The Tree of Life

By Susie Stone

Reading through my family archives, I found the following post, In her youth, John Crenshaw gave an army sergeant a five-dollar gold piece to release her to him. I was intrigued. I wanted to know what had happened to this coupleJohn Crenshaw and the Cherokee Indian maiden. What did this five-dollar gold piece play in the story as I read about their lives set in those before and after years of the Civil War?

I became fascinated with the information that I could piece together to tell the story of two Cheyenne Indian women and their chosen lives through diversity, the Civil War, and their familymy ancestors. While I created some parts in fiction to embellish the story, the written actions of each resilient woman were true, bonded together with the telling of their lives. I was proud to write their stories of love and dedication, and I began to know them as actual women, creating my own tree of life. These two women were my great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. I was intrigued to read of their lives and connected them to my own life.

My father had always told me stories of his Indian grandmother, LeAnna Crenshaw Stone, and now I had actually found her story. Through the archives, I enabled her life to be told again.

Go now to your dwellings to enter into the days of your life together (Elliot Arnold, 1947).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984520616

Susie Stone

Susie Stone Chidlovski was born in Monett, Missouri. She graduated with BA degrees from School of the Ozarks, and Drury University and a MA from Emerson College, Boston. An elementary schoolteacher, editor for several newspapers, director/producer local theater productions, she retired from Emerson College, Performing Arts Department. In March, 2017, she published her first book, Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity-Jig, a book about her family, hometown and people she knew. Her second book Tree Of Life, a romance, tells the story of her great-grandmother and her great-great-grandmother through the family archives diligently researched by her cousin, Scott Stone. Her ancestors with their life and family, set during the Civil War years are stories of two strong and independent Cherokee Indian women. Married to noted Russian Hockey and Weight-lifting Historian, Arthur, she has one daughter, Melissa, married to Sean McCullough. Her home, by the ocean, also houses two kitties Daphne and Beatrice with one charming Bernie, their dog.

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Copyright © 2018 by Susie Stone.

ISBN:                   Softcover                               978-1-9845-2062-3

                            eBook                                     978-1-9845-2061-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is inspired by true events. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Front cover design and artwork by Arthur Chidlovski. Used with permission.

Rev. date: 04/06/2018

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Illustrated by Arthur Chidlovski

The Tree of Life

Spring days had finally arrived to the bustling town of Terre Haute, Indiana. The month was June 1850. The local church ladies were holding their annual strawberry fest on the lawn of the town hall in the center of Terre Haute. Set exactly in the center of town, the old chapel was located near the court house and lay on land on the east bank of the Wabash River. The green lawn was filled with the many inhabitants and devoted members of the church who were gathered around the designated area overlooking the many festive floral decorations adorning the white clothed tables. Placed on each table were bowls and bowls of freshly picked and washed strawberries. There had been a bumper crop of strawberries that year and the farmers were proud of their endeavors. Also placed by the strawberries were plates of warm, freshly baked biscuits to eat with the strawberries and fresh cream just collected from the cows in the nearby barn. It all made for a delectable and inviting presentation. Among the participants, Matilda Crenshaw, was seen as she walked around the decorated and heavily laden tables checking all the strawberry delights offered for sale. Matilda often stopped in her endeavors to cheerfully greet her friends or to welcome nearby neighbors. Many reflected that Matilda never seemed to meet a stranger. She was always instantly kind and friendly in her greetings and welcome. She seemed to know everyone and to be their long-time friend with her generosity in personal greetings. Matilda was dressed in a new daydress of a woven blue gingham. Bishop sleeves, the latest rave in women’s fashion, were gathered into cuffs at the wrist embellished with a long-waisted, plain bodice opened at the front. A delicate soft, white, color of lace fell softly on her shoulders. The lace accentuated her petite, lovely neck. Her small fashionable waist led to a full skirt puffed out, so to speak, by the many heavily starched cotton crinolines she wore under her skirt. Matilda had just wrapped a colorful Indian shawl woven in a paisley pattern in imitation of exotic Indian styles, around her shoulders. Matilda hugged the material softly to herself. It seemed to Matilda that she was always complaining of how much colder the days were and that she felt a cooling chill blowing in the air. A friend and long seafaring traveler, Captain Cooper, had brought this fashion popular shawl back from one of his many travels to the colorful and exotic land of India and had given the item to Matilda. Soon, this shawl became as a most treasured gift. It had become one of Matilda’s favorite shawls to wear.

