March 10, 1924 letter to Nancy Brown from Edna Tullar

March 10, 1924

To: Nancy Brown

From: Edna Tullar

Edna Tullar is making arrangements to purchase a box of candy from her cousins. She is certain that her nephew, Robert Carlson, will love the candies more than anything else. She is also updating her cousin on the activities of her family, including the desire to visit California to see her nephew, Donald Carlson, who is begging for Edna and her husband, Jack, to visit. She also mentions her Aunt Kate Crawford, her cousin, Jessie Crawford Eck, and wonders when Jessie’s daughter will marry. Edna is concerned about a growth on her son, Ted’s, neck. It had been growing for six months and seemed to be affecting his hearing. After a thorough examination and x-ray, it was determined to be a stone in the gland and needed to be operated on immediately. Although it is not a serious operation, it is a tedious one that will take about two hours with nothing but local anesthesia. Poor Ted is worried sick over it. Her other son, Frank, is traveling for the week and will be missed. The company is doing very well and Frank brings in most of the business. Edna is bringing Nancy up to date on her sisters, Kit, Lizzie, Lulu and Bird. Lulu and her husband, Ed Witte, have had a struggle this winter. His insurance business has not been doing well and it has created financial problems for them. In the midst of all this trouble, Aunt Kate wrote and wanted to visit Lulu. Lulu never answered the letter; however, Edna filled Aunt Kate in on Lulu’s situation. Aunt Kate could appreciate the position Lulu was in for she had been there herself. Bird & family well.

Monday Morn March 10-1924

Dear Nancy

Your good long letter came this A.M. and I am ans. right back for I am going to city and I will enclose money order for $3.00 and tell you the card box, will be all right. I am sure now if this amount isnt enough, you be sure & tell me, for if I can afford to do this, I can pay the price. I know Rob.^[1] will like the candy more than anything else I can afford to send him & he can share it with Melisse.[2] Mrs. Fraser called me up Friday, said they had just gotten a letter from you, said she had called me before, but could not get me. Well I will admit that I am some what of a gadder[3] & possibly I might have been away from home. She will have news to tell you when they ans. He is to be retired this yr. & their Calif. _____ theirs. So you can see how nice it will be when we all get there. Sure you can go with Jack^[4] & I and we will all find something to do when we get there, keep house for Don,^[5] he is begging us to come in every letter he writes. I tell him to get married & have a home of his own. He say “no wedding bells for him.” Now Nancy you will just have to plan on coming to us this summer for you must visit the Frasers once more. We expect to go to Wis in June & on our way back we will stop over a day & you come on home with us. Now if the girls have Dorothy^[6] this summer they can spare you for a while. Isnt it just fine Dorothy is to be so near you and I am so pleased for her. I guess she is as old as you & I were when we were married[7] – & age don’t mean anything. It’s just how sensible they are, and I am sure she has is that all right. That is a mighty fine start. We didnt have that either did we? I cant tell, Nancy, how Uncle Harry worked father[?] for. I was going to say $50.00 when I first thought, but I am not sure. $50.00 was a lot of money in those days. Is he up to something more now? When will Jessies[8] daughter[9] get married. Aunt Kate^[10] wrote me about her engagement. Also I hope she will do differently than the other one,[11] get a better man I mean. We are a little worried and worked up at our house. Ted^[12] has had a buncle[13] on his neck for over 6 months. Pearle^[14] and all of us have tried to have him attend to it. Well he asked his doctor at factory about it & he could not tell him much, but advised Ford Hospital for thorough examination. It has kept growing & seemed to affect his hearing so last wk. he went – had Xrays & all. They tell him it is what is called a stone in his gland. Said from neck down he was perfect – physically – but this must come out immediately or would cause cancer. So next Sat. he is to be operated on & while it is not a serious operation it is a tedious one about two hours & nothing but local anesthesia done from inside & can work much better when one is concious. Poor Ted, never a thing before this matter with him. He is about sick over it & I do feel sorry for him. When we think of all the operations you have had for your self & family this seems silly but just the same I cant help but wish it were over. Ted will be 39 next Monday. He said he would clebrate in Hospital. I am so thankful they are fixed so it wont mean much to him in a financial way or if Ted has to stop work for a while. Pearle is spendid about it & wants everything done right, no money spared. Frank^[15] has gone to Lansing & those[?] town for a part of the wk. We are lonely with out him. Factory doing spendidly – biggest months income in Feb. they have ever had & Frank brings in most of it but Chester^[16] is doing well by him & Frank seems quite contented and happy he is getting to be such a big fellow. Dear Hannah & Ethan.^[17] How I wish I could go to them when they have such a long lonely winter or they could come to me. I am going to write Hannah & very soon. Did you ever hear how Madge^[18] came out with her suit? It would be so much easier if Bessie^[19] could live near Lela^[20] and it is fine they mean so much to each other. Oh I know how it is. Kit^[21] and I were just that way & it was so hard when Kit was married & went away. She never was Kit again to me and then after Louise came she was so near and dear & we used to visit and talk like sisters and now I am so far from them all. Poor Lizzie^[22] has a nice new house, new furniture, new Buick car and was sick in bed with no one to do a thing for her. They have done splendidly in a financial way but Lizzie says she can not make C.S. make him well any more & is so tired trying. Lulu^[23] & Ed^[24] have had a hard struggle this winter. Ed in insurance business for him self & not doing much. Lu wrote me at Xmas time said they were in debt. She had no shoes, hat or gloves not much else. Could I send $50.00. Well I had a Xmas fund of $50.00 so I sent her $35.00 then wrote to Lizzie & Bird.^[25] Lizzie sent her $25.00, Bird $10.00 & a hat & I sent gloves & stockings. Well after that they got $1,000 from Ed’s mothers estate so they will fly high for a little while but Lu has gone to taking borders. Just in the midst of all this trouble Aunt Kate wrote & wanted to visit Lu. Well Lu never ans. the letter, said she was to near crazy but I told Aunt Kate some thing of situation & told her Lu would write someday. I guess Aunt Kate can realize the position Lu was in for she has been there herself. Bird & family well. Donald, her second son, has been in Seattle but comes home this mo. Carol[26] in Normal school, now home. Nancy, send some more of your cards.^[27] Bird wants one & some more I know I want to send to. Well I must ring off. Do hope Lou^[28] get so he can come home. Poor fellow, such a home & he has to be away.

