#25 - Abington Meeting, PA John Cadwalader from Wales, Quaker Minister, Missionary

John Cadwalader 

Husband of Mary Cassel 

Relationship to me: 8th great grandfather; 

father of Jane Cadwalader (who married Robert Comly)

John Cadwallader

• Birth 1676 in Montgomeryshire, Wales   
• Death Sep 1742 in Tortola, Virgin Islands 

 Children of John and Mary (Cassel) Cadwalader: 
1 Sarah, born 1702, m. John Bond
2 John, born 19 Jun 1703, m. Elizabeth Hinkson 19 Jun 1728, he died 15 Mar 1785 
3 Abraham, born circa 1705, remained unmarried
4 Jane, born 1707, m. Robert Comly circa 1727, died 1755
5 Isaac, born 1709, m. Mary Roberts, he died 1739
6 Mary, born 1711, m. Benjamin Eaton
7 Jacob, born 1713, m. Magdalen Conrad, he died 1779
8 Martha, born 1716, m. Ellis Roberts 
9 Joseph, born 16 Nov 1717 m. Mary Williams (Gwynedd MM), d.1789 Fayette Co PA 
10 Benjamin, born 1720, m. Grace Comly 1742, died 1753 

Biography: "John Cadwalader became an accepted minister of the Society of Friends at an early age, and traveled extensively in that service, visiting Great Britain in 1721. 

He made long journeys to all parts of the colonies in America on horseback, and the great number of certificates returned to his meeting testify to the appreciation of his service in the cause of Truth in the Carolinas and other distant parts.

In 1742 he made a religious journey to the West Indies, his certificate being dated 5th mo. 20, 1742. 
A later minute of the Abington Meeting shows that he reached the Island of Tortola, 9th mo. 4, 1742, in company with John Estaugh, of Haddonfield, New Jersey, and that he died there on the 26th of the same month, Estaugh dying a few days later. 

By a curious coincidence, Thomas Chalkley, the eminent English minister of the Society who had been John Cadwallader's companion in many notable journeys, had ended his Gospel labors on the same island about two years earlier, and all three graves are represented in a painting hanging in the library of Swarthmore College."
 - From the "Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania Biography, Vol. IV," by John W. Jordan, LL.D., New York, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1915, page 1223. 

Notes from the Minutes of the Abington (PA) Monthly Meeting: 

• 1716 - John Cadwallader was appointed to visit families on a religious visit to New England. 
• 1719 - Certificate to Barbadoes [sic] but did not go at this time 
• 1721 - Certificate to visit Great Britain 
• 1724 - Certificate to visit Long Island 
• 1732 - Certificate to visit Great Britain and Ireland (See Irish Quakers in the area) 
• 1740 - Certificate to visit Virginia and North Carolina 
• 1742 - Certificate to visit the Island of Tortola in the West Indies.

The following memorial to John Cadwallader was submitted by the Abington MM to the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in 1758.

Our Friend John Cadwallader of Horsham, was convinced of the Principles of Truth when young; had a gift in the ministry bestowed on him in which he was serviceable; underwent many deep baptizing seasons, by which it is believed he was in good degree an over-comer. 
He travelled much in the exercise of his gift, having visited his Brethren in Truth's service in most, or all, the parts of this continent where Friends reside; and crossed the Seas twice to Europe on the same account; and once to the Island of Barbados; and good accounts and credentials were upon all occasions, communicated to this Monthly Meeting of his acceptable service; and was also serviceable amongst us in the Meetings of Discipline. 
His last visit was to the Island of Tortola in company with our worthy Friend, John Estaugh, deceased. 
He was taken indisposed on his passage thither before he landed, yet proceeded on the service he went up for the satisfaction of Friends there, but his distemper increasing upon him. 
He departed this life in Peace, on said Island of Tortola, on the 26th of the 9th month, 1742, as by accounts sent hither by Friends of said Island; aged near 66 years.

