When Bears Destroyed the Corn
Submitted by Donnie PickardVan Buren County, Democrat, June 18, 1915, Page 1
Letters From the People
Oak Flat, Ark., June 14th, 1915
Clinton, Arkansas
After reading the letters written by old settlers of the county as published in the Democrat I have concluded to tell you something of my residence in the county. I was born in the north edge of this county July 25th, 1844, on what is now known as the Page Hatchett "old place". He was my father. I was married to B.B. Thomas January 23rd, 1862, and with the exception of three years in time of war have always lived within two miles of my birthplace.
Ten children have been born to us, the birth of eight occurring in the house where we now live and six of whom are yet living. When we moved to our present home my father's family was our nearest and only neighbor. The next nearest were at Owl's Cove, Wylie's Cove and on Archey. That was in 1866. Our nearest church was at Wylie's Cove, a distance of six miles.
In those days wolves would come to our yard fence and catch our pigs, while bears invaded our fields at night and destroyed our corn. We have had many obstacles to overcome and hardships to endure through life, but have conquered them all. Today we have neighbors on every side. For 34 continuous years I have served as clerk of Oak Flat post office. Many things have transpired during my residence in Van Buren County, some bringing pleasure, others such sorrow. However, I have fought life's battle materially and religiously, vigorously.
Yours Truly
Mrs. Angeline Thomas