HARRITAGE

What Is In A Name

2010-01-08T23:53:00.003-09:00

This is an open letter to my Grandson Shane Rolland Harrington, born on October 26, 2009 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

January 8, 2010
Anchor Point, Alaska 99556

Dear Grandson Shane,

This perhaps is the "first letter" that you have received. I am asking your father and mother to print it out for your future use and include it into your "baby book". In time, you will question as to how you were given the name of Shane Rolland Harrington. As your grandfather, I can attest to the fact that each of your names are honorable and respected names.

Your Grandmother Terry and I were present at the time you were born in Lincoln, Nebraska. Your grandmother was by your mothers side at your birth. I was sitting in the lobby of the hospital with your sister, Heather and brother, Hunter. I was able to see you the first time about forty minutes following your birth. My father, Henry Laverne Harrington (your great grandfather) was born in a the small town of Benedict Nebraska, just a few miles from Lincoln. Your 2nd Great Grandfather (Henry Philo Harrington) was also born in Benedict. Your 3rd Great Grandfather (Henry Harrington) homesteaded the area of Benedict following the Civil War, he would donate sixty acres of his land to form the village of Benedict, Nebraska.

Your first name of Shane was also the first name of my oldest son and brother to your dad, his full name was Shane Scott Harrington, he was your Uncle. His first name was derived from an old western movie, titled "Shane". He was born on February 7, 1969 at Adak, Alaska. An island in the Aleutian Chain of Alaska. The island of Adak was a U.S. Navy Base in which I was stationed while serving in the Navy. There was no civilian community on the island. Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 39 on October 22, 2008, one year and four days prior to your birth in Homer, Alaska. I am sure he was smiling proudly the day you were born, knowing that you would share his name.

Your second name, Rolland was the middle name of my brother, Henry Rolland (Tad) Harrington, your dad's Uncle and your Great Uncle. He was born on December 31, 1937 in Silver Creek, Nebraska, just a few miles from Lincoln. He passed away five months following the birth of Shane at the age of 32 on July 29, 1969 in Montrose, Colorado where he had moved to from Homer, Alaska for medical attention.

Your Uncle Shane and Great Uncle "Tad" as he preferred his nickname shared many of the same qualities and characteristics. They each passed away at a far to early stage in their life, but both lived life to the fullest. They were both similar in size and body structure. Each of them posed an infectious smile, always optimistic and cheerful. Each of them endured a terrible disease, yet they never let it interfere with their lives, they made the best out of a bad situation. Their attitudes were always "upbeat" and enthusiastic. Each of them were highly respected in the communities in which they lived and loved by all that knew them. I had a great deal of respect for each of them, I loved both of them dearly. They enter my thoughts on a daily basis. I cherish the memories that we shared.

Uncle Shane Scott Harrington

Wedding Picture Of Shane On the Day That He Married The Love Of His Life, Your Aunt Dana. They Have Two Daughters, Your Cousin's Marina and Sierra. They Live In Homer, Alaska .

Your Uncle Shane In Our Campground in Anchor Point, Alaska.

Uncle Shane, Wrestling (Blue and Gold) In Homer Winter Carnival Wrestling Tournament Championship Round Which He Won In A Major Decision.

Uncle Shane and Myself, His First King Salmon On The Anchor River In Alaska

From an early age, your Uncle Shane was adventurous and loved the outdoors. He was a gifted athlete starting out in Little League Baseball. He was selected and played on several "All Star" teams. He was a pitcher with an extremely hard, fast ball. He played high school football for the Homer Mariners in Alaska for four years.

His first love was in the sport of wrestling. He wrestled on the Homer Mariner Wrestling team for four years, as a freshman winning only one match. In his Sophomore year, he became a force to reckon with on the mat. In the next three years, he would win the Championship at the Homer Winter Carnival Tournament three times and numerous other tournament Championships. He placed second in two Regional Championships and was the Regional Champion one year. He wrestled in two State Championship Tournaments, winning second in State in one of those Tournaments. He set a number of school records in wrestling that withstood the test of time for several years.

Following his marriage to your Aunt Dana, the two of them played Co-Ed Softball on a team in Homer, Alaska. They won the City Championship two years and went onto win the State Tournament. They were each selected as "Player Of the Year" the same year.
Besides, four wheeling and snow machines, his love was fishing the Anchor River. He started fishing with me on the river at an early age, developed into a very good fishermen, and learned to love fishing for the aspect of fishing and not necessarily of catching.
He purchased property in the Caribou Lake area, east of Homer, Alaska. The only access was by four wheelers or snow machines in the winter. He transported all of his building materials to his property and built a nice cabin, which he loved.

After graduation from high school, he went to Mesa College in Grand Junction with a Wrestling Scholarship and major in Electrical Engineering. Sitting in class one day, he looked out the window and saw some students climbing power poles at the adjoining vocational school. He left college and attended the vocational school to get trained as a Power Lineman.
Upon graduation, he returned to Alaska. Not being able to work in Alaska as a Lineman because he had not attended the school in Alaska he hired on with Cable Vision. He worked in Nome, Alaska for a period of time prior to transferring to Homer, Alaska. Power Lineman was still his goal, he eventually was selected to attend the Lineman School in Alaska. Upon graduation for the second time, he worked in Anchorage and Kodiak Island as a Lineman. He would later transfer to Homer Electric in Homer, Alaska where he earned his Journeyman Lineman status. His dream was fulfilled and loved his job dearly. He was highly respected within the brotherhood of Power Lineman, all of them in attendance at his Memorial Service. With all the loves he had in his life, sports, outdoors, fishing, his work his true love was his girls, Dana, Marina, and Sierra. He was a good man, a honest man with a heart of gold.

Great Uncle Henry Rolland "Tad" Harrington

High School Graduation Picture, Montrose County High School
Montrose, Colorado

High School Football Picture, Montrose County High School "Indians" Montrose, Colorado

Great Uncle "Tad And Your Great Aunt Mary Jane Caparella They Have Three Children, Your Second Cousins Michael Henry Harrington, Donna Kay Harrington, and Jesse Dean Harrington. they live in Montrose, Colorado.

Your Great Uncle Rolland "Tad" And Me With A Catch Of Halibut From Cook Inlet, Out of Anchor Point, Alaska.

Your Great Uncle Rolland "Tad" Harrington was born in Nebraska. Our family moved from Nebraska just prior to my birth in 1945. Your Great Uncle Tad was the oldest of the Harrington brothers. My father, your Great Grandfather was a "Horseman" and taught Tad from an early age about horses. Being the oldest, "Tad" would always accompany our father on his adventures, most often interfering with his education.

