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
* * * * * * * * * *
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.
When the Cornell Library was razed in 1937 the window was removed and placed in storage for over forty years. No formal records were kept of its whereabouts. It was in 1978 when plans to add a Learning Centre to the Rose Memorial Library were almost finished that it was unexpectedly rediscovered in a crate in the attic of the Hall of Sciences. The decision was taken to restore the window to a place over the library's new entrance. The window is nine and a half feet in diameter.
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
Dear Dick
I was delighted this morning when the post brought me your post card, along with the "Year Book of Drew Theological Seminary" and the photos. I found your dear face very quickly. Poor old Bunny came to enquire for you today. I showed him your photo, told him it came today, he was pleased, said remember me to him and tell him I am feeling the infirmatives of old age, he seems to have great confidence in you.
Am glad to see your name in the Junior Class. So the exams are all over. You have done fine in the Hebrew only one letter wrong, fancy nearly perfect. Thank God that you have done so well Dick. I should think you have done well in all those you have mentioned, such a number of things to go through and study. Suppose we shall hear soon how you are going to manage through the summer. I dare say the Professors will tell you they are pleased with the attention you have paid to your studies.
I went to St. Austell last Friday quite seven months ago since I was there I think. Uncle Fred was highly pleased to hear how well you are getting on he thinks you are in the right place. Auntie thinks the same. They have heard people speak of you preaching at St. Austell. Walter Arthur was in again last night, he always asks for you and seems deeply interested in all I say about you.
I went to chapel last evening, just after I got there father came, I didn't know he intended to go. I can't tell the time when he has gone to chapel of an evening. We are having dry weather week after week. Rain is very much needed now, sometimes it looks as though it would come but it brightens off again. I suppose you have it pretty warm now.
I sent away the "Star" yesterday for you also
the "Christian Herald." Father is gone away today. Sidney and Charlie
sawing. We have sold a great number of egg boxes this season, eggs will be
going less now, still we shall sell a good many more yet. There is not enough
of other timber selling to please me, times are dull and money scarce. I should
think the shops in
Arthur Yelland has been painting the back windows of the houses today, he appears to be going on all right with his wife. I don't hear any thing about "cards" or "cake." Suppose there is none.
Father appears to be highly pleased because you are doing so well in the exams, I can't tell when he is going to write to you. If I say any thing he says I can do it best.
I am
Your Loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
[Part
of
. . .
. think Teabo and Drew would be ten times better than
The front garden is just tidy, I have not such nice
flowers as some people get. We have some gooseberries not so many as I should
like, shall have a few raspberries, the gardens need more attention but they
can't have it at present, we shall have some apples. I have not heard anyone
say yet what the prospect is for apples. So you get blackberries and
huckleberries, hope you will enjoy them when they come, cherries are very good
when ripe.
Now my dear Dick I wish you to have a new leg, only say
and I will send you £10 if you need it or a little more. I shall be pleased to
do it, some day when I need it perhaps you will be able to let me have it
again. I should get Mr. Searle to send it from
Your Affectionate Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
My dear Dick
I am writing a part of my letter today to help against tomorrow. Hope you had a good day again yesterday at Teabo. I think a good deal about you on the Sunday, so glad you have no trouble to get up sermons, how delightful it would be if I could just walk into your church one Sunday and see and hear you my son, it would be happiness complete, but never mind we can't get all we would like in this world, if we could we should wish to live here always. If I can't see you your letters are a great comfort to me. I call them my love letters.
It's so nice for you to be with those people from Roche and St. Dennis it seems more like home, you may find some of their books very useful. Those fire fIys must look lovely I should think. I think it's time for you to exchange pulpits with another sometimes if one's sermon will do the both places. If this young Robbins can help you in Greek it will be fine. So you get a drive sometimes going from one church to another. I hope the people will be good to you in that way.
I don't expect I shall be able to go to Coombe this summer
if
Uncle Edward is gone to
How did you come to tell Uncle Edward that my yeast cake
was the best in the world. I don't think so. I have not fully answered your
last two letters now but as I am sending "Roche Rock" there is not
room for more. Tell me any little thing you would like me to send to you. We
shall find out when Uncle comes back from London what he will have room for, he
has not brought much with him I heard him say so. I expect Uncle Edward and his
brother will come with us when they return from
We had the preacher here to tea Sunday 25, called Found, lives somewhere in the parish he is a R. C. seemed very nice, asked for you. He said F. Varcoe tells them so at the work when he received a letter from you.
Mrs. Searle came to see me last week, it is wonderful the
way she talks about you, had you been her own dear brother she could not think
more of you. I shall try to go out there one afternoon if I can she sends her
best love to you. if I send you money I shall let Mrs. Searle do it for me at
I am my dear Dick
Your Loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
My dear Dick
Your letter to Mary June 22 has come all right. We are getting on all right with Uncle Edward. I think he is a very nice man, he and his brother are staying here with us now. I feel I want to do my very best for them. Your Uncle and Aunt have been very kind to you, of course I have not got Mr. Richard's house nor table for them but any thing I can do or get for them I am going to. I don't think they can take the Commentary. They have a good deal to take back with them, a clock that belonged to his mother and I don't know what. I am going to send you a parcel, they will take that all right.
You shall have the Commentary some time Dick. Now my son
about the leg that you must have as soon as possible. There will be £10 sent
off for you tomorrow “Wednesday.” I expect I have given it to Mr. Searle he
will manage that for me at
We had lovely weather on Sunday. A. J. Lanyon preached. Yesterday was the tea, weather not good, obliged to have the tea in doors, however they got on very well. Father and I went over to the tea, Uncle Edward would have me go, said I must come “he went over earlier.” So I went to please him, got on nicely, carried my own bread and butter. I saw Mr. Pearse he very kindly enquired for you, says he is delighted to know that you are getting on so well and wish to be remembered to you. I saw Sam Goudge he said he was coming to see me as soon as he could but he had been so busy. Capt. Tom Olver wishes to be remembered to you. Poor old Bunny called again to know how you were getting on yesterday.
Am glad you are still so comfortable at Teabo, I expect
you will find the weather rather hot. I think it's better for you every way
where you are than at
From your loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
Dear Dick
Yours marked Madison 5th is come all right. Father said he should think you must be getting on very well when he read the letter. I am not at all put out Dick when a card comes instead of a letter. I often say to Mary, I don't know how you can find time to write so many letters as you do. I don't think for a moment that you treat me with indifference. I would rather get only a post card sometimes so that you can have more time for something else. Your letters and cards are a very great comfort to me you may depend but I am not selfish. I sadly miss your presence I can tell you, for when you used to go away of an evening and I should go to bed expecting to see you again in the morning and I was not disappointed. I have not forgotten how I would keep awake and listen to hear you return at night. I shouldn't like you to have such times to go through again, it was hard I thought, of course I could see you then and now I can't but never mind I believe your going away is for your good. I feel I can bear the separation if it's for your good and I do sincerely believe it is, if you keep bright and happy I shall get on. When you feel sleepy go to bed don't sit up to write me a letter, a card will satisfy. I dare say if you mix with the people and make them feel you are at home with them that they will be more willing to go to church to hear you preach, be one with them as far as you can and they will like you all the better. Am glad you are having some cherries, fruit is good but don't swallow the stones, so you had a good pasty and any amount of cream. I do hope you will put on a little fat after a while.
