Wednesday, October 12, 2011 1:53:18 AM
Finding the Body of Admiral Jones Print E-mail
Written by Scientific American
JPJ Coffin from 1905 Scientific American
PAUL JONES BODY
May 1905
Finding the Body of Admiral Paul Jones in Paris
From: Scientific America, May 1905
The news that the body of Admiral Paul Jones had been discovered in Paris naturally awakened a considerable sensation. The body was found in fact in one of the ancient cemeteries of the city, and was then removed to the Medical College, where an autopsy was made. Gen. Horace Porter, the United States ambassador, and Col. Bailly-Blanchard, second secretary of the embassy, had been making researches to this end for some time past. It was known that the body had been buried in Paris in one of the old cemeteries, and for more than six years Gen. Porter was occupied in making different excavations, in the hope of recovering the ' body of the renowned admiral, the "Father of the American Navy," who died, it will be remembered, in 1792.
Scientific American report: At last his perseverance was rewarded, and the body came to light in a better state of preservation than could be hoped for. The discovery is naturally one which will awaken great interest in America, and it is proposed to transport the remains to Washington as soon as the plans are fully decided upon. It was in the old St. Louis Cemetery, where Protestants of foreign birth were buried, that success finally awaited the excavators after so long a time. The cemetery lies near the St. Louis Hospital in the Rue Grange aux Belles, in the northeast quarter of the city. The excavations in the cemetery were commenced by Gen. Porter about the first of February last. Some difficulty was experienced, as it was not known just where the body might be found, and so considerable excavating had to be done in the premises. Several lead coffins were brought to light, but each time the explorers were disappointed, as they all had plates with inscriptions. One of the latter mentioned simply "Anglois" (Englishman) with the date, on a copper plate. However, the fourth time proved to be successful, and the coffin by its exterior signs seemed to contain the remains of some eminent person, as it was of better quality than the others and of more solid build.
It appears likely that a body had been buried above it, and some vestiges of this grave were found at the same time. It is supposed that when the upper grave was dug, they came upon the plate which no doubt had covered the lower coffin, and removed it, as no plate was found, and it was also noticed that the lower coffin had been pierced as if it had received a blow with a pick. The lead coffin was no doubt inclosed in a wood casket, and a few traces of the latter were found. The lead case is in the form of the mummy coffins which were used' at that time.
Opened Coffin
Click for JPJ body Upon removal to the Ecole de Medecine, it was opened in the presence of the representatives of the American embassy and some of the city officials. The body was found to be in a good state of preservation, (click to see photos - BEWARE of macabre content) and had been well packed so as to avoid movement, by means of hay and straw placed in the spaces. The limbs were covered with tinfoil. It is supposed that the good preservation is due to an immersion in alcohol. The body was dressed in a shirt and wrapped in a sheet. The shirt was found to be marked with a small embroidered initial, which might be taken either for a P or a J, according to the way in which it is read. There was no other clothing, nor were any other objects found, but this is not surprising, as we already know that the uniform, sword, and decorations of the admiral had been preserved by his family. Dr. Papillault, the distinguished anthropologist and Dr. Capitan, another high medical authority, were chosen to examine the body. They made a certain number of measurements, and to give greater surety, the latter were taken before any other information as to the admiral's characteristics had been furnished. Such documents were not wanting, however, and Gen. Porter brought all the busts and portraits he could secure, so as to make the comparison. The examination was quite convincing, leaving no possible doubt as to the identity of the body.
The preservation is remarkable, and it was even found that the flesh is soft and yielding, so that the head and members could be moved without any difficulty. The face as it appeared is clean shaven and is of a dark color. The hair is abundant and quite long, according to the fashion of the time. The principal documents of comparison were two busts of the admiral, both by the eminent French sculptor Houdon. One of these was loaned by Marquis de Biron of Paris, and the other came from Trocadero Museum and is a copy of the bust now possessed by the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. The former bust represents the admiral in a court costume with his hair arranged in the mode of the period with masses at the sides of the head. The bust is more lifelike, and shows him in his military costume, with the hair drawn back from the forehead. Besides, we possess different documents relating to the color of the hair, different dimensions of the body, etc.
Proof Positive
In this way, after a careful examination, it became evident that the person could be no other than the admiral. The height, upon measuring, was found to be exactly the same, or 5 feet 7.inches. The hair, which is of a dark brown, is of the same color as that which he was known to possess, and is slightly gray in some places. Examination of the head shows that it resembles the original documents as closely as possible and in all the details. Especially noteworthy is the high forehead. The hair is quite long and flowing, with slight curls at the sides of the head.
Houdon Bust The coffin is narrow at the feet, and gradually widens at the upper part to contain the shoulders, then finishes in a rounded part at the top for the head. The lead is quite thick, thus enabling the body to be well kept, and it was no doubt tightly sealed from the air until the hole had been made in it with the pick, as, is supposed. It seems as if the wrapping of the limbs in tinfoil was done in order to prepare the body for a long transportation by sea. In fact, we have a letter of Col. Blackden, an intimate friend of Paul Jones and one of his pallbearers, which reads as follows: "His body was put in a leaden coffin on the 20th that, in case the United States, which he had so essentially served and with so much honor , should claim his remains, they might be more easily remove."
Only a few persons specially authorized by the embassy were admitted to view the remains, as it was not intended to make a public celebration of the event before obtaining advice from America in regard to the matter. The writer is indebted to the courtesy of Col. Bailly-Blanchard for the permission to take the present photograph for the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. The embassy had some photographs of the body taken, but these are to be kept as documents, and it is not intended to have them published, at least at present. The casket is draped with two large American flags, with small flags and palm branches on the top. The remains are to be placed in a vault in the American church in Paris until it is decided what steps are to be taken for bringing them to America. It is probable that the American and French governments will come to accord for a great celebration in honor of the admiral, which will take place in French waters, and it is likely that the American cruiser squadron will come over to take the body back to the United States some time in June.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 1:45:24 AM
Paul Jones 1905 Autopsy Print E-mail
Written by Doctor J. Capitan
Autopsy
114 YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH
French medical examiners were amazed to discover that the body of John Paul Jones, buried in 1792, was preserved enough for an autopsy in 1905. The report completed in Paris was published by the US Government under President Teddy Roosevelt. Here is the complete published report.