From the time he could walk, he was sitting on a horse becoming a very good horseman in his own right. Before he was out of elementary school he was leading pack trains of horses loaded with camping supplies into the mountains of Colorado in support of our fathers primary business of big game guiding. In time, he would ride broncs, competition roping in rodeos, breaking and shoeing horses.

His high school education was interrupted several times when a "new" adventure would beckon our father. While in high school he would play football and was also on the high school boxing team, when they allowed boxing as a sport at the high school level. Tad was the smallest of the Harrington brothers. What he lacked in size, he made up for in heart and guts, he was not afraid to take on anything. He also had that infectious smile and personality that instantly won friends. He was well respected and admired.

In his Senior year in high school, he would live on a ranch in Aspen, Colorado and graduate from high school in Aspen. It was then that he and Mary Jane fell in love and eloped to New Mexico to get married in 1957.

In the winter, of 1953 our father decided to see Alaska during the winter. Again, Tad left school and spent the winter in Alaska with our father, camping out the majority of the time. In the spring of 1956, they once again came back to Alaska to work for Shell Oil Company. Our father, was a horse packer and "bear guard" for the early oil exploration crews on the Alaska Peninsula. Although, Tad was underage to hold a legal license to operate radio communications, he also went to work as a radio operator on the Shell Oil work boat the M/V Tempest.

In the spring of 1957, another adventure awaited. At the age of 20, he, his new wife, Mary Jane, and our brother Don would take a load of four mules north to Alaska. Going through Canada they would acquire two additional horses to fill out the load. To the best of our knowledge,it was the first truck load of mules taken over the Alcan Highway. The rest of our family would travel behind them by a couple of weeks. We would make Alaska our permanent home, returning to Colorado to live on our place in Colorado every other winter until it was sold. In the spring of 1962, your Great Uncle Rolland "Tad", our brother Don, and I would take a truck load of horses over the highway to Alaska. Again, as far as we know it was the first load of "Shetland Ponies" to be trucked to Alaska. While in Alaska, your Great Uncle worked in a variety of jobs including fishing canneries, forest fire fighting, radio operator, and working as a lineman for Homer Electric Association. The same company that your Uncle Shane worked for in later years. Prior to my high school graduation and joining the Navy, your Great Uncle and I commercially fished together for two years. We had so much fun and shared so many memories.

As did your Uncle Shane, your Great Uncle loved to fish for salmon on the Anchor River.

While working in the local "drugstore" during the winter, a group of students in high school wanted to start a wrestling program at the school. The school advertised for a Coach, your Great Uncle volunteered to coach the four wrestlers on the original team. He would remain their coach until he passed away. One of the members, Steve Wolfe, who was on the original wrestling team was the Coach of the Wrestling Team throughout your Uncle Shane's wrestling career in high school. In time, the school hired one of the teachers to assist in the wrestling program.

Prior to the end of the 1969 wrestling season, your Great Uncle had to return to Colorado for hospitalization for his battle against cancer. On the night of the State Championship matches in Alaska, a phone was put into your Great Uncles hospital room. Each of his wrestlers talked to him on the phone to let their "coach" know how they did. That year, the small school of Homer had four State Champions. Winning the title of Alaska Small School Championship. In 1986, at the Homer Winter Carnival Wrestling Tournament, which your Uncle Shane won the Championship in his weight class your Great Uncle Rolland "Tad" was the first member to be inducted into the Homer High School Wrestling Hall of Fame. Although, he was not an official staff member at Homer High School, the 1969 High School Annual was dedicated to your Great Uncle.

Like your Uncle Shane, your great Uncle Rolland "Tad" was highly respected and loved by all that knew him. He had a simple song that he would quite often sing to himself, I don't believe he knew all the words, but it was a Hank Williams song, the lines he always sang to himself was "live hard, die young, and leave a beautiful memory" both your Uncle Shane and Great Uncle Rolland "Tad" did just that.

Shane, I do not know what you will do with this information, I just wanted you to know a little more about the men that share their name with you. Perhaps, someday into the far future, you can tell your children how you came by your name. With all my love, your Grandfather.

Love,
Stanley R. Harrington
Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy, (Retired)

The "Horseman" and His "Pal"

2009-11-27T23:00:00.011-09:00

Although, some may call them "Cowboys", I maintain that there is a difference between a "Horseman" and a "Cowboy". One of the best "Horseman" that I ever knew was my father, Henry Laverne "Vern" Harrington. (August 12, 1912 ~ September 8, 1990)

Although, he was adapt at cutting a steer out of a herd or roping a calf, he was a "Horseman". I acquired the above picture of my father on my trip to Colorado last spring. I had never seen this picture of him, taken in what appears the San Juan Mountains in the area of Ouray or Telluride, Colorado. I came to this conclusion by a very brief description on the back of the picture written by my mother, "Vern when packing ore boxes".
This was yet another thing that I did not know about my father because most likely it occurred prior to or just following my birth in 1945. On my trip to Colorado this past fall, I inquired about the process of packing ore. Until recent years, there were several gold mines in this area still in operation on both sides of Red Mountain. Accordingly, in the early days of these operations, the high grade ore was packed by horse or mule from the site of the mine to the smelter plant at lower elevations. Special wooden boxes were constructed that would fit into a standard panyard, one of each side of the pack animal. This picture is interesting in that my father is not only wearing chaps but also a fringe laced buckskin jacket.
Although, it is controversial whether a human has the ability to communicate with an animal, such as a horse. There are those that are convinced that "horse whisperers" have this ability. I am not a total beleiver in the "horsewhisperer" concept, however, I witnessed my father on numerous occasions handle a horse when everyone else had got frustrated or given up. He could get rough with a bronc when needed, but in most cases just laying his hands and talking to the horse would calm them down. As a child, we always had a good number of horses. It was my older brothers and my daily chores to take care of the horses. My older brother, Tad was also a good horseman at a young age. While shoeing or roaching a mane he would get one that was occasionally on the fight. After fighting with the horse for several minutes, my father would walk out from the house, take the halter rope, turn the horse in a circle a couple of times, lay his hands on the neck of the horse, talk to them, and after a bit, would say, "don't fight them". The horse would be settled down and the chore completed without a problem.
When it comes time to "geld" a stud, the typical way to "cut" a stud is to lay and tie them down, even the veterinarians will use some type of sedative. My father was only "horseman" that I have witnessed that would cut all his stud horses while they were standing. I know for a fact as I was the "halter" boy on a lot of stud horses holding them for my father. Again, he would lay his hands on the sides of the horse, talk to them, and rub them down to their flanks, then go under the horse and complete the operation. Total time lapsed, less than two minutes. In later years, he would teach my brother Don this same technique.
As a youth in Nebraska, he started working with horses. At that time the farmers were using horse teams in their fields to pull their equipment. In his teen years and during the "Great Depression" he made a living out of breaking horses to both the harness and riding. According to his diary of this era he always had several horses around his place all the time, breaking them for others.
In the early days of oil exploration in Alaska, my father hired on with Shell Oil Company as their "packer" for their exploration of oil on the Alaska Peninsula. They barged a load of horses from Homer to the Alaska Peninsula. They would establish a base camp, then my father would pack in a second camp to their next destination. When the crews got to that camp, he would then move the next camp further into the field.
The following year he contracted with the owners of the Cherikoff Island in the middle of the Gulf of Alaska. A herd of wild cattle inhabited the island, it was his task to round these cattle up, corral them, and they would be processed for slaughter as any working ranch. After working the summer in an attempt to round up the cattle, none had been corralled. He recommended to the owners that they get a "better cowboy" by recommending that they hire his friend John Verde Hotchkiss form Colorado. John Verde also spent the following summer on the island, his record was very similar to that of my fathers. The "wild cows" remain on the island today. Over the years numerous attempts have been made to turn the island into a working ranch with little success.
Dad was a tough man, but he also grew up in tough times but when it came to horses, he seldom used his size, strength, and toughness to handle a horse, he was a "horseman". Every "horseman" has that one special horse, normally a horse that represents their personality and they bond with one another. Dad was no exception, his special horse was a big stud Palomino that went by the name of "Pal". They were Pal's, there are very few pictrures of my dad working with horses or leading a pack train that he is not riding Pal. He was dad's horse, no one else was allowed to ride him. There was one exception, after a summer of operating a riding stable in Aspen, Colroado it was decided that all of the horses would be driven cross country from Aspen to Montrose, Colroado. A trip of several days and mountian passes. There were five that made the "horsedrive", my sister had just recently married her partner for life, Cliff Miller. Dad told Cliff that he wanted him to ride Pal on the trip. Today, Cliff is still convinced that dad was trying to kill him. Pal had a mind of his own but after awhile, according to Cliff they had a little understanding and came home safely. I was just a youngster, but I still vidly recall when dad got the telephone call that Pal had been injured. He was being pastured at a friends ranch and was badly cut in a barb wire fence. Dad put him down but he was not as tough as he protrayed when he lost his "Pal". This picture hung in our various homes the entire time I was growing up, it was only recently given to me on my fall visit to Colorado.