Blackberries are ripe with you before they are with us. I go out in the garden and pick a few raspberries every day now, we have had a few gooseberries and some currants. I do like to know that you are well. Am glad the mosquitoes don't bother you much. It does me a world of good to know that the Presiding Elder is so well pleased with you and the people to speak of you as they did to him. It does seem to me that you are doing the right sort of work and I sincerely trust that God will bless you and prosper you through life. Uncle Edward has been to Coombe two or three times last week, they were here at our place, would go some place a part of the day but come back here to sleep. Sunday morning when they came down to breakfast I thought how very nice they looked both of them. They have every thing they want. Some time after breakfast they left for Spring Farm, spending two or three days with Tom Richards and family, said they expect to be around here again about Wednesday to sleep. At any rate, they have more places they want to go to by day, they have been to Newquay and intend to go again. I think they are enjoying themselves very well. You don't know Dick how thankful I am that you spoke of me in the way you did to Uncle Edward when you saw him not that you said much for of course there was not time but he told me he could see very plain that you thought a great deal of me, he said Mother was every thing with you. If Uncle Edward really knew the truth about father and things I don't know what he would do or say, he appears to be so respectable, there is nothing coarse or vulgar about him, neither about his brother. How different from what I have been accustomed to. Father has been very good to me in his way lately but I have no faith in him, he is so changeable and uncertain. I wonder what Uncle Edward would think if he knew that father doesn't allow me a shilling for any kind of clothes. My mends may get it for me or I may do my best. Of course I used to get a plenty of Aunt, now that is stopped years ago. I used to give father as much as £1-10 per week from the dairy and things to help him in every way I could and I was using the money I had given to me to dress myself and children and he spending the money on others. My telling you this won't hurt you I hope for it is the past it does not hurt me now. We might be comfortably fixed now if father had done as Uncle has through life, when father was a young man, the first time he went abroad I mean Uncle Edward got him something to do at once, I heard Uncle say so here one day. See what he has done for himself and family by remaining in one place all those years, now he is well off and we are poor. I can't help it so I must put my trust in God and he will not let me want. I have written you as I have so that you will be able the better to answer your Uncle when you see him if anything should be said, of course I don't know what he thinks of me now, I know in the past he has not thought well of me. He seems very comfortable here and I am going to do my very best for him. I am pleased very much to have the opportunity of doing something for him, because he and Aunt Ellen wrote you so kindly.
There is a letter on the way to you now from
From your loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
Mary Grace
Lean with Blanche aged 5 and Frank aged 2
Sitting outside 1 Chapel Terrace, Coombe. (1905)
* * * * * * * * * *
[Part
of
. . . . had said to me that you feel as if you had another Mother, she says motherliness is the most lasting beauty I know of and we do feel such a warm interest in your boy because of himself he came with us as our own boy and was always a good example for John. You have got hold of her heart somehow Dick. She is clever and intelligent and knows how to write a proper letter. I feel I am a long way behind her. I know I shall never be able to reward her for so much kindness. I know our Heavenly Father will reward her sometime. He doesn't forget little deeds of kindness.
Mary brought me a few blackberries today, I must cook them tomorrow if I can. First I have seen.
I don't think Dick that I worry much about Sidney and father but I don't like his principle, he is sarcastic and jeering it seems to me, he likes us to feel that we are under him and beholding to him, he behaves sometimes like a man that owns all the place, of course it's for want of knowing better - he has never had any proper bringing up but he is so conceited and proud, he is very good to Mary and he loves the children, he lacks education, he thinks he knows every thing. I like to tell you what I think. You can any time send me a letter to Mrs. Crowle or Mrs. Searle. Mrs. S knows you are going to get a new leg. Don't try to return the money for some time, it's all right with you.
With love from your Affectionate Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
(Undated sheet numbered 2.]
. . . .We shall not have many apples this year. I believe they are not so very plentiful this season.
Grenville's people are all well I think, his wife has been very free with me lately she often comes in on a Sunday evening.
I told you on my last letter that I would tell you more
about Sidney, it's all very well for him to try and keep father from doing some
things that he wants to do, but Sidney is a man that must not be told any
thing, father will tell him how to sharpen a saw, but he will do it in his own
way, and box making he uses the wrong size nails, is not careful at all, father
says he has had more complaints from Mr. Arthur this season than ever he had
before in all the time he has been making them. I am very sorry but I don't
know what is to be done.
[Final
pages of
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
My dear Dick
Post card to hand today. So you have left Tebo for the present. I dare say you will have a chance to visit your old friends again some day. I shall be looking forward to the time when I shall be able to hear something about your new charge at Summerfield.
How do you get on about your food at the restaurant? I often think whether you have what you like or not to eat, there is always something to put up with, go where we will that is not exactly to our liking.
Father is not well by a long way, he can't do much. The
Doctor says he must have a good rest.
With love from your Affectionate Mother
C. Yelland
(On page one of the above letter Richard has added in shorthand: Father was suffering from gravel.)
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
My dear Dick
Postcard to hand this morning. I don't expect you find time for much letter writing now. I will excuse you until the exam is over. I do hope you will get on fairly well.
After the exams are over I hope to hear something about your new charge about the people and the country and what things are like generally. I hope you will be comfortable somewhere through the summer months. So the weather is greatly improved with you and it is cheering to see the flowers and leaves coming out. Our thorn hedge looks lovely now, such a fresh beautiful green. Father is still very poorly, he can scarcely do anything, he is like a man breaking up. I sometimes think he will never be strong again, this complaint he is suffering from is very bad, it has greatly pulled him down. I never saw him so weak before in my life, he is in the sofa now, can't go out but very little. The weather has been very cold yesterday and today it's milder, shall get some warm weather soon I hope. Chilblains are going away from my hands. My poor nose is bad still.
"Tuesday morn." Father is come down stairs
earlier today, said he felt better, so he went down to the yard and tried to
work a little, but he couldn't get on, was obliged to come in.
With love from your Affectionate Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
Dear Dick
Yours May 28th came this morning. I will address letters to Mr. D. Pierson until further notice. You will be glad to know that father seems better, he can't work hard but he is about most of the time now. I almost thought he was finished a few weeks ago. He doesn't wish me to stop sending you the papers, I wish to send them if I can for I think it's nice for you to see the home papers. The egg box business will not be quite so brisk now. Am very glad you are so comfortably fixed for the summer. I hope you will not be working very hard for a time. I get out about the yard and garden a good deal now in the evenings, it's lovely. We have had nice weather the last few days. I think we shall have some apples if the boys don't carry them off. There will be some gooseberries and raspberries too in the back garden.
So the stewards have paid you a little money just to keep you going, very good of them. It's very kind of the Piersons to do the most of your washing for you. I think Dick you enjoy those festivals with ice cream and candy and all the good things. I do hope you will have a pleasant time when the children's day arrives.
