God's Chisel

HE holds ME up!!!!

Child Murder Update

My story, When Will It End, which I posted this morning, was featured on The Rural Blog this afternoon. The Rural Blog is from Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, based at the University of Kentucky. Many thanks to the institute's director, Al Cross.


Update from WKYM.com
The 14 year old mother of the 20 month old child who is charged with murder and manufacturing methamphetamine will appear in Juvenile Court Tuesday, June 2nd for a detention hearing. On Wednesday, June 3rd – she will make a second appearance in Juvenile Court – as the Cabinet in Somerset has filed for custody of her. Wednesday’s appearance regarding a removal hearing.

The child's father, 19 year old Bryan Daniels who is also charged with murder and manufacturing methamphetamine … along with Danny Anderson II, James Hunt, Alisha Dicken and Wesley Bell – who are all charged with manufacturing methamphetamine will make their first court appearances Monday, June 8th.

Preliminary autopsy results indicate the 20 month old child ingested a chemical liquid used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine which resulted in his death just before midnight Saturday, May 30th.

An investigation by the State Police and numerous other agencies at two separate residences on Boston Hill Road in Monticello led to the six arrests.

When will it end...

She had a baby when she was barely 13...




He would have been 2 in July.




Saturday night, he drank a liquid chemical used in the making of




methamphetamine





and he died.




She is 14 now, and charged with murder,





same as the 19 year old father.







Why hasn't this been fixed?




It's my fault....




I haven't demanded it be fixed.





Have you?






Tonight, we will sleep safe and snug in our bed





while this drug problem rages on,






and it is because I haven't screamed STOP! loud enough








and neither have you.








Today, my heart is heavy.
I hope yours is, too.




Maybe the two of us will start to yell loud now.





When the children cry let them know we tried
'cause when the children sing then the new world begins.




What have we become...




just look what we have done.






God PLEASE help us.

The Water Is Wide

This song has been heavy on my mind today. It has literally wrapped itself around me and I cannot seem to shake it.

The song talks about the challenges of love that most have faced -- or are facing -- and sadly, it reminds us that even true love can 'fade away like morning dew.'

The Water Is Wide is thought to be an english or scottish folk song that's been sung since the 1600's. There have been many different verses written, but nothing has moved me quite like this version by the icon James Taylor.

To get the full effect, click the box on the lower right hand side of the video box to make it appear larger.




The water is wide, I can't cross over
and neither have I wings to fly
Build me a boat, that will carry two
and both shall row, my love and I

There is a ship and she sails the sea
She's loaded deep as deep can be
But not so deep as the love I'm in
I know not how I sink or swim

Oh love is handsome and love is fine
The sweetest jewel when first its new
but love grows old and waxes cold
And fades away like morning dew

Build me a boat that can carry two
And both shall row, my love and I
And both shall row, my love and I

Freedom Train

All the world over so easy to see
People everywhere just wanna be free
Listen, please listen, that's the way it should be
Peace in the valley, people got to be free

You should see what a lovely, lovely world this would be
If everyone learned to live together
Seems to me such an easy, easy thing this should be
Why can't you and me learn to love one another

All the world over so easy to see
People everywhere just wanna be free
I can't understand it, so simple to me
People everywhere just got to be free

If there's a man who is down and needs a helping hand
All it takes is you to understand and to pull him through.
Seems to me, we got to solve it individually
And I'll do unto you what you do to me

There'll be shoutin' from the mountains on out to sea
No two ways about it, people have to be free
Ask me my opinion, my opinion will be
It's a natural situation for a man to be free

Oh, what a feelin's just come over me
Enough to move a mountain, make a blind man see
Everybody's dancin', come on, let's go see
There's peace in the valley, now they all can be free

People Got To Be Free was written by Felix Cavaliere & Edward Brigati, Jr. of The Young Rascals and recorded by them in 1969. The song is one of the most joyous and greatest pop statements of unity and brotherhood, and was written out of tragedy.

While Cavaliere was vacationing in Jamaica, the news of Robert Kennedy's assassination came to him. However, instead of opting for a statement of rage, Cavaliere wrote this jubilant anthem. Coming during one of the most tumultuous periods of American history, it served as a sort of balm.

The Young Rascals, later became The Rascals: Felix Cavaliere (keyboards & lead & backup vocals and songwriter), Eddie Brigati (lead & backup vocals and songwriter), Gene Cornish (guitars) and Dino Danelli (drums).

Look, you see that train over there?
Now, that's the train of freedom.
It's about to arrive any minute now.
You know it's been a-long, long overdue.
Look out, 'cause it's a-comin' right on through.

