Ancestral Threads

Aug. 25, 2011... This is Charlie.  My great grandfather is my namesake.  He was the first Charles Wesley Kouns. I am the IVth (being named for my dad's brother, Charlie III who died at age 27. He brought his family to Topeka in the early 1900's.   Along with his wife Carrie, he had two daughters Nellie and Sara. Their third child Charles W. Kouns, Jr., was born in Topeka.

I have long been curious about this man.  As I was growing up, I tried to piece together a psychological profile for the reasons for some of our family's more dysfunctional patterns as well as seeing the qualities that were nourishing that were passed down.  Going back in time beyond my great grandfather, who was born in 1854 was very difficult.  But as he was a man of some notoriety, I could learn many facts about his life.  But these did not tell me as much as certain decisions he made during the years.

His two daughters were musical phenomenons.  Nellie played waltzes on the piano beginning at age 3.  Nellie and Sarah had near mirror-voices and so when they were right out of high school, he sent them to Europe to study and train in music.  This was not done in those days as life on the stage for women was considered negatively for moral reasons. As a result, they went on to be a famous singing duet all over the world in the 20's and 30's.  This seems very visionary and courageous to me.

He worked for railroads most of his life. He began as a brakeman at age 17.  He ended his career as General Manager of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, one of the largest in the country at the time.  When I was younger, my grandfather gave me his gold pocket watch, which was a gift from his employees.  At his funeral, 3,500 people attended and the entire railroad was stopped for a minute to honor his passing.  This suggests he was deeply regarded as a good man who treated people fairly and honestly.

But perhaps the most telling thing I discovered about him was on this trip to his gravesite.  I would like to share what is on his death stone.  It is an amazing inscription.

In case it is too hard to read: "In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength; and let thy presence hush me. Still me, make a great calm within me, that I may be wholly hushed within myself - wholly reflect thee".

This loving, gracious, flowing phrase (source of which I cannot find on the web...anyone?) speaks volumes to me and calls to me so deeply.  In the learnings I am experiencing these words are most appreciated and to hear them from my great grandfather, especially meaningful.  

I left the cemetery feeling more of a sense of who he was and with an inspiration in my heart to continue my journey into peace.

When we arrived at the cemetery, these lovely creatures greeted us:

I knew to approach in innocence and with no fear.  A beautiful welcoming.