Description
“The pride of independence is the pride of rice, sugar and cotton,” said a little, old lady with rosy cheeks to a representative of The Atchison County Mail, when interviewed at her home in Westboro about her life in the early days.
She is Mrs. Mary E. Murray, the oldest woman in the town, but perhaps the heartiest and jolliest person for miles around in spite of her 84 years! Everyone in Westboro calls her “Grandma" Murray.
“Yes, those were good old days," continued Grandma Murray, "I was young and beautiful and independent. My father was a slave-owner and there were 23 darkies on his farm. I loved the darkies; they are just as we are – only their skin is black."
Grandma Murray then proceeded to tell further of the joys and sorrows of her life of four score years and four. She did this in a clear and steady voice and a charming grandmotherly manner.
Her parents, Thomas and Cynthia Jacks, came from Richmond, Kentucky and settled in Platte County, where she was born. She was the 9th of 11 children. Her own children numbered 19, of whom only 2 daughters are still living.
She lost 5 of her children in 3 months, all dying of diphtheria. Her husband she lost in 1918. A brother of Grandma Murray still lives in Clay County, near Smithville. His name is John Jack and he is 73 years old.Date(s) of Creation
8/5/1927
