My Great Grandparents
Fabian A. Nance 1861-1935 Mary Jane (Broad) Nance 1860-1949
When I look into Mary Jane Nance's eyes I see my grandfather's eyes, so even though she died two years before I was born, she saw me. It is my great grandfather that I'm not sure of except that he is so serious. I remember my grandfather being serious. Not that he didn't laugh, but it just seemed as if he didn't laugh much. But then again, I never knew him until he was an old, old man. And old men have less to laugh about, so that when they do laugh are there is no greater laughter on earth. When I'm serious and worry about the world and what it will become, I'm very much like my grandfather. But when I laugh, I'm like him too. I must remember the laughter. Life was harder for people then. So much more the reason to learn why they laughter at all.
Note from George H. Nance, Sr.:
During the past eighty years her name [My Great Grandmother] has been "Mary Jane". During her early life, her family gave her the pet name of Jennie. She had a twin brother named "James". I insert this note here to avoid confusion later, (maybe fifty from now) when someone else will be writing the family history and won't have me around to unravel these complications (Mary Jane and Jennie is one and the same person.)
Thanks, Pop.