1

Indianapolis, Ind

Sep 7^th 1885

Dear Rose,

I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know that I arrived here safe.  I found all of my cousins well and very glad to see me.  I am well and hope that you are enjoying good health.  I like the city very much for I am enjoying myself so well.  I am having lots of fun.  The first night I came my cousins gave me a surprise party.  We had a glorious time; the house was full of young men and girls.  I went out the other evening streetcar rideing.  It is very nice.  I expect you thought that I had forgotten you when I was not writeing sooner, but I did not.  I have been busy visiting amoung my folks.  I have had all of the peaches that I could eat, they are so cheap here.  There is plenty of good things here.  Well, I must close for this time, as it is the first letter I will not write much.  I send my love and best wishes to you.  Hopeing to hear from you soon.

I remain your truly

Katie Marshall

Direct your letter to

486 South Tenn St.

Indianapolis

Ind.

2

Eastwood Ky

July 14 1890

My Dear Laura:

I received your letter this morning and was very glad to hear from you once more.  Yes, this weather has not proven very profitable for our crops.  We need rain very badly here.  Bettie was at home in June but went back the latter part of the month.  We had a day set to come and see your folks before she left and it rained so were disappointed.  Ed is in Indiana now.  He has been out some time, and expects to be at home in two weeks time.  I am thinking of going to Louisville in a week and will come and see you from there as we think it easier to get to your place from Louisville than from home.  I know you must be lonesome without Ella and Etta, for when Sallie goes away from home I think this is the lonesomest place in existence.  Sallie has company tonight.  There is a young gentleman from Louisville camping out near here and he comes down every night.  I was surprised to hear that Ben had a boy, but it has been some time since we heard from him.  So, I did not go to the Fern Creek Picnic on the Fourth.  We had company from town that day and spent the day at home but went to a big party at Pearl Finzer's that night.  I met your uncle Mr. Hall at Finzer's Tobacco Factory one day this Spring.  Frank Pearcy is in Louisville now.  He is coming home Wednesday.  We are all in good health now.  Mama and Papa send love to all your folks, especially Aunt Bettie.  Tell her Bettie was so anxious to see her.  Bettie is much better now but she has been in very bad health.  George and his wife are both well.  I will deliver your message to him when I see him tomorrow.  If we go to the fair we will be glad to accept your kind invitation.  Well, Laura, as I am very tired tonight, I will close.  Write to me soon again.

With much love, I am,

Your loving Cousin,

Mattie Shadburne

3

Louisville, Ky

May 30, 1891

Miss Laura Talbott

Dear Friend,

            I received your kind letter some time ago and was real glad to hear from you, and hope you will pardon me for not answering sooner as I have been real busy with my school, and we have had so much company.  I have not had time to write but hope you won't be offended at me.  Was sorry to hear you had sprained your ankle.  I suppose it is well by this time.

            I am real glad you like the country and are having a nice time.  It is so dull over here.  I have been sick.  Am not well yet, nearly fainted in school Thursday, but I went to the School picnic yesterday if I was sick.  The picnic was out at Wilder's park about four miles out second street.  Had a real nice time.  We went Nettie.

Went to Church and Sunday School Sunday.  Mr. Ayler preached.  I think Mr. Campbell is going to preach tomorrow.  Ben and Ida are married.  I suppose you know it by this time, they were married Wednesday night.  You spoke of Mr. Johnson but Mr. Long, O! he has left us.  I don't know where he is.  Addie and Henry have played quits.  Mr. Brentlinger took her home Sunday before last and John Kennedy brought her to the wedding.  Clarence goes with all the girls, if you don't mind some of them will beat your time.  I haven't heard from Cora for so long.  I don't know what is the matter with her.  Heard from Anna last week.  She is well.  Lillie's Mamma was down to see us about two weeks ago.  Lillie sent you a letter by her.  I am going to Taylorsville soon after School is out.  Willie and Sadie are getting along as well as ever.  I haven't been down to see your folks since you left.  Will go down sometime soon.  Katie was up to see me last Sunday night and staid about an hour.  They are all as well as usual at Etties.  Mamma went to see the Dr. this eve.  Papa has a bone-[illegible] on his finger.  Anser my letter soon, just as soon as you get it.  Don't wait as long as I did.  We all send love to you all.

