In a Strange Land

By Lillian M. Henry

I wrote " A romp through post-conflagration Chicago, Pennsylvania's "Molly Maguire "coal mines, the great Log Jam in G

I wrote " A romp through post-conflagration Chicago, Pennsylvania's "Molly Maguire "coal mines, the great Log Jam in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the demise of Brooklyn, New York as an independent city and a New Jersey land development scheme, "In a Strange Land" carries the reader forward as Mary Ann and William with their two surviving sons arrive in "turn of the century" United States and "Became American".

Drawing on her grandmother's diary and father's photo album, author Lillian M. (Hooper) Henry, recreates that era of tumultuous growth and the " coming of age" of the country itself. Together with her earlier books, "the Real Yankee Doodle", "Tabitha's Tale", and "In Bristol Fashion", "In a Strange Land" provides insight into how historical events impact ordinary citizens.

Lillian's next endeavor is "Son of the Kaiser?"...a rags to riches recreation of "The Era of Peace and Prosperity." She and her husband divide their time between Pennsylvania and Florida.

rand Rapids, Michigan, the demise of Brooklyn, New York as an independent city and a New Jersey land development scheme, "In a Strange Land" carries the reader forward as Mary Ann and William with their two surviving sons arrive in "turn of the century" United States and "Became American". Drawing on her grandmother's diary and father's photo album, author Lillian M. (Hooper) Henry, recreates that era of tumultuous growth and the " coming of age" of the country itself. Together with her earlier books, "the Real Yankee Doodle", "Tabitha's Tale", and "In Bristol Fashion", "In a Strange Land" provides insight into how historical events impact ordinary citizens. Lillian's next endeavor is "Son of the Kaiser?"...a rags to riches recreation of "The Era of Peace and Prosperity." She and her husband divide their time between Pennsylvania and Florida.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468540390

Lillian M. Henry

Continuing her exploration of the family past, Lillian M. Henry is following this account with a more recent tale of life along the Saint Lawrence River before the construction of the Seaway. Her husband’s grandfather was a lake boat sailor during the days when the river was navigable only duing the summer and a lumberman during the winter months on the American-Canadian border. Lillian and her husband now reside year-round in Florida. Their family of five children and ten grandchildren has recently welcomed three grandsons-in-law. Her next book will be titled Lizzy, the Lakers and the Lumbermen A story of the North Country. Lizzy was Elizabeth Foster Burns, grandmother of Mrs. Henry’s husband.

Book preview

In a Strange Land

The Sequel

to

In Bristol Fashion

February 23, 1881 -

November 11, 1932

As Told By

Lillian M. Henry

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AuthorHouse™

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© 2012 Lillian M. Henry. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 2/16/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4039-0 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4040-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4041-3 (sc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012900326

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Preface

Prologue

Part One

Arrival in a Strange Land

New York, New York

February 23, 1881

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Part Two

The Early Years

Chicago, Illinois

1881-1883

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Part Three

Another Beginning

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

1883-1885

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Part Four

A Brief Sojourn

Grand Rapids, Michigan

1885-1887

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Interlude

Part Five

Home is where the Heart is

Scranton, Pennsylvania

1888-1889

Chapter One

Part Six:

Wilkes-Barre Revisited

1889-1891

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Interlude

Part Seven

Reconnecting With the Past

1891 - 1892

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Part Eight

At Loose Ends

1892-1893

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Interlude

Part Nine

Brooklyn, New York

1893-1903

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Part Ten

Uncharted Territory

1905-1907

Chapter One

Interlude

Part Eleven

Living the Dream

Oak Tree, New Jersey

1907-1911

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Interlude…

Part Twelve

One Must Carry On

Oak Tree, New Jersey

1911-1920

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Interlude

Part Thirteen

A New World

Plainfield, New Jersey

1920 -1928

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Part Fourteen

Betwixt and Between

North Plainfield, New Jersey

1929-1930

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Part Fifteen

One More Time

Plainfield, New Jersey

1930 -1932

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Epilogue

The Portrait

Addenda

Genealogical Charts

1890-2011

"…sojourn in every place

as if you mean to spend your life there …"

Mary Joy Lewis

Dedicated to the memory of

Mary Ann Lewis Hooper

Thanks to …

Jean Hickok, Margaret Sirolly, Kit Henderson, Ruth Lyne Hooper Atkins

and my husband, Dave

for their contributions, patient listening,

comments, and encouragement.

To

Brian Raphael

for his prompt response to my questions about immigrants arriving at Castle Gardens, New York

and the early days of Professional Baseball;

To

Daniel May

Archivist of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company

Also to

Elmer Pete Terry

For his information regarding Clifford Deke Terry’s story

and

Dorothea Hooper for her father’s military records.

Preface

Mary Ann Lewis and William Joseph Lyne Hooper left all that was familiar behind and embarked, with their two little boys, on a voyage to a strange and distant land.

Quoting the poem by Scottish writer Robert Gilpin

that she clung to for the rest of her life, Mary Ann asks:

"Oh! Why left I my hame?

Why did I cross the deep

Oh! Why left I the land

Where my forefathers sleep? …"

The exiled poet, attempting to console himself, continues:

"…There’s a hope for every woe

And a balm, for every pain …"

And then laments:

"But the first joys of our hearts

Come never back again…"

Finding these words quoted several times in the diary we discovered she was keeping during the last four years of her life, I have to believe that despite her insisting to her children that

…we are Americans now,

she remained true to her roots.

The question remains how much of her intrinsic self was Welsh and how much was English?

As I often have stated to myself and others,

We, as individuals, are the sum total of our experiences, both material and spiritual.

This book will be an exploration of her journey through life with the hopes that her spiritual strength will come shining through.

Gilpin ends his soliloquy with these words:

"…There’s a track upon the deep

And a path across the sea… but

… the weary ne’er return to their ain countrie."

