The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1896-06-06
. BOUT ten years ago George John

II y
ston, now deceased, the editor and
IN compiler of "The Poets and Poetry
of Cecil County," asked me if l
knew where the Skidloe Rock was located ;
that he intended to include in his collection
the beautiful poem written by Emma Alice
Browne, "Off the Skidloe," and wished me
to find out its true location, so he could
publish a full description of the rock and
its surroundings | promised to furnish
him with the information. From that time
to the present have been on the search.
Every time we met he would ask me:
''Have you found it YETI" and my mega
tive reply, disappointing to him, always
induced him to say an encouraging word,
and I kept up a sauntering, leisurely
search until l received positive informal
ton about the object of my inquiry.
On the 31st day of August, 1893, wrote
to DR.. Oliver Wendell Holiness and his
secretary replied, September 18th, 1893:
CDR. Holmes says he knows nothing of the
rock in question"
COuSulltu my FDtduuuiu l'iSlioboiS pue
it disclosed nothing.
examined my Encyclopedia Britannica,
but "Skidloe" was not there.
searched every nook and corner of the
world in Grams Atlas; but could not
find it,
then wrote to the Philadelphia In
quirer and asked if the Skidloe Rock was
known, would be pleased if its location
would be stated. On the nth OF April last
/ received from Mr.. w. II. Badger the
kind-hearted ANSWERS to Correspondents
editor of that paper, stating he would make
diligent search for the rock, and inserted in
the Inquirer April Doth, 1896, the following
notice: "The Skidloe Rock More than
one correspondent wants to know if any
body knows the situation of this bit of
stone, respecting which Emma Alice Browne
of Cecil county, Nd, wrote one of her most
beautiful poems. The reader who will step
forward with this addition to the science of
geography will receive the reward of vir-
tue" The above or a similar notice at
tracted the attention of Mrs. Alice Coale
Shippers of this county. From her gifted
pen have flowed sweet lines in poetry aid
prose. In the WING on the 10th instant
was published her idea or suggestion of the
location of the rock. | would advise that
her descriptive letter should be read and
read again. and preserved as an example of
pure diction and expression of beautiful
thoughts. The Eighth Election District of
this county is surely the birthplace Of
bright, intelligent women.
About one month ago I walked from
Rising sun to Porters Bridge, and down
the Octoraro Creek to Rowlandvilc. |
passed the 'Richards' oak, - large, wide
spreading oak tree, growing in the very
centre of the public road. and its grateful
shade compels every one to stop and rest.
A short distance away was the Octoraro. |
was in search of the "rock" along its
banks. Octoraro is a Susquehannock IN
dian word and means "foaming creek''-
well named. Susquehanna means 'rocky
bed The Indians were not asleep when
they named that river. passed the house
in which Emma Alice Browne once lived
| saw her but once, about 80 years ago,
and l have very distinct remembrance of
her appearance. l fully agree with Mrs.
Simpers's description of her. Her home
was located in the beautiful-hill section OF
our county, with undulating fields and
woodlands, giving eye-pleasure, and the
very spot where poetry and romance have
full sway. At this place, Pleasant Hill,
Emma Alice Browne was born about So
years ago. She died about 6 years ago at
Danvilla, Illinois In my walk l could
find nothing resembling the ''Skidloe
Rock" had never been in that section
Of our county. 1t was new and interesting.
Mr.. E. f. Ewing, of the Midland Journal,
Rising Sun, upon inquiry wrote me on the
Goth of last April that she lived in Dan
vile, Illinois. wrote to her son and re-
ceived the following:
DANvILLE, ILLINOIS, May %, 1896.
Mr.. REUBEN HAINEs:
Dear Sir:-I just returned and found
your letter here, and am sorry to inform
you that Rock of Skidloe is creation of NV
mothers poetic brain. copied nearly all
her poems for her, getting them ready for
book-foIm, and | remember asking her
where she got the description of that scene,
and she said: "7he piaces describe and
'rr'te about come 10 me as a grand chom of
masic, IN the purple HgM Of tie sunset, the
roicc Of the mind among tie trees, and I
meare them mto words and set them to the
time that IS hnmmiHg in my hedrt."
So there is no such place, except in her
poetic fancy. In any thing else may be
OF service to you will do gladly am in
the theatrical business at present and my
address in Palace Hotel, Danville, or care
of n. Y. Clipper.
remain yours,
K. BONNER BROWN
add copy of the poem.