Mamie: An Ozark Mountain Girl of Courage - Paperback

by Carl J. Barger (Author)

As a child growing up in Cleburne County, Arkansas, I learned most of my family's past from my mother. My mother spent her entire life in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The Ozark Mountains, with their beautiful hardwood trees, rocky and rolling hills, clear running streams, wild game, and the Little Red River were a living paradise to some of the greatest people in the world. The Ozark Mountain people were often characterized as being raggedy, barefooted hill folks, who talked funny and used bad grammar. Most of them were considered to be illiterate, and if they were lucky, they might have a fourth grade education. They were considered to be different from most folks in Arkansas because of their superstitions, old remedies, and funny ways. Most of the hill folks in Van Buren and Cleburne counties either dipped snuff or chewed tobacco. Several of them made their living making and selling moonshine.

Author Biography

Carl J. Barger was born and educated in Cleburne County, Arkansas. He served as a superintendent of schools for thirty-three years in Arkansas before retiring in 2001 to his home in Conway, Arkansas. He and his wife Lena have three children and three grandchildren. Carl enjoys being involved in church and community affairs. He spends much of his time flower gardening, doing research, and writing books.