Mr. Huthridge is not married yet, don't think he will be
for a time, his lady love is in a very good situation and he gets on
comfortably with Mrs. Nicholls so I believe they have decided not to be married
for a few months longer. I think it's all right between them. She seems like a
very respectable, refined little body. Fred Whether and his wife are going on
all right. They don't come down this way very often, they speak but they are
not very friendly. We have received a post card of Sam Francis as well. The
city will soon be built again I expect. "Tuesday." Father is in the
yard again making egg boxes.
I hope you will have a plenty of fruit and all the good things. Mary and the children are all right. I don't want you to send me any money my son. I have enough for my private use for the time.
With love from your Affectionate Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
Dear Dick
Post card came all right. I dare say you are very busy. So you have received another letter from Ray Minnear? He will be one more for you to write to. Don't trouble about writing me long letters for the present.
I scarcely know how to begin but I want to tell you some
thing about our affairs now. About three weeks ago father and Charlie were
sawing and the boiler commenced to leak. They had to stop working and take out
the fire. We sent away to Mr. Visick. Engineer Devorn had a man here two days
but did not stanch it, then Visick wrote to say what would have to be done and
how it would cost thirty pounds, of course we couldn't stand that. Charlie
Pascoe said he could put it right. Then father met with Ralph Goldsworthy, he
said to father I hope you will give me the first chance if you think of selling
up the business. So we thought it over and decided to let Ralph have it all,
father will work on with him and do what he can, some days he can't do much.
Ralph has had the boiler put right for the time at any rate. The Deed I have
will be transferred to Ralph. Friday week the money has to be paid down, £435
better than I thought we should do. Of course there won't be much left by the
time all debts are paid. I shall be very glad for
Ralph is going to have the sitting room for an office. I shall take most of the things out of the room, he will pay me 30 shillings a year, it will help the rent. Now dear Dick I can't tell you how thankful I feel because you are out of it. You must not trouble about me. I have always had enough to eat and drink thus far and some thing to wear, if we trust in God he will not forsake us. It seems strange though to me to think the yard and big garden are gone from us. It almost looks as though we are pushed out of the place. It's not only the boiler going wrong the poor old horse is just finished. We couldn't replace him, it would mean £20 or £25 to get another that would be much good and Parkroyns is gone from us.
They are starting mining again up there. Mr. Richards will
have a part of his field taken away as well. There is going to be a large
engine put in at once they are saying. It will be a fine thing for
Ralph has got the donkey as well. They are going to saw again tomorrow I believe, father will be box making a good deal of his time I think.
A little card came all right in your letter last week about the Young Men's Christian Association. I was pleased to get it.
John Wallace enquired for you on Sunday night. I had a little chat with Sam Goudge, he said he had written you about the wedding. People have a plenty to talk about for the time, our selling out, some think we have made a great deal more of it than we have. The new Parson is come too, he keeps up in style I believe. They say he has six horses, a coachman and I don't know what all.
Good night dear Dick.
From your loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
Dear Dick
Yours of the 7 came today. Glad to hear you say my letters are as welcome as ever. I am sure yours are to me.
I suppose Sam Goudge will have a little more time now for letter writing and other things. I expect he feels very thankful to know that he has passed his exam, he told me the other day he would call on me very soon. Fred Varcoe is getting on all right his friends tell me. I asked him to drop me a post card but he hasn't done so yet. I suppose he is pretty near the Mormons by what I hear. So you are having lovely weather, it's cold showers and windy with us now, the hails have been coming down fine today. I did not go to chapel last night it was too black and cold. I heard the other day there had been some snow upwards, we must expect some winter now.
It's fine to drive about like you do when at Summerfield, be sure to dress warm Dick. I dare say the country looks very beautiful. I like to know that you enjoy it. I expect you enjoy the apples too. I don't know how you can manage to carry your suitcase and father's old portmanteau as well, you will be loaded. Am thankful you still feel so much at home with the Smiths, they are good to you.
This library society I expect is very good and helpful for young men, a quarter dollar a year is not much to pay.
Father is getting on quite as
well as I expect him to, I don't think he can work hard, box making will do for
him pretty well. The money was all paid for the business last Friday.
Mary and the children are going on all right. John Yelland is living at Treviscoe now, he has been working with Ralph Goldsworthy for a long time.
The tractions are still running. I think we should have better roads if they were to stop. "Tuesday." Father is down in the yard box making now. Charlie and the other boy are up at Treviscoe working today. I think father will be able to go on in a quiet way for a long time yet, he says it's a great relief to him to know that the debts are paid.
From your Mother
C.Y.
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
December 4th/06
Dear Dick
Yours of the 21 to hand. It must have been a piece of news for you to hear that the business was sold, I hope it's for the best. Father is able to work every day so we shall get on I hope.
Ralph is a very pushing young man, I wish him to get on and prosper. Jinny is not so young as she used to be, still she is useful. You ask what was the matter with the boiler, it was leaking, some say it was not worked enough. I asked father to write to you and explain things, but I can't tell when he will do so.
I know you have enough to do to get on, I think father will be sending you £5 before long that will be a little help, he has put £50 in the Post Office Savings Bank, there are several pounds to come in now and when we get some of it paid it will be sent to you. I can't bear to think of your being short of proper books Dick. Let me know very soon if a few pounds would be of service to you. I can manage quite well, I don't want it in the least. I would rather for you to have it and use it, I shall still have enough for my own use and there will be more coming. I shall send it through Mr. Searle as I did before, let me know privately what you think, remember my dear son I shall feel more pleased for you to have it than not. If you haven't so much money as you want you have still a great deal to thank God for. Am glad you prefer making your own sermons. I know Dick I can trust you, if you were to deceive me I don't think I should ever trust anyone again.
Many thanks for the little birthday card.
I should indeed be delighted to see you home some day, but don't trouble, you must not come too soon, as long as I can hear from you often and know that you are all right, I can get on. If you are obliged to go West first never mind, things will work out all right for the best I trust. Let us hope for the best and do what is right, then the way will open up.
We are having very dark dull days now, it's not very cold. Suppose you will soon be having snow now.
Mary and the children are very well I believe.
Mr. Clements and his son Tom have commenced to build Arthur Yelland's house. Busy times all about now. I don't go out much this dirty weather.
With best love from your Affectionate Mother
Charlotte Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
Richard
Yelland's Christmas card to his mother in 1906 from Madison, New Jersey.
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
Dear Dick
Yours of the 8 to hand. So you get my letters you say on the Monday morning. Yours come to me the same time nearly every week. I look out hard and sharp for the post Monday morning I can tell you.
Am glad to know the Star reaches you all right.
It was fine for you to go to Tebo and see your old friends there on your way to Summerfield. I can fancy how delightful. You don't mind the walk if the weather is right. Very good of Mother Richards to give you a handkerchief, you say you have nearly a box full. I should think you would by this time, never mind, they won't hurt, handkerchiefs and neck ties, it's kind of the people to give you little things. You would not like your friends to think you did not value their little gifts. So you are settling down to school work again, rather better than usual you say after vacation, am glad to hear you say so and to know that your health is good, that means everything. Still attend to your health and go out when you feel like it. I suppose you will be very busy, you say you will not have time for any library work until March of course. Mr. Ayres knows just what you have to do. I suppose when I wrote about Spring Farm people I didn't write so plain as I should have done. It's Mable Richards that is so delicate, the eldest daughter, she is often in bed for a day or two, of course she lives home and helps her Mother when she is able. Lottie is a strong healthy girl, she teaches in Mount Charles school now, doing very well I should think, she gets quite £60 a year I believe, she may have more than that, I am not quite sure. Paul worked with his father on the farm and goes out with the wagon. Emmie is still down to Store Terras, the others are younger, I don't know much about them.
