In the mid 1800's Edward Hopkins crossed the ocean
To come to our great country "Canada" was his fancy notion
Although "Ned" as he was known, was only 11 years old then
"Ned" soon grew up and looked for a companion as next to kin
So soon "Ned" met "Mary Cuffe" and chose her as his bride
How the wedding bells rang ... filling "Ned" with pride.



They settled on a farm, worked hard with many a knock
They soon had another one to raise ... "A Chip Off The Block"
A baby girl, called Martha was the first newcomer ... 1854
Things were sure different now than before
With a new baby you had less time and demanded of more.



The proud parents were Mary and Ned Hopkins
They soon learned how to fold and pin on napkins
Each year or two another one was added to the roll
By 1878 ... 14 had been written on to the Hopkins Scroll
First came 2 girls followed by 12 boys ... quite a sum
Three sons died as babies ... never knew their dad or mom.



Mary and Ed worked hard with very little pay
They didn't have hydro or the conveniences of today
If they could look into our new modern homes now
And see our frozen food and powdered milk ... they'd say
"WHAT!  NO NEED OF A COW?"



If they could see our modern appliances, they'd go into shock
Those early pioneers and the "Chips Off The Blocks"
They cleared land as a family had to be fed and stock
They had to struggle to raise "Chips Off The Blocks"
They had no tractors so put shoes on their horses
Their wives worked hard too ... 
neatly tucked inside their lace corsets.



They must have had the Faith of the mustard seed
With so little to live on and so many to feed
These early pioneers had many trails to face
Clearing land was slow and steady ... it was no race
They'd carry 100 lb. bags of flour and sugar on their back ...
Never complaining or bragging
But glad to reach home and unload their heavy sacks.



They had no cars then so didn't go far from home
They'd take a horses or bicycles or walk if they did roam
One by one the family grew up and started on their own
They tried to sow the seeds -- in them had been sown
As each one grew up and chose a partner of their choice
Weddings and new babies were times for all to rejoice.



There are now 7 to 8 generations of Hopkins and Bartmans families
Following in the footsteps of Hopkins and Bartmans
Who are now but treasured memories
Scattered across Canada from one coast to the other
Are descendants of the Hopkins and Bartman Clans
In some way all linked to-gether.



Yes, we are the people of the Hopkins and Bartman race
Proud of our ancestors who tried to save us from disgrace
Many a Hopkins and Bartman had an open Bible on a shelf
It wasn't old fashioned then to read it to your family or self
May they have stars in their crown as their reward
As they parted this earthly life to be with their Lord.



We now have Hopkins and Bartmans in every walk of life
Since Martha Hopkins took Thomas Bartman and Mary Cuffe took 
Ed Hopkins to live as husband and wife.



Our ancestors often handed down their home to a son
Our pioneers ancestors were proud of a job well done
Some fell to fortune ... had material things galore
Others their living had to seek
Were satisfied with their lot ... not seeking more



As we reminisce on our ancestors pioneering days
We have much to be grateful for in so many ways
Most of the Hopkins and Bartmans are strangers to each other
Yet we all traced back to the same Father and Mother.



Many of us relatives have never met face to face
I hope to see each other at the end of life's race
As the saying goes ... Let the chips fall were they may
Let us honour and respect our forefathers in every way.



Who for us did sacrifice and dearly pay
Who on bended knee ... for their children did pray
What a happy REUNION it would be
If all the Hopkins and Bartmans at one time we could see
I pray that some day on the other shore
We can all be joined to-gether as one family for evermore.



Where we can anchor fast to the Heavenly dock
The Hopkins and Bartman clans and the "Chips Off The Block"
I'm now thru hunting for the Hopkins and Bartman name
Writing my hobby ... not my noted fame
I hope I have fulfilled my families inspirations
As they wished to know more on their Father's relations.



I spent a couple of years trying to take stock
Of all the Hopkins and Bartman families and the 
"Chips Off The Block"



It is finished ... pardon me for this lengthy poem
It is the result of time spent alone in my home
Writing helped the time to go faster then the clock
"Farewell" ... "God Bless" ... my message to you all
From one of the Bartman and Hopkins clan
"CHIPS OFF THE BLOCK"




© Mary G (Caudle) Spears
15 October 1979

This is a poem 
about 
my great great grandparents.