Editor’s Note – This is the second feature in a two-part series about our trip to Marshall County, MS last weekend for the dedication of my great grandmother’s grave.
We were there in the woods, at the Pittman Cemetery, snapping pictures and cleaning up our tools when our new friend, Kitty, suggested she would be happy to telephone one of the descendants of one of the siblings of my great grandmother.
In other words, our genealogy discovery wasn’t over yet.
We left the Pittman Cemetery and headed on our way home. As we made our way back toward the interstate, by way of Valentine Road, we saw a few homes that once belonged to Mary’s siblings.
Then, we stopped by Miz Katherine’s beautiful 100 year old home to visit with her, one of her nieces and the wife of one of her nephews (also descendants of one of Mary’s siblings).
They were so gracious to welcome us into their home on very short notice. They showed us some photos of many of Mary’s siblings (including the patriarch of their family, George C.). They also encouraged my sister to photograph some of the pictures (which she did).
Kathy (Katherine’s niece) mentioned that it would be great to get back together at some point when we could stay a bit longer. Who knows, maybe we could get a bunch of the siblings together for a get-together (a reunion, of sorts). Everyone thought that was an outstanding idea!
Earlier, in the woods, we were talking among the group of us that it would be nice to come back in the winter – when some of the vegetation dies out – with chainsaws and weed eaters and cut back some of the growth. It would be nice to clean up the Pittman Cemetery.
We all pledged to try to accomplish that task.
In the short-term, the editor of The South Reporter newspaper said he would be glad to publish a photo with a brief write-up. We’ll make sure that happens. I will send a couple pix to Marie along with the verbiage. And, in a few weeks, to wrap up this phase of the discussion, I’ll send a follow up Letter to the Editor to thank everyone for their kindness, support and hospitality.
It was an amazing weekend. To a person, everyone in my family felt very content about our work and proud that we left a remembrance of this courageous lady.
When I close my eyes and try to imagine what Mary might have looked like, I see a petite, pretty, Southern Edwardian lady.
And most notably, I imagine she is smiling; proud of the efforts of her family members who didn’t want her to be forgotten.
JG
Originally posted 10/7/2014
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