More Hombs pictures

 Jimmie Hombs (see yesterday's post) was the son of Juanita Burford and Mel Hombs.

Juanita was a sister of my grandfather Lester Burford.

PHOTO: Jimmie Hombs

PHOTO: Jim and his brother Jerry Hombs

PHOTO: Jim and Jerry Hombs

PHOTO: Jerry Hombs

PHOTO: Jim Hombs

PHOTO: Jerry Hombs

PHOTO: Jimmie Hombs fan club card front

Jimmie Hombs fan club card back

(I guess at some point he must have recorded a record or two...)

* * *

Mel and Juanita had another son -- their firstborn -- who died in infancy.

His name was Lee Burford Hombs

PHOTO: Mel and Juanita Hombs with Lee Burford Hombs

1937

Jimmie Hombs

 

Notice that this is one of those old-fashioned "hidden mother" baby pictures.

Jim Hombs is the son of Juanita Burford and Mel Hombs.

Juanita was a sister of my grandfather Lester Burford.

PHOTO: Juanita and Mel Hombs

PHOTO: Lester Burford with sisters Judy (left) and Juanita (right)

A Visit With The Lord 

by Wathada Thomas

   When John was four years old I decided to get a job, so I took him to my Mama and Daddy's house every day and they took care of him while I was at work.  He would ride his tricycle on the sidewalk in front of their house.  They allowed him to go the full length of the block (a very short block) but he was not allowed to cross any streets.  Whichever way he went, when he came to the cross street, he had to turn around and come back.  Back then John was very good about doing as he was told and it was safe in those days to let your little kids outside to play.

   One day John was gone too long without returning to my parents' house. So Mama and Daddy were a little worried, but they just thought that he might have turned the corner and gone the wrong direction instead of coming back the way he had gone. They were worried that he was lost and afraid.

   My Dad scoured the neighborhood and walked around the block and neighboring blocks several times but could not find any trace of him.  He called John's name repeatedly without getting any answer. Mama and Daddy were getting very worried.

   When they were just about ready to call the police, John came home. When they asked him where he had been, he said he had been to see the Lord.  Mama asked if he was pretending that he had visited with the Lord.  But John insisted that he had REALLY been to see the Lord.  They questioned him very carefully and he continued to insist that he had been to see the Lord, and the Lord had given him cookies and Kool Ade and they had talked together a pretty long time.  John said he would have stayed longer, but that after he and the Lord had talked quite a while, the Lord told him he had better go back home so his family wouldn't worry about him.  John said the Lord had invited him to come back again any time because he said he was always there every day and would be glad to see him any time he wanted to come, but he should let his family know where he was going to be when he comes again.  John said he really liked the Lord a lot and was going to go see him some more.  Mama and Daddy asked John where he had visited the Lord at, and John said he had gone to the Lord's house.  He said the Lord's house was very beautiful.  Finally they asked John to show them the Lord's house and he led them to the Congregational Church just on the corner, half a block away, and Mama saw on the sign in front of the church that they had a new minister and his name was Reverend Lord.

* * *

I just found out yesterday, from a Facebook post, that Rev. Lord has died. He was 100 years old.

Harvey R. Lord Obituary

Harvey Lord, 100, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 24, 2026 after a life marked by faithful service, unwavering devotion to God, and deep love for his family.

Harvey was born in Bethel, Maine, on March 6, 1926, the second son of Myron and Hazel (Herrick) Lord. He grew up in North Waterford, attended the local schools, and graduated from Bridgton Academy in 1943.

In 1944, Harvey was drafted into the United States Army and served in the 526th Armored Infantry Unit with the United States Army in Europe during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge for his courageous service. Following the war, he continued serving in the Army of Occupation in Germany.

