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goswagcollectorfire · 4 years

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CARL’S BLOG; DARK COULDS OVER ALABAMA; carl’sblog.online; http://sbpra.com/CarlJBarger; Arkansas-Hillbilly.com

12-17-19: Audrey’s visit with Obadiah about Penelope’s gifts.

Thursday finally arrived, and all the Bradford’s crowded around Mr. Bechard’s law firm’s conference room for the reading of Father’s will. Everyone was able to be seated around the table, except some of the younger ones who chose to stand. Mr. Bechard greeted everyone and passed out copies of Father’s will.

He started by saying, “I appreciate everyone’s attendance. Sometimes with a family of this size, it’s hard to get everyone together. James Bradford was one of my best friends. I miss him and know you do as well. His wishes were very specific. He wanted his will read within five days of his burial. I promised him that I would follow his wishes. As I read through the will, if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to stop me and ask questions. I’d rather get the questions answered as we move through the will instead of waiting till the end. Is everyone ready?”

Everyone answered in the affirmative. It didn’t take Mr. Bechard long. Father’s will consisted of five pages long and very precise in what he wanted everyone to have. Over the years, Father had been very observant of each of his grandchildren. He knew exactly what interested them. Each Christmas, he would present them with a gift that represented their interest. He wanted them to know he was watching them. In his will, he left several personal items to his grandchildren. The personal items were historical in nature and value. He wanted his grandchildren to keep these items to preserve Bradford history. In fact, with each item, father had a narrative that explained why the item had historical significance.

As Mother had already shared with me, Father left Dent the Black Oaks Plantation. Dent also inherited all the slaves on the plantation. He left Twin Oaks Plantation, house, and three hundred acres of the western half of the plantation to me. He also left me half of the slaves.

My brother John received the eastern part of the plantation, which also contained three hundred acres. He also received half of the slaves at Twin Oaks. To my sisters, Tanya, Mary, and Sarah, Father gave five thousand dollars each in cash, as well as bonds that would later mature.

To my nephew, Zachariah George Bradford, son of my deceased brother, Zachariah Bradford, he gave five thousand dollars. To my mother, Catherine Bradford, he gave ten thousand dollars and some bonds. Mother also inherited both Bill and Betsy as her own slaves. The will went on to say that Mother would be able to live at Twin Oaks if she lived, or until she chose to move somewhere else. She would also receive five percent of the plantation’s proceeds if she lived or as long as a Bradford held ownership.

Father further rewarded his grandchildren with an educational endowment that would pay for a college education should they choose to pursue a college degree. These funds were not to be used for any purpose other than to pursue a college degree. This was Father’s way of encouraging each of his grandchildren to make something out of themselves.

As I expected, everyone seemed to be supportive and pleased in regard to Father’s generosity. Mr. Bechard asked, “Are there any questions from any member of the family?”

“Jonathan, I would like to ask one question, if I may?” Mother said.

“Of course, Catherine,” Mr. Bechard replied.

“How much time will it take to probate James’s will?”

“Catherine, that’s a good question. It normally takes from two to six months to probate estates as large as James Bradford’s. If there are no challenges, then I would say it shouldn’t take over two months. I don’t see any major problems for anyone to worry about.”

“That’s good news. Now, before everyone gets away from here, there is one thing I want everyone to know. When I die, I want to be buried by James Bradford in the Oak Hills Cemetery, and I want Betsy and Bill to become free slaves. If they want to stay on the plantation, then I want them to be paid regular wages. I will put these things in my will,” Mother said.

Everyone looked at each other as if to say, “Okay, Mother, we heard you; why are you telling us this now?” Mother was in good health and very active physically. I certainly didn’t know where she was coming from. There had to be a reason, but what?

In the month of October, two events occurred that infuriated Southerners throughout the Deep South. First, on October 4, Kansas voters adopted the anti-slavery Wyandotte Constitution by a 2-to-1 margin. Because of the Wyandotte Constitution, Kansas was admitted as a free state. Secondly, twelve days later John Brown, a radical abolitionist who had been involved in anti-slavery violence in Kansas, led a group of seventeen, including five black members to raid the arsenal located in Harper’s Ferry, Virginia. Mr. Brown’s goal was to start a slave uprising using the captured weapons at Harper’s Ferry. However, Brown and his men were surrounded and captured by Colonel Robert E. Lee. Several of his men were killed. Brown was imprisoned waiting to be tried for treason. This event was one of the growing abolitionist movements that helped fuel tension between the North and the South.

