Memoir: 'Mister Simons' mourned, Mr. William Gonzales and Gullah stories, Aunt Lil and Uncle Willie

colored friends — who had come for many miles to pay their last respect to their “boss” and friend — “Mister Simons”.

Mr. William Gonzales — editor of the Columbia “State” — and the 1st ambassador to Peru — came down during the winter to hunt. He was a fine shot and I remember him coming in one cold winter evening — with so many strings of wild ducks over his shoulders that you couldn’t see his coat at all. Mr. Gonzales stuttered terribly — and I used to sit on my stool and gaze at him — fascinated by his effort in getting out words. In spite of this he was a wonderful storyteller. He would stand with his back to the fire & tell the most wonderful “Gullah stories”. One evening he turned to me and said: “Amy — when I was your age I could never remember what 7×7 is. If you can tell me, I will send you a doll when I get back to Columbia”. I must have been terribly scared — for I answered correctly — and he sent me a beautiful doll.

Aunt Lil and her children spent one winter with us. I think Uncle Willie — who was a cotton buyer — had decided to make a move. And they came to Mount Hope until a decision was made. Aunt Lil was a gay person. She played the piano beautifully —