"Pal" At Upper Soap Creek Hunting Camp

The Lineage Continues

2009-11-14T23:11:00.001-09:00

The Harrington / Epperson Lineage continues to grow with the birth of our 13th Grandson to Heath and Erica Harrington. Shane Rolland Harrington was born on October 26, 2009 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
His first birth name is that of his Uncle Shane Scott Harrington (February 7, 1969 ~ October 22, 2008). He took his middle name from his Great Uncle Henry Rolland "Tad" Harrington (December 31, 1937 ~ July 29, 1969). Both names are honorable and highly respected names by all that knew them.
Shane Rolland reinstated the Harrington birthright in the State of Nebraska. He was born just a few miles of the birthplace of his Great Grandparents Vern and Lena Harrington as well his Great Aunt Dorthy Miller Harrington and Great Uncles Henry Rolland, Larry, and Donald Harrington. As well, the lineage on his mothers side of the family also comes from the same area of Nebraska.
His 3rd Great Grandfather Henry Harrington homesteaded in the area of Benedict, Nebraska just a few miles from Lincoln following his discharge from the Civil War. His 2nd Great Grandfather Henry Philo Harrington was born in Benedict, Nebraska (April 24, 1874 ~ June 16, 1944) and his Great Grandfather Henry Laverne "Vern" Harrington was also born in Benedict, Nebraska on August 13, 1912.

The Family Dinner ~ Era 1926

2009-04-30T20:43:00.003-08:00

This is another of the series of pictures that the Baker family sent to me recently. I made an attempt to determine the month and year by enlarging the calendar on the wall, however, I was not successful. Best guess estimate by the youngest member, I would estimate that this picture was taken in 1925 - 1927 time frame. It is comprised primarily of the "Baker" family with the family of Henry Philo and Ella Belle Baker-Harrington in attendance. There are also three other people at the dinner that I have names for however, I believe they are neighboring friends of the family.

ENLARGE FROM ORIGINAL PHOTO ABOVE
Relationship To Myself

Head of Table: Floyd Baker, Great Uncle
Lady Sitting: Luella Baker, Great Aunt
Lady Standing: Pearl Baker, Great Aunt
Clyde Baker, Great Uncle
Oliver Baker, Great Uncle
Henry "Ten" Harrington, Grandfather
Charles Baker, Great Uncle
Frank Baker, Great Uncle

Louise Harrington, Aunt (Fathers Sister)

ENLARGE FROM ORIGINAL PHOTO ABOVE

Relationship To Myself

Head of Table: Floyd Baker, Great Uncle
John Lett
Mrs. John Lett
Mrs. Beach
Esther Baker, Great Aunt
Ella Baker-Harrington, Grandmother
Ralph Harrington, Uncle

Around The World In 20 Years

2009-04-28T12:15:00.002-08:00

Dedicated With Love And Respect

To My Grandson,
PFC Joshua Vern Harrington, U.S. Army
Currently Serving His Country In Afghanistan

"Piping Over The Side"
Retirement Ceremony ~ Anchorage, Alaska
Chief Navy Counselor Stanley R. Harrington, USN
1983

Take A Second Look

2009-04-25T00:33:00.000-08:00

Again, I thank Dr. Roy Baker and family for their personal contribution of family pictures to our collection. For those that do not know the story, Dr. Roy Baker and I met in Alaska by accident several years ago when he and his family were visiting the Anchor Point and Homer area. He and I are cousins, his aunt, Ella Belle Baker is my Grandmother, married to Henry Philo Harrington on February 8, 1911. He and I are similar in age, he vividly recalls when my father visited the Baker family following his first trip to Alaska. This picture was taken during this visit on September 17, 1954.
BROTHER AND SISTERS
CHRISTMAS 1918

Henry Laverne Harrington (Father) ~ Age 6
Virginia Louise Harrington (Aunt) ~ Age 2 1/2

Esther Irene Harrington (Aunt) ~ Age 4
Rolland Charles Harrington ~ Not In Picture ~ Born December 9, 1917
Ronald Ralph Harrington ~ Not In Picture ~ Born October 24, 1921

UPDATED INFORMATION FOR FAMILY BOOK
Grandparent Lineage ~ Page II

FATHERS BROTHERS AND SISTERS
Esther Irene Harrington ~ Born May 3, 1914 ~ York County, Nebraska ~ Death June 8, 2004
Virginia Louise Harrington ~ Born April 3, 1916 ~ Bradshaw, Nebraska ~ Death June 8, 2001
*Rolland Charles Harrington ~ Born December 9, 1917 ~York County, Nebraska ~
Death January 12, 1922 (Age 5)
**Ronald Ralph Harrington ~ Born October 24, 1921 ~ Bradshaw, York, Nebraska
Death 1983

* Henry Rolland "Tad" Harrington Named After My Fathers First Brother
** I Was Given The Middle Name Of Fathers Youngest Brother

Henry Laverne "Vern" Harrington (Father)
Virginia Louise Harrington (Aunt)
Esther Irene Harrington (Aunt)
Date Unknown ~ Dad Appears To Be Around Age 10

Take A Second Look

Henry Philo "Ten" Harrington
Ella Belle Baker Harrington

I now know where my father and I got our carpentry skills!

