Pauline Norris Warren

Pauline "Polly" Norris Warren. She is a 91 year old Mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother. She has nurtured and loved her family for over 3/4th of a century while sharing a smile and a family story or 2.
Polly entered this world in Spartanburg SC during March of the year 1919. The daughter of William Howard and Hattie Mae Russell Norris. She was welcomed into this world by a brother, Wint Norris, maternal uncle Rob Russell and a maternal grandmother Harriet Lindsey Russell.(Harriet is the same Harriet Lindsey in the previous posted stories. Daughter of Reuben and Sarah Beasley Lindsey)

Polly married Robert Bates Warren. They were blessed with 4 children Norma, Becki,Ronnie and Jerry.


My favorite memory of Grandma Polly is when she was going to take her driver's test. She had been practising and we kept bugging so she let all of us grandkids jump in the back of the car. There must have been about 7 or 8 of us in the backseat. Kids sitting on older kid's laps and the shortest ones standing up. Uncle Jerry was in the front passenger side and Polly backed up the car and then started going forward.The car kept jerking and all of us kids kept laughing. What fun!

We made it about a block and the door swung open. All of us kids had to walk back to Grandma Polly's house. I guess we shouldn't have laughed (it was fun) and it wasn't suppose to jerk (clutch) But what a memory!

Get Ready for a Change- A series of blogs on our family members.

We are changing streams- I want to introduce you to some of the more recent members of our family.
If you know this person please add your favorite memory or a comment on why that person is special.

Don't be surprised if the living or "not long left us" family member reminds you of an ancestor you have met on this site.

Secrets the Mountains held

Lewis Sawyer has had to live a hard life but things were changing now. The government still had the Indian bounty. If a Indian was found living on white man's land, the government paid a $25 per head bounty. There was 3 of them no good injuns and Lewis was determined to collect it.

Lewis was heading to Waynesville to notify the authorities about his find. It had happened on the night of Old Lady Hubbard's 100th. He was seating next to the door listening to the music when he saw the teenage girl walk over to greet her mother and grandmother. People were talking to them like they was white folks. Did no one know about the injun bounty? He watched them as the 2 women talked to Old lady Hubbard and others. They did not stay long as the grandmother Treadaway tired easy at her age. Checking around, Lewis found out that they were called the Treadaways and lived a few miles down they path behind Reuben Beasley's house. Lewis kept quiet about the bounty that night but at first light he set out for the authorities to report them outlaws and get his right reward!
*********************************

Mary Minerva had finished her morning chores and was sitting in the kitchen with her mother and grandmother having Sunday prayers and study.
All three heard the horses and wagon pulling towards their house. After all of these years of living here so peaceful they didn't think for a second of what was coming their way. "Mom there are soldiers out there" May Minerva whispered to her Mom.
"Mary Minerva I want you to walk towards the barn while I talk to them and ring the bell loud and hard"

Martha Threadaway walked out of their small house and talked to the head solider.
"Mam You know why we are here. You aren't supposed to be here. How many of you are there?
"My Mother and daughter and myself"
The barn bell rang clear and loud. Within minutes Reuben Beasley and 2 of his sons where there and they were followed by Reuben Lindsay and his sons Jim and William.

The men spoke with the solider but there was no mistaking the Treadaways were full blooded Indians. That they have lived here for so long without being spotted the lieutenant was surprised. Little did he know that warning was going out all across the area so hopefully no others will be taken.

The Treadaways were able to take their personal belongings with them. As the wagon was pulling away with The family, Harriet Lindsay rode up full force on horse back.
Harriet's face was wet from the tears streaming down her face. When the lieutenant saw Harriet jump into the wagon to hold the teenage indian girl , he stopped. For even he could see the pain in the girls eyes.

"We have to go, Harriet, there is no way around it." Mary Minerva was removing her bracelet" I want you to keep this bracelet and remember us. I am Indian and proud of it and this Indian Bracelet will be a reminder of how wrong Indians are still being treated.

Whistling Jim pulled his sister out of the wagon. "It is time Harriet."

The Beasleys and Lindsays waved to their neighbors. They returned to tell Julia Hubbards that the Treadaways were gone.

