Had a great visit on Monday with Neeley relatives in Seward. My Aunt Donna had wanted to come to Nebraska to see Eleanor, and the opportunity to make the trip occurred when Nancy Neeley drove to Weeping Water, Nebraska to visit daughter Cora, son in law Adam and grandchildren . The weather was beautiful and a good time was had by all.
Donna is 84, and is doing quite well, she reminded me of all the things Eleanor could do when she arrived in Seward. She have lost a lot of abilities over the past six years. Eleanor was recounting one of her stories about when she first moved to Pennsylvania and met her in-laws.
One morning Eleanor awoke and found a five to six year old Elwood standing next to her bed. "Daddy shot Harper" Elwood announced.
Fred was not close to his family, so they didn't make an effort to trace down the events surrounding Elwood's announcement. It did seem possible the Fred's dad might have indeed shot at his son in law Harper.
When Eleanor recounted her experience, Donna added a new fact to the story. Harper it seems was the name of the family dog, and her dad had indeed shot Harper.
I have heard that story many times and had concluded along with Eleanor that my Grandfather Neeley was an ill tempered and violent person. I have heard other things that seem to fit with that conclusion, however the Harper story can no longer be cited as proof. I wonder how many impressions we have about people and events that are based on incomplete or incorrect memories?
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