For the Love of My People

1854 Gallatin, Tennessee Distraught by her youngest daughter's behavior, Rosie's nerves are all in knots until she sees Lois sitting with Mr. Alto in the wagon, coming up the lane. Every time Lois goes to town with Mr. Wingate, her parents worry that he will grow tired of Lois's rebellious ways and accidents that cost them doctor bills, and sell her. Unknown to Lois's parents, Mr. Wingate favors Lois. She is his informant about the happenings on his farm; taking her to town gives him the best opportunity to get information that she gives freely. No, he will not sell his most valued slave.Mr. Wingate's wife, Marie, spends most of her days watching Rosie's baby, Willie. Marie has never been allowed to associate with the slave families. Marie never set eyes on them until the children were born, then she would watch the children so Rosie wouldn't have to take them to the fields.Alto and Marie have drifted so far apart in their marriage. Marie only sees Alto at mealtimes; he's gone a lot to his Gentlemen's Club, gambling away their much-needed money. After Lois lets it slip that all they have to eat is corn bread and milk, day in and day out, Marie begins to investigate and finds it all to be true. She questions Alto and finds he is lying. She's enraged to learn that the town's brothel is getting their people's food rations. He has blackmailed his slaves to keep quiet, or he would sell the children.After years of abuse by Alto, Marie finally lets her brothers give Alto the beating he deserves. Marie let's her Scottish temper take over, and with it comes a new beginning. And with God helping, Marie takes over the running of the farm, and blessings come forth.

by Helen Buchanan Amason and Donna Altmeyer Davis

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