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Colonel William C. Falkner: Death on The Courthouse Square

Colonel William C. Falkner was the great-grandfather of Nobel Prize winning author, William Faulkner of Oxford, Mississippi. This is a novel of Colonel Falkner’s life based on researched fact - and fiction from the author’s imagination. It tells the colorful story of his life as a successful soldier, statesman, railroad builder, author, and lawyer. It is based on his search for riches and fame, his successes and failures, his excessive drinking, and his numerous affairs with women including his love affair with his slave servant, Emeline, and their child, Fannie Falkner. It is also the story of successful blacks at a time in history when it was very difficult to break the mold of racism in the South. The novel is centered around the building of the Ripley Railroad shortly after the Civil War with convict labor - a rail line which became the beginning of a national railroad.

“But Colonel, I’ll have the money in a couple of days. Can you wait until then?” Falkner replied, “The note is due today, and if you don’t have the money, guess I will just have to keep Emeline.” The colonel always drove a hard bargain and saw a money making opportunity when it presented itself. Harris turned and walked away – not saying a word. The slave woman went with Falkner. Falkner’s affectionate name for Emeline was “Emily” and that day in 1863, she became the servant in his house in Pontotoc. She cooked his meals, cleaned the house, washed his clothes, and did all his “other” wifely duties. She remained with him during the two years he and Thurmond were running the blockade into Memphis. Emeline was age 26 at that time. In October of that year Emeline went to Falkner and said: “Mr. William, I’m gonna have your baby.” “A baby, when?” “As close as I can figure, it will be here in July of next year.” “Whatta you gonna name it.” “If it’s a boy, I’m gonna’ name it Clark Falkner, after your middle name, if that’s okay?” “What if it’s a baby girl? Whatta you gonna name it?” “Fannie Forrest Falkner.” “Why did you choose that name?’ “Well, Mr. William, I always hear you talking bout your favorite sister, Frances, and your friend, General Nathan Forrest. So I shortened Frances to Fannie. Forrest is her middle name for General Forrest. If that’s okay with you, Mr. William?” “Why Emily, that will be just fine with me.” In July 1864 Fannie Forrest Falkner was born in Pontotoc. Like her mother, she had light olive color skin, almost white. Emeline’s decedents have always held that Colonel Falkner was the father of Fannie. After the war, he took her with him back to Ripley, along with Fannie, to serve as his servant. Lizzie, Falkner’s wife, was aware of her husband’s and Emily’s “special” relationship. They argued frequently about the situation. _____