John Caldwalader’s Will: 
"I John Cadwalader of Warminster in the County of Bucks, and Province of Pennsylvania, Being about to go on a Religious visit to the Island of Tortola, tho in my Declining years yet of a sound mind, memory, and understanding, thought good to make and Ordain this my last will and Testament in manner hereafter Expressed, That is to say, first of all I will that all my Just Debts and Funeral Expenses be fully paid and Discharged. 
Item - I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Margaret all the household goods which she brought with her at time of our marriage. The one Gray horse, and one cow, and also all the Bonds that is now lodged in her hand, in lieu and in full recompence for all Third, Dowers, and Demands, whatsoever, to my Estate Goods, and Chattels; and to live in the house we now live in during her widowhood. 
Item - I give and bequeath unto my Daughter-in-law, Mary Cadwalader the sum of five pounds Lawful money of the said Province. 
Item - I give and bequeath unto my grandson Isaac Cadwalader the sum of five pounds of the like money. But in case my Said grandson should die in his minority, my will is that the said five pounds be equally divided between his surviving Brothers and Sisters, the children of his Deceased father. 
Item - I give and bequeath all the residue of my Estate, Goods, and Chattels nothing Excepted Save the Afore mentioned Legacies to be Equally Distributed between my children Viz. John, Jacob, Joseph, Benjamin, Sarah, Jane, Mary and Martha, and my Son Isaac's children whom I would to have an Equal Share with one of my aforesaid Children, to be Equally Divided among them, And my will further is that in case my said daughter Mary the wife of Benjamin Eaton should remove with her said husband to live anywhere out of this Province that her share or Division of My Estate as aforesaid be not paid unto her, but I do hereby Order the same to be Equally Divided between aforesaid Children and son Isaac's Children all to have between them and Equal share of one of my said Children anything herein contained not withstanding. 
Item - I give unto my son Benjamin the remainder of John Bryan's Time or Apprenticeship willing my son to fulfill his Indenture and to teach or cause to be taught the Trade my said Son follows anything herein before Contained notwithstanding. 

I do hereby Constitute and Appoint my son Jacob Cadwalader and son-in-law John Bond to be joint and Co-Executors of this my last will and Testament. 
Also I Do Nominate and appoint my friend George Lewis and John Evans to be Overseers of this my Last will and Testament to see the same Accomplished. 
Finally I do hereby revoke and make void all former and other will and Testament by me heretofore made or declared to be made Either by word of mouth or writing validing and Confirming this only to be my Last in which whereof I have hereinto set my hand and Seal the Thirtieth day of the Seventh month Anno Dom 1742. 
Signed Sealed Published and Declared by the Testator as his Last will in the Presence of us and hereunto Subscribed Witnesses: 
Jno Evans 
 Rowland Evans 
John Cadwalader 
Proved June 20, 1743 
Then personally appeared John Evans and Rowland Evans the witnesses to the foregoing will and on their solemn affirmation according to Law do declare they saw and heard John Cadwalader the Testator above named Sign and Institute and Declare same will to be his last will and testament and that at the time thereof He was of sound mind memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge.” 

 Source: http://montgomery.pa-roots.com/Biographies/JohnCadwalader.

Cadwalader and Comly

Note:
There are two men named John Cadwalader, who were about the same age, immigrated from Wales at the same time, were members of the Society of Friends, and settled in Pennsylvania, and the data for both men sometimes get mixed together. 

“My” John Cadwalder traveled widely in the Quaker ministry, married Mary Cassel (Cassell/Kassel) and died on Tortola Island in the British Virgin Islands. 

The other was a “teaching assistant in a school making 20 pounds for half a year.
When his teaching partner left he was asked to manage the school and shortly thereafter was granted 50 pounds per year. In 1702 he gave notice of leaving the school, but in 1703 he was still there.” 

#24-Geography, farms and religion: Reynear Tyson and Family

Geography, family, farms & religion

The records of the early American colony reflect my ancestors' disposition to

1. marry people they know from their own area 
2. buy land then remain there working it 
3. carry on naming patterns of their family traditions
4. stick to a geographic area 
5. stick to the religion they were brought up in. The countries they fled often required them to join the State religion. This was an earned freedom they cherished.

A large number of my early ancestors in Pennsylvania and Delaware River area were Quakers (Friends). 
And when I check the records there are a dizzying number of repeated names in the same Meeting, in the same geographic area. 
Here is an example:
A quick glance at Abington Friends Meeting Records show 2 events  in one year, and 1 event in the subsequent year and the family name “Tyson” is mentioned in all three of the records.  
My question is: are these Tysons my direct ancestors, or lateral, or even un-related Tysons? 
The example, 
Abington Meeting records shows

1. John Kirk, husband of Sarah Tyson,  died in 1759
2. 1759 was also the year that a John Tyson was married with Hannah Cleaver. 
3. Immediately following the above marriage, but in the next year (1760), records show a Priscilla (Naylor) Tyson  died.

Answer:  
You're lucky--it took me two days to verify that I’m directly descended from all of them: 
John Kirk, 
Sarah Tyson, 
John Tyson, 
Hannah Cleaver, 
another John Tyson, 
and Priscilla Naylor. 
They were all either a 7th great grandparent and 8th great grandparent.
Yet all this was fairly straightforward for this year (1760) Abington was keeping good records and in English, and many of the families had been settled for decades. 

However, once you push back to the late 1600s (1680s) to about 1700, the stories are more murky.

 

January's Ancestor: Reiner /Reyner Tyson & Family
This first post, January’s post, is about Reiner/Reyner Tyson and his family.
I chose him because he is well-documented. 
Note on research on Reiner Tyson:
I am happy that in his case for my aunt Margaret B Walmer’s extensive and well-documented research. Included also is some research conducted by my grandmother's brother Don Tyson. I have gone over Margaret's and Don's research and their sources.
 (Margaret Walmer was a genealogist who has published books by Heritage Books.)
In this particular post, I don't need her published books but am using her detailed notes, some typed and some handwritten. 

