Issuu

Kentucky River

Vol. VII, No. 7

July 1981

J U L Y - THE MONTH OF “INDEPENDENCE” FOR THOSE WITHIN REACH

from th e

E D ITO R ’S desk

It is kind of interesting that, out of the furor and disbelief and shock that followed the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II, the most profound statement came from the leader of Jewish Israel; “ If this can hap pen, anything can happen,” said Menachem Begin. That is, if a man who commands no armies, makes no political decisions, is the chief of no secular state of significance, and who preaches continually of peace and human love and brotherhood can be targeted by an assassin - then violent attacks on leaders of any kind, for any reason are entirely possible. The Jewish people are in general, and Israel in par ticular, only too familiar with being targets of violent acts. But they have always retained enough of a “ world view” so they can see the utter madness of it when directed at a gentile religious

leader of John Paul’s pacifistic reputation. When asked myself about the attempt on the Pope, my im mediate response was, sure, it was inevitable that someone try for him. Some people were a little taken aback by this, but it really seems quite logical. The in dividuals involved in such attem pts may mouth garbled political rationales, but their actions are usually well beyond what could be rational political motivation. At some point in life they probably delved into or were exposed to some form of radical, revolutionary politics (more probably impressed by some strong, father-figure proponent of same), but by the time they ac tually pull the trigger, life has become a stage and they are only an actor on it. President Lin coln’s assassin is the near-perfect example of this personality, “ acting out” a self-scripted role. The “ cause” is totally irrelevant as with Eric Hoffer’s The True Believer because they have created an im aginary audience, imaginary stage, and imaginary heroic deed. Unfortunately, their target and their weapon are not imaginary. When you have sufficient such

THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE H F W ., The A ppalachian Monthly CHRISTIAN APPALACHIAN PROJECT Chief Editor-Reverend Beiting Editor-Jack Little Kentucky River Soundings is Asst. Editor-Jean Brown published monthly by the Christian Appalachian Project Subscriptions-Sheila Helton Production-Alton Bradley Kentucky River Soundings Lancaster, Kentucky 40446 Collation-Handicapped

Kentucky River

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In This Issue: Permanent Volunteers (< < C

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Camp A J enjoyed by P. 5 Handicapped Part II, P. 6 Home Again From The Sea P. 7 Scholarship Program P. 8 People Really Do Care Reverend Beiting moving EastP. 9 CAP People Address P.10 Chamber of Commerce P .ll Soldier of the Revolution P.12 Selection from ‘‘Fiddler ’’

“ true believers” w andering around the world, there will be assassinations, with or without organizations to support them. Lest we begin to despair and feel that this is something “ new,” let’s remember that people have been poisoning, stabbing, a n c ^ ^ shooting kings, emperors, o th er^ ^ leaders and each other from the beginning of recorded history. Given a Pope who was as ac cessible, and who wanted to be among the people as much as John Paul II, attraction of such an attempt was to be expected. It is wrong to judge such mixed-up people by normal standards, for their minds do not see authority, tradition, respect, or peacefulness as do ordinary people. Perhaps this is why in their wisdom John Paul forgave “ his brother” who had shot him so readily, and President Reagan said, when asked how he felt about his attacker: “ I hope he gets well soon, too. He’s ob viously a very sick young man. ’’

P. 3. P. A

Jack Little Soundings Editor Christian Appalachian Project Lancaster, Kentucky 40446

N E W SP A P E R ’S M IS T A K E , B U T VOLUN T E E R S H O LD M O C K “ W A K E ” FOR R E VEREND B E IT IN G I N H IS OFFICE

A diocesan newspaper recently reversed two photos and captions, showing Reverend Beiting over “Pastor Dies” rather than as “To Deliver Baccalaureate at Berea College. ” Soundings certainly understands how that can happen, and throws no stones. Some CAP Volunteers set up the mock “ Wake” as at upper left in Reverend Beiting’s office, but please be assured he is alive and well as at upper right and did deliver the 1981 Baccalaureate at Berea College.

