Time is measured by the seasons; with episodes, incidents and important events; with ever changing tones and hues becoming more vibrant in memory, until finally fading; as our own sight slowly dims.
Memories are made through our families; parents, brothers, sisters, children and the many relationships we form; as the journey continues throughout our lifetime. Some to be lost and others to be passed down for generations.
We often come to a better understanding of who our family members are and were; reflecting on how precious those memories become. We mourn them when they are gone; put flowers upon the grave and miss them in our sorrow. A stone is placed with the birth and death engraved, marking the time spent on this earth.
By: Debbie Absher (2015)
____________
My grandmother "Nora Isadoe Felts" was the 6th child & oldest daughter of "John Columbus & Virginia Wagoner Felts". She was born 27 September 1905. She never liked her middle name; but I told her "that was her Indian name Is-A-Doe"; I commented to her "that was what her mother saw after she was born". She just looked at me and said "There is no Indian in my family".
In the 1910 census the family lives in the "Walnut Grove Township, Wilkes, NC. "John age 36 "& "Virginia Felts age 37" have 8 children, "William "Con" Felts age 15" "Lonnie Edgar Felts age 13" "James Everette Felts age 11" "John Winfrey Felts age 9" Owen Elmore Felts age 7" "Nora Isadoe Felts age 5" "Bessie Mae Felts age 3" & "Earl Harrison Felts age 8 months.
By the 1920 census the household consist of 10 people. "John age 46" & Virginia age 47". The family still lives in "Walnut Grove, Wilkes, NC. Their sons "William "Con" Felt"s married "Flora Ellen Absher" my grandfather's sister in 1913; and " Lonnie Edgar Felts" married "Lurie Geneva Hays" in 1917. John" & "Virginia's children at home were "James Everette age 20" "John Winfrey age 18" Owen Elmore age 16" my grandmother "Nora Isadoe Felts age 14" "Bessie Mae age 12" "Earl Harrison age 10" "Vonnie Slyvester age 8" & "Hattie Belle age 6".
The 1930 census records the family in "Walnut Grove", Wilkes, NC. "John & Virginia's" son "James Everette" married my grandfather's niece "Cordelia" in "1921". "Cordelia" was the daughter of "Coy Alonzo Absher" son of "Dan & Martha Ellen Billings Absher". Their son "Owen Elmore" had married "Zura Belle Handy" in January of 1930. "John & Virginia's" children at home were "John Winfrey age 28" "Nora Isadoe age 24" "Earl Harrison age 20" "Vonnie Slyvester age 18" & "Hattie Belle age 16".
On 21 December 1930 "William "Con" Felts my grandmother's brother age 35, dies of "Labored Pneumonia" cause of death on death certificate.
My grandmother "Nora" or "Norie" Felts as she was known was 28 years of age at the time of her marriage around the year 1933 to my grandfather "Raymond Council Absher" who was 32 years of age. My grandmother was probably considered a spinster before her marriage. They lived in a small house on the hill on the other side of the creek where my grandfather grew up in the Mulberry Community on Halls Creek. You could see the old family home of my grandfather from where they lived. My grandparents were a perfect compliment to one another; what one lacked the other had in abundance.
Also in the year of 1933 my grandmother's sister "Hattie Belle Felts" married "Rom" Cronnie Romulus Absher who was "nephew" of my grandfather (Rom was the son of Oliver Filmore Absher who was born in 1883 son of "Dan & Martha Billings Absher".
By the 1940 census "Norie age 35" & "Ramie age 38", have 3 children. "Martha Virginia" or "Jenny" as she was known, age 5, Jimmy Ray Absher or "Jim" as he is known, age 3, and J.D. Absher, age 1. They live in the same home "that they own" as when they married. They live in the Mulberry Township, Wilkes, NC. "Norie" is listed as wife and her highest grade completed was 6th grade.
"Norie" & "Ramie" have "Ivan Columbus Absher" 21 Oct 1941. Ivan was born in the Walnut Grove township. The "Walnut Grove Township" is where my grandmother's family lived. "Ivan" was 2 months & 27 days old at the time of his death 18 Jan 1942 in the Walnut Grove Township, Wilkes, NC. On Ivan's death certificate it is stated that he died from "Colitis" & something like "Colic". My grandmother said he was covered in hives and "that is what she thought he died from". My grandfather is listed as the funeral director on the death certificate. They buried their little son "Ivan" in the Cane Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Ivan's death was a tragic event for the family; and my grandparents never got over it; but they knew they would see "Ivan" in heaven.
If my grandfather "Ramie" was the heart of the family my grandmother was its strength. Unlike an Oak; which can break in gusting winds and with other disasters may wither and die. No..... she was more like a Willow, willing to bend and reluctant to break; that sustains itself and recovers even though it would seem impossible that it could do so. Swayed by unseen forces, her fortitude coming up from within; she would bough like a Willow's branch challenged by circumstances and then bounce back unscathed.
When "Ivan" died, her spirit was broken by the weight of her pain. She was so stricken by grief, she took to her bed and did not get up for several weeks. This tragedy was to great for the resilient willow.
My grandmother, like a Willow; torn and tattered by a storm; swept away by rough waters; eventually took root once again and renewed her life. Her place in her family was secure and only waiting for her return. My grandmother did not have a picture of "Ivan" but kept a little gown he wore in a dresser bureau. That little gown was kept there until my grandmother's death.
She was an industrious, resourceful woman, quick witted and at times sharp tongued. If she told me to do something, I did it without question.
