Look What Turned Up in the Field

Today's picture was taken on Memorial Day as we remembered and honored the sacrifices of our veterans.   We always attend the program at the Byron Town Hall.  This event is well attended and the Historical Society always has a fantastic display.  It is a great time to see neighbors, friends and relatives too.  The picture is Richard Sampson.  In his hand he has a civil war canon ball.  It has an interesting story.

His father Arlin was well know for his ability to keep his eyes to the ground.  Once he found a $100 bill!  He came in one day from the field with the canon ball not knowing what it was.  His mother, Eunice knew immediately that it was "civil war" John Muentner's canon ball.  He had lost it in the fields.  How did that happen?  Well, he carried that canon ball with him in his overalls.  (You really should handle this thing, it is heavy!!)

Now to the rest of the story.  The field where Arlin found the canon ball was not part of John Muentner Jr's land.   I think that the land of John Sr was broken up for the sons.  Mary Muentner, John Jr's mother insisted that he buy that property, which he did.  (Richard said that Mary was a strong willed woman) It was in this field that Arlin found the canon ball.   So there you have it!  A wonderful tale of family history woven through multiple generations.

By the way, Richard donated the canon ball to the Byron Historical Society.