Julia remembered back to the time her husband John and other neighbors were rushing into the woods and mountains to help set up places for the Indian neighbors to hide.

NOTE: Mary Minerva’s bracelet is still in the hands of our family.(5 generations later)

It's not everyday we celebrate a 100th birthday!

Sarah was instructing Josphine on why there are rules to follow in life.


"Josie, You follow our rules because you are the child and that's just the way it is!Children follow their parents' and God's rules."



"Just wait until I tell daddy!" The 9 year old screamed out. Josie rushed outside planning on finding her father and let him know what his wife is up to. (When Josie was in the mitts of a temper tantrum, she could care less that his wife was also her mother)



"Harriet and Mary Minerva can you finish supper while I calm Josie?" Harriet and Mary Minerva both chorused "Yes Mam" Both were such pleasant girls. They had grown up together since the threadways' farm was located between the Beasley and Lindsay's farm.



The Threadways family consisted of Mary Minerva's mother and eilderly grandmother. The father and grandfather had passed on years ago and all of the neighbors had a fondness for and kept an eye on this family. Sarah pleasantly recall while watching the 15 year old best friends. But enough time for pleasantries and back to Josie.....



Sarah always tried to calm herself before addressing on of Josie's outbursts. Josie was the ill tempered child , since the accident. Before, Josie was a high spirited 6 year old. A little Sarah everybody had called her. The Lord always has the plan but the reason for the riding accident and the total change in Josie was hard to reason.





Sarah saw that Josie was strongly relaying the earlier events to her father.





"Josie, You don't talk to your momma like that" Her daddy reassured her"You have rules to follow just like everyone else" Why don't we go for a walk N talk?

Walking with her daddy by the creek was her favorite thing in the world! It always made her feel like the princess of the world. Today was the same, both were singing at the top of their lungs when the neared home. Reuben leaned down to Josie to remind her she owed her ma an apology.

"I am sorry Ma" "Alright Josie, supper's ready let's get to it"


The next morning brought a busy day. After the morning chores, Sarah turned to icing the cake for today's big celebration. To have the chance to celebrate a 100th bithday is not a normal thing. Which made it even more special!

************************************


The Lindsays pulled into The Beasley farm in a traffic jam. Everybody and their cousin was here to celebrate.
Never seen so many people in my life" whistling Jim exclaimed. Jim took the crate of food off of the wagon. With his 6 ft lanky frame, he was all country boy. Happier soul you never met! His twin sister Mary was tiny and barely 4' 6". But she was the prettiest little thang, Lewis Sawyer had ever saw in his life. The 16 year old Lewis was totin the crate his Ma had packed for this event when his eyes saw the prettiest thang he ever saw. Mary Lindsay!

" Lewis ifin you don't watch where ya agoin, I'l tan your hide" Lewis's attentions jump right up when his pa yelled. Thomas Sawyer was a mean man, most days didn't end without Mrs. Sawyer and her kids getting the blunt end of his temper. He planned on being the jolliest, friendliest man in the mits of his neighbors. "Never knowed what could come out of the special day."he thought to himself.

Make do tables were piled with every kind of food you could think of and lines and lines of them! Every family brought a full meal and a birthday cake to share with neighbors. Everyone had a full belly as the last of the cakes were finished off.



The music was playing and dancing was full force until Julia Hubbard thanked everyone for making her 100th Birthday so special.

Julia was born in the year of 1778 in Lincoln County NC. Seems like a lifetime since she was widowed in 1815 in Haywood County NC. Her beloved husband died at the young age of 26. Right after the birth of their daughter Jane. 100 years holds a lifetime and a half of memories, good and bad , happy and sad and of course sometimes you just hold on!

Mom are you ready to go to bed? Jane asked her Mom.Reuben Beasley was watching his wife and mother in law. He was such a caring son in law and just a plain good man!

"No, I want to watch awhile longer." Julia watched Sarah and Reuben Lindsay dancing. For a minute she say them as her and her husband John. "Life is Good!"