P E R M A N E N T VOLUNTEERS C O N T IN U IT Y Around the Christian Ap palachian Project one will hear the term “ temps” used, but not therefore the term “perms” as a parallel. “ Tem ps,” , refers to temporary as in temporaryvolunteer. These are the in dividuals who come for several days or several weeks as Volun teers with CAP, and please do not think that we mean in any way that they are less Christian or less effective by this. Their efforts and their presence and the con tinued promise of more visits is much needed and most welcome. We certainly

hope that Soundings has presented an adequate description of the Temporary Volunteer in past issues, and an expression of how critically important they are to many CAP activities. Here, however, without in any way detracting from the con tributions of temporary volun teers, we would like to pay some homage to the Permanent Volun teer. “ P erm anent” actually means a minimum of a one-year commitment to the Christian Ap palachian Project as a Volunteer, but by being here for that long considerable permanency is given

CAP

to various programs. Permanen cy is gained, and CAP is able to do a number of things that would otherwise be extremely expensive and probably impossible, since the perm anent Volunteer is payed only $60.00 a month. For this allowance, above their room and board which is provided, these people give completely of themselves to our efforts to help the needy of Appalachia help themselves. Operations in which they are a mainstay are the Child Develop ment Centers and Elderly Home Visit programs, but their talents, 3

year with CAP as a Permanent presence, and commitment are Volunteer. Though his original felt in a much wider sense, too. intent and desire in coming here Sister Lorraine Sirois has been a from Minnesota was to work in CAP Permanent Volunteer for “ people programs” that CAP several years, working at the Lin has, his talents in automotive coln County Child Development mechanics and photography have Center before becoming director been so heavily exploited that he of the Somerset Center which she can only occasionally do so. But, originated herself. Kate without his ability to lift the hood Weigand is also a Permanent of a vehicle and do his Volunteer and is Director of the mechanical magic, a lot of Lincoln County Child Develop children wouldn’t be picked up, ment Center after working at the the elderly wouldn’t be visited, Garrard County Center for a some trips to the doctor would be unlicensed, but several of the year. The directors of CAP’s cancelled, and groceries would women have commented on how other two Child Development not make it to one pf the CAP great it is to have him around Centers, Kathleen Ford and when such domestic problems Ellen Burke, were both Per arise. We will describe, however, manent Volunteers for several the Building-of-Donavan’s Arc, years before deciding to settle when Pat went to work on a hère and becoming payed staff donated, used river boat and built members. Barbara Witte, who a houseboat out of it for use on a might well be called the Founder of 1000 mile trip down the Ken the Elderly Home Visit Program tucky and Ohio Rivers. That kind in CAP, worked enthusiastically of talent and initiative is what and diligently throughout Rock corporations pay huge salaries castle County for a number of for, and Pat gives it to the years as a Volunteer before Christian Appalachian Project as becoming a payed staff member. a Volunteer. Then there are the ones who We hope this will give you all are not so visible, but who are of an idea of how important these ten actually critical to success or PAT DONOVAN Permanent Volunteers are to failure of various CAP en CAP’s efforts, and also how we Camps. We certainly know that, deavors. One of these is Chuck Chuck, and appreciate it. And are able to do so many things Thompson, who is in his second his self-taught ability with a with the support received. As camera and in a darkroom, as a Paul Harvey related based on an Volunteer, probably saves CAP audit of charities in 1977; “ For several hundred dollars every every dollar reaching the hands of couple of months, which can then the needy through churches, the cost of distribution is 8 cents. For be spent on a “ people program.” every dollar reaching the needy Chuck. Another self-starting, multi through private charities, the talented, not-much-mentioned average cost is 28 cents. For Permanent Volunteer who has every dollar given the needy by been with CAP two years now is the federal government, the cost Pat Donovan, who has become of distribution is T H R E E something of a mainstay at the DOLLARS!!” The so Christian new Somerset operation. We and so unselfish contribution of won’t say too much about elec these Volunteers, in the case of trical wiring, plumbing, etc. CAP, is a big part of what makes CHUCK THOMPSON because Pat is non-union and that possible. 4

C A M P A J’s M O U N T A IN BEA U T Y ENJOYED B Y T H E H AND ICAPPED Early this year, before the big Summer camping schedule got going, several groups of people from Comprehensive Care Cen ters had an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and rustic at mosphere of CAP’s Camp AJ. This is a continuation of a program that the Christian Ap palachian Project started several years ago as a part of the Handi capped Services effort. It is a most welcome break for the clients of the Comp Care Centers, a number of whom are employed in various CAP workshop activities, too, and it makes for fuller utilizaton of the Camp facilities. Three County Centers were represented - Garrard, Lincoln and Boyle - and a number of friendships from the camping ex perience last year were renewed. Just taking walks, through the woods or along the lakeside, seems to be a most enjoyable camping experience for these people. Fortunately, the weather was beautiful for the three days the groups were there and there was plenty of opportunity to be outside strolling around and en joying the mountain beauty. It was early enough in the year that fresh vegetation, wildflowers, and all the related sweet, sweet

