So now, almost seventy years after the picture was taken, I know the names of my little friends. Newton County People Never Cease to Amaze me...a special kind of folks.

My parents, Thomas Harris and Pallie Youngblood raised all thirteen children on a rough and hilly farm in Murray, Arkansas in Newton County. Our main crops were corn, potatoes, beans and some tobacco. Of course we had a big vegetable garden like most people in the area. We grew sorghum cane and prepared molasses by stripping the stalks of the leaves, called blades and cutting off the seed pods before running them through a mill press. The mill press cylinders powered by a horse or mule squeezed the sweet juice out of the stalks. It was important to keep the animal moving and as children we would take turns feeding the sorghum into the mill and keeping the animal moving. One of my best memories is when my father showed us how to make a brush from a stalk joint just before the molasses finished cooking and use it to dip into the molasses so we could taste it. It was really good while it was still hot! Dad was somewhat of an expert at making molasses and quite often our neighbors would hire him to prepare their sorghum. We also had maple trees on our farm and in the spring my Dad would chop notches in the trees. We called it "tapping" the trees. He would catch the sap that drained from them in a bucket that he had attatched to the tree under the notch. We gathered the sap almost daily and carried it home to be boiled until it reached the syrup or brown sugar cake stage similar to the syrup and brown sugar you find at the market today. Sometimes we made hard candy from the sap too. My Dad was very enterprising and had to be in order to buy shoes and cloth to make clothing for thirteen children. We bought overalls ready made, coal oil for heat, 22 cartridges for hunting small game, smoking tobacco and snuff. There's nothing more relaxing than sitting on the porch after feasting on a platter of fried squirrel and having a smoke or a "snoot" full of snuff while fighting off mosquitos. Various herbs grew wild on our farm such as ginseng, yellow root, red percoon, may apple and black haw bushes. We dug the roots, scraped the bark from these plants and dried them in order to sell them at a local country store and the proprietors in turn sold the herbs to pharmacuetical companies to be made into medicines. My Dad and brothers worked in the timber industry cutting logs and making cross ties for the railroads. I can remember helping my brothers saw logs with a crosscut saw as my Dad hewed them out with a broad axe. I remember having two designs of broad axe. One for right handed people and one for lefties. The railroad paid more for the hewn ties than the sawmill ties for some reason. The family dug an open well deep enough to reach water and lined it with native rocks to prevent it from caving in. They placed a box shaped cover over the hole and installed a pulley and chain with a bucket attached. We got our drinking and cooking water from the well. We stayed busy most of the time. There were so many things that had to be done to take care of our large family. My mother worked unbelievably hard trying to care for thirteen kids. She cooked three meals a day for us. Cleaned house and washed our clothes on a wash board. In late fall we dug shallow pits where the garden had been and lined them with straw. We then placed potatoes, turnips and cabbage in the holes and covered them with straw and soil to preserve them. We could go there all winter long and get fresh cabbage or turnips for dinner. There was very little refrigeration then so this method worked well for us. We strung green beans on a string and hung them to dry. They were called "fodder beans". We also did lots of "cold pack" canning. We placed jars full of vegetables and fruit into a tub of water set over a fire outside to avoid heating up the house. We raised hogs and butchered them in winter. We would cut the meat into chunks, salt them and hang it in the smoke house to be cured with hickory chips and bark. Once cured it would keep for several months. Once in a while we would butcher a goat but none of us liked goat meat very much so we only ate it when there was no other choice. Each one had jobs to do and did their job. Dad didn't tolerate foot dragging on our farm. Harvesting crops and cutting wood to cook and heat our home kept us busy. All thirteen kids were very close to one another. We had love and respect for each other that has lasted throughout the years. I thank God for that. We had some rough times economically, but we had lots of good times together. When I was about twelve misfortune hit our family. Our house burned and we lost everything to the fire. Dad got a tent and put it up for us to live in until he could build another house. He made a heater from a large wash tub by cutting a door in the side where we added wood to the fire under the tub and a hole in the side for a vent. It sat bottom side up on the dirt floor and heated the tent pretty well. We had good neighbors and everyone was eager to do what they could to help each other. Close friends and neighbors, Ira and Georgia Garrison were the parents of Shelley, Don, Imogene, Virgie and a new baby that died. They made a coffin out of lumber and an uncle of mine donated a really pretty shirt of his to be used as material for the baby's burial dress. They brought the body over to our tent and we sat up with it over night. The next day the funeral was held at Little Buffalo Cemetery near Parthenon, Arkansas. Before it was buried, the coffin was opened and somehow the baby's body was turned