I don’t know if I’ve told this story before or not… after blogging for ten years, you forget things! But since it’s on my side of the family… I doubt that I did.
This is a photo of my grandfather, Charles Littlejohn Burton, and my father, Charles Leslie Burton (age three?). My grandfather died nine days before I was born. The photo was taken maybe in 1932 or 1933… but that’s a guess! When I blow up my dad’s baby face, I can see me… and Daniel, and maybe some of Jaxon in there, as well. Maybe it’s the little, blonde, round face!
I’ve tried to learn some stories about my grandfather, but I don’t have too many. He was a great storyteller… and could weave magic with his words. He ran some general stores in Oklahoma and, at one time, had been an undersheriff. I think my cousins in New York have his badge… which I’ve never seen.
Therein lies the hidden tale behind this photo.
See his pose? Right side turned toward the camera? He looks to be quite dapper and proud, don’t you think? His world came crashing down in 1929. Not the stock market… but, responding to a call as the undersheriff, his car was sideswiped on a narrow road by a chicken truck. Which sounds kind of funny… have you seen old movies with crates stacked way beyond the truck bed? Think Beverly Hillbillies that should have a WIDE LOAD sign. He had his left arm out the window, trying to catch the breeze on a muggy Oklahoma fall day. Suddenly, it’s not funny at all.
The chicken truck caught his arm… and rolled it. Now, back in the day, you wore long underclothes, and long sleeved shirts, and suit coats, even on muggy Oklahoma days. All those clothes became an instant tourniquet, which was good, because his arm was shattered. He drove back by his home, where my grandmother was pregnant with my dad, and not wanting to scare her into early labor, held his twisted arm behind his back and simply said, “Sally, I’m ruined.”
So ended his undersheriff career. Every photo of him from then on is this pose. Right side toward the camera, his missing left arm hidden. Who could have guessed? Old photos hold many hidden stories.
Your grandfather looks very handsome. Your story touched my heart to hear he lost his arm. My son Mike lost his arm two years ago, right before your Uncle Jim passed away. Almost unbearable.
Didn’t know that Wanda, I’m sorry. I think, from stories, that it changed him quite a bit.
Carol,
It is so good that you have the photo and the story of your very strong and persevering grandfather. My grandfather had 2 fingers cut off in an accident with one of those big farming machines (a threshing machine maybe?) But he continued to farm in NE New Mexico and then in NE Oklahoma. They were “tough old birds” back then (that is what my Mom would always say about him). But it is true — they were tough people back then and they persevered no matter what. Thank you for telling us about him. And the little guy there is pretty cute! 😉
Carol. Thanks for the whole story which I had never heard. I will pass it on to Robb and Brian.
I have Charlcie on video telling this story…
Oh my goodness, Carol! I don’t think I ever heard this story from Jerry. A wonderful heritage! What a sad day of that accident! But he professionally continued! I think you have inherited that “work ethic”…always busy! Thank you for daily sharing!
Your Grampa looks like Gary Cooper and I do see your resemblance in that cute little boy.
One part of the interesting story about this man would be his car … what kind and what year and is that an Oklahoma license plate? He is handsome and well dressed — his shoes are highly shined and do not look to be very ranch – tested, and the child’s bib overalls look stiff …. All of that photo contains many hidden stories. Tell us please if you know them. Love these old photo blogs.
He was a very impressive person.
Is the photo a miniature?? It’s very clear. After looking through some of my old photos, I’m impressed with clear.
It is small… 2″ x 3″.
What an amazing man your Grandfather was. So glad you have this photo and story to pass on to younger generations.
he looked like a good, strong gentleman!
This makes me sad ……