East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1915-02-08

Writing history and public speaking
are two things of which / have had
little experience. although as a single
handed talker can hold my own
very well. l wish 10 say that I feel
highly honored by this society, for
the kindly invitation extended me TO
relate some early experiences OF the
past in Pendleton. While 1 realize
that there are many others much
more capable than myself. yet will
gladly do the best I can.
In the year 1871 We crossed the
plains with mule teams. our crowd
consisting OF three families, Captain
5. T. Isaacs. L. S. Wood, both Grand
Army men. also my brothers-in-law.
and my father. A. H. Lansdale. and
I mother five sisters and one brother.
We were three months on the road.
Our first camp in Umatilla county
was at the crossing OF the Umatilla
river then known as the Thomas &
RuckeLs bridge, near which is Cayuse
station We eventually settled in this
county. My first occupation was
school teaching, the first term OF
school was in the old Ninevah Ford
school house on the walla walla riv-
er.
In the years 1913 l made my home
In Pendletonn. During that time my
home was Gith the family OF Hon. ].
II Turner. lie was county school su-
perintendent, also a director in this
district and naturally got tie school
TO teach. II rot being the tine for
the regular district school, 4 vas de-
eided 10 have me teach a subscription
school Mr.. Turner being On offici.l
4 the county and district. readily con-
sented for me 70 teach in tne publ. |
school house, that stood exa>tly whera
the court rouse now stands
On the morning OF school opening
Mr.. TUNER went with me 10 help start |
things off right. We found ourselves
up against a very dark" oropositiol
a once y Mr. Mitchell. a colored
man. was there wi.h two little pick /
a-ninies ready for school.
Now this vas so soon after the civ
IL war that the southern people were
not so greatly In love with colored
folks. so Mr.. ]. H. a very strong
Mlssourian. indeed, met the colored /
folks at the door and in language |
that would make the Goddess OF Lib I
erty on the court house blush with I
sname. ordered them to leave at once. !
The "darkey' was game. declaring
it was public school house and that
he could not be prevented from send
ing his children there. Turner being
a lawyer. fnNY that the "darkey"
was right. so~they rented a room ov-
er the old county Jail which now
now stands directly east OF the Alex
ander store. There are several living
in Pendleton now that really went tc
Jail TO school TO me. They will per
haps deny It now, but II they do I
will call Mrs. ]. F. Robinson for a
witness. She was one Of my bright
est rupils.
This rchool was a good advertise
ment for me. as I had several offers
Immediately. one OF which I accept
ed. That was only school OF one
pupil but ! must say that this school
caused me more trouble and worry
than al; my other schools combined.
Even to this day he often declares
that he knows more than / do-and
at times 4 will (hesitatingly) admit
that he does.
Now, again thanking your commit
tee, will say that I will be pleased
at any time to continue contributions
Of this character to your honorable
society.
Respectfully,
MRS. w. B. MAYS.
Pendleton, Ore.