Tag: genealogy artifacts

[ARTIFACT] My grandmother’s 1943-1944 Kentucky Education Association (KEA) membership card

My grandmother’s Kentucky Education Association, Inc. membership card, 1943-1944.

1943-1944

Kentucky Education Association Incorporated and Commonwealth of Kentucky seal

This Certifies That

Mrs. Pleas Mathews Co. Jessamine

having paid the annual fee of $1.50, plus the Regional District dues, which includes subscription to the Kentucky School Journal, is an active member of the KENTUCKY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (incorporated) and the Regional District Association for the year dated July 1, 1943 to June 30, 1944.

James Richmond President

W. P. King Secretary Treasurer

BRING THIS CARD TO THE CONVENTION

As I sit pondering this, there opens up potential sources for discovery, including archives of KEA and copies of the Kentucky School Journal. And, I wonder what the conventions were all about. And, how hard was it to spare that $1.50 and other dues?

In ’43-44, Fanny Dean was wife of farmer Pleas, disabled WWI veteran who had one of his clavicle bones removed, which profoundly impacted life on ol’ homeplace. She was a mother of four children (12yo, 11yo, 9yo, 6yo) and would give birth to her fifth in August 1944. Teaching. Farming. Moming. Caregiving. Did she ever sleep?

Given those realities, I am curious whether she had to live away from the family while teaching, as was a common practice of the time. That would have been even more challenging for the family on the homeplace. Traveling to and from the schoolhouse on a daily basis would have left very little time for much else. It would likely not have been by motor vehicle.

Many more inquiries in my head. More research rabbit holes with questions I may never answer. I am not deterred.

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A 6th-generation Kentuckian on a journey to find out – follow along

  • [ARTIFACT] 1984: The Jessamine Journal, Thursday, October 18, 1984

    SENIOR CITIZENS ENTER FLOAT IN JAMBOREE PARADE – Jessamine County Senior Citizens Center entered an “Autumn Memory” float in the Jamboree Parade, held here October 6. Tagging along behind the entry was a horse-pulled wagon carrying other seniors. Pictured on the float are O. F. Sanders, David Willhoite, Cleo Willhoite, Mary Shearer, Arval Durham, Violet…

  • [ARTIFACT] 1776 Deed: James Douglass, Jessamine Co, KY

    This deed is the legal origination of land that eventually served as my father’s family childhood homeplace. James Douglass was an appointed deputy surveyor of Colonel William Preston, county surveyor, when Kentucky was known as Fincastle County of Virginia. In April 1774, Douglass joined John Floyd, Hancock Taylor (uncle to future US President Zachary Taylor),…

  • PHOTO: Spot and Violet

    Spot, the Faynes’ farm dog, from my grandmother’s youth. Violet Fayne and her family lived in and around Little Hickman along Sugar Creek Pike in Jessamine County. She was the middle sibling of the five children and was born in June 1913. If she was still living at home when this photograph was taken, it…

  • [ARTIFACTS] Obituary keepsakes from January 1963

    In Memoriam HERALD-LEADER Lexington, Ky. January 8 1963 Mrs. Martha B. Corman Mrs. Martha Bradshaw Corman, 81, the widow of Suber* Corman, died at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Elizabeth Hospital, South Fort Mitchell. She was a native of Lexington. Mrs. Corman lived at 6 Floral Avenue in South Fort Mitchell and was a member…

  • [ARTIFACT] 1906 Deed: Corman, Henry H. to James M. Lowry, Jessamine Co, KY

    The transcription below is my attempt to decipher the handwriting and legal jargon of the late 1800s. You will notice question marks and placeholder text that informs my research. Additionally the FAN (friends, acquaintances, neighbors) approach yields rich opportunities with the names of Stifers, Rhorer, Welch, Campbell, etc. The deed is the third in a…

  • Violet’s biography

    A resource* housed in the Jessamine County Public Library on Main Street, Nicholasville, KY, was published as a commemorative Jessamine County history and included individual citizens’ written accounts. My grandmother, Cutters, contributed her own biography which was included in this publication. What I find funny or ironic is that whoever proofread or otherwise made an…

NEWS TO ME – Great-granduncle: Dr. W. H. Mathews II (1856-1945)

February 3, 2023 is the 78th anniversary of the death of this person – Dr. Mathews – my ancestor I never knew I had. He is on a branch of my paternal family tree – Mathews with one “t” as we say, that I discovered only through my Ancestry.com research.