John Paul Jones was buried in a lead coffin and preserved in alcohol in July 1792. His body was exhumed and examined by three doctors in Paris, France in April 1905. The attending doctor diagnosed Jones as having jaundice and "dropsy of the chest." Analysis a century later points to kidney failure and perhaps bronchitis -- close enough to imply with other evidence that the body is indeed Jones . Following is a translation of the autopsy report by the doctor who headed the team. The report appeared in the commemorative book published by the US Government Printing Office in 1907. -- JDR
Official Autopsy Report of Doctor J. Capitan
on the Body of John Paul Jones
Translated from the French 1905
JPJ Corpse THE 7th of April, I905, having been informed by Mr. Vallet, superintendent of mines, by order of the engineer, Mr. Weiss, of the discovery in the explorations in Grange-aux-Belles street, No. 43, of a new leaden coffin appearing to contain a corpse well preserved, I recommended that it should be immediately covered with plaster.
The next day, April 8, I went to the place, and ascertaining that it was impossible in the gallery of the excavations to study the corpse, together with Mr. Weiss I had the necessary measures taken for the removing and transporting of the coffin and the corpse to the Medical School of Practice of the Faculty of Medicine.
Thanks first to the extreme kindness of Mr. Lepine, prefect of police, whom I saw during the day and to whom I explained the facts, thanks also to the kind cooperation of Doctor Rieffel, chief of the anatomical service of the School of Medicine, and of Mr. Himbert, superintendent of material, the coffin was removed the same evening, in entire secrecy, to the School of Practice, where the next morning it was opened.
My colleague, Doctor Papillault, whom I had requested to be good enough to take charge of the anatomical descriptive branch and of the measurements, questions for which he has a very great capacity, made a very careful study of the corpse and drew up the report which has been read already.
I will therefore confine myself solely to my personal observations relating either to the pathological anatomy of the subject or to the various manipulations to which the corpse had been submitted, and which we can verify, thanks to the traces that have been left upon the corpse.
I must say also that at various times we have exchanged ideas, Doctor Papillault and I, and that we have always been of the same opinion, namely, an accumulation of proofs, all leading, often by very different ways, to this conclusion: That there can be here no other corpse in question but that of Paul Jones.
The following observations will show some of the proofs which I have gathered on the subject: The opening of the coffin took place April 9. I will not dwell upon the particulars, either as to the care exercised in putting it in the coffin (the packing by means of straw and hay) or of the clothing [winding sheet, shirt, and cap], having specially to concern myself with the anatomical branch.
The consistency of the tissues, their aspect, even their special odor (recalling the old anatomical specimens preserved in alcohol) enables one to affirm quite surely that the subject was preserved in alcohol or an aromatic alcoholic liquid without its having been subjected to any other preparation, for it presents no traces of any incision having served to inject any liquid whatever in the veins, according to the present process of embalming. Besides, as we shall see later on, the viscera are intact. We can thus determine the particularly careful means employed in the preparation of the corpse and agreeing fully with the idea which the friend of Paul Jones had at the time of his death to preserve it as long as possible, so as to be able to transport it in perfect security to America when the moment should arrive.
In the first place, the corpse had been probably completely, and at all events surely over the hands and feet, covered with tin foil, carefully applied upon the tissues. We found it there. It is, besides, a process still in use at the present day.
Once clothed in its shirt and wrapped in its winding sheet, the corpse was placed in a solid leaden coffin; then the empty spaces were carefully stuffed with hay and straw, probably rendered aromatic. The whole must have been immersed in alcohol or an alcoholic mixture and the lid soldered, which could be easily done by soldering the edges of the lid turned over and hammered down. A small orifice of about 2 centimeters diameter had been made at the top of the lid, over the head. It might have served, also, to introduce alcohol, or at least to complete the supply introduced and to admit of the escape of air or gas after or at the time of closing the coffin. This small orifice was closed with solder at the time of burial.
Under those conditions and according to the information which had been furnished by the employees of the amphitheater, accustomed to prepare corpses, a slow saturation takes place -- of the muscles first, then of the viscera themselves, which causes their perfect preservation.
The teguments, in fact, of a brownish gray, had retained their flexibility. They were notably contracted. The muscles were of a brownish gray also, strongly saturated with the preserving liquid. They had the odor of anatomic specimens long preserved in alcohol. The tendons and aponeuroses had retained all their solidity, and the subject could be lifted up bodily.
Tuesday, April 11, my friend Mr. Monpillard, the very distinguished and very well-known micro-photographer, was kind enough to take the very fine photographs of the subject, full size, and the head, annexed to this report. They give very accurately the appearance of the corpse.
It was indispensable afterwards to make the autopsy. I did this on April I3. In order not to alter in any way the appearance of the corpse, I made the autopsy by opening the back.
Upon opening the thorax I was greatly astonished to find the viscera much contracted, but very well preserved. The lungs presented some adhesions to the pleural walls, especially in the upper lobe. When cut open, they show a brownish parenchyma. Upon the surface and in the interior of the pulmonary tissue there exist, especially at the level of the diaphragmatic edge of the lower lobe, small white hard masses, varying in volume from a grain of canary seed to a diameter of from 3 to 4 millimeters, and having the appearance of calcified tubercles. But in view of the existence of concretions of an analogous appearance at the surface of the teguments of the lower limbs, this diagnosis can not be sustained. Besides, as will be seen in the annexed report of Professor Cornil, it is a question of a mass of tyrosin.