Your Friend, Mary

4

Louisville Ky.

June 29^th 91

My Dear Friend,

            I received your most welcome letter of the 22^nd.  Was very glad to hear from you.  I have been wondering if you were out in old Scott yet.  I am very glad to think you like it so much as it is the lonesomest place on earth for me.  Dear Laura, you may easily pity me this hot weather, sitting working as hard as fingers can move.  You wanted to know if I was coming out home this summer.  If I do come it will be for a very short length of time as I think I shall be busy all summer.  Dear Laura, I can not express my sorrow when I heard of the death of Claude Woods.  Wasent it a pity such a lovely young man.  There is no such gentleman in our in our neighborhood.  It looks as though all of our nice young men are departing from us.  In the last year I have lost three good friends, all young men about 22 years of age.  Darling Mr. Mattingly is getting along fine.  He is not as young and giddy as he used to be.  I am glad you met Rose Everitt.  Perhaps you will make a mash on him, as it is very easy to get on the blind side of him.  Rose's sister Mattie is a lovely girl.  From the way you speak I think you know again as many people in Scott as I do.  I don't expect to ever see Laura Talbott back in Louisville again.  I think she will bring her better half with her.  Laura, keep your eyes open.  Catch on every to every thing.  Show people what Ky girls can do.  How is little Charley?  I suppose he is a big boy helping his Mama on the farm.  Give my best love to Mary.  Tell her not to kill herself working.  It will all go in one any way.  Love to all inquiring friends.  I will now close.  With oceans of love and many kisses.

Yours ever, Devoted Mamie

Write soon

5

Louisville Ky

August 5^th 1891

Miss Laura W. Talbott

Dear sister,

            I have not had the time to write to you for the girls.  I have a desire to write to good looking young ladies, so I think I have taken the opportunity to write to a very fine looking on this time.  You will be obliged to excuse me for not writing to you sooner.  Laura, how many pretty girls have you got picked out for me?  I will be out to attend during the fair in September.  Willie and I will come in a buggy if we can come at all.  How do you like the state of Indiana?  When are you going to answer this?

            I guess you will answer when you get home.  Will be obliged to answer at once.  How is the baby?  Kiss him for me, Laura.  How is sister Mary?  Is she well?  I hope so.  How is your beau?  When are you going to get married?  How is Emma Kennedy getting along?  I will go to Taylorsville the last of the month.  Well, I know you are getting tired of this so I will close for this time.  Excuse mistakes.

Fly to her with love.

Chas. W. Talbott

Good by Laura

6

Oct 7, 91                                                                                                                                          Summit, Ind

 

Dear Laura,

            Your letter was received this morning and was so glad to receive it for I was afraid you would serve me like I did you.  Oh Laura, it was Ella that Rose Everette turned out out of the buggy & it was Rose instead of Geo. Neville that went with Ella.  We were together at church Sunday night, Ella & I.  We had so much fun with Wid & Maggie before church begun.  Bro. Neher is going to be our preacher.  Our School has begun but I am not going.  I am thinking of going to Vienna this winter so I can have the advantage of an advanced class.  Our teacher's name is Mr. Giltner.  Think I will take him in if I don't go to school to him.  He is real nice looking I think.  My little sister Gertie is very bad sick.  Think she is a little better this eve.  Have written for Florence to come home to stay.  I can't get along with the work by myself.  Clarks have gone.  I am very lonely since Ida went away.  Wish you would come and fill her place.  No, Laura, I don't know anything good for the blues, for I have them so much myself.  Amanda is not married.  I spoke a good word to Rose for you.  Bro Gates & some one else is going to hold meeting at the Baptist Church.  Wish you were here and we could go every night.  I see Grandma all the time at Sunday S. nearly.  She is not very well now tho.  I don't like Charlie J. one bit, but I like Ed very much indeed.  We are going to have a big singing at our house next week.  Wish you and Katie could be here.  Hope Ella will be here yet.  Say, Laura, I will tell Dave to give me his photo for Katie.  Davy & I are on the very best of terms now.  We had very much fun at the singing.  He gave me the big armed chair when I came in.  Ed & I had a picnic that night.  We quarreled & made up & fell our and everything else imagineable.  Ida stayed all the day with me on Sunday before she left & I stayed all on Monday.  Oh! the fun we had couldn't be mentioned in a day.  I am very glad you sent me a kiss.  Will accept a hundred if you will give me them.  I will send you one too, old sweetie.  Wish I could come and see you & Katie.  Maybe I will this fall if you will accept a visit from a country Jake.  Would love to get to come & see your wonderful country down there.  Well, I will close for you can't read this scribbling.  I don't think well, sugar plum.  It is with regret I send you a false kiss.  Wish to the land you were here, it would be real, wouldn't it, dear? Well, write soon as you can.

