Fern Greenlee Malcom 1895

 

This is an undated account of Fern Greenlee Malcom’s birth and death written by Fannie Maud Malcom Hensler, Fern’s sister.  This information was received by her brother, Vincent Malcom, from Fannie in the 1970’s and before her death in 1979.  Vincent was deep into the research and the writing of the Malcom and Humphreys’ history during that time.  He had written letters to all his relatives sending along forms to be filled out with specific family statistics and inquiring as to their personal memories of loved ones who had passed away.  This is Fannie’s account of Fern, the first child of Billy and Minnie Malcom who was born in Ina, Fayette County, Tennessee in February 1895. 

 

Dearest Vince, 

 

I am sending you my information about Fern, the baby who died while Papa and Mama lived in Tennessee.  Mama had a hard time birthing and Fern lived only a few hours.  Papa shoveled a grave for Fern in a lot which had trees and flowers.  When mama was well, she took flowers to the grave nearly every day. 

 

Mama never got over Fern’s death.  Often Mama would have tears in her eyes.  I can recall my climbing on her lap as she sat in a rocker and she told about the sister who lived in heaven and who would come to play with me some day.  She loved her and carried her for life.  When I was a child, I would say that I would take Mama to see Fern’s grave.

 

Dear Vince, I am so interested in your writing.  I know it will be good. 

 

All my love, 

Fannie.