November 6th marked a poignant anniversary for me – this was the 86th anniversary of my 2nd Great-Grandfather Grover Willard Sr.'s tragic death. His life was a testament to resilience, marked by hardship and struggle, particularly during the Great Depression.
Grover's death was a devastating accident, a consequence of the lack of regulations and safety measures at the time. While cleaning a house with gasoline, he stepped away to light a cigarette, and the fumes ignited, causing a horrific explosion.
Three years ago, a conversation with my aunt sparked a journey of discovery, as she mentioned a diary written by Grover Willard Sr. This revelation sent me down a rabbit hole of research, driven by a desire to uncover more about my ancestor's life.
As I searched for the diary, I had the opportunity to connect with distant cousins, one of whom was the grandson of Grover Sr. and the current custodian of the diary. They graciously shared the diary with me, and reading it was a surreal experience. The diary entries revealed Grover's hardships, longing for a better world, and a deep desire to provide for his family. The contents were both heartbreaking and eye-opening, offering a glimpse into the life of a man who had faced unimaginable challenges.
My journey didn't end there. I became determined to locate Grover's final resting place and pay my respects. Unfortunately, I found that he was buried in an unmarked grave, likely due to his family's financial struggles and medical bills. Earlier this year, I arranged for a headstone to be made and placed on his grave, ensuring that he is forever marked and remembered.
On Nov 6th, as we commemorated the anniversary of Grover's passing, I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to uncover his story and pay tribute to his memory. His legacy lives on through our family, and I hope that sharing his story will inspire others to explore their family histories and preserve the memories of their loved ones.
If anyone would like to join this journey with me, I am working on transcribing the diary now! Follow me on TikTok @MI_Carnivorous_Grower if you want to join in and hear his story from the diary covering the last four years of his life.
Yours Truly,
-B
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