I can only hope and pray that she found, during the forty-nine years she lived in America,

…the hope for every woe and a balm for every pain.

Her legacy lives on in the multiple branches of our family tree.

Prologue

My Lucky Week

503 East Seventh Street

Plainfield, New Jersey

1 November, 1932

Mary Ann Lewis Hooper sat alone surveying her small but comfortable apartment with pleasure. It’s been my lucky week, she murmured aloud and smiled as she laid her pen aside and closed the diary. The late afternoon sun glinted through the red and gold leaves slowly drifting from the colonnade of trees lining the broad avenue where she had now made her home for these past two years with daughter Alice and Alice’s husband, Monroe Terry.

This daughter was her quiet one, always doing something kind she’d just written in a list she was making.

Someone, she’d forgotten who, had gifted her with the small leather-bound book and she tried very hard to enter something each evening. Tonight she had proclaimed feeling lucky. Her son Frank had taken her shopping and then to the library. Her bungalow man had come and paid his interest, she’d noted with pleasure. I’m happy for him as well as myself. So many folks are out of work these days. She also noted that Frank had taken her to the holiday parade the previous evening. Daughter Rose and her husband, Harry Tagg, had come as well. Mary, her youngest daughter, the companion of her later years, had brought her son Bert’s little Lillian. She smiled now remembering the delighted, but puzzled reaction the small child had to the costumed ranks of marchers tossing candy to the crowd.

Mary Ann always found the spectacle exciting, but a little frightening. Torch carrying, shouting, shadowy ranks of men disturbed her with memories she’d rather forget. She’d written that "we had no fights or mishaps and reached home safe and sound." Shivering slightly she pulled the knitted afghan tighter around her shoulders as the light from the windows began to fade.

The collection of books she’d brought home from the library lay on the small table next to her chair. Dependent now on her sons and daughters to provide transportation, the almost seventy-six-year-old woman sighed. How I wish I could still walk the way I used to. With winter coming on I will be shut-in more than I like to be, I’m afraid.

But, I must not complain, she said aloud and rose to her feet, her thoughts continuing. I do have much to be thankful for. Either Rose or Frank sees to getting me to my Bible study group meetings and Mary is here to keep me company most of the time; Alice and Monroe see to my daily needs and the others come and go as they are able. Surely I am surrounded by ‘goodness and mercy.’

I must add that Monroe keeps this place nice and warm. She chuckled. I should remember to thank him. He is a good ‘furnace man.’ Of course he should be; he is a plumber. My poor son Bert, try as he would, never seemed to manage to get the heat up to Mary and me in that house we shared with him and his little family until the baby came.

Oh my, this will never do, she exclaimed, getting to her feet. Any one hearing me would think I am losing my mind, puttering around talking to myself like this.

The kettle she’d placed on the small stove whistled. Spooning some tea from the caddy into the teapot she added the boiling water, covered the pot with the cozy and reached for the tin of English biscuits that Frank had brought for her knowing how much she enjoyed them.. Carrying the pot to the table by the window she decided to settle herself in the old high-backed rocker. I’ve not lost all my English ways, she smiled. Even after all these years I well remember Mother and I sharing a cup with Cook in the Power’s kitchen before starting home through the darkening streets after a long day of work in that very special house.

She reached over to pat the stack of books. I can’t begin to put into words what riches were bestowed upon me when Mr. Power insisted I learn to read his books and newspapers. Her eyes darkened with pain at the memory of the distraught accountant leaping from his second-story office window that terrible afternoon. Times were so bad then and now here today we are faced with similar deprivations. So many, many men and women out of work, wandering the streets all throughout this vast country, each one searching for some way to put food on the table. We pray everyday for the Lord to provide.

Carefully filling her cup she sipped the warm brew and reached for one of the dainty biscuits she’d placed on a small plate. Munching, she let her eyes roam about the cheerful room. She’d not kept much after having made so many moves, but while contemplating the familiar pieces her mother’s voice startled her. Gone for more than twenty years, Mary Joy Lewis still lived in her daughter’s heart. What was that she used to say about all those moves we had to make? I do believe William moved us about almost like pawns on a chess board. I can hardly recall how some of the places looked much less remember the neighbors’ names, but Mam always would give me that look of hers that said carry on and then remind me that she had found it is a good and safe rule to sojourn in every place as if you meant to spend your life there.

Well, I have tried. I wonder if ‘Father’ ever realized how difficult it was for Mam and me to make all those changes with all those children. She paused and smiled. Strange how I began to call him ‘Father" after Charley was born. Perhaps it was because I felt so helpless at that time, especially after we arrived in America. He was so excited by this new challenge, the opportunity to become something more than he had ever imagined. I felt as if I was just blindly following in his wake. Every few years we were confronted with new accommodations, new schools, new churches, new shops and new neighbors. I remember waking up some mornings wondering where I was and who I was. I certainly didn’t feel like that little housemaid from Bristol. She paused again and laughed ruefully. It wasn’t just the moving from place to place either. All those babies coming so close together were a trial, there is no doubt about that. Is it any wonder I was out of patience so often? How my mother put up with me, I can’t imagine? If only I could tell her now that I did not understand. Life was so perplexing and filled with so much work that never seemed to be finished. Smiling, she picked up the list she’d been making of her children and their attributes. It lay there on the table by the books waiting to be re-read. Her eyes darkened and she frowned. Oh dear, look at them all. If I were to be asked which one I would give back, like Father did one night, I would be appalled. Each one has been special in his, or her, own way. I must not complain for I am truly blessed.

