Kyzer’S Promise: A Novel

By Jon Howard Hall

The Civil War has come to an end, yet things are still not easy for Kyzer. It is now 1870, and the son of Delilah continues his life in the small town of Hastings, Virginia. Kyzers beautiful wife, Dellanna, has been dead for six months. Despite his personal grief, he finds the strength to be a loving father and continue to support his mother and a person of color who is now a member of the family.

Soon, an old friend from Kyzers Civil War days arrives in Hastings and changes the direction of the entire familys life. Kyzer must make a choice: will he continue his haunted struggles in Virginia or move his family yet again? But how will his children handle the relocation, and will Kyzer be able to find a stable way to support them?

Amidst obstacles and challenges, Kyzer will keep his weakened family together. Unexpected conflicts threaten to tear them apart, but Kyzers strength goes to show that nothing is as powerful as the love of a father for his children. In a world still reeling from war, it is love, not hate, which conquers all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Aug 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491742976

Jon Howard Hall

JON HOWARD HALL writes historical fiction and has a passion for the Civil war era of American History. His latest novel, Reflections from the Heart - The Kyzer Trilogy, is the combination of his previously published works of Kyzer's Destiny and Kyzer's Promise into one volume which now concludes with the final ending of Kyzer's Legacy. Hall attended Auburn University and is married to his wife of fifty-seven years. They have two daughters and five grandchildren, and reside in St. Clair County, Alabama. Author and cover photographs of Liberty Hall in Americus, Georgia were provided from the personal collection of Jon Howard Hall

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KYZER’S PROMISE

A Novel

Jon Howard Hall

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KYZER’S PROMISE

A NOVEL

Copyright © 2014 Jon Howard Hall.

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 publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Certain characters in this work are historical figures, and certain events portrayed did take place. However, this is a work of fiction. All of the other characters, names, and events as well as all places, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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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.

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ISBN: 978-1-4917-4298-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-4299-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-4297-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014913958

iUniverse rev. date: 08/13/2014

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

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

For Sonya Denyse

and Shelley Dyan

CHAPTER 1

T he sound of breaking glass woke Kyzer with a jolt. What was that? Sounded to him like the noise came from the foyer. It was just after midnight, still and quiet, while the former Kellwood Plantation was at rest from the previous day’s events. Kyzer vaguely remembered falling asleep in the parlor on the sofa after reading some of John Kelsey’s old journals. He knew his mother must have covered him with the blanket before she went to bed last night. He threw the cover onto the floor while he sprang to his feet, and hurried into the foyer to investigate the sudden disturbance.

Kyzer fumbled around in the dimly lit hallway until he was able to light the lamp from the mahogany table while he lifted it to dispel the darkness at the front door. Quickly, he discovered the large rock lying among the bed of broken glass. It had shattered the transom above the doorway. He picked it up, returning the lamp to the table while he walked slowly back into the parlor. Kyzer sat in his chair while he pulled at the string wrapped around the rock. It held what appeared to be a note of some kind. Snap! He broke the string with ease as he retrieved the small piece of paper. His eyes, now wide-open, fell on the printed message as he unfolded and read the note: you git out nigger. He stuffed the paper into his trouser pocket as he left to return to the front door. He walked onto the veranda and spent the rest of the night in his rocking chair where he remained as sole guardian of Kellwood. Kyzer awoke in the morning by a gentle tugging on his shirt sleeve.

Delilah stood beside her waking son. You been out here all night? What happened? There’s pieces of broken glass everywhere.

It seems we had a visitor early this morning. Kyzer pulled the note from his pocket and handed it to her.

Delilah read the words. Who would do such a thing? she asked.

I don’t know, Mama. Somebody must be quite unhappy with who we are. Please, don’t worry.

She handed the paper back to him and turned to leave. Delilah couldn’t help being a bit worried because of what she was feeling inside. To think about what just happened sent a cold chill to her spine. I’ll have your breakfast ready shortly. You have time to shave if you want, she said.

Kyzer went inside and began to pick up the glass from the floor. He tried not to think about the incident anymore, but it was difficult. Fortunately, it was Saturday, and Kyzer happened to be off work on what was promising to be a beautiful morning, despite the day’s shocking beginning. Simply unbelievable! Now, he had the time to mend a broken fence rail and to see about replacing the glass missing from the damaged transom. He positioned a ladder above the front door while he began to remove the jagged glass fragments still hanging there. No sooner than he got started, Mama was calling him inside. He stopped his work to get washed up for breakfast. It was then Kyzer suddenly remembered his talk with Lydia a few weeks ago. How he loved that precious little girl; she was just like her mama.