After returning home, Harvey graduated from the University of Maine in 1951 and worked for a commercial grain company for seven years. Answering God’s call to ministry, he attended Bangor Theological Seminary and went on to faithfully pastor Congregational churches in Maine, Connecticut, Michigan, and New Hampshire. During his 33 years as a pastor, Harvey faithfully preached God’s Word, shepherded countless families, and sought to point others to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Harvey married the love of his life, Muriel Sturtevant of S. Paris, Maine. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage and raised seven children while serving churches across five different states. Their home was built on faith, love, and hospitality, and they intentionally raised their children to know and follow the Lord. Harvey often said that his greatest ministry was not only in the pulpit, but also within his own family.

Harvey and Muriel shared many interests together, including bird watching, earning their amateur radio licenses, and serving side by side in ministry. Their partnership reflected a lifetime of mutual love and dedication to God’s work.

Harvey also enjoyed a variety of pursuits throughout his life. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, first as a Scout and later as an Assistant Scoutmaster. He earned his private pilot’s license, volunteered as a firefighter in both Michigan and New Hampshire, loved gardening, and became a skilled woodsman who found satisfaction in preparing firewood for his family.

Muriel was called home to be with the Lord in July 2011. A few years later, God graciously brought Carolyn Johnson back into Harvey’s life. Harvey and Carolyn had attended Bridgton Academy together 75 years earlier. They were married in August 2015 and shared nearly ten years filled with love, companionship, laughter, and gratitude for God’s providence in bringing them together again later in life. Carolyn preceded Harvey in death in 2025.

Above all else, Harvey’s life was defined by his faith in Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord, trusted Him through every season of life, and sought to honor Him in both word and deed. His greatest joy was seeing the legacy of faith continue through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family rejoices knowing that the promises Harvey faithfully preached throughout his life have now become his eternal reality.

Harvey is survived by his children: Merton Lord; Mary Ann Lord; Cindy Lewis; Thomas Lord; Jesse Lord and his wife, Judy; Timothy Lord and his wife, Beth; and John Lord and his wife, Kimberly.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Susan Ray; Kelsie Kirksey and her husband, Michael; Morgan Oglesby and her husband, Ricko; Rosalie Lewis; Silvia Reed and her husband, Ivan; Trisha Hoffman and her husband, Paul; Violet Lewis; Ethan Lord and his wife, Richelle; Austin Lord and his wife, Jaya; Evan Lord; Katherine Henriques and her husband, Joshua; and Jacob Lord and his wife, Victoria. He is also survived by his beloved great-grandchildren: Cody Ray, Dylan Ray and his wife Stephanie, Aaliyah, Isabella, Oliver, Hazel, Brayleigh, Athena, Julian, Solomon, and Elijah, along with many extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by his faithful ministry.

Harvey was predeceased by his beloved wife, Muriel; his second wife, Carolyn; his older brother, Kurt Lord, whose wife, June, survives him; and his younger brother, Dana Lord.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, South Paris, Maine. A celebration of Harvey's life will follow at 2:00 p.m., with interment immediately afterward. Family and friends are then invited to join the family for a reception. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com

Cousins

These four Arnold cousins were all born in 1917 

"Cleffie Hicks - daughter of U.F. Hicks

Opie Arnold & Obie Arnold - twins of George Arnold

Sylvia Arnold - daughter of Marlie Arnold"

PHOTO: Obie, Opie, Cleffie

PHOTO: Cleffie and Sylvia

PHOTO: Sylvia, Cleffie, Opie, Obie

PHOTO: Opie, Obie, Cleffie 1994

PHOTO: Sylvia, Cleffie 1994

Good Country Lasses

This picture was among our Burford family archives. I don't have a clue as to who these "lasses" are.

Good country "lasses" pure and sweet. We are just on our way to a ball-game. Guess you will know yours truly alright. That spot on my face must have been something on the plate for it isn't on my face.

The woman 2nd from left has a spot on her chin, which must be the one the note is referring to. So she must be the one who wrote the note on the back of the post card. I don't recognize her.

