Image Up Advertising & Design

FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | OCTOBER 2017 49 An Unrecognized Hero: Robert Smalls was born a slave in 1839. He grew up in a backyard shack on the McKee family property at 511 Prince Street, Beaufort, South Carolina. Today Smalls' great, great grandson, Michael B. Moore tells his story in an effort to honor Smalls for his heroic contribution to Black America. Smalls' master, Mr. McKee would rent him out to others for work. Even though the money went to his master, Mr. McKee would give Robert one dollar for each job. Robert, having "freedom on his mind," was able to save $700 to buy his own freedom. "Luck is when preparation meets opportunity" ~ Michael B. Moore One day after a confederate boat called The Planter docked, Robert dressed as a captain, took his wife, Hanna, his two kids and 13 friends and delivered the boat to the union. Everyone on board the boat agreed that if they were caught, they would blow up themselves and the boat because they knew that they would be made an example of and be publicly tortured. By the time the Confederates realized who they were, they were out of the Confederate cannon's range. "This was the coolest and most gallant naval act of the Civil War." ~ DuPont After Smalls' successful and daring dash to freedom, he devoted the rest of his life to serving others. He returned home to rescue more slaves and their families, and to pilot the ship in 17 battles. His act of bravery helped the Union soldiers win the war. With the money paid by the Union for the delivery of The Planter, he bought several properties in his hometown. His first purchase from the Direct Tax Commission in 1863 was his former master's house. After the war, the McKee family returned to their hometown of Beaufort. Mrs. McKee, old and senile, went back to her former home on Prince Street, not realizing that Smalls had purchased the home. Smalls allowed her to stay, and cared for her until she died. He did this because the McKees treated his family fairly when he was a slave. Smalls died in 1915; his bust can be seen in the yard of the Tabernacle Baptist Church, in Beaufort, SC. For club information, please contact Joyce Allen at (951) 769- 4354 or Roxie Elliott at (951) 769-2517. ~ Regina Thomas African American Cultural Club On Tuesday, Oct. 10, we will meet to discuss the novel, The Visitors, by Sally Beauman. Eleven-year-old Lucy is sent to Egypt in 1922 to recover from typhoid, which killed her mother. She is escorted by Miss Mack, who makes plans for her to get healthy and have fun. Her friendship with Frances, the daughter of an archaeologist searching for King Tut's tomb, introduces her to many visitors to the Valley of the Kings; politicians, scientists, museum directors and their wives and children. Many years later she writes of mistakes made and secrets kept behind the famous quest and discovery. If this intrigues you, please join us at 9:30 am on Oct. 10. Everyone is welcome, even if you haven't read the book. For more information, please call Doreen Sanders at (951) 769-1913. ~ Mary Lou Keating Book Club Smalls' Home Robert Smalls Robert Smalls' Bust

• Cover