To Mardy, I offer another post-humous “kudos! well done!”
I (again) thank my cousin Sam Walmer for scanning her papers.

#23- Uncle Ned Tyson's Christmas Gift to Brother Chester Tyson and Bertha Hawxhurst and Family

Uncle Ned's Christmas Gift to Brother Chester & Family

It's fitting that "Uncle Ned" be the guest blogger for this final post, also the Christmas post. His "post" was written some 70 years ago as a gift for his brother, Chester, and that Tyson family (December 1944). His poem  mentions each child in the family.
I picked up Ned’s poem from the 20th issue of THE FAMILY NEWS (Tyson family news), December 1949 where it was reprinted. 
The Editors wrote it was for: “the family gathering at Crestmont – Christmas 1944. It was Aunt Elizabeth’s idea [Elizabeth Tilton]. She asked Uncle Ned if he would like to do it. He did and read it to us then. We don’t know how long he spent in writing it; a heavy job we’d say. Although he was in poor health, he read the story dramatically, and gave every sign of enjoying what turned out to be his last Christmas with us.” THE FAMILY NEWS December, 1949
To clarify/remind you of a couple things:
1 Ned married Mary Hawxhurst, brother Chester married Mary’s sister Bertha. 
2 Ned was 13 years older than brother Chester; Mary was 19 years older than sister Bertha. (Mary had already passed away when Ned wrote this).
3 At the start of the poem the little girl is mentioned is Bertha who views the courtship of sister Mary and Ned at the girls’ Hawxhurst home in Westbury, Long Island, NY.

*                    *                        *                          *
 

You’ve heard the tale of the mountain, who laboring brought forth a mouse
But this tale is totally different, with nothing to show but a louse.
Please don’t be too hard on Elizabeth, but sympathize instead
Intentions were good, and the only fault, over-rating her Uncle Ned.
With this most humble apology, we’ll proceed to enter the gate
Of the Westbury home of the Hawxhursts in the good old Empire State.

In the year eighteen hundred and eighty-five
(Why General Grant was still alive)
A gawky youth sat on a parlor “Cheer”
Patiently waiting for his girl to appear.

As he presently glanced toward the parlor door
What should he see but a damsel of four.
With cheeks flaming red, and eyes that were bright
Presenting indeed, a delectable sight.

Forth, with her brother, they came hand in hand
(He as chaperone, doubtless) to finally land
On the very uncomfortable knew of the youth
Who was much embarrassed and flustered, forsooth.

But this dainty damsel was not bothered at all
And it soon became patent this “Queen of the Ball”
Had fully decided, without shadow of doubt
To fully and totally cut sister out.

And when the said sister had finally arrived
Much disgusted was damsel to be thus deprived
Of any chance further to make us of her smiles
And to break down resistance with feminine wiles.

But later, this damsel came down to see Sister.
She chanced to look ‘round before even she’d kissed her
And in plain sight beheld (in fact, it was no other)
No, not the slim youth, but his much younger brother.

One glance was quite sufficient to captivate this brother
And if you do not think so, just take a look at Mother.
And as to that which followed, strictly twixt you and me
The final result was the best that could be.

For through a full lifetime of living together
Thru good times and bad times, thru fair and foul weather
There ne’er was a day, not even a moment
That either withheld the love that’s so potent.

And then when the children commenced to arrive
The house soon became like a busy bee hive.
And it was a real joy for all persons to see
This proud active worker and his prouder Queen Bee.
-------------------------

Proud of their children, proud of their house
Proud of each other, this husband and spouse. 
Proud of their work, and enjoying their play 
A most perfect setting. What more can I say?

But as to the children, there’s much more to be said

And before you get thru with this garrulous Ned

You’ll probably wish he had died in the borning

But cheer up, my friends, it’s a long time till morning.

The first to appear on this peaceable scene

was cute little Donald, the joy of the “Queen.”

The “Pride of her heart”, as is so often said

But little she knew of what lay ahead.

For one day this “cute” little duffer

(Right on Grandma’s best parlor carpet)

Bu no. Drop the curtain, please do

And promptly forgive and forget it.

A little while later this venturesome kid

At the age of four – just see what he did.

He climbed to the top of the windmill of steel

To see how the air of the heavens would feel.

But fortunately then, at the eighty foot height,

His father and mother hove into sight.

He was soon back to earth, without any harm

Then climbed a low stump and broke his left arm.

And so, his adventures, if I really come clean

Continued thru life, ‘til he met up with Irene.

She took him in hand, and straightened him out

And taught him what living was really about.

