Letter written
to Richard Yelland by his father, Charles Yelland 1911
St. Stephens
January 8/11
Dear Dick and Fannie
I must send you a line to wish you a happy New year, and to congratulate you on the Birth of a daughter.
May God bless the dear Lamb and her Parents too. I hope to send her a present soon.
How are you getting on in Money Matters? Tell me plainly how you stand, if you have trouble to get in your salary, and are in any way in difficulty, I may be able to help you. Babies are nice, but there is generally expenses to meet.
I have been very sick all through the Xmas, but have
worked most of the time, the weather has been very wet and cold. My old age
Pension, along with what I earn just keeps me going, so I hope to keep what I
have saved until I am obliged to pay for attendance. As things stand at
Present,
Now to sum up, all I ask is this, that I may be treated as a poor old Father ought to be, and left to have the Book to read.
Now Dick believe me, I love you and Mary as much as you love your little one and now in my loneliness I feel very sad at the way I have been treated. I have been longing for a card or a letter from you all the Xmas, every day expecting, every day disappointed, let me hear from you soon. I want to know how your wife and my "Grand dotter" are prospering.
With kind love to both of you and the dear little one.
I am your affectionate
Father
ChasYelland
[Enclosure: Newspaper cutting.]
The following is from a newspaper cutting enclosed with Charles Yelland's letter about the inquest held on his wife's body.
COLLAPSE AT ST. AUSTELL.
------
UNKINDNESS ALLEGED AGAINST
HUSBAND.
------
JURY'S DECISION.
Mr. John Pethybridge, county coroner, held an inquest at St.Austell on Saturday, on the body of Mrs. Charlotte Yelland, aged 69 of St. Stephens Churchtown.
Elizabeth Parkyn, her sister, residing at South Street, St.Austell said that on Wednesday afternoon her sister opened the door, collapsed in the nearest seat, and remarked that she was ill, and had not had anything for two days except a morsel of biscuit on Tuesday morning. Witness gave her some broth, but she could take no further nourishment. Deceased was put to bed and propped up with pillows as she suffered from her heart. She breathed like a dying person. The next day Dr. Jeffery was sent for. On Friday morning she was found dead.
Dr. Jeffery, St. Austell, said he found the woman in great mental excitement and prostration. In conversation he gathered that the deceased was unhappy in her home and being unable to stand it any longer, had left her husband during his absence, leaving a note on the table to the effect that she could not live with him any longer. Deceased told him that she could not get at home the food she could have taken. Death was due to heart failure, accelerated by the treatment she said she had received. - In reply to a juryman, witness said that it was quite possible, even with proper treatment, deceased might have died suddenly.
Mrs. Lean, daughter of the deceased, St. Stephens Coombe, said her mother had told her that she could not stand the unkindness she received in her own home. The unkindness was by way of speech and being without suitable food. She added that her father was a strict teetotaller and non-smoker.
Charles Yelland, husband of deceased, a feeble, weak-looking old man, offered to give evidence. He said he was afflicted with congestion of the bladder, which gave him continual pain. He was an old age pensioner getting 5s. per week. He earned 7s. or 10s. per week by breaking stones. From March to August last he was out of work through ill health. He had done all his means would allow for his wife. She suffered from the heart and could only sleep propped up in bed. They had been married 41 years. - Witness seemed to acutely feel the allegation regarding his home life.
Several jurymen expressed their satisfaction with the statements of the husband, stating that they were satisfied he did all he could for his wife with the means he had. - The jury returned a verdict of "Death from heart failure.”
* * * * * * * * * *
Death of Blanche
Lean
On
There is no letter that gives a specific account of her death but subsequent letters from Mary and Aunt Elizabeth Parkin make brief reference to it. [Ed.]
This photograph, was probably taken the year before her death. Blanche can be seen in the lower left-hand corner carrying a basket in her right hand. In the original a pinhole has been made through the skirt of Blanche's dress.
Wesleyan Tea Treat
Coombe 1910
* * * * * * * * * *
Letters written
to Richard Yelland by his sister, Mary Grace Lean, his aunt
Elizabeth Parkin
and his cousin, Samuel Martyn
1911-1919
Coombe
8th August 11
Dear Dick
Our poor old Father is dead and buried. Been saying lately,
think he shall have to go to hospital again - called here last Sat: week on the
way home from breaking at Brennel Mill - didn't complain more than usual -
seems he was taken worse during that evening - Fred Stutridge sent for Dr.