Settling in her chair she closed her eyes and slowly eased the rocker back and forth, letting the memories come. Of course, losing Florence and Frederick so soon after their births was almost more than I could bear; neither one lived more than a short while, oh my precious babies…where and how I found the strength to go on, I can’t really say. I do think without my mother at my side I would have sunk into the very depths of despair. And, when my lovely Lily died those many years later, I feared I’d go out of my mind… she paused, setting down her cup when she felt her hand trembling. Mam wasn’t there to comfort me then and who knew that I’d lose my beloved husband just two years later.

The tears threatened causing Mary Ann to stand up abruptly. Brushing the crumbs from her lap, she scolded, Put these maudlin thoughts right out of your mind! This will never do. Just think of what you have seen and done. Your life has been rich, full of loving moments. You are surrounded by people who care for you.

Picking up her cup and the empty teapot, she went to the sink and rinsed them. One lone biscuit lay on the plate. Her hand reached for it and with a puckish grin she popped it into her mouth. The deprived biscuit tin went into the pantry.

All those places I have lived, both in England and here in America, she mused, tucking the crumbled handkerchief back into her pocket. I’ve been here in this ‘strange land’ for over forty years now. Father has been gone for twenty of them. How timid I was those first few years, so dependent on him for almost everything. She ran her hand over the back of the rocker. You, she said aloud, addressing the chair, what stories you could tell. If I remember correctly, you are the first piece of furniture William bought for me when we arrived here all those long years ago. When we realized we were about to have another child, I begged him for a nice high-backed rocking chair so I could lean my head against it while nursing when the new one arrived. We had just moved to Clybourn Avenue and I can still see his beaming face when I opened the door to find him struggling up the stairs with you. Little Charley and I would sit together and comfort each other on those long, lonely nights while Father was out making his rounds. Strange how even then young Will would not sit with me and rock. Said it made him seasick. Pooh, she frowned. He was never seasick.

Her mind whirled with images from the past. Sinking into the venerable chair Mary Ann retrieved the afghan from the arm of the nearby sofa where she had tossed it and wrapped in its comforting warmth she let her memories embrace her.

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Part One

Arrival in a Strange Land

New York, New York

February 23, 1881

Chapter One

My comfort in a Strange Land

Aboard the S.S. Arizona

February 23, 1881

Clutching fifteen-month-old Charley to her breast, Mary Ann watched the white-tipped swells of the ocean waves pushing her ever closer to her destination. She, with her husband William and their two small sons, had been at sea for almost two weeks, every day just like the one before. On rare occasions one of the passengers would sight the glistening back of some mysterious sea creature slipping through the murky water, but the sky was always empty except for the hovering clouds that seemed to be following them. She shivered, both from the chill air and the apprehension she was trying so hard to keep under control. Eyeing the other small groups of families lining the rail she felt a pang of sorrow realizing that more wrenching good-byes would have to be said all too soon to these people who had shared with her the almost overwhelming perplexities of the voyage. We must try to keep in touch once we reach the shore, she vowed silently. Each of us has surely felt the sense of having been disconnected from everything we have ever known.

This morning the gray-green swirls of water slapping the hull as they swept past hid any other signs of life from her eyes and despite every attempt to make out something in the distance, she could see nothing but more and more of the constantly shifting surface. She sniffed, her nostrils tingling… a whiff of something rank like the wet earth in the kitchen garden after a rain, she decided.

Oh-h, husband, she moaned, wondering where he had disappeared to with their six-year-old-son, William Richard Christopher Lyne, named for William and his grandfather, Richard Lyne Hooper and her father, Christopher Lewis. Tightening her grip on the squirming child in her arms she allowed her despair to surface. Whatever are you getting us into? So far from everything either of us has ever known. What will become of us, all alone here in this strange land? She glanced around at her companions, praying no one had heard her mumbled complaint.

Charley stiffened his little body and firmly said down. She let him slip to the deck, keeping a tight hold on his coat collar and caught the varied expressions on her new friends’ faces. The women stared stoically ahead just as she was doing, while the men joked and blustered about, seeming not to mind the cold wind and spray off the turbulent waves. Turning away she spotted her tall spouse striding toward her with little Will in tow.

Glorious, isn’t it? He shouted, his face glowing. We’re having a jolly good time, Mother. You should come along with us. This sea air is just the ticket. Bracing, makes a man feel as if he could conquer the world.

Mary Ann suppressed an almost hysterical giggle at the sight of the two of them, one a miniature version of the other and both standing spraddle-legged and red of face like two jack-tars grinning at her from the quarterdeck.

Mercy, she forced a smile. That does sound exciting, but I think not today. Might you take a moment to escort a lady back to her cabin before continuing on such a grand adventure?

William looked at her with concern. Is something troubling you, dear? Lifting Charley to his shoulder he said to young Will, Take Mum by the hand and come along. If I’m not mistaken I think I just heard the bell ring for our morning tea. Leading the way, he called back, I’m told we’ll reach New York Harbor in just another few hours. We’d best be preparing ourselves. I don’t expect Customs to be a problem since the Americans do speak some sort of English, I’m told. He grinned then added as she drew along side, Don’t be surprised when I tell them I’m to be employed as an engineer. It’s what they want to hear and what I am here to do isn’t really anything they need to know. Not that I’m being dishonest. Every man is an engineer of some sort or another and that’s what my employers have told me to say. What the immigration officers are most concerned about is that we are all healthy and not in need of charity. The process is a bit lengthy, but I understand we are to be met by a company man and likely housed for the night at least. I’m not certain about the amount of time we may have to stay here. Mary Ann nodded, more confused than ever, but clutching Willie’s hand she followed him into the saloon on the main deck where the tea was being served.

