And it was so in those days that it was custom for the TRIBE of JESSE whose surname was DAY, to come together once each year because they were of one blood; yea, because they were sons and daughters of JESSE who was son of MORDECIA. And it came to pass in the first week and the eighth month and the fifth year of the reign of CALVIN THE SILENT [President Calvin Coolidge] that much people did journey from afar off to the residing places of SUSIE and OPAL in the city called Alva [OK] and on the street called Center, and to the home of ROY of the street called Barnes and the home of HAZEL hardby the city. And in the same year and the same month and on the fifth day thereof they did journey beyond the city to a grove and many others did join them. Both great and small came they to this gathering; yea, assembled they there both young and old and brought they buckets and baskets and boxes and pans filled with the flesh of bullock and flesh of fowls and victuals made from grains of the field and many fruits of the trees, and many and varied sweets which were as honey to the palate. And when all the foods were assembled a great heap it madest; and when on tables it was placed, the TRIBE OF JESSE and others who had been bidden to come did fall to and eat thereof and make merry; yea, themselves did they fill until they groaned, for the food was of much abundance and of great delicacy. And when no more they could eat they did gather up the fragments and there were many baskets full. And when the day was well spent they did depart and go hence wishing each health and prosperity in his abiding place.

 And on that day came there of THE TRIBE OF JESSE, Joe son of Jesse, and Flora his wife; and Ella and Susie, daughters of Jesse; and Wiley, father of John the Selmanite; and Harry, son of Rebecca, who was the daughter of Jesse, and Inez his wife, and Boyce, Dorothy and Robert their children; and Ruby daughter of Rebecca, and James her son; and Glen and Hazel, his wife, and Robert their son; and Opal daughter of Amanda, and John and Marion her children; and Fred and Hazel his wife, and Paul, Orville and Fern their children; and from the mountains did journey Herman the Pueblite, son of Robert and Mamie; and Stella wife of Charles who was son of Joe, and Eeverett her son; and Jesse son of Joe; and John the Selmanite and Eula his wife, and Wiley, Wilma and Hal their children; and Leslie and Rose his wife, who was daughter of Joe, and their children which were great in numbers, and their names were called, Emmitt, Edgar, Elvin, Alfred, Opal, Mildred, Joseph, Emma Rose, Velma and Grace Fern; and LeRoy, son of John who was the son of Jesse, and Ella his wife, and John, Robert, and Joseph their sons; and Mary, mother-in-law of Hazel, who did journey from a far off city beyond the mountains. And those who were of the blood of MORDECIA, but not of the TRIBE OF JESSE were, Maggie, daughter of Margaret who was sister of Jesse, and Della her daughter, whose name is now BARRICK, and Lawrence son of Della. And these are they who came because they were begotten and born in the land of Jesse's nativity; Joseph whose surname is LAYMAN, and Sabra his wife, and Owen and Mollie, brother and sister of Joseph. And those bound only by friendhsip were Julia of Kiowa, and Phyllis her granddaughter, and Maud who dwelt in the house of Opal. --Amen

*Submitted by: Victoria Day-Cook [email protected] (grt-grt-grt-grandaughter of Mordecia Yarnall YARNALL DAY, grt-grt-grandaughter of Jesse Brooks DAY, grt-granddaughter of Joseph Levi DAY and granddaughter of Charles Alonzo DAY.)

This poem was written about the burial place of  my grt - grt- grandfather, JESSE BROOKS DAY (His nickname was "Shamus O'Day."). He was born in 1833 & died in 1915. He is buried at Sandstone Cemetery in Beckham Co., OK.  It was written by his daughter [my grt.-grt-aunt] CYNTHIA SUSAN (DAY) McELRATH.

In the county Roger Mills,
Mid'st the rugged rocks and rills,
Where the waters of the Sandstone play
A'top the highest hill
Where the cattle roam at will
And the coyote howls his mournful midnite lay--

There's a score of lonely graves
Where the windswept cactus waves,
And the fence has long since fallen to decay.

How silently they lie
Unseen by human eye
Waiting patiently the resurrection day.

But what does it matter
If God is near
And we know He is
He's everywhere.

The hills are His
As well as the deep
And He stands guard
Where His children sleep.

A typewritten note at the bottom: "Aunt Susie's poem in memory of the lonely grave of Grandpa Day in County Roger Mills, Oklahoma."

Sandstone Cemetery is near Sandstone creek in Beckham County, Oklahoma.

*Submitted by: Victoria Day-Cook [email protected](grt.-grt.-granddaughter of JESSE BROOKS DAY)

A book of JOSEPH LEVI DAY's poetry and articles was published years ago. To me, they've been lost to time. However, here is a poem contributed to the "Nash News" by my great-grandfather. This was written for Armistice Day and a tribute to those who died in WWI.

SUPER INDUCTION

We are not dead, and buried in France
As you suppose, but if by chance
Between the rows of mounds you glance,
You see my name there anywhere
It does not mean that I am there.

