Page 3

Fred's Grandfather, Thomas, had died in 1926 leaving his children his house and land. Rindy and Carie, who were unwed, stayed on at the old home place while Cassie and her family moved to New Mexico. Andy moved to Central North Carolina and continued to live there until he died. Rindy and Carie were happy to have Fred and Martha back home with them. These two women had a great influence in the lives of Fred and Martha and they continued to give them support as they worked hard on the farm raising all their own food by plowing and working the fields to supply their growing family with all their daily needs. Fred also logged and did carpentry, masonry work (known in the mountains as "rock laying") and many various jobs while raising their family. The couple had managed to come through the depression by learning to use their "mountain ingenuity" to use everything available to them to survive. It was common to sew all their own clothes, mend their own shoes and carry about the daily chores of life without much of what we think of as modern conveniences such as inside running water or electricity. While their family and friends at Proctor and Judson were enjoying these luxuries Fred and Martha were just getting themselves started in Ja'pan. Many other wonderful family members and friends helped them also and as mountain tradition has always been, they also helped and supported their family and friends.

Rindy and Carie both died in 1937 within one week of each other from what was thought to be food poisoning. This was a great loss for Fred since they were like mothers to him. This left the home place to Fred and Martha, Buren & his wife Mamie and Richmond and his wife Gracie. By the early 1940's they had built their life around the land while raising their six children. They had begun to acquire some additional land by "pinching and saving" every penny to put toward this effort. Eldred, their oldest daughter, recalled a time when her father, Fred, would wrap rags around his feet because his shoes were so worn out to go "logging" so that he could make the payment on the land. Being born out of wedlock and not having his own father around, Fred had a great desire to keep his family close. Also having a high sense of responsibility he wanted to give his children a good start by giving them a piece of their own land when they married. Fred and Martha's children were Eldred Phyllis, James Chester, Frances Nola, Wilma Pauline, Charles Fred and Glenda Ann.

In early 1942 World War II was brewing and the nation became involved. This was a time of great patriotism everywhere and it was no different here in the mountains. After all, these folks were used to "pitching in" and the idea of serving your country was quite natural. Chester (Chet) was inducted into the Army on March 29, 1943 where he served in Magnolia Italy. Many other local families were also giving their sons for service. This was a proud but sad moment for Fred and Martha. They had already seen many difficult times but this was the hardest. This was their first son and Fred relied upon Chet to help with the farming and logging work.

Continued on to Page 4