REVEREND GEORGE TUCKER (1835 - 1908)
Rector of Smith's Parish (1869 - 1887)
Rector of Hamilton Parish (1891 - 1907)
Archdeacon of Bermuda (1896 - 1907)
(Excerpted and edited from a presentation by E. Frances Zuill (his grand-daughter) to the Bermuda Historical Society in 1982.)
George Tucker was born on 1st November 1835 (All Saints' Day) at his father's lovely cottage at George's Bay. The children often came to town by sailboat to visit their grandparents at the old Rectory or family at Dellwood, Woodmont or Maria's hill. George was a delightful though precocious child. He preached childhood sermons to his brothers and sisters and led the family prayers. I expect he was the joy of his Grandfather Ewing's life. His education began in Bermuda and was followed by schooling at Mr. Rupell's Academy in New Haven, Connecticut. He planned to study law. He graduated from Yale with a B.A. degree in 1857. In 1858 he was admitted to a Master of Arts degree from Yale and Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut. Upon going to Newfoundland, he studied theology under Bishop Field and was ordained deacon by him in 1859. A year later he became Curate in St. George's Parish. In that year of 1860 he married for the first time, Miss Theodosia Trott of Hamilton. They went north for missionary work at Moreton, Newfoundland and gave birth to their firstborn Isobel. Four years later, on being ordained priest, he returned to Bermuda as Chaplain at H.M. Dockyard and a year later was inducted at Chapel of Ease in Pembroke.
Soon after this, Reverend Marischal Frith resigned his livings in Paget and Warwick and Reverend J. L. Lough, who was rector of Hamilton and Smith's, applied for them. £50 more a year seemed a good rise in salary and besides, there was a rectory. Reverend C.A. Jenkins hoped to get the parishes of Smith's and Hamilton. Hamilton Parish supported Jenkins' application and I quote"... for he was a faithful, goodly Christian minister of exemplary life, who suits all". All except some members of St. Mark's Church in Smith's Parish, who specified as their choice Reverend George Tucker, or none at all. Of course there were good and bad points in each man. Tucker was good-looking but had a soft-toned voice, not always distinct to the deaf members of his congregations when preaching. Jenkins had a good voice but was awkward with few social graces and he was no Adonis! You have read of the curious events of the summer months in 1868, but in September of that year Jenkins sought peace with his family in Essex, England, leaving Reverend George Tucker to be inducted in the livings of both parishes. His dates were 1869-1887 when ill health caused him to retire for four years. He left Bermuda for USA, Canada and England, returning in 1891 to the same parishes and was joyously received. He remained there until retirement in 1907. In 1896 Reverend George Tucker was appointed Archdeacon of Bermuda. He was equally loved and respected as was his grandfather, Reverend Alexander Ewing.
George Tucker, as an heir of his brother Robert Alexander Tucker of Woodmont, was able to help both St. Mark's and Holy Trinity by some financial assistance and, we believe he came to the rescue of St. Peter's in St. George's also. There were extensions, renovations, extra doors and windows together with vestry rooms and re-seating of the congregation. On April 30, 1870, Reverend George Tucker drew up duties for the Sextons: a small fee was to be charged for the making of graves, opening of vaults and other churchyard work. Graves and vaults were numbered and a capital F was added where death was due to the dreaded fever. A new hearse was constructed and a charge of 5/- or 10/- for use either within or outside the parish. Both churches are gems of architecture - the family has always loved Holy Trinity - whose shoreline is lapped by the waters of Harrington Sound and in quiet moments during the morning service one used to be able to hear the gentle sound of the waves. As children we rowed over from Trunk Island during the summer to listen to Reverend Lancelot Harvard.
His private life and family:
Through the years eight children were born to George and Theodosia. Isobel married Mr. Zuill; Fanny married Mr. Walker and Mildred married James Smith. The brothers, Robert and Reeve, made Canada their home. George Wentworth drowned in the Flatts in 1873 at age 7. George's wife Theodosia died in 1881 after twenty-one years of marriage and was buried in Pembroke churchyard. Her daughters kept house for their father and brothers thereafter.
