Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Tomorrow’s the last day of 2020, and most folks say it can’t get here fast enough. It’s been some year – one for the record books. Thanks for joining Observations each week, and sometimes twice a week, for the wild ride.

We send each of you warmest wishes for a new year filled with good health, good cheer, joy and peace. May you each have a very happy and prosperous 2021.

Frances Ruth Jackson Freeman of Logansport has been a friend for a long time, going back to the days we were both students at Northwestern. Her future husband, Charles Freeman of Joaquin, TX, and I were roommates. In fact, I was honored to take the pictures on their wedding day.

Both went on to accomplish much in life, and we have stayed in touch through the years.

Frances Ruth has written the following article, which we think will be of interest to our readers.

Invitation to an Old Mystery

Do you love mysteries? Are you obsessed with understanding not just who, what, and where, but why? Do you like history, especially local, family, Louisiana or Civil War history? If so, you may help solve mysteries surrounding a 200-year-old killing. 

On the 17th of April, 1864, Absolom Simeon Nolen, age 45, was shot in the back in a field along the old Merchant Road near Ten-Mile Creek east of present-day DeRidder, LA. Sim’s death left behind a pregnant wife, Obedience Wise Nolen, and ten fatherless children in their new home near Sugartown, LA. Months would pass and a baby, Absolom Simeon “Bud” Nolen, Jr., would be born after Nolen’s death and before the family learned the fate of their father. In the meantime, the widow would suffer harassment and persecution from some of her new neighbors, while receiving support, protection, and kindness from others.

Over the subsequent 200 years, the descendants of Sim and Obedience have obsessed over the murder and persecution. They have retold the stories, written multiple accounts and made audio recordings. Most recently, I have created a blog sharing Sim and Obedience’s story and attempting to place events in geographical and historical context:   https://communicatinglife2.blogspot.com/2020/06/murder-on-ten-mile-creek-saga-of.html

But despite our efforts, key questions remain unanswered. We don’t know why Sim and Obedience moved across the state in the middle of a War, or which army Sim intended to join and most puzzling, or why a wounded Confederate soldier and his pregnant wife aroused such murderous hatred in the hearts of some of their new neighbors.

We are seeking answers to these questions in the memories, stories and writings of witnesses and participants. There were many eyewitnesses to the murder and burial, and each witness represents information that may have been preserved. The murder was a big deal and its aftermath involved many people. Between ten and 30 members of the Calcasieu Home Guards, serving with Henry Collins under Captain Jim Martin, participated in the execution. At least six passers-by buried Sim while many others helped in the quest to identify his corpse. There were over 200 families living in the area, including some who rescued Obedience and her children.

Violent deaths make deep impressions. I am persuaded that somewhere in the stories passed down by these witnesses are critical clues to illuminate the mystery.

While Sim’s story, as told by his descendants, paints Capt. Jim Martin and the Home Guard as brutal murders and thieves, this version is not unbiased. The Nolen Family saw Sim as an innocent victim, while the men of the Home Guard undoubtedly considered him a traitor who deserved execution.  The Home Guard stories could flesh out details, shed new light on the mystery and possibly balance the scale in defense of the Guards’ actions. Do the descendants of Jim Martin have their own family legends regarding this episode? Will they share their stories?

If your family is from Sugartown, Pitkin – “Slabtown,” Hineston, Sigler, Dry Creek or Ten-Mile, do you have family stories that relate to the Nolen murder or surrounding events? Do you know specifics regarding events in West Central Louisiana in the spring of 1864? Do you know someone who might have such knowledge?

The following is a brief summary of the Nolen story.

Records show that Absolom Simeon Nolen was born in Mississippi, but moved with relatives (Nolen, Wise, Miller, Young, and Kirkland), to Lisbon in Claiborne Parish. There Sim married Obedience Abidia “Beedie” Wise, and they established their home, surrounded by close family and friends. 

