Ramblings of an Old Coot

CONTENTMENT by Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

2022-09-23T12:58:00.008-04:00

Let those complain who never knew,

The charm of bird and tree and flower,

Let those complain of weariness,

Who never sat ‘neath leafy bower,

But I as long as life shall last,

Can never weary grow,

While Trees and green and flowers bloom,

And birds can warble so.

Let those complain who never heard,

The tinkle tinkle of a brook,

Nor set beside a silvery stream,

With rod and line and hook,

For I am happy just to live,

In this free land of ours,

With tinkling brooks and silver streams,

And birds and trees and flowers.

Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

Copyright Roy Richard

AMANDA by Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

2022-09-22T08:57:00.001-04:00

The soft breeze played across the brow of Amanda young and fair –

She dreamed a dream of her life to come and the joys of life she’d share.

The years went by and with marriage, came a family of her own –

To this world she gave three daughters and two sons,

Her heart has known the sadness of losing her first mate –

But she had the courage to carry on with her unfaltering faith.

Her family raised to grown-ups have all made homes of their own.

Her descendants now are many – thirty is the sum.

Amanda, she is old now – the dark tendrils, they are grey.

But those playful Ozark breezes find her heart and smile still young and gay,

Her footsteps are not so springy as they were in yesteryear –

But her voice is still happily singing and to me her tone is so dear.

You see I love Amanda dearly – she’s my grandmother you know –

And I ponder oh, so deeply, when the soft breezes blow –

That breeze that just now brushed my cheek – I wonder – could it be –

That first it kissed my Grandma’s face and then came on to me.

Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

April 23, 1963

Written for her Grandmother Amanda Elizabeth Morris

Copyright Roy Richard

BY THE SEA by Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

2022-09-21T13:55:00.000-04:00

There’s a land where the sunshine is brightest,

A land where the ocean is wide

A land where the salt air is purest,

Wafted in on each murmuring tide.

Where the nights are a glory of moonlight.

And the sunsets no artist can paint,

There’s a whisper of nearness to heaven,

Like the soft spoken prayer of a saint.

Oh, I want to go back to its beauty,

And live where the palms wave and sigh,

To lie where the ocean is bluest,

And list to the sea bird’s lone cry,

Where flowers are bloomin in winter,

And all the land is a ’thrill,

Where beauty makes it worth the living,

Oh I want to be there, and I will.

Where the mocking bird sings to the sunrise,

A sermon in songs of delight,

Where stars like millions of lanterns,

Are hung in the temple of night,

In the Halifax land by the ocean,

Where the air is all fragrant with dew,

Where the sun is a little more golden,

And the sky a little more blue

Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

May 1932

Copyright Roy Richard

A MARINE! by Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

2022-09-20T16:12:00.004-04:00

I first looked upon the casket, silver gray and oh! So still –

Then I saw “OLD GLORY” and my eyes began to fill.

For above this silver casket in a frame of softest gold –

Was the smiling lad who lies here – who is now so quiet and cold.

Then my eyes moved on oh so slowly to the boy who gave his all.

I find him fair and handsome and I’m sure he stood quite tall,

Then his mother walked up to him and she gently stroked his hair –

And I’m sure the grief she’s feeling is so awfully hard to bear.

She must be living out a lifetime as she stands there looking on –

Her firstborn child – so young – so gay – her own marine. Her son.

She must see again a toddler – who can hardly walk as best –

She must think of all his illnesses and how she’d be upset.

She must be thinking of the last time he smiled and looked her way –

That would be when he left to serve – a sad and gloomy day.

For that day a question was within her heart and mind –

Oh God! Will he come home again – this precious Son of mine?

Then came the news so dreaded – heartbreaking was this day.

She hadn’t known how great this grief on the day he went away.

I do not know this boy before me – but my sadness is sincere –

And I tremble deep within myself and am haunted with great fear.

For all the young men fighting – wherever they may be –

Remembering that the cost is great – that they pay humanity.

I cannot help but have great feeling for the wounded and those who die –

Though I know them not – I’M SORRY – for the price they have paid is so high.

Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

Copyright Roy Richard

BE STRONG by Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

2022-09-19T11:08:00.003-04:00

Be strong, let nothing disturb you,

Talk health to each person you meet,

Let your friends know you love them and trust them,

Whenever, wherever you meet,

Look to the sunny side ever,

Knowing your dreams will come true,

See success for the ones all around you,

As well as success just for you.

Forget past mistakes, and push forward,

To greater achievements worthwhile,

Be cheerful, be strong and be kindly,

To all whom you meet give a smile,

Be too large to fret or worry,

To noble for anger or strife,

Think well of yourself and proclaim it,

In deeds that will brighten some life.

Never criticize, never be selfish,

Think thought that your inner eye see,

Think harmony, health, wealth and wisdom,

It is what He would have us to be,

Just live in the faith, the world needs you,

It’s on your side so long as you’re true,

Then you’ve lived to the nest that is in you,

When you’ve done the best you could do.

Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

May 1, 1932

Copyright Roy Richard

GRACE WHERE THE HELL ARE MY GLASSES by Roy Richard

2022-09-18T14:42:00.000-04:00

Never got to “KNOW” this man,

Mother’s father.

One time coal miner, blaster,

Turned auto assembly line worker.

