text:
Mary Lee Bland
|Cumberland County, Kentucky
|Died in Santiquin, Utah, Utah
|Place of Burial:
|Santiquin, Utah, Utah
|Immediate Family:
Daughter of John Bland and Sarah Elizabeth Lee
|Managed by:
|Eli Klausner Montague
|Last Updated:
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About Mary Lee Bland
Mormon Pioneer:
"...How happy we were to be reunited and for William to see his year-old son for the first time. His health improved some he was home and we were happy. Then privations in that terrible winter of 1848 caused a relapse, and after a promise exacted from me that I would take the family and go with the Saints to Zion, he passed from this life in my arms. Leaving me grief stricken, I faced maternity again with Mammy Chloe my only attendant. Little Mary Jane was born (5 Feb. 1849) four months after her father's [William Fletcher Ewell] death.
We then set about to keep our pledge to go to Salt Lake, the Zion of the mountains. Oh, how I missed him, always so faithful to the church, so kind and true. I could have gone back to luxury at home by repudiating our faith, but was not tempted, even in the face of poverty. So in a few years my faithful Mammy Chloe helped me bring my family to Salt Lake..."
SOURCE: Ewell, Mary Lee Bland, Reminiscences, 4. (Trail excerpt transcribed from "Pioneer History Collection" available at Pioneer Memorial Museum [Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum], Salt Lake City, Utah. Some restrictions apply.) Retrieved from http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/source/1,18016,4976-19055,00.html
Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868
Ewell, Mary Lee Bland
Birth Date: 1 Nov. 1817 Death Date: 24 May 1898 Gender: Female Age: 34 Company: Uriah Curtis Company (1852)
Pioneer Information: She came with her six children and a black woman by the name of "Chloe."
SOURCE: http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneerdetails/1,15791,4018-1-11690,00.html
Correct Version
History of Mary Lee Bland The title page to the following history reads as follows: MARY LEE BLAND EWELL by Eddavene Zoan Houtz Beane Told writer by her mother who was Mary Melinda Stewart Houtz and diary of Mary Lee Bland Ewell.
CHAPTER 1 "Well, well! Mary, honey child, what is my namesake trying to do? Drown herself in a flood of tears? Come, what ails you?" "Oh, Grandma, it's Father. I just can't stand it", said a very young girl as she threw herself into the arms of a dainty little old lady, seated in her chair on the vine covered porch, of a white house nestled in cottonwood trees where bachelor buttons, sweet williams and canterbury bells bloomed in profusion. A rose arbor from the gate to the door showered petals from yesterday's roses, reminding one of the eternal march of time. Convulsive sobs emitted from the sweet young lips as she was cuddled in the kindly arms, her curly head close to her grandmother's breast. "There, there!--What is it, honey?" "Oh!", Mary sobbed, "It's about Warren and me. Father said that we must not be married, at least not yet, that I'm too young, and Grandma, here I am past fifteen. He says I don't know what love is. Isn't he funny? Why I'm sure I love him--even more than any of the other boys I know. He is so handsome and has been out in the world. Besides, I like men who are older, like Warren. I just know I'll die without him. I love him, Grandma. Oh, Oh! I do. And I want to go on the stage and sing Grand Opera." "Now honey, stop crying and let's talk this over. You know if you are both sure of yourselves, there is no reason to rush is there? Real love can wait, you know." "Oh! but we can't wait. He's going to take me away with him, East to meet his people and then, we will be married and have a grand wedding at his home. He says two people who love each other need no interference and we will go where we can live our own lives as we see fit, see the world where there are bright lights, life, music, plays, and get away from this stuffy town where nothing ever happens, and where we burn oil lamps. He wants to go away where he is not questioned about religion too, you see, he has none yet, and he says young people do not need it, that when we get old and have nothing else to do, that church is a fine place to go, and that we can live just fine without restrictions on our freedom for a long time, that people were born for experiences, life, love and laughter, fame where I can sing, and I can have my life ambition to train for Grand Opera." "Now Father has the old fashioned idea that religious differences, or lack of religion, will cause unhappiness later on--but, I don't believe it. What difference can belief make? Oh! Grandma, you are so understanding and once you told me to come to you if I found myself with a problem that Mother and I could not solve. Well, we can't, at least to my satisfaction. So here I am.--And Father!!<nowiki>--------</nowiki>Oh!" The old lady stroked her hair then took the tear stained face between her hands and said, "I am ready to keep my promise, child." "You must know, honey, that real love means much more than mere fascination and a desire to conquer new worlds. Remember that without its gauzy wings a butterfly is but a repulsive caterpillar. Love is a gift of God, a test for humanity. It means great sacrifice at times, patience to overcome insurmountable obstacles, clear, calm thinking, tolerance and sometimes great sorrow. You know dear it is not always how old or how young one is. It is how certain of being right." "Let me tell you a story of love, my story, and see if it will bring us to a real analysis of your problem. You want to be right in your decision, do you not?" "Oh, Grandma, of course I do want to be right." Then sit here at my feet child and listen through.
Chapter 2 Go with me honey back to my childhood home in the lovely old South during slave time. My father was a wealthy plantation and slave owner, also busy in affairs of state. He was born of a pioneer family of Virginia. John Bland, his ancestor whose name he bore had settled there under the grant from the king of England in l640. My mother was Sarah Elisabeth Lee, descendent of Richard Henry Lee, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. "I never hear the Star Spangled Banner or see old Glory waving in the breeze, that my heart does not almost burst its bounds, and I thank God for America." It was spring at the close of my last year at Miss Stratton's Girl's school in R--------, when I shut the lid of my trunk after tucking back all the lovely new things I had bought for my betrothal announcement, along with the sweet remembrances from the dear girls at boarding school who had surprised me on the morning of my departure for home. "I think I'm ready to go now. You have all been so wonderful to me, and I love every one of you. Of course I'll be happy to see darling Mama--but I'll miss you all." "We'll miss you too Mary Lee. It's grand to be thru school, but we surely will be missing you here next year. Miss Stratton would have punished us if she had caught us in our raids on the kitchen, eating in bed, pulling candy and sweetmeats up on strings that we had hid in the shrubbery. A good thing old Dan, the colored gardener helped us because he liked you, Mary Lee. Oh! but wasn't it fun. I guess we didn't sin too much, did we?" We all giggled. "I'm surely going to miss my room mate," said Nancy Bennett, my cousin. "Your things are marvelous. Please thank Aunt Sarah Lee for her sweet invitation to come for a visit this summer. I'll love it, but how are you going to find time for a visitor with Dale about?" "He won't be there all the time, silly." "He must be wonderful, to capture a popular girl like you Mary Lee", said Anne Worthington, and Betty Carter said, "Is the wedding soon?" "No definite date, Dale must finish Law School and--well I suppose our families must decide when. I would like all of you to visit me this summer." I'll share my old mammy Chloe, and my two horses, Betsy and Prince, with you and we have plenty of room." "Oh Mary Lee, how wonderful" they all said in concert. "I'll even share my big mysterious woods back from our house. You know, one unaccustomed, could very easily become lost there, but I love their vastness, and often ride far into the shadows and lose myself among the dogwood, and in the intoxicating fragrance of the trailing arbutus, as one crushes them under the fallen leaves. I open my arms and try to hold the beauties of my world to myself, reluctant to leave, then as evening falls I ride back, give Sammie the bridle and slip up stairs to my veranda where rose bushes climb and nod their pink heads in my window. "I watch the light fade from the sky and wait for myriad's of fireflies to light the woods, like sparkling stars. From childhood I have imagined myself a fairy princess in Fairyland, the fireflies, fairies with lanterns, showing me the way to find my Prince, then the big round moon comes up so white and majestic and makes me feel - Oh, so--" "Well, listen to Mary Lee, one might think she is an old Atlas carrying the world in it's troubles, instead of being happy that she has found her Prince already, and is going home to become officially engaged to him," said Betty, and they all laughed except Mary Lee. A knock at the door and Miss Stratton entered. "Mary Lee, your father has arrived to take you home. I'll order your trunk down at once. It has been a pleasure having you here and we regret very much losing you as you have been an exemplary student. We all agree, do we not girls?" "0h yes, we do," they chorused. I blushed, remembering the pranks we had played, but answered, Thank you, Miss Stratton. Three of the very happiest years of my life have been here with you all, and know that I am serious when I invite everyone to my home. Good bye girls." "Good bye, Mary Lee". They waved. I went down stairs with Miss Stratton, where my father greeted me by taking me up in his arms lovingly and kissing me saying, "Mary Lee, how like your mother you are, brown curls, blue eyes. You are quite grown up and lovely, hope your conduct is as good as your looks." "I hope so too, Papa. I'm past seventeen, you know. How is darling Mama?" "She could be better, and your coming home will put new life in her. You haven't mentioned Dale," he said mischievously. "Oh, Papa!" "He will be proud of you too." I made no reply, but got into the carriage beside him and we were on our way. At sunset we arrived home. I hurried in the house, to be met by my mother whom I took in my arms. "Darling Mama, it is so good to see you." Our tears of joy mingled. "My baby, Mary Lee, my precious, how lovely you are and how happy we are to have you home to stay this time, near us." "I suppose so darling. I'm all educated now--music, French. Parlez vous Francais, mon mere?" "Oui, Oui, mon chere. Comment allez vous?" "Je vais bien, merci, et vous?" "Je vais bein, aussi." We hugged each other and laughed merrily, interrupted by black mammy Chloe, who with outstretched arms came to greet the idol she had nursed at her bosom at the same time as her son, Sammy, the same age. "Oh, honey chile, heah yu
is, home at las'. Now don't yo' all go gittin' 'cited, Miz Bland, honey. Whar am dem smellin' salts? Thar now," as she patted her kindly and found the bottle of salts. "I'm all right Mammy Chloe, just happy. Oh, John, aren't we proud of her?" "Of course we are, my dear, she is just like you when we were married and soon Dale Randolph will be the proud husband. He will be home tomorrow." "Oh--tomorrow," I said without enthusiasm. "I must go out to see Betsy and Prince and Betsy's new colt. Out I ran to the barn. "Hello, Sammy. I'm back. How are you?" "I's fine Miss Mary Lee. How de. Glad yo' is heah. I done took good keer O' dem hawses. I rid 'em right smart each day so's dey would take a ridah an' be safe fo' yo' all to ride, an' ain't dat colt de very ole Betsy hu'se'f?" "Yes she is darling". I patted and gave sugar lumps to the horses. "I have brought you something for being so good to all of them. Here". "Oh, Miss Mary Lee, a bridle. You musta paid right smart for dat, an fo' me! Thank you, thank you. All I needs now is de hawse". I left him and ran around to the darkey cabins to see the new little pickaninnies and gave the others candy. Great commotion in the cabins, as they were all waiting for their favorite mistress. I returned to the house where my mother's eyes lighted up with love and pride. After dinner I slipped away to my veranda to greet the wood and dream a bit when the fireflies lighted their wicks, at dark, and to await the moon and imaginary Prince.
