No. 19
The Elders in 1785
Stewart,
Eleanor Boogher, now with her new surname Bruder and Heinrich, who was her indentured servant before he became her second husband, opened a tavern and goods store. When they could conduct transactions in English, he changed his name to Henry Brother. They had more children, baptizing all with the German Reformed Church including Valentine, the grandfather of Civil War Marine, Charles Brother.
Being situated on that busy road, the Brother tavern was a destination for exhausted men needing “wet goods” and entertainment. Eleanor accepted the tradeoff and sacrifice but felt a disturbance in her knees and back even before the doorknob bells interrupted her relentless chores and time to enjoy her babies.
When travelers arrived, she scanned their appearance for signs of trouble. Any lice? What barter will they waste her time with? Did they bring news of the young republic? She was adamant to pass down her refined skill for spotting a liar to Valentine, now 12, since he was managing the register. On this day in August 1785, she mumbled to herself that she should have taught this boy to manage his tongue, but she did not think twice about the slap she brought to his pimpled chin, moments ago, making that a long-overdue correction and turn about face.
He was with Eleanor at the fireplace when she winced for a twinge in her back and turned to greet Mr. Baer, bursting through the door with flapping arms, trying to get words out, using half German—half English, that George Washington had just dropped anchor in the Monocacy River and he was thirsty.
Valentine turned to his abuser and leaned in with a foreign urge to embrace her. Now was the moment they could pivot as one force, rushing through the back pantry, tossing out reason and accounting, sacrificing weekly rations for this occasion. He grabbed a broom.
Eleanor swung his bony body around. In German, she ordered him, “Go. Run to the church. Pull those bells. The greatest moment of your father’s life is upon us. Now go!”
He bolted to the church tower, passing the boys going the other way. He leaped onto the ropes and descended and climbed back up on that familiar ride, but now with a new official capacity, performing for this moment, for his father.
— Miss Minnie
2025 Copyright Christine Friesel