smells were there to really add to the atmosphere. A number of people also did some fishing, and got real excited when they’d catch one. Most of the fishing was done from the ear then dam that forms the lake or from along the shore, and the boats and canoes were used just for riding. The lake is not real enjoying the experience of Camp large, and it is fairly easy to keep Andrew Jackson in the summers, an eye on all campers from one of but there is something real several locations, but the Com special about enabling these prehensive Care Center workers people to have that experience, and CAP personnel were careful too. The comprehensive Care to have someone along with any Center personnel work hard at of the groups as they enjoyed the providing interesting experiences weekend. and activities for their clients in The last evening was spent their facilities, but it’s not a very listening to a reading, singing a exciting day-to-day routine there. few songs, and roasting marshSeeing these folks get out and melows in the huge fireplace in around in the open air and sun the dining hall. There was a little shine like they are able to do at sadness about it, it being the last Camp AJ makes any effort on day and all, but it was a very, their behalf well worth while. We very vital experience for those hope that all of our supporters folks, and the workers, too. can appreciate that their help It is always enjoyable to see the makes som ething like this young children of Appalachia possible.

FISHING WAS A NICE WAY TO SPEND THE AFTERNOON

Part II.I I HOM E A G A IN FROM TH E SEA 1 By: Grace H unt Goldsworthy

MRS. GRACEH. GOLDSWORTHY There followed his induction orders, letters from boot camptoo fewr and the last letter before taking ship for the war zone. Under this letter his mother had written, “ now our first real worry b e g an .” Funny, he thought, she never said she was worried. And Dad’s letters were always so matter-of-fact, when he did make the effort to write. The letters from Sis and Mary slowed down pretty soon, but Mom never missed a week - you counted on them. He hadn’t really realized how im portant they were, the link with home. Clyde caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror across the room. Would the sight of him be too great a shock- this taller, older, tougher son? He turned another page and here were interspersed clippings from the local paper giving news from the war-front, pictures of men in action. Stories of his old classmates, several of them gone. Here, centered on a page, his last letter to them. It read: 6

Dear folks; Not much news. We are seeing some action and we hope we are advancing, but its hard to tell. A few have been nicked but I am well and pretty busy. Glad to get your letters- when I do- but mail , is delayed sometimes and then I get a bunch of letters and catch up on the news from home. Don’t worry about me- you may not get my letters very quick because the planes sometimes have a little trouble taking off. I hope everybody at home is well. Glad to hear about Grandpa’s birthday party. The snapshot of him in his paper hat was great. Tell him to write- Dad, too. Goodby now, and thanks for the brownies and sox. Sincerely, Clyde Someone had written below it, ‘‘Clyde ’s last letter ” ... “ Gosh,” he said aloud, as he began to see the war and his ab sence thru their eyes. Life at home had not been as placid as he had imagined. He must have seemed .very far away- and his letters told them so little. What a Chump, he thought. I could have said something- told about the funny things to cheer them upand what I was thinking. Why didn’t I put myself in their place! Well thank goodness, it wasn’t too late. He would make it up to them and maybe they would forgive his thoughtlessness, his selfishness. What had gone before did not prepare him for what followed. For here was the official announce ment that he was missing in ac tion. His mother had written below it, “ This is the most horrible day of my life.” Then a

letter from Chuck, his chum, calling him a “ right guy,” one he’d never forget. Clyde grinned in spite of the mounting tension. He still owes me ten bucks! The next letter was from the Chaplain and phrases stood out, in spite of the mist that obscured parts of it. “ . . . writing with heavy heart. . .long conversations with Clyde about his family, his ambition, his faith. . . Not any words of mine can give consolation to his family. You who have sacrificed, watched him grow to manhood, to have him taken by war. He was without fear, (Gosh, was I!) . . . . I believe Clyde is in a better world. Christians should not m ourn, as without h o p e .” “ M ourn,” he thought. I guess the news that I was missing had been pretty hard to take. For the first time he caught a glimmer of what the suspense, the news of the ship explosion and his sub sequent loss had been to those at home. Again he heard the quiet, heartening voice of the Chaplain. He had thought of him as just doing a job, a professional friend. But he had been more than that. At the bottom of the page a little clipping told of the death of the Chaplain trying to aid men on a burning deck. A great “ Guy!” The man whom he had thought of as vigorously living and serving was gone-while he, Clyde Alden had come back. Would anything in his own life help to compensate for the loss of those who did not return? Was the whole thing wrong; had the strong been taken and the { average-or-less been spared? For what?

