The Life of Me: An Autobiography

From the opening

This writing grew out of a request from my daughter, Anita, that I write to her concerning me, my family, my parents and their families; how we lived, how we grew up; our ideals, our customs, and our social life.

The original writings were in the form of letters written to Anita during the last few years. When my sons, Dennis and Larry, learned of the letters, they also asked for copies.

As I began writing, I soon realized that I knew very little about the details of the lives of my parents and grandparents.

So I set out to tell my children a few things about myself and to leave unmentioned some things which I do not want them to know about me. I also included some things about a few kinfolks and neighbors who had a part in molding the character whom my children now refer to as "Dad."

It was hoped that the letters would aid in their better understanding of how certain teachings and ideals had been handed down through generations, and that they might better understand why they grew up under those rules and customs.

Others also may be interested in the way one family lived in the Southwest around the turn of the century and later.

(Photo) Smokehouse at the Flint farm. Clarence, Earl, Joel, Albert, and Susie.

(Photo) At our home on the plains. Mama, William Robert, Ollie Mae, Clarence, Albert, Joel, Earl

My Johnson grandparents reared nine children. Andrew was the oldest and was a half brother to the other eight. Joe was Grandma's first born, second was my father, William Franklin. All but one of them lived and thrived and raised children. That's why I have dozens of cousins.

When my father was born, the family lived in Bosque County, Texas, somewhere about Meridian. They were ranchers and owned a bunch of cattle.

A short sample. Read the whole book

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