In the Beginning

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Carlene Eilers: I grew up the last of 25 children from one mother and one father, all born between December 25, 1940 and January 13, 1967. No twins, no fertility drugs, and no miscarriages. That's 15 boys and 10 girls, 25 births in twenty six years.

When my eldest brother Rodney was born, dad and mom were 19. After having me and my triplet sisters Phyllis and Stephanie, doctors told my mother, "no more children," and she had a hysterectomy surgery. All 25 siblings were alive and well as of now.

Rodney Smith: My mom and dad were married on Saturday, December 30, 1939. Almost a year later, I was born on Christmas day 1940. I was the first born child of the family. Dad met Mom in November 1936 after the funeral of my mom's uncle.

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