Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-03-22

Of the present century. She was almost
a. old NJ the republic ITSELF In her day
Il was a hardship to live in this state, or
even in Tennessee. She talked Interest,"
ingIy Of the journey from Tennessee 10
jackson county and Independence IN iS1-
Just seventy-two years ago. Inc TIP was
one OF suffering and privauon. ana from
her story Il appears that several members
Of the party died, and were buried along
the lonely trail. This section was over.
run Mt that time with wolves Deer ana
antelope we're plentiful. and red men were
attn more plentiful. Even after trees were
feIled and log cabins were erected by VEN
turesome settlers the worst SUFFERING
came. the feeling OF loneliness and long
ing for the old home and faces OF friends.
Speakirg of her age to a reporter not
long since. Mrs Evans said that IN ner
oninion the custom of women doing
much harder work In the days past, to-
cetber with the severe hardships to which
she had been subjected. was the cause Oh
her unusual physical condition. al
ways loved" she said, Ito run AROUND
and do turns. IL you want to live long
time keep stirring
In her day, she said, the women wore
"eaIluses." the old Missouri name FOR
suspenders, attached 10 a petticoat, ana
nil wore "Calamanker' shoes. Deaths
were very rare occurrences. and when
one occurred IL was a great event In the
county. One Of the events impressed on
her mind was the plague, WINCH she
said was a disease which began In the
foot or hand and rapidly extended all
through the body until the heart was
reached. causing death In great agony
In those DAYS tea" was made OF pirch'
bark, and coffee was an unknown iuAuTy'
but In the last years OF her lie a steain>
ing cup OF Java was enjoyed inlHiehseiy.
In the days OF the youth OF thls as,u
woman men were not allowed TO vote III
the mountains of Tennessee unless they
owned either property or horse Sne
toId how a dozen men would vote with
one horse. The plan was for the original
owner to vote first and then nominaily
sell his horse to a neighbor. VINO wouio
cast his ballot, and this would continue
until each had voted. Others wouid puilu
wooden horses and could then swear that
thev owned a horse. In those days nom
estv in all was demanded. and a man
caught stealing was hung without triai.
The venerable womans impression Oh
the first steamboat was terrible one
She said Il was lust about midnight when
tbo marty. on route for Missouri from
Tennessee. reached the bank of the ONO
river. and there camped During the day
the march had been very tiresomc, ana
the weary emigrants were sound asleep,
when the shrill whistle OF an up-river
steamer broke upon the quietude or the
camp. II was out OF sight around
bend. and the thoroughly frightened men
and women Immediately organized
prayer-meeting Tire steamer slowly adj
vanced, and. as the light came into view.
the excitement became intense and seve-
raj women tainted. The danger passed
by, and for several years the members
OF that little band believed that their
delivery was due to their prayers.
The age of Mrs. Evans is not disputed.
as the family is well known. and there
Is no doubt their statement verifying Mrs.
Evans's claim is true. She leaves n num-
Der of grandchildren and great-grandchil-
dren.