Lovingly

Edna

Nancy you might send this to Hannah & Ethan it will tell them about Ted & girls. I’ll write you a card as soon as Ted is opered on.

——-

[1] Believe this is her nephew, Robert Carlson, whose birthday was March 17. He had lived with the Tullars at the time of the 1920 Census

[2] Melissa P Keiser, who married Robert on August 4, 1920

[3] To move about restlessly or with little purpose

[4] Edna’s husband, Jackson Tullar

[5] Believe this is her nephew, Donald Carlson

[6] Nancy’s granddaughter, Dorothy Recoschewitz

[7] Dorothy was engaged to Joseph Langmayer; she was 20 years old. Nancy was 20 and Edna was 22 when they were married

[8] Jessie (Crawford) Eck, Edna’s cousin

[9] Believe this is Katherine Eck, although Katherine did not actually marry until 1944

[10] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, widow of Hiram Crawford Jr. who was Edna’s and Nancy’s uncle

[11] Edna is referring to Jessie Marian Eck, who was married to Charles Meiss

[12] Edwin Dale Henry, Edna’s son by her first husband

[13] Edna appears to be referring to a carbuncle

[14] Ted’s wife, Pearl (Shelly) Henry

[15] Franklin Tullar, Edna’s son by her second husband

[16] Chester Wagner Tullar, Edna’s brother-in-law and President of the Tullar Envelope Company

