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L to R: Standing- Jesse Williams, Harvey Knights, Walter Rockwell Sitting - Ed Shots, J. Q. Adams. As far as I know they all lived in Troy, PA |
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This is a second page of leters in this collection. Table of Contents is on the first page
Emily Taft
Dear Cousin (Mary Williams)
Received your letter and was glad to hear from you we are all well and happily hoping that these few lines will find you the same you wrote to me Cousin Mary that Oliver sayed that he guessed we all got so sick of you that we did not want to neaver hear from you but do knot think so becaus I have not written to you D for I have delayed it until this day I have thought of wrighting sevrel times but did not I was up home last Sunday they was all well Mary has not been able to do enny thing this summer but she is getting better now so that she helpes some now Sophia and Mary and Harriet and Angeline is all living to home this winter Tom has ben living with us in the weste(?) part of the house they are a going away in the spring thay think some of going to the western country they are well give my beste respectes to Simeon family and should like to see them Ambrose and his family like to see them all verry well tell him to come out her(e) and bring his Great Buoy(?) Cousin Mary that beetes any thing in ________ Shaftsbury I think if he was here he would freeze to Death we have knot had one warm Day since December it is verry cold
Tell aunt I should like to see her and Uncle to tell him that we think he was verry Scournful for if not I know he would come and seen us tell Julie and Phebe that we have been looking for them Sophia and the rest have been laying thaire plans for them how much comfort thay should take but it was in vain tell Jane and her husband to come out here and see us Cousin Mary and Oliver do not forget to come out here next fall I shal look for you so don’t forget it I should like to come and see you you and all the rest of them but Mary you know how it is with me I can not come unless I brought both of my children with me which would be quite a tiresom time for me for Edgar he is to mischieveous that it takes me all up the time to watch him every thing is high here Produce of all kinds Butter is from 20 to 25 cents a pound chese 10 cents egges 25 cents per dozen and flour from 9 to 12 dollars per barrel
Alonzo sends his Beste respects to you all I have nothing more to write so I must bring it to a close so goode by to you wright us soon as you receive this from me.
Febuary the 5 1850 Emily Taft from (corner torn – Shaftsbury?)
Pettibone -
Northville (Michigan) Nov the 8 1857
Dear Mary (Williams)
With pleasure I take my pen in hand to answer your kind epistle of Nov the
first I am well and do sincerely hope you are enjoying the same
blessing Mary. I will write you how Milo worked the ____ from beginning to end
When we left Troy we came to Mich and Milo’s brother George helped him get a
farm in this way he gave Milo a deed of it and he took a mortgage of it after he
had been on the farm about to years he began to think his brother George might
let him have the farm but his brother did not think so so he got his brother to
by it of him and Milo told me that he would take the money and get a cheper farm
so I consented to let him sell it thinking we would have a home of our own Milo
sold the farm to his brother for 12 hundred and then he sold of the horses cows
and sheep and every thing that was on the farm unbeknown to me yes Mary he sold
every thing but the house en furniture and he was mad because I wasn’t wiling he
should sell it it was in July he sold of the things and in Sept he left without
saying a word to any one where he was going I was on the farm when he left and
Milo’s mother was living with us he got up Monday morning I ask him where he was
going he said not far I went to washing and in the time I missed some of his
clothes and before noon one of the neighbors came to get the farming utensils he
had bought that was the first I knew he had sold such things then we began to
wonder where he had gone but a week passed and we was ignorant of his
whereabouts his folks all lived within a few miles of us they tried all they
could to find where he had gone (few words crossed out) he rote a few lines to
his sister that he was on his road to Calliforna and that was the last we herde
of him till he came back I sold some of the furniture to get the money to help
myself with and some of it I moved to my sisters where it know is and I am
With__ my folks came after me they live about 80 miles from us my
sister ____ _ I went to my fathers and spent the winter and in the summer I came
and worked for my sister and the next fall my father came after me I went home
and in the spring Milo came back after and absence of a year and a half and
promised to do better I went to living with him if living you could call it he
worked at the harness trade and some of the time I was with him and some of the
time to my sisters and some time with his sister and I did not board with Milo
but a little of the time he thought it pretty hard to pay for my board he staid
five months and then he told me he was going to Kansas I tried to prevale him to
sta on at least let me go with him but know he must have it all his own way and
so he did and thank my stars he has left me for the last time I can stand a good
deal and I think I have his folks are all friends to me but his own conduct has
made them an enemy to him I have related the circumstances to you just as they
occurred I will have you to judge for yourself wether you would have such a man
or not
Dear Mary you want me to send you my likeness I haven’t it know but I will
try and get it taken to send you by the next letter I would like to have yours I
want you to tell the Dr that I have got that love carefully lade up tell
Ol I haven’t forgoton any of his capers and do hope I shall see you all some day
Please remember me to all inquiries Mary my sister says do stop that
writing so I will for this time I guess you will have to get a Boston lawyer to
read this for you this pen and ink has tried my patience and I think it will
yours.
Ps I am going to Farmington to sta a while with a cousin please direct your
next letter to Farmington Mich.
Write soon yours in love
Mary (S. Pettibone)
(Note: Mary Griswold married Milo Pettibone on 02 Nov. 1847 in Oakland Co.,
MI. They were living in Troy, PA in 1850. Mary was 19, born in
Michigan and Milo was 22 born in N.Y.
[from http://www.miprofgenie.com/genweb/mioakland/marriages.html Oakland
Co., MI, Marriages]
per: Susan Johnston
Northville Mar 2 1858(?)
