KINDLY
DONATED BY BRIAN AND NORMA LEAN
brianlean at
blueyonder.co.uk
THE YELLAND FAMILY
of
St.
Stephen-in-Brannel
and
1904-1919
A collection of
letters written to Richard Rowett Yelland
by his family
after he emigrated
to
and other related
documents.
(The original letters
and documents were preserved by
Richard Yelland's
daughter, Mary, and at her request have been placed in the
Brian Lean, July 2004
* * * * * * * * * *
Editor's Note
When I was asked by Mary Allen (nee Yelland) of Lawrence,
Kansas, if I would be happy to receive a collection of letters based mainly on
a long-running family correspondence between members of the Yelland family of
St. Stephen-in-Brannel and Richard Rowett Yelland who emigrated to America in
1904, I was delighted to co-operate. I little realised at that stage just how
involved I would become with our family history and the lifestyle of those
living in
I decided to transcribe these letters into this printed format because the handwriting in many of the originals is very difficult to decipher. However, I have tried to retain the original spelling and punctuation as far as possible. For those who care to read the original letters or the document I have produced, I should mention that Mary, who sent these letters to me, is the daughter of Richard Yelland and the same "little maid Mary" referred to so many times in the letters contained in these pages. At the time of the production of this document, summer 2004, Mary is 93 years of age.
This document has been compiled by Brian Lean, great grandson of Charles and Charlotte Yelland and grandson of Sydney and Mary Lean.
* * * * * * * * * *
Background to
the book.
This booklet tells the true story of Richard (Dick)
Yelland who emigrated to
Dick set sail for
A week later Dick entered America via the immigration
centre at Ellis Island, New York, and immediately went to stay with a cousin,
James Dabb, in New Jersey on America's east coast. It was intended that he
would only stay there for a while before travelling right across
He graduated from the seminary in 1908 and the following
year, while acting as minister at a church in New Virginia, Iowa, he met and
married Fannie Evans. A year later a daughter, Mary Charlotte was born (now
Mary Yelland Allen, aged 93, and living in
Throughout Dick's time in America he and his mother, Charlotte Yelland, exchanged weekly letters and many of Charlotte's letters, written from 1, Saw Mill Terrace, St. Stephen, have been preserved by Dick's daughter, Mary Yelland Allen, and now provide the basis for this book. Many of these letters are over one hundred years old.
Almost from the start the reader will be able to pick up
hints that all was not well between Charlotte Yelland and her husband, Charles;
that he had strange moods, was selfish, unkind and verbally cruel to her and
often kept her short of money. Both Dick and his married sister, Mary Lean (who
lived at 1, Chapel Terrace, Coombe) were well aware of their father's behaviour
towards their mother and so when Dick wrote to his mother he often sent his
letters to his sister's address at Coombe so that his father wouldn't see them.
When she had read them
It soon becomes apparent that Charles Yelland couldn't get
on with anyone, especially his son-in-law, Sydney Lean, and that he loved
no-one but himself. I won't reveal what eventually happened to the saintly
After Charlotte Yelland's death her daughter, Mary Lean, assumed the task of writing to her brother, Dick, and these letters are contained in the second section of the book along with copies of many other related documents including birth, marriage and death certificates.
Of course, this story relates specifically to my own family; Charles and Charlotte Yelland were my great grandparents and Mary and Sydney Lean of Coombe were my grandparents. However, I do hope the reader will still find it interesting as the letters contain many references to St. Stephen, Coombe and other neighbouring villages, together with old photographs of the area. The letters also provide a keen insight into Cornish village life (the happy times and the hardships) at the turn of the last century.
The original letters and documents are now at the Cornwall
County Records Office at
Brian Lean 2004
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AFTER YOU
HAVE CLICKED ON A LINK, USE THE
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Letter
written to Richard Yelland by his father, Charles Yelland 1911
Appendix
A record of
Richard Yelland's bicycle ride from St. Stephens to London and beyond 1899
A School Board
Reference for Richard Yelland
Documents
relating to the death of Charles Yelland
Mary Lean's
receipts for repayments on a loan to Richard Yelland
Invitation to
Richard to spend Christmas with James Dabbs and family 1904
Translation
of Richard Yelland' s shorthand notes
Other letters written by some of
Richard’s ancestors
Letter written in 1832 by John Yelland, born 1770, and his daughter Catherine
Letter written in 1836 by Richy Yelland, born 1765 (a brother of John Yelland)
Letter written in 1840 by Eleanor Yelland (a daughter of John Yelland)
Letter written in 1851 by Richard Yelland (a son of John Yelland)
===============================
This is a copy of Richard
Yelland's cabin assignment label
on the
The original is in the
possession of Martha Sawyer Allen, one of Richard's
granddaughters.