William H. Mathews II, MD

Here’s what I compiled from resources: He was born 5th of 11 siblings to William H. & Sarah Ann Porter Mathews, in Nicholasville, Jessamine Co, KY. He was the older brother of John Shanon Mathews, my dad’s grandfather. He was uncle to Pleas Cook Mathews, my grandfather.

Dr. W. H. Mathews II was born, was raised and later settled his family and his medical practice all in the proximity of the location noted on map as “W. H. Mat(t)hews” (see “C” in Chattersville)

Medical education in late 1800s

William H. Mathews, II attended medical school in Louisville, KY, in September 1881. Other names affiliated with his education include Kentucky School of Medicine and Hospital Medical College, from which he graduated in 1883. His obituary makes reference to an additional course in microscopy. I’d like to know what medical school was like in the late 1800s.

He married Fannie Scott of Nicholasville in 1884. The 1900 & 1910 Census records show they lived in Nicholasville, Jessamine Co, KY. They had two children Thomas Scott Mathews and Wm. H. “Doc” Mathews III.

Jessamine Co histories and his obituary place Dr. Mathews’ forty-four acre farm and practice located 3 miles south of Nicholasville, Jessamine Co., on Lexington and Danville Turnpike where he was born. He farmed and practiced as a physician at his homeplace. He was noted as a member of the Methodist Church. [Question to answer: Which one?] He provided care to the residents of Jessamine County for what might have been more than 40 years. [Another question.]

Concurrent storylines

Dr. Mathews II died at 88yo in Nicholasville, KY, on February 3, 1945. Across the county not far north, my dad was about to turn 10yo in a couple months and Pleas’ Jessamine Co tobacco farming family looked very much like this (see photo). Dr. Mathews may have checked in on his nephew Pleas’ family of five young children. Right? Would there have been any law against family treating family then?

The Mathews Family around 1945 or so (front) Bobby, Marita, Kenneth, (back) Marjorie, Fanny Dean holding David, and Pleas. I stare and stare at this image and ponder how much alike my father and his father appear here. Look at them – similar stance, far-off eyes squinting, head tilted at the sun.

The various Mathews relations likely all gathered at the funerals for Mayme Cook Mathews in March 1940, or that of her husband, John Shanon Mathews, who died a month later, April 1940. William would have attended his younger brother John’s funeral, I say. And yet, I have not found anything to corroborate.

Perhaps it was timing and geography that had something to do with a tradition of not knowing the family members. Maybe they just did not have anyone to carry forward all their stories to the younger generations. Was there a falling out of some sort, somewhere along the tree branches? Could it have been that Pleas returned from WWI combat without that connection?

I have not been searching long enough to have a true basis for these theories and yet I am not deterred. I will continue to seek more stories to live through my study and my imagination. I strive to be a giving ancestor by capturing what I can while I can as best I am able.

Other physicians in the tree

UP next (or soon, anyway) Dr. Mathews II’s first cousin (also my first cousin, 3x removed), Dr. Joseph M. Mathews, was a notable physician teaching and practicing in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY. Then, there is evidence of a connection to Danville’s Dr. Ephraim McDowell, a first cousin 6x removed from me, who is famous as a pioneer surgeon. More to follow from these rabbit holes.

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PHOTO 1955: Fayne – Hazel, Manford & Violet…and..? (Jessamine Co, KY)

Hazel, daughter, Manford Fayne, father and widower of nine years, and Violet, daughter. And, unless my mind is playing tricks, there is a little person peeking through the arched shrubbery or tree there behind where they stand.

