The author, Esther Livingston and her husband, David, are among Washington, Iowans, whose families first arrived in what was then "Slaughter County", in covered wagons in the mid-1800's. Mom's Story provides an intimate glimpse into one of these old families. Taken from 300 pages of a handwritten manuscript by the author's mother and dozens of scribbled notes, a story emerges that weaves its characters through history, adding authentic homespun details about weddings and funerals, learning the facts of life, courtship in a buggy, and deathbed scenes. These folk were among the "unknowns" - rarely mentioned in newspapers, except, perhaps, the "Wellman Shootist"!
The story continues with Naomi telling about losing her mother at an early
age and much of the time fending for herself. After an up-and-down courtship,
she becomes a farmer's wife and part of a German family, whose only experience
is with "old Country" customs. She tells about her first threshing, raising
chickens, the Great Depression, and times of sorrow - all put together with a
mixture of sadness and humor.
