(Francis Gray) Biographical Note:
(continued)
Frances (nee Haines) Gray was born to John W. and Mary (nee Rodrick) Haines in October 1879. She married Frank Gray February 2, 1909. The 1920 Census lists Frank and Frances living at Indian Creek, White County, Illinois with two children Beulah and Benjamin. Frank was born September 3, 1867 and died January 19, 1941
Editor’s Note:
Frances Gray also wrote a letter in 1918. She stated that she was born 2 ¾ miles southeast of Chauncey, and was now located in their little home of 50 acres, southeast of Norris City about two miles. She mentions the two children by name, and says that her son will be in the second grade. She has also visited her old home once every year since moving away.
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(Lee Haynes)
Biographical Note: William Lee Haynes was born about 1903 the son of William Ida Ellen (Kimmel) Haynes. His mother, then widowed, wrote two letters for the Sumner Press- one in 1915 and one in 1917. His sister, Pearl wrote a poem for the 1918 edition.
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(John E. Heath)
Biographical Note:
John was born September 7, 1867 to Tobias and Susan J. Heath. September 7, 1867. He married Minnie Gudgel March 31, 1895 in Richland County. The 1900 census lists one son Elmer, born in March 1896. John died July 13, 1948.
Editor’s Note:
His Wife, Minnie wrote a letter to the Pink Press in 1918 which is included later in this book.
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Kearney, Nebraska
January 24, 1916
Dear Editor and Readers:
As I am a reader of the Press I will join in writing you, not that I am an old timer, but hope to be someday. I was only seven years old (am 13 now) when I left the old home in Claremont Township, located on County line of Richland and Lawrence counties, but I thought I was quite a man then. I remember papa and grandpa (George Haynes) both happened to get me an ax for Christmas when I was five years old.
I used to think Henry Brian was about the best fellow there. I would play with Henry Brian, and taking my axes, one on each shoulder I started out to cut trees down. Papa says now don't get your axes too hot, when one gets hot lay it down and use the other. So I did. When I came to dinner he says you didn't cut any trees in the hog lot did you? (I think he heard the sound). Course we can all be as good as George Washington, and I said,” yes sir, I did. I cut down three." And I had a fine dad; he only said "you must not cut down anymore."
I go to school every day, have not missed or been tardy so far. We have nine-month school.
We are a hearty bunch of youngsters (three of us). Pearl goes to high school, Irene to Hawthorne building, and I go to Emerson building. Mamma is recovering from an attack of la grippe.
I hope to be in high school in another year, so in a few years if you hear of Professor Haynes out west it will likely be me.
Lee Haynes
124-30 B. Kearney, Nebraska
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Butlerville,
Lonoke County, Arkansas
January 18, 1916
Editor Press:
I too am a non-resident of Lawrence County. I was born in Lawrence County, Christy Township, one mile north and one mile west on the state road, on the Davenport place, east of Lafayette school house. I lived in and near Sumner 47 years.
One year ago last December 14, 1914 we loaded our goods in a boxcar and bid Sumner and old friends goodbye and started for the sunny south. Three days later we landed in Beebe, Arkansas. My wife, Minnie (Gudgel) Heath and I, are located on a nice little home of our own of 47 acres, 6 1/2 miles southeast of Beebe, Arkansas. We have had very good health here. If we keep well and prosper, we expect to make old Arkansas our future home.
We have taken the Press for a long time and enjoy reading its columns and could not get along without it, as it is like a long letter from home.
If we both live, we expect to visit Sumner in the near future again, as we both have lots of relatives and warm friends near Sumner.
There are lots of people here from Illinois, and all other states and I wish many more would come, as I see a man with small means that wants to farm can live here as well as anywhere.
Respectfully,
John E. Heath and wife
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