Almira was my great-great-grandmother's favorite cousin, according to her journals. Only thing was, I could not find out what made them cousins! . . . and one day it came to me out of the clear blue sky! Almira was the granddaughter of Susan Leader, the younger sister of Samuel Leader, my great-great-great-great-grandfather! Almira's husband was Henry Clay Grady, and his obituary appeared in the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal on January 8, 1918. It reads as follows:OBITUARY Prominent in Borough Circles for Many Years - Civil War Veteran Death at 11:20 o'clock on Monday night, claimed Henry Clay Grady, one of the most prominent and well-know (sic) residents of Marietta. Mr. Grady had not been well for about two months, worriment over the serious illness of his wife, who had been sick for sometime, causing a general breakdown of the system. He had been confined to the house but a few days.
H.C. GRADY, MARIETTA, CLAIMED BY DEATH
The subject of this sketch was born in Marietta, July 30th, 1843, son of the late Adam and Catharine Grady, and was therefore in his 75th year. With the exception of about nine months when he resided at Columbia, all his life was spent in Marietta. He obtained his early education in the public schools of Marietta and for many years farmed tobacco. He understood the growth and selling of this weed, and was considered an authority on the same. After the war he bought for some of the largest tobacco firms in York and Lancaster county. He was also a real estate owner. Mr. Grady is the last of his family. At the outbreak of the Civil War, his military spirits arose, and he enlisted, but as he was not of age, his parents brought him home. On attaining his majority he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Ninety-Ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the war This company was selected among the many for assisting in parolling of Lee's entire army. July 2, 1865, he was discharged from service. He became one of the first members of Lieutenant William H. Child Post No. 226, Grand Army, and at his death was the Post Commander. Numerous times he attended the reunions of his company, and was always a promoter and lover of Old Glory.
Politically, he was a Republican, but never held an office in the party. He was a charter member of the Zion's Reformed church of Marietta and is elder-emeritus of the church. He was one of the charter members of the Mystic Chain of Marietta, which organization is now defunct.
In September 7, 1865, he was married to Miss Almira Lawrence, of Marietta, by the Rev. Samuel T. Kemble, and six children were born to this union, three of whom survive as follows: Frank, Harrisburg; Mrs. Annie Ebersole, at the homestead; Harry, Harrisburg; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, also survive.
The funeral will be held on Friday afternoon from his late home at two o'clock, Rev. Wilbur W.Moyer, of the Zion Reformed church, will officiate. Burial will be made in the family plot in the Marietta cemetery and the Grand Army will have full charge of the services.
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Almira's obituary appeared in the The Lancaster Daily Intelligencer on Monday July 8, 1918 and reads as follows:
OBITUARY Mrs. Almira Grady, widow of the late Henry C. Grady, a member of one of the oldest and best-known families of Marietta, died at her home in that borough this morning at 1:45 o'clock from hardening of the artieries and a complication of diseases. The deceased had been ill for about 8 years, but was only confined to her bed for about 1 year. She was born in Marietta, December 19, 1848, and was a daughter of the late Samuel and Annie Eliza Lawrence. She had spent her whole life in Marietta with the exception of one year when she resided in Columbia. Her husband died six months ago today. Mrs. Grady was an uncomplaining sufferer and was well-loved by all who knew her. She was a charter member of Zion Reformed church of Marietta and was a regular attendant as long as her health would permit. She is survived by three children: Frank A., of Harrisburg; Mrs. Annie Ebersole, of Marietta, and Harry P., of Harrisburg. One brother, Frank C. Lawrence, also survives. The funeral will take place on Thursday afternoon from her late home at 2 o'clock. Rev. Wilbur W. Moyer, pastor of the Reformed church, will officiate. Interment will be made in Marietta.MRS. ALMIRA GRADY.
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Henry and Almira's son, Frank A. died in Harrisburg and his obituary appeared in the Lancaster Daily Intelligencer Journal on Friday morning, August 10, 1928. It reads as follows:
Obituaries
FRANK A. GRADY
Frank A. Grady, 61, died at his home, 722 Race street, Harrisburg, yesterday afternoon, after a few days' illness. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Harrisburg. He is survived by four daughters: Mrs. John A. Mayes, this city; Mrs. A.H. Charles, Mrs. Leonard Haldeman and Mrs. Harry Kreps, all of Harrisburg; one sister, Mrs. Anna Ebersole, this city, and a brother, Henry T. Grady, of Harrisburg.
Funeral services will be held at 4:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the funeral parlors of Arthur C. Hauck, 173 North Third street. Rev. Sheets, of the Nagle Street Church of God, will officiate. Further services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Zion Reformed church, Marietta, with Rev. Victor Steinberg officiating. Burial will be in the Marietta cemetery.![]()
Frank's wife, Anna Belle Grady's obituary appeared on February 28, 1924 in the Intelligencer Journal in Lancaster. It reads as follows:
MRS. FRANK O. GRADY Mrs. Anna Belle Grady, age 54 years, wife of Frank O. Grady, died last night at her home, 719 Showers Street, Harrisburg. She is survived by her husband and five daughters as follows: Miss Bessie I. Grady, of this city; Mrs. A.H. Charles, Harrisburg, and Misses Myrtle, Edna and Mildred at home. Funeral services will be held at the home on Friday evening, 7:30 o'clock, and further services will be held in the Zion Reformed church, Marietta, Saturday afternoon 2 o'clock. Rev. Wilbur W. Moyer of the Reformed church, Steelton, will officiate.
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