The heart, small, contracted, the color of dead leaves, has its valves absolutely normal and still perfectly flexible; the walls of the two ventricles measure 5 to 6 millimeters in thickness. There is no hypertrophy of the left ventricle. On the surface of the right auricle there were observed some flat concretions sous-endocardiques and recalling the appearance of those of the lungs.
The liver was of a yellowish brown. When cut open, it presented a tissue rather dense and compact, from which escaped the preserving liquid, with which it was deeply saturated. It was also rather contracted. The gall bladder was healthy and contained a pale yellowish brown bile, of a pasty consistency.
The stomach was very small and contracted. The spleen appeared comparatively more voluminous than it ought to have been, considering the marked contraction of all the viscera. It measured from 6 to 7 centimeters upon its greater axis. Its tissue appeared rather firm.
The two kidneys, on the contrary, small, hard, and contracted, appeared more reduced still in volume than they should have been.
The intestines were completely contracted and empty.
Considering the alteration of the appearance of the head, which always results from the removal of the brain, I thought that there was no need to remove this viscus. Previous observations had, besides, shown me that the liquid on the outside could not penetrate the brain, which certainly must have been completely deteriorated.
Not wishing, out of respect to the distinguished personality of the subject, to retain the viscera, I had them carefully replaced in the thorax, after having removed several small fragments intended for microscopic examination, which Professor Cornil, professor of pathological anatomy of the faculty of medicine of Paris, was good enough to make in person with his great ability. But before giving the result of this examination, the impression derived from this autopsy was, first, the astonishing preservation of the viscera, which had enabled one to make so very clear an autopsy one hundred and thirteen years after the death of the organs of a patient rather pronouncedly consumptive, with viscera emaciated and contracted. Thus the kidneys, on a simple microscopical examination, had the appearance of kidneys affected by interstitial nephritis.
Besides, the microscopic examination, of which we can see a full account in the report hereto annexed of Professor Cornil, well corroborates these first verifications.
I have been able to recognize very clearly on the fine microscopic preparations executed by Professor Cornil in person, and which he has been good enough to show to me, the following various peculiarities:
The heart is normal, with streaks of some muscular fibers still very clearly visible.
The liver seems likewise normal, with its anatomical disposition very clear. The cells of this organ were badly preserved. It was therefore not possible to see whether there had been such cellular lesions, more or less grave, as accompany the acute liver troubles analogous to symptoms of jaundice which Paul Jones presented at the end of his life.
The lungs contain in sufficiently large number these white granulations, which seem to have, under the microscope, the appearance of masses formed by a felting of fine needles of tyrosin (product of the decomposition of azotized substances). This particularly curious circumstance may be due to the fact (if it is admitted that the corpse had simply been immersed in alcohol) that before the alcohol could have penetrated all the viscera there took place a beginning of decomposition which brought on the production of these crystals.
The microbes are equally abundant upon the sections of the lung. They are the ordinary microbes of putrefaction, in the form of round grains and small sticks. Professor Cornil tried in vain to discover the tuberculous bacilli.
Besides, the only lesions that one could locate were small rounded masses, hard and at times calcified in the lungs, which correspond to small patches of broncho-pneumonia partially cicatrized. This fact agrees well with what we know of the disease of Paul Jones, who, after his sojourn in Russia, coughed a great deal and to such an extent that he could not speak at the session of the National Assembly where he was received.
As to the kidneys, the sections presented the appearance, very clearly, of chronic interstitial nephritis.
The vessels at several points had their walls thickened and invaded by sclerosis. A number of glomerulia were completely transformed into fibrous tissue and appeared in the form of small spheres, strongly colored by the microscopic reactions. This verification was of the highest importance. It gave the key to the various pathological symptoms presented by Paul Jones at the close of life--emaciation and consumptive condition, and especially a considerable swelling, which from the feet gained completely the nether limbs, then the abdomen, where it even produced ascites (exsudat intra-abdominal). All these affections are often observed at the close of chronic interstitial nephritis. It can therefore be said that we possess microscopic proof that Paul Jones died of a chronic renal affection, of which he had shown symptoms toward the close of his life.
In a word, like my colleague Papillault, and by different means, relying solely upon the appearance of the subject, on the comparison of his head with the Houdon bust, and besides considering that the observations made upon his viscera absolutely agree with his clinical history, I reach this very clear and well-grounded conclusion, namely, that the corpse of which we have made a study is that of Paul Jones.
I will even add, always with Papillault, that, being given this convergence of exceedingly numerous, very diversified, and always agreeing facts, it would be necessary to have a concurrence of circumstances absolutely exceptional and improbable in order that the corpse here concerned be not that of Paul Jones.
In closing I may be permitted to express, always with my colleague Papillault, the extreme satisfaction that we have had in bringing to the solution of this important problem that Gen. Horace Porter, ambassador of the United States, assisted by Colonel Bailly-Blanchard, secretary of the American embassy, has pursued with such remarkable and intelligent perseverance, the cooperation of our special qualifications, thanks to which the identification of the great American Admiral has been realized, when, without these means of investigation, it would have been impossible to arrive at the knowledge that at last the corpse of Paul Jones has been discovered, and that thus the honors which he has awaited for one hundred and thirteen years might at last be rendered him by his country.
J. CAPITAN,
Professor in the School of Anthropology
Member of the Municipal Commission of Old Paris.
Sunday, July 24, 2011 10:16:57 PM
Nuisances Committee Report
Friday, July 15, 2011
Shortly after 3:30pm, Zoning Inspector Mr. Gene Grossman, East Ward Alderman Mr. John Parker,
West Ward Alderman Mr. Vernon Townsend, duly appointed to the above said board by Mayor Dave
Ingersoll, did so meet for the purpose of reporting on the status of the City of Savannah physical
properties over all appearances, and to investigate the validities of written citizen’s nuisances
complaints.
