Jessie May Ward was born May 22, 1876 to Bruce and Esther Ward. Her maternal grandfather, Ira S. Bradley, died just outside of Washington D. C. while his regiment guarded the Capitol during the Civil War.
Jessie grew to love stories about her grandfather who served President Lincoln with honor. Drinking in fascinating accounts her parents shared about their recollection of that period in U.S. History--she especially loved it when her father told her of seeing Lincoln in person. She would read and re-read cherished letters her mother kept--written by her father, while serving in the Union Army.
Jessie May's genteel upbringing laid a foundation of strong character and commitment which would serve her well throughout her life. Raised on a dairy farm, she knew what hard work was, but also spent hours letting her vivid imagination take her to places she read about in the books she devoured. Her love of reading took her then to putting pen to paper-- writing poetry. Every occasion, every change in season--birthed a poem.
In tomorrow's blog I will share one of my favorites. "The Old Ward House".
Sharon, I'm looking forward to reading your book! Sounds fascinating!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela, for reading my blog and your comment.
DeleteThanks, Sharon, for this insight into the background of your book. Sounds like a wonderful story!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rebecca. Appreciate you reading the blog and taking time to comment.
DeleteGrandma was born during the Victorian Age, and she was a true Victorian. Looks regal, and a bit like a young Queen Victoria in this photograph. When Victoria (the longest reigning monarch in English history) died in 1901, grandma would have been 25 years old. Although grandma never traveled to England, she remembered Victoria as "a Godly woman." (This was before the days of "revisionist historians" and snide commentary on 19th century "prudery." We could use a touch of it today.)
ReplyDeleteThank you, David. Yes, I recognize your literary style. And I wholeheartedly agree with your last comment. Grandma certainly was a fine lady. She took care to always look her best. Even though she was not a "glamour girl"--I think Aunt Esther and even I take some of our "concern" to our appearance from her.
ReplyDelete