Click here -> People Got To Be Free

The Department of Sound

In the summer of 1968, a local band formed that would quickly grab my attention. I had heard of Lynn Avery, and had even watched him perform. I had been in his dad's store many times. I would find myself staring at him because I wanted to do what he did. Play music. I had also heard of David Pennycuff and had seen him perform. (Later, I would be fortunate enough to perform on stage with David many times.) Although I had never heard of the other members of this band that had just formed, I would soon come to know them well, especially the organ player, Jim Powell. Jim played organ in this band and I loved it. That's because I wanted to be a keyboard player myself. Then later, I watched as Jim played bass and drums superbly in other great bands he was in, and I thought, "Boy, this is gonna be tougher than I thought!"

The Department of Sound formed in the summer of 1968 and consisted of David Pennycuff of Albany (lead vocals/lead guitar), Jim Powell of Monticello (organ/vocals), Lynn Avery of Albany (drums), Ralph Gibson of Monticello (lead guitar), and, Ralph’s brother, Jerry Gibson, also of Monticello (bass guitar).

In an April 1969 article in the Clinton County News, the group announced it had signed a recording contract with Golden Records of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It was on May 20, 1969, 40 years ago last Wednesday, when the band released a 45rpm record. Side A was “I’ve Got Money” and Side B was a song written by the group, entitled, “Things Have Just Begun.”

I didn't really know the Gibson brothers, but Dave, Jim and Lynn have been great friends of mine for nearly my entire life. I grew up in awe of each of them, greatly admiring their talents. So, it is an honor for me to pay tribute to The Department of Sound on the anniversary date of their record, and to say thanks for the music.

(Can you tell I was a fan?)


In memory of Jerry Gibson, who passed away March 26, 2009.

Bolestown

We visited Bolestown Cemetery over the weekend.

I saw the graves of my great-great-great-grandparents, John and Matilda Boles.

He was a member of Tinker Dave Beaty's Independent Scouts.

She was Tinker Dave's sister.


Before the war, John served for six years in the Tennessee State Legislature. He was elected state representative in 1850, and then State Senate in 1852. After the Civil War, John was the sheriff of Overton County until his death in 1869.

I suppose I am related to just about every single person buried at Bolestown Cemetery. I was glad I got the chance to visit there. Bolestown Cemetery is located in a remote cove atop a small rise with tree's surrounding it on three sides. The scenery there is breathtaking. It is beautiful beyond words.

On the way to Bolestown, we passed Boatland. Boatland is mentioned in Mark Twain's Obedstown, which is based on Fentress County. Twain's father, John Clemens, who was circuit clerk of Jamestown and had a law practice there, also owned land at Boatland. He also owned land at Pall Mall, where he was the postmaster the operator or a general store. Twain (Samuel Clemens) was born after the family had migrated west to Missouri. Tinker Dave lived at Boatland, reportedly in the same exact area where Dave Crockett lived while on a hunting expedition during the winter of 1817.

Read my story, Welcome to Boatland

The Fighting Field

On this Memorial Day, I want to pay tribute to two fallen soldiers. I hope you enjoy reading this story, which was written especially for my family. - Randy.

The Battle of Camden, South Carolina
During the American Revolutionary War, almost every able-bodied man, who was not a part of the Continental Army, joined their local Milita to help protect the settlement in which they lived. Such was the case for Jacob Speck. On July 21, 1780, General Horatio Gates was at Camden, South Carolina commanding a force of 3,200 troops of which Jacob was a part of. The British general, Lord Charles Cornwalis, was also there with an army of 2,100. Even though Gates had Cornwalis outnumbered, most of the americans lacked experience and training. The North Carlina Militia had never been tried. Gates was advised NOT to go into battle under the circumstances. But, he ignored the warning.

Just before dawn on August 16th, the British troops opened the battle as the right flank fired volley's into the militia regiments, causing a significant number of casualties. When the remaining militia looked up, they saw British troops advancing toward them with their bayonets drawn. This tactic had never been used before. The shocked militia realized they did not have bayonets to counter the attack! Panic began to spread and most of the militia fled before the British regiments reached them. General Gates was among the first to run from the field, leaving his remaining troops on the field alone. Within a matter of minutes, the whole rebel left wing had evaporated.

Five years earlier, Jacob and Catherine Speck had gotten married. She was 16 at the time. Jacob Jr. was now four, Michael had just turned two and a third son, George, my 6th great-grandfather, was less than two months old. It is hard to imagine what Catherine must have thought or felt as she watched her husband leave home to defend their new settlement. It is even harder to imagine what she must have felt later. For you see...in that pre-dawn hour on that warm August 16, 1780 morning, when the smoke and dust from the cannon volley's had finally cleared, Jacob lay dead on the battlefield.

The Battle of Camden, South Carolina, which was depicted in the 2000 movie, The Patriot, was likened to 'the darkest hour before the dawn.' For Jacob Speck, it was his darkest and final hour. George Speck never knew his father, but I am reminded that God never closes one door without opening another. Before his death, He had allowed Jacob to plant the seeds that would produce many future generations of Speck family members, and I'm pretty sure that before he left home to do battle, Jacob must have looked at sons and thought about their futures...even one that included me.


