Death is Ravaging Our Land
This is a continuation of my posts about David Koontz, one of my ancestors. David lived near Lexington, Davidson County, NC.
In 1834 he wrote a letter to his younger brother, Philip, who had moved to Parke County, Indiana a couple of years earlier with his family. It is sad how common reports of deaths in the family were in those days. And yet, he is able to begin his letter with mention of “thanks” and “manifold blessings.” The mention of brother Michael and daughter Mary refers to their brother Michael, born Feb. 10, 1977 and died Nov. 16, 1834. Michael’s daughter, Anna Maria, died on July 20, 1834. Already a son of Michael’s had died in 1830, a brother of Philip and David in 1833, a nephew and brother-in-law in 1832, and a son of David himself. So their lives had certainly been filled with sorrow.
Here is the transcript of the letter, just as it was given to me, addressed to Mr. Philip and Rebecca Koontze:
North Carolina, Davidson County 26th August 1834
Dear Brother, Once more I am privileged, with the help of GOD, to write to you, in order to let you know, that I and my family are in tolerable State of health at present, for which I return thanks to the divine Disposer of Events for his manifold blessings, both spiritual & temporal, and hope that this may meet you & yours enjoying similar blessings. I will now give an account of the past afflictions of my family, in which one sad occurrence eventuated;– They were all unfortunately seized of the Measles last March at an intolerable rate, apparently, and my wife with the rash after an illness of about ten days, departed this life. She died of the same disease on the 23rd day of last March, leaving an affectionate husband, and Nine Disconsolate children to deplore her loss.–I must apologize for not writing earlier, for which I will give my reason: Mr. John Grubb sent a letter which informed us, that he had got there, therefore concluded he gave you a sufficient account of every thing at that time-
Crops with us, are generally something better than it was last: Wheat Crops were midling good this year, nevertheless, it is very ready Sale, at $100 cts. Bushel, Oat Crops, were not very good; Corn & Cotton Crops tolerable good. The ____________ is tolerable at present but had a drought that curtailed late Corn Crops, very much.
I will now inform you that our Father & Mother both are in as good a state of health at present, as much so as can be expected of any of their age. Also all the rest of our Connexions as far as I know,–at the time present. Again I will here name another sad circumstance: Brother Michael, Daughter Mary, Departed this life about the middle of July last, – Some short time previous to her death, she had a child, which also died about two weeks after its Mother. Thus it is evident that DEATH the destroyer is ravaging our land, all ages, sexes & denominations, and subject to this tyrannical invasion, without distinction.
After you have read this letter please to hand it over to Mr. John Grubb, & His Son Alexander.– My desire is for you to write as soon as convenient, and give an account of all particulars expedient to the inserted.
As you live near Mr. Valentine Long, at the request of Brother Michael, Please to hand this letter over to him also. They are generally well or have been before inclosed.
Nothing more at present, but remain your very affectionate friend & Brother till DEATH.
David Koontze
The wife that David Koontz lost in 1834 was my gr-gr-gr grandmother, Sevele Magdalena (Sowers) Koontz. She died on March 23, 1834, and it’s really quite remarkable to have a letter describing her death. David remarried another Sevele Magdalena, daughter of Daniel Evans and Catherina Margaretha (Sink) Sowers on April 5, 1835 in Davidson Co., NC. Here is her memorial at the Beulah United Church of Christ Cemetery in Welcome, Davidson County, NC:
It’s really quite beautiful, don’t you think? This is one of the Davidson County “pierced stones” that are found only within a 15-mile radius of the area. Here is another link that tells about the pierced stones (zoom out, if necessary, to see the pages). The county cemetery book says this about her burial:
1834, Sevele Magdelena Kountz was born in the year of our Lord 1793 October the 17 day departed this life March the 23 day 1834. Her age was 41 years 5 months.
But what of Michael Koontz’ grave? Well, I think it is even more impressive (click to enlarge):
These stones are just amazing to see — some are slate but most were made of native soapstone — and are several inches thick. Although none of them are signed, it is believed that the artistry was done by local cabinetmakers John Swisegood, Jesse Clodfelter and Jonathan Long. I understand they are seen nowhere else in the country. Really a treasure, don’t you think?
