Today I found the marriage notification of my paternal grandparents – Nannie Belle Coulter and Jessie Hill – in the June 30, 1911, Lebanon Enterprise! In all my research over the last 50+ years I have not seen this until today! Which tells us never give up – the information we need and want could be out there somewhere!

‘Miss Nannie Belle Coulter and Jessie Hill were married at the residence of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Mary Coulter, in this city, Tuesday. The ceremony was performed by Rev. A. C. Graves. The groom is a son of Isaac Hill [should be Isaiah Hill], and resides in Washington County where he is engaged in farming. Both the bride and groom are 18 years of age.’

From the 1910 census Jessie was living with his parents Isaiah and Lydia Hill on the Springfield-Texas Road. Did not find Nannie in this census, although her mother lived with her son William Coulter in Marion County.

This is the earliest photo I have of my grandparents – there may be others. Jessie was called ‘Pap’ by everyone, just as Nannie was called ‘Mom.’ My beautiful Aunt Catherine, their youngest daughter is in the photo with them. Not sure what year this photo was taken, but Catherine was born August 6, 1930, putting the date most likely 1946? My older Hill cousins could perhaps say if this is the house I remember as a child, it looks similar, but I’m not sure.

This photo was taken on the anniversary of their 60th wedding, June 27, 1971, both aged 78. I remember the big party we had with a beautiful layered cake, so much food and lots of fun and laughter!

Pap lived another 3 years, passing away after a stroke. Mom lived until 1983, at the great age of 90! They had eight children, 31 grandchildren and too many great-grandchildren to count! What a legacy!