February 16, 1902 letter to Sarah Keith from Amanda Crawford

February 16, 1902

To: Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

From: Amanda Crawford, Golden, CO

Ida and Harold are both well. She has not been very well this winter. Had to work so much harder than ever before and misses her darling husband so much. Ida is engaged to a young student attending the university there and works in her office of County Superintendent of Schools. Everybody says she makes a good officer.

Scan of 1902-02-16 Amanda Crawford to Sarah Keith

Golden, Feb 16^th 1902[1]

My dear Sister Sarah,

I recieved your dear letter and was very glad to hear from you. Ida and Harold[2] are both well. I have not been very well this winter, have been miserable nearly all the time. I have had to work so much harder than I ever did before and at my age,[3] it comes rather hard on me. I miss my darling husband[4] so much. Yes, I can sympathize with poor Nancy[5] and know how she suffers. Isent is strange that her husband and mine died so near and in appearently the same manner. I have thought of it so many times and they were such dear good husbands.

Our children of course are dear to us, but they soon have lives of their own and then if Father is gone, Mother is alone.

Harold is a nice good boy and loves his mother dearly. He is such a comfort to me. Ida is engaged to a young student[6] attending the university here and of course her attention is taken up with him. She is in her office of County Superintendent[7] and she makes a good officer so every body says. Sarah, I recieved a letter from brother Robert,[8] but I could not make out the address. Will you please send it to me so that I may write him. I am sorry that I have not done so before this. I want to answer all the good letters that I have recieved. Am slow but try to be sure about that anyway.

Give my love to all of your family. You know I may not remember all their names and tell Nancy that her Aunt knows more than any one else how lonely her life is. Am glad to hear from you at anytime you can write me. With love to yourself.

I am your sister Amanda[9]

——-

[1] The stationery and envelope had a black border, which was used when there had been a death in the family

[2] Amanda’s children

[3] Amanda was 50 at the writing of this letter

[4] Amanda’s husband and Sarah’s brother, David Caleb “D.C.” Crawford, died May 1, 1901 at the age of 65

[5] Sarah’s daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown, whose husband, Henry Brown, died May 22, 1901 at the age of 50

[6] This may be referring to Jack Kelly, whom Ida married May 14, 1904

[7] Ida was the County Superintendent of Schools for Jefferson County, Colorado

[8] Robert Crawford, Amanda’s brother-in-law and Sarah’s brother

[9] Amanda (Thornton) Crawford

(This post was updated on 05-15-2021)

May 5, 1901 letter to Sarah Keith from Amanda Crawford

May 5, 1901

To: Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

From: Amanda Crawford, Golden, CO

Amanda is writing to Sarah to inform her of D.C.’s death and the circumstances leading up to it.

Scan of 1901-05-05 Amanda Crawford to Sarah Keith

Golden, May 5^th

My dear Sister and Brothers,

My heart is to heavy to say much but I am in duty bound to tell you of my loss. My husband is dead.[1] He has been sick with bad cold for some six weeks, was home most of the time for last three weeks but would not give up and was in Denver all of the last week attending to his business affairs. I tried to have him come home but he said he was not sick enough. I was with him evry other day and heard from him evry day. He would not go to bed and I did not realize how bad he was. I was with him all day on Monday and Tuesday he expected to return to Cripple Creak, but did not and on Tuesday evening sent for me and I went down on early train expecting him to meet me, but as he did not I went to his room and found my darling unconscious. He revived and knew me once or twice but did not know Ida.[2] We were both with him all day until the end. I had left Harold[3] at home and he did not know of his father’s death until next day. Oh, how can I ever stand it. My poor darling. We loved each other so and he always lived for and loved his little family. As I do not know the address of either of the boys[4] so please forward this letter to them or let them know of their Brother’s death. Ida has sent the papers to you also. My poor dear husband is at rest and sleeps by the side of his two little babies Allie and Mamie[5] at Riverside Denver.