The Battle of Point Pleasant
In 1774, the Ohio Valley indians were trying to drive back the white invaders from their hunting grounds and the Virginians were seeking only to protect their settlements from the rifle, tomahawk and scalping knife. The call for volunteers went out. John Frogge, Jr., now with a young pregnant wife and a three-year-old child at home, hesitated to enlist. But, wanting to join his cousins, neighbors and fellow countrymen for their retribution against the Indians, he told his wife that he would only provide an escort for the militia and would return prior to the engagement. He told her that he would only act as a sutler, behind enemy lines, providing them with provision such as, blankets and food between encampments. So, after organizing, the men marched to Point Pleasant, Ohio. What they did not realize was that the Indians were watching them. After dark on the evening of October 9, the Shawnee, led by chief Cornstalk, crossed the Ohio River and were ready to surprise the Virginians at daybreak, except.....for one unseen event.

In the early morning hours of October 10, 1774, two soldiers had left camp to hunt deer when they found themselves surrounded by the indians. One of the soldiers was killed. The other managed to escape and ran back to warn the others. The 300-man army suddenly found themselves standing face to face with the entire united force of the enemy Ohio indians. The battle lasted all day, until just before sunset, when the Shawnees mistook a group of reinforcements as fresh troops and fled across the Ohio and back to their villages. Even though greatly outnumbered, the Virginians had managed to win the fight. But the battle had claimed the lives of many men, including John Frogge, Jr., who did not have time to return to his family as he had promised he would.

On the morning of the battle, a little girl named Elizabeth, was sleeping in her home in Staunton, Virginia, when suddenly she waked, screaming that the Indians were killing her father. She was quieted by her mother, and again went to sleep. She again waked, screaming that the Indians were killing her father. She was again quieted and went to sleep only to be waked a third time by the same horrid vision, this time screaming beyond being hushed. When the same horrid vision was seen the third time, the girls mother believed it was a sign that her husband had been scalped by the Indians. Her cries drew together her neighbors and soon all of Staunton was in a state of commotion. Soon...all of Staunton would know that the little girls dream was real.

By the way...Elizabeth was that three-year-old daughter of John Frogge, Jr. He was my 5th great uncle on my mom's side.


This Memorial Day, I thank God for people like Jacob Speck and John Frogge, Jr, just two of my ancestors who died in battle while fighting for something they believed in...freedom.

Memorial Day Tribute

Absorbed in melancholy mood today,
I stood among the Crosses where they lay:
Heroic Dead, unmindful of acclaim
Or tribute paid to their undying fame:
The men who paid the utmost price that we,
By vigilance, may e'er continue free
To hold aloft the torch of Liberty.
A Gold-star mother moved among the rows,
She stopped by sacred spot where one of those
Who slept in peace and undisturbed repose,
And there she died again, -- the thousandth time.
Intrusion, then and there Seemed short of crime.
Soliloquizing on the solemn scene,
My words reverberated clear and keen:
"Hail, Buddy! We die but once.
Know what I mean?"
Written by Sam H. Beaty on May 30, 1966. Originally from Fentress County, Tennessee, Hollins enlisted in the Army at Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia at the outbreak of World War I. He served with distinction with the Fifth Infantry Red Diamond Division in France, reaching the rank of Sargeant. Later, he became a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve. He died on January 29, 1975.

The Unfinished Prayer

"Now I lay,"

"Repeat it, darling."


"Lay me," lisped the tiny lips of my daughter,

kneeling, bending o'er her folded finger-tips.


"Down to sleep"

- "To sleep," she murmured, and, the curly head bent low



"I pray the Lord," I gently added. "You can say it all, I know."



"Pray the Lord"

- the sound came faintly,



Fainter still...

"My soul to keep."



Then the tired head fairly nodded,

and the child...



was fast asleep.



But the dewy eyes half opened when I clasped her to my breast,
and the dear voice softly whispered,

"Mamma, God knows all the rest."

Oh, the trusting, sweet confiding of the child heart!
Would that I thus might trust my Heavenly Father.
He, who hears my feeblest cry.


Anonymous.

The Door

A traveler once, when skies were rose and gold with sunset, paused beside the fold where a shepherd housed his flock;

Only a circling wall of rough, gray rock - No door, no gate, but just an opening wide enough for snowy, huddling sheep to come inside.

"So," questioned he, "Then, no wild beasts you dread?"
"Ah yes, the wolf is near," the shepherd said.

"But," strange and sweet the words Divine of yore fell on his startled ear...

"I am the door!

When skies are sown with stars, and I may trace the velvet shadows in this narrow space, I lay me down.

No silly sheep may go without the fold
But, I, the shepherd, know.
Nor need my cherished flock, close-sheltered, warm
Fear ravening wolf, save o'er my prostrate form."

O word of Christ - illuminated evermore
for us, His timid sheep -

"I am the door!"



Author Unknown