“C H R IST IA N SE R V IC E TO TH E C O M M U N ITY” FOR SC H O LARSH IP The Caroline and Roxanna M ontrose Educational Foun dation of Palo Alto, California has again enabled CAP to extend its annual scholarship program to six additional counties of Eastern Kentucky. This is the second year that the generosity of this organization has reached into Appalachia to reward and further encourage educational scholar ship by helping CAP help deserving youngsters of the hill country. Foundation President Robert E. Swank has been most in terested in our overall program as well as scholarship project, and last year personally visited us here in Kentucky when the first grant to aid our scholarships was made. We are unable at this date to list the recipients for 1981, but would hope to have that infor mation by next issue, or surely no later than September-issue time. It is a fairly comprehensive

process, the actual selecting of scholarship recipients, and we would certainly not want to “ rush” anyone. CAP personnel are not actually directly involved in the selection process, but only describe the groundrules, the desirable traits in a scholarship awardee, and provide a processing point for applications. The board which makes the selec tions is made up of local com munity and educational leaders in the respective counties, and we ask that they give special con sideration to “ service” type ac tivities by an applicant. That is, rather than emphasis being solely on academic excellance, or even on that extracurricular activities of any kind, we would prefer that the extracurricular be specifically “ Christian Service to Com munity.” Such service can involve working with the elderly, either in their own homes or in Senior

Citizen centers, church (inter denom inational) charity ac tivities, visiting the ill at home or in hospitals, environm ental cleanup work, etc., etc. The whole idea, of course, is to en courage young people to scholar ship who definitely demonstrate some commitment to their own community as well as academic ability. This way, selfimprovement by young men and women of the area in getting a college education may someday in the future lead to communityimprovement, as these talented and committed people return to their home neighborhoods. Again, this scholarship philosophy is a modified version of the longstanding theme of the Christian Appalachian Project of “ helping people help them selves.” We appreciate the help of our many, many supporters around the country who assist us in this, and the help of this Educational Foundation in ex panding our scholarship effort of the last two years. We’ll report the awards in detail soon. 7

“People Really Do Care” Lew Phillips, Special Projects Coordinator with the Christian Appalachian Project, is a very busy and also a very special per son, working with Home Remodeling for the elderly or anyone in need of such a service. He also takes care of the Scholarship Program which each year gives a scholarship to several deserving students in some 13 counties around the area. Having spent some time with Lew a few days ago I realized to a great ex tent just how special some of his projects really are. Lew introduced me to a family that he had just become ac quainted with a few days before. Having realized that they had some very serious problems, he lost no time in getting his home remodeling crew together and immediately setting out to solve some of the problems for this family. The father had been taken seriously ill with a bone disease after he and his wife had already started construction for their home. The doctor advised him to stop any kind of heavy work at once. His health demanded that he get plenty of rest, and that cer

A HOME FOR A SPECIAL FAMIL Y

tainly meant he would have to eliminate the heavy lifting he had been used to doing on his regular construction job, as well as what to do about finishing the home for his family. They were now living in the house with one of their daughters with three children of her own, and with four more people in the household, you can see why he would be concerned. Lew, understanding the problem, assured the father that he and his crew would be glad to see what they could do to help. This generous offer of help was encouagement to the family, and

L E W PHILLIPS GIVING INSTRUCTIONS TO HOME REMODELING CREW

encouragement meant so much at this critical time in their lives. As I talked with both the father and mother you cotild feel their sense of relief, realizing, as they put it, that “ people really do care.” They had not given up. They were there at the construc tion site doing whatever they could in the way of help. The father explained that “ working what little I can keeps my mind off the almost constant pain that I have.” “ Helping people help them selves.” What fulfillment comes from seeing a family almost in despair turn to a family with smiles on their faces because of hope which people like Lew Phillips can offer thru you Soundings readers and GAP supporters. Lew’s warm friendship and his enthusiasm in helping those who so badly need help is a great asset to the C hristian A p palachian Project. Thanks to your support and prayers he will be able to reach more and more of these needy people who appreciate so much the hope which comes from someone caring just a little.

