Roy is just twelve years of age when his mother leaves for a sanatorium in Battle Creek, Michigan, associated with John Harvey Kellogg.  She subsequently dies of tuberculosis.  Roy blends tales of boyish pastimes and school pranks with an impressive maturity as he takes over the family correspondence and helps his Father and Aunts.  Later in life he is a teacher, skilled photographer, artist and writer.  In his 1903 diary, he travels to Scotland with his Aunt Jennie, Uncle James, and cousin Minerva.  Aunt Jennie’s diary continues the account of their travels.