* * * * * * * * * *
Richard travelled to
* * * * * * * * * *
Letters written
to Richard Yelland by his mother, Charlotte Yelland,
and his aunt,
Ellen Tretheway 1904 -1910
Saw Mill Terrace
Dear Dick
The two letters I am sending came this afternoon, tell me when you write what they were about.
Your Post Cards came on Saturday all right and one from
I have that note you sent to Mary with the key.
I should like to look in on you sometimes if I could.
Things are going on quiet home here thus far. God bless you.
From your loving Mother
Charlotte Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
My dear Son
Your letter of the 28th came this morning it has taken rather a long time to come. I had been thinking about you all the morning scarcely hoping to hear today. I was glad to see your hand writing when I answered the postman's knock.
I should have written to you before had I known that you would be at N. J. so long. I feel so much obliged to our friends there for treating you so kindly.
I am very much cheered to know that you have found a
chapel and meetings just like they are in old
I went to chapel the Tuesday night after you left home.
Mr. Pearce preached he prayed very nicely for you also for
the "home" you had just left he told me he had received a Post Card
from you. That same evening I posted two letters for you. They will reach
I dare say you wonder sometimes how we are getting on home here it seems a long time since I saw you, we are moving on pretty quiet thus far, I don't expect great things it will help very much to know that you are all right.
My chilblains are not well yet, people don't seem to get them much where you are. They have needs to be thankful for! I am sure if they had them once they would dread them very much. Rug, overcoat and lump of camphor all come useful. Thought they would.
Father is busy can't stay to write this time he says. Another load of boxes going to Wadebridge
tomorrow.
That letter you posted to father while on board I had to pay 5d on, one stamp was not enough. The postcard you sent to Mrs. Searle you only put half penny stamp. I tell you these things so that you may mind in the future.
The other day when Blanche was here she was told not to go outside the gate, when I went back to the door she was out looking down the road, she said I am looking to see if Uncle Dick is coming. If I forget to tell you things sometimes you must remind me again. Father sends his love.
From your ever loving Mother
C.Y.
Give our kindest love and thanks to our friends at N. J.
* * * * * * * * * *
Dear Dick
I thought I would write your Aunt a few lines and enclose a line to you.
We received a letter from you last Monday 9th I wrote by
return. I am sending this one to
Father is gone to the woods to day. We are going on pretty quiet thus far. Saw Miss Curner and Annie Broad last evening, they wished to be remembered to you. Sam Goudge and Fred Varcoe I saw both of them. Mary and the children are very well they were up to see last week. My hands are not well yet but getting better.
We are having a very cold spring with wind. I hope it won't blow off the blossom from the trees
too soon. .
From Your loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Sawmill Terrace
C. T.
Dear Dick
Your letter of the 9th to father came on Friday last. Also Mary, with one enclosed for me. I did not expect any money sent so soon. Still I am glad to have some as I am very short. I asked father for a little back at Xmas but there is nothing yet. £6 not £7 I lent you. I shall be so thankful if you can get on where you are, it seems to me you are not so far from home now, I shall be glad to know how much you are getting after a while, you may get on to something better by and by in the same place. I don't think it's a bad start. I do hope your health will be good. I think the Dabbs are good to you, also Mr. Quick, he is a Master there you say. I thought to myself weeks ago that you never would be stopping there so long with out some reason it's a good thing you have no stairs to climb, no heavy work and the saw well guarded. I shall be glad for you to tell father about the saw.
You have comfortable lodgings you say, I'm so glad, I do
hope you will be able to manage with the food. You don't care much for pork,
get a little something sometimes that you like, don't go short. Do you mean
that you have breakfast at
Yesterday "Whit Wednesday" the Christian endeavour went away they had fine weather. You must excuse all mistakes.
I drempt one night this week that you came home just for a day or so to see about the typewriter. I thought you were going to take it with you, have you heard from F. Varcoe yet anything about it?
You do not do much to shorthand now I suppose?
27th
A newspaper came to father on Monday last we were glad to receive it, I am glad it was addressed to him, he thinks a great deal of anything like that, you know he is childish. Perhaps
Sam Goudge will be writing you about the Christian endeavour trip.