Chapter 3 The Randolph estate adjoined the Bland's and the two father's had planned a marriage between Dale Randolph and Mary Lee Bland from the time they were little playmates. James, Dale's brother, and my beloved brother, Zachary, going about in a pony cart with my playing queen, and the three boys Knight of honor. The plan of our fathers had been to cut two strips from adjoining land and build a colonial mansion for a wedding dowry, so that the young couple could live near both families. Dale was to practice law and later go into politics. Now that I had finished school the time had come for their ambitions to become a reality, and that our betrothal be announced immediately following the arrival of both from their respective schools with the usual grandeur of southern aristocracy, but sometimes the plans of 'mice and men' go away. Dale, tall and handsome, came at once to see me. We walked toward the old playground, the woods, to discuss the plans made quite plain for us by the two families for the event. After we had gone some distance in the woods, he clutched me roughly, the look in his eyes frightening me. I struck him, broke away and fled through my own little secret path and hid from view. He called in vain, "Mary Lee! Mary Lee! I'm sorry." I was gone. He had ruined our future friendship, and as far as I was concerned the marriage could never be. I watched him from the hiding place until he left the woods and went to the house to see if I had come in. Not finding me, he went away. I waited until all was safe, then ran as fast as I could in through Mammy Chloe's kitchen, up the back stairs, looking so startled that Mammy followed me and found me in the middle of my bed crying, "I won't marry Dale Randolph. I won't. I hate him!" Mammy lifted me in her old comfy arms saying, "Honey chile what ails mammy's baby, tell yo' ole mammy what 'tis? Is yo' done had a quarrel with Mista Dale? Is he broke Yo' hawt, honey? Some othah gal mabby? Huh?" "No! He can't break my heart. I hate him. I hope there is another girl, she is welcome. He don't love me or he would not do that." "De good Lawd'! honey, sakes alive. Was he bad to you lak dat? What kin we do? Marsa Bland and Marsa Randolph dey done plan so much, and Marsa Bland so high strung?" Down on her knees she went, old black hands in supplication. "Deah Lawd do he'p us to do somethin' so's not to hurt dis poo' chile and still keep peace and quiet fo' poo' Miz Sarah Lee, cause she ain't very well, nevah! Amen." "I know what to do now Mammy Chloe." "Stop cryin' and speak right up den." "We can't tell Papa and Mama--yet." "It's best Mammy to not see Dale. When he comes I will be away on ole Betsy. You and Sammy watch and get my horse ready--I'll just be out-- see?" "I could say yo' is sick wif a head ache, mabby, an' cant come down." "No, we will do it my way." "It may work fo a while, anyway till we think o' somethin bettah." Dale did call many times, but each time old Betsy had carried me to safety in the woods, until one day I looked out the window from up stairs and saw the Randolph carriage almost at the gate. Without waiting to see who was coming, I ran down the back stairs, out to the barn. "Sammy! Sammy! saddle Betsy quick, the Randoloph's are here. No answer, but quick as a flash, I threw the saddle on, pulled the cinch and was gone into my sanctuary before they saw me. I had escaped once more. Mammy told me later it was Dale's parents who she admitted and had inquired for Mary Lee. "I`ll see, suh. Marsa Bland and Miz Bland am heah. Shall I tell dem, suh?" "Surely, do that." "Miss Mary Lee done has a bad haid ache, suh, lots o' 'em, mabby she's too sick to come down suh", and as she left the room, "Oh Lawdy! Lawdy, I'm fearin, dat poo' chile am ketched dis time." Mammy told me that as my parents came into the drawing room where she had taken the guests, they greeted each other with a very friendly "Howde, John, Sarah." "Glad to see you, Charles and Betty. Guess it is 'bout time we were getting together about our young folks". "We allowed we had better come and see for ourselves what is wrong between them." "We weren't aware of any thing being wrong. Mary Lee has said nothing. A lover's quarrel, perhaps. You know Mary Lee is a Bland. I'll get to the bottom of it. We Blands understand each other. "Mary Lee! Mary Lee! Mr. Bland called at the stairs. "The Randolphs are calling, dear". No answer. "She is far away, I guess, John." "Did you know any thing disturbing, Sarah, between Mary Lee and Dale?" "No John, she has said nothing to me, and I'm sure if there was anything serious, she would have confided in me. We are very close." "What do you know about it, Betty?" "Nothing, except Dale is moping, he says he has not been able to see Mary Lee since his first call, the day he arrived home. He said she always has a headache, or is out, each time he calls. Is she not quite well?" Chloe said she had many headaches and is not able to come downstairs." "We will find out. Chloe! Do say!--headache. Chloe, I say where is Mary Lee?" "My! Marsa Bland, she's not in her room--I done look up thar--. I all don' know where she am. She is jus` plum gone. Mabby I bettah go look an' see if Sammy put hu saddle on ole Betsy--she was heah--". "Look here Chloe, before you go. What do you know about any quarrel between Mary Lee and Mr. Randolph?" my mother asked. "Yes, what do you know?", said my Father. "I want to know. Do you hear?" "Yes suh, Marsa Bland. I heahs alrigh', I does, but why don't yo' ask Mista Dale? Recken he knows bettah an me, suh." "Come now Chloe", Said Mr. Randolph. "If you do know, tell us now." "I don't know zactly, suh". "Tell us what you do know, do you hear?", said my father. "I insist on knowing." "Ah hates ta talk Marsa Bland, suh, but since you insists, I'll haf' to tell yo` all I knows suh. Now when a young gen`tlemen don' treat a young lady lak Miss Mary Lee, lak a lady, suh, he's jus` plain boun' to git hisse`f in turrible troubles." "Meaning?," Mr. Randolph said excitingly. "Now all ah knows is, dat de fus' day Mista Dale come callin', Miss Mary Lee come runnin' through ma kitchen lak she's seed a ghost, poo' li'l honey, skeered outer huh wits, curls flyin'; hat hangin on back o' huh neck, lak a flash she took up huh hoop skirts and up dem back stairs an' me aftah huh. By the time I ketched up, she`s in de middle o' huh postah bed, kickin' huh heels in de air, huh skirts a flying and a cryin`; "I won't marry Dale Randolph. I hates him," she sez. Den I done took huh in ma ahms, an she sobbed till she's asleep, an I hold on to huh, till she wakes up again, an' starts sobbin again, till she is most sick. She sez, "Dale is no gen'tlemen. He don't love no gal he 'sults. I don't care what they says, I wont marry him, but Mammy, she sez, "Don't tell nobody yet, wait a while and then they won't be so disappointed, Mama and Papa and the dear Randolphs. But I won't marry Dale. "I couldn't", she sez". Dat's all ah knows an' ah keeps still fo' huh sake." "Our son did that!", Mr. Randolph exclaimed. "That's all Chloe?" "Yes, 'eceptin' she tells me an' Sammy to keep watch when Mista Dale come heah. She'd jes run lak greased lightnin', climb ole Betsy's back an go lak de devil was aftah hu. Sam al'as put hih saddle on, till today, an I sen' 'm on a erran' fo' Marsa Bland, an' when he got back, Miss Mary Lee's gone. Betsy, saddle and all." "Oh, Charles, what does this mean?" "I'll answer that Betty. It appears that there is trouble and real trouble, of which we may not be proud. That Dale has done something unbecoming to a gentleman of his breeding. Eh, Chloe?" "pears so, Marsa Randolph, but yo' all bettch wait an ax Miss Mary Lee fo' yo' se'f." "That young scoundrel! There is nothing more for us to say Charles." "John dear, don't be hasty. It may not be as serious as it appears. Let us find out first from Mary Lee what did happen." "There is nothing more to say! When I'm through, I'm through. When Mary Lee is through, she is through. She is a Bland--my daughter; Charles, the engagement is off and our transaction is at an end. I'll find her and tell her so." He rushed out of the room. "Oh, Betty, Charles, what are we to do? Let me apologize for John's hasty temper." "Sarah Lee, putting myself in John's place, I feel he is fully Justified, and as for Mary Lee, I'm sure she is quite right in any decision she may make." "Thank you both for your attitude in the matter. Let us not let it hurt our lifetime friendship." "Thank you, Sarah. We appreciate your kindness in looking beyond the misdeeds of our son. Our disappointment is very keen in our son as well as losing the prospect of our families uniting. Come Betty, we must find our delinquent son." "Good evening, Sarah." "Good evening to you both. Come back again." "We will." Mammy said she saw them out and when she turned, she saw a strange man carrying me in his strong arms. "Oh, de good Lawd sakes alive, what in heah suh, an` don't you 'eite 'Yo Mammy. She done had Mos' all she can stan'." My mother hearing the commotion, called out, "Oh my! what has happened now? Oh, my baby. Is she hurt?" "Now don't go gittin' cited Miz Sarah Bland, honey, whar am de smellin' satts? Heah now, honey, she`s alright. I`11 take keer O' huh, honey. Heah Mistah, put the poo' chile down on dis sofa." She puffed the pillows up behind me as the gentleman placed me as gently as possible where Chloe indicated. "Mama, this is Mr. Ewell. He found me, my ankle hurts so--." "How do you do Mr. Ewell? What happened to her?" "Mrs. Bland, happy to meet you, and if the young lady will permit me and save her strength, I will tell you my part of the experience." "Did dat ole Betsy throw you off, honey? Who saddled huh while Sammy's gone on an erran'?" "I saddled her. Guess I didn't get the cinch tight enough. I was in such a hurry and couldn't find Sammy. Where is Papa?" "He has gone to find you. Why did you not take us into your confidence?" "Oh, I couldn't, knowing how Papa would carry on if he didn't get his way, and you not well." "Mary Lee!" "Forgive me, Mama. I meant Papa is so 'High Strung`, as Mammy Chloe says." "Here he comes now." "Where