My Childhood Stories
Alcohol Cure
With some reservation, I share this story, for it carries a tremendous meaning. Lester was not in the habit of excessively consuming alcoholic beverages, but prior to becoming a Christian (follower of Jesus Christ) he would take an occasional nip.
On one occasion, he had a little too much to drink, but not so much that he could not drive home. The humor, although there is no humor in excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages, of the story is as he traveled home, he never met just one car. There were always two cars coming side by side towards him. One time there were four cars side by side and his reaction was to pull off the road and let them pass.
At one point on the way home, there was a fork in the road and he knew one was the correct one to take, but not in full usage of his capabilities, saw two forks, and did not know which one to take. However, he took the one on the right, which happened to be the correct one, and made the trip home safely.
It was on this trip, or another time, the alcohol made him sick and he asked his wife for something to help him. She declined and said, “If you want something to take, get up and get it for yourself.” Whether or not he did such is unknown at this point. He later became sick, and deposited the contents of his “innards” on the bed. Again a request was made for his wife to come and clean up the bed. She replied, “You made the mess and if you want it cleaned up, you can clean it up yourself.” As time progressed, he did get well, and never consumed to excess again.
After becoming a Christian, he loathed the use of alcoholic beverages, and often pointed out to those riding in the car with him, those who appeared to be driving while drunk. There was zero tolerance for alcoholic beverage usage in any form or amount.
Moral of the story: Excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages can ruin your judgment, and “mess” up you life.
Brotherly Discipline
A later story deals with a store keeper spanking Lester King for something he had said or done. This involves one of his brothers.
The event happened at a store in the community. Boys get to talking and often use phrases or words they would not in the presence of parents or other adults. Boys often like to brag or sound “big” in the hopes of gaining acceptance by older boys.
The conversation had apparently turned to adults and more directly about one’s parents. At this point reference was made about “The Old Man,” referring to one’s father. At this point, one of Lester’s brothers picked him up by the collar, brought him up to eye level and said, “If I ever hear you referring to your father in this manner again, I will personally whip you.”
This apparently cured Lester of any disparaging remarks about his father, for in later years, he would instill the same fear into his son as to respecting parents, and any other adult.
Moral of the story: respect one’s parents and other adults.
Beach Visitor
It was customary for young men to make trips to the Sound to fish, collect oysters and clams, and sometimes sleep on the sand of the beach or banks of the Sound. On one occasion, Lester and some of his relatives and friends were sleeping all night on the shores of the Sound
At some point, Lester awoke and noticed a crawling creature about six feet long, moving across the ankles of one of his buddies. He called in a low quiet voice, but the buddy did not respond.
When the snake had moved a save distance, Lester awoke his friend and related what had just happened. His friend disbelieved and made light of the report. Then Lester told him to look about ten feet away where he noticed the snake, saw the marks in the sand, and was thankful he did not awake while the snake made his passage.
Moral of the story: Watch where you sleep.
Bull Taming
This experience occurred during the late apparent late teens, in the life of Lester King. He was employed with a group that herded cattle. There were no laws restricting animals grazing, so any open area of grass was acceptable. Many days and nights would be spent with the herd.
There appeared a bull that no one could manage, and would chase anyone who happened within the pen. Lester, not to be outdone, contacted a cattleman in Texas as to how to deal with the situation. Upon receiving instructions, Lester placed the plan into action.
He was instructed to find two sturdy trees about 100 feet apart. He was to stand in front of one tree and call the bull, who would begin to charge. His instructions were to stand and not move until the bull had closed his eyes, after which he would make a lunge towards the target, in this case Lester. That was a difficult moment, for when the bull closed his eyes, there were only seconds in which to move, and hurry to the other tree about 100 feet away.
When the bull hit the tree, he bounced back and sat down on his rear, shaking his head. At this point, Lester called and made motions to get the bull’s attention. Sure enough, the bull turned around and charged again. Just as the bull closed his eyes, Lester moved away and went to the first tree. The same result for the bull was the same. This continued until the bull was too tired to run and charge anymore. Also, the forehead of the bull was a bloody mess. Apparently he had a good headache.
