Dad's Old Shotgun

(This is a follow-up to both Jeffery's post about the items she has that belonged to Dad and the post yesterday about how time is flying too fast.)

I have Dad's old Nitro Hunter 16 gauge shotgun.  It is a single barrel, breech-loader that was manufactured sometime around 1910.  Dad told me he got it from his Uncle Dow Chaney when he was just a teenager.  Dad said he killed his first squirrel with it, and that Uncle Teet killed his last squirrel with it.  Not long before Teet passed away he and Dad went hunting on Biggs Branch and Teet used this 16 gauge because it was lighter and easier to carry than his 12 gauge pump.

Dad's Uncle Dow was quite a character.  He fought in the Spanish-American War and often spoke about Teddy Roosevelt and the battle at San Juan Hill.  

He also worked for Devil Anse Hatfield during the famous feud.  He and "Uncle Bob Fraley" stood guard at Devil Anse's home.  They were stationed on the second-floor porch where they kept watch for any McCoy's that might come after Devil Anse or any of his clan.  I'm pretty sure Dad's shotgun was manufactured too late to have been used during the feud though.

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Now I wouldn't sell Dad's shotgun for any amount of money. It's as precious to me as Dad's dinner bucket is to Jeffery.  I would, however, be willing to loan it to Jevon if he needs it.  Maybe until Caitlyn turns 30 or 35 years old.

Posted by Clyde