Soon, along there came Charles, whom they nicknamed Jimmy.

Followed by Kenneth, first cousin to “Ginny”

And competent Florence, beloved Aunt of the boys,

Who adds much to their comfort, as well as their joys.

Jimmy’s a worker, when someone’s around,

Disking the peaches, and plowing the ground.

Helps Uncle Ralph, by driving the tractor.

In this Tyson household, he’s a much valued factor.

Kenny delights in going to school

Between you and me, that chap is no fool.

Having no sister, he does what ma wishes,

From mowing the lawn, to washing the dishes.

A mighty fine pair of dependable kids
If they were put up at auction, I’d certainly bid.
Not only adventures embroidered Don’s lot,
Real work was needed to fire the pot.

Now, Don is helping his old Uncle Sam
To get needy farmers out of a jam.
Buying their phosphate, supplying their lime
Furnishing seeds, and a lot of his time.

But when Don pursues this difficult task,
“What becomes of the Farm”, you may properly ask.
The answer’s- Irene. Your guess was quite near.
She’s cook, nurse, or farmer as need doth appear.

So, good luck to Don, and his helpmate, Irene.
As to the boys, it’s plain to be seen
That besides helping Daddy, they are always most keen
To take mighty good care of “Gram”, the good Queen.
- - - - - - -
The next to leave Heaven to hunt up a job
Was named Robert William, but we soon dubbed him “Bob”.
And the first thing he said when he opened his eyes
Was, “Find me the mud and I’ll market mud pies.”

“Twas the third of July, year 19-0-3
When Bob “putted off” from the Heavenly “Tee”
And from that day to this, he’s been a “Go-getter”
If someone was good, he’d go him one better.

I”ll never forget the day that he found
His old job as foreman had sunk ‘neath the ground.
Did he whimper and cry? Not that you could mention
But stated instead, as his considered intention,

“To start off tomorrow”, to Harrisburg, say
“And grab me a job, that hereafter I may
Have something to do that looks like a job,
No matter what,” said competent Bob.

And grab one he did, before the day’s end
“Not just what I’d like, but I will surely bend
Every effort to please, so when I request
A recommendation, ‘twill be of the best.”

And so, this aforesaid sturdy go-getter
Has gradually risen from good jobs to better.
And if you assay the true cause to ferret,
You’ll quickly discover, it’s unalloyed merit.

And, as everyone knows, through all of this strife,
Bob has been blessed with the most excellent wife.
Thelma’s true as blue steel, and loving and kind,
Keeping him fully, and properly dined.

And “Jerry” Louise, now there’s a fine girl,
Who surely will make her own place in Life’s whirl.
And be like her mother, entirely content
To manage a household, as is Nature’s intent.

But one fact has just come to the writer’s attention
Which perhaps, at this place had had much better mention
All thru the time of his youth, so they say
This Robert persisted in running away.

He’d run away in daytime, he’d run away at night
He’d run away just any  time, much to his mother’s fright.
She whipped him, and she lashed him, and she locked up his attire,
And still this Bob kept running; he never seemed to tire.
- - - - - -
Now, the next boy to arrive was really a girl
At least as time passed, she donned skirts awhirl.
But, as to cosmetics, and other girl lotions
She much preferred boys, and strictly boy notions.

‘Stead of making mud pies, to be fed to a rag
Would ‘round a stick like a doll, she would tag
Along with the boys, to their vast irritation
Sans hat, and sans shoes, and sans invitation.

She’d much rather try to hit a ball with a bat
Than have a new dress, or a ravishing hat
Unmercifully the boys would tease and malign
But she made the home team, the famed Tyson Nine.

What a slim foundation, you’d say, for a wife,
To mend a man’s clothes, and feed him for life
To bear all his children, bring them to perfection
And give to them all, both love and affection.

But, just wait a moment, she was mother’s good helper
With physique like an ox, and a quite even temper
Willing to do, and the wherewith to do it,
A quite different story, as you’ll certainly view it.

Eating the pudding determine its worth
A saying that’s true, all over the earth.
So, just look around, and answer me,
Could any result more commendable be?

She’s got her a husband, as fine as could be,
And three sturdy youngsters, as you plainly see,
And dear Mother Moore, who never is cross.
She has a good job, but a crusty old boss.

One thing I’ve forgotten, forgive me, please do.
I’ll make due amends, before I am through
Her first name’s Elizabeth, after Queen Bess
Middle name Charity, grandsir’s mother, I guess.

She got her last name from Charles Tilton, for life,
When she solemnly promised to be a true wife.
Charles served in the Air Corps, a Captain in rank.
On his being a good one, you surely can bank.

Here’s are very best wishes to this happy pair
And to their three lively children, so sturdy and fair.
There’s bright active Billy, lovely Mardy and Ann
And we wish Mother Moore the best that we can.