She possessed a good sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes. Once when I was growing up; we went blackberry picking; as we often did when the blackberries were ripe and juicy, hanging off the vines. I was probably about 11 years of age. My grandmother and I would put on galoshes over the pants she had stuffed full of leaves along with a shirt done in a similar fashion; tied at the wrist so the leaves would not come out. That was done in case a snake, we did not see, bit one of us. He would only get his fangs into the leaves and not into the flesh. Snakes love to hang around blackberry thickets; along with the animals that are their food source, that also feed on the blackberries. With our hats on our heads we would walk down the road to a place where the blackberries were in abundance; filling gallon pails to the brim. As we were busily picking. The berries staining our fingers; my grandmother looked down and saw such a sight she rolled with laughter. She just pointed down and at our feet was a terrapin (turtle) tucked somewhat under the vines. His head was outstretched and completely purple down his neck along with part of his shell and feet. He had been feasting on and enjoying the berries as much as we were. We were both giggling.
She loved to tell us ghost stories especially if the power had gone off. Once it was really pouring rain, the sky was black and the thunder was loud and lighting was blazing up the darkness. The triplets were attentively listening to grandpa telling a scary ghost story at the kitchen table. While they were listening to grandpa; they did not notice granny had left the room; she had quietly gone out the living room door which you could not see from the table in the kitchen. The next thing they know grandpa pointed to the window and all they saw was a black figure with its arms outstretched looking in close to the pane of the window. (Unbeknownst to them granny had put her black fur coat over her head and all you could see was a black opening in the coat.) They screamed in terror! Granny quickly came into the house through the kitchen door and both granny and grandpa were bursting with laughter. They got them good!
I believe she was ahead of her time; concerning the roles of a woman in her day. She is the woman I most admire. She was as tough as a pine knot and could "when needed" be gentle. My sisters "Judy" & "Donna" have her fire. I was her shadow for many years during my childhood.
I loved to comb her hair with her pick; I don't believe it had ever been cut. It was thick & black; hanging well below her backside. I begged her to wear her hair down; but she just laughed at me and put it up sticking her pins in it and then putting a scarp on that she wore over it. I've always thought it was a shame that no one ever got to see how beautiful her hair was.
My grandmother stood I think about 5'4. She was a small framed woman with blue eyes and not very big at all. She had tiny narrow feet; she only wore a 4 1/2 size shoe. She liked to wear a shoe that laced up, and they were hard to find; because of style changes.
She told me about how she had worked in town and lived in a boarding house on Hinshaw Street; I believe she worked in a hosiery mill. It was sometime before her marriage. She said she drove; I'm not sure how much she drove; probably just a short way.
She told me many stories about her childhood and things that had happened. One story was about a grandmother that had red hair; the family was burning off a field and her dress caught on fire and she died from the burns she received. I can't recall the grandmother's name.
Granny also told me about a woman on Cane Creek who was trapped in her house by a mountain lion on her roof. When the woman was finally checked on she had lost her mind.
There were so many stories. She was a wonderful storyteller; she could have made a living at it.
I loved to help and watch her in the kitchen. Her kitchen was almost as large as the living room. She cooked for years on a wood stove. She had a whole system for making biscuits. She had a cabinet for just that purpose. Her biscuits were perfect and as big as a cats head. I've never tasted a biscuit by anyone that could compare to hers.
She would make stack pies. The pie crust was rolled out very thinly; the filling put in and then baked; layer upon layer it would grow. She would take the simplest of ingredients and make delicious meals.
My grandmother was quite superstitious; she was always aware of signs that meant something to her. My sisters "Janie" & "Jeanie" went over the hill to Leonies spring. They were just exploring as often we kids did there; when they saw a lizard. I believe just the tail. They were so excited they ran to granny and told her what they had seen. They described the lizard as orange with brown spots. She looked at them with concern and said "You didn't look it in the eye did you?" "I don't think so granny." "Well" "It's a good thing you didn't, because you would be dead before dawn tomorrow morning". They were scared for days that they were going to die. It's a good thing they didn't look it in the eye!
As my grandmother grew older; the family took turns going over and helping her every day for whatever need she had. She was still able to get around and do things; she just needed some help. As granny's health started to fail; she was bedridden for a short time. I visited with her during this period; as she lay in her bed, she was very despondent. She said to me "she wanted to be with grandpa" and "what good am I laying in this bed". My grandmother had been so active all of her life; this was very hard on her. I reassured her that everything would be alright. I don't think it was much comfort to her; she was ready to go. I don't know how much time had passed; my sisters "Janice", "Janie" & "Jeanie" took turns with the rest of the family to stay with her at night. On this night it was "Jeannie's" turn. "Janice" & "Janie" were over at the house to see "Granny" before going to work. "Granny" told "Janie" that she loved her, but this would be the last time; she would not be here in the morning. "Janie" of course said "Granny" I'll see you tomorrow. "No Janie" "I won't be here tomorrow, Can't you see your "Grandpa" he's waiting for me at the foot of the bed".
Upon the next day "Granny" was gone. "Grandpa" was there to greet her. Frankly, I don't think "Grandpa's" spirit ever left the house until "Granny" was ready to go with him. Grandpa guided her to the other side; with "Ivan" in her arms once again.
By: Debbie Absher - Granddaughter of "Nora Isadoe Felts Absher (2017)
(Debbie Absher daug of Jimmy Ray Absher son of Nora Isadoe Felts Absher daug of John Columbus Felts son of William Jasper Felts son of Joel Felts son of John Felts son of Aaron P Felts son of William Felts)
I have a tree on "Ancestry" named "On The Waters of Halls & Mulberry Creek."
