The Kings of Oak Springs: Oct 1876 to Jul 1877 Vol 2

By Dr. Bill Smith

Volume 2 is a compilation of Episodes 21-40 of "The Kings of Oak Springs" series of family saga, historical fiction stories that are a part of "The Homeplace Saga" stories. Originally published on HubPages, on line, this compilation as an eBook makes the stories more easily accessible to a wider reader base.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329275287

Book preview

The Kings of Oak Springs: Oct 1876 to Jul 1877 Vol 2

The Kings of Oak Springs: Oct 1876 to Jul 1877 Vol 2

William Leverne Smith aka Dr. Bill

The Kings of Oak Springs: Oct 1876 to Jul 1877 Vol 2

Copyright 2015 William Leverne Smith aka Dr. Bill

ISBN #: 978-1-329-27528-7

The cover image is taken from the author’s personal collection of photographs that he took, personally.

Preface

This ebook is a compilation of the second 20 episodes of The Kings of Oak Springs first published at: http://homeplaceseries.hubpages.com/

These stories are a part of the larger works of the author known as The Homeplace Saga series of family saga historical fiction stories, based at: http://thehomeplaceseries.blogspot.com/

The King family in the community in this series of stories is another way for readers to gain a better understanding of and insights into the many families and characters of The Homeplace Saga set in the southern Missouri Ozarks, from 1833 to the present day.

Each episode (or chapter) in this series is about 1,200 words so that they may be read with only a short time commitment, but, we hope, will allow you to learn about the characters and learn to love them. We hope you will want to read more about them and the neighbors with whom they interact.

Stop by the HubPages site for the latest episodes, and, stop by the home blog, referenced above, for the latest information on The Homeplace Saga generally, found on various media platforms. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.

You can also visit William Leverne Smith on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/William-Leverne-Smith/100836503289407

and also see The Homeplace Chronicles for occasional updates at:

https://www.facebook.com/HomeplaceSaga

Episode 21: Karl visited with Levi Weston, Ralph Campbell, and Alex McDonald

Karl King stopped by Levi Wilson's shop after dropping off the children at school

{Karl and Katherine (Pa and Ma) King were 36 in 1876, newly arrived earlier in the year in the Oak Creek valley of the southern Missouri Ozarks. Son, Keith, 14, is off to the high school in Jefferson City with his Aunt Ann and her family. Kate is 12 and Kent is 10, attended the subscription school in Oak Spring. Karla, 5, is at home on the farm, just west of Oak Springs, with her Ma and Pa.}

It was Thursday, during the first week of October, when Karl decided to stop by for a visit with Levi Weston. He wanted to keep Levi updated on the pregnancy of Molly, his Morgan mare, and discuss a couple of minor issues with the two-seat carriage Levi had built for them. He also knew that Levi would know about a few issues that Karl had on his mind that he could work into the conversation easily. It had rained hard overnight, and the fields were too wet to be in for most of the day. It was a good day to do some visiting.

Levi was pleased to hear that Molly was doing fine and appeared to be with colt so to speak, according to Karl. Karl reminded Levi how happy he was to have a quality Morgan stallion available in town with which to breed Molly this year, and Polly, next year. As Levi was making a couple of small adjustments to the carriage, Karl asked Levi what he knew, that he could share, about the ramifications for the Mill, and across the valley, actually, of the sudden, unexpected death of David Baldridge. After obviously pondering his response, Levi said that he was only aware of a couple of things that he had learned just recently, that were becoming common knowledge. David Baldridge and Riley Cooper had entered into an agreement, a couple of years back, it seemed, that had given Riley Cooper a right of first refusal to buy the Mill, if and when David decided to consider selling. The agreement, drawn up by a lawyer, also included the current situation, as it turned out. Levi said he understood that Riley was currently working out terms with Sarah, David's sister, on doing that. In the meantime, of course, Riley was continuing to operate the Mill, it was a busy season, for the benefit of everyone. Levi said he knew that Sarah, and her entire extended family, including all the McDonalds, were still devastated by this turn of events. Most of them were not ready to talk about it, very much, even yet.

In passing, Levi did mention that he knew that Victor Campbell had appointed his son, Ralph, as a bank director, to replace David Baldridge. Levi said he had been expecting that, before too much longer, anyway, because Ralph had already been elected a Vice-President, and was beginning to prepare to the successor to Victor as President. The Campbell family now owned controlling interest in the bank, so this was really just a formality, it seemed. Karl thanked Levi for his assistance with the carriage, and knew it was time to move on.

Karl dropped by the Campbell Dry Goods Store and ran into Ralph Campbell while he was there

After leaving Levi's shop, Karl decided to stop by the Dry Goods Store to see if he could pick up another work shirt for the fall season. As he was looking at the selection, he was pleased to have Ralph Campbell come up and greet him. Since Karl's daughter, Kate, and Ralph's son, Vic, were in the same class at school, the conversation easily went to that situation. They readily agreed that each of their children were doing well in school and enjoying their classmates, William McDonald and Charlotte Crane, as well. Ralph offered, Did you hear that Thomas Crane, Charlotte's father, had been appointed Eastern Valley Trustee, replacing David Baldridge? Karl smiled and replied, No, but they couldn't have picked a better person. Karl continued, Did I hear you were appointed to the Bank Board, as well? Ralph smiled, kind of dipped his head, momentarily, and replied, Yes, Dad said it was time. He wants me to get more involved with the bank. Karl reached out his hand, Congratulation. I think Victor showed real good judgment. You'll make a fine addition to the Oak Springs Savings Bank. Ralph accepted the handshake, Well, thanks. I'll certainly do my best. They chatted about that a bit.

Karl said, You know, my Kate has really taken to talking about history and literature since she started having classes with Alex McDonald in the afternoons. Has Vic enjoyed them, as well? Oh, my, Ralph said, Yes he has. We were surprised, as well. He had always been a good reader, but now he is asking if we had some books I was really surprised he had even heard of.

They talked a bit more before Karl made his selection and paid for it at the counter. Karl was impressed that Ralph came across as so humble, but, Karl knew where was a very strong, intelligent person behind the face Ralph showed the public. It was always good to talk to Ralph Campbell, Karl said to himself as he left the story.

Karl met Alex McDonald on the boardwalk outside the store coming from the print shop

We were just talking about you, Alex. Alex seemed taken aback. All good, Karl said, immediately. Ralph and I are both pleased that Vic and Kate have shown such an interest in history and literature with you as their teacher. Oh, Alex exclaimed, That is good to hear. All four of the students in that class are exceptional students, at least so far. It is a pleasure to work with them. They chatted about school some more.