Skinny Scotty: The Adventurous Life of Rosa Ellen Scott

This true story is told in Scotty's own simple words. The author tape-recorded Scotty telling these tales of her life. Scotty's name was Rosa Ellen Scott, she was born in 1895. Those many tapes are the basis of this book, written by June Bussard, Scotty's daughter. At age 4, Rosa's Papa died, leaving his family destitute in Indiana where they were hated as that "Rebel family". At age 9 Rosa's brother Henry moved Mama, Sister Louisa and Rosa Ellen out west to a sagebrush covered homestead in Idaho. They eked out a barren living while brother kept his job with the rialroad. Little Rosa did all the outside chores, hauling water, sawing sagebrush, digging a root cellar and trapping jackrabbits for food. But, they were happy, and Rosa Ellen was no longer called "Skinny Scotty, the Rebel brat." Rosa's dream came true when Brother Henry brings her a small mustang, the Kit-horse. Always feisty and independent, now Rosa really has wings. She convinced Mama she should wear rabbit-skin britches under her skirts to ride and to work outside. That display of unwomanly independence eventually made her the target of bullies. They ambushed her and would have harmed her, except for the sudden appearance of a mysterious black-bearded cowhand. This cowhand was German, speaking very little English. Rosa's mama spoke some German and soon Mama realized that this was no ordinary cowhand, he was well educated and carrying a heavy burden, a secret. The cowhand E.J. disappears as quickly as he appeared, and Rosa Ellen's young heart is broken. As the years slowly pass, changes occur in Rosa's life. She becomes a live-in nursemaid for a household in Pocatello, Idaho. Eventually the cowboy E.J. finds Rosa again and confides in her the danger he still faces. They marry on Christmas Eve and during their honeymoon train-ride to a remote ranch in Utah, a German Agent spots E.J. and he must disappear again. She is devastated, but he does soon return. Later Rosa decided she never, ever wanted to know the truth about what happened to him and the Agent in the dark alleys of Pocatello that day. She knew it must have been something very dangerous and very desperate. Rosa's life held many, many more adventures on the remote Utah cattle ranch. One day she was up on a hill happily digging herbs and roots. Suddenly, a huge snarling body came hurtling down on her. Her little dog launched his small body directly up at the ferocious mountain lion. Later Rosa looked up into her husbands ashen gray face, and for the first time..ever..she saw real fear in his eyes. She cried out. "Rabies? No! No! Please Lord! No!, I can't die, my babies, my babies!" Readers of this book say, "I could not put this book down. Adults will want to race right through this story, but take some time to read it again, out loud to a child."

From Chapter Four, The Kit-Horse: Henry took her hand and walked her to the back of the wagon saying, "Yes, Rosey, Uncle Albert sent me the money and I found this special horse just for you. She was a real wild mustang, Rosey, but now she is very tame. They call her a buckskin because her coat is honey colored. They say that a buckskin has a rebel-coat, tough and mean. Well, we ain't rebels no more, little Rosey, so you can be proud of this one's 'rebel-coat.' Well, little sister, what do you think of her?"

Tears of joy were streaming down Rosa's cheeks; she could not speak. She just held out her hand, walking very slowly up to the horse, whispering softly, "Nice little horse, nice Kit, you are really and truly my very own horse now, and, and, I hope you will like me. I think you are so beautiful; you are such a beautiful little Kit-horse."

The small, black muzzle moved forward to smell Rosa's outstretched palm, and the horse snorted softly, pushing gently against Rosa's small hand. Oh, Rosa was so excited! There were big fat butterflies churning in her tummy. Oh, Oh, her very own horse. She carefully patted the sleek neck and then slowly put both arms around Kit's neck, talking to her gently. Then she just held the little horse and cried and sobbed with her cheek leaning against the soft, living warmth.