While they sipped and nibbled, feeling more and more apprehensive, the steward’s voice suddenly called for attention. Gentlemen and ladies, he announced, trying to make himself heard over the dozens of conversations going on around him. Several other masculine voices took up the request for silence and the noise slowly subsided. Smiling, the steward thanked them. You will be pleased to learn we are approaching our destination. The Guion Line has been happy to be of service to you all. Your stored baggage will be transferred ashore for you. Take care to see that all is well before leaving for Castle Garden. Be certain nothing is left behind since we will have no way to return it to you once you leave the ship. Castle Garden will have facilities for refreshing yourselves once you have cleared the medical area. Thank you again for your patronage. We do hope you’ve had a pleasant journey. Please remember Guion Line if you anticipate another ocean crossing in the future. It has been our pleasure to serve you.

The Hooper family quickly made its way below decks to their quarters. Mary Ann had already repacked their valises and now hastily saw to Charley’s needs. William and Will shifted impatiently from one foot to the other, anxious to be back on deck. It wouldn’t do to not be among the first to catch a glimpse of land. Ready at last the four made their way through the companionways back to the crowded saloon. The remains of the tea still lay on the tables. Another cake or two for the boys would be nice, she thought and I can certainly use another bit of tea. Just as she took her first sip a sudden clamour among the other passengers startled her. Looking at William nervously, she heard him say, We must be in sight of land, my dear. Come along now, or we’ll not find a place near the bow. I want to see everything. Leaving her to bring Charley, he caught Willie by the hand and hurried from the room.

Still munching his biscuit, the baby objected to the interruption, but she stuffed another cake into his hand while lifting him to her breast. "Pa said to hurry, cariad, we are almost here," her father’s Welsh endearment slipping out in her excitement. Making her way through the clamouring crush of people, she found William leaning into the wind, his hair and moustaches blowing about, and his face glowing with anticipation.

Mary Ann trembled, feeling the air grow thicker. The smell of dampness intensified when vast areas of waving grass came into view. A loud bleat of the ship’s horn startled everyone, causing the sky to fill with flapping wings and shrill cries as the flocks of gulls and terns, rising en masse, hovered over the marshy land objecting to having been disturbed. Cinders rained down onto the deck of the ship from the coal-fired clouds of steam billowing from the two red-striped black smoke stacks, causing everyone to shout and point at the scene ahead of them. Responses to their signal from the harbor tugs and other ships lining the broad-mouthed river’s edges echoed around them. Great spouts of water erupting like geysers from many of the smaller craft she could make out in the distance created shimmering rainbows when the sun broke through the clouds at last.

Those are fire boats I’m told, William shouted to her over the noise. We are being welcomed royally, my dear. Look around you. What an amazing spectacle!

Little Will was jumping up and down pointing at the tall structure he could see to his left. What’s that Papa? He cried. It has a big light flashing on and off. See it?

Why Willie, that’s a lighthouse, my boy. You’ve surely seen one of them before, haven’t you?

Don’t remember if I ever did, the child responded, not one that tall, anyway. Is this New York City? Is this the place we are going? Are we really there? He frowned at the desolate- looking expanse of weeds and turbid water.

Well, William thought for a long moment. Yes, but I don’t believe the lighthouse is in New York. Seems to me the map I saw said it’s called the Sandy Hook Light in someplace named New Jersey. He smiled to himself thinking the old structure definitely looked to be in need of repair but quickly pointed up river toward a group of buildings just coming into view. See those over there. Yes, there off our starboard bow, that’s New York.

Mary Ann looked at him with astonishment, smiling at his use of the nautical term. I suppose he learned that from his sailor brother-in-law, James Mawditt, she giggled.

William, noticing her amusement, cleared his throat and went on explaining. When the men from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company hired me to come here to work for them they explained to me that New York City is made up of several different parcels of land right here on the coast of this very large country. Three of those parcels are actually islands, like our Great Britain. You didn’t know that we lived on an island, did you? Well, he paused doubtful that little Will would understand any of this. Grinning at his wife, he decided to go on. The part of New York we’re going to see today is called Manhattan Island. They told me some story about Indians and Hollanders that lived here a long time ago. We’ll have to get some books and look that up. Noticing that Will’s eyes had grown round and dark , he quickly added, I really don’t think we’ll find any Indians here now.

Mary Ann struggled to keep from laughing outright. Indians, indeed! She sputtered. Charley wriggled in her arms threatening to dislodge her bonnet. Please, William, do take this one for a few moments. He’s more than I can manage. The wind snatched at her skirts and whirled the fringes of her shawl across her face while she transferred the heavy child to his father’s arms. Grasping little Will by the middy collar of his coat she knelt to reassure him that Papa is right. I’m quite certain we will not meet any Indians in New York today.

The ship’s horn sounded again causing another flurry among the closely packed passengers. William passed Charley back to his mother, smiled down at his namesake and continued trying to explain the scene opening up before them.

You do remember that I told you we probably wouldn’t be staying here very long, don’t you? We are to go west to a place called Chicago. I really can’t tell you all that much about it. I’m told we will have to take a train and likely it will take at least overnight to get there. It’s rather far from here I’ve heard. We’re going to have to find out together. Waving his arms about, he grinned. It will be an adventure, sort of like being explorers, don’t you think?

Will nodded somewhat dubiously his father felt, but accepted what he was told. Looking at his mother for some reassurance he could see that she was as puzzled and uncertain as he was.

Neither the child nor the husband noticed that Mary Ann’s dark eyes were glistening with tears. Her mind whirled as the array of boats, buildings and the hustle and bustle of the busy harbor loomed closer and closer. Clutching Charley tighter she gave her husband an imploring look, indicating Will with a nod of her head. William hesitated for a moment then realized she was begging him to pick up and comfort the bewildered child.

Lifting him to his shoulder, he waved his free arm, gesturing broadly at the panorama spreading out before them. See Will, see there? It’s somewhat like our Bristol Harbour, where the Avon and the Severn come together. You remember Grandpa John L. showing you that don’t you? This must be what the American’s call the Hudson River and that one over there is called the East, if I’m not mistaken.