In sorrow,

Your Sister

Amanda

——-

[1] David Caleb (D.C.) Crawford, was 65 years old at the time of his death on May 1, 1901

[2] Ida Louise (Crawford) Kelly, Amanda’s daughter

[3] Harold “Doc” Crawford, Amanda’s son

[4] D.C. had four brothers still living at the time of his death: Robert, Henry, Hiram and Lucius Prosper “Pros” Crawford

[5] Both daughters died in early childhood

(This post was updated on 02-13-2021)

December 7, 1899 letter to Luke & Sarah Keith from D.C. Crawford

December 7, 1899

To: Luke & Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

From: D.C. Crawford, Cripple Creek, CO

Speaks of their Golden Wedding Anniversary. The great Cripple Creek fire put him in a financial bind. Before the fire his income was $30 a day clear. All outstanding accounts were valueless and there was no business for over two years. His family lives in Golden. They lived in Cripple Creek for three years but the cost was too high. Ida is teaching school at Fort Collins. Amanda and his son, who he thinks will be nine on February 14, are at home. A handwritten note on the envelope reads “Uncle D. C. Crawford’s last letter to Ma.”

Cripple Creek, Dec 7^“, 1899

Dear Brother and Sister
Galesburg, Mich.

When I opened my Box at the P.O. and tore open the wrapper exposing a newspaper and I read the word Galesburg, I commenced to hunt for items and was pleasantly surprised when I read of your “Golden Wedding Anniversary”[1]. Surely it must have been a joyful meeting of so many of you under the old homestead roof and to one and all must brought to mind many many of the reminiscences of by gone days at the eventful time full of the joys and hopes of youth. I note all were present except H. L. Keith[2] and James[3] – that was to be regreted as on such an occasion all should have tried hard to have been present. I would liked to have been present myself. Well, My Dear relatives we are getting along in years and these reunions should be encouraged as it brings us together, renews our friendships so to speak as we are apt to become unmindful of each other when long separated as in my own persenal experence. I do not know just when but has been years since we have exchanged letters. Why simply because we just neglected it. Other cares and duties have daily taken up all of our time (and absent friends and relatives have been to a certain extent almost forgotten.) This should not be, yet I am “guilty”. My time for past ten years has been almost incessently taken up. The great Cripple Creek Fire put me in such a financial shape that my whole time was taken up to exist for along time after the fire. At the time of the fire my income was about $30.00 per day clear and all outstanding accounts were valuless and there was no business for over 2 years. We are experencing better times but nothing to compare (at that time). While this is a great mining camp there are a great many poor people here. We have to put forth the same effort to make a dollar here as elsewhere. My family do not live here. They live at Golden, Colo. They lived here for three years but little to high here and having a home there, and Ida[4] is teaching school at Fort Collins 75-miles beyond Golden. (Amanda[5] and the Boy[6], who is coming 9-years of age, I believe February 14^th are at home and Ida and myself are out restling for bread and butter. Of course, I would be very glad to see you all. Yet, I cannot promise that I can. “Darne fortune” has all to say about it. I find the battle of live much harder task in last twenty years then previous to that. Many a lucky fellow has made fortunes here but think of the thousands that expended their little all and went hungry and walked out of camp while his more fortunate Brother rides in and out in Palace cars. Now that I have commenced, I must write to Brother Robert[7] and Brother Hiram[8]. Both have written me and I do not quite remember if I have answered either of them. As stated, I am getting quite advanced in years and cannot move around as in former years. Yet I do get around all right and have the name of being the leivliest man of my age on the street. I will enclose one of my pictures as I look now. Well in conclusion will say that please remember me kindly to all the children and their parents, both present and absent. I had forgotten Louis[9] husbands Name. I note now Mrs Skinner[10] and her son C I Clark, wife[11] & 3 children[12]. He has done well, very nice man. He was with us awhile. Well dear Luke and Sarah, may God continue to bless you and yours and if it is our destiny never to meet on the shores of time may we hope to meet in the great hereafter if it be the will of him who doeth all things well.[13]

Your loving Brother

D.C. Crawford[14]

Box 34

——-

[1] Sarah Crawford & Charles Luke Keith Jr. were married November 14, 1849 in Comstock Township, Michigan

[2] Henry Keith, Luke’s son by his first wife, Minerva Payson

[3] James Keith, Sarah and Luke’s son

[4] Ida (Crawford) Kelley, D.C.’s eldest daughter

[5] Amanda (Thornton) Crawford, D.C.’s wife

[6] Harold Valentine Crawford, D.C.’s son

[7] Robert Crawford

[8] Hiram Crawford

[9] Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, Luke’s daughter by his first wife, Minerva Payson

[10] Lois’ second husband was Adelbert Skinner

[11] Charles Ira and Clara (Youngs) Clark. Charles was Lois’ son by her first husband, Byron Clark

[12] Edna, Ethan & Charles Clark

[13] There is a note on the envelope that this was Uncle D.C. Crawford’s last letter to Ma

[14] David Caleb Crawford

March 15, 1881 letter to Sarah Keith from D.C. Crawford

March 15, 1881

To: Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

From: D.C. Crawford, Alma, CO

D.C. writes that he is extremely busy with operations in several districts and headquarters in Alma. He is expecting to run for County Clerk in the fall. He is glad to hear that Mother is living with Sarah. Amanda and Ida are living in Golden and Eugene’s wife is in Chicago. Eugene is prospecting in Gunnison County.

