Great Uncle Carlot
When I started this blog it was for my family to learn more about our family history, so today I want to tell you about my great uncle Carlot Johnson.
Carlot was my maternal Grandfathers brother. Carlot lived on the Johnson family homestead 19 miles south of Fargo and west of Christine, on the Wild Rice River. On the other side of the creek/river from where my Grandpa Johnson farmed, and that farm is still in the family.
Carlot had lost his right arm and right ear in a farm accident years before I was born. Carlot was a natural musician, he play violin...with one hand! He played the harmonica, and usually carried it in his shirt pocket. He played an electric organ. A small key board, with one hand. He would play a bit of the tune and then a few cords and back and forth. I remember all of the family in his house and everyone singing to the top of their lungs. My grandfathers family were quite musical. I don't have those talents.
I found years later a few of the other brothers that went to homestead in Canada also were very musical. I also think those Canadian brothers had big feet, when you look at pictures you saw big feet, maybe it was those leather lace up shoes they wore.
What I would like everyone to know about Carlot was, he liked kids. He liked it when he played a little tune for kids that they would smile and talk to him. I think he knew his handicap was obvious to children but he was a little laid back and new how to get kids to look at him for the man he was and not just his handicap.
Thank you Carlot for the life you lead and the smiles you brought to all us kids.
Carlot was my maternal Grandfathers brother. Carlot lived on the Johnson family homestead 19 miles south of Fargo and west of Christine, on the Wild Rice River. On the other side of the creek/river from where my Grandpa Johnson farmed, and that farm is still in the family.
Carlot had lost his right arm and right ear in a farm accident years before I was born. Carlot was a natural musician, he play violin...with one hand! He played the harmonica, and usually carried it in his shirt pocket. He played an electric organ. A small key board, with one hand. He would play a bit of the tune and then a few cords and back and forth. I remember all of the family in his house and everyone singing to the top of their lungs. My grandfathers family were quite musical. I don't have those talents.
I found years later a few of the other brothers that went to homestead in Canada also were very musical. I also think those Canadian brothers had big feet, when you look at pictures you saw big feet, maybe it was those leather lace up shoes they wore.
What I would like everyone to know about Carlot was, he liked kids. He liked it when he played a little tune for kids that they would smile and talk to him. I think he knew his handicap was obvious to children but he was a little laid back and new how to get kids to look at him for the man he was and not just his handicap.
Thank you Carlot for the life you lead and the smiles you brought to all us kids.
posted by Deb | 9:11 PM
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