Dear Mary, (Williams, wife of Oliver Williams)
After some delay I take my pen in hand to let you know that I received your
letter to day I have been out to my fathers some time and neglected writing till
I returned to my sisters dear Mary don’t feal hard that I haven’t
written before I have thought of you a great deal and my dear Mary as one dear
friend you wrote you had got my likenefs I am glad of it if it will do you any
good if you hadent got that I should sent you one before know but
that will answer every purpos it is a very true liknefs all I ask is
yours in return you note that the Dr. was married all I have to say I hope his
life will be a happy one wish him much joy for me Oh Mary this world is
full of sorrow grief and wo but dear Mary I hope we shall meet in a better world
than this where parting is no more if you will forgive me this time I will
try and do better next time I am getting a bill of divorce from Milo I haven’t
never heard from Milo since he left I presume I never shall see him again Dear
Mary I tell you it is a sad thought but it must be so I hope you never will see
the trouble that I have dear Mary I have seen a great deal of trouble in my life
but I hope and trust I shall rise above it as it is getting late I will draw to
a close by requesting you to write as soon as you receive this and I will try
and do better in the futer you will excuse me wont you dear Mary don’t forget to
write soon
To Mary W _____ _____ even yours Mary S P (Pettibone)
Plymoth (Michigan) August the 9th (about 1860)
Dear Mary (Williams)
You will be surprised perhaps to receive a few lines from me to learn that I
am still in the land of the living and would like very much to here from you and
the rest in Troy it has been so long since I left Troy perhaps you have
forgoton me but Mary I never shall forget you and the many pleasant hours I have
spent in your sweet society I very often think of by gone days and would of
writen to you before if my circumstances hadent been such I must tell you that
when we left Troy we came to Michigan and bought a farm and lived on it to years
and then Milo sold it and went to Callifornia and was gone a year and a half and
then came back and stade five months and then went to Kansas it is nearly to
years since he left and I haven’t hurd from him since he went a way I am living
with my sister this(?) and have made it my home with her one to my fathers all
of the time Milo has been gone Milo’s friends think he is dead one ever should
heal from him I haven’t any children nor never had any I look about the same as
when in Troy only my health is better I have done some hard work since I last
saw you My sisters husband is a farmer that I am that I am living with my
fathers folks live about 80 miles from here out neare Lansing the Capital I
think I shall go out there this winter I want you to write to me as soon as you
receive this and tell me what has become of all the folks in Troy please direct
to Northville Wayne Co. Michigan please give my love to all of my friends and
reserve a large share fore yourself don’t forget to write to me
And believe me yours truly
Mary S. Pettabone
Ambrose Williams
Arlington (Vermont) Jan. 5th 1858
We received yours of the thirteenth of Dec. but we have been so bisey with
Crismus and New years that we have neglected to answer your letter untill this
lait our we are all in tolerable good health at this time tho Clark was very
sick last winter with the tipoid feever and Permelia had it last spring we have
been a building on our farm sence you was out here we have built a hous this
fall and now live in it Clark and Fanny both live at home and have gon to
church to day it is very good sleying here I have not seen your aunt Saphena in
a month but I under stand that she has fell and broke her arm other wise her
health is tolerable good. I saw Mr. Eli Stone’s son yesterday and he said
your Grandfather helth was very good this winter and the rest of your cousins in
that neighborhood are all well. Fanny cannot see much out of her right eye
but the eye looks as fase(?) as the other, the nerve of the eye is efected
Clark sends his love to you wants I shud tell you that he is a going to see his
woman to knight tell your Father that we wood like to hear from him by
receiving a letter if no other way your Mother youst to write to us some times
but she has not sence she was out here I presume she thinks we treated her
rather coldley when she was here but at that time I had as much as I wanted to
attend to the heard times has reached Vermont property here of all kind has
taken a fall horses cattle sheepe and hogs and all kinds of produse is very low
for the good reason there is no buiers We are to work on the green
mountains this winter time there was a man killed up there the other day he was
falling a tree and a limb fell and struck him on the head and broke his neck his
name was Lemuel Day
If Oliver goes up this winter to lumber you can come out here and make us a
visit till spring we woud like to have him come with you but if he cannot
he can come after you next spring I must bring some of my blunders to a
close by wishing you a happy New Years write us often as you can and I will try
to answer them.
Yours Truly Ambrose Williams
To Mary & Oliver Williams
Dear Sister
It appears you have entirely forgotten us have I offended you or what is the
reason you do not come see me If I have offended you I hope you will
forgiv me Oliver has gone to Pine Creek & I should be very happy to wait on you
& Ella both come down & make a good long visit
Dear Father & Mother I should like to see you here so once more do not be so
selfish Remember you have wone Child that is not with you Give my love to
Simeon’s folks
Sim’s(?) folks tell them I would like to see them down here Julia Amanda
could help your ______ _____ _____ ______ _____ want you to come & learn the
trade you had better go ____ _____ it will be very pleasant with Amanda it is
almost ten oclock and I must go to bed I am very tired take good care of this
letter I thought you would be glad to hear from the ___ _______ I was do come
and see me Ella asks often where her dudu is She sleeps with me and Stephen in
her bed
Ever yours Mary (or Marg) Williams (Ambose’s wife?)
Arlington (Vermont) Jan. 1, 1865
Dear Mary, (wife of Oliver Williams, Troy, PA)
We wish you and all the rest of your family and frendes a happy New Years.
We received your letter after Fanny’s death but have not answered it till now we
are all well and I hope those lines will find you and all the rest a live and
well. That is a great blessing Flora and family is with us this winter.
She has 5 children, 2 boys Albro & William the girls is Fanney & Effa & Merta
Matteson, Clark and Emme his wife lived with us till Flora came, but after all
our dear Fanney is not here no there is no one that can ever fill her
place She was all ours. Oh Mary can it be that we shall never see
her again, it is very hard to give her up Isaac Marble lost a little girl last
Fall She died with the Croop her name was Mary She was a smart
little girl She looked some like your Aunt Ursulia tell your Father that Uncal
Ezra’s old Grist Mill was burnt up last fall with all the contents there is no
insurance on it it has about used them up as for property Isaac
lives with his Father all he had was in the old Mill tell Oliver that we would
like to come out thare and make a visit but I do not know as we ever shall the
taxes here is very high to carry on this War. I have just paid Bounty
Taxes this past year one hundred dollars the Towns here rais the money on the
grand list.
I have wrote more that you can read, answer this and I will try to do better
next time.
Yours truly so good by A. Williams (Ambrose, Mary’s brother)\
Jersey Shore O 15 (Circa late 1859 or early 1860 – Jesse b. Jan. 1859)
Friends, (Mary and Oliver Williams, Troy, PA)
Mary with pleasure I reply to your kind letter of last week. I thought
quite long to hear from you. I am very sorry I was not out with you when
you was all alone. I kind of immagin we would of have good times riding
horse back and in the buggy with out a dash board; never mind a good time
coming. I was very lonely with out your company after I returned home.
My good friend Mrs. Stearns has been sick for some time and I have been with her
most of my time. She is one dear good woman. I tell her I will take
good care of her and if she would happen to drop of I might stand a good chance
getting Stearns quite a nice family to commence with 6 children. By the way how
is James. You say a gentleman told you I had a gree to court on him.
I think he is mistaken I am not cawling on them gentleman and I do not know who
you mean explain yourself Mary. I am real tired to night. I have
been putting up quinces and tomatoes and fixin up all day. Elvira has gone
visiting Mrs. Hines to day. Tomorrow we are going to have the Preacher and
his family. I wis it was you and Ol. I hope you will soon attend the horse
race you spoke of in your letter. I am anxious to have it go off. I
think it is most time for Oll to go to Pine Creek. I think of you every
morning when I see the slagh go up to English town. I do wish you would
come down acquainted son I could write some thing to interest you. Elvi and I
have some good times she says she would much rather be here than in Troy.
