|
Letter 1 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
Bolton Feb '89
My Dear Niece
I was happy to receive a letter from you remembering my 78th birth day
& containing so many kind wishes for my future both here and
hereafter. I hope they may all be realised. I had a cheerful
comfortable birth day without a pain to speak of.
As
it happened I made over a dozen buttonholes on a winter dress for Sue
& sewed on the buttons & put in the pocket &c. I make
all the button holes on dresses & any thing It is slow
plain work & it is something I can do thus far but I fear I may not
be able to do it much longer I will do it while I can.
It dont tire my eyes to sew as it does to read I do a great deal of
plain sewing in a year & do most of the mending I find a
plenty of easy work to do & enjoy doing it for I know I am helping
others to live more comfortably for what I do for them, & they do
many kindnesses for me. I am very comfortably situated for which I
am truly thankful I have been able to go to church Every Sunday this
winter & indeed for the past year, I have been quite free of colds,
but all the rest of the family have colds more or less severe &
Every body Else as colds prevail here this winter. It has been
such an open winter. I had written thus far when I received your
second letter containing the [hair?] (for which I am very thankful)
telling me your were going to Edwards. I was glad to know you were
going there, & hope he is better. I delayed writing more at
that time on account of your being from home for a time. I hope
his case is more encouraging
Letter 2 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
Oberlin Ohio.
Feb. 10, 1889.
My dear Grandma, --
Your have looked long & vainly for a letter from this dilatory girl
I know. For along long while I have resolved over & over again
not to let this day or week go by without having a talk with you. &
all the more so since Christmas came & with it the bright half
dollar, Grandma I thank you very many times. for with that I shall
get what I have wished for much & that is a new pair of manicure
scissors. I had a set Christmas but the cutters were almost
useless.
Feb. 22.
Dear Grandma --
I began this a number of days ago in hopes that you might receive it on
this your 67th birthday is it not? but my sick week came upon me
that very day & I have not been able to do anything yet. I am
writing this in bed so I am hoping that you will <be>
overlook <ed> the mistakes on that account. My
visit here has been of benefit to me in more ways than one. I am
gaining flesh rapidly One day had to be spent in letting out my
gowns. Then of course all the new & beautiful things seen
& heard, could not but teach me a great deal that never was learned
in any book. Grandma Burr has taught me the Art of making button
holes too since my sojourn here.
All
of them being so ill at Aunt Mary’s made me feel worried, &
perhaps was not so good for me As I could not help them any.
Laura is now better than she has been at all since last September.
It seems along while does it not? (But just think of poor Uncle
Edward, Oh!) When will he be better? How very sorry I am for him
& Auntie & you all. I suppose it must be coming out right
somehow. Now however it seems, As far as the East is from the West
does it not? Please give my love to Uncle & hopes of a better
time coming.
Uncle Giles is improving also. I wonder if you knew that. He
& Laura intend to go South in March & Aunty her rheumatism
troubles her so. If only she might go with them.
The
bright & shining star to me has been my cousin Minnie [Mary P.B.
Hill Wright] . So surprised & happy as I was to
see her. She has been my ministering angel since she came.
What should I do without her here to run to for comfort &
advise? & she has does many things to give me pleasure.
I could not count them.
Then too it was good to hear about all in Flemington [New Jersey].
Has
anyone written you of the delightful trip planned for me. &
how the Doctor [vetved?] it.
I was going to [J.?] & then up to Connecticut &
about in the course of time to your dear old home. It was a little
hard to give it up but I have no doubt but what it is best.
Mamma has not been well any of the time that I have been away & I am
anxious to get back to her again. Indeed they sent for me to start
for home to day, As I can not go next week will probably
see me on the way. They are not very well here neither one they
really ill much of the time. Aunt Nettie I think is better a good
deal. Grandpa is getting old fast one can see. They are all
as busy as ever though.