Mary is here again to day with the children.
Father is not gone to town this afternoon busy sawing. Curra is here working.
Mr. Morcom on Monday asked to be remembered to you. People often ask when I heard from you. Mary joins me in love, father sends his love, too busy to write this time.
From your Affectionate Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
Undated photographs
* * * * * * * * * *
The village where Charles and Charlotte Yelland
ran their saw mill business
* * * * * * * * * *
Invoice
used by Charles Yelland
in his business at the Steam Saw Mills, St.Stephen
* * * * * * * * * *
A postcard of St.Stephen’s Church Town
at the time Charles and Charlotte Yelland were living in the village.
It was posted in the village post office in 1906.
The writer asks:
Do you recognise the policeman’s wife in the doorway? This is the lower part of the village.
Edith
* * * * * * * * * *
Chapel
Road, St.Stephen then . . .
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
C.T.
My dear Dick
I do hope you are having my letters by this time.
A Post Card for father this morning, it does me good to see your handwriting.
Your letter to Mary for me I received last Saturday I was delighted to get such a nice long letter. I scarcely know how to tell you what you may eat and drink, fruit is good, I am glad you get that it will help to keep your bowels right. I don't think meat is binding, milk take as much as you like, vegetables are relaxing, I believe soft sugar is more relaxing than lump but I do not think the sugar you make use of will hurt you, quaker oats is all right if you like it, Doctor Broadway used to say he did not think he had a proper breakfast without quaker oats. I am glad you sometimes get eggs.
It does me so much good to hear you say you feel well and strong, a bath twice a week will help you. Changing shirt and flannel in the evening I believe is all good for the health as long as you don't put it on in the morning feeling damp and cold. It's very good of Mrs. Dabb to do your washing and mending, she is kind. If you have got that silk handkerchief I told you to get for Aunt
A. E., or the gloves for Aunt Ellen, I think I would give some of it to Mrs. Dabb. I don't think I need remind you, you know what to do in that way.
Fruit is just the same price as it is here. I expect apples will be cheap with you by and by, oranges and apples are excellent for keeping the bowels right. Beecham' s pills are good to take sometimes just one to help keep you right if it's required, they are mild better than Senna.
I hope you are able to make a good meal in the evening. Many people say supper just before going to bed is not good, suitable fruit will help you.
I am so thankful that reading the Bible is a comfort to you you cannot value it too highly nor prize it too much. Stick to the one thing needful and it will help you in every way.
I could not help shedding tears of joy when I read your letter to know that my influence had helped you. I know my dear son we shall meet again in heaven if not on earth. I feel some how like one to my self it seems to me I have never done much good in the world, all have not the gift, yet I feel as though I want to do something for the "Master". A starless crown is not so well. I do
feel peaceful within from day to day but my faith is so weak at times.
I do hope the people at the church will be very friendly and comfortable with you. I am glad you get on with them so well. Their time of service is not like ours. You find the pastor very nice I dare say.
There are plenty of ways to do good if you do not go in for the Ministry. It may be better for you to stick to what you are about, as the pastor told you, pray for guidance, we must do that all the time whatever we are engaged in if we wish to succeed. Six years is a long time to look forward to. I do trust God will lead you to the work you are best fitted for and He will if you trust
in Him.
I will let Aunt Lizzie and Aunt Higman know how you are
getting on. I know you can't write them all. Arthur is going on all right now I
believe also Frank. I am glad you had the 4/- from
From your ever loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
My dear Nephew
Yesterday I received a letter from your Mother, dated May 16th. She said that you had left Home before my last letter reached there. She sent a note in my letter for you. I will enclose it in this letter.
I hope you are well. Walter and your Uncle are at work, we are all well.
Now when you come here it will not cost you any thing for
Board and Lodging, not until you get work, so do not trouble about it and as I told
you when I wrote last that if you needed money to come to California we will
send you money, only let us know how much you want, and we will make you
welcome, when you arrive and if we know when to expect you some of your
relatives will be at the depot to meet you. If you come, and should not meet
anyone there, come to
Ellen and Adilaid Yelland was here on Monday, and your Uncle Walter came over in the evening. They are all well, they ask about you and wanted to know how long before you would be here.
It is Hay Season but we have beautiful weather, to save
the Hay. I will tell you the news when you come.
I will close for the presant.
With love from your Aff Aunt Ellen Tretheway.
