Only a Few Bones: A True Account of the Rolling Fork Tragedy and Its Aftermath is not a novel. Author John Philip Colletta does, however, tell a story. The story is dates back to March of 1873, in a little populated area of the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta, where a murder has taken place. At least according to newspapers, court records, and family stories, handed down through the generations, a man and four others were victims of an assault and fire which took their lives.
Only a Few Bones is actually much more than a tale of murder, it is closer to a cross between a graphical narrative and a case study for genealogical research. Colletta has taken 30 years of investigative research, laying groundwork and recreating the scenes and events related to what became known as the “Rolling Fork Tragedy.” His research carefully examines 12 possible explanations, each reviewed within the narrative.
Myths are dispelled one by one in the account. Family stories always blamed “the darkies” for committing “highway robbery.” But evidence doesn’t make that likely. By examining not only the family’s circumstances, but also through a thorough examination of the time period, of Reconstruction, of carpetbaggers, and other pertinent facts a probable explanation comes forth. Was it really murder? Who was the behind this terrible tragedy? Sorry, no spoilers here. All I will say, is the book is worth your time.
In the words of Helen Hinchliff, Ph.D, C.G., author, and professional genealogist:
“Only a Few Bones is a tour-de-force of genealogical and historical sleuthing! It deserves to be read at least twice by every family historian: once, just for the fun of it, and a second time to take notes on how Colletta used his sources to turn his ancestors into living, breathing human beings.
Table of Contents
March 6, 1873
March 7, 1873
March 8, 1873
March 8, 1873, Evening
March 10, 1873
March 11, 1873
March 14, 1873
Joe and Barbara
The War, North
Buffalo
George
The War, South
Cotton
The Store
The Delta
The “Vicksburg Place”
March 19, 1873
April 9, 1873
April 14, 1873
Catherine
Land
Ring & Co.
Rolling Fork Landing
May 4, 1873
July 15, 1873
July 20, 1873
July 25, 1873
July 26, 1873, About 2–4 A.M.
July 26, 1873, Daytime
July 27, 1873
July 28, 1873
July 29, 1873
July 31, 1873
Vickburg
The Trials
Business
Nicholas
Saints Rest
“A Dreadful Mystery”
Epilogue: Grandma Ring
Genealogical Charts
Acknowledgements
Notes
Author’s Note
Index
Get your own copy of Only a Few Bones: A True Account of the Rolling Fork Tragedy and Its Aftermath from Family Roots Publishing; Item #: HBC3270, Price” $23.52.
Only a Few Bones is an incredible read! Dr. Colletta has woven facts, social history and research into a factual account that is fun to read while the genealogist is learning some useful techniques in this series of mini case studies. Engaging and difficult to put down!