I suppose your friend John Smith has got a lot of apples, am glad you get so many.
Yesterday was nice mild weather so I went to Coombe. When I was leaving Blanche said I must send her love to Uncle Dick, then Frank said me too. Frank is four years old now a fine healthy boy. Baby is a little dear but rather small, he is between four and five months old. Jim Hill I am told is getting on all right now.
Mrs. Searle has posted a letter to you and sent off the £15 for you from me, hope it will go right.
From your Loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
February 12th/07
Dear Dick
Yours of the 15 Jan to hand. Henry commenced to work yesterday, his hand is going on fine, of course it's tender. The bone was not hurt, it was not nearly so bad as we feared at first.
Ralph has offered this place to Will Roberts, I can't tell what it may come to yet I am sure, but Will is not going to give nearly so much as Ralph is asking, there are so many things sold and removed from the yard it's not worth nearly as much now. The band saw is sold to T. J. Richards down to Coombe. Nearly all the timber is gone from the yard and there was a good lot there when Ralph took it. Bellows, plank and I don't know what all, most of these things are removed. I don't think Ralph knows his own mind two days together, he is talking about building houses on the land now, I believe. Will Roberts is attending to business well, he has a good run of it I think, what ever people want he seems to be able to get.
I don't think
I do hope you will get through the Senior exams all right this month.
So you have got snow on the ground again, it's not so cold with us now, yesterday was lovely weather. I went to Coombe again, today very windy with rain, am glad you enjoyed yourself at the reception Dr. Rogers gave. I think sometimes you are getting quite beyond us spending so much time with such refined people, but I am glad for you Dick, Very glad. I expect to hear very soon now that Mrs. Searle has received a letter from you.
With love from Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
March 18th/07
Dear Dick
Yours of the 6 to hand. I am writing today because if the weather is fine tomorrow I may go to Coombe. The baby is much better. Your both post cards came all right. I was so glad to know you had passed the exams. I do like your letters to come, still I shall not be alarmed if they do not come exactly when I expect. You are having weather now my son, suppose there won't be much more snow now.
Ralph is taking away everything he can from the yard, they say the 25th of the month will decide it, so we must wait a few days longer. I will tell you when I know.
Charlie has left the yard, he
starts for
Now Dick you must not think I was laughing at you when I said something about your mixing in such good society. You know better than look down on those who have not had the same chance. I don't think you are vain. I can't tell you how thankful I feel to know that you are in such good company. I have been thinking when you get married I shan't hear from you quite so often. I shan't mind that as long as I know you are happy and comfortable. You must mind your wife, then, with other things I don't suppose it will be for a while yet. Good of Mrs. Matthews to meet you at the station, you still come across some of Tebo people. John Smith's is still your headquarters, hope you will be with them a great deal this summer coming. I have no fault to find with a little fun as you say without nonsense. They appear to be very good religious people and want to do you all the good they can.
Now Dick I want to let you in to a little secret. I have £35 I am going to send to you. I know you will be glad to have it. I shan't need it for some time I hope, if you don't want to use it all at once put some where it will be taken care of, it was in the post office savings bank. Mary and I have had a little there for many years, no one else knew any thing about it, mine I have taken out to send to you, I have just £5 left with Mary's if I should want it. You must act fair with Mary if I should die. The £150 I should like taken into account, what I have sent you before need not say any thing about.
I am going to post this letter myself. Where shall I send it? To Drew or Belvedere? I hope to go to St. Austell soon, then it will be put right.
C.Y.
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
Dear Dick
Yours March 27 to hand. Father is down to Court Mills now with Will Roberts, there last week and going on this, how long it will last I don't know, father is very changeful. I don't know yet what pay he will have, he has only had 2/- per day thus far while he was working for Ralph. I mean that is not enough to provide what he expects. I put by the rent each week out of it because that shall be all right, £6 a year now, rents are going up in Churchtown. Then there are rates and many other things wanted in a house besides food, we ought to have a small house somewhere if we could get it for half the rent, if we are all the time using a little of what we have put away it will melt.
Father has put £20 more in the bank now that makes it £70. I am thankful it's so much as that. There are £5 in the house now I know but father hasn't told me so, perhaps he has a few shillings in his pocket and £5 or £6 more to come in yet, but father so often buys little things we could do without. I don't say anything to him but let him go on, I believe that is the best way. I believe father thinks he will be able to get "Old Age Pension" by and by, he talked like that the other day. We don't know what will be in the future, we must trust and wait.
I can't write very well today, I have a broken chilblain on the little finger of the right hand, it's bad for resting on the paper, the other fingers are doing fine, hope this one will soon be right now.
So you don't get paid for funerals, well Dick you must put up with that. I suppose it was worth something to be told you preached a good sermon. They need not put so much money in a casket, it does the dead no good.
Norman Truscott's eldest daughter Maud and John Clements are engaged, they are a very grand pair I can tell you. I believe Maud is getting on very well with her exams but so proud and high minded. Alf Nicholls is home very poorly, hope he will soon be better.
If you have any good news, let me have it.
With love from Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
Dear Dick
Yours March 19 to hand. Am glad to know my letters are reaching you all right now I address Belvedere.
I have sent on three pieces of stuff for book covering. I have more to send yet if you will have it, tell me which you like best the yellowish shade or the drab.
I suppose winter is not quite over with you yet, it's nice to have a day or two now and then like spring. I believe the people at Kernick are all well. I saw Mabel Martin the other evening. I don't expect that letter she wrote to you directed to Cornish ever reached you, strange too how it should be lost. I dare say you are a letter in her debt.
Mrs. Vandersluice will be highly
pleased when I tell her you have remembered to her, her grand daughter who came
home from
Father is gone down to Court Mills this week helping to make egg boxes for Will Roberts, how long he will be there I don't know.
So Dick you are still moving about among the people freely.
Mrs. Stout you say is rather a peculiar old lady, hope you will get on all right with her if she has some good points.
Am glad you are still so friendly and comfortable with the Smiths. You speak of Miss Rinchart as being a very good christian girl. I hope if she is suitable for you that it will be brought about all right in good time, or there may be someone else just as good. God knows all about it my son and if you make it a matter of sincere prayer I think it will come out all right. Jeff Nicholls is a "father" of a little girl, he is very proud to write and tell his mother. The first is always something wonderful. Mary's dear little baby is quite well now I think, he is bright and cheerful.
With love from Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
August 13/07
Dear Dick
Your post card July 31 came yesterday, you know I can put up with a post card when you are busy, of course you have still got to study and you must get out all you can for the sake of your health and so many people you have to visit, it all takes time.
I am thinking to go to Coombe when I have written this letter. I shall post it myself when I go up the village.
Last week was feast I believe it went off very well, the weather was fine both Tuesday and Wednesday. I went to Coombe last Tuesday and brought home Blanche with me. She slept in your room, she was anxious to know what feast was like. Wednesday I took her to the "Flower Show" it was very good indeed. The first time I have seen it.
