GRACE HOLT

The following bio was taken from page 241 of the book entitled "Rusk County History" compiled and edited and used with permission of the Rusk County Historical Commission.

Transcribed by Shirley Koym

Submitted by Gloria Briley Mayfield, Cemeteries of Texas

Two branches of my ancestors lived near each other in Memphis before coming to Rusk County. Miles Yandle and family lived in Ruthorford County, North Carolina, and the John Beards lived in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Both families came by way of Memphis, Tennessee, and on to Rusk County before the Civil War. Miles Yandle married a Wright, and John Beard married Elizabeth Gray. Miles’ son, William Wright Yandle, married Mary Ann Beard. These were my grandparents. My parent were Marvin Holt and Abbie Yandle Holt.

For as long as I can remember, there were three older people in my Yandle grandparents’ home: Grandpa’s sister, Grandma’s brother, and a black woman, Rose. Aunt Katie was unable to walk, but we jumped at her command. Uncle Bill was kind and amused us with his stories. But Rose was the one we loved most. She was short, very dark, and was loved and respected by children and adults alike.

When the slaves were freed, Rose went with her family; but after a few weeks, her sister asked John Beard to take her back as she was very unhappy. He went after her on horseback and arrived home with Rose hanging on behind him. After John Beard’s death, she asked to live with my grandparents, William and Mary Ann Yandle. In her old days, she visited with the Yandle daughters a week at a time. On one such occasion, one of my mother’s uncles was telling her about the problems he was having with his sons. After listening for a while, she said, "Well, John, I guess it makes you think of your young days, and it did."

Grandpa Yandle spent a lot of his last days in our home. This was a delightful time, as he always arrived with a bag of stick candy. He entertained us with his delightful stories and teasing. Many times I would stand between him and the fire. After a while, he would say, "Grace, I’ll give you a nickel to sit down." I got quite a few nickels playing that game. He kept the fire going night and day, and he also kept us kids "totin" in the wood.

I finished high school at Henderson, Texas and received a degree from East Texas State College in Commerce, Texas. I arrived in Hagerman, New Mexico by train soon after my graduation. It was raining as I got into town. The superintendent was to have met me but was on a fishing trip instead. After amusing the natives by asking about a taxi, I walked about three blocks in rain and mud to the only hotel in town. It was a room without shades, over a very busy bar. My superintendent came for me early the next morning with his apologies. I had decided the night before that I would take the next train home, but remained there for thirty years instead.

I came back to Henderson and taught until my retirement, which was hastened by the illness of my sister, Lucille.

Submitted by Grace Holt