Land of Goshen, Part Four

12 November 1905

​Marilyn,

I sincerely apologize for not tarrying with you after church to-day. I left in quite a hurry and have only just recovered from the most distressing news.

As you and Brandon saw on your visit Friday, Abe and I have been attempting to establish his full identity. His ability to actually command the water in our creek was a surprise to both of us, and he was so proud to have been able to entertain you both with it free from judgement. However, it appears that others have learned of this gift, and have conspired to label him a witch, or worse, a demon.

Rev. Halzberg was intensely cross about his broken arm, and would not even allow Abe to enter the church for service! I tried to explain that it was merely an accident, and Abe apologized profusely, but the Rev. cited rumors of magic being performed on the estate and insisted that no evil spirits would be allowed in this church as long as he was ministering there. Doc. Price even threatened to throw Abe out of the building himself if we would not comply!

What charity the Rev. shows! When I begged him to show mercy as our Lord has shown to us, he told me that I should have to choose between himself or Abe. Well, Marilyn, I do not wish to sound disrespectful of the cloth, but it appeared to me in that moment that Abe was in need of help which I could render, and the Rev. was in need of help I could not. And so we departed.

My parents are greatly troubled by this turn of events. They have begun to speak, where they do not think we can hear, of giving Abe a parcel of land with a small house they no longer use, south-east of Pittsburg. Abe has informed me that if it would make my life easier, he would accept such an offer, and I would of course be welcome to spend as much time as I like there. I do not wish to see him go, but I fear if they make the offer it shall be either that or throwing him out into a community that wishes to see him harm.

Do thank Brandon for the resources he sent over. We noticed in one writing that ‘Aaboukingon’ is the name one tribe had for the river from which Abe emerged. We shall have to look deeper into that lead, perhaps he simply took the name of the first thing he recognized. Abe has sworn to repay you both for your kindness.

Sincerely,

Joanna

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