Tag Archives: Appalachian Train

Grandma Gatewood’s Excellent Adventure

A SENIOR’S WALK INTO THE RECORD BOOKS

I’ve been getting into shape recently. But my progress pales compared to what a remarkable senior did nearly 70 years ago.

Emma Gatewood’s life was hard. Born in Ohio in 1887, she was one of 15 kids in a family that slept four to a bed. Her father lost a leg in the Civil War and spent the rest of his life drinking and gambling. Though her formal education ended in the 8th grade, she kept learning by devouring encyclopedias, Greek classics, and books on woods and wildlife. Continue reading