Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1905-01-11
booksl" Like gang Of frightened


johnson, Pitts and myself, ran pell-
NELL into the house, and soon all
we're quietly studying lessons. We
three concluded to go over to Miller's
mill pond, on Bush river. about one
mile distant, take bath to cool off,
after our unexpected and disastrous
defeat, and then to return to our re-
spective homes. On our way to the
river, about 300 yards FROM the school
house, we met DR.. Thomas II. Gary
on his way to Newberry, in a double
barreled buggy, a negro boy driving.
DIR. Gray was lively man, enjoyed
a good joke, and never lost an OPP
portunity of perpetrating one. Hail
ing us, he said, "Where are you 60
ingP" l replied, 1--WE are going to
the river to take swim" He said,
"Boys, this won't do. You had bet
ter go back to school and behave
yourselves" Bound to make a good |
thing out of the occurrence, on his
way to town, and at town, he told
that as he passed Bush river school
house there was a great disturbance
there; that Reeder had defeated
and routed his whole school in an
attempt to turn him out. He said
the children were flying through the
woods in every direction, fearing
Reeder's pursuit and switch. 81 met
Johnnie Floyd in the road, hat in
hand, head thrown back, running as
fast as his legs would carry him. 1
hailed him, Johnnie, where are you
going% Il am going home to
mamma"
The following Sunday was preach
ing day at Pleasant Grove church,
better known as Peterson meeting
house, situated where the residence
of the late DR.. ID. w. Patton now
stands, the lamented Rev. Ebert
Lindsey being pastor. Here the de-
feated boys met and so worried,
chagrined and exasperated were they
at the jibes, taunts and accusations
lof cowardice thrown at them, that
after preaching they retired TO the
woods, held secret council of war,
determined to conquer or perish in
the attempt. The plan formulated
was executed next day.
Monday morning as the sun arose
from behind the eastern hills, we
were on the school house grounds,
: hiding behind the building. In 60
ing to the place we avoided all pub
tic roads in order not to be seen and
thereby arouse suspicion of our in
tentions. Crouching low to the
ground we watched with no little
anxiety the road by which Mr..
Reeder would come. AT the proper
time we espied him slowly nearing
his usual hitching place. To our
great JOY he leisurely dismounted,
seedred his horse and walked slowly
towards the house. BY this we
knew he had no idea of our plans.
In going to the house he passed
close to one of the corners. Just as
he was passing we sprang from our
covert upon him like a cat upon a
rat. A clap of thunder from clear
sky could not have astounded him
more. Johnson, leading the way,
collared him, Pitts seized him by the
left, | by the right arm, and Daven-
port around the waist from the rear.
johnson said, "Now, Mr.. Reeder, we
are going to have that treat and
vacation or we will duck you in the
baptistery at the spring" Reeder
was so much surprised he hardly
knew what to say. After recover
ing himself little, he said, "Boys,
boys" but could say no more.
johnson said, "Boys let's carry him
to the pool" Mr.. Reeder said again,
"Boys, boys" Then he tried
strategy, saying, "Pitts, please take
this satchel of corn in the house for
me; Davenport, take this satchel of
| books: FlOyd take this roll Of nanaro -