The Journey

By George Ralph Fisher, Jr.

July 6, 1996

Sometime ago, it was a quiet place.  A small creek trickled northward on its unknown journey.   The land was flat and the cotton grew tall in the long, hot summers.  When the time was right a company was born.  It thrived and prospered in cotton textiles along the creek in only a few short years.  The quiet place was named after the company and became known as "Bemis".  Bemis, Tennessee.

Many people desired to work for the company.  The area was known for hard-workers and not all who applied were hired.  Many moved on.  Many people moved to Bemis in search of their future.   Those that remained found both.  A young woman named Acenah Mills met a young man named Benton Fisher.  They both worked long hours for the company but found time to enjoy each other.  Their relationship developed and their hearts grew closer.   With an abrupt  decision, Benton decided to leave  Bemis and search for a future with his brothers in Texas.   With his exit he also left Acenah.   Benton traveled many miles on his journey.

Back in Bemis, several months past.   Acenah grew weary of Benton's return.   She sent word to Benton--that if he didn't return, she would wait for him no more.  In time, Benton not only returned to Bemis,  he returned for Acenah.   With no jobs available at the mill,  Benton convinced the foreman into giving him Acenah's job.   They were married and over the next forty years raised  13 children.

Today, it's been almost two decades since the Bemis Company closed. Acenah has survived Benton for more than a quarter century.  Their descendants are nearing 100 and are scattered from coast to coast. Their children have continued to reunite in Bemis every Fourth of July, since the death of their father.  She has witnessed the journey of her children's children and even her children's, children's, children.  She has held her great-great granddaughter.   Acenah knew her future and went after it.

It's a quiet place, again.  The land is flat and the cotton grows tall in the long, hot summers .   A small creek trickles northward, but we all know where it goes.

Ralph

Mr. & Mrs. Benton and Acenah Fisher