Today this is my “favorite photo.” Tomorrow it might change.
Why I love this photo:
Look at that sweet face. That is the face that fits the personality
of my 2X great-grandfather James Franklin Jollett according to the stories I
heard from his grandchildren.
From his granddaughter Violetta Davis Ryan:
He was a warm and loving grandfather who enjoyed his
grandchildren. He cried when they came to visit. He cried when they left.
From his granddaughter Vessie Jollett Steppe:
During the Civil War, James Franklin Jollett was a guard accompanying
some prisoners of war on a train on the way to a prison camp, I suppose. One of
the prisoners said that he would just love to see his family one last time.
James Franklin thought a minute, then said he was stepping outside to smoke.
That is when the prisoner escaped. Hmm
Amy Johnson Crow continues to challenge genealogy bloggers and non-bloggers alike to think about our ancestors and share a story or photo about them. The challenge is “52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.”
Wendy
© 2021, Wendy Mathias. All rights reserved.
And I’m adding to Vessie’s comments about “pap” He would sit in a wooden chair in the yard and peel apples for all the grandkids climbing all over him. If that isn’t the sweetest. ❤️
ReplyDeleteOh good one - I didn't know that story. It takes a village!
DeleteI had a grandfather who could wiggle his ears...we kids loved that. Then he could pick up a dime off the floor with his toes...really a scream!
ReplyDeleteI love the personal stories - that's what makes the research perfect. And how smart of James Franklin to go outside for a smoke at that time - wonder if he even smoked? :-)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful, warm tribute to your 2x great grandfather.
ReplyDeleteThe stories make the photograph come alive.
ReplyDeleteMy second great grandfather as well. My grandmother, Bee Bee (Vessie) had such fond memories of him.
ReplyDeleteAh - you must be one of Jolly and June's kids, but you're coming up as "Unknown." I'd love to chat more if you want - email me.
Delete