The thought of a forgotten family relic bothered Angela Steadman of Ellerbe when she bought an old Bible over a decade ago.

It still bothers her today.

“My Mom was with me, and she said that she remembers me being really upset that someone would throw away an heirloom like that.”

Steadman is not sure of the exact place and date, but said that she bought the Bible between 10 and 15 years ago at a yard sale or book sale in Richmond County.

“Even though it says that the original owner is from Marion, S.C., I did buy it here in Richmond County. I’ve always wanted to find the owner.”

The original owner is listed as Brady Richardson, born August 24, 1898 in Marion, S.C. The date of marriage to Ola Richardson (no maiden name written) is noted as Dec. 2, 1924 in Bensville (sic), S.C. Brady Richardson’s date of death is given as August 31, 1946. The birth dates and names of several children and possible grandchildren are listed, though in no clearly recognizable order.

Bound in tattered leather material, the Bible has traditional, gold-edged pages and recessed, thumb-shaped markers for the Books. The first page reads “The Holy Bible: Master Guide Edition,” King James Version, with the “words of Christ printed in Red.” Across from the title page, the first of many color plates depicts the common symbol of Christ “knocking at the door of your heart.”

Two pages of “Bible facts and curiosities” are included in the back, noting such trivia as the longest name in the Bible and the first recorded labor union/guild.

Published by the Philadelphia National Bible Press with a copyright date of 1939, the Bible was distributed by Dixie Book Supply of Rockingham. Yellowed papers containing hand-written Bible verses are tucked inside.

“I just think someone in the family would love to have and heirloom like this. I know I would if these were my grandparents or great-grandparents,” said Steadman.

For more details e-mail Angela Steadman at nuts4goalies@yahoo.com.