Veteran’s Day, a family’s history revisited

Leroy Grams, a local retired farmer, is proud of his family’s history and their generational service to their country. He is referred to by some as the family genealogist and for good reason. Grams belongs to the Southwest Nebraska Genealogy Society of McCook.
He has been researching both sides of his family’s history for most of 50 years. He said he wanted to re-share a previous story printed in The Imperial Republican in 1988 along with a photo of his father, Harry Grams, holding a sabre used by Grams’ great-great-great grandfather in the American Revolutionary War. The sabre has been passed down through the generations and is now in Grams’ trusted care.
“I want to honor all veterans who fought for our country and encourage families to keep track of their family history information to pass down,” Grams said.
What better way to bring remembrance to those who served in the Armed Forces than to reference back to when our country was young and fighting for its freedom and independence.
In 1988, Grams’ father, Harry, told the story of his ancestor Colonel Charles Little who was among the troops who fought alongside General George Washington, and Little was one of six honorary pallbearers for President Washington’s funeral.
Grams and wife, Sue, traveled to Alexandria, Virginia and found the church where George and Martha Washington attended worship. The cemetery out back partially hid a plaque bearing the names of the pallbearers of which Colonel Little was one. The year was 1799.
Grams and his wife took many road trips over the years to track down information on their family history.
“We spent many hours visiting courthouses, libraries, museums and cemeteries—interviewing numerous family members, friends and neighbors. We looked at pictures, listened to stories and pulled from their memories,” he said.
Their travels took them to 16 states and several Canadian provinces, he added.
“Every time we got a lead, we’d follow it. Don’t ever throw pictures away, file them away. It’s important to remember where your family came from and preserve your family history for future generations,” he said.
On Veterans Day, it’s important to thank those who have served our country and to remember our past—honoring those that fought to make our country great.

Ancestor served as Washington’s honorary pallbearer

■ Editor’s note: This story originally ran in the Feb. 18, 1988 issue of The Imperial Republican.

By Loral Johnson
No formal celebration of Presidents Day was held in Imperial this year. However, it is appropriate to acknowledge some of the early Presidents who had such an important part in founding and developing this nation. George Washington’s birthday is Feb. 22.
Washington, who served as Commanding General of the Colonial forces in the Revolutionary War and as the first President of the United States, has a very significant tie to Harry Grams, who resides South of Imperial. His great-great-grandfather, Col. Charles Little, served as one of six honorary pallbearers at the funeral of this country’s patriarch on Dec. 18, 1799.
Grams, pictured above right, displays the sabre used by Col. Charles Little during the Revolutionary Ware days. It was given to him by his grandmother, Alice Idolett Wright Little 47 years ago.
Grams’ family records show an interesting history going back to the time of his great-great-grandfather’s participation in the funeral service of President Washington.
A photo copy of an article published at the time reads in part:
“Between three and four o’clock, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 1799 the sound of artillery from a vessel in the river, firing minute guns, awoke afresh our solemn sorrow—the corps was removed—a band of music with mournful melody melted the soul into all the tenderness of woe. The procession was formed and moved on in the following order—Cavalry, Infantry, Guard (with arms reversed), Music, Clergy. The General’s horse with his saddle, holsters and pistols.
“The bier was carried by four lieutenants of the 106th Regiment Virginia Militia: William Moss, son of John and Minor Moss; George Wise, son of Peter and Sins Bolling Wise; Lawrence Hooff, son of Lawrence Hooff Sr.; and James Turener Jr.
“On either side of the bier walked the honorary pallbearers: Col. Charles Simms, son of Marmaduke and the Widow Purcell nee Glasscock; Col. Dennis Ramsay, son of William and Ann McCarty Ramsay; Col. William Payne, son of William Payne Sr.; Col. George Gilpin, son of Samuel and Jane Parker Gilpin; Col. Philip Marsteller, son of Fredrick Ludwig and Barbara Marsteller; and Col. Charles Little, son of Andrew and Christian (Murray) Little.
“Following the bier were Masonic brethren and mourning citizens.
“When the procession had arrived at the bottom of the elevated lawn, on the bank of the Potomac, where the family vault is placed, the cavalry halted, the infantry marched towards the Mount and formed their lines. The Clergy, the Masonic Brothers, and the Citizens descended to the vault, and the funeral service of the church was performed.
“The firing was repeated from the vessel in the river, and the sounds echoed from the woods and hills around.
“Three general discharges by the infantry—the cavalry and 11 pieces of artillery, which lined the banks of the Potomac back of the vault, paid the last tribute to the entombed Commander of Chief of the Armies of the United States and to the departed Hero.”
The tomb of President Washington can be visited at Mount Vernon in the Washing D.C. area at the present time.
Harry Grams’ parents were Andy Grams and Grace Little. His grandparents were Rudolphus Thomas “Link” Little and Alice Idolett Wright. His great-grandfather was William Little and great-great-grandfather Col. Charles Little who served in the funeral procession.
Col. Little was born in Virginia. His home was in Fairfax county. He served in the Revolutionary Ware and received land in Ohio as payment for his services in the Army.
The sword which Harry Grams has in his possession, has engraved on its blade, a 13-star flag for the 13 colonies, the manufacturer’s mark from Tiffany, N.Y., other decorative markings, the words “Plurrieus Unum” and Col. Little’s initials. The sabre has a lizard hide handle with gold braid. The original leather scabbard or sheath has been lost.