At this point, the following action was taken as instructed. Lester walked up to the bull, called him a name, and slapped him on the back. The instructions were that then the bull would follow him around like a pet, which he did. However, no one else could get in the pen with the bull but Lester and not be charged.
Moral of the story: If you want to play with a bull, know how to handle the bull.
Cemetery Shootout
They were living on the Bethea place between Holly Ridge, NC, and the Sound. As farmers do, Bill King worked to almost dark and then his son, Lester, had to feed the hogs, which were a good distance from the main road, and beyond a cemetery.
It was often dark as Lester passed the cemetery on his way home. At some point, a neighbor’s son, some six years older, discovered the situation and choose to play a prank on Lester. He would hide behind a tree and wait to scare Lester as he passed by.
Although sharing the event with his father, Lester still had to make the near dark trip daily. There seemed to be some way to avoid the cemetery and the unpleasant greeting. Lester took to walking in the woods to dispose of the corn for the hogs, play around some and then return home, not telling his father of his deeds. On weekends, Bill King would accompany his son to feed the hogs and commented on how they were growing. Lester remained silent.
Young minds often devise solutions to their apparent problems. As time continued, Lester began dumping the corn in a ditch and covering it with large pieces of bark from trees that had been cut, and as the wood deteriorated, the bark became loose. All the while, Bill thought Lester was feeding the hogs.
The occasion arose that produced a terrific rainstorm, called a “gully washer” which lasted for some hours. Upon conclusion of the rain, Bill walked in the yard to see the water rushing through the ditches to find a lower level. Suddenly, there floated by many ears of corn that had been dumped in the ditch, and was washed away by the large volume of water. Upon seeing such, Bill turned to Lester with a look that pierced Lester’s heart, for he now knew his deception, which was unacceptable, knowing he would have to accept some kind of punishment. Bill told his son, “I am not whipping you for being afraid, I am punishing you for lying to me.” It seems lying to a parent was an offence that was inexcusable and warranted proper punishment.
At this point, Lester related the events surrounding the cemetery, and his fear. He pleaded to be able to take the shotgun and use it to warn the intruder. Bill thought very little of the suggestion and declined for some time. However, the time came when most of the lead shot was removed from a shell and replaced with dry field peas, which could bring a stinging sensation when applied to the correct part of one’s anatomy.
On the occasion when permission was granted to carry the shotgun, Lester made his way slowly in the direction of the cemetery, and hog pen. Discovering the offending varmint was hiding behind a tree, Lester circled around the cemetery and came up within the proper distance to fire the shotgun without permanently injuring the perpetrator. When the safe distance was determined, Lester raised the gun and positioned it towards the “seat of learning” and fired. The offender screamed, yelled, and ran home.
A few days later, the young boy’s father came to see Bill King and remarked words similar to “I understand your son shot my son the other day.” Bill King responded “That is what I understand.” The other father stated “It looks like we will be going to court.” To which Bill King responded, “That may well be, Sir, but a boy the age of your son knows better than to scare a younger child at a cemetery around dark.” “If I had been the one holding the gun, your son would have picked up his foot and carried it home. See you in court.”
There was no further conversation, action, and no more scaring a young child at a cemetery after dark. The moral, “Don’t lie to your father.”
Corn Keeps Disappearing
The crops had been harvested and the corn for feeding the
animals on the farm was stored in a “crib” or storage building. It was
discovered that the corn was being used quicker than at previous
seasons, or during the feeding time. Many ideas had been considered as
to what was happening. It was surmised that a neighbor was “borrowing”
corn but there was no way to prove the allegation.
Bill King thought of an unusual plan. He began to use his pocket knife to bore a hole in the corn cob and drive a wooden peg in the hole. When he had a sufficient amount of corn prepared, he advised his son to place the corn at arm’s length from the door in a circle. He was not to use this corn, but get feeding corn from behind the row of “baited” corn.
A few weeks passed with the observation that the row of “baited” corn had begun to disappear. When it appeared the supply of “baited” corn was depleted, Bill suggested to his family they visit a particular neighbor down the road. During the course of the visit, discussion turned to livestock and how they were withstanding the winter months. The neighbor began to brag on the growth of his hogs and how they would be ready soon for sale or be slaughtered and preserve the meat for winter use.
