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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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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
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)
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
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?)
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)\
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
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)
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
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
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.
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?)
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
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
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
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
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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)] |
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
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
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
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)
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)
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 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)
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.
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.
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Flora Hetfield Du Bois Oct. 18th 1887 Mrs. Williams
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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 |
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
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)
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
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
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
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)
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.
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
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