'Twas the year nineteen six and the gorgeous month of May
When dainty Margaret Janet deigned to turn her steps this way.
She was, of course, expected and you may be very sure
That proper steps were taken to receive this maiden pure.

She was so very lovable, so charming and so bright
That all our hearts were filled with joy and pure delight.
And when asthma took its toll, and caused so much distress
She had our warmest sympathy throughout her strain and stress.

And when her parents’ fondest hopes were broken like a reed
'Twas Margaret Janet who arrived and helped to fill their need.
For many years it was her task to the youthful mind to teach
The same time building up her own to further outward reach.

One lucky day she met a man, one of important station.
Clarence Keefer was his name, a shark at sanitation.
A hard working chap was he, as befitted his position
With a twinkling eye, and a smiling face, and a flair for erudition.

It quickly developed that these studious minds were not disposed to tarry
And soon the Meeting received a request that they be permitted to marry.
Permission granted, arrangements made, and the knot tied good and tight
But not a single strand used they, but a wholly dependable light.

A chance soon came to travel, at home and over seas
To visit Friendly neighborhoods, and to examine scenes
And copious notes were carefully kept to inform the folks at home
In case they too should later on, kick up their heels and roam.

Many learned treatises flow from their facile pen.
For Margaret, too, helps Clarence now and then.
Here’s to this lovable pair, and here’s to the work they do
May a world of happiness be their lot, and envelope them thru and thru
- - - - - - -
Frederick, middle name Carroll, came to town in Nineteen eight
The month was Feb. the day was nine, when he finally crashed the gate.
Now, what’s to be done with this rollicking kind, who comes bounding in at the door,
After quietly stowing himself away ‘neath grandma’s kitchen floor.

For there was a cistern grim and cold.
‘Twas oft full of water, but please, withhold
Your fears, for he’d chosen a day for his try
When the underground dungeon was partially dry.

He tangled up with so much dirt
From day through following day,
That Mother in desperation said,
“He meets the thing half way.”

As years passed on, concern rose as to where he’d find a mate
So they sent him out, and sternly bade that he travel early and late.
From East to West, from North to South he was compelled to roam
When suddenly lovely Mildred Jost was found near Home Sweet Home.

Then they traveled together from East to West, and from West to East returned
From North to South, and back again, many gallons of gas they burned.
But in their travel on business bent, they’d secretly bemoan
The lack of an heir to gladden their hearts, and brighten their hoped for home.

But one day in Gasport, State of New York, there arose a mighty shout,
And neighbors came from near and far, to learn what t’was all about
And soon they found, as you must have reckoned,
The stork had delivered Frederick Carroll, the Second.

So, here we will leave them with our very best wishes.
She to care for their son, and he to wash dishes.
We are sorry to miss hem in this moment of cheer
And look forward hopefully to Christmas next year.
- - - - - - - - - -
Phil, best pal of Frederick, was the next chap to blow in
First name Edwin; to deny him a better was surely a sin
And to put that name first, must have been done on a bet
Bust much worse placed in 2nd, for t’would then have spelled PET.

Despite this handicap severe, his arrival was just fine
On July 28th, in the year Nineteen  O Nine.
And almost at once with his pal, brother Fred
He joined up with “The Firm” and came forging ahead

Now, there’s a point of ancient history that gladly would I pass
But strict Poetic Justice requires me, Alas!
To here and now remind you of something stark and rash
‘Tis just that little matter of fourteen Meeting sash. 

It seems that Phillip’s Mother, one lovely summer’s morn
Desired that he should fetch her some edible sweet corn
Now such a job fit not at all with Phillip’s daily plan.
But worse than that, he smuggled in his little brother Stan.

To hasten up this tale of woe, and close it with a stroke
Before the day was ended, there were fourteen windows broke.
Now what was done with Stanley and what was done with Phil?
I’ll leave to you the question, “Was there a rumpus on the Hill?”

With such a start, you’d likely guess an end at Leavenworth.
But if you did, far wrong you’d be – I double up with mirth
For Phil is in the Army – and doing mighty fine
And Stan is in the Navy – bucking hard the line.

He spent a time at college. At G.M. Tech, I think.
The while he built car coolers for Lockport’s Harrisons, Inc.
He worked a spell at Gasport, testing sprayer pumps.
Then heeded Horace Greeley, and crossed the Rockies’ humps.

We see that this was not each day, the only vital part
He turned his hand from work to play and studied Kodak art.
And those of us who’ve a chance his photographs to view,
Are most enthusiastic as we scan them thru and thru.

The Army checked his talents and taught him radio.
Then shipped him o’er the water to far off Borneo.
But there’s one thing we’ve never heard. He never wrote a line,
To say if any girl had caused his lonely heart to pine.