I
had a letter from Adaline Emerson the other day. You know she is
now at South Hadley [Massachusetts]. She says Prof. &
Mrs. Emerson are [warming?] in Italy <now>. I think
I wrote you that they had gone abroad. Did I not?
Letter 3 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
[Crossed out stationary]
<If not
called for in five days, return to
A.T. HEMINGWAY
Room 57, 204 Dearborn Street,
CHICAGO, ILL.>
[Addressed to]
Mrs.
Caroline Grant
New Marlboro
Mass
Beloit College
Beloit, Wis. [Wisconsin], Feb. 13 1889.
Dear Mother,
I
read your letter this Morning. Abby brought it up and opened it, leaving
it on my table. I did not look at it as she had opened it and so
it has been overlooked for a couple of days.
Enclosed you will find an order on the Express Company for the amt
$37.50. I am very glad that we can help Edward out in this
way. I wish that we could do more. Our pay comes slowly and
it costs us with our sickness &c a good deal to live. I think
that Abby has been slowly going. Carrie will be home before long,
I think. We are having interesting meetings in the college
now. Several have already begun the Christian life and we expect
many more will do so.
Austin’s health far broken down and he has resigned at
Peterboro. I feel somewhat anxious about him.
Harry seems to be taking hold of study this winter better
than usual. He is studying Latin. I am very anxious that he
should begin the Christian life, He seems afraid to go near the
meetings.
I
think of Edward very often. We always remember him at our morning
prayers and you & father also. I will try to write
Edward. With much love
Your [affectionate?] son
Almon
Letter 4 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
[Addressed
to]
Mrs Daniel Grant
New Marlboro.
Berkshire Co.
Mass.
Baldwin Cottage
Oberlin Ohio.
Feb 20th. ‘89
Dear Aunty:
How
many times I have thought of you and thought I should get letter off
long ago, but have been as busy as a bee, I think your birthday is
Friday the 22nd is it not? I wish you many happy returns.
No
doubt they have told you how unexpectedly the opportunity came to return
to Oberlin I have salary of ($500.) per year iE school year
of
course the greater part of vacation will be spent at home My work is to
keep record of marks of all students in Preparatory, College and
Theological Departments I have an office of my own but it is not well
furnished, It is in the South west corner of the chapel I am in
office usually from 1/2 past Eight until twelve and from half past one
until five Do not return
to office after
tea
Just now am working some in the Evening but do not Expect to
usually If I am to
be away from home I could not be in a pleasanter place than Oberlin for
me One of the Professors Prof. [Peing?] and his wife were both
class-mates. All of the Older Profs remember me and have met me
most pleasantly
Mrs.
Johnston is very kind and my [times?] have fallen in pleasant places
Mrs
Shurtleff is very good I
have been in frequently Prof. Shurtleff is out Goes to Office and Laura
is much better They too Expect to go South about the 1st of
March, Last but not least Carrie Burr has been here since just before
Christmas It has
been a real pleasure to me to have her here to take over matters with
her She is quiet, but
has very pleasant manners, like her Mother in that. has a sweet
face. wearing glasses is a
great improvement to
her
We had thought that Carrie would go to Flemington [New Jersey]
but they Almon and Abby have finally decided that it is best to
have her return to Beloit [Wisconsin] and I presume she will go
next week. I will send letter received from Abbie a few days ago
Carrie Hill has not been very well, but, Dr Parish has taken her in
hand, And she is to go away for a short visit taking Sophie [Hulsiger?]
with her probably they will go to Phil.