is my daughter, Mary Lee? What happened? Sam said there had been an accident. Who is the young gentleman? Are you hurt? Where is that young scalawag, Dale Randolph?" "Just a moment, John. One question at a time. This is Mr. Ewell. Mr. Bland, my husband." They exchanged greetings, and Papa began questioning again. "What happened, anything serious?" "I think not Mr. Bland. I was about to explain to Mrs. Bland that I am a medical student on my vacation, and must have lost the path I intended to take to some friend's home somewhere in the woods here, when I came upon a riderless horse with a lady's saddle slipped down on one side as if the cinch had not been made secure. I caught the bridle and started calling, "Anybody hurt?", almost afraid to look around, being certain someone had been hurt, possibly seriously. Then walking a bit farther, I heard a moan and found this little lady in distress with a sprained ankle, and well, rather helpless. I wrung my handkerchief out in cold water from the brook nearby and strapped the ankle after removing the boot by cutting it, lifted her on the horse and led her where the young lady directed, and here we are. She has quite a severe sprain. I can dress it if you wish." "How fortunate you were there, and by all means dress it, if it does not require the care of a physician." "There are no broken bones, I'm certain, but if you would feel better, call your physician." "We are very grateful for your attention to our daughter, and owe you a debt of gratitude. I'm sure you can dress it." "Mary Lee, what happened to your saddle?" "I just tried to put the saddle on Betsy, myself. Sammy not being there, and I just had to get away in a hurry. I guess the cinch was not tight enough. The saddle turned and Betsy was going pretty fast. I fell on my ankle. I must have been there quite a while, for by the time Dr. Ewell found me, my foot had swollen until I could not get my boot off, and it was hurting terribly." The foot was almost forgotten by the time it was dressed, hearts beat too fast too count, eyes met, and I knew that here was my Prince. I had not expected the castle to be a grassy path, nor the throne a saddle on Betsy's back, but the Prince had been led to me by mere accident. That, I did nor regret. Something was singing in my soul that I had never known before. I was too deep in thought, then heard my father say, "I went to find that young scalawag. Sam overtook me. I was going to 'Fix him'." "You needn't bother John, his father will do that." "His father! Huh! I want to have a hand in it too. I wish Zachary were here. He would 'fix him', which saying awoke me from my dream, and I was glad that my brother was not home. The friendship of the two boys was too long standing for anything like a duel to happen to break it. I could handle the affair by myself, now with full approval of my family. Dr. Ewell finding the situation awkward said, "If you will excuse me, and I am of no further service, I shall be on my way." A great protest went up from my father, and he was cordially invited to remain for dinner and spend the evening, which he accepted with delight. His heart too was beating fast and furiously when our eyes met he told me later. My father was a genial host and conversation never lagged for a moment. "Any relation to the Albemarle County Ewells?" "Yes sir, I was born there. My ancestors were pioneers of 1640 from England. I am attending <nowiki>------</nowiki> and <nowiki>--------</nowiki> medical college." "Fine stock young man. I am acquainted with the family. I like you. You are welcome at our home any time. We can't repay your goodness to Mary Lee." "Thank you. It was nothing at all. I am happy to have been of help, a great pleasure I assure you! He glanced over at me with a beaming smile. We both knew we had found each other. After dinner he played the melodeon and sang an Irish love song in a fine tenor voice, and some church songs for mother. She wept with delight. As he finished, he said, "I am teaching a religious philosophy during my vacation, a plan of salvation for mankind, after death; the reason for earthly existence and a key to the path by which we may reach Eternal Exaltation and Celestial glory, as taught by a modern prophet, through revelation." My father said, "Never heard of it. Something new?" "No sir, it is not new, but the re-established Church of Jesus Christ, as taught in the first century by his Apostles of Christianity." They were interested, piled him with questions and made him welcome whenever he could find time to visit, which was often during my convalescence, and by the time I was well, we had pledged our troth with full approval of both parents. Naturally the engagement between me and Dale has ended, and Dale had gone North. Zachary had returned and the two young men had become great friends. The summer had passed all too soon and William Ewell must return to Medical School. Father went to attend to affairs of State. One day, as if a bomb had dropped, my Father came in. One could know by his face that something had unstrung him. William was there to dinner, and explaining baptism, of the Lord and His example to the world, when without greetings, my Father said, "I want words with Mr. Ewell." "Yes sir." My Father proceeded. "You have been teaching us what I thought was good religion and I have believed it until today. I heard from good authority that this church was started by an imposter, who just claims to be a prophet! that his book is a hoax, and that there is no such thing as modern revelation as you call it, and the angel story is a myth. What do you mean by accepting hospitality of Southern aristocracy and imposing untruths upon respectable people? We can't afford to lose our family standing by affiliating with an unpopular religion." "Christ's teachings were not popular in His time, sir, among the proud." "You-You, young scallion. You take your impudence, your book and your religion out of my house. Get out! I say, and don't you try to see my daughter again or come near my house. Do you hear?" "Yes sir", and he made preparations to leave as I wept and plead. "Oh, Papa, how can you talk to William that way when we love each other, and you have accepted the principles of his religion before, and it is all true. I know it." "Go to your room, Mary Lee Bland, and no back talk." "Oh, no Papa, you must not do this to us." No protest from my Mother could make any impression on her irate mate. "John, you are unjust to your family and religion. These two young people must have their chance for happiness." "You heard me! When I'm through, I'm through! Go to your room, Mary Lee. I say! and you get out." "Oh, William. I love you. I want you!" "I love you too, my darling. I want you. Do as your Father bids, and if it is God's will, we will find each other in His own time. God bless you, Mrs. Bland. Take care of both of you." "Get out!" "Yes sir. I'm sorry this must be." He left quickly. Mary Lee had clung to her mother weeping bitterly in her arms, kissed her suddenly and ran up stairs. Mammy told me that Mama said, "John, they must not be separated. Don't spoil our child's life. You have condemned him without a hearing. You have believed until now." "That was before I heard of it's origin. Think of it, the originator is called a hoax! Why we would be ostracized. Mary Lee will have to get over it. She will. They all thought I was crazy allowing our only daughter to be seen with a proselyter of a hoax. I'm through, and when a Bland is through, he is through." Mammy Chloe found me sobbing in my pillow, took me in her arms to rock and comfort me, saying, "Don't cry lak dat honey, we'll he'p yo' somehow, trust Yo` mammy an' me. If yo' all cain't be happy without Mista Dr. Ewell, we'll fin` some how so's yo' can be happy together, cause I `member honey when Marsa Bland done sold ma lovin' man up do rivah jes' afo' yo' an' Sammy's bawn. Den I heard how he died trying to swim back from the raft to me an' our chile when Miz Sarah Lee Bland brought 'im back fo' us, an' nevah did see us no mo'. We don' want nothin' lak dat to happen to you', honey." "Were it not for darling Mama, I would run away and go to him." "Jes' yo' trust ole Mammy to fix a way. You knows yo' mamma am so sick all de time, an' Marsa Bland so high strung. Ese keerful, dat's all." "William has harmed no one. He saved me, and has brought joy to us in the truth he brought. What do I care for the ridicule of people or what the whole world thinks. It made a difference when it touched Papa's pride and political position. I shall find William, and where he goes, I will go, and I will accept his religion regardless of hardship." "Honey. careful what yo` says." Suddenly my father appeared in the doorway. "So you are going to find him are you? We will just see about that. You will remain in you room, locked in mind you, until you have changed your mind. Can't see your mother, for she can't get up here, and you can't come down. Chloe will bring your food and keep you in here until I break down your disobedient spirit. Hear that, Chloe?" "Oh, yes suh, Marsa Bland. Yes suh." "Oh William, come back to me." "He had better not, and the sooner you learn obedience the better it will be for you." "You won't let any harm come to William, Papa?" Not if you leave him alone and he does you. Otherwise, we will se who is running this house. Do you hear?" "Think I should have forced a reconciliation with Dale. You at least would not have disgraced your family by marrying a Mormon". "Papa, don't even mention Dale to me. I prefer to be locked in here forever. You can't stop the love in our hearts, and I won't marry Dale. I too am a Bland." "Very well, that being your choice, good night. Remember the key, Chloe". "Oh, suh, ah will, suh" Days passed. No change in me and no relenting on Papa's part. There I was, until one night Chloe came with her tray, also with a message from "William whom Sammy had visited at Mama's request, that he trust a note with the faithful slave. Chloe's happy face caused me to guess that she had brought word from William. "Heah is yo' dinnah, honey, and afta Yo' has e't da fried