River Divided

By Hansford Given

Jack ONeal left his uncle Rods sawmill on the New River in Virginia to seek adventure. Travels through the Alleghany Mountains at the beginning of the Civil War and the industrial revolution bring unexpected twists and turns as the conflict deepens. Skirmishes increased between the two conflicting political parties.

Jack had friends on both sides of the New River. The northwest side of the river opposed slavery. The southeast side wanted state rights as slave owners to purchase blacks as property to meet the increasing demand for cotton.

With changing times, loyalty among friends changes, both in the North and South. Jack finds himself caught up in a sweeping story of passions, hopes, and greed. He quickly learns the part he must play on both sides of the New River.

Thrilling adventures of riding on raging rivers in bateaus and fledging railroads, combined with stunning backgrounds of mountain trails throughout the region, have unexpected twists and turns as the conflict deepens and the country splits. Jack meets exciting action at every turn. He encounters misfits, immigrants, armies, national leaders, and beautiful women who captivate his heart along the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Oct 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781489713919

Hansford Given

Born in West Virginia, Hansford Given is a marine, engineer and self-taught historian of the Civil War. For the last fifty plus years, he believes no Civil War museum, battlefield, monument, or railroad museum is ever too far away or insignificant to visit. He lives in South Carolina on a small farm with his wife, Carma

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Copyright © 2017 Hansford Given.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

LifeRich Publishing is a registered trademark of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

LifeRich Publishing

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ISBN: 978-1-4897-1393-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-1392-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-1391-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017914234

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 10/17/2017

…. for my family:

Special thanks to my wife, Carma,

Kelly and Scott,

Lynn, for my picture,

and my friend, Roxanne Abbott.

See, I have this day set thee over

the nations and over the Kingdoms,

to root out, and to pull down, and to

destroy, and to throw down, to build,

and to plant. …. Jeremiah 1:10

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

About the Author

CHAPTER 1

H ot, humid days in the Shenandoah Valley did not seemingly affect Jack O’Neal. He worked diligently in his Uncle Rod’s sawmill as one summer day overtook another.

Jack weighed one-hundred sixty pounds. Not quite six feet tall, he had a well-developed body. As he walked, he pushed his thick, reddish-brown hair beneath a wide brimmed hat and tucked a homespun shirt down in his trousers.

The Jefferson shoes he wore were comfortable enough for a long day’s work standing on his feet. He looked down at his footwear. Not all young men were as fortunate to wear shoes as he wore today. With a swift motion, he slid one shoe across the smooth, hard, surface of the path leading to the sawmill. He thought about Thomas Jefferson who wore laced-up shoes at his inauguration instead of the stylish British buckles. All laced shoes were soon called Jefferson shoes after the swearing in.

Even at age twenty, Jack’s appearance and manner reflected good character beyond his years. His speech was not complicated or hard to understand. Hazel eyes expressed intelligence at first glance and changed colors from brown to green depending on his choice of clothing. He secretly thought the colors suggested those found in tobacco. It was understood by his family and friends that he was dependable and honest.

It was a short walk from Uncle Rod’s house to the sawmill, located in Narrows, Virginia on the New River. Rod was a stern taskmaster, who was always willing to explain how the sawmill worked. Jack could only see the logs and boards that had to be moved. His heart was not in the mill. Where matters of heart were concerned, his eyes were upon the nearby New River that moved swiftly past the mill northward carrying boatmen who poled their heavily loaded bateaus. Jack longed to ride on the mysterious river where he imagined exciting adventures awaited him. He dreamed of one day owning a bateau of his own to haul cargo down the river. The cargo was mostly timber, salt, and lead from the nearby salt works and lead mines. Finished shot products were shipped from nearby shot towers and sent westward to the frontier. Jack cached his money by working around the village loading or unloading the Conestoga wagons that arrived on occasion. One day, when he had enough money, his dream would become a reality.

As the summer lingered on, Jack saw a boatman tying up for the night. He was having difficulty holding the boat in position while throwing a line over a branch with one hand. His left hand was wrapped securely across his chest. Jack retrieved the line that had missed the branch and quickly tossed it over a woody limb. He handed the line to the boatman. The boatman quickly wrapped the thin rope on a cleat securing his bateau.

