BACK TO HOME PAGE

 

 

KINDLY DONATED BY BRIAN AND NORMA LEAN

brianlean at blueyonder.co.uk

 

THE YELLAND FAMILY

of

St. Stephen-in-Brannel

and America

1904-1919

 

A collection of letters written to Richard Rowett Yelland

by his family

after he emigrated to America,

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

Cornwall County Records Office, Truro.)

                                                                                           

                                                                                                           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 Cornwall in the early years of the twentieth century.

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 America in 1904 from his parents' home at 1, Saw Mill Terrace, St. Stephen. Here, his father, Charles Yelland, ran a steam saw mill business which was originally situated along the lane behind the house.

Dick set sail for America in April 1904 on the S. S. St. Louis, stopping en route at Cherbourg, France, and that is why his mother, Charlotte, in her first letter, refers to having received a postcard from him from Cherbourg.

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 America to Stockton, California where, at first, he was to stay with his father's sister, Aunt Ellen Tretheway, before finding work and settling there. This explains the letter from his aunt telling him that she and her family will make him welcome when he arrives. However, Dick never did go to California, choosing instead to stay in New Jersey where he at first found work in a factory after which he gained entrance to the Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, New Jersey, where he spent four years training to become a Methodist minister.

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 Kansas). We understand that there was a brief period of great happiness in the Yelland household but sadly, within a couple of years, Dick contracted T.B. and died in Espanola, New Mexico in 1914 just before his thirty-seventh birthday. His little daughter, Mary Charlotte was just three and a half years old.

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 Charlotte often burned them. In particular Dick didn't want his father to know that his mother sometimes sent him money nor that he later sent her money, as he knew that his father would seize it for himself and spend it.

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 Charlotte except to say that there was a very sad and tragic end to her life after enduring many years in a loveless and unhappy marriage.

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 Truro where they are available for public viewing on request.

Brian Lean 2004

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Contents

 

AFTER YOU HAVE CLICKED ON A LINK, USE THE

BROWSER BACK BUTTON TO RETURN TO WHERE YOU WERE

 

 

Letters written to Richard Yelland by his mother, Charlotte Yelland, and his aunt, Ellen Tretheway 1904-1910

 

Letter written to Richard Yelland by his father, Charles Yelland 1911

 

Letters written to Richard Yelland by his sister, Mary Grace Lean, his aunt, Elizabeth Parkin and his cousin, Samuel Martyn 1911-1919

 

Appendix

 

A record of Richard Yelland's bicycle ride from St. Stephens to London and beyond 1899

 

A School Board Reference for Richard Yelland

 

Charles Yelland's will

 

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

 

Certificates

 

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 Southampton to New York Line in 1904.

 

The original is in the possession of Martha Sawyer Allen, one of Richard's

granddaughters.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Richard travelled to America on the S. S. St. Louis. This is a copy of a list of immigrants carried on the ship on its voyage from Southampton (via Cherbourg) to New York, the date of departure being April 16th and the date of arrival in New York, April 23rd. Richard is number 5 on the list which records his occupation as "preacher" and his intended destination as Stockton, California. The column on the far right records that he had an artificial leg.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Letters written to Richard Yelland by his mother, Charlotte Yelland,

and his aunt, Ellen Tretheway 1904 -1910

 

Saw Mill Terrace

St. Stephens C. T.

April 19th 1904

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 Cherbourg on Monday. I was very glad to get them. I do hope you will get on.

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

St. Stephens C. T.

May 9th 1904

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 Cornwall. Follow them up my son they will do you good and help to keep you in the right path.

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 Stockton before you. I think it was very good of Aunt Ellen to write to you at N. J. it looks as if they intend to make you welcome. I do hope your health will be good and that you will find something to do that you can get on with. Father received a letter from Aunt Ellen a few days after you left home. Said she thought you were doing a wise thing by coming to Stockton. Has Mr. Dabb received that book father sent him?

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.

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Church Town

May 16th 1904

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 Stockton now so that you may hear from home perhaps as soon as you get there.

