Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Namesake Family Heritage Important

“It sure would be interesting to know more of the family history.”

Often that comment is made when children ask about their forefathers. Frequently a similar remark is said upon passing of a relative.

Certainly, every visit to the cemetery brings such thoughts to mind especially when the tombstone is engraved with the namesake.

It was a century ago last Tuesday when Grandpa of the same name died, according to his gravestone. He was born on October 20, 1865, and went to the Great Beyond on September 14, 1921. That was 30 years before birth of a grandson who was given his same name.

The story goes that Mom and Dad asked Grandma what to name their newborn son. She replied without second thought, it was remembered, “name him after his Grandpa.” So, they did just that

It is interesting reflecting and wondering about Grandpa and Grandma as well.  See, Grandma was a widow, after passing of her first husband, before marrying Grandpa. She was born November 25, 1883, so was 18 years younger than Grandpa.

Grandma had a daughter from her first marriage, plus two sons, including Dad, and a daughter with Grandpa. Her first daughter passed away not long after marrying Grandpa, but Grandma raised their three children after his death.

That in itself is hard to comprehend without much of anything, living off the land, so to speak.

Evidently, Grandma did cook for eating establishments occasionally. But that couldn’t have been much income, although living costs were comparatively low in those days. Sometime, the family lost all of their meager possessions in a fire, adding to already nearly unbearable circumstances.

While staying with Grandma considerable time before school days, there was never anything said about Grandpa.

However, there were regular visits to his unmarked grave in the cemetery then not publicly maintained. Several times every summer, Dad with Grandma along took the lawnmower out and mowed where Grandpa is buried.

Since, a nice tombstone has been placed at Grandpa’s grave, with one matching for Grandma buried right beside him. She passed September 28, 1971, 88-years-old, while Grandpa died when just 55-years-old. Mom and Dad and Uncle Elmer are buried nearby.

Sadly now, that’s all there is known about namesake Grandpa.

Reminded of Psalm 16:6: “Indeed, my heritage is important to me.”

+++ALLELUIA+++ 

XV–38–9-19-2021

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