She made me a cloth bask last week below my knee. She says it will be good
to ride horse back with next summer. Some of the boys told me as I was
going to church that I had George’s coat on. She is going to make me a
bonnet this week an of velvit. Times are so icy hard here we will have do
with little this winter. Our banks are all broken down this way.
I just heard good new Packer is govener Hurrah Ol how do you like that you
old whig. We will beat you every time don’t you wish you was a good old
Dem. The folks all think you are quite good looken in your picture.
I have it in quite conspicuous place you better believe. It is imposible
for me to write for Em is behind my hane playing peap at Ella. How is your
child getting along. Mary you can have the cradle as soon as you wish it
just let me know. Hurry up your cakes you know I am to viset you then, do
you sit up until 12 o clock now days? I often wish I could see you for a
few minutes. I often immagin I can see you picken plumbs for instance.
Has Mary gone west I had a letter from Lollie last week but she did not say eny
thing about her. Mary write soon and tell me all the news and so forth.
I will have more news next time. Tell Lucy I would like to see her.
The following is written crosswise across the 3rd page making reading
difficult
I had a letter from Mrs. Border last week and some papers from I do not know
who. Mary give my love to my friends and ------- I wish you had some
of the peaches and we had some of your cream. I will give you lots of
peaches when you come down this winter. You must bring a jug of cream.
We have had company this week from Wellsboro. Thare is a young man standing a
stone next our house and Elvi is going to set her cap for him. He is a
strange ___ if she should succeed I will let you know and you can come to the
wedding. Give my love to your Mother. Has the Judge got back yet?
Mary write soon.
Ever your friend Mary Lechler
(Envelope addressed to H. Huntington, Esq., Troy, Bradford Co., Penn
Postmarked Rockford, Ill., Aug 3 – Harman Huntington was the 2nd husband of Laura Williams, daughter of Ansel and Betsey Case Williams)
Rockford Aug 2nd /63 (1863)
Dear Friends
I take my seat to write you a few lines to let you know we are all well and
hope this will find you the same I intended to write you some time ago and
send you fathers photograph but have been busy and neglected doing it thinking I
should find more time and that has just come hope you wont be offended at my
negligence better late that never. Abigail’s health is verry good for her
She does her own work with the exception of her washing that we hire done
Emma (Emma Linderman, their daughter, b. circa 1862 – age 18 in 1880) is a great
help She is now helping her Mother get dinner She washes dishes and
does lots of other work. I must send you her picture soon and see if you
don’t think she is improving. I expect we shall move to Iowa this fall.
I am going thare to buisnefs a gean and Abigail wants to go along I think
she had better stay here we shall decide soon but think we shall move I
have expected to see some of you out here this fall but I cant hear from you say
nothing about seeing you I have not herd from Uncle Sims folks in a long
time am going there this fall The boys is having eight weeks vacation
School commences the first day of Sep will be glad when the time comes
Abigail sends her love to all
Yours etc
Jas L. Linderman (James L. Linderman, husband of Abigail Williams, sister to Laura)
Rockford Ill Nov 8th 1863
Dear Grandma (Betsey Case Williams )
I will try to drop you a few lines to let you know that we are all well at
home and I think all that is away Pa is all that is gone he went away yesterday
about one o’clock in the afternoon and will be back about the middle of the next
week Ma health is vary good this fall Emma (Emma Linderman, Williams sister) has
been sick she got poor when she was sick but got fat again she don’t feal vary
well now Philo (Philo J. Linderman, another son b. 1852) is not at home now Pa
cousin came down from Iowa and staid here about six weeks and when she went home
she wanted Phile to go home with her and so Pa and Ma let him go I go to
school our school is pretty pleasant now I only study four kinds of books beside
Reading and writing it has snowed here three times and has all melted of Ma says
that she would like to see you out here this fall but don’t expect you will come
Grandma pleas do try to come we would be so glad to see you and tell all the
rest that can come to come I guess that we will find room for all that will come
tell Aunt Laura and Uncle Harman (Laura Williams and Harman Huntington, Laura’s
2nd husband) that we would be glad to see them and tell Aunt Julie and Uncle Ed
(Julia Ann Williams and Edwin Williams) the same and don’t for get it ask Uncle
Ed if he is a gone to answer my letter I wrote to him two or three weeks
ago tell Aunt Laury I have not wrote to her yet but I will ask her if she wont
write to me and I will answer it I just wrote a letter to Phile of three pages
and I am getting some what tired I would like to be out there this spring to eat
maple shugar with you Ma says that if I am a good boy I may come out there at
year from this fall Ma sends her love to all I guess that is all I have to
say in this letter
So good by
Pleas write soon Pleas excuse all my mistakes
Yours truly
Burn this up when you read it
William A. Linderman
N.B. Remarks by Susan G. Johnston
Lottie Everts
Granville, May 1, 73(?)
Dear Friends,
I now seat my self to pen a few lines to you all. Aunt Pattie came
here last Friday We hadn’t seen her since we were little children. We were
very glad to have her come. I said we hadn’t seen her since we were little
children but I saw her a year ago. I was at her house two weeks it was
just after Uncle Simeon died. Aunt says she had trouble with her side all
winter and her side pains her now. She is quite well other wise.
Will you please send Aunt Abigail Linderman’s address she says she can’t
hear anything from here and she would like to write to her she says she
(missing section)
the time. Aunt thinks she looks more like Grandma that she used to. Two years ago last winter we had a terrible time with sickness. There were five down sick at a time it was the typhoid fever. Ma was sick all winter besides having the fever she had the sciatic rheumatism and a partial stroke of paralysis no one that saw her thought she would live. When you write tell us all about each and every one of the friends out there. I saw Philip William when I was at Aunts but have never seen any of the rest but I have heard and talk about them all so I feel a little acquainted. My two oldest sisters are teaching school. The people wanted me to take the same school I taught at last summer but I didn’t go to examination so I didn’t take it. I guess I will close at this time hoping to hear from you soon. Write often and I will try and be punctual.
Lottie E. Everts
Granville
Milwaukee Co.
Wisconsin
When you write to Aunt send it in care of C. E. Everts
My dear Aunt and Uncle Betsey and Philip
Lottie has left some blank paper and I must say a few words to you.
Aunt has told me so much about you it seems almost like seeing you. I have
had such a good time with her she is the only friend I have any where near
enough so that I have seen them and you bet it seems pretty good to (have) her
here with me. She bears her loss remarkable for one of her strength but it
does not wear off with her like some you know that ____ her nature but she makes
use of Christian fortitude. She is very much like mother to me and I think
there is a strong family feeling between us. My husband thinks a great
deal of Aunt Pattie and the children know very little difference in her and
their grandma. I would so much like to see you all once more but perhaps
we shall never meet in this world but I hope to meet you and many of my dear
friends in that world where there is no parting. Aunt I want you and Uncle
have Oliver and Mary write a good long letter to me and tell all about the
friends in Troy. Give my love to Oliver and family and the friends.