I watched while to that place you strode
And saw you bury my abode.
I saw you make that little mound
But I was not beneath that ground.

I did not care in France to stay
So come back to old U. S. A.

We helped you win the goal of war
But did not know what it was for
We watch you now on sea and land
For now we see, we understand.

You can't see us, tho we see you
Your muffled eyes cannot see thru
The mystic vale not here and there
But from the ground up everywhere,
With your crude eyes you look at Mars
And see the smallest little stars
But you can't see us with these same eyes
Tho many of us roam the skies.

We go about from place to place
And wander thru uncharted space
We need no pilot, guide nor helm
We go thru vast enchanted realm.

But there's a joy ahead from where you stand
For you're a human grain of sand
Jutting out from where the land
Hangs o'er the sea of eternity

Disintegration,
A law of creation
Will let you go
Your finite eyes would think below.
But eyes more wise
Above the skies
Will see with joy, will watch you rise.

Up, up, up, and before that cup
You left on land,
Is filled with stand
On a never ending glittering strand

To know, to see, to think, to be
Joyous thru Eternity.

No I'll retire thru gates of bliss
Go celebrate your Armistice.

Notes at the bottom:  Contributed to the Nash News by Joe Day, nash, Oklahoma. (Printed)
In handwriting:  "Joe Day was our good old Uncle Joe, our Mother's bro. there were two sons of Jesse Day; John."

Submitted by:  Victoria Day-Cook [email protected] (grt.- granddaughter of Joseph Levi DAY)

The Grant County News

Monday, November 28, 1932

Nash News
Joseph Levi DAY was born July 11,1859 at Little Clifty, Kentucky. He departed this life at his home near Hawley, Oklahoma, November 27, 1932, at the age of seventy-three years, four months and sixteen days.
Joe DAY was united in marriage to Emma Etta PEAVEY in 1881[she was from Michigan I think], who preceded him in death May 25,1896. To this union were born five children, one daughter and four son, two sons preceding him in death, Larry F. and one infant son.
In the year of 1898 Joe DAY was united in marriage to Flora WALKER [they had no children together]. He came to Kansas in the year of 1873 , then, in 1893, he made the run in the Cherokee Strip and moved on his homestead the following year. He lived in the same community until his death.
He leaves to mourn their loss, his widow and three children: Rosa THORNBERRY, of Alva, Oklahoma, and Charles and Jesse DAY, both of Nash, Oklahoma; eighteen grandchildren, three sisters and one brother; Susie D. McELRATH of Alva, Oklahoma, Ella HODSON of Kansas City, Missouri; Mayme CRAIG, of Pueblo, Colorado, Fred DAY, of Nash, Oklahoma and a number of friends.
The dear old man was loved by all who knew him, he was a friend of children and grown ups alike; he was always ready with a kind word and wise counsel. He believed in the Lord and composed many writings that proved he was a deepthinker.
Submitted by: Kriste M. Schoonover [email protected]
http://www.extremezone.com/~misskris

Maker Of First Car In Grant County Dies At HAWKLEY Home
Joe DAY, Pioneer Miller, Farmer, Writer of Verse is Claimed by Death
Grant county's pioneer farner and miller, whose idle hours were spent [writing] rhymes and poems died Sunday. Joe DAY, of the Hawley Community, son of "Old Erin", succumbed to an attack of apolexy after a two days illness at his home.
He was well known throughout Grant county. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he came west in 1874, living for several years in Wichita, Kansas, and [other] nearby points where he worked in the machinists trade. In 1893 he joined that great [ ?] of seekers of new homes and made the run at the opening of the Cherokee Strip. He staked a claim, two miles east and two north of Nash. Made First Car On an early day he operated a machine shop in Nash, where he constructed and assembled one of the first automobiles used in Grant county. His purchase of a factory made machine in 1902 is belived to have been the first car bought by a county resident.
For the past fifteen years he had been operating a custom grinding business at his farm, using the French one buhr type of mill, an oddity in this section.
Mr. DAY was a direct descendant of the Emerald Isle, the name being O'DAY until dropped by his father after being in America a few years.
He is survived by two sons, Charles and Jess DAY of Nash; and one daughter Mrs. Rosa THORNBERRY, of [unreadable]. Funeral services were held at the First Baptist church at Nash and burial made in the Mt. Zion cemetary.

