Black Diamond Destiny

By Helen M. Norris

Involves a West Virginia mountaineer family, father, mother, five sons and daughter. Their complicated rise from abject poverty to become multi-millionaires through their efforts in the coal-mining industry.
From a small outcrop of coal on their unproductive farm, they eventually own thirty production mines and become the largest coal corporation in the world, controlling the coal industry in West Virginia for over sixty years.
Poverty stricken but ambitious, in the year 1850, Matt Mattison secretly kills Abe, a Jewish itinerant peddler, who visits his home periodically, using Abes money to open a small drift mine on his farm. He is assisted in the venture by his five sons who are unaware of their fathers sudden source of funds. (A true story).
At the birth of his daughters illegitimate son, Matt realized that his daughter, Gem, and Abe had a clandestine love affair, planned to marry and that Abe had impregnated to comely Gem. Matt conscious-stricken becomes psychotic.
Gem, suspicious of her father, grieving that the father of her child had given his life for her familys prosperity, refuses any finances earned from their mining endeavors, leaves home, adverse circumstances impel her to become proprietress of the towns bawdy house.
The plot involves Gems life, embarrassing to the family but offers amusing incidents in the bordello that becomes public. Her brothers push the mining business to great success becoming powerful financially and politically. Her bastard son (known later as A.P. in the industry), well educated but burdened by his mothers profession, becomes president of the worlds largest coal corporation. Marries a socialite, interested in breeding show horses, they build pretentious mansion on 365 acres, own private railroad train, ocean-going yacht, lavish apartment in New York City.
The novel follows several generations of family, involving many complications, romances, pathos of the five brothers, threatened loss of their mines through bitterly fought union strikes and devastating mine explosions.
Much of this story is true and interwoven with fiction. All character names are fictitious. Interesting coal mining facts as they effect the family are included. As well as the complete portrayal of the cruel exploration of the miners as the greedy and often inhumane madness of the coal barons to accumulate excessive wealth.
Now that coal is becoming an important factor in our energy crisis, this story is timely. Readers will become educated about the problems in this important industry as the story of this once poverty stricken family unfolds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 3, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481772709

Helen M. Norris

The author, Helen M. Norris, was born in 1897 and educated in the public schools of Marion County, West Virginia. She excelled in school, being double promoted twice, graduating from high school at the age of 15. College funds not being available, she attended Business College, winning every typing and shorthand contest. At the age of 17 years, she was accepted as Secretary to the Marion County Prosecuting Attorney. She remained in that position until her intended return from service in World War I. Upon the sudden death of her husband in 1952, she obtained her AB degree in Elementary Education and taught in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, public schools for 17 years. She retired from teaching at the mandatory age of 72, then privately tutored, gave piano lessons, and did research for this novel. She submitted it for publication and was making some changes at the publisher’s suggestion, when her health failed. This novel, then languished in my closet for 23 years, until recently re-discovered, re-read, edited and thought it should be made available. This done in memory of a wonderful mother, teacher, writer, humanitarian and loving grandmother. Randolph Norris

Book preview

CHAPTER I

Year 1850

HERE COMES ABE! Here comes good old Abe! called Pete, one of the Mattison boys. He was on his way to continue cutting timber in the stand of oak trees on the hill above the house. He had come for instructions and had just completed a short rest with his father, called Matt.

This was Matt’s afternoon napping time, an hour in his favorite rocking chair on the rickety front porch. Pete’s announcement caused Matt to look down the long, winding road that led up to his rundown frame house on the side of a western Virginia hill. He observed Abe, on this hot August afternoon, wearily finishing his steady climb to Matt’s front porch. Abe dropped his heavy canvas bag, and at the same time, greeted Matt with pleasure.

A frown crossed Matt’s face, as Abe’s presence invoked malicious thoughts. Matt’s finances were at their lowest level.

Gem, Matt called to his attractive daughter, now standing in the doorway. Better tell Ma that Abe’s here so she can git enough food on the table.

Excitedly, Gem rushed to the kitchen and back, delighted at Abe’s return and slyly wafting a kiss to Abe and he just as covertly acknowledged. Gem was Matt’s only child he sired that didn’t have red hair. Gem tossed back her wind-blown dark brown ringlets that hung in her face and self consciously realized that Abe was eyeing her figure admiringly. She had kept their intimacy a secret, always anxiously awaiting Abe’s visit every four to six weeks.