I must close for the train is due. Laura Everts Packard
especially and Uncle B P
Chetopa, Labette Co. Kans
Sept 14, 1874
Mrs. Mary Williams
(………………………-unreadable-………………………..day. I little thought then that so
large a time would pass before I would write or hear from you again; but a large
amount of negligence as well as numerous cares, have kept me from that pleasure,
it is a pleasure to hear from and write to friends; hope to hear you have all
been well and prospering, We are all well at present, except Sabrina. She
has poor health and has had since her confinement last Nov. we fear she is never
to see a well day again if she lives long , yet she is able to be up and with a
little girls help of (10years) she does her work, her lungs are very sore, she
had a bad cough this(?) spring raised blood then and has more or less all
summer, she is living in Chetopa. She came home about the middle of last
Oct. to have Mother’s care, and to be near to good Drs. if should need them; it
was well she did, as hers was the most severe sickness, that is often heard of
or that any one lives through, the Dr. said that in 40 years practice he never
had known but one case as bad. She was taken sick just at dark, the first sign
was the water breaking before a pain, then till twelve she was able to be moving
about some after that she was not moved but once, but was the greatest sufferer
all the time, till she was relieved by instruments, which was not till 3 oclock
Wednesday afternoon, (and she was taken at dark Monday) her child weighed 13
lbs. was dead a long time before it was born, it was a boy. She was the
bravest to bear it. I was astonished to see with what fortitude she kept
up, the Dr. said he never witnessed such will to bear pain. It is the
ciruse of injury that be bad to overcome. It was two months before she
could turn in bed, with out two to help her, her husband and I took the care of
her night and day till then ___ I had to go to Frankies, (to take care of her)
on the 23 of Dec. She was a very sick person, but her trial was rewarded
with a living child (a daughter). We was sure it was dead at first, but
the Dr. used such prompt measures to bring her too that he as F said “saved my
baby.” She weighed 7 lbs and 10 oz. She is healthy and uncommonly
good natured; she is the sweetest grand child I have got and the only one, her
name is Nellie May. I see her quite often. Norman and Willie have
places in Sumner Co. about 120 miles west of us. Wilmot has rented his and
is taking a trip in Arkansas this summer, have not heard in some time from him.
He was going to the silver mines when we heard last. They like the part of
Kan they are in, so do I. The city is not improving as fast as at first,
but the country is faster. It hardly seems possible that 6 years could do
so much for a new country. There has been an immense amount of wheat
raised this year. The chinch bugs damaged it some, but was to late to
spoil it. They have nearly ruined the corn, if it joined wheat they took
it all, did one piece farms(?) There was a great many acres planted, if it
had done as well as it has generally, it would have been very cheap. It is
worth 1 dollar a bushel. Wheat sells from for 80 to 90 cts. a bushel.
There has been two elevators built this summer from appearances they mus be
buying a good deal. There are two grist mills and they buy, or did till
they had no storage room. Wheat makes the best of flour here. We
never have had poor, it is floured and sent off by the car loads. There
has been a prospect for a large amount of wheat to be put in this fall, but the
grass-hopper fever has made farmers stop sowing. Samuel has 20 acres ready
to sow and as much ground rented. S has sowed a few bushels, but we heard the
grasshoppers were within a few miles, now they are lighting here. They go
in swarms & fly high in the air, when they do stop they are a sight, day before
yesterday was the first I could see much difference. My paper is nearly
full. I hope to hear from you and about others, my kind regards to all old
friends, my best love to Aunt Betsy and Mrs. Phillips. I look back with
pleasure to the many pleasant hours we have spent together. Write if this
is worth answering. I am as ever your sincere friend.
H. A. Hull
It has been unusually dry and hot this summer, but it is thought the chinch bugs did more hurt than the dry weather. Apples sell for 75 cts. a bushel they are brought from MO and Arkansas. There was some peaches in Kan, the common fruit was the kind to fail. The prospect for late potatoes is not very good. Dry goods, groceries and machinery sell as cheap as any where, and it is as great a place to use all such as I ever saw. Cattle are cheap, the best work cattle do more than 80 dollars.
West Franklin Nov 16, 1880
Dear Aunt (Mary Williams, Mrs. Oliver Williams)
It has been so long since I wrote to you or you to me I have forgotten when
it was we are all as well as usual only I have a very bad pain in my
stomach every day but not so bad that I cant work all the time I have been
washing for Mrs. Newell to day. I have been to Arnot 2 weeks came home
last Friday they were all as well as common excepting Edith she had quite
a fever that morning and we have not heard from there since. Aunt Lide
said she had a postal from you and that you was lame what is the matter with
your foot and has Dave left for good. Tell Grandma I wished she was here
to take my part for they misuse me as much as ever and I have no one to take my
part since she went away. Aunt Matilda Shepard was here and staid with our
folks while I was to Arnot. Port and Alma come down after Frank yesterday to go
and stay with Alma (Mason Dewey?) this week Port is going up on the Mountain a
hunting so I have to sleep alone and it is pretty cold weather. Pa and Will
(James G. and William Henry Mason?) has been over to Darwins to night and
brought back 3 or 4 quarts of cider. Aunt Carrie has not got back yet they
are looking for them some this week they have been gone 11 weeks to day.
Tell Em she must feel quite big since she got to be Auntie I have not seen her
nephew yet. I would like to come up and stay a week with you this fall but
do not know when I can Uncle Johns (John H. Mason) folks has got moved in
their new house they have got a nice place to live now they have one boarder
Tuesday morning I will try and finish this scribbling I had the stomach ache so
hard last night got at 2 o’clock Ma and Pa and Will was all up a while with me
but don’t feel it much this morning tell Uncle Oliver if he don’t come down I
shall pay my own visit that I made make a visit and then pay it don’t think much
of such work (?) Ma says she is coming up as soon as she can to Troy well I must
quit this writing for this time so good bye write soon please to write and let
me know how you are getting along
Mate (Mary Mason Buckley, daughter of Jane Williams and James G. Mason?)
Jesse Williams
Office of J. L. Linderman
Proprietor of the Sumner Mills
FINEST GRADES OF FEED, FLOUR, LUMBERMEN’S SUPPLIES &C.,
Osseo, Wis. Mar. 21, 1880
Dear Father and Mother, (Oliver and Mary Williams Williams, Troy, PA)
I received your kind & most welcome letter & was glad to here that you was
all well.