One
of Halsey Hulburts grandsons is in the Senior class here His name
Halsey Hulburt Matterson He called on me last
Sat. Eve He came to my office on business
and his name made me think he must be a
connection He says his Aunt Julia is
quite [stout?], Expects his Grandfather here for
Commencement
We do thank you for the Catalogue also for the lace you need not send
the muslin We do not want it so do
not have it on your mind
How
is Edward getting on
Improving I hope Are the girls Fannie and Carrie still with
you Am glad you could make use of things sent Wish I could
see you but that is out of the question just
[now?] Give my
love to Ed. and Lucy
One
of my pleasures here is attending Faculty Club
The Faculty meet Every two weeks One Eve. they read Shakespeare
Another Eve the conservatory Faculty played and sang for us Last Monday
Eve we met at Prof. Monroe’s and Prof. Frost read a paper As an
officer of the College I can attend the conservatory Rehearsals every
week.
I
am boarding this term at Baldwin Cottage one of the handsome new stone
buildings
There are but thirty girls
here Miss Mary
Fairchild is Matron but next term I Expect to go to Talcott Hall as
board is fifty cents per week
cheaper Both
these houses are heated My table board, room rent, heat and light, (our
lamps are student lamps and kept filled for us) costs me ($4.25) per
week My washing
about fifty cents more
I
borrowed fifty dollars to come here and I want to get that paid back.
When Carries bond is paid I think probably I can get Prof. Shurtleff to
invest it She will have to use Every cent of her interest money to pay
for her teeth I would love to write more but I think I must go to bed I
am so sleepy
Give love to Uncle David and to all the friends I do want to see the
children so badly Will is such a loving little fellow
I
hope Friday will be a pleasant day for you
Your loving niece
Minnie H. [Mary P.B. Hill Wright]
When you have time write to me and tell me how your own health
is You have had too much to do this last year but I
know you could not help it
Letter 5 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
[Addressed
to]
Mrs Daniel Grant
New Marlboro
Berkshire Co
Mass [Massachusetts]
March 7, 1889
Dear Carrie --
I
should have been glad to write you in time for you to have received it
on your 69th birthday but could not I hope you had as comfortable a day
as I did on mine & hope you may have many more birth days, I know
you are living & have lived a very useful life & the world is
much better for your having lived in it, which cannot be said of Every
one.
Sam
came home to spend the ‘22’nd with us & brought a young
friend with him He is
looking nicely & doing
well All Enjoyed their
visit much although it was short as he felt that he must return Sat.
morning as he could not well be spared from his business, as he is head
one in his department. The young man is one that boarded at the
Edes’ last summer & became acquainted with us & is much
pleased with Sue. He expects to enter Amherst College next
summer. Sue & Mollie are still in the High school here &
doing well We are all
very well Sewing circle was to have met with us yesterday but it was so
rainy only one came a new neighbor but it broke up the afternoon &
they will probably meet here next week “Grandpa”
Haynes’ folk were here this morning week [noon?] to dinner &
supper. It was kind in you to write so much about your &
husbands health & Edwards I hope they will not keep Edward on too
low a diet
According to our late reading a pretty generous diet is recommended for
nervous persons & indeed for many invalids & cousin of
Amory’s was sent to a Hospital in Boston he had a bad sore on his
arm & they had him Eat all the beef stead & roast beef &c he
could. I think he is getting better I am glad for Minnie she has
got so good a
[situation?]
I will return her interesting letter & will not write more lengthly
now hoping soon to hear from you again soon. I should think Edward
would be very much discouraged with that farm on his & himself so
feeble but you all know what is best for him to do under the
circumstances We all send love
Affectionately
S.J.W.
Letter 6 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
[Addressed
to]
Mrs Daniel Grant
New Marlboro
Mass.
2420 Harney Street
Omaha, Neb. [Nebraska] Mch 3d/89.
My dear aunt,
I
am under the impression that I have never answered the good letter you
sent me about a year ago. I remember that when Libbie was here, a
short time after, she said that she would like to write to you and I
told her to do so and I would not answer the letter until later. I
do not remember of answering it at all but it is not among my unanswered
letters and I make it a rule never to destroy a letter until it has been
answered.