chicken an' co'n pone, look undah de plate, while I watches out". She took a small paper from her bosom which I read: "Darling: Trust God and follow your heart's bidding. Trust your brother. God bless you. I love you so. Destroy this-- What joy it brought to this poor girl's heart to know my mother saw the injustice of my punishment. I kissed the letter and tore it to bits, finished my dinner and lifted the plate to find another note. This one from William. It read: Mary Lee, my own: If I should be called upon to give up my life for you, it would be little to pay for the priceless hours we spent together as I watched your soul unfold like a lily opens to catch the dew and exude it's fragrance, as you drank in the truths of the Plan it was my great privilege to bring to you, and which has glorified you. I will risk anything for your happiness, so write whatever is in your heart. If you feel it is too great a sacrifice to come to me for time and all eternity, may God see fit to bring supreme joy to your life, in his wisdom. My arms are open. God bless your noble mother. All my love, William I finished reading, folded the letter and hid it in my dress. "Now yo' looks lak yo' se`f, honey', said Chloe as she went out and locked the door, leaving me alone. I wrote: William, dearest: Your letter is safe near my heart. Little did we dream out there in the moonlight under the rose arbor how soon the thorns of disappointment would sting us, that some quirk of fate would try to rob us of our future together. You have taught me such truths, how to live, love and pray, for which experience I thank God and am willing to make any sacrifice, money, position, home, family, for the Gospel and my future life with you, no matter what comes to us. You have won a son's place in my mother's heart, as proven by her effort to bring us together, which will be, with Mammy Chloe's help also. Tomorrow night, one hour before the moon rises be at the place you found me first. Will have old Betsy and Prince. They are mine, you know. Loving you every minute, Mary Lee P.S. You may trust Z. Mammy came with a glass of milk, tucked the letter away, saying, "Everything is go'n to be al'right honey. Heah is Marsa Bland. Drink yo' milk, and lets see yo' ol' smile." I did smile. I could have almost hugged my father, who saw the change in me and was pleased. "Now that is more like my little girl, being sensible. It isn't so hard for a thoroughbred to learn obedience to her father. I was sure you would see my way soon. How would you like a trip to Paris next month? If the Dr. thinks your mother can stand it, we will take her too. You will forget all about your Mormon and his despicable religion. James Randolph may do along. I always did think he was your favorite of the two boys, and I know he only stepped aside out of loyalty to his older brother, Dale." "Oh Papa, please! I'm not in love with either of them. William will always be in my heart." "Then you are really not ready to come out of your room. Are you trying to kill your mother? She cries so for you. She needs you. I can't comfort her. Think over what I have said." He left the room. I had made no reply, but smiled as the thought of my own future happiness seemed near. What did I care for Paris, and I knew now that my mother was crying with, not against me.
Chapter 4 Early next morning I heard cutting, clipping and hammering out on the balcony. On investigation, I found Sammy trimming the rose bushes away from my window. "What are you doing to the roses?" "Oh mammy 'llowed the branches was keepin' the sun tight out O' Yo' room, an'
s long as Yo' has to stay in so long, Yo' bettah have de sunshin' in, Miss Mary Lee." he giggled. "Everything is all right", I told myself. Chloe busied herself selecting suitable clothes for a long journey and packed the carpetbags with necessities. That evening she came in, with a tray bringing the word "yes", and saying "Heah is yo dinnah Yo' eat it honey, and be so glad, if yo' is shoo yo' still wants to go wif' 'im. I's got everyting ready, now is Yo' shoo, honey?" "Of course I'm sure, but how am I going to say goodbye to Mama?" "Yo
jes' cain't honey, on accoun o' Marsa Bland. White huh a lettah. Sammy 'll see Mistah Zackary get it to him". "Won't Papa watch the stairs?" "Co'se he will. Is yo, afraid o' a few scratches goin
down on the trellis Sammy hammered good and strong 's monin?" "Oh, why didn't I think of that before?" "Den I'll let de carpetbags down on de rope. Sammy 'll get 'em. Den yo' jes' clim
down dat rose trellis Sammy made good and strong today while he was a trimmin' fo' yo' sunlight", and she chuckled. I laughed too at her scheme. "I'll ketch you' chile, don' be feared. De hosses is all saddled and bridled an' ready down in de woods". "Oh Mammy, what will I ever do without darling Mama, Zackary and yo "W'h honey chile, yo' mammy can't go, Mistah Zachary's got Miss Nancy, so I's gwine along to took aft' yo fo
Miz Sarah. She's done gove yo' dis, honey, a purse and box o' jewelry." "Oh! and I started to weep with delight mingled with sorrow for my mother and her noble sacrifice. "I's done promised and Is gwin to take keer o' yo' till yo' all gits settled, chile, I shoo nuf is. I belongs to yo' Mammy from de Lee's you know, an' I came hear wif my mammy who was Miz Sara Lee's nurse, when she married Marsa Bland, and I married me lovin
Sam, a slave on dis place. Dats how he was sold away from me." "But, Mammy, life may be harder where William and I are going." "No, honey, nothing could be so hard fo yo' ol' Mammy Chloe as to see you pine yo
life away for love O' Mistah Dr. Ewell and de church he's preachin'". "But what about leaving Sammy?" "Oh honey, us colo'd folks ain't got no business thinkin' 'bout our own. We is slaves, and honey, he's seventeen, same's yo. He'll git along somehow". "Oh Mammy, if only some day we can get him to come, we will". "Dat am right grand o' yo
, Miss Mary Lee, an I's hopin' yo' all can--but, heah, heah, we mustn't be waitin' roun any longer. It's gittin' on moontime", and I heard her swallow a great sob as she smiled at me, and said, "We mus' git away befor' de moon am up and light and we gits kitched". I wrote a note to Mama for my brother to deliver. I couldn't have Papa blame Mama, so I couldn't say good-bye, but I could still feel the kiss she gave me before I ran upstairs the night I was locked in my room. "Oh, what will happen to darling Mama. I will come back when Papa feels different, and he surely will, sometime". "W'y honey, yo' Mammy wants fo' yo' to be happy in love o' yo' man and yo' religion,--happy an dan she was a-marryin' to please huh pappy an' not huhse'f". "Mammy, did she do that? The darling understands, better than I know." "Heah now, give me dat lettah yo' writ', an' go' git along down dat trellis a'fo yo' gits too skeet to"- She took the letter and went out and locked the door. I heard her patter down the stairs. "Oh, good-bye, Mama darling. Love you so--my room, my home, all." I sobbed, then remembered my decision. "Oh William, I'm coming to you. I must." I climbed out the window onto the balcony and on down the trellis. My dress caught and thorns scratched my hands and face. I was shaking like a leaf. "Mammy! are you there?" William! are you waiting for me? "Good-bye all". Into my new world- "Sh! heah ah is chile. Thah now, yo' is nearly down. Easy thar you is honey, come. Now don't stumble an' hust yo' sef". "But I can't see--my eyes--Oh, I guess I'm crying for---" Mammy said, "Fo' joy, chile, fo' joy". "Yes", I said, "For joy", never realizing my future experiences. We ran down the familiar path until we came to the edge of the woods, here I heard Sammy say under his breath, Whoa, Betsy. Now please yo' all tak' ker of dem and git em' thar safe, Lawd. Amen". I knew he was saying a prayer. "Sammy, am dat you?" "Yes, Mammy, it's me a'right. I
s gwine to miss yo' all Mammy and Miss Mary Lee. Take keer yo' se'fs. I'll take good keer o' the colt till yo' all come back, Miss Mary Lee." I said, "Sammy, I'm giving her to you for your very own. Maybe you can make a racer of her". "Oh, Miss Mary Lee, I's so happy. Thank you, Thank yo'. Heah, let me he'p you git on Betsy. Heah is the stirrup. Thar its pretty dark yet. Fit yo' foot right in heah." Only then did I realize I was sobbing so I couldn't even see the fireflies. I said, "Good-bye, Sammy." "Good-bye Miss Mary Lee, tak keer yo' se'f, he almost sobbed. Mammy took the big overgrown boy in her arms and said, "Be a good boy. We'll all be back some day. Ah reckon, son." "Bye Mammy. Hopes yo' is comin' back some day. He turned and started back, saying "Mine--ole Betsy's colt--mine! A hawse fo' da bridle at las'. Mine!". We rode on to the trysting place. Mammy said. "Heah we is, Mistah Doctor". William came over and took me down from the saddle, and held me in his arms. "Mary Lee, my own, may I live to deserve your sacrifice for me". "Darling." "You are crying, sweetheart. Aren't you sure--you want to go with me'?" "William, I'm so--happy. I've missed you so, and life--is--you". He held me so close. So sure. "Here, Mary Lee", said my brother. "I've come to give you to him mother. Take care of her Doctor". He shook William's hand. Held me for a moment, kissed me and was gone. Darling brother Zac. I wept in William's arms. Mammy Chloe brought us to by reminding us that time was flying. "Now chilluns, if we "spects to git over into ol' Missouri afo's Marsa Bland does, we bettah be goin' right smart". We?" "Yea, Mistah Doctor , I 's qoin' 'long to tak Keer o' Miss Mary Lee and go' all gits settled". "And from then on, aye Mary Lee?" "Oh yes, we can't get along without Mammy Chloe--ever." Now we can both ride Prince and Mammy can ride Betsy." "They are both mine, o we are only stealing away". "Darling". All night long we traveled only stopping to feed the horses and start out again over hill and dale and through woods. The moon was so big and beautiful and we were content. By morning we had reached a small village in Missouri, found a minister by the way, and with Mammy as a witness, we were married. My father had not followed us, and we were safe.
