DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | Reuben Gaines' memoir, undated

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Page 46

PAGE 46 Buxton.
Buxton with its several mines in operation, generated enough income for the whole town, it gave a good life and excellent living to all the ethnic groups which blended as one in their association. I have been in all the big cities in the midwest and even Paris, France but I really lived in Buxton. 
In the 18th and 19th century the white population's method to restore honor was by dueling the swords or pistols by maiming or killing their adversaries; but in the black race switch blades; knives and razors were used in offense and defense. I was unable to find any origin as to its advent as a protective measure. I referred to only two knife causalties in the former pages but there were many wherein I will mention two or three more. Lawrence Carter, (Dr. E. A. Carters brother) and Sam Mathews could not agree about something, so Lawrence invited Sam out of Cooper's dance hall to slug it out to a full understanding. Sam informed Carter that he would go out now and I will wait until you come out. The dance Hall was lighted up like a Cinema moving picture place. In the next four or five minutes while Sam was out side his eyes had gotten acclimated to the dark night so when Lawrence came out, he cut him up down and crossways on the back of his head and neck like he was playing tic tac toe. Lawrence scarcely knew what was going on until it was over. 
Next was Virgel Step,he displeased his girl friend, and whatever it was must have been terrible for she caught up with him on the railroad clost to the Hotel and started the razor on his neck just below the left ear and let up on the back of his neck almost to his right ear. The wounds on Carter and step healed badly for it stood out in relief so the wounds could be seen more than a hundred feet away. 
Artie Ragsdale at 24 years of age left Buxton and went to Chicago on the St. car a fellow steped on his foot and gave no reason or apology for doing so; hot words resulted and they invited each other off to the St car to settle this argument at the next stop. They got off the car and in the middle of the Street carved and stabed each other until they both were dead. One thing in particular that I was always aware of and that was if you were from Buxton they would not take a back seat; or abuse or insults from anybody. 
In 1898 or 1899 there was a Swede woman that drove a spirited team of horses. After 80 years I believe I may know the name but I am not sure. She was crossing no. 5 Crossing and was on her way to Muchakinock and never noticed the approaching train which cut the horses aloose from the buggy and slid her a hundred yards on the track which tore her completely apart. Adozen kids including myself were looking for bits and parts of anything that important This woman was the Mother of Hilda Swanson that lived in Buxton and was married to lines Swanson with three Children; Dave; Elna and Alfred. Elna is married and live some where in the farming district and I know she has a son.

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PAGE 46 Buxton. Buxton with its several mines in operation, generated enough income for the whole town, it gave a good life and excellent living to all the ethnic groups which blended as one in their association. I have been in all the big cities in the midwest and even Paris, France but I really lived in Buxton. In the 18th and 19th century the white population's method to restore honor was by dueling the swords or pistols by maiming or killing their adversaries; but in the black race switch blades; knives and razors were used in offense and defense. I was unable to find any origin as to its advent as a protective measure. I referred to only two knife causalties in the former pages but there were many wherein I will mention two or three more. Lawrence Carter, (Dr. E. A. Carters brother) and Sam Mathews could not agree about something, so Lawrence invited Sam out of Cooper's dance hall to slug it out to a full understanding. Sam informed Carter that he would go out now and I will wait until you come out. The dance Hall was lighted up like a Cinema moving picture place. In the next four or five minutes while Sam was out side his eyes had gotten acclimated to the dark night so when Lawrence came out, he cut him up down and crossways on the back of his head and neck like he was playing tic tac toe. Lawrence scarcely knew what was going on until it was over. Next was Virgel Step,he displeased his girl friend, and whatever it was must have been terrible for she caught up with him on the railroad clost to the Hotel and started the razor on his neck just below the left ear and let up on the back of his neck almost to his right ear. The wounds on Carter and step healed badly for it stood out in relief so the wounds could be seen more than a hundred feet away. Artie Ragsdale at 24 years of age left Buxton and went to Chicago on the St. car a fellow steped on his foot and gave no reason or apology for doing so; hot words resulted and they invited each other off to the St car to settle this argument at the next stop. They got off the car and in the middle of the Street carved and stabed each other until they both were dead. One thing in particular that I was always aware of and that was if you were from Buxton they would not take a back seat; or abuse or insults from anybody. In 1898 or 1899 there was a Swede woman that drove a spirited team of horses. After 80 years I believe I may know the name but I am not sure. She was crossing no. 5 Crossing and was on her way to Muchakinock and never noticed the approaching train which cut the horses aloose from the buggy and slid her a hundred yards on the track which tore her completely apart. Adozen kids including myself were looking for bits and parts of anything that important This woman was the Mother of Hilda Swanson that lived in Buxton and was married to lines Swanson with three Children; Dave; Elna and Alfred. Elna is married and live some where in the farming district and I know she has a son.