Abe and Gem had wished to marry, but the subtle approach to her temperamental father had not presented itself. Abe had arrived determined it must be now. He was twenty-three and had decided to give up these long treks selling merchandise from Pittsburgh through these Virginia hills. He wanted to settle down. This had been his method of livelihood since he was fifteen. He now felt prepared to start realizing his dream of a small shop in Pittsburgh with Gem at his side and the possibility of a family of his own.

Abe’s parents had died when he was in his early teens and he had been forced to eke out a living carrying a pack and traveling the Virginia hills selling his wares to secluded farms along the way.

He found most of his customers to be honest and friendly and always eager, isolated as they were, to examine his merchandise and to hear the worldly news that he knew, and that of their distant neighbors. He usually made an effort to arrive at the Mattisons by late afternoon, knowing he would receive a cordial reception, an invitation to a wholesome meal, sleeping accommodations for the night, and the thrill of seeing his beloved Gem.

Unfailingly, each time he approached the Mattison homestead, an overwhelming sensuality possessed his mind and body as his thoughts delighted in the pleasure of seeing and embracing the shapely and beautiful Gem. During his travels, he had observed the charms of many young females, but none could compare to the loveliness of Gem. He knew he was fervently in love with her. Her innocence heightened his admiration, as well as his lustfulness. He ardently desired, not to always sustain his mounting passion of the moment, but to fulfill his life and future existence, by having Gem as his wife and mother of his children.

Abe settled comfortably in an old slat chair and observed the huge, red-haired man at his side. How’s everything with you, Matt? he inquired. Matt rocked his chair a little more vigorously, half opened squinted eyes, and looked at Abe’s handsome and intelligent face. Things ‘bout the same, Abe. I still hain’t got ‘nough money to start my coal mine. Sometimes, I doubt I’ll ever git ‘nough. I kinda worry ‘bout it. I got a good outcrop of coal and no money to start it. This farm hain’t got no good soil. It was worked out long before I came here. I got one of the best coal outcrops but it takes some money to git started and I ain’t got none. I most go crazy thinkin’ what I might do if I had some.

Abe had heard Matt make all of these same statements many times. He had little or no advice to offer. Abe continued, I came by Fairmont and stopped at Brand’s place. He’s mining that small outcrop on his farm. He’s delivering coal around town to houses using his wagon and mules."

You know those new cook stoves are being made to burn coal and the women folk says it burns longer and hotter. Someday, Matt, coal is going to be in a profitable business in this area. All these out crops you see make me think it’s going to happen.

The news that Tom Brand was working his outcrop caused Matt to sit up with concern.

Jus’ like I been tellin’ you, Abe, all’s I need is the money to git started and I’m gonna try to git that money some ways.

After saying that, Matt settled back and closed his eyes in deep thought. Both men rested awaiting Marthie’s call to supper. Nothing further was said as both adjusted themselves more comfortably in their chairs. Abe was thinking of his tryst with Gem later that night. Matt was planning how to get the money he needed. Matt’s livelihood, now being in jeopardy, he was becoming frantic in need of funds. He had one last stand of oak tress which was his only source of income on this unproductive farm.

For months, Matt had formulated plans and had mulled them over and over in his mind. However, he never had the courage to put them in operation. Hearing of Tom Brand made him think he could wait no longer.

Gem stood in the doorway happily admiring Abe.

Marthie’s face appeared over Gem’s shoulder as she called in her ecstatic voice, Abe, it mighty nice to see you again. How ‘bout a good, cold drink of water? Gem, can’t you git Abe a gourd of water?

While Gem departed on her errand, Ma anxiously inquired for news, and then withdrew her emaciated and overworked body to go look after her cooking as Gem brought a dipper of water. Abe drank refreshingly, but not before he gave Gem’s hand a sly pat, his brown eyes beaming with anticipation of their usual meeting at night under the willow trees in back of the house. Slyly taking the empty gourd from Abe’s hand, Gem went back into the house to help Ma.

Abe, like I told you, I been thinkin’ and thinkin’ ‘bout gittin’ into the coal business. Soon, my stand of oaks will be gone. We’re down to selling the scrubs right now and those buyers in Pittsburgh are complainin’. That coal outcrops should be worked, but I jus’ can’t git ‘nough money to git started. I done heard, jus’ like you said, some people down in Fairmont is doin’ pretty well with their outcrops. So, why shouldn’t we? Abe, I agree the coal business around here is gonna be big if that railroad, they calls the Baltimore and Ohio, comes through these parts lik’ everybody says it will. I done heard over in Maryland, near Cumberland, that a couple of fellows are making good money shippin’ their coal to those new mills ‘round Pittsburgh. They started a drift mine on their farms jus’ like I got. I’m a tellin’ you, I been thinkin’ a lot ‘bout this, but it takes money to git goin’. Abe listened attentively as Matt continued to talk. The idea of starting a coal mine was becoming an obsession with Matt. Each trip, Abe had heard a more determined story. He knew the Mattisons possessed the brawn and fortitude for hard work in such a venture. Never could he say they were indolent, but victims of a poor farming community and, also, lacking little formal education.

