Golden Nuggets

Jack Windle tied the leather straps of his boots and hoisted a rifle over his shoulder. It was time for the winter kill and Jack was on his way to help his neighbours butcher three of their pigs and salt the meat to preserve it for winter storage. Eventually freezers would be invented, but in 1899 the salting method was most effective.

Jack’s seven young children lined the kitchen window to watch the first snow fall upon their Ontario farm, while Jack bundled up against the icy wind and began his trek. The farm was shared between his brother’s family and his own, both having inherited the two hundred acres from their father. Jack’s family was comfortable here. They enjoyed moderate success and had acquired good quality livestock and a few lovely pieces of furniture, which his wife Bridget took particular pride in.

Jack looked across the open land and could see his neighbour’s house just past the fence that divided their properties. Slowing to maneuver under the chain-link, Jack suddenly lost his footing and slid forward, jarring the rifle. A bullet entered slightly above his hip and he died instantly.

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