Thank ye, lad. What’s yer name? the boatman asked.

I’m Jack. Jack O’Neal. What happened to yer hand? Jack asked.

I smashed it ‘tween the gun’ale and a hangin’ rock. My own fault not watchin’ the river flow, he said. The boatman sprang off his ride and approached Jack. He asked, Do ye have a doctor in town?

We don’t, but old man Morris is good at fixin’ bones and sick critters, Jack answered. I kin show ye the way. It’s not far.

The two set off towards the center of the village. Jack stopped at a shop with a sign advertising chairs, tables and household goods. Jack entered, jingling the bell as the door opened. Albert followed. An elderly man was working at a bench with a draw blade on a piece of wood.

Albert started to speak when Morris looked up and said, Ya look like ya had a smash up ‘tween a rock and a hard place! Come to the table, sit down and we’ll take a look at your paw.

My name’s Albert Bishop, an’ I come from Pulaski.

Morris indicated that Bishop was to lay his arm and hand on the table.

I’m Morris: furniture maker, critter healer, and on occasion mender of broken things like chairs and bones. Morris explored Albert’s hand causing a grimace to flicker across the patient’s face when the self-proclaimed mender touched it.

Can ye move yer fingers? Morris asked.

Albert’s face responded painfully with a nod as he wiggled each finger.

Looks like a splint an’ not usin’ yer hand fer a few weeks, and you’ll be ready to go, Morris said as he chose wood from a wood box sitting by the hearth.

I cain’t wait fer weeks. I have salt and shot fer the west. They’ll be butcherin’ and huntin’ in the fall. I haf to git to Gauley Bridge! Albert said.

Right now, if ye use that hand you’ll end up a cripple, Morris replied.

I’ll ask my uncle if ye can tie up at the mill. We have dogs and yer boat would be safe, Jack stated as he left the room hurrying towards his uncle’s place.

Uncle Rod, a boatman broke his hand. He wants to tie his boat up at the mill fer a week. Jack looked to his aunt to support his plea.

His uncle replied, We’ll not be havin’ river trash hangin’ ‘bout the mill.

He’s not trash. He has a load of salt an’ shot fer the frontier, Jack replied.

Salt ye say? his uncle said. Perhaps I should talk with the man.

Jack recognized this opportunity and started out the door. I’ll fetch ‘im. He’s at Morris’s shop.

When Jack returned to Morris’s shop, Albert was examining his left hand bound up in splints and cloth strips.

I don’t know how a man kin handle a bateau with only one hand. I’ll need help with this load, Albert said.

I kin go with ye. Jack spoke before he realized his ill manners and presumptions. Quickly he gave Albert the good news about his uncle’s permission to tie up at the mill. They towed the boat to the mill pond opening where he saw his uncle pointing to a location that was used to retrieve logs floating to the mill. The boat was secured to the foundation posts, which supported the mill, above the river.

Uncle Rod greeted Albert. Welcome to a fellow tradesman.

Albert moved toward the sawyer and returned his greeting. Thank ye. I’ll be able to pay ye a fee that’s within reason.

We can speak of that later. It’s suppertime now. Then I must set and sharpen the saw blade before dark. Rod said.

Albert nodded and said, I’ll keep ye company. I won’t be sleepin’ much with this hand.

The three men made their way to the house, washed their hands and faces in the common basin and shared a towel that was draped on a wooden peg.

They entered the kitchen. Rod introduced his wife. This’s my wife, Daisy. She kin make better biscuits than anyone in Pulaski County.

Daisy wiped her hands on her apron, nodded and replied, Glad to have ye, sir. You can stay until you’re able to travel. Please have a seat.

She indicated one of the eight ladder-back chairs placed around a large wooden harvest table in the middle of the room. Walking to a single window, she pulled a cord and raised a blind. The candle-lit chandelier over the flat surface of the table provided more light in the shaded room.

They ate in silence until Daisy served seconds and hot coffee. Jack ate everything on his plate. He still had a young man’s full appetite.