We are all well here but old Mr. Linderman he is very poorly he had a
shok the other day & he lost his speach so he can’t talk so you can understand a
word he says, I have been on the road for two weaks hauling flour &feed it
takes me two days to make a trip I take a load of flour or feed & bring
back a load of wood it is 25 miles you would think that a good ways to haul wood
in that country but you don’t know any thing about teaming or lumbering in that
country it is nothing to see 30 or 40 teams in a string acrost the perery
if you get more money than you know what to do with send out all you want two.
I could not ask for a better place than I have got here they show all the
kindness to me that any one could ask for.
Tell Dave two sell his corn and come out here & marry a Norweagan & get him
a farm, Well I shal close fore this time Write soon Give my Best Respects
to Smith Palmer & his family and all the friends
Remember as ever your son,
J. N. Williams
James Linderman
Office of
J. L. Linderman, Propr. Of
Sumner Mills
Dealer in
Flour, Feed, and Lumberman’s Supplies Constantly on Hand
Osseo, Wis. May 16th 1881
Brother Oll (Oliver Williams)
Pardon me for not writing before but you see as usual I have been somewhat
busy and rather negligent Wether is fine plenty of rain crops looking well the
rain has delayed corn planting probably 1/3 or perhaps not more than ¼ of the
crop is in I have mine nearly ½ finished will finish Tuesday or Wednesday I have
my line fumes(?) all built and the foundation for the School House partly up
The upper Dam went out a few days ago emptied their whole pond in about ½ an
hour It made a little water for us a few minutes but didn’t last long and
done no damage. Jessy (Jesse Williams, son of Oliver and Mary) met with a
little misshap the other day but nothing serious He was driving fence
posts missed the post and hit his foot with the sledge It looked bad at
first but he onley stayed in the house one day and is nearly over his lameness
now All the folks are well Glenn (James and Abigail’s grandson, son of
Phil J. and Stella Linderman) says Golly He wishes Uncle Oll was here so that he
could have more fun with him. The RR ¼ is waiting for you Write when you
want me to contract for it for you. All send their love = From Bro Jim
(James Linderman)
Love to all the friends. Tell Anna (??) to write if She has not forgot us so soon We shall look for Uel and Laura (Uel C. and Laura Williams Porter) this summer & you as a permanent resident this fall.
N.B. Remarks by Susan G. Johnston
J. L. Linderman, Propr. Of
SUMNER MILLS
Dealer in
Flour, Feed and Lumbermen’s Supplies Constantly on Hand
Osseo, Wis. July 26th 1881
Brother Ol. (Oliver Williams, Troy, PA)
I am heartily sorry to hear of your domestic trouble again But am not
surprised. I hope you may get them settled in some way as near
satisfactory as possible We are well as usual. Uel and Laury (Uel C.
and Laura Williams Porter) are here and I tell you we are having a good visit.
We are going to Eau Claire tomorrow or next day the (they) talk of starting
tward home next Monday But I think they will put it off a week We have a
fine Grandaughter by the name of Cox (She has no other yet) (Daughter of Albert
and Emma Linderman Cox, probably Laura) RootsWeb has Albert Cox’s bio from
history of Trempealeau County on line at:
http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/wi/trempealeau/biographies/coxalbrt.txt.)
She will be 4 weeks old next Thursday Jessy (Jesse N. Williams) is well and I
think well contented Uel and Laury got a letter from Julia Ann (sister to Laura)
last night saying you wanted Jessy to come home. You think the matter over
carefully Had you not better come here. Jessy is all right here I
have not and shall not say one word to discourage his going but will say to you
that I think him and you are better off with him here The Rouse place is
still for sale Uel and Laury has been over looking at it they think it a
very nice place You had better fix matters up and come out again.
Love to all will write more soon.
James L.L. (James L. Linderman)
N.B. Remarks by Susan G. Johnston
Eliza WILLIAMS "Mason"
Arnot February the 4 (1883)
Dear Mother
I thought perhaps you might think that I had forgotten you but it is not so
there is not a day but what I think of you for it is so hard for me to get
around I think I am getting my pay for not saving you more steps when I could as
well as not Children are thoughtless mine never will know what misery I
get around in there was a good many tears shed for you when we got the dispatch
that Mrs. McMahan was Dead it said Mother is Dead we see it was from Troy and we
did not think to look to see who sent it we sent up to tell Mate and she came
and wanted to see the dispatch and she see the mistake when Clarence come
from school
 |
I handed it to him to read when he read where it said Mother is dead he
threw it and started for the bed room we had quite a time to pacify him they all
took it pretty hard so you must not think that we don’t think of you they are
all well and growing right up George and Ambrose is big Boys now and Lawrence is
most up to Ambrose George makes a good steady Boy he reads a great deal I think
we will have to get away from here they have only give them half ____ and now
they have drafed on their wages 10 cts. on a dollar you know we cant stand this
a great while did you get the five Dollars that John sent you I thought that
would pay you for the apples and some besides how is Rilla and the children
getting along how is Ambrose health this winter we would like to have you come
over and stay with us a while if you can stand the ride I think you would enjoy
it better than you did when you was here before. Blanche (b.1882) is a year old
Wednesday she is just beginning to walk and talk she is a great play thing for
them all she acts and looks like Liza Mate is well as could be expected she
will be sick next month I wish it was over with there is so many dieing at such
times in this place I fear for her write soon and let me know how you are
getting along I heard Carrie (Mason Morse Bowers?) was married give my love to
all from Eliza to her Mother
[Photo at left : Eliza WILLLIAMS "Mason" (b. 1839) and twin sons, Lawrence and Clarence (b. 1873)] |
Arnot July the 20 1884
Dear Grand Ma (Experience Marble Willams)
I thought I would write a few lines to you to let you know how we are
we are all well and I hop you the same I would like to come over and see
you I hant seen you in so long Pa is home now Arlie was hear at the fourth but
he went back Monday Pa is working in the woods now right down to the water
trouth George works in the woods idle days Lawrence tends door
yet
(Clarence Mason)
Dear Mother as Clarence has commenced and left I will finish it it is a
long time since I have seen you I have been looking for you over here I think if
they did not want to come to Arnot they might come as far as fall brook and you
could stay with Magyire(Margaret Mason Shepard?)) and we would come and get you
I think you might visit me once a year if you can’t get here I shall try
to come and see you it seems like a long time since I have seen you
I hope you are well we are all well the weather is very cold and
dull here Netta and the Boys has been to Sabath School I had some green
peas for dinner to day we are getting a nice lot of berries the Boys pick them
idle days Blanche is fat as a pig she looks as Eliza did I don’t think you
would know her now write me a long letter if you can’t come I can
read your writing write me a long letter and let me know how the folks are
getting along over there are they through haying
From Eliza (Williams, wife of John H. Mason) to her Mother
Arnot December the 10 [No year, but comes from Arnot which partly identifies time]
Dear Mother (Experience Marble, wife of Isaac Williams)
I am a going to write you a few lines to let you know how we are getting
along we are all well George has a bad cold Ambrose and George
work in the mines there is no school here this winter as yet on the
account of the Diptheary I think it will comence after the holidays
I am learning Clarence and Lawrence what I can it has been very cold here
Julius and Mate is married and a keeping house his mother went on a visit
they sent for him she is very sick Robert was over here and I sent
your bed over there I told him to keep it to his house I thought if they
was to Leroy they could get it it will be safe there till called for
I would like to see you all I hear from you by the way of Mary how
is the little Boys getting along tell them I would like to have them
come over and see the mining Country Clarence and Net had a letter
commenced for you I guess it never will be finished they will have