Job’s Pain
I think it’s interesting to study Job’s reaction to the deep losses in his life — livestock, servants, his own health, and the death of all ten children. Certainly there was anguish, despair, doubt, sorrow, anger and deep questions. Take a look at some of Job’s statements and reactions below (all from the HCSB):
- Then Job stood up, tore his robe and shaved his head. Job 1:20a
- Then Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself while he sat among the ashes. Job 2:8
- …they saw that his suffering was very intense. Job 2:13b
- After this Job began to speak and cursed the day he was born. Job 3:1
- Why was I not stillborn; why didn’t I die as I came from the womb? Job 3:11
- I sigh when food is put before me, and my groans pour out like water. Job 3:24
- I cannot relax or be still; I have no rest, for trouble comes. Job 3:26
- If only my grief could be weighed and my devastation placed with it on a scale…Surely the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks their poison. God’s terrors are arrayed against me. Job 6:2-4
- What strength do I have that I should continue to hope? What is my future, that I should be patient? Job 6:11
- Do you think that you can disprove my words or that a despairing man’s words are mere wind? Job 6:26
- So I have been made to inherit months of futility, and troubled nights have been assigned to me. Job 7:3
- My days pass more swiftly than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope. Job 7:6
- Therefore I will not restrain my mouth. I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. Job 7:11
- When I say: My bed will comfort me, and my couch will ease my complaint, then You frighten me with dreams, and terrify me with visions, so that I prefer strangling death rather than life in this body. I give up! I will not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are a breath. Job. 7:13-16
- He batters me with a whirlwind and multiplies my wounds without cause. He doesn’t let me catch my breath but soaks me with bitter experiences. Job 9:17-18
- Though I am blameless, I no longer care about myself; I renounce my life. Job 9:21
- I am disgusted with my life. I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul. Job 10:1
- Why did You bring me out of the womb? I should have died and never been seen. I wish I had never existed but had been carried from the womb to the grave. Job 10:18-19
- Surely He has now exhausted me. You have devastated my entire family. Job 16:7
- I was at ease, but He shattered me; He seized me by the scruff of the neck and smashed me to pieces. He set me up as His target; His archers surround me. He pierces my kidneys without mercy and pours my bile on the ground. He breaks through my defenses again and again; He charges at me like a warrior. I have sewn sackcloth over my skin; I have buried my strength in the dust. My face has grown red with weeping, and the shadow of death covers my eyes, although my hands are free from violence and my prayer is pure. Job 16:12-17
- My friends scoff at me as I weep before God. Job 16:20
- My spirit is broken. My days are extinguished. A graveyard awaits me. Surely mockers surround me and my eyes must gaze at their rebellion. Job 17:1-2
- He has made me an object of scorn to the people; I have become a man people spit at. My eyes have grown dim from grief, and my whole body has become but a shadow. Job 17:6-7
- My days have slipped by; my plans have been ruined, even the things dear to my heart. Job 17:11
- Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me? Job 17:15
- I cry out: Violence! but get no response; I call for help, but there is no justice. He has blocked my way so that I cannot pass through; He has veiled my paths with darkness. He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head. He tears me down on every side so that I am ruined. He uproots my hope like a tree. Job 19:7-10
- He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me. My relatives stop coming by, and my close friends have forgotten me. Job 19:14
- My breath is offensive to my wife, and my own family find me repulsive. Job 19:17
- All of my best friends despise me, and those I love have turned against me. Job 19:19
- Today also my complaint is bitter. His hand is heavy despite my groaning. If only I knew how to find Him, so that I could go to His throne. I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. Job 23:1-4
- If only I could be as in months gone by, in the days when God watched over me, when His lamp shone above my head, and I walked through darkness by His light! I would be as I was in the days of my youth when God’s friendship rested on my tent, when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me, when my feet were bathed in cream and the rock poured out streams of oil for me! Job 29:2-6
- Terrors are turned loose against me; they chase my dignity away like the wind, and my prosperity has passed by like a cloud. Job 30:15
- Now my life is poured out before my eyes, and days of suffering have seized me. Night pierces my bones, and my gnawing pains never abate. Job 30:16-17
- I cry out to You for help, but You do not answer me; when I stand up, You merely look at me with cruelty; You harass me with Your strong hand. You lift me up on the wind and make me ride it; You scatter me in the storm. Job 30:20-22
- My skin blackens and flakes off, and my bones burn with fever. My lyre is used for mourning and my flute for the sound of weeping. Job 30:30-31
It’s pretty overwhelming to read all of this, isn’t it? I can’t imagine being in Job’s shoes. What heartache and anguish of soul! He had worshiped and trusted God and this was the result! Does that seem fair? Maybe, and maybe not. What he didn’t know was that God had not sent these calamities upon him; he had allowed Satan to send them (see Job 1-2). There is the difference. This is the difference that the world does not understand — that there is a reason for the trials we suffer, and that there is far more to the story than meets the eye. What injustices, sorrows and hardships have you faced? Did you respond in the same human ways that Job did? Can you relate to these painful words?