However, at first glance do you see a resemblance between sister Dorothy Harrington Miller

and Grandmother Baker.

I looked at this picture several times trying to figure out which children are also seen in the picture. It was not until this evening, that I noticed something for the first time. Grabbing my magnifying glass, I studied the picture in closer detail. Still not being able to determine what I was seeing nor believing what I was seeing, I put it on the scanner and enlarged the section that you see below.

That is "Ten" Harrington's, Parker Brothers 10 Gauge Double Barrel Shotgun sitting within reach of him. Just in case it was needed, it appears that the second shotgun is either a Winchester or Remington pump shotgun. The story of the Parker Brothers shotgun is in the posting preceding this post. With this same shotgun in my possession, this picture is as priceless to me as is the gun.

Happy Birthday "Ten" Harrington

2009-04-23T23:07:00.002-08:00

I would once again like to thank Dr. Roy Baker and the Baker Family for their generosity in providing me some very early pictures of our family and information pertaining to the relationship between the "Baker" family and the "Harrington" family. They have most recently sent me a collection of pictures dating back to the days of my fathers youth. I will be posting the remaining pictures in days to come.

MY GRANDFATHER

Henry Philo "Ten" Harrington
Birth: April 24, 1874 ~ Benedict, Nebraska
Married: Ella Belle Baker ~ February 8, 1911
Death: June 16, 1944 ~ Central City, Nebraska
Buried: Benedict, Nebraska

The "Baker" family just sent this picture to me. I have seen very few pictures of my Grandfather Harrington. He passed away just short of a year prior to my birth. As were a lot of pictures in this era, the picture can actually be used as a postcard. Although, it is not dated, I am assuming this picture was taken in the early 1900's as Grandfather Harrington was thirty seven years old when he married Ella Belle Baker. Grandmother Baker-Harrington was born in 1885.
To put the time in proper format, although he was my Grandfather he was born a short nine years following the conclusion of the Civil War. His father, Henry Harrington served honorably throughout the Civil War. "Ten" Harrington grew up during the time that the west was being settled. He was born two years prior to the "Battle of the Little Bighorn" and "Custer's Last Stand." He grew up in the era of the outlaw, Jesse James (1847 - 1882) and the Younger Gang, "Billy the Kid" (1859 - 1881) and "Buffalo Bill" (1846-1917).
I mention this because of my Grandfathers nickname, "Ten". He grew up in the era that the west was still not settled. He was born, Henry Philo Harrington, and had four brothers and seven sisters. Henry Philo was the fourth oldest child in the family. In later documents in his life the nickname "Ten" started to appear as part of his name. The "Baker" family always referred to him as "Ten". The history of the nickname remained a mystery to me until 2007. While visiting Benedict, Nebraska I met the granddaughter of a man that knew "Ten" Harrington. The nickname "Ten" was given to him because he always carried a Parker Brothers, Double Barrel "10" Gauge, exposed hammer shotgun with him.
Upon his passing, Henry Philo gave his oldest son, Henry Laverne Harrington (my father) this same shotgun with the understanding that it would remain in the Harrington family. In 1977, my father would pass the gun down to myself. Grandfather "Ten" Harrington would be happy to know that his gun is safe today and remains in the family. If this old "Parker Shotgun" could talk, I can imagine the stories that it would have to tell.

PARKER BROTHERS ~ MERIDEN, CONNECTICUT
10 Gauge ~ Exposed Hammers ~ Double Damascus Barrels
Serial Number: 4x,xxx

Happy 135th Birthday, Grandpa "Ten".
Your Gun Is Clean And Safe.

Thank You

2009-04-22T14:16:00.003-08:00

In The Mail Today, We Received The Following Decree From Members Of The Alaska State Legislature. On Behalf Of the Harrington Family, We Thank Them For Honoring Our Son, Brother, Husband, Father, And Uncle.

The document had to be reduced in order to scan, if you click on
the document you will be able to read the citation.

Henry Laverne "Vern" Harrington

2009-04-16T20:01:00.002-08:00

This is my father in his youth. I had never seen these photographs until a week ago. I apologize for the clarity, as I had to take pictures of the pictures. The photos are 90 - 95 years of age and come from an old album that was aged and weather beaten. According to to inscription of the cover of the album, this was a collection of photos that my fathers sister (Esther) put together for her mother, my Grandmother Baker-Harrington.

Henry Laverne "Vern" Harrington
August 13, 1912 ~ September 8, 1990

Dad Is On The Horse to the Left
His Little Brother, (Rolland) On The Horse To The Right
Grandmother Baker-Harrington Holding Rolland On Horse
Two Remaining Boys Were Neighborhood Friends
1918

"Vern" Harrington ~ 1914

Dad riding A Horse By the Name Daisy 1919
Years Later, With All the Horses That We Owned, My Mother
Had One Favorite Horse. She Was Not for Sale And Her Name
Was "Daisy", I Can Only Assume Named After This Horse Of His Youth.

1920
Left to Right
Children Of
Henry Philo "Ten" and Ella Belle Baker-Harrington

"Vern" Harrington ~ Sister Esther Harrington (1914) ~ Sister Louise Harrington (1916)
and
Brother Rolland Harrington (1917)
Dog's Name Was "Trixie"

Brother Ronald Ralph Harrington (1921)
(Not Born When Picture Was Taken

Most Recent Pictures

2009-04-11T13:35:00.002-08:00

Left to Right

Diane Miller Peacock, Dalene Miller, Dave Miller, Cliff Miller

Steve, Geri Miller and Daughters

Coleman Summers, Donna Harrington Hayes, Mike Harrington

Bill Harrington and Cindy

Harrington Brothers and Sisters

2009-04-09T11:16:00.003-08:00

1946 ~ 1947
Montrose, Colorado

Names by Height
Dorothy Harrington, Tad Harrington, Larry Harrington
Don Harrington, Stan Harrington

This picture was taken in front of the house in which I was born, south of Montrose.
While in Montrose recently, I met a lady (Betty Larue) that was there the day I was born. Her father and mother had sold this property to my parents and bought a farm across the road, however they could not move into their new home for several months so they lived with us. The date of this picture is not known for sure, however, I was still in diapers as you can see them slipping below my "short pants" and as well they look a little wet. Enlarging, you will see that "Tad" has no teeth, this was from a horse kicking him in the mouth.
Picture is worth a "million dollars" to me.