PS Remember me kindly to cousin James Dabb and family. I hope they are well. Excuse all mistakes written in haste.
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Sawmill Terrace
My dear Dick
Yours of the 4th came yesterday it was welcome for I was
anxiously watching the post, when I saw him outside. I said have you anything
for me he said yes I have the letter you want I expect. Sent away a paper with
a post card to you yesterday. So Dick you are having a holiday never mind if
there is not any pay it will do you good. I suppose some of the people there
are having a fine time. I would rather go to bed at night. I think you will see
some strange sights I dare say as you move about the world, it seems to me to
be a pity that so much money should be spent about such things yet it's good
for trade I dare say. Of course they must stop work sometimes at the factory
for repairs, in the meantime you can be doing some good for yourself. I know
you will not be idle. I hope when the election comes off that the right party
will win that times will be better all through
works now, I don't hear any complaints, we are not selling much for weeks past the yard is almost forsaken seems to me. I hope it will take a turn again soon. Father is in the yard again most of the day now but he is not very strong yet I want him to keep on a few years longer if it's God's will, since he has been so poorly he speaks kinder to me, he has told me more than once how good I have been to him to nurse him so, I know I have done what I could.
Arthur and Catherine are going on just the same not married yet Aida and her shop are doing all right I should think, she enquires for you. I suppose Joe is doing fairly well in the egg business. They appear to be able to have all they want, his wife is much better in health he says able to do her work he seems so glad. I think they are very comfortable together. Morcom is going on as usual. Ernie still gets a good many boxes of us but Visick is sending so many that is the trouble but we can do nothing by it. I believe Vage is all right but he has not been here since you left home. We often see Mr. Huthridge he was very kind the other day when father was so poorly, said he could come in in the night if I wanted anything, said knock the wall and I shall hear you, came
in of an evening and sat with him for a long time, his mother is very friendly as well. Things in the garden are not so good as I should like, not many gooseberries, a few raspberries and currants. I do hope you are enjoying the fruit I believe tomatoes are good to eat if one likes them, perhaps they will be cheap soon. If you have not Christian Endeavour meetings for a time you will find some sort of meetings to attend I expect, the Vesper services I don't quite understand what they are like dare say it's very good.
You ask me about that £50 to Mary, be quite easy about that Dick, you have nothing to pay her she would not think of such a thing now. You know there is £150 in the yard of my money if you remained in the business and prospered I thought it only fair for Mary to have something, things are altered you have not got to give her anything. I used to think how nice that little money would be for me if I get so that I can't work but I'm afraid it's quite lost to me. I suppose I must try not to look on the dark side for I never have wanted necessaries yet I am thankful to say still I should have had some things that I have done without because money was scarce. Now I think you had better keep my money for the time you can't tell what you may need. I am not sorry you sent me some a few weeks since because I am having some things for myself that I want, of course I told father you had sent me a little money, I did not say how much, he said it's no disgrace for a son to send his mother a present, he has nothing for me, now I can get little things I need.
Your letter to Mary with photos came to her same day yours came here. She brought it to me the same day, photos are nice. I am keeping the one with the book before you, both very good, it seems almost as if you were here when I look at it, you are not gone to look any thinner you make a good photo.
I think I have sent you some long letters since you left us, I don't say they will always be so long, you see I have not so much to do now you are gone so have more time for writing. Dear Dick I can't fully answer your letter this time, the paper won't hold out and if I use more it might be too heavy for one stamp. Will write again in a few days if I can. I keep fairly well, father is
better, gone to Treworthenick today, I don't know how he will get on he is not strong, he told Curra last week if Dick had only stopped home and worked on comfortable with him how different things might be. I am glad for your sake you went when you did. I hope you will be able to enter the Ministry and succeed. I believe if we put our trust in God he will see us through. I don't think Blanche will ever forget you, as soon as she saw your photo she said Uncle Dick, no one told her, she is a very sharp child. Frank is all there too. I do love him, he can say egg. . . .
[The final pages of
Charlotte Yelland referred to these photographs in the above letter.