Chapter 5 William entered medical college again that fall. My brother wrote that he had married Nancy, Mama was not well, and that Papa had made life very miserable, though he did not know of Mama's part in our plans, but he would not forgive us, nor allow us to go home to see her, all of her pleading in vain. She still loved the gospel as William had taught it to her, but was not permitted Baptism, nor could she stand the trip to our home. She loved our letters that my brother put into her hands. Always faithful and happy, realizing our happiness in each other's love, our chosen religion, and the expectation of our first little son, who arrived the following year. Life went happily on, time for graduation and the arrival of another son. After which we took up our permanent home in Missouri. We began to feel much persecution from those who did not understand and were determined to annihilate the church and its members who were struggling for religious freedom, the very purpose of our first American forefather's perilous journey to the new world. One day we received a letter from my brother in which he stated that Mama was very ill and talked incessantly of Mary Lee until my father had consented that I return home as the Doctor said "to save her life", and also asked that Dr. Ewell and the children accompany me. Our third baby had arrived, a girl. We named her for Mama, Sarah Elizabeth, "your mother" honey. Joy reined supreme when we arrive after five years' absence. Even Papa loved the babies too, and all were delighted to see us. Poor Sammy was gone. "Gone to meet his Pappy who he nevah saw heah", Mammy said, she choked a sob and cuddled the baby girl more closely to her heart. Poor dear Mammy Chloe, so courageous. Mama gained, though very fragile, and was allowed no excitement. We were very happy to be together again. Then came that fatal day when Papa proposed a talk with William and me in the library. When he said: "Dr. Ewell, you seemed to have made Mary Lee very happy, Though I can see you are living not in the environment and luxury she was raised in. Though I can't quite forgive the way you left in the night, I might have done the same thing myself in the same position. How would you like to practice here in C________? I'm still holding that strip of land for Mary Lee. I'll put you up a fine house, as becomes her rank, so you can all be near her mother the rest of her short life--of course, on one condition. That you abandon that abominable church which will be necessary for my social prestige and practice among our kind". "Thank you, Mr. Bland. While we appreciate your generous offer, Mary Lee and I cannot repudiate the truth of the gospel and its blessings. Can we dear?" "No, Papa, that is impossible". "You are still as stubborn as ever, I see. Well, then this house is no longer open to you and your belief", and turning to me he said, "Mary Lee, I disinherit you this day". "Very well, Papa. We will leave at once. We will manage. I'm sorry." "Get out, and never let me hear your name again." Poor Mama was broken hearted. Mammy Chloe had heard the discussion and had the children all ready to leave the house, bag and baggage, when she heard Papa's final "get out" and had forbidden any further communication between us. We departed, sad in the necessity of leaving Mama and all the loved things in my Southern home forever. Going West again we hoped to find peace and joy in our chosen path, but peace was short lived for the persecution of our leaders and members became very severe. The Prophet and his brother had been slain. Burning and pillaging in our beautiful city. We were driven out again to establish new homes and suffer privations of pioneering. Soon after this I received a letter from my brother telling me that my beloved mother had died, and I had been disinherited by my father, my name torn from the family record, and a life-sized portrait in a gold frame ordered destroyed by the slaves, but it had been rescued by my brother and hidden in the garret, he said, "for me".
Chapter 6 We had been driven from place to place so frequently that most of William's practice was among those who had no money and we were having a hard time to provide for our little family. My jewel box was beginning to suffer loss of one heirloom after another by the time we reached Winter Quarters where all were trying to establish homes or prepare for the journey to the Rocky Mountains. Dne beautiful July day, a messenger rode up in front of a blacksmith shop and told our leaders that President Polk had issued a call for five hundred volunteers to assist in the Mexican conquest. Dr. Ewell was amongst those brave men who volunteered and left home and families in willing service to this, our beloved country, and marched two thousand miles, the longest artillery march in history. Three months after our farewell our fifth child, a son, was born with Mammy still at my side. Although there was never a shot fired by the Battalion in the conquest they fought the wilderness, savages and wild animals. I will relate a story told by your grandfather. He tells: "William was never a commissioned officer, but the nurse who gave the medicine to the troops. They were ordered to march with guns unloaded, but in self preservation many had loaded without special orders being issued. Once they were surrounded by a herd of stampeding wild buffalo. The men were walking and the ferocious beasts had attacked and gored to death, several mules. The officers were riding, or course, and one bull charged and was only a rod or so from William. He was ordered to load and fire. He stood a second knowing his gun was already loaded. The officers orders him "to run for the wagon", but instead he lifted his gun, for no son of Virginia nor a soldier of the Mormon Battalion would "run" from danger. He took aim at the curl between the eyes of the oncoming beast, pulled the trigger and it dropped stone dead at his feet: The hides of others shot and killed were used to make inside wrappings for their bleeding feet, for many were marching shoeless and barefooted. There was much suffering from lack of good water and food, and other hardships, and William's profession made heavy call upon his strength." By the time the Battalion reached San Diego Mission on the Pacific Coast where encampment was made and the famous march finished; many were ill. He was among them, but after a month in the hospital he knew he must not give up. He must return to his loved ones. Colonel Cook issued a bulletin lauding them for their achievement, courage and faithfulness in service to their country, who (quoting him) "with crowbar and pick had cut their way over trackless wasteland and through mountains that would defy anything save wild goats, had hewed a pass through wilderness, wild animals and savages, without an experienced guide. They dug deep wells preparing a trail for future travelers to enjoy. They are veterans, but must now prepare to train and drill for system and order which is necessary for soldiers". They were then given an opportunity to clean up, doctor their sore feet, shed part of a years' growth of beard, and tangled hair which was ordered cut to the tips of their ears. They took some rest of which all were in great need. The company in which William enlisted, Co. E., was detailed the following month to Los Angeles as protection against hostile Indians, where they helped to build Fort Moore on a prominent hill overlooking the city and vicinity. The real conquest of California from Mexico being achieved by General Fremont when sixty Americans defeated General Castro and took possession of Los Angeles in name of the United States of America. Then General Kearney came, disregarded Freemont's accomplishment and in January, 1847, made a compromise for $15,000,000 and California became United States territory in fact. The Mormon Battalion arrived too late to participate in the conquest, but were assigned the task of hauling from the San Bernardino Mountains, the longest Liberty pole ever erected, 125 feet long, also of unfurling our beloved stars and stripes in which William proudly participated. The occasion being the First Independence Day celebration of California with the U.S.A. The years' enlistment was up and many inducements were made to the Battalion for reenlistment by General Kearney who said to Sargent Tyler, "Napoleon crossed the Alps, but these men have crossed a continent". Part of them reenlisted, but most of them were anxious to return to their families. At this time a messenger arrived from Salt Lake Valley with letters telling of the arrival of Brigham Young and others who had on July 23rd hoisted the flag of the United States on Ensign Peak, then Mexican territory. Brigham Young in letters, advised members of the Battalion to remain in California, obtain employment for the winter in order to provide sufficient means to bring their families West in the spring. William's health had not improved and his great thought was to get home to his family that he thought was in Salt Lake Valley (Deseret). On arriving there with many others, he discovered they were not there. He at once started for Winter Quarters in company with his brother, joined the returning men at Pueblo, and arrived home at Thanksgiving time. "Oh! honey, you will never know the joy of our reunion." He held me close as he had that night in the woods and said, "darling, we are together forever". He took the children in his arms and, for the first time, saw his year-old son, William, who had learned to say Papa. I noticed how pale and drawn he was in spite of his cheery way. I knew he was a very sick man, and a terrible winter was on. We did everything for him that we could. Mammy Chloe helped me nurse him, and as he improved, we made plans to leave in the spring for Zion in the mountains. He told us how wonderful it was, but by spring with all our money gone, my last treasure sold, we could not leave, so he decided we had better put in some crops which Mammy Chloe hoed and tended as best she could. Summer came and fall, and suddenly an early winter. He took to his bed, and after exacting a promise from me that we would go West and raise the family in the shadow of the Temple away from persecution and privation, faithful to every principle, and telling me of his love for me, as in the old days, he sank back in my arms lifeless. "Oh, Honey. I loved him so. My heart seemed numb for awhile, but my promise to him and knowledge that another child was coming, stimulated in me a desire to live on and accomplish his desires, so after we had laid him away with hundreds of others who had died that horrible winter, we proceeded to work to that end. My sixth child, a little girl, who married William Henry Boyle, was born with Mammy Chloe as my only attendant, four months after my beloved William had gone to his shadow. When he went I could then have gone back to my Southern home and been accepted, my brother wrote 'on the same conditions as before'." With faithful Mammy to help me succeed through two years of toil and privation, we finally rigged up our team and wagon, piled what necessities we had in, and started out with a company led by David Evans, whose dear wife was Doctor's sister, Barbara Anne. My oldest son was then about fourteen years old and my baby, Mary Jane, better than a year. Marion and Mammy Chloe walked every step of the way across the plains and the younger ones took turns with me driving the team, holding the baby, and walking. Little William contracted the desert fever and at times we were afraid we would have to stop and bury him alone on the trail wherever we might be, but we managed through faith and wisdom of God to keep him. Then one of our horses died and we hitched up our only cow to go on. "Now honey, the place you call 'a stuffy old town where nothing ever happens', seemed like Paradise to us as we came down Emigration Canyon and beheld this great valley where already a city had been built. We knelt and thanked God for "Home". Oh, how I missed my mate, but we finally settled in Cottonwood. Mammy had taught me how to card wool, spin and weave, and make our clothes, also to weave carpets from rags and make straw hats as they did in the slave cabins in the South. I managed to create a little fancy weave and these Mammy took to town and sold to the stores and others as fast as we could make them. The boys managed to plow, sow seed and harvest with Mammy's help and mine. We finally made a comfortable home. Mammy loved the gospel. I taught her to read and she often remarked, "Honey, I'd be willin' to be skinned alive if I could jes' go in dat Temple." Then the Civil War broke out followed by President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freeing Mammy from slavery. When I told her, Mammy you're free". She said, "I don't need freedom. I's got it. I wants to be jes' as I is, cause I loves you all an' the chillun, and Miss Mary Lee, I don't want to go from yo'. I wants to die, honey, by yo' side". She did die by my side, very old but still cheerful, never complaining, never mentioning the heart break she felt when she did as my mother bade, and left her own to shift for himself and die, always faithful. I could never have gone on at times without my old Mammy Chloe. She saved me every hardship possible. We buried her, but she had "taken keer of us until we got settled" as she had promised mama. "Oh Grandma, I couldn't go through all that for Warren. I guess father is right, and you have made me see that glamour is not love and happiness, only service and unselfishness count. Did you ever go back or hear from home?" "No, honey, I have never even made an effort to recover my share in my father's vast estate--but I feel that I have been compensated, full, by being able to live in the shadow of God's Temple--but someday, I hope that some of my posterity will go back and rescue the portrait of little 'Mary Lee'." "Grandma, you darling." NOTE: Mary Lee Bland Ewell married Peter Jones later, and had two more children. She did much temple work up in her last years and passed away 24 May 1898 buried in Santaquin, Utah. Mammy Chloe was buried many years before [Mary Lee Bland died], sometime after the Civil War, always faithful though she lived to be very old.
