Saturday, January 31, 2009

Remembering with love...

On January 29, 1927, two very young people decided to elope in a small Mississippi town. They were each still living at home in Magnolia, MS and eloped to Liberty, MS.

Vera Nell Smith was very young. REALLY young. She was 13 years old but would turn 14 on March 3.

Leaton was 21! She wasn't sure she wanted to marry that soon but his sister Dora talked her into it.


So...they eloped. When word got out...and it didn't take long in a small town...her father was livid!


Pa Dan (her father..shown above) actually threatened to shoot the young groom if he could find him!


Well, his father (shown below) got upset and threatened to hurt her father. Let the games begin!



So what happened? Pa Leaton was put in jail for his own safety. Both men came to their senses and calmed down. The young couple moved in with his family until they could afford their own home.

And Vera and Leaton? Love continued to bloom for the young couple. A son was born in December 1927...my precious Daddy.


Another son, Marvin, joined the family in 1931.

They raised their children with love and discipline.


Herbert married first and Marvin later married my mother's sister Pauline (wedding shown above). What fun family times we had!



They would have 6 grandchildren and numerous gr-grandchildren. I was the first grand-daughter so I always felt I was "special". LOL...doesn't every grandchild think that? That's me on the left with Ma Vera coaching me to sit like a "lady".


They celebrated 72 years together before he passed away. 72 years!

She just passed away this past August at the age of 95.




What a loving example they were to me and they are both missed.

To forever love!



21 comments:

Lorri said... Best Blogger Tips

I love this story! Thanks for sharing.
Lorri

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said... Best Blogger Tips

Sweet, sweet love story! and 72 years!

Stacey said... Best Blogger Tips

What a wonderful family story and heritage to follow!

Donna @ Party Wishes said... Best Blogger Tips

What a wonderful story! Thanks so much for sharing. I just can't imagine being married at 13! WOW!

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh, what a glorious love story! Love all the family photos! Thanks so much for sharing.

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Cami said... Best Blogger Tips

Awww, beautiful love story. May the legacy carry on...

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said... Best Blogger Tips

What a wonderful love story and 72 yrs. is a true testament of their love. You were so luck to have this family. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Marty

Kathy said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh Judybug, what a beautiful story and a beautiful family and what a treasure of photographs you have, I really enjoyed your post, Kathy.

Lisa McDonald said... Best Blogger Tips

Judy

I have to tell you how much I enjoyed your story. It brought tears to my eyes and plenty of goosebumps on my arms. Thanks for sharing your family with us.

Lisa
www.palepinkandroses.typepad.com

Glenda/MidSouth said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh my - 13? But if they were together 72 yrs., it must have been love. Thanks for sharing.
Glenda

Jeanne said... Best Blogger Tips

Judy Bug, I adore your family history. Your grandparents were such a beautiful and handsome couple. Imagine getting married so young and look at the beautiful family they started. And it will go on and on because of their love. a very sweet story.

Hugs...Jeanne

Blondie's Journal said... Best Blogger Tips

Judy...this was just so beautiful, the way the story unfolded with the pictures. I love to see what a couple looks like when they are young and then when they have grown old together!

You are a aweetie!

My dad was born in '27 also!

xoxo
Jane

Peggy Montano & Paintings said... Best Blogger Tips

Marvelous family story. Loved the photos too.

said... Best Blogger Tips

Judy, I am utterly charmed by the family saga of love. Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us. :o)

Jewel Sauls said... Best Blogger Tips

What a wonderful story - complete with pictures!!!! 72 years is amazing! :D Jewel

Mo..."Mo's Cottage" said... Best Blogger Tips

I came by for Pink Saturday and found this lovely story about your family....how brave they were to just go and get married at 13 and twenty something...I can see why her father wanted to hurt her new husband....but things turned out wonderful....they had a fabulous live and a wonderful story to tell....loved this post....
Hugs,
Mo ;-)

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow! What a terrific love story. Thank you for sharing it. Love the old photos too.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Charmingdesigns said... Best Blogger Tips

What an awesome story!!! Wow...Im almost half way there.lol. Laurie

♥Mimi♥ said... Best Blogger Tips

My gosh, look how young they were and still they held dear the vows they made to each other. What a lovely story to share. Thank you so much.

Stephanie said... Best Blogger Tips

I just LOVE this story!

Stephanie

Tardevil said... Best Blogger Tips

What a sweet story! Now THAT IS LOVE!!!