Union militant, enforcer,

Quick to violence,

Beer swelling, whiskey consuming,

Hunter, angler.

He left the coal mines in Pennsylvania,

An explosive expert,

A mine accident left him unable to work,

So he brought his family to Michigan for work.

Now this is the story I’ve been told,

But I remember no disfigurement; old photos show no trace of pain,

So I ask myself “Why did he leave that land?”

Was there scandal or shame? Guess I’ll never know.

He died just after I turned five.

And only two memories of him survive,

Buried in the recesses of my mind,

No hugs or love or soft spoken words, only these two.

I was sitting by his chair playing,

He was seated, reclining.

Hams beer on the table,

Newspaper in hand.

His glasses shoved up on his forehead.

When suddenly the silence was broken,

“Grace where the hell are my glasses?”

I ran crying to find my mother.

I was told that he died, had gone away.

Of course I didn’t understand, only a child of five,

So I pulled a chair to the coffin, to look down on him,

Only these two memories survive.

I have heard stories and tales,

His favorite pointer was bred by a mutt,

The puppies were placed into a sack,

Tossed into a rain barrel to drown.

When a dog would “no longer hunt”,

He shot them dead in the woods,

What good is a dog that won’t hunt?

Not worth the food to keep them alive.

Enforcing his caucus in the union.

Strong arming a vote,

Breaking the legs of a vocal dissident,

Support his cause or else.

A son injured in a sledding accident,

Almost scalping himself,

Can’t waste the money on a doctor or medical care,

Held him down and sowed it back in place,

A son who wouldn’t leave the other boys “alone” at night,

He would tie his hands behind back and make him sleep like that

Missed my parents wedding because of work,

Trying and (failing) to outdrink my Dad,

Like I said I never “KNEW” him,

These are the tales I was told,

Funny though how no one spoke good things,

Of their father, grandfather, brother.

Suddenly after all these years,

He begins to haunt me,

I wish he would go away,

He still scares me.

Roy Richard

September 2022

Copyright Roy Richard

A CONFIRMATION NOTE TO A LITTLE GIRL I SPONSERED by Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

2022-09-17T12:33:00.000-04:00

May your life be rich in blessings –

Your heart be full of love –

Your acts always reflect beauty and honesty –

Your faith in God be endless –

And as your future unfolds –

Mold it in the likeness of a rose –

Remembering always –

Few roses are perfect –

But all are beautiful.

Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

Copyright Roy Richard

BACK TO THE FARM by Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

2022-09-16T08:35:00.003-04:00

You may talk about your city,

With its hurry, strife and noise,

Its great white ways and theatres,

Its social life and joys.

The place you dine, the temple grand,

The club you proudly boast,

The hurry and confusion,

And the things you like the most.

But I am here to tell you,

If you want to taste real charm,

Just turn you back on cities,

Make a visit to the farm,

Why you’re going to have the pleasure,

Where ever it may be,

Of knowing real enjoyment,

And hospitality.

You’re going to get a welcome,

And a handclasp that is true,

Not weighted by clothes nor money,

Nor the kind of work you do,

But a real old-fashioned greeting,

Full of pleasure and food fare,

That will thrill you o’er and o’er,

The while you visit there.

You’re going to know the gladness,

Of a real old-fashioned rest,

And taste the old-time cooking,

That you used to like the best,

The chicken fried in golden brown,

With biscuits light and neat,

A swimming in the gravy,

That no city chef can beat.

With golden corn, right on the ear,

And early fresh green peas,

Potatoes in a snowy heap.

And honey made from bees.

A welcome that renews your years,

With its simple grace and charm,

If you want to taste these pleasures,

Make a visit to the farm.

Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

Copyright Roy Richard

40 by Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

2022-09-15T13:33:00.001-04:00

Oh say can “Thou” see what has happened to “Thee”?

Why, just overnight – it has happened – Oh me!

I can’t understand “Thy” thinning hair –

And it seems “thy” waistline has drifted somewhere.

Now yesterday “Thou” was dapper and sporty!

Is this what happens when “Thy” turns 40?

Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

Written for Howard Bishop on his 40^th birthday

Copyright Roy Richard

AUTUMN by Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

2022-09-14T17:12:00.000-04:00

Oh, Autumn, in gorgeous raiment,

What artist is the blame?

He has daubled his colors here and there,

In one great glory of color and prayer,

Till the woods are all aflame.

There are browns and deepest crimsons,

Orange and sunny tans,

Scarlet and dim old yellows,

Done by a Master’s hand,

It is spread for eyes to feast on,

And it helps to understand.

Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

October 1915

Copyright Roy Richard

40? by Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

2022-09-13T15:05:00.000-04:00

Sweet “16” – long time gone –

“21” – has rolled along –

“29” – well, it’s gone too –

Though we’re not late models, we’re good as new,

The chassis, she ain’t what she once was I know –

But at times she can really get up and go.

A look to the future – what’s in store?

They say “40” is better than what’s been before!

So thinking back on the things we have done –

If “40” is better, we’re just getting ready to run,

By the looks of us now, as “40” draws near –

Who knows what happens in our “80^th” year!

Cheer up!

Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

Written for Geneva Mosbey on her 40^th birthday.