In 1887, Reverend Tucker had a bout of ill health and took early retirement to tend to himself and his family. While visiting sons in Ontario, Canada, he received word from Boise City, Idaho Territory that his daughter Isobel and husband Edward were expecting their second child and needed his support out on the western frontier. Reverend Tucker arranged an appointment as Rector of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Boise and arrived in September 1888. George was perfectly placed for the birth and christening of baby Theodosia Gladys Zuill in May 1989, which was attended by a sizable family group from Bermuda. Two of his daughters prevailed upon their father to return to Bermuda for the sake of his health, and Reverend Tucker followed them home to Palmetto Grove, Smith's, later that summer.
Evidently those tropical breezes were just what he needed. 1892 saw his marriage to Anna Emmaline "Lizzie" Outerbridge, who was 27 years his junior. Their Palmetto Grove home was noted for its hospitality in those years. There were four children of this marriage: George and Ewing who both died fighting in France the summer of 1916 (World War I); Mary Elizabeth, who did not marry, and John Randolph, who married Ethel Clarke.
Reverend George and Lizzie Tucker took great interest in enlargements and renovations at the Whitney Institute School where their sons were pupils. They also were instrumental in founding of the Bermuda High School for Girls on Reid Street, Hamilton. This rector of Smith's and Bailey's Bay was a kind, understanding and generous man, a devoted husband and father, greatly loved and respected by all, especially the children. He was surrounded by them both at home and as he moved about the parishes. His hobbies included history, gardening and astronomy. Will Zuill tells of evenings at Trunk Island, before the southern verandahs were added -- children (Tuckers and Zuills) sitting on the flight of steps in their night clothes -- grandfather in his armchair on the top porch with the whole glorious expanse of sky and stars before them, pointing out and naming the planets and constellations for his enthralled audience.
Reverend George Tucker officiated at the wedding of his daughter Mildred Winslow on the occasion of her marriage to James Lightboum Smith at St. Mark's on 20th April 1899. One can imagine a beautiful Easter-time wedding and reception at Palmetto Grove afterwards. He was also present at Christ Church, Warwick, when my parents, William Eldon Tucker and Henrietta Frith Hutchings, were married on 7th August 1902. He baptized those of his grandchildren born in Bermuda until he retired in 1907.
After retiring from active ministry in 1907, my grandfather's health failed rapidly, both physically and mentally, and he died at Palmetto Grove on 6th April 1908. The esteem and affection for him were shown when the flag on every flagpole in Bermuda was flown at half-mast. The bells of the Cathedral, the churches and chapels were tolled on the day of the funeral. Saint Marks church in Smith's was filled to its capacity of 300. 1200 more surrounded the church and grave. 250 carriages were counted on the roads. All the dignitaries were present and the service was performed by Bishop the Rt. Rev. Liew Jones. He said: "I have been greatly blessed in my clergy, but I have never had one more loyal than Archdeacon Tucker. I shall always regard his friendship of thirty years as one of the greatest privileges of my life."
Rector of Smith's Parish (1869 - 1887)
Rector of Hamilton Parish (1891 - 1907)
Archdeacon of Bermuda (1896 - 1907)
(Excerpted and edited from a presentation by E. Frances Zuill (his grand-daughter) to the Bermuda Historical Society in 1982.)
George Tucker was born on 1st November 1835 (All Saints' Day) at his father's lovely cottage at George's Bay. The children often came to town by sailboat to visit their grandparents at the old Rectory or family at Dellwood, Woodmont or Maria's hill. George was a delightful though precocious child. He preached childhood sermons to his brothers and sisters and led the family prayers. I expect he was the joy of his Grandfather Ewing's life. His education began in Bermuda and was followed by schooling at Mr. Rupell's Academy in New Haven, Connecticut. He planned to study law. He graduated from Yale with a B.A. degree in 1857. In 1858 he was admitted to a Master of Arts degree from Yale and Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut. Upon going to Newfoundland, he studied theology under Bishop Field and was ordained deacon by him in 1859. A year later he became Curate in St. George's Parish. In that year of 1860 he married for the first time, Miss Theodosia Trott of Hamilton. They went north for missionary work at Moreton, Newfoundland and gave birth to their firstborn Isobel. Four years later, on being ordained priest, he returned to Bermuda as Chaplain at H.M. Dockyard and a year later was inducted at Chapel of Ease in Pembroke.
