Grandma Nan Suggs
Submitted by Donnie PickardVan Buren County Democrat
May 31, 1929
Aunt Nan Suggs accompanied her daughter, Mrs. Dovie Davis, to Oklahoma last week where she will spend a few weeks with relatives and friends.
April 15, 1932
Grandma Suggs 84 Years Young and Going Strong, Mentally and Physically
Among the many venerable old ladies yet spared the recite interesting incidents connected with the earlier days of Van Buren County is Mrs. Nancy L. Suggs, more familiarly known as Grandma Suggs of Choctaw Township. She is a native of Southwest Missouri and was born March 10, 1848.
Last month it was Grandma's pleasure to celebrate the 84th anniversary of her birth. In honor of the occasion a sumptuous spread was made at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. L. Arnold, where she has made her home since the death of her husband Uncle Charlie Suggs April 10, 1922.
Mrs. Suggs maiden name was Fisher and with the possible exception of a half-brother from whom she has not heard in years she is the only surviving member of her immediate family. Her marriage to C. L. Suggs took place March 8, 1868. Immediately following her marriage, in company of her husband, she left Southwest Missouri for Van Buren County, Ark., to find a home.
The trip here was made overland in what is believed to have been the first thimble-skin wagon ever brought to the county. Their first stop was made on Holley Mountain where they remained a few months. They then moved on a homestead in Choctaw Township immediately north of the present home of Grandma's grandson, C. L. Kidd.
After an 18 years residence on this homestead Mr. and Mrs. Suggs moved to what is now known as the Sam Jennings place on Choctaw Creek where they lived 22 years. After one year spent on place now owned by R.J. Stobaugh they bought the home of J. L. Kidd, just south of his present home, where they remained for eight years or, until the death of Uncle Charlie in 1922.
Mr. and Mrs. Suggs were the parents of four children, all-surviving, as follows: Lucy, now Mrs. Geo. Arnold, Bettie, widow of L. L. Kidd, Miles Suggs, all of Choctaw Township, and Dovie, now Mrs. G. W. Fisher of Banner, Okla. Mrs. Suggs has 17 grandchildren, 34 greatgrandchildren and 13 greatgreatgrandchildren.
Notwithstanding the fact that Grandma is now in her 85th year she enjoys the best of health and an activity, mentally and physically, remarkable in one so well advanced in years. Her recollection of days long gone by are now as fresh and distinct as occurrences of but yesterday and are related in a very happy and entertaining manner.
March 25, 1932
On the 10th of the month Grandma Nancy L. Suggs of Choctaw township had the privilege of celebrating the 84th anniversary of her birth. Her many friends will be pleased to know that she is in the enjoyment of excellent health.
December 9, 1932
Grandma Nan Suggs of Choctaw, who is in her 85th year, was a pleasant caller at the Democrat office Tuesday and while here-renewed subscription of her daughter Mrs. Dovie Fisher, of ElReno, Okla., for another year. For past several years Grandma has been sending the Democrat to her daughter as a Christmas present and remarked she did not want her to miss an issue of the paper.
March 7, 1935
Grandma Nan Suggs of near Choctaw, who has been a sufferer of paralysis for several months suffered another light attack Friday of last week, but has since greatly improved. She will observe her 87th birthday anniversary Sunday, March 10th.
August 15, 1935
Grandma Suggs, who is in her 88th years, has been bedfast for the past fourteen months as the results of a paralytic stroke. Visiting her for a short time a few evenings since we found her in her usual frame of mind with a kind word for all. As we were leaving she asked that we let her friends know that she appreciated their thoughtfulness and said she knew of no better way of doing so than through the columns of the Democrat.
August 15, 1935
Card of Appreciation
To the friends and neighbors who have been so kind to us during my continued illness I wish to express my sincere appreciation. Your deeds of kindness in times of need and especially your friendly visits and words of cheer have been a great aid and comfort to me during all these months. With the loving kindness of true friends and the love and grace of our blessed Savior my burdens have indeed been made much lighter.
Mrs. Nan Suggs
January 23, 1936
Barrens
Grandma Nan Suggs, who has been making her home with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. George Arnold, for several years, passed away Saturday night and was buried Sunday afternoon at the Huie Cemetery. Funeral services were conducted by Elmer Grover Ross of Searcy.