We went in around the cemetery,
Blanche saw George Brewer's grave and Alf Nicholls. George Brewer has a nice
Headstone and a very pretty little tablet at the foot of the grave placed there
by the staff of postmen of
Ewart Minnear is home for his holidays, he preached over in our chapel on Sunday. I saw him out side one day he enquired for you wanted to know how you were getting on.
Our new Minister will soon be coming amongst us now I suppose. Pearce is leaving too, I think he is going to Bodmin some one said he is not considered much of a preacher, some think he had better follow the plough.
Feast Monday was the stone laying of the new Sunday School at Coombe they got on well I should think. There were ten stones laid. They profited something over £60 I believe with the "high tea" and all together.
Jim Searle came home last week
from
Father thinks I might send a post card sometimes instead of a letter. I generally want to say more than I can put on a post card.
From your loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
February 17 - 08
Dear Dick
Yours of the 5 to hand. I shall be very pleased if I come across more pages of “The Land and the Book” some day.
So you are having a little more snow, I can't say that we have had any snow this winter yet, don't expect much now, it's rain again today, last week it was dry and pleasant.
Bessie Bescum is the same red haired girl you used to know who lived in Catherine's old shop. I told you about Happy Jack's wife back at the time, you forget some things of course, now you are so far away and have so many things to attend to.
Now my dear son I do think you had better not come to England this summer, get properly established first, you will feel more comfortable and so shall I, pleasant as it would be in some respects but never mind let us try to do the best thing. When you join a conference you don't know what you will need, the money may be wanted to fix you up with good clothes and other things. Thereafter, I don't want you to be obliged to ask help of strangers. You know you can use what you have when you like and how you like. I am writing what I think will be for the best Dick. While I can get your nice letters so often and know you are well and happy I can get on. I cannot advise you about what conference would be best to join, you know better than I do about that. If you can't be ready to leave school by April wait until May, but somehow I think you are getting on pretty well with your work.
Your private letter came all right. I like to get a letter in that way now and then.
The handkerchiefs are very nice. I can see they have not been used. I don't want you to be sending me things often Dick. I may be glad some day to get something of you but not at present any how.
I noticed about the stamps on the envelope.
Mrs. Grenville Richards always speaks very friendly when I see her. Mrs. Martin acts as though she doesn't see or know me, some others do the same, it won't matter after a while, we shall all be one family in Heaven.
Am glad the boarding club is going on so well, it's quite a save to you, eggs and apples come in useful. I should like to attend chapel in the morning but I can't because of the cooking. Father never goes to chapel unless when he goes to Coombe.
The children are going on very well with the whooping cough.
Sometimes my letter is written a day or two before the boat goes out. I like to post it myself or send it by some one I can trust.
From your loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
March 9 - 08
Dear Dick
Your letter of Feb 26 to hand.
Am glad the little book about the United Churches has reached you all right. Things seem to be pretty sure to go when they are sent away. What a splendid thing the post is, what should we do if we couldn't send letters and receive letters often from those we love.
By your letter if things go as
you expect you will very soon be moving. Well my son as Fulcomer and Yeoman
said I think you would be very foolish to miss such a chance, go on and may God
be with you. If you go to
The men get better pay in the
West than they do in the East, perhaps the people got more money there. You
know by this time I dare say if you are really going to be at your new charge
in
Am glad the Sunday school people at Summerfield gave an entertainment and had a good time and cleared nearly twelve dollars, very good I should think.
What apples those good people must have to give you so many.
We had a taste of winter last week, very heavy snow showers, every thing would get white for a little while but it soon went away, it was not dry snow like you have.
They held a ten days
With love from Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
St.Stephen Post Office
early 1900's
Is this where
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
May 18 - 08
Dear Dick
Your letter of the 4 to hand, it came on Saturday. I don't expect to get your letter until Friday or Saturday. I don't mind as long as you are all right, perhaps I am rather childish, but your letters are the greatest comfort I get.
Never mind if you have not a photo to send Mrs. Lanyon, a letter will do just as well. It's Westbourne Terrace I think, will ask Mary when I go to Coombe if I don't forget.
I am glad to know the difference in the time there and
here, so when it's
I don't think Stephen Tabb is very nice, neither is Jim
Searle. I can't tell you the sense of things at all for I don't know. I do
think it would have been better if Jim Searle had remained in
So thankful to know you are having a good time and
beginning to feel a little more at home. I do sincerely hope you will soon find
you have some good and true friends where you are. Glad to know the people like
your preaching and they thought you had been to
Of course you were very pleased to sit and hear another
preach, a nice change. You conduct the service where you are just as we do in
Perhaps they are going to pay you your salary once a
month. They appear to wish you to like it well enough to stop with them. You
speak of visiting the people and stopping over night at some of the places. I
should think you are doing pretty well with one and the other. The
Hope you will soon find a suitable horse for your work.
With love from Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
June 8 - 08
Dear Dick
Hope you have got the post card all right that I sent you last week.
Your letter May 22 has come all right, never mind if they don't always come the same day of the week, I don't think I expect that.
Your private letter has come all right am glad to get it. So you have been staying with Sipherd's people at a farm near town and made some gates, I dare say a little exercise like that will do you good. I suppose you need not study so very much now, at any rate not like you have done in the past.
Am glad Sipherd's people are so friendly and good to you, and you do not have to be paying board when you are out like that. You seem to be very comfortable with the folks at Beconsfield I am thankful it's so.
Perhaps
It's very good of you Dick to think of Mother, you may send me a sovereign. I still have a little and could get some things I need, but father would wonder where I got the money from, so if you send me some it will be all right, send it direct here to me in my name for me to cash myself at our post office. I don't mind who knows it. I shall be glad for people here to know you are able to do it. Father never gives me a shilling for any kind of clothing, he only allows me 10/- a week for every thing. I must put by 2/6 weekly for rent. I must pay for all the coal, pay Mrs. Wilton for washing, 3d weekly for papers, then there are stamps, these things amount to more than half of the money. There is not 5/- per week for both of us, and out of this 5/- I must find lamp oil, candles, soap, soda and a great many little things besides that we can't do without in the way of housekeeping. I have told father plainly that I can't save any rent out of the money he gives me, so he knows now that he must take the rent from what there is put by, he used to give me a little more money, but for the last three months it's been brought back to 10/- the week. I think I have much to be thankful for that I have a little of my own to fall back on. I don't go short of food Dick, I get many little things for myself that he knows nothing about. I should be in a poor place if I had nothing of my own. I don't say much to him, I let it go. I find that is the best way. He is never going to alter, he will always be the same sort of man.
