It occurred to me that in my haste to begin sharing what was in the box, I didn't really give a background on uncle 'Babe' for any of you who don't know his story.
His given name was James Authur McCorcle Barnett when he was born in Riner, Montgomery Co., Virginia, on March 16, 1879. He was the 'Babe' of Robert Francis and Mary Elizabeth (Turner) Barnett and younger brother of Will Barnett. (which makes him Belle's brother-in-law)
Family researchers quickly learn that first and middle names were often flip flopped for unknown reasons and in 'Babe's case he had an additional middle name that got tossed around.
Here are samples of his signatures:
The first two were in his Bible
The third is from his WWII draft registration card
Sometime between 1900 and 1910, 'Babe', his brother Joseph and family, and their sister Maggie boarded a homesteader's train bound for Oregon. Several other adventurous relatives did the same. Historic maps indicate that he owned 80 acres in 1910.
In the early days of the last century, many Americans came West in search of a better life. Encouraged by the American government, settlers pushed the frontier further and further west, fulfilling what some saw as America's "manifest destiny."
From what records that have been found, for the next 40+ years 'Babe' appears to have made his living as a house painter and paper hanger.
This book of paint samples was in the box which he may have used with his customers.
There is no record that 'Babe' ever married but a future post will include a glimpse that there was one lady who may have been interested and whose letter 'Babe' chose to keep. Hmm.