Of the two she seemed to prefer the one with Richard and the book
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
Dear Dick
I am going to answer your last letter now if I can, I know you are glad to get a letter often, father doesn't know always when I write, says he can't write often for he can't tell what to write to you. Perhaps Mary will be sending a few lines soon but you know she has a plenty to do. I saw John Searle last Saturday he said he had got your photo he seems pleased. The reason they have not answered your letter is because they have been busy papering and house cleaning and Mrs. Searle is not very strong at the best I suppose you have sent one to "Lizzie." I look at yours very often, it's such a comfort to take it in my hand and have a good look. Yes Dick you have a true and constant friend in your Mother. I have not forgotten the quiet times we used to spend together. I can tell you it was a pleasure for me to get you nice little things for your dinner or supper when I had it in my power. I did not think you ungrateful when you used to be silent, when you get a wife don't be quite so silent with her, she might feel slighted.
It's such a comfort to know that you are getting on all right and find people comfortable and nice, inclined to be friendly and so on. So the Super of the Hall has to work for his living like another man, glad he is so friendly with you. So you have had a talk with Dr. Gallaway and found him very agreeable, he may be able to help you in some way. I would not for the world have you keep back from entering the Ministry if you think it's your calling. The Lord will be sure to lead you aright only do your part as far as you know, it will be a sure living and a good living by and by so you need not trouble about making a lot of money. Still pray about it my son, you can trust the Lord with all your wishes and desires. He will be enquired of He knows what is best for all of us. I pray for you every day that you may do the right thing.
When I go to Coombe I walk down in the morning get away as early as I can, I enjoy it I must take my time, then Mary or Sydney drive me home at night. I think it does me good. I can get away better now I have only father to do for. I quite agree with you in buying bananas instead of fire crackers. Should like to get a job lot as you did, I like them dead ripe. I don't expect Dick you are saving much money, remember I do not think you are wasting it, the boots were cheap enough I should think, you must have clothes.
So Mr. Quick has a family of young children. The eggs coming in have been a nice little help to me this summer, there will not be so many next year if I live for we are killing away the old hens, only ten chickens coming on they won't be all hens. I have not been to St. Austell but once since you left. I wrote Auntie Lizzie and told her what you were doing. She thought it was very good for you to find something to do so quickly. She said God was taking care of you. She thinks you had done the right thing to go away. Of course Dick I know you will not be able to help me while studying for the Ministry, I shall live somehow I hope. I do often wish my faith was stronger so that I could more fully trust in God, he knows what trials we require. Father is gone away with the boys again today for timber. I know he does not feel so strong as he did, he never has thought about putting any thing by for old age or sickness, where his thoughts have been I never could make out.
I can't always send you long letters, I don't know what to
say. I did think one day I wonder if my letters are interesting to Dick or if
he gets tired of reading them. Now I know you like long letters from Mother I
will do the best I can. Mrs. Crowle came to see me today. She remembers to you,
her husband is rather poorly again. Mrs. Trudgian has been very gracious
lately, I don't take much notice of her. Alf Nicholls is home for a few days,
he likes your photo very much so does Mrs. Crowle. They both say you look like
a gentleman not like a common man. Your mother likes to hear such remarks, but
I don't want to make you vain. Alf thinks you should be a Minister. I told him
perhaps you will be some day. You value the Revised Version. I dare say it may
be very useful to you for
From your loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
Dear Dick .
Another letter to Mary for me written 23rd, post card came here 25th, you wrote it on the 25th I mean. That came yesterday, always so glad to receive your letters but I think sometimes what a number of stamps you have to buy, it helps to use up your money. You did not get my letter as you expected. The mail might have been delayed or it's just possible it might not have been posted in time. I am hindered sometimes when writing, it's Friday father gone to town, he won't be home for a little while yet, so thought I would begin a letter to you it may not be posted until Monday. I hope the new regulations at the factory will do you a little good. So you have a good rest in bed Sunday morning Dick, I don't expect it hurts you. I suppose the weather will not be so hot after this month. Am glad the "Star" arrived all right I don't think you enjoy sitting down reading my letters more than I do yours, my son. When I see Dr. Barry I will remember you to him. I thought he seemed greatly interested in you.
Pears are cheaper with you than they are here a good deal.
I have not tasted a cherry this season. They are about gone now I expect. I had
a few strawberries. [Saturday
Now you have sent the money it will be taken care of, should you want it for a time you can have it again. Mary saw F. Varcoe at Pentewan last Monday he told her he should be coming to Coombe and would call on her with the money that will complete the £6 then as you say that's quite right. I think somehow if you can get in at the Seminary that you will go through after, never mind being poor for a while. God knows all about it, you may meet with good friends. It's very good of you to feel you would like to send me a present sometimes. I am sure it would be thankfully received if you had it to part with but dear Dick I do not need it just now.
