EDITOR,

My name is Jordan Ulery. I am the grandson of the late Jordan and Mary Queener of Harlan. I am the son of the late Florence Dorcus (Queener) Ulery. My mother graduated high school in Harlan. From the Mid-50s through the late 60s I spent summers in Harlan with my grandparents. As I recently took my 5th Oath of Office as a Member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives my mind recalled those summers. Perhaps it was because several of us had been discussing the role of unions in America only a few moments before and labor issues were often discussed on the front porch in the evening in Harlan.

I remember that members of my mother’s family were engaged in public service in Harlan. I am sorry to say I do not remember what service. I also recollect Grandpa having to go to the courthouse and town hall on non-judicial matters. As a child I did not know the exact purpose, but I often went along. On my mother’s side public service seemed to be rather routine. It was also that way on the Ulery side up in Elkhart, Ind. I suppose that was just a characteristic of the times, a citizen owed a certain duty, a patriotic duty, to serve.

Many may not know, but the New Hampshire House was rather well paid — in the1800s; receiving $100 per year in wages. We are still paid that “princely” sum - less taxes. We do get mileage, but no per diem. As I said, service.

I am writing this letter now because the passage of time and the distance from the mountains of Kentucky in the hills of New Hampshire have separated me from family in and around Harlan. I hope that cousins I once knew may have the opportunity to contact me via Facebook or email.

As I said, I often fondly recall summers in the mountains, occasionally fetching a Mason jar of “unknown” clear liquid from the back steps (is Harlan still dry?), fishing in the (then rather dirty) river with Grandpa, walking across a rope bridge (way above the river) and playing in the woods above Benham. If there are any in or around Harlan that recall those days I would be pleased to hear from you and can be reached at Jordanulery@myfairpoint.net.

Jordan Ulery

Hillsborough-37

Member of the 163rd New Hampshire General Court