Alma Mch 15^th 1881

Dear Sister

I am almost ashamed to write you yet I know my letter will be welcome. I am one of the busiest mortels living. I am in the Mining and Brokerage business operating in sevral Districts but make my head quarters here. I am expecting to engage in Politics this fall by running for County Clerk and Recorder of this County of Park. The office is worth some $6000.00 per year. If I get it I can hold it for four (4) years at least.

I am so glad Mother[1] is with you and I will do all in my power to assist you both. Please write me how you all are commencing with Luke[2]. We are all quite well. Amanda[3] & Ida[4] are in the Valley at Golden & Denver visiting until May. Eugene[5] wife[6] is in Chicago & my wifes sister[7] that has lived with us for several years returned to her home in Utah Territory at Telluride[8]. Her Father[9] moved there several years a go.

Eugene is prospecting and working some mines this Spring. He expects to engage in some business at or in Gunssin Co in this State commencing about May 1st.

Ida is attending school this winter for the first time. If she lives will be 8 years old in May next.

Please write soon. With love to you all not forgetting our Mother.

From your Brother

“D C” Crawford

——-

[1] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

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

[3] Amanda (Thornton) Crawford, D.C.’s wife

[4] Ida Crawford, D.C.’s daughter

[5] Eugene Crawford, the son of D.C. and Sarah’s late brother Edwin

[6] Minnie (Crooks) Crawford

[7] Sarah (Thornton) Jameson

[8] The city appears to be Telluride, although Telluride was in Colorado, not Utah Territory

[9] Christopher Thornton

March 23, 1877 letter to Sarah Keith from D.C. Crawford

March 23, 1877

To:  Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

From: D.C. Crawford, Denver, CO

D.C. is writing to inform Sarah about the death of his daughter, Allie. There had been a great deal of scarlet fever and diphtheria and he feels that the doctors did not appreciate the seriousness of Allie’s case until it was too late. He then writes about the difficulties that people encounter when they “go away from old and tried Friends and places made dear by associations for new and untried Fields & Friends.” Many do well but thousands lose all they have and have to endure many hardships. Many who have tried farming in Colorado are so poor and hundreds are flocking to the Black Hills. If he had not been elected Auditor, he probably would have “gone on a wild goose chase somewhere either to California or Black Hills.”

