Grace Valentine – Full of Surprises
Grace Valentine Kembel was born on Valentine’s Day in 1914. She married Ellis Ray Spencer on Valentine’s Day in 1933. She was the fourth of nine children; two boys and
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Happy Birthday Ellis Ray Spencer!
My Grandfather Ellis Ray Spencer was born to Richard Allen and Leona (Howell) Spencer this week one hundred and ten years ago (Feb 20, 1912) in Plato, Laclede County, Missouri. He was the first son born into the family of nine children. Here is a glimpse into his life.
Richard Tolliver Southard: A Resilient Life [updated]
For many years I have been drawn to the story of my third great uncle, Richard Tolliver Southard (1844-1934). His early life had to have been traumatic, seemingly always in turmoil. The challenges to his family began before his birth and would last through the early years of his marriage when he and his wife lost three of their four young children. His is a story of pioneer life on the Missouri prairie.
Richard Tolliver Southard: A Resilient Life [updated] Read More »
Cousin Bailey: “I hate to claim it, we are kin!”
Last week the call came that I had been expecting for some time; my oldest living relative Bailey had passed away. He would have been 95 on his next birthday. He was my grandmother Grace Valentine Kembel Spencer’s first cousin. Bailey’s Mom Nancy [“Nannie”] was Grace’s father Robert’s sister.
Cousin Bailey: “I hate to claim it, we are kin!” Read More »