February 6, 1902 letter to Sarah Keith from Hiram Crawford Jr.

February 6, 1902

To: Sarah Keith

From: Hiram Crawford Jr., Chicago, IL

Hiram is writing Sarah to tell her of the birth of his granddaughter, Katherine Louesa Eck. Jessie delivered earlier than expected and there was a certain amount of excitement while they desperately searched for a doctor.

Scan of 1902-02-06 Hiram Crawfod to Sarah Keith

Anthracite=Bituminous Coal Co.
Miners and Dealers in Coal.
Office and Yard, 1619 1634 North Washtenaw California Avenue,
On C. & N.-W. RY.

Telephone … West 575.                                                    Chicago, Feb 6 1902

My Dear Sister

Very much to my surprise when I went home last evening I found a strange young Lady there, in such a very young one being only about seven hours old and weighing between 8 and 9 pounds. She called herself or rather was called by the people around there, Miss Katharine Louesa Eck.[1] She is a plump little red headed thing and appearently has lots of vitality. She arrived about fifteen minutes to 1 Oclk and when I left in the morning they did not expect her until about the 20^th. Marian[2] claims her as her baby and dont understand why they wont let her hold the little one.

Kate[3] arrived home Sunday morning and is as full of business as a dog is of fleas. I dont know what we would have done if she hadnt come, for this came on so sudden that we couldnt have gotten a nurse. The Doctor did not get there until about 20 minutes before the delivery. It was just the time in the day when all the Doctors are away from their offices. Kate said it was the most exciting time she ever passed through. Charley[4] was on the hunt for his Doctor & nurse, and the Sullivans[5] kept the the telephone hot for about two hours trying to find any kind of a Doctor. However I guess it is all right, but a Physician might have saved her considerable misery.

When I left this morning, she was quite comfortable. Kate left Blanche[6] and Baby well, but said that it was hard to leave them. She had a pleasant trip and arrived feeling all right. I guess much better than she did this morning. I suppose Nan[7] is with you and of course will be interested in this news. Charly is going to drop a line to Bess.[8]

We are having lots of winter here and I presume you are having the same. I have been worried about Roy Brown. Did he get through all right? If I had known his fathers address would have written him. Love to all.

Your Brother

HC

——-

[1] His granddaughter, and the second daughter of Charles and Jessie Blanche (Crawford) Eck

[2] Marian Eck, the eldest child of Charles and Jessie Blanche (Crawford) Eck

[3] His wife, Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford

[4] His son-in-law, Charles Eck Jr.

[5] Presumably the parents of Hiram’s son Harry’s wife, Nellie Sullivan

[6] His daughter, Jessie Blanche (Crawford) Eck

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

[8] Bess Rae Brown, Nancy’s daughter

(This post was updated on 05-10-2021)

January 8, 1902 letter to James Keith from Robert Crawford

January 8, 1902

To: James Keith, Chicago, IL

From: Robert Crawford, Neenah, WI

James and his family have always had a warm place in his affections. He is going to Milwaukee and then to Shell Rock to stay with his daughters for a while. He hopes to go to Chicago in the spring and if he does he will stop in to see them. Hopes that Jim’s asthma does not bother him as much as it used to. He has a cough which he won’t get over until warm weather comes.

Scan of 1902-01-08 Robert Crawford to Sarah Keith

Neenah Jan 8″ 1902

Mr J C Keith
Chicago, Ill

Dear Nephew

I have negligent about writing to you but James you and Your Family have always had a warm place in my affections. I have always had a kind reception at your home and I appreciated it all. I Hope that you and yours are usually well. I am so far this Winter and mine as far as I know. I am going to Milwaukee in a few days to stay with the girls[1] a while and then I expect to go to Iowa to visit Lizzie[2] who lives at Shell Rock. It is splendid weather here now for Winter. Good Wheeling and time for crary lady[?]. I Wrote to your Mother[3] last week expect a letter soon. I hope they are all well. I think of coming to Chicago in the spring some time. If I do will visit you all. I hope James that your Asthma dont lay you up or hinder you from your work as much as it used to. I cough but it is a throat trouble or Grip. I wont get over it till warm weather comes and now in conclusion accept my Regards & love to you an yours and Regards to Mr Hanly.[4]

Affectionately

Your Uncle

Robt Crawford

I should be pleased to hear from you

——-

[1] His daughters, Cynthia (Crawford) Carlson and Lulu (Crawford) Witte

[2] His daughter, Lizzie (Crawford) Smith

[3] His sister, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[4] Perhaps he is referring to John Heiner, a good friend of James who sometimes boarded with the family

(This post was updated on 05-06-2021)

January 4, 1902 letter to Sarah Keith from Robert Crawford

January 4, 1902

To: Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

From: Robert Crawford, Neenah, WI

Robert is writing Sarah to see how she is getting along. He has not heard from Henry or Hiram recently, but understood that Prosper had remarried.