Soon after this, Reverend Marischal Frith resigned his livings in Paget and Warwick and Reverend J. L. Lough, who was rector of Hamilton and Smith's, applied for them. £50 more a year seemed a good rise in salary and besides, there was a rectory. Reverend C.A. Jenkins hoped to get the parishes of Smith's and Hamilton. Hamilton Parish supported Jenkins' application and I quote"... for he was a faithful, goodly Christian minister of exemplary life, who suits all". All except some members of St. Mark's Church in Smith's Parish, who specified as their choice Reverend George Tucker, or none at all. Of course there were good and bad points in each man. Tucker was good-looking but had a soft-toned voice, not always distinct to the deaf members of his congregations when preaching. Jenkins had a good voice but was awkward with few social graces and he was no Adonis! You have read of the curious events of the summer months in 1868, but in September of that year Jenkins sought peace with his family in Essex, England, leaving Reverend George Tucker to be inducted in the livings of both parishes. His dates were 1869-1887 when ill health caused him to retire for four years. He left Bermuda for USA, Canada and England, returning in 1891 to the same parishes and was joyously received. He remained there until retirement in 1907. In 1896 Reverend George Tucker was appointed Archdeacon of Bermuda. He was equally loved and respected as was his grandfather, Reverend Alexander Ewing.
George Tucker, as an heir of his brother Robert Alexander Tucker of Woodmont, was able to help both St. Mark's and Holy Trinity by some financial assistance and, we believe he came to the rescue of St. Peter's in St. George's also. There were extensions, renovations, extra doors and windows together with vestry rooms and re-seating of the congregation. On April 30, 1870, Reverend George Tucker drew up duties for the Sextons: a small fee was to be charged for the making of graves, opening of vaults and other churchyard work. Graves and vaults were numbered and a capital F was added where death was due to the dreaded fever. A new hearse was constructed and a charge of 5/- or 10/- for use either within or outside the parish. Both churches are gems of architecture - the family has always loved Holy Trinity - whose shoreline is lapped by the waters of Harrington Sound and in quiet moments during the morning service one used to be able to hear the gentle sound of the waves. As children we rowed over from Trunk Island during the summer to listen to Reverend Lancelot Harvard.
His private life and family:
Through the years eight children were born to George and Theodosia. Isobel married Mr. Zuill; Fanny married Mr. Walker and Mildred married James Smith. The brothers, Robert and Reeve, made Canada their home. George Wentworth drowned in the Flatts in 1873 at age 7. George's wife Theodosia died in 1881 after twenty-one years of marriage and was buried in Pembroke churchyard. Her daughters kept house for their father and brothers thereafter.
In 1887, Reverend Tucker had a bout of ill health and took early retirement to tend to himself and his family. While visiting sons in Ontario, Canada, he received word from Boise City, Idaho Territory that his daughter Isobel and husband Edward were expecting their second child and needed his support out on the western frontier. Reverend Tucker arranged an appointment as Rector of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Boise and arrived in September 1888. George was perfectly placed for the birth and christening of baby Theodosia Gladys Zuill in May 1989, which was attended by a sizable family group from Bermuda. Two of his daughters prevailed upon their father to return to Bermuda for the sake of his health, and Reverend Tucker followed them home to Palmetto Grove, Smith's, later that summer.
Evidently those tropical breezes were just what he needed. 1892 saw his marriage to Anna Emmaline "Lizzie" Outerbridge, who was 27 years his junior. Their Palmetto Grove home was noted for its hospitality in those years. There were four children of this marriage: George and Ewing who both died fighting in France the summer of 1916 (World War I); Mary Elizabeth, who did not marry, and John Randolph, who married Ethel Clarke.