As the men folk walked to the hog pen, conversation continue about the fatness of the man’s hogs. Some time had been spent looking the hogs and how contended they were. Bill King began to look at the empty corn cobs on the ground and one seemed to look familiar. As he picked it up and made further observation of a wooden peg driven in the corn cob, he remarked that it was unusual to see a corn cob in such a manner. He dropped the cob to the ground and continued his visit.
From that point one, he did not miss any more corn.
Moral of the story: it is easy sometimes to detect a thief without embarrassment, and continue to be friendly neighbors.
Eating Leftover Scraps
The custom of visiting preachers sharing meals in the homes of church members was well known to all the congregation. The minister would often arrive by train on Saturday, preach, hold conference, spend the night with some of the church family, preach on Sunday and return home. One of the brethren of the church would be assigned to meet the train and entertain the pastor during the weekend.
It was the occasion for William Edward “Bill” King, and Minnie Julie Hines King to have the preacher for a meal. The ladies would begin cooking on Thursday or Friday, and at this house, there was a box attached to the outside of the house to store food until the appointment was realized. Some had what was called a “safe” which was a structure about four feet square, covered with screen wire, and about four feet off the ground. Food would be stored between meals, and was protected from bugs and animals.
Lester and his friend Clyde (maybe Clyde Hardison) were walking around the house and noticed the adults eating. Adults always ate at the first table and the children would eat later, sometimes quite a bit later. It was noted, that even in the summer, the food did not spoil even though prepared a couple of days earlier.
As Lester looked in the window, he commented, “Clyde, it looks like we are going to have scraps for dinner.” Without a word or sound, Grandma Julie, who wasn’t even five feet tall, met Lester at the door of the kitchen and remarked, “I’ll show you scraps.” She began to administer the proper learning mechanism to help Lester remember his manners and not to disrespect his elders. Little did children realize that often the mothers had saved enough food for the children. The moral, “Respect your elders and wait your turn.”
Handicapped People
Growing up, Lester instilled in the mind of his son, Ottis, to
respect people who were handicapped in some way. In the town in which I
grew up there were several persons with physical handicaps. One such
man often sat on the curb surrounding one of the church’s yards, as did
many men on Saturday afternoons.
One such man was observed in Wilmington, including a paper boy on crutches. Lester would buy a paper, even if he had no need, simply to help the young boy. He often spoke and would carry on a conversation if all had time. Someone remarked later as to whether he had ever met a stranger, and my response was “No.”
Lester taught respect and kindness towards people who were more needy than we. He never tolerated disrespect in any fashion. There was always a compassionate feeling for those less fortunate that we were. His comment to me that stayed with me was never stare, nor make fun of someone who was handicapped in any way. If I did and he caught me, He surmised I would get the whipping of my life.
He taught me to speak to the person, be friendly, and quietly thank God I was healthy and pray for the handicapped person. Some sixty years later, the habit of asking God to bless the person is part of my lifestyle.
This lesson stayed with me all my life and has been instilled into the minds of my sons.
On one occasion one asked me if I had noticed a little girl with a prosthesis for one of her hands. I noted I had, and reminded him as my father had reminded me. “If I ever catch you making fun of such a person, you “think” you have been whipped before.” The response was quick and compassionate, “Daddy, I wasn’t making fun nor staring.” We discussed what may have happened through birth or some accident that resulted in the loss of her hand.
Moral of the story: treat all people with respect, teach the next generation for it might sink in and become part of their thinking and life.
Horse Maneuvering
It seems boys will be mischievous at times. Down home, Holly Ridge, NC, was an unusual place for people to grow up, raise their children, and spend life with others. On this particular occasion, several boys were on the road between “The Ridge” and the Sound. There was a man known for his sleeping on any occasion and under any condition. He was returning from town, riding in his cart asleep, while the horse made the trip home. Upon seeing him, one of the boys perceived the idea of turning the horse around without stopping the cart and the horse would continue back to town.
This man had a trained horse, when he went to town, he would sleep until the horse stopped at the store, or upon returning home, stopping at the hitching post. On this encounter, the horse never stopped walking and continued back to town. Upon stopping at the store, the man awoke to find he was back in town and had to turn around.
