The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-02-21

He also introduced the first zinc-lined bath
tub. which created intense excitement, as
the natives took 1t for a new style of
coffin. -Four pronged slim forks instead
of the customary three prongs, were an
other innovation, likewise the first sewing
machine and cooking stove the first reap
ing and moving machine, and the first
blooded stock.
He was also a great f1ower-lover and
whatever else he brought nome, he was
sure to bring some new bulb, some rare
flowing shrub or fruit tree for the lovely
flower gardens of Castle Rock famed
far and wide for their beauty and extent.
They were laid off to represent the gar
dens of the Duke of Ahrcorn in Ireland,
a friend and neighbor of Hugh Graham's
father, and whose son, the young mar
quis. and Hugh Graham had the same
tutor studied the same lessons and re-
ceived the same punishments.
Far Famed "CastIe Rock"
Castle Rock with Its outlying houses
and slave quarters. formed Village in
itself while the flower gardens and groves
of trees in front, and sunken garden in
the rear, for vegetables and fruits made
1t place of beauty never to be for
gotten.
A stone wall enclosed the grounds and
outside of that a wide stone pavement,
with a double row of blossoming locusts.
made an attractive promenade, and here
the master of the house and his troop of
children might be seen as they walked to
and fro admiring the locust blossoms.
During the progress of the battle of
Tazewell he surveyed the fight from
third-story window, while his family,
neighbors and slaves took refuge in the
cellar from the flying bullets and BURST
ing shells
That night he gave the shelter of his
barn to Colonel Ashbys men, Next
morning he opened the barn door, sayin.,:
Good morning, boys; how did you pass
the night?" To which he received the
answer: I'VE are not your boys; we are
Uncle Samsl" and Immediately, as If by
magic, house and grounds were filed by
blue coats, who swarmed all over the
place, demanding keys and ordering
breakfast to be prepared while they
plundered the house and hunted for con-
cealed rebels.
For forty years Castle Rock was the
scene of splendid hospitality, guest sue
ceeding guest, all being as welcome as
flowers in May" as the genial host ex-
pressed it. He was genial and affable
and was never better pleased than when
at the foot of a well-laden table, he dis
pensed gracious hospitality to relatives,
lifelong friends and casual guests. His
hands and purse were open to the poor
and needy and none went portionless
from his doors. He made life delightful
for his family providing both indoor and
outdoor games for them. To his young
children he gave books and to each a
little flower garden and big house
with second story in which to play dolls,
nd rrtxr ton nrff n xxyila q
the summer days. 4
In winter they had big rooms with great
fire places, games and maps and globes
and microscopes and telescope and or
rery; always books. with two OLD slaves
to look after all. From the blooming of
the first dogwood and ripenng of the
first strawberry to the last nut that fell
the Saturdays were employed in roaming
through the fields and forest. In the
grove near the house were swings and
jogging boards and flying horses and
doll houses. The gentle old horse
prince" and the Indian pony "Dobbin'
were always kept in readiness for a ride
with saddle or bareback, as the within
inclined In the fruit garden were some
trees and muscadine grapes trained low
so the children could have the pleasure
of gathering their own supply, or like
Pope at Strawberry Hill, gather the fruit
In their mouths He ruled his family by
love and In all things they were loving
and obedient to his will. Kind and hui
name to his slaves, they responded with
willing service.
At his death, on March q, 1865, notwth-
standing the war had devastated his do
mains, he left large estate at Tazewell
and many outlying plantations, some or
them still being owned by his daughters.
4. lit M ttaac q. hah
he left receipts to show all business
transactions and moneys paid from four
teen years of age until the limit OF his
life-eighty-four years. He had never
known a days Illness nor employed a
physician and his was the first death at
Castle Rock during an occupancy OF
forty years.
Here he passed away. in the hope of a
blessed immortality, surrounded by fam
lily and friends. Owing to the sorrowful
fortunes of war, his coffin was made ny
one Of his slaves from the walnut pew
where he had so long worshipped God.
He, whose wealth was a proverb In that
country, was taken to his last resting
place in a rude cart owned by one Of
the freed slaves of his brother. He was
laid to rest in the ''old Irish graveyard
while the thunder of the federal cannon
at Cumberland Gap sounded fore
warning of the doom of the Lost Cause,
which he loved so well.
Mrs. Hugh Graham.
Mrs Hugh Graham inherited her
mothers nucy Bramlette's) great beau
ty and was notable housekeeper and
lover of china. When she gave big
dinners" there was always a spirited
discussion as to what set of china 10
use the blue set with the Landing OF
Lafayette on it, or the Valentine
pink one or the brown Warwick Castle.
or the willow ware set. With amusing
inconsistency she advocated the abolition
of slavery and was never known to
wait on herself in the course of long
life. Even when sitting in her room
knitting or reading, slave stood at her
hack in readiness to hand her a glass OF
water or put wood on the fire or take a
message to the quarters. After free
DOM came the-old slaves chung to their
beloved mistress and she was waited on
as faithfully as If I.incoln's proclamation
had never been made.
In her old age. she liked to tell OF
youthful days, particularly of her visit
to Virginia where she was taken at the
age Of 12 to be educated. there being toe
MANY Indian wigwams in the neighbor
hood of her fathers home for schools tc
he thought Of She visited Monticello
tben in course of erection, and Otter
smoke of the subterranean passage by
which Jefferson could escape in case u
an attack
chaI ,,as buried beside her husband