Re: Martin Cicero Tew
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In reply to:
Martin Cicero Tew
5/10/99
Hey Billy,
This is your cousins Pam and Linda living in So California. We are Gladys Shelwicks daughters, Billy Tews sister.
I can tell you a lot about your grandpa Tew except for his lineage. He was a pulp wood manufacturer having business' in Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas. He was caught in a storm before Christmas 1931 in his model T and he died New Years Eve of same year. He spent three days in the car and caught pneumonia, thus his illness. Grandma had five children, Juakine was the oldest she is 80, Sam Tew was three years younger, then Gladys Flora Tew, then Billy Tew. Grandma lost her business, and eventually Billy and Momma Gladys were sent to orphanages for four years. Uncle Sam was in the CC's during the depression, and Aunt Juakine was married at 15 but worked to help Grandma out.
From what I have gathered back in Mississippi on visiting, Grandpa Tew was a very respected man, as many in town marveled at his knowledge of business. They were very wealthy up until Grandpa died. Then they went from feast to famine especially since the depression hit a few years later.
Your father was a unique individual, kind, and always polite. He was known to be one of the best welders in this state and that is why he would someday buy ships for refurbishing due to his wonderful gift of knowledge. Our family has a thing for the bottle, unfortunately. My Uncle Sam and Uncle Billy were both functional alcoholics.
I believe there was more tolerance during my young years by employers. Plus they were darn good workers. The work ethic in our family has always been exceptional, we are fast thinkers, fast movers, and hard workers.
You would have loved my mother Gladys she was the most fun. She took care of Billy while they were in the orphanage as she was 14 and Billy was 12 when they left.
I think Mother always considered him BILLY one of her own.
Your Grandfather served in World War 1 but I dont know more.
Your Grandmother Mary Johnson Tew was a wonderful woman who was proud and strong. She was quiet but something about her made you respect her with all your heart. You would have liked her. She lived to be 87 and died of Cancer. She smoked and I believe she would have lived to be 100 if she hadn't. She never loved anyone after Martin and would not even consider dating another man for she loved him so much. She was bright, a hard worker, and she was one of eleven brothers and sisters in the Johnson family. OF course there are inlaws and outlaws in our family.
I know Glen sent you pictures of your Daddy in the war! If you could copy and send them over the computer my sister and I would love to have them for our album. I believe he also sent you Sams picture. Actually we have a darn goodlooking family.
I am 58 soon, have three children and seven grandchildren. I am trying to find out more about my family too.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Cousin Linda
More Replies:
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Re: Martin Cicero Tew
Cathy Garrett 8/21/01