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:
I love this story! Thanks for sharing.
Lorri
Sweet, sweet love story! and 72 years!
What a wonderful family story and heritage to follow!
What a wonderful story! Thanks so much for sharing. I just can't imagine being married at 13! WOW!
Oh, what a glorious love story! Love all the family photos! Thanks so much for sharing.
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
Awww, beautiful love story. May the legacy carry on...
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
Oh Judybug, what a beautiful story and a beautiful family and what a treasure of photographs you have, I really enjoyed your post, Kathy.
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
Oh my - 13? But if they were together 72 yrs., it must have been love. Thanks for sharing.
Glenda
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
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
Marvelous family story. Loved the photos too.
Judy, I am utterly charmed by the family saga of love. Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us. :o)
What a wonderful story - complete with pictures!!!! 72 years is amazing! :D Jewel
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 ;-)
Wow! What a terrific love story. Thank you for sharing it. Love the old photos too.
Blessings,
Charlotte
What an awesome story!!! Wow...Im almost half way there.lol. Laurie
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.
I just LOVE this story!
Stephanie
What a sweet story! Now THAT IS LOVE!!!
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