First on the list, per Alderman Vernon Townsend’s request was: to inspect the old dry cleaners building location, and it rapidly degrading appearance. The situation surrounding the semi- abandon building is of strong concerns for numerous reasons. The front top exterior structure has lost numerous cinder blocks which have fallen on public sidewalks and to this day continues to poses a serious risks to all pedestrians who unknowing pass in front of this building from falling cinder blocks. Recently, during a storm , the huge front window glass has been completely broken out. Currently, it’s boarded up. The rear area of the same building is over grown with weeds/ young trees, and the building is open , unsecured . There is one large window, completely broken out with large, extremely dangerous broken glass, laying just outside the building’s rear, which posses a further risk of injuries.
I recommend that Zoning Officer Mr. Gene Grossman, use whatever written ordinances status at his disposal to see that written citations are issued to the owners, requiring proper fix (ASAP) to these dangerous conditions. I recommend that the City visit this issue within 10 days of such issuances to further escalate action, if no action are taken by the owners to correct these public risk.
Continuing in that same area, it was noted that numerous large trees, weeds over growth are taking over the rear area to building on the West side of square. Also inspected was the sinkhole developed to the rear of the same buildings in the Ally way. This needs to be addressed as the temp fix of a cinder block in the opening is not safe. This sinkhole also constitutes a major problem to the City’s Waste Water Treatment plant every single time it rains. It causes un-due, and excessive water load on the facilities abilities to treat the normal waste. Given that, the owners of the rear of these buildings need to make permanent repairs to correct this sinkhole.
After leaving “Shinbone Ally”, the tour continued up Main St. to visit the old City’s Water Plant. In passing, it was noted that homeowner on 10th and Main St., has 3 cars “sitting” by all appearances. Zoning Officer Mr. Grossman reported that two of the 3 vehicles are duly registered, and it was further reported by Alderman Mr. Parker, this was his son-in-law’s cars ,as they are kept in running condition, nothing further was needed to be done at this address. Moving on to the old water plant, it was decided to first visually inspect the dam from the boat ramp area, as it offers the best overall view. Due to the growth and height of weed , we were not able to see clearly the extend of any erosion to the dam. Drove down to the gates, notice that the “No Trespassing” signs had been installed. Zoning Inspector Mr. Grossman then got out and walked over to check out the ease of obtaining egress to the water tanks, etc. There was nothing to act as a barrier to anyone. It was noted that the city has water attraction in all pooling sections which could be considered dangerous to anyone wandering around. It is noted that, at some point in the future, the city will need to find the means to dismantle this facility as mandated by the State of Missouri. (This issue is already known by both parties)
Driving on to 707 Pearl St., it was notice that outwardly, nothing has changed for the betterment of the property’s appearances, nor to ease any neighbor’s long standing concern/complaints regarding the alleged “junkyard business” being conducted on these premises. It was noted that a newly installed swimming pool was in plain view with no fence around to prevent any children from accidental drowning, etc. Zoning Officer Mr. Grossman will investigate further. While pulling away, Alderman Vernon Townsend noticed that the water cover was off the collar, and it's wires were broken, exposed. Backed up to inspected to see what violations, if any, had been done to this. It was suggested that since Alderman Parker had the telephone number of Kenny Lance, to call to see if he knew if this was an active water account or if he knew of any reports that this had been broken. Apparently, Supernatant Mr. Kenny Lance was in the immediate area and shortly arrived. It was determine that the water meter had been broken. First thing Monday morning, he will conduct an investigation to see who actually owns this land.
Next on the list was: the huge pile of tires abandoned at the former tire business on Business 71. It was noted that the City’s Fire Marshall should be conducting annual investigations, as he is the proper individual to write citations, to address all fire hazard. Zoning Inspector Mr. Gene Grossman, has been in contact with the individual who conducted the tire business here previous to moving to a different location down 59/71 south of Savannah. It’s unclear when, or how this will be resolved. Currently the road is closed due to flooding water to the tire recycle center North of Savannah. It has been suggested that in the meanwhile, all tires should be removed to a trailer to clean up this area within the city. It is an fire/health hazard, source of rats infestation, with the standing water, etc. This needs to be resolved ASAP.
Other than, the large amount of weeds growing around the City Square curb side, and behind the local bank/Post Office building.
Respectfully submitted & signed, We, Alderman John Parker, and Alderman Vernon Townsend, the members of the Nuisance Committee, do welcome all valid, written inputs.
Signed and dated July 18, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011 11:34:51 PM
I can hear the sound of the sunshine~!~!
What would that sound be like?
The crackling sound of gentle warmth from within the heart.
Reaching to embrace those lucky enough to be stepping out of the shadows...
I wish I could have the same skill you have, with words.
This was the sound I heard every morning there..
You have such a unique imagination..
I am but a reflection of my own thoughts,
of a futuristic time, rather than of a personal one..
The thing about one's writing is, when shared,
they can take on a whole new meaning that,
is all inspiring for that reader's needs.
Just..
Friday, June 17, 2011 3:25:42 AM
The Charles River,
So peacefully, gently flowing past..
Soon to be scorned, and ravished by those down stream,
Will be tested by the ocean currents.
Tis where I spend many hours between classes..
Sometimes studying, intensively,
Often, just reading for relaxation,
How' I so miss my silence, yet talkative, nearby friends.
While the River's Grass flows onward.
Thursday, June 16, 2011 6:24:52 AM
We all are what holds each other together..
By the soft glows of night light,
The cleaning streaks outward,
By my own self confession,
I am such a cleaning freak,
That, if it wasn't for the fact that
Dirt is the glue which hold this earth together,
I'd sweep it whole, all together, to outer space~
Monday, May 16, 2011 5:20:29 AM
A nurse quietly entered Vernon's darken hospital room. A small lamp glowed from the desk showed she was young, of average built, and barely out of her teens, but gifted with natural compassion, and sincere feeling for all her patients.
Gently, without disturbing Vernon’s rest or sleep, she placed her right hand softly around Vernon's thin wrist. His pulse was strong, steady yet growing weaker. For awhile she stood motionless, his aged,bent fingers resting calmly within her smooth,caring young hand.