Kyzer thought Lydia took the news rather well. She didn’t cry. He was relieved when he finished the dreaded conversation with his daughter. For a six-year-old to realize what he tried to tell her about her ancestry, he hoped she would understand. He believed she would somehow learn exactly what he meant. Presently, it didn’t matter as far as three-year-old Jared was concerned. Kyzer really didn’t expect his two small children to understand how their father could appear white to everyone who saw him.

In 1869, following the death of Dellanna and Ethan, Kyzer grieved over the loss of his wife and little black baby. Would things have been any better for him if he had known the truth? Perhaps, he thought. He had fulfilled his promise to Dellanna. He shared the truth with their daughter about her possible genetic condition. One drop, just one drop of his blood, also labeled her as a Negro.

It was hard for Kyzer to realize his mother Delilah was once a slave girl who gave him away at birth. He thought he understood the reasons when she tried to explain herself. She was scared. She was so young. She was alone without her dearly departed mother, Mama Rose. Kyzer and Delilah were together again after nearly thirty years, and now he knew all about himself. During the time that Delilah moved to Kellwood Plantation, she helped her son try to overcome his grief. She encouraged him every day, and he appreciated her all the more for her genuine concern. He felt she shared her love as only a mother could. Kyzer began to think about the welfare of his young daughter and son. Routinely, he went to work every day at the Kelsey Tobacco Company. He felt he had a long way to go, but had already overcome so many obstacles in his life. Kyzer dearly loved his mama, his young children, Lydia and Jared, and his beautiful Kellwood Plantation. Slowly, he began to discover that life goes on. He didn’t spend nearly as much time at the Kelsey Family Cemetery visiting Dellanna’s grave as he had in the past. How he longed for Dellanna to come running from the doorway onto the veranda and falling into his arms, but he knew this would never happen again.

Kyzer threw another log onto the fire and took his seat beside the fireplace. The warmth spread quickly throughout the parlor. It was an early autumn, and by nightfall a fire was necessary for comfort’s sake. Dinah appeared at the doorway of the parlor.

She felt a little nervous, not sure what this was all about. Could it be something concerning her son? Did she herself have cause for worry? Dinah stood as still as possible while she adjusted her long white ruffled apron. She was dressed in her favorite blue muslin shift, and her short curly black hair was only slightly visible underneath the matching bandana which was tied around her head. Sudden perspiration began to form across her eyebrows while she pressed the handkerchief she held in her hand lightly to her chocolate brown face. Her dark eyes glistened in the firelight while she tried her best to remain calm. As a slave in this family for quite a number of years, Dinah was always prepared for anything that happened, good or bad. It was just the way things were.

You wanted to see me, Sir?

Yes, Dinah. Please come in and have a seat.

She sat across from him. I hope I haven’t done anything wrong, Sir.

Kyzer shook his head. You’re fine. It’s just that I’ve decided you and Nathaniel should return to Chandalar. Master Braxton agrees.

Dinah chewed her lower lip. How you going to get along without me?

I got Mama here to help, and the move should do you some good. Mrs. Anne has probably missed you immensely after all this time.

If you say so, she replied.

Dinah, I appreciate all you have ever done for us and especially for Dellanna.

I loved that dear child just like she was mine. I still miss her so much.

I know so well, Dinah. It’s been nearly six months, but I feel she’s still here with me.

Mister Kyzer, remember if you ever need help with Lydia or Jared, please call on me for anything. It will always be a special privilege for me to serve you in any way I can.

Thank you for your service and your kind offer. I’ll keep that in mind, Dinah. You look worried. Is there something else wrong?

She sat rather still for a moment. No, Sir. Everything’s fine. I’ll tell Nathaniel to pack. She stood up and moved toward the door. She stopped in the frame, and without turning around, she said, Sorry, Sir. I didn’t mean to forget my place. Was I dismissed?

Of course, Kyzer said, and she left. What was that all about? It really was the best thing for her and Nathaniel. He thought she’d be happy. He wished she’d open up to him and let him inside. He hated the master and servant roles and felt they were family. Maybe she did, too. Maybe that was what was bothering her. He wondered how he could show her that he was doing this for her own good and not just getting rid of her because she was an extra expense.

Following their conversation, Delilah walked into the parlor. Son, there’s a little blackberry cobbler leftover if you want some before I put it away in the pie safe.

That sounds good. I believe I’ll join you right now. Kyzer walked her to the kitchen and sat at the table while Delilah set the cobbler before him.

Would you care for a cup of coffee?