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.

May 26th 1904

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 6 o'clock? What time do you go to your work: and when do you leave off? Meat sandwiches for dinner, don't you go to your lodgings dinner time? Fruit is good for you get all you can. Supper from 6 to 7 suppose they think there is nothing more required before going to bed, don't go short. Can you have it quiet to yourself evenings when you want to? Do you attend the chapel with Mr. Dabb and family? My chilblains are much better. My eyes feel very weak the last two or three weeks, hope they will soon be better.

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

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Charles and Charlotte Yelland

Undated photographs

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

St.Stephen’s Church Town

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 . . .

 

. . .and now (2006)

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

1 Saw Mill Terrace

C.T.

May 30th 1904

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 Dixon. Too bad of Aunt H not to give you any thing. Father is pretty good sometimes he can't be always good you know, he is gone away for timber today so I thought I would write now I have it all to myself, some of your letters I shall burn. I don't want him to get hold of them, others Mary can keep for me. Father is always glad to hear from you, he says you would not get on in America if you had not a friend to get you in to something, he must talk like that. I am thankful you are getting so much as you are, I don't care whether you tell me or not the exact amount. I think with the "porter" it's providential that you have got into Singers and Mr. Dabb thinks you are fortunate so stick to it and I hope the time will come when you can have a nice little home of your own. Is house rent very high? I hope the bicycle you have is safe. I am so glad for you to ride to work. I don't wish you to say anything to Mr. D about father let it go, never mind if he doesn't speak of me. The order to Mary for me is all right. I have not fully answered your letter now. More soon.

From your ever loving Mother

C. Yelland

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

708 N. Union St.

Stockton

June 1st 1904

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 708 N. Union St.

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. Alice gave the letter you sent to the Principle of the Collage, but he said that it was a little late, but he said that you would have no trouble to get a job - (but to get it you must come.) We will all do the best we can for you.

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

July 16th 1904

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 America. I should like to see the factory, what a number of hands they employ, over six thousand you say, yet you are not crowded, those little railway engines running round the yard and steamboats to and from New York, what expense. I will try to send you a paper often. I am glad you have had letters from S. Goudge and F. Varcoe. I think they will be pleased for you to go into the Ministry. We have had some pretty good weather lately for our country, we had a thunder storm the other night. I believe there is a plenty of work at the clay

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's letter are lost]

 

Richard Yelland

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

       Church Town

       July 21st 1904

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 New York until Saturday. Suppose I am posting today Thursday if I see anyone going up to the village I won't start.

From your loving Mother

C. Yelland

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

1 Saw Mill Terrace

St. Stephens Church T.

August 5th 1904

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 noon] We had some raspberries. They are very nice, not many gooseberries, have had some peas this year, picked just the last this week for tomorrow.

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 Charlotte's letter are lost.]

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Two early photographs of Coombe Village

 

This shows the village shop

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

St. Stephens C. T.

October 6th 1904

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

St. Stephens C. T.

October 22nd 1904

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 London went just for the drive. They just stopped for a minute then went on that is all we saw of them. I don't hear any thing about V going to America now, nor yet about her getting married, if I should go to town soon I may see her and have a talk, but I don't go very often.

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 Elizabeth is no fancy place of yours, I have never once asked you if you were homesick. I did not like to, so glad you do not get run down and tired now. You will dream sometimes I suppose, I do.

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 England again some day if all is well. If you send a letter once a fortnight that will do, perhaps sometimes a post card if you are busy. I can send you a sheet of paper when I only write one, can't send stamps. Am glad to know that you would be well cared for if you are sick, it's good to know that you are well at present. Father says he doesn't know the words of those songs you ask for only just a line in and out, perhaps Mrs. Menear could let you have some you would like. "Monday 24th."I wish you Dick to tell me all your wants for I will help you, don't you need a new overcoat? Get it and I will send you some money. Tell me in plain English exactly what you will need to go through the first year and if you have enough for clothes. I have £10 waiting for you whenever you want it, when it's sent I intend to ask Mr. Searle the butcher to manage it for me at Truro post office then no one around here will know any thing about it. When I only write one sheet of paper I can enclose a sheet for you.

