Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, January l0, l90l

Away back in l869, thirty-two years ago, when this country was very thinly settled a group of five little girls had their pictures taken in a group. They were ANNA GAMMON, SALLIE ALLBAUGH, MELLIE DYE, LEVINA GAMMON and ELMA GASSETT. The following year they comprised the algebra class of the East Eden School, which we believe was the first algebra class taught in Decatur County, Robert Turner, who now lives at Lamoni, being the teacher.

Twenty years later they again assembled and had their pictures taken in a group, and last Saturday the class was tendered a reception at the home of MRS. ELMA GASSET MORRILL, after which they for the third time had their pictures taken together. It is remarkable that out of the class of five members that all should be living within a radius of five miles of each other, and that the circle formed thirty-two years ago has never been broken by death. It is a record that is seldom if ever equalled and the same friendship exists between them as when they were playmates and schoolmates. The only change is that four of the five have married, the group taken last Saturday being MISS ANNA GAMMON, MRS. SALLIE ALLBAUGH CHASTAIN, MRS. MELLIE DYE CONREY, MRS. LEVINA GAMMON BASSET and MRS. ELMA GASSETT MORRILL. They are now in the midst of a series of receptions given at their homes, and all met at the pleasant home of MRS. CHASTAIN in Eden Township, Tuesday, where another elaborate dinner was disposed of.

Copied by Nancee (McMurtrey) Siefert
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
December 7, 2002