A Room with a View and the Beginning of Freedom

Did you ever consider the volume of people and events contributing to our freedoms? So many partook in helping to develop our current state over the years. Why the ride of Paul Revere popped into my mind at this moment, I do not know. I read an article recently about a young woman who also alerted townspeople of impending danger. The reality is, we may never know of each piece and parcel that built this foundation. In addition, we may not stop to investigate those who stood together to ensure a future of opportunities. As children, we heard about founding forefathers. We learned presidents’ names. We studied various details of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Did we ever once think about where and how these individuals lived? 

Perhaps as we age, our appreciation deepens and then we embark upon understanding. Alas, that is where I find myself. Today I would like to share a peek into a family with multiple members who gave so we could be free. The Rutledge Family who lived in Charleston, South Carolina, or could I say clan as they herald from Scotland. 

Have you ever stayed in a B&B, a Bread and Breakfast establishment? A dear friend of mine found the John Rutledge House Inn. Imagine this... John wrote multiple variations of the United States Constitution in this very house. Yes indeed. See photo below of the room where guests now partake in meals and fellowship on the second floor. This is where John pondered words that would later allow us to live as we do today.   

Steeped in history, this beautiful home allows us the opportunity to envision life in earlier days when times were slower, simpler, and the nation took its first steps. The photos infused here amongst details of some Rutledge family members' lives are from our stay last year. If you have the chance to go to Charleston, I highly recommend at least a few nights in this lovely house.

       .  .

Photo at left above features the front view of the John Rutledge House Inn. To the right, the back of the home with courtyard offer an entirely different facade. Below left, notice the view of the courtyard from an upstairs hallway window. Below right shows the ornate staircase and detailed landing. Look at the intricate carvings after the brick, approaching the stairs. Such craftsmanship throughout the house.

    

         

The concierge offered us this photo below of the original home. Not much has changed on the exterior over the years. The next photo depicts the plaque designating the John Rutledge Home, where John Rutledge lived and served as President of South Carolina and the first Governor of the State of South Carolina.

.

 

I am often fascinated in imagining who stepped across thresholds and climbed stairs. The number of feet crossing and to whom they belonged. What were their lives like? Whom did they love? What did they do?

       

This room below at right is named the Signers Ballroom. Artifacts from the era encircle the room. The photo below offers a view of the house across the street.

. 

Here are some notable timeline entries of the lives and service of a few Rutledge family members:

John Rutledge

1761 began practicing law

1762 provincial assembly

1774 Delegate to the First Continental Congress

1775 Delegate to the Second Continental Congress

1776-1778 president and commander in chief of South Carolina

1779-1782 served as governor

Signed the U.S. Constitution

1789-1791 Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court

1790-1795 Chief justice of South Carolina

Edward Rutledge

1773 Career began as a lawyer

1774 Delegate to the First Continental Congress

1775-1776 Delegate to the Second Continental Congress

Signed the Declaration of Independence

Revolutionary War - captain in Militia of South Carolina, specifically the Charleston Battalion of Artillery

May 12, 1780 after British capture, prisoner at St. Augustine through July 1781

1782, 1786, 1788, 1792 member of the South Carolina state house of representatives 1790 member - South Carolina state constitutional convention

1794 offered appointment of Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court in by President Washington, but did not accept

December 6, 1798 elected governor of South Carolina

Hugh Rutledge

Practiced law

Veteran of the American Revolution

1783 Served as Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives

Incidentally, Edward Rutledge was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence at 26 years of age. Other relatives also participated in government and the formation of this nation. 

Can you think of another family with multiple members who contributed to the birth of the United States of America?

The John Rutledge House Inn has insightful drone footage from outside the property right through the front doors. You can take a virtual tour of sorts and then perhaps book at stay. You'll be glad you did.

Rebecca and her husband share a townhouse with their rescued dog named Ranger, who is not spoiled in the least. They are enjoying a new season nestled in a quaint southeastern US city. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and an Aerospace grad student. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers.

Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter

 

Weird Inventions That Saved Lives: The Morrison Shelter

Blogger: Amber Lemus

Hello friends!

Today we are starting a new series on Weird Inventions That Saved Lives. I post on the 2nd of each month, so be sure to check back for the next article in the series on May 2nd!

Take a look at this contraption. Upon first glance, it looks very strange to see a couple sleeping in what appears to be a cage. I did a double take the first time I saw this photo. But this odd invention actually saved thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands of lives during WWII. This is a Morrison Air Raid Shelter. 

