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It was only a few short months after the completion of the girl's nursery that Caroline and Thomas had yet another new addition to the household- this time, another happy healthy baby boy!
Welcome Henry Zehr, born September 5, 1874.
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Now that there were four children in the house, Thomas knew he had to start working for the railroad again to bring in a little extra money, although he hated to leave his young family behind.
There was no shortage of work on the railways, however, as construction on a huge new project had begun out west- they called it the Canadian Pacific Railroad, and so Thomas left to join the ranks of the many workers in the Rocky Mountains.
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Many stressful hours later, Thomas was finally allowed back in the room. At last, he and Caroline were able to greet their new baby- a beautiful, healthy little boy who they named after his father.
Welcome, Thomas (Tommy) Zehr Jr. born May 28, 1871.
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Though parenting was often exhausting, days in the little cottage were still full of love, and it wasn’t long before Caroline and Thomas were expecting their second child!
Tommy meanwhile grew bigger and brighter by the day, although he had not yet outgrown his fussiness, nor had he yet begun to speak, much to Caroline’s disappointment and frustration. Still, she loved the boy, and did her best to listen to Thomas’s constant reminders- “We must simply be patient with him, my love. He will speak in his own time, I’m sure of it.”
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With the little one on the way, since Thomas was not currently on any contract with the railway, he decided to do some work for Old Man Gingrich at his farm on the edge of town, just for a little income.
He found that he actually very much enjoyed farm work, as it was considerably less dangerous than the railroad, but more than anything he loved the opportunity to be working outside again.
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In the early spring of 1870, Thomas Zehr, a humble railway worker, married Caroline Atkinson, the daughter of a wealthy merchant who had recently emigrated from England.
Though he was socially far below her station, this was exactly the reason she came to Canada in the first place- to follow her heart, to marry for love, and to forge her own path forward. Thomas meanwhile was thrilled to be beginning this new life with the woman of his dreams, and even splurged for a new vest for the occasion.
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In no time at all, the little Zehr cottage had become very chaotic and very crowded. One evening, Thomas hesitantly mentioned to his wife that perhaps her beloved art studio would have to be converted into a room for some of the children. Caroline sat in silence for a moment, and Thomas worried that she was deeply upset.
Then, to his surprise, she smiled and said “You know, I think that is a wonderful idea. Besides, I do believe we will need the space even more very soon!” They embraced, both equally excited and nervous about another addition to their rapidly growing family.
And so, the little studio was turned into a cozy bedroom for the girls to share.
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Many grueling hours later, just as the storm was beginning to break, Thomas and Caroline were finally blessed with beautiful twin girls. They were simply overjoyed that their little family was growing so quickly, and Thomas could not wait to introduce Tommy to his brand new sisters.
Welcome Margaret and Harriet Zehr, born July 19, 1873.
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