Even though he was approaching 40, and was the father of ten, Sim enlisted in the CSA forces on March 15, 1862. He was assigned to Company G of the 25th Louisiana Infantry, and participated in multiple battles before being wounded at Missionary Ridge on Nov. 25, 1863. Following medical treatment, Sim was furloughed and sent home to recover. 

After he arrived in Lisbon, Sim and Obedience packed up all their belongings and sold their home. They then moved 180 miles in ox-drawn wagons through a war-torn state and past the Union Army which occupied Alexandria. They settled on a farm outside Sugartown, where they had no known relatives. 

Their new farm was part of the infamous “No Man’s Land,” only recently brought under U.S. law enforcement. This border region was culturally and racially diverse and deeply conflicted by issues underlying the Civil War. There were few slaves in the area, and a majority of the inhabitants had voted against succession. The region was a hot-bed of anti-Confederacy activity led by the legendary “Calcasieu Jayhawkers.” 

In Sugartown, Sim established a new home for his family, and plowed and planted before leaving to “go join the Army,” (which “Army” – North or South – is still a point of contention.)

Riding his big black stallion, Sim crossed the river at Hineston headed east. However, at some point, he changed his mind, and turned back toward Sugartown. He had recrossed at Hineston, and passed the community of Ten-Mile when he was stopped by a unit of the Home Guard under the command of Capt. Jim Martin. 

According to an account by Henry Collins, a member of the Guard, the men were prepared to hang Sim, but when Capt. Martin gave him the choice of being hanged or shot, Sim chose a bullet. He took off running across the field and was shot in the back. Under the War Confiscation Act, Capt. Martin took personal possession of the stallion.

Two girls, identified as the Richmond sisters, heard the shots and flagged down a passing buggy in which 18-year-old Samuel Sylvester Aikin was riding. Another woman, Vashti Boyd Wells Mashon, was also passing in her buggy and stopped. Together the little group ventured into the field and found the unknown man’s bloody body.

They dug a grave, and Vashti wrapped her apron around his face so they wouldn’t throw dirt in his eyes. They had the foresight to remove one of Sim’s riding gloves. They believed the fine glove could be used to identify the corpse and bring the news to his family. Their hunch proved true and the glove was the link through which Obedience eventually learned of her husband’s fate. 

While Obedience gave birth to her 11th child and awaited word from her missing husband, the family suffered persecution. A group of marauders tried to steal their crops, produce and livestock, but were partially foiled by Obedience. Then the Nolen home was burned and they were forcibly transported miles from Sugartown. They were rescued, and their house was rebuilt through the efforts of kind neighbors. 

When Obedience learned of Sim’s fate, she took their son Till with her on the sad journey to that desolate field. Together they dug up the shallow grave and brought Sim’s remains back to the Nolen farm for reinterment. Until this day, Sim and Obedience rest there – together.

After the War, Capt. Martin moved to Vidor, TX. Obedience and the children were in desperate financial straits, and she believed her husband’s big black stallion was essential for their survival. With Till, she undertook the journey from Sugartown to Vidor in hopes of reclaiming her husband’s property. On a farm outside Vidor, she confronted Capt. Martin and his wife and demanded the return of Sim’s horse. 

Surprisingly, the Martins not only acquiesced, they insisted that Obedience and Till stay the night with them. Suspicious of treachery, Obedience sat awake all night with a rifle across her lap, listening to the sounds of Capt. Martin’s restless sleep. Exhausted but elated, Obedience, along with Till and the horse, departed at first daylight.

Shirley Beason Manning, Hazel Miller, Lisa Lynn Lawson Hale, and Meredith Heard are among the Nolen storytellers who preserved Sim’s legend. The most complete and authoritative versions were told by Dempsey “Demps” Akin, a grandson of Sim and Obedience, who lived to be 98. Both of Demps’ parents and his wife’s grandmother, Vashti Boyd, were directly involved in the murder or burial. While he was not a witness, Demps grew up with first-hand accounts. Uncle Demps’ own voice and words were recorded in 1970. Two slightly differing versions of the story, as transcribed from recordings, are reproduced in the blog shared above.