We are very familiar with the photos of WWII showing families entering cellars or bunkers or huddling in underground tunnels. But especially in Europe, not every family had a backyard with a cellar, or access to an underground tunnel. The British government noted that thousands of lives were being lost, not from the actual impact of the bombs, but from the surrounding destruction. Walls would cave in or blow out from the blast and then the entire roof would collapse on top of innocent civilians, killing many. So they did what any good government would do, they brainstormed ways to keep their population safe. 

The Morrison Shelter, also known as the Table Shelter, was designed by John Baker and named after Herbert Morrison who was the Minister of Home Security at the time. The device was designed with all functionality and practicality in mind. During the day, it could be used as a table, thus the nickname 'table shelter'. But during the night, or during air raids, it could be used as a shelter. The top was a 3mm steel plate and the frame was also steel with wire mesh. Even the bottom of the shelter was made with a metal lath "mattress" type of design. 

A couple demonstrates the use of the Morrison Shelter
Photo By Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Imperial War Museums, Public Domain.

The government tested the shelters before they began distribution. In this photo, you can see how the shelters would function as protection during the air raids. This photo is from one of the said tests with dummies inside the shelter. 

Test of the Morrison Shelter with dummies inside.
Photo By Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer
Imperial War Museums, Public Domain.

The next step was to distribute some of these shelters to see them working in real time. The British government provided these shelter kits free to low-income families and at a price to wealthy families. The shelter came in a box, and the families were required to assemble the shelter themselves. The kit provided three tools and three-hundred-fifty-nine parts which they would then bolt together inside the home. Half a million of these shelters were distributed by the end of 1941, and another round of one-hundred thousand by the end of 1943.

In one examination, the British government observed forty-four houses that had been damaged in an air raid. Inside those forty-four houses were one-hundred-thirty-six people. Three people were killed, thirteen seriously injured and another sixteen were slightly injured. The three that were killed were directly hit by the bomb. And of those thirteen who were seriously injured, some of those had not sited the shelter properly. The result was that the shelters did indeed save lives. Those 44 homes had suffered severe damage from the attack, and yet one-hundred-twenty of the one-hundred-thirty-six escaped without severe injury. 

While the Morrison Shelter may be a weird or strange-looking contraption, it was invaluable during WWII. 

Have you ever heard of the Morrison Shelter? How would you feel about sleeping inside a metal cage to keep your family safe?

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest".  

She lives at the foot of the Rocky Mountains with her prince charming and three children. Between enjoying life as a mom of three littles, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at http://www.amberlemus.com/  and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Corinth

Matthew James Elliott

Ruins of Corinth

One of the most surprising aspects of writing for Heroes, Heroines, and History has been the opportunities it has given me to dive deep into research mode and discover fascinating stories that have been woven together throughout history. Has something you discovered when you were in research mode ever surprised you?

A great example of this is the city of Corinth. Being a Biblical Studies major, I already knew a lot about the city, but the focus of my knowledge was, “What does scripture say about the city?” In preparing to write The Hope of Inheritance, I needed a central location to host the council gathering that led Paul and his companions to Rome. Since I also needed to send characters to other locations, Corinth seemed like the logical place. 

In scripture, Corinth was a place where multiple cultures found safety from the tyranny of Rome. It became a melting pot of faith, political tension, and opportunity. The city was a crossroads for so many things, and the ideal place for believers to gather in secret to figure out what their priorities in mission were. As a bonus, it had two harbors that experienced constant movement. It meant that I could plausibly use it to move the story to Rome. 

Here is where things became interesting for me. As my research continued, I discovered this ancient ship road called the Diolkos. I am sure you’re wondering what that actually is, so I’ll tell you. The Diolkos is a stone road that enabled ships to be moved from the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea on land. It was built on the Isthmus of Corinth and was even used during times of war to speed up naval campaigns.  

Rendering of Priscilla and Aquilla for my Stories

While this made for an interesting opportunity to use as an arc point in the Hope of Inheritance, I ended up using it in another story entirely. I am building an entire world for my historical fiction stories, after all. The Diolkos became a connective link between stories. This alone gave me reason to use Corinth, but the research continued. The city was a place where a fountain of ideas, religions, and yes, even temptations collided. 

Knowing all this only confirmed what I already knew: Corinth had value, and it was worth it to research more. These ideas had already shaped a good portion of Paul’s purpose in writing 1st and 2nd Corinthians, and there is relative proof that he wrote to them more than twice throughout his ministry. When you add in the stories of figures like Priscilla and Aquilla, Apollos, and others, the connective ideas for The World of Kedoshim become something more. 