1902-01-04 Robert Crawford to Sarah Keith

Neenah Jan 4″ 1902

Dear Sister Sarah

I have not heard from you in some time and thought that I would write you a few lines this morning. I am usually well, but cough some yet. Dont expect to get much better till some time in the Spring. Edna[1] and family are usually well, but she has a cold. Feels better this morning. I have not heard from Hiram[2] in quite a while. I dont suppose that Kate[3] has returned yet. I would like to know how they were. I must write to Hiram. Well Sister dear, how do you get along. I hope that you are no worse or Luke[4]. I had an opportunity to go in to the Pinery to locate logs, but declined and thought it best for me to stay near the fire this winter.

I just wrote to Mrs Lou Harris[5]. Hope they are well. I wrote Nancy[6] about the time they were moving from Hoyne ave[7] but have not heard from her. I want you Sarah to send me her address when you write me. I wrote to Henry[8] about Thanksgiving but have not heard from him. L.P.C.[9] I suppose has jumped the Broom Stick[10] by what I have heard. Incidentally now there will be a chance for Belle[11] if that is the case. Sister, I for one dont blame him though I think that Pros was not perfection by any means. With regards & love to you and yours. I remain your affectionate Brother.

Robt Crawford

——-

[1] Edna (Crawford) Henry Tullar, Robert’s daughter

[2] Their brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

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

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

[5] Sarah’s daughter, Louese (Keith) Harris

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

[7] 736 North Hoyne Avenue in Chicago, Illinois

[8] Their brother, Henry Clay Crawford

[9] Their youngest brother, Lucius Prosper Crawford, who went by the nickname of Pros

[10] Pros married Laura Hands September 30, 1901

[11] Pros’ first wife, Isabella (Steele) Crawford. She and Pros divorced sometime around 1900

(This post was updated on 05-06-2021)

Another Letter

I just posted a letter written by Benjamin Hamilton dated September 11, 1826. You can read it here.

November 25, 1901 letter to Sarah Keith from Robert Crawford

November 25, 1901

To: Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

From: Robert Crawford, Neenah, WI

Robert is writing Sarah about general family news and inquiring about her family.

Scan of 1901-11-25 Robert Crawford to Sarah Keith

Neenah Nov 25″, 1901

Dear Sister Sarah

Not hearing from you lately, I thought that I would write you a few lines. I am feeling usually well with the exception of a cough & cold. I have never got over the cold that I took on the Boom.[1] I have a remedy now which I think will break it up. Edna[2] & family are well. Lulu[3] is up from Milwaukee visiting. Expect her here today from Kaukauna. It looks quite wintery here for it snowed yesterday a little. The ground is covered though. I heard by the way of Hiram[4] that Nancy Brown[5] had moved from Hoyne Ave. I wrote to her when I was in Milwaukee but have [not] rec’d a reply. I suppose she is very busy. Now sister dear first write me a few lines & let me know how you are and Luke[6] & Ethan & Hannah[7] and how you get along.

Regards & love to you and yours

Robt Crawford
Neenah, Wis

——-

[1] Lumber companies ran logs down the Wolf River which were then sorted at Bay Boom according to each company’s water mark

[2] His daughter, Edna (Crawford) Henry Tullar

[3] His daughter, Lulu (Crawford) Witte

[4] Their brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

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

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

[7] Sarah’s son and daughter, Ethan Keith and Hannah (Keith) Towne

(This post was updated on 03-21-2021)

November 22, 1901 letter to James Keith from Ethan Keith

November 22, 1901

To: James Keith, Chicago, IL

From: Ethan Keith, Galesburg, MI

Hannah does her sewing work from 7:00 in the morning until 9:00 or later at night. Ethan thinks it is too much for her and worries that she just can’t keep at that pace. She only earns $1.00 per day. Their father sings most of the time and as he is in the same room where Hannah does her sewing, it annoys her. Ethan wishes Nancy and the girls could have stayed at 736 as it was home to them and close to the gallery.