Abe had a small reserve fund attained through frugality and enduring hardships of an inerrant huckster. He felt sorry for Matt in his predicament, yet inwardly satisfied, knowing he had a small nest egg saved for his own expectations. Always before him was the avid dream of seeing a store front in Pittsburgh bearing the sign, Abraham Klementz, Proprietor.

Just about this time, Len Mattison, hearing Abe’s voice, peeked around the corner of the house. Seeing Abe, he came slowly toward the porch steps, grinning the widest of grins. Len was extremely shy. Abe sympathized with the plight of this young boy, and he always gave him the attention that he seemed to be seeking. Consequently, Len basked in Abe’s warm heartedness. Because Len’s speech was garbled, he was treated as though his mind was addled as well. Len was born with a cleft pallet, and only some members of the Mattison family could understand his utterances. The contour of his face was unaffected by his natal misfortune and he appeared to be a strong, healthy, twelve-year old. In time, his handsomeness would exceed each and every brother. Ma always said he was a right smart boy, and he was. Matt had no time to interpret Len’s incoherent talking.

Therefore, Len, realizing his handicap, usually stayed in the background. He observed and listened to everything his father and brothers said and did. Completely unnoticed, he often trailed their every move, intent upon their conservations and learning from their accomplishment and their failures. Someday, he would be as strong as his brothers and have a physique equal to theirs. Already, he was capable of swinging an axe and helping with the manual labor on the farm.

Abe had great sympathy for Len knowing he always seemed to be seeking approval and affection. Seeing Len’s shy approach, Abe called to him, Len, come here and let me see you. Len came slowly, relishing the attention, his grin spreading broader and broader as each step brought him closer to Abe. With a quick grasp, Abe had the boy on his lap and patted his thick, red hair that always seemed to be in need of a combing. Len, like an adoring puppy, looked thankfully into Abe’s eyes and then dropped his head in utter embarrassment.

Here, Len, look me in the eyes! as Abe gently took the boy’s chin and lifted his fallen head. Len loved the attention but instinctively tried to pull away. Abe held him firmly.

Len, you are getting to be a fine looking young man. Soon, you won’t fit on my lap. You’re hunting and fishing a lot, I suppose? Len nodded affirmatively. One of these days, Len, I’m going to take time and go fishing with you. With this, he gave the boy a strong embrace as Len laughed joyfully, sliding off of Abe’s lap.

Soon, Time to eat, came from the quivering voice of Ma from the kitchen. It was only minutes until the hungry Mattisons were seated at the table. Jud and Peter suddenly appeared from nowhere. In height, Abe felt dwarfed among these tall, muscular six-footers with thick, red hair. Gem and Marthie placed the savory food on the table and quickly took their places.

As Matt often said, Gem is not skinny like Ma, and not a big horse like me and, thankfully, didn’t have red hair like my side of the family. Six red heads in one family is aplenty.

The corn pone is delicious as ever, Abe spoke to Marthie. Now you know why I always try to get here for supper Mrs. Mattison. You are the best cook and baker in these parts. Saying that, Abe took a thick slice of hickory-cured ham as Matt extended a huge platter.

Meals were simple at the Mattison house, but tasty and satisfying. Ma came from a long line of good cooks, although her appearance belied that fact. She was frail, but possessed an overabundance of stamina acquired by years of hard chores. Ma loved her family and had great feelings of tenderness for Len and his unfortunate impediment. Somehow, she couldn’t forgive herself and wondered why her body had failed him. She consistently exercised great patience with him and had little difficulty in understanding him.

Pa, however, could not reconcile himself to the fate of having produced a son like Len and was always ashamed. Len worshipped his strong and determined father, and regardless of what activity Matt was engaged in, Len could be found near him being a quiet observer in the background. Pa was accustomed to Len’s tagging after him like a faithful puppy, receiving little attention, but always at his heels. At times when Matt was out of humor, Len’s presence would irk him and he would be ordered to git along. When that happened, Len would resort to his gun or fishing rod, and disappear into the woods.

The evening meal being completed, the more taciturn members of the family drifted off to their several chores. Matt’s sullen mood returned and he left to resume his seat on the front porch. Deep in thought, he was trying to convince himself he must proceed with the odious plan he had been contemplating for some time; a plan which was becoming more and more compelling. Impoverished circumstances were driving him to do something he really did not want to do. He thought of his family and his critical financial problem.