Here’s to our Phil, may he soon return, again to his native land
And if he should bring back with him from off he Western sand
As helpmate for a lifetime, a frizzy skirted lass
We’ll tear up all our gardens and plant two pampas grass.
- - - - - - - -
Now following previous mention, Stanley comes in quick
His first name, of course, is Richard, but nobody calls him Dick.
His initial bawl and initial crawl came in Nineteen eleven
On the 22nd day of windy March, he dropped in straight from Heaven.

For nearly a year he couldn’t decide whether he’d better go back
But soon this curly head (first of its kind) took quite a different tack.
From day to day and from week to week, he gradually added pounds
By now he can tackle any one in any number of rounds.

Standing up straight as a ramrod, clad in gleaming white
Yes, he belongs to the Navy, a truly commendable sight.

But I’m getting ahead of my story, truck driving was Stan’s delight
He tinkled the bell on a trolley till bus driving came into sight.
And while the bus still he was driving, right in the prime of life,
He met the girl of his choice, who later became his wife.

All Hail to thee, Irma May Hamilton, now adding the last name of Stan
There’s now a most welcome addition to the growing Tyson clan.
May we soon be most gratefully able to greet thee and Stan together
And, after this heart-rending gap, may you join your hands forever.
- - - - - - - - - -
Now after the namesake of his father, a name most widely sown
All over this State and in others, Chester Tyson’s favorably known.
This boy arrived in September; I’m sure twas the 22nd.
The year was Nineteen hundred and twelve, as time is usually reckoned.

A farmer he’d be. He early showed sign.
A garden he had before he was nine.
He learned how to plow and to hoe and to seed.
To prune and to spray, to harvest and week.

George would say, “June, take wagon and mule
To number eleven with Buzz Rice and tool.”
Flop-eared and droopy, but safe was Kate,
As she hauled men and tools from early till late.

To Penn State he went and an “Ag” became.
He studied and worked and attained some fame
For pruning and trimming and budding and such,
Which helped with the cost of college quite much.

The Baltimore Windsors did not long debate
When Chester J. Junior appeared at the gate.
“Your daughter I’d have, to make me a wife.”
“Then take her,” they said, “and keep her for life.”

Thus Charlotte was found, and luckily-My!
For her kind is rare and hard to come by.
Soon there was added “Bud,” Chester the Third.
And Naomi – Ann, “Nan”, as light as a bird.

To Delaware State in due time he hied
To test what he’d learned about credit. He tried
To make management plans for farmers there.
And help keep bill collectors out of their hair.
- - - - - - -
A genuine blond – 'tis rare in this troop.
(There only were two in the entire group.)
Given name Ralph – for Dean Watts – good friend.
On 10th twenty-seventh to earth did descend.

The year was ’14 and probably night.
He was tiny – quite small – just a wee mite.
Just look at him now, he outgrew it you see.
He’s spare but so tall as I’d want to be.

His youth was well spent at labor and play.
He mowed lawn and sprayed and helped make hay.
He studied at school and at State College, too.
And married a wife before you’d say – boo!

‘Twas Emilie Davis, a slim Quaker lass,
of N.J. and Earlham and Laurel. Yes,
At Laurel she’d spent many summers, I hear.
Fast friends they’d become for the Lakes was so near.

Of Ed. Nicodemus and Mr. Hess, too.
He asked for a job and bought some ground, true.
He managed their orchard and tended his land.
He set his sights high and ambition fanned.
- - - - - - - -
‘Twas A. D. 15 and May 6th at that,
When the Doctor gave signal in Chester’s  flat
A new child was born, a fine laddie too.
A good contribution to that growing crew.

The Tenth child he was and thus he was dubbed,
Sir Dixie Paul Tyson, but quickly we rubbed
The first of it out and called him plain “Dix”
That set him off well from the first and last six.

Handsome greys for summer afternoon, matched by shirts of blue
And when the evening suits appeared, they were of every hue.
Now,  this is Fred? Well, I guess not. Dix for short, to you,
And were his brothers jealous like? Too true, too true, too true.

But when the time had come in course to put this chap to work
T’was found it didn’t do at all; he’d much prefer to shirk.
Now that is not a proper start for any chap in life
But all this fellow needed was a proper steady wife.

And when he finally found her, and a careful survey made
T’was found that he had stumbled on a mine of gold “indade.”
So lovable and charming, so capable and true
Have you any wonder that we are jealous, too?

And now that Dix is married, he is working like an ox
Salting down the lucre ‘neath keys and sturdy locks.
When is thee coming, Audrey Jean, and thy baby, little Rae?
We hope that all can come at least by another Christmas day.
- - - - - - - - - -
Strange it must seem and most strange indeed.
Up to this time no one saw a need
To nineteen nineteen no child had worn
The name of his mother in Westbury born.

A good name it is. So proud he must be.
Alan Hawxhurst, they called him. Thus did he
Fill in the omission so glaringly plain.
And to this generation a brave name retain.

