The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1877-12-21
Strange ITsH WIN Sfrang gers.

Editor True NoRIHERNER
While visiting some friends on Little Prairie
Ronde, about four miles south-east of Decatur.
short time ago, our conversation was most
memories Of the aged fathers and mothers with
locks all blossomed for the grave, and when the
seniors Of our company Inns cred long while re-
counting the virtues Of some in the immortal
sphere, the junior portion Of the party learned
lessons of intrinsic value. Among the ven
cradle ones mentioned as still in the laad OF
tue living was Grandma Lucas" who lived
but short distance away, and some OF our
number never having seen one so old, started
for her residence.
1t was a lovely morning in the autumn OF the
year, and the beautiful coating OF Ice that few
hours ago covered the face Of nature and glis-
tened and sparkled in lustrous beauty as the
golden beams shone upon it, was now melted
by the suns cheerful rays, and in the soft still
ness all nature was calm and beautiful. The
air was cool, and In the meliowlng distance
smoke was gently rising from the log-cabin
chimney where Grandma Lucas dwells. In
front OF the house and on either side sat three
nearer We approached. a noble specimen OF
the Zoolu Caffre race, fine IN stature, met us
at the door, sllenced the yelpihg ours, and
asked as in. After introducing ourselves, we
were cordially received aud presented TO the
object OF our visit, who entertained for three
hours by recounting part OF her checkered his
tory. Both she aud the man who met US at
the door belong to the race called by some
people "nggers,"* but the more respectable,
intelligent class would say "colored people"
We were unable to find her exact age, but
from statements made by herself and Der son
she must be over one hundred and seven years
of age. She was sitting in her armchair, and
required not half the waiting upon that some
American bellies do but was sprightly. amiable,
kind and soclable, having all the Christian
graces beaming forth IN her ever smiling coun-
tenance. In addition to this superior strength
of body her mind was active, vigorous and
strong, still retaining the scenes and anecdotes
of her childhood and taking great pleasure in
relating them. Her voice is strong, full and
resonant, and when she sings or prays she
presents good type OF Primitive Method
ism" She articuates more accurately than
the average OF her class, giving evidence OF
long association with educated people.
Among her three children who now live there
Is not sufficient education to keep family
record, so that her correct age cannot be ascer-
tanned; but IN her own words she said, a. was
born In Old Nirginny and spent most OF my
life in the South. My first recollections date
back TO the Revolutionary war, when the Eng
lish soldiers plundered and pilfered our little
hamlet. remember mother going to the camp
and making known her grievances to the cap
tain, who restored the stolen articles and re-
warded the soldiers by ordering two dozen
stripes with the 'cat-and-nlne-ta!ls,' and the
only way / came to remember this was by hear
ing the soldiers fearful cries and the red coats
they wore. l remember the first Dependence
Day, aud how the people yelled for JOY until
they were boarse. The poor people on the old
plantation and their sufferings / can never for
get. | remember how tue drivers applied the
lash to their naked backs until the blood ran to
the ground but this is only shadow to their
terrible suferings, and some OF these poor
people were compelled to mingle with their
masters and drivers in depths .of depravity.
This poor old woman can die happy now since
my poor people are not loathed or logged any
more"
We admired the plety of thus aged one, and
the prayer she offered for US fingers now in
our hearts. At our request they sang some OF
those sympathetic songs that echoed through
the old plantations in the hearts OF the colored
race. They began the first three lines of every
brace with three notes that sounded like the
'aly-ho from the hunters horn, singing the
balance Of the verse in low, wailing dirge,
the entire company with solemnity.
We soon bid goodbye and departed, our curl
'sty being satisfied by having seen one person
'yer one hundred years old, for whom the
rosts OF so many have crowned with a garland
If purity, which she will soon exchange for
rown OF glory and palm OF victory.
Mean, stingy white folks.
ALTER Eco.