Franklin County, Nebraska

For Another Day

Among the items I found in Walt Garrett’s papers were old family pictures and some recommendation letters Walt had written for his students. I was happy to return some of these old letters to the sources. I also found a record of a woman writing about every chicken she raised, how many they butchered, and how much it cost to raise him or her. She also wrote a record of every jar of food she canned. This lady sold fruit to the local people and I saw just who from Franklin County bought this fruit from her. This record book goes on for years during the 1940’s and 1950’s. I am not sure who kept this record book. It was either Gracie Garrett or Anna Fegter (Anna took care of Walt for years). From the years it was kept, I don’t think it could have been Lilly Belle.

The most special thing to me that was found was an old worn brown leather pouch. It looks like it had been carried in someone’s pocket for many years, and most of the outside treated leather has been worn away from use.

Inside this pouch are compartments holding what was considered to be valuable. I found handwritten histories of the Garrett Family. For example: Grace Hager married George Garrett and they continued to live on this farm for most of their latter days. I discovered these people were interested in preserving family history. One important letter to George Garrett, from the Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 14 of Georgetown, Kentucky included the following:

“Dated May 26, 1942, Replying to your inquiry of Mr. Thomas J. Garrett: In the early sixties (1860) our lodge hall was destroyed by fire and very few of our record were saved. Among these is a minute book beginning in 1808. In it I find that Brother T. J. Garrett was a very frequent attendant at lodge. Signed Brice Goldborough.”

Can any one clear this person’s history for me? I know the Garretts came to the Macon area as pioneers.

Now for the most very important find in Walt Garrett’s possessions: discovered inside the pouch another little cardholder, and inside that was a faded picture wrapped in a handwritten letter on yellowed, lined paper.

This is what G. W. Garrett thought was important: “I made this copy when I was 75 years old. I want Pete’s boy, George Garrett, to have it when I die. I want him to hand it down to the Garrett Family. This is my request. Don’t forget it, John and Tom. I want you both to not forget to do it for George W. Garrett. Goodbye, George W. Garrett, forever. Boys, read what is in it and do it for me. I wrote this April 15, 1907.

This person cared about his heritage and wanted his picture he had carried for so long to be passed down.

I have helped to fulfill his wish of 93 years ago. I went to Kearney and had this faded picture copied and made copies of this letter, and I am wrapping up the newly made copy of George Washington Garrett and passing it on to other Garrett family members. George can rest in peace, for I care and I have done what I can do about his simple request.

I appreciate all the good things the Hagers, Lynchs and Garretts have done, because they have helped me fill up a file full of memories for the future.

Teach me half the gladness that the brain must know. Percy Shelley.

Rena Donovan, For Another Day.

Return to For Another Day main page

Return to Franklin County NEGenWeb Main Page