I Can Sleep Anywhere

 

Letter from Lessie Irena "Trena" McNair

 I love this letter on many levels. It is written from someone who connects me to 4 generations back in family history. It is HAND written, and it is about my great-grandfather. 

Ova sent me a copy of this letter that was written by Lessie Trena. Lessie Trena was one of Papa's younger sisters. She was born in 1888. In this letter, Lessie Trena tells Ova a story about when Papa (Charles Franklin McNair) was a baby and how he was saved by eating bacon. It seems that after the doctor gave up on Papa, an old traveling man came and spent the night with their mom and dad (Mack McNair and Sarah (Henderson) McNair). 

Lessie Trena mentions that fact that Sarah has asthma which confirms what Mother told me about her. Lessie also mentions her brother Alfred Minlus McNair and her sister Thelma Iowa McNair. 

Mama and Papa were the masters at using natural remedies. This letter reveals that it was passed down to them. It was just what people had to do back then. I remember a home remedy that Papa swore by. Papa said that if you have a sore throat to drink grape juice. When I was little, of course I had sore throats. I would always drink grape juice and it would take the soreness away. 

Correspondence with Mother and Ova

 MAY 1991

Tribute to Ova McNair Kerr

 As I began my search for my McNair ancestors, my grandmother's sister, Ova, was a great help. It was interesting to visit with her. She was so kind and pleasant. The women of the McNair family all had gentle spirits. I loved her from afar. Ova passed away in 2006, and I am grateful to have known her.

Ova McNair Kerr

Christmas 2003 & 2004

After Ova died, I received a letter from her daughter, Cindy.

Pictured above: Martin Frank Jones, Ova Kerr, Ron & Cindy Vick (Ova's daughter).

Ova had moved to South Carolina to live near her daughter, Cindy. They buried Ova in Stillwater, Oklahoma next to her husband Paul Kerr.

Ella McNair's Possessions

 These are in the possession of my cousin, Pamela Jackson Torbet. 

Ella McNair's Personal Items

 

Ella McNair's Treasures

 These are in the possession of my cousin, Pamela Jackson Torbet.

Hull pottery

Limoges China