I started this account (dictating to tape) on Oct.12, 1977. I was born on June, 8, 1901 on the east side of what is presently U.S. 75, 1 mile north of Yates Center, in Woodson County, KS.  My father was Linus Meade Davidson and my mother was Dolly Ann Catherine Lankford.  An unnamed son was born to them Feb.25 1900 and died Feb.26. I had 3 sisters, Mabel Katherine, Ruth Odesa and Esther Pauline.  The latter is now deceased. We were members of the Presbyterian Church and I was baptized in the Presbyterian Church in Yates Center.

 

My grandfather, John Lowry Davidson and my Grandmother Maretta Axtell Davidson lived on a farm across the road to the west and a short distance south of our place.  I used to go over to their place.  I thought my Grandmother Maretta (bless her heart) was sort of cranky when I was around her.  I expect I was pretty feisty and pulled some pretty aggravating stunts.  When I did something, she did not like, she would say "Take care, take care".  My memory of my grandfather is a very pleasant one.  It seems like he was very nice to me.  In later years, after we had moved away, he would send me cards and little gifts.  I enjoyed them, but I don't remember of acknowledging them.

 

My uncle Fred died young.  I think his wife, Alice Baugess had already deserted him.  This orphaned their children, Pearle and Celia, to be cared for by Grandfather and Grandmother.  After Grandmother's death, Aunt Dessie (Odessa) served as mother to them.  I used to go to Grandfather's and play with Pearle and Celia.  They were older than I and I think they had quite a lot of fun at my expense.  I remember one time they made mud pies and persuaded me take a bite of one of them.  

 

Grandmother died of diphtheria.  I think I was 4 years old.  I remember looking out of our front window watching the hearse come to grandfather's house and take grandmother's body away.

 

Soon after Grandmother died, Grandfather retired.  He, Aunt Dessie, Pearle and Celia moved to a home in Yates Center.  I do not know whether he bought or rented, but he lived there the rest of his life.