Old Drawer Discoveries, Dec 28, 2020

Funny how the new things are the old things.

~Rudyard Kipling

13 years ago today I first began this family blog. It has been an interesting journey to say the least. I have enjoyed very much writing about our extended families. This blog has encompassed Shepards and Gowers, Harrises and Davises, and many other relatives. In recent years I have traced our Shepard and Harris ancestors to the earliest years of America, writing about John Shepard, Abel Gower, James Keith, John Marshall, and numerous other early American ancestors. The more research I do, the more discoveries I make about ancestors who have been hidden to history, and whose stories tell us much about our history and in some ways about ourselves. Thanks to all of you who are readers of The Shepard's Crook and who have expressed your gratitude. It has been a labor of love. I look forward to sharing more with you about kinfolk from whom we are descended.

Cindy and me, December 27, 1968

Happy Anniversary. Yesterday, Cindy and I celebrated 52 years of marriage. We were married Dec 27, 1968 in front of a large group of friends and family at the La Mesa Church of Christ, a few miles from where we live now in Allied Gardens. A lot has changed in our lives and in our larger family over those many years. Beloved family members have passed away. Wonderful new family members have been added by birth or marriage. Beautiful happy memories have been made, while our share of sorrow has been experienced. Through it all Cindy and I find ourselves grateful for all our family and for the memories that have been made over the years.

Remembering Pauline Shepard Russell (1916-2000). My aunt Pauline Shepard Russell was born on this date 104 years ago in 1916. She was the first child of my Grandparents William Shepard and Bura Davis Shepard. Not long after marrying Bill Russell in Colorado, Aunt Pauline and Uncle Bill were among the first family members to migrate to California. In September, 1940, the Shepard family of 7 packed up and made their way across 1,150 miles of the American Southwest from Two Buttes, Colorado to San Diego. 

Pauline Shepard Russell (right) with her
mother Bura Davis Shepard, about 1945

Bill and Pauline both lived here in San Diego for the rest of their lives. Bill died in 1997 and Pauline died 3 years later. They were both wonderful people who contributed in a very positive way to the life of our larger family. Their grandson Eric Russell lives in the Reno, Nevada area, while their granddaughter Shannon Wilk and her daughter Emma live in Atchison, Kansas. 

Old Drawer Discoveries. We have recently remodeled our garage. It was a total reboot of a space that has been collecting family stuff of all kinds for over 60 years. In one dusty box we found dozens of old Harris and Hicks family pictures, most of which, unfortunately, have no writing on the back to identify the people. The most remarkable find, however, was an old family Bible, titled "The Good Leader Bible," copyright 1946. It was given to Cindy by her parents Joe and Paula Harris. The first page says, "Presented to Cynthia Harris (Cindy), by Mother and Dad, January 7, 1948." 

"The Good Leader Bible" is definitely showing its age (aren't we all!). Its cover is cracked and split, and its binding literally creaks when it is opened, like a treasure chest that had been sealed for decades. Its insides and margin notes indicate that it was well used by a serious Bible student for a period of time. But that time is long past. It has been hidden from view in a dusty garage for God knows how long. Despite its age and its sentimental value, it is probably time to give it a final resting place. Cindy's mom and dad, Joe and Paula Harris, are both gone now, but this Bible gift of theirs remains. It was a heartwarming discovery of a 73 year old treasure, reflecting the joy of a newborn child and a young father and mother's hopes and dreams for the future. 

Best wishes to all of you for a very Happy New Year!
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Steve Shepard (he, him, his)