St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1898-08-13

u W0S 00AAA&N AISnOSNA wa use SAAC L
~ was born on Easter Sunday, a
slave, many years ago ON q southern
plantation. How she drifted to Chicago |
would be long story, but she had been
there so many years that the old sunny
home is no longer regretted.
The progress and culture which had
left their mark upon the colored PEOPLE |
of Chicago leave Easter unchanged. She
is still the typical southern negro. and
in spite OF her 81 years is as simple
hearted as the child that played in the
fields and ate hoecake down in 'sOle Vir-
giny.r The once 1.-THE figure has grown
stout, but the round, good-natured face
Is untouched by the lines of care. What
to another woman would have been
overwhelming sorrows have only been
incidents in Casters life, forgotten as
the child forgets the broken toy Of yes
terday. in her blue print dress. with
eheckered apron and ped bandana ker-
chief around her head, Easter is . pic
tuyesque. figure whose authority is un-
disputed in the house where her young
mistress lives alone since her brother
went away with his regiment. II East
ef had a mission in life, in the under
stood sense of the word, It would be to
take care OF Miss Carrie while Mr. Ben
swas away.
Easter is never so happy as when she
can dress up and so out for the seven
h,.r and on such occasions she tries 10
htyie even the lilies of King Solomon's
aay. One favorite dress is black satin
t1irt lined with violet hued silk. which
Is worn with bright red waist. A
vide brimmed hat garlanded with How
ers and few rings with settings OF
various stones give to Easter an mir OF
distinction that few aspire to and none
achieve.
Easter has many "reminiscences OF the
mast, and If entertainment is lacking
In the parlor they send for Easter-or'
properly speaking, she is generally
there, Her marital experiences have
been varied and in keeping with the rest
Of her strange career.
She has had three husbands and may
some day have fourth one, but she
In. never been called upon to mourn
their death. nor has she ever figured IN
divorce suit. Her husbands are liv-
ing and well and she is on the friend
hest terms with all of them.
poor Easter was grossly deceived by
her first husband. The young eolored
ner.on Who held her head so high
innohed at love and poverty. EVERY
bofiy can marry for love that wants to- =
s.. ..;d. arse ooin' to marry for mon
evr What's love without money!"
.he asked with worldly wisdom far
heyond her years and experience.
One of her suitors took advantage OF
.fki. aspiration after wealth, and, veri-
sr;rv fhe old saying, "All is fair in love
.ra war. converted himself into .
.trnte~y board, with results more sue
ee.sfn5 than any yet achieved by our
.-;rept strategists in the present war
.. taxed boastfully Of his big bank
.--orrt and when Easter asked fnr the
,roof showed her the book The Dr.
=. savings bank in account with
Ss.cvre Lewis" Was followed by long
,.st .f dates and columns OF figures
.s..S f. Easterss excited imagination.
-....ed -. % Represent untold wealth Sne
- -. ,.,s.;,v : frousseau worthy a rich
.s hide. and dreamed Of the new
rs..-. - IS built, and the high place she
rould occupy in the coiored swe''oo"
of the city. a..
-. wedding day came. When the
....orv was over Easter whispered 70
rass..s ..d asked II she could be az
ss,.s $3.50 fhe precious bank bSok.