291
Edward Lewis
This is of interest as a specimen of local "occasional" song-
making. The manuscript is in Dr. Brown's hand, very likely copie:l
down from a slip-ballad print, and is accompanied by the following
notes :
The first engine on the Clinchfield R. R., #99. was assigned to Edward
Lewis. When Lewis died a few years ago, i.e., ca. 1937, the engine
was used to pull the funeral train, which carried the body of its former
engineer to its last resting-place beyond Mt. Mitchell in the Nolichucky
Valley.
A real banjo picker two summers ago, Don Hoppas, put the air to
the song. The air is the same as sung to Sourwood Mountain by King
Kendall and his friends of near Asheville.
The engine, though still in service, is used only in the yards at Spruce
Pine.
The occasion made a great impression on the local people, and one
man. Jack Hartley, wrote the following lines on Lewis :
1 Oh, we hear a different signal
All up and down the Clinchfield Line
Since the hand of Edward Lewis
Pulls no more old 99.
2 For he's gone into the station
At the end of life's long run.
Where there's joy and peace eternal.
For the labor's all well done.
3 But we'll miss him, yes, we'll miss him
Up and down the CHnchfield Line;
But we never more can call him back
To run old faithful 99.
4 It was up Nolchuckky Valley,
Where the Linville River sweeps
Round the peaks of old Mount Mitchell ;
She vainly calls for him that sleeps.
NORTH CAROLINA BALLADS 677
5 We will miss him, we will miss him,
And we'll wonder if he sees the Clinchfield Line,
If he hears the plaintive calling
Of his dear old engine 99.
6 For he's gone into the station
Out beyond the twinkling stars,
Where there'll be no more worrying
Pulling trains of heavy cars.
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291
Edward Lewis
'Edward Lewis.' Sung by anonymous male singer with banjo. Recorded; no
date or place given.
Scale: Mode II, plagal. Tonal Center: e. Structure: aba^bi (4,4.4,4) = aa'
(8.8).