Eight of Sim and Obedience’s children left descendants. Arena Susan Nolen married David Frank “Dock” Garlington, and Mary L. Nolen married Samuel Sylvester Aikin (who helped bury her father.) They were parents of the storyteller, Dempsey Aikin. 

Jane Nolen married Samual Thomas Hill; Evan (Ivan/Irvin) Nolen married Adell “Della” Sigler; Merida “Till” Nolen married Maria (pronounced Mariah) Jones; and Ephraim Elbert Nolen married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Jane Bedgood. All four couples lived near Pitkin. Absolom Simeon “Bud” Nolen, Jr. married Margaret Estelle Roberts and lived in Sugartown. Marion Francis “Franz” Nolen married Martha Jane James; and Franklin Richmond Nolen married Margaret LaCaze. Both couples moved to Texas.

If you have any information about this historic, unsolved mystery, please contact Frances Freeman at francesfreeman7@me.com.

We count ourselves among the lucky ones who received a very interesting 2021 calendar from Tim Mitchell of Many. It is full of historic photos and highlights the Mitchell Family business, which has been serving the sawmill industry since 1944. His father, Mack Mitchell, started Service to Sawmillers, Inc. in Shreveport over 75 years ago. It was located at 2360 Texas Ave.

The calendar features historic images from the company’s 1948 catalog and several other vintage photos related to the family business dating back to 1930.

The business advertised “Everything for Mechanical Handling Logs, Lumber and Refuse.” It handled Rex Chains, Crosby Sawmill Machinery, Dodge Timken Bearings, Simonds Saws, Hewitt Belts, SOS Equipment (including cable transfers, slab conveyers, edge sorters, log haul-ups and sprockets), Acco Slab Chains, Jones and Orth Planer Heads and Dodge Pulleys.

Tim continues operation of the business today from his Many address. If interested and to learn more, give him a call at (318) 489-3155 or send an email to atmitch@bellsouth.net.

Quondarious Garner, 26, was charged with 28 counts after an incident shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. Garner had been committed earlier in the day and was at Sabine Medical Center. He was going to be transported by ambulance to Shreveport when he ran away. He stole a car and took off on the run. 

The chase by Sabine Sheriff’s Deputies and Many Policemen lead to him driving over culverts and through ditches.

Garner drove north on Hwy. 171 north and was being pursued by law officers. He turned left onto Sycamore St. and found there was a train coming on the nearby railroad track where he was headed. He immediately turned the car around and headed back onto Hwy. 171.

It was then that he ran head-on into a Sheriff’s Patrol car driven by Deputy David Remedies, who was slightly injured. Garner was not injured.

Garner was booked on the following charges:  six counts of resisting an officer, driving without a license, reckless operation, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, speeding, six counts of aggravated flight from an officer, failure to have motor vehicle liability proof, three counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer with a motor vehicle, aggravated battery with a motor vehicle, criminal damage to property and six counts of resisting by flight by the Many Police Department.

Santa visited lots of Many children early last week when he borrowed a Central Fire District truck to visit each Many neighborhood on Dec. 21, 22 and 23.

This photo was taken by Jody Gentry of Fort Mill, SC, who was visiting along with son Jayden last week.

Dr. Walter Stanley “Stan” Foster Sr., MD, passed away Dec. 13 in Pasadena. The native of Many was 65.

He was born in Many to George Walter and Alice Mae Davis Foster and was graduated from Many High and attended Northwestern on a football scholarship. He married the love of his life, Gina Wofford, in 1974. He completed medical school at the LSU Medical Center in New Orleans, then performed an internship in pediatrics in Baton Rouge and a residency in orthopedic surgery in the Charity Hospital System in New Orleans. He went on to practice in Alexandria, where he was instrumental in organizing the yearly high school physical day.

During his career, Stan dedicated his time and efforts to the success of the Louisiana Orthopedic Association, where he served in many leadership roles.