In Loving Memory

2009-03-26T00:17:00.015-08:00

In Loving Memory To My Sister,
Dorothy Arlene Harrington Miller
September 22, 1935 ~ March 25, 2009

God Saw You Getting Tired,
And A Cure Was Not To Be.
So He Put His Arms Around You
And Whispered, Come To Me.

With Tearful Eyes We Watch You
And Saw You Pass Away.
Although We Loved You Dearly,
We Could Not Make You Stay.

A Golden Heart Stopped Beating,
Hard Working Hands At Rest.
God Broke Our Hearts to Prove To Us,
He Only Takes The Best.

Dort,
With All My Love And Admiration.

I Love You!
"Butch"

"Johanni de Haverynton"

2009-03-22T20:10:00.009-08:00

Cartmel Priory Church of Saint Mary and Saint Michael
Cartmel, Cumbria England

Built Between 1190 - 1220

Ref: John De Harrington 22nd Great Grandfather (Page XIII) Family Book

"John de Haverington or Harrington was the son and heir of Sir Robert Harrington (23rd Great Grandfather), of Harrington in Cumberland and his wife, Agnes Canfield, heiress of the family of Furness or Fleming of Muchland in Furess". "Sir John Harrington was born about 1281 and he suceeded his mother in 1293, and his father Sir Robert Harrington in 1297 while he was still under age. He was Knighted, on 22 May 1306 when Edward, Prince of Wales was made a Knight at Westminister."

"Sir John de Harrington was summoned, 26 October 1309 for military service, as well as on 3 Edward II to 27 Mar 9, Edward III (1335). He was summoned to councils from 20 Dec 1324 until 25 Feb 1341/42, and to Parliament from 3 Dec 1316 until 3o Jul 1345. His name on the writs is styled "Johanni de Haverynton" and he was called "Lord Harrington".

"In conjunction with his wife, he made a settlement of his Lancashire manors and on 6 Jan 1340/41, he obtained a charter free warren in Witherslack and a park in Aldingham. Sir John Harrington died on 2 Jul 1347 and was buried in Cartmel Church."

Sir (Lord) John Harrington (1281- 1347) was the 8th Great Grandfather to Sir John Harrington (1561-1612), adopted Godson to Queen Elizabeth. (Page IX)

Cartmel Priory Church of St. Mary and St. Michael was dedicated in 1220
and continues to have weekly services. Through the centuries, it has been changed and refurbished. It is well known for the stone work and intricate workmanship in stone, glass and wood. Between 1327 and 1347, a chapel with four traceried windows were provided by Lord John Harrington in the south choir aisle.

The tomb of Lord John Harrington which is located in Town Choir of the Cartmel Priory Church of Saint Mary and Saint Michael.

Home Of The Ajax

2009-03-19T21:13:00.005-08:00

For the past couple of days, I have been following a lead that I had come across a year ago. It has taken sometime to find verifiable documentation, however, I am now satisfied that the information is accurate. I will be posting this information within the next few days.
Until then, I thought you would find this interesting.

Fieldgrove House, Bitton, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

The Fieldgrove House was once the home of Sir John Harrington, a godson of Elizabeth I.
This is the house in which the water closet (Ajax) was invented by Sir John Harrington and his brother Francis of Kelston Towers. (Page IX and Narrative ~ Family Book).
This was the first documentation that I have found that it mentioned that he had assistance from his brother in his invention to please the Queen.

Harrington, Lincolnshire, England

2009-03-14T00:35:00.000-08:00

I now have preliminary documentation, awaiting confirmation with secondary information that Harrington, Lincolnshire, England is the area that our family had the most influence. The Harrington lineage also indicates earlier areas that the "Haverington" or "Harrington" family were an influence with the most predominant area being in Lancastershire. Some areas are difficult to search since the maps have been revised over the centuries. Names such as Lincolnshire and Lancastershire are common to our county names. On the map below, Lincolnshire is located on the shores of the German Ocean, adjacent to the compass rose. Lancastershire is located northwest of Lincolnshire and situated on the Irish Sea. The community of Harrington is located in the area of the large bay at the southern end of Lincolnshire.

The parish of Harrington, located in Lincolnshire, is now largely a bedroom community for employees of the shops and offices found in Workington and Whitehaven, England. The community has a population of about 6,000. The parish consists of Harrington, High Harrington, and Salterbeck. Harrington itself has four shops, post office with a similar business district in High Harrington and Salterbeck.

One particular landmark in Harrington is the Anglican Church, St. Mary's. The Roman Catholic church in Harrington is also dedicated to St. Mary. The original Anglican, St. Mary's was constructed when the area was settled. Due to age, the church was replaced in 1854 - 1855 which is the picture below.

In later years, St. Mary's was once again refurbished and the area surrounding it landscaped in greater detail. Today, the church and surrounding area is pictured below.

My Name Is Stanley

2009-03-10T01:05:00.006-08:00

It has taken a while, but finally I have received a third piece of documentation that supports the earlier information pertaining to the origins of the Harrington family. From my understanding, there were two distinct Harrington lineages in England. For simplicity, the northern and southern Harrington families. Our early ancestors were from the northern part of England.

QUOTED FROM SOURCE

"The Harrington lineage is a long, for the most part, a distinguished one. Early generations came from Cumbria in the north west of England, having settled there after the Conquest, claiming through the marriage to William of Normandy's niece Matilda, royal kinship."

"By the 14th Century the main Harrington family was established around Morecombe Bay in Lancashire, though they held land as far afield as Ireland, with other branches in the English Midlands. The northern family's fortunes prospered under John of Gaunt and later Harrington's distinguished themselves with Henry V on the field of Agincourt. Though they (Harrington's) had been stout supporters of the the Lancastrian kings previously,the ineffectual rule of Henry VI persuaded them to support the Yorkist cause in the struggle of the Roses, resulting in catastrophic disaster for the northern Harrington's. The deaths of several of the principal males of the family resulted in most of their property and land being acquired through martial connivance by the Stanley family."

"The northern Harrington's re-emerged under Henry VIII with one of their number, John Harrington of Stepney, marrying Ethelreda Malte, daughter of Henry's tailor, though generally regarded as an illegitimate daughter of the king himself. The estates Henry generously granted his tailor and Ethelreda in Somerset provided the foundation for the Harrington of Kelston. John Harrington's son John by his second marriage to Isabella Markham was a godson of Elizabeth I and was poet of controversial distinction, though history remembers him better, unfortunately as the inventor of an early water closet."