Reverend George and Lizzie Tucker took great interest in enlargements and renovations at the Whitney Institute School where their sons were pupils. They also were instrumental in founding of the Bermuda High School for Girls on Reid Street, Hamilton. This rector of Smith's and Bailey's Bay was a kind, understanding and generous man, a devoted husband and father, greatly loved and respected by all, especially the children. He was surrounded by them both at home and as he moved about the parishes. His hobbies included history, gardening and astronomy. Will Zuill tells of evenings at Trunk Island, before the southern verandahs were added -- children (Tuckers and Zuills) sitting on the flight of steps in their night clothes -- grandfather in his armchair on the top porch with the whole glorious expanse of sky and stars before them, pointing out and naming the planets and constellations for his enthralled audience.
Reverend George Tucker officiated at the wedding of his daughter Mildred Winslow on the occasion of her marriage to James Lightboum Smith at St. Mark's on 20th April 1899. One can imagine a beautiful Easter-time wedding and reception at Palmetto Grove afterwards. He was also present at Christ Church, Warwick, when my parents, William Eldon Tucker and Henrietta Frith Hutchings, were married on 7th August 1902. He baptized those of his grandchildren born in Bermuda until he retired in 1907.
After retiring from active ministry in 1907, my grandfather's health failed rapidly, both physically and mentally, and he died at Palmetto Grove on 6th April 1908. The esteem and affection for him were shown when the flag on every flagpole in Bermuda was flown at half-mast. The bells of the Cathedral, the churches and chapels were tolled on the day of the funeral. Saint Marks church in Smith's was filled to its capacity of 300. 1200 more surrounded the church and grave. 250 carriages were counted on the roads. All the dignitaries were present and the service was performed by Bishop the Rt. Rev. Liew Jones. He said: "I have been greatly blessed in my clergy, but I have never had one more loyal than Archdeacon Tucker. I shall always regard his friendship of thirty years as one of the greatest privileges of my life."
REVEREND GEORGE TUCKER (1835 - 1908)
Rector of Smith's Parish (1869 - 1887)
Rector of Hamilton Parish (1891 - 1907)
Archdeacon of Bermuda (1896 - 1907)
(Excerpted and edited from a presentation by E. Frances Zuill (his grand-daughter) to the Bermuda Historical Society in 1982.)
George Tucker was born on 1st November 1835 (All Saints' Day) at his father's lovely cottage at George's Bay. The children often came to town by sailboat to visit their grandparents at the old Rectory or family at Dellwood, Woodmont or Maria's hill. George was a delightful though precocious child. He preached childhood sermons to his brothers and sisters and led the family prayers. I expect he was the joy of his Grandfather Ewing's life. His education began in Bermuda and was followed by schooling at Mr. Rupell's Academy in New Haven, Connecticut. He planned to study law. He graduated from Yale with a B.A. degree in 1857. In 1858 he was admitted to a Master of Arts degree from Yale and Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut. Upon going to Newfoundland, he studied theology under Bishop Field and was ordained deacon by him in 1859. A year later he became Curate in St. George's Parish. In that year of 1860 he married for the first time, Miss Theodosia Trott of Hamilton. They went north for missionary work at Moreton, Newfoundland and gave birth to their firstborn Isobel. Four years later, on being ordained priest, he returned to Bermuda as Chaplain at H.M. Dockyard and a year later was inducted at Chapel of Ease in Pembroke.