Copyright Roy Richard

AUNT MARY’S VISIT by Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

2022-09-12T21:15:00.002-04:00

She came to visit us at last,

Aunt Mary sweet and dear,

How we planned to make her stay,

A time of joy and cheer.

The sky was blue with, fleecy clouds,

The bird sang loud and clear,

As if to tell Aunt Mary,

They were happy she was here.

She came from out the golden west,

Back to her girlhood home,

Once again to see the hills,

And o’er the fields to roam,

To meet and greet the loved ones,

And renew old friendships o’er,

To clasp their hands in greetings,

As in olden days of yore.

Dear Aunt Mary,

How we love her,

How we’ll miss her smile and cheer,

How we wish that we might keep her,

Always hold her with us here.

For we need her wit and laughter,

We need her understanding heart,

If we could we would not let her,

From our home or life depart.

And the lessons which she taught us,

Of patience, faith and love,

Shall be a beacon light to us,

When she shall rest above.

Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

August 12, 1931

Copyright Roy Richard

MARYLAND CONNECTION Part 3 (My 6th Great-grandparents)

2022-09-11T16:13:00.001-04:00

My oldest granddaughter recently started attending Notre Dame University of Maryland in Baltimore. Most of our family research has centered around Missouri and parts south, but just before my sister Sula passed she found the proof of the missing link in the Richard family. That of Edward Richards (1678-1755). He came from England and lived in Baltimore for a time.

John Richards

Mary Kidder Edward Richards

William Head Benjamin Richards

Ann Bigger Mary Head

Charles Merryman Sr

Mary Haile Charles Merryman Jr

Thomas Long Ann Merryman

Jane Peake Jane Long

6^th Great-grandparents

Benjamin Richards

BIRTH: 1710, Baltimore County, Maryland, USA

DEATH: unknown, Franklin County, Virginia, USA

BURIAL: Richards Cemetery, Callaway, Franklin County, Virginia, USA

MARYLAND ROOTS

Benjamin was the first-born son of Edward Richards [1678] and Mary Head [1690]. His birth was recorded in St. Paul's Parish of Baltimore County MD. Benjamin first lived in the Dorchester County area on the east side of Chesapeake Bay.
In 1729 Benjamin's father, Edward, sold property he owned in Dorchester County and prepared to move his family. They settled, perhaps late in 1729, and associated with the Gunpowder Meeting of Quakers north of Baltimore [in present-day Cockeysville]. In 1730 Benjamin had a tract named "Spring Garden" surveyed for future purchase according to Maryland Land records. This was probably the year he married Ann.

MARRIAGE

Benjamin married Ann Merryman [1711], the daughter of Charles Merryman Jr. [1680-1722] and Jane Long [1675-1739],
though the exact date is unknown to me. They had the following children:

1. Edward [25 June 1731] MD

2. Ruth [27 April 1733] MD

3. Charles [23 Feb 1747] MD

4. unknown daughter

5. unknown daughter

In January of 1737, Benjamin purchased the 50 acre tract "Spring Garden" [see record at upper left].
From a document describing the Hampstead Historical District for the Maryland Historical Trust:
"The first land to be owned by a white man in the present Hampstead District was surveyed on January 5, 1737 for Benjamin Richards and patented to him on February 7, 1738 for 50 acres."
Then, by 1739, both Benjamin and father Edward moved onto their properties "Spring Garden" and "Rattlesnake Ridge" that would grow into, first, a wagon stop named Spring Garden, and then the town of Hampstead MD, in what is present Carroll County. They, along with Isaac Wright, founded a Quaker Meeting there.

MOVE TO VIRGINIA

Benjamin sold "Spring Garden" to William Stiles in April of 1750 in preparation for moving his family. The Edward Richards Bible records: "April the 27 1750 Benjamin Richards took his journey with all his family to go to Stanton River in Virginia with his wife and two sons and three daughters. And Dickey boys."
Benjamin and his son Edward Richards [1731] appear on the 1750 tax records of old Lunenburg County Virginia.
Benjamin [47 yrs. old] and son Edward [27 yrs. old] appear on the Settler's map of Franklin County. Benjamin was designated as living "below 5 mile mountain". The location is approximately 12 miles due west of Rocky Mount VA [about 3 miles south west of Callaway VA]. Edward's property was about 6 miles south of Rocky Mount.

TAX ROLLS

1799 and 1800 Tax rolls of Franklin County VA still have Benjamin Richards listed, along with son Edward 69 yrs. old, grandsons Shadrack 40 yrs. old and Waitman 35 yrs. old. Benjamin would have been 90 years old.

RICHARDS CEMETERY

There is a Richards cemetery that coincides with the "below 5 mile mountain" description of Benjamin's homestead [Google search locates it there], and though the stones are buried or lost [as told to me by a local resident]; I believe he and other family are buried there.
Anyone viewing this memorial with further information on Benjamin or his descendants are invited to contact me. HGR---a grateful descendant.

LINEAGE:

Edward Richards [1678] Manchester, Lancashire England/MD

Ann Merryman Richards

BIRTH: 1711, Maryland, USA

DEATH: unknown, Franklin County, Virginia, USA

BURIAL: Richards Cemetery, Callaway, Franklin County, Virginia, USA

Ann was the daughter of Charles Merryman Jr [1680-1722] and Jane Long [1675-1739], who were married June 24 1702, Baltimore County, Maryland.
She married Benjamin Richards [1710] MD, probably circa 1730 in old Baltimore County Maryland in the town of Hampstead.