I have additional information pertaining to burial sites in the Morecombe Bay area of several Harrington's including James Harrington(1592 - 1630) (11th Great Grandfather, Page IX Family Book) who was born in Bath, Somerset, England but his death occurred in Watertown, Massachusetts. The reason is unknown to me why his remains would be returned to England from the colonies. One can only assume that he was a gentleman of distinction or possibly ranking military officer.

The two members of the family named John in this documentation were father and son which are the 12th and 13th Great Grandfather (Page IX and X Family Book). James Harrington in the previous paragraph was the son of John Harrington (12th Great Grandfather).

I thought it coincidental that the "Stanley family" acquired much the of the Harrington family properties through martial connivance. This is the only time that I have seen my first name in our family history. Could I be a "Stanley" and not a "Harrington" :)

Invasion of Normandy

2009-03-06T00:05:00.003-09:00

"D-Day"

In World War II, D-Day was used in reference to the day that a full force invasion would occur at Normandy by the allied forces comprised of four countries. It was the largest invasion force in the history of the world, comprised of 6,939 ships and allied forces of 156,000 personnel. The invasion would occur on the morning of June 6, 1944 and would mark the turning point of World War II in Europe. The sea invasion forces would land on five beachheads, Utah, Gold, Juno, Sword, and Omaha Beach. The Allied Invasion force was facing a superior force in personnel with a strength estimated at 380,000 personnel. Allied Invasion forces also consisted of a large airlift of soldiers that would parachute into the area behind the enemy defenses located on the beachheads. The invasion forces landing at Omaha Beach was comprised predominantly of American soldiers. The landings at Omaha Beach suffered the highest casualties than all of the landings combined, estimated at a loss of 5,000 lives. Other than actual film taken at the time of the invasion, most likely the best reenactment of the landing on Omaha Beach was seen in the movie, "Saving Private Ryan".

"The Soldier"

We are fortunate to have received a copy of "Wayne Baker - - WW II Experiences" from the Baker family in Lincoln, Nebraska. This document is a detailed diary of the experiences of my Great Uncle Wayne Baker accounting from the time he went into the Army in March 1942 to October 1945 when he returned home. His accounting traces the advancement of the Allied forces across Europe. On March 24th and 25th, 1945 he would cross the Rhine River into Germany. Great Uncle Wayne would enter the Army at age thirty eight, making him forty years of age on D-Day. Although, he wanted to be in the infantry, he was assigned to a medical unit. In August 1944 he left the 68th Medical Unit and joined the 30th Infantry Division as a medic for Company E, 117th Infantry. The "field medic" is perhaps one of the most dangerous jobs in an infantry company.

Wayne Baker (1957)

The complete diary is lengthy, I have taken the liberty to highlight some of the key elements. If anyone would like to read the entire transcript, which I would strongly recommend, you are welcome to share my copy. I never had the opportunity to meet my Great Uncle, but I would guess by his dictation he had a great sense of humor. In one particular instance, he tells of himself and buddy on Christmas Eve sneaking over a hill and stealing a jeep from the "jerries" and taking it for a joy ride. He also recalls the horrors of war. The diary also includes a "love story" without an ending. Wayne Baker was never married.

THE "WAR DIARY"

"June 1944: Landed on Omaha Beach, fought there, St. Lo, other places in Normandy"
"October 2, 1944: The 30th cracked the Siegried Line at Ubach"
"October 16, 1944: Directed to conduct a diversionary attack at Atchen. Only 7 of 42 survived, but the plan worked. Company won Battle Honors. Wayne received wounds for which he received the Purple Heart, but kept on going with no time off."
"November 1944: Proceeded to Aldorf, took towns of Maliadorf, Hongen, Warden, Kinzweiler, and others. Received wounds at Kinzweiler, got a Bronze Star for it. Kept on with no time off."
"December 1944: Left for the big battle (Bulge) in Belgium. Fought in deep snow in the Ardennes near Trois Point, Stavelog, Malmedy."
"March 1945: On a weekend (March 24-25). Crossed the Rhine into Germany, north of the Ruhr Valley. Was wounded in the second village across the Rhine (Spellen, near Wesel).
Taken to 94th General Hospital, 18 miles from Bristol."
"June 1945: Back to France via La Harve. To a camp at Mennecy near Paris."
"June 27, 1945: To Worms, Germany via Nancy, Saarburg, Heidelburg, Mannheim."
"July - August 1945": Neustadt Germany between Marburg and Kassel, never rejoined the 30th."
October 4, 1945: Troop transport ship docked at Boston, Massachusetts.

Wayne Baker Was Wounded In Action On Three Occasions
Honorably Discharged With 20% Disability

"MEDALS AND AWARDS"

Bronze Star
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Good Conduct Medal
WWII Victory Medal
American Defense Service Medal
Medical Combat Badge
Unit Battle Honors
Unit Belgian Fourraguerre

Wayne Baker passed away on December 25, 1965 at Benedict, Nebraska and is buried at Pleasant Hill, York County, Nebraska. My father spoke very highly of his Uncle Wayne, I regret that I never had nor took the opportunity to meet him. An American and Alaskan flag will be placed at grave site the next time I am in Benedict, Nebraska

Mustered For Duty

2009-03-04T00:15:00.000-09:00

This is a perpetual posting. As additional information is obtained, it will be included in this posting. Throughout the history of the United States, the Harrington family and the descendants through marriages have answered the call to duty in service to their country. They have answered the call in both peaceful times as well as times of turmoil and war. The history of our military contributions dates from War of Independence to the present time. I have accumulated a number of individual biographies, which I will post in time. If I have missed any names from the roster, please let me know so I can include them. (Indicated by parenthesis is the relationship to myself)

REPORTED FOR DUTY

James D. Harrington ~ Korea (Brother)
Donald D. Harrington ~ Vietnam Era (Brother)

Stanley R. Harrington ~ Vietnam Veteran (That Would Be Me)

William D. Harrington ~ Vietnam Era (Brother)
Henry M. Harrington ~ Vietnam Era (Nephew)

Henry Harrington ~ Civil War (Great Grand Father)
John Franklin Baker ~ World War I (Great Uncle)
Charles Andrew Baker ~ World War I (Great Uncle)
Grant Baker ~ World War I (Great Uncle)
Oliver Perry Baker ~ World War I Era (Great Uncle)
Wayne Baker ~ World War II (Great Uncle)
* Marshall Riley ~ World War II, Korean War (Uncle)
Fred "Ted" Riley ~ Korean War (Uncle)
Matthew Harrington ~ Active Duty (Three Tours Iraq) (Nephew)
Joshua Harrington ~ Active Duty (Afghanistan) (Grandson)

Ira Lewis Baker ~ World War I Era (Great Uncle)

* Marshall Riley ~ World War II, Korean War (Uncle)
** Deanna Harrington Bratton ~ Vietnam Era (Niece )

*Marshall Riley retired after thirty years of service serving during the time of three wars, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam although he never served in the combat area of Vietnam. In World War II he was in the Army infantry in the European Theater. Following WW II when the Army Air Force became a separate entity from the Army, he transferred service to the U.S. Air Force.