She looked upon Vernon's handsome, time-worn face, as she might the towering ancient redwood forest--with awe, the wonder of life, which had began so long, long ago, even before her own mother’s. A lone tear welled in her eye, slowly. It was a tear of sudden sorrow, yet at the same time, it was a tear of joy, for a life so fully lived.
Vernon was now older, and yet he remained a picture of youth. For all his life he had celebrated each day with gusto of bravo, still, the ravages of a timeless life, long lived, were apparent: lines of laughter sprayed from the outer corners of each eyes, lines of sorrow drooped, pushing downward the corners of his thin mouth. His balding head’s held long white hair, which were tangled, and slightly unkempt, his aged, gnarled and boney hands lay helpless at his sides. Less apparent were the insidious ailments of Vernon’s aged body self: His eyes could no longer glance upon the beauty of mountain rocks, ears that finally could no longer hear screech of soaring hawks, nor winds, teeth that no longer were. slowed by brittle bones of aged, he was unable to walk long distance, even to the bathroom. Cancer was an unwelcome host, spreading. Vernon was dying.
Opening the door to leave, the young nurse paused, glanced one last time over her shoulder, at the old shadowy figure, lying on his deathbed. It was the last time she would see him alive—it was the last time anyone would see him alive on this side of time.
Moments after the nurse left the room Vernon slowly began to stir. His tired eyelash flickers several times as his eyes focus, and nervously looked about as if searching for somebody. Vernon's attention drew to the foot of his bed. His eyes seemed to focus on something, yet nothing was there. Vernon smiled weakly, and begin to gradually relax. His bright green eyes sparkled; they showed no fear. "So, you've finally caught up with me," said Vernon, seemingly to himself. He continued to stare straight ahead at nothing, at something. "I've expected your coming for some time now, wished, ever since Nancy passed away." Vernon's face brightened as living images of his long dead wife passed
before his teary eyes. "Nancy," he murmured wistfully, "Was my friend you know--my best friend." The semi-senile, fogginess of Vernon’s mind cleared, leaving the meandering paths of his life memory sharp, unclouded; his thoughts drifted into the past, to the moment his life with Nancy began.
Vernon met Nancy when she was twenty four years old, and he had just turned twenty six.
Nancy worked as a school teacher in Salem, New Hampshire. Vernon was employed as an Aerospace Engineer for Ford Aerospace. Worked on numerous, top secret projects. With a roll of bills, a small veritable fortune in his pocket, Vernon enters the Milford's Diner, for a doughnut and coffee. He needed something to warm his cold, dark mood. Though not on the menu, Vernon got exactly what he needed that day in the Milford Diner. On the table laid a copy of the local newspaper, and circled in pencil, was an ad for an brand new apartment renting, lifting his eyes from his table, Vernon later looked into the glowing face of the prettiest girl he'd ever seen.It was Nancy. She was neither beautiful, nor glamorous; she was simply pretty. His first thought upon seeing her: "I could spend the rest of my life with that girl." And indeed he did. Perhaps Nancy sensed their destiny,
for she rashly changed her usual quiet and shy ways.
"Nancy was my life," Vernon said. "She made it all worthwhile. She made
the good times better, and the bad times tolerable. Nancy was always there
to see us through." The times of their life together became clear in his mind, and he remembered them all, the good and the bad.
Vernon and Nancy dated and courted for nearly a year before they married. Vernon found work as an engineer with Sanders Associates. out of Nashua, NH. They would later established a home after much traveling, and Nancy
quit her teaching job to become a housewife. They were to raised two
children—Vern Jr. and Nathan, and watched them grow into adults with lives and family and problems of their own. Their NH house seemed empty, and their lives without purpose after the youngest child moved away to begin his own life.
Vernon and Nancy became closer than ever before, so it seemed. Nancy took to retirement with some ease as time passed, and together they walked, climbed mountains, relaxed, and enjoyed their latter years. Then, seven years ago, Nancy died of a sudden heart attack. Vernon was devastated. He postponed his traveling plans, then to keep busy, to keep his mind from his sorrow, took up hiking and mountain climbing once more, but he couldn't keep up the
pace and had to retire anyway. Nancy's death marked the end of the full
and happy life Vernon had lived. He spent the last few years waiting for his
life to end. His children and their families tried to show their love and
concerns, but their lives were always busy and days upon days away.
Vernon's awareness of the present gradually returned, and he again directed
his attention to the spirit at the foot of his bed: "Yeah, I remember now," Vernon answered. "How could I ever forget? Had my brother not pulled me out of the water by my hair when he did, I'd of drowned for sure that long ago day."
Vernon and his brother Donnie were told repeatedly by their parent, not to go near the deep end of the pier of the creek, but once in a while the two brothers found themselves playing in the creek's deep water. On one such occasion, during a hot, muggy July afternoon in 1949, they peeled off their clothes, and plunged into the cool, clear water with the excitement of knowing that what they did was sneaky, against all the rules their parents had firmly established. Donnie was then
six, 14 months younger than Vernon. They played tag in the water, vigorously
swimming around, after each other, back and forth across the creek. After a few minutes in the water Vernon doubled over in sharp pain, from a severe stomach cramp. He was in the middle of the whirlpool, and unable to touch bottom, or even to keep his head above the water, breathing was becoming impossible as his hair swirled around, and around in front of his eyes. After what seemed an interminable time to Vernon, Donnie realized his brother was in trouble, reached in and pulled him up by his hair to the surface and toward the pier.
"Donnie saved my life that day," said Vernon. After a few moments of reflection Vernon spoke again, softly, "If only I could've returned the favor." A few days after graduating from high school, Donnie joined the military. His private, carefree life was forever changed.
"That was a sad summer for all of us," said Vernon. "At Donnie's funeral I saw Dad cry for the very first time--the only time. And he didn't really cry, it was just a tear, a single tear. Mom and Dad were tough members of that greatest generation of Americans and, I guess, used to such grief. They became over-protective of the rest of us."
