Grandpa Fisher and His Girls

I have to admit that when I first opened this picture file, sent to me by Wayne, I couldn't recognize my own grandmother. I'm not sure why. I know I met some of my great-aunts when I was little, but I certainly didn't recognize them either. So, I emailed Uncle Don for some help. Here's his reply:

From left to right is Aunt Emily Smerden, Aunt Vera Elliott, Grandpaw Fisher, Aunt Mabel Reid and Mother. Think Mother was the oldest followed by Aunt Mabel, Aunt Vera and Aunt Emily. Grandpaw was the nicest, kindest guy you would ever want to meet. He was just an average farmer but heard that his funeral was attended by a very large crowd. I would guess that the picture was taken in the early 40's.

In a separate email, Uncle Don reminded me that their was another sister... a half-sister, who was much younger than these girls from his first marriage. Remember that Grandpa Rude Fisher married the younger sister of his first wife. Grandpa Fisher and "Aunt Maude" had another girl. And that leads to an interesting, but sad, story.

Didn't know if you were aware that Mother had a half sister (Grandpaw Rude and Aunt Maude's daughter) and her name was Aunt Ina Shilling. She and her husband, Roy, lived down the road from Aunt Emily. For some reason, she took her life (so goes the story) when she was probably around 60. Don't know the details but her husband might have been a suspect but never was proven.

I can't wait to share this picture with Lois Goodson, of the Edwards County Historical Society. She grew up with Aunt Emily's girls in Albion, and she'll love the picture of Aunt Emily and the girls. (Plus, Mrs. Goodson's grandmother was our Della's Aunt!) Mrs. Goodson is one of the two most knowledgable persons affiliated with the historical society. I hope to meet her this summer.