Mama Was A Mail Order Bride (Mail Order Bride Series Book 14)

by Susan Leigh Carlton

  “I’ll need to find out what the Territory laws are. I’ll go by the school and find out what the laws are,” she said.

  Cheyenne School District Office…

  Amanda went to the office of the Cheyenne School District and asked to meet with the superintendent, Harold Collins.

  “Mr. Collins, My daughter will be ready for school this fall. We live an hour from Cheyenne, and a two way trip everyday would make for a long day. There will be many days during the winter when it will be impossible to make the trip, not to mention the possibility of being stranded in town.

  “What would be the requirements for establishing a school closer to our ranch, and the neighboring ranches?” she asked.

  “The Territory has had compulsory education for children seven through sixteen since 1873. As you say, the weather is a major factor, so in many cases the law is simply ignored. There would be two problems. One would be determining a location and the second, finding a qualified teacher.”

  “What if I told you I have a solution to both problems?” she asked.

  “What would be your solution?” he asked.

  “The Rocking R ranch is held in trust for our daughter,” Amanda said. “The ranch house has been sitting empty since the owners were killed. The Lazy K takes care of the ranch and the upkeep of the house, so it is in excellent condition. All that would be needed would be desks, books and students. My husband administers the trust. Henry Calhoun assures me from a legal standpoint, there are no problems with using it.”

  “And the teacher?” Collins asked.

  “I graduated from Elmira College in New York. I taught in the elementary school of Elmira for eight years before my marriage and move to Cheyenne. I’m sure my New York certification is still good. The question would be, does the Territory of Wyoming accept it?”

  “You graduated from college?” he asked.

  “Yes I did,” she said. “I have a copy of my teacher certification if that would help.”

  “It would. It would also be a great service to our community if we can pull this off. It may come as a surprise to you, but two-thirds of our teachers do not have college degrees.”

  “How is proficiency maintained?” she asked.

  “The state requires an annual Teacher’s Institute, held in Laramie. I will look into this immediately,” he said. “When will you next be in Cheyenne?”

  “We are here for church nearly every Sunday. You could leave a message for me with Clem Hutchison,” Amanda said.

  “Mrs. Kendall, I will get back to you within a week.”

  “I’ll bring my certificate on our next trip, she said.

  Amanda had already begun teaching Abby at home. She has proved to be an outstanding student, and was already reading and writing.

  She was also getting a music lesson every day now.

  “She is like a sponge,” Amanda told Rance. “She soaks everything up, and forgets nothing.”

  “She is going to be a far better pianist than I am if she continues with it.”

  “You’re kidding!”

  “I’m not. She practices without being told. I never had that dedication,” Amanda said.

  “Clem is going to make an announcement about our meeting this Sunday. I sent word around to our neighbors too, since some of them don’t attend church regularly.

  Rocking R Ranch…

  Rance opened the meeting of neighbors by introducing Amanda.

  “Amanda will talk to you in a few minutes, but first, some of you may not know, but the Rocking R is held in trust for Abby Russell, now Abby Kendall. Amanda and I adopted her the week after we married.

  “The house has been empty since the raid, but we’ve maintained it, so it is in excellent shape.

  “It’s your meeting, honey,” he said.

  She faced the group. “Thank you for coming today. I hope you feel this is as important as I do.

  “Abby will be ready for school this fall. A daily round trip to Cheyenne adds a good bit of time to the day. We would do it if necessary, but I have what I believe to be a better solution.

  “I propose we establish a school here. I’ve spoken with the Superintendent of Schools in Cheyenne about establishing a school closer to our ranches. He indicated there would be two drawbacks, funding for a building and a teacher. This house would require desks, blackboards, and a few other minor modifications.”

  “The teacher is a simple solution. I graduated from Elmira College in Elmira, New York, and taught in the public elementary schools for eight years before I was carted off to the wilds of Wyoming by this handsome cowboy.” She paused for the laughter from the group.

  “My teaching certification for the state of New York has been accepted by the Territory School Board. I am now fully certified to teach in Wyoming.

  “I open the floor for any questions,” she said.

  “What would this cost,” one of the ranchers asked.

  “You would have to provide supplies such as paper, pencil, erasers, and other normal supplies. I believe we should share the costs of adding the blackboards and desks. Waiting for funds from the Territory would delay the opening an indefinite amount of time.

  “I would also expect a stipend for teaching.”

  “Why should we pay you to teach? You don’t need the money,” a man in the back corner asked in a surly voice. “I don’t see any need for a school anyway. My boys are going to work the ranch, they don’t need any learning for that. I never had none

  Rance started to speak up, but Amanda said, “Let me address the question.

  “I’ve lived on a ranch less than two years and will be the first to admit I know nothing about running the ranch. I see my husband, and our foreman keeping records on sales and purchases. They also keep track of breeding records. It requires an ability to read and write to do this.