Vernon's parents were both from the North and the South, an odd couple for their time, to say the least.
"My own children? Oh, they were a great bunch of kids," said Vernon with a
smile. "If I had to choose the best time of my life, it would have to be the
years Nancy and I, with our children were a happy family: sharing the good times with the
troubles, and the growing up--all of us together."
Vernon and Nancy raised their two children like most parents: eagerly
awaiting the first real spoken words, awaiting the first unsupported steps,
then suddenly finding their babies leaving home for college, or for jobs, seeking independence. Vernon had a strong hand in raising their children, but he gave most of the credit to Nancy.
The greatest joy was the day when Vernon’s granddaughter Evelyn Victoria was born to Nathan and Elizabeth, Feb 24, 2009. She has been the source of so much joy and inner thoughts, even as Vernon rest upon his death bed, he can hear Evie laughter..He had wished she was closer by to visit, as he sorely missed her unique smile, genuine laughter. She is so much her mother and father all in one.
"Nancy," Vernon murmured wistfully, again. "God, how I've missed her
these last few years." Vernon's thoughts drifted into the past once more, but
something disturbed his waken: "No, I'm not stalling," replied Vernon, seemingly to no one. "There are so many people and places and times to
remember, to visit, so many regrets to forget." He continued to contemplate the past, until he saw each moment of his entire life roaring into a single image, a vision, like seeing the picture of a completed jigsaw puzzle after years of witnessing only its individual pieces. His life was now full circle, Vernon was ready for one last trip beyond, the day after tomorrow.
"So, which way do we go, Shadow?" Vernon asked facetiously, but with a slight faint
of heart. He listened intently, as if hearing an answer to his question, but
there were no sound, or even whispers. After a few moments Vernon's expression changed to one of mild astonishment, then, understanding.
Vernon smiled with satisfaction. His smile slowly widened until his lips parted in silent, amused laughter. His breathing and heart slowed to a stop, his body went limp, his eyes opened, yet closed.
Vernon was beyond death, departed with the Shadowy figure.
Friday, February 26, 2010 4:11:51 PM
Arctic Fox, Ice Bergs, greenland, Arctic Region
...
The Artic Region..
Let’s start by giving a brief history of how Greenland came
to be known and, what it means to be here.
As it was revealed from an introduction session, around 325 BC, the seafarer Pytheas of Massalia discovered an island six days sailing north of England, which he called Thule. It is generally thought that the island was present-day Iceland. At that time Thule meant the northernmost known island. But with increased geographical knowledge the name eventually moved further north. The furthest north: Ultima Thule. Thule became synonymous with “cold wilderness”.
In 1910 Knud Rasmussen established the Kap York Trading Post. On a suggestion from the manager, Peter Freuchen, it was called Thule.
The trading post financed the famous Thule expeditions. Archaeological investigations at the eskimo settlement of Uummannaq, in the vicinity of the trading post, introduced the name Thule into eskomology in 1921 as a term for the youngest eskimo culture, whose people came to Greenland around the year 900- the Thule culture.
The Thule was the forefather of today’s Greenlanders.
Now we come to “US”, In 1963 the area was officially granted status as the 17th municipally of Greenland-The Thule municipally. The Northernmost community in the world. This now sets the tone for where we are headed and to some extent, the nature of the land and people we will find upon our arrival.
Come with me and, let’s experiences this adventurous trip to the Arctic Region together.
19 Oct,1999..
This day began with the alarm going off, sounding of rooster’s through its speaker from my laptop. Just went upstairs to awake my youngest son, Nathan. He was already up and getting his day started. Works during the day and on two days a week has classes at University of New Hampshire in Manchester. Today is the 19 of Oct 1999. I arrive at the airport in Manchester, NH for my flight shortly after 9 a.m. which leads us into day two, I arrived at Baltimore about 12:15pm. Flight was late getting in due to weather. After much looking around, I ended up having dinner at the local Burger King. I finally got checked-in for my flight out to Thule, Greenland. Flight # MC1 out gate E3. The departure area for Overseas flight is huge and, empty. Just ever so often, I see a large group of recruits lining up for their flights out to basic training. After the last flight had left, many hours previously, it came to past the security guard said, 'that I had to leave the area'.
They must have known something was up at the time. (smiling)
I found myself again at the little den of thieves, where all the comfortable seats could be found and my tired, stretched out body was awaken by a tap. I heard a voice saying,” Come with me, I have a better deal for you!”. You just wouldn’t believe it! My flight had been canceled. They were sending me to the Marriott @ Inner Harbor in downtown Baltimore. With meal and taxi services voucher in hand. The taxi ride was a white knuckles affair for all of us as the driver was SPEEDING , wanting to get us at our destination. We arrived, with the tires squealing, the trunk flew open and out poured the suitcases. The bell-hop moved us in a line, for checking in. Afterwards, I rushed upstairs to my room #227, less they changed their mind. I quickly peeled off my street clothes and set-up my suitcases and fixed a pot of coffee, then I took a steaming hot shower, TWICE! It just felt so good to see and feel a real bar of soap. The coffee was brewing in the background as I called my ISP and obtained my local hookup number for the Internet account. Send out notices to all about my delay. Finally, at 3:14am, I turned off the lights and slept. The complimentary paper fell silently to the floor. Slept...SLEPT.
Day three, I awoken just before 7am, hopped out of bed, grab a cup of coffee and, quickly took another very hot shower. I think I might miss those. Took in the paper left outside my door, nothing worth reading, so I picked out something to wear for the day. Went downstairs, had breakfast. Consisted of fried apples, baked potatoes, 5 slices of bacon and a side dish of ruby red grapefruit. One glass of orange juice. Cost was 12.55$. (Signed my room number to the bill) Plans for the day. WALK the Inner Harbor, taking in the Holocaust Memorial, several of the ships moored here. More later..
