(Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Montana, Washington)
(1875 - 1970)
A great-grandfather I am.
But, this is about Grandpa Sam.
Born to a carpenter and school marm.
Hunting accident in 87, lost his arm.
80 to 90 step-father # 1 not rich.
But "A mean Son-of-a-Bitch!"
Montana ranching was a rout.
Scuttled by an 8-year drought.
He knew "artist" Russell.
Picture for a drink was Charlie's hustle.
Swept off his feet when they met.
In 12, Sam married his Norsk Skjønnhet.
Berries and chickens he did board.
Sam truck farmed by Model "T" Ford.
Visitors approached his rocker with care.
And conversed from the "witness" chair.
Monthly Dad cut Sam's hair.
A "Pint" always shared there.
When visited, the furnace he would stoke.
Sadly no heat, he was broke.
A straight-shooter, grandpa didn't bluff.
I knew him not well enough!