Their children were:

1. Edward [1731] MD

2. Ruth [27 April 1733] MD

3. Charles [23 Feb 1747] MD

[Ann's father-in-law, Edward Richards [1678-1755]; recorded in his Bible that there were other children born to Benjamin and Ann--though their names were not given.]

Ann's father's estate:

Charles Merryman 17.187 A BA £86.15.7 Aug 3 1739
Payments to: William Hall who married a daughter (unnamed, her portion), Benjamin Richards who married a daughter (unnamed, her portion), Joseph Cross who married a daughter (unnamed, her portion), Charles Merryman (son, his portion), Jemima Merryman (daughter, her portion), Ketdemie Merryman (daughter, her portion), accountant (1/3).
Executrix: Jane Knight, wife of Benjamin Knight.
Benjamin and Ann removed their family into Virginia in 1750, where Benjamin & son Edward appeared on the tax roll. By 1755 they had moved into newly forming Franklin County VA, where they settled to the end or their lives. Son Edward became a prominent plantation owner and livestock breeder just a few miles south east of Rocky Mount in Franklin County.

NOTE: [Burials in the "Richards" cemetery are speculative. The cemetery stones are lost to time, and only the location is known. Please contact me if you have information that would be helpful.]

LINEAGE:

Charles Merryman Jr. [1680] Lancaster Co VA
Charles Merryman Sr. [1655] Lancaster Co VA

Thank you Harold Richard for your work on this

Copyright Roy Richard

AUNT FANNIE by Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

2022-09-07T15:34:00.000-04:00

Now you’re my aunt and you’re full of fun --

When I’ve run down, you’ve just begun

There are many tales you’ve told to me --

And they’re filled away in memory.

When I would visit you as a child

The stories you told me were far from mild.

Each night when we would go out to “wee”—

This is what you would say to me –

“It’s dark outside and in the woods –

Is a man who gets girls and boys who aren’t good.

He carries a bag upon his back and walks among the farms –

Inside that bag are the girls and boys, and he’s cut off their legs and arms”.

Many, many years ago I went home with you –

When dark came I got lonesome and was feeling blue.

I asked you to take me home – I promised to walk all the way –

But you said no, we’d have to pass the cemetery, and the dead would be sitting on their graves

One day in California, when my birthday rolled around –

You gave me a gift, it was socks for Joe, and I threw them on the ground.

My Mom and I went home one day and found a man in bed –

To our relief, it was one of your pranks, it was a “dummy” instead.

I always liked to visit you and go swimming in the creek –

Until the day I went home from your house with poison ivy on both bottom cheeks.

Even throughout my life, you’ve scared me out of my wits –

I wouldn’t trade these memories for a billion times “two-bits”.

You’re really worth your weight in gold, and that’s a fact “by-granny” –

For in all this world there is no match for that Aunt of mine called Fannie.

Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

Written for Aunt Fannie Morris who tormented and teased constantly.

Copyright Roy Richard

AMANDA HOOKER by Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

2022-09-06T15:10:00.000-04:00

Nigh forty years have passed me by, I,

poor Amanda Hooker.

When I was young, the boys all said

“Amanda, is some looker.”

But all the men have passed me by,

Dear Sisters, can you tell me why?

I’ve read all the books on wedded bliss, just

how to hold their hands and kiss,

I’ve learned to cook and keep a home and

never from my fireside roam.

By winnin’ smiles and bashful look.

I’ve done my best, a man to hook.

I’ve always tried to do my duty, bought

creams to make myself a beauty.

I’ve spent a mint of hard earned money and

seems to me its mighty funny.

For after this long race I’ve ran,

I never yet have hooked a man.

Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

Copyright Roy Richard

MARYLAND CONNECTION Part 2 (My 7th Great-grandparents)

2022-09-05T10:52:00.001-04:00

MARYLAND CONNECTION

John Richards

Mary Kidder Edward Richards

William Head Benjamin Richards

Ann Bigger Mary Head

Charles Merryman Sr

Mary Haile Charles Merryman Jr

Thomas Long Ann Merryman

Jane Peake Jane Long

7^th Great-grandparents

Edward Richards

BIRTH: 10 Apr 1678, Lancashire, England

DEATH: 22 Sep 1755 (aged 77), Hampstead, Carroll County, Maryland, USA

BURIAL: Richards Family Burial Ground, Carroll County, Maryland, USA

ENGLAND

Edward's parents are not known to me. I found a Richard and Hester Richards of Manchester, Lancashire England whose names are noted in an English baptismal record with a son, Edward Richards, baptized in the year 1684. This family is a possible connection, but as yet unconfirmed. (per Harold Richards)

EMIGRATION

Edward is found first in the new world living in the Chesapeake Bay area in Maryland. I do not know the date of his arrival. His first-born son Benjamin was birthed in 1710 and recorded in St. Paul's Parish of Baltimore County MD. Edward and wife Mary Head, born in Calvert County MD must have been married prior to 1710.
Edward was a carpenter by trade, and a Christian by faith and motivation.

