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Granny Dollar
In 1926, a one hundred-year-old Indian woman fantastically emerged from the woods at the Masters School, a school for underprivileged children near what is now Desoto State Park on Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama. Her name was Nancy Emmaline Callahan Dollar. Recently widowed, she found herself homeless and in need for the first time in her life. A rugged and stout Cherokee standing six feet tall with a pipe clenched in her teeth and followed by a mongrel dog and six chickens, she was a sight for the kids to behold. They were mesmerized by her and immediately put her up in one of the empty cabins on the campus grounds and tended to her every need. When the owner of the school, Colonel Milford W. Howard, returned from California to find the old Indian woman there, he too soon fell under her spell. Granny Dollar, a term of endearment since she never had children, became a local legend and the favorite subject of journalists and writers for years to come. Most of the stories she told were the stuff of legends, like hiding out during the forced relocation of the Cherokee Indians, bitten by poisonous snakes three times, and losing almost everything in the War Between the States. Other stories surrounding her might have been exaggerated, but one thing is certain, everyone who met her knew right away she was a walking monument of life and history.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2017
22 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Neal Wooten
63 books19 followersNeal Wooten grew up on a pig farm on Sand Mountain in the northeast corner of Alabama before being dragged kicking and screaming to the snow-infested plains of the American Midwest. He now resides in Milwaukee with his wife and three dogs.
He is a columnist for The Mountain Valley News, an author, artist, and a standup comedian. His work has appeared in several anthologies and magazines.
He is the author of Reternity, a sci-fi novel based on the Bible, which has won eight national awards and named to Kirkus Reviews Best of 2011. His new book, The Balance, a gay-themed sci-fi novel, will be released by Bold Strokes Books in April 2014.
He is a columnist for The Mountain Valley News, an author, artist, and a standup comedian. His work has appeared in several anthologies and magazines.
He is the author of Reternity, a sci-fi novel based on the Bible, which has won eight national awards and named to Kirkus Reviews Best of 2011. His new book, The Balance, a gay-themed sci-fi novel, will be released by Bold Strokes Books in April 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 12, 2018
Truly, and interesting story of the life of an American Indian girl who spends her life caring for her siblings and the dangers they are facing. I really enjoyed reading this!
November 13, 2018
Wonderful tale of the life of an Cherokee Indian woman who lived through the migration of others in the Trail of Tears, and the everyday life she lived. Her many skills made her so valuable to many others,: she could chop wood, fish and catch fish, trap rabbits, grow a garden, do housework, deliver babies, heal others from minor hurts, rejoice in her many brothers and sisters- she was one of 25 who delivered many of her borthers and sisters-her Cherokee dad had 2 wives-and 1 wife had triplets several times. Granny enjoyed the company and times with others, but was able to live off the land and enjoyed being outdoors in the woods. She learned to drive a team of mules and deliver goods to several stores, and to help a partner bring moonshine out through several long tunnels to sell to those in another state. She got married at 79 and had a good partner to talk with and share life's experiences. She was such a positive force in her community and outlived most of her relatives. Finally, when over 100 yearts old- still 6 foot tall- she ended up at a boy's school and people took care of her and she enjoyed the company. Buster, her dog, was very protective of Granny; he bit those who came unwanted.
August 24, 2019
I loved reading this little book. I am only sad that it wasn't longer and more detailed. It took only a couple of hours to read the entire thing, and I longed to know more about Granny's life as a young Cherokee girl living in Alabama. What did she know about her grandparents? How did her parents meet? I wanted to know more about her spiritual beliefs and practices. Who taught her other than her father?Why did not of her many nieces and nephews keep in contact with her when she was old? There are so many unanswered questions. I've searched the Internet and am heartbroken that I can find nothing else about one of the last Cherokee women in Alabama.
September 11, 2022
Being from the Fort Payne area, I found this book fascinating. I had never heard of Granny Dollar but know several of the locations mentioned in the book. It was interesting to learn Fort Payne was formerly Willstown, and Atlanta was formerly Marthasville. I was familiar with the Noccalula story, but didn’t know her real name was Alivilda. I love to read historical, based on true events type books, and all the research that had to be done in order to write this one is a testament to author’s desire to get it factually correct, since he is from the same area as well. I was intrigued throughout by the unique story of Granny Dollar and all her encounters and adventures.
