Presented to Roscoe L. Whitman for Christmas 1945 by Mrs. Lulu W. Burgen-Fowler. Written for the 1941 National Meeting at Alexandria Bay, Jefferson County, New York.

To a Friend and Kinsman
By Mrs. Lulu Westcott Burgen

Down Otsego way
There came one day into the good U.S.A..
A baby boy
Who in later years his pen did employ
To seek the family trees
0f all us Westcotts who enjoy the lovely breeze
From Ontario waters, and others too (far and near).
All to whom he has made clear
Our abundant heritage of ancestors and lore—
Proving we have character, initiative, bravery and professions galore.

In the struggles and shaping of our country’s destiny.
Thanks to his efforts and untiring energy,
We have a near-completed history of family kin,
Of whom living members still make quite a din
Through local Chapters and National Society.
We meet as often as we can with propriety.
Each glad—both those who totter and those who creep —
That we have a fine motto to keep;
‘ Know Your Kindred Better.”
Our Chapter tries to observe this to the letter.

We have grown quite strong
Though widespread and roads are long;
Yet since August. 1934.
We have gathered more and more
On the George H. Westcott shore.
Our goal is far from won
For we solicit more of the young —
They to carry the message
On down through the years.
Pointing the way and how it appears.

That we are a hardy clan and true
Whose ancestors crossed the deep-deep blue
To live in freedom in a foreign land.
For whose descendants God seems to have planned
Happier gatherings in later times
From the cold and sunny climes.
May this good work spread and spread
Long years after we here assembled are dead.
To our debtor, good friend and kinsman,
Let’s all rise and say, to a man.
“ God Bless” and “Long Live,” ‘Roscoe L. Whitman.”