Scan of 1901-11-22 Ethan Keith to James Keith

Galesburg, Mich. Nov 22, 1901

Dear Brother

Will begin a letter to you this evening but probably will not finish it as it is most time to go to bed. The alarm will call me at 4.45 Am. (fast time) and I’ll have to get right out for I am working in and around a dressmaking shop. Hannah[1] is crowded with work. She is ready to go to sewing at seven most every morning and works until nine or after in the evening. It is too much for her. She cant always hold out at such a gait. If she was reasenably paid for her work but she does’nt make a dollar a day for her time. Pa[2] and Ma[3] are usually well. Pa has a great hobby for singing. Some of the time it is a tune and then it wont be any thing but he is at it most of the time. It annoys Hannah for he is in the room where she is sewing most of the time. Will Barber and I have worked at the pump part of two days this week. It had got a hole rusted through the pipe somewhere so it pumped sand. We pulled the pipe up and found the hole down most to the point. Have got it so it works all right to night. Nancy[4] writes you are having boils and muscular rheumatism. Seems as if it is’nt one thing its another. It’s too bad and very discouraging to have to be sick so much. Mrs Streater[5] is sick had a light stroke of paralysis. Harry[6] said this morning she was better physically, but was worse mentally. Clara Clark[7] is pretty bad off. Is troubled with gall stones, suffers a great deal. Has been sick over ten weeks. Charley[8] wrote his mother[9] Wednesday that he and Edna[10] sat up with her the night before. They had to fan her a good deal of the time she was so weak. A month yesterday I came from Chicago. Seems more like three of them. I enjoyed the trip and visits if they were short. Would liked very much to have staid longer. Wish Nancy and the girls[11] could have staid at 736.[12] That had got to be like home to them, and then they were so pleasantly situated, and handy to the gallery.[13] She sent me a Heurst Chicago American[14] this week cuts, and write up of the elevated road collision. They were fortunate in not getting some of the cars off on the ground. Have not heard from Charley Eck[15] since he went from here week last Monday. We all liked him. Too bad he has such poor health.[16] The protolacea[17] Winnie[18] set in the tin can has just died. Will close for lack of news. Love to Cora,[19] children[20] and yourself.

Your brother Ethan

——-

[1] Their sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne

[2] Charles Luke Keith Jr., who was 88 years old

[3] Sarah (Crawford) Keith, who was 80 years old

[4] Their sister, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[5] Neighbor, Laura (Rawson) Streator

[6] Laura Streator’s son, Henry “Harry” Streator

[7] Clara (Youngs) Clark was the wife of Charles Clark, the son of Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner and her first husband, Byron Clark. Lois was Ethan and Jim’s half-sister, the daughter of Charles Luke Keith Jr. and his first wife, Minerva Payson

[8] Charles Clark

[9] Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[10] Charles and Clara Clark’s daughter

[11] Nancy’s daughters, Lela and Bess Brown

[12] Nancy’s husband, Henry Brown, died May 22, 1901 and the family moved from 736 North Hoyne Avenue in Chicago. By October of 1902 she was living at 200 Evergreen Avenue in Chicago

[13] Henry Brown was a photographer and according to the 1899-1900 Chicago City Directory had a gallery at 749 Robey Street and at 574 Lincoln Avenue. Bess continued working at the gallery for awhile, but whether it was to try to make a go of it, to take care of unfinished business, or to sell the business is unknown

[14] Hearst’s Chicago American newspaper

[15] Charles Eck was the husband of Jessie Crawford, who was Ethan and Jim’s first cousin. Jessie was the daughter of Hiram Crawford Jr., their mother’s brother

[16] Charles Eck died May 23, 1904, just shy of his and Jessie’s 6^th wedding anniversary

[17] Portulacea, a succulent plant, possibly a jade plant

[18] Jim’s oldest daughter, Winifred Keith

[19] Jim’s wife, Cora (Meredith) Keith

[20] Winifred (9 years old) and Walter (almost 4 years old)

(This post was updated on 03-21-2021)

July 18, 1901 letter to Louese Harris from Sarah Keith

July 18, 1901

To: Louese Harris, Shelbyville, MI

From: Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

Sarah is writing her daughter with general news about the family and the weather. Sarah’s niece, Lulu (Robert’s daughter), was married today. The weather has been extremely hot and dry. The corn and potatoes are suffering for want of water. A neighbor’s barn was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Henry C visted and brought two bottles of spirit, a product that he is selling for all kinds of skin diseases. He sells it to barbers and thought it might help heal the sores on Sarah’s legs.

Scan of 1901-07-18 Sarah Keith to Louese Harris

Galesburg July 18 1901

Dear Lou

How do you all stand this hot weather. We do because we have to. Lulu Crawford[1] is married today. Pretty warm to have much finery on. Thursday three p.m. Ethen[2] took Hannah[3] to Gallushas the forenoon for an all day visit. We had Monday and yesterday two terrific electric storms. We did not get rain enough to lay the dust. We need rain bad. Corn and potatoes are suffering for the want of it. Charley Wilson, whose farm is across from Jane Blasses, had his barn struck by lightning and burned his out buildings and crops. All went up in the flames. Ethen says buildings were in first class order. We saw the fire from here. Yesterday day about four oclock, when Henry C— was here he left me two bottles of (spirit) he called it. It is what he is selling. It is manufactured at South Bend, by a chemist that has been to work at it five years. Thinks now he has it perfected. Is sending it out. It is for all skin deseases. Sells it to Barbers to put it on the face after shaving. He wanted I should try it on my legs. He thought it cure them. I have used it most two weeks. Ethen says they look better and the sores are closeing up. I have thought about D[4] – wish he had some to put on his leg. Henry thought he would be here in four or five weeks. I asked him what he asked a bottle. He said it did not make any difference. I could have it. Your pa[5] thinks he never saw such hot weather. It does effect him. Got a letter from Jim[6]. He said Cora[7] and Children[8] would be at Kal[9], next tuesday. He wanted Ethen to meet them. He will. They will come home with him.

Hannah is making her self, Lois[10] and Jen Sherwood white waists, a cluster of pleats then incertain. Look very pretty. Lois furnished the goods for Hannah and hers, and H– makes them. We have been alone this week it seems good I thought this morning you were here. Got a letter from Nancie[11] Sat eve. She spoke about coming. I did not understand when. Said she could not stay but two weeks. Claude[12] and Edie[13] would stay whilst she was gone. I feel very sorry for her but she has a great deal to be thankful for. Her children are good to her and has some meanes to help herself with. Dont know how much she will have by the time they all get through bleeding her. I hope she will look out for them. Presume Julius[14] thinks thare will be some thing for Bess[15] and he will have to look after her interest. Seemes Bessie would see whare she was drifting with the sallery he gets to be in debt. Nothing to keep house with. What or how can he support a wife. You see if Bess keeps well, she will have to look out for the family. She will have to work in a gallery same as she does now. I wish she had never seen him[16]. Nancie said Mrs Brown[17] did not sit up near all the. Should think this hot weather would use her up.

How about the Drs[18] small pox patients. How does he manage to disinfect himself before he comes home? Of course he will take all precaution nessary. Does D get along without his crutches? Hope his leg is getting better. To bad that he should be so afflicted. So much to do. It must worry him. I asked Ottie F– how Ettie Ralph[19] was getting along. She said first rate but she did not know what ailed her. I think she knew but was told not to tell. You know Mrs Ralph[20] said here if any of her folks had an opperation it would never be known so I thought I would let her know I knew it. I think it is that cancer she had. Well, I have written if you can make it out you will do well. You and yours have a mother.

Best wishes, Mother

——-

[1] Lulu Crawford, daughter of Sarah’s brother (Robert Crawford), married Edward Witte

[2] Ethan Keith, Sarah’s son

[3] Hannah (Keith) Towne, Sarah’s daughter

[4] Daniel D. Harris (known as D), Louese’s husband

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

[6] James Keith, Sarah’s youngest son

[7] Cora (Meredith) Keith, Jim’s wife

[8] Mary “Winifred” and Walter Keith

[9] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[10] Sarah’s stepdaughter (Luke’s daughter by his first wife, Minerva Payson)

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

[12] Claude Brown, Nancy’s son

[13] Edith (Neumaier) Brown, Claude’s wife

[14] Julius Recoschewitz, Nancy’s daughter Bess’ boyfriend

[15] Bess Brown, Nancy’s daughter

[16] Julius was a concert violinist but also a drug addict. While Bess probably was not aware of that at the time, she did tell family members that Julius seemed to be able to put a spell on her and make her do things against her will. She asked them to help her get away from his influence

[17] Matilda (Allen) Brown, Nancy’s mother-in-law

[18] Believe she is referring to Samuel “Doc” Boyer, who was Nancy’s daughter Lela’s fiance; he was boarding either with Louese & D Harris or with D’s sister, Cora (Harris) & Aaron Hogeboom

[19] Elsie “Ettie” Ralph, D Harris’ cousin

[20] Emaline (Stone) Ralph, D Harris’ aunt

 

July 2, 1901 letter to Sarah Keith from Edna Clark

July 2, 1901

To: Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

From: Edna Clark, Jackson, MI

Edna is writing a thank you note to her great-grandmother.