Soon after this, Reverend Marischal Frith resigned his livings in Paget and Warwick and Reverend J. L. Lough, who was rector of Hamilton and Smith's, applied for them. £50 more a year seemed a good rise in salary and besides, there was a rectory. Reverend C.A. Jenkins hoped to get the parishes of Smith's and Hamilton. Hamilton Parish supported Jenkins' application and I quote"... for he was a faithful, goodly Christian minister of exemplary life, who suits all". All except some members of St. Mark's Church in Smith's Parish, who specified as their choice Reverend George Tucker, or none at all. Of course there were good and bad points in each man. Tucker was good-looking but had a soft-toned voice, not always distinct to the deaf members of his congregations when preaching. Jenkins had a good voice but was awkward with few social graces and he was no Adonis! You have read of the curious events of the summer months in 1868, but in September of that year Jenkins sought peace with his family in Essex, England, leaving Reverend George Tucker to be inducted in the livings of both parishes. His dates were 1869-1887 when ill health caused him to retire for four years. He left Bermuda for USA, Canada and England, returning in 1891 to the same parishes and was joyously received. He remained there until retirement in 1907. In 1896 Reverend George Tucker was appointed Archdeacon of Bermuda. He was equally loved and respected as was his grandfather, Reverend Alexander Ewing.
George Tucker, as an heir of his brother Robert Alexander Tucker of Woodmont, was able to help both St. Mark's and Holy Trinity by some financial assistance and, we believe he came to the rescue of St. Peter's in St. George's also. There were extensions, renovations, extra doors and windows together with vestry rooms and re-seating of the congregation. On April 30, 1870, Reverend George Tucker drew up duties for the Sextons: a small fee was to be charged for the making of graves, opening of vaults and other churchyard work. Graves and vaults were numbered and a capital F was added where death was due to the dreaded fever. A new hearse was constructed and a charge of 5/- or 10/- for use either within or outside the parish. Both churches are gems of architecture - the family has always loved Holy Trinity - whose shoreline is lapped by the waters of Harrington Sound and in quiet moments during the morning service one used to be able to hear the gentle sound of the waves. As children we rowed over from Trunk Island during the summer to listen to Reverend Lancelot Harvard.
His private life and family:
Through the years eight children were born to George and Theodosia. Isobel married Mr. Zuill; Fanny married Mr. Walker and Mildred married James Smith. The brothers, Robert and Reeve, made Canada their home. George Wentworth drowned in the Flatts in 1873 at age 7. George's wife Theodosia died in 1881 after twenty-one years of marriage and was buried in Pembroke churchyard. Her daughters kept house for their father and brothers thereafter.
In 1887, Reverend Tucker had a bout of ill health and took early retirement to tend to himself and his family. While visiting sons in Ontario, Canada, he received word from Boise City, Idaho Territory that his daughter Isobel and husband Edward were expecting their second child and needed his support out on the western frontier. Reverend Tucker arranged an appointment as Rector of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Boise and arrived in September 1888. George was perfectly placed for the birth and christening of baby Theodosia Gladys Zuill in May 1989, which was attended by a sizable family group from Bermuda. Two of his daughters prevailed upon their father to return to Bermuda for the sake of his health, and Reverend Tucker followed them home to Palmetto Grove, Smith's, later that summer.
Evidently those tropical breezes were just what he needed. 1892 saw his marriage to Anna Emmaline "Lizzie" Outerbridge, who was 27 years his junior. Their Palmetto Grove home was noted for its hospitality in those years. There were four children of this marriage: George and Ewing who both died fighting in France the summer of 1916 (World War I); Mary Elizabeth, who did not marry, and John Randolph, who married Ethel Clarke.
Reverend George and Lizzie Tucker took great interest in enlargements and renovations at the Whitney Institute School where their sons were pupils. They also were instrumental in founding of the Bermuda High School for Girls on Reid Street, Hamilton. This rector of Smith's and Bailey's Bay was a kind, understanding and generous man, a devoted husband and father, greatly loved and respected by all, especially the children. He was surrounded by them both at home and as he moved about the parishes. His hobbies included history, gardening and astronomy. Will Zuill tells of evenings at Trunk Island, before the southern verandahs were added -- children (Tuckers and Zuills) sitting on the flight of steps in their night clothes -- grandfather in his armchair on the top porch with the whole glorious expanse of sky and stars before them, pointing out and naming the planets and constellations for his enthralled audience.