REVEREN D B E IT IN G M OVING F U R T H E R E A S T IN T O H IL L C O U N TR Y

On a number of occasions cer tain “ experts” have been heard to say something bout how if CAP was truly an Appalachian project, then why didn’t it move eastward into some real hill coun try. Of course, as Soundings has ^ried to point out on numerous occasions, “ Appalachia” is more adequately defined in terms of poverty pockets and despair than in simple geographical terms. CAP has always operated within the geographical outline of what is considered Appalachian by Federal and other agencies, and going any further east - or north or south for that matter, -doesn’t seem really relevant to what our efforts are all about. Now, however, with Reverend Beiting being assigned to Floyd County right over toward the eastern state line of Kentucky, CAP operations will definitely be moving eastward. The central offices and more established operations of the Christian Appalachian Project, of course, will remain where CAP first put down its roots as an in spiration of Reverend Beiting several decades ago. That is, the

counties of Garrard, Lincoln, Madison, Pulaski, Rockcastle, and Jackson - with all the ac tivities there aimed at self-help among the less fortunate of the hill country described in past issues of Soundings - will con tinue to be CAP country. This is where you all who support CAP have seen us begin and grow in so many ways, and we will certainly continue to keep you in formed on that. Now, also, though, we look forward to telling you about some new beginnings in terms of a CAP presence further east. “New” beginnings in terms of a CAP presence there, and with CAP solutions and stimulation of local industry, etc., but we doubt there will be a whole lot “ new” about the problems we find. The Bishop made it clear to Reverend Beiting in discussing the new assignment with him that it is a tough area and, in fact, he (the bishop) just didn’t have another priest who either wanted, or could handle, this remote part of the diocese. T rue to form, Reverend Beiting allowed as how one of the first vows taken as a priest was that of obedience, and if the bishop felt that he was needed there, well then he would cer tainly go. We know that, without a doubt, there will be feelings of uncertainty and separation on the part of both Reverend Beiting and a number of people in the early and principle locations of CAP operations as this reassignment takes place. But it is also of equal certainty that there will be feelings of heightened excitement and expectation, again by all par

ties concerned, in the area of his new assignment. He will carry that excitement that was, and still remains, typical of all that the Christian Appalachian Project is all about on into the more distant reaches of Eastern Kentucky with him. It goes everywhere with him, and has been in Floyd County before on numerous oc casions when Reverend Beiting went through there on summer street-preaching tours. We have mentioned Floyd County several times, but feel quite confident that the extended influence of CAP as carried East by Reverend Beiting will encom pass more than that. Floyd Coun ty will be where he is assigned, but the surrounding counties of Martin, Pike, Knott, Magoffin, and Johnson can also expect to feel the excitement, wherever there is a need and the resources of the Christian Appalachian Project are enough. Many of you who have been with the Christian Appalachian Project for a number of years as supporters, and who have been reading Soundings its seven years of existence, know pretty much what we mean by the “ ex citement” Reverend Beiting will be carrying East with him. For the others, but for the “ old hands,” too, Soundings will continue to keep you informed on this new excitement, as well as on the many continuing operations in our original area. We know, after all, that any such new efforts to help the hill people help them selves is dependent on your sup port, and we’ll try our best to relate to you all how that support is being used9

CAP PEOPLE AD D RESS CHAM BER OF COMMERCE FOR SO M E R SE T-P U LA SK I C O U N TY

Early this past Spring the Pulaski County group of the Christian Appalachain Project was invited to make a presen tation to the Somerset Chamber of Commerce on our operations there. V arious individuals presented briefings on the seven different activities that CAP has going on in Pulaski County, with Joe Wooten, CAP’s Director of Social Program s there, in troducing each speaker. Sister Lorraine, Director of the Child Developm ent C enter, described her activity as being twofold: 1. Providing a day-care facility for working mothers; and 2. Providing a child-development program to stimulate learning among preschoolers. The Direc tor of the Sheltered Workshop, Linda Hoose, explained the pur pose of her activity in working with physically and mentally handicapped people of the area. She pointed out that they presen tly work at the center two hours a day, four days a week, and are developing self pride, a sense of responsibility, and are earning their own money. So far, ac tivities have included making ribbons for the CAP Christmas W reaths and flowers for Memorial Crosses. Doris Anglin, Supervisor of the Attic Stores, was unable to at tend so Theresa Bullock who manages the Somerset Attic made that presentation. Con sidering that Theresa only found out one hour before the meeting that she would have to speak in stead of Doris, and that she was to discuss the whole Attic operation and not just her Store, 10

