mainstay, inherited their granddaddy's warm humor that has brought much joy into our home.
They encouraged me to complete this research and contributed many suggestions and photographs that enhance this work. My one regret is that this work was not completed before Mom, Dad and Glenn Ray took their journeys beyond earthly mortal reach.
My foremost supporter has been my husband, Glenn Ray Bright, Sr. Over the years he has helped copy records, helped rub numerous grave markers in several states, literally walked through streams to reach tucked away cemeteries, been my chauffeur, my "leaning post", my best friend and is my eternal companion. Many times I became discouraged because the worked seemed to have reached an impregnable wall, but Glenn would be there to listen to my "whoe is me" story, then remind me how far the research had come and how much more could be accomplished.
My family has always been the most important persons in my earthly life. Through these writings their legacy will be everlasting. To each of them goes my sincere thanks and illimitable love. Once upon a time my mother read then copied these lines for me. Now I leave them for my posterity.
When the golden sun is Sinking
And your minds from Trouble free
When of others You are thinking
Won't You some times think of Me.
Author Unknown
DEDICATION
Often one dedicates the fruits of their endeavors to one person. I have been motivated by each member of my immediate family, and to the six of them this book is dedicated.
The two who made the earliest impression, and conceivably the most lasting, were my parents, Son Lesley and Sally Durham Bass. My sister and I were blessed to have been sent to two very extraordinary people. Just like Nephi of old, we were "blessed with goodly parents." Our mother loved the Lord, had exceptional comprehension of His Holy Word and taught her family well. Dad's integrity, hard work and love for his family were known by all, as was his infectious laughter.
We did not have monetary wealth, but the love, laughter, togetherness, prayers and yes, even the tears, made us a very rich family. In his poem, Home, Edgar A. Guest said, "It takes a heap 'o living in a house t' make it home." Truly ours was a home. Raging, relentless sands of time took a cruel toll on each of these beautiful people in their waning years, but their spirits were never marred. Whatever good is within my soul I owe to them.
My sister, Edna Lee, tolerated her pesky younger sister's antics although often she must have felt like strangling me. I'm appreciative of her gusto for life, her talents, which she shared with many, her acceptance of the "roll of the dice" in her life.
Glenn Ray Bright, Jr. and Thomas Leslie Bright are the "bright" stars in my life. The Heavens smiled on their dad and me when these sweet spirits were loaned to us. Glenn Ray, our indomitable gentle giant, and Leslie, our stalwart