Matilda’s shiny long auburn hair was dressed simply. The middle was parted on her forehead and wrapped in a bun at the back of her head. The sides of her hair had been puffed out over her ears. Adorned on her head was a fashionable blue bonnet of matching gingham that was delicately adorned with lace around her small, delicate face. Secured to her head by ribbons, the white ribbons were plaited and edged with lace and tied in a huge bow under her chin. Even after these thirty years of marriage, Ephram still found his wife to be just as lovely and delicate in nature as the first day he had laid his eyes on her at the cotillion ball. The two had grown up right near each other. They played in the yard together and shared their young school days together. He had always enjoyed being with her as they laughed and played and enjoyed each day of youthful abandonment. Then, that very special summer evening at the local cotillion ball Ephram had been asked by Matilda’s parents to escort her to the ball. Ephram was happy to do so and looked forward to being with his friend and youthful companion. He was sure they would have a good time at the ball enjoying the companionship of their friends and waltzing with the many dances. Then, to his surprise, when he arrived at Matilda’s home to escort her to the ball, he was surprised by a new image of Matilda. When had he knocked on the front door, he was greeted by the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life. Actually, it all happened so swiftly to Ephram that he still felt a little breathless about it, even after all these years. He was still a little dubious about the whole matter. Had it been a little bit of magic or had it been a planned happening that Matilda and her parents had known a devised plan some time ago. Ephram never knew and decided it did not really matter. He had chosen a most beautiful wife to spend his life with.

Thinking back to that special day when he had realized he loved Matilda, he had seen her sitting on her family porch, swinging and laughing as she talked to her dear school girlfriends, Maggie and Sally. He waved and thought to himself that they were probably giggling over whom they were going to the ball with. Ephram knew that one friend, Maggie, had a terrible love crush on her date for the evening, good and kind, Joseph. Sally, on the other hand, had just met a gentleman, new to town, named Alexander. She seemed to have new starry eyes over that gentleman. Of course, Ephram smiled, Matilda was sitting there and was just his usual friend and companion with her gentle eyes and lovely, generous smile.

Getting dressed that evening, Ephram had not been particularly nervous or excited. He was relaxed and happy to be with his friend, Matilda. In fact, Ephram’s parents seemed more excited than him. It was as if they knew of the secret magic about to envelop Ephram in what was about to happen. And that was just what happened. Ephram knocked on Matilda’s family door, and a stunning beautiful woman opened the door. Ephram was thunder struck by the changed appearance of Matilda. It was as if he had never seen her before. Suddenly, right before his very eyes, Matilda had become a grown, charming and absolutely beautiful woman. Ephram could not believe that he had never seen her in this light before. All he knew, from that moment on was that he wanted to marry her and be with her all of the rest of his life. And to his amazement, Matilda wanted the same thing. She had just been waiting patiently, as most women do, for Ephram to wake up and realize that the two were meant to be a married couple and share their life together.

Laughing, Matilda invited the startled young man into the parlor to greet her awaiting parents. Somehow Ephram managed to hand Matilda the wrapped and boxed orchid corsage he had brought for the dance. Ephram stammered a greeting to the parents and then turned to Matilda to escort her to his waiting horse and buggy outside to attend the ball.

The corsage placed on Matilda’s wrist was perfectly matched with the white, lacy cotillion ball dress Matilda had chosen for the evening’s festivities. As soon to be evidenced, plans would be followed through with the annual year’s society grooming of the young female debutantes each year, and Matilda, of fine family and society, was to be presented to the attending society that evening as a debutante along with her other girlfriends. It was planned to be a very special occasion for her family.