NOTE: There is no mention of a Permit Lee within this story. I suppose if there were such a person it would have been a nickname for Edmund Jennings Lee, otherwise a very bad mistake made by someone who submitted improper genealogy work. Mary Lee Bland's mother was Sarah Elisabeth Lee, and she was married to John Bland Jr.
Mary Lee Bland's grandmother was Sarah Caldwell Lee, who was the wife of Edmund Jennings LEE . There are two individual LEE lines within this Lee line of family names.
Mary Lee Bland's Timeline
November 1, 1817
Cumberland County, Kentucky
November 3, 1835
Age 18
Livingston, Ray, Missouri
November 3, 1835
Age 18
Livingston, Ray, Missouri
August 2, 1837
Age 19
Livingston, Ray, Missouri
April 18, 1841
Age 23
Livingston, Ray, Missouri
October 24, 1843
Age 25
Livingston, Ray, Missouri
July 1846
Age 28
October 5, 1846
Age 28
Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa
February 5, 1849
Age 31
Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa


text:
"I am very true to the proud tradition of the old school wrestling that I was brought up on. I am very blessed to be able to live out my dreams, and I have a great respect for the business."
"I'll never forget where I came from, and that my home is forever Sweet Home Alabama!"
"I'm Paul Bearer and you're not!"
Paul Bearer (born William Alvin "Bill" Moody on April 10, 1954 in Mobile, Alabama) was a professional wrestling manager and former wrestler. He started out as a ringside photographer during his teenage years. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving for four years. In 1979, he began managing under the name Percival "Percy" Pringle III. In 1984, he served as manager for numerous wrestlers including Rick Rude, "Stunning" Steve Austin, and Mark Calaway. In 1991, he made his WWF debut as manager and "funeral director" for The Undertaker. Paul was a part of the WWF from December 1990 October 2002. It wasn't until October 2003, that he returned to the WWE.
Best Known For:
Paul Bearer is best known for his work with the WWE, most notably managing The Undertaker.
Personal Life:
He married Dianna Lynn in December 1978. The couple had two sons, Michael and Daniel. Dianna died on Jan. 31, 2009 due to complications from breast cancer and chemotherapy. Paul suffered from health problems including depression and morbid obesity. He underwent gastric bypass surgery in November 2003. Paul died on March 5, 2013 after suffering from a severe upper respiratory infection.
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Snowboarding Forum - Snowboard Enthusiast Forums (http://www.snowboardingforum.com/forum.php)
- Meets and Events (http://www.snowboardingforum.com/meets-events/)
- - wintergreen va (http://www.snowboardingforum.com/meets-events/10231-wintergreen-va.html)
wintergreen va
any one ride wintergreen much? im going tuesday dec.23 and i go about one time a week.
Wintergreen in alberta?
Kinda shitty. I believe your VA means somewhere else.
virginia the snow sucks there but a season pass is only 200 bucks
I go 3-4x per season. I only go for a seasonal warmup. Big Acorn is my favorite hill. I've not been too impressed with Highlands the past few years, especially the mogul section. The snow quality never has been great, either too wet or iced over. But give me a shout if you want to meet one day, week days are best for me.
week days are the best for me too, ill hit you up when the weather gets a little colder
Hopefully January will have better weather. I've been watching the weather reports and looks like teens one day and 50's next day. I'll keep watching this thread, early January sounds good.
damn missed it..
I don't like Wintergreen's season pass. Its only good from 12:30 to close on Sunday, whereas Massanutten's is good all day Sunday, and Saturday for the night session. I can drive up Saturday, ride that night, sleep/drink and then ride all day Sunday.
yea but the pass works great for me, im a fireman so im off during the week allot.
That'd be better if I didn't work Mon-Fri. I'd probably still end up with the Massanutten pass though as I've got a friend I can stay with there, and free room for the night is worth the 45 minute longer drive.
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The Leicester scrum-half overcame a knee injury that had threatened to rule him out of the match to make a scintillating break late on to set up Leon Lloyd for the match-winning try.
But Healey, thrilled to have helped the Premiership champions pull off an historic Treble in such an intimidating atmosphere, said the award should have gone to two-try flier Lloyd.
"I don't think I deserve the man-of-the-match. I would have given it to Leon Lloyd for his performance," he said.
Leicester prop Darren Garforth fell on to Healey's bandaged knee in a second-half tackle, and it looked like the England star would be forced to submit to the injury before his scorching late burst.
"I've never known a run so painful," he said . "I had cramp in both legs. It was sheer pain.
"We never gave up. We were under the cosh a lot, but it's great to win three trophies and it's good luck to English clubs."
- More about:
- Agile Software Development
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A branch of Tesco in Reading has gone that extra mile to make sure it meets the demands of festival revellers this year, as the first of 90,000 festival-goers are expected to arrive tomorrow.
Pictures of shelves stacked wall to wall with beers and spirits have been circulating on social media the day before the Reading Festival campsite opens to Early Bird ticket holders on Wednesday.
Timothy Jeffcoat, a Reading resident who lives close to the Richfield Avenue festival site, said about four aisles at the West Extra store are currently stocked with alcohol ahead of the tens of thousands due to descend on the town.
He told The Independent salad baskets have been filled with Jagermeister and potato boxes are now home to bottles of vodka.
"The store is chaos during the festival, and if it's wet, it gets really trashed too."
A spokesperson for Tesco said it is expecting to serve 35,000 customers each day from festival goers buying supplies before heading to the camp site.
He said: "We know from previous years just how important our store is to those attending the festival and we're working really hard to make sure we've got everything they need, including food, wellies, tents and bedding. We'll continue to stock everything our regular customers need for their normal weekly shop."
Reading festival officially kicks off on Friday with Blink 182, Artic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age headlining. The sell-out event draws thousands of people each day across ten stages at the 191-acre site.
Campers can also look forward to films being played until 4am, with food and drink available until the same time.
However, campers are advised to pack their wellies and waterproofs as this year's festival look set to be a muddy one. Initial weather forecasts are predicting a mixture of cloud and rain across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with some spots of sun breaking through occasionally.Reuse content


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Black Tie Al Fresco Affair in NapaIn my mind, black tie is synonymous with a big, grand ballroom. But Beaulieu Garden, with its gorgeous sweeping grounds is taking that pigeon hole and blowing it right out of the water. It's a beautiful ball gown, a classic tux
View CreditsRead More


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can someone tell me, the expected default port number for SW on win7, need it to connect from my SOHO to Workshop Server. Yes i know, should have written it down. lmao.
2 Replies
· · ·
Helpful Post
Nov 15, 2010 at 6:54 UTC
Depends on how you are trying to connect to a device. SW uses ....check here to learn more.
Hope this helps.
· · ·
Helpful Post
Nov 15, 2010 at 8:07 UTC
Elemental IT is an IT service provider.
Jay has the right link, but I can say that the only port I had to open on my W7 box to get it to scan successfully was TCP135 - I've done this through GPO to all workstations.


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It only takes a minute to get started. Fill out our uncomplicated sign up form and login to the website.
This step is up to you but will seriously multiply your chances of getting interest from other over 50s members on the site. Write about yourself, your hobbies and upload your best photograph.
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Les Saints Peres
No prices found through our partners. Please contact the business directly or check some of our recommended alternatives.