Manford Fayne and Daisy Easley had five children, two daughters and three sons. Manford Fayne was nine years a widower in this photo following the death of wife Daisy Easley Fayne in 1946. From what I can sense over my lifetime, Ole’ Daddy led a close family and adored his girls, Hazel and Violet. He died in 1971 when I was 4yo, but I remember him. His light. His smile.

According to the 1950 US Census, Manford Fayne was a 65yo farmer living on Lock 8 in Jessamine County as the head of household. Also in the household, his son-in-law Clyde (41) & daughter Violet (36), and grandchildren Ronald (16yo), Phyllis (8yo) and Herbert (4yo). Multigenerational family farm living.

This photo is dated January 1955, at which time Hazel was 50yo and had been married to farmer Henry Thomas Graham for 34 years. They married when Hazel was 16yo and Henry was 24yo. They had no children which leads me to wonder whether they were able to conceive. She would be a widow at 52yo. Henry would die at the age of 60yo in November 1957 – nearly two years after this photo.

Violet (standing far right in the photo) had been married to Clyde for 25 years and at the time was mother to Ronnie (22yo), Phyllis (12yo) and Herbert (9y0). They were living with Ole’ Daddy and, to whatever extent he needed, were providing him care. I need to find out what year the Clyde McQuerry family moved from Lock 8 to Richmond Avenue near downtown Nicholasville, KY. It seems to me it was after 1971, which is when Ole’ Daddy died. I may not be accurate in piecing together a correct timeline..

The first child of Clyde & Violet, Ronnie, and his wife, Alice, were living in Virginia while Ronnie was serving in the US Marine Corp, Quantico, VA. Phyllis and Herbert were in school, I presume. Based on the 1950 Census and the probability they were living the same five years later, this photo was taken at either the Graham’s or the Fayne’s homeplace. I love the white picket fence.

I believe a multi-generational family experience can be such a gift. I take special delight in the relationships my children have with my parents. The fact that we live as neighbors is icing on the cake and my proof in the power of manifesting. I fall asleep at night dreaming of a Kentucky homeplace farm with wide open space where all my family could gather, enjoy food grown out the back door. In truth, I am not far from that now. Could it be this came from my ancestors’ DNA?

I also feel that continuing this tradition of caring for our elders is important. Caring for our people in their final days of walking on home changes you. I am blessed to have had that honor. And, it seems, so were my ancestors.

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RESOURCE: General Index to Deeds, Jessamine County, Ky

I am so lucky to have learned about the land office loot for researching geek outs.

In the earliest of legal records, you will find a certain style of handwritten accounts when transactions became legally binding. Surprisingly few scribbled errors to which I give mad respect, particularly imagining a quill and ink well as the tools. Esoteric terms and colloquialisms in cursive on big pages can be overwhelming at first. Thankfully, at some point, there was a transition to typewritten records, as you see in the photo above, when later those earliest records were indexed.

Make a list using indexes

Here are some things I learned as I fumbled my way through my first visit to a county clerk land office. It happened to be Jessamine County County Clerk’s land records office located in the courthouse, downtown Nicholasville, KY. We arrived on a day when a wonderfully helpful fellow researcher offered up tips. She was in the office for title research and could tell I was without a clue. Soon, I got the basics and took off, as did Dad who wanted to walk around the town a bit. We were both happily engaged in our pursuits so it was a win, win.

First, I learned these indexes are listed alphabetically by surname groups. I started with my parents’ names and opened the Grantee records index first. From these indexes, I was able to note the names of the parties, the year recorded, a Volume and Page reference and a brief description. Usually, this was an acreage notation in the index, if a land record.

After jotting down my list of those references, next I turned to the bound records index of the Grantors – a different set of books. The two sets of lists served as my road map for moving forward in the research. I learned a great deal by trial and error.