It is perceived he, and neighbors had an idea who had played the prank, but there was never any discipline administered. Even into old age, they talked of the event and related it to their children and others.
Moral of the story: Playing pranks on people can be confusing, and “chickens come home to roost.”
Jesus Vision
This event occurred in the early part of 1967. Lester related it during a summer Bible Camp at Singletary Lake, Bladen County. He apparently had not shared this with many people prior to this time.
He had experienced blacking out spells on a Sunday afternoon and was carried to a hospital in the next county. Several days were spent in the hospital with a series of x-rays of his head in an attempt to determine the cause. A second set was made since something appeared on the first films, or either trash was in the solution. These showed no presence of the previously mentioned object.
During one of the blacking out spells, or in a dream, he doesn’t know for sure, there was a special “vision.” In the vision, he met the Lord Jesus Christ, walking towards him with a robe hanging over his arm. Lester inquired as to who the robe belonged. Christ responded that it was his. Upon hearing this, Lester reached to take the robe, at which the Lord turned aside and said, “Not not.” He received the names of two men and was told, “When you win them to me, you can have your robe.” He never related as far as I can determine who the two names were.
It was sometime in November or December, living next door to the church, his wife, Mertie, had begun putting lunch on the table, as Lester remained to talk with a man who had responded during the invitation. In a few minutes, he came in the back door and stated, “Girl, you may as well start packing. I am leaving here feet first or to another field. I have won my last one. There is nothing more here for me to do.”
That night, unknown to Lester as to their coming, there was a pastor search committee from a church in another county. He moved a couple of months later.
Had the experience been mine, and I ask others, how serious would we have been to win those two men to the Lord, knowing that we might die after the event?
Moral of the story: He was committed to his Lord, and the priority of his life was to serve the Lord and be obedient. What an example and role to model for others.
Lunch Time
This story is told by another minister, and friend of Lester King. They were fishing in the Inland Waterway out from Sneads Ferry, or Holly Ridge, NC. Riding up the waterway, the spotted a group of people on a small bluff, around a table in the yard. It was, no doubt, a family or community get together.
Lester turned the boat towards a small landing, then spoke to the other person, “Let’s go get some lunch.” This seemed unusual to the visitor since they had not been invited. The friend seemed puzzled but made no remark. They got out of the boat, went to the table, picked up a plate and went down the table, picking various items for their lunch. There could have been some conversation with the people.
Once lunch was completed, Lester and his friend went back to the boat, and continued their journey of fishing. The friend asked Lester, “Who were those people?” Lester responded “I don’t know.” Apparently, it was the custom of the area that anyone passing by could stop for lunch. The visitor was still puzzled.
Moral of the story: Be sure you know the customs of the area in which you find yourself.
Rain, Rain, Rain
It had been a long dry spell around the area of Stump Sound Township, Onslow County, NC. Crops were in desperate need of rain.
An agreement was made for as many as could to meet at Providence Baptist Church, located then at the church cemetery site on the way to the Sound. On the day appointed, William “Bill” King and his family loaded on the cart and started to the church to pray for rain. Before leaving, Bill had put the cover on the cart, brought rain coats, boots, and umbrellas.
There was not a rain cloud in the sky, which was clear as could be. Upon arriving at the church one of the brethren noticed Bill’s preparations and remarked, “Bill, do you think it is going to rain?” Upon which Bill responded, “Boys, am I at Providence Baptist Church?” They responded “Yes.” Bill then commented, “I thought we were gathering to pray for rain. Don’t you think God is going to answer our prayers?” The men appeared to be somewhat embarrassed. To which Bill commented, “I’m expecting God to answer our prayers.”
After the prayers and a time of fellowship, all began their return to their homes, with a clear sunny day. However, before any reached home there came such a down pour of rain that had not been experienced in a long time. Bill King and his family were the only ones to arrive home dry, for he had made preparations for his family.
Moral of the story: If you ask God for something, be prepared just in case he answers your prayers.
Rib Poking
Gene Gibson relates this and often made comments as we would find ourselves at the same function.
Lester was sitting beside Gene Gibson at a funeral being conducted by a Baptist minister, other than a Missionary Baptist. The service was progressing as usual as a service can be conducted.