Yes, Ma’am. He paused for a moment while looking at her with deep admiration. Mama, tell me again about my father.

Delilah poured his coffee and took a seat at the table. Well, Son, I only saw him a few times. Mostly, whenever he came back to Jonesboro to visit his mother. He was always taking money from her. Of course, you never knew my Mama Rose. We both worked for Mrs. Rachel Petersen for several years. I really don’t know exactly how long, but I do remember Mister Matt was a nice looking young white man. He around thirty-two years old, very tall with blue eyes and blond hair. He was decent most times because he always ‘round his mama.’ That is, except when he been a drinking too much. He was very drunk that night when he had his way with me. That was the last time I ever saw him alive. I reckon it was that summer in 1842 when Mrs. Rachel got the sad news about his death. I felt sorry for her, knowing that her only son was murdered on that riverboat. But, also at the same time, I’s relieved. I knew that Mister Matt would never bother me again.

Mama, you never told Mrs. Rachel about me?

"Why no, Son, I never did. I didn’t tell nobody. When you were born white, didn’t know what I’s going to do. Remember, Kyzer, I was only seventeen at the time. That’s when I decide to leave you with Dr. John Kelsey. I felt if there was anybody who might help me, it would be him."

How long did it take him to agree to adopt me?

Not long, Son. I believe it was the very next day. The day after I told him that I’s your mama. The following day as I recall, they took you away in a wagon headed for Atlanta. I’s standing there on the Jonesboro Road when I saw Doctor John, Miss Elizabeth, Susannah, Rob, and my own sweet baby pass right by me. You now belong to the Kelsey family, and you all moving to a little town in Virginia called Hastings.

You never saw my father again?

Not until the funeral. Mister Matt Petersen was laid out in Mrs. Rachel’s parlor when Dr. John and Mrs. Elizabeth Kelsey arrived that day. She was holding you when they walked into the room. I so surprised that I can hardly believe it was really happening. The beautiful Miss Elizabeth had you cradled in her arms when they walked into the parlor. It was like a dream come true. The next day I got to keep you for them while they all went to the funeral. You were close to fourteen months old by that time and that was the last I saw you until the day we were reunited. I remember it so well. We met again at Sabra McGuire’s mansion on Peachtree Street in Atlanta.

Mama, I’ve had my talk already with Dinah. She and Nathaniel will probably leave here in the next few days. Are you sure that you will able to take care of Lydia and Jared?

Oh yes, Son, I’m looking forward to that. She poured Kyzer another cup of coffee. You’re the one who’s going to need help around here.

Yes, I know. Very soon I need to hire a man to tend the livestock and help me work the garden.

Kyzer’s thoughts suddenly turned to his sister, Susannah. He remembered her visit a month after Dellanna’s death. At the time, he couldn’t bring himself to tell her about finding his birth mother. It was time he went to Richmond and revealed himself to her. After his work was finished, Kyzer thought about going into town and posting a notice on the message board at the post office to hire a caretaker for Kellwood. Maybe in a few weeks he could make the trip to see Susannah.

On Thursday afternoon a young black man waited on the veranda for Kyzer to return home from work. Afternoon, Sir. Mister Kyzer, I come to talk to you ’bout the caretaker job. You got time to see me?

Wait right there. Got to put my horse into the barn, and then I’ll be back to talk to you. Kyzer walked onto the veranda and took a seat in his rocker. The man stood there before him. Sit down, Kyzer said. You from around these parts?

No Sir, I’m from Richmond. My wife and I wants to relocate here near town and start our family. We just got married. My brother used to work for Dr. John Kelsey before the war. He say he grew up knowing you. His name is Josiah. I’m Samuel Johnson.

Well, I’ll be damned, Samuel. How is Josiah, and where is he?

You can call me Sam, Sir. My brother lives in Richmond. He’s married with two little chillins. Josiah, he doin’ pretty good. He working at a blacksmith shop. Got his left eye put out at Gettysburg. A minnie ball hit him square in the eyeball and the doctor had to take out his eye. He wears a patch.

I can relate to that. You see, I took a bullet in my left leg at Petersburg. War was hell, that’s for sure! I lost my brother Rob at Andersonville. How old are you, Sam?

I just turned twenty-two. My wife, Annie, she nineteen. Lucky for me, I saw the notice about the job at the post office. Mister Kyzer, I shore would like to come to work for you. I’m good with my hands. I can take care of the animals, use all kinds of tools, and I can plow. I knows how to work a garden. Annie can help out around the place, too.

Well, Sam, if I hired you when could you start to work?

I reckon, early in the mornin’, Sir.