[17] Nancy’s sister and brother, Hannah (Keith) Towne and Ethan Keith

[18] Madge Allen, granddaughter of Edna’s & Nancy’s Uncle Edwin Crawford

[19] Nancy’s daughter, Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz

[20] Nancy’s daughter, Lela (Brown) Mueller

[21] Edna’s sister, Katherine (Crawford) Birkland

[22] Edna’s sister, Melissa (Crawford) Smith

[23] Edna’s sister, Lulu (Crawford) Witte

[24] Lulu’s husband, Edward Witte

[25] Edna’s sister, Cynthia (Crawford) Carlson

[26] Carol Carlson, Bird’s daughter

[27] Presume she is referring to business cards for Nancy Keith Candies

[28] Lela’s husband, Louis Mueller. Lou had previously been hit by a streetcar and sustained a brain injury. As a result he would have seizures. Lela was able to care for him at home in the beginning but had been admitted to St. Mary of the Hills in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

December 26, 1902 letter to Nancy Brown from Robert Crawford

December 26, 1902

To: Nancy Brown, Chicago, IL

From: Robert Crawford, Shell Rock, IA

Robert is writing about his last visit with his sister in October and about Ethan and Hannah’s devotion to their parents. He is staying with his daughter Lizzie and her husband, Jay Smith, through the Christmas holidays and then spending the winter with his other daughter, Lulu, in Oelwein, Iowa.

Scan of 1902-12-26 Robert Crawford to Nancy Brown

Shell Rock             Dec 26″ 1902

Mrs Nancy Brown
Chicago, Ill

Dear Niece

I suppose you are waiting for me to write you and I should have sooner but my eyes has been very bad. I cannot read or write but little but I wrote to Leila[1] quite a while ago as you were in Mich then you came there when your Mother[2] died, Nancy, and see her pass away very quietly I think without much suffering. Dear Old Sarah. She had enough of that before. I realized Nancy your mother could not stay much longer here when I was there last. I thought she could not pass away so soon or I would not have come away at the time I did. I expressed my self quite freely Nancy in regard to Ethen[3] & Hannah[4] devotion to your Ma & Pa[5] and how they had taken care of their parents so long and faithfully that was good and kind for them to do it and I think Nancy you or Lou[6] would have done the same if placed in the same position they were. I know Nancy my sisters children always thought kindly of their parents and loved them. I am here at Shell Rock to visit Lizzie and Jay her hubby and Paul their son[7] and spend Christmas with them. They are well. I intend to stay here till a week from tomorrow and then return to Oelwein and stay with Lulu[8] this winter. I intend to come to Chicago in the Spring some time & will visit you then. I rec’d a letter recently from your Uncle Hiram[9] saying that he had not heard from Mich by letter since he came away from there. Also that Charly Eck[10] his son in law was very poorly and hardly expected to recover. Excuse me now Nancy for my eyes are giving out and write me here at Shell Rock Iowa. Lizzie & Family join with me in love & regards to you & yours. Nancy I did not hear from Leila yet. I will write to Bessie[11] next.

Your Uncle Robert

Robt Crawford

My address when at Lulu is Oelwein Iowa Box 280

——-

[1] Lela Brown, Nancy’s daughter

[2] Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[3] Nancy’s brother, Ethan Keith

[4] Nancy’s sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne

[5] Charles Luke Keith Jr.

[6] Nancy’s sister, Louese (Keith) Harris

[7] His daughter, Lizzie, and her husband and son, Jay and Paul Smith

[8] Lulu (Crawford) Witte, Robert’s daughter

[9] Robert’s brother and Nancy’s uncle, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[10] Charley Eck was married to Hiram’s daughter Jessie Blanche (Crawford) Eck

[11] Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz, Nancy’s daughter

October 29, 1902 letter to Louese Harris from Robert Crawford

October 29, 1902

To: Louese Harris, Shelbyville, MI

From: Robert Crawford, Milwaukee, WI

Robert arrived in Chicago Sunday on the excursion train with Ethan after visiting Sarah. They had a very enjoyable trip and found Uncle Hi and his sister Nancy there at the Central Depot. All were well except Charley Eck who was in very poor condition. “Your Mother is in a very poor condition and gradually failing.”