Scan of 1901-07-02 Edna Clark to Sarah Keith

218 Grove Ave
Jackson, Mich.

July 2, 1901.

Dear Grandma and All:-

First, I want to thank Grandma for the very nice letter you wrote me and then I wish to thank you all for the present which was enclosed.

I recieved a great many and some very nice presents. I cannot write all that I got but will mention a few. There were ninteen books, right solid silver spoons, three cups and causers, five handkerchiefs, a beautiful toilet set from Grandma Skinner[1], a silver thimbal from Grandma Youngs[2] and many other things. I would like to come to Galesburg to see you all and then I can tell you more about it.

Lovingly

Edna[3]

Your Great-Grand-daughter
And Grand-neice

——-

[1] Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, her paternal grandmother. Lois was Sarah’s step-daughter

[2] Rhoda (Wood) Youngs, her maternal grandmother

[3] Edna Clark was the daughter of Charles Clark, Lois’ son by her first husband, Byron Clark

May 19, 1901 letter to Sarah Keith from Robert Crawford

May 19, 1901

To: Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

From: Robert Crawford, Neenah, WI

Robert is writing Sarah in response to the news of D.C.’s death. Robert went to visit his daughter Lulu who is to be married in July. He is helping his son-in-law on the farm.

1901-05-19 Robert Crawford to Sarah Keith

Neenah, May 19″, 1901

Dear Sister Sarah,

I read you letter hastily & Papers[1] announcing the Death of our dear Brother DC Crawford.[2] It was quite unexpected to me and very sad news. I deeply sympathize with his wife,[3] her son[4] & daughters[5] in this great affliction but it is my dear sister that comes to us all. I can hardly realize Sarah that DC is dead. I have not met him in 25 years and he has not written to me in 3 or 4 years but that is his way business of course. I dont have any unpleasant feelings that way. I read Amanda letter by the way of Henry.[6] It is very sad. Poor woman. I have written to her a letter of condolence & sympathy. I will return to you Sister the Paper & Statement and letter of DC death.

We are all usually well. My work on the River will not commence till in July some time owing to the drought. It keeps the Logs back. I shall not get till in Oct next perhaps. We have not had any frost yet to hurt fruit but it is quite cool this morning. I was down to see Lulu[7] last Sunday. Her School will close in 3 weeks. She expects to be married in July[8] if she dont change her mind in regard to it. I am helping my son in law[9] on the farm some. He is going to put in 2 acres of tomatoes for a canning factory. Good bye for this time Sister dear. Regards & love to you all.

Brother Robert

Robt Crawford

—–

[1] Unfortunately the whereabouts of the “Papers” is unknown and an online search has not yet come up with D.C.’s obituary

[2] David Caleb Crawford

[3] Amanda (Thornton) Crawford

[4] Harold Valentine Crawford

[5] D.C. only had one living daughter, Ida (Crawford) Kelley; two daughters died in infancy/childhood

[6] Henry Clay Crawford, Robert’s brother

[7] His daughter, Lulu Crawford

[8] Lulu married Edward Witte on July 18, 1901

[9] Jackson Tullar, the second husband of Robert’s daughter, Edna (Crawford) Henry Tullar

(This post was updated on 2-18-2021)

May 17, 1901 letter to Sarah Keith from Nancy Brown

May 17, 1901

To: Sarah Keith

From: Nancy Brown

Nancy is concerned about her husband Hank’s health. Tuesday he had gone downtown to fix a camera shutter. He had not been home two hours before she had to send for a doctor. He has been vomiting and his stomach and bowel have been very painful and sensitive. Nancy is worried that it might be appendicitis. He has had some fever and has not been dressed since Tuesday and not been able to sit up until this morning. The doctor has been there five times in the past three days.