LAND IN DORCHESTER

Edward, on 2nd of August 1720, ordered the survey of 100 acres in Dorchester County Maryland, a tract named "Downs". It was patented on September 10th 1724.
On the 5th of July of 1729 Edward sold his 100 acres, "Downs", in Dorchester Maryland [east of Chesapeake Bay] to Francis Sherwood who lived in Talbot County Maryland [just north of Dorchester]. Edward and Mary were no doubt living in Dorchester at the time, and were preparing to relocate.

QUAKER BOTTOM

Edward Richards had 100 acres surveyed 28 August 1729 that he named "Spring Garden", and patented July 18 1730. The land lay in an unsettled area 25 miles north west of Baltimore.
In 1729 Edward & family [all his children except the last had been born] removed about 120 miles north west to a place called "Quaker Bottom" [it lay in present-day Cockeysville] above the town of Baltimore. There, a group of Quaker Friends [a Christian sect] were already worshiping together and became the original Gunpowder Meeting.
Edward & family must have stayed at the Gunpowder Meeting through 1738.
"The congregation was given permission [by the overseeing committee] to form a monthly meeting in 1739."
Quoted from Maryland Historical Trust.
[this location less than 14 miles north of present-day Baltimore on I-83.]

NEW BEGINNINGS

In 1737, his son Benjamin purchased 50 acre tract called "Spring Garden". Around 1739 Edward and first-born son Benjamin moved their families onto "Spring Garden" and "Rattlesnake Ridge" [Edward had it surveyed July 18, 1738], and formed a Quaker meeting there [8.3 miles north west of present-day town of Butler]. Those tracts grew from an uninhabited area into first a village used as a wagon stop named "Spring Garden", and then later Hampstead MD. It lies about 25 miles north west of Baltimore, and about 52 miles north west of Washington, D.C.
[I'm indebted to Arthur C. Tracey, Hampstead MD historian and land tract researcher.]
"The first settlers in the area [of Hampstead] were of English descent and derived the town's name from the Richards family in England. Edward Richards is generally regarded as the first white man to have settled the area on 50 acres known as 'Rattlesnake Ridge'. Settlers of Scottish and German descent soon followed.
The earliest tracts of land patented in the region were 'Spring Garden' in 1730, 'Rattlesnake Ridge' in 1739, and 'Wee Bit' in 1739." [Joan Prall: "Hampstead: Its Heart and History"]

BURIAL GROUND RESURRECTED

The following article appeared in the Baltimore Sun on April 16, 2004:
"Several decades ago, the Richards family burying ground located on Rattlesnake Ridge was overgrown and practically inaccessible. Development of the area helped bring about the restoration of the cemetery that dates back to the 1750s and the final resting place of Edward Richards, whose family founded the town of Hampstead, and Henry Bussard, the founder of Mount Airy."
In April 2004, the burial ground was rededicated in a ceremony attended by the Mayor of Hampstead and several descendants of the Richards' family."

FAMILY

Edward and Mary had these children:

1. Benjamin [1710] +Ann Merryman

2. Matthew [1711] +Maria Corem Carmack

3. Ann [1717] +? Morgain

4. Sarah [1719] +? Phippen

5. Daniel [1719] +Catherine Carmack

6. Elizabeth [1721] +? Simons

7. Rachael Sue [1723] +? Sice

8. Patience [1724] +Thomas Story

9. Richard [1725] +Sarah Hooker

10. Lydia [1727] +William Winchester

11. Stephen [1728] +Mary Elizabeth Carmack

12. Mary [1732] +Christopher Vaughn

FOUNDERS

Edward's children were instrumental in settling and beginning towns nearby. Richard founded the town of Manchester MD. Lydia married William Winchester, who founded Westminster MD. Mary wedded Christopher Vaughn, who was credited with laying out and platting the ground which became Hampstead [which Edward and son Benjamin first settled].

HIS BOOK, THE HOLY BIBLE

Edward's personal Bible survives. It is kept in trust at the Carroll County Historical Society in Westminster MD. It was professionally photographed in 1978 at the direction of Descan Harley Richards [1900] OH/IN, who had the Bible at that time, for preservation. I have photo-copies of the pages of the Bible on which personal notes/records were written. The Bible was printed in 1670.
In his Bible, Edward wrote this: "His book. I pray for grace therein to look, and in looking may increase that grace as never with me may cease."
To that I can only say "Amen." HGR---a grateful descendant.

(Thank you Harold G. Richards for this research)

Mary Head Richards

BIRTH: 1 Feb 1690, Calvert County, Maryland, USA

DEATH: 20 Jan 1785 (aged 94), Hampstead, Carroll County, Maryland, USA

BURIAL: Richards Family Burial Ground, Carroll County, Maryland, USA

Mary was born in Calvert County MD of parents unknown to me at this time. She married Edward Richards [1678-1755] of Manchester, Lancashire England before 1710. Edward had come to the new world and ported in Chesapeake Bay. Their first-born son, Benjamin; was born in Maryland in 1710.