Reverend George Tucker officiated at the wedding of his daughter Mildred Winslow on the occasion of her marriage to James Lightboum Smith at St. Mark's on 20th April 1899. One can imagine a beautiful Easter-time wedding and reception at Palmetto Grove afterwards. He was also present at Christ Church, Warwick, when my parents, William Eldon Tucker and Henrietta Frith Hutchings, were married on 7th August 1902. He baptized those of his grandchildren born in Bermuda until he retired in 1907.
After retiring from active ministry in 1907, my grandfather's health failed rapidly, both physically and mentally, and he died at Palmetto Grove on 6th April 1908. The esteem and affection for him were shown when the flag on every flagpole in Bermuda was flown at half-mast. The bells of the Cathedral, the churches and chapels were tolled on the day of the funeral. Saint Marks church in Smith's was filled to its capacity of 300. 1200 more surrounded the church and grave. 250 carriages were counted on the roads. All the dignitaries were present and the service was performed by Bishop the Rt. Rev. Liew Jones. He said: "I have been greatly blessed in my clergy, but I have never had one more loyal than Archdeacon Tucker. I shall always regard his friendship of thirty years as one of the greatest privileges of my life."
Rector of Smith's Parish (1869 - 1887)
Rector of Hamilton Parish (1891 - 1907)
Archdeacon of Bermuda (1896 - 1907)
(Excerpted and edited from a presentation by E. Frances Zuill (his grand-daughter) to the Bermuda Historical Society in 1982.)
George Tucker was born on 1st November 1835 (All Saints' Day) at his father's lovely cottage at George's Bay. The children often came to town by sailboat to visit their grandparents at the old Rectory or family at Dellwood, Woodmont or Maria's hill. George was a delightful though precocious child. He preached childhood sermons to his brothers and sisters and led the family prayers. I expect he was the joy of his Grandfather Ewing's life. His education began in Bermuda and was followed by schooling at Mr. Rupell's Academy in New Haven, Connecticut. He planned to study law. He graduated from Yale with a B.A. degree in 1857. In 1858 he was admitted to a Master of Arts degree from Yale and Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut. Upon going to Newfoundland, he studied theology under Bishop Field and was ordained deacon by him in 1859. A year later he became Curate in St. George's Parish. In that year of 1860 he married for the first time, Miss Theodosia Trott of Hamilton. They went north for missionary work at Moreton, Newfoundland and gave birth to their firstborn Isobel. Four years later, on being ordained priest, he returned to Bermuda as Chaplain at H.M. Dockyard and a year later was inducted at Chapel of Ease in Pembroke.
Soon after this, Reverend Marischal Frith resigned his livings in Paget and Warwick and Reverend J. L. Lough, who was rector of Hamilton and Smith's, applied for them. £50 more a year seemed a good rise in salary and besides, there was a rectory. Reverend C.A. Jenkins hoped to get the parishes of Smith's and Hamilton. Hamilton Parish supported Jenkins' application and I quote"... for he was a faithful, goodly Christian minister of exemplary life, who suits all". All except some members of St. Mark's Church in Smith's Parish, who specified as their choice Reverend George Tucker, or none at all. Of course there were good and bad points in each man. Tucker was good-looking but had a soft-toned voice, not always distinct to the deaf members of his congregations when preaching. Jenkins had a good voice but was awkward with few social graces and he was no Adonis! You have read of the curious events of the summer months in 1868, but in September of that year Jenkins sought peace with his family in Essex, England, leaving Reverend George Tucker to be inducted in the livings of both parishes. His dates were 1869-1887 when ill health caused him to retire for four years. He left Bermuda for USA, Canada and England, returning in 1891 to the same parishes and was joyously received. He remained there until retirement in 1907. In 1896 Reverend George Tucker was appointed Archdeacon of Bermuda. He was equally loved and respected as was his grandfather, Reverend Alexander Ewing.