 

Your loving friend,

Netta Finley

7

Louisville Ky, Nov 24^th 91

Mr. Rose Everitt

Kind Friend,

I wrote you some time ago and received no answer.  From what I hear someone has been telling you storries about me.  It seemed to me like there was always some one carrying tales while I was out there.  I don't see who it can be.

            I heard some one told you I said I was only going with you until I found some one I liked better.  It is a storry.  Such thought never entered my mind.  I would like to know who it is always picking on me.  I believe it would do some people out there lots of good to see us have a quarrel.

Sister Ella came home yesterday.  We were all glad to see her.  I would liked to have been out there while the meeting was going on.  Think I would have had a real nice time.  I don't think I will be out before Spring.  I was thinking of going out Christmass but we are going to have a entertainment at our church New Years Eve and they want me to help.  The superintendent said he wasent going to have anything to do with it.  Said he was going to leave it to the young ladies.  So I will have to do my part.  Katie sends her regards to Alvin.  Ella said she saw him at church.  Said she would set her cap for him if he was a little older for he looked like he was full of fun.  How are they getting along with the meeting at Vienna?  Have they had any new additions?  The weather has been rough on them this week.  When are they going to have meeting at Underwood?  I hear Jim and Mamie have played quits.  I guess Charley Jackson will stand some show now.  I imagine it must be rather dull for the young men around the Summit now for Ella said there was only two or three girls left.  Ella said do you remember the night the buggy turned over?  We have had several hearty laughs over it today.  If you would like we would like to have you come and go to the entertainment with us New Years Eve.

I will close.  Guess you are tired of reading this nonsense anyway.  Please write soon.

Your true friend,

Laura Talbott

Address Doups Point Ky

P.S. Please don't tell anyone out there I wrote for I donÕt care about every lady knowing my affairs.  Burn it up as soon as you read it.

8

Dec 9, 1891

Miss Laura Talbott

Dear friend,

I will write you a few lines to let you know that I received your kind and welcome letter and was so glad to hear from you and know that you are well.  Laura, don't think hard because I dident write sooner.  I told Ella to write a letter to you for me but I think that her mind was strong on George Neville.

            Laura, I would like to be with you one day.  I would have a lots to tell you.  I hope that I will get well again and see you once more and we can talk all our fun over and have a good time togeather.

            Laura I believe that Ella is going to beat your time with Rose Everitt or Jess.

            Laura don't cry for when you come out there will be plenty of more for you.  Today I was at Mary's today and little Charley can walk and Mary has to tie the little fellow to the bed post.

            Ella I wish that that you would have little while longer for last Sunday night Rose was there with his buggy to take you home and Jess and I think that they both went home downhearted.

            I thought that I could come down Christmas when Mary came down but I think that I can not come down for I am sick most all the time and am not able to go around parts of the time.

            I guess that Ella's heart will broken when she hears that Ben was there to take her home when she was not there.

            Don't think hard of my short letter for this is all that I can think about this time so I will close for this time hoping to hear from you soon.

