On June 15, 1953, Myrtle Wescott of New Philadelphia, Ohio, wrote to Eleanor Trismen, then Secretary of the Westcott Society and editor of the Westcott Family Quarterly, informing the society of the death of her husband, Dr. Roscoe Clement Wescott, a month earlier and enclosing his memorial tribute card. In her letter, the widow described how the doctor, who was 25 years her senior, conducted his dental practice for 50 years with “that Wescott Smile” until two weeks before his death. Adding to her sadness was that he did not get to see an article in the New Philadelphia Daily Times that told of a poem that she had shared with President and Mrs. Eisenhower and the response she received from the First Lady’s secretary. The letter, memorial and a clipping from the June 13, 1953, Daily Times are saved in the Westcott Family Album (Volume 2). And the secretary included this transcription of the article in the next issue of the Quarterly:
New Philadelphia, Ohio – White House Note.
Mrs. M. Wescott of 148 Fair Avenue, N. W., this city, has received a note from the White House thanking her for a poem she sent to President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower. “Mrs. Eisenhower asks me to thank you for your recent letter to the President and her, with the enclosed copy of your poem. It means a great deal to both of them to know that you are supporting the President with your confidence and your prayers.” The letter was written by Mary Jane McCaffee, Secretary to Mrs. Eisenhower.
Mrs. Wescott’s poem, entitled “Great America”, is as follows:
Overhead in Great America,
The clouds are floating slowly
Each star is shining through
Shining for American Soldiers,
That are fighting brave for you.
Thousands dying in the battles
Others suffering from their wounds
Millions marching bravely onward
Obeying Uncle Sam.
They want the freedom promised
In the nations they fight to free
Hoping all nations will march for victory.
Those who gave their life in battle
Has won thou Resurrection,
God will give when it is due.
Open your eyes and gaze toward heaven
As the dawn comes through.
Ask thee God to guide all soldiers,
As they march forward on.
Let our flag wave forever,
The red, white and blue
Keep on praying - keep on praying
It’s the honorable thing to do.
More about Roscoe and Myrtle Wescott
Roscoe Clement Wescott was born on March 22, 1878, the son of William and Ella Wescott, in Frankfort, Ohio, where his father was a practicing physician. Roscoe was not a lineal descendant of Stukely and Juliana Westcott. Rather he probably descended from original settler Daniel Westcott (Roscoe Clement9 Wescott, William8, Isaac7, Philander6, Isaac5, William4, William3, Richard2, Daniel1.)
In 1900 he was living with his parents in Vinton, Ohio, and his occupation is listed as dentist. On April 1, 1903, he married Clara Ditto. According to the 1910 Federal Census, the couple was living with his parents in Columbus, Ohio, and he was involved in farming; however, by 1930 the couple was living in New Philadelphia, Ohio, where he established a dental practice. She died during the 30s.
Roscoe Wescott’s second wife was born Myrtle May Coin on August 20, 1905, in Shelbyville, Indiana. They were married sometime before 1940. The widow Wescott married Jack Scardino on October 2, 1953. She died on November 4, 1977.