Memories are made through our families; parents, brothers, sisters, children and the many relationships we form; as the journey continues throughout our lifetime. Some to be lost and others to be passed down for generations.
We often come to a better understanding of who our family members are and were; reflecting on how precious those memories become. We mourn them when they are gone; put flowers upon the grave and miss them in our sorrow. A stone is placed with the birth and death engraved, marking the time spent on this earth.
By: Debbie Absher (2015)
____________
My grandmother "Nora Isadoe Felts" was the 6th child & oldest daughter of "John Columbus & Virginia Wagoner Felts". She was born 27 September 1905. She never liked her middle name; but I told her "that was her Indian name Is-A-Doe"; I commented to her "that was what her mother saw after she was born". She just looked at me and said "There is no Indian in my family".
In the 1910 census the family lives in the "Walnut Grove Township, Wilkes, NC. "John age 36 "& "Virginia Felts age 37" have 8 children, "William "Con" Felts age 15" "Lonnie Edgar Felts age 13" "James Everette Felts age 11" "John Winfrey Felts age 9" Owen Elmore Felts age 7" "Nora Isadoe Felts age 5" "Bessie Mae Felts age 3" & "Earl Harrison Felts age 8 months.
By the 1920 census the household consist of 10 people. "John age 46" & Virginia age 47". The family still lives in "Walnut Grove, Wilkes, NC. Their sons "William "Con" Felt"s married "Flora Ellen Absher" my grandfather's sister in 1913; and " Lonnie Edgar Felts" married "Lurie Geneva Hays" in 1917. John" & "Virginia's children at home were "James Everette age 20" "John Winfrey age 18" Owen Elmore age 16" my grandmother "Nora Isadoe Felts age 14" "Bessie Mae age 12" "Earl Harrison age 10" "Vonnie Slyvester age 8" & "Hattie Belle age 6".
The 1930 census records the family in "Walnut Grove", Wilkes, NC. "John & Virginia's" son "James Everette" married my grandfather's niece "Cordelia" in "1921". "Cordelia" was the daughter of "Coy Alonzo Absher" son of "Dan & Martha Ellen Billings Absher". Their son "Owen Elmore" had married "Zura Belle Handy" in January of 1930. "John & Virginia's" children at home were "John Winfrey age 28" "Nora Isadoe age 24" "Earl Harrison age 20" "Vonnie Slyvester age 18" & "Hattie Belle age 16".
On 21 December 1930 "William "Con" Felts my grandmother's brother age 35, dies of "Labored Pneumonia" cause of death on death certificate.
My grandmother "Nora" or "Norie" Felts as she was known was 28 years of age at the time of her marriage around the year 1933 to my grandfather "Raymond Council Absher" who was 32 years of age. My grandmother was probably considered a spinster before her marriage. They lived in a small house on the hill on the other side of the creek where my grandfather grew up in the Mulberry Community on Halls Creek. You could see the old family home of my grandfather from where they lived. My grandparents were a perfect compliment to one another; what one lacked the other had in abundance.
Also in the year of 1933 my grandmother's sister "Hattie Belle Felts" married "Rom" Cronnie Romulus Absher who was "nephew" of my grandfather (Rom was the son of Oliver Filmore Absher who was born in 1883 son of "Dan & Martha Billings Absher".
By the 1940 census "Norie age 35" & "Ramie age 38", have 3 children. "Martha Virginia" or "Jenny" as she was known, age 5, Jimmy Ray Absher or "Jim" as he is known, age 3, and J.D. Absher, age 1. They live in the same home "that they own" as when they married. They live in the Mulberry Township, Wilkes, NC. "Norie" is listed as wife and her highest grade completed was 6th grade.
"Norie" & "Ramie" have "Ivan Columbus Absher" 21 Oct 1941. Ivan was born in the Walnut Grove township. The "Walnut Grove Township" is where my grandmother's family lived. "Ivan" was 2 months & 27 days old at the time of his death 18 Jan 1942 in the Walnut Grove Township, Wilkes, NC. On Ivan's death certificate it is stated that he died from "Colitis" & something like "Colic". My grandmother said he was covered in hives and "that is what she thought he died from". My grandfather is listed as the funeral director on the death certificate. They buried their little son "Ivan" in the Cane Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Ivan's death was a tragic event for the family; and my grandparents never got over it; but they knew they would see "Ivan" in heaven.
If my grandfather "Ramie" was the heart of the family my grandmother was its strength. Unlike an Oak; which can break in gusting winds and with other disasters may wither and die. No..... she was more like a Willow, willing to bend and reluctant to break; that sustains itself and recovers even though it would seem impossible that it could do so. Swayed by unseen forces, her fortitude coming up from within; she would bough like a Willow's branch challenged by circumstances and then bounce back unscathed.
When "Ivan" died, her spirit was broken by the weight of her pain. She was so stricken by grief, she took to her bed and did not get up for several weeks. This tragedy was to great for the resilient willow.
My grandmother, like a Willow; torn and tattered by a storm; swept away by rough waters; eventually took root once again and renewed her life. Her place in her family was secure and only waiting for her return. My grandmother did not have a picture of "Ivan" but kept a little gown he wore in a dresser bureau. That little gown was kept there until my grandmother's death.
She was an industrious, resourceful woman, quick witted and at times sharp tongued. If she told me to do something, I did it without question.