Mansen - Shaw's assist: St. Dennis who came again Sun: morn - ordered to Truro
Infirm: the Nurse and Fred took him down in F. Ball's carriage - 1st we heard
was from Fred's younger dau: Kathleen in the afternoon - of course he sent me
no message as far as we know- I'm cut off the will you know - the fortune
is coming to you, so look out. I should like a day with you - wouldn't our
tongues go? Well, I being next of kin, Nurse left my address with Matron-
Wednesday - teleg: "Y. much worse, come at once." - unconscious -
Nurses expected him to remain so to the end - teleg: Thur: - "Charles Y.
died this morn: 10.15." - John Lean guessed measure: he and Syd took
coffin down Fri: morn and brought him to Churchtown - Chapel funeral Sat:
after:
It seems his old complaint and a growth of some sort caused the end. This last will was made when he set up his tantrums because I wouldn't let him have your book and he found he couldn't make me bend and give in to him as he did our dear Mother - but never mind old Son, I've managed to keep it according to her last wishes - I've got your belongings safe and maybe sometime, someday you'll take a run home. I think Grenville K. made this will. Syd went to Kernick Thur: evening because we didn't want to poke our noses in where we had no business- Mr. M. received him all right and said he was glad he had come - he had nothing to do with the making of the will and doesn't approve of it. Syd heard it read after the funeral- Blanche, magnifying glass - Frank, watch - Baby, spy-glass - Mary, blank - my son Rev so and so of so and so Church of so and so America, whatever sum may be left after goods have been sold and debts paid. Father told Fred Stur: he hoped Sam wouldn't be hard on Mary, if there was any little thing she would like to have. Mr. M. told Syd he and I had better bring up the pony-trap one night and go through the house with him - he thought Syd might as well have F's clothes if they're any good to him - this is feast week, perhaps we'll go up next week - I shall try to save your sick feeder from being sold if 'tis still there. Well now to come to myself - just getting over a very serious illness - on the notable 4th was taken with violent pains in bowels - moved with hot water and turpentine - Dr. Olver St. Aust: said next day 'twas colic - returned Thursday sharper and in back as well - Dr. Burton his assist: thought 'twas the right kidney -linseed meal poultices - eased after- some time - comfortable the Fri: Sat: a return from about 6a.m. until 10p.m. of the sharpest pain I think I ever endured for so many hrs: right off - medicine, poultices and hot water jar - people thought 'twas the end but I didn't I felt I should be brought through, but how weak it left me - Lottie Spr: Jr: who was here all the day with Laura fed me through a baby's rubber teat her mother has been very good to us all through my sickness and dear little Blanche's - I generally go to her with all our ailments. I don't know what we should do if Laura couldn't come with us - I'm very slowly gaining strength - creep about the dear old place just when I feel like it - I think I shall get on after awhile - the footstep that I was always dreading and that I was always likely to hear at any time and make me tremble from head to foot, I feel that God has mercifully removed from me - oh the freedom - I don't fully realise it yet, I think. Now Dick this is a long letter for me - I'm tired the lower part of my body aches a good deal still, so that I must be careful.
I hope the heat has left you a bit by now - I wouldn't like it to harm my little Mary Yelland now she laughs and capers at sight of her Mammy and Daddy and the ponies. Has she got a tooth? I wish I could see her. Are her eyes all right?
Dick I'm rather curious - I should like to see the correspond: you may get from G. S. Richards, S. Martyn and one or 2 others perhaps - It's rather a tickler to me - this affair - no offence if I don't remember - I don't wish to place you in an awkward position.
We heard from outsiders about this will- not from Father.
Love to you all
As ever
Mary.
* * * * * * * * * *
St. Austell
My dear Nephew
Before this reaches you, Mary's letter will have told you of her severe illness and your father's death. Our Frank is having his holiday, so with his wife and daughter, your Uncle and I went to Coombe last Thursday. I was very anxious to see poor Mary after all she had gone through. It seems out of sheer revenge, because your sister would not give up "Cook's Voyages," your father got his will altered and left all to you, except one item each to the children. The few articles of furniture are to be sold and the money sent to you. Mary does not trouble about it, she trusts to do as she would, if the case were reversed.
I saw the picture of your bonnie baby. Should like to see
you in your home with wife and child. I never cease to remember you, daily, as
one of my precious sister's children. Oh, how I miss your dear Mother! I feel
very lonely sometimes, poor Fred is so helpless, being always in the dark, and
his hearing so bad, no matter what happened to me in the night, he could not
see nor hear one. I dread the long nights of winter, and for months this summer
we have had it unusually hot, and I suffer much from it, can scarcely keep up.
Some times I long to be able to stay in bed for a day, but neither Fred nor I
could have anything to eat or drink if I could not get it, and he is very well,
and enjoys his meals. Frank thinks we shall have to give up our home, and go to
live with him in
I'm writing so that you can write Mary before the sale which she hears is to be on the first Saturday of September.
Give our love to your wife and kiss the pet for me.
Your Affect. Aunt
E. I. Parkin
* * * * * * * * * *
A post card from Nurse Moore sent to Charles Yelland at Truro Infirmary shortly before his death.
[Undated. Postmark indecipherable.]
Dear Mr. Yelland
I hope you are much better by now. I saw your daughter Mrs. Lean yesterday and told her you were at Truro Infirmary.
Expect you will recognise this place on P.C.
Nurse Moore.