Ahead could be seen several large structures emerging from out of the swirling water some distance off both shorelines. I do believe those are the supports for the bridge that is being built to connect Manhattan Island to another city named Brooklyn. His beaming face broke into a broad grin when he noticed Mary Ann’s eyes widen. You didn’t know I’d learned all these things about this place, did you? I’m told it will be the longest bridge of its kind ever built. My understanding is that the roadway will be supported by some ingenious method of weaving great lengths of wire together that will make the strongest cables ever imagined… much greater than any rope could be. Man who invented it is named John Roebling, my American friends were telling me about him, said he was a German immigrant.

Immigrant, he paused, feeling the word in his mouth. Not until that moment did he realize he hadn’t taken in its full meaning. Glancing at Mary Ann who was clutching Charley as if he were her life preserver, he set Will down on the deck and took out his pocket handkerchief. Immigrants, he said silently, I guess that’s what we are… strange how I never thought of this enterprise of ours in quite that way before now. Will we be thought of as exotic strangers from some far-off land, I wonder? The sound of the multitude of excited voices from the others on the deck around him brought him back to what was happening in front of him.

A tugging at his coat tail caught his attention when the crush of people at the rail began to surge forward for an even better look at their destination. Little Will was apparently in danger of being swept away if the expression on his anxious face was a mirror of his fears. Here, here, old chap, this won’t do, now will it? Bending down he grasped the child under the armpits and swung him back up to his shoulder again. Look there now, see? I do believe that little craft is one of the tug boats that will be easing us up into our dock. Which do think you would rather be, the skipper of a tidy ship like that or the captain of one like this that has just brought us all the way across this big ocean?

From the frown on Willie’s face, William decided the boy could not get his feet back on dry land fast enough. Fair enough, he smiled to himself while winking at Mary Ann, let’s go forth and see what this country has to offer us.

Chapter Two

Coming Ashore

Castle Garden, New York, New York

A short while later

The expanse of water widened while the Arizona continued to make its way further up river. Their destination became clear when the pale morning sun’s rays caught the gaily waving flags atop the large fortress-like structure he could make out in the distance. A sigh of relief mixed with apprehension rippled across the crowded deck. With one last belch of soot-blackened steam, the great ship’s engines powered down. It was quickly surrounded by a full complement of tugs and barges which would transport the passengers and their baggage to the Castle Garden pier. People rushed to collect their belongings and make ready to debark.

Once ashore, William explained to a very nervous Mary Ann, they would be subjected to a medical exam before being allowed into the rotunda of the sprawling immigration building that seemed to fill the sky in front of them. We will, no doubt, be separated while proceeding through the inspection. I will keep Will with me. I’m sure you and Charley will have no problems. We’ll meet in the main room where I expect the man from the Metropolitan will be waiting for us. Not to worry, just keep your wits about you. There is no need to be afraid.

The men and women were already being guided to their respective areas and Mary Ann, still clutching Charley to her breast, proceeded to meekly go where she was directed. She wanted with all her heart to cry out and demand to go home, but scolded herself severely. Lifting her carry-all with her own and the baby’s needs for the day, she set her chin and moved forward when the top-hatted officer beckoned that it was her turn.

When William and little Will rejoined her in the large waiting room, he was amused by the indignant expression on her face. The delicate pink of her English complexion had become a much deeper shade of red, he noticed. Her mouth was set in a firm line and if he wasn’t mistaken there looked to be a glistening tear in the corner of each eye.

Wife, he exclaimed, what has upset you so?

I’m not upset, William. Why would you think that I’m upset? She abruptly shoved Charley into his arms. Come here, Will, she said to the solemn-faced child, Your clothes are all disarranged. Tugging at the middy he was wearing, she rearranged the tie and straightened the wide collar. Whatever did they do to you? She asked; her voice shrill.

Mary Ann, you might as well tell me, William said, it’s quite obvious something is not right.

Oh, bother! Her voice broke and she looked at him petulantly. If you must know, it was that man!

What man, cariad?

That one back there, with the top hat, all so officious and full of himself. He was really quite impertinent. She bit back the tears that threatened.

Sweetheart, I’m sure you are overwrought. These physical exams are necessary, although I must admit you women no doubt find them somewhat intrusive.

Intrusive! Well, I would certainly think so, poking and prodding a person here and there, looking at one’s teeth and asking all sorts of questions.

William tried not to smile and was saved from having to make any further comment by the sight of a large man wearing a derby hurrying towards him.

Hooper? the booming voice shouted above the uproar that filled the large room. Is that you? Glad to see you’ve made it through. Come, come now, let’s get your things taken care of and be on our way. I’ve arranged accommodations for you and your family for the night. The boss is waiting for you. No time to waste, you know. Time is money, as we say here on the Street.

Noticing Mary Ann and the children, he paused and snatched off his hat. Forgive my poor manners, ma’am. I’m forgetting that you must be tired from your journey. Fine looking little fellows you have there. I’m Barclay, by the way. He fumbled at his waistcoat pocket and pulled out an enormous watch.

Oh, come along, come along. Getting a carriage will be dicey in this crush. You’d not want to have to walk through the streets. It is a bit of a ways.

Trying to catch her breath and regain some semblance of composure Mary Ann transferred Charley to her other arm. The heavy child was beginning to rebel at being carried and was in need of attention. Making certain that William had Will in tow, she scurried along in the wake of the two men as they wove their way through the constantly moving crowd of people who seemed to be all talking at once. The building pulsed with noise. She felt as if the walls were vibrating and that she was just one in a swarm of bees all buzzing and darting about within a huge hive.

