Lord Love A Duck!
There once were three brothers, from England did flee,
Sailed on the St. John in good company.
Our line comes off George—ten progeny past—
Begetting the Chatfields from which I am cast.
They’re an interesting bunch, left their mark in the world
With a wide path to follow, a history unfurled.
Ship “St. John”
Why bother to gather this family so long?
What does it matter? They’re all dead and gone.
To answer that question I gave it some thought…
“It matters to me,” and then I was caught.
Some tasks are for money, this one was for love,
And oft I felt guided by an invisible glove.
This clan fills my dreams, drops me clues here and there;
I pay close attention, seeking others who care.
Dead ends we do reach, “Where oh where is this kin?”
“Relax. They’ll show up! They all want to be in!”
So off on the hunt, searching records and such
We piece it together with a finishing touch.
We find bibles and wills and records of war,
Dig up letters and pictures and essays and lore.
Herein are the brothers, the sisters, and aunts
The fathers and mothers—their stories and haunts.
They built railroads and ranches, grew potatoes and rice,
Left a heritage rich with their work and advice.
The trail heats with Isaac some hundred years back,
He—father of Grandpa, the black sheep of this pack.
Isaac lost his son Wirt, Dell’s death caused great sorrow,
Clark buried Louisa but soon married Miss Morrow.
Next we have Ida—with no trace—disappeared;
Found drowned in the river as her family had feared.
My favorite was Ora, a girl of sixteen,
Eloped with her cousin, caught betwixt and between.
Her beloved was Clara, ten springs older than she,
Made headlines in Denver with a tad too much glee.
Then along came Ray Sawyer—played the organ in Reno,
Wrote a book about gamblers, dice, blackjack, and Keno.
His arrest hit the papers for dabbling in crime
Though we failed to find out if he ever did time.
“Lord love a duck!” cousin Aura did write
When I sent her the news of Miss Ora’s plight
Along with Ray’s photo and news clipping besmirched,
“Good gracious!” she piped, “what a scandalous search!”
The spouses and children—I’ve taken a look
And determined they all should live on in this book.
For if not for their presence we wouldn’t be here
With the grant of their legacy to hold truly dear.
Droopy eyelids, bad kidneys—yes, those we did get
Along with not speaking to half of our set.
They all made a difference, these men and the wives
To better their country, their families, and lives.
Their spirits survive in our hearts and our hands,
Gifts of courage, of music, of love of the land.
Strong women, good men—these Chatfields can toast
Tis an honor and privilege to be part of this host!
Chatfield Coat of Arms
© Jan 2007, Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau.
All rights reserved.
Barbara Jacobsen says
Well said, Carole! I agree. Is it iambic pentameter? You might enjoy The Overstory by Richard Powers…an amazing history, won the Pulitzer Prize. Don’t ever stop writing!
Susan Dalberg says
You forgot one piece–the cousins you meet who fall madly in love with your writing and sense of humor. One big cuz hug coming your way!!!
Catherine Sevenau says
MWUAH, back at you!
Jim Chatfield says
As always Cathy, you’ve outdone yourself again. What a talent you have to weave history into poetry. Your writing is always enticing and enjoyable. May you keep on writing forever. Thank you again for more history on the Chatfields.
Catherine Sevenau says
Thank you Jim. This is actually one of my first pieces. I’ve been posting some of the older ones now that I’ve finished the memoir.
Juli Clark says
I also descend from this line, though do not possess your poetic talent. John (b.1754), Heil Buell, George Washington & Susannah, 4 children of John (b.1729) & Martha Ruth Buell. All migrated to GA. soon after the Rev. War. All four married and have descendants living today.
Catherine Sevenau says
Hi Juli, I contacted a Chatfield cousin, a fellow researcher, and she sent me this:
Your relationship to John, II ~~ 2nd cousins 7 times removed
(meaning you are 2 generations removed from common ancestor and 7 generations apart)
Heil’s Father: John Chatfield, II b: 05 Mar 1730 Killingworth, Middlesex, CT, d: 1786 Canada
Heil’s Mother: Martha Ruth “Ruth” Buell b: 17 Oct 1732 Killingworth, Middlesex, CT, d: 1830, MI
7 children (although the message only has 4 children)
John, II (1730-1786) son of John Chatfield, I (1669-1753) & Abigail Arnell/Arnold (1701-?)
John, I son of George Chatfield, II and Hester/Esther Hull
George II son of immigrant George Chatfield, I and Isabel Nettleton (our ancestors)
My notes about John Chatfield, II (1730-1783):
John Chatfield, II, was b: in Killingworth, Middlesex, CT. He married Martha Ruth Buell in 1751.
John served as Pvt. in the 8th Co., 6th CT Rgmt., under Capt. Samuel Gale and Col. Parsons;
also marched in “The Lexington Alarm, 1776”.
His descendants are eligible for membership in D.A.R.
After the close of the Revolutionary War, he went on a whaling voyage. He was taken ill with cramp colic and by his request was put ashore on the Banks of Newfoundland where he very soon died. The Bible on which his head rested while dying was later in the possession of Mrs. Augusta Forman of Greenville, GA.
(contributed by Cheryl Chatfield Thompson)
Catherine Sevenau says
FInd A Grave link to Levi Tomlinson Chatfield (1813 – 1848), my g-g-grandfather and father of Isaac and Clark. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=32478571
Linda Troolin says
A poet too? My heart be still. How you can turn the family genealogy into supurb poetry is truly genius. I thoroughly enjoy your elegant writing Catherine.
Brock Arner says
Such a talent you are, you continue to amaze me.
Carole Peccorini says
Catherine, I love the lilt of this piece. I feel the waves rise and fall, all part of the same sea. My friend Nan just wrote me saying thanks, that my writings remind her how important it is to tend to weaving the strands of our lives together. Now I thank you. In the big view, the scandals and the ordinary day all have their place in our wealth. xo Carole