            Love to all

Your Loving Grandma

Mary Roth

9

Underwood, Ind

Dec 10, 1891

Dear Friends,

I will try to write you a few lines this morning.  I guess there isn't any news to tell, but I will write any how.  This leaves all well and hope it may find you the same.  Today is as bright.  We are having real nice weather now.

            Bell Harbold was here yesterday and staid all day.  I didn't get to go to Sunday School last Sunday.  It rained in the morning.  There are not many in Mrs. Hosea's class now.  Florence and I the only girls.  Dora Neville don't come much eny more since Mrs. Hosea has been sick.  Frank Neville has been teaching.  they are talking of having a Christmas tree here.  I am going to Indianapolis Christmas and stay a week and maybe a month.  I did not go to the Baptist meeting but two nights.  I was sick part of the time and it was very bad weather.  I went to Vienna one night.  Florence and Dora and George Nevill was there.  Florence has a new beau.  I suppose Ella has told you about it.

            Ed is still going with Emma.  Jim and Mamie have made up again.  I went to Scottsburgh the other day and I saw Rose.  He was in his buggy.

            I haven't seen grandma lately.  She has been sick.  I saw Lize at Mary's the other day.  Just as full of fun as ever.  Alven Everitt was at church one night and pointed him out to Ella.  Katie, I would like to see your little Dr.  Tell Ella the red neck tie is still alive.  Henry Kennedy and the section boss have moved in the new houses at the summit and Net Warmans have moved in the house Henry moved out of.  Jeff Pounds was here Tuesday night and stayed till ten o'clock.  His tongue is loose at both ends.  He talked about bull dogs and cows tits and [illegible]

            Mrs. Friedley was here while ago.  Said they were all well.  Fred is going to School at Scottsburgh.  Ben's were all well the last time we were there and Charley can walk so nice. [Ben Talbott, and son Charley]

            Well, as I can not think of eny more to write I will close for this time hoping to hear from you soon.

Your loving friend,

Maggie Glessner

 

P.S. come out and see us all When you can.  Give my love to Ella.  Ma sends her love to all.

Goodbye  MG

(Spott sends his love)

10

Aug 20 1892

Sharon Lesieur Minn

Dear Bertha and Rose,

I will try to write you a few lines to let you know that I am alive and where I am.  I am at Uncle Simp King's 1000 miles from you.  I have got the mumps but feel some better now.  For 2 days I could eat nothing only drank milk.  I took a sore throat with them.  My throat was almost closed together.

            I got the mumps of Cousin Bert King or not my cousin but a cousin.  I helped to take care of him.  He was worse than I.  Rats.

            Well, I suppose you would rather hear some thing else.  Well it is just one month to day since I left home and I have seen more in the last month than ever before.  We left Seymour Ind. July 21 and we missed connection with our train and was in Chicago from 9 am untill 11 pm Fri.  That being the warmest day of the season, you may know that we suffered from the heat.  We went through Madison, the Cap of Wisconsin just at sunrise Sat.  We crossed one of the most loveable small lakes about one hr later called Devil's Lake.  It was by no means the largest lake we crossed, but I believe it was the prettiest one I ever saw.  We reached Lesieur at 5 Sat PM.  I was just so tired I could scarcely sit up at all.

            Some you people came that night to welcome us.  The young people out hear are very sociable.  I have several good friends now.  There is one family by the name of Zebarth, 2 girls and 4 boys.  They are such nice people.  One of the boys has his right hand off.  Was cut off with mowing machine 2 years ago.

            Miss Mary Zebarth and I went out buggy riding with Mr. Birt King last Sunday week.  He works two grays to the loveliest buggy.  We all went to Christian Endeavor Society that night.  All the young people out hear are members of that society.

            People out hear are stacking wheat.  I never saw as much wheat in my life and the crops are not good as common haying comes before wheat out hear.  The soil is as black as your old hat, my hat I mean.  I received a letter from Miss Ella Waggoner and one from Miss Anna Miller yesterday.  They are both well.  They spoake of seeing Bertha and your brother.  Anna said she herd him (you Rose) sing and laugh.  Oh that watermelon, I wish I could of ben thair.)  She said to that you (Birt) was with a fellow seeming to enjoy yourself and Mr Evert too.