* * * * * * * * * *
A photograph taken at Coombe in 1911 and sent to Dick by his sister, Mary.
On the back of the photograph Mary has written the following:
Coombe
Tuesday 10th Oct 11
Evey's 2 eldest girls on hedge Constance and Ethel - 3rd (Hilda) standing close to hedge - then a little girl and boy named Spry - next our Frank and Howard and Evey's 4th - Lilly - Mr. William Snell home from Australia (native of Coombe) took this picture - he was home about 8 yrs ago going back this week. Syd says Mr. Martin wants your address - would it be amiss if you were to write him, specially now you have moved. I think the money has to be sent out to you - you could soon find out from Mr. M. Don't think I mistrust you, Dick, or am in any way driving my own wheelbarrow - Mother always instilled into my mind, that you would act fairly with me and I've no reason to think any other. My back aches at times but on the whole think I'm stronger. As ever
Mary.
x x x x My little maid.
* * * * * * * * * *
Coombe
Tues: 12th Sept 11
Dear Dick
No, I don't know anything of father's thoughts or feelings
in his last hours of consciousness - you see he didn't send us any word of his
being worse or going to the hospital. It seems he was uncon: before we were
sent for and remain: so to the end. I think Mr. Wallace (Churchtown) went down
to hospital to see Tom Wakeham who married Mabel Stephens, Polglaze (there with
some stomach trouble) and talked with him while conscious, but what was said I
don't know. I believe 'twas something to do with the water passage and a growth
of some sort near it, that caused F's death. He died about
Your 2nd letter came day after the sale which was Monday 4th Sept. I don't think there was much that we should very much want to keep. I have the little valuables some which you may like to have when you come home. Think sale made nearly £20, of course I don't know how much will have to be paid away out of that - you'll soon be hearing from Mr. M now perhaps.
Glad little Mary is so well - I think her curly head must be something like our beautiful Blanche's - send me a little curl when you can take one without spoiling the look of it will you? Oh I'd like to see you cuddling a baby. (Laughter) I wonder how many times she's made the dignified parson's legs feel warm and he has looked and seen a little stream trickling down.
I've been rather worse again since I wrote you last -
Laura got bad before I was strong, so I suppose I overdid it Sat: Sun: and
yesterday I was done up, little better to-day (Laura bit better). I think Syd
will take me to
What with one bustle and another I haven't asked much about land and crops yet. Butter 15d lb now 18d and 20d in great heat - eggs 1/- doz rise grad - now to 1/6 and 1/7 until Xmas or perhaps after - flour's been 15/9 now 16/6 bushel, beef 6 to 9d lb - pork something same - lamb 7d and 8d - chicken and ducks 9d or 10d lb, sugar very high 3/- to 3/6 dozn lb for jamming - apples plentiful from 2 gall up - our 1 tree laden - blackberries and sloes plentiful - shall we go up to Bethel and get some? who knows? we may yet. We pickle butter when cheap for winter eating.
Writing enough I'll rest a bit.
Oh I could see the curly head. I cried when I read your letter. It touched the sore place.
Love to you both and my little maid.
As ever, Mary.
* * * * * * * * * *
St. Austell
11.12.11
My dear Nephew
Your sister was here on Friday, she seemed much better than she has been since her serious illness. She read your letter to her about the money left to you by your father. Your Uncle and I both feel that you have treated your sister most generously. We often think of you. I see the picture of your wife and yourself every day, and when we were out to Coombe we saw your little daughter, fancy! Dick's baby! I'm very glad indeed that you have a happy home. It is two full years since your dear mother entered into that happy place "where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest." Mary's darling Blanche is gone to hers, and in August your father went to his reward, three deaths in one year and 8 months. Your Uncle is well in health but his hearing is almost gone now. I have great trouble to make him hear any thing, poor man, he feels this more than the total loss of his sight, cannot read a letter to him. I'm expecting the doctor to come and test them, but we are sadly afraid that it will be no good.
Frank and his wife and daughter were home in August. Sharlie is taller than I am, she was 15 last July. Arthur's boy will be 16 next March, he is in an office getting 12/6 a week, and he is getting lessons for the Civil Service exam when he is 17. We are paying for it, it will cost us near £20, but he is a good lad, and came out top boy twice, before he left the Council Schools.
The long, dark nights are on us now, I do not like it. No one to hear or see me all the time, and we both spend hours awake, it is very lonely. Your Uncle will be 76 on the 15th of next month.
Love to you all.
Auntie Lizzie.
* * * * * * * * * *
Coombe
12th Dec 11
Dear Dick
X x x busy can't write partic: now - I sincerely thank you for your kindness - our Mother's words were true - I've items I wish to go your way - specially now our Blanche has gone - oh Dick she was fair to look upon - how beautiful she must be now. Are you sure Mr. M. can leave sum with me instead of sending it across - If he does really do so you little know what a triumph 'twill be for me after all I've gone through of disgrace, abuse, scoffing and cursing.
