Harold and Geneva Naugle
Harold Windell Naugle and Geneva Ruth (Morgan) Naugle were both born in Washington County. While the young years of their childhood were probably similar to most anyone’s, the latter portion into their teenage years was perhaps more challenging than many youth face.
Harold was born on April 23, 1918 to Warren and Hulda (Payne) Naugle. His family lived in Washington County in Franklin Township. He was the youngest of nine children; he had six brothers and two sisters. Harold’s childhood was anything but easy, although he never talked about that. In addition to growing up in the midst of one of the most challenging economic times in the nation, Harold experienced the loss of a parent at a very young age. His father passed away when Harold was only one, leaving his mother to rear their children. Not long after his father passed away, Harold also lost an older brother, Emmett.
Because of these circumstances, Harold – like many young men at the time – was forced to make some tough decisions. At a young age, he left school and went to work in order to help his mother. His family had lived on a farm for many years, so it was not difficult for Harold to find his place among the workingmen. Due to this, Harold never graduated from high school.
Geneva was born just a few years after Harold, on February 16, 1921. Her parents were Leonard and Fern (Stewart) Morgan. Like Harold’s family, they, too, lived in Washington County on a small family farm. But, unlike Harold, Geneva grew up with only one brother.
Geneva was always fond of school. As a young girl, and even later on in life, she always had a good connection with her friends from school. When she was 17, she graduated from Little York High School located in the township in which she lived.
Although they probably did not go to school together, Harold and Geneva had been acquainted with each other for many years. The Naugle and Morgan family farms were only a few minutes apart from each other. Most likely, Harold and Geneva had been friends for many years, prior to their relationship unfolding. So, it is no surprise that just a few months after Geneva graduated from high school, the two were married. On September 14, 1938, when Harold was 20 years old and Geneva was 17, they began their new life journey, together.
Not long after they were married, the couple moved in with Geneva’s grandfather whose wife had passed away. Although Harold worked off the farm for a short period of time, it was short-lived, and he spent most of his life on the farm. After Geneva’s grandfather passed away, Harold purchased his farm and worked it for about twenty years. In 1958, he and Geneva purchased another farm from Paul and Allie Tatlock. They then moved to that farm which was also located in the West Point community.
Geneva never worked outside of the home; however, there was always plenty to keep her busy! Following in the tradition of Harold’s family, the couple had six children of their own. Their first daughter, Rita, was born in 1942, about four years after they were married. Over the next several years, Harold and Geneva had two more daughters and three sons – Linda, Marcia, Burl, Boyd, and Bradley.
Geneva was content to rear her children, take care of the house, and do helpful chores on the farm. Her oldest daughter, Rita, said, “She did not have a specific daily routine. She just took things one day at a time.” She did things with her church and the community. Rita said, “I think we and others who knew her felt she was a responsible, gentle, and caring person.”
When thinking about their father, Rita said, “Dad was also a kind person, but when he spoke, you knew you should listen!” Mostly, Harold kept busy working and providing for his family. On their farm, they had a dairy, crops, chickens, hogs, and cows, so there was always plenty for him to tend to.
One thing that was very important to Harold and Geneva when raising their children was to instill a love for faith. They were members of West Point United Methodist Church. “Dad was the church treasurer for a long time, a Sunday School teacher, and lay minister,” Rita said. They always tried to stay involved and show the importance of that to their children.
In addition to encouraging faith, Harold and Geneva made it possible for their kids to value education, both in and outside of the classroom walls. “They wanted us to be involved in activities,” Rita said, “We were all very busy kids!” Because they lived about 8 miles out of town, a lot of time was spent driving their children to and from school events and activities. However, it paid off when all of their children went on to become successful individuals on their chosen paths.
Harold and Geneva always tried hard to practice what they preached. They both had their own hobbies and activities that they were involved in. Harold was on the local Farm Bureau Co-op board for many years. “It was a responsibility that he took seriously,” Rita commented. Geneva was active in the United Methodist Women group and Home Demonstration Club. She enjoyed quilting and sewing. She helped at the blood banks with the Red Cross volunteers. She also served two terms on the Washington County Cemetery Commission.
Although Harold and Geneva did not by any means lead an easy life, they learned to make the best of their situations from an early age. They instilled their love for involvement, hard work, and education into the hearts of their six children. While some of their children have moved away from Washington County, memories of their parents and home remain strong.
In order to honor their parents, Harold and Geneva’s children came together and started a Touch Tomorrow fund with the Washington County Community Foundation in their parent’s honor. Rita said, “They would be happy to know that the proceeds from the fund would go to help some other people or projects in Washington County.” Now, for years to come, Harold and Geneva will have a lasting impact on many generations to come in Washington County.