His surgical career was cut short by an injury, but he evolved his career with a passion, always putting the health and welfare of his patients first. He had a great desire to protect and promote the careers of his fellow orthopedic surgeons.

He was an avid traveler, a fisherman and hunter and found joy in creating a place where all were welcome and safe.

Thanks to our friend, Dr. Bussey Mims, for providing us with this information.

It was a tragic way to end Christmas Day. We learned of the deaths of two friends in a mobile home fire at 426 Kendricks Dr. on Toledo Bend. Jamie “Jay” Nugent, 62, and Viola Holden, 28, were found dead by firemen from Central Fire Department as they were extinguishing the fire. Kendrick Dr. is located just off Hwy. 171, south of Siloam Baptist Church. The fire was reported just before 5 p.m.  Deputy Coroner Ron Rivers was at the scene.

Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Brad Walker said the body of Viola was found face-up on a bed and Nugent’s body was in the hallway at the living room. He said a preliminary autopsy revealed there was no trauma to either body. The case is being left open pending further investigation. The toxicology reports will not be available for about two weeks.

Chief Walker said Viola’s brother, Jesse, and her son visited the couple at the trailer about an hour before the fire. He also said both of their phones have been recovered, and the Sheriff’s Department has notified the phone company to save all messages. A warrant will be obtained to get the content.

Danny Manuel who owned the rental mobile home said he felt it was safe, as it had been re-wired about three to four years ago, including a new meter loop and it was inspected by the Parish Building Inspector at that time. He said investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office worked the scene past midnight. He also said the couple moved into the mobile home about two years ago. He said they moved out about five months ago, and then moved back in about three months ago.

I knew the couple well. Viola worked for me and my wife Laurie for about four years. She was smart, honest and dependable. Nugent moved into the parish from Colorado about four years or so ago. When he first arrived here, he moved in with an old military buddy and friend, Dewey White, who lived on Oak Hill Rd. He was retired as a Master Sgt. with the Air Force.

He met Viola and he posted on Facebook on Aug. 30, 2018 that he was in a relationship with her. But apparently it was a love-hate relationship. Viola had Jay arrested earlier this year for Domestic Abuse. At that point she moved out, but continued to be in contact with him.

The Many Christmas Fireworks at Sabine Parish Fairgrounds were spectacular this year! Lots of folks turned out to enjoy the show, an annual memorial to the late Bucky Slay of Slay’s Electronics and Slay’s Fireworks.

Many Mayor Ken Freeman posted of the show, “After 36 years, looks like my First Lady and I are going out with a BANG. Thanks to Benford Slay and Many city crews for a great fireworks show… hope you enjoyed the show,” he said. “Now, on to New Years!”

The display was greatly enhanced this year to help make up for the Many Christmas Parade having to be postponed until Easter season.

Hats doffed to all who made the Many Christmas Fireworks so memorable and enjoyable.

Congrats to our friends Travis and Darlene Bennett, their daughter Sherri Bennett and granddaughter Morgan Hildebrand, shown above. Morgan was recently featured in a video promoting LSU’s studies in Medical Laboratory Science. Morgan finished her university studies with two degrees: an NSU Bachelors in Biology with a concentration in Clinical Laboratory Science and an LSUS Bachelors in Medical Laboratory Science. She starts a new job with Ochsner LSU in Shreveport soon.

The mighty Many Tigers brought home the 2020 Class 2A State Championship Title! They pulled off an exciting 16-13 victory over the Kinder Yellowjackets at Turpin Stadium in Natchitoches on Sunday.

Congratulations to the Tigers, Coach Jess Curtis and the entire Many Tigers support staff. We must also congratulate local businessman John Curtis, Jess’s father, who cannot be surpassed in his support of and investment in his beloved Tigers.

Under the leadership of Curtis, the Tigers won the 2014 State Championship and were runners-up in 2013 and 2019. They also came close back in 1988.

We don’t know of any high school football teams who work harder or enjoy more enthusiastic local support than at Many High. Go, Tigers!!!

And on that happy note, we say “So long” to 2020. It was. See you next year!

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