Looking around the room: Mary Minerva and Harriet were laughing so hard at a young girl's joke. Josie was even in good spirits on her great grandmother's 100th. But if a soul had looked at Lewis Sawyer, they would have seen an evil grin directed at Mary Minerva's Mother Martha Threadaway.


Life was good on that July in 1878 but the wonderful world in Macon county was about to change in many many ways.

***************************
There is a saying that bad things come in threes. Sometimes more!






Name:
Rheuben A. Lindsy
Home in 1880:
Cowee, Macon, North Carolina
Age:
34
Estimated birth year:
abt 1846
Birthplace:
North Carolina
Relation to Head of Household:
Self (Head)
Spouse's name:
Sarah E.
Father's birthplace:
South Carolina
Mother's birthplace:
North Carolina
Neighbors:
View others on page
Occupation:
Farmer
Marital Status:
Married
Race:
White
Gender:
Male


Rheuben A. Lindsy
34
Sarah E. Lindsy
35
Harriette E. Lindsy
17
James A. Lindsy
13
Mary E. Lindsy
13
Josephene E. Lindsy
11
William E. Lindsy
9
Nancy C. Lindsy
2

This is 1870 Reuben not the 50s!

“This is 1870 Reuben, not the 50s” Sarah was trying to show her husband that she was a modern woman. And a modern woman can drive herself to town.

“Ain’t fit for a woman to seen in town unescorted. No wife of mine is goin be thought a Jezebel” Reuben gently reminded his wife.

“Oh Reuben!”

Sarah stormed out of the barn. Reuben had turned to the side so she didn’t see the grin on his face. He so loved the high spirit Sarah was blessed with even thought she hasn’t tempered it yet. Of course her big heart and seeing good in everyone kept her temper from appearing most of the time….But when it did :.)


Sarah talked herself down while making the biscuits for supper.
“Guess it don’t matter anyway” It really doesn’t sense we are surrounded by family so always somebody to ride with a woman.

The Lindsay house was a small one bedroom old farm house on her father R Beasley’s land.

They moved in it when they married nearly 7 years ago. Reuben had returned from the war right after his brother had died while serving. Reuben was barely alive when his father Larkin went to collect him in Asheville that Feb 1862. The fever had taken a lot out of Reuben and took his ma Rachel and Sarah most of a year to get his strength back to normal.

Reuben worked hard on his father in law farm while farming their own section of land and raise livestock to feed their young family. Wasn’t much money anywhere after the war but they were always fed. That made them blessed when so many had lost so much.

Sarah was the happy homemaker with their own home but surrounded by family and friends. The good Lord blessed them first with a daughter Harriet in 1864. Then 1867 with twins James and Mary. By 3 James was slim but tall for his age while his sister was short and tiny. “ No One would ever think they were twins ifin they they didn’t know.

The baby was one years old now and starting to pull up , ready to take off. Double stockings were used to keep her feet ready for walking. and thick cloth diapers cushioned her bottom if she landed on that part.

Sarah’s younger sister Leticia was a close friend in those days. Leticia was a sturdy hard working girl in her teens. All the farming wives were the same in that respect. Toting big bushels of seed or loading and unloading bales of hay was never given a second thought as during the war women had to do her share and more and no time to figure out how not to. You just did it and got it done.

On Saturday morning The Lindsays loaded in the wagon with Sarah’s special dishes. The Masons had suffered the loss of their barn from a fire the week before. In those days, no insurance was needed. Your neighbors has a barn raising. That was an occasion for neighbors to gather. Build the barn , men socialized, women cooked and discussed life and the children played and had a good time. A happy time by all. What good eating too.