Later this evening, got back on the Internet and made contact with my email account. Talk with my son Nathan for about 30 minutes and,found out that Nathan had finished the stone step walk into the garden, THAT WAS NICE! Thanks Nathan!
Had a thick steak for dinner and it was cooked just right, with all the usual trimmings? Cost was 21.00$
Arrived back at my room for the final shower. Recapping of the suitcases. Worried about the big one, as it has split the zipper seams once already. Just hope it holds together for the trip North.
Upon leaving for the checkout, ran into the Bell Cap who said that the taxi for ATI ( us) was outside, loading and that I should hurry out to get my suitcases loaded. In doing so, I missed riding back with the two gentlemen I had shared the first ride out from the airport. Darn, both guys are lots of fun about made the trip that much nicer! Thanks Ron and Glen. (Both are from Air Force Space Commands Office)
Oct 22,1999, Friday morning, plane finally departed from Baltimore at 3:07am, we had only 8 people aboard. The flight took us over all the major seaboard cities, even Kenniebunkport, Me., before turning out toward the ocean. Crossed the Baffin Sea for the rest of the trek northward. The final glow from the sun’s ray was awesome!
Rather fitful sleeping during the first half of the flight as it was very noisy and vibrating excessively. About 615am, they woke us up for hot breakfast, consisting of pancakes, scrambled eggs and blueberry muffins. Orange juice for me this morning.
The Sun is off to my right as we streak northward to Thule, peeking up under the blue of the sky, yet at the same time throwing skip, skipping burst of golden rays across the still and lifeless clouds. Amazing sight~!
I saw my first landfall of Greenland just before 700am, all covered with snow and yet the bay (that is the water surrounding it)is still unfrozen, oddly colored majestic blue. We are at this point about an hour from landing at Thule, Greenland. With its ten thousands foot runway, it was a chinch we’d make landfall. Retrieved my Russian hat for covering my head as it’s about minus 6 degrees Celsius or 26 degrees F.
Upon exiting the aircraft, (8:45 am) I noticed the base commander was there to greet the passengers, myself including. I knew they were there just to meet “Ron”, from Air Force Space Command Office. (Ret. General)) I met up with the local Lockheed Martin Office Rep; Sue Iverson. She helped me to get a feel for the layout of the base. Took me by my room for the duration of my stay. I’m in Barrack 131, room 1.
It had not been used in quite sometime, as I was to later find out, perhaps in excess of 5 years. It was covered in layers of dust and not laid out the way I wanted. So I grabbed the vacuum cleaner and went to work cleaning!
After making up my bed, running the vacuum cleaner twice and washing down all of the furniture. I was DONE~!!
I called a taxi and went to the base's BX. Spend about 18.50$ for various drinks (V8’s) plus my instant coffee & IRISH CREAM. I bought 5 bottles of V8, one bottle of wine and the rest was for the instant coffee, cream and brown sugar. I came back to finish working on my room. Waiting for the 5 p.m. dinner call. Really looking good.
Called the taxi service at quarter till 5 p.m. for my ride over to the Dining Hall. I saw the inside as very large and nicely done up. Trees all over place behind glass cases. For dinner I had Swiss Steaks over rice and corn/sweet pea combo. For fluid intake, one medium size glass of milk & desert was Butterscotch pudding with whip cream topping. Had a dinner companion name is Glen, one of the three guys in the Inner Harbor trio. We had fun catching up on what each of the other has been going experiencing. Since Glen had a six pack vehicle, we decided to try and and take in the BX again before it closed. As I had been there shortly before dinner, I was just looking around to see what, if anything I might has missed. It’s now after 7pm and its still light out in a perverted kind of way. Fixed myself a glass of “Bigelow’s Orange & Spice” herb tea. Not half bad without sugar.
The homesick curse really hit me this evening as I was flipping through the satellite channels ad came upon the three channels live from Boston DOING THE 5:30 P.PM. NEWS! Grrrrrrrr, that really got to me.
As the hours slowly ticked away..
Just spending the evening here on my laptop, listening to various sound tracks and songs wave file. :-}~~~
23 Oct 1999,
A very early Saturday morning. Awaken just before 5 a.m., upon looking outside, I caught a fantastic sighting of the full Moon. It only lasts about 15 minutes and then it was gone. What a wonderful way to start the day! Fixed a cup of coffee and then sit down with the puter. Listen to some music while going through some maintenance programs for the laptop. Just before 7 a.m., met two of the day shifters waiting for the taxi to work. Only been here about two months for each of them.
I left around 7:30 am for breakfast of 2 eggs, sunny side up, 4 slices of bacon and a ruby grapefruit cut in half. Finished off the meal with a glass of orange juice. Came back to the barrack and was greeted by Archie. (Our little Arctic foxes who lives under my room.)
Will go over to the base library after 10 am. I plan to check out the Icelandic P.O. Station up the street from me.
Tonight is my first night at work. I will be working the 7pm to 7am shifts here. THIS IS MY SCHEDULE!
Called a taxi for a ride to the library center & got logged onto the Internet using my towner7@usa.net.
Since it’s so costly, I was only able to send out several key emails to “alert” the world that I was connected.
For the time being, this will have to do as it’s so costly to have it installed and the per min charge is out of sight. This being the case, I have checked out three news books for reading during my off hours.
1. “Bag of Bones”, by Stephen King;
2. “The Fourth Procedure”, by Stanley Pottinger;
3. “Dinosaur Brains”, by Albert J. Bernstein.
I also stopped by the BX, trying to find some shades, curtains, to cover my windows here in my room.
The guy who works there said that they had a box of metal shades for the window and that if I came back around 3pm, I could have them for free. (They are brand new!) See? “Doesn’t take much “.
I then went over for lunch at 12 noon & had corn beef on rice mix with bronchial plus, a big bowl of Cauliflower. I wasn’t able to find a glass of grapefruit, so instead, I chose a glass of milk to go with the meal. The close of this mealtime is another activity of community interests.
