Cherokee County, Alabama
ALGenWeb : County Index : Cherokee County home : Tucker, Mrs. M.C. newspaper clipping 1935

wendell stephens <wend[delete]@bellsouth.net>
Cherokee Family of Fifteen Makes Ten-Strike In Rome
THE ROAMING ROMAN-From the Rome News Tribune,

   The editorial office of the Rome News Tribune was paid a visit
recently by a large, talented and really remarkable family hailing from
Cherokee County, Alabama section from which many of Rome's best citizens
migrated and which is highly regarded by the people of this community.
   Led by P. I. McBrayer, of the McBrayer Furniture company, who, on
short acquaintance, recognized their ability and talent, Mrs. M. C.
Tucker and her fifteen children trooped around the Roaming Roman's desk
and for fifteen minutes put on such a rousing musical program that
passers-by were attracted and pressmen and printers came running to view
the entainers, and to marvel at the sturdiness and robust health of each
individual member.
  Mrs. Tucker is the widow of the late Andrew S. Tucker.  The father
died last March in a Rome hospital after a few days illness of
meningitis.  Geroma, the one month old daughter, nestling in a blanket
in her mother's arms, was born after her father's death.  Mr. Tucker was
42 and Mrs. Tucker has passed her 37th birthday.  The couple were
married twenty-one years.  They lost their first born, Garvin who would
be 20 were he living.
   The mother with affection in her eyes and pride in her voice informed
the assembled audience that all the children helped-were good help she
added-with the farm work.  The Tuckers are trying to buy the farm
located near Cedar Bluff, Ala., and there is yet a tidy sum due.
   The three oldest boys, Grady, Grover, and Gus, sell farm truck,
coming several times a week to Rome with produce.
   The children from a standpoint of health and alertness were fine
specimens, though the infant snoozed through her visit, never making an
out-cry, nor were any of the children abashed by the staring audience
which grew at the conclusion of each song.
   Geneva, age three, was most unhappy for a few minutes because she was
thirsty-she was quite persistent about it and finally an older brother
got her a glass of water.  Gevalma, aged one, not yet able to walk, was
deposited by her 15 year old sister, Gertrude, on a high chair before
the city editor's typewriter, which she immediately explored.  When her
sister and brothers were singing she signified her approval and her ear
for music by beating her tiny hands on the keyboard.  She also
demonstrated her sense of balance, for she never once indicated she
might topple from her high perch and her family were never concerned
about her bumping her head in a downward plunge.
   In reply to questions about their sturdy legs, pink cheeks and bright
eyes, the mother said.  "They drink Milk, eat eggs, chickens and duck;
we have all those things, and vegetables on the farm."
   The older children were all patience with the younger ones and took
great pleasure in showing them off.
   Mrs. Tucker and her brood of fifteen, she said, would visit relatives
in South Georgia in July, going in the farm truck.
   The children sang in groups, quartets and duets.  They each had an
opinion about the song selections and some wanted one, others another,
but there was never any display of temper, only a preference.  Mr.
McBrayer, the sponsor, said they would make fine substitutes for the
McBrayer quartet.  After showing off so well he treated the younger
children to ice cream cones.
  Mrs. Tucker proudly proclaimed all her children's first names began
with the letter "G."  By request, she called the roll, giving their
ages, nor did she once hesitate or trip-this is the roster; Grover, 19,
Grady 18,Gus 17, Gertrude, 15; Gardie, 14; Garnett, 13; Genette, 11;
Gartril, 10' Glover, 8; Gramling, 7; Geraldine, 5; Genoka, 4; Geneva, 3;
Gevalma, 1; and Geroma, aged one months.
   At the conclusion of the singing, which Mr. Tucker explained they had
learned from records and in attending church meetings, Glover, 8, who
had not been permitted to sing with his sisters, put on a one-man show,
imitating the barnyard animals so accurately that the editorial room
became so congested that to prevent a panic the audience was dispersed,
which could not be accomplished until Mrs. Tucker and her fifteen young
Tuckers made the first exit. (Coosa River News, June 28, 1935)