This day was no differ, Plenty of rabbits and squirrels were stewed with potatoes, onions and beans. Finishing off the meals were some of the best breads and pies ever baked.
The barn raising was also a good way for the teenagers to keep in contact. Wasn’t too long ago that one of the neighborhood gatherings was a scene for Sarah and Reuben’s courting or seemed more like “fireworks”





------------------------------------------------------------------------------



1870 Census







R A Lindsay
Birth Year:
abt 1843
Age in 1870:
27
Birthplace:
North Carolina
Home in 1870:
Cowee, Macon, North Carolina
Race:
White
Gender:
Male
Value of real estate:
View image
Post Office:
Franklin




R A Lindsay
27
Sarah A Lindsay
27
Harriett A Lindsay
6
James A Lindsay
3
Minetta Lindsay
3
Isabella J Lindsay
1








Reuben Beasley
Birth Year:
abt 1813
Age in 1870:
57
Birthplace:
South Carolina
Home in 1870:
Cowee, Macon, North Carolina
Race:
White
Gender:
Male
Value of real estate:
View image
Post Office:
Franklin








Reuben Beasley
57
Jone Beasley
55
Luvada Beasley
34
Letta C Beasley (Leticia)
14
Tolap Hibbard (Jane's Mother Julia Hubbard)
92
T M Beasley
16

Sarah Beasley's Life is put on hold...June 20, 1861

George Lindsay had enjoyed working on the Hubbard farm for the past year but duty calls and as a man he has to answer. The Hubbards hated seeing George leave but hoped he would be back soon.

George walked into his parent's kitchen, His Mom Rachel was completing her task at hand on the wood stove. The normally robust woman was eerily quiet.

The 44 year year old woman had a happy life but lots of work and life had taken a toll on the once raven haired beauty.Tomorrow was adding 20 more years to her.

Finally she spoke "George ring the bell"

Within moments Larkin and his son Reuben were washing on the back porch for the noon meal. Larkin was a good man but ruled the farm with stern rules and his wife Rachel ruled the house the same way. But don't be mistaken the love flowed.
The table was packed with the large Lindsay family joining together. Rachel was heavy with child that day but her concern was over her older boys.
Rachel looked at George, William and Reuben. At 23,22 and 19 they still had the childhood enthusiasm but thought they were grown. None married but Reuben sure is taken with that Beasley girl. Of course none of that would matter after tomorrow.

The Lindsay household, were early risers and this morning was not any different in that respect. The girls' normal chores were feeding, milking and gathering eggs then finished off with house chores. The field work was tackled by the male folks until harvesting then the women joined in. That changes today!
After the chores,the boys were met at the front door with the whole family.Saying good bye to 3 sons heading to join the war was hard. Larkin and Rachel had to face difficult times before but nothing like this.

The family prayer that day was for the safe return of all 3.Larkin knew with the boys serving together in the same unit that they could help each other and gave them a good chance of returning.
George her first born was the last to let go of his mom's embrace. Reuben was saying good bye to Sally (Sarah) Beasley while William was listening to his father's words of advice. The 3 brothers smiled at each other and jumped on the back of the wagon already loaded with other young men. The wagon was headed for Franklin in Macon County NC. The enlisting post was there on this day...June 20th, 1861....The day that the young boys were leaving their innocence, love ones and their only known existence. They were just farmers but in a few hours they would be soldiers. Time of war every body's life changed!
The last day of the year was a day Rachel would never forget. She was nursing her new born daughter when Larkin gave her the news their son George would not be returning. The whole community grieved but were proud of George Lindsay!


*********************************************************************************
Name: R A Lindsay
Residence: Macon County, North Carolina
Occupation: Farmer
Age at Enlistment: 19
Enlistment Date: 20 Jun 1861
Rank at enlistment: Private
Enlistment Place: Macon County, NC
State Served: North Carolina
Survived the War?: Yes
Service Record: Enlisted in Company H, North Carolina 16th Infantry Regiment on 20 Jun 1861.
Mustered out on 06 Feb 1862.

Birth Date: abt 1842
Sources: North Carolina Troops 1861-65, A Roster

George Lindsay
Residence: Macon County, North Carolina
Occupation: Farmer
Enlistment Date: 20 Jun 1861
Enlistment Place: Macon County, North Carolina
Side Served: Confederacy
State Served: North Carolina
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 20 June 1861 at the age of 20.
Enlisted in Company H, 16th Infantry Regiment North Carolina on 20 Jun 1861.
Died Company H, 16th Infantry Regiment North Carolina on 16 Dec 1861 at Staunton, VA.