Emerging into the outdoors once more, the hustle and bustle was no less. The street teemed with horse-drawn drays, trolleys, carts, and people all hurrying in one direction or another as if they didn’t reach their destinations within the next few minutes the world might cease to exist. The man from the Metropolitan, at least she assumed that was who he was, lifted his arm and let out a piercing whistle which resulted in one of the carriages pulling up more or less in front of them. William turned back to assist her aboard before climbing up himself. Their escort was still prattling away, but neither of the two of them understood very much of what he was so eagerly saying.

The little group progressed slowly up the avenue. Grateful for the privacy of the enclosed carriage, Mary Ann attended to Charley’s needs as discretely as she could manage. Outside the leather enclosure the weather was worsening. What little sunlight they’d seen from the ship’s deck had disappeared behind the gathering clouds. Everything she could see from the small windows looked gray and dirty. The multi-storied buildings were streaked with the same coal dust they were accustomed to in Bristol. The streets were begrimed from the same flotsam and jetsam that city life produced. The street hawkers’ calls sounded familiar and their wares were much like those she was used to, but something she couldn’t quite put her finger on was different.

This is New York, she whispered to herself. Imagine, here I am in what I’ve always heard called ‘The New World.’ This is America! She shivered slightly and almost moaned aloud. William glanced at her but saw nothing amiss so, flashing a big grin, he went on listening to what their guide was telling them. He’s like a boy with a new toy, she smiled to herself. Well, I’m happy for him. I can only pray things will be what he is expecting. As for me, I’m thankful that we have survived the trip so far.

Rapping the roof of the carriage to warn the driver they’d reached their destination Barclay pointed to one of the buildings across the street. Here’s our office, Hooper. I’ve arranged for your lodgings just a few blocks over. I’ll have the driver take you there first so you can get your missus and the tykes settled. Our meeting with Mr. Knapp is at three o’clock. I’ll meet you in the lobby at two forty-five. Bring the papers the man in Bristol gave you. Oh, he called back as he jumped down to the street, I had your trunks sent here to your lodgings as well. When you’re ready to move on, we’ll help you with that, too. Get settled in and freshen up. I suspect you’ll find some food available at the hotel if you’re hungry. See you at three. Welcome to America.

Mary Ann, her eyes dark with concern, watched him tip his hat and hurry away. The driver continued down the street and finally pulled in at the curb in front of a tidy-looking building. Your fare’s taken care of, sir, he announced, holding out his hand. William looked puzzled for a moment then realized the man wanted a few coins extra.

Of course, I should have expected that, he muttered as he climbed down from his perch atop their conveyance. Whenever didn’t someone have his hand out for a few coppers for his own pocket? Counting out what he hoped was appropriate, he smiled grimly. Some things are the same everywhere, but getting used to this hurly burly is going to be somewhat more difficult than I had imagined.

Come along, I guess we have arrived. He forced a smile while helping Mary Ann gather up their things and make her way onto the sidewalk. Glancing at the flight of steps leading up to the multi-storied brownstone in front of him, he took Charley from Mary Ann’s arms. Will, see to your mother there, like the good fellow that you are. Just follow me, nothing to be upset about.

Chapter Three

Meeting the Men from the Met

The Metropolitan Life Insurance Building

Park Place and Church Street

New York, New York

An hour later, after some refreshment, he located the papers that he’d been told to bring and made his way up the street to the offices of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. He’d left his wife and children napping. None of them had any idea of what to expect next. While still at Castle Garden he’d converted his English pounds into American dollars. Now he hoped he’d learn to compute the amounts required to pay for the things they needed during the next few weeks before he ran out of money. The company had provided him with the railroad fare and a small traveling allowance, but he’d better remember to ask when he might expect his salary to begin. If he had to rely on just sales commissions he would be in considerable trouble. Shaking his head, he paused on the pavement astounded by the gleaming white marble edifice he saw in front of him. No other word described the great seven-story building. ‘Edifice’ it was. A huge flag billowing in the brisk wind proudly proclaimed this to be the home of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. Squaring his shoulders, he nervously adjusted his cravat and made his way into the brightly lit interior.

Barclay hurried forward to meet him, glancing at his watch. He seemed to be as anxious as ever. William wondered if everyone here felt the need to set such a pace. I don’t see that scurrying around like this really gets more done, he said to himself, but quickened his steps as well and extended his hand. You did say two forty-five, didn’t you?

Sure did, was the answer. Ever been in an elevator before?

William eyed him with suspicion. A gate-like grate folded back revealing a small box-like enclosure and the American stepped in beckoning him to follow. The cage closed, Barclay threw a lever and with a groan and grinding of gears the box began to rise.

Within seconds they felt a small jolt when they came to a rather unsteady stop. The gate was folded back again and the two men stepped out into a long hall. At first the place seemed eerily quiet after the noise of the contraption they’d just exited, but William felt, then heard, the hum of voices and the pulsing sensation of activity once again. The very air breathes in this country, he paused, inhaling and exhaling slowly.

Here, this way, he heard as he followed his guide down the hall. When they reached the last door, Barclay knocked and they were summoned in. A large corner room with windows overlooking the streets below glowed with gas lighting reflecting off highly polished bookcases and an expansive desk. Mr. Knapp will be with you momentarily, a young man informed them. Please be seated and make yourselves comfortable.

William carefully lowered himself into the stiff horse-hair upholstered arm chair and took in his surroundings. So, his eyes glittered, this is what a New York power broker’s office looks like. A brass nameplate on the desk announced that they were about to meet Joseph F. Knapp, President.

The man himself entered with his hand extended. Both younger men stood and William accepted the outstretched hand deciding he liked what he was seeing. Mr. Knapp seemed without pretense, genuinely friendly, almost sparkling with energy. He was definitely not pompous nor was there any sense of posturing about him. William believed that despite the fact that this man was the boss he was being greeted as an equal, not some minion who had to bow and scrape when the laird went by.