Scan of 1902-10-29 Robert Crawford to Louese Harris

Milwaukee, Oct 29″ 02

Mrs Lou Harris
Shelbyville, Mi

Dear Niece,

I came to Chicago Sunday on the excursion train with Ethan.[1] We had a very enjoyable trip and found your Uncle Hi[2] & your sister Nancy[3] there at the Central Depot to meet us. We found them all usually well but Charly Eck.[4] He is in a very poor condition. Your Mother[5] dear Niece is in a very poor condition and I think she is gradually failing. I hope that may get the better of this but it is a poor consolation to live and suffer as she does.[6] We hope for the best. I expect to go to Neenah (to Ednas[7]) next Friday the 31″ to stay awhile there and to Omro, my old home. Will return to Milwaukee later. Expect to go to Chicago about the 20″ of November & visit relations there and then to go to my daughters at Oelwein.[8] I ____ to stay there through the winter. I forgot to mention that I found Bird[9] & Hers well and I am feeling well myself. I hope that you & yours are well Lou & JC[10] and family. Tell Jim[11] I will write him later. I suppose that he has got through his County Business by this time. I hope that he is feeling much better then he was when I was there. I heard recently that Miss Meredith[12] was married a few days ago.[13] Please give my congratulations and my regards to Mr Meredith[14] & Family and love and regards to you dear Niece & your husband and children and JC & family. Your Uncle Robert

Robt Crawford

Will be pleased to hear from you any time Niece

——-

[1] Ethan Keith, Louese’s brother

[2] Hiram Crawford Jr., Robert’s brother

[3] Nancy (Keith) Brown

[4] Charles Eck, the husband of Jessie (Crawford) Eck, Hiram’s daughter

[5] Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[6] Sarah died on November 18, 1902

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

[8] Oelwein, Iowa, where his daughter, Lulu (Crawford) Witte, lived

[9] His daughter, Cynthia (Crawford) Carlson

[10] Louese’s brother, James C. Keith

[11] James Keith

[12] Josephine Meredith, who was the sister of Cora (Meredith) Keith (James Keith’s wife)

[13] Josephine married Fred Wilbur Dean on October 22, 1902

[14] Cora’s and Josephine’s father, Walter Burton Meredith

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)

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)

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

 

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)

October 1, 1876 letter to Sarah Keith from Robert Crawford

October 1, 1876

To:  Sarah Keith

From: Robert Crawford, Omro, WI

Robert writes that Louisa is getting her strength again but her lungs are still quite weak. His daughter, Lulu, is growing. Robert hopes that Mother is contented now that she is living with Hiram in Chicago but he is afraid that Hiram’s wife, Kate, and Mother will have difficulty getting along. He feels that it is likely that Mother will move to Omro in the spring. If she does Robert will do his best for her but he feels that she will not be contented.

 

Omro Oct 1, 1876

Dear Sister

I received your very welcome letter last week and was pleased to hear from you again. We are all quite well at present. Louisa[1] is getting her strength again but her lungs are quite weak. Baby[2] is growing finely. I suppose that Mother[3] is contented now as she is living with Hiram[4] in Chicago but I am afraid the Devil will be to pay before another spring for I dont think that Kate[5] and Mother will agree that long but they may. I hope so for Mother is so discontented. How long did Mother stay with you Sarah? Are you sufficiently paid? Write me particulars as Mother has been writing to me to send money to her now as she was living with Hiram. I will send you $2.00 Sarah for I believe it is your due and more if it is necessary. It is very dull here and I have been out of work a month nearly. Expect to go in the Pinery this winter if I get a chance. I know you have a struggle to get along Sarah and I mean to do all that I can and I had hoped that Mother would have been contented to have stayed with you. We would have known just what to do. It is very likely that Mother will come here in the spring. If she does we will do the best we can for her but she would not be contented.

Well Sarah I will close now by wishing you all well and our love and regards to you and your family.

Write as soon as you receive and oblige.

Your affectionate Bro

R Crawford

——-

[1] Robert’s wife, Louisa (McCann) Crawford. The 1880 census indicated that she was suffering from consumption (pulmonary tuberculosis).  She died in 1883 at the age of 46

[2] Robert and Louisa’s daughter, Lulu, who was born July 22, 1876

[3] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[4] Robert’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

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