Name: William Lindsay
Residence: Macon County, North Carolina
Occupation: Farmer
Enlistment Date: 20 Jun 1861
Enlistment Place: Macon County, North Carolina
Side Served: Confederacy
State Served: North Carolina
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 20 June 1861 at the age of 22.
Enlisted in Company H, 16th Infantry Regiment North Carolina on 20 Jun 1861

Your happiness is your decision!

Your happiness is totally your decision. Others may try to influence your state of mind but You have to LET them. Choose happiness, peace and don't accept any less!

Who says this? I do from 50 years of life! It is true! And You deserve it!

Sarah Beasley

Working a farm in the 1860s took from dawn to dusk and then some. Add a large family to that and the work eases a bite but grows in other ways. Kids to raise, keep dressed and taught farm work. The 3 Rs were taught if the Parents knew them. If a settlement was lucky enough to had a school room and had a teacher…..Schooling took time and a family farm didn’t have any extra.
The Beasley Family in Macon Co NC was one of those family farms. With over 100 acres and 5 daughters and 1 son left Reuben and his wife Jane with nary a second to themselves. Daughters are great on the house work and tending growing youngins but takes twice the time to handle the heavy weight tasks.
Sarah Beasley was as gangly and emotional as the normal 17 year old girl. That’s as far as the normalcy went. With her blonde hair and blue eyes she was a stunning, intriguing specimen but her fun spirit and good heart made her the center of attention Pleasing to the eye and lots of good hearty laughter.
Sarah was nearing the end of barn cleaning. And singing to the top of her lungs. The soul sings when happiness rings. Having half a day of chores today was a rarity. She was lucky to accompany her grandmother Julia Hubbard on a visit to Elijah and Ruth Caler Hubbard this afternoon.

Elijah and Ruth Hubbard were overjoyed to spend afew hours with his mother Julia and niece Sarah. Elijah’s recent 57th birthday was still a topic of discussion on this day, as was the hiring of a new farm hand. With the only help being his wife Ruth who was nearing 60, Elijah was quick to accept the services of George Lindsay.
The tall 20 year old helper was as hard a worker as could be asked for. George’s character was never in question as he was the son of Larkin and Rachel Lindsay. The Lindsays were a local and well respected farming family.

The possible work arrangement was brought to the attention of Elijah by William Beasley, Reuben’s oldest son. Young William Beasley and his family lived a few
farms up from the Lindsay Farm and knew the Lindsay patriarch, Larkin had plenty of farm hands with his large family and George wanted to save for a house of his own one day. So the neighbor grapevine was again the solution to a problem. Elijah needing strong arms to help his farm and George needing work. Pass it on it was solved..
George Lindsay was coming in from the fields that afternoon when he saw The buggy carrying Old Widow Hubbard and Sarah Beasley. A quick jerk backwards of the head was all time allowed and all needed. That simple action spoke volumes- How youins doin? God be with youins? And See again soon.

George’s thoughts turned back to the last time he saw Sarah. For the past year when his brother Reuben and Sarah were within yelling distance fireworks exploded.
The calm and collected Reuben was a smooth talker. His words and charm paved his way. Except when Sarah Beasley was around. She got his ire up just by breathing. Neither could put it in words since descent Folks don’t argue in public. The chemistry between them was understood by all except Reuben and Sarah. Time will tell…..


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Notes: You can find Sarah and her family on the Macon Co NC 1860 census. George Lindsay is documented as living with his family and Elijah Hubbard (misspelled Hibbards) Don’t peek at the 1870 census until the next the next segment.

Without the neighbor grapevine, this country would not have grown and survived. If a man thought, planned and cared only about himself and his family. He would have perished! That was the way in the NC mountains in that day and still runs true today. If another needs help, you never falter in your help, that’s the way ………

You can find Sarah and her family on the Macon Co NC 1860 census. George Lindsay is documented as living with his family and Elijah Hubbard (misspelled Hibbards) Don’t peek at the 1870 census until the next the next segment.

