Saturday, May 6, 1962

Dear Howard, Mary & the girls.

Am out at the Drop and thot that I'd better send you folks a line. Feel that it’s a duty, plus a privilege. Will be mostly about Claudie, as I feel that it should be. Will probably never write a lot about him again. There's a lot to be said., and a lot more that could be- There’s a heaviness in my heart over his passing, tho I have known from your recent letters that Claudie was about ready to take his long and dreamless sleep. Also knew that it would be a blessing and a relief to him, and others who were near, but to me there's a trace of sadness that others can't quite feel. There's no doubt that I've known Claudie longer than any other living person. And that goes back as far as my memory does. He was the only first cousin out of a possible 50 that I ever really knew. Have had associations together over many long years. In my boyhood I've gone with him to circus', shows, ball games, 4th of July picnics, family gatherings, and the like. Remember once we rode our bicycles to Lamar, to see the County Fair. He was a great hand to want to go. Didn't matter where. Another time we were up there, to a big political rally.

Claudie was a little bit the oddest person that ever grew up around there and possibly the most aggravating one, tho you just could not get mad at him, and stay that way. Had a lot of virtues. Was generous hearted to a fault, and some folks took advantage of it, got in debt to him, and stayed that way. He and Aunt Em had both helped me in many ways. Locally Claudie knew more people and was known by more than could be said about most anyone else. When you saw him once, you always remembered him. A very unforgettable character. If all the stories and jokes on him could be collected., they would make a big and interesting book. Borned to be teased, he's had to absorb a lot of it, but along these lines, he could both give and take. Just about teased every kid he ever knew and when it came to giving nicknames, he was an artist. When they told a story on him, and asked him about it, he would neither confirm nor deny it. Probably say, "spec so, spec so." If he wanted you to know that he doubted your story, it would be "goodness gracious," - 0 my," "Pshaw-" etc.

Almost as far back as I can remember, people were asking the question, "' What's going to become of Claudie when his parents are gone?" Well, he outlived them many years and some how managed to make out, tho the last years were pretty rough, and made a rather dark picture. I am so glad he didn't have to die in that squalor that he lived in. Am glad for every kindness that was shown him in his last days. Especially appreciate the many trips you made to see him, the interest that you showed, and the comfort he felt by your presence. Was away out here where I couldn't do a thing, but happy I could do it thru a son and daughter-in-law. Feel that his last days were quite peaceful and comfortable and that everything was done that could be done, Nice he had an acquaintance for a nurse. Bet she was good. I can remember Mae Williams as a nice looking young school teacher.

Do so regret that I can't be in Nashville tomorrow to attend the last rites and hear the chant of the last requiem. I hope the preacher, whoever he may be, will preach one of those old fashioned, personal kind of a funeral sermon. Think it would be fitting, in this case, The best thing about Claudie was his deeply religious nature. He was really a "Defender of the Faith," and never was ashamed of his religious convictions, nor tried to hide them. Death had no fears for him, because he was so positive it meant going home to "Papa and Mamma." Am sure it was his one great consolation. Well in the last 60 years and more he has been called upon to sing at so many funeral services that no one could even make an estimate as to the amount of times. it's certain that no one else could even remotely come close to his record.

His history and the history of Nashville would be closely interwoven. Speaking of one, you'd almost have to think of the other. Grew up together, and it's pretty hard to say which one outlived. Claudie is the last of his generation, "the last of the Mohicans." There'll never be anybody to call me "Meredie" any more. Often think of him calling his Model T, "Old Henry." It was about the only sweetheart he ever had. Now, I know there'll be a tremendous crowd at the funeral, and I hope it'll be a beautiful day, and that they'll know what he wanted them to sing over him, at the parting of the way. I don't feel quite like taking up any other subject right now. Will ask Mom to write in some news in the morning.

JUNE 4, 1849

Mrs. Emma Crouch is the oldest person residing in Nashville vicinity, as well as one of its oldest settlers, having come to this community about sixty years ago, with her husband the late W. H. (Capt.) Crouch, who was for many years merchant and postmaster of the village. She has since resided here, having lived in the same house for over fifty years. Sunday, June fourth, being her ninetieth birthday, a dinner was planned in her honor and her many friends invited. Despite her advanced years she is in good physical health and still keeps house for herself and son Claude, the present postmaster.

Aunt Em, as she is affectionately known by everybody, perhaps has the distinction of being one of the most beloved persons ever living in these parts. In fact to know her is to regard her as a dear friend, and her unselfish and generous spirit toward all mankind has been her outstanding virtue. All who visit her go away chuckling over her good humor and ready wit. Of late years she has been troubled with failing eyesight, which is a great burden to her as she formerly was a. great hand to read and to write letters, keeping up correspondence with so many who had moved to distant lands. People returning here on visits to their old homeland never fail to call on her, and Nashville folk meeting friends elsewhere are invariable asked, "Well, how is Aunt Em?" A member of the Christian church since early childhood, people have marveled at her faith, and all will hope that her monumental life will be spared to our community for many more years, -- Contributed