Marthie and Gem cleared the table and then gathered near Abe for the customary display of his wares. Entranced, they examined the remnants of cloth and the various household essentials they lacked, but could not afford. The brass jewelry attracted Gem with their flashing imitations. Gem’s fingers were long and slender and beautiful for a girl who did menial tasks on the farm. She was satisfied just to try them on knowing Matt had no money with which to purchase such things. Ma appraised a short remnant of calico and it was just enough to make a much needed dress. Ma decided on the calico, but doubted Matt would buy it for her. It wasn’t often that Abe could count on a sale at the Mattisons. Abe noticed the disappointment in Gem’s eyes as she and Marthie concluded their perusals. Slowly, Abe withdrew a tiny box from his pocket. Gem, I bought this for you.

Delight beaming on her winsome face, she took the small box into her hands, joyfully opened it to find a beautiful brooch. A little filigree of love as two pair of eyes met in tender devotion. Silently and deftly, while Ma was admiring the calico cloth, Gem raised the little pin to her lips. The pin had two dainty golden hearts entwined with a small pearl in its center. A smile of understanding appeared on Abe’s face. Gem pinned the delicate ornament on her bosom exclaiming, How beautiful! How lovely! I never hoped to own a brooch of my own. Gem was to treasure and keep the little pin for as long as she lived.

Marthie, happy for Gem, admired the sparkling jewel. She would have cherished a ring or brooch too, but she knew Matt well enough that money would not be wasted in the Mattison household for what Matt usually termed, damned foolishness. Marthie had never owned a piece of jewelry, not even a wedding ring. Someday, Matt had promised, she would have one, but that time had never come. After all of these years, she didn’t think much about such things. She never disagreed with Matt, happy to leave all the decisions to him. She had learned early in their married life that Matt had a diabolic temper. Rather than arouse his rapid insolence, through experience, she decided it best to accept his judgment meekly instead of incurring his uncontrolled surliness.

After Abe’s wares had been thoroughly examined and wished for, he deftly rearranged his stock, leaving the calico remnant on the table. He was ready to continue his journey the next morning.

How much do I owe you, Abe? Mrs. Mattison, you don’t owe me a penny. I really owe you. Where could I find a better place to stop than right there? I’m most grateful to you and your family. The next time I get here, I hope to see you wearing the new dress.

Embarrassed and appreciative, Ma thanked Abe profusely. Abe, you’re jus’ to kind to me. I’m not used to men folk carrin’ in the water for me like you do and never lettin’ me tote anything heavy when you’re here. Men folk in these hills ain’t much for such doins.

Abe smiled gratefully, and then asked, Mrs. Mattison, may I use your table for my counting house? Each time Abe came, the table cleared after the evening meal, and he counted his receipts, piling the coins and bills in individual stacks as well as assessing his profit to date. Matt, upon hearing this, immediately aroused himself from his lethargy and came in, sitting at the table with Abe, who unceremoniously continued his task. The obsession uppermost in Matt’s mind was stimulated by the sight of so much cash.

With all that money, Matt pondered, I could start me a coal mine. I could raft Sam and Ben to Pittsburgh and let them pick me up one of those wagons and teams lik’ I seen in town the other day. God, how I do wish for that. Then, with all my boys, we could start workin’ on our outcrop.

One of these days, Abe responded thoughtfully, you’ll be able to do that, Matt. Every fellow has his ambitions. I have mine. I’m young and I don’t mind all this traveling around in all kinds of weather, but one of these days, I’ll be getting older, too. I’d like to have a permanent place. Well, we both have our dreams. But we just have to accept what the good Lord gives us. You want your coal mine, and it takes determination. Someday, Matt, you will have that mine, and I hope to have my store.

By this time of evening, the Mattison boys were beginning to retire for the night. Matt Mattison could be proud of his progeny, healthy specimens of young manhood, inherited characteristics, no doubt, of their pioneering ancestors who endured great hardships to settle these hills. At times, Abe failed to understand them. When he wanted to engage in conversation, they seemed shy and reticent, compassionate, keen-minded, and at times, quite witty.

You’ll sleep with Len, lik’ always, Abe. He’ll be proud to have you, advised Matt. Ma and Gem called, Good night, and proceeded to their individual rooms, but not before Gem admiringly gave Abe one long meaningful glance. Abe knew before long that she would be in his arms.