To be continued…
My Mother — Never Forgotten
Today is the 10th anniversary of the death of my mother from cancer. I miss her so much, every day. She was a wonderful mother and I’m grateful to her for so many things.
Here is one of the last photos that was taken of us before she passed away July 22, 2001:
Thankfully, we had no idea of her imminent death at that time. This was taken in May, when she and my dad came for Chris’ high school graduation. We had hoped to go on a trip together within the year, but it did not come to pass (in addition to the cancer, she had been recovering from a broken ankle).
At the time of her death, I was returning home from a high school reunion in Kansas City and had stayed overnight at a friend’s house. Mother had been life-flighted to a hospital in Salt Lake City, and although I had offered to forego my reunion plans, Mother urged me to attend, for that’s what she wanted — she loved my friends and wanted me to see them. She always welcomed them at our home and at our cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks, where we went to water ski every weekend in the summer. She didn’t mind cooking and cleaning up after 10-15 teenagers at once! We had great Fourth of July celebrations together with lots of friends at the lake, year after year.
After she was flown to the hospital, we talked every day by phone and made plans for me to go help at their home when she returned there (but again — we had no idea that she had such little time).
Tonight, on the ten-year anniversary of Mother’s death, I will be at yet another high school reunion, and I know my thoughts will be with her. I don’t grieve that I was not with her when she died, for she was at peace and I had seen her in recent weeks and shared special times together, especially since we did not yet know of her condition. She wanted me to be where I was.
I just want to honor her today, say that I love her and miss her deeply, and share more of her glorious quilts with you.
These are for twin beds, and I just love them:
There are many more quilts of my mother, and perhaps I will share more with you later. She would be so pleased to see that I am sewing quilts now too, and that my sister and I will sit down in her sewing room next week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and make some quilts together once again, in Mother’s honor.
Atlantis Soars
Words cannot describe what it feels like to see a space shuttle launch. From three miles away, you can feel the earth rumble, as well as the intense heat, and certainly hear the rockets. It’s powerful!
I could not help but think of the loss of astronauts on the two previous launches we had gone to see — the Challenger and the Columbia. We visited their memorial at KSC:
For the launch, we had chosen to stand on a grassy slope near the speakers that were relaying messages from Mission Control and the astronauts. We were also close to the countdown clock.
Suddenly, Sarah noticed the people next to us and whispered, “That guy’s name tag says Glynn Lunney!” I had no idea who that was, but she did. Glynn Lunney is a retired NASA Engineer and was a flight director during the Gemini and Apollo programs. If you’ve seen the movie “Apollo 13,” you may have noticed that Gene Kranz was the Director of the White Team for that mission. Glynn Lunney was the Director of the Black Team for Apollo 13, and came on shift one hour after the oxygen tank’s explosion that put the crew’s lives at risk. They all worked to bring the crew home safely, and he is certainly one of our heroes (in the movie Glynn Lunney was played by Marc McClure). It was a thrill to meet him, talk to him about the events, and watch the Atlantis launch right beside him. He’s a very special and kind man, and took a great interest in Sarah, who has a degree in Aerospace Engineering as well.