to write another I will send you that Dollar after awhile perhaps I can do
better by you I would like to have you write to me I can read your writing
I don’t think you can read this I do not think of any more to write that
will interest you so I will bid you good by for this time
From Eliza (Williams, wife of John H. Mason) to her Mother
Arnot April 17 (1887)
Dear Mother (Experience Marble, wife of Isaac Williams)
I received your letter and was much pleased to hear from you would
have answered it before but I thought John would give you the news we are
all well we are looking for George home evry day we are going to move away
from Arnot I am very sorry it happened so for I wanted you to have staid
with me this summer we are going to move in the woods he is a going
to put up a shanty it will be new business for me I don’t know how I will
like it we can have the Boys to home I am coming to see you this
spring I will have Clarence and Lawrence come and see you we shant
be any farther away we will be a little nearer if we are situated so we
can make you comfortable may be you can come and see no I don’t know as
you can read this my hand trembles so I can hardly write do not worry
about us take all the comfort you can I had a letter from Mary she
says Ambrose health is very poor I want to see you very much I cant
do as I would I have to do as I can If I had a way to come I wuld be
with you oftern you need not sory about your Loom I shant have one thing
that belongs to it behind where I go I will take that with me and take good care
of them last Friday was my birth day I was 48 years old (b. April 15,
1839) I will soon be 50 I begin to feel my age I cant see with out
my specks to read a word I will have to stop writing for this I want you to
write soon I want to hear from you often good by from
From your daughter Eliza (Williams, wife of. John H. Mason)
Blanche says she would give you a good kifs if she could see you she talks a great deal about Granmama
Arnot May the 1 (1887)
Dear Mother (Experience Marble, wife of Isaac Williams)
I received your letter I was much pleased to get a letter written by
your own hand I will keep it a long time I don’t want you to worry
about us any more we have plenty to eat and enough to wear to make us
comfortable and that is all we need in this world George is home to work
with his Pa I think I shall enjoy living in the woods there is a nice
spring of watter we are not so far in the woods as you think I am coming
to see you and I will tell you all about it we all think we will like it
there we wont have to pay rent we will have our wood to burn so not
worry your mind about us take all the comfort you can I would like
to see you all I have so much to do now I will write you a long letter
after a little give my love to Jane and all her family I ask
Blanche what I should tell you she says tell her I want her to come and see me
I will have to stop for this time.
Good by I remain as ever Your affectionate
Daughter Eliza (Williams, wife of John H. Mason)
Arnot October 15 1886
Dear Grandmother (Experience Marble, wife of Isaac Williams)
I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know I got home all
wright found the folks all well Lawrence was much pleased with his
writing book ma hears him read every day I think he learns quite
fast Clarence has been to Sunday School Ma’s helth is about the same as it
has been how did you stand your wride down there it is very cold to
day I don’t think that you would like to wride out to day I have not
got my pictures yet don’t know when I will get them well I guess that I
can’t think of any more to write this time so good by from your Granddaughter
Nettie Mason (Daughter of John H. and Eliza Williams Mason)
Hardtmoor June the 6th (Postmarked Hardtmoor, PA June 7, 1887)
Dear Mother (Addressed to Mrs. Experience Williams, Leroy, Penna, Bradford
Co.)
I am going to write you a few lines to let you know that we are all well
they all seem to be enjoying themselves all but me I am so lame I can
hardly get around I know how to pitty you I have to walk with
a cane it is my knee and I have corns on the bottom of my feet and I
suffer like evry thing I brought your loom with me and have put it
up all safe I think you can imagine how we look when you think when you
first went to keeping house I like it pretty well I think it
is a healthy place we have a good deal to do to cook for so many men but we have
to work so I suspose we might as well do that a something else I
want to see you real bad but can’t leave how he says when they get through
peeling bark he will bring me over and let me stay a while it will be a couple
of months first I shall come the first chance I have are you as well as
common this summer I heard Simeon health was real poor I would like to see him I
hear you are there Mary said she wanted you to come there and see her when
we have jest our family again I want you to come and see me if you are
able to ride we are nearer to you than before I will have to stop as they
are going to the office write often and let me know where you be and where
you be from your daughter Eliza (Williams, wife of John H. Mason)
Direct to Hartdmoor, Tioga Co.
Dear Sister Mary (Williams)
I have waited some time before writing to get the money for the medicine and I have it now but it is silver and cant send it till I can change it for paper money I would like another bottle if you have a chance to send it Nettie received her ninth(?) yesterday was very much pleased with it she thanks you and her Granma ever so much hopes she can repay you some time for your kindnefs she thinks uncle Oliver done her a great favor when he was over here I told Lawrence what he said to his Pa he droped his head and looked shamed enough he has kept wood and watter around ever since his Pa dident get the chance to speak to him about it Dave got home sick dident want to stay any longer Ambrose is to Sommerville worken the horses feels big enough of them they are a nice team hope they wont nothing happen to them I have just got a letter from Agnes (Mason Varney?) she says Will is better cant use his jaw yet very much
Dear Mother (Experience Marble Williams)
How are you getting along I don’t expect you hardly realize that it is
winter you have such a nice warm place I am glad of that I think of you whenever
I go to use my arm I cant get it to my head can scarcely get it to my mouth I
think of your poor broken arm I would like to have you write to me you can do as
well as I do good by for this time as Lawrence is going to school
From Eliza (Williams, wife of. John H. Mason)
Dear Mother (Experience Marble, wife of Isaac Williams – not dated)
I hope you did not feel disappointed or dident you look for me to come it was such a nice day I felt really bad to think I could not come but I have learned to bear being disapointed the way we are situated as far as going is concerned we might as well not have a team Lawrence works the team and that is all we have to earn any thing now Clarence is going to school Ambrose is for himself he had got to hire a livery and it was going to cost so much I thought perhaps I might manage to help some way that would benefit you more that to come and see her after this week our boarders will be away I would like to know how you feel after your ride I most believe you could come and make me a visit I have a little room we could ocupy it together are you in the room where you was when Oliver was here have Mary write and tell me all about it is Ambrose got back home yet and how is he I wont make no more promises but I may come there may be an idle time for the team when the logs is skided Blanche goes to school evry day I went in to the neighbours and took dinner the first time I have eat out of the house in most a year cant you write a few lines once more I think you can do as well as me have Mary write love to all and a good share to your self from your Daughter Eliza (Williams, wife of John H. Mason) to her Mother
Dear Sister (Mary Williams – wife of Oliver Williams)
I was sorry to hear you was sick I think you have over done I think you and me will have to look out for our selfs if we don’t we would fare pretty slim as far as our men is concerned all they want is a pack of cards and a checker board and that completes their happiness so we will try and take what comfort we can and not disturb them our New years has not been much with us any more than any other day but I wish you and Mother much happiness all through the year I have been real miserable ever since I got home I have got a bottle of Kenely(?) Discovery I think it will kill or cure by the way it takes hold on me most evry boddy sick I never saw such a time hope this will find you better.