She possessed a good sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes. Once when I was growing up; we went blackberry picking; as we often did when the blackberries were ripe and juicy, hanging off the vines. I was probably about 11 years of age. My grandmother and I would put on galoshes over the pants she had stuffed full of leaves along with a shirt done in a similar fashion; tied at the wrist so the leaves would not come out. That was done in case a snake, we did not see, bit one of us. He would only get his fangs into the leaves and not into the flesh. Snakes love to hang around blackberry thickets; along with the animals that are their food source, that also feed on the blackberries. With our hats on our heads we would walk down the road to a place where the blackberries were in abundance; filling gallon pails to the brim. As we were busily picking. The berries staining our fingers; my grandmother looked down and saw such a sight she rolled with laughter. She just pointed down and at our feet was a terrapin (turtle) tucked somewhat under the vines. His head was outstretched and completely purple down his neck along with part of his shell and feet. He had been feasting on and enjoying the berries as much as we were. We were both giggling.
She loved to tell us ghost stories especially if the power had gone off. Once it was really pouring rain, the sky was black and the thunder was loud and lighting was blazing up the darkness. The triplets were attentively listening to grandpa telling a scary ghost story at the kitchen table. While they were listening to grandpa; they did not notice granny had left the room; she had quietly gone out the living room door which you could not see from the table in the kitchen. The next thing they know grandpa pointed to the window and all they saw was a black figure with its arms outstretched looking in close to the pane of the window. (Unbeknownst to them granny had put her black fur coat over her head and all you could see was a black opening in the coat.) They screamed in terror! Granny quickly came into the house through the kitchen door and both granny and grandpa were bursting with laughter. They got them good!
I believe she was ahead of her time; concerning the roles of a woman in her day. She is the woman I most admire. She was as tough as a pine knot and could "when needed" be gentle. My sisters "Judy" & "Donna" have her fire. I was her shadow for many years during my childhood.
I loved to comb her hair with her pick; I don't believe it had ever been cut. It was thick & black; hanging well below her backside. I begged her to wear her hair down; but she just laughed at me and put it up sticking her pins in it and then putting a scarp on that she wore over it. I've always thought it was a shame that no one ever got to see how beautiful her hair was.
My grandmother stood I think about 5'4. She was a small framed woman with blue eyes and not very big at all. She had tiny narrow feet; she only wore a 4 1/2 size shoe. She liked to wear a shoe that laced up, and they were hard to find; because of style changes.
She told me about how she had worked in town and lived in a boarding house on Hinshaw Street; I believe she worked in a hosiery mill. It was sometime before her marriage. She said she drove; I'm not sure how much she drove; probably just a short way.
She told me many stories about her childhood and things that had happened. One story was about a grandmother that had red hair; the family was burning off a field and her dress caught on fire and she died from the burns she received. I can't recall the grandmother's name.
Granny also told me about a woman on Cane Creek who was trapped in her house by a mountain lion on her roof. When the woman was finally checked on she had lost her mind.
There were so many stories. She was a wonderful storyteller; she could have made a living at it.
I loved to help and watch her in the kitchen. Her kitchen was almost as large as the living room. She cooked for years on a wood stove. She had a whole system for making biscuits. She had a cabinet for just that purpose. Her biscuits were perfect and as big as a cats head. I've never tasted a biscuit by anyone that could compare to hers.
She would make stack pies. The pie crust was rolled out very thinly; the filling put in and then baked; layer upon layer it would grow. She would take the simplest of ingredients and make delicious meals.
My grandmother was quite superstitious; she was always aware of signs that meant something to her. My sisters "Janie" & "Jeanie" went over the hill to Leonies spring. They were just exploring as often we kids did there; when they saw a lizard. I believe just the tail. They were so excited they ran to granny and told her what they had seen. They described the lizard as orange with brown spots. She looked at them with concern and said "You didn't look it in the eye did you?" "I don't think so granny." "Well" "It's a good thing you didn't, because you would be dead before dawn tomorrow morning". They were scared for days that they were going to die. It's a good thing they didn't look it in the eye!
As my grandmother grew older; the family took turns going over and helping her every day for whatever need she had. She was still able to get around and do things; she just needed some help. As granny's health started to fail; she was bedridden for a short time. I visited with her during this period; as she lay in her bed, she was very despondent. She said to me "she wanted to be with grandpa" and "what good am I laying in this bed". My grandmother had been so active all of her life; this was very hard on her. I reassured her that everything would be alright. I don't think it was much comfort to her; she was ready to go. I don't know how much time had passed; my sisters "Janice", "Janie" & "Jeanie" took turns with the rest of the family to stay with her at night. On this night it was "Jeannie's" turn. "Janice" & "Janie" were over at the house to see "Granny" before going to work. "Granny" told "Janie" that she loved her, but this would be the last time; she would not be here in the morning. "Janie" of course said "Granny" I'll see you tomorrow. "No Janie" "I won't be here tomorrow, Can't you see your "Grandpa" he's waiting for me at the foot of the bed".
Upon the next day "Granny" was gone. "Grandpa" was there to greet her. Frankly, I don't think "Grandpa's" spirit ever left the house until "Granny" was ready to go with him. Grandpa guided her to the other side; with "Ivan" in her arms once again.
By: Debbie Absher - Granddaughter of "Nora Isadoe Felts Absher (2017)
(Debbie Absher daug of Jimmy Ray Absher son of Nora Isadoe Felts Absher daug of John Columbus Felts son of William Jasper Felts son of Joel Felts son of John Felts son of Aaron P Felts son of William Felts)
I have a tree on "Ancestry" named "On The Waters of Halls & Mulberry Creek."