over. It sure was strange to me and I felt a little spooked for years whenever I thought of it. From the time I was about ten or eleven years old, I carried one of my younger brothers or sisters around on my hip most of the time. People used to tell me that I would grow crooked from it, but there were so many children that Mom couldn't keep up with all of them and I tried to be a second Mom for them and her. Our barn doubled as an outhouse. We fed our livestock and milked the cows in one big room and the outhouse was in another room. One day while I was feeding and milking the cows I heard a blood curdling scream. I ran around the corner of the barn found one of the little boys had gone back there to urinate and one of our old ducks grabbed his penis and wouldn't let go. It was really stretched out and the duck still chewing on it. I thought the duck might pull it off before I could beat the duck loose from him. I grabbed him up and ran to the house thinking he would surely die from loss of blood where the duck chewed on him with it's rough bill. I was always so scared when one of the kids got hurt. The first thing that entered my mind was that they would die. My Dad always had a team of mules for working the fields. One of his mules would chase and bite us. I went to feed them once and I looked around to see my brother Gene who was really little had followed me into the pen through the gate. I grabbed him up and started running toward the fence with the old mule right behind us. I knew I couldn't climb the rail fence while carrying Gene so I just ran into it knocking off the top rails. The mule grabbed for the little guy's head. Gene had long hair for a boy and the mule got a mouthful of it. As the hair slipped through the mules teeth I heard a squeaking sound and cried "Lord have mercy!". I fell through the fence and skinned myself really bad but after I saw Gene wasn't hurt, I started to cry and laugh at the same time. You should have seen him! His frightened eyes were big and glowing and his hair sticking straight up where the old mule's teeth had slipped off of it. We had lots of adventure growing up as we did and learned to depend on each other. Some of us were at the creek fishing one summer and built a little rock wall in the edge of the water to hold our fish until we were ready to go home. We put several nice perch fish into the pool when two men claiming to be game wardens came by and said it was illegal to catch fish and fasten them up in the way we had. They said they would have to confiscate our fish. My brothers had a twenty-two rifle to hunt for squirrels on the way home. Rufus picked it up and we all gathered behind him. Some of us were crying and some just watching as he told the two self-made game wardens that "no s.o.b.'s going to take our fish". They could tell by the look on Rufus's face that he was serious. The "wardens" decided that we could keep the fish and the last we saw of them, they were walking away in a hurry. One time Dad sent me to Ira Garrison's, a neighbor, to pick up a tool Ira had borrowed. His was a weird looking place. Heavy woods everywhere and just a narrow wagon road running through it. My little sister Elvie was with me and on the way home I carried her on my back. A rattlesnake started running after us with it's head held up about a foot off the ground. It chased us for what seemed a long way before it stopped. I sat Elvie down in the middle of the road and told her not to move. Then I went back and killed the snake. When we got home I told my Dad that he wouldn't believe what happened but it was true and after I told him about the snakes behavior he said he did believe me because it was "dog days" meaning July and August and most snakes were blind during that period so they traveled mostly by scent and sound. Another time, Rufus and I were walking to the grocery store and just goofing off when we looked back and saw a coachwhip snake come out of a bush. It chased after us for a little way, then as we got farther away it stopped. For a little more comedy, I went out to pick up wood for the house when our billy goat got me from behind and knocked me clear over the wood pile. I dropped all of the wood but as I got to my feet, I picked up a board and hit the goat as hard as I could across the head. It knocked him down and when he got up he wobbled and staggered everywhere, shaking his head. One thing for sure, he never bothered me again! Rufus and I spent lots of time together and once, while leaving the field and going toward the house, a rabbit jumped up and I told Rufus to watch as I killed it with my rock. He laughed and mocked me. I threw the rock and killed the rabbit! I don't know who was more surprised, Rufus or me. Another time Rufus was cutting fire wood when Jessie jumped onto the log as Rufus's ax came down chopping off Jessie's toes. I remember the toes laying there wiggling on the ground. My brothers buried the toes in a matchbox. After a long time, Jessie's foot kept hurting really bad. Someone told my Dad that he should dig up the toes and lay them in the order that they had been on Jessie's foot before reburying the box. He did and Jessie's pain stopped. I don't know if rearranging the toes had anything to do with it or not but as long as the pain was gone who am I to argue? At the age of nineteen I met the dream of my life. His name is Hugh Rondall Champlin. He was from Mossville, Arkansas also in Newton County. Someone nicknamed him Bill as a child and he's been known as Bill all his life. We were married by Elvin Hudson, Justice of the Peace on June 18, 1942 in Murray, Arkansas and bought twelve acres...

