My bride, Bessie, was born into a growing family from Roselms, Washington Twp, Paulding Co, OH. She had thirteen siblings in all. Her parents, Francis Marion and Louisa M. Sackett Sanderson had a farm there in what had been the Great Black Swamp of Northwestern Ohio. Indeed. . . , Paulding County was one of only two of the counties there which were completely surrounded by the swamp, and it had required years of commitment and arduous work to make the land suitable for planting.
The above photo shows Bessie and her surviving sisters in 1923, the day they laid their father to rest in St. Johns, Clinton Co, MI. The sisters are lined up according to age from right to left: Rosa Marie Rebecca, born March 15, 1880; Sarah Jemima, born March 4, 1884; Iva Lillian, born April 8, 1889; Anna Laurie, born January 17, 1891; Bessie Cordelia, born July 14, 1892; Maggie Marie, born December 2, 1899; and Treeva Matilda Jane, born July 28, 1901.
The surviving sons (not pictured) were also at the funeral: Silas Chester, born February 15, 1882; George Washington, born February 13, 1886; and Ora Russell, born March 7, 1905.
There were four other siblings in the family, but they and Louisa, their mom, had already passed away: Mary, born September 20, 1887; Clara Hazel, born September 19, 1895; Jurlin Steven, born September 6, 1897; and James L[eRay], born circa 1908. (Jimmy's middle name began with "L", and there is evidence which suggests the name was LeRay; however, it has yet to be confirmed.)
Fourteen children in all, and each with a story to tell. I was fortunate to have met Bessie, be part of her family, and share their joys and sorrows.
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