One other thing happened that was rather comical, we thought. Who should come walking through the crowd just at the last moment, but this guy?
Geraldo Rivera! Forgive me if you’re a fan of his, but he seemed just as “loopy” and “spacey” (no pun intended) in real life as he does on TV. He sports a huge, friendly (or cheesy) grin! I was only trying to get a photo of him as he went by and his “handler,” if that’s who she was, asked if I’d like my photo with him, so I readily agreed. I’m glad I had “my day in the sun” with Geraldo Rivera!
But after the launch he actually interviewed Sarah for Fox News. I have no idea if it was aired or not, but it was fun to watch (he interviewed the Lunney sons and grandchildren, too, so I have a feeling they would have pre-empted our place on the evening news)!
It was certainly an interesting, historic and wonderful day!
A Banner for Astronauts
Sarah and I enjoyed the final launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis three miles from the launchpad. It was a powerful and exciting moment! We are grateful for a friend at NASA that was able to get us VIP tickets at the last moment. We were one of the first ones to sign a banner for the astronauts.
By the time we went back later in the day, it was covered with names, but our spot in the middle of the “B” was still legible!
The Kennedy Space Center is such a fun place to visit — there’s lots to see and do.
This is the Apollo 14 Space Capsule (the famous Apollo 13 one is in Hutchinson, Kansas, at the Cosmosphere)
Here is a mural of the International Space Station:
And — well — we just had to have some fun with some of the displays.
Mother’s Quilts — Part 3
I still have more of Mother’s quilts to share with you. These are not all mine, but I wish they were! They are all so beautiful!
Aren’t they pretty? She certainly inspired me to try my hand at quilting, too. I’m so thankful she had this wonderful hobby.
George Washington Slept Here
I now want to return to the stories I was writing about our Koontz ancestors. David Koontz, my gr-gr-gr grandfather, was born in 1792 and died in 1879. He was married twice, and both women had the name of “Sevele Magdalena.” His daughter, Sevele Magdalena (a 3rd one) married his brother Andrew’s son, Philip H. Koontz, so these are the cousins I am descended from. Another daughter, by his second wife — Catherine — married the same Philip H. Koontz when his first wife passed away. It gets rather complicated!
David lived at a location known as “Reed’s Crossing,” and in a house often referred to as “The Red House.” In fact, in order to distinguish him from other David Koontz’ in the family, he’s been called “David of the Red House.” This house is interesting because it is said that General George Washington stopped there on May 31, 1791. This is what has been recorded about the house by historian Kathleen Mock Craver:
I found three maps of Rowan and North Carolina that have Red House, not Reeds, written where the two roads cross. One map, the McRae-Brazier map of North Carolina in 1833, has Red House shown in heavy print…The old house was built originally of logs, which were weatherboarded over in later years and painted red. It was not a large house, just an ordinary farm house of a story and a half, a place where weary travelers could stop and spend the night and perhaps get a cheap meal or two…Nothing remains today to mark the spot except a shallow indentation where the cellar once was…The short and quaint account of his stop here was recorded by President George Washington in the diary he kept on his tour of the southern states while he was chief and first executive of the United States…his diary reads: ”May 31, 1791. Left Salisbury about four o’clock; at 5 miles cross the Yadkin, the principal stream of the Pee-Dee and breakfasted on the No. bank while my carriage and horses were crossing at a Mr. Young’s; fed my horses 10 miles farther at one Reed’s and about 3 o’clock (after another halt) arrived at Salem, one of the Moravian towns 20 miles farther, in all 35 (miles) from Salisbury.” Mr. Reeves’ maps of early lands grants in Davidson County (which was then a part of Rowan) show several extensive grants owned by George Reed. The Red House is crossed and encircled on a grant made in 1783, nine years before the Presidents passing here… [The Genealogical Journal of Davidson Co., NC, Summer, 1991]
You should be able to enlarge this map by clicking it, or go to this website to see the entire map. At the bottom, you can see Salisbury — then follow the road North across the Yadkin and you will come to Reed’s Crossing (“Red House”) and continue on North to Salem.
