Twas The Day of Census-Taking
Twas the day that census-taking was to begin;
And the recorder with parchment and pen
Was ready the paper to inscribe
The occupants of the countryside.
The few narrow roads were long and did wind.
A lady of the residence he usually did find.
The log cabin would be on the side of a hill
And many times the inhabitants with T.B.were ill.
Food and fresh water she placed before him on the table;
And she answered his questions whenever she was able.
He asked her of her children as to how many.
She was careful to try not leave out any.
The young'uns' cheeks were rather fat and rosy;
And sister shyly peeped around the corner, quite nosy.
She told of each indweller with elegant pride
Being careful to not omit the bigger ones outside.
He noted all characteristics, including age.
It often took more than one manuscript page.
As he recited the list, her head she would nod.
Her chin did tremor to mention of those with God.
Their day of birth she remembered quite well--
Be it Jamestown, Greensburg or Glendale.
She was sure from Wayne County they came;
But Just how long ago, she could not name.
Questions concerning work, education and such
Were always answered with "not much".
After all interrogation was over and done
He calmly walked away--did not run.
He bid them good-bye and "God Bless"
As he traveled into the hazy mist.
Now, here we are--you and me
Trying to decipher this as genealogy.
In a squint-eyed manner we closely look
As we search the entries in each reference book.
Little did they of so long ago think
We'd use this to strive for a family link.
With the day of census-taking being over and done
We search the records for clues--maybe just one!
As he has put away his writing gears
For another period of ten years.
Author: Edith Bastin
© Copyright: August 31, 1998. All Rights Reserved.
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