Time is measured by the seasons; with episodes, incidents and important events; with ever changing tones and hues becoming more vibrant in memory, until finally fading; as our own sight slowly dims.
Memories are made through our families; parents, brothers, sisters, children and the many relationships we form; as the journey continues throughout our lifetime. Some to be lost and others to be passed down for generations.
We often come to a better understanding of who our family members are and were; reflecting on how precious those memories become. We mourn them when they are gone; put flowers upon the grave and miss them in our sorrow. A stone is placed with the birth and death engraved, marking the time spent on this earth.
By: Debbie Absher (2015)
____________
My grandmother "Nora Isadoe Felts" was the 6th child & oldest daughter of "John Columbus & Virginia Wagoner Felts". She was born 27 September 1905. She never liked her middle name; but I told her "that was her Indian name Is-A-Doe"; I commented to her "that was what her mother saw after she was born". She just looked at me and said "There is no Indian in my family".
In the 1910 census the family lives in the "Walnut Grove Township, Wilkes, NC. "John age 36 "& "Virginia Felts age 37" have 8 children, "William "Con" Felts age 15" "Lonnie Edgar Felts age 13" "James Everette Felts age 11" "John Winfrey Felts age 9" Owen Elmore Felts age 7" "Nora Isadoe Felts age 5" "Bessie Mae Felts age 3" & "Earl Harrison Felts age 8 months.
By the 1920 census the household consist of 10 people. "John age 46" & Virginia age 47". The family still lives in "Walnut Grove, Wilkes, NC. Their sons "William "Con" Felt"s married "Flora Ellen Absher" my grandfather's sister in 1913; and " Lonnie Edgar Felts" married "Lurie Geneva Hays" in 1917. John" & "Virginia's children at home were "James Everette age 20" "John Winfrey age 18" Owen Elmore age 16" my grandmother "Nora Isadoe Felts age 14" "Bessie Mae age 12" "Earl Harrison age 10" "Vonnie Slyvester age 8" & "Hattie Belle age 6".
The 1930 census records the family in "Walnut Grove", Wilkes, NC. "John & Virginia's" son "James Everette" married my grandfather's niece "Cordelia" in "1921". "Cordelia" was the daughter of "Coy Alonzo Absher" son of "Dan & Martha Ellen Billings Absher". Their son "Owen Elmore" had married "Zura Belle Handy" in January of 1930. "John & Virginia's" children at home were "John Winfrey age 28" "Nora Isadoe age 24" "Earl Harrison age 20" "Vonnie Slyvester age 18" & "Hattie Belle age 16".
On 21 December 1930 "William "Con" Felts my grandmother's brother age 35, dies of "Labored Pneumonia" cause of death on death certificate.
My grandmother "Nora" or "Norie" Felts as she was known was 28 years of age at the time of her marriage around the year 1933 to my grandfather "Raymond Council Absher" who was 32 years of age. My grandmother was probably considered a spinster before her marriage. They lived in a small house on the hill on the other side of the creek where my grandfather grew up in the Mulberry Community on Halls Creek. You could see the old family home of my grandfather from where they lived. My grandparents were a perfect compliment to one another; what one lacked the other had in abundance.
Also in the year of 1933 my grandmother's sister "Hattie Belle Felts" married "Rom" Cronnie Romulus Absher who was "nephew" of my grandfather (Rom was the son of Oliver Filmore Absher who was born in 1883 son of "Dan & Martha Billings Absher".
By the 1940 census "Norie age 35" & "Ramie age 38", have 3 children. "Martha Virginia" or "Jenny" as she was known, age 5, Jimmy Ray Absher or "Jim" as he is known, age 3, and J.D. Absher, age 1. They live in the same home "that they own" as when they married. They live in the Mulberry Township, Wilkes, NC. "Norie" is listed as wife and her highest grade completed was 6th grade.
"Norie" & "Ramie" have "Ivan Columbus Absher" 21 Oct 1941. Ivan was born in the Walnut Grove township. The "Walnut Grove Township" is where my grandmother's family lived. "Ivan" was 2 months & 27 days old at the time of his death 18 Jan 1942 in the Walnut Grove Township, Wilkes, NC. On Ivan's death certificate it is stated that he died from "Colitis" & something like "Colic". My grandmother said he was covered in hives and "that is what she thought he died from". My grandfather is listed as the funeral director on the death certificate. They buried their little son "Ivan" in the Cane Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Ivan's death was a tragic event for the family; and my grandparents never got over it; but they knew they would see "Ivan" in heaven.
If my grandfather "Ramie" was the heart of the family my grandmother was its strength. Unlike an Oak; which can break in gusting winds and with other disasters may wither and die. No..... she was more like a Willow, willing to bend and reluctant to break; that sustains itself and recovers even though it would seem impossible that it could do so. Swayed by unseen forces, her fortitude coming up from within; she would bough like a Willow's branch challenged by circumstances and then bounce back unscathed.
When "Ivan" died, her spirit was broken by the weight of her pain. She was so stricken by grief, she took to her bed and did not get up for several weeks. This tragedy was to great for the resilient willow.
My grandmother, like a Willow; torn and tattered by a storm; swept away by rough waters; eventually took root once again and renewed her life. Her place in her family was secure and only waiting for her return. My grandmother did not have a picture of "Ivan" but kept a little gown he wore in a dresser bureau. That little gown was kept there until my grandmother's death.
She was an industrious, resourceful woman, quick witted and at times sharp tongued. If she told me to do something, I did it without question.