Ledger volumes

In essence, you work backwards from the Indexes by compiling a listing of name/volume/page references. Next, to locate the full language of the record, you go pull out the respective volume. The deed records themselves were handwritten on tabloid-size paper and bound into large, heavy volumes. Records were captured chronologically within these oversize ledgers.

In each of the counties I have visited to research, the ledger volumes are stored on open shelving. Some storage space is limited and the older records are not as accessible or prominent. Because I could not possibly stay the length of time it would take to transcribe these resources, I needed to make copies.

Be prepared for a self-service situation in both reaching shelves and copying pages. The preservationist in me was especially careful in handling what was at times a delicate situation with pages showing wear and tear from the years.

My personal preference is to have actual size copies but it is more common to get reduced size pages. Take cash with you for any copies you make. At this time, capturing cellphone images is against Kentucky law so don’t try. This is precisely why I do not have an image to share of the impressive shelving of resources. You just need to go check it out yourself, in person.

One thing I find interesting is how the records have evolved. This county began with Book A~Book Z, then numeral 1 and forward. When you see these listings and references in research, it is safe to assume the oldest records are in volumes at the beginning of the alphabet. It may be helpful to find out what year the county was founded. The evolution of Kentucky’s current 120 counties from the original 3 counties can make this aspect of research a bit daunting. Stick with it, I say.

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OBITUARY 1940: John Shanon Mathews (Jessamine Co)

John Shanon Mathews
Mayme Cook Mathews & John Shanon Mathews with grandson John Shepherd Mathews taken at the Jessamine County homeplace circa 1929-1930. They were married 53 years and died 37 days apart. Images captured from a family photo album and I believe the handwriting belongs to my grandmother.

MATHEWS

John S. Mathews, 76, died at 8:30 o’clock Wednesday night at the Good Samaritan hospital, Lexington.

Mr. Mathews, a Jessamine county farmer, is survived by two sons, Pleas and Johnny Mathews of Jessamine county; two brothers, the Rev. Joe Mathews, Anderson county and Dr. W. H. Mathews, Nicholasville, and three sisters; Mrs. Celia King, Indianapolis, Mrs. M. P. Land, Lexington and Mrs. Anna Bryant, Danville.

The body has been removed to the Guyn & Kurtz funeral home, wheres services were held at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon, with the Rev. Madison Combs, officiating. Burial was in Maple Grove cemetery.

The Nicholasville News, Wednesday, May 29, 1940
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PHOTOS: Corman and Bogie (Jessamine County, KY)

Here’s what I learned: These photos are all related and appear to be around the 1920s-1930s. Firstly, my grandmother Fanny Dean is in each one and she is approximately the same age in each. Also, three different members of the Bogie family are featured.

A quick check in ancestry.com & Google search located Betty Dean Bogie, mother of Rella, who lived in Nicholasville, KY the same time as my grandmother and who is buried in Maple Grove cemetery, as are many of my family members, including my grandmother.

My 28yo grandmother was a school teacher early in her career when in November 1930, she married a 36yo widower with a 5yo son. I do not know how they met or reconnected when she returned to Jessamine County from Missouri. Historically, rural one-room schoolhouses served concurrently varying ages of students from the adjacent communities. In those years teaching, Fanny Dean would board with families in a particular area where she taught. This period aligns with the timeline of her life as I understand it. Maybe she resided with the Bogie family during one of those stints. That is one theory.

Another is that Fanny “Dean” and Betty “Dean” may have been relations of some kind. Whether family or patrons, this family was significant to my grandmother. I did not find any references to Hughie in Fanny Dean’s writings but he is also the child of Betty according to some quick ancestry.com searching for connections.

Rella Bogie with Fanny Dean Corman (Jessamine County, KY)
Fanny Dean Corman with Mrs. Betty Bogie (Jessamine County, KY)
Fanny Dean Corman with Hughie Bogie (Jessamine County, KY)
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PHOTO: Ring, the farm dog

Love of animals can be inherited, right? I did not have the experience of farm living as most of my extended family did. I did not get to know reliance on other creatures for living as on a farm. I speak from a place of recognition and honor of my own ignorance. I have enjoyed, though, many pets in my life.

