Robert Nelson, the notes of 1901
Host: Mrs. Sidhu
In the spring of 1901, Robert Nelson McFarland, at that time in the 83rd year of his life, was interviewed by the local newspaper, the purpose being that he was the last survivor of the first pioneers to settle Brown County, Illinois in 1824 and they wanted to record his memories. But, as often happens, things intervened. The paper changed hands, Nelson passed away and the notes were lost.
Many years passed before the narrative was found in a box of old papers. In 1922, almost 100 after the events described, Nelson’s story was finally told in the Versailles Sentinal. What a shame it would have been to lose such a priceless treasure. Priceless to me because Nelson’s story is the story of my family. I didn’t have to imagine what they went through because there was a witness. Continue reading Robert Nelson, the notes from 1901
I shot a man in desperation the other day and haven’t been able to sleep since. I had often wondered if I had to, would I be able to, now I know. Pulling the trigger was not that hard, not with what I could see was going to happen. I am hoping that in telling my story it may ease my conscious a bit but in order for it to be understood I have to back up some.