THE LITTLE TOWN OF DOGTOOTH BEND

Alexander County/Illinois Genealogy Trails

Written and contributed by Hayward Bethel ©2006

Many stories told by Cousin Mattie never come to an end
About a place in the south called Dogtooth Bend
I was raised close by there as a young boy
From this little town that use to be in Southern Illinois.

The town started out as just an old winding dirt road
But it ended up being a famous town is all I ever heard
Cousin Kenny says his father bought their first mule team
By selling big juicy pecans they had to pick up and clean.

In case you're wondering how this town got it's name
From fertile farmland that brought it fortune and fame
And being shaped in the form of an old canine's tooth
With pecan orchards lining both sides to tell the truth.

Soft shell pecans that is and boy were they good
People came from miles around to this small neighborhood
You know everyone claimed to have a family or friend
In this little famous town called, "Dogtooth Bend."

Why it was in '37 that they had a terrible flood
Which left that great vast land all covered with mud
Many of my family members had to be rescued by motor boat
Some of them didn't make it out especially the older folk

Even though most of houses were built on very high frames
For protection against the high winds and the rains
That Olde Mississippi River once again overflowed it's banks
Not having any mercy or giving families time to think.

Yes the raging waters did come and the families would flee
They would always return to make things like they use to be
But eventually they lost the battle and moved to dryer land
After they had taken all of it they could possibly stand.

And today there is no evidence of where this town stood
Not a tree or road, what was once a thriving neighborhood
For in my mind I can picture my family who had friends
In the little town that was called, "Dogtooth Bend."

One of the most important things I've learned about life
Is to listen when elder relatives gives stories or advice
Yes Cousin Mattie's stories they never come to an end
For whenever I visit I love to hear stories of Dogtooth Bend.

(Note: Hayward said he embellished this a little, but for the most part it is true. His cousin Mattie is in her 90s. 
Used with permission.)

©2006 Alexander County Illinois Genealogy Trails

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