Sit, gentlemen, sit. Mr. Knapp indicated the chairs. Benson is bringing coffee. I always feel the need for something hot and strong by this time of the day. I hope you will agree, especially when the day is dark and drear like this one. You’ve not come at the most auspicious time of the year in this part of the world, Hooper. New York can be a dismal place in February. No doubt you noticed the rotten ice in the river as you came in this morning. Breaks up above Albany and causes havoc all the way down until the floes wash out to sea. We’ve even been known to have blizzards on occasion. He smiled when his secretary came in with the coffee. Thank you, Benson, that’s just the ticket. You might fetch us a bit of that port over there in the corner, if you would. I’ve heard that an Englishman likes his port, or would you prefer brandy? He turned toward William.

Taken aback, Mr. Knapp’s somewhat confused new employee sputtered a bit. He wasn’t sure what the man meant by just the ticket and he worried that the offer of alcohol might be a test, but he’d been taught it was rude to refuse an offer of hospitality. Among his friends at home, he knew that port was considered a somewhat stuffy older man’s drink. He certainly didn’t want to offend his host. Besides he wasn’t sure about drinking spirits at this mid-afternoon hour. ’Tis true, sir, he finally decided to say. My father would agree to either. A drop of the brandy would be welcome. I do have my wife and the little ones to tend to this evening. And, sir, he attempted a smile, I most certainly want to keep my wits about me for this interview.

Very good, Knapp smiled back, a drop it is, but my good fellow, this is no interview. This is a getting-to-know-you chat. You’re going to be working for me. I want to understand just who you are. We’re one big, happy family here and our business is to see that our employees and customers are happy as well. Here’s to your future, he saluted William.

Now, he said after each of them had sipped, let’s get down to the business at hand. I assume you’ve been filled in on our mission, but let me just briefly review what we’re all about these days and why we have felt the need to call upon our English friends, or are we ‘cousins’ as I’ve heard some folks say?

I really don’t know, sir. I’ve heard that Americans come from all parts of the world, but ‘cousins’ or not, I do think we should all be friends.

Well said, my boy. Well said. Friends, it is. So lean back there for a bit and let me tell you how this company has come to be.

Joseph Knapp reached for his humidor and selected a cigar. Smiling at his listeners he offered them their choice as well. Neither man accepted. A pipe now and then with his father or older brothers was nice, but William never had acquired the taste for cigars and he knew Mary Ann would be distressed if he did. He watched while the older man nipped the end off the sausage-shaped roll of tobacco and proceeded to set it alight. Several vigorous puffs later the aromatic smoke rose, circling their heads. Knapp seemed lost in thought for a few minutes. So, he finally began, during our War between the States, as many of us describe it, it became obvious to a group of us here in New York that our Union soldiers and sailors and their families were in dire need of insurance in case of disabilities and or death from the horrors of the war. The National Union Life and Limb Insurance Company was founded when the group invested $100,000 to get the business started. Unfortunately, it did not do as well as some of us had hoped. By 1868 the company decided to offer mostly life insurance to middle class customers. That did well here in New York and the other smaller cities clustered close by, hence the name Metropolitan. I believe you Brits refer to your London environs in similar fashion. Stopping for another long pull on his cigar, he took note of the intent look on William’s face.

At about the same time your businesses began experiencing severe disruptions in your economy we developed similar problems within our own. By the early 1870’s half of our New York State insurance companies were out of business. Things grew progressively worse by the end of the decade and I began to wonder what we were doing wrong when I could see that your insurance businesses were healthy. Your idea that men could go from door-to-door selling small policies to working-class families who could manage to pay by the week where they could not afford large premiums that had to be paid out in lump sums annually seemed to be working quite well. What we Americans might do about that was obvious to me and that’s why you, he indicated William, are here today. Just in the past year with the help of you Englishmen who are teaching our agents your methods, we have managed to reverse our downward spiral. More sales have translated into lower costs and as they say, the rest is history.

Laying the cigar aside, Knapp rose from his chair and went to the window. See those men in the street? The bricklayers, the carriage drivers, even the street hawkers, those are your customers, Hooper. I’m sending you to Chicago, because it’s the most up-and-coming city in this country at the moment. It’s risen from the ashes of that horrible fire just nine years ago faster than the proverbial phoenix and it is booming. Chicago is the gateway to the rest of this vast country of ours. I want you to go there and train agents for me. Teach them how to deal with the man in the street, the very men who are building our future. New York is willing to invest money, but as much as money is needed, the hands and backs of those men and women are needed too. Show them their families can be protected from the catastrophe of untimely death. Just a few cents a week and they don’t have to come to us, you will actually come to them for their payments. Go and be everyman’s friend, my boy. What you are offering them is a better and less worrisome life.

William stood and waited. Knapp, turning from the window, offered him his hand. Godspeed, he said. If there is anything you need or something we have overlooked, you are to let me know. Me, he repeated. I want to know how you are faring. Don’t hesitate to contact me.

Barclay had risen too and smiled. I’ll see to him, sir. You still want them on the train first thing in the morning?

Is that convenient for you, William? It is William, isn’t it? I wouldn’t want to send your woman and those fine young boys on their way too soon if they need a day or two of rest?

Tomorrow morning will be fine, sir. I believe my Mary Ann will not rest easy until we get to where we are going. The boys will be happy once we are settled, too. Regular little troopers that they are, he said proudly, a place of their own will be most welcome. I thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Knapp. I’ll not let you down.

Benson quietly reentered the room. It was time to take his leave, William realized. The few more questions he had could be answered by his companion. The secretary led them out into the main portion of the office and handed them their hats and coats. He also handed William a large envelope that seemed to be full to overflowing. What it might contain he would find out soon enough. Making their way into the hallway, both men noticed the door to the president’s room closing behind them and he could be heard in rapid conversation with someone else.