With Norman Eugene as the twelfth, I am done,
And endeth my tale in the year twenty one.
But no, I won’t end it, more must be told
Of trials and triumphs – all I’ll unfold.

Alan and Norma, a penalty paid
For having eight brothers. Their days were made
Chuck full of labor, chores, errands and such
Duties as didn’t appeal to them much.

“Alan, do this. Now, Norman do that.
Run to the house and get me a hat.”
The latter was fatter; the former light.
Their tasks kept them busy from morning to night.

I don’t s’pose it hurt them to work in this way.
They just did their share, in truth I must say.
Of farm work and house work, garden and stand,
At spraying, and pruning and tilling the land.

His schooling once finished, Alan turned his feet
Due east to Doylestown Village, Bucks’ county seat.
There he worked for Burpees testing beans and chard,
Putting his findings on a little card.

Soon he joined the Navy, a mariner forsooth.
A pilot’s helper he. Aerologist, this youth.
Judged the clouds and winds above. Read their spread and height.
Planned the weather for ahead, both for day and night.

A splicerman was Norman, a cable mender he,
A joiner of coaxials for A.T. & T.
The Army took advantage of Norman’s skill and care.
And sent him o’er the water to fix the cables there.

- - -  - - -
With that I cease my ramblings. I’ll end the story there.
I’ll thank our host and hostess who did this meal prepare,
And quote the words of Dickens, in light of dying sun
Whose Tiny Tim was lead to say, “God Bless Us Everyone.”

Ned Tyson & Mary Hawxhurst  1930s

#22 -Chester Tyson, Advisor to Hoover in the Great War (WW1) and the Aftermath to Feed the Starving

[This post is dedicated to Margaret "Mardy" B Tilton (Walmer), who did a great deal of research and documented it.]
What do you do when you find this? Start digging.

Certificate to Chester Tyson signed by Herbert Hoover and Howard Heinz

This certificate grabbed me. My great-grandfather, Chester J Tyson, was the recipient of it. So what is the story? It is about more than him, his family and community. (Chester's life is touched in other posts)

Chester J Tyson as a young man

More Leads
A saved clipping shed light on the certificate: "National Advisory Committee" and dinner with Hoover once Hoover was President.

Now I'm interested
Chester has a photograph of himself in that group, who had dinner at the White House, 
with four Presidents: Taft, Coolidge, Wilson, and Hoover.

At White House with 4 Presidents, Taft, Wilson, Hoover, and Coolidge.  Also, HJ Heinz of Heinz brands (friend of CJT). Chester Tyson on right

Chester J Tyson, circled

What did he do that he should be invited to a White House?  
It turns out that for many years, Chester J Tyson served as an advisor to Hoover (before he was president). 

For many years, from WW1 to into the 1920's, the US sent food to European nations, and Hoover oversaw this. 

This is called "aid"--something I know a bit about as my husband's been involved in aid to foreign countries for decades.

Chester Tyson

Yes, Chester Tyson (though a Quaker) registered for the draft:

Chester Tyson's business card & World War 1 Draft Reg

Food Relief and the US - World War I
The U.S. Food Administration (USFA) was headed by Herbert Hoover (future President). 

Hoover was to get food to war-torn countries in Europe (he also headed food conservation efforts in the US).

The USFA began sending food to N. Europe, especially  Belgium and France, feeding  7 million people.

Prior to entering the war, the US was officially neutral, and shortly began sending food to Germans.

From there it rapidly expanded, broadening the relief effort to many countries in Europe.

Chester J Tyson's Role
Hoover asked Chester to serve as an expert during WWI on the US Food Administration's Agriculture Advisory Board.

USFA & Belgian Relief Fund, the first project

 

Tyson & Phillips- use of  agricultural products WW1

USFA poster here in the US for relief

Why it was called The Great War
~WWI was fought in more countries than you probably knew existed.  WWI changed nations' boundaries and their economic & political structures for decades to come. 

~ In Russia the Bolshevik Revolution was going on/just occurred.

~I looked at Wikipedia and was amazed at the list of battles in countries that I had not have known were engaged in World War 1.

The Expanded War & Need for Food
The reach and distribution of food relief was greatly expanded beyond France & Belgium and Germany, adding countries suffering conflict and distress. 

As an example, Romania was fighting for its life. And yes, the USFA sent food to Romania. 
Here is a poster rallying Romanians to join the Romanian forces:

"Romanian Brothers" - solicits help for the war

End of War Nov 11, 1918
The end of war didn't bring an end to hunger and the need for food.  
People in all parts of Europe were suffering. 
The relief effort continued and its name was
changed to: 

American Relief Administration or ARA
After World War I the ARA gave food relief to Europe with  Hoover serving as program director.

In 1919 the US Congress provided ARA a budget of $100 million. Private donations made up another $100 million.