From Sister Eliza (Williams, wife ofJohn H. Mason)
Oliver is here he is well Sunday Oliver started for Mansfield today had a
good visit with him the Boys and Blanche thinks a great deal of having him come
he says he will bring you over for a sleigh ride it may be you will have it
pleasanter he says he thinks of having Jessie come on the place if Ely don’t
stay don’t say anything about it I don’t want him to think I wrote to tell you
it looks as if we might get snow I am anxious to hear from you and all the rest
write soon.
Negunda Nebr. March 14, 1886
Dear Cousin Mary,
Your most welcome letter received last night and I hasten to commence an
answer to it for I think if I commence an answer I shall finish it soon, and not
neglect it till I do not know whether I have answered or not. Which was
nearly the case about your previous letter, I remember thinking I would write as
soon a Eva (my youngest daughter) returned from Wa. Where she went on a visit
last summer, and after her return was pretty busy and forgot that I owed you a
letter. If you will excuse me this time, I promise not to be guilty of
such neglect again. I think as you say, it does people good to hear from
relatives and old friends, and both Alfred and myself were very glad to know
that you still remembered us and that your Mother was as well as can be expected
at her age. My Mother has been dead over thirty years, it does not seem
possible, but it is so. I sympathize with what you say about the many dear
ones who have gone before us to a better world. It seems to me sometimes
that almost all are gone. Since we came to Nebr. Uncle Dunton and Aunt
Clara have departed, and two of my best friends not relatives, have died lately.
But my brother and his wife and children are still alive and in pretty good
health for which I am thankful. Alfred and myself enjoy pretty good health
and our children are all well except our oldest daughter Clara, she has not been
quite well since a year ago last Oct. though she was much better last summer, I
think she is not as well this winter but hope she may be better again this
summer, she is well enough now to help me about the work (and I need help for we
have quite a large family this winter) but is not well enough to teach, which
troubles her as she likes teaching better than housework. Our boys have
all been at home this winter since the weather got too cold for carpenter work,
which was about New Years (we had very fine weather before then) but Jan. was a
very cold, stormy month. Feb. rather mild and peasant, while this month so
far almost rivals Jan. only it is not so cold. There has been more snow
this winter than any other, with one exception since we came to Nebr. It is
going fast now, though. Eva went to Vt. With her cousin Annette Parsons
(Alfred’s youngest sister married one of Gruman Parson’s sons perhaps your
Mother will remember the name) who had spent two years in Nebr. She saw
Uncle Ambrose and Aunt Pamelia they told her of your letter, and seemed much
pleased to have heard from you we supposed they answered it and perhaps they
did, and their letter was lost or miscarried. Never think your Uncle was
not glad to hear from one of his brother’s children. Ah me! How much my
poor dear Mother thought of both her Brothers. I wish Uncle had plenty of
money so that he and Aunt could travel, come West and see all their relatives.
As your husband rents his farm, why cannot you come and make us a visit, we
should be very glad to see you, perhaps you have other relatives in Nebr.
Do you know of any? Do you know any thing of any Uncle John Marble’s
children? Give my love to your Mother when you see her (I am glad you can
see her often) and tell her if she wants to inquire about any one, or any thing,
to have you ask when you write and I will answer as well as I am able.
Dear cousin, write again soon. With much love, I remain your affectionate
cousin.
Emily M. King
I forgot to tell you that brother I’s youngest boy came home with Eva from
Vt. He is 17 years old. I think I told you of his losing one hand in
the veneer shop. E. is teaching in the Graded school at Red Cloud, our
county seat. Good bye.
I had a very pleasant time at your house and should love to have made you a visit.
Now Mrs. Williams if you will onely grant me this one faver I will be very much obliged to you pleas burn my letters for if anything should happen to you then someone would see them I didn’t think Jess would do anything like that I thought he was a man of his word.
Now Mrs. Williams I should be very glad to hear from you soon Pleas donot let Mrs. Marry know that you heard from me nor no one els Give my love to Mr. Williams and keep a good shar for yourself.
From one who thinks very kindly of you all
Direct to Flora Hetfield
DuBois Clearfield Co Penna Excuse mistakes With lots of love good by
Perkinsville NY May 22, 1890
Mrs. Oliver Willaims
Dear Madam,
Your letter received but at present I have no Engagements in your locality.
As to your Lady friend I cannot possibly say that my treatment would be
successful unless I could see here to give any judgment but I should like to
come in care there were patients enough to pay my trouble and expense as you
know it is quite of an Expense. I am greatly pleased to hear _________ is
well and thinks of me I am also a great friend of his and think of him nearly
every day tell him I am over pleased to hear that my treatment has proven a
success.
At present I go to Buffalo and Lockport the first of every month and then to
Augdica(?) Fridays and Saturday I am at home. But in case you wish me to
come I will set a day that I can come let me know by return mail your wishes.
I am Respy
Yours truly, Dr. A. Majerskey
Feb. 20, 1890
Dear Grandma (Experience Marble, wife of Isaac Williams)
I will write you a few lines to let you know how we all are. I am so I
set up most of the time but don’t get out of the house. Aunt Jane goes in
the kitchen and works some but don’t go out of the house She has been quit
sick with the grip she says she would like to see you very much how is Robert
and all the rest of folks Uncle James (James G. Mason) and Pa and Frank
was up to Troy yesterday but dident see any of uncle Ambrose is folks or Uncle
Olivers folks I have been quit weak but am getting stronger now tell
Robert I know how to jully(?) him Pa went over to the store today
he is going to Monroton to see Aurthur and is going up to Leroy to see Ernest
Mason before he goes home I am in hopes I will get so I can go home next
week does George and Isaac go to school now how does Eva get along
Ma come over here last weak went home Saturday it is getting kolder how do you
stand the kold this winter are you as lame as ever.