  “Sir, I went to college for four years and obtained a degree in elementary education. I was a paid teacher in Elmira for eight years. I am told by the Cheyenne School Superintendent less than one-third of the teachers in their system went to college. If I were to teach in their system I would be paid. In my opinion, it would be demeaning to be asked to do so here, without compensation. I might also add your participation is purely voluntary. Are there any other questions?”

  Rance said, “One thing I would like to add. The barn was burned in the raid. I would like to see a barn raised to accommodate any animals ridden by the students during the winter months.

  “That’s all we have today, folks. Let us know what you think.

  Chapter 9

  School Starts

  “If we don’t get this done,” one of the wives asked, “what will you do about your daughter?”

  “Actually, we have two daughters and a son, Abby, Laurie and Michael. I’ve already started with Abby. She’s five and can read and write already. I will teach Laurie and Michael when the time comes. What they miss is learning how to get along with others.”

  “She’s five and can read?” the woman asked.

  “Yes she can. My mother sent the books I used, and I have been using them. I have to admit, they’re a little more up-to-date than those used in Cheyenne. So much is changing, and changing fast, we’ve ordered the updated versions of those books.

  “We would like for our Roy to be in your class,” the mother said.

  “Good,” Amanda said. “We’ll get word to you on our start date.”

  Other parents indicated their desire to enroll their children in the new school. Notable among those not signing up was the son of the man who believed an education was unnecessary.

  Amanda had to determine the level of her students’ knowledge prior to requesting the necessary books from the Laramie County Book Repository.

  * * *

  Monday, September 14, 1882

  Today is the day. School starts. For Abby and for me. Hope someone shows up besides Abby. Amanda removed her nightgown and was preparing to dress for her first day of school, when Rance said, “Hold on
a minute,” and took her into his arms. She pressed against him, liking the security his strength gave her.

  “This is always a good way to start the day,” she said, and kissed him.

  “I can think of a better way,” he said.

  “What would that be?” she asked.

  “This.” He lifted her from the floor and placed her on the bed. They kissed, his hands covered her breasts.

  “I like your way,” she said.

  “Good,” he said, but there’s more.”

  “Ohhh, Show me.”

  Later, as they were getting dressed, “I love starting a day after we’ve made love,” she said.

  “So do I. It makes me feel I can do anything,” he said.

  “You probably won’t need it,” he said, “but I’m going to have someone there while you get started. They can work in the barn, and will be out of the way.”

  “I managed classes and handled students for eight years,” she said. “I won’t need anyone.”

  “Two differences between then and now. You’re not in a school where other people are around to help if needed.”

  “And the second thing?” she asked.

  “You weren’t my wife and the mother of my children then. You are now.”

  “If it will make you feel better,” she said.

  “It would.”

  Rocking R school house 8:00AM…

  Amanda rang the bell Rance had nailed to the outside of the front door frame. The bell was the signal classes were about to start.

  Children jumped from the wagons waiting in the yard and entered the building. Amanda greeted and welcomed each student. Including Abby, there were eleven.

  “Good morning,” Amanda said to the assembled group.

  “I want to welcome you to school today. You may call me Mrs. Kendall. I live on the Lazy K Ranch. I’ve been a teacher for eight years, and I hope to be able to make school a rewarding experience for you as well as for me. Over the coming year, I will learn as much from you, as you will learn from me.

  “I have some rules I will expect you to follow.

  “This is a private building, and we have to take care of it. If you cause any damage to the building, the cost of repair will have to be covered by your parents.

  “School starts promptly at eight o’clock. I expect you to be here. The Territory of Wyoming requires schooling for everyone between the ages of seven and sixteen. If you fail to attend class, it will be recorded and your parents will be notified.

  “Everyone deserves respect from his fellow students and from me. I will not embarrass you, and I will not tolerate your embarrassing your fellow students.

  “I will need to evaluate your abilities in order to place you. I will do this by talking with you individually. I will not discuss anything you tell me with anyone other than your parents.

  “While I go through this process, please remain in the building and remain quiet. You may talk among yourselves, but no yelling. Are there any questions?”

  There were none, so she began the evaluations. She tested the ability of each one. She found seven of them could neither read nor write. In her conversation, she learned most of their parents were also illiterate, the exception being Cal and Jennie Pierce’s daughter.

  That evening…

  “I’m going to have to start with the very basic level for all of the students except for Abby and Becky Pierce. I was surprised to find most of the parents don’t read or write.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me,” Rance said, “Since the old school burned, it is too much trouble to take a child to Cheyenne every day. I’m not surprised none of the parents read or write. It’s never been an important thing out here. Life is a struggle out here if you’re starting from scratch.”

  * * *

  The school year passed quickly. By Christmas, the students had all learned the alphabet, and were beginning from the McGuffey readers normally used in the first grade.

  Due to the work Amanda had done with Abby, she was the most advanced student in the class.

  Amanda continued to give piano lessons to her daughter. Abby sat at the piano so much, Amanda talked about it with Rance.

  “I’m worried about her. She hardly plays with her dolls, and besides school, Laurie is her only other interest. There is little to no interaction with the other children. She should be developing more social skills than she is.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about it. The novelty of learning will get old,” he said.