Presently, a remark was made that Gene and Lester seemed to take another opinion. At this point, Lester poked his elbow into Gene’s side and asked, “Do you believe that?” Gene responded “No.”
As Gene related this to me, he held his rib cage and said, “He almost broke my ribs.” His side hurt for several days. There was much fun and enjoyment in relating this event to me.
Moral of the story: Be careful how close you sit to someone at a funeral service.
Snow Storm
Lester and Myrtie King were living on the farm left to Buren Shepard, from his parents that came from Hannah Missouri Edens Shepard’s father. During this time, Lester’s father Bill King, lived with them and worked on the farm. Bill was unable to hold down a full time job due to problems with his feet. Lester bought a slow mule that walked about the pace that matched that of his father.
It was a normal Saturday as Lester and Myrtie made plans to go to “town” which meant Wilmington, NC. While preparation was being made, Lester asked his father if he wanted to go with them. He replied, “No, I believe I will stay home as there are a few things I want to do.” Lester, Myrtie, and family, proceeded according to their plans. They went to “town” and shopped and returned later in the afternoon.
Unknown to them, Bill King stayed home to split wood and stack on the porch to burn in the heater. There was the largest amount of wood stacked on the porch Lester and Myrtie had seen when they arrived. In a half hearted manner, Lester asked his father, “Papa, do you think it’s going to snow?” There wasn’t a could in the sky. The sky was a pretty blue with white clouds. Bill King, stroked his beard, looked around at the clouds and replied, “If the ground isn’t covered in snow by morning, I will be greatly surprised.” No one said anything, but went about their normal activities and finally went to bed. Upon arising the next morning, there had come the largest snow they could remember.
This story would be related for many years to come. The moral of the story, “Don’t play tricks with men who ‘follow the water’ and are able to read the clouds.”
Spanking by Store Keeper
As was the custom in the early 1910’s and 1920’s, boys of the community would congregate at a local store to visit and swap stories, or anything that was worthy of discussion. On such an occasion, Lester King was one among the group of boys.
Something happened, either through words or actions, but a Mr. Padgett, the store keeper, picked up Lester and began to give him a spanking. He commented, “When I get home, I am going to tell Papa.” The store keeper responded, “Son, I hope you do.”
Upon arriving at home, Lester began to tell Papa that Mr. Padgett had spanked him at the store. At this point, Bill King, took Lester by the arm, and began to administer another spanking with these words, “If Mr. Padgett spanked you at the store, you deserved it. and I do not need to know what it was about.”
This was apparently the last time Lester made such a threat to another adult and then told his father.
Moral of the story: behave yourself or punishment may come in pairs.
Thief Beware
William Edward “Bill” King was a night watchman at a business in Wilmington, NC. There was a special key that allowed him to punch into a recording device, noting time of action, as he made his rounds, making sure all was safe and in order. There was a set schedule and time limit between posts within which he had to make his rounds.
Some time had passed with items being “removed” from their secured places. Discussion was held and suggestions shared as to how to discover the cause of the problem and make necessary corrections. All efforts had failed to bring an end to stolen property.
Bill King made a suggestion that if he could vary his rounds at different times, he might could apprehend the culprit. The assumption was that the thief knew his rounds and was snatching property when Bill was on the other side of the building or grounds. Finally, the superiors agreed to this tactic. A plan to move in an indiscriminate manner was put into place. It was not long before the guilty culprit was apprehended bringing to an end the “misappropriation” of property. The superiors were pleased at the simplicity of the suggestion.
Moral of the story: to vary one’s activities places him where the robber thinks him not to be, outwit the thief.
Tuxedo Attire
This is related by Paul Mull, fellow pastor and friend of Lester King.
Lester had a wedding to perform and discovered he had no wedding certificate to present to the people. He called Paul Mull and inquired if he had a certificate. Answering in the affirmative, he related he was on the way to pick it up.
Arriving at the home of Paul Mull, Lester got out of the car dressed in a tuxedo and “barefoot as a yard bird” as Paul related it. In doing so, He asked me if I could vision my father in a tuxedo and barefoot. I responded that I could not vision him in a tuxedo, but being barefoot was no surprise. He and I had a good laugh and often reminded me of the event when we met.
The wedding went on as planned.
Moral of the story: Don’t be surprised at things people do.