Name: Sarah E Beasly
Age in 1860: 17
Birth Year: abt 1843
Birthplace: Macon
Home in 1860: Tennessee Valley, Macon, North Carolina
Gender: Female
Post Office: Franklin
Name: Reuben Lindsey
Age in 1860: 16
Birth Year: abt 1844
Birthplace: Macon
Home in 1860: Cowee, Macon, North Carolina
Gender: Male
Post Office: Franklin

1850 Macon County NC Census

Name Age
Reuben Beasley
37
Jane Beasley
33
William Beasley
18
Lucinda Beasley
16
John Beasley
14
Charles Beasley
12
Sally Beasley (Sarah)
8
Joseph Beasley
6
Nancy Beasley
5
Ruth Beasley
0
Eleanor Childers
3
Jaila Hibbards
62


1860 Macon County NC Census
Dwelling 476 Family 488

Reuben Beasly

49
Jane Beasly
46
Lucinda Beasly
23
Sarah E Beasly
17
Joseph M Beasly
14
Nancy T Beasly
12
Letty C Beasly
5
Jabah Hibbards
80

Dwelling 467 Family 479
Elijah Hibbards
56
Ruth Hibbards
60
George Lindsey
20

Dwelling 770 Family 786

Son of Reuben Beasley
William J Beasley




27
Rhoda Beasley
27
Agnus J Beasley
8
Joseph M Beasley
6
Ruben A Beasley
4
Sarah L Beasley
2
Nancy L Beasley
4/12

Dwelling 774 Family 790
Larkin Lindsey
45
Rachael Lindsey
40
George J Lindsey
20
William E Lindsey
18
Reuben Lindsey
16
Sarah A Lindsey
14
Margaret R Lindsey
12
Ruth A Lindsey
10
Charlotte K Lindsey
3
Arty M Lindsey
1
Mary J Lindsey
8
Louisa Lindsey
6
Letta E Lindsey
5

First photo is courtesy of:

Image: Marc Aert / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

All remining photos are the property of Real Mountain Women and can not be copied or reproduced without written permission.


See you-ins soon!

What makes Mountain women?

Let me tell you alittle of me and where I come from.
My family moved to the NC Mountains before 1845.I am proud of my ancestors and that I have their blood and even their stubbornness as part of who I am.
The mountain life was a hard one.
Raising crops and livestock on a mountain side, with enough rocks in the fields to build a potato house. Harvest and preserve enough food (crops and livestock)for the winter season and part of the spring season. Tending to and Harvesting a full supply of herbs and natural supplies.
This treasure is for all illnesses and injuries for family and neighbors as needed.
You didn't run to the doctor when a baby was comin, a farming accident occurred,illness was circulating, the croup was torturing your child, grandma was suffering with the joint aches or a love one's death was slow and painful. The hunters were facing possible death everytime they ventured into the wilderness to trap or shot wild animals. For that matter they all were possibly steps away from death.
But there were good times. Music, dances, storytelling,talking with friends and neighbors,children playing, teenagers turning into adults, joining for preaching at the small country church (even when you have to mitt and fess)not to mention gathering for family events and holidays.The food , oh my goodness the food!

The family stories from hundreds of years ago are passed down to know of their lives and the events that made them, what they were. And us what we are! We were raised up knowing the men and women in our family were tough and strong, had to be to survive. Knowing we are tough and strong, that is who we are!
Mountain life is still hard. With 18 inches of snow, hiking down the icy steep side of the mountain to get our goat back to safety, feeding the animals when every muscle in your body is aching for rest,melting snow because electric out for 2 weeks (oh yeah the water from the snow is for the animals), walking into the house at night and turn to see why the dogs are going crazy to see the biggest bear I have even seen in these parts within spitting distance (and then crying when I heard it was killed in a car accident). There is so much I want to share with you, but that takes time right?

If I am not boring you, come back for a visit real soon. I will have the coffee pot steaming, hand-me-down recipes to share, listening to your cares and worries and the stories and gossip flowing.(You might not know my neighbors but you will before long :.)

Come Back soon now, ya'll hear!

Words to Remember New Year's Day 2010

Be known for your heart, your kindness and your kind works. I will try to encourage you on your journey. Please do the same for me. Thanks

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” quote by Audrey Hepburn