“It’s important to teach our children their heritage. Who are your ancestors? What were their traditions? Each of us has a story to tell. If these stories are unwritten, then how are your children going to know of their parentage?” ―
“Every man is a quotation from all his ancestors.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
There were Unexpected Treasures in a message from a voice we did not know: “I am calling for information on Charles Stuart Tripler. Please call me back”. I passed the note to my husband. What has followed has been and continues to be quite astounding.
I wrote a BLOG in early 2021 after reading the 176-page book of the Recollections of Eunice Hunt Tripler. The BLOG was intended to illustrate the long-view and value in capturing one’s personal story.
Unexpected Treasures
However, I had no idea that in early 2022, someone researching the life of Charles Stuart Tripler, would come across my BLOG and track me down. The result was the phone message.
This gentleman, a retired lawyer who now works with the Michigan Civil War Association (MCWA), was compiling a book on Charles Tripler’s contribution to the medical service during the Civil War. The connection made through the BLOG with my husband opened up a whole new avenue.
As:
- a direct descendent of General Tripler
- the caretaker of an archive of materials related to the Triplers
- a steward of the personal research done by both my husband and his father,
he was able to add details not otherwise available to this new work.
More Unexpected Treasures
However, as the work progressed, Eunice Hunt Tripler’s significant role in Dr. Tripler’s contributions emerged. As a result, it was decided by the MCWA publications committee to produce a book dedicated to Eunice in honor of these contributions on the occasion of her 200th birthday, October 2022.
My husband, the consummate researcher, has enjoyed countless hours delving deeper into the materials passed down his ancestors, probing the recesses of Ancestry and other genealogical sites and providing the Michigan project with details not otherwise accessible.
Plans are pending for the unveiling of this book in Michigan on the occasion of Eunice’s birthdate. There may be a fall road trip in our future!
The recording of Eunice Hunt Tripler’s story by her son-in-law lay in relative obscurity for 100 years. Yet, here it is, opening up a time in history when she:
- Socialized with future Presidents, Senators, and Congressmen
- Wrestled with the reality of time – slavery
- Labored behind the scenes on behalf of her husband, both as He lived and after His death
- Raised nine children, outliving three , during long absences of her military spouse.
- enjoyed a life of privilege, yet not without hardships.
The books about Dr. Charles Stuart Tripler’s work is still planned for 2023. On a personal note, my husband was named after two Charles, one being Dr. Tripler. In fact, he was almost named Charles Tripler Cullen, but his father preferred David as a middle name.
Unexpected Treasures In YOUR Story
There is no telling where your personal story will lead. Every story is unique. As the summer heat lingers, take time to begin Giving Your Story A Voice. I have provided a roadmap in the form of a workbook to help you. Click here to purchase it.
While waiting for the workbook to arrive, be sure to download the FREE PDF Five Legacy Stories and get a head start! The Workbook builds on this foundation.