The Osceola times., 1885-09-05
CYNTHY.
A Tragic Story of the Mountain
Region of Virginia.

Nestled among the wild hills between
which the Brandon River winds its way,
lies the little town of Brandon Court
House. The old stage, relic of the
past in most parts of America, is here
to be found in all its pristine glory.
From either side of the river rise giant
hills, some towering abruptly over the
stream, the bare rock relieved but by a
few scraggy pine trees; others graceful
IL rounded and covered from base to
summit with forests of superb oaks and
naples.
Here and there throughout the valley
are humble cottages, the dwellings of
the more prosperous mountaineers,
while the cabins of the poorer class
Chamber along the mountain side. Each
has a little garden and plat where a
few hills Of scraggy corn are forced
from the sterile, unwilling soil. A few
cattle, small and lean. but hardy as the
rocks from which they CLEAN their liv-
ing, wander about. and before every
door are the never-failing coon-dogs.
The cabins are much alike, square
room with puncheon floors and with
rags stuck in between the logs TO keep
out the chilling wind or driving rain.
Across one side Of the room is vast.
old-fashioned fireplace, the glowing logs
in which are kept in position by large
andirons. A rope-bed stands in the
corner; rocking-cbair. the bottom
long sirce worn out and replaced with
twine; two old stools, and q spinning
jenny complete the furniture. In one Of
these cabins an old man croons over the
fire, smoking his corncob pipe. His
hands, which rest upon his knees, trem-
BILE with palsy, his aged wife sits oppo-
sit smoking while she ::knits, dropping
her stitches now and then as her eyes.
wearied with years of watching, close
in slumber. The ''boys" are going COON
hunting, and the musket that their
grandfather carried is being cleaned in
one corner Of the room, while the dogs
jump noisily about in anticipation of the
sport. This cabin, which stands upon
the side of the overlooking Brandon
and little distance from the stage road !,
is the house of Jacob Stone, or 'Old
jake" as he is familiarly called.
found it while searching for famous
spring. from which little brook leaped
over the rocks into the river below.
Old Jake's boys Jim and Tom, were
well known in and around the town. Jim,
tall, slender, with a clear, intelligent
face, the best shot, the most expert
boxer and wrestler, aud the most grace
full dancer in the country.
Tom, short, stolid good-na-
natured, and ignorant, was in great de-
mand for miles around on account Of his
proficiency with the violin. No dance
was complete without Tom and his
fiddle" to furnish the music, or with
out Jim upon the floor.
All is quiet in the town; around the
village stores little groups are gathered,
playing quoits or marbles, while Sim
Green, the principal storekeeper, is play
ing checkers on the counter with old
"Jedge" Bialock. Many years have
these two contended for the champion
ship in their cherished game. The Judge
Is one Of the landmarks Of the town. his
father being the first to disturb the In
dian in his possession of this beautiful
valley. Tall, strong and imposing was
the Judge; strong in body, strong and
true in heart, strong in prejudice, strong
in native intellect, great man in the
rough. without education, without those
arts of mind or manner acquired by our
inner civilization, but with certain ease
and grace not taught in schools, COM
manding respect wherever known. For
sixty years he had lived in double log
house at the end of the village, which
was the tavern, and in front of which
hung an iron bell SO large that the two
massive posts which supported It trem-
oled as it rung. Very seldom were
there travellers to be entertained, but
twice year. when court days came, the
town and tavern were crowded. Every
one in the county came to town on these
DAYS; trades were made. disputes set
Tied, and all the business of the country
side transacted. Then, II a stranger
were present, he would hear of Bran
aon's great man, who from physician
IN this mountain village, had risen to
one Of the most important positions in
.he Government, thus, in the eyes OF
these simple country folk, casting sort
o. reflected glory upon those who knew
n, MN in hisdays Of poverty and obscurity.
Inc Judge would be at his best, with
vide collar and black tie. as he sat at
.he head Of his table and told his favorite
story.
As night would close upon the town
nov sound could be heard except the
cn,rping OF some insect, the plaintive
VAL OF the whip-poor-will. the soft note
= the mourning dove, or desultory
PISTOL shot from some raftsman on the
nyer, reverberating through the hills.
this was Brandon. as found 1t when
Susl9ess took me there 10 the fall OF 'e.
In years later ] again visited II, and q