I visited George Grant in his rambling old house and spent a pleasant hour or two. George has a remarkable memory for details through a long life of some 93 years. In some ways, he thinks like me as our ancestors include Cherokee as well as Scotts/Irish descent. My Grandmother Lela used to say, “… and perhaps a little French!”
George served in the US Army in WW II, fighting across the rugged mountains of Italy in WW II. Anyone reading of the bitter, bloody fighting on steep slopes or street to street in cities, and during freezing winter, deep mud, or hot, dusty summer, can imagine what George experienced. Yet he saw it as part of his duties as an American citizen.
After the war, George had a career for the US Government estimating lands and property in several western states for home coming troops and others seeking loans to begin a new life under the “Big Sky” country. I see in him a treasure of knowledge about our nation and our ancestors, including Amerindians and early settlers. Not far from his home is a trace or Indian trail that connected with other traces going east and west across Georgia and goes north into the Carolinas and as far as Kentucky. After settlers arrived such traces were used by wagons and stage coaches. In a valley below George’s home is an old lime kiln, site of an Indian village, and the site of a stage coach stop, or inn on the trace.
After retiring from the Air Force, I explored and hunted deer or turkeys in the area near George’s home. Being around old ruins or ancient traces arouses vibes to stir my mind and soul. Finding arrow heads or bits of pottery is tangible evidence of early people and times.
I hope I or someone can sit down with George Grant and record what he remembers of Cherokees and early settlers of his area. Many folks pass on and leave almost nothing behind but a headstone and a few relatives and friends. Fewer of our children will know much of the rich and stirring history of an earlier time. As I write my experiences and memories I hope years ahead some parents and young people read some and share the information with others.
