Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1904-02-03
RETURN OF a paoOiaaL SON.
He Lifted the Mortgage on the Old Home on
New Years Day--A Pathetic story.

There was at least one family in
South Carolina made happy by the
dawning of the New Year. 1t was
genuine happiness this family en-
joyed, the kind that counts, espe-
cially when the old ones are turning
gray with age, and the silver crown
warns them that the day of the gol-
den is not far distant.
A beardless youth, upon whose
face the down had not yet attained
to manhood's estate, threw the beam
Of light across the pathway of his
aged parents which lifted from their
already bowed shoulders heavy
mortgage which rested on the home
where their little one had first seen
the light of day.
When he was a mere lad John
Williamson, who lived near Camden,
5. O., ran away from home. He
wandered over the face of the earth,
first going to one place and then to
another, but always remembering his
parents. He wrote to them occa-
sionally, telling them not to worry,
that he was getting along all right.
In the course of his travels he
landed in Texas. He decided to
locate in the fertile fields of the Lone
Star State. He purchased small
tract of land. 1t became necessary
to have water with which to supply
his stock. A well had to be dug,
For many weary days the youth
stood by and watched the progress
of digging well in Texas. The
long drill pierced deeper and deeper,
and the expense column pierced
deeper and deeper into his pocket.
But he must have water, and he was
determined TO stand the expense of
digging the well. But when the
bucket, the first to reach LIQUID
substance, came rising from the well,
it contained-oil!
In comparatively short time the
youthful South Carolinian found
himself the l,osscssor of wealth be-
yond his widest hopes and dreams.
Oil flowed in plenty. He was rich
man. He worked his find carefully,
economically, writing home to the
old folks all the time that he was
doing well. He did not tell them of
his tind, for it might prove mirage,
and they would be forced to share in
his disappointment.
BY aud by as he grew richer news
of his aged parents found it's way to
his Western home. He learned that
they were in want-that it had be-
come necessary to mortgage the lit
tie farm. Later he heard the mort
gage was due, and there were no
funds to meet the demands of the
mortgage holder.
John Williamson secgred New
York exchange for $4,000, bought
ticket 10 Camden, aud was soon near
the scene of his birth. He walked
to the hotel register and wrote in
firm strong hand 81. A. Williamson"
IL was late at night. Next morning
be secured livery team and drove
to the little home under the shadow
of the hill.
In the little home the New Year
had dawned cold and cheerless.
There was no happiness, no good
cheer there. The wolf was bowling
at the door, and the strong arm of
the law stood ready to evict the
aged couple who had stood the shat
tering blasts Of so many storms.
John reached the little home. He
leaped from the buggy and was
shortly in the arms of those who had
given him life. II was a sweet
homecoming, tinged with the sad
ness of pressing need. But that day
the parents buried their sorrow.
They would be cheerful for Johns
sake. Around the open fireplace the
trio sat until the shades of gloom
began to cast veil over the face of
the sun. Then John told them of
his oil well; of the purpose of his
visit; of how he meant to raise the
mortgage. The old man and cd
woman hung on his words in breath
less suspense. Then the good, patient
mother fell to weeping, silently. The
old man brushed tear from his eve,
and with trembling hands took down
from the high mantle the old and
worn Bible. He read, "Bless the
Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all
His benefits"
After the reading the little group
knelt around the fireside and an elo-
quent prayer was offered. There
was happiness in that home.
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