The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1895-07-09

A Legend of Absorbing Inserest---Trag;c
Death of the Idol of the Tribe.

About three-fourths of a mile from
the quaint little village of Kittrell,
the two noted lodges of crystal quartz,
which run East and West through
this section, come together and reach,
or cross, Buffalo Creek. Between these
lodges runs a beautiful, limped stream
of diminutive proportions, which flows
from a bold spring some two hundred
yards above. It is a lovely little valley,
shaded by immense oaks, poplars, and
other large trees, while the glittering
of the sun on the lodges of clear, white
crystal gives it more the appearance of
the artistic works of man than of
nature.
Tradition says that years and years
ago, before the little stream had worn
its way through the ~converging lodges,
there was a beautiful little lake here,
which was surrounded by an Indian
village where most of the symmetrical
arrow heads made from this crystal
quartz were manufactured. There
seems to be sufficient grounds for this
assertion, as the large piles of clippings
round about testify. Here the old
Indian arrow-maker fashioned out
those pretty crystal arrow-heads that
are found only in the section around
Kittrell.
It was here the scenes of the sad
story l am about to relate were en-
acted, and 1 will give them AS they
were related to me many years ago by
an aged citizen, who eaid they had
been handed down from father to son
since the first settlers occupied this
country. Said the old man, in speak
ing of the lake that covered the little
valley.
MANY, many years ago it was sur
rounded by an Indian village, the in
habitants Of which almost worshiped
the lake, upon whose limpid bosom
they would row their birch. bark canoes
while they sang their quaint Indian
ditties when they met to celebrate the
autumn harvest, of the return from a
successful hunt.
THE most prominent among the viii
layers was the old arrow-maker, whose
reputation for shaping symmetrical
arrow heads was Luequaled in the
land. 1t was said that this reputation
was owing chiefly to the skill of Kin
neeta, his only child and daughter.
The old man and his adopted son,
Wauchula, would fashion out the
arrow heads in the rough, but they
were always turned over to the skill
full Indian maiden for the finishing
touches; and it was said that an arrow
head that had passed through her
dextrous hands would scarcely ever
fail to bring down the game,
"Such was the superstitionin regard
to them that the braves of this tribe
would use nc other arrow-heads when
they went to battle. Kinneeta was de-
scribed as most lovely creature, both
in form and character, who was idol
lied and almost worshiped, not only
by her own people, but by the sur
rounding tribes. She was regarded as
supernatural, and being a peacemaker
all difficulties that arose among the
Indians were carried to her for settle,
ment. Her decisions were never ques-
toned and always abided by.
"Many were the suitors for her
hand, but she loved only one-her
foster brother Wauchula. Together
they had been raised; together they
had learned to row their birch bark
canoes; together they had always
wandered over the hills, chasing the
deer and other game; and together
they had solemnly resolved to live and
die.
But the cruel hand of fate had
otherwise decreed. Among the many
~suitors for the lovely maiden's hand
was O5kunika, a son of the chief of one
OF the tribes inhabiting the Lynch
Greek section. He adored her and for
years had endeavored to gain her love
and when he learned that she had re.
solved tomarry his rival he determined
that Wauchula should never live IA
claim her as his bride.
ION the full moon in September
when the braves and squaws of the
different ~neighboring tribes were
gathered at the lake to celebrate the
nuptials, and Wauchula and Kinneeta
gaily bedecked with wild flowers, were
quietly rowing on the lake, while the
gay visitors engaged in the marriage
dance on it's banks, Oskunika was sec
reilly hidden behind n of the crystal
boulders awaiting an opportunity tc