By 1910, Thomas G. Moses and his family were living the American Dream. They enjoyed a comfortable life, benefitting from steady employment, fair wages and public education. Although Moses had grown up in a relatively modest home, the majority of his early obstacles were solely financial in nature. It was a time in America when the middle class was expanding and opportunities abounded, especially if you were a white Christian male.
When the couple was expecting their first child, Moses was given a raise to help cover the additional expenses. He simply expressed his concern to his employer. The family was fortunate as their annual income continued to increase with each child, directly supporting their expanding family. The couple’s four children were Thomas William “Pitt” Moses (b. 1879), Mary “Mamie” Titcomb Moses (1881), Lillian Ella Moses (1886) and “Rupert” Moses (1889).
In 1910, Moses wrote the following, “New Year’s, Lillian, Mary and Rupert were at home and we all enjoyed a good dinner.” Lillian Ella Moses, born on May 24, 1886, was the third child. He would later write that same year, “Lillian was married to George Salzman in New York City, March 31st, 1910.” Lillian was now starting a new life on the East Coast with her new husband. That same year, his youngest son, Rupert, also left Chicago. Rupert sought employment in California. Of this departure, Moses wrote, “Rupert went to California to work for Shearer, but he was not put on. He went to work for the irrigating company. They treated him better.”
Returning to Lillian in 1911, Moses wrote, “Lillian presented her husband with a bouncing son, Thomas George, in New York, March 9th. Mama went to New York to be with Lillian for a week or so. Mamie surprised us both by informing us that she and Wm. Hanover were married in Wheaton, Illinois, on February 8th, 1911. We are becoming accustomed to these surprises.” By now, all four children were married and embarking on their own adventures,
Even though the Moses family was increasing in number, family gathering became less frequent due to distance. By 1914, Moses wrote, “Another Christmas without Pitt and family or Lillian. Would like to have the children and grandchildren every Christmas. We have a big house to entertain them, and I feel sure they all like to come to the old house, at least once a year.” By 1916, his wishes were granted when Lillian returned to Chicago with her husband and small child. Of the event, Moses wrote, “George, Lillian and little George arrived from New York City to make Chicago their home. February 9th, a big family reunion.” Lillian was pregnant at the time. That fall, she gave birth to a pair of twins, a boy and a girl on October 6, 1916. By Christmas, Moses wrote, “Our Christmas Family this year was Mary and William, Lillian and George and children, and little family of three, Rupert, Ula and Evelyn.”
Almost a decade later, there were established traditions with Lillian and George. In 1924, they only lived a short distance from Tom and Ella. That year, Moses wrote, “Madam and I started the new year in the usual way, by going to Lillian’s for dinner. The weather was quite moderate so we enjoyed the short walk both ways.” The close proximity of the two homes, allowed for many family celebrations and holidays.
To be continued…