It was the middle of October before Audrey, little Charles, and I finally got moved to Twin Oaks. Audrey was one happy lady! She loved Twin Oaks and loved the freedom to ride Millie and do things in the outdoors. She and mother hit it off right away. They both enjoyed gardening, and Mother let Audrey help her in the garden. After moving into Twin Oaks, I saw Penelope every morning for breakfast and every evening for dinner. She was always dressed well and always carried a smile on her face. She and Audrey were getting along very nicely. Penelope shared with Audrey several things about Boston. One night as we were going to bed, Audrey brought up some interesting observations regarding Penelope.

“You know, Obadiah, Penelope is very intelligent.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Because she is! Have you read any of her stories?”

“No, I’ve not had a reason to read them.”

“You should ask her if you could read some of them. They are quite good.”

“I’ve always known she loved to write but haven’t had an opportunity to read any of her writings. I’ll ask her if I can read some.”

“Obadiah, I feel really sorry for Penelope.”

“Why is that?”

“Where do you want me to start?”

“Just say what’s on your mind.”

“Well, the way I see it, Penelope is wasting her life away. She’s probably the most educated slave in Alabama, but she is not allowed to utilize the many talents she has.”

“Audrey, that’s not totally true. One of her talents is teaching, and she’s a wonderful teacher to our slaves.”

“You’re exactly right about teaching. She’s good and enjoys it, but you don’t know the half of it. Penelope can play the piano, she can sing, she can dance, she can sew, she can cook, and she can run this household better than most plantation women, including me. Obadiah, she’s amazing!”

“You just told me something I didn’t know. Penelope sings and plays the piano?”

“She does! She plays for Mrs. Catherine, Mattie, Betsy, and me almost every day.”

“Is she good at singing and playing the piano?”

“She’s very good!” Audrey said, nodding her head in the affirmative.

“Well, I’ll be darned. She’s never mentioned playing the piano to me.”

“I heard her one day as she was cleaning the piano. She didn’t know anyone was around. I walked into the parlor quietly and just stood there listening to the beautiful music she was playing. After she finished, I startled her by applauding her performance. She jumped up and said, ‘Oh, Misses Bradford, please don’t tell Master Obadiah.’”

“I assured her I wouldn’t. She was so afraid you might punish her for her piano talent. Now, Obadiah, do you see what I mean when I say she’s got all this talent, but it’s not doing her any good.”

“So, what do you suggest?”

“She’s a beautiful woman, one who could latch on to any good-looking man if given the right opportunity. Men would swarm around her. It doesn’t seem right for a woman like Penelope to be a slave. If she was free, she could return to Boston where she could find a nice man, get married, and have a family of her own.”

“Audrey, Penelope is enjoying what she’s doing right here at Twin Oaks. She’s told me that herself. Have you seen how many slaves she’s teaching to read and write? I’m telling you; she loves it.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed that, but something tells me that Penelope wants more than just being a teacher the rest of her life. I believe she would love to have children. She’s so good with Little Jim and Charles. They love her!”

“I’ve promised Penelope that someday I would free her and her Mother. Because of the way free slaves are treated in the South, they would have to move North or be subjected to ridicule and abuse. Although they would be free, in a true sense, they would still be in bondage. At this point in time, I believe we give them a good quality of life, one where they have a good roof over their heads and plenty of food to eat.”

“Oh, Obadiah, I know you’re right. But why do some people hate them? They are human beings just like us.”

“I believe that, and you believe that, but most of the South does not. I know that we are where we are today because of our slaves. Without them, there would be no cotton crops, no wheat, and no corn. Without them, we would be nothing and could do nothing.”

“I’ve been thinking about teaching Penelope how to ride a horse. What do you think about that?” Audrey said with excitement.

“I think that’s a good idea.”

“Now that Patience is broken to ride, I’ll let her ride Patience.”

“Hang on! Let’s think about that. I’m not sure Patience would be the horse for a beginner. He’s very spirited! I think you need to let George pick out a gentle horse for Penelope to ride at first. I’d be scared for Penelope to ride Patience.”

“I’m sure your right. I’ll let George pick her a horse. After she gets used to riding, maybe I could let her ride Millie and I could ride Patience.”

“I’d feel comfortable with that idea. You are a skilled rider, and if anyone can handle your spirited Patience, you can.”

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richelletrugerna-blog · 6 years

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From The Work desk From Lori Hendricks.