I
have made my home with my sister Mary for more than a year & will
probably continue to do so. I spent three months of last summer in
Colorado and more than a month of this winter in Grand Island with
Libbie and her family. One of Libbie’s daughters (now
Mrs. Geo. Nichols) lives in Oberlin and through her I heard that Carrie
Burr was visiting at the Shurleffs and of the afflictions -- in the way
of illness -- that have been visited upon the Shurtleff family. I
had a letter from Mary a few days ago but she was so full of her plans
for housekeeping that she neglected to say anything about the S’s
although I was particularly anxious to hear how they were. She
said in one of her letters that there was talk of Prof. S’s going
south as soon as he was able. -- also that she gathered from what she
heard in Oberlin that he was considered one of the most valuable and
perhaps the most valuable man there.
Mary’s two daughters are at school in Northampton -- one at Smith
College and the other at Miss Capen’s. Mr & Mrs
Wallace and their other child (Jamie, 12 yrs old) went east in Dec. and
spent the holidays in New York with the girls and then went up into
Conn. and Mass. and afterwards to Ohio. I am sorry they did not
see you and Uncle Daniel. They enjoyed the day they spent at Uncle
Marcus’ very much and I know they would have enjoyed a visit with
you. If it had been summer they would have gone there although
their time was limited. Mr Wallace is an enthusiastic western man
and never could see how any one could prefer to live east but he came
back from this trip with the opinion that eastern people know how to get
real comfort and happiness out of their lives better than western
people. He was always very fond of my father and mother and is
interested in all our relations and glad to see them.
Do
you and your husband think ever of coming out to visit Abbie & her
family? If you do I hope you will come out to Omaha. I am
sure you will find a cordial welcome. I am so glad mother & I
saw so many of our kindred when we were east six years ago. Mary
wanted me to with them this winter but I dreaded going over the same
ground again without mother.
Give much love to Uncle Daniel & Edward & his family and accept
much for yourself --
Jennie M. Grant
Letter 7 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
Bittersweet
Flemington N.J.
May 6th, 1889
Dear Auntie
I
feel rather conscience stricken for not having written before but have
been too lazy on Sundays and took the time to rest instead of writing
and go to bed at night almost as soon as the work is done. Our
girl has been gone three weeks and we are kept pretty busy with churning
and boarders and housecleaning and sewing. The Sutphins are still
with us, but they Expect to go back to their house next week provided
they can get it cleaned, and Mrs S. is able to be moved. Have four
rooms cleaned -- am speaking of our own house now -- but cannot get on
with the cleaning very fast, as we cannot get help just when we want
it. Father is busy with the garden now. Is still in Mr
Emerys Office. Has not been feeling very well lately and gets
tired very soon. The children are well and play outdoors most of
the time and get in all sorts of mischief
They are perfectly happy if they can muss with water or
dig in he dirt. Will was discovered trying to milk one of the cows
the other day. He had dragged the stool up to the cow, and had an
old tin pail, and had succeeded in getting a few drops of milk. He
can do about Every thing he tries to do, and handles rakes, and shovels,
and hoes remarkably well for so small a youngster. He is very
strong and sturdy. Sophie digs dandelions very nicely and Alletta
and Chalmers are as well as usual.
Sam has not been feeling very well, was unable to work for
a day or two. In his last letter said he was feeling better.
Do not know what the trouble is. When I was there he thought he
had dyspepsia, and was Eating some fruit Every day. Either an
apple or an orange. He is interested just now in taking
photographs by flash light and has succeeded in getting some very good
negatives. Louis and Susie are going on as usual. Louis
paints watercolors some, besides the photographing and making of picture
frames Sam says L.
works all the time and takes very little time for rest. A brother
and sister of Susies are keeping them.
[Min?] expected to go home with Mr Matterson to Seville last week to
spend Sunday I think. Probably she will write to you about
it.