Bill and Christie with Richard

PHOTO: Bill, Richard, Christie Thomas

(probably around 1942)

"Ralph took this of us one nite in the dining room just by the ceiling lights didn't know if they would even be any good at all we don't look good but they are plane (?) of us"

PHOTO: Ralph Till

Richard's cousin -- son of Christie's sister Madge.

Burford Women

 This is a group of women from our Burford family photo archives. I don't know who most of them are. The picture was taken in June 1955. My mother's cousin Donnie Burford (Weatherford) helped me figure out who some of them might be -- that's my handwriting on the back of the photo.

"Woman in checkered apron is one of Lora's sisters (not Dora or Julia)

4th from right (standing) is Willie Mae

Might be Cleffie to the right of [Willie Mae]

front row last one on the right might be Helen

I think the two women laughing in front are Judy and Juanita"

* * *

For reference --

Lora Gibson Burford was my great-grandmother. I don't think she is in the group picture above, but Donnie said she thinks the woman in the checkered apron was one of Lora's sisters. If it wasn't Dora or Julia, it would have been Stella or Edna. 

PHOTO L-R: Lora, Julia, Dora

PHOTO: Edna

I don't have a picture of Stella

For reference --

Willie Mae was the wife of Lora's son George Burford.

Cleffie was the wife of Lora's son Lester Burford.

Helen was Lora's oldest daughter.

Judy and Juanita were Lora's two youngest daughters.

This one isn't any good at all

 I have no idea who these people are. In fact, right at this moment I can't even remember which family group it's from. I just have it in the "Unknown" folder on my computer.

"This one isn't any good at all, but I'll send it any way. 2 or 3 of the girls wasn't there. The girl standing in front of Jerry is Ina Jean Dotsie's cousin, " [Dotsie] is next to her in front of James"

Papa Hicks was a Photographer

My great-grandfather, Ulysses Hicks, was a professional photographer -- among other things. Here are some of his pictures from our family photo archives.

"Jap Wood & family. No relation to us - just neighbors, about 1923-1924"

\

"Irene in the buggy 1915."

"Who are the others?"

"Ned Carter's daughter"

"Glynda Faye Carter"

I don't know who these people are, or what this picture is about, but my notes say it has "Hicks Studio" stamped on the back.

This seems to be a photo proof sheet for probably a school. I'm pretty sure this would have come from Papa Hicks' studio in Judsonia, Arkansas.

* * *

Besides being a photographer, Papa Hicks had a number of different occupations. 

Here are some excerpts from what various family members wrote about him --

ANNIE "For several years before we came to Michigan, we had a photo studio and jewelry shop."  

CLEFFIE "My father was a photographer and he was a watch maker, they called it.  He fixed watches and clocks and all that kind of stuff.  And jewelry, just stuff in that category... 

But my folks always, they worked at whatever they could get to do besides his little business, which had already almost gone to nothing because nobody had money.  Besides that, he got a job carrying the mail from the Post Office to the depot and back to the Post Office and so forth.  Then after that ended -- that was put up for bid every year and he was bid out of it -- well then he got a job carrying the paper, he had a paper route -- just went all over the country, way out in the country, all over the place.  And then he got a job later carrying the mail from Judsonia to way out in the country -- about 15 or 20 miles out in the country to a place called Step Rock and back.  And everything he could get to do that way, he did it.  He had been a school teacher for 15 years before he put in his place of business, but he didn’t like to teach school. If he could get by without it, he didn’t want to do that any more.  He was a good teacher, but it just wasn’t the line of work that he liked."

WATHADA "Grandpa had been a school teacher for 16 years but he didn’t want to do that any more so he put in a photography shop on Main Street and he also was what they called a watchmaker. He didn’t make watches, but he repaired them.  He had been doing photography as a side job for a long time."