So you have been talking with Dr. Gallaway again it will be good of him if he goes with you to Madison, much better than going alone. I trust that Dr. Buttz will approve of you, you must not get out of heart if things seem against you somewhat at first. It's nice for them to ask you to lead some of the meetings, they will get to know you better in that way, the people at the church I mean. I am glad you are getting in with people a little, you say you spent an evening. . . .
[The
final pages of
* * * * * * * * * *
Two early
photographs of Coombe Village
The roof of the Wesleyan Chapel is visible behind the shop and behind the chapel is the path leading to Chapel Terrace where Mary Grace Lean and her family lived. This is where the old photograph showing Charles Yelland leading the horse and donkey was taken.
This view is taken from the bottom of the path leading up to Chapel Terrace
The chapel steps are on the right of the picture, the Sunday School entrance on the left (Charlotte Yelland referred to the laying of the foundation stones in her letter of August 13th 1907 - and the old school house can be seen clearly beyond that on the left. The photograph of the children was taken from the chapel steps. This part of the village remains unchanged and looks exactly like this today.
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
My dear Dick
I cannot tell you how thankful I feel for receiving your first letter from Drew Seminary this morning, it has comforted me greatly.
You have found the right place at last Dick. I do think God has been very good to you since you left home. I feel He has been caring for you and watching over you all the time.
Your post card came all right saying you were admitted. So you passed the faculty without any difficulty? The experience from Casely and Hope, with a recommendation from Dr. Gallaway satisfied Dr. Buttz, it is good of them. You say you are far behind the requirements of a regular student so you will take studies as a special. I think you have found a good friend in Dr. Buttz, how nice for him to tell you to call for him when you went before the Faculty and to explain your case and the other professors all speak in the same kindly way and so you are told to feel that this is home. Oh Dick, it's lovely at last you have found a happy home. I trust no schoolboy tricks but they act as christian gentlemen. You feel you are a brother among brothers. The society must be delightful.
No one but myself knows how I have longed for refined society through life but I don't mind so much now as long as I know you are all right. Have you a bedroom to yourself? I suppose you will have it colder there than we get it here. Still you may not feel it more as the rooms are warmed and all the surroundings nice. I think it must be a beautiful place by what you say. You can get hot water for shaving on the heater in your own room, how nice. Those woods must be lovely, do mind your health and go out when you can. The grounds must be large. Am so glad you have a chance to do a little shorthand and typewriting for Mr. S. G. Ayres to give you a little pocket money. You will have Saturday to do any thing for yourself and perhaps study a little as well. Service in the chapel every morning except Saturday very good.
Good advice to say they would rather for you to be good christians than good scholars. I think you will be trained aright Dick.
So thankful the board is good, apple sauce is good for you. Now my son I can any time put up with a short letter or a post card if you are busy as long as I know you are all right. Father does not care much for the papers you send, so you can save that little.
Mrs. Huthridge is still in bed very weak indeed.
Jeff Nicholls was married last evening I suppose he wrote to say it would be on the 5th.
With best love
From your Affectionate Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
My dear Dick
Yours of the 8th came this week all right, one to Mary
last week. You may use pencil instead of pen it's all the same to me. You ask
if father had many passengers to Summercourt on fair day, it was late when he
started. The first time he had a fair load, not so many the second time, he was
pretty well pleased I think. It was one of the most delightful days we have had
for the summer, never more people there than this year. Mrs. Rowse did not go
but Violet with her father and two young lady friends from
So you don't forget "Gennie" poor old thing she is going on just the same, she has taken you many miles in the night.
Frank Parkin is married to Miss Lord, hope they will get
on all right, her father did not want her to leave him. You don't know Dick how
thankful I feel because you are where you are and that you are about the work
you love. So
You seem to enjoy yourselves evenings with the young fellows, hope it will do you all good.
When a member of the Faculty dies, he lies in state. I
suppose it's what they always do out of respect for the one departed. So you
have a great many students this year from various parts of the world, are they
all intended for Ministers! If I can get any little views I think you will like
you shall have them. You must try to keep up heart Dick and hope to see old
With best love and wishes I am
Your Affectionate Mother
C. Yelland
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1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
Dear Dick
Post card "Statue of Liberty" came last week.