Some historical records and scriptures already clearly document stories about these figures and others, but these stories also reveal that Corinth became a city of refugees. Those coming from Rome after Emperor Claudius banished them found a renowned purpose and opportunity to live their desired lives again. But you are probably asking yourself, "When is he going to get to the historical aspects?”

How about Nero’s attempt to build a canal in 67 AD? It was meant to be built along the Isthmus of Corinth. Yep, that historical marvel I was talking about earlier could have been destroyed completely. I’ll save you the wait; his project failed less than a year after Nero struck the first rock with his personal pickaxe. Why? 

Well, Nero killed himself shortly after the project began, and when his successor took the throne, the project never got picked back up. It was a good thing, too, because Nero had already shipped around 6,000 Judean prisoners of war to the city to build the canal.  

Map of the Isthmus of Corinth

Access to the Isthmus of Corinth positioned the city as a towering connection to the rest of the world. It was a beacon of power and wealth in a world overshadowed by fear of Rome. The city was renowned for its luxury and prestige. Nero knew this and wanted the power to build his canal there. When Nero abandoned the project, its failure significantly contributed to the rebellion that followed during the Great Jewish Revolt, which led to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

Now, I don’t capture all of this in my stories, but the history is there, and it matters. Corinth’s history teaches us that empires rise, but they also crumble and fall. It teaches us that even during global tribulation, victories don’t always happen in big and flashy ways. Sometimes, they come in failed attempts to build a canal or a stone path that carries ships from one sea to another. 

In a fractured world, Corinth stood as a safe harbor for those Rome tried to destroy. It was a city saturated in darkness, but hope still rises in places with broken histories. I do my best to illustrate that in my stories, not because it’s a great plot point, but because history matters, and so does what it struggles to teach us all. 

Other cities teach us similar lessons, and next month we are heading to Colossae, a city that holds a special place in my heart. It’s where my stories began. But what about you? Is there a place in history that has that honor for you? Where does your story begin?

See you in the pages, 

M.J.E.

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew is married and has three wonderful children who bring him immense joy and inspiration. One of his favorite things to do with them is to share stories they can someday learn from. When writing a story, he aspires to minister to others with love, equip them with encouragement, and use the gift God has given him as a writer to help readers experience God in a real and meaningful way.

Find Matthew on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, BookBub, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

My Newest Biblical Fiction Novel, The Hope of Inheritance, came out on Father's Day and has received a ChristLit Book Award for excellence in Christian Literature. Grab it via Amazon. If you enjoy it, please let me know by posting a review.

One Story Still Untold. Four Unlikely Authors.

Together, their Message will speak to Many.

The city of Rome was a vast and beautiful place-- on the surface. That is, until a great fire burned and destroyed most of it. Deep in a world hidden from those who would strike against them, four unlikely men work together to share a message of truth. This truth was spoken by those who were cut down because of the calling to go forth and preach. 

The message has always been clear: The hope of our inheritance is Christ living within each of us. In the echoes of persecution, sorrow, and even death, this message still reigns supreme, but will the people listen? Only time will tell, but before anything, these four men must come together and unite a church separated by fear and suffering.

The Olive Oatman Story by Nancy J. Farrier

In August, 1850, the Oatman family joined a group traveling from Independence, Missouri to the juncture of the Colorado and Gila Rivers near Fort Yuma, where they wanted to start a new town. (At this time, Fort Yuma was called Camp Yuma, located in what would be Arizona today.)Following months of difficulties and disagreements, in 1851 the nine members of the Oatman family found themselves on their own in Southern Arizona Territory, which at that time still belonged to Mexico. After much debate, on the advice of a solitary traveler, they set out for Fort Yuma, almost 200 miles west across an unforgiving desert.

Over the next ninety miles, they struggled with exhausted animals, roads washed out making it necessary to carry goods by hand when the oxen and mules were exhausted, and discouragement. The Oatman parents were at a low point, their only choice to carry on. At the half way point, they spent the night on a sand island in the middle of the Gila River where the wagons mired.

The next morning, they hitched the oxen to the wagon again to finish crossing the river. The road led up a steep hill with the team so weakened they had difficulty pulling the empty wagon up the grade. 

The family members had to carry their goods up by hand. At this point, Mr. Oatman, who had always been very hopeful and positive became downcast and feared something bad would happen. 