Edward and Mary had these children:

1. Benjamin [1710] +Ann Merryman

2. Matthew [1711-27 Nov 1751] + Maria Corem Carmack

3. Ann [1717] +? Morgain

4. Sarah [1719] +? Phippen

5. Daniel [1719-31 Oct 1787] +Catherine Carmack

6. Elizabeth [1721] +? Simons

7. Rachael Sue [1723] +? Sice

8. Patience [1724] +Thomas Story

9. Richard [1725] +Sarah Hooker 14 July 1754

10. Lydia [1727] +William Winchester

11. Stephen [1728] +Mary Elizabeth Carmack

12. Mary [1732] +Richard Vaughn

After living in Dorcester County until 1729, the family moved to join a forming Gunpowder Quaker Meeting about 15 miles north west of Baltimore. In 1739, Edward moved his family 13 miles further north west to land he had purchased. There they began a Quaker Meeting and settled for good.
First-born son Benjamin took his family and moved to Virginia in 1750. Mary lost her son Matthew to an early death in 1751, then her husband Edward succumbed in 1755.
Mary lived on thirty years after Edward had died. He had made provision for her in his will, and was no doubt looked after by her married sons and daughters who lived nearby.

(Thank you Harold G. Richards for this research)

Charles Merryman Jr.

BIRTH: 1680, Lancaster County, Virginia, USA

DEATH: 17 May 1722 (aged 41–42), Baltimore County, Maryland, USA

BURIAL: Old Saint Pauls Cemetery, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland, USA

Charles was the husband of Jane (Long) Merryman 1675-1739
He was ths son of Capt. Charles Merryman, Sr. and Mary (Haile) Merryman
Will dated Dec 25, 1720. Estate probated June 23, 1722 Baltimore Co., Maryland

(Thank you Harold G. Richards for this research)

Jane Long Merryman

BIRTH:

DEATH:

BURIAL:

A DOLLAR BILL by Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

2022-09-04T15:26:00.004-04:00

This dollar bill – It ain’t the same – that you gave me today –

But yet it does resemble it – in several different ways.

I’ll keep the other and the note – to read in future days –

But you helped me with the levy book – and that I can’t repay.

So except that tabulation as a favor – Owed to you –

And take this back and spend it – and do it pdq!!!

Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

Written for Rhee Coleman. She sent me a note with the dollar. It read: It’s worn and shabbily but negotiable – and that’s what counts. Keep this. This was a contract between us – and I simply wouldn’t have asked you to do the job without reimbursement.

Copyright Roy Richard

THE OLD TIME SATURDAY NIGHT by Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

2022-09-03T09:23:00.000-04:00

On Saturday night at our house,

We hurry through our tea,

It isn’t now the quiet meal that once it used to be.

The family never gather round the fireside blazing bright,

Like once they did some years ago, on every Saturday night.

My sister Sue is all tagged out right in her Sunday best,

And Ma she hurries through the meal to get us kiddies dressed,

And we are told to hustle if we intend to go,

And be on time at seven sharp, for Haskins Movie Show,

At last the house is quiet and Ma says, “Well they’re away.”

Then she sighs and looks quite pensive, says, “It’s been a weary day?”

Pa saunters round the room a spell and then he says quite low,

“Well, what we goin’ to do tonight, take in a movie show?”

Ma’s face is wreathed in smiles and she hurries to get dressed,

Says, “She won’t be a minute,” and she hurries the rest.

It takes some cash, I’ll tell the world, to keep us on the go,

For Saturday night there’s ten of us at Haskins Movie Show.

Well Saturday night it seems to me is different as can be.

Once neighbors called to spend the eve directly after tea.

They played some dominos or chess, relaxed from work and care,

But now they never call at all, because no one is there.

Pa says, "He thinks Jim Haskins must be a millionaire”,

For every time our family go, most half the town is there.

I wish we had a home once more with cheery fires bright,

And neighbors dropping to chat, with us on Saturday night.

Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

January 21, 1928

Copyright Roy Richard

MARYLAND CONNECTION Part 1 (My 8th Great-grandparents)

2022-09-02T10:08:00.000-04:00

John Richards

Mary Kidder Edward Richards

William Head Benjamin Richards

Ann Bigger Mary Head

Charles Merryman Sr

Mary Haile Charles Merryman Jr

Thomas Long Ann Merryman

Jane Peake Jane Long

MARYLAND CONNECTION - 8^th Great-grandparents

John Richards

BORN: 1650, Manchester, Lancashire, England

DEATH:

BURIAL:

Mary Kidder Richards

BORN: 1650, Lancashire, England

DEATH:

BURIAL:

William Head II

BORN: 1660, Calvert, Maryland, USA

DEATH: 14 Jun 1718, Maryland, USA

BURIAL:

Ann Bigger Head

BORN: 1676, Calvert, Maryland, USA

DEATH: 1721, Prince George's, Maryland, USA

BURIAL:

Capt Charles Merryman Sr.

BIRTH: 1655, Lancaster County, Virginia, USA

DEATH: 22 Dec 1724 (aged 68–69), Baltimore County, Maryland, USA

BURIAL: Old Saint Pauls Cemetery, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland, USA

Charles was the husband of Mary Haile Merryman 1659-1709
Also husband of Mary Matson
Daughter Elizabeth Merryman born abt 1702
He was the son of John Merryman and Audrey Merryman
He was Captain of the Militia in 1696 (Ref: Maryland archives, vol 30, page 544)
Will of Charles Merryman
16 Jan 1724 Probated 14 Jan 1725
Baltimore Co. MD
SLC Family History Microfilm 0012847 Probate Records of MD Vol 17-18 1721-1726

(Find A Grave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/29969022/charles-merryman)

Mary Haile Merryman

BIRTH: 1652, York, Virginina

DEATH: 12-22-1709, Baltimore, Maryland

BURIAL:

Thomas Long

BORN: 1654, London, England

DEATH: Sept. 1691, Baltimore, Maryland

BURIAL:

Jane Peake Long

BIRTH:

DEATH:

BURIAL:

Copyright Roy Richard

25 YEARS by Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

2022-09-01T09:16:00.002-04:00

The hotdogs we’ve served, we’d oft’ like know –

If put end to end, just how far they would go.