- Suites
- Breakfast Available
- Reduced mobility rooms
- Restaurant
- Outdoor pool
- Room service
Photos of Les Saints Peres
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- Restaurant
- Outdoor pool
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- Reduced mobility rooms
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- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
- Suites
- Room service
- Banquet room
- Babysitting service
- Meal plan
TripAdvisor Reviews Les Saints Peres Montagnole
Travel Blogs from Montagnole
A long but beautiful drive
... colours of the trees and the brilliant green of the grass was amazing.
E failed to get any lunch as we discovered that 11:11 is a bank holiday in France and everywhere was closed! So we arrived at the hotel at 5:00 pm and were starving! We checked in and the owner kindly provided us with pate and bread and a glass of red....perfect!
Take car on holiday, take trouble
... ago.
But it's all an experience, doing car repairs en fran�ais. I'm amazed really, that at half past four on a Friday afternoon a) anyone is up for doing any work, and b) they can whip the wheel off, and the tyre, and fix a puncture, all within about 15 minutes.
Late Season Sailing
... out of the marina the wind had dropped off so much we would have had to motor all the way to Les Sables, probably about 6 hours so instead we had a gentle sail to La Rochelle and moored up in the town marina until the lock opened for us to go into Basin Chalutier.What was lovely to see as we entered Old La Rochelle as you sail through the 2 towers in La Rochelle there were lots children out having lessons in dinghies and on wind surfers, this was ...
It all comes down to this day....
Today was all about the rowing because it was the day of Curtis' final. Brad wanted to set off extra early to get a park and seat on the stand. It was obvious that he was very nervous too. We were at the rowing just after 10, with the B finals only kicking off at 12. We found a great spot on the lake but also with a good view of the big screen. From here, Adam, Hannah and I watched the B and then the A finals. In between we read our ...
And the Finals Begin
Today I skipped the run, and the other girls decided to go for a walk instead. After breakfast we headed to the rowing for the first day of finals. Today was a completely different atmosphere and was packed. We didn't find much place to sit so spent most of the time standing. We saw Hamish and Eric win gold as well as the ...


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GBP/USD is hit by UK data
GBP/USD slid below $1.6000 and is testing support at $1.5955 (Sept. 24 low). Pound was hit by weak UK data: industrial & manufacturing production declined, while trade deficit didn't contract as much as expected.
Support lies at $1.5920 (23.6% Fibo of the advance from July and also a support line). Resistance is $1.6050, $1.6130 and $1.6170.
Chart. H4 GBP/USD


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If you want to create your own blog, then you just came to the right place. I will show you how you can do that in less than 5 minutes and only for few dollars.
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Guaranteed-Cost Control
€ 59,00
Lieferbar innerhalb von 2-3 Tagen
Mai 2010
BeschreibungThis book is concerned with the problem of quadratic guaranteed cost control for linear uncertain systems. Quadratic guaranteed cost control is a methodology for the design of quadratically stabilizing controllers which assure a guaranteed level of performance for the closed loop system. In this book, both the Algebraic Riccati Equation approach and the Linear Matrix Inequality approach are applied to problems of constructing optimal or sub-optimal quadratic guaranteed cost controllers for different classes of uncertain systems. The systems under consideration are linear uncertain systems with structured or unstructured uncertainties and linear uncertain systems with time-delays. The problem of quadratic guaranteed cost control together with robust pole placement is also considered for linear uncertain systems.
Portraitreceived his B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. all in Electrical Engineering, in 1989, 1993 and 1999. He later joined the Department of Electrical Engineering, Shahr-e-Kord University, Shahr-e-Kord, Iran. His research interests are guaranteed- cost control, uncertain systems, time-delay systems, and linear matrix inequalities.
Untertitel: An Investigation of Quadratic Guaranteed-Cost Control Problems for Linear Uncertain Systems. Paperback. Sprache: Englisch.
Verlag: LAP Lambert Acad. Publ.
Erscheinungsdatum: Mai 2010
Seitenanzahl: 160 Seiten
Format: kartoniert


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Field Trips
Field trips offer teachers and students a chance to experience up-close historic buildings, artifacts, and landscapes. There is no charge to visit Herbert Hoover National Historic Site or to reserve a guided tour.
- Plan your visit.Find directions, operating hours, and other things to know before you come.
- Apply for a travel grant. The Hoover Presidential Foundation offers grants to help with travel costs for field trips to Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Learn more and apply for a grant »
- Prepare. Curriculum materials and suggested reading can help you prepare for a field trip. The park's 12-minute film Adventure and Great Undertakings provides a good introduction to Herbert Hoover's childhood in West Branch.
- Dress for the weather. Park rangers move activities indoors only during severe weather like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods.
- Share the park. Other schools and visitors may visit at the same time. Prepare for crowding at the small historic buildings in May and on Thursdays and Fridays during the spring and fall.
- Keep the park clean. School groups may eat lunch at the park's picnic shelters. The picnic shelters have trash containers to help you keep the park clean.
Schedule a Field Trip
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Lessons Learned in West Branch
How did Herbert Hoover's early years in 19th century West Branch influence his character? Which character traits did he learn that made him a leader? Where do we get our own skills for success? A visit to historic buildings from President Hoover's childhood helps answer these questions.
- Type:
- Field Trips,Student Activities
- Grade level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subjects:
- Social Studies


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Free study periods had merged seamlessly into lunchtime, and if not for Rain, I doubt I would even have noticed the sudden floods of people entering the cafeteria. It was the first day, but it already looked like everybody had found a friendship group. Rain went to sit with the other two girls I'd seen around, which wasn't much of a surprise. The girls I'd known before tended to stick together, as well.
I was more surprised to see the guy from my maths class move to sit with them. One of the girls had been sitting close to him in that class as well, though. Maybe they already knew each other. I caught him glancing over, and quickly buried my nose in the book in front of me. Whether they knew each other or not was none of my business.
When the bell finally rang to signal the end of lunch, I was one of the first to move from my seat. I'd already checked my timetable for my next subject. Science.
I could work with that. Science was one of those subjects that overcomplicated things so that nobody knew what was going on - I wouldn't come across as any more stupid than the rest of them. I hoped. It was a practical subject, too. Not much writing.
As I walked down the corridor, I heard laughter from behind me. I was fairly sure it wasn't directed at me, seeing as I hadn't even so much as tripped yet, so I took it to be the result of some private joke or something. Either way, it sounded like the girls were following. We probably had the same class again.
I tried walking a little faster to find a good seat - somewhere at the back of the class - and found that it helped my balance a little. Huh. Interesting.


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PHED Manipur AEO Admit Card 2016 is soon released by Public Health Engineering Department, Manipur, candidates download PHED Manipur Assistant Engine Operator & Technical Jugali exam hall ticket 2016 for 220 exam date news / information
Dear Students as you all are applied for PHED Manipur 220 Assistant Engine Operator Recruitment 2016. Online form dead line is 20 September 2016. Office of Manipur phed in going to held written exam to fill all 220 vacancy in dept. There are available posts of assistant engine operator and technical jugali (T/J). This is good opportunity for all jobs seekers in imphal / Manipur, india. Students can get govt jobs of imphal water supply and imphal sewerage project posts. PHED Manipur AEO Admit Card 2016 is available at www.hpedmanipur.gov.in.
PHED Manipur AEO Admit Card 2016
PHED Manipur was issued employment notification on 24th August 2016 for Imphal assistant engine operator vacancy. Students are applied who have HSCL certificate with Manipuri / Hindi language knowledge and operation engine experience. To your new creaocity for know about PHED Manipur AEO Exam Date 2016 updates is come in below instruction / key points.
PHED Manipur Assistant Engine Operator / Technical Jugali Exam Date 2016
Department: Public Health Engineering Department of Manipur
Job Profile: AEO & Technical Jugali / water supply / sewerage project
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Exam Type: Multiple Choice Questions
PHED Manipur Admit Card release date: 3rd October 2016
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Official web: phedmanipur.gov.in
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What to know before buying a child stroller
Baby prams are one of the most essential equipment that parents need to own. If you are a new parent, a fantastic pram can be your best friend. Getting the unsuitable pram can spell problems for you. Therefore, what should you think of before you actually purchase this equipment?
There are some points that you need to think about. You will be capable to gauge a product's value once you find out just what to search for. You might have to skip reading baby pram reviews completely, but of course, it is usually best to visit the following website before you purchase a buggy online.
Will It Be Secure?
That is the first question you want to ask when checking out the functionality of baby strollers. Is it loaded with safety elements? Security is a large problem for most moms and dads, so most suppliers also make sure that their goods include the best safety features. It is your responsibility to make sure that these security functions meet your expectations, needs and specifications. But what you have to check?
Firstly, you must be sure that the product is steady. It should be able to withstand bumps. It should be able to remain upright. In case your kid still has diaper, you may want to search for a child stroller that features a diaper bag conveniently located within easy reach. Additionally, it is essential you look at the harness. Preferably, you need to buy a stroller which features a 5-point harness. This has to be your priority specially if you have a newborn or a baby.
What Types of Wheels Does It Have?
Wheels, they are essential when considering buying strollers. You can find a few customers who even based their buy on the kind of wheels they liked. For example, parents who're interested in running could prefer to get a stroller which is best for parents who run. You may would like to buy a stroller that can easily can make corners. It is really useful whenever you are in crowded areas just like malls or superstores. Besides the wheels, you need to also check the handles. You will need to search for prams with changeable handles. They must be comfy and quick to move.
Do You Like Its Other Features?
You can as well pick the ideal child stroller for you based on the features you may need. For instance, do you need a big basket where you could shop everything you will need for the baby? Do you want comfort features just like drink holders or organization trays? Most producers sell these things separately, but you will find some prams which include these extras in the main package.
Is It Simple to move and Put away?