I do need to clarify something. Although some like to brag, “George Washington Slept Here,” that is not the case at the Red House (in spite of the misleading title above). You will note that they only stopped there to feed their horses (and probably themselves as well). Alas!
LDP Alumni
One of the greatest aspects of Compassion’s ministry is the Leadership Development Program. I became involved in this personally when our sponsored girl, Siriporn, was accepted to the program. Only a very small minority of sponsored children are able to participate in this program, which supports their college education and gives leadership training. I have told about the LDP before, and how it works as a ministry for brilliant students in need of support. We were so thrilled to learn that she had been accepted, and I promised her immediately that I would go to her graduation if I could. As you know, this came to pass and I ended up writing for a year about our journey to Asia.
Well, now I have a correspondent LDP student in Colombia, and I’d like to tell you about him. His name is Luis and he’s majoring in System Engineering, especially related to computer technology. Here is one of his photos.
Luis’ life has not been easy, but he continues to persevere. He has so much potential and I am proud of him! His latest letter informed me that he and some friends have started an international Facebook group for LDP students called “LDP Compassion INT.” Well, of course I went directly to the site and clicked “Like!” I was thrilled to see that many LDP groups around the world are posting their photos to the site. They all look so impressive! These are the leaders of their communities, of their nations! They have come out of poverty to serve others in the most profound ways.
I am so proud to see that Luis has not only taken a leadership role within his own community, but also in the world-wide community of LDP students. I know this will be a favorite meeting place for these students. It will be encouraging to see each other’s photos and pray for one another. I soon uploaded some of my own photos from our trip to the Thailand LDP graduation.
I want so badly to “friend” Luis on Facebook now, but it is against Compassion’s policy for children and sponsors to connect through e-mail and social networking sites during sponsorship. The reason for this policy is the safety of the child above all else. I understand these rules and am glad to oblige by them, hard as it is. When the student graduates, a sponsor is then allowed to share street and e-mail addresses with them if they choose. I have done so in the past and have no reason not to do so in the future, although I know many people are fearful of sharing information. There has been a lot of discussion about this on the Compassion Blog. But my experiences with LDP graduates has been nothing but positive. My former correspondent girl from the Philippines shows up on chat occasionally, with a quick “Hi Mom!” I love talking to her online! One day not too long ago, one of the Thailand LDP graduates told me on a live chat that “all the LDP students here love you so much!” Wow — that made my day!
Big Horn Mountain Festival
Paul has been organizing a fun music festival here for several years with a great team of people. I hope you can come to the festival this weekend — tickets can be purchased at the gate or at this site online. Today I want to share various photos from each of the festivals — it has been so much fun through the years!
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
As you can see, we have grown a lot through the years, and it only promises to get bigger and better! Thanks to these two guys (and many others) who put in hours of preparation. Hope to see you this weekend!
Shuttle, Here We Come!
Sarah and I are heading to the final shuttle launch today (the launch is planned for July 8th). We were so excited when our NASA friend informed us that she’d been able to get VIP tickets for us again! To see the account of our previous visit to a shuttle launch, click here or on the photo below.
I enjoy traveling with my kids. Sarah and I went to Jackson in May and couldn’t avoid stopping to take photos. I don’t know when I’ve seen the snow this high on the pass — well above the car.
We saw this moose in the willows at the side of the road.
And we fell in love with these funny mules and horses. They sure make a funny braying noise. I don’t know how to describe a whole chorus of them talking at once, but it was funny.
We especially liked the one fellow that put his head down in a sad and pitiful way.
This barn gets more decrepit every year when I see it, but I think it’s wonderful.
One of the best sites of the day was the Ten Sleep Canyon in the mist.
We sure have fun driving across the countryside together, especially when it’s as beautiful as this day was.
Sheep Fold