Lewis Stout was 41 years old when his daughter Mildred was born, and he was already 67 years old when his grandson Dick Votaw was born in 1928. Lewis’ wife Anna had passed away in 1924, and Harold’s parents died when he was a young man. Tirzah and Frank had no children, and Dick had no siblings, so their relationship was unique in both directions. Dick was the only grandchild that Lewis ever had, and Lewis was the only grandparent that Dick ever knew, and he died when Dick was 7 years old.
Below you can read three postcards that Lewis sent to Dick – all three were sent in 1935, the year that Lewis died. One was apparently sent the day before his death, which was unexpected.
If I were to write a story for this picture, I would say that Lewis and his daughter Tirzah are just walking home from church. Tirzah is carrying flowers and Lewis is carrying Dick. The smile on Lewis’ face is not just for the camera – he’s a happy man.
It looks like Dick has just received a new winter coat, and a hat to go with it. He stands with his grandaddy at what looks like a section of the Jessup farm out in Plainfield.
Frank and Tirzah Jessup (Dick’s uncle and aunt) had a farm out near Plainfield, and Dick was a frequent visitor. The Jessups had no children of their own, and Dick spent so much time with them that he always said that it was like having two sets of parents. Here, Lewis makes sure that Dick is seated safely on that huge tractor. When he got older, driving that tractor was one of Dick’s favorite activities.
Post Card Sent Feb. 26, 1935
Plainfield, Ind. Feb. 26 1935
Dear L.R.V.: 33 years ago today your Aunt Gertie died at midnight and her funeral was at New London Mar. 2. 48 years ago yesterday (Feb. 25) my father died. He saw Gertie 1 year and taught her to say her first word, “purty”. You got 2 nice rides to Fairfield Sunday. Did you offer to pay Tirzah some on the gasoline? Well your grandaddy had the last snag tooth pulled. I am getting along fine but I have to have X-ray taken. We got to the stadium just in time for the 1:20 and couldn’t phone your mother without waiting 1 1/2 hrs. For next car (saved a nickel).
With Love Grandaddy
This post card is addressed to Mr. Lewis Richard Votaw – it is evident that Lewis Stout is pretty pleased to share a name with his grandson.
On the post card, Lewis mentions that he is not feeling well, but is called to preach a funeral on Saturday, which was the next day. It was while he was preparing to go to the funeral that Lewis collapsed and died suddenly. So this post card may have been the last thing he ever wrote.
The text of the card is transcribed here:
Dec. 6, 1935
Dear Dicky: I hope you are O.K. and all 3 happy this week. It is fun to play the happy game. Charley Speer came to see us Wednes. I am having a spell like the one last Apr. after our week, but am not in bed! Am called to funeral of Jno. Hadley at Fairfield Sat. Afternoon. Hope to see you soon.
With love, Grand-dad
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