There are countless inspirations for beginning the quest to discover your family’s history. For me, it started with my two grandmothers. My paternal grandmother Adah Young Johnson, the first of my “52 Ancestors” this year, was the keeper of the family stories and the family Bible. In many ways, she was our family’s historian. But it was my maternal grandmother, Della Starkey Ramsey, who inspired my first search.
I never met my Grandma Ramsey. She died when my mom was only 8. She had suffered a miscarriage and developed peritonitis. Though the condition is still serious, today it is much more easily treated. People typically don’t die from it today. She was only 27.
Grandpa remarried about 4 years later. Mom still had contact with the Starkeys (her mom’s family), but she was closer with the Ramseys. Consequently, Mom didn’t grow up with the stories or the heritage from that side of the family. It wasn’t until I started researching that she knew the maiden name of her Grandma Starkey (Della’s mother).
Mom hasn’t told us many stories about her mom. I hope she won’t mind me sharing this one.
The day of the funeral was rainy. Like a typical 8-year-old girl — and one who is trying desperately to find a sense of “normal” when her world has turned upside down — my mom was worried that her brand new hair ribbons would be ruined. Her father gently assured her that if they did, he would buy her some new ones.
I only have one photograph of my grandmother. Though she is in profile, I love how content she seems and how happy my mom looks.
Della Starkey Ramsey was born 4 February 1911 in Perry County, Ohio, the fourth of Edward and Clara (Skinner) Starkey’s eight children. She married Ralph Ramsey in 1929. She died 12 July 1938 in Perry County and is buried at the top of the hill in Olivet Cemetery.
Isn’t it that one photo you sometimes treasure – and wishing there were more. Lovely story.
Lovely blog to end the year Amy
Thanks, Penny.
A beautiful tribute.
Do you feel the window opening as the door closes on the year? I do. Thanks for the inspiration, Amy!
Thanks, Sharon. “The window opening as the door closes” — I like that description. It fits well with how I feel right about now. Have a wonderful New Year!
I love your post about your grandmother! I have seen other people do the ’52 ancestors’ posts but have actually never read one. I didn’t know where they came from. I like how you title you 52 posts giving a clue to what you’ll be sharing.
I’ll keep readin your blog & hope to see if you’re continuing the 52 this year, because I’d love to join in!
Eldridge, Charles Sherwood – #52
The most difficult post for me to write – so difficult in fact, that it’s not really finished – but I had to publish it to keep from getting too far behind.
http://kessgen.wordpress.com/2015/01/03/52-ancestors-52-charles-sherwood-eldridge-father-mentor/