On last Saturday a number of friends and relatives gathered at the home of Mrs. Emaline Melton for a reunion, the occasion being her 87th birthday. Except for the unusually cold weather, the affair was very enjoyable. Mr. Everett Melton, a grandson of Mrs. Melton, was called on to make a speech and he responded with an interesting 10-minute talk. Among other fine things, he said: “We of the younger generation are prone to forget the great conflict that our forefathers went through in the 60’s; the sufferings, hardships and privations that befell them; and I say that our grandfather who went to war and fought and bled did not die for a Lost Cause, as some public men are fond of reiterating on every occasion, for the fight for state’s rights will never die. Grandfather, however, did not do more for the Cause than grandmother, who was here working, praying, and bringing all the strength to bear to fight the wolf from the door of her starving children. I say grandfather gave his all in one short minute but she fought on and on for years, and although the greatest cause was lost, the cause she so valiantly fought was won, for she reared her children to fear God, keep the laws, and love honesty and truthfulness.
A bounteous dinner was served and thoroughly enjoyed. Mr. Henry Belt was declared to be the man who ate the most. Henry says however he is not a relative to Mr. Billie Belk who became so thoroughly choked that an operation was necessary some time ago. Yet his friends held grave fears for him for a while.
Mrs. Melton is the oldest child of the late David and Isabella Montgomery. She has three brothers, Messrs. C.A., D.S., and D.C. Montgomery, and has eight sisters, Mesdames Hannah Short, Molcie Belk, Dulcena Lathan, Polly Jeane Laney, Adaline Griffin, Lucias Short, and Josie Laney. Mrs. Melton had 12 children, three are in the great beyond. She has 85 grandchildren, 155 great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren. Her eldest son, Ellis, is 66 years of age. John, Minor and James are her other living sons. D.J., familiarly known as Dock, died some years ago.
The writer wishes Aunt Emaline many more happy birthdays before her soul takes flight to that great reunion far beyond.
From the front page of The Monroe Journal, Nov. 15, 1921
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