My own first pet was a turtle. We got Toby, a Cock-a-Poo (cocker spaniel+poodle) for our family dog in the mid-1970s and numerous pets came and went thereafter. Often, my parents “hosted” – a somewhat reluctant state, if memory serves. An iconic black cat named Puddy Tat lived with me – and a few other kind souls – from new born kitten when I was in college until the birth of my second baby – a good long life of sixteen years. Then, I have a series of stories about the puppy tales from my years mothering my own young ones, but that is a different blog.

Looking at these old photos of family, some featuring the animals of the farm, I wonder about their natures – what manner of beasts. Of course they had personalities, and they had relationships with their humans. Dad has told us stories, like the one about his younger self (not more than 10yo) milking cows at 4am, running into a bull in the dark one morning, and the reaction they both had being startled. Some stories are poignant lessons of surviving on the farm, most are funny as to hear a Mathews tell it. Some are heartbreaking.

From the family photo album circa 1930

Take Ring, for example, featured in images from when Mr. and Mrs. John S. Mathews lived in the “big” house, as my Dad recalls first knowing it. Mr. & Mrs. Mathews – they were my Dad’s grandparents, who both died within a month of each other in 1940 when Dad was barely five. They lived to 76yo and 71yo, respectively. Ring served their farm and according to other photos in the family archive, there were possibly two other collie-type dogs well-loved on the farm after Ring.

I doubt Ring was an inside dog. I gather from my father that was NOT a thing back then and ESPECIALLY no where near any kitchen. So, likely Ring slept in the barn or some other cover when it was cold. Ring looks most like a border collie and herding IS a farm job. I imagine I would feel very affectionate for the dogs guarding the homeplace and alerting to visitors, dangers and otherwise. In my memory, there was a long drive from Harrodsburg Road back to the house and included more than one fence gate and crossing a bridge at the creek. In other words, some ground to cover as a runner, whether four or two feet.

Here’s my question: Why is Ring posed solo in a portrait? It suggests to me Ring wasn’t considered just an old farm dog to whomever took the photo. It looks like Ring is smart, eager to please, has something in the mouth and is wearing a collar with a tag. Maybe Ring knew a few tricks, too. “Sit” being a good bet.

Cut to modern days. Now we dress our pets for special occasions, the stores are filled with varying gourmet feed, toy and treat options. I do not leave my pup outside in the cold. He’s always been an inside dog and I have the traveling tumbleweeds of hair and dander to prove no matter how often I run the vacuum. He, too, is a smart dog and I have pictures and video on my phone as evidence. I am certain he would love to run himself out in farm living, as would I.

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PHOTO: The Dauntless Four

Ira Malcolm Corman, 2nd from right, my granduncle, died 1930 of typhoid fever at 26yo.

On reverse, the inscription reads:

This is the “Dauntless Four” as all the students call us. We all occupy the same room in the dorm. Reading from left to right we are as follows: Silas Mullen, Otis Marshall, Ira M. Corman and George E. Wilson.

Circa early 1920s. Likely Manhattan, Kansas where Ira attended Bible college.
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Prescience was it, Pleasant?

Assembling the “ol’ homeplace”

My paternal 2nd great-grandfather was named Pleasant Cook. Not a name I think I’ve ever heard before until researching. But, pleasant. Is it possible to live up to it, though?

He was born at home in 1832 at the Cook Family Home, Harrodsburg Road on the border of Woodford and Jessamine Counties. His mother, Nancy Easley, died when he was 8yo and his father remarried to Pauline Bryant in 1841.

inscription on back: “farm with Pleas Cook in front of house” circa 1910-1917

Pleasant worked for 21 years as a carpenter following an apprenticeship to Woodford County carpenter Barry Holloway that began in 1847 when he was 16yo. In 1850, he was employed by Holman R. Crow as a carpenter along with Aaron Crow, George Crow, William Trisler and Neal Wilson.

