David’s family was large, so here are more entries from his family:

David “Dick” Tyrrell’s mother wrote a sentiment most mothers would have written. I wonder if this is a general statement or if she was reminding Dick of his temperament:

Dear Dickie-

Be kind to all you chance to meet In field or lane or crowded street. Anger and pride are both unwise. Vinegar never catches flies.

Your Mother Mina E. Nelings

Osceola, Kingsbury County, SD

April 12, 1893

Brother James W. Nelings also remained a bachelor and lived on the farm with David and Maud. He was likely named after his uncle, James Nelings, who died of typhus as a soldier in the Civil War.

Bessie L. Nelings remained single and also lived with her brothers and sister. She signed Dick’s book in 1893:

Dick’s bachelor brother, Claud, was even reserved in his writing and merely signed his name.

Bertha Nelings married John Mannings and moved to Los Angeles.

“Jan 6, 1894. Dick, An ounce of pluck is worth a ton of luck. Your sister, Bertha.”

The next entry is from John Manning from 1897. Bertha and John were married in 1899.

“Osceola S. Dak. Dec 19/97. Friend Dick. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. Your friend. John W. Manning.”

While many of the sayings were sentimental, some were humorous. This one, for example, written by TJT. This may be Thomas J. Tyrrell, Dick’s brother in law:

“1-17-1895.

Dear Friend-

Never kick a Jackass when he’s going downhill. Your friend, TJT”

From his sister, Mame. Mame was Mary Nelings, who married Charles Suddaby and then her widowed brother-in-law, Frank F Swale. In the 1920s, after Frank died, Mame moved back to South Dakota to live with her siblings.

Osceola, July 17, 1893

Dear Dickie Boy:-

Remember that manners are of more importance than laws. Upon them, in great measure, the laws depend.

Your sister Mame

His sister Maud, with whom David and his brother Henry Claud would live with on the family farm:

His nephew/cousin Francis Alfred Tyrrell in 1895:

And nephew/cousin George Howard Tyrrell in 1895 interjected a little more humor:

The final entry is from his sister, Gertrude (Nelings) Tyrrell. Gertrude married Thomas J. Tyrrell, my great-grandfather. Dick and Gertrude’s sister Jennie married Thomas J Tyrrell’s father, Thomas B. Tyrrell.