This Saturday’s sun tempted me outside, but the freezing temperatures chased me back indoors after a quick filling of bird feeders.  I couldn’t let this gorgeous light go to waste, however. With the bright light filtering through my windows I placed my family heirloom on the dining room table and set my camera to capture these images.

The Holy Bible containing the Old and New Testaments translated out of the Original Tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised, New York: American Bible Society, 1846.

Francis Marion Minor signed this Bible on the inside cover,”FM Minor, February the third, 1861.” The Bible was an 1846 copy of the American Bible Society’s translation of both Old and New Testaments, which served as both holy book and family record, as was the custom of the time.  Between the Old and the New Testament, on yellowed  pages, are entries made in a tidy, tiny hand.  The document begins with the marriage of Francis and Mary Jane:

• Francis Marion Minor and Mary Jane Gwynn were married on the fourth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred fifty one.

A page of family births follows, and includes the dates for Francis’ parents:

• John P Minor was born on the seventh day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred ninety one.
• Isabella McClelland the second wife of John P was born on the thirtieth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred ninety two.
• Francis Marion Minor was born on the twenty third of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred twenty eight.
• Mary Jane Gwynn wife of Francis Marion was born on the ninth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred twenty nine.
• John P Minor son of Francis Marion and Mary Jane Minor was born on the eighteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred fifty two.
• Olfred Minor son of Francis Marion and Mary Jane Minor was born on the twenty third of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred fifty five.
•  Sarah Priscilla Minor daughter of Francis Marion and Mary Jane Minor was born on the twenty third of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred fifty eight.
• Leroy Minor son of Francis Marion and Mary Jane Minor was born on the fourth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred sixty two.
• Robert Minor son of Francis Marion and Mary Jane Minor was born on the twenty ninth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred sixty nine.

The death record begins with Francis’ mother:

• Isabella Minor wife of John P Minor departed this life on August the fourteenth day one thousand eight hundred sixty three.
• Leroy Minor son of Francis Marion and Mary Jane Minor departed this life the fifteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred sixty four.
• John P Minor father of Francis Marion departed this life the twelf day one thousand eight hundred seventy four.
• Mary Jane Minor wife of FM Minor departed this life March 30 1908 Age 78 five months and 21 days.

What a treasure this book remains!

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