Two years later, when he was 21, he went out on his own professionally and married Mary Chowning in October, 1852. Over the next 17 years, they had four children: John, Melvin, James, Charles and Mayme (my great grandmother). They farmed 230 acres at this homeplace he assembled over time in the same area as his in-laws.

My great-great grandparents, Mary Ann Chowning and Pleasant Cook. The image, therefore, appears to be a middle-aged period based. Best guess: circa 1880-1890.
If you ask me, his hands suit his vocation. And, it may have been something for mother to hold a handkerchief, book or something – can’t distinguish.

Pleasant outlived Mary by 8 years after she died in 1909 at 75yo. His wife’s obituary includes a reference to the Cook family as “one of the oldest families of the county.” Pleasant lived to be 86yo and died in August 1917. Grandson Pleas had just registered for the US draft in June 1917.

The “ol’ homeplace” on Jessamine Creek in Jessamine County, Kentucky
at the time of my grandparents raising their children, including my father circa late 1940s

With confidence in research validations, I know Pleasant Cook and Mary Chowning to be my great-great grandparents. From Pleasant, I am working my way further along his tree including his father named Thomas Cook, mother Nancy Easley (surname also found in my maternal grandmother’s tree) and possibly three siblings or more. From the family artifacts collection, there is a handwritten listing of Chowning family and their respective birth, death and marriage dates which will come in handy when I get to that stage of research. The Chownings, along with the Singletons, were early settlers of the area and presumably purchased from surveyor and settler James Douglass. *Research topic for later

Cropped image of 1868 deed

According to Jessamine County land records, Pleasant Cook, at 37 yo, was first recorded in 1868 as a grantee of 10 acres for $1,000 by William Singleton. From that date, there are six entries in which Pleasant was a grantee. By tallying the descriptions in those deed records, he acquired more than 222 acres in the 34 years between 1868-1902.

He worked with his hands, creating things of utility and beauty both in the fields and in the workshop. I have been fortunate to have been gifted several pieces that belonged to “the Cooks” as Dad says he was told. Perhaps Pleasant made one of them himself . . .?

I wonder: Did Pleasant have his eye on this particular land for his assemblage into a farm for his family and subsequent generations? Was it the realization of his goals and dreams?

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MARRIAGE: December 24, 1930 ~ McQuerry and Fayne (Jessamine County, KY)

Clyde McQuerry (22 years old) married Violet Fayne (17 years old) on December 24, 1930 in Jessamine County, KY.

A Christmas Eve wedding

A courtin’ scene – Clyde Herbert McQuerry and Violet Sunbeam Fayne,
my maternal grandparents circa 1928-30,
Sugar Creek Pike, Little Hickman, Jessamine County, Kentucky

The phrase “don’t make ’em like they used to” comes to mind. I look at these young faces and see the beginning of a love story that spanned nearly a century. Look at their arms, hands. Entwined and naturally fitted together. A metaphor for their lives. Even after Clyde died from cancer in 1977, Cutters kept their connection a daily practice. She wrote to him in her diaries, everyday for 35 years until she could no longer see well enough to write. She reached 100 years before that happened.

Both families were members of Wesley Chapel on Sugar Creek Pike, Cutters was born next door to their church, which is where they met, although they did attend different schools. The McQuerrys lived on a large, likely multi-generational farm south on the banks of the Kentucky River. Up the hill from there on Sugar Creek Pike was (and is) Wesley Chapel and neighboring Fayne family. Her utter goodness must have shot through him like a lightning bolt. Or, what if it was a slow burn, like they played together as kids? Both born and raised in a rural church community, it is within the realm of possibility. (I will ask Daddy Mac & ‘Tuh.)