She possessed a good sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes. Once when I was growing up; we went blackberry picking; as we often did when the blackberries were ripe and juicy, hanging off the vines. I was probably about 11 years of age. My grandmother and I would put on galoshes over the pants she had stuffed full of leaves along with a shirt done in a similar fashion; tied at the wrist so the leaves would not come out. That was done in case a snake, we did not see, bit one of us. He would only get his fangs into the leaves and not into the flesh. Snakes love to hang around blackberry thickets; along with the animals that are their food source, that also feed on the blackberries. With our hats on our heads we would walk down the road to a place where the blackberries were in abundance; filling gallon pails to the brim. As we were busily picking. The berries staining our fingers; my grandmother looked down and saw such a sight she rolled with laughter. She just pointed down and at our feet was a terrapin (turtle) tucked somewhat under the vines. His head was outstretched and completely purple down his neck along with part of his shell and feet. He had been feasting on and enjoying the berries as much as we were. We were both giggling.
She loved to tell us ghost stories especially if the power had gone off. Once it was really pouring rain, the sky was black and the thunder was loud and lighting was blazing up the darkness. The triplets were attentively listening to grandpa telling a scary ghost story at the kitchen table. While they were listening to grandpa; they did not notice granny had left the room; she had quietly gone out the living room door which you could not see from the table in the kitchen. The next thing they know grandpa pointed to the window and all they saw was a black figure with its arms outstretched looking in close to the pane of the window. (Unbeknownst to them granny had put her black fur coat over her head and all you could see was a black opening in the coat.) They screamed in terror! Granny quickly came into the house through the kitchen door and both granny and grandpa were bursting with laughter. They got them good!
I believe she was ahead of her time; concerning the roles of a woman in her day. She is the woman I most admire. She was as tough as a pine knot and could "when needed" be gentle. My sisters "Judy" & "Donna" have her fire. I was her shadow for many years during my childhood.
I loved to comb her hair with her pick; I don't believe it had ever been cut. It was thick & black; hanging well below her backside. I begged her to wear her hair down; but she just laughed at me and put it up sticking her pins in it and then putting a scarp on that she wore over it. I've always thought it was a shame that no one ever got to see how beautiful her hair was.
My grandmother stood I think about 5'4. She was a small framed woman with blue eyes and not very big at all. She had tiny narrow feet; she only wore a 4 1/2 size shoe. She liked to wear a shoe that laced up, and they were hard to find; because of style changes.
She told me about how she had worked in town and lived in a boarding house on Hinshaw Street; I believe she worked in a hosiery mill. It was sometime before her marriage. She said she drove; I'm not sure how much she drove; probably just a short way.
She told me many stories about her childhood and things that had happened. One story was about a grandmother that had red hair; the family was burning off a field and her dress caught on fire and she died from the burns she received. I can't recall the grandmother's name.
Granny also told me about a woman on Cane Creek who was trapped in her house by a mountain lion on her roof. When the woman was finally checked on she had lost her mind.
There were so many stories. She was a wonderful storyteller; she could have made a living at it.
I loved to help and watch her in the kitchen. Her kitchen was almost as large as the living room. She cooked for years on a wood stove. She had a whole system for making biscuits. She had a cabinet for just that purpose. Her biscuits were perfect and as big as a cats head. I've never tasted a biscuit by anyone that could compare to hers.
She would make stack pies. The pie crust was rolled out very thinly; the filling put in and then baked; layer upon layer it would grow. She would take the simplest of ingredients and make delicious meals.
My grandmother was quite superstitious; she was always aware of signs that meant something to her. My sisters "Janie" & "Jeanie" went over the hill to Leonies spring. They were just exploring as often we kids did there; when they saw a lizard. I believe just the tail. They were so excited they ran to granny and told her what they had seen. They described the lizard as orange with brown spots. She looked at them with concern and said "You didn't look it in the eye did you?" "I don't think so granny." "Well" "It's a good thing you didn't, because you would be dead before dawn tomorrow morning". They were scared for days that they were going to die. It's a good thing they didn't look it in the eye!
As my grandmother grew older; the family took turns going over and helping her every day for whatever need she had. She was still able to get around and do things; she just needed some help. As granny's health started to fail; she was bedridden for a short time. I visited with her during this period; as she lay in her bed, she was very despondent. She said to me "she wanted to be with grandpa" and "what good am I laying in this bed". My grandmother had been so active all of her life; this was very hard on her. I reassured her that everything would be alright. I don't think it was much comfort to her; she was ready to go. I don't know how much time had passed; my sisters "Janice", "Janie" & "Jeanie" took turns with the rest of the family to stay with her at night. On this night it was "Jeannie's" turn. "Janice" & "Janie" were over at the house to see "Granny" before going to work. "Granny" told "Janie" that she loved her, but this would be the last time; she would not be here in the morning. "Janie" of course said "Granny" I'll see you tomorrow. "No Janie" "I won't be here tomorrow, Can't you see your "Grandpa" he's waiting for me at the foot of the bed".
Upon the next day "Granny" was gone. "Grandpa" was there to greet her. Frankly, I don't think "Grandpa's" spirit ever left the house until "Granny" was ready to go with him. Grandpa guided her to the other side; with "Ivan" in her arms once again.
By: Debbie Absher - Granddaughter of "Nora Isadoe Felts Absher (2017)
(Debbie Absher daug of Jimmy Ray Absher son of Nora Isadoe Felts Absher daug of John Columbus Felts son of William Jasper Felts son of Joel Felts son of John Felts son of Aaron P Felts son of William Felts)
I have a tree on "Ancestry" named "On The Waters of Halls & Mulberry Creek."