Scan of 1901-05-17 Nancy Brown to Keith Family

Friday 1-30-P.M.[1]

Dear ones all

Will write a little while resting my feet. Lela[2] has been working down town since Monday. Hank[3] is sick but I guess now he is going to get along all right. He is very nervous and has suffered lots. I have or at least could been a little fearful of appidencitis (I dont know as thats right). He has vomited so much & his bowels & stomach so painful & sensative and it has been impossible to get a movement of the bowels till about ten mintes ago they moved a little. So we know there is an _____________. Dr has been here five times in three days. Was here about an hour ago & is coming again to night. He says if we can get a thorough movement he will be all right and we are a going to. He has some fever. Has not been dressed since Tuesday or able to sit up any till this morning. He felt better, got up and dressed and went down town to get a shutter fixed. He was doing that when taken sick so they have been without a penny plate holder & shutter all the week over here.[4] Its his own invention and no one could fix it but him self or under his instructions. So he went to see the man & tell him. Was to have it for Sunday. He had not been home two hours before we had to send for Dr. Now I wont let him go again if we have to lock him up but he worried so over the shutter & got so nervous he could not get well any way. We have good help at both gallerys and if he dont go to work too soon it may do him a little good.

We got a letter from Dr[5] this A.M. also from Bess[6] & Mildred.[7] Dr is having so many trials cant come now but will come back with Julius[8] if he is better. Julius goes to Mich Monday. Has to be back Sat night. Was to play Sunday. We got terribly worried and excited here over Lois[9] though we thought every one at home must be very good as no one wrote. If Will Holmes[10] had went and seen Will Clark[11] and told them how it was that Ina[12] was sent for he never would have gone without looking in to it more but all he knew was what I told him and all I knew was that Lois was sick & they had sent for Ina. So when he got a message that his mother was very sick & had sent for him of course he thought it was for him. Its too bad for he has been with out work so much they did not feel able to go unless nessary. Its too bad that any one will work them selves up to such a pitch that they are _______ on any one & others have to suffer for it. Did the vegatables keep fresh enough so you could eat them? Bess writes of the dutch cheese, how good it is. If you want to send any any time we will pay charges.

Dont worry over Hank. If he dont get along all right we will let you know but he is going too. I want to tell you how cute Mother[13] is. Will[14] came down yesterday and asked her to go home with him if he would come for her to day as Hank was sick and with Lela gone it would make one less. She put on a long face & all he or I could do or say she would not go. Was not well enough so of course that ended it. In the afternoon I washed out a nyhtress & some things for Hank but as I was ready to clean thing up she wanted her dress washed. I told her I was too tired and had so much to do I could not. She said she had made up her mind to go to Wills & her dress was too dirty to wear so I said if thats it I will wash it so “het” more watter & done that. After it was done & dried and in the house she told me she did not calculate to go but wanted her dress washed. If she had been a child I guess I would “shake her boots off” but as it was I could not do a thing. I told her it could have gone to the wash and saved me that much but she said she did not care she wanted it done then. Hank is asleep and feels a good deal better than he did. Will let you know Tuesday how he is. Must write a few lines to Bess.

With love from Nan

Uncle Hi[15] and Mirian[16] came on Sunday. Brough Aunt Amandas letter,[17] also paper. Guess he feels pretty bad. It is too bad Uncle D.C.[18] had to go for he was not an old man and as Uncle Hi said guessed his family needed him. I wonder if his life was ruined. There were _____ over there to Uncle His.

Nan

7 P.M. Hank is feeling some better. Has had a good movement of the bowels. It has left him quite week but he thinks he will be all right now.

——-

[1] While no date was written, the postmark on the envelope is 5-17-1901

[2] Nancy’s daughter, Lela Brown

[3] Nancy’s husband, Henry Brown

[4] Hank was a photographer

[5] Possibly referring to Samuel “Doc” Boyer, who at the time was Lela Brown’s fiancé

[6] Nancy’s daughter, Bess Brown

[7] Nancy’s niece, Mildred Harris

[8] Julius Recoschewitz, Bess Brown’s boyfriend, was a concert violinist

[9] Nancy’s half sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[10] Husband of Lois’ daughter, Ina

[11] Will Clark, Lois’ son from her first marriage to Byron Clark

[12] Ina (Skinner) Holmes, Lois’ daughter from her second marriage to Adelbert Skinner

[13] Hank’s mother, Matilda (Allen) Brown

[14] Hank’s brother, Willis Brown

[15] Nancy’s uncle, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[16] Marian Eck, Hiram’s granddaughter

[17] Nancy’s aunt, Amanda (Thornton) Crawford, wife of D.C. Crawford

[18] David (D.C.) Crawford, who died unexpectedly on May 1, 1901

(This post was updated on 2-18-2021)