A joyous Xmas to you all. As ever
Mary.
* * * * * * * * * *
Richard Yelland's daughter
age four months.
Born
* * * * * * * * * *
Coombe
Fri 5th Jan 12
Dear Dick
I'm a bit ashamed of my self for not writing you before - 'tisn't that I've been writing other people - I detest letter writing somehow - if only I could see you, I don't know when I should stop talking. Have you received Xmas pud:? Was it eatable? Our dear Mother meant to have sent you one and I thought I'd try it, if only for her sake - Laura and I had a bustling time at re-packing it twice to keep it below 3 lb that it might go for 1/3 - I thought you'd be amused to see me race to and from P. Office. Up to 7 lb will go across now for 2/3 - this new rule came in on 1st of last month.
Thankyou very much for taking trouble to send me particulars of money affairs. Mr. Martin has not yet made any move towards handing over the money to me or communicated with me in any way about the affair. It would be his place to move before mine wouldn't it? I don't want to put myself to the fore in any way, for I think I may have been pretty well blackened to him and I don't know how he may feel towards me - I've nothing whatever against him, understand. You say you've told him to hand over the money to me - that gives me to understand that he has already informed you on your formerly asking him that he'll do so - is that right? Aunt thinks he can keep it 12 mth if he chose - the lawyers did Aunt Higman's - but Syd says Mr. M. is no lawyer, so whether 'tis any different or not, I can't say. You mention the books sent out to you, I think they are Dr. C., Josephus and L. and the Book is that right? I hope so - oh I'm glad you've got them else I don't know where they'd have been by now - I've got your big book of Bunyan's Works and C's Voyages - 'twas my standing firm by keeping these 2 that had to do with the will being made as it was. They got offered for sale once you know and to be sure and keep them for you was one of the last favours our Mother asked of me.
Neither am I in any hurry about headstone - No our mother hasn't any - a few primroses bloom over her.
Nearly post time, hope you're all well and had a joyous Xmas.
All good wishes for a peaceful year. Love to you all.
Your loving Sis
Mary
Oh if only I could see you my little maid Mary x x x x x x
* * * * * * * * * *
Coombe
16th Jan 12
Dear Dick
Your letter 2nd Jan came yesterday. Yes that's right, I
meant you to understand I'm willing to carry out the arrangements you suggested
in your letter - I'm only just waiting until we've finished up with Mr. Martin
- you see I can't do much before he has handed over the money. Law, Dick, what
a big fuss about a small matter! Whatever do people do who have a large
fortune? But there I needn't worry, I don't suppose you and I will ever be
troubled with that - if you and I could get together for an hour, I think we'd
soon settle things. I don't see myself that 'tis needful for Syd to sign
anything unless it may be Mr. M. wishes him to sign as witness to his having
paid me the money. Yes, as far as I know a married woman can have property of
her own in this country - (I suppose she can in
George Sowl died last Monday week - failing for some time
- Mrs. is going to Camborne to live with her nephew. Polly Wellington went to
I'm recovering from Influenza. Do you always keep well Dick? Have you had a Dr since you went across - what about Fanny and Mary? I want to see my little maid - If could see you all coming up through "the Coombe" I think I should jump right at her. Syd Truscott Brennel and Florrie Olver's banns were out Xmas Eve. They were to be mar: before now I think but he's just
getting over inflam: and measles. She's Mrs. Christian Olver's daughter, the widow. As ever
Mary. x x x x x x
* * * * * * * * * *
Kernick
St. Stephens
Rev R. R. Yelland
Dear Cousin
Mr. Bennetts and I have drawn up on a stamped paper an arrangement which I think will meet all the requirements of the case, if you will sign it and send it back to me, I will pay your sister, and get her to sign it, and send it back to you again to keep, then you will have something to show that the money belongs to you, hoping this will meet with your approval.
I remain
Your aff Cousin
S. S. Martyn
* * * * * * * * * *
Coombe
Dear Dick
Mar: winds are blowing pretty strongly - thunder and light: this dinnertime - sunshine now.
Mr. M. called here last Thur: and paid over the money - £57-8. I've signed my name to the agree: same as you have done, and have given him a separate receipt for the money which reads something like this -
(Received of S. S. M. the sum of fifty seven pounds eight shillings in behalf of my brother R. Y. left to him by our father C. Y. in his will.) then 1d stamp etc. Now I consider we've finished with Mr. M. and have it in our hands. Am sending you the receipt you ask for. Why I hardly know what to make of it - it seems so funny to have such a sum of my own. I'm thinking your odd 14/- will last a long time unless you're about to send across for several orders. I'm glad your health is so good, but wish you were not nervous - I've been wondering what I'm to understand by that - is it "fearfulness" or "weakness of nerves" - I should suppose the latter - I can't fancy you're afraid to travel alone at night - you've done too much of that with "Jinny" etc. I should rather think it affects you between the vestry door and top of pulpit stairs.