Glad you enjoyed yourself with the other fellows at
So you have had a big blizzard, hope we shall not get any thing like that. We are having some beautiful weather, sunshine day after day. I went to chapel Sunday evening, heard the first preacher it was chapel anniversary. Today is the tea, service afternoon and evening, shall go over tonight if I can, father and Sidney are away again today cutting down trees. Hope they will not be late home.
Father goes on pretty fair, sometimes a bit queer. I have not seen him so mad as he used to be for a long time, hope I never shall again. Mrs. Truscott at Creagavose died last Saturday morn, only ill a few hours, going to be buried this afternoon. I don't know if she were ready for death. I am sure she is 77.
I hear that Mrs. Searle has received a long letter from you, John told me, he seemed quite delighted.
Last evening Mable Martin came in for missionary money, she was talking about you, is so glad you are getting on so well Her sister likes school work she says.
Her other sister in
You must not mind a short letter sometimes, I don't think the less of you for writing little. I have more picture post cards to send, will get some Newquay views as well.
With best love from Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
Mary Grace Lean,
Blanche and Frank standing on the left. Gennie, the donkey Richard Yelland
chose and rode, which was mentioned in some of
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
Dear Dick
Your post card of the 11th came all right. I do remember you to a great many people when I meet them here and there. They are always pleased to hear of your welfare. When I get out more I expect to see more people. The weather is very wintery now, such cold showers, hail, snow and sleet. I don't think folks are going to forget you, they all seem to think you are going to do well.
Hodge has been here this evening, he is greatly interested
in you, so glad you are getting on like you are. I know Dick that you are
greatly interested in all that is going on at home. Ask me any questions and I
will try to answer them. If I come across a picture at any time that I think
you will like I shall send it on. So you have made your room look nice, am glad
of it. My old almanac has come again, I like to get it. The young George
Truscott of Haliwick is living at the Commercial Hotel,
Father doesn't do any trade with Squires now, they have not paid up all yet, it's a long time in hand.
Bennett is not coming on at all, father told him last Friday that he should put it in court next Friday if he did not pay up before, shall see now how it goes, he drinks he is no good. I will remember Gennie with a crust sometimes on your account, she is very good. Some man would like to buy her the other day, father told him he would not part with that donkey for £5 so you see Dick you did a good thing when you bought her. I believe father values her very much.
I don't hear any thing about Phillipa getting married, I think they are waiting for her young man to pass another exam first. She is just the same age as our Mary, so she is old enough. Mary has had a bad cold is better now. Sidney and the children are well.
When I see Mrs. Trudgian I will tell her how delighted you
were to have that photo of the wagon and yard, I thought it would please you,
her husband goes to his "duty" every day still. The regular exams do
not come on until May. I hope you will be prepared when the time comes. What do
you think of doing in the long vacation? God will help you if you pray to him
in faith, it does delight my heart Dick to know that you love prayer, the more
we pray the better. Father is sawing this week with Charlie he is not cutting
very heavy timber.
With love from your Affectionate Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
Dear Dick
Your post card came last Saturday all right written with
the typewriter. Am glad you can find so much time for typewriting and
shorthand. It's such a help to you now in your need. Mrs. Searle from
Father is gone to Creed Farm today. A post card from Mr.
Tretheway yesterday asking him to come today as he had taken down an elm tree
on the garden hedge, he wished to have it removed at once, I suppose it was in
the way. Sidney and Charlie are sawing, W. Coomb helping, he is a very active
boy.
F. Huthridge wishes to be remembered. Mrs. Nicholls told me the other day that she had been up to see poor W. Truscott, she doesn't think he can live long, he is confined to his bed, he told her he had received a nice letter from you. I shall try to go to see him very soon. My cold is much better again. I want to be out gardening now a little as the weather gets warmer.
With love from your Affectionate Mother
C. Yelland
[Enclosure: Newspaper cutting.]
“The kindest and the happiest pair
Will find occasion to forbear;
And something every day they live,
To pity and perhaps forgive."
* * * * * * * * * *
Drew Theological
Seminary,
Richard joined the Seminary in 1904 and graduated in 1908. He worked part time in the library
during his four-year course.
President of Drew Seminary from 1880-1912.
Dr. Buttz assisted Richard in gaining entrance to Drew in 1904.
The J. B.
Cornell Library Building
(The above 2 illustrations were sent as e-mail
attachments from
* * * * * * * * * *
Interior
of the Cornell Library
Taken in the early years of the twentieth century, when Richard was assisting the librarian.
The Rose Window can be seen high up in the far wall.
Wh