Miss Murfree was born at “Grantlands,” near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the family home inherited from her great-grandfather, Colonel Hardy Murfree, for whom the town was named. Her youth was spent here and in Nashville, the summers being passed in the Tennessee Mountains: shortly after the Civil War, her father removed to St. Louis, and it was there that she began to write.
Her stories are laid mainly in the mountains of Tennessee and describe vividly and truly the people, life, and exquisite scenery of that region.
WORKS.
In the Tennessee Mountains, [short stories].
Down the Ravine.
In the Clouds.
Despot of Broomsedge Cove.
Phantoms of the Foot-Bridge.
Where the Battle Was Fought.
Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Story of Keedon Bluffs.
In the “Stranger People’s” Country.
THE “HARNT” THAT WALKS CHILHOWEE.
(From In the Tennessee Mountains.[47])
A Summer and Winter View of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.
June had crossed the borders of Tennessee. Even on the summit of Chilhowee Mountain the apples in Peter Giles’ orchard were beginning to redden, and his Indian corn, planted on so steep a declivity that the stalks seemed to have much ado to keep their footing, was crested with tassels and plumed with silk. Among the dense forests, seen by no man’s eye, the elder was flying its creamy banners in honor of June’s coming, and, heard by no man’s ear, the pink and white bells of the azalea rang out melodies of welcome. . . . . . . .