Belle Mott is to be married on Wednesday in the Church. Cards were
sent out to all the Congregation, and her young unmarried friends are
invited to a reception at the house. She is to be married at 1.30
P.M. and the reception is from two to four. I have a card to the
reception and Expect to go. Hope to go down tomorrow to help trim
the Church, with the other girls. It is time I went to bed now so
I must stop. Am feeling better than I did and am trying to rest
and get better yet.
Aunt [Hettie?] has had a very bad cold but is better now. Hope
[rd?] will improve now that pleasant weather has come. The first
trees are all in blossom here.
Love from us all to yourself and Uncle
Affectionately yours
Caroline
Kiss the little ones for me.
Letter 8 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
Beloit Wis.
[Wisconsin]
June 3rd 1889.
My dear [Mother?]
Your letter was received a day or two ago. Was glad to hear of you
all. though surprised that I was owing a letter. I thought I had
written, but presume that I planned writing & than thought that I
had. I received a letter from [Sue?] Saturday in which she speaks
of the death of Mr. & Mrs. Hartwell in Col. How glad I am that
they could have gone to their children before their death. I am
glad that the children are home for a little while for your sake.
I do hope that Edward may improve faster than he has done here
before. I am glad that the children are fairly provided with
clothes for I have been worrying about it for I Have some material from
Carries old things. & have been trying to do something about them I
am too weak to do any thing of them myself & am rarely able to have
a woman in the house to sew & we have to have a little sewing
done so there has seemed no chance to get anything started for
them. I hope it may be different in the fall. We have no
present prospect of finding a house. We have to be out of this the
<middle> twentieth of July. How Carrie & I are
going to do our part of the moving I [cannot?] see. Carrie doe
snot improve much
Mr.
Burr seems very well. So does Arthur Harold about a
usual. We have had an unusually cold wet Mary. More cloudy
showery weather than I have known since coming here
Mr.
Shurtleff & Laura were somewhat improved in health by their Southern
trip. Laura is studying a little now.
I
wish you could see some of my pretty pansies out under the window.
I wish I could keep a dish of them in Edwards room. I know they
would cheer him.
With love to you all
Abby.
Letter 9 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
[Addressed to]
Mrs.
Caroline Grant
New Mareldoro <Mill. River>
Berkshire. Co/ Mass
[On side of envelope] If not called for in 10
days return to John E Benton
Lansing Mich
Call Box 812
Lansing June 3./ 89
Dear Cousin,
Many, many years have sped since we meet [this?] last winter I
think. [R?] received a letter from Jesse Benton of [Montana?]
saying yourself and husband were in Mill river did not learn how long it
had been since your letter from Kansas [by sore ly spirst?] wife and
brought up by her is in Enon Barber. Co Kansas farming and selling
[mechenery?] as that is his vocation the latter in perticular his naim
is F.W. Benton (37) years old never has made large acumalations I am
more ingaged in helping him [abought?] $2,000 Mrs Benton and myself (who
have been marriade more than thirty years) live in this city wich if the
census was taken would be 14,000 or 15,000 it being the capitle city
grows substantial but not as fast as the western towns we retired
abought 12 years ago in good shape say more $40,00 I speak of the amount
for the reason that people always wish to know: just as if money makes
the man: we had two daughters given us (one left) who is 29 years old
married and lives eight miles from this city farming on an eighty acre
farm wich I bought and gave them paid $4,000 for it they make a little
have no children
My darling Bertha my pride and blessing whome resembled me
so very much died five years ago at the age of 22 so you see I have no
grandchildren onely [my?] first wife Fred has two
daughters whome I have never seen one 8 the other 10 write me nice
letters but I take but little stock in the blood of the tribe: remember
the hotly contested land suit wich I had with the family more than 30
years ago at Cleaveland Ohio
Fred’s mother who is now 63 lives near Cleaveland has ben marriade
near 30 years her husband is an illiterate fellow some property [pay?]