And the hamburgers we’ve fixed, you’ve consumed near and far –

If stacked on each other would reach for the stars.

Take the chili and the soup we’ve prepared with such ease –

If all poured together ‘twould make quite a sea.

If we’d then add the drinks, we have a good notion –

That sea would quickly become an ocean.

For twenty-five years, this had been our line.

Hasn’t all been easy and sublime.

If we sometimes seem grumpy, well you might too –

If, every day, you did what we do.

We fret if the cows were milked too late –

That one of customers had to wait.

And if our buns aren’t up to par –

Well, we’re not happy unless you are.

We’ve watched the neighborhood kids grow up –

We oft’ have time to sit and “sup”.

We spend many hours with “youth” every day –

While the mirror says ours is fading away.

But the age that is written across our face –

Are lines of expression, you’d know anyplace.

For the unlined brow and the uncrinkled eye –

Have let the joys of life slip by.

They haven’t laughed or shed the tears –

That show you’ve really lived your years.

So, Cheers to all our business crowd!

To all you marvelous kids, so loud!

You’ve made our days, you’ve fashioned our lives.

“Our Thanks” to you “all” – we’ve done ALRIGHT.

Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

Written for Ralph and Judy Diamond on the 25^th anniversary of their restaurant, West Side Coney Island.

Copyright Roy Richard

LIFE’S COPY BOOK by Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

2022-08-31T13:44:00.001-04:00

God gives us all a copy book,

At the dawn of every day,

A brand new page unsoiled and white,

To copy as we may.

At the top in His handwriting,

There’s a message we may see,

Of beauty and perfection,

That He wills for you and me.

Then let us strive with wisdom,

To read His message right,

To keep each page unsoiled and clean,

With honor, love and might,

Let us try to copy neatly,

Without haste, or waste, or blot,

And cheerfully go forward,

Contented with our lot.

When the days are long and weary,

And our burdens hard to bear,

Just remember there are thousands,

Who are striving everywhere,

To copy neat and accurate.

Pages full of heavenly cheer,

And scatter loving words and deeds,

The while they journey here.

And when the Master takes the book,

We do not need to say.

That hours have been wasted,

Nor yet too full a day.

For he will know before He looks,

Each task we’ve left undone,

And He will give us credit too,

For every honor won.

We need not to excuse our faults,

Nor tell of pain or woe,

For every trouble He has shared,

Each effort He will know.

Just say, Dear Lord, I did my best,

And weary were the tasks,

Tomorrow I will try again,

It’s all the Master asks.

Make every day a better day,

Good will to all you meet,

And lend a helping hand to him,

Who finds the hills too steep.

Just keep Life’s Copy Book unsoiled,

Each line therein will tell,

If we have labored all in vain,

If we have kept it well.

Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

Copyright Roy Richard

Banned Books by Roy Richard

2022-08-30T16:00:00.004-04:00

August 2022

I would like to begin with a quote by the award winning Sherman Alexie, a Native American novelist, short story writer, poet, screenwriter, and filmmaker:

“I believe in any kid’s ability to read any book and form their own judgments. It’s the job of a parent to guide his/her child through the reading of every book imaginable. Censorship of any form punishes curiosity.”

When we first send our children off to school to begin that natural journey of learning, most of us feel a tug in our hearts that is a desire to protect them from all dangers. We worry about the chain of events that will bring them from the kindergarten class to the stage at graduation. Each year as they advance through the education system many of the fears are no longer thought of. They mature, grow, blossom if you will, into their identities. Learn lessons about not only higher learning but abut life. After all the goal, is it not, to see that nervous child boarding the bus, turn into an adult, ready to face the world?

What we learn through these experiences is that we cannot control every aspect of their lives. They are going to fall and skin their knees. Have their hearts broken by first loves. Feel left out by the group. Stay up too late. In other words they are going to live their life. And living that life means facing each day and coping with any issues that arise.

If we take away their ability to form their own judgments about what they encounter in life we leave them unprepared for survival in the world.

I am blessed in that I have three amazing and extraordinary granddaughters. The oldest, a partial product of Davison Schools recently left for college. When she was around eleven years old, she began to take part in adult conversations at the dinner table. She freely expressed her views and opinions on many of the topics that came up. Politics? She had a view! Various forms of government? She had an opinion! Music from my generation? She seemed to know it! Equality? Unions? Genders? She could, as time progressed speak on these all!

At first I thought it was cute and that obviously someone else was putting their beliefs on her. Amazingly though as I begin to take her statements seriously and listen to her voice, I came to realize that she was researching these topics and making her own decisions! You see her Father and Mother did not necessarily censor her curiosity. If a topic interested her, she had free rein to look at the facts, ALL the facts from every available angle. If the data she had gleaned needed clarifying, she had the support of her parents, her grandparents and her teachers to help find that clarity. From all this she would make an informed choice and only would then begin to share her opinions and beliefs.

