.

She knew she didn’t want to live in the Hollow. She had grown up on the river and was loath to leave it. Like many people, the river held her captive. She couldn't imagine living without it as a background. Not far from the cliff house was a piece of land. The farmland was on the river and she knew that flooding could destroy it but the river didn’t flood all that often. There was a hill backing up the farmland that had a small plateau, plenty big enough for a large house and eventually a pump house. There was a stream that ran next to the property that would provide easy access to water. The river would be visible from the house and yet, not so close as to be overwhelming.

She sat doodling at the table next to the oil lamp. The three kids were asleep and John had gone to town. It was late and he would probably stay over and return in the morning. Town was several miles away and not a safe trip in the dark.

She drew her idea of the ideal house. It would be two stories. Their bedroom would be on the top floor with a window opening on the view of the crops and the river. It would be big enough for their bed, a crib for the babies, and a separate area for a closet and area to wash up. The other half of the upstairs could be split into two rooms. One for the boys and one for the girls. Downstairs, she drew a kitchen area and a separate area for family and friends to visit. She didn’t expect fancy stuff so she left out a bathroom but did add a large pantry. She figured the outhouse would fit nicely in the back of the house, close enough for the kids to get to without being in the way. Of course, the land would have to have room for the chickens and other livestock.

She drew her idea of the front of the house. It had a large porch so she could relax there when the work was done. The kitchen also had a view of the river as did the front room. The door opened into the middle of the house and the stairs were directly in front. Her bedroom had two large windows and adding curtains as a touch of whimsy, she blew out the light and went to bed.

John woke her early in the morning as he returned from town. His business had been successful and they had a new horse to add. It would be helpful with the plow and the kids could learn to ride. In fact, they could use the horse to go to school since it was quite a distance from their home. Jane had taught the kids their letters and they were quick learners. They wouldn't be able to go all the time but the horse would be helpful.

John picked up the drawings that Jane had left of the table.

“What’s this,” he asked.

“Oh, nothing,” she replied. “I was just doodling before bed. Give them to me and I will throw them away.”

“Nothing doing,” he said, “but I did make a slight alteration.”

She looked confused.

“I saw them when I came in. Looks pretty interesting but don’t you think you’d want a balcony from the bedroom? It would be a nice place to enjoy the mornings and the evenings. See, I drew it in for you."

Sure enough, the balcony was there. It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen.

“You’re not the only one to think this place is getting a little too small,” John remarked.

Set back against the hill, the daunting task of building the house took on a life of its own. The forested area had to be cut back. This was helpful as John and Sterling loaded the cut trees on the wagon to take to the sawmill. There was plenty of natural materials to build the house. The river roared on. It was spring and the snow was melting in the hills beyond. The river was higher than normal so it made bringing in the materials even harder as the dirt road tended to wash out.

Jane was busy removing any plants growing at the cliff house. Some of the vegetables from the previous year had self-seeded and she was not going to leave them behind. The kids were excited and split their time helping their mother and getting in their father’s way. He loved the help although some of it had to be redone. It was good for Andrew to learn new skills that he would need when he was grown. He figured he had lots of time to teach him but starting young was a good idea.

The foundation was the hard part. The house site was level with the river. Unlike the cliff house, it needed to be raised a good six feet. George, Jesse, and Lafayette were given the challenge to find flat rocks that would form the foundation. Once the foundation was set, the four brothers started with the construction. Jane wasn’t picky but did have an idea that it would be nice to have the porch and balcony decorated with cross lattice work. She also wanted the window to have real working shutters to keep the cold out when it snowed.

It took six weeks to complete the house. It might have been done faster but John and his brother’s had crops to get in. They planted the corn and tobacco between the road and the river. It was good fertile soil and they all shared in the work for equal profit. Tobacco was a good cash crop and the corn was used for food and feeding the animals.

While the guys were busy, Jane finished the garden and started stringing new beds for the kids. Andrew had his own room. He was the only boy. Eventually, she hoped, he would have to share it. She made a new bed for Mary Leoni who was 2 and a new crib for baby Laura. They would share the second bedroom. She plucked enough feathers to make new mattresses and when the house was finished, everything would be ready to move in. The furniture John had made for them was special and she looked forward to putting it in their new bedroom overlooking the river.