Chester's Role  on the ARA
Chester J Tyson served on the Advisory  Committee of  Agriculture and Livestock Producers

23 Countries Served
In the immediate aftermath of the war, the ARA delivered more than four million tons of relief supplies to 23 war-torn European countries. Including Romania.

ARA ended its operations outside Russia in 1922; in Russia it operated till 1923.

Chester's Jobs 
In addition to the manage Tyson Brothers farm products, he also advised Penn State (State College) on horticulture.

USFA and ARA work
Chester also worked hard as an expert advisor to Hoover's relief efforts
Below is a sampling of a few saved telegrams from Chester to Hoover and from Hoover to Chester.

Chester at work in his office

Minutes

Minutes p 2

ARA's efforts at home and abroad:
At home, the ARA worked to rally support to conserve food so supplies could be shipped to Europe:

What good is Aid to foreign countries? 
Aid is cheaper than war (less that 1% of the US budget even now). 
It's good diplomacy and it builds a baseline of trust before diplomats negotiate.
What was Hoover's motivation? 
A book portion here, in Hoover's words:

Hoover's vision. Why Relief?

200 Million People a Day 1914-1921
Between the years of 1914-1921 Hoover was behind the feeding for more than 200 million people daily.

ARA ended its operations (except for Russia) in 1922; in Russia it operated till 1923.

ARA map of European ports of entry of post-war food relief.

1926 Chester and Bertha

Charles Tilton, Elizabeth Tyson [Tilton], Bertha and Chester abt 1926

My grandmother's father, Chester Julian Tyson, was a great worker and a friend to many in his sphere of influence.
This post can is just a snapshot of one of the many tasks he undertook willingly.

Sources:
1 Chester J. Tyson - family archives
2 Research of Margaret Tilton (Walmer), who received information from the Hoover Pres Library and Hoover Institution in the 1990s.
2 BBC News website - 2005 article (see below)
3 PBS The Great Famine ARA  & Related reading
PBS video “The Great Famine” about feeding Russians after the Bolshevik Revolution:
4 The Great Humanitarian-Cornell College
http://www.cornellcollege.edu/history/courses/stewart/his260-3-2006/01%20one/pol.htm
5 The Life of Herbert Hoover: Imperfect Visionary 1919-1928 by Kendrick A Clements
6 Wikipedia

Further reading on the Great Relief Effort, a 2005 BBC story below:

-------More information:-------

A BBC story (in part, link entire Story)

History's other great relief effort

… almost routinely given to it as the "world's largest relief operation ever"

The huge American undertakings that fed millions of people during and after the World War I rescued not sections of populations but whole peoples. Today they have been largely forgotten.

Yet 10 million people relied on food shipped in during the German occupation of Belgium and Northern France between 1914 and 1918. Tens of millions more were kept alive right across continental Europe after the war.

These operations saw nearly 11m metric tons of supplies delivered at a cost of nearly $3bn -- and that is the dollar amount from the time. The US government ended up paying for most of it, though Britain and others did contribute.

In 1921 there was another massive operation to help a further 10 million starving in the Soviet Union. Even so, an estimated one million people died in that famine.

The common factor in all these operations was a man who later became an American president reviled for not doing enough during the great depression - Herbert Hoover.

Between 1914 and 1922, he certainly did something. He got money from governments and charity, sailed his own fleet which flew his flags, took over railways, set up a telegraph network, issued his own passports, made treaties with governments, negotiated safe passages through war zones on land and sea and saved countless lives.

It was not a charity he ran. It was an industry. It was almost a state.

Herbert Hoover was a successful mining engineer and businessman in London when war broke out in August 1914.  [He] lead a relief effort when it became apparent that Germany, under a naval blockade by Britain, was not able or willing to feed the people under its occupation in Belgium and North East France.

Hoover set up the Commission for Relief in Belgium, and, as a neutral American, negotiated with the British and the Germans. The British were suspicious and Hoover was even accused by the Admiralty of being a spy. He used the same argument with both sides - the United States would look more favourably on them if they helped civilians. They did so.

….The operation continued even when the United States entered the war in 1917.  It all cost money of course - more than $800m, much of which came from the United States. Belgium and France took out loans to pay for some of it but these loans were abandoned in the Depression of the 1930s.

A history of the operation concluded: "It may be pointed out that a large portion of the 10m people in the occupied regions might have perished."

With America in the war, Hoover was sent to organise food production and distribution at home. So successful was he in getting people to economise that the word "Hooverise" took its place for a time. His efforts meant that there was enough food to spare to send to Britain and France.

Then came peace. He now had to feed millions in the defeated countries as well, including Germany. Through the American Relief Administration (Ara), he organised the distribution of nearly 6m tons to almost every country in Europe.

By Paul Reynolds

BBC

World Affairs correspondent, BBC News website

Tuesday, 11 January, 2005, 12:25 GMT

From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4164321.stm