I hope your poor old stump doesn't trouble you - hope little Mary will never be frightened by sight of artif: leg, if 'tis part of her surroundings now 'twill be all right. Am glad Fannie and my little maid keep so well. Oh I'd like to see you D. as husband and father. You speak about not much visible results to your labours as pastor and missioner - I think some preachers sow the seed and others come along and do the reaping - it may not be yours to reap here, but if you faithfully sow good seed, I think you are bound to have a harvest all right hereafter.
Ben Bennetts - late of Hay - has just lost a son - young
man about 21 - operation I think. Morley Richards - Richard Richard's son who
married Kate Phillips, widow of young Henry Dyer, has just bought a house on
Busy Love to all
Mary x x x x x x
* * * * * * * * * *
Richard's daughter Mary aged one year eleven months.
On the back of this photograph Richard Yelland has written:
Mary Charlotte Yelland
Belen
aged 1yr 11mths
In this picture she is looking at the cat on my
shoulder. R.R.Y.
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Chapel Terrace
Coombe
Monday afternoon 27th Apr 14
My Dear old Dick
I'm that much ashamed of myself for not writing before, that I've suddenly dropped my work and took the pen. We've had fine weather a whole week - I've just been up in the garden attending to the clothes - Laura and I wash together now - heard the cuckoo this morning, hear the swallows have arrived - sloe blossom very plentiful, that and the furse are looking beautiful down here in S. Farm moor and G. Crewes lower meadows. Mabel has a fine happy faced old boy 10 mths old - another coming - what a sight when we half doz or more running after W. H. Big time at Boconnoc last week 2 days, son's coming of age - large gatherings of tenantry etc they had delightful weather for it.
Nath Bennetts buried last Thur: over 80 I think - his wife is living - 2nd wife you know Hannah - her sister Mrs. Channon who lived with them became blind, died a while ago. Yes F. is buried at Churchtown and M. at St. Austell. She was a widow from St. Ewe, Mr. Ball thought of marrying, but it seems to have come to an end - I rather think she was too many guns for him - didn't Dickens say "Samivel my son beware of the vidders", or rather Samivel' s father? Charlie N. was married 2 little children. Amp married a Sticker girl called Heaman - cousin to Samp' s wife - one little girl just begun school - he farms Dowgas - his mother moves about among some of her children - she's at Churchtown with Nellie now. I haven't seen Janie and her boy much and Fred not at all - I fully thought when I saw her in town that she would let us know when she'd be staying with Sam at Ventonwyn, but instead of that, she and baby dropped in one afternoon from there and stayed to tea - I believe they've gone again now - Fred was going to preach at Trethose Friday afternoon. Mrs. Teague Downderry buried lately - think Percy will live there now. Should think you must find it hard to fight against R. Catholics - Still I suppose there are some who see through them and their ways.
Cliff Menniar is home from
Frank has just come home from school - now I must give him his tea - then Syd - then weekly prayer meeting half past 7 - we get the dear old Super Rev. G. A. Bennetts about once in 3 wks - don't I love him? Rather! I shan't have missed a pastor so much since the days of Father Anderson and his flock.
Love to you all
Mary.
(My little maid Mary)
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Chapel Terrace
Coombe
16th Dec 14
Dear Fannie,
You will hardly get this by Xmas I'm thinking but in good time for the New Year I hope. Although the Xmas mirth may be checked within your own heart I do pray that the solid lasting Xmas peace may be yours in rich abundance. Our family as I been accustomed to know it was first broken a little more than 5 yrs ago by Mother's going - then Blanche went, next father and now dear old Dick - notwithstanding all this, I realise they have been 5 blessed years - from the christian standpoint, my life has been brighter - my peace deeper and my assurance that I am accepted by God, more real than ever before. Don't mistake me and think I'm incapable of grief or sorrow in bereavement - I'm just giving you my own experience for your encouragement.
I'm glad the friends at Espanola have remembered you - I
hope they will now and then. Am returning the letter. Thankyou for obituary - I
think dates are pretty correct. Am so glad you've got all Dick's books - Are
"Thompson's Travels in the
Now I must see about cooking our evening meal - supper we call it. God bless you and yours.
As ever
Mary
* * * * * * * * * *
Richard
with his mother, Charlotte, and his sister, Mary Grace
This photograph (circa 1892) was clearly taken after the amputation
of his leg as he is holding a walking cane. (See Mary's letter above)
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Chapel Terrace
Coombe
9th July 15
Dear Fannie,
You may think I'm a rather queer being, but I do thank you so much for sending me the ashes - now I can look at that, knowing my dear old Dick and his precious wife and child are free - no one can point the finger at them now - I feel like springing over a 5 barred gate - a favourite expression of mine I fancy. Does the land turn in anything to you yet - what is it like? Is it in S. Dakota? Have you turned it over to some one for a certain length of time? We haven't got anyone of the pictures you've sent, but if you've no more of the same, I'd like to return them.
Dear little Mary - yes I would like to see you both - I often wonder with you if we shall ever clasp hands in this life - I suppose we each have our own ideas of the other - thanks for little maid Mary's writing - I suppose she can hardly read A and 0 yet - has she got natural curls? I hope your Mother is getting over the shock of your dear Father's death and that she will be spared for the sake of her children. Who runs the farm? Is Mary content with her Grannie without you? I suppose your 6 wks at school are about over - have you found study irksome? Do you know yet when you'll begin work? I'm so glad you'll be able to live at home. I do hope you'll have good health and get on all right in school. One of my old schoolmates who buried her husband a year or 2 back has got into school again - she and 2 of her little ones (other 2 laid to rest in Spain) are living with her married sister about 1 mile from the school. How far is your school from home? Will Mary be able to go next summer? Will you have to study any more now?
We've had a good deal of rain lately - people find it difficult to save the hay, but I suppose the root crops and corn are feeling the benefit of it.
This is the 2nd week our school has been closed for measles. Howard is in bed yet. Frank has gone to school, he goes to the Churchtown school about 1 and a half miles away - he's 12 and a half years - he’s a Lean - a bit quiet and steady-going, but the other 9 in Sept, he's a rip, full of fire - a Yelland. I'm trying to catch the morning post - then I must dig into my work - then there are rags to mend - how plentiful they are here!
Next I want to write Aunt in
Mamma and her little maiden fair - Auntie Mary.
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Chapel Terrace
Coombe
15th Oct. 15
Dear Fannie
I see by your letter that even little Mary was thinking it
time to hear from me - I'm sure I don't know what is her opinion of me now, for
I don't think I've written for 2 months. I'm glad she remembers her father - I
hope his memory will live with her. Oh how strange it all seems that the simple
little Dick Yelland who used to run about the dear old lanes here, has his body
resting in
"Thankyou very much for your letter my dear little maiden I shall love to get another from you."
Do you ever hear anything of our family in
Love to you all
Mary
* * * * * * * * * *
1 Chapel Terrace
Coombe
25th Feb. 16
Dear Fannie,
I know 'tis a very long time since I wrote you last - not
for this year and some time back in the last. I think you must be wondering
what has become of us. We are still in the same little corner of the world
enjoying comparative quiet and peace, I'm thankful to say. The Zepps have
attacked different parts of our little isle and done some damage and people
have been killed. Our old aunt Parkin as you may know lives with her son in
I've no one to give - the boys are too young and Syd is 45
too old yet at any rate and I'm afraid his health would be a hindrance. He has
worked in the mines too long - he's marked - Dr says both lungs are affected at
the bottom - his breath is short and he has that dry hacking cough a good deal
of the time more or less - already familiar to you, perhaps - he hasn't reached
such an advanced stage as some, but it's there all the same - I've been sure of
it for some time - but he would pretend 'twasn't so - 'twas no surprise to me
when the Dr gave his verdict - he works when the weather is not too bad, but I
don't expect him ever to be strong. He's taking codliver oil and new milk -
don't make much of it when you write - if at any time you want to know anything
particular about it, just use a separate slip of paper. I think about it
sometimes and wonder as to what is before us but I'm not troubled I'm sure that
while we are faithful to God He will bring us safely through - more than
conquerors - and it will be all right. I hope your Mother is keeping well
through the winter weather. I expect you get more cold than we do - I wish you
and our sweet little maid Mary, well at school. I suppose it won't be long now
Mary, before you'll be writing cat and dog and sending over to
Love to you all
Mary G. Lean.
* * * * * * * * * *
A note relating to Sydney Lean written on the reverse of this card by his son Frank Lean who visited the area in 1980.
"At the foot of this mountain Sydney Lean worked in
the 1890's for 6 years in Uncle Sam Gold Mine. Now in 1980 it has for a number
of years been at the bottom of
T. F. L."
In the above letter Mary refers to
* * * * * * * * * *
Sydney Lean was granted a Local Preacher’s Licence to preach in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1891 by the Soulsbyville Quarterly Conference of the Oakland District of California,
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1 Chapel Terrace
Coombe
Dear Fannie
I'm not sure, but I think I've only written you once yet for this year. I see on your last letter to me is dated 19th March and you told me Mary was wondering if I had gone to the War - what she will be thinking by now I don't know, to say nothing of yourself. I'm writing Aunt Parkin in London this afternoon as well - I haven't done much writing for the last four months - we've had a long spell of sickness in the family ending up in a death - Syd's youngest sister about 33 - she's left a husband a little girl 11 and a boy 7 - felt a chill last Sunday in February at church - thought 'twas influenza - 2 first Drs said jaundice - 3rd Dr said operation in bowels and liver -taken to hospital 11th May, died next morning after 1st operation. 2 of her sisters and I have been keeping things going, 2 of us sleep there now - husband was sick for about three wks after funeral and while Emily was ill her little boy was in bed with measles and again with scarlet fever - he's rather a delicate little fellow - playing about the kitchen now while I'm writing - we live about a stone throw from each other. Emily was our organist.
I'm so glad Mary remembers her papa - I hope she'll continue. All due respect to you, but I feel rather pleased to hear that she is like Dick, seeing he is not with her. Also delighted that she's a singer - perhaps there are singers in your family. I don't think Dick was any very great singer and as for Mother, I've heard her say she could only sing one tune set to the evening hymn "Abide with me fast falls the eventide," you know it perhaps - I think that must have been when she was a girl, for I don't remember hearing her sing one note, but on the other hand she has told me, her father - Grandfather Thomas was sought after to sing in public. So by putting your family and ours together there may be some hope of the talent for singing showing itself in Mary. I hope so.
Dear little soul intending to cross the herring pond to
I suppose you're having your holiday now little maid Mary. How many little toes have come poking through your stocking and then right through the boot? If you're like Frank and Howard, I'm thinking you'll need new boots and perhaps a new frock to go back to school. They'll have 5 weeks.
Love to you all,
Auntie Mary.
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1 Chapel Terrace
Coombe
28th Feb 17
Dear Fannie,
I'm serving you as bad as I did Dick with regard to letter writing and I believe even worse.
We're still here in this peaceful corner of the world, you've not been out of my thoughts although I've seemed very unkind. Mary says she wishes I lived with her, dear me, I wonder how long she'd be pleased with me. After all I should like to see you - the woman of Dick's choice and that precious child his very own - his own flesh and blood - bearing his name. I want to see your movements and hear the tone of your voices - a photo can't give these.
Frank left school at Xmas - 14, going on with his father for the time - hardly know what we'll do with him yet. Am sorry for Mrs. Klippel's daughter. I wonder what Yelland Mrs. K's father was. I've got an idea he must have been one of the 21 - my great grandfather, John Yelland married twice and altogether he had 21 children - I believe some died young. I don't expect you know, but I daresay Mrs. K could tell you - I'd like to know his christian name. Mrs. Fred Varcoe's (Janie) grandmother was one of them. I'm glad you and Mary are getting on so well at school, you won't find the work irksome if you have a liking for it will you?
Am pleased to know you've got a little off the land at last 'tis all a help. I hope it will prove a benefit to you. Yes prices are high in this country some things are 3 times as much as before war - we have to be very careful over potatoes for next 3 months - flour and coal very high. It almost looks as if America will go to war too, I think - You and I never expected to see such times as these, with all of it we have a lot to be thankful for now. For us we've had a hard winter - January and part of Feb. frost and snow such as we've not had for years - more like spring again now. Syd is working again now - he couldn't do much during the frost - cough has been rather bad, but improving a bit now - frosty air and east wind rather bad for him. How is your Mother's health? Does she stand the cold fairly well? I suppose Mary thinks a lot of her Grannie. Is she fond of being out in the yard with the horses and cattle? I used to be called a "Tom-boy" - I loved it outdoors and do now.
It's time for me to see about the supper now - they'll soon be home from work - I've got a stew boiling - turnip potatoes and beef cut small altogether in a saucepan with a layer of pastry over the top.
Love to you all, As ever
Mary.
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1 Chapel Terrace
Coombe
29th Jan. 19
Dear Fannie,
No I haven't written you for a long time. I won't try to excuse myself - 'twas simply neglect - Did you ever read "Pickwick Papers" by Charles Dickens, I wonder - if so you may have noticed Sam Weller senior said to Sam W. junior - "Samivel my son beware of the vidders (widows)"? Perhaps M. Sanderson had no one to whisper that in his ear - at any rate he seems not to have regarded it - so now he must put up with it - but this by the way. I tell you honestly my dear old girl I'm heartily glad for you. Dick can do no more for you or the precious child - must you remain alone to the end because he has passed on? No, no such nonsense. That is a closed chapter now except to memory. Mind you I shouldn't be rejoicing in this way if I didn't feel satisfied you'd married a christian - I don't believe in what is written of as "unequal yoking." May God's blessing indeed rest on you and your mixed family.
But oh Fanny Dick's own little "maiden" - there's the tender spot with me - I would like the memory of him to be always with her, but not if it would cast any shadow over the new home life - that would be a price too great. I want her to dearly love her new Papa and feel that he really belongs to her - then there's her little sister - I don't want her to think any other than that she's a whole sister. Again - there'll be times when she'll be naughty and domineering and want to "boss" the new family - may Mr. S. and you have grace enough to act fairly and faithfully towards the fatherless bairn. Your love for both children will be just the same won't it? But with Mr. S. I think there must be a distinction, however little it may be - to love another's child exactly as you do your own flesh and blood, seems to me to be an impossibility. I don't blame him. I have one favour to ask - will you take care of the commentaries (Clarke's), Josephus, and Wesley's Journal and any little things Dick valued, which Mary might prize later on. But once again all these little things are secondary when placed beside your home happiness, they must, if necessary stand on one side for that - I do indeed rejoice with and for you.