I may just as well tell you now what father is doing, he asked me the other day if I had told you and I said no. Well he is now working on the roads breaking stone. I felt it at first, but I don't mind so much now, it's good enough for him, he has brought himself to it, he quarrelled with Ralph and his men, they none of them liked to work with father, he wanted to be master over them all. When Ralph bought the yard and business he paid all the money except a few pounds for some little things after. I think it was about £12. Ralph asked father to wait a little while for that, he said all right I will. A few weeks went by, father and Ralph were falling out every day, then father asked him to pay up, and because he didn't pay at once he put him in Court for the money, so Ralph sacked father at once when he knew what he had done. Father wouldn't listen to me nor any one, he would do it. Then he went down to Court Mill to work but that was against the law. Father signed a paper that he would not set up another saw mill in the parish or have anything to do with a saw mill business, he says he signed it without reading the paper, it was more binding than he thought so he was obliged to leave Court Mill again. He couldn't get any thing to do but break stone, he does not tell me how much he is getting. I know it's more than he gives me. I suppose if you had not asked me what father was doing I should say nothing about it for I did not wish to trouble you in any way. You know pretty well what father is like. You must ask me on a letter direct to tell you what father is doing before you comment on it.
So a lady at Beconsfield rather complimented you the other day, rather hard on the United Bretheren Minister though. They must not flatter you too much. I am very thankful you are able to do as you do. How pleased and glad I am to know that you have got the degree of Bachelor of Divinity. I know you have worked very hard for it, and now you are rewarded. Indeed you have a lot to be thankful for my son. Am glad you have got such a beautiful horse, hope it will do well. I don't know of any thing I wish you to send me by F. Varcoe, my son. I don't know if I have fully answered your letters or not, ask me any questions, I will try to answer them.
Love from Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
July 13 - 08
Dear Dick
Yours of the first came this morning.
I hope with you that the report is true concerning the
penny postage to
I dare say you have some studying for the conference work, and your sermons I know must take a lot of time and a deal of thought to get them up as you wish.
Am so glad you have found your rain coat again.
Private letter came all right. I am willing enough to tell you what Father is doing but I thought it such a "come down," he has gone on through life as though he could conquer every body and do as he liked, but he is mistaken, he used to drive a carriage with four horses, now we haven't even a donkey. I can look back and see how we have come down step by step for so many long years. I used sometimes to say to him what I was afraid it would come to, then he would get vexed and say what is the good of your "old fore thoughts." These are the very words he has said to me, he would also say, I am going to have it today if I have nothing tomorrow.
Is it manly? Is it like anyone in his right mind to talk so? I never could get him to put by a shilling for old age or sickness. Only a very short time ago he said "I don't care who goes short as long as I have got it." I never felt like that in my life. Father is the same sort of man he used to be Dick. I don't say much to him when he is cross. I think I have learnt a lesson that way, he is very much more unhappy than I am I can tell you and I get little things for myself that he knows nothing about. I think sometimes our Heavenly Father knows all about it. He cannot make a mistake.
You see my son I am going older all the time and I think at times I only want myself to do for, father makes a lot of work for me. I can walk if I take my time better than I can work, however I feel pretty well since the summer came I am thankful to say. I will find out if I can change a "five dollar bill" in a bank. I will see Grenville. It will be all right sending by F. Varcoe.
No Dick don't on any account say how much money you have on your letters that come straight home for it’s quite likely father would take undue advantage of it, he is not to be trusted I am sorry to say. So glad you have a little by you, tell me any thing. I feel so thankful for your kind thoughts of me. God will reward you.
I haven't quite answered your private letter now, but I wish to post this before father comes.
Love from Mother
C.Y.
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
August 3 - 08
Dear Dick
Yours of July the 20 to hand.
Have seen Fred Varcoe he looks well. I was glad to see him coming straight from you, it was next to seeing you myself, he did speak well of you, said you were very comfortably fixed, said what a delightfully fine time you had together for six days. He has promised to come again and stop to tea, he only stopped a few minutes. I want to see and hear more. I suppose he is with Janie Martin most of the time. I hope they will be happy together.
Thanks for the little things you sent home and many thanks
for the money. Father says I must thank you for the silk handkerchief. The
little cream glass with
Fred will manage about the books all right he says, I need not get a box to put them in.
I hope your horse will get on all right again in a few weeks. Am glad you like saddle riding it's good healthy exercise.
Tomorrow is the "Horse Show" as usual in Mr. Varcoe's field just by the Rectory. Wednesday will be the "Band of Hope" tea and Flower Show, fine times for some people I suppose. I shall have to go out with Blanche and Frank, they are grown to big children now. There are a great many carriages gone by today for Newquay. I like it to be fine weather on Bank Holiday for the young people to enjoy themselves.
We had a good preacher last evening, chapel very full, Band of Hope services.
Heads of corn and cotton pads very nice.
From your Loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
August 25 - 08
Dear Dick
Yours of the 11 to hand. I should like to see a little
more of Fred Varcoe very much. I want to ask him more questions. I do hope I
shall have a chance to see him again before he goes back to
Yes my son I can see much better with my new glasses, am so glad I have got them. I don't sew or read very long at a time, eyesight is precious. I can't tell you Dick how thankful I feel when you write and tell me I am not to go short of any thing I need. I thank God for good children. Father doesn't seem to think of my wants in the least it's all self with him. I don't mind so much what he is like, I am not afraid I am going to want. He is still working stone breaking, to hear him sometimes anyone would almost think he was in a dying state if they didn't know him.
Mary appears to be in good health. I believe the change has done her good, and dear baby I think he will get on, he is out of doors a good deal and he has every thing in the way of food to help him. I was so glad you wrote about the importance of a plenty of fresh air both outdoors and in for Sundays. When father is at home he won't allow me to have a door open and in the evenings the same, he shuts the doors as soon as he comes in. We have had some hot weather too this summer. I can bear the heat as well as most people if I have nothing to do but when I am cooking and busy I need air. Of course father read your letter as usual but he passed no remarks, he has not said a word about the money you sent me either, if you had sent it to him it would have been all right. I am telling you these little things Dick for I thought you would like to know just how things are.
Am so glad you get on so well with a saddle horse. You
have been with people called
I suppose you are looking forward to the Conference. You won't know until then if you will be removed or not.
Am glad you have got a new bookcase.
The card with a Beconsfield advertisement has come all right.
With love from Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
January 18 - 09
Dear Dick
Your letter came early this time.
I hope you had a good time with Bro. Cox at
I am glad you get a new one sometimes, added to your church. The wife of the druggist. I am sorry about her husband and three other men getting into trouble about the liquor. How foolish of them.
How good of Alfred Yeoman and his wife to send you a Xmas pudding and such a nice post card you received with it. They must be true hearted people I am sure.
You remember I dare say that I used to pay to the Nursing
association, I did so for years. Well I suppose it was two years ago father
said it should be stopped. Mrs. Gilbert collects for
[The
final pages of
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
May 25 -09
Dear Dick
Yours of the 10 came in good time.
My Father was only 64 when he died, he died of a fever, he was a strong healthy man before.
So you had a funeral again the other day, it was well this man had joined a lodge so that his wife had something to settle up things with. Perhaps your friend Mrs. Kerrs will live after all, it's to be hoped so.
Your Probationers class go in for lots of things I think, I have nothing to say against it, I think it's very pleasant to meet at a home and have a social of an evening as you do. So you won the contest on the letter C and gained the pretty little sea shell. I am so fond of sea shells. I well remember when a girl, I with others used to put a shell to our ear, by doing so we imagined we could hear the sea roar. I suppose it was only fancy. I dare say the coloured preacher went on all right.