March 13, 2018
Good book for kids
This book was a bit amateurish and simplistic and seemed to be written for kids around 12 years old except for some brief subject matter regarding her fathers ability the impregnate several women. Granny had at least 18 siblingsl There also were times that people from the time (19th century) spoke in jarring late 20th century slang. There is some basic Indian history and a little bit about the civil war . Granny was a charming character, though I but strangely she seemed to have a black southern dialect. That also seemed out of place.
This book was a bit amateurish and simplistic and seemed to be written for kids around 12 years old except for some brief subject matter regarding her fathers ability the impregnate several women. Granny had at least 18 siblingsl There also were times that people from the time (19th century) spoke in jarring late 20th century slang. There is some basic Indian history and a little bit about the civil war . Granny was a charming character, though I but strangely she seemed to have a black southern dialect. That also seemed out of place.
July 1, 2018
I grew up in this area and so enjoyed reading a book written about Granny Dollar and about what is known as "The Trail of Tears." It was an awakening to me what the Cherokee Indians had to endure during this historical time. Granny Dollar was a strong woman that experienced extreme hardships. The worst times came when the family was forced to relocate and hide out for fear of being captured. Neal Wooten captures Granny Dollar's strength and dedication to standing fast against all odds. I enjoyed it very much!
September 2, 2017
Surprisingly delightful
The story is as charming as the woman it's about. At first I thought it was a work by less than polished author. But as the story progressed, I was swept away by the first hand look at American history. Of course, it didn't hurt that my wife grew up on Sand Mountain. I've been to the places this book brings alive. Somehow, this book brings to life events and places, and one old Indian woman.
The story is as charming as the woman it's about. At first I thought it was a work by less than polished author. But as the story progressed, I was swept away by the first hand look at American history. Of course, it didn't hurt that my wife grew up on Sand Mountain. I've been to the places this book brings alive. Somehow, this book brings to life events and places, and one old Indian woman.
September 7, 2017
Loved this book. The subject, Granny Dollar, was a well known figure in northeast Alabama. She lived to be more than 100 years old, and had seen much in her years. This book went through all those things, from her childhood to her death, yet it is a very fast read. Probably because it's so interesting, especially if you love history (as I do). I definitely recommend.
March 10, 2018
A trip through history
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about days gone past. So many first-hand accounts about moments in history. Immerse yourself in this story and learn about the Indian cure for snake bite. Granny survived being bitten by two copperheads and one rattlesnake.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about days gone past. So many first-hand accounts about moments in history. Immerse yourself in this story and learn about the Indian cure for snake bite. Granny survived being bitten by two copperheads and one rattlesnake.
April 3, 2018
Fantastic
Read this on the recommendation of a friend. I'll be forever grateful for reading this book. The author brought granny to life for me. The description of her bittersweet life left me wondering do I feel sorry for this woman or stand in awe of her. We should all strive to be as strong and self determined as Granny Dollar.
Read this on the recommendation of a friend. I'll be forever grateful for reading this book. The author brought granny to life for me. The description of her bittersweet life left me wondering do I feel sorry for this woman or stand in awe of her. We should all strive to be as strong and self determined as Granny Dollar.
March 4, 2018
!If you are in the mood for some "down home" good 'ole fireside tales of life "back then"; this is one of the most heart warming stories you will ever find. As for me, I will never forget it!
December 6, 2018
Granny dollar
That was one of the most fascinating books that I have read in many many years good job I think it was wonderful
That was one of the most fascinating books that I have read in many many years good job I think it was wonderful
May 24, 2020
Good read!
I enjoyed reading about Granny Dollar and recognizing the places mentioned and reading about the history of the area. Good read.
I enjoyed reading about Granny Dollar and recognizing the places mentioned and reading about the history of the area. Good read.
May 31, 2020
This is a fantastic resource about a person I knew little of. A creative way of sharing her life, and meticulous research.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews