In a legal sense, George R. McCall’s Kings River farm was passed down to a new generation on January 27, 1968. It was on this date that the ownership of the farm transitioned from Clara McCall to her son Jack and his wife Betty.
Shady Grove Shadows
This column is from the September 8, 1916 edition of the Berryville Star Progress newspaper. It reports the building of the stone cellar on the George Robert McCall farm that I spent many hours playing on as a kid. To cool off on a hot summer day, we’d go down into the dark cellar and sit by the wooden shelves of sealed mason jars. It’s interesting that the cellar was built by “Merion Ray.” I would guess that he is Charles Marion Ray, the father of Clara McCall who we called Grandma.
Lin McCall and Clara Ray
The November 25, 1910 edition of the Berryville Star Progress newspaper reported the marriage of Lin McCall and Miss Clara Ray. At Lin’s death at the age of 71, the couple had been married 47 years.
Petition to Release Ess Southerland
A legal notice appeared in the June 15, 1933 edition of the Madison County Record newspaper requesting that Arkansas Governor Junius Futrell either pardon or parole Ess Southerland.
Oscar Elwood Southerland
The November 9, 1933 edition of the Berryville Star Progress newspaper reported the death of Oscar Elwood Southerland of Rockhouse, Arkansas. He was the second son of Elmer “Ess” Southerland and his wife Jennie Olive Pinkley Southerland. Soon after, Ess Southerland left Arkansas and 1935 records show him living in the Manzanola area of Colorado.
Squire George McCall of Kings River
Following are just two examples of George Robert McCall being referred to as “squire”. I assume he’s earned this title due to his prosperous farm, leadership in the local Baptist Association and many years serving as Justice of the Peace. The first instance is from the April 5, 1907 edition of the Star Progress newspaper and the second is from the June 12, 1908 edition. The second example demonstrates sloppy typesetting as it should obviously be “Squire G.R. McCall.” Kings River and Cross refer to the Carroll County townships the men are from. Cross Township is north of Grandview on the west side of the Kings River and borders Missouri. Kings River Township is also on the west bank of the river and includes Grandview, Rock Springs and the Walker Settlement.
Copperhead and Blue-Tailed Skink
When we arrived home, this pretty little copperhead was placidly soaking in the sun. Our movement woke it up.
It was only when the copperhead moved that I realized a blue-tailed skink was only inches away. By the time I grabbed my phone, the skink had nearly escaped off the porch.
McKinley Weems Quote of the Day
On April 15, 2012, McKinley Weems said this as he showed me his new iPad. He was only 91 then.
I got to brush up on my typing on account I’ve never done it before.
It Takes a Village…
A little village of mushrooms on a stick I picked up to throw over the fence.
Mist on the Kings River
Just took this photo from the county road on the ridge looking towards the Kings River and Berryville beyond.
Growing Wild
Wild squash or wild zucchini? I consulted an expert and it could be either.
A 7-year Old Philosopher’s Quote of the Day
Minutes ago, my nephew was told that his video game was “too loud.” Sagely, he replied.
That’s how the world works. It’s too loud.