Moving day had arrived. They loaded the wagon with the rest of their belongings. It was a beautiful day and the weather was fine. The baby would not remember the day but Andrew would. He would talk about the day they moved into the new house with the memory of a 4 year old child. He would only live to enjoy it for 10 days for he passed away at age 14 in 1880. Victor, William, and Lillie would never know him but the other kids would share his joy at the new house and so he lived on in their hearts.

Originally, Jane was loath to leave the cliff house but soon found that the “Home Place”, which it would be known as, was her true home. It lasted 100 years until it was consumed by fire in the 1990’s. 

Note: What remains today is the foundation. The trees that were cut down in 1870 have consumed the land once more. The stream still runs next to the house. The river still floods but the foundation of the “Home Place” survives. Just as the foundation of the home still remains, it is also the foundation of the family and it endures as well.

Continuity - Day 27 of the Family History Writing Challenge

Throughout Martha Jane's life, there were wars. Although she didn't live to see World War II, she certainly saw the devastating effects of the Civil War and World War I. In 1918, when she wrote the letters, World War I was just ending.

She writes on January 1, 1918:

“Leona’s and Della’s boys all right since the armistice was signed. Don’t know when they will be at home, Perhaps not soon. Roy Hatfield says he is homesick.”

Roy Hatfield was her grandson, the son of her daughter Della. In the picture: Victor Rhea, Martha’s son, her grandson Roy (son of Della), her granddaughter Mossie (daughter of Victor), and a neighbor child.  
Roy registered for the draft on June 5, 1917 and served from September 20, 1917 to April 12, 1919. He was 22 years old when he registered. The registration form says he was tall and stout with blue eyes and yellow hair.

I don’t think that Roy had been discharged when the photo was taken but his homecoming would not be as hoped. During the war, he had been part of the group that had been attacked with Mustard Gas. I don’t pretend to know anything about it other than, many times, it was fatal. That was not so with Roy. He survived the attack but soon after returning home, he was sent to the US National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. The diagnosis there was arthritis.  

We know that he was back in Sneedville in October 1919 because Martha writes:

“Roy and Sam still running trucks.”

Sam was Roy’s younger brother and both of them worked for the mining company. I haven’t spent much time with Della’s family other than to document the notes my mom made when she went to Sneedville, Tennessee in 1982. There are many missing details but what struck me about the family was the amount of tragedy is a small space of time.

My friend started Ancestry.com yesterday and found some information right off the bat that her mom has been lying to her for years. I told her that she would find things that might be upsetting. Today, the Hatfield’s upsets me.

Roy Hatfield died in 1938 at the age of 43 by committing suicide. One has to imagine that the war had something to do with his state of mind and health.

How sad for the family so I thought I’d look at the rest of the kids.

Jessie Hatfield is hard to find. We have a birth year for her but no death date.

George Dewey Hatfield is the next in line. He had moved from Tennessee to Indiana and died at the age of 69.

Sidney Hatfield is next. We only have the year of his birth but no other information is available. However, the notes we have say that he committed suicide.

John Hatfield lived to age 82 in Indiana.

The next sister was Carrie Hatfield. There is not much information for her either.

Next comes Sam Hatfield who Martha mentions in her letters. We have no death date for him either. Again, there are more notes that say he had cancer and committed suicide.

Edna Hatfield lived to the age of 92. According to the note left on Find A Grave, her granddaughter posts a glowing report of how wonderful her grandmother was.

Grant Hatfield also moved to Indiana and lived to be 72.

Ray Hatfield, age unknown died of lung cancer.

Luke Hatfield had also captured my attention because Martha said he “Favored Wm a great deal.” William was my grandfather. Unfortunately, Luke died in 1937 at the age of 18 in a car accident.

We have Roy, Sidney, and Sam who committed suicide. Ray died of lung cancer and Luke died in a car accident.

Della Hatfield was her mother’s child. She was also a strong woman who had the ability to rise above whatever life threw at her. However, the saddest part of all is when Mack Henry Hatfield was 81, he also  committed suicide. We don't know why but maybe he just couldn't deal with the death of his 5 sons. It is one of the things I want to find out when I make the trip to Tennessee. So much heartbreak but Della hung on for another 15 years and died at the age of 83.