Trials fo the Earth: The Autobiography of Mary Hamilton
This is an invitation for all Sunflower County residents and history lovers to join the Blue Biscuit Book Club in their discussion of Mississippi Delta pioneer, Mary Hamilton's autobiography on January 8th at 6:00 pm. Family members will be there to review the stories collected by Mary Hamilton and copy-editor Helen Dick Davis in 1933. This book was first published in 1991 and due to high demand, again in 2012. In the novel, Mary Hamilton recounts her life, from the first time she met her husband in the early 1880's, Frank Hamilton, to his death in 1914.
Mississippi Delta pioneers created Sunflower County in 1844. Between the years 1850 and 1870, Sunflower County population increased from 1102 to 5, 015.The earliest pioneers had to clear away virgin timber, drain marshes and defend family, livestock and land from wild predators. Most living areas were not yet towns, but more like settlements at the landings along the rivers or in remote areas nicknamed “deadenings.” Deadenings were areas created by landowners chopping deep rings down to the cambium layer where the sap flows on trees. This would kill the trees, making them easier to dispose of than green trees. These areas were usually named after the landowner, such as Heathman’s Deadening. Even though these living areas were scattered and isolated, the pioneers maintained a dynamic social calendar. Mundane events such as corn husking or log rolling were transformed into community affairs through a hearty dinner or lively dance.
As the population grew, so did the complexity of the communities. Small main street towns such as Ruleville and Inverness became the home to churches, general stores, banks and blacksmiths. Along with burgeoning business came doctors, dentists and postmasters. Each community continued to thrive and create a place called home for generations of Mississippians.
There are several books located in the Sunflower County Room that recounts the formation of the county and individual towns.
Recollections: By the Descendants of Early Settlers of Drew, Mississippi –Centennial Historical Committee
Early History of the Town of Ruleville- John Robertson & Tom Conger, Jr.
The Steamboat Era- A.E. Britt
History of Inverness, Mississippi- Don Carol Bell
Promised Land or Sandy Bayou, Drew, MS-Elizabeth Wilson
Fevers, Floods and Faith: A History of Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1844-1976- Marie Hemphill
Each conveys the story of people who toiled and reveled in the creation of civilized areas out of the Mississippi Delta wilderness.
So come join the Blue Biscuit Book Club Tuesday January 8th for pioneer Mary
Hamilton’s book, Trials of the Earth!
To learn more contact me at 662-887-2153