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kirbyschultz-blog · 6 years

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UC Santa Barbara.

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hcsmca · 7 years

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RDoC Resident Profiles

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goswagcollectorfire · 4 years

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CARL’SBLOG: DARK CLOUDS OVER ALABAMA; carl’sblog.online; http://sbpra.com/CarlJBarger; Arkansas-Hillbilly.com

12-16-19: James Bradford’s Funeral and Events after.

The funeral service was two days later at the Oak Hills Baptist Church. We buried Father in the family plot at the church’s cemetery. Our pastor, Rev. Bob Jacobs, preached a wonderful sermon on what makes a good father and brother in Christ. His analogies pretty much described our father. After the funeral, my mother came to me and asked if she could talk to me in private. I assured her that my time was hers.

She informed me that the Oak Hills Baptist Church had prepared a meal for the family and wanted everyone to stay and eat. I told her Audrey, little Charles, and I would stay.

After we ate, Jonathan Bechard, our family lawyer, asked to speak to Mother and the family. He informed us that he needed to meet with the family regarding Father’s last will and testament. He apologized for the intrusion but told us that our father left strict instructions that he wanted his will read within a week of his passing. He was putting us on notice that he needed to carry through on Father’s wishes. Since we were all together at the church, we all agreed to meet with Mr. Bechard on Thursday of the following week.

The church did a wonderful job of providing more than enough food for our large family. Several of our friends joined us for dinner. After dinner, Mother asked me if we could have our private meeting.

“Obadiah, I really appreciate you taking time to visit with me.”

“Mother, how can I help you?”

“Obadiah, I have a special request to ask of you.”

“What is it, Mother?”

“Obadiah, I want you, Audrey, and little Charles to move in with me at Twin Oaks.”

Mother’s request completely caught me off guard. I hadn’t expected this at all. Audrey and I were just getting used to our little house in Prattville. We loved it. I knew I owed Mother an answer, but this was something I was completely unprepared for.

“Mother, you’ve caught me completely off guard. I don’t know what to say.”

“Obadiah, I love Twin Oaks, and I know your father wants me to stay there, but I don’t want to be there by myself. All my children are gone. I don’t know how much longer our Lord will let me live, but I don’t want to live at Twin Oaks without you living there with me.”

“Mother, I love Twin Oaks, too, but my medical practice is here in Prattville. It’s much more convenient for me to live in Prattville.”

“Obadiah, I was going to wait until Mr. Bechard read your father’s will, but I guess I need to go ahead and tell you what I know. You must not tell any of your sisters and brothers. Will you promise me that?”

“I can promise you that anything you tell me will remain between you and me.”

“Before your father dictated his instructions to Mr. Bechard, he and I agreed that Twin Oaks and half of the plantation would become yours, along with half of the slaves. You will hear all this again next Thursday. We want Twin Oaks to remain in the family and we wanted it to be under your ownership.”

“May I ask who’s getting the other three hundred acres?”

“Your father is leaving the other three hundred acres to your brother John. John will be getting half of the slaves.”

“What about Dent?”

“Dent’s getting the Black Oaks plantation with its three hundred acres.

“What about the girls?”

“They are getting a great sum of money. He wanted you boys to have the land. He knew the girls didn’t care for farming.”

“Mother, thanks for sharing this with me, but I can see some significant problems if I move back to Twin Oaks.”

“May I ask you a personal and private question Obadiah?”

“I guess! What is it?”

“Wouldn’t you jump at the chance to return to Twin Oaks if it wasn’t for Penelope?”

Again, Mother’s wisdom was coming into focus. How was I going to answer that question? I can’t ever recall lying to mother, and I wasn’t going to start today. I would be truthful with her. I knew that anything I said to her would be between the two of us. I trusted her with my life.

“You’re right, Mother! You are seldom wrong. That’s what I love about you. I’ve known for some time that you and Father must have known about my love for Penelope. You were always supportive of the school in Boston and other matters relating to Penelope. You, above anyone else, must know how hard this is going to be on me and Penelope should I move my family back to Twin Oaks.”

“Oh, Obadiah, I understand fully, but we can make this work. I love Penelope, and I love Audrey, too. I believe that Penelope could be a big help to Audrey in her recovery and in helping with little Charles. I really don’t think Penelope would ever do anything intentionally to cause a problem between you and Audrey.”

“It’s not Penelope I’m worried about. I don’t know if I can live under the same roof day in and day out with Penelope without something happening. Mother, this is all too much, too fast. I need some time to think.”

