This post is written for Friday Fictioneers.
He retired from the military financially broke. Some thought his drinking was the cause of his poverty. Some thought it was because he was taken advantage of by his friends. Writing his autobiography was the only way to support his family. He wrote outdoors in his distinctive script with his woolen scull cap to keep him warm. Neighbors and enslaved laborers helped him build this ugly log cabin. Julia did her best to decorate the place. Despite all their efforts the little house looked so unattractive that they called it hardscrabble.
Oh Danny Boy! 
Well done, Danny. After reading this, I suspected who you wrote about. Yep.
Then I read the comments. A wonderful hook in the name.
Then I read your “about” bio. Also well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Bill!
LikeLiked by 1 person
An appealing description of the ex-soldier, and his efforts to build a life and home after war. Like some other readers, I went googling and was glad to learn about Hardscrabble House and Grant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve taught me another word. And ugly is as ugly does… It is ugly because it was built by enslaved workers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I, of course, totally agree! I try, and mostly fail, to somehow use the word in conversations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some words are easier than others. This one, just might be able to make it in one, one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s fun when you do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed!
LikeLike
Like others, your story drove me to research. Very interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
we learn new things….that’s what I like about reading other authors posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It may be ugly but I guess it serves its intended purpose and that’s what matters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Precisely.
LikeLike
Another interesting word that I didn’t know. Good story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That makes my day.
LikeLike
This is a large story with many avenues to explore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true.
LikeLike
I think anything can be made to look homely. But, even an ugly roof is better than none!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ask any homeless person, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting piece of history. I would love to go see it. I’m always happy when smart people have sense enough to preserve such things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for that! It led me to Google hardscrabble, and then Ulysses S. Grant – who seems to have been ahead of his time in his liberal agenda. Good bit of history to be reminded of in today’s miasmic politics.
LikeLiked by 2 people
One of my favorite historical figures.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sent me off on an internet search for hardscrabble house – it doesn’t look so bad! Thanks for the history lesson.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person