Do you know where
I went to Coombe yesterday. I have got the two bills to change. I may go to St. Austell on Friday. I could have had them last week but I did not go to Coombe. Mary is very much obliged for the dollar and I am obliged too shall get on grand now.
I received a letter from Aunt Ellen this morning. She is very glad you are getting on so well.
I think Catherine will have a good living. She was very much concerned the other day because there is no will. She has had advice. I hope things will be settled before long. She sent for me this morning to come down to see her to tell me that it was better than she feared.
From your loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
Richard's first church at
Grand River, Iowa.
This small frame church of wooden construction later burned down.
On the back of the card Richard has written:
This is the church and parsonage at G. R. The small buildings to the right are just outside the churchyard. The garden is behind the parsonage building. The little door at the rear of the church is a little coal house stuck up against the church. There is one bell up in the tower. You see the front door of parsonage to the left, and a part of the porch over the side door. I usually come out of the side door when I go to the church. There is another door behind. My room is on the left hand corner. The window is hidden by a small tree. The two windows you see are in the parlor.
* * * * * * * * * *
On the back of this card Richard has written:
For Blanche
This is myself and the ponies. Kittie in my right hand, Billie in my left.
* * * * * * * * * *
Pastors' Window, in
a Methodist church, Grand River, Iowa.
When Richard
Yelland graduated from Drew Seminary in
W.B. COX. GEO. E. MITCHELL
W. O. WOOLEVER. T. M. BUTTERFIELD
CHAS. C. WILKINS. R. R. YELLAND
W. C. SMITH. CHAS. KNOLL.
.
This photograph was taken when Richard's daughter, Mary, visited the church in 2001. Mary was then aged 90.
The Reverend W. B. Cox had married Richard and Fannie in 1909.
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
July 5 - 09
Dear Dick
Your letter of June 22 to hand.
I thought perhaps you did not get quite so much cabbage as
we do in
So you attended the District Conference at Corydon? Am
glad you had a very enjoyable time. I dare say the speakers were fine. The
Bishop who ordained you last fall, I remember the name. It's so nice for you to
have these little changes and see other towns, it will do you good. How lovely
to have so many trees in the town. Very glad you have sent the picture of the
Now my dear son it is my wish for you to use the money you have by you as you think fit, you need not take the trouble to tell me all about it. I know you are careful, have every thing you can to make you comfortable. I would rather you did so, I don't think Dick it would be wise for you to come home yet. I want you to get ahead first, you can't do it all at once, it certainly would be nice if you could come home often, but never mind. People are kind and good to you so I can get on all right. The little extras you get are useful, am glad you are gaining a little. You need not send me any money at present
From your loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
August 23/09
Dear Dick
Yours of the 9 came this morning. I was out waiting to see the post, fully expecting a letter sometimes, lately it has come on the Friday or Saturday, if not then. I always think to get it on the Monday morning. I think the hay is pretty well got in. I don't think it's hurt much.
We have had a lot of rain again the last day or two. The farmers need dry weather now for the corn if they could get it. Am glad you are getting good harvest weather.
Father worked for Sam Martyn four days I can't tell when he is likely to get anything more to do.
You use little traction engines to thresh the corn. People have done some threshing here already. Still there is a lot of corn not cut yet. So you are on the move a little preaching in other churches and in the park. Your ponies must be going on well lovely little things they must look fine two going side by side. Am glad the people listened attentively and seemed to be pleased.
I remember the name Bro. Cox I think you helped him in revival meetings last winter.
You stayed with people called Evans very nice people. I expect you meet with some very intelligent folks as you move around.
It's evening, I think the rain has stopped so will get ready to go up and post this letter.
With love from Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
M.[ethodist] E.[piscopal]
Church - New Virginia, Iowa
![M.[ethodist] E.[piscopal] Church - New Virginia, Iowa](M%20E%20Church%20New%20Virginia%20Iowa.jpg){kind=link}
Sept. 27/09
Dear Mother,
Please address all mail to this place now. This is a picture of my new church. It is a brick building. Cost about $8000.00(eight thousand dollars). Preached here yesterday first time, and got on alright.
Dick
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
October 4/09
Dear Dick
Your letter from
You have had a chance to hear good sermons and addresses at any rate. Am glad you were entertained by very nice people. So you have been doing a little reporting work. I expect you liked that very well whether you are paid or not.
You have received credit for all examination work that is fine, something to be thankful for I am sure. Next year if all be well you hope to get off light. I dare say you feel good over that.
The
I suppose I shall know when your next letter comes if you
are leaving Grand River, you think it will be a little better charge, you will
soon find friends. You will be nearer
The college chimes I should think must be lovely. The boys you say play them by hand. I expect they enjoy it, nice little change for them. I went to St. Austell last Friday, Uncle and Aunt are gone into another house just by. They have sold their property expect to have the money paid down in two or three weeks. Now my son you can soon have the £150, hope the investment will be safe, shall want you to send me some interest every quarter. You must say how and where I shall send it.
From Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
October 19/09
Dear Dick
Your letters are both come. The one to our address also one to Mrs. Jennings. I must confess I felt a little surprised when I read your letter to see that you were about to be married, but last week when you wrote about visiting folks by the name of Evans and said I should hear more about them soon it set me thinking. I thought I wonder if there is a daughter there that he cares for, so you see I thought right for once. Well my son you know you have my best wishes and prayers for you both and I feel I have got another good worthy daughter and I hope and trust you will be happy and comfortable all through life. I am so thankful you have a nice home to take your bride to, I think you must have a lovely place.
Fannie has a nice family of brothers and sisters also father and mother both living very nice.
Am glad you are going to visit Klippel's folks for your wedding trip. It is very satisfying to know the people are pleased with your preaching.
Uncle has got the money all ready for you, most likely it will be sent on next week. I will try to go to St. Austell if the weather is fit and tell him about it. Make it right Dick for Mary to have half if I don't live to need it all.
Still let me have a private letter sometimes. I have put this one in the fire.
The pictures you have sent are nice.
From your loving Mother
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
Newspaper report of
the marriage of Richard Yelland to Fannie Evans.
YELLAND-EVANS
At the home of the bride's parents, at
Miss Evans is well known and highly esteemed by a wide
circle of friends. She has been a teacher in the public schools of
Mr. Yelland is an excellent young man and well equipped for his life's work. He is a graduate of Drew Theological Seminary and at present is pastor of the M. E. church at New Virginia. Rev. Yelland went into one of the best homes in the community to get his bride.
The happy couple took the afternoon train for a short
visit to the northern part of the state. They will soon be settled in one of
the best parsonages in southern
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
November 2/09
Dear Dick
Your letters have come all right, also post card, and the announcement card. Am glad the marriage ceremony went off all right. I thought perhaps Bro. Cox would marry you for I have heard you speak of him so many times as being a great friend of yours.
Am so glad you went to Brett and found the Klippels such nice homely people, it's nice that Fannie can make herself at home with folks it's no good to be stiff and unsociable. I always think the Americans are naturally more friendly than the English.
It's much to be thankful for my son to know that you have found a wife to help you do some of the visiting.