You might also wish to think about buying lightweight buggies. Weight is important especially when you're manoeuvring it in crowded areas. You don't want to be stuck with a heavy buggy while you try to pass through throngs of individuals in the grocery store. Trunk space is also a consideration when you buy a stroller. You can't get something bigger than your vehicle's trunk. You should think of buying one that simply folds, unfolds and stores.
You have quite a few options with regards to child prams, but you need to know what to think about prior to placing an order for a baby stroller.


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Award Specialties
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- Phone: 318-769-1222
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text:
The struggles continue for industrial tire-maker Titan International Inc. (NYSE:TWI). This Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) recently withdrew 2014 guidance after a difficult first quarter which was impacted by the brutal North American winter.
Titan International supplies wheels, tires and assemblies for off-highway equipment used in agriculture and earthmoving/construction.
What Went Wrong?
When agriculture and mining was booming, tire sales were too. In 2011, the farmers took home record income and Titan's earnings jumped 253%.
But excess inventory that has been dropped into the aftermarket from the mining industries has impacted pricing.
Titan's current outlook for mining tires continues to be negative. On Apr 24, in its first quarter press release, the company said the price of tires continued to drop and it saw further drops in the foreseeable future.
In agriculture tires, which is its larger segment, the aftermarket and OEM farm business declined in the first quarter and the OE construction business was also below the company's forecast.
In the first quarter, total sales fell 6.8% to $538.9 million from $578.4 million a year ago. Gross profit also fell to 10.1% of net sales compared to 16.7% in the first quarter of 2013.
International Outlook
Titan is moving forward with its international expansion plans despite the risks. Titan ITM, which makes tracks for construction and certain agricultural machines, is growing in South America but Europe remains weak. It doesn't expect improvement in Europe in 2014.
It also holds a 30% interest in a Russian tire operation, which is moving forward even with the geo-political challenges due to the Ukraine situation.
Estimates Slashed After Guidance is Withdrawn
On Apr 24, Titan missed the Zacks Consensus in the first quarter by 31 cents. It reported $0.04 compared to the consensus of $0.35.
It also withdrew its previous full year 2014 guidance and said it was being "reconsidered."
The analysts wasted no time in cutting full year estimates.
4 estimates have been cut in the last week, with the 2014 Zacks Consensus falling to just $0.60 from $1.05.
Titan made $0.78 in 2013 so that is an earnings decline of 24%.
The analysts also slashed 2015 estimates to $0.97 from $1.40.
Is Titan a Deal?
You'd think with all of this bad news, that shares would be pretty cheap. But investors are already well versed on Titan's struggles so shares haven't done much in the last year.
Titan is trading with a forward P/E of 18.7, which is still well above the average of the S&P 500 of 16. I wouldn't exactly call that a deal when the 2014 outlook remains unknown.
If you really want to own something in the farm machinery industry, you may want to consider AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO). It actually makes the farm machinery itself but it's a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and is a better value, with a forward P/E of only 10.
- AGCO CORP.: Free Stock Analysis Report (email registration required)
- TITAN INTL INC.: Free Stock Analysis Report (email registration required)


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The dust has now settled on the release of the last Harry Potter book and as a "muggle" – for the uninitiated, that's an ordinary, non-magical person – you're almost certainly aware of the incredible prices fetched by first editions of J K Rowling's books.
Yet the idea of big prices for children's books is nothing new, as it's a market that has been flourishing for years, and is one which all the specialists agree will continue to do so.
While there's no disputing the quality and popularity of the Harry Potter books, they have definitely benefited from a lot of hype at their launch – with everyone wanting a little slice of the J K Rowling magic.
However, Dr Philip Errington, children's books expert from Sotheby's, urges people to take note of what the auction house is looking for in a first-edition Harry Potter.
"The only value is attached to the first three books, and in particular, to the first: The Philosopher's Stone. We are looking for the original trade hardback of the book, published by Bloomsbury, with the numbers 10987654321 on the publisher's imprint page," he says.
This book only saw 500 copies published, because Bloomsbury, as is the practice with many new authors, only printed a small number to test the market.
In May of this year, Bloomsbury Auctions (no connection to the publisher), sold a signed and inscribed first edition of The Philosopher's Stone for an auction record price of £27,370; previously, the auction house had sold one unsigned in 2002 for £19,450.
As the condition of each book is unique, an auction house can only offer a guide price, and must then wait to see what people will offer for it. When very good or "mint" condition copies appear on the market, prices can shift dramatically.
This was no more evident than with Wind in the Willows, first published in 1908. Few come complete with their dust jackets, so when one did appear at auction in 1998, it made £39,000 at Sotheby's – proof of how critical the condition is in determining value.
The bulk of the market is dedicated to classics such asWind in the Willows and Alice in Wonderland, along with Tolkien's Hobbit tales, and works by Beatrix Potter and C S Lewis.
"Books by the likes of Roald Dahl from the 1960s, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, are very collectable," says Dr Errington. "But prices are quite sensible compared to what people pay for J K Rowling."
There's also a big collecting patch from the 1920s and 1930s, where you find books such as Swallows and Amazons, Peter and Wendy (better known as Peter Pan), E Nesbit's The Railway Children from 1906, and Winnie the Pooh.
Books from the late-18th century are highly sought-after, and rare, particularly if they are in good condition.
Glance at any book collector's list, and you can almost always find a film adaptation; movies undoubtedly help book prices.
This was evident with Tolkien's Lord of the Ringss. Tolkien's books rose significantly in price when the films came out, but have now settled back down again, albeit at a slightly higher level than before the movies were produced. This is a critical factor when buying for investment: never buy when the hype is at a high, because invariably the prices are too high.
"I think there was 'ultra hype' for modern authors contemporary to J K Rowling," says Bloomsbury Auctions' Roddy Newlands. "But now people have discovered that they aren't as scarce as they thought. Philip Pullman's popularity kicked in with Northern Lights, but he had already been writing for some time before that." He adds that while copies of Northern Lights used to sell for about £6,000 at auction, their value is now about £1,500 to £2,000.
That said, the market as a whole is a healthy one. "The market is extremely buoyant," says Dr Errington. "We have English literature and children's book sales twice a year, and they are one of the highlights of our book calendar."
His advice for those looking for the next "big" modern children's author?
"Look to see who's in vogue at the moment, and who is up and coming; you may then find that the first books of that author at some point appear at auction."
Looking for credit card or current account deals? Search hereReuse content


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The 2016 Major League Baseball season is winding down and the playoff races are heating up. With the upcoming postseason, there are some teams that have a very good chance at winning this year's World Series. In both the American and National league there will be 5 teams in each of the two leagues who will compete to reach the World Series and possibly win it.
As it stands right now the teams that look to be in great position to make it to the postseason are the Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians and the Texas Rangers for the American League. In the National League, the Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals look like they are headed for the postseason. With these quality teams, the postseason looks to be quite intriguing.
In the American League the Toronto Blue Jays look to be the strongest team in the American League East. This is saying a lot due to the fact that they are in arguably the toughest and most competitive division in the game. The team is led by sluggers Josh Donaldson, Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista. Their pitching isn't bad either as one of their starters is a candidate to win this year's Cy Young Award. With solid pitching and a powerful lineup, the Toronto Blue Jays will likely reach the League Championship Series and possibly make it to the World Series.
Another team that looks like a top contender is the Cleveland Indians. The Indians are one of the most all around teams in all of baseball. They have solid pitching along with a good lineup. As a result, Cleveland looks to be in position to make a serious push for the World Series. At the end of the season, the Indians look to be champions of the Central Division and reach the League Championship Series against the Blue Jays.
In the National League you have the Chicago Cubs who have been the favorites to win the World Series before the season even began. The Cubs have the best all around rotation in the league with four starting pitchers with earned run averages under 3. With this kind of pitching, the Cubs can shut down and contain any lineup in baseball. Along with excellent pitching, the Cubs have a very good lineup that is able to score plenty of runs each game. Therefore the Cubs look like they will at least make it to the League Championship Series.
The Washington Nationals are another very strong team in the National League. This is another team that has a very good lineup with solid pitching. Washington currently leads the Eastern Division and is likely to win it by the end of the season. Once the postseason begins, the Nationals will likely defeat their Division Series opponent and reach the League Championship series. They will likely be in a showdown with the Cubs for the National League Championship.
With the likely final four teams there are some other teams that have a legitimate shot at winning the World Series. In the American League you have the Texas Rangers who can make a run at the World Series. They have a powerful lineup that can score lots of runs along with two starting pitchers that are among the best in the game. They look to be a team to watch as the postseason begin.
Over in the National League, the San Francisco Giants look to be a factor once the postseason starts. The Giants had the leagues' best record by the All Star break but have slumped and are currently in second place in the National League Western Division. However, they are quite dangerous because they have been down before in previous years and emerged as World Series Champions. If they were to reach the postseason, the Giants will have as good a chance as anyone to win this year's World Series.
When it is all said and done, the World Series looks to be the Toronto Blue Jays against the Chicago Cubs with the Cubs winning the World Series. With their stellar pitching and excellent lineup, the Cubs look to be the best team in baseball and will likely win it all this season.


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2505 Belmont Blvd. Open House
Details for 2505 Belmont Blvd. Open House
OPEN HOUSE 1 - 3:00 2505 Belmont Blvd. $199,000 Large 4 bedrooms/4 bathrooms. Completely updated and remodeled in 2016 with new kitchen, bathrooms, carpet, hardwood floor, paint, heating, air, new deck, next to in-ground pool. Fireplace in family room. See ad on Zillow.com or call 620-242-2011 for any questions.