This note written by Lela Mae Fortenberry Douglass tells some of the history behind Mary Ann Fortenberry Murphy’s funeral. It was in the spring and very muddy. The hearse had to stay in Ambrose’s barn for several weeks.
Synopsis
Handwritten note by Lela Mae Fortenberry Douglass on a "Bill Douglass" notepad sheet, headed "For Grave Stones." It gives the dates to be cut on three gravestones:
Full Transcription
Transcribed from the images already shown in this post (click any image above for the full-size original). Spellings are kept as in the original. [?] marks an uncertain reading, and words in brackets are editorial notes.
BILL DOUGLASS [printed] For Grave Stones
Born Aug. 21, 1885
Eula W. Fortenberry
Died – June 5, 1971
Mary An F. Murphy
Born Feb. 14, 1858
Died April 14 1925 [year overwritten] Early Summer
Aunt Ann's death date will have to be looked up at Christian Funeral home or at Wise County Courthouse. I was at Denton going to school – rooming with Bobby S. Dill [?]. She said it had been 46 years – so that would indicate 1925. Guinn [?] says it was a muddy time and the hearse stayed in daddy's [barn for] several weeks. Guinn gave [?] … to Henry to look up. E. P. [?] … member about the hearse in the barn.
Granny Kate
Kathryn Georgia Ann Moore Fortenberry
(Kate)
Birth October 12, 1859
Death April 19, 1943
Granny's name will have to be shortened & I hope they can do this –
Kathryn Moore Fortenberry