I’ll tell you what. You bring Annie back here about this same time tomorrow. When I get home from work, she can see the little house out back and we can discuss your duties and wages. If you decide to take the job and the house, you can move on Saturday.

Oh, thank you, Sir. Annie’s gonna be mighty happy.

The front door opened as Delilah peered from the doorway. If you’re through talking, Son, your supper is about ready. You can get washed up now.

Come here, I want you to meet someone. Delilah walked over to him while wiping her hands on her apron. Remember me telling you about growing up at Kellwood with a boy named Josiah? This is his brother, and he might be coming to work for us.

I already met him. I answered the door when he knocked and told him to wait for you here.

Yes, Ma’am, I know you did, but did you tell him that you are my real mother?

Why no, I guess not.

Well then, this is Samuel Johnson. Sam, this is my Mama, Delilah James Jefferson.

Pleased to know you, Mrs. Jefferson, said the somewhat surprised potential new caretaker.

Let me tell you, Sam. A while back, I was able to find my real mother, and I learned later that my father was a white man, Kyzer said. That’s something I have to think about now and remember every day. Understand?

Oh yes, I understand, Sam said. I be seeing you tomorrow, Mister Kyzer, Mrs. Jefferson.

The following afternoon, Sam and Annie sat patiently waiting for Kyzer on the veranda. When he arrived, Kyzer led the newlyweds to the rear of the house toward the little cottage. The former slave quarters where Aurelia and Jesse once lived was located about two hundred yards from the big house, and it was nestled underneath the shade of a huge oak tree.

Annie gave the place the once over as she quickly assessed the two rooms and their furnishings. The twelve by fourteen foot rooms constructed with clapboard siding were connected by a dog trot and porch. Two rocking chairs and a small bench were placed there in close proximity on the roughly hewn pine floor. Annie opened the latch and peeked inside the bedroom. It contained an iron bed frame with a feather mattress covered by an old quilt and two of the fluffiest pillows she had ever seen. Imagine that, a real feather mattress. Annie thought she’d died and gone to Heaven. Oh, she was definitely going to love it here. A small three legged table held a kerosene lamp and a candlestick beside the bed. Across the room, there was the oak chest of drawers with a wooden framed mirror stand on the top. A cane bottom rocker rested on the multicolored hooked rug that lay on the pine floor at the end of the bed. Iron hooks were fastened on the wall and the back of the door to hang towels and clothing. Faded blue gingham curtains framed the single six pane window overlooking the view toward the barn. The room was quaint, she thought. In the back of her mind, she could hear her mother’s voice. Don’t get too attached to it. You weren’t born into luxury. She paid that voice no never mind. She wanted to stay here the rest of her life.

The sitting room featured a moss rock fireplace and hearth. Above the mantle hung an old wood framed mirror with a crack running along the edge of the bottom right corner. A large black cast iron pot hung from the swivel hook arm that could be pushed to and fro within the interior recess of the fireplace. A fire poker, broom, and bellows were propped near the edge of the hearth against a small pile of wood. A five foot square pine table with four ladder back chairs were positioned at the center of the room: On the table, a worn oil cloth in the color brown and an oil lamp. The pine work table with the heavy legs was placed below the window with the white ruffled curtains. Underneath the table were wooden bins to keep vegetables and fruit. The table held a large basin and pitcher of water setting next to the dough board. A pie safe and three shelves were fastened to the opposite wall that contained cooking utensils, dishes, and food supplies. After seeing everything, Annie immediately told Sam that she really liked the place and that he should take the job at once.

I believe that settles it, Kyzer said as he shook Sam’s rough hand. For nine dollars a month, you will live here and help me take care of Kellwood. Annie will help Mama with her cooking, washing, and taking care of my children.

Heartily, they all agreed while the happy young couple left in a hurry with their excited plans to move on Saturday morning. Following the move, it wasn’t long until Kellwood was up and running smoothly once again. With the new caretakers, Kyzer could begin to harvest his garden and attend to the many needed repairs all around the house and grounds. Annie played with Lydia and Jared every day. She watched the children many times to free Delilah from her constant watch care over them. The two women worked well together in the kitchen while preparing meals and canning fruits and vegetables. Delilah soon taught Annie how to make lye soap, and even sometimes in the evenings, helped her learn to cross stitch and sew. Annie was happy when she finished sewing the first apron she made from a blue flowered feed sack. On Sunday afternoons, Annie enjoyed listening to Delilah while she read stories to Lydia and Jared.

* * * * *

Kyzer wrote to Susannah in anticipation of his upcoming visit. He was looking forward to taking his mama and children to see