“You have until next Thursday. Mr. Bechard is going to read your Father’s will, and he will want to know what you plan to do with Twin Oaks.”

“I want to ask you a question. Will I get Twin Oaks if I chose not to live there?”

“I would like to say no, but I would be lying to you. You will get Twin Oaks regardless. There is a stipulation in the will that says that I will be able to live on the plantation and be cared for as long as I shall live. Oh, Obadiah, I need for you to come home to Twin Oaks.”

“Mother, Audrey is a very perceptive person. What if she finds out that I love Penelope? What if someday in my weakest moment I surrender to my temptations. What then?”

“Stop it, Obadiah! I know you. You are stronger than that. God will show you a way out and you know it.”

“Let me talk to Audrey and get her reaction. I may have to tell her that Father is leaving me Twin Oaks. I’ll make sure she doesn’t say anything to anyone about it. We will keep quiet until after next Thursday.”

Mother gave me a kiss on the cheek and brushed my hair back. She told me she loved me and for me to pray hard about it. On the way back to the fellowship hall, I could think of nothing but her request.

For the next several days, I was terribly troubled over Mother’s request. I had tried to rationalize it in every way I knew but couldn’t get any peace of mind. Since I had yet to have an opportunity to talk to Audrey, I decided tonight over dinner, I would discuss the matter with her.

Betsy had cooked a delicious dinner for Audrey and me. I was hungry from a long and busy day of calling on different plantations in the county. As we sat down at the dinner table, I looked at Audrey and said, “Audrey, there is something very important that I need to discuss with you.”

“What is it, Obadiah?”

“First, you need to promise me you won’t say anything about this conversation to anyone.”

“Obadiah, you know if you ask me to keep my mouth shut about something, I can do that. So, what is this very important thing you need my input on?”

“Mother told me in confidence that Father left me Twin Oaks in his will, along with three hundred acres, and half the slaves.”

“He did what?”

“I’m serious! He left me Twin Oaks.”

“Oh, Obadiah, I love Twin Oaks. When can we move out there?”

“You’re telling me that you would be willing to move to Twin Oaks?”

“You bet your boots, I would. You know how much I love the country, and I love Twin Oaks. It’s one of the prettiest plantations in Autauga County. You know how much I love being outside. Twin Oaks would give me a chance to ride Millie. I’ve not ridden her in a long time. I could get back to my tomboyish ways,” she said with a chuckle.

“In his will, father stipulates that Mother can live at Twin Oaks for as long as she lives or until she decides to move somewhere else. She is entitled to five percent of the profits from the plantation. How do you feel about sharing a house with my mother?”

“Obadiah, you know I love your mother. She’s one of the kindest ladies I’ve ever been around. I wouldn’t have any problem living in the same house with her.”

“Well, I guess that resolves that!”

“Obadiah, do I sense reluctance from you about moving back to Twin Oaks? I’ve always thought you’d jump at the opportunity to live there.”

“No, there’s no reluctance. I, too, love Twin Oaks. I just want you to be happy wherever we live.”

“When can we move?”

“We will have to wait until the will is completely probated; then we can move.”

“Oh, Obadiah, I’m so excited! This means I can keep my Betsy. She will be happy to get back to Twin Oaks.”

“You do know that Mattie, Big Jim, Little Jim, and Penelope will be there as well. We will all be living under one roof.”

“Oh, I love Mattie and Penelope. I’m sure we will become good friends, and Penelope can help Charles learn to read and write. I’m afraid I’m not going to be good at those things. There is something else I just thought about.”

“What?”

“Charles will have Little Jim to play with. I’m sure they will become good friends.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. You do know Big Jim and Mattie are expecting another baby, don’t you?”

“No, I didn’t know that. Why haven’t you told me?”

“I just found out a few days ago. I examined Mattie one day when I was at Twin Oaks.”

“Well, Charles will have two friends to play with.”

“Audrey, you do know Mother can be a little bossy at times, right?”

“Twin Oaks is her home. She’s entitled to be a little bossy in her own home. I’m going to be happy there, Obadiah. When I get my strength back, I’m going to start riding Millie and training Patience,” she said with excitement.

Oh, what a relief! Why hadn’t I talked to Audrey sooner? It would have eliminated all this grief I’ve been going through. It appears that Audrey likes Penelope, and from all indications, she doesn’t suspect anything between her and me. Maybe Mother is right. We can work this out.

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