Recollection

from cousin Beverly (Espy) Dayries in 2013:

Sadly, I recall very little I might have heard about my grandfather (John Jolly Espy, Sr.).  As you know, he died only days after I was born. The most I can recall is what I remember from my mother.  Mother greatly admired Daddy's father.

 

What I recall:

 

-  He always read the newspaper and kept a dictionary on the table by his side as he read.  I think we had his dictionary.  If so, it is here at our house - somewhere.

 

- He loved to sing.  Mother frequently accompanied him on the piano.  I'm guessing that Aunt Frances was not living in Headland at the time.  I would have to look up dates, etc.  According to Mother, one of his favorites was "Flee As a Bird."  When the family was clearing the Espy house on Church Street, I came home with several of his Baptist Hymnals.  I know at least one of them had shaped notes.  They are probably stored in our attic now.

 

- I think I recall Mother saying that one time he made some pickles.

 

- Espy, Sr. was a diabetic.  When she was living in Headland, she gave him his shots.

 

- Oh yes, there was the story about his meeting up with the Alabama governor.  Watty told me this one, and I think it has already been passed on to you.   Espy, Sr. was with the Alabama governor, I suppose in the vicinity of Headland.  Espy invited him to his house to eat.  I guess whatever servants they had were not at the house at the time - at least not the cook.  The story was that Granny boiled some eggs and set them on the table, saying, "At our house, we peel our own." 

I did save condolence notes sent to Granny Espy after my grandfather's death.

They were among items your dad and likely Marilyn threw down from the attic of the Espy house when we were clearing things out.  Somehow I wound up with those. I have no idea where they are now, but I do know I kept them.