Osceola, the Black Drink Crier, in his early days, worked for the troops of Fort Scott,  which was in Decatur County.

Osceola was first riled by the Claires Plantation, east of Tallahassee, for taken his wife and making a slave out of her. Then later, Indian Agent Thompson riled him again with bad results. then later the War Chief of the Seminoles was captured under a flag of truce, tied up, put in a wagon and hauled 60 miles to St. Augustine without letting him out to relieve himself.

The Army doctor at the fort was named Weedon. Osceola liked him and as he was taken to Fort Moultry, S.C., he asked that Weedon be allowed to go with him. He had two or three wives and several near grown kids.  They were allowed to come along also.

When his time to die came close, he asked for his best clothes, his pipe, gathered his family and friends, shook hands all around, including Dr. Weedon and lay back and died.

Just as soon as Weedon could be alone with the body, he cut his head off and pickled it. Few who read this will remember the three names, but in the United States there are three counties, two townships, 20 towns, one borough, one state park, two lakes, one national forest, a dormitory hall at FSU, two plantations, and no telling how many streets are named after him.

Ducks filled up the lake this past week, looks like more to come with the icing up north.

Deer is the talk of the round table this week. Several was killed up to 10 points, they don’t mind standing and looking at you as you pass by them.

Several good catches of bass was made by local fishermen, some up to 6 pounds. Crank baits seem to work best.