When I heard of the recent decision of the Davison School Board to ban additional books, I spoke out on Social Media about how wrong it was. Some of my friends sent me excerpts from the texts to try and persuade me into agreeing with this decisions and I must admit that at first I began to wonder if maybe the correct decision had been made. So I made the next logical decision and that was to obtain the books and read them myself.

To date I have read four of the titles and cannot for the life of me understand why they come under attack. Yes the one is very graphic and from it is the small samples that I was sent. But when you read it in its context it fits and adds to the literature.

Taking away from our children, our young adults an opportunity to find answers to their inquires is nothing but abominable. You are handicapping a generation of young minds; Minds that we hope will run this country one day. When a parent asks a board to do such a thing, they are all but admitting that they cannot parent their children and are looking for someone else to do it. In addition the greater injustice of these circumstances is that your actions are not only depriving one mind of answers but many minds.

In closing I would leave you with the words of the American writer Judy Blume “Having the freedom to read and the freedom to choose is one of the best gifts my parents ever gave me.”

Thank You

Roy Richard

Copyright Roy Richard

UNTITLED (08) by Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

2022-08-29T12:15:00.003-04:00

The beauty and the grander –

Of the canyon known as grand –

Surpasses all description –

For there are no words by man –

Color, depth and size.

One can only look in wonder –

And in awe we realize –

That this universe we live in –

Is far greater than we know –

And I’m thinking the creator,

Had in mind to make it so.

Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

Copyright Roy Richard

HANK JENKINS WAS MY FRIEND by Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

2022-08-28T15:19:00.000-04:00

(Hank Jenkins – V. Rees. Bill-Mrs. Holt)

Hank Jenkins was a friend of mine,

And Hank, he said to me,

Bill, how’d you like to take a trip,

Down to sunny Florida?

Just think it over Bill, he says,

I’ll run the old bus down,

And we’ll spend the winter by the sea,

In some sunny town,

We’ll get away from snow and ice,

Where skies are cold and gray,

And I’ll promise, Bill, I’ll bring you home,

Around the first of May.

We’ll go on a fifty-fifty base,

I can make it in three days,

Think the proposition over, Bill,

That’s the very thing Hank says.

Well I thought the matter over,

And decided it might be,

A pretty good idea,

And a needed for rest for me.

So I told Hank I’d consider,

The trip if he would say,

He’d get me back real early,

Round the first of May.

Why sure says Hank, I’ll get you home,

Why darn your hide, says he,

Seems you sort of lost your confidence,

In a good old Pal like me.

So we started out one morning,

When the hills were all aglow,

Never’d see a sight so handsome,

No matter where you’d go.

We drove along the smooth highways,

Through city, farm and town,

Thought we’d reach our destination,

Before the sun went down.

But early in the afternoon,

Hank says, Oh Bill, by Gee.

A relative of mine lives here,

I think I’d like to see.

Just wait a minute Bill, says he,

I’ll tell him who I am,

I think he’s a second cousin,

To my Mother’s Uncle Dan.

Then Hank went to have a chat,

He clean forgot about me,

I waited in the hot sunshine,

As patient as could be.

Each day was very much alike,

Ni matter where we ran,

Hank had some relations,

Like his Mother’s Uncle Dan.

He visited in the morning,

And he visited through the day,

To tell the truth, Hank visited,

Along the whole way.

And when his relations ran out,

Didn’t bother him a mite,

He started in on strangers,

And he visited day and night.

The last night on the trip Hank spied,

A man who seemed to be,

A havin’ trouble with his car,

And Hank he says to me.

We’d better tow him in, says he,

And then he scrambled down,

And hitched him on our bus,

And towed him into town.

We got to town long after dark,

Believe me I was glad,

‘Twas just about the longest trio,

I think I ever had.

With visitin’ friends and relatives,

And strangers he might seek,

Old Hank was way behind the time,

Two days beyond a week.

But winter passed and spring came on,

The month of May passed too,

And I am wondering what on earth,

Old Hank expects to do.

Up north my work’s neglected,

And my family seems to be,

All out of sorts with everything,

Especially with me.

I’d take a train back north today.

But Gosh Old Hanks so good,

Couldn’t find a friend just like him,

And I wouldn’t if I could.

So I’m waitin’ for the day to come,

When we’ll get started home,

And it’s going to a good long time,

Before I crave to roam.

To places where the sky is blue,

And where the sun is real,

Well, No Siree, it’s not for me,

If Hank is at the wheel.

I ain’t going to be a quitter,

One thing I’m going to try,

To stick to Hank through thick and thin,

If it takes to next July.

Perhaps my folks will drop me flat,

And I’ll feel blue, but Gee,

I’ll stick to Hank till I get home,

But no more trips for me.

Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

Copyright Roy Richard

Untitled (06) by Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill

2022-08-27T15:55:00.000-04:00

From Sedona, on the Prescott,

Then the valley where you roamed –

Nestled down below the mountains,

Rafters saw your home.

And the welcome you extended,

All the time we spent with you –

Was so very kind and thoughtful,

Just like all the things you do!

Gaylia Kenslow – Stogsdill