Rod spoke to Jack with instructions about the team and wagon. I want ye to take the load to Rich Creek. Mr. Harper is buildin’ a new house and I have a lumber list from Forrest Yeager. He’s expectin’ ye to stay the week and help raise the walls. Return next week and ye kin deliver the second load of materials for the roof.

Jack was sorely disappointed to hear these words. Uncle Rod, I was hopin’ to help Mr. Bishop on his trip to Gauley Bridge! He tried to speak as manly as he could, but the longing for adventure came out of his mouth and heart.

Albert held up his good hand to indicate he wished to speak. I’m not leavin’ ‘fore a fortnight, and that might give yer Uncle time to adjust his plans.

Rod was quick to retort, His first loyalties are here. I’ll not hear anymore ‘bout ‘im takin’ up the river life! I haf’ ta sharpen the saw.

With that said, Rod raised himself from the table, thanked Daisy, and left the room unwaveringly. River life for Jack was not open for discussion. Albert winked at Jack and followed Rod out the door.

They arrived at the mill and Albert sat on the sawyer’s carriage as he watched Rod remove the locking nut and washers that secured the blade. After removing the blade, Rod rested the blade on a bench with the teeth over an anvil. With great care, Rod’s work worn hands held a hammer and small piece of iron to drive down the tooth for a proper set. Completing every other tooth, he turned the blade over and rested a moment before starting the other side.

Albert said, When last I was at the mill in Pulaski, the sawyer had a settin’ tool he used without removin’ the blade. Perhaps I would be able to find out where ya kin’ git one.

Yes, I heard of such a thing, but I’ve never seen one. That’d be greatly appreciated as this here takes a lot of time, Rod said as he started the last part of his work.

Early next morning, Jack was hitching the team to the loaded wagon when Albert greeted him. Good mornin’ Jack. I see yer leavin’ soon.

Yes. I wan’a be well up the road because an afternoon rain will bog down this heavy load. He pointed to the mountain ridge where dark clouds gathered. A breezy wind began shaking leaves on silver maple trees making the silver side visible. Are ya thinkin’ you kin convince Uncle Rod to let me go with ya’?

Albert grinned at Jack. I think I kin make a good case fer ya’ to travel down river.

Jack had a grin on his face as he mounted the wagon and started the team of work horses with shouts and slapping old leather reins across their backs.

The distance to Rich Creek was about five miles walking, but the road was much longer. Hard pulls up to the crest of the hill required a rest for the team. While the horses waited for Jack to start the wagon once more, they snorted, and tossed their heads while a gentle breeze cooled them down. Jack opened the lunch sack Daisy had given him and ate a biscuit. They were the best biscuits not only in Pulaski, but all of Virginia.

It was late afternoon when Jack arrived at the construction site. He found Mr. Harper speaking with Forrest Yeager. Both men walked towards the wagon attentively calculating the load of lumber.

Forrest greeted Jack. I thought ya would be here ’bout now! I’ve set the foundation stones and we kin git started right away!

Mrs. Harper came from the old house and called to Jack. Jack. Come in and have a biscuit with milk. Supper won’t be ready fer a couple of hours.

Jack responded quickly as his stomach urged him toward the house. He went up the steps and crossed the front porch. Once inside the house, he removed his hat. He was directed to a table where a mug and biscuit waited for him, and seated himself on the bench. He began to eat when he saw a petite strawberry-blond-haired girl with a narrow waist enter the room.

Suddenly, aware of his appearance, he ran his hand through his hair. He did not realize he had the biscuit in his mouth as he attempted to blot his lips on the provided table napkin. His stomach suddenly forgot its need for food while staring at the lovely creature approaching him. Her clear, blue eyes captivated him. Long, loose braids framed her round face.

Are ya goin’ to eat that biscuit or just carry it ‘round in yer mouth? the strikingly beautiful creature said. Jack started to speak, but fumbled with the biscuit and dropped part of it on the table. He felt his face turn red.

Jessica! Where’re your manners speakin’ to company like that? admonished her mother. "This’s our daughter, Jessie, and she sometimes uses ‘er tongue before she thinks ‘bout what she’s sayin’,’’ Mrs. Harper said.

Jessie, this’s Jack O’Neal from Narrows. He’s Rod and Daisy’s nephew and works at the sawmill with his uncle.

