September 10, 1873 letter to Sarah Keith from Nancy Betts

September 10, 1873

To:  Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

From: Nancy Betts, Omro, WI

Received a letter from Eugene. He was well and thinks he will do well if he keeps his health. Hiram’s family is also well. Kate has tried to have the baby’s picture taken but she failed. When her head was still her hands and feet were moving. They are going to try again and if they get a good one she will send it. David wrote that they were all well. He said his baby is pretty and very fleshy and has blue eyes like her Father.

Scan of 1873-09-10 Nancy Betts to Sarah Keith

Omro     Sept 10 1873

My dear daughter

I take my pen in hand to adress a few lines to you all tho I havent any thing of importance to write only our healths is quite good at present through the blessing of Devine Providence. There is quite a number sick around us two dayes past there has ben a Funeral each day. Two middel age woman yesterday. Mr. Tomson wasent expected to live. They have move in there new Tavern. We havent heard from him this morning we are having very dry wether. We havent had but very littel rain in a long while. The ground is dry dusty. I receivd a letter from Eugene[1] a short time go. He was well and thinks he will do well if he keeps his health, and one from Hiram[2]. They were all well. The baby[3] he sais is fat as butter. Kate[4] has tride to have its picture taking but she faild. When its head was still its hands and feet was a going but they are ago to try it again and if they get a good one she will send it to me. And one from David[5]. They where all well. He sais his baby[6] is pretty and very fleshy and has blue eyes like its Father. He is a gasing now for his wife has blue eyes. Her picture shows it. I hope these few lines will find you all in good health. I was sorra that Nancy[7] had to move so far a way but I hope it will im prove her health a going to a nother Climect. I presume you hear from her often. Is Hannah[8] a gone to marry that fellow[9]? I dont remeber his name. If she does I am afrade she will live a miserabel life. Has Luke[10] got well so he can see to his bissness? Has Eathen[11] got his health again? Has he got through his music? I wish he and Hannah would take a trip out to Omro and make us a good viset. I hope you and the children will keep well. Excuse my half sheet of paper. I hadent a whole one. From your Mother. Write soon.

N. B. Betts

(Written at the top of the first page) Pleas except my love to you all. Write soon. Mother

[1] Nancy’s grandson, Eugene Crawford, son of Edwin and Louisa (Hall) Crawford

[2] Hiram Crawford Jr., Nancy’s son

[3] Jessie Blanche Crawford

[4] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, Hiram’s wife

[5] David Caleb (D.C.) Crawford, Nancy’s son

[6] Ida Louise Crawford, who was born May 20, 1873

[7] Nancy (Keith) Brown, Sarah’s daughter

[8] Hannah Keith, Sarah’s daughter

[9] From an entry in Luke’s diary on 12-13-1872 he mentioned that Hannah got a ring from Eberly Underwood.

[10] Charles Luke Keith Jr., Sarah’s husband

[11] Ethan Keith, Sarah’s son