Dr. A. Rufus Morgan : 'The Modern Moses' : (1885 - 1983)
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painting by
Marjorie Neville Weatherly Ostborg '78
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"I remember hearing stories about cuzin Rufus Morgan at the Siler (pronounced 'Sila' by my North Carolina kinfolk) family reunion every summer in Franklin, NC.
I never really paid much attention to what the grown-ups would say...too busy hunting down mica rocks... but what I do remember is that when I heard someone speak of Rufus...I somehow just knew...that he was a special man.
When my son was born, my mom gave him a beautiful portrait of the 'preacher man' painted by cuzin Margorie. The inscription read: Dr. A. Rufus Morgan 'The Modern Moses.' I've also heard him referred to as 'The Mountain Moses'.
I used to stare at his portrait and think about his life and all those beautiful lines in his face. I'd wonder about his walking cane and all the wonderful places it must've gone. One day after watching a PBS documentary that captured Rufus making his annual birthday hike up Mounte LeConte at the young age of 92...I just became immersed in trying to capture a bit of his appalachian spirit to share through my music. A rockin' little song was born that is just my way of trying to pass on his message."
-Chelle Rose
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