Jessie nodded in Jack’s direction and asked, Will ya be helpin’ with the house?

Jack could only blurt roughly, This’s the third house I’ve built with Yeager.

Jessie took the water bucket and exited the door appearing to be in a rush.

Thank ye fer the milk and biscuit Mrs. Harper. I best be helpin’ Forrest with the wagon, Jack said as he left the house and started to the wagon. The red was finally draining from his face and neck.

We’ll set the floor joists first, then raise the walls, Forrest said as Jack approached the building site. The three men worked at setting and leveling the floor joists. They had finished the joists and were about to start the cross bracing when Jessie came to the men and announced, Supper’s ready. Momma said to wash up an’ come in or she’ll feed it to the dogs!

Jack was taken aback when the call to eat did not match the beauty of the one who gave the invitation. The surprise made him think it was humorous. He nodded, raised his hand, and gave Jessie a tip with his hat.

Supper was taken quietly until seconds on coffee was offered.

Afterwards, Forrest explained the order of work for the next day to Jack and Harper.

After the darkness was descending over the mountains onto the meadowed flat of land, Jack went to the barn to check on his horses and equipment. Jessie entered the barn with a basket for gathering eggs. She saw Jack, and paused to see what he was doing. He looked up and said, I’m sorry fer speakin’ rough to ya’ this afternoon.

Jessie replied, Oh, it’s all right. I’m just surprised that ya’ know about buildin’ at your age.

I kin read and write, know my numbers, and can keep the tally sheet at the mill, Jack replied. Only then did he realize he had done it again! Speaking without thinking about what he was saying!

Jessie turned away from Jack, loudly saying, Well! Some people just think they’re smarter’n others!

She entered the chicken house that was a separate room in the barn. Jack felt downhearted. All he could do was say the worst things to the purtiest girl he had ever seen. He finished with the horses and went into the house. He entered the bedroom, undressed for the night and shared a bed with Forrest. He thought about Jessica for a while; then his thoughts turned to the river and Albert, the boatman.

The next day’s work was without event. The house began to take shape. It was plain to Jack that Jessie was avoiding eye contact. He had seen her face quickly turn away from him when he tried to look in her eyes.

The week passed quickly. After Friday dinner, Jack hooked up the team for his return home. The horses were ready to go back to their barn.

Mrs. Harper gave him a list of things she would like from Caldwell’s store. Give the list to Ben and he’ll have it ready fer yer trip back, she said.

Jack nodded his head, tipped his hat, and told her goodbye. He hoped to catch sight of Jessie. He was disappointed in not finding a glimpse of her. He started the team. The horses started up sprightly since they now had a light load to pull. They knew the way home.

As the Harper’s home faded from sight, when he rounded the curve, he was astounded to see Jessie, barefooted, and lovely, standing beside the road.

She smiled at him and said, Travel safe and come back, Jack.

Jack pulled the team to a stop and looked for her. She was not to be seen. There was a faint path in the brown fallen leaves that had gathered on the ground. He wondered if he had really seen her.

Jack arrived home to find Rod and Albert had made some changes in processing lumber for shipping on a bateau. He grew curious.

Albert explained, A friend of mine just came back from Gauley Bridge and said the best thing sellin’ is lumber fer barges that settlers are buildin’ to travel to St. Louis and settle the west.

Now that Albert’s hand was on the mend, he could think about travel on the river once again.

I sold my salt and shot at a profit. Rod is goin’ to sell me a load of barge boards. They’ll be lighter cargo an’ still will be profitable.

Jack felt elated and disappointed. No mention had been made of his traveling with Albert. It appeared Uncle Rod and Albert were getting along nicely without him. Jack left the two men to find his Aunt Daisy.

She was in the kitchen and smiled when she saw him. You look fit. How’re the Harper’s?

He gave her a hug. They’re fine. The house is ready for rafters an’ shingles next week, Jack said.

Is Yeager goin’ home or stayin’? Aunt Daisy asked.

He’s stayin’ to be ready fer the roof load, Jack said.

At the supper table, Rod stated he and Albert had made an agreement about lumber being marketed downriver.

