We know of two versions of the grim story…

Memories of the story by Ann Carroll in her Here and There column, Pocahontas Star Herald, Feb. 21, 2008.

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Version of the story from unknown source.

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Scan of year 1900 census of Randolph County, showing Cheverie family information.

Select image to enlarge

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The 1900 Census of Randolph County reveals the following about George Cheverie, his wife Ella, and their five children:

Theirs was the 53rd dwelling and the 60th family visited by the the census taker.

The census lists the family last name as Chevrie, not Cheverie as it is more commonly spelled today.

NAME RELATIONSHIP DESCRIPTION NATIVITY OCCUPATION EDUCATION
George A Chevrie Head of household White Male. Born Dec 1859, Age 40. Married 11 years Born Indiana of Canadian (English) parents Fisherman Can read and write, and speaks English.
Ella Chevrie Wife White Female. Born Dec 1869, Age 30. Married 11 years. Mother of 6 children, 5 still living. Born Arkansas of Kentucky father and Arkansas mother. Can read and write, and speaks English.
Ethel A. Chevrie Daughter White Female. Born May 1889, Age 11. Single. Born Arkansas of Indiana father and Arkansas mother At school 6 years school. Can read and write, and speaks English.
Josephine Chevrie Daughter White Female. Born Dec 1890, Age 9. Single. Born Arkansas of Indiana father and Arkansas mother 6 years school. Can read and write, and speaks English.
Blanche B. Chevrie Daughter Born Oct 1894, Age 5. Born Arkansas of Indiana father and Arkansas mother Cannot read or write.
Bosier B. Chevrie Son Born Nov 1896, Age 3. Born Arkansas of Indiana father and Arkansas mother Cannot read or write.
Pearl B. Chevrie Daughter Born March 1899, Age 1. Born Arkansas of Indiana father and Arkansas mother Cannot read or write.