McBride - Bumpus Genealogy
Why They Called It
Slippery Rock
. . . For it was she who gave
Slippery Rock its name.
Young Timothy Jones was a muscular man
With big broad shoulders and skin of tan.
But this husky guy was too darned shy
To get a sweetheart – afraid to try.
Abagail White was a comely miss
Who had reached twenty summers without a kiss.
She was pretty and witty and healthy and sweet,
But never had managed a beau to meet.
One day when Miss Abagail for a sweetheart was wishin'
She spied young Timothy down at the creek fishin',
So, she gathered her courage, gave her pert head a toss
Waded into the creek and started across.
When Tim saw her coming, he wanted to scream
But he decided to help her across the stream.
And Miss Abagail White was thrilled, no end,
For at last she had found herself a friend.
So halfway across the beautiful creek
Miss Abagail chose a rock quite sleek
On which she stepped, and slipped and fell
And went down ker-flop! with a plaintive yell.
Tim Jones picked her up in his big brawny arms
And marveled at all of her beautiful charms.
The rest you can guess -- they were married that spring
With a big church wedding and a gold wedding ring.
Now long years have passed since that event occured
And perhaps this same story you never have heard;
But to Abagail White goes all honor and fame
For it was she who gave SLIPPERY ROCK Creek its name.