TETLEY'S STORE IN 70TH YEAR |
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TETLEY'S STORE IN 70TH YEAR |
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In 1868 Robert Tetley came to Farmington and opened a jewelry shop where Wickman's Garage is now situated. Shortly thereafter he moved to a building on property that now houses the Post Office. In 1878 (approximately) he purchased the property where the store is now situated -- and built, on that lot, a frame building to house his business. The present brick edifice was built in 1881.
Born in 1842 in Derby, England, Mr. Tetley emigrated to the United States in 1855 and settled in Boston. He died January 5th, 1907, at Farmington, and his business is carried on by his two sons, J. H. and G. A. Tetley. We reprint herewith a letter that was printed in this paper over thirty-one years ago regarding the death of Mr. Tetley.
Editor Lead Belt News:
Please allow me space to say a few words in remembrance of Robert Tetley, our noble friend and brother, who departed this life on Saturday, January 5th, 1907.
Brother Tetley was one of the best citizens of our county or state and all who knew him honored him for his integrity and conscientious every-day life.
He and the writer first met thirty-five years ago in a meeting of the I.O.O.F. and since that time it has been a source of great pleasure to meet him around that altar where his smiling face and cheering words gave inspiration and encouragement to our works of benevolence. That pleasant smile and those cheering words shall greet us there no more, but their influence upon our lives can never, no never, be forgotten.
Our departed friend was a man whose very nature impelled him to loving deeds of charity. Of him and his noble acts it shall ever be a pleasure to think and talk.
In his community his influence was ever for progress and advancement. When in his city we have always availed ourselves of an opportunity to call upon him and spend our waiting moments in pleasant conversation with him. His departure has left in our hearts a vacancy that cannot be filled.
Brother Tetley has been one of the shining pillars of St. Francois Lodge No. 48, I.O.O.F. and of Farmington A.F. & A.M. Lodge for forty years. The name of this grand good man is written on the minutes of nearly every meeting of these lodges. In our sadness we must remember that it was the will of an All-Wise Father to take from us our friend and brother.
Behind him is left his devoted wife and kind loving children to uphold his noble work and cherished name. With them we do most sincerely sympathize. May God bless them in their lonely hours.
J. A. PARKER.
(Letter quoted above was printed Jan. 17, 1907, The Lead Belt News.)
