Thoughts and stories, by Pal

Haden Wells Church continued:   (Most of this written by Pal's aunt Sarah Miles Wallace, -- a granddaughter of Haden and his wife Sarah, and the sister of Pal's brother Orson Pratt Miles -- Their mother was Paralee Amanda Church.)  Sarah Ann is fondly remembered in Pioneer Dixie as one of the special mid-wife doctors.  Her skills and services in this critically needed specialty are mentioned many times in the early historical records.  She received some of her training under Loudice Perkins.  The mid-wives and nurses were set apart to serve in this area.   "A general use of herbs and medicinal teas were used by all.  Among them would be found Yarrow, Tansy, Slippery-Elm, Spearmint, Catnip, Peppermint.  Sulphur and molasses were used and given as a spring tonic, and also for skin sores.  Poultices of bacon and black pepper were used for sore throats.  Warm olive oil was used for earache.  Pine gum was the regular resort for "draw...

              HADEN WELLS CHURCH, AND SARAH ANN ARTERBURY A brief history of these ancestors was first told in entry # 23, on Dec. 3, 2013      The enticements of new land and adventure probably encouraged newly married Abraham and Polly (Mary Jane) Emmons Church to leave home in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and go westward about three hundred miles into Tennessee.  It was in their newly established home in Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee, that their first child, Haden Wells, was born on August 29, 1817.  While living there, seven more children were added to the family.  Haden was well into his teen-age years when the family moved a few miles westward to Shady Grove, Hickman County, where the ninth and last child, Charles Houston Church, was born.      The new home was near the Duck River and also close to the Natchez Trace which was the main travel route between Na...

Dear folks,  It has been really touching today to read about the life and mission of Nelson Mandela in South Africa.  It brings quite a few thoughts to my mind.  These are from the histories of Pratt and Ruth Miles book. My great-great grandfather, on my mother's side, John Lowe Butler, whose journal is included in our book of my ancestors, was married in Tennessee in 1831, and given 2 slaves as a wedding present from his wife's family.  They became converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and were baptized in 1835.  This is in their history: (On Page 119)      "At the wedding celebration held in their home, parents of bride Caroline Skeen, surprised her with three special gifts.  According to family tradition, Jesse and Keziah Skeen, gave  her an expensive sidesaddle so she could ride horseback in style, like a Southern woman of breeding should.  They also presented to her and new son-in-law John Lowe But...