Next Morning..
Went to work last night at 7pm and worked the console for the entire shift. Worked with guy by the name of Mike Raft, who is from Montana. Discovered why it seems as if no one from Lockheed eats at the main
Dinning hall. We have a cook at the station that takes care of the troop’s meal. Took a tour through the various tunnels leading out from the operational area to the antennas. Finally, the bus arrives to pick us up for the trip back to the barracks. Dropped off my things and called for a ride to the dinning hall for a hearty Breakfast of eggs, bacon and grapefruit. Talked with a guy from the communication area who seems troubled but then who up here wasn't?More to follow..
Friday, February 26, 2010 3:57:32 PM
Jasper, New Hampshire, Amherst, Missouri
...
Jasper..
Tis truly a most sadden day for all of us.
My 'lil buddy was such an unusual dog, for being a
cat. His aura shall forever be locked in my mind and,
heart of hearts. I'm so thankful for so many things
that he brought into our life. Awe, the stories will
be long remembered, fondly.
When I first saw him, it was his father that I'd
first wanted.. For his dad was such a lovely cat~
But, the plight of 'kitty, was so heartbreaking and
certain death loomed for his near future. It became a
evident that he was the choosen one for the ride home
to New Hampshire. What a ride it was for a month old
kitten to endure. I first went Wal-Mart to buy a
car-carrier for his safety. That first night when I
stayed at the motel and decided that he needed a bath!
Fleas he had and some! I had taken a bath and on a
whim, picked him up and sat him in the water to wash
him. As long as I was in the tub with him, he was fine
with the washing chore. I, then took him out and
checked the water. The bottom of the tub was filled
with fleas! Naturally, once wasn't good enough. I
washed him again and this time he had fewer still
fleas. Dried him off and he slept next to me that
night. From then on, he was all over my shoulder and
neck while driving..lol He was such a cutie!
I'm sadden at his passing, even tho I don't have his
body for verification of that fact. I've felt the
danger for him and, now fear his passing is real.
I'm sadden and, yes, I even cried like a baby when the
lost of his aura was felt..So many thoughts and images
comes to mind..these are locked for now, you realize
how much I want to keep those, thru him, safe!
I will share from time to time, as it becomes clear to
me. Life must go on. so it's with great saddness that
I said, "Goodnight Jasper, god bless and, thanks for
sharing your gift of life with us" I love you!!
I'm sorry but, at this moment, nothing is quite
the same for me.
Rest in Peace..wherever you are..
Thursday, February 25, 2010 3:47:58 AM
Lauber, Hornby, Wiedmer, Savannah
...
My efforts at finding information on the old house located at lot 2, block 5, in Savannah, Mo., was running into unintentional road blocks.
I acknowledge that my first attempts were somewhat feeble, due mainly to the lack of positive responses, and available information.
Later, it was while I was buried up to my neck of century old records in the town's vault, I found out that the local land title companies only went back as far as 50 yrs in their search for the title records, liens, etc. The following is what I found after spending two long days buried in the record books contained within the vault.
First and, foremost..
You must remember, I had almost nothing to go on except for the name of the lady from whom I bought the house.
The following is the results of my effort in the research.
Issac R Williams.
This section of town, that I bought the house, is a relatively new addition (1907) to the town of Savannah, Mo., known locally as the Williams Place.
When the town of Savannah was first settled in the middle 1840’s, the original section of town was small, roughly one mile square area. By the time of the early 20th century, the new millennium brought an expansion boom with it, bursting the seams of the town, taking it toward the outside limits of the then known town limits.
In 1907, a prominent local land developer by the name of Isaac R. Williams, formed a holding company called “Wakefield Land Company”, and filed a subdivision plan that year 1907, with the town of Savannah, Missouri.
It was to called the subdivision “Williams Place", and proceeded to sell land. It would appear that this was a slow process, as he was still selling land well into the 1920’s, and beyond as indicated by the record books.
At this point, I knew nothing other than who the most recent "former owner" had been. I started from this known point, working backward in time, slowly traveling toward 1907.
I worked with what I had, at first, backwards from the most recent seller to myself..
Several months has since past of my first edition.
April 26, 2010:
Much has been discovered in the interim, since my last entry here.
1.(1920) The first registered buyer/owner of the land, and the builder of this old Arts -n- Crafts home was listed as Ms. Lelia Lauber. She was a young woman of 24 yrs of age. She had a young baby girl born of that same year.(The young daughter is still alive) In 1921, Ms Lauber had this house built, and lived here until 1926. Two things happened that year for her. First, she had a baby boy born and she sold the house for $4,000. Her husband, along with his father and cousin owned a company that built homes in the Town of Savannah, Mo., and surrounding area.
2.(1926) The house was sold in 1926 to a Ms Emma Wiedmer, for $4,000 at 6% interest rate compounded annually.
The house is recorded as having been paid off in full in 1929. She had 4 daughters, it's unclear as to whether any ever lived here other than Mildred C Wiedmer, a daughter.
3.(1939) Mildred C Wiedmer, who bought the house from her mother in 1939. Emma lived here with Mildred until her death in 1945. Mildred worked in the city clerks office for many years. Mildred never married, as far as any records can be researched.
4.(1956) Ms Eloise Hornby/Tuck, listed as a widow, bought the house from Mildred C Wiedmer. Price was unknown, a strong suspicion is that it was about $7,500 then. She had one daughter who died at an early age of 16 yrs in a automobile accident. Another daughter, Susan, was the actually party that I bought the house from. At some point, she married a Frank J. Tuck, who was entered as co-owner of the property in 1989. Frank ran a TV repair business from the garage and various other locations.
5.(2009) Vernon L Townsend, I bought the house June, 2009. Cost $72,500 plus $55,000 invested in revocation work on much needed repairs and critical updating to the electrical wiring, etc.
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