With best love and wishes I am

Your Affectionate Mother

C. Yelland

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

1 Saw Mill Terrace

St. Stephens

February 14th 1905

Dear Dick

Post card "Statue of Liberty" came last week. Glad you enjoyed yourself with the other fellows at New York.

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 London is well and very comfortable. Mr. Bennetts is all right, the cold bath did not hurt him, poor old man.

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

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

A photograph taken in Coombe

 Mary Grace Lean, Blanche and Frank standing on the left. Gennie, the donkey Richard Yelland chose and rode, which was mentioned in some of Charlotte's letters, stands next to the horse being led by Charles Yelland. (Could the horse be "Parkroyns" as mentioned in Charlotte's letter dated November 6th 1906?) A load of brushwood is being carried. (1904?)

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

1 Saw Mill Terrace

St. Stephens

February 27th 1905

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, Grampound Road now, he is agent for the Yorkshire Insurance Company. He has sent us a nice little almanac. I don't like him living where he is very well, seeing so much drink about all the time, better for him to be in a private house. I should think he wouldn't remain home on account of his sister. I don't think his father drinks so much now. The money his mother left him is all spent, he works again now, he did nothing while that money lasted. The old man lives with him. The daughter has a fine little boy. I hear it's very sad for them all. A respectable family gone to ruin.

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. Sidney is working with W. H. Smith for a few days. I expect he will be in the yard a good deal, father needs him. He is going on pretty well, fairly comfortable, he is not all I could wish but never mind we can't new make him. Our Heavenly Father knows all about it and so do I. I believe it's wrong to worry about things we can't help, if we were to cast all our burdens on the Lord we should be much freer from care. So you have fixed up your coat nicely with the lining I sent. I don't think it will pay you to spend much time mending those flannels of yours, get new ones, am sorry you had not got new ones before you left home, but I thought you were going to your Aunt and the time seemed so short. Your leg quickly wears out the flannels in one place so keep some of the best part of the old to mend that, put it on in a quick way, never mind. I wish you could find some old Love that would do your mending cheap. Your Feb 13 to Mary all right, answer that another time, it is good of you to write Mother so often.

With love from your Affectionate Mother

C. Yelland

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

1 Saw Mill Terrace

St. Stephens

April 11th 1905

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 Grampound Road called to see me today she had not long to stop because her husband was out side waiting, said she would come another day and stop a little longer, had you been her own brother I don't see how she could think more of you. There is something real and true about her, she says they never have tripe for supper Wednesday nights now says she doesn't like to hear about it, you used to sit in the settle, she feels that there is some one missing. She is thankful you are doing so well, said I must remember her to you. I told her you would not have much time for writing letters until the summer vacation. She quite understood that, she thinks you are in your right place and so do I.

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. Sidney has been crossing father lately, so you can just fancy what he is like, father wants to build another new wagon and a wheelbarrow. Sidney says they are not wanted. The wagon can be done without and there are barrows enough to last for the next twelve months, father is most dreadfully put out to think Sidney should dare to interfere, he said better you try to save a few pounds, he said the engine was all the time going back in value and he must look after himself a little. Sidney is a black sheep too now, father needs someone to speak that is not afraid so how it will end I can't tell you. I must say I did not feel sorry when I knew how it was, Mary thinks Sidney will find father out now, it will never do for father to go on and do as he likes all the time. Sidney wants to be Master, father says Sidney likes to say what he thinks but it will not do, however he is going to speak whether father likes it or not. I think I used to side with father rather, but now he is finding him out.

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, Madison, New Jersey

 

Richard joined the Seminary in 1904 and graduated in 1908. He worked part time in the library

during his four-year course.

 

Mead Hall

 

Dr. Henry Anson Buttz

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 Drew University.)

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

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.

 

The Rose Window

Wh