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Show l5 were alerted to the evacuation as well as government officials in El Paso and some provisions were awaiting the refugees when they arrived in El Paso. For the Eyring women and children, the last days of July were most trying. Henry Eyring's oldest sister, Camilla, recalls these events: Going back to July l9l2, I remember the night word came that the U.S. had advised all Americans to leave Mexico, for the Mexicans had demanded the firearms of the Americans. Word came that we must take the train at Pearson the next morning. How I did cry at the thought of leaving home. Father, however, felt sure the trouble would quickly blow over and that we would be back in a couple of weeks. We spent most of the night hiding things away in the attic, under the floors and in all unlikely places. We were allowed to take just one trunk of clothes for the family of thirteen. I wanted so much to put in my doll and some other treasures, but there was no room. I had always been a great collector and had kept all my school papers, letters, toys and everything I had ever had, and now I had to leave them all never to see them again. In the morning father drove us to Pearson in the whitetopped buggy. This railroad station was about eight miles from Juarez. There were dozens of buggies and wagons and crowds of refugees waiting for the train to carry us to the safety of the U.S.A. A troop of bandits with guns and bayonets was drawn up in formation at the train station. As one old lady walked by, a soldier hooked his bayonet through her handbag and took possession of it. Finally we were all loaded like sardines into the cars. We were in a third-class car with long, hard benches running lengthwise of the cars and children and baggage piled on top of each other. Most of the men, father among them, were staying to try to guard the property and hoping the trouble would soon be over and we would be at peace once more. The trip to the border at El Paso was only about l50 miles, but the train went at a snail's pace and stopped every few miles. We were in terror all the time lest the Villa rebels might waylay us. We traveled all day and all night. Finally just as dawn was breaking we crawled slowly across the Rio Grande river and were greeted by the sight of the Stars and Stripes. I still remember the thrill that sight brought and the feeling of safety once more. from all the refugees. A great shout went up We were met at the depot by the kind people of El Paso who took us in automobiles--and was that a treat--out to a |