she did an outstanding job. She explained how the stores were so beneficial to a lot of people, how the clothing and other items were donated by CAP supporters around the nation, and also em phasized the cleah, neat, orderly environment all attic stores insist on. This way, needy people can take advantage of an Attic Store’s presence, but not have their pride insulted in that they feel like they are shopping in a well run place. Louise Bright, R .N ., described the operations of St. Luke’s Clinic in the CAP center, which is an outreach program of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Somerset. The Director of the Group Home for deaf young men, Steve Heffley who is him self deaf, briefed on the purpose of that operation. He pointed out that two residents of the home are already employed in the area, one with the Somerset Boat Company and another with the Epperson Electric Company. Steve said that both were coping very well and were thrilled with the chance to lead a more normal life, and expressed appreciation for the cooperative and suppor tive attitude of Somerset businessmen. Leonard Switras, a Volunteer who works with the Group Home residents also, ex plained some of the psychological aspects of the program. Lenny has excellent oral Communication though he does have a severe hearing impairment, and works at helping the young men develop a sort of self-starting motivation to succeed in whatever job they find. Joe Wooten closed the presen

tation by describing his role in in terpreting, community relations and advocacy, and as a “job developer” for Group Home residents. He pointed out that he will interpret for a deaf employee on-the-job initially, then come to the work site less and less frequently as employer and e ri^ A ployee develop their own com munication system, and finally just remain “ on call” if problems arise. Joe expressed the same ap preciation that Steve had for community support in Somerset, pointing out that this support was a big factor in the Christian Ap palachian Project’s decision to start the Group Home there. There has certainly been a “ Christian Spirit” on both sides of the operation. James B. Ramsey, President of the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, pre sented Joe with a Certificate of Ap preciation for the programs, and, of course, it is the prayers and support of you all who make such programs possible. YOU should get the certificate of appreciation^^ but Soundings, in describing this, hopes you can feel some of the sense of accomplishment.

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By Reverend Ralph Beiting

Name_____________________ There was no difficulty infollowing the Indians’ trail. It was so plainly marked that even the most rudimentary frontiersman could follow it. Daniel Boone was in charge of the militia that came from Boonesborough and he was troubled. It seemed to him that they were going into an ambush. Even a frontiersman could onlyfollow Indians this easily if they wanted him to. The Indians were accompanied by white men who were experts in this guerilla warfare. Simon and his brother George Girty hadjoined the Indian causeyears ago. They werefeared along the entire frontier. Alexander McKee, one of England’s best Indian agents in the wilderness, was also present. Finally, there was the skilled commander, William Caldwell. All these men were determined to exact a severe toll before leaving Kentucky. The Indians were actually blazing a trail behind them, as if they wanted to make sure the white men wouldfollow them. They were now approaching the Blue Lick country on the Licking

River. This area was very familiar to Boone. He had been captured near here by the Indians in 1778. His brother Ned was killed here in 1779. Boone urged Colonel Todd who was in charge of the overall expedition not to be deceived. He was convinced that the Indians were setting a trapfor them.

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JA S O N A L L E N , M O U N T A IN B L A C K S M IT H From: When They Hanged the Fiddler Jason Allen was born in Clay County about 1846, the son of Adoniram Allen. He was a younger brother of Daniel Allen and “ River Jim ” Allen. Jason Allen was an excellent blacksmith. He could hammer out and temper a trigger-spring for an old rifle on his anvil. Jason was also a river man. The story is told that once he was taking a raft of logs down to Frankfort. He got to High Bridge where the high bridge was being built. Seeing some men up on the bridge working at a blacksmith forge he stopped and tied up his xaft of logs and climbed up to where the men were working. The men were attempting to weld together sections of iron rods several feet long and about two inches in diameter, but were not being successful. The man in charge told him,

“ We have been at this job for days but we can’t get the rods to stick together. ” Jason hitched lip his overalls and said, “ Mind if I give it a try?” The boss said, “ Sure, we have so little success we are ready to listen to anyone.” Jason had the end of two rods put in the forge and heated. When one was hot enough, he placed it on an anvil and began hammering it to a point much like the end of a pencil. He con tinued to heat the end of the other rod. When everything was just right he had the rods laid end to end and one man was stationed at the extreme end of the pointed rod while several men secured the other rod, then he had the poin ted rod driven into the end of the other rod. As the end was driven in he stood over it and sprinkled

flux on the point. When the rod was completelv^^ driven in, it produced a sizeab l^P bulge in the rod. The bulge was then reheated and hammered out. The man in charge then said, “ What will you take to help us finish this bridge?” Jason said, “ I ’ve got to get this raft down to Frankfort and get back home. Besides, you can do it now that I have showed you how. ” Which only goes to show what I have said, “ A hill man is as smart as anyone else, even more so.”

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