Jacob & Lavina J. (Miller) Baumgardner

Most everyone in his lifetime comes in contact with a person who is in no way particularly outstanding, but who leaves a very marked impression in his mind. Such a person is my grandmother, know more familiarly known as Grandma. Her very appearance presents an excellent picture of benignity and peace with the world in general. Her hair is silvery white due to the fact that she was granted more than her share of troubles in her lifetime. Further evidence of these troublesome times may be found in the deep lines in her face. However, these difficulties have never dimmed the twinkle in her eyes. Her figure, like that of all good story-book grandmothers, is comfortably abundant. No Mid- Victorian gown is ever worn by her; but when she steps out, it is only in the latest style of clothing that she is dressed. This, of course, does not mean that she goes to extremes. Her ideas, too, have kept pace with the trends of the time. She bans a pessimistic outlook on life and goes to the extremes in optimism. One instance, the present war is not quite as important as keeping up with the neighborhood's births and deaths. Whenever a family war is on the horizon, Grandma favors the underdog, who is generally an in- law. Although, Grandma is a regular church-goer, she refuses to become a fanatic on the subject of religion. She is always willing to listen to the woes and weeping of all who come to her for advice. Maybe the reason for this is that she has acquired a broad and understanding outlook on life. What else could she do with thirteen children looking to her for help? Probably Grandma has had as many reasons to complain as the next person, but she has manages to conceal her heartaches, both physical and mental. Only the direct catastrophe forces her to reveal her true emotions. Though never known to lose her temper, she displays a bit of childishness at times, when she feels that she has been neglected. This has never been noticed by anyone but those closer to her. Personal illness has had a very small place in her life. The cookie jar at her home one of its most popular features, particularly when it is filled with her own inimitable ginger snaps. She has acquired a knack for cookery which cannot be easily surpassed. Both young and old treat her as one of their group, and this is truly a compliment to her versatility. Taking everything into consideration, she is to me, and to a great many others, a grand old lady. --Essay written in 1942 about Lavina Baumgardner, by granddaughter Beverly Frye (1924-2007).

Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Jacob George Baumgardner.