Matilda smiled and gently accepted Ephram’s arm to escort her out of the house and into the awaiting buggy. The evening turned out to be just as festive and exciting as Matilda knew it would be. Taking a break from the swirling waltzes and slow, close dancing, surrounded by other couples and visitors, the couple needed a breath of fresh, cool air. Ephram led Matilda out onto the open veranda.

There, with the band playing soft popular music inside, sitting out on the provided bench under the starry night, Ephram stood up and gazed down at the lovely Matilda in the moonlight. Without further thought, Ephram dropped to one knee and took Matilda’s small hand and placed it into his large, strong hand. There on the veranda, under the starry night, while looking up into Matilda’s happy, smiling face, Ephram proposed marriage.

Quickly nodding her head, Matilda accepted the proposal. That evening was passed in loving memories of the two together, arm in arm, heads close as they kissed and whispered to each other of their deep and abiding love. Together, that night, they made plans for their short engagement and spring wedding in Matilda’s home. They were both so happy and in love that they could barely even speak to tell their friends and family of their happy plan.

Today, after those thirty some years, Ephram still sighed with his memories and deep love for his wife, Matilda. They still acted together like a newly wedded couple and never seemed to be apart from each other. Sometimes, John would admonish them that they needed to act more like his friend’s parents and not be so happy in love. Of course, John was only teasing them and was truthfully very pleased that his parents were so happy in marriage. He had seen other couples not so happy together.

Today, as Ephram stood looking at his wife, Matilda, and dreaming back over the past years together, he had to admit that she was still as breathtaking to all observers even after these many years. She just never seemed to grow any older. At least that was what her husband, Ephram, often admonished to all who would be listening. He was very proud of his lovely wife and would often brag about her to other listening gentlemen and friends. There had never been a disagreement from any other male in this matter. They all agreed with Ephram, Matilda was indeed a lovely woman.

Matilda and Ephram had just recently celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary. They had opened the house to invited guests and friends to come and enjoy the festivities for that special day. Opening the whole house and the lawn to all guests who had arrived that day early, most had stayed late to celebrate the festivities. Ephram had even surprised their guests with a small fireworks show that evening as the stars came out to decorate the night and share in their celebration. Their son, John, had also been in attendance with his friend, Betsy. Now, having reached the wise age of twenty-five, Ephram and Matilda were hoping John would begin to think of getting married and starting his own family. They were also hoping Betsy would be his choice.

John was the source of pride in the couple’s life. Resembling his father, Ephram, in many social and physical mannerisms, John was tall and strong in both word and deed yet gentle in heart and speech. Matilda always called John an old soul in many ways. She believed that John much resembled her own father who was also a gentle person of deeds and kindnesses. Her father had passed on now to his own reward in heaven but he was still greatly missed by her. She also missed her good mother. She was just thankful now for her own family and friends. John was also active in their chosen church with his parents. He often attended chapel with his parents and then would join his friend, Betsy, to sing in the church choir. Matilda and Ehpram’s hearts would swell with pride as they listened to John’s fine tenor voice resound clearly among the other voices of the members of the choir. Betsy always seemed to just glow with a pure happiness as John stood by her side in the chapel choir. One of the church choir’s favorite was often Blest Be The Tie That Binds. Listening to this favorite hymn sung during the day’s service, Matilda’s heart would just fill with joy and gladness. Ephram, the other parent, was often found to be feeling very proud of his healthy and handsome son, also. The family felt very blessed in this their lives.

Matilda stopped for a minute in her thoughts as she greeted the arriving visitors to the strawberry fest. She had been so busy all day she had not really had time to acknowledge any personal aspects or happenings of her daily life. Reflecting back over the day, Matilda realized that there had been a couple of moments when she had had to pause in her endeavor to catch her breath. It felt like there had been a pull in her chest followed by some moment of labored breathing. Actually, she realized, she still felt short of breath. Pausing, she laughed silently to herself, what a silly she as. She was a healthy woman and pleased with all her own endeavors, Matilda told herself.