Please follow this link for the second part of:
Susie Champlin's Memories of Times in Newton County, Arkansas.

Editor's Note: It is great that Susie wrote this story to share with all of us. When I was growing up I often heard my Momma talk of how Susie Champlin wrote page after page of songs and about the musical talents of the Harris Family. My Grandpa Leither Edgmon worked in the timber with Susie's husband, Bill Champlin and his dad, Hugh Champlin. Hugh is pictured in Biggs' Sawmill.

Susie, Thank You!

Received this request: Hi Judy, Could you please check you music sheets for a song with the following lines: "There was a lame soldier, he came from the war. He had a lame leg and on his face he had a scar. As I was out walking for pleasure one day..........."
The song is one my mom sang when I was young and I can't seem to remember all the words. I have ties to many families is Newton Co., including the Smiths, Villines, Caseys, Farmers, Arbaughs and Lorings. I've been doing research for over 20 years on the different lines. My mom was Atha Loring (Maiden name). She died recently and I am trying to piece together her life for the last 30 years. She disappeared in 1969 and unfortunately I found her a few weeks too late. The song is a part of a memory I'd like to retain. I have over the years tried to locate the words and music but have not been sucessful. My Mom's parents were Harley Loring (Harley's Holler) and Tessie Jane Smith (from the Smith Mountain Smiths). Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I will eventually be sending you kinfo on my family, hopefully to be included in your newsletter and other sites.
Nancy thought of more words to the song...Hi again. I just remembered parts of the song I ask you to look into. I believe the name may have been "Peggy". Some more of the words I remember were:
"Peggy, oh Peggy, oh Peggy says her, if you will come and go with me, I'll never forsake you...So Peggy sailed over the sea with the soldier."
It was a very sad song about a woman leaving her children and husband for a new life and trying to come back after the soldier beat her. Her husband would not take her back. I hope you'll be able to shed some light on the music and lyrics. I'm pretty sure the song comes from the Ozarks. My g grandfather, Augustus David Loring, died in Red Rock in 1916. Nancy Hazeltine Evans Farmer Arbaugh was from the Ponca or Boxly area. I have many, many ties to Newton Co and I think the song had to have come from the area. My mom was born in Lamar, Johnson Co., AR, but her maternal ancestors from Austin Garland Smith's line were from Madison and Newton Cos.
I talked to my Aunt about the lyrics to the song and she sang a few lines for me. I thought that maybe my memory might have changed a few of the words, but apparently I have a good memory since the words she sang were the same as the ones I sent you. My aunt is 74 years old and she said her mom sang the song when she was a young child, so the song has been around Newton Co. for at least 70 years. My grand mother was Tessie Jane Smith Loring. She was born and died in Newton Co. (1907-1942). Hopefully, someone from the area will be able to shed some light on the origins of the tune. Another song that I remember my Mom singing was Barbara Allen. I know there are variations to that song because I have heard several versions. If you have the words and music to that tune, I would like to have a copy.
I appreciate your interest in reviving the old music and everything you are doing to keep the memories of Newton County alive.Nancy Ayala

I have looked through many pages of sheet music, trying to find the song that Nancy Ayala has described. Have found nothing for her. I hope that some of you might lend a hand. If the words and description of this song strikes a cord, please let us know.

I do have a couple of versions of the lyrics for Barbara Allen that Nancy mentioned. Have added those lyrics and the tune in the Old Standard section of Tunes in Time.

This came in from Judy Keeler "How about Red Wing and Buffalo Gals? Two I remember hearing when I was growing up. My Mother sang a lot as we went about our chores."

I have also added Red Wing and Buffalo Gals to the Old Standards section.

I am a Great Aunt to a delightful 2 yr. old. As with many at that age, the Terrible Twos label has been used. Regardless of what he is doing, when he hears Green Grow The Lilacs, he drops everything and begins to waltz with a huge smile on his little face. To those of you who have a young one in your company, have them take a listen and ask them if they would like to waltz!