D.C. Crawford
State of Colorado
Auditor’s Office

Denver, March 23d 1877

Dear Sister

Your most welcome leter reached me in conjuntion with Mothers[1]. You may be assured we were very happy to receiv them as they brought words of consolation from those whom we knew wrote them in no meaningless way, but emenated from hearts brim full of heartfelt feeling and sympathy in this our time of sore tribulation and great trial. Still we feel that Providence knows best how to deal with His Earthly Children for their good and therefore we bow in submission in this affliction that He has seen fit to bring upon us. Trusting in His Wisdem and Goodness for consolation in this our seemingly irreparable loss our little darling Allie[2]. She was a sweet child and just beginning to be so interesting. She was very pretty and affectionate, always with me evenings and of course I miss her very much. With her mother[3] of course she is in her thoughts all of the time as she is reminded of her all of the time as she was in her mind continually being with her all of the time. Our little Ida[4] keeps speaking about her little sister having gone to Heaven and is now a little angel. There has been a great deal of sickness about here with children Scarlet Fever & Diptheria prevaile alarmingly. I presume however you have such diseases with you only in a more aggravated State our Diseases of such a character are generally handled by our physicians but in the case of our Baby it seems as though they did not understand her case or did not think she was so sick until it was to late. I never have been sick to speak of since I had the Typhoid Fever at Galesburgh[5] when a boy. Except sick head ache I have been troubled with that for years. I sometimes I think I inherited it from Mother as she has been more or less troubled with her stomach for years. Dear Sister I deeply feel for poor Ethen[6]. Poor boy. He must be very miserable with such poor health & Luke[7] also. I am so sorry for both of them and you to. You must have it hard at times. I hardly know how to advise. I know Luke and you must feel greatly discouraged but the question arises where can you go to better yourselves. Most every man that has tried Farming in Colorado has made a loosing thing of it. The great majority of them are so poor that they cannot get away and are ekeing out a miserable exestince. Hundreds are flocking to the “Black Hills” country. No doubt some will do well but Thousands will loose all they have in the world and all will have to suffer many hardships. Many will be murdered and hundreds will be killed by Indians. With me I am inclined to the opinion that as a general thing People are foolish to go away from old and tried Friends and places made dear by associations for new and untried Fields & Friends. I have witnessed it in this county so much where People have come amongst us seemingly well to do and after several years having elapsed they have become disheartened living out in some by way place trying to farm. “Hoppers”[8] eat them out of house & home. No neighbors near for generally sickness & misfortune overtake them an after having exhausted their means are obliged to leav the country and not an uncomm thing have to procur means from friends at home to get away. This of course is not so in every case because some do well anywhere but the great majority are living from hand to mouth in this country and especially during the past few years as it has been extremely dull. We hear of rich strikes now and then in the mines but when you go there its a “humbug” often. (Not always) as there are some rich mines here. I have a friend visiting with me for a few days from the mines that has lived in this country as long as I have & mined all of the time & cannot pay his debts today & been in a good Mining District all of the time & so it goes. I used to think I would be well off sometime but have about given that up as the time for making money is gone past here. That is to make it big speculation as this country has assumed something like the condition of the states when I lived there & of course you know about how things are here. If I had not been elected[9] I should have gone on a wild goose chase somewhere either to California or “Black Hills.” Love to you all in which we all join. Pleas say to Mother I shall write soon.

Your Bro. D.C. Crawford

[1] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[2] Allie Crawford, who was about two years old

[3] Amanda (Thornton) Crawford

[4] D.C.’s eldest child, who was approximately four years old at the time

[5] D.C. was born in Canada. The family left Canada in the early 1840s with the intention of settling in the Grand Rapids area, but were forced to stop in Galesburg, Michigan when D.C. developed Typhoid Fever

[6] The eldest son of Sarah and Luke Keith

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

[8] Grasshoppers

[9] D.C. was the first Auditor of the newly formed State of Colorado. His picture now hangs in the State Capitol building

September 23, 1876 letter to Nancy Betts from D. C. Crawford

September 23, 1876

To:  Nancy Betts

From: D.C. Crawford,  Colorado Springs, CO

D.C. is proprietor of the Crawford House in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and has been nominated as State Auditor for the upcoming election. Amanda is quite well but not strong as she is still nursing her baby.

CRAWFORD HOUSE

D.C. CRAWFORD,

PROPRIETOR.

Colorado Springs, Col., Sept 23, 1876[1]

Dear Mother

I have not heard from you for sometime and have been so busy during the final campaign that I have not taken time to do anything outside of the regular routine of business appertaining to my office and Hotel business. On next Teusday is the day of Election, Oct. 3. If I should be successful I shall go out of the Hotel business pretty soon, if not I shall probably not for the present, but close my present place of business and take the management of a large House at Pueblo on a salary as then I would know what I was doing.

Dear Mother, I have been honored with the nomination of Auditor of the New State on Rep ticket as above stated. I think I shall be elected. This leavs us all quite well. The children[2] are much better then ever before. Amanda[3] is quite well but not strong as she is nursing her baby[4] yet. Will wean her soon she says. We are having quite a nice season, but very dull for Colerado. The Centennial has done us a great deal of injury I think then the Grashoppers have taken a large portion of the crops, especially the late crops. Keeps everybody hard up. This is the poorest place to farm in, in the world I guess as we have to depend on artificial means for water. We have rains but not just as we need them. Also about every year we are visited with the grasshopper–pest. Love to you dear Mother and all of sister’s[5] family. Your Son

D.C. Crawford

P.S. I herewith Enclose Five dollars. If you need some take a part of it and give bal. to Sarah or all just as you can or think best. I am pretty hard up just now and will send some more just as soon as I can. D.C.C.

(In margin on front of letter:) Dear Mother – I have written to you but have no time to write to Sister. Now I will direct to Sister as if you are not at home. Sister can read it an send it to you. D.C.C.