I wonder if any of you've had the flu - our elder boy Frank 16 and I've had a touch of it he was home for two mths, went to work with Syd last week - Dr said he had outgrown his strength as well. Syd hasn't had it - I hope he won't - he goes along just the same - breath rather bad. Now this is pretty good for me I'm going to close.
Your loving sis:
Mary G. Lean.
[Enclosure]
My dear little Mary
Oh how nice to get a letter from yourself - I've kissed it and kissed it again and again. What a great time you have had since last I heard from you - a new home, a new Papa, and a little sister oh that dear little mite - you dearly love her, don't you? I'm glad you are on a farm - what lovely milk and eggs. I'm glad you like school and then how nice on Sundays to go to school with Papa while Mamma takes care of baby. What a big girl you must be - 8 yrs old - you'll be quite a nice help for Papa and Mamma. I think a lot about you sometimes. Oh how I should like to see you. I'd like you to do me one little kindness - never forget your first Papa - and now be glad that God has given you another Papa and a dear little sister too. How kind God is to you isn't He?
I wonder what you are going to call baby. I should love to come and see you all. Wouldn't you look about if I were to come to you one of these days in an "Air Ship"? What sort of hair and eyes has baby?
Your loving Auntie,
Mary.
xxxx Mary
xxxx Baby
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1 Chapel Terrace
Coombe
9th Dec 19
Dear Fanny,
It may be you think I'm not going to write any more. I got your letter and the photo all right - I am pleased with it, indeed - if only I could see the real children! Mary looks so careful over baby and baby seems to be highly pleased with herself and everybody and everything else. I hope Mary will never know any other feeling but that baby is really her sister. I'm glad to know she remembers her papa - if baby or any of baby's brothers or sisters in later would like a book or anything that was his, I hope she'll be willing to share with them.
Very likely farmers in America and Eng: have not exactly the same ways of working - but I think they are with you in one thing and that is always busy, with a lot of things as you say to be done all at once - I always say the work is never done on a farm - after all, I believe it is the healthiest life and that a farm is the best place to raise children on.
I'm sorry you've lost your niece - your Mother must miss her very much I should think specially as your Father has gone too.
I have passed through deep waters this year - a like experience to your own - Syd was failing all last winter, about the middle of April he was taken with acute asthma - preached twice on Easter Sunday - came home feeling pretty well for him, but felt poorly by the next morning, went to the Prayer meeting that evening but didn't go outside the gate again - had Dr on Wednesday and on the next Wed: afternoon at quarter to 5 he took his ascent to God - such a quiet peaceful ending - now after so many years struggling for breath he breathes freely the pure air of Heaven. He was 48 last Jan. Howard is 13, still goes to school, Frank will be 17 this month, he is not in full work but gets a job when and where he can - 'twill be better I'm hoping after Xmas - I clean our little Chapel - we live quite close to it - look in on the organ from our back door. I'm not afraid to face the future. The Great Father makes no mistakes - 'tis all right.
Love to you all
Mary.
[Enclosure]
My Dear Little Mary,
'Twas so nice to get a letter from you all written by yourself. How I should like to see you, you must be quite a big girl by now. What a pretty photo - by the careful way you're holding that precious baby sister I should say you are a good nurse - you will always mother her won't you, seeing you are so much older than she is. I think you must be very busy with all the cows and poultry - how nice of you to have learnt to milk a cow - I don't think I ever did very much to that, but I used to pick up the eggs and Grandma gave me 1d a score (20 eggs) for doing it - I wonder what your Mammy thinks of that. We don't keep any fowls or pigs - we haven't room in our little garden - we live in a very pretty little village in a beautiful valley - it is Home sweet Home to us - we have lots of kind friends around us. I feel as though I never wish to live anywhere else. I'm glad you too have a comfortable home and such kind parents. Your two cousins Frank and Howard are like you now, their dear papa or daddy as they called him, has gone to Heaven to the Lord Jesus - he suffered a lot of pain here and was nearly always tired. Now it is all over and he will never feel any of those things again - but it is all right isn't it, we will ask God to help us to be good and then by and by He will take us to Heaven too and we shall always be with Him and those we dearly loved down here, who are already there. I'm very pleased with your motto:- "Keep Smiling" - I quite agree with it, I don't believe in moping and fretting all the time as though everything was wrong do you? Now my Love to you and that precious fat baby.
Your loving Auntie
Mary
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* * * * * * * * * *
APPENDIX
A record of
Richard Yelland’s bicycle ride from St.Stephens to
Postcards and letters he wrote during his journey
out and back
Arrived here a little after
Dick
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Shaftsbury
Tuesday evening
Going to stay at our Richards to night. Shelley at home.
Weather fine, been taking it easier to day. Slept 11 miles out of
Dick
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Wenesday
7-30 P M
Arrived
