Barry County, Missouri - Friends by Edith A. Seely Friends By Edith A. Seely of Barry County, Missouri Submitted By: Beverly Painter-Matthews Grandaughter of John Jackson & Carrie Ellen (Noe) Painter Original copy was given to Beverly by her Aunt Mary Ellen Painter, about 3 years ago (approx 1998), while going through some of the old things from the damp house. This poem was written by Edith A. Seeley and was given to her very special friends John Jackson & Carrie Ellen (Noe) Painter. It mentions many old Barry County names and I am sure Edith gave a copy to all of them but in case it has been lost, or you have never seen it.... Read and be proud of your ancestors.... Friends We landed in Missouri in a little pickup truck 'Twas back in '36, but we hadn't any luck The tomatoes were a washout And Old Sol burned all our beans And in spite of all our efforts We were shed of all our means. How! things did happen unforseen Friends seemed few and far between; For when friend hubby leaves you flat With a bunch of hungry kids at that, Then's when a fellow needs a friend. When you're threatened with eviction 'Cause the mortgage isn't paid And into your home your debtors make a raid When the cows are driven off the place And there isn't much to face When the pantry shelves are bare And the meals are anything but square I'll tell the world A fellow needs a friend! But there is a Friend, we know, And he sent the ones below: Sakes Alive! It's might nice to have two friends like Mr. Ballmer and his wife Words cannot express the gratitude I stress For when they came until my door I gained two friends - but lo! They lost a score. To Mr. Kemp, I own more than I can ever pay He's Cassville's best, I'm sure you'll say He's fair and square in every way. Thanks to Mr. Barrett and the Board of Relief Were it not for them, I fear We'd have come to grief. I did say "Friends seemed few and far between" Four already have appeared upon the scene. John and Carrie Painter, Lucy Jean and Earl (Everyone knows Lucy Jean and Earl) Friends like these are like a priceless pearl. When the cows were taken away, 'Twas Sally Jackson who sent us milk each day. When food was scarce and there wasn't any dole, Our potato bin was filled by our friend and neighbor, Ora Cole When the debtors made their rapp My worldly possessions were saved by John Painter, Charlie Salee and Bob Sapp The A.H. Rubys, Lynn Powells, Hubert Lees and Herman Blacks Here friends - just think of that! And so on down the line You folks have all been mighty, mighty fine! And before I close this little note, To the members of our Club, may I add, When my heart was full and my sorrow deep You folks did help, and help a heap May God bless you all, and give me strength to repay My gratitude to you in His way I hope you'll all take heed, when a friend you'll need I'll try and be that friend indeed! Composed by Edith A. Seely Return to Online Data Index <../barry.htm>Return to Barry County © 1999 Susan Tortorelli All Rights Reserved