always need you, Son, but the problem is, I ain’t never had much respect for no politician. If you want to do something else, I’d rather it be more of an honorable profession than that. Just look at that crowd in Jackson and what they’re doing to us.”
At that moment, a cold wind blew out of the northwest causing the leafless tree limbs to quiver. The groaning sounds as they twisted against each other sent a chill down John’s back.
Shivering, John reached down for his father’s hand and as he pulled him to his feet said, “We need to head for the house; it’s gonna be a cold one tonight.”
On their way home John said, “Papa, you know what you said about what was going on in Jackson? That’s one of the reasons I want to try to help.”
Hoping their talk about politics was over and that his son’s mind had been changed, Lott became annoyed and said, “John, there ain’t a tinker’s damn you can do in Jackson.”
“Papa, Mama told me that you was one of the smartest students in your class growing up in Savannah and that there weren’t a math problem you couldn’t work.”
“So what if’n I was,” grumbled Lott, ducking a limb that John had pushed aside as it swung backward toward him. “What does that have to do with politics?”
“Mama said she always felt that you could have done more with your life than farming. She feels that you always had dreams that for one reason or ‘nother, you couldn’t chase.”
“John, Mama don’t know everything that goes on in this here old mind of mine, and I’m doing just what I want. If I wanted to do something else, believe me, I would do it and nothing could stop me.”
As they reached the path that would lead to the house, John replied, “And that’s the way I feel too. Papa, I’m not bragging, but I learn easily, and you and Mama have taught me the difference between right and wrong. As you said, Miss’sippi is in one heck of a state and it needs good, honest, hardworking men to pull it through. I think I can make a difference, at least I think I want to try. Maybe this is a dream I need to chase.”
Just then the hounds curled up on the porch began to bark and raced out to greet them. The cold wind had gained more strength now and the sight of smoke pouring from the chimney gave them a feeling of warmth. John reached down and stroked the back of one of the dogs while Lott bent down to pet the other.
Rising, Lott said, “John, you best check the livestock ‘fore you come in; they might need some extra grain. I’ll have us a hot cup of coffee ready when you get in.”
John had a good feeling about the afternoon spent with his father and even though he felt he hadn’t completely gained his father’s favor, he knew he would consider all that he had told him.
Later that night after John had gone to bed, Lott and Sarah cuddled under a mountain of quilts and quietly watched the last embers of the fire dwindle away. An occasional gust of wind would rip through the open hallway whistling as it went. Sarah, her head on Lott’s shoulder, listened as he told her all he and John had talked about that afternoon. When he finished, Sarah said, “You know, you’ve often said that John, as smart as he is, ought to do something besides farming. You’ve said it dozens of times. Why don’t you give him some encouragement?”
Lott thought for a moment and sighed, “But I never said nothing ‘bout politicking.”
Sarah nestling closer to him replied, “Nobody’s endorsed him, nobody’s come by to pull his arm and he ain’t even tried to qualify. Don’t you think he might be just doing a little wishing? But one thing I do know, something good has come over that boy that I ain’t seen in years and ever what it is, I hope it stays with him. He seems happy for a change.”
Lott knew she was right and said, “I guess I’ve been a little selfish with the boy, and I have noticed the change. It’s time for me to let go and let him chase his dreams, no matter where they carry him.”
A few moments passed and he whispered, “You told John that you thought I had other dreams to chase when I was young, but I’ve always had one that I’ve been after and I’ve got her right here with me.”
Even though the military still held control of the state, the new constitution had been ratified guaranteeing that the Negroes were recognized as citizens and had voting rights. With many of the pre-war politicians and white citizens unable to hold office or vote, carpetbaggers, scalawags and Negroes dominated the majority of political offices.
The morning after John and his father had taken their walk, Professor Hendon rode over to the Wilson’s and informed the family that his organization wanted John to represent the Democrats in the fall election and that he would be glad to help him with the qualifying papers. John was elated over his endorsement and even Lott showed some enthusiasm.
Hendon and his group knew that the whites were still in the minority and, to win the district, they would have to win some Negro votes. In John, they felt that they had a man who would definitely get the white votes and since the Wilsons were held in high regard in the Negro community, they felt that his election was assured. Newton County and the district would be in Democratic hands.
A short time after Hendon left the Wilsons, John, on his way to the barn to check a mare that was soon to fold, saw Andy approaching on his mule.
As he neared, John called out, “Andy, we got to do sump’n about how you’re getting around. How ‘bout letting me sell you one of our horses?”
Andy slid from the side of his mount and with a smile replied, “I don’t need no better way to get about, and I’m sure I can’t ‘ford none of yore high-priced hosses.”
John led Andy down to the barn where the horses were stabled and the two quietly crouched down outside the stall where the mare was laboring. The mixture of hay, corn and manure filled their nostrils
Andy nudged John. “Folks says you gonna politic. Anything to it?”
John easing into the stall to check the mare replied, “Been thinking about it. Think I can win?”
“You got my vote, that is, if’n I can vote. You knows I can’t read.”
John turned to Andy. “I told you that I’d help you get registered, and I’m sure there’ll be someone to help you on election day.”
“Mist’ John, I’ll tell you something else, the colored’s gonna help you if’n you needs us.”
John rising replied, “I’m gonna need all the help I can get.”
The two then made their way down the open hall of the dark barn and into the bright sunlight. A brisk breeze blew in from the south, chasing the barnyard odors away.
They walked over to the fence of the corral that bordered the barn and peered out into an area that served as a breaking pen. John crawled up and straddled the top rail of the fence and Andy climbed up next to him. Sitting there together, Andy with a worried expression on his face said, “Mist’ John, there’s some things goin’ on that I don’t reckon I feel too good ‘bout nor understands.”
John, stretched upward in search of some cows that were supposed to be in the adjacent field.
“John,