Jack felt lightheaded with the thoughts of travel and exploration of the river. His thoughts of the adventure were interrupted by Uncle Rod.

Load’s ready for the wagon. All the rafters and shingles can be loaded tomorrow fer yer return to Harper’s house Monday. Uncle Rod informed him.

Jack nodded and remembered Jessie had come to see him when he left the Harper’s home. He swore he would choose his words more carefully when he saw her again. He was glad to have a reason to travel back and see her once more. Jack was looking for Jessie when he arrived at the Harper’s home on Monday. He felt downhearted at not seeing her soft, glowing face.

At the supper table, he asked about Jessie while hoping not to turn red again.

Mrs. Harper said, Mrs. Jones’s time is close. Jessie will be helpin’ out with the new baby fer a few days.

The time passed slowly for Jack until it was, at last, time for bed. As he prepared for bed, Mrs. Harper said quietly to Jack, Jessie said you could use her bed until she returned. She cleaned the linen.

Jack thanked her and made his way to Jessie’s room. It was small. The narrow bed was of no importance to Jack as he lay catty-cornered on the mattress because the length of the bed was too short for his frame. He inhaled the fragrance of Jessie’s presence lingering in the room. It was like nothing he had ever felt before. He did not want to sleep because of the pleasant thoughts he was having of the girl who charmed him with an irresistible attraction.

Jack awoke to the sounds of the house and rose to meet the day. Yeager was eager to finish breakfast and start the roof. He had made a pattern for the rafters. He showed good sense as he organized Jack and Harper into a team. They were to keep him supplied with boards to be marked, cut, stood upright on the inside walls, and shingles to finish the roof.

After a week, Jack was ready to travel home. He was disappointed Jessie had not returned and was distressed because he had not seen her during his stay. He would remember sleeping in her bed and the pleasing, persisting, smells of her room.

How can I be disappointed and happy at the same time? Uncle Rod said girls can make a man crazy. I’m beginning to believe him! he thought to himself.

As Jack prepared the team and wagon for the return, Mr. Harper came to him and said, Tell yer Uncle I’ll be down fer some finished lumber ta make tables and shelves soon. Thank ye for your work helpin’ me out with our house.

As Mr. Harper stepped away, Forrest came to him and handed him some money. He told Jack he was a powerful help raising a house.

Jack mounted the wagon when Mrs. Harper called. Jack. I have somethin’ fer ya to eat on yer way home. She handed him a cloth wrapped package.

Thank ye Mrs. Harper. Tell Jessie I appreciate the loan of ‘er room an’ I’m sorry I missed seein’ ‘er, Jack said.

He set out again for home with a light wagon and anxious team. He was thinking about how much he had wanted to see Jessie when the team stopped suddenly. Afraid, they pranced in place, snorting apprehensively.

Jack looked up to see a small bear crossing the track about one hundred feet away. The bear saw the horses.

Jack shouted, Shoo, bear! Get away from here!

The bear continued across the road while keeping the horses in its sight. When the bear reached the other side of the road, it jumped over a felled tree. He misjudged his leap and fell back onto the road. The bear quickly regained its footing, leaped over a log, and vanished quickly into the brush.

Jack laughed out loud. What a funny thing to see a wild creature misjudge distance. He wondered if the bear was embarrassed.

The horses quieted down in a few minutes. They were agitated once more when they crossed the bear’s freshly scented trail.

Jack would have a story for the supper table tonight. He wanted to make it unbearably funny.

He stopped the team for a rest and opened the food bag where he found biscuits with bacon, and one with honey butter. As Jack enjoyed the food, he soon found himself caught up in thoughts of Jessie, who had thoughtfully let him use her room.

Jack arrived home to find his Uncle Rod and Albert in the mill working on the log carriage. He approached and asked what they were doing.

Lost a wheel nut somewhere under the track. Uncle Rod answered him, By-the-way, how did the roofin’ go? Was Harper happy with his lumber?

Jack replied, Yes. He’ll be comin’ up fer finished boards fer tables and shelves he wants to build.

I saw a young bear on the way home, Jack told them. We scared the daylights out’a each other! He then proceeded to tell them of the bears’ missteps. Uncle Rod and Albert chuckled with Jack as Jack acted out