Memories are made through our families; parents, brothers, sisters, children and the many relationships we form; as the journey continues throughout our lifetime. Some to be lost and others to be passed down for generations.
We often come to a better understanding of who our family members are and were; reflecting on how precious those memories become. We mourn them when they are gone; put flowers upon the grave and miss them in our sorrow. A stone is placed with the birth and death engraved, marking the time spent on this earth.
By: Debbie Absher (2015)
____________
My grandmother "Nora Isadoe Felts" was the 6th child & oldest daughter of "John Columbus & Virginia Wagoner Felts". She was born 27 September 1905. She never liked her middle name; but I told her "that was her Indian name Is-A-Doe"; I commented to her "that was what her mother saw after she was born". She just looked at me and said "There is no Indian in my family".
In the 1910 census the family lives in the "Walnut Grove Township, Wilkes, NC. "John age 36 "& "Virginia Felts age 37" have 8 children, "William "Con" Felts age 15" "Lonnie Edgar Felts age 13" "James Everette Felts age 11" "John Winfrey Felts age 9" Owen Elmore Felts age 7" "Nora Isadoe Felts age 5" "Bessie Mae Felts age 3" & "Earl Harrison Felts age 8 months.
By the 1920 census the household consist of 10 people. "John age 46" & Virginia age 47". The family still lives in "Walnut Grove, Wilkes, NC. Their sons "William "Con" Felt"s married "Flora Ellen Absher" my grandfather's sister in 1913; and " Lonnie Edgar Felts" married "Lurie Geneva Hays" in 1917. John" & "Virginia's children at home were "James Everette age 20" "John Winfrey age 18" Owen Elmore age 16" my grandmother "Nora Isadoe Felts age 14" "Bessie Mae age 12" "Earl Harrison age 10" "Vonnie Slyvester age 8" & "Hattie Belle age 6".
The 1930 census records the family in "Walnut Grove", Wilkes, NC. "John & Virginia's" son "James Everette" married my grandfather's niece "Cordelia" in "1921". "Cordelia" was the daughter of "Coy Alonzo Absher" son of "Dan & Martha Ellen Billings Absher". Their son "Owen Elmore" had married "Zura Belle Handy" in January of 1930. "John & Virginia's" children at home were "John Winfrey age 28" "Nora Isadoe age 24" "Earl Harrison age 20" "Vonnie Slyvester age 18" & "Hattie Belle age 16".
On 21 December 1930 "William "Con" Felts my grandmother's brother age 35, dies of "Labored Pneumonia" cause of death on death certificate.
My grandmother "Nora" or "Norie" Felts as she was known was 28 years of age at the time of her marriage around the year 1933 to my grandfather "Raymond Council Absher" who was 32 years of age. My grandmother was probably considered a spinster before her marriage. They lived in a small house on the hill on the other side of the creek where my grandfather grew up in the Mulberry Community on Halls Creek. You could see the old family home of my grandfather from where they lived. My grandparents were a perfect compliment to one another; what one lacked the other had in abundance.
Also in the year of 1933 my grandmother's sister "Hattie Belle Felts" married "Rom" Cronnie Romulus Absher who was "nephew" of my grandfather (Rom was the son of Oliver Filmore Absher who was born in 1883 son of "Dan & Martha Billings Absher".
By the 1940 census "Norie age 35" & "Ramie age 38", have 3 children. "Martha Virginia" or "Jenny" as she was known, age 5, Jimmy Ray Absher or "Jim" as he is known, age 3, and J.D. Absher, age 1. They live in the same home "that they own" as when they married. They live in the Mulberry Township, Wilkes, NC. "Norie" is listed as wife and her highest grade completed was 6th grade.
"Norie" & "Ramie" have "Ivan Columbus Absher" 21 Oct 1941. Ivan was born in the Walnut Grove township. The "Walnut Grove Township" is where my grandmother's family lived. "Ivan" was 2 months & 27 days old at the time of his death 18 Jan 1942 in the Walnut Grove Township, Wilkes, NC. On Ivan's death certificate it is stated that he died from "Colitis" & something like "Colic". My grandmother said he was covered in hives and "that is what she thought he died from". My grandfather is listed as the funeral director on the death certificate. They buried their little son "Ivan" in the Cane Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Ivan's death was a tragic event for the family; and my grandparents never got over it; but they knew they would see "Ivan" in heaven.
If my grandfather "Ramie" was the heart of the family my grandmother was its strength. Unlike an Oak; which can break in gusting winds and with other disasters may wither and die. No..... she was more like a Willow, willing to bend and reluctant to break; that sustains itself and recovers even though it would seem impossible that it could do so. Swayed by unseen forces, her fortitude coming up from within; she would bough like a Willow's branch challenged by circumstances and then bounce back unscathed.
When "Ivan" died, her spirit was broken by the weight of her pain. She was so stricken by grief, she took to her bed and did not get up for several weeks. This tragedy was to great for the resilient willow.
My grandmother, like a Willow; torn and tattered by a storm; swept away by rough waters; eventually took root once again and renewed her life. Her place in her family was secure and only waiting for her return. My grandmother did not have a picture of "Ivan" but kept a little gown he wore in a dresser bureau. That little gown was kept there until my grandmother's death.
She was an industrious, resourceful woman, quick witted and at times sharp tongued. If she told me to do something, I did it without question.
