Grandfather's Gift
When I was 15 years old, my beloved Granddad presented me with his Grandmother’s journal containing her writings about some of her experiences as a participant in the Underground Railroad. I always cherished his gift to me. I desperately wanted to share this priceless gift with writing of my own. Over the years I tried doing so in several genres. I was never satisfied, so I continued to hone.
Every time I read over my beloved Granddad’s words to me when he gave it to me, I glowed inside. I so wanted to do his gift justice, and also to express my love for him with this project.
Finally, one day, recently, the gift called me. I opened the portfolio in which I had saved her journal and some other material. These materials are so very old and delicate. But I still have them. And I am ready to share.
And thank you Granddad, again for trusting me with the gift of Nancy Kendall's words. I love you.
~ Nancy Jean
Every time I read over my beloved Granddad’s words to me when he gave it to me, I glowed inside. I so wanted to do his gift justice, and also to express my love for him with this project.
Finally, one day, recently, the gift called me. I opened the portfolio in which I had saved her journal and some other material. These materials are so very old and delicate. But I still have them. And I am ready to share.
And thank you Granddad, again for trusting me with the gift of Nancy Kendall's words. I love you.
~ Nancy Jean
With Much Love, Grandad
Ralph Gibson, February 19, 1956
Casper, Wyoming
February 19, 1956
Dearest Granddaughter, Nancy Jean Gibson:
A hundred years ago, in 1856, my grandfather, your great-great- grandfather, built a home in Washington, Iowa. Perhaps you know and remember that the house and property which the Kendalls had, more recently (1937 to 1947) was ours; but we do not own it now. It was sold in 1947.
Before the establishment of the home in Washington, on March 7, 1844, my grandmother, Nancy Jones and my grandfather Andrew Kendall were married at Grandview, Iowa. It was at the time of the death of both Nancy's parents there. Nancy was then twenty years old and Andrew was thirty years old. They moved to Washington about 1850.
February 19, 1956
Dearest Granddaughter, Nancy Jean Gibson:
A hundred years ago, in 1856, my grandfather, your great-great- grandfather, built a home in Washington, Iowa. Perhaps you know and remember that the house and property which the Kendalls had, more recently (1937 to 1947) was ours; but we do not own it now. It was sold in 1947.
Before the establishment of the home in Washington, on March 7, 1844, my grandmother, Nancy Jones and my grandfather Andrew Kendall were married at Grandview, Iowa. It was at the time of the death of both Nancy's parents there. Nancy was then twenty years old and Andrew was thirty years old. They moved to Washington about 1850.
Andrew and Nancy Kendall - Larger image in Gallery
They had both come to Iowa, Andrew from Pennsylvania and Nancy with her family from Glasgow, Kentucky. At the time of their moving from Kentucky, Nancy Jones' father was what was called then an Abolitionist, one who was opposed to enslavement of the Negroes which was then practiced there. He had written for publication articles anti-slavery in nature. For this reason he and his family were not liked, in fact were much disliked by most of their neighbors and that is why they moved away and went to Iowa. They became what we call emigrants to and pioneers in Iowa, like those who moved from eastern states out to these western areas.
Your great-great-grandmother remembered vividly details about the journey from Kentucky to Iowa and thought the story of it was very interesting. She like to tell it to her grandchildren. As a special favor to me, when I was about twelve years old she wrote the story for me. Her age then was about seventy-five years. Her writing of the story is nearly sixty years old.
My memory of my grandmother and her love for her grandchildren is a very tender and precious one to me. Her writing the story for me was an humble expression of that love. It has been one of my most treasured possession through the years since she gave it to me.
Thinking now that you may be interested in reading and owning the original copy of this writing by your great-great-grandmother, I am giving it to you, ---
With much love, Grandad.
Your great-great-grandmother remembered vividly details about the journey from Kentucky to Iowa and thought the story of it was very interesting. She like to tell it to her grandchildren. As a special favor to me, when I was about twelve years old she wrote the story for me. Her age then was about seventy-five years. Her writing of the story is nearly sixty years old.
My memory of my grandmother and her love for her grandchildren is a very tender and precious one to me. Her writing the story for me was an humble expression of that love. It has been one of my most treasured possession through the years since she gave it to me.
Thinking now that you may be interested in reading and owning the original copy of this writing by your great-great-grandmother, I am giving it to you, ---
With much love, Grandad.
Ralph Gibson, February 19, 1956
COMMENT ABOUT ATTACHED HISTORICAL RECORD
It is noteworthy that at the age of seventy-five dear Grandmother Kendall wrote a remarkably accurate account of the journey made when she was less than twenty years old; that be her description it is possible to trace on our maps now the trip from Glasgow to Grandview, about six hundred miles in horse-drawn wagons, during the time between October 1st and November 15 1842.
It is also noteworthy that the underlying motive of their lives was adherance to a commendable principle -, freedom from slavery for all human beings, - supported by their strong and kind Christian characters.
Casper, Wyoming
February 19, 1956
Ralph Gibson
Letters have been transcribed as written with original spellings and punctuation. See the Gallery for larger images.
It is noteworthy that at the age of seventy-five dear Grandmother Kendall wrote a remarkably accurate account of the journey made when she was less than twenty years old; that be her description it is possible to trace on our maps now the trip from Glasgow to Grandview, about six hundred miles in horse-drawn wagons, during the time between October 1st and November 15 1842.
It is also noteworthy that the underlying motive of their lives was adherance to a commendable principle -, freedom from slavery for all human beings, - supported by their strong and kind Christian characters.
Casper, Wyoming
February 19, 1956
Ralph Gibson
Letters have been transcribed as written with original spellings and punctuation. See the Gallery for larger images.