s/o:
Walter Bryon Tillinghast (1886-1952)
Ruth H. Day (1890-1935)
Name: Julius Preston Tillinghast
Adoptive s/o:
Reverend Walter William Deckard (1867-1924)
Mary Gertrude Ledlie (1892-1950)
Adoption Name: Julius Russell "Russ" Deckard.
h/o:
Rosa Marie "Rosemary" Cardwell (1910-1947)
Married 15 Jan 1934 - Licking; Ohio, USA
f/o:
Gerald Allan (1935- )
Renee Lillian Deckard (1939-2001)
h/o:
Lucia Pace (1917-2012)
Married 13 Dec 1947 - Hoboken, Hudson, New Jersey, USA
f/o;
Raymond Deckard
Adoptive f/o:
Robert Deckard

Russ was born Julian Preston Tillinghast on 10 Dec 1907 in Stonington, Connecticut. His parents were Walter Byron Tillinhghast and Ruth H, Day.
He was put up for adoption when he was four years old. He was adopted on 9 Mar 1912 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut by Reverend Walter W. Deckard and Mary Gertrude Ledlie.
He was renamed Julius Russell"Russ" Deckard. He, apparently, did not like the name Julius because he always went by the name J. Russell Deckard

The following is a letter sent by Russ's natural farther, Walter B. Tillinghast to Russ's adoptive father, Reverend Walter W. Deckard

316 Orms St.
Providence, RI

March 1912

Mr. Deckard,

I had no trouble getting Mrs. Tillinghast to sign the paper. I saw her about an hour and she did not mention his name even how he was or where he was or who was to adopt him.

It makes me feel bad the interest she has shown in him but it is Gods will. I believe he knows best. You need not worry about her ever trying to see him for she won’t know where he is or who has him. I myself feel bad to do this but think it is the best for him as his mother takes no interest in him. I shall not try to see him here after.

I was in the insurance office at Westerly but they had sent my book Saturday morning to the city so you will have to go the insurance office here in the city have it changed for yourself for I may not get the book before I go away but if I do and have time I will make them fix the book and policy. The next premium will be due the 20th of May next as I paid it in advance yesterday 9 weeks. I would like it to have paid 1 year in advance but could not on account of money. I am to have no money for two months in Kavey? as they would hold one month back.

P.S. Mr. and Mrs. Deckard. I can never thank you enough for this kind and charitable deed you have done for me and mine and hope you people never have cause to regret it. I also hope you have no trouble to train him to your likes and dislikes.

I remain your respectfully
Walter B. Tillinghast
City
316 Orms St.
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World War II - Chief Radio Officer - US Merchant Marine
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