The Klippels are all nice you say, cousin Issie and Richard I like that. They are doing well for their children that is fine. Tell me anything like that, you know how father feels about any thing like that, he cannot bear for the children to know more than himself. Send them to work he says, for why should they stick up for gentlemen and ladies, but he can't have things all his way, you must tell Fannie just what father is like for I shall have to write you about little things some times. Mary went to St. Austell last Friday with me, sent you the money, it had to be sent to Des Moines, it cost me twenty one shillings and three pence to send it. I will say a little more when I write next. With love to you and Fannie.
From Mother
C. Yelland
[Enclosure]
Dear Fannie
I feel I must just write you a line.
A friend said to me the other day you have not lost a son but you have gained a daughter. I could not on any account afford to lose my Dick.
I hope to receive photos before very long, you will be taken together I suppose?
You will not be very far away from your friends, that is nice.
I suppose you never saw Cornish cream before. Mrs. Klippel made some, how did you like it? Also pasty.
I sincerely hope you will both be happy and comfortable together and have every thing around you nice.
From your Affectionate Mother
C.Y.
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
November 16/09
Dear Dick
Your letter is come all right with a picture of
I suppose this shivaree you write about is pretty much like the fun I get home here sometimes when young people get married, it won't hurt much. So the poor boys walked away quietly when you invited them in, that was rather too much for them.
I expect you had some thing to do to read over half dozen of my letters. I thought you would not be likely to see them while you were away.
Am glad it's all right about witnesses to prove your residence there for five years. Dabb's folks would do what they could for you I am sure. Shall you still keep your ponies?
Am glad friends have been giving presents. I would like to send something but can't very well just now.
That old silver spoon Dick is yours, hope you will have it some day.
Your private letter is come all right. I had the sign on the envelope so went and fetched it. You may trust Mrs. J all right.
I hope you have received the money by this time. I should have sent it by a draft on a London bank but I should have been obliged to go to town again in two or three days. That would not do, father would ask why I was going again so soon, and I wanted Mary to do it for me.
I hope you and Fannie will both go and see the land. I know you will do what you think is for the best. 30/- every quarter is what I wish you to send, that is what I have been receiving. I have not much more time to write now, I know you are very good Dick I can trust you. Keep nothing from Fannie be as one with each other.
I expect my son that I shall leave father very soon. I don't say much to him but he says a plenty to me. I shall go quietly and say nothing to him about what I am going to do, the sooner I go the better to please Mary. She thinks things are altogether too hard for me to bear. I am going older I can't stand it so well, he keeps me short of money for housekeeping and tells me to use my own, in two or three weeks I expect to get the few pounds that is willed to me from Aunt, father will want to take that from me or keep me short so that I shall be obliged to use it. A few weeks ago he would not allow me money to have proper food and when I asked him for a shilling he said use your own and I was obliged to do so, he buys things for himself that I cannot eat, he told me the other day I ought to be starved for a time then I should come to it. Uncle and Aunt have offered me a home in town with them, a nice bed room. They are anxious for me to leave and come with them. Don't trouble I think I have nearly enough to live on for a year if I am spared then my pension will come. Say more perhaps next time.
Love to you and wife
C. Yelland
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
November 23/09
Dear Dick
Glad to get your letter again today. You are getting some of the rooms fixed up. I expect they are looking nice, just such rooms as I would like.
Those heating stoves must be fine. You have no grates in the rooms like we have, and the doors are so arranged that one stove will heat three rooms. We do not have things like that home here.
So you helped Fannie to wash a little, I am glad you are trying to make yourself useful, sometimes help is needed, when you have a machine and a wringer they help so.
I know you like good cooking and now you have got it. It won't cost you a great deal to live while you are only two, vegetables and fruit I like better than so much meat, it will suit you I know. So Fannie does not like milk, well that is funny, be sure to get it for yourself. I should have to pay six cents for a quart home here. Apple sauce is very good. I don't know how to give receipt for Cornish pasty I am sure. Fannie can tell just how much pastry to make for two little pasties, rub in a little lard then roll it out very thin. Then put little pieces of lard all over it. Then well dredge it with flour and roll it up tight or fairly tight, let it stand for half an hour, put it into as many parts as you want, mould it just like a dumpling and roll it out for a pasty, that is how I used to do it for you. I think Fannie will get on after she has tried a few times. "Tuesday." It's a lovely morning today. I am going to try to go to Coombe, have been suffering in my head lately. I still think to go in with my sister before long. Love to you and Fannie.
From Mother
C.Y.
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Saw Mill Terrace
St. Stephens
November 30/09
Dear Dick
I will answer your letter another day. I hope soon to be in
with Aunt Lizzie. Am putting things together, will tell you more about it next
week if all is well. Address the next letter you write to me c/o Mrs. Parkin,
From Mother
C.Y.
Glad you received the letter that Aunt wrote.
(
* * * * * * * * * *
Feb. 1910
My dear Nephew and Niece
Your letter received dated
I have not been well for some weeks, have had a bad cold, but I am thankful to say I am better now. I was sorry to hear of your dear Mother's death, gone so suddenly. I received a letter from your Father telling me of her death, it's very sad. Your Uncle Walter has been sick with a bad cold but is better now.
Alfred Yelland's sister has been to San-Francisco to see
him. He will be through
I have received a letter from Arthur Yelland's wife, she said that her nephew, John Yelland died and left a wife and five children.
I am glad to hear that you are both so Happy and have such a nice home. I don't remember if I told you that last fall we built a new house on one of our Lots, we rent the house for 17 dollars a month.
I will close with love from your
Aff Aunt Ellen Tretheway
Shall be pleased to hear from you.
P.S. Walter and his family are well they have one girl Baby, they still live at Hollister.
Nellie received a letter from you, she with her family are well.
E.T.
* * * * * * * * * *
The following is from a newspaper cutting referring to the death of Richard's aunt, Ellen Tretheway, who wrote the letter above.
At the top of the article Richard has written in
shorthand: Stockton Record
DEATH COMES AFTER
STROKE
----------------
Mrs Ellen Tretheway
Passed
Away at
----------------
Noble Woman Who Will Be Sincerely
Mourned By Large Circle of Friends
-----------------
Mrs. Ellen Tretheway, wife of E. A. Tretheway and mother
of Supervisor E. E. Tretheway, died at fifteen minutes past
Sunday evening last at the supper table Mrs. Tretheway was serving fruit. At the table was her husband, her son, E. E. Tretheway, and wife, and her cousin, Joseph Martyn. While in the act of raising a spoonful of peaches her hand fell helplessly into the fruit dish. She tried to raise it, but could not. The family then saw that something was wrong, and tenderly they laid the stricken wife and mother on her bed, from which she was destined to not arise alive. Drs. Arthur, Dameron and Friedberger were called in attendance, but they were powerless to do anything. The stroke, the physicians announced, was due to hemorrhage of the brain, and kidney trouble.
Mrs. Tretheway was a native of
Mrs. Tretheway was a noble woman, and many people will bear grateful tribute to her many acts of charity and kind ministrations. She was of sterling principle, devoted to truth and honesty and frankness. She was an active member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church and a charter member of Lebanon Rebekah Lodge, No. 41, of which she was a constant attendant. She will be missed and sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
The funeral service will be held Sunday afternoon at
* * * * * * * * * *