Nancy and Douglas Tate are here again! As many of you know, we are always ready to go hiking, camping, and site seeing. Our favorite place for these family activities is in Newton County. We love the Buffalo River, the many hiking trails, bluffs and caves, the winding creeks and their clear cool waters, and the beautiful forests and valleys. Those of you who have spent time in Newton County understand why it is our favorite place. If you also enjoy hiking, camping and site seeing in Newton County, we would like to hear from you. You can send email to: Trail Mix
                                                       Thank You, Nancy and Douglas Tate

BRADLEY PARK...

Bradley Park is located in Jasper, the County Seat of Newton County. It was named in honor of Dr. W. A. Bradley, as was the Bradley House Museum, where the Newton County Historical Society is housed. It was once the home and office of Dr. Bradley. The Chaney log cabin is being reconstructed behind the Bradley house. It is a log cabin, that was originally built at Carrollton, Arkansas, before the Civil War. In this picture you can see a closeup of how the hand cut logs fit snuggly together. We always have to check out everything, here we are going into the Bradley House Cellar. After we left the Bradley House we headed toward the park, which is just down the road from the museum. Stopped and talked to Rentha Watson, her house is just above the entrance to Bradley Park. We choose to write about it for this issue, because it recently suffered alot of damage from flood waters. Picnic tables were destroyed and the Buffalo River even carried some of them away. The driving loop through the park took you right to the Buffalo. Nice split rail fencing bordered the loop. We read in the Newton County Times Newspaper about the damage that took place. Portions of the rail fence were washed away and large amounts of the black top of the driving loop were also destroyed and carried down river. We hope that all can be repaired. It was a very nice park and many people who live in Jasper walked there every morning and in the late evening. They probably miss being able to do that. It was a nice place for a picnic and a real good place to skip rocks across the river. The driving loop is called Nancy Haller Dr., here is Nancy hollering by that sign. The flood waters had made it up as far as that sign and was about twelve inches up the bottom emblem. Here is a shot of the Buffalo River as seen from the park. And this baby waterfall could be seen as you looked across the Buffalo. The highway coming into Jasper is above the Buffalo. Can't see it, but it is there. Flood waters have taken Bradley Park, you can't see it now either, but it is there and we hope that it is reworked so that it can once again be enjoyed.

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(press the elk to hear what he said after visiting the featured site...)

Hello, My name is Wayne Angel, I have a web site that is designed to show everyone many of the hiking trails here in Newton County. I just recently moved here from Texas; I have been making the journey here to the Ozark Mountains for about 15 years and love the area. I never have to worry about finding cool hiking trails here, the only thing I have to worry about is which trail I want to hike today.

 I have been working with the Forest Service at Sams Throne, doing GPS work for them. Sams Throne is very beautiful, you can see pictures of it at my web site, Cool Hiking Trails. I have many other galleries there and I update with new pictures all the time.

On my website I have a gallery called Picture of the Week, I just started that section and would like for everyone to submit their own pictures for Picture of the Week. I use a digital camera to take all of my pictures. My camera is a Sound Vision SV-209, all the pictures on my web site were taken with this digital camera. I am always looking for new trails to hike to get new pictures. My web site is never totally finished because I update with new pictures all the time.

There is a section there called Calendar of Events where I let everyone know what I will be doing at a certain time and where I will be, so anyone that wants, can email me and join me on a hiking trip. It is always nice to hike with other people. As always, when I am hiking, I pack out what I pack in, to keep the National Forest beautiful for everyone to see.

It is always great to float the Buffalo River. I have floated it many times from Ponca to Pruitt. That is a very beautiful section of the River. Just take precautions while floating the Buffalo River and watch out for wildlife, it is their home and we are the ones intruding there. Please do not litter the Forests or the Rivers here or anywhere.

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...Most Wanted Kinfo  

The candle has burned out and eyes are weary...if you know ANYTHING about the following please let us know.

Mrs. Suzannah Wagner Baker was left a young widow in 1861, Baltimore, Maryland. Her children were: Kate Ely, William Berger and Mary Charlotte. I find Kate Ely in Newton County, Arkansas by a marriage certificate to a Mr. Williams. Also, in that same time period, her brother William Berger Baker married a Mrs. Grace Ellen Brown also of Newton County, Arkansas. I feel in my heart that Suzannah remarried and came to Newton County, Arkansas. I just have no idea to whom and if she had more children. Please share information with me. Thanks, Polly Murphy

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Newton County, Arkansas