$20,000: 20: I was through the town one year ago met her on the street
had not seen her for 30 years she was pointed out to me of corse would
not have known her: as I had no fears of being known by her gaised on
the girl that I once thought beautiful she once weighed 125 would have
said then 200 how strange she appeared: did not disern one action to
remind me of fame of long ago: I write or speak of her as we talked of
the affair when we last met in Norfolk the boy Fred I sough onely once
untill he came to me when 24 years old he was fareley educated: staid
two or three days was up once or twice more before going west Fred and
his step Father cant agree so I help him hopeing he will yet do well:
our home is one block from the capital squair in the center of the town
and we try to take comfort in our old age I am most 61 [Ms?] Benton 55
yet there comes to my mind the memory of youthful days I remember the
kiss you implanted on my cheek at my old home a day or two before you
first went to [Miseonsoa?]: remember the Berkshere hills with there
senery attractions and all the acquaintances of youth and many times
think it would have been as well or better if I had have remained in the
land of my youth although I mite have obtained but little of this worlds
goods: when I pass away a smaller [amount?] to leave perhaps would be as
well or better to leave behind: well how many children have you what are
they adoing many things have changed in thirty years all the old ones
have gone and many of the young Erastus how many children has he
Lesse says that he and his wife parted 4 or 5 years ago and Erastus is
marriade once more was it his first wife after living together more than
thirty yes forty: years where is your sister Mary how large a family has
she I have received nothing from my Brother Warren for six years Albert
dont write so I have got his boys to write: how large a plase is Mill
River <...> what for a country is Kansas for farming was through
that ‘reagon’ 8 years ago this month on a flying trip did
not stop to investigate: their towns seamed to be growing finely can you
give me Warren [Bs?] address well Cousin you are in the land of your
youth that land that is dear or should be dear to every one I hope
sometimes to tread those hills once more but then the gayety of youth
with its happy dreams have flown life is a [faleuer?] at the best how I
longed at 20 to go to the great west how I pictured this level country
withought a mountain or rock hardly a hill: although blessed with plenty
the picture that fancy [drue?] has fallen far short in every
respect. Well I will close by saying if these hastey lines are
though by you worth of reply address
John E Benton
Lansing
Call Box 812 Michigan
My regards to Mr Grant in running my eyes over this
scribble discover many mispelt words but think perhaps you can construe
its meaning I never could spell or write
Letter 10 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
[Addressed
to]
Daniel Grant
New Marlboro’
Massachusetts
2420. Harney St.
Omaha. July 19th ‘ 89
Dear uncle Daniel,
Your letter to Jennie arrived about a week ago and as she was on the
ocean making her way towards England I concluded to open it. Mr.
Wallace was looking about to see what he could do in the way of
investing or loaning your money and may have written you but I think not
as he hardly had time before he left on a business trip he has been
contemplating for some time. He started last Saturday with our boy
Jamie -- 13 years of age -- on a journey to Denver, Salt Lake and then
into the mountains of Idaho -- will be away about three weeks.
When he returns he will undoubtedly do what he can for you and let you
know. I hope the delay will make not great difference. When
we were at uncle Marcus we inquired for you all and learned of your
“whereabouts” -- were so sorry to learn of Edwards
sickness. How his wife has been taken down I do not see what they
will do. I have no doubt the doctor is right in saying she should
keep her bed for some time and only hope she may be circumstanced so
that it may be possible. Enclosed you will find a [draft?] which I
wish you would send to Edward and tell him I said he should use it for
himself and his wife to assist them in regaining their health.
We
had a letter from Jennie on Wednesday mailed just as they were taking a
vessel at Queenstown to go to Liverpool. She had been seasick only
about a day and had enjoyed the voyage very much -- will spend ten days
in London, about the same in Paris and then go to Switzerland. How
long she will stay abroad will depend on her own pleasure and whether
she can find pleasant company to stay with her.