**Deanna Harrington Bratton is the only female in our family that I have found to have served on active duty in the military.

***All of those appearing with the last name of Baker are all brothers. Five of the brothers served during World War I, three of them in Europe and two were stationed in the United States. The sixth brother, Wayne, served in Europe during World War II.

The Baker Family

2009-03-02T15:46:00.008-09:00

Ella Belle Baker

The Harrington family is related to the Baker family by the marriage of my Grandfather Henry Philo "Ten" Harrington (1874 ~ 1944) to Ella Belle Baker (1885 ~ 1939). Both of my grandparents passed away prior to my birth and are buried in Benedict, Nebraska.

My grandmother parents, my Great Grandparents, were Daniel Webster Baker, preferred to go by D.W. Baker, was born on September 25, 1854 in Waterfall, Pennsylvania. My Great Grandmother was Esther Anna Black who was born on August 24, 1861 in Clay Township, Pennsylvania. Both, D.W. Baker and Esther Black-Baker are buried in, Benedict Nebraska.

During their marriage D.W. Baker and and Ester Black-Baker had fourteen children, twelve boys and two girls. My Grandmother Ella Belle Baker had a twin brother, Grant Baker. The children, my great uncles and aunts include:

John Franklin Baker 1880 ~ 1950
Edward Arthur Baker 1881 ~ 1952
Charles Andrew Baker 1883 ~ 1942
Ella Belle Baker 1885 ~ 1939
Grant Baker 1885 ~ 1974
Ira Lewis Baker 1889 ~ 1962
Raymond Daniel Baker 1891 ~ 1971
Francis Clyde Baker 1893 ~ 1962
Oliver Perry Baker 1895 ~ 1976
Iva Pearl Baker 1898 ~ 1988
William McKinley Baker 1900 ~ 1959
Earl Baker 1901 ~ 1980
Floyd Baker 1903 ~ Researching
Wayne Baker 1904 ~ 1965

Ten of the Baker Brothers and Sister 1957

(Back Row) Wayne, Floyd, Ray, Oliver, Clyde
(Front Row) Grant, William, Ira, Pearl, Earl

As in all families, several members went by their middle names, shortened first names, or by nick names given to them. The majority of the family are buried at Pleasant Hill in Benedict, Nebraska. Two brothers are buried in Colorado and their brother, Ira Baker is buried in Enumclaw, Washington.

Living on a large farm in the heartland of America, the Baker brothers were true American patriots and answered their nations call during World War I and World War II.

Words From The Past

2009-02-26T20:40:00.000-09:00

Today, I received a letter in the mail that I have been waiting for in anticipation. I thank my cousin, Dr. Roy Baker in Lincoln, Nebraska for returning the original letter to our family after sixty three years. His brother, Don Baker was going through some old papers and discovered it. The letter is from my father to his Uncle Wayne Baker. The envelope is postmarked, "Montrose, December 12, 5 PM, 1945, Colo." Attached is a three (.03) cent stamp with the picture of Thomas Jefferson. As you can see, there are no street addresses, just name of city and state. As a sign of inflation, this letter was mailed at the cost of three cents. Sixty three years later it was mailed to me at the cost of forty two cents.

This advertisement, I am assuming was clipped from a newspaper as it is to large for a business card. It was also enclosed with the letter from Roy Baker. This is when my father was in the guiding business in the Soap Creek Creek area. Soap Creek is located in the high country east of Montrose. Sapinero is a small community on the Gunnison River which has now been dammed to form the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Sapinero was a point of entry into the high country of Soap Creek. The fees for guided big game hunts have increased over the years. This advertisement is most likely in the 1947 - 1950 time frame based on the telephone number. The first phone number that I can recall consisted of four numbers.

Although appearing similar this is a different advertisement that was also included in the letter. This advertisement also includes "hunting and fishing parties in Alaska" so it was printed after my fathers and brother Tad's first trip to Alaska. The address, Route 4, is the address that we had when we lived on the place east of Montrose, when my younger sister and brother were born. The telephone number is unique in that it is my birthday. When this ad appeared, I was most likely 6 to 8 years old. The name of the business has also been changed to read "Vern Harrington & Sons". The two advertisements would not have been included in the original letter as each of them are in a later time frame than 1945.

The letter is written on line 5" x 8" lined tablet in pencil. It is difficult to get a clear scan from it so I will post it in it's entirety as written and uncorrected. The letter was written on December 12, 1945, 6 months and 24 days after I was born. World War II had just concluded in Germany with their surrender to the allied forces on May 7, 1945. The war would conclude with the surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945. The letter from my father was written to his Uncle Wayne Baker, the brother of my grandmother Ella Belle Baker Harrington who was married to Henry Philo "Ten" Harrington. Uncle Wayne had just returned from World War II in the European Theater. The letter reads as follows:

"Montrose, Colo
Dec.12, 1945

"Dear Uncle:
Have owed you a letter since shortly after you went to the Army. Long time no see - or write either. To kind of catch you up with things in our family, we have an irrigated 80 acres here (paid for)in this valley within 1 hours ride of where you can kill a deer. Like it here fine good climate never down to zero last winter nor up to 90 last summer. Lots of fruit etc and plent hunting & trout fishing. I work on Thursday at the Delta sales yard and hope to sell my place and buy a sales yard of my own this winter- maybe - if I can get my price and buy the same way."

Page 2

"We now have a grand total of five - four boys &1 girl. Dorothy never did forget you. She is in the sixth grade now and realy getting big. Tad is in the third grade and is a tough little hombre.

I am contemplating following papa Diones example - divorced his wife because she was overbearing. Ran a hunting camp this fall and took out some dudes. Every one done very well. I brot home a big bull elk for myself and a cow elk for Lena besides my deer. Canned 160 qts elk meat besides keeping a hind quarter fresh and giving some away. To me elk hunting is the greatest sport in the world. I use a 30-06 Savage super sporter. What do you think of the army

Page 3

guns as big game rifles?
Havn't saw Ralph or heard much from him. Thought he would be out. Lenas brother Marshall hopes to be home from Germany by xmas. He has been a guard at Goerings castle. Write that he killed 2 deer near there. Dave is in the far east and also expects to be home soon.
Hank Mills - world famous rodeo clown is a neighbor of mine. Also Jack Dempsay lived near here and went to the same school my kids do.
While our house is of logs it is finished nicely inside and we have electricity in house, barn, granery, yard light and have most of the electrical appliances. Has been snowing off and on the past (over)

Page 4

two days but not so very cold. Have possibility of 8 inches snow is a beautiful thing here as there is no wind to drift it.
What do you returned combat soldiers think of the things labor is doing? Are you going back to farming the home place? Is the corn all picked and how was it?
Before you get all settled down again, better come out and visit us -
We'll treat you so many different ways you would have to like one of them. This neighborhood is mostly young couples and we go in for house dances & card parties in a big way. Write soon, come see us or both.