George Tucker, as an heir of his brother Robert Alexander Tucker of Woodmont, was able to help both St. Mark's and Holy Trinity by some financial assistance and, we believe he came to the rescue of St. Peter's in St. George's also. There were extensions, renovations, extra doors and windows together with vestry rooms and re-seating of the congregation. On April 30, 1870, Reverend George Tucker drew up duties for the Sextons: a small fee was to be charged for the making of graves, opening of vaults and other churchyard work. Graves and vaults were numbered and a capital F was added where death was due to the dreaded fever. A new hearse was constructed and a charge of 5/- or 10/- for use either within or outside the parish. Both churches are gems of architecture - the family has always loved Holy Trinity - whose shoreline is lapped by the waters of Harrington Sound and in quiet moments during the morning service one used to be able to hear the gentle sound of the waves. As children we rowed over from Trunk Island during the summer to listen to Reverend Lancelot Harvard.
His private life and family:
Through the years eight children were born to George and Theodosia. Isobel married Mr. Zuill; Fanny married Mr. Walker and Mildred married James Smith. The brothers, Robert and Reeve, made Canada their home. George Wentworth drowned in the Flatts in 1873 at age 7. George's wife Theodosia died in 1881 after twenty-one years of marriage and was buried in Pembroke churchyard. Her daughters kept house for their father and brothers thereafter.
In 1887, Reverend Tucker had a bout of ill health and took early retirement to tend to himself and his family. While visiting sons in Ontario, Canada, he received word from Boise City, Idaho Territory that his daughter Isobel and husband Edward were expecting their second child and needed his support out on the western frontier. Reverend Tucker arranged an appointment as Rector of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Boise and arrived in September 1888. George was perfectly placed for the birth and christening of baby Theodosia Gladys Zuill in May 1989, which was attended by a sizable family group from Bermuda. Two of his daughters prevailed upon their father to return to Bermuda for the sake of his health, and Reverend Tucker followed them home to Palmetto Grove, Smith's, later that summer.
Evidently those tropical breezes were just what he needed. 1892 saw his marriage to Anna Emmaline "Lizzie" Outerbridge, who was 27 years his junior. Their Palmetto Grove home was noted for its hospitality in those years. There were four children of this marriage: George and Ewing who both died fighting in France the summer of 1916 (World War I); Mary Elizabeth, who did not marry, and John Randolph, who married Ethel Clarke.
Reverend George and Lizzie Tucker took great interest in enlargements and renovations at the Whitney Institute School where their sons were pupils. They also were instrumental in founding of the Bermuda High School for Girls on Reid Street, Hamilton. This rector of Smith's and Bailey's Bay was a kind, understanding and generous man, a devoted husband and father, greatly loved and respected by all, especially the children. He was surrounded by them both at home and as he moved about the parishes. His hobbies included history, gardening and astronomy. Will Zuill tells of evenings at Trunk Island, before the southern verandahs were added -- children (Tuckers and Zuills) sitting on the flight of steps in their night clothes -- grandfather in his armchair on the top porch with the whole glorious expanse of sky and stars before them, pointing out and naming the planets and constellations for his enthralled audience.
Reverend George Tucker officiated at the wedding of his daughter Mildred Winslow on the occasion of her marriage to James Lightboum Smith at St. Mark's on 20th April 1899. One can imagine a beautiful Easter-time wedding and reception at Palmetto Grove afterwards. He was also present at Christ Church, Warwick, when my parents, William Eldon Tucker and Henrietta Frith Hutchings, were married on 7th August 1902. He baptized those of his grandchildren born in Bermuda until he retired in 1907.
After retiring from active ministry in 1907, my grandfather's health failed rapidly, both physically and mentally, and he died at Palmetto Grove on 6th April 1908. The esteem and affection for him were shown when the flag on every flagpole in Bermuda was flown at half-mast. The bells of the Cathedral, the churches and chapels were tolled on the day of the funeral. Saint Marks church in Smith's was filled to its capacity of 300. 1200 more surrounded the church and grave. 250 carriages were counted on the roads. All the dignitaries were present and the service was performed by Bishop the Rt. Rev. Liew Jones. He said: "I have been greatly blessed in my clergy, but I have never had one more loyal than Archdeacon Tucker. I shall always regard his friendship of thirty years as one of the greatest privileges of my life."
