One hundred and three years ago today, my husband’s paternal grandmother was born.
In wanting to write a tribute to her on her birthday, however, I realize that what I know about Ruth, in the genealogical sense, is very little.
I know non-genealogical things about her, of course. Like how she made the best pot roast by stuffing bits of onion and garlic into the meat while it cooked. Or how she fed her kids–children and grandchildren–steaming hot oatmeal loaded with plump raisins and a side of never-ending toast. Or how her grandsons loved playing football in the huge lot behind Mawmaw’s house when they were growing up… And how small that lot looks today.
I know she had the best hugs. And a beautiful smile. That she was level-headed. And loved laughing.
What I don’t know is… Was she Ruth Geneva or Geneva Ruth? Both versions are present in the family Bible, although the latter has been lined out in favor of the former.
Or was it Jeneva, with a J? That version appears in the 1920 Census and conforms to the spelling used by her father’s sister, who shared the name with Ruth.
I also have been unsuccessful at figuring out why, of all the children born to Cyrus & Nettie, she, alone, was born in Kansas. Her older sister, born in 1914, started life in Kentucky as did her older siblings. And by 1918, according to the WWI Draft record for Cyrus, the family was safely ensconced in Louisiana, their home for the remainder of Ruth’s life.
So just what did South Haven, Kansas have to offer in 1915-1917 that would uproot a family of seven [Cyrus, Nettie and children James Earl (9), Ernest (7), Henry Ervin (5), Clifford (3), and Annie May (1)] for a move nearly 700 miles to the west? And why can’t I find a single record of their time there? Not even a birth certificate for Ruth?
The truth is, although genealogists want indisputable proof of names and dates and such, it’s the little things seldom recorded in census records or government documents that make an ancestor’s history come to life.
Like Ruth loving to fish… and dance… and what her favorite song* was…
So, today, on Ruth’s 103rd birthday, her children and grandchildren will remember all the things that made Ruth more than just a name in a family tree. And her great-grandchildren, many of whom were still babes when Ruth passed in 1999, still have the opportunity to get to know her through the stories that we share.
Of course, you’re always welcome to share them here… in the comments 🙂
*I don’t actually know what Ruth’s favorite song was. I hope someone will tell me.
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