Matilda shook her head as she reflected, it is just from all the exertion of the day. She was getting older. But, in all truthfulness, sometimes, she was required to rest for a short nap because she felt this labored breathing and heart palpitations. Then she would lessen her many plans and errands for the day.

But, Matilda thought to herself, that all was just fine, nothing to be troubled by. It was all just a matter of better scheduling her day and not putting herself into too many tasks to perform. But, just to make sure, Matilda thought to herself, she might stop by for a visit with her friend, Dr. Johnson for a general checking over. Ephram would be pleased with that matter. He was always so concerned about her health and her busy chores and obligations. He was always so kind and loving in his concern for her.

Brushing a fallen wisp of hair from her face, Matilda raised her hand in greeting to Ephram and walked over to kiss him gently on the cheek and place her small hand on his arm. It always made her feel so comfortable and safe to be near her strong armed husband and dear friend.

Matilda felt a great pride in her handsome husband. Dressed this day in a morning suit of English broadcloth showing a shirt of fine white starched cotton tucked into a long pair of black trousers which were also tucked into long black high-top boots. A brightly hued waistcoat peeked from beneath his broadcloth suit and was topped by a colorful starched cravat at his neck. Ephram wore a Melon hat with a short/narrow brim and rounded crown. Unlike many of their male friends, of all ages, Ephram had not adopted the fashion of tall silk hats. They made him feel foolish. He was already tall in stature. The hats only added even more length to his body.

Despite the most often worn craze of fashion of the other men, Ephram had not taken to wearing any facial hair. He kept his cheeks cleanly shaven. He liked the look of his own mouth and chin, clean of hair in profile.

It seemed the 1850’s had brought large diversity and arguments about wearing beards and moustaches. These beards were long and short, sometimes tidy or could also be seen as very unkept. Society of those days saw beards as a collected combination of factors; being dignified, independent and sometimes, viewed as a manner of virility. Also, men were quick to state that their long facial hair could be seen by many as a note of manliness.

Now, many men of those days read and absorbed the religious teachings from the Bible to quote verses, especially the Old Testament, as their guidance and plan for life. Men wanted to be seen as strong and courageous such as the Biblical Samson. To many, this man had been often referred to as a hero who gained strength and courage from his long, thick hair. The idea of this strong and religious man, Samson, appealed to many men as their role model in fashion and style.

In fact, some religious thinkers had theorized the idea that shaving the facial hair was somehow sinful against the words of the Bible where men had worn long hair and long beards. Many also added their argument that facial hair was a benefit to their own health and hygiene. The argument regarding this matter had concluded that the facial hair protected one’s face from the sun and filtered through smoke, dust and other pollutants.

Whatever had caused Ephram to consider the choice of no facial hair, Matilda was pleased. She liked the feel of his smooth face. She also felt he looked just as manly as the other men adorned by a beard or moustache. Matilda did not worry about other people’s opinions. She was only concerned about Ephram and herself and what made them happy and comfortable. All in all, it would seem Matilda was glad with Ephram’s choice. She found some of the men’s moustaches and beards to be a trifle scruffy to the gentlemen. Also, there was all the pomp and embellishment to keep the moustache and beard in shape and style. It was all foolishness to Matilda.

Ephram would always puff out his chest in pride as he looked down at his lovely bride of yesteryears. He could tell the strawberry feast had been a success from his wife’s smile and cheerful mannerism. Just then Matilda smiled and said, there is a rumor that another church is planning a raspberry festival this month on this very site on the town hall lawn. But, she added, I doubt it would have the same success as the strawberry feast I have hosted this day. Ephram smiled in acknowledgement.

The ladies from the church were busy gathering the table linens and putting away the many plates and other dishes. Ephram smiled down again at Matilda as she returned his smile