This photo was published September 2, 1966 under the headline "Birthday Observed at Greer in 1914".
"The above picture is of a group who attended Grandma Harrod's 93rd birthday anniversary held at the Ira Williams residence at Greer, Missouri on May 28, 1914.
Mrs. Beulah Whitehead of Thayer furnished the picture and she and her daughters were in the group.
They are, front row: left to right:
Syntha Kent, Dan Pitts, Sylvia Robinson, ___ Robinson, Grace Whitehead, Nora Harrod, Dora Harrod, Vera Whitehead, Mike Hall, Ray Hall, Depho Hall, Kent boy, Kent baby, Cora Kent.
Second row, left to right:
Guy Williams, Clyde Williams, Dunigan boy, George Harrod, Grandma Harrod, her 93rd birthday, Lyda Blankenship, Billy Harrod, Mrs. Roberts.
Third row, left to right:
Oscar Cauhorn, Helen Dunigan, Anice Dunigan, George Morman, Alta Morman, Ira Williams, Mrs. Ira Williams (Catherine Harrod), Tom Barrett, Gib Hall, Tom Kent.
Fourth Row, left to right:
Gladys Whitehead, R.M. (Dick) Johnson, Ray Hall, Hall girl, Ann Hall, Mrs. Morman, Mrs. Cowhorn, Beulah Whitehead, Mittie Hall, Mrs. Tinsley, Mrs. Pitts, Mrs. R.M. Johnson, and Gibb Hall.
Back row, left to right:
Carlus Pitts, Everett Williams, Rosa Smith, Golda Pitts, Rachel Shehorn, Maude Waller, Laura Gazaway, Amy Waller, unknown, Walter Hall and Laura Williams.
Grandma Harrod was born Nancy Ellen Allison, daughter of Joseph Allison and Mary Ragsdale.
A copy of her obituary from an undated newspaper clipping was mailed to me by
Mrs. Jean Schmelzla, Box 103, Fulton, KS 66738-0103, presumably this was printed
in the Oregon County newspaper:
"Harrod - Nancy Harrod was born in Indiana, May 28,
1821; died Dec. 1, 1918, aged 97 years, 6 months, 3 days. She was twice
married: first in 1840 to Mr. Peachee; 2 girls were born to this union, both
yet living. The first husband died in 1843, and in 1847 she married William
Harrod. Of this marriage were born 4 boys and 4 girls (one set of twins);
children all living except 2. She came with her family to Missouri in 1880; 5
children came with them, 4 still live near where they first settled, and were
at her bedside when the end came. She was left a widow again in 1886 and
remained so until death. She made her home with a daughter who is also a widow.
Her children all married and she had a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren
and great-great-grandchildren. At the age of 20 years she became a member of
the Church of Christ, and lived faithfully 77 years, longer than most of us
expect to live on earth. She loved the church, was always interested in its
welfare. She was a great reader, read many good, useful books, and among them
she did not forget her Bible. Her mind was filled with good, useful knowledge.
She loved company and was always glad when any one called, especially preachers
or members of the Church. Her hearing was faulty, and her eye sight became so
the last few years; but her memory was excellent, and it did one good to sit
and talk with her -- she knew so much to tell. She was always ambitious and her
love for work never left her. She made her own bed, washed dishes, set table,
ironed, and helped with all the work -- would even draw water if they did not
watch her, and bring in wood. I was well acquainted with "Grandma"
(as she was called by all her friends), having known her family 44 years. She
was a friend to all and gave all good advice. Those of her family who have not
obeyed the Gospel should heed her timely warning and make their peace with God
sure. She was taken away by the dreaded influenza. It is hard to think she will
never reach her hand to us again, but she has gone where goodbys and partings
never come. Funeral service held at Hickory Grove Church house, conducted by
Bro. J. N. Florea, who paid just tribute to her nobel life and gave it as a
model for us to live by. After service the body was laid to rest beside her
husband in the cemetery near the church house she loved.
Farewell, Grandma, thou hast left us,
And our loss we deeply feel;
But God knew best and so he called you,
And to His will we all must yield.
Our loss is Heaven's gain.
She is safe in the arms of Jesus
Safe on His gentle breast;
There by His love o'er shadowed,
Sweetly her soul shall rest. -Amanda Harrington, Alton,
Mo.