Poetry was Hobby of County Pioneer
Composing rhymes was the hobby of Joe Day, grant county pioneer, who died Sunday. Humerous verses and more serious too, were produced often as he hammered away at his typewriter. This bit of verse in which he mentions his father, Shamus O'DAY, and the sons of Ireland, who live in Grant County, is an example.
The Mc's and the O's
O'Hara, O'Meare, O'Bannon, O'Shea, O'Donnel, O'Connel and Shamus O'Day.
Now how would that sound in Japan far away? O'Connor, O'Keef, O'Leary, O'Toole; How would that sound where the Czar used to rule? McKelvy, McKinley, McGivney, McClain; How would that sound in Sweden or Spain? McGregor, McCarter, McCormick, McNutt; How would that sound in the land of King Tutt? It's a title in Erin, the Mc's and the O's; But nobody else, but an Irishman knows, Why the O's are not Mc's and the Mc's are not O's.
Submitters Note: This is my great-great grandfather Joe Day from Nash, Grant County, Oklahoma.
Submitted by: Kriste M. Schoonover [email protected]
http://www.extremezone.com/~misskris

6 June 1940

Nash News, Volume 55, # 48
SUMMERS
Malinda Summers was born in Green County, IA., April 12, 1870, died May 28, 1940 at the age of 70 years, 1 month and 16 days.
She was united in marriage to W.J. Howard December 26, 1895. To this union were born 12 children, Two of whom preceded her in death. They lived on a farm near Liberty, Nebraska until 1908 when they moved to Oklahoma where for 32 years she has resided on a farm East of Nash. Mrs. Howard has been a member of the local Christian Church for many years.
She is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren, 2 sisters, 4 brothers and a host of other relatives and friends. During the years she has been a devoted wife and mother.
"Tears of sadness, Smiles of gladness, Troubles great or small. Years of Living and Thanksgiving, You have known them all. Laughter Ringing, Hearts a Singing Merrily and True. Life has been a Happy Mixture Mother, Just Because of You."
Submitted by Don Jager  [email protected]

21 May 1942

Nash News, Volume 57, # 44
HOWARD
W.J. "Jeff" Howard, Pioneer Nash resident, died at his home four miles East of Nash early Wednesday morning. He was 80 years of age and had been in ill health for a number of years. He came to Oklahoma from Nebraska 35 years ago and settled on a farm near Nash. Mr. Howard was widely known throughout Northern Oklahoma and Kansas as a breeder of Percheron Horses. He was a member of the Baptist Church.
Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. John B. Mason, Enid, Mrs. Babe Alexander, Wichita, Mrs. Lenora Lee, Akron, Ohio, Mrs. Paul Felix, Nash, Miss Hazel of the home address. Five sons; O.A., Cushing, Dee, Lamon, Calif., Don, Jefferson,Okla., Eldon, Perry and Harley, Chillicothe, Mo.
The body is being cared by the Mills Funeral Home at Nash. Funeral
Services are pending, as word from relatives at a distance has not been received at this time.
Submitted by Don Jager  [email protected]

19 Nov. 1942

Medford Patriot Star
TANCK
Rosa Elizabeth Tanck was born in Davenport, Iowa, February 12, 1869. As a small child she moved with her parents to Rush County, Kansas, where she settled on a farm near McCracken, and there she grew to womanhood. In 1898 she was united in marriage to Joanan Hurley. A few years later she moved with her husband and three small daughters to a farm near Hawley, Okla., then known as Indian Territory. It was here they lived the life of the Pioneer and developed their Homestead from a waste of wilderness to productivity. It was here the rest of the family was born and grew to manhood and womanhood. Her husband departed this life November 15, 1932, But she continued to make her home on the farm with her son Ed until health failed. She departed this life a 4 O'Clock on the evening of November 12 at the age of 73 years and 9 months. She was the Mother of 9 children, seven of whom survive her, one dying in infancy and her son John who served his Country in World War No. 1. In about the year 1912 she confessed Christ in a Gospel meeting held at the First Christian Church, Nash, Okla. Her departure marks the passing of another of the earliest settlers of Northern Oklahoma. She saw the great praries blossom into rose gardens and fertile fields, and the toil of her dear hands contributed to the great transformation. Life was never easy, but through the toil of it all she fought the good fight. She meet sorrow with faith and dissapointment with hope. The Eternal Father has decreed that she suffered enough and released her eternal spirit to join her loved ones in the home of everlasting peace. The dominant note of her life seemed to be to "Do unto others as she would have them do unto her." With tenderness and no regrets all her life she did the best she could.
She leaves to remember this pattern of good works, seven children, three sons and four daughters; Joe of McPherson, Kans., Ed and Tom of Nash, Okla., Blance Ewers of Jefferson, Maude Alexander of Jet, Opal Purdy of Nash, and Della Howard of Nash; 20 grandchildren, two sisters, two brothers, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Her Face Is Not Forgotten, Her Voice Is Ringing Still. She Is Happy With The Angels, But Leaves A Place No One Can Fill. Although Her Face And Form Is Missing, Memories Are Just As Fresh Today, For Our Hearts Have Not Ceased Aching, Since The Hours She Went Away. In Our Dreams We Can Still See Her, Her Dear Eyes Shining Bright. We Should Not Broken Hearted. For What God Does, We Know Is Right
Submitted by Don Jager  [email protected]