I
am enjoying the summer with my daughters home from school & a cousin
and schoolmate is visiting them
With love to yourself, aunt Caroline and the cousins I am
Yours truly
Mary G. Wallace
Letter 11 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
[Stationary in upper right-hand
corner]
Return to
G.W. SHURTLEFF,
Treasurer of Oberlin College,
OBERLIN, OHIO
If not delivered in Five Days.
Mrs. Caroline Grant
New Marlborough
Mass. [Massachusetts]
Oberlin. O. [Ohio] Aug. 16th ‘89
Dear Aunt Caroline,
It
is some time since we exchanged letters, and I hardly remember which
wrote last, but you are often in my thoughts and I would very much like
to know how cousin Edward and family are getting along.
As
for ourselves, Laura continues quite well, and her father has been able
to do his usual work, except during a week’s time, when he was
laid aside with serious bowel trouble. His health, however, is
poor, and I greatly fear that he is overworking, and will find himself
obliged to give up so responsible a position.
I
inquired the other day in regard to that investment of yours, and Mr. S.
tells me that he has one now, paying 7 1/2% interest, which he can make
over to you, but he has hopes of doing better, of getting 8%, and
perfectly good security. The time has been so long since you sent
the money, that I thought I would write you how the matter stood.
You will get 7% on the money from the time Mr. S. received it till the
bond is made out to you. If you prefer to have the investment Mr.
S. already has on hand, please write, and he will have it made over to
you immediately.
You
will be glad to hear that my brother Edward’s children Grace and
Mary, have been with us a month past, and will stay a week longer.
Grace, as I presume you know, is somewhat lame, as a result of
inflammatory rheumatism when a child. But she is a fine scholar,
good performer on the piano, and of so happy a disposition that life
seems a great boon to her not withstanding her infirmity. Mary is
also a bright and happy child. I can well believe that Edward is
very happy in his family.
Please remember me with love and sympathy to your Edward and his
wife. My love also to Uncle Daniel.
Your affectionate niece
Mary B. Shurtleff
Letter 12 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
[Stationary in upper right-hand
corner] G.W. SHURTLEFF & CO.
MORTGAGE
INVESTMENTS.
Oberlin, O., [Ohio] Dec. 26, 1889.
Dear Uncle,
The
papers in the Bolles loan are received, also your letter of the 10th.
You may if you choose, send the $200, you refer to, and I will invest it
as soon as I can do so, safely, allowing you, meantime, 6%
interest. I shall doubtless be able to invest it for one year, at
8%, very soon. I have a loan of $143, running two years, on which
I could allow you 8%. Should I fail to secure a good $200 loan, I
will assign this one to you, and give you my note for the balance.
I would not let the money lie idle.
With regard to Mr. [C.?] Knox, I would say, he is regarded as a very
shrewd business man, but not a safe and conservative investor. You
ask why I do not go further west. I have investigated that subject
very carefully, having traversed western Kansas, with this in view, and
I reached a very clear judgment that investments there are unsafe.
Western Nebraska is much safer and yet investments there, must be made
with great caution
Yours very sincerely,
G.W. Shurtleff
Letter 13 -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
Beloit Wis. [Wisconsin]
Dec 27th 1889
My dear Mother,
The
little booklet & the pretty [suche?] that Lucy sent were duly
received & we thank you both. Christmas day was warm &
pleasant indeed we have had no touch of real Wisconsin winter yet.
The whole season so far has been very unusual. They are still at
work on the Academy.
I
was taken ill Sunday eve and have not sat up since until to-day which
left the finishing of Christmas arrangements to Carrie who was some
overtired by it and a cold settled easily upon her, still she kept
around but cannot study which is a disappointment. I think
that I shall be around as usual next week.
I
put in the collars for Lucy<s> to apportion as she saw
fit for not knowing about their things I could not tell which would do
best for each.
I
hope that you are all as well as may be.
With love to you all
Abby
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
|
