Pinecones and Roses

Monday, August 15, 2011

Walter Jackson - Part II

My old neighbor was born in 1887, probably the first black baby in what was then Montana
Territory.  His father who had come up from Texas with a herd of Longhorn steers
worked on a large ranch.  Walter's father died a few months before he was
born, his mother stayed on at the ranch with her little boy until her death when
he was 13 years old. 
He was raised by the ranch hands who taught him all the ropes, including some bad
ones.  He told me he almost ended up in an outlaw gang who were robbing
trains.  Something just told him not to.  That probably changed the
entire way his life turned out. 
He did a lot of cowboying and could tell stories about that for hours. 
In 1913 he was told about the a girl who lived in New Jersey, she was
the sister of a friend.  All the cowboys dared him and teased him
into going back east to meet her.  Finally he did, he was terrified, he said.  But they
loved him there, a black cowboy!  What a novelty. 
He proposed marriage to Helen.  He always told me that they didn't have time
to fall in love, that would come later,  he had to be back for the fall roundup. 
They did fall in love and had a wonderful life together.  Walter soon
gave up cowboying and started working on the railroad
which he did until he retired. 
They never had any children but raised some of Helen's nieces and nephews.
They were very active in the church, Helen loved to cook and sing.  Someone
once told me, "Oh, my how that woman could sing!). 
Helen died before I knew them.  I did have an encounter with her though, I'll write
about that later. 
With all the experiences he had and the rough life as well
as I'm sure prejudice, he was a wise, thoughtful, kind, God loving man.  He talked slow
and thought things out. 
I was so honored to know him and have him for a friend, my girls all feel
that he was a wonderful influence in their lives. 

Diane



8 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a neat story and what a great man, Diane. I know you are blessed to have known him... Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Betsy

Laurie said...

I'm enjoying your story Diane, he sounds like such an awesome person. I look forward to your experience with Helen!

Pondside said...

There are no stories as interesting as true stories of lives lived. I look forward to the story of your encounter with Helen.

mudderbear said...

The stories of Mr. Jackson are heartwarming. You are so fortunate to have known him as a good friend. Life brings us nice blessings and it's good to remember them. I'm looking forward to more about this remarkable man. Thank you so much for sharing.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

My goodness! 1887 -- what a life he must have had -- so many changes in that time span. Amazing! It is so wonderful that he made such a positive impact on your family and that you can look back and remember your old neighbor with such respect and devotion. Hope you are having a great day. Tammy

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

My goodness! 1887 -- what a life he must have had -- so many changes in that time span. Amazing! It is so wonderful that he made such a positive impact on your family and that you can look back and remember your old neighbor with such respect and devotion. Hope you are having a great day. Tammy

Ruth Hiebert said...

What an amazing story.

Name: Amanda said...

Nice tribute mom! What fun to read about his history. More than I've ever known. love you, bean