Once they all made the crest of the hill, they discovered more hills to come and stopped to rest. They were approached by nineteen Indians, who expressed friendship. Mr. Oatman shared a pipe with the men, who then asked for food. Although their stores were dangerously depleted, Mr. Oatman gave them some bread. The Indians wanted more, but were turned down. After consulting among themselves, the Indians, with fierce cries, attacked the family. 

Olive Oatman, a young teen at the time of the attack, watched with horror and confusion as her family members were beaten with clubs and struck down. Olive fainted and when she came to only her seven-year-old sister, Mary Ann, was alive and unharmed. Their captors ransacked the wagon, left the dead and dying family members, and rode away with Olive and Mary Ann. 

Unknown to Olive, Lorenzo, her fifteen-year-old brother, survived the attack, but didn’t regain consciousness until the next day. After a harrowing trek, which included an attack by wolves, he made it to safety. Lorenzo vowed to never give up searching for his sisters.

One year later, Olive and Mary Ann were sold to the Mojave Indians as slaves. During their first year of captivity with the Mojaves, Mary Ann contracted an illness and died. Olive spent four years with the Mojaves. During that time, she received a tattoo on her chin, one that all captives were required to have, but some reports say the Mojave women all received a similar tattoo.She made friends and adapted well to their lifestyle.

Five years after the deaths of her family, Olive’s release was negotiated. The Chieftan’s daughter, Olive’s good friend, accompanied her to Fort Yuma. Olive’s brother, Lorenzo, heard of her release, but said he wouldn’t believe it to be true until he saw her for himself. Imagine the excitement of both Lorenzo and Olive, since Olive thought her brother died in the attack.

Olive Oatman after captivity

 

Olive proved to be an incredible person. After watching her family die, she adapted to life with the Yavapai Indians and then to the Mojave Indians. After her rescue, she once again had to adapt to life with a brother she thought dead and a culture far removed from Indian life. Many times Olive would weep as she longed for her friends in the Mojave camp. Olive later married a cattleman. They adopted a young girl and lived on their ranch in Texas. Olive died in 1903.

There are many interesting books and accounts of Olive’s capture. The first written account is the Captivity of the Oatman Girls by R.B. Stratton. Another book that might be of interest is The Blue Tattoo by Margot Mifflin.

Have you heard of Olive Oatman? I love how adaptive she was to whatever life gave her. I was happy to learn of her marriage and that she adopted a daughter. An amazing story.

Nancy J Farrier is an award-winning, New York Times best-selling author who lives in Southern Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. She loves the Southwest with its interesting historical past. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats and dog, and spend time with her family. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: nancyjfarrier.com.

HHH March Book Day!

BOOKS YOU'LL WANT TO ADD TO YOUR TBR LIST

 

 

A SLIGHT CHANGE OF PLANS

by Denise M. Colby

A schoolmarm without a school. A blacksmith hiding in shadows. Can faith forge a new path?

Jenny Millard’s hopes for security as a schoolmarm are dashed when her schoolhouse closes. Newcomer Ren Lyman prefers to keep to himself, hiding in the back of the blacksmith shop to avoid stares at the scars left by a childhood accident. Their chance encounter builds a connection that breaks down walls erected by years of hurt. But when strange occurrences unsettle the townspeople, their chance at happiness might be at risk. 

CACTUS LIL AND THE CITY SLICKER

by Donna Schlachter 

A rough-and-tumble cowgirl, “Cactus” Lil Duncan longs for true love, but is afraid to let down her prickly exterior when a city slicker from New York City, with less-than-honorable intentions, tries to win her trust and her hand.

 

 

EVEN IF I PERISH  

by Terrie Todd

Based on a miraculous true story of courage in the face of impossible odds.

“If I perish, I perish.” A sermon based on Queen Esther’s famous words spurs music teacher Mary Cornish to action. She volunteers to escort a group of 15 girls from England to Canada as part of Britain’s World War II child evacuation program. All is well aboard the SS City of Benares until September 17, 1940. With a storm brewing in the North Atlantic, a German U-boat releases its torpedo and breaches the ship’s hull. Do the Nazis know ninety children are on board?

 

 

 HEARTS DESIRE

by Linda Hoover 

 

In 1880 Boston, upper-class, Julia Phillips’s father betroths her to wealthy Lucien Harris to cover up a tragic secret. She has no interest in Lucien, but Jacob Anderson, a kind jewelry store clerk has captured her attention. Their mutual attraction grows into love, and he wants to be the man she marries.

Julia feels increasing pressure from Lucien to pretend she’s happy about the upcoming wedding. Then, she discovers the arranged marriage is based on blackmail. Her family will be ruined if she doesn’t comply. 