CHAPTER II

Tryst and Murder

THE NIGHT WAS hot and sultry, and Abe waited patiently for the restless Len to get settled and fall asleep. Just when he thought he was sound asleep, Len would stir and again Abe would wait. He knew that Gem would be out under the overhanging branches of the big willow tree. This had been their rendezvous many times. He also knew that if Matt discovered them, he probably would kill him. Abe believed that Matt respected him, but doubted he would consent to his daughter marrying a Semite. If asked to give a reason for his bigotry, Matt would be unable to give a logical answer.

Although always uppermost in his mind, Abe had been reluctant to approach Matt about the matter realizing his violent temperament. Too often on his visits, he had seen Matt fly into rage over what he considered a trivial matter. One quickly realized the mastery Matt exerted over his entire family. He seemed compelled to dominate. His badgered wife and children knew no other life, and never rebelled against absolute authority. Never had he exhibited any extensive affection toward them, or any physical cruelty. All their lives, they had been conditioned to endure his brusque manners, but believed he bore a hidden and profound love for each of them.

Matt’s farm merely produced a meager living for his ever growing family. He was always bothered by financial problems.

Len began to snore, and warily, Abe left his bed to slip quietly into the night. He silently made his way cautiously toward the concealing sprays of the willow tree. Gem had not yet arrived. He was disappointed. Had she fallen asleep? He sat down on the cool grass, waiting patiently. Suddenly, he heard her quick and careful steps and she was soon in his arms.

My Dear, Dear Gem, he whispered over and over as he kissed her passionately and his arms embraced her yielding body, clad only in a night gown. I love you so much, as his fingers outlined her beautiful eyebrows, his hands caressing her thick, wavy hair, and her full bosom. Desperately, she clung to him with her warm body, enkindling the fire of desire in both of them. Gently, he removed her soft enveloping gown. Her lithesome form, alabaster in the moonlight, aroused a searing sexuality as he divested himself of all clothing. They held each other in their nudity, in a consuming rhapsody of love, his molten kisses hot on her lips, and his tongue searching the depths of her mouth as she returned his passion. Tenderly, he eased her to the green carpeted ground, nuzzling her neck, then traversing deeper to her taut, upstanding nipples, fervently licking and kissing those peaks of loveliness until she moaned with deep covetousness. Deeper, he intensely explored and finally, the silky area of her womanhood as he covered her and she eagerly awaited the thrust and rhythm of his magnetism. Madly, their bodies fused in the heat of young and impassioned love, as their lips came together in an ardent fulfillment. Eventually, physically exhausted, they lay in each others arms, their bodies cooling in the night breeze.

Why did you keep me waiting, dear? During all of my travels, I constantly look forward to the day I shall see you again, and I dream of being with you. This night means so much to me. I long for you, and I want to be near you, Abe said as he fervently embraced and kissed her over and over again. Gem replied, I could hear everyone restless in their beds on this hot night. I heard you leave Abe. I was afraid to leave too soon; I came when I thought everyone was asleep. I could hear Pa snoring loudly, and it is him I fear. Remember when were here and Pa came out to the outhouse? I thought my heart could pound no louder. I thought Pa saw us, but his bare feet slowly took him back to the house. How silently we kept until he went back inside. Remember how scared we were? Abe, I think Pa likes you. Once, when you weren’t here, he told us how smart he thinks you are. And once, when we were having dinner, he said, ‘Whatever Abe tries, he will be good at it ‘cause he’s smart, and remember, he’s a Jew. They’s smart people.’ Gem, I feel he resents me because of my ancestry. I hope that if I can’t get his permission to marry you, that you will slip off with me to Pittsburgh and we’ll get married. Abe continued, Will you go with me as you promised? Abe, when you are gone, I watch the road all of the time. Even tomorrow, I’ll be watching and I know it will be days and days before I see you again. I hope the time comes soon when we can talk with Pa. If Pa flies off into one of his fits, like I promised, I’ll leave with you. I was determined to speak to him on this trip, but he says he has problems, and I can see that his mood is ugly. I don’t feel this is the right time, said Abe.

Both being bewildered, he again sensually kissed Gem’s hair, her lips, her nose, and mouth. Gem clung to him as he held her in a firm embrace. When the fires of passion were completely spent, Abe talked about their future happy days together.

I’ll be back in about four weeks, Gem. I’ll be here as soon as I can. I long to be with you, always. Their hands clasped together firmly, they again expressed their love for each other. With a last loving embrace, Gem slipped off to the house. Before she left, she showed Abe the little heart brooch pinned on her night gown. He kissed her and then kissed the little pin.

The next morning, the Mattisons were up early as usual. Matt and the boys were up at day