GLYNDA CARTER "Ulysses had many occupations.  He farmed some, taught school several years, was a photographer and jewelryman and after moving to Michigan he worked on farms and in shops.  Annie also worked out.  Ulysses was also a Church of Christ minister.  He wasn’t ordained but he preached and taught in his home church as well as other churches."

OBITUARY "OCCUPATION: SCHOOL TEACHER, PHOTOGRAPHER, WATCH MAKER, FACTORY WORK, FRUIT FARMER"

WATHADA "It was a very good church.  We had good elders then - Ulys was one of the elders.   Ulys was a very good singer, so he led singing most of the time.  He taught a course every once in a while on reading and singing by shaped notes.  He was also a very good preacher.  He never “preached at” us, but he was a teacher, and he was so good at that.  Everyone loved to hear him preach. He used charts pretty often when he preached, so he could lead the congregation visually through his sermon."

WATHADA "Ulys was retired and he agreed to preach for the Watervliet congregation for one year, with no salary.  The congregation rented an apartment in Watervliet for Ulys and Annie to live in during that year.."  

BERNICE HICKS "While the church was still on McCord street, Ulys held a singing school to attempt to teach the people how to read music (shaped notes) and sing better. Ulys was a very good singer. He wanted others to be also."

GLYNDA CARTER "Ulysses taught for about 15 years in various schools around Cleburne county, Arkansas, and also in White county at Big 4.  He was a teacher in 1916 at Crossroads, Arkansas (the name of crossroads was later changed to Drasco).  It's about 13 miles from Concord on Hwy. 25. He also preached and taught singing and how to read music (shaped notes) at Churches of Christ."

Dad

 I wish I could post every single photo I have of my dad. He was such a wonderful guy.

Here are a few of my favorites.

He was my mother's guardian angel.

He loved hunting and fishing.

Dad with my firstborn -- they say red hair skips a generation.

Dad always wanted to be a cowboy. Roy Rogers was his hero.

This is the last picture that was ever taken of him, about 6 weeks before he died. 

Aunt Tot and Uncle Albert

PHOTO: Uncle Albert standing on the porch, with Carol Jackson (from yesterday's post). 

"Aunt Tot and Uncle Albert's house near Big Four. They ran a little store in the front part of it." (Cleffie's handwriting)

PHOTO: Albert and Charlotte "Tot" Williams

Aunt Tot was a sister of my great-grandfather Ulysses Hicks

PHOTO: Ulysses Hicks and Charlotte Hicks Williams

Here is a picture of Aunt Tot when she was young:

PHOTO L-R: Cleffie standing behind Evalee, Annie Hicks holding Vernell, Aunt Tot.

(Cleffie, Evalee, and Vernell were Annie's daughters. Annie was my great-grandmother, Cleffie was my grandmother.)

Aunt Tot and Uncle Albert had 5 children: Earl was the oldest, then Tom. Then they had three daughters -- Dona, Charlene, and Dorothy. I don't know anything about Dona and Charlene, except that they were born and died between the 1910 and 1920 US Census. Dorothy was born in 1917. When she was 4 years old, Dorothy was struck by lightning and died.

Here is what Annie Hicks wrote about Aunt Tot --

The most of Charlotte’s (Tot - Ulys’ sister) children died in babyhood, but two of them lived to be grown.  But one (Tom) died at the age of about 30 years.  He lost his mind, I suppose from a lick on the head.  He fell from upstairs straight down and hit the floor with his head in babyhood.  Then after he was 25 years old someone hit him on the head and left him for dead and someone else found him in a corn field, unconscious.  So all that, I guess, injured his mind and caused a blood clot on his brain or something, maybe a tumor.  Anyway, he died in the asylum in Little Rock, Arkansas in about the year 1947.  His older brother (Earl) is still living now, 1957, in Ohio.    

PHOTO: Tom Williams

I don't have a picture of Earl. He died in Ohio in 1962. He was married, and his wife died in 1969. I don't have any records of them having any children.