Three Generations - 1920

My grandmother (Merle Ketner Shoemaker) as a teenager posed with her mom (Ethel Payne Ketner) and grandma (Lydia Burgess Payne) about 1920. The house behind them--2718 North Mason--was built by Merle's father and she would live most of her life in that house. It was always known as "Grandma's House" to me.

"Grandma Payne" (seated) died in July of 1920. "Grandma Ketner" (Merle's mother, Ethel) is a childhood memory to me. By the time I knew her, her hair was snowy white. I recognize her smile here, though.

Ernest E. Shoemaker (1902 - 1968)

Ernest Ellsworth Shoemaker was born 16 March 1902 at Mt. Holly in Warren County near Xenia, Ohio.



Ernie Shoemaker at about sixteen years old.
16 mar 1902 ~ 18 mar 1968

Sometime after 1910, his mother left his father and moved the family to Washington State. He joined the Navy for a stint before becoming a carpenter.



I don't know how he met my grandma Merle and I suppose I should ask someone before all those who have heard the story are gone. I think it was while he was in the Navy and stationed on Puget Sound.

His is a quarter of my own DNA. I had the opportunity to know him into my teens. But I don't feel that I know much of who he was or what he felt as a person. He seemed mostly unhappy when I knew him but maybe that was just the effect of grandchildren pestering him. Lord knows most young people that meet me probably think I'm a crabby old bitch so I could see that possibility. He had a sly sense of humor. I hope he made Merle laugh more than cry.