Will God make a way for Jacob and Julia to have their heart’s desire?

LISSA AND THE SPY

by Camille Elliot

In Regency-era London, Miss Lissa Gardinier enters her second Season seeking a marriage in order to escape her mother's constant criticism. So she represses her cheeky remarks behind a quiet, innocent facade. The enigmatic Lord Jeremy Stoude is dismayed when a chance encounter with Miss Gardinier entangles her in his world of secrets and subterfuge. He cannot afford to be distracted by Lissa’s charming smile and unflappable demeanor. As danger stalks them and true feelings come to light, can Lissa and Jeremy navigate the labyrinth of society’s expectations and their own insecurities to find love? 

MAGIC OF THE SWAN

by Tiffany Amber Stockton 

Elenora Caldwell and Trevor Davenport had been thrown together since they were children. When Elenora’s father dismisses a man from his employ, the man threatens to seek revenge. Charmed and fascinated by a new magician in the city who studied under the Great Houdini, Elenora ends up a pawn in a vile scheme by the magician to take control of Caldwell Enterprises. In order to save Elenora, Trevor must first defeat Cravatta. How can he match wits with a master illusionist? And could his reunion with Elenora be the key to a brand new life?

 

MRS. WITHERSPOON GOES TO WAR

(Heroines of WWII series)

2023 SELAH Award 3rd Place Winner!

By Mary Davis 

 

A WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) embarks on an unsanctioned mission to rescue three US soldiers held captive in Cuba.

Margaret “Peggy” Witherspoon is a thirty-four-year-old widow, mother of two, flying for the WASP. When her new supervisor, Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg, gives her an order she can’t follow, sparks fly. In the course of her duties, Peggy learns of US soldiers being held captive in Cuba. She undertakes a daring rescue mission. She will need all her WASP skills to succeed and come out of this alive while trying not to ignite an international incident

 

 

RISKY BUSINESS

 by Kimberly Keagan

An American heiress. A British barrister with a need for speed. The London social season that changes everything.

The last thing department store heiress Lena Dennison wants is to travel to London to meet the grandmother who snubbed her family for thirty years. But her youngest sister begs to go, and soon Lena is navigating British nobility’s social expectations—with Bron Jeffers, a handsome barrister and celebrated motorcar racer, assigned as her escort. When a string of mysterious incidents threatens Bron’s family, Lena is pulled into his world as his unlikely ally … and the one woman he can’t charm—or ignore.

  

 

SHETLAND SUNSET

by Linda Shenton Matchett

Bonded by a cause but an ocean apart, will their love survive a world war? After months in Norway helping his cousins with their fishing business, American Askel Westgard seems trapped when the Germans invade until he has a chance to get back at the Occupiers as part of the Shetlandsgjengen, or Shetland gang, a group of fishermen who transport weapons and equipment from Shetland to Norway under cover of darkness. Unfortunately, the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s just met refuses to join him in safety. Will he ever see her again?

 



THE MAIDEN AND THE MOUNTIE

By Denise Farnsworth

Gage Edmonds's assignment to the Georgia Mounted Militia puts him between gold-hungry settlers and Cherokees soon to be forced from their homes. The local miller's daughter, Anna Walker, makes him question everything. Daughter of a European mother and Cherokee father, Anna vowed never to fall for a white man. Yet when Sergeant Edwards endangers himself to keep the peace, her father seeks to secure her future in Gage’s hands.

On the eve of eviction, members of a local village hide their gold, trusting Anna with its safekeeping. When dangerous men discover the secret, can Anna trust Gage with the truth—and her heart? Pre-Order Now:

 

 TITANIC: LEGACY OF BETRAYAL

 A Time-Slip Novel 

 By Kathleen E. Kovach, et al.

 

A secret. A key. Much was buried on the Titanic, but now it's time for resurrection. Follow two intertwining stories a century apart. 1912 -Matriarch Olive Stanford protects a secret after boarding the Titanic that must go to her grave. 2012 - Portland real estate agent Ember Keaton-Jones receives the key that will unlock the mystery of her past... and her distrusting heart.

 

 

WALTZ WITH DESTINY

by Catherine Ulrich Brakefield

Waltz into the Big Band Era and the splendors of Detroit's ballrooms with Esther (McConnell) Meir as a story-book romance swirls into a rendezvous with destiny.

"…Waltz with Destiny is the crown jewel of the Destiny Series!... You won't want to put this one down!" Kathy R.

The message of the Destiny series is even more applicable to today than when it first released. Praying for America’s repentance and to embrace God like never before." Debra B.