Surely she must have existed,
Was Born, was a child, and had dreams.
Grew up and learned how to keep house,
Was a PERSON - but nameless, it seems.

She had parents, and someplace a home,
Her brothers are listed, no doubt.
But she was only a girl
So not really worth telling about.

She was half of my ancestors heritage;
Without her he wouldn't have life.
His genes are half hers, but I find
She was only his fathers wife.

Once a girl was first "dau"; then was "wife";
She belonged to her father, till married,
And then she belonged to her husband,
And beside him, unnamed, she was buried.

How awful to think MY descendants
Might search for a name for me.
Be unable to find identity.
And wonder just who I might be.

From Champaign Co. Gen Soc., Fall 1991
Via Henry Co. Gen. Soc.
Via Dawson County Hist & Gen Newsletter,
1477 200S, Glendive, MT 59330-9402
Footprints. 8/17/92