I am quit shaky I don’t know wheather you can read this or not I
waid 130 pounds when I was taken sick when I first got up I waid 112 pounds.
I would like to see you when I get home and get a little more strength I
will come over and make you a visit does the boys hunt mutch this winter
or not I hant been hunting this winter Aunt Jane says she is coming
to see you as quick as she can if they don’t any of the rest get sick it
is a sickly time all over there is a good meny sick a round here Mag (Margaret
Mason Shepard) was over here and helped Aunt Jane yesterday she has got a
nice baby Agnes (Mason Varney) has been complaining some thought she
was going to have the grip but she hasent come down with it yet I cant
think of mutch more to write so I will close hoping to here from you or some of
the rest soon.
Clarence Mason (Son of John H. and Eliza Williams Mason)
THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY
8:20 AM
RECEIVED at 3 Main St. July 26, 1894
Dated Mansfield PA
To Mrs. Oliver Williams
Troy, PA
Mr. Williams died suddenly last night
funeral Saturday
one o’clock
Ellen D. Williams
(Postmarked Port Orange, Fl, Mar. 22, 1894
Envelope: Linderman and Cox, Proprietors of the Sumner Mills, Osseo, Wis.)
Port Orange March 22nd 1894
Dear Sister Mary (Mrs. Oliver Williams)
We got a letter from Ansel the 19th bringing the sad news of Oliver’s death
allthough not entirely unexpected it was a great shock We had a letter
from Ella (Ella Williams Rockwell, wife of. Walter E.?) the 16th telling us that
Oliver was not expected to live and it seems he died the same day = But Sister
it is only the close of the scene we have passed or nearly reached the allotted
time when the curtain will drop and all that will be left of us in this life
will be the _____ _____ of the good or evil we have _____ We sincerely
feel the loss _____ ______ sympathize with you in ____ _____ of our affliction.
It tires me to write and I will make this letter short. Abigail is
quite well and just as bright as ever I tell you it would be a hard life
for me in my condition without her. I am about the same. The injury
to my back is ____aircible and I am as well as I ever can be. I am
partially parcelyzed (paralyzed) and have not got strength to do anything.
Jesse’s (Jesse N. Williams) letter was forward to me from Osseo. I will
try to write him But write and let us know how you all are. With much love
from Bro and Sister
James and Abigail (Linderman)
P.O. Port Orange, Florida
Abigail sends you a bunch of orange blossoms
East Troy Nov. 20, 1895
My Dear Friend Mary
Eliza arrived home all safe walk all the way she told me what a nice time
she had with you she told you that John was going to rent the place he would
like her to stay at home and give her what he could spare she is tired working
that way I am so anxious for her to do well she said you spoke of Mrs. Porter
having a girl she did not wait on her as she would like her to Mary if at any
time Mrs. Porter would like a change would you speak a kind word for Eliza if
you think she would suit she would be a person that would be kind and pleasant
and would be pleased to go to church with Mrs. Porter and nothing suit her
better then drive her out a riding Now Mary will you see Mrs. Porter and see if
she would like to change and let us know as soon as you know
and I will be ever you friend
Mrs. G. Ruggles
PS let us know as soon as you have found out
Canton Dec 1 (1898? – Jesse’s son Philip was born 6-28-98)
Dear Sister (Mary Williams – wife of. Oliver Williams)
As I am so much encouraged think Clarence is so much better I will try
and write you a few lines I have been sick at heart boddy and mind but I am so
thankful to think I was endowed with strenth that I could take care of Clarence
or help and when I was away from him I could do for the rest and I feel to
express my thanks to God for what he has done for me for I am confident it was
through his kind assistance that kept me up I have been up evry night for
2 weeks and worked days you know how it is where there is sickness but
with all my troubles I did not forget Jessie (N. Williams) and Kate (Catherine
B. Williamson) in their trouble was anxious to hear from them tell them I
congratulate them in their grand success in getting a boy I hope Kate is
better by this time and Jessie to tell Laura (Williams) I want to know which she
thinks is the nicest the little Brother or her old Darkey Jo but with the
rest of our trouble we came pretty near having to part with our sister Jane
(Williams, wife of James G. Mason) of course you have heard from them I told
them to tell you of our sickness
From Sister Eliza (Eliza P. Williams, wife of John H. Mason)
Canton Pa
Feb 9 1899
Dear Sister:- (Mary Williams, wife of Oliver Williams)
Frances has got a baby boy named James. He was born this morning about
five o’clock weighed 8 ½ lbs.
Frances is as well as could be expected was very sick all night until five
o’clock. James and I are both gaining have had a hired girl ever since I
came home. Lua Randall is working here.
I want to hear from you very much I hear there is lots of sickness in Troy
and I feel very uneasy about you. The last I heard from John’s (Mason)
folks they were both better I think Mary and Lua Randall has given up working in
the factory at Troy.
Has Jesse’s folks moved to Troy yet?
Edith is getting along nicely with her studies has not stayed out a day
since she commenced school here. She has been vaccinated.
Will’s (William Henry Mason) folks are usually well except the baby
The children says the (that) he is sick I haven’t seen him since
Thanksgiving
Jesse Varney hasent been here yet he came to West Franklin two weeks ago
Saturday. Don’t know when he will be up here.
Friday 10th
I guess Frances is as well as could be expected She doesn’t feel as
well as she did yesterday though
I want you to come over and make me a visit when it gets warmer weather and
I want a good long letter from you as soon as you get this. Good bye
Your sister
Jane Mason (Jane Rebeca Williams, wife of James Mason)
Canton Pa
Dictated by E.S.
Hotel Griffin
J. N. Williams, Prop.
Kane, PA Nov. 28th 1899
Dear Mother I arrived home all safe and found the folks all well Laura had a
birthday partie & got some very nice presents I got he a gold watch & chaine and
she is very much pleased with it I have got my head on me againe and feel quite
goodaagaine
I do not know what to say to you in regard to your mooveing this spring or
about your comeing hear thear is no telling how long we may stay hear there is
some one hear almost every day to buy us out……
When I come down again I will make some arrangements for you that I trust
will be all satisfactory to you……….. – Aunt Abby died………..
Nov. 15th, at 4 P.M. Trusting you are well and we will hear from you
often I am as ever yours J.N. Williams