She possessed a good sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes. Once when I was growing up; we went blackberry picking; as we often did when the blackberries were ripe and juicy, hanging off the vines. I was probably about 11 years of age. My grandmother and I would put on galoshes over the pants she had stuffed full of leaves along with a shirt done in a similar fashion; tied at the wrist so the leaves would not come out. That was done in case a snake, we did not see, bit one of us. He would only get his fangs into the leaves and not into the flesh. Snakes love to hang around blackberry thickets; along with the animals that are their food source, that also feed on the blackberries. With our hats on our heads we would walk down the road to a place where the blackberries were in abundance; filling gallon pails to the brim. As we were busily picking. The berries staining our fingers; my grandmother looked down and saw such a sight she rolled with laughter. She just pointed down and at our feet was a terrapin (turtle) tucked somewhat under the vines. His head was outstretched and completely purple down his neck along with part of his shell and feet. He had been feasting on and enjoying the berries as much as we were. We were both giggling.
She loved to tell us ghost stories especially if the power had gone off. Once it was really pouring rain, the sky was black and the thunder was loud and lighting was blazing up the darkness. The triplets were attentively listening to grandpa telling a scary ghost story at the kitchen table. While they were listening to grandpa; they did not notice granny had left the room; she had quietly gone out the living room door which you could not see from the table in the kitchen. The next thing they know grandpa pointed to the window and all they saw was a black figure with its arms outstretched looking in close to the pane of the window. (Unbeknownst to them granny had put her black fur coat over her head and all you could see was a black opening in the coat.) They screamed in terror! Granny quickly came into the house through the kitchen door and both granny and grandpa were bursting with laughter. They got them good!
I believe she was ahead of her time; concerning the roles of a woman in her day. She is the woman I most admire. She was as tough as a pine knot and could "when needed" be gentle. My sisters "Judy" & "Donna" have her fire. I was her shadow for many years during my childhood.
I loved to comb her hair with her pick; I don't believe it had ever been cut. It was thick & black; hanging well below her backside. I begged her to wear her hair down; but she just laughed at me and put it up sticking her pins in it and then putting a scarp on that she wore over it. I've always thought it was a shame that no one ever got to see how beautiful her hair was.
My grandmother stood I think about 5'4. She was a small framed woman with blue eyes and not very big at all. She had tiny narrow feet; she only wore a 4 1/2 size shoe. She liked to wear a shoe that laced up, and they were hard to find; because of style changes.
She told me about how she had worked in town and lived in a boarding house on Hinshaw Street; I believe she worked in a hosiery mill. It was sometime before her marriage. She said she drove; I'm not sure how much she drove; probably just a short way.
She told me many stories about her childhood and things that had happened. One story was about a grandmother that had red hair; the family was burning off a field and her dress caught on fire and she died from the burns she received. I can't recall the grandmother's name.
Granny also told me about a woman on Cane Creek who was trapped in her house by a mountain lion on her roof. When the woman was finally checked on she had lost her mind.
There were so many stories. She was a wonderful storyteller; she could have made a living at it.
I loved to help and watch her in the kitchen. Her kitchen was almost as large as the living room. She cooked for years on a wood stove. She had a whole system for making biscuits. She had a cabinet for just that purpose. Her biscuits were perfect and as big as a cats head. I've never tasted a biscuit by anyone that could compare to hers.
She would make stack pies. The pie crust was rolled out very thinly; the filling put in and then baked; layer upon layer it would grow. She would take the simplest of ingredients and make delicious meals.
My grandmother was quite superstitious; she was always aware of signs that meant something to her. My sisters "Janie" & "Jeanie" went over the hill to Leonies spring. They were just exploring as often we kids did there; when they saw a lizard. I believe just the tail. They were so excited they ran to granny and told her what they had seen. They described the lizard as orange with brown spots. She looked at them with concern and said "You didn't look it in the eye did you?" "I don't think so granny." "Well" "It's a good thing you didn't, because you would be dead before dawn tomorrow morning". They were scared for days that they were going to die. It's a good thing they didn't look it in the eye!
As my grandmother grew older; the family took turns going over and helping her every day for whatever need she had. She was still able to get around and do things; she just needed some help. As granny's health started to fail; she was bedridden for a short time. I visited with her during this period; as she lay in her bed, she was very despondent. She said to me "she wanted to be with grandpa" and "what good am I laying in this bed". My grandmother had been so active all of her life; this was very hard on her. I reassured her that everything would be alright. I don't think it was much comfort to her; she was ready to go. I don't know how much time had passed; my sisters "Janice", "Janie" & "Jeanie" took turns with the rest of the family to stay with her at night. On this night it was "Jeannie's" turn. "Janice" & "Janie" were over at the house to see "Granny" before going to work. "Granny" told "Janie" that she loved her, but this would be the last time; she would not be here in the morning. "Janie" of course said "Granny" I'll see you tomorrow. "No Janie" "I won't be here tomorrow, Can't you see your "Grandpa" he's waiting for me at the foot of the bed".
Upon the next day "Granny" was gone. "Grandpa" was there to greet her. Frankly, I don't think "Grandpa's" spirit ever left the house until "Granny" was ready to go with him. Grandpa guided her to the other side; with "Ivan" in her arms once again.
By: Debbie Absher - Granddaughter of "Nora Isadoe Felts Absher (2017)
(Debbie Absher daug of Jimmy Ray Absher son of Nora Isadoe Felts Absher daug of John Columbus Felts son of William Jasper Felts son of Joel Felts son of John Felts son of Aaron P Felts son of William Felts)
I have a tree on "Ancestry" named "On The Waters of Halls & Mulberry Creek."
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