——-

[1] While the date on the letter looks like it is 1878, D.C. refers to the upcoming election of October 3, where he was running for the office of auditor, and that election was in 1876. From Nevada, Colorado and Wyoming – 1890, by Hubert Howe Bancroft, regarding the election of October 3, 1876: David C. Crawford was a native of Canada, moved to Mich. and Wis., and in 1860 came to Colorado. He first engaged in mining in Gilpin and Boulder counties, in 1862 in merchandising in Park co., and in 1865 in farming in Jefferson co. He was elected clerk and recorder for the latter county in 1867, and afterward opened a real estate office and insurance office, becoming in 1875 proprietor of the Crawford house at Colorado Springs. He married Amanda J Thornton of Golden. His opponent for the office of auditor was J. F. Benedict, whom he beat by 922 votes

[2] Ida and Allie Crawford

[3] Amanda (Thornton) Crawford, D.C.’s wife

[4] Allie Crawford

[5] Sarah (Crawford) Keith

February 6, 1876 letter to Sarah Keith from D.C. Crawford

February 6, 1876

To:  Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

From: D.C. Crawford, Colorado Springs, CO

David is sitting up with his little daughter Ida, who has been very sick for five weeks. David is running a hotel but Amanda does not like the business and so he may sell it in the spring or fall.

CRAWFORD HOUSE

D.C. Crawford, Proprietor.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Feb 6th 1876

My Dear Sister

In looking over my old letters this evening I came on one of yours not reccollecting if I had answered it and having a little time I placed myself in position to drop you a few lines trusting you are all usually well. At this moment I am sitting up with my little daughter “Ida” going on three years old I think her Mother said in May[1]. Its six oclock in the morning. Everyone is asleep in bed. I take the watch with her from one oclock every night. She has been sick for five (5) weeks in the morning (Sunday) commenced in her bowels information. At times thought she was dead. Three physicians having given her up but kept to work on her and finally succeeded in returning her to life. We of course all feel very grateful to human as well as Providential aid in saving to us our first born. She is getting along quite well still slowly as she cannot walk yet owing in fact that the docters used a hollow instrument to perforate the skin & injected some poisonous substance under the skin in the region of her heart that made two bad running sores & of course makes her sore & weak. Amanda[2] and Baby[3] are quite well. Baby has been more or less fretful with her teeth. I am keeping a hotel and have the reputation for going very well. Still Amanda does not like it much & I may not remain at it very long. Perhaps not longer than Spring or Fall. Amanda does not have to work much only oversee as its quite a large house & we have to keep so much help any way. Letters from Mother[4] & Hiram[5] & Henry[6] lately state all well as usual. Hiram says his Family paid you all a visit & had a good time the going after them. I believe if I was rich I would do the same. Write soon. We all join in love to you all.

From your Bro. D.C. Crawford

Say to Luke[7] I have not forgotten him but will send him a paper some day. I hope Ethen[8] will get better. If I was expecting to remain in hotel I would try and have Ethen come out here & see if it could not help him but now I think I shall sell out in spring & possibly go to “Black Hills”.

D.C. C.

Tell Luke first class board at Crawford House would cost or does cost $3 per day by the week $17.50 single double 25 to $30 _____ rooms & that he must bring his wife & come out to fashionable Waterbury Place & put on style get your ______________ water every morning.

D.C.C.

No I _____ seen Miss Brown but heard of her ______________ should like to have met her.[9]

D.C.C.

[1] Ida Louise Crawford was born May 20, 1873

[2] Amanda (Thornton) Crawford, D.C.’s wife

[3] Allie Crawford

[4] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[5] Hiram Crawford Jr., D.C.’s brother

[6] Henry Clay Crawford, D.C.’s brother

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

[8] Ethan Keith, Sarah’s son

[9] D.C.’s handwriting is hard enough to read, but the last several paragraphs were written crosswise across the page and partially overlapped the main body of the letter making it almost impossible to decipher

April 10, 1874 letter to Sarah Keith from Nancy Betts

April 10, 1874

To:  Sarah Keith

From: Nancy Betts, Omro, WI

Her health is quite good this spring; has been taking the electric health restorer. D.C. sent his photograph in a splendid frame and sent Robert and Prosper a photograph each in a smaller size. Robert has trouble with rheumatism a good deal of the time, but his family is well. Received a letter from Eugene a short time ago. Received a letter from David to say that Amanda joined the Episcopal Church. Hiram wrote that they were all well, that they had a dreadful snowstorm a week ago and that Clem Crawford had visited and stayed two days. Edna is still going to school in Oshkosh. They want her to be a teacher. Willie is almost as tall as his father.