She carried a quiet wholeness and holiness, fingers ever in motion creating something for sharing like legendary bread and crocheted afghans. Cutters, as I knew Violet much later in her life, had this look at times of a far away thought. Her pause was nearly always just to the point you felt the need to pick up a dropped thread. You’d even inhale to speak, then suddenly, she released, nailing the reply. She reflected before speaking her wisdom and I suppose it was by the lessons along the way. She knew EXACTLY what was going on but she had to reflect and, in doing so, to compel you the same. In her presence you’d welcome the pause. She also delivered zingers with impeccable timing. Very clever. It was fun to giggle with Cutters.

The Cutters I knew also carried a sadness reminiscent of long-suffering as in The Bible. She carried it selflessly, though. She could experience joy and you can be sure if you were in her presence the light of that joy was always bright and it shone on you. Always, even in pain and brokenness, she spread light. And, she knew brokenness.

The proximity of Wesley Chapel to the house where Cutters (Violet Sunbeam Fayne McQuerry) was born on Sugar Creek Pike, Jessamine County, KY.
Photo: C. Mathews taken on a Ya-Ya’s trip in 2020, 107 years after.

But, in this moment, Clyde, my grandfather at 22 years-old, and Violet, my grandmother at 17 years-old, were in love and embarking together on the future. Christmas Eve. It was a Wednesday. It was 1930. Was it magical? How I hope there may have been a photo I might discover. When did Clyde know she was an angel walking among us? Did he whisper to her “I want to marry you on Christmas?”

The McQuerry-Fayne marriage ceremony was conducted at the parsonage of Rhodes Thompson, minister of the Nicholasville Christian church. [NOTE: I would like to locate this minister’s home address in future research.] You might wonder why the wedding ceremony did not take place at their own church, nor with their own minister. I wonder about that, also. Maybe these “crazy kids” had a reason.

Shirley (unk), Mary C (unk), Clyde & Violet
date unrecorded, circa 1928

She had graduated from high school in the summer. She was a teenager, they were young’ns. So, you graduate high school and you plan to be married at Christmas? Don’t you wonder what the “kids” talked about then? Their connection to the outside world was through radio, newspapers, telegrams and word of mouth. The Wall Street Crash had occurred in October 1929 and now, one year later, people were IN the Great Depression. Also, prohibition was in effect, but I don’t think either of them drank alcohol ever.

In the photograph of four friends, you can see what looks like a buckboard in the corner, a fence and a large wooden gate. It reminds me of watching Little House on the Prairie growing up. Cutters liked to watch the TV show, also. I have a litany of “LHotP” stories. That Pa, though. More for another time.

Certificate of Person Performing Marriage Ceremony

TO BE DELIVERED TO PARTIES MARRIED

I, Rhodes Thompson, minister of the Nicholasville Christian Church or religious order of that name do certify that on the 24th day of December 1930 at Nicholasville Kentucky, under authority of a license issued by E. H. Fuller, Clerk of County Court of Fayette County (or city), State of Kentucky, dated the 23rd day of December 1930, I united Clyde McQuerry and Violet Fayne Husband and Wife in the presence of Arab Madilla Herrin(sp?), Henry Lester McQuerry Given under my hand this 24th day of December 1930.

Person Performing Ceremony, Sign Here – Rhodes Thompson

Title of Office – minister

Witnessed by two people: A. M. H. (need help deciphering what is both hard to read and completely unfamiliar) and Henry Lester McQuerry. Should I expect to see a vouchsafe for the bride (because I do)? Where is the implication for her parents’ permission in this process? Or, was that not a thing? Their minister and her family are not represented on the certificate. I mean, where were HER people? Where was Big Mother and Ol’Daddy?

Celebrating Christmas for me was never complete until going with family to “Cutters’ Christmas.” I would venture to guess any of the cousins would say the same. The annual tradition remained a deeply special occasion for decades and maybe that was how Violet chose to honor their special day and her love Clyde each year.

Merry Christmas Eve and Happy Anniversary to you, Clyde and Violet. May you be entwined around each other celebrating for eternity.

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