Journal of Elijah Charles Clapp
EASTDALE by Molinda Clapp Denning
The country surrounding Eastdale was a sun baked, wind swept prairie. Where
in summer the heat waves danced among the rabbit bush and the grease wood.
Where numerous prairie dogs sat on their haunches and scolded loudly whenever
anyone dared invade their privacy. Where the wild Mexican pony roamed at
large, with their proud stallions sending out a coaxing challenge whenever
any domestic team drove in sight.
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Amanda was 13 years old when she died. She had been sick for several months
with pneumonia. Shortly before she died she said, “Ma, do you hear it?"
Mother said, "Hear what, Mandy?" There was a pause and then Amanda said, “The
angels singing “Weary Not”.
Father was working in Manassa or Sanford and when Amanda was not expected to
live, word was sent for him to come home. It took a long time for a team and
wagon to travel the 20 or so miles to Eastdale. Suddenly Amanda appeared.
She seemed to be standing in the air, just ahead of the horses. She remained
there for several minutes and then disappeared. Then father knew that Amanda
had died and that she had come to say “Goodbye”.