Omro     April 10th 1874[1]

My Dear Daughter

I receive your kind letter and was glad to hear from you and yours. I hope these few lines will find you all in good health. My health is quite good this spring. I have ben taking the Electric health Restorer a Jerman Remedy to cure Dyspepsia and palpatation of heart. It has help me the most of any thing that I hav ever to taking. DC[2] my son sent me his Photograph in a splendid fraime and sent Robert[3] and Prosper[4] each one only a photograph a smaller sise. Robert is troble with the rheumatism a goodeal of the time. His famly is well. The last heard from Prospers folks they was well. I received aletter from Eugene[5] short time ago. He was a gon a way but said he would write a gain before he whent. I received aletter from David to say that Amanda[6] was Baptise and join the a Episcopal Church a short time a go. They they where only the baby.[*] She was quite un well a cutting her theeth and one from Hiram[7]. They wher all well. He said about a week they had a dredfull snow storm. Clem Crawford[8] had ben out there and staid two days. They where all well. The ice is out of the Fox river but boats has not began to run yet. We are having very plesent wether now. The roads is quite dusty. The frost is mostly out of the ground and it is very dry. Som folks has comments a making gardings [commenced making gardens?]. Edna[9] is still agoing school at Oshkosh. The wanto make a teacher of her. Wille[10] is most as tall as his Father. They say he is quite good in figuers. He is a gon to keep tally for his Father this summer. Tell Lousia and Jenne[11] I would like to write to them but I cant do it. I have so meny letters to write. It is quite a task for me.

When I commence this letter I made cuch work I thought I would have to put it a way but I wanted to send it to day so I keep at it tille I finshed it. If you can read it then it will be all right. Write soon and tell all of the news. So I will close. My love to you all.

From your Mother

to S C Keith     N B Betts

——-

[1] It is hard to make out the year; however, it could be 1878

[2] David Crawford

[3] Nancy’s son, Robert Crawford

[4] Lucius Prosper Crawford, Nancy’s youngest son

[5] Nancy’s grandson, Eugene Crawford

[6] D.C.’s wife, Amanda (Thornton) Crawford

[*] Ida Louise Crawford

[7] Hiram Crawford Jr., Nancy’s son

[8] Robert Clement Crawford, Nancy’s grandson, the second eldest son of Henry & Virginia (Worley) Crawford

[9] Edna Crawford, Robert’s daughter

[10] William Crawford, Robert’s son

[11] Presumably Robert’s wife, Louisa (McCann), and Henry’s wife, Virginia (Worley)

November 4, 1873 letter to Sarah Keith from D.C. Crawford

November 4, 1873

To:  Sarah Keith

From: D.C. Crawford, Golden, CO

David has enclosed a “Cheap Photograph” of himself and family as “we would naturally appear on our best behavior.” He would like one of Sarah along with the balance of the family.

Scan of 1873-11-04 D.C. Crawford to Sarah Keith

D. C. CRAWFORD                                   A. D. JAMESON

CRAWFORD & JAMESON
PROPRIETORS OF
The Golden City and Jefferson County Abstract Office
Abstracts to Property Promptly Furnished.
Special Attention given to business of all kinds pertaining to Titles to Lands. U.S. Patents secured. Also, Special Attention given to the Payment of Taxes for non-residents.

Golden, Colorado Nov 4, 1873

Dear Sister Sarah,

I believe I am indebted to you a letter and will hasten at this time to drop you a few lines also enclosing you a Cheap Photograph of myself and Family as we would naturally appear on our best behavior. By the way why not send me one of yours, my Sister? I would be very glad to see your Photograph amongst the balance of the family. Please send it along. I trust you are getting along all right, your health good and that of your Family. This leavs us all usually well. I have been suffering from a ______ cold but think now will come out all right. This Picture comprins self, wife[1], and baby[2], and Miss Sarah Thornton, Wife’s Sister about to be married I think about January 1st/74 to a young man by the name of Jamesen[3] that is engaged with me in business as you will see from this letterhead. Has been in my Famly for three years. Seems like one of our own Folks. Dear Mother[4] writes to me often and always such good letters. Its remarkable how she keeps up for a woman of her age. Love to all. Embrace Luke[5] for me. Write often.

Your Brother

D.C. Crawford

[1] Amanda (Thornton) Crawford

[2] Ida Louise Crawford, born May 20, 1873

[3] Alex D Jameson; they were married on January 28, 1874 at D.C.’s home

[4] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

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

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