  “I don’t know. I’m still concerned.

  “Don’t worry about Abby. She’ll be okay. You just worry out my son you’re carrying around.

  Three weeks later, Michael Rance Kendall was born, a robust eight 8 pound six ounces, a mop of dark hair.

  Michael did everything early. He was born with an insatiable curiosity. From the time he began to crawl, anything he could reach found its way into his hands and if small enough, his mouth. His father built a small gate and attached it to the bottom of the stairs to prevent him from crawling up the stairs.

  He kept Consuela hopping by dragging pots and pans from the cabinet.

  He was an excellent student in the classes taught by his mother, and later in the Cheyenne Public Schools.

  Part Two

  Chapter 1

  Abigail Kendall 1

  Abby did not feel comfortable around others, except for her family, even children her own age. School forced her into an area out of her comfort zone.

  Her mother had picked up on this and mentioned it to Rance. He did not believe it to be a problem. Since it caused her mother concern, he decided to talk to her about it.

  “Do you have any friends at school?” he asked.

  She nodded her head.

  “Who?” he asked.

  “Mama is my friend,” she said.

  “Mamas don’t count. Papas don’t either. Will you do something for me?” he asked.

  “What?”

  “I would like for you pick someone in your class to be your friend. I would like for you to talk to her every day. It can be a boy, but pick someone out to be your friend.

  “Who would you like to be your friend?”

  “I don’t know,” Abby said.

  “How many girls in school?” he asked.

  “Three, she said.”

  “Do you know their names?”

  “Yes,” she answered.

  “Becky, Janie and me.

  “Becky’s papa is my best friend. Her mother is Mama’s friend. Did you know that?”

  “Yes.”

  “Would you like for Becky to be your friend?”

  “I guess.”

  “Ask her to be your friend, I’ll bet she thinks you’re already her friend.”

  “I’m going to tell you something a very smart person told me a long time ago. To have a friend, be a friend. I want you to think about it. Will you do that for me?”

  Later…

  “I talked to Abby about friends. I don’t think she knows what a friend is or does. I asked if she had any friends, and she said yes. When I asked her who, she said “Mama”. I agree with you. She needs someone besides family. I asked her to pick someone from school to be her friend. She told me there’s only two other girls in her class. I told her Cal is my best friend, and that Jennie is your friend. I asked her if she would like for Becky to be her friend. She said she guessed so.

  “Anyway, she promised to try. It might be interesting to see what happens.”

  “We can’t force a friend on her. It has to be her idea,” Amanda said.

  “They’re coming to dinner Friday, by the way,” she said.

  “Good, I’ll make sure I’m home in time to get cleaned up”, he said.

  “Good move.”

  Friday night…

  * * *

  The Kendall’s met the Pierce family as they stopped their carriage stopped in front of their house.

  Amanda exchanged hugs with Jennie. “It seems as if Doug has grown two inches, s
ince I saw him last,” Amanda said of the Pierce’s year old son.

  Jennie laughed, “He outgrows clothes almost as fast as I can make them.”

  Amanda knelt to be on eye level with the little boy. “You’re going to be a handsome man,” just like your papa,” she said. He rewarded her with a toothy grin.

  “Laurie is a miniature version of you,” Jennie said.

  “Thank goodness she doesn’t look like Rance,” Amanda said.

  “Hey, I take that personal,” Rance said. “Welcome folks and come on in.”

  Each of the three girls was carrying their dolls, Laurie and Becky each had one, and Abby had three.

  “You have three dolls?” Becky asked.

  “Yes,” Abby said. “This is Sarah, this is Mary and this one is Victoria. Mary was Mama’s doll when she was a little girl like me.”

  “My doll’s name is Jennie, just like Mama,” Becky said. “I’ll let you hold Jennie if you let me hold Victoria,” Becky offered.

  “Okay,” Abby said. They exchanged dolls.

  “Mama, look at Abby’s doll. It has hair.” She held the doll out for Jennie to see.

  “She’s a beautiful doll, Abby,” Jennie said.

  “Uh huh,” Abby said and reached for her doll. Laurie has one too. Mikey doesn’t have a doll.””

  After dinner, in the living room, Jennie said, “Your piano looks really good in here.”

  “Thank you, there really was no other place to put it,” Amanda said. “I’m getting a lot of pleasure having it, although sometimes I have trouble getting Abby away, so I can play.”

  “So, she likes to play around on it?” Jenny asked.

  “She doesn’t play around on it. I’ve been giving her lessons and she practices so much, I have to tear her away from it.”

  “Abby, why don’t you do the scales for them?” Amanda asked.

  “Okay,” Abby said, and climbed onto the piano bench. After she ran through the scales several times, Jennie and Cal applauded.

  “Play Mary Had a Little Lamb,” Amanda suggested.

  While Abby played, Becky stood by the bench, clearly impressed. More applause. “That was beautiful, Abby,” Jennie said.