Yours,
Vern Harrington (Signature)

Wish you the best of everything for hollidays"

The log house that he speaks of is the house where I was born of which my children and family have pictures of me standing in front. His idea about a sales yard become reality because when we left this location, we moved to Nucla, Colorado where he was assigned as a County Deputy Sheriff and Town Marshall. He opened a "sales yard" or "sales barn" in that location. The one thing that I did learn from the letter, is that we owned the property that he describes in the letter, I never knew but assumed that we rented that property but of course I was just a baby back then. When he mentioned that within a hour from the place and kill a deer, ride refers to horseback not by vehicle. What a great letter and I thank the Baker family.

"The Flying Buzzsaws"

2009-02-24T23:01:00.000-09:00

P-51 Mustang

UNITED STATES ARMY, 5TH AIR FORCE 35TH FIGHTER GROUP 41ST FIGHTER SQUADRON "The Flying Buzzsaws"

41st FIGHTER SQUADRON

The 41st Fighter Squadron operated in the Southwest Pacific Theater during World War II. Pilots in the 41st Squadron flew the P-47 Thunderbolt and transitioned to the P-51 in later combat operations. The primary mission of the 41st was to provide top cover for the bombing raids conducted by B-24's throughout the western Pacific theater. The secondary mission of the "Flying Buzzsaws" was to search and destroy enemy aircraft and provide aerial attacks on water surface and shore based targets. The 41st Fighter Squadron operated in the New Guinea and Philippine area as well as providing air coverage for several major assaults north of the Philippines. The 41st Fighter Squadron earned three Presidential Unit Citations during the war, "given for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy." This award is equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross which is awarded to an individual.

Lieutenant Jack Warren Epperson, U.S. Army Air Force
Born: October 22, 1921~ Frontnac, Kansas
Father: Allen Hubert Epperson ~ August 15, 1897 ~ July 24, 1942
Mother: Mary Louise Roeser ~ January 1, 1903 ~ 1994
Married: Mary Laurie Epperson ~ October 1, 1942

Jack Epperson was born in Kansas, moving to Laramie, Wyoming four years later. In 1936, his family moved to Loveland, Colorado. The family later moved to the small community of New Ramer, Colorado near Sterling, Colorado. He graduated from high school in 1939 and at the age of seventeen moved to Los Angeles, California to live by himself. He entered the U.S. Army in 1942. Following his initial training, he was selected for the Army Air Force and commenced his training as a pilot. Upon graduation from his training, he was commissioned and stationed in the states for a short period of time. In 1944, he was given orders to the 41st Fighter Squadron when this squadron made the transition to the P-51 Mustang from the P-47 Thunderbolt. He would remain with the "The Flying Buzzsaws" for the duration of the war flying a variety of missions. Following the surrender of Japan, Lieutenant Epperson returned to the United States and was discharged from the military in 1946.
Following the war, Jack and Mary lived in the Los Angeles area. Terry Lynn Epperson Harrington was born on April 18, 1947 and her brother Dean Allen Epperson on November 17, 1949. The Epperson family would move to Alaska in 1954. The family, including Jack's two brothers and his mother homesteaded adjoining properties in the area between Homer and Anchor Point, geographically known as Epperson Knob situated on the North Fork Road.

The majority of the men and women of the "Great Generation" that served in the military in both the European and Pacific Theater, seldom talk in detail concerning their experiences in combat. As a nation, they deserve our respect and admiration for the sacrifices that they made to protect the freedoms that we often take for granted. In time,the last of these great warriors of World War II will be gone, but hopefully never forgotten.

Leather Flight Jacket of Lt. Jack Epperson With "Buzzsaw" Squadron Patch

Leather Flight Jacket of Lt. Jack Epperson With Squadron Sleeve Patch

Leather Flight Jacket of Lt. Jack Epperson With P-51 Mustang Image on Back

Baker Ladies

2009-02-23T22:06:00.000-09:00

"MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS"

(L to R) Great Aunt Pearl Baker, Esther Baker, and
Grandmother Ella Baker Harrington

My Grandmother Ella Baker was born to D.W. Baker (dob 1854) and Esther A. Black Baker (dob 1861). Ella Baker was married to my Grandfather, Henry Philo "Ten" Harrington.
The D.W. Baker was a large family, typical of most farming families of this era. There was a total of fourteen children in the family, twelve boys and the two girls which are pictured above, Pearl and Ella.
Unfortunately, I never knew any of the members on the Baker side of the family. My family moved to Colorado just prior to my birth. Although, I do remember my parents talking about the Baker side of the family. As a young man, my father worked for several of the "Baker Uncles" and thought very highly of them. The Baker family continues to farm in Nebraska. By coincidence, several years ago I received a telephone call from Dr. Roy Baker of Lincoln, Nebraska. He and his family were visiting the Homer area and we had a short time to get acquainted. He is the son of my Great Uncle Will Baker (dob 1900) and Mildred Folts Baker. Roy Baker and I were both born in 1945.
Since our acquittance, we have remained in contact with an occasional phone call but primarily via email. I would like to thank him because he has been a wealth of information pertaining to the Baker side of the family of which I had very little information.

Grandmother and Aunts ~ Harringtons

2009-02-23T18:04:00.000-09:00

(DUPLICATED FROM HOLE IN THE WALL BLOGSITE)

I have had this picture in my "family box" for a great number of years, having received it from my mother. She was not one to waste good ink, there was no annotations on the picture as to dating or even the names of the individuals. Perhaps, we could all learn from this for some of the pictures that we have in our possession that might mean something to someone in the future.

Just recently, I had this picture identified. I never had the opportunity to meet any of these ladies. The lady on the left is Ella Belle Baker Harrington. She was my grandmother on my father's side of the family. She passed away in 1939, six years prior to my birth. She was married to Henry Philo "Ten" Harrington. The lady on the right has yet to be identified.

The two young ladies on horseback is Esther Irene Harrington and Virginia "Louise" Harrington, sisters to my father and my aunts. I met "Louise" once or twice as a very young boy as they had moved to Wyoming from Nebraska. "Louise" is the girl on the right, she was born in 1916. Based on that, I will assume this picture was taken between 1924 - 1926. Was not able to identify the horses, except one could possibly have the name of "blaze".

More pictures to come!

2007-02-28T23:56:00.000-09:00