Barclay and William, who was lost in thought, proceeded to the elevator. The grate folded back, the two men stepped in and descended into what William knew was going to be a life that he had never before imagined.

Chapter Four

Setting forth through the streets of New York

Grand Central Station

New York, New York

Next morning

Barclay arrived at their doorstep, bright and early, with a horse-drawn wagon and two brawny young men to help load their trunks. Mary Ann, apprehensive as always, bundled Will and Charley into the warmest sweaters and coats they had with them and allowed herself to be handed up into the vehicle. William lifted in the boys, one by one, and arranged a heavy quilt over her knees. The chill wind blew straight in from the northeast stinging their cheeks with flinty slivers of snow. To her surprise the city still seemed to pulse to some hidden beat as the passersby scuttled past on their way to destinations of their own. She shivered and clutched Charley closer to her breast with one arm while trying to comfort Will with the other. He was complaining bitterly about having to leave the nice warm room so soon. We just got here, Mum, he cried. It’s ever so lovely, why can’t we stay? What’s so special about Chicago, wherever that is?

Hush, she snapped. You know as well as I that Chicago is where we are going. We’ve explained that over and over. Your father’s work is there, not here. Now behave yourself. I don’t need a big fellow like you making such a fuss.

Barclay overheard and smiled to himself. Tough on the kids and the missus and they still have a long way to go. Chicago’s at the beginning of nowhere, if you ask me. With the trunks loaded and the roustabouts paid, he whistled a sour note. Better them than me, he assured himself and mounted to the wagon seat next to the driver, giving directions when needed. Mary Ann took comfort in his presence and gave thanks that the journey through the hurly-burly of the streets felt a lot less intimidating with him in charge.

They were to depart from Grand Central Station, he explained. The New York Central Railway would take them north along the Hudson River to Albany, wherever that was and all the way to Rochester where they would change to the sleeper car. From there they would progress on the Lake Shore and Michigan to Buffalo before turning south and west to swing around Lake Erie to Cleveland and from there west and back north to Chicago.

You do realize, she heard him say, "Chicago is quite a long ways from here. I’m told you should expect the trip to take about a full day-and-a-half. I’m not certain if any transfers will have to be made, but someone will direct you I’m sure.

It’s not all that long since Mr. Vanderbilt started buying up quite a few of the smaller, local lines and combining them into one big company. Trip like this used to take a couple of days at least. Now, if I’ve been correctly informed, you can just whiz right through and get to sleep right on the train as you go. How about that, Sport? he chuckled, patting Willie on the head. You folks are going to have a comfortable seat by day and then watch it turn into a special bed for the night. Some adventure, don’t you think?

Will frowned, biting his lower lip. Feeling a firm nudge against his shoulder, he nodded his head, but made no reply.

Taking no notice, Barclay went on explaining that they should expect to be met by the company’s advance man, Karl Kurtis, who had located office accommodations and arranged for lodgings on Belden Place. I’m told he also has several prospective agents lined up for your approval. He’ll be with you for the first few days, but it looks like you’re on your own from then on, Hooper. It’s a whole new ballgame out there, sir. We’re counting on you to run all the bases for us. He grinned broadly, noticing William’s puzzled frown.

Belden Place is a bit of a jaunt from the La Salle Street office which is not too far from the railroad station, but all the big financial houses are there too, so you’ll have no trouble with transportation. From what I hear there’s trains and trolleys everywhere. Some say it’s at the risk of a man’s life to attempt to cross the street at times. Hearing a gasp from Mary Ann he hastened to add, Most likely it’s not as bad as those mid-westerners I’ve met make out. They do like to brag a bit you know. Belden Place, from the map I’ve seen, is in the northeastern section of the city, quite near to Lincoln Park which I’m told is very beautiful. That neighborhood didn’t suffer as much damage from the great fire as did some of the other parts of town.

Mary Ann emitted another muffled gasp and clutched Charley tighter. Run-a-way street cars, trains everywhere, fires, what else only Heaven knew. Where was William taking them?

Pa! Pa! What’s that? Willie suddenly interrupted, bouncing up and down in his excitement. William looked and was as puzzled as his son. They’d reached the corner of Broadway and 23rd Street. Off to their left on the corner lot sat what appeared to be a huge arm holding a very large torch aloft.

The Metropolitan man laughed. Can’t say as I blame you for wondering; someday that’s going to be part of a bigger statue called ‘Liberty Enlightening the World.’ The French are giving it to us as a centennial gift. Some gift, he sniffed. It’s already five years late and it’s coming with strings attached you might say. They’re constructing the statue all right, but we have to provide the pedestal for it to stand on. It’s supposed to sit out in the harbor for all to see as a reminder that both America and France believe in liberty. So far, not too many people are anxious to foot the bill for the pedestal. France has sent us the arm with the torch hoping it might inspire someone to ante up the funds.

He shook his head and grinned. Crazy ideas some folks do get in their heads. Can you imagine building a statue big enough for people to walk around inside of? I’ve heard it said that it will be over 300 feet high when the whole thing is put together. Don’t know what to make of it myself. Money better spent elsewhere, if you ask me. Clearing his throat, he spat into the street.

Looking down at Willie whose eyes were filled with wonder, he chuckled, course, if you really wanted to, you could go inside and look around right now for fifty cents. He chuckled again and grinned at the disapproving look on William’s face. Guess not, little fellow, seems like we haven’t got the time today. You folks have a train to catch.

Finally making its way through the crowded streets the wagon pulled up in front of the imposing-looking station and once again Mary Ann felt almost overwhelmed by the noise and clouds of black smoke that hung over the rooftops and streets like a pall. Barclay bade them farewell at the curb and assured William he would see to getting the trunks loaded on the proper train. The two men shook hands warmly and William wondered how he could ever repay the man for his help and the good-natured kindness he’d shown to the complete strangers that he and his family were. If