Peter Corbin Buckelew
Grandfathers story
My Grandfather Buckelew never told me if he had lived anywhere else but Eastern Mississippi and South west Alabama. That said Laurel Ms and Selma Al were the most rememberable. In the late 1800’s transportation was not always easy and this was one of those times. “Pawpaw” was still a long way from home and the story starts here.
It was a-gitten dark and the rain, thunder and lightening had started, I was still a ways from home and looked around for some place to get out of the rain. North south east and west all I could see was muddy road and bushes, then I spied it, an old barn about a good dash away, I scooted that way as fast as I could.
The old barn looked as if it had not been used for a spell but looked dry, Having no other choice I careful opened the door. To my surprise it was very dry and plenty of Hay piled in the storage bin.
Now what to do, looks like I’ll be till Morning. I looked around the Barn carefully and by the lightening flashes I found a lantern, next to t was a box of kitchen matches. I shook the lamp it had coal-oil in it and I lit it and a warm glow bathed the dark interior. ( In those days, everyone traveling usually had a bed roll and something to Chaw on, Food, Jerky)
PawPaw, laid out his Roll sat down on the blanket pulled out his chaw and settled in to get some rest. Even though the storm was still raging he was comfortable. Halfway dozing, he thought he heard someone in the barn with him, and listened again and heard breathing, Now he could hear his own heartbeat, he dared ask, Who is here with me? The answer was clear and distinct, I live here and care for the barn. Oh my Grandfather said and got up to meet his host, as he approached the rear of the barn, he looked up on a rafter and there sat a huge Cheshire Cat with a big grin, The cat spoke and said “Looks like it’s only you and me here” Heart racing Pawpaw told him, “If you will just let me get my hat, and roll, you will be the only one here.
In those times “haints” “talking cats” etc were more daunting than thunder and lightening.