            I am glad you enjoy yourselves.  You know that I intended to come out to see you during the rallies but now - well chessnuts, I don't know what to write to interest you.  Besides I am sick, my mumps, you know.  You must excuse this poor letter.

            Remember well and keep in mind a true friend is hard to find, and when you find one just and true, change not the old ones for the new.  Well, you know I am so far from my old friends I am obliged to depend on the new.

            How like the winter has my absence been from the pleasure of the fleeting spring.  What frost have I felt, what dark days seen.  Now I am to tired to write any more and I want you to write sometime when you can conveniently.

            With love and best wishes to all and will just say I will wait patiently for an answer.  I will close my letter.

Your best friend,

Alice [Alice Lett]                                                              Oh yes, I wish I had a chestnut.

11

Louisville, Ky Jan 19, 1893

Miss Laura Talbott

My Dear Friend,

Your most welcome letter was received and read with much pleasure.  Yes, I had begun to think you had forgotten me, but am glad to know that you havn't.

            We are tolerably well.  Hope you are well and having a fine time going sleigh riding with Rose.  How are you all getting along anyway?  Be sure and give me an invitation to the wedding.  Well, did you have a nice time Christmas?  I had so much fun.  How many presents did you receive?  I didn't get a thing.  Don't you think they treated me mean?  Well, when are you coming home?  I wish you would come soon.  I want to see you so bad, it seems so long since I saw you.  Yes, every body thinks you are going to get married and I have begun to think so myself.

            I had a letter from Lillie just before Christmas saying she was coming down.  She was expecting C, K, and I up there to spend the holidays with her, but the weather was so bad and Katie couldn't leave home very well so we didn't go.  I suppose she didn't like it and wouldnÕt come.  I do wish she would come.  We would just have a picnic.  You just ought to have been to the party.  We had such a nice time.  I reckon Charley told you all about it.  I made a new mash on Dr. Walker.  Warren was there, but the poor little fellow had the headache.  I was real sorry, but he said he had a nice time any way.  Katie and Charley were here Sunday night a week.  Warren was here of course.  Next time you write to Katie just say, "It is pretty hot in here."  Don't tell her I told you.

            W. is so good looking, I know you would like him.  He and K have a desperate case too.

            I haven't seen Tom since I received your letter.  He and Mariot R were here Sunday night but I wasn't here.  Am looking for him tonight.  Will tell what you said.  I was at Katie's Sunday night.  C.B. and Walker were there.  Joe V was expected but didn't come.  That is Katie's new mash.  He is real good looking, isn't he?

            Yes, that is real sad about Cagie.  I don't know hardly what to think about her, she was always queer any way, I thought.  I didn't see her this last Sunday.  She was at SS but they say that she acted silly.  I always liked her.  She was real nice.

            Addie and Henry haven't married yet.  I saw them last Sunday going up to Ida's.  Ida has a little boy.

            Do you get the blues very often now-a-days?  Well, I suppose Rose can cure you.

 

 

[no signature, but script appears to be Ella TalbottÕs handwriting]

12

Saxony, Ky Mar 13, 1893

Mr. W. R. Everitt

Dear Rose,

            I will endeavour to write you a few lines tonight.   Katie is in Louisville.  She went this morning so I am alone.  It is lonesome without her.  Think she will be home tomorrow.  I sent to Sunday School yesterday.  The folks seemed glad to have me back.  They all said Indiana must have agreed with me.  Said I was looking so well.  I havent been very well.  I have such cold.  Pa has been at me to take something for it.  Said first thing I knew I would have pneumonia.  I think I will be alright in a few days.  There was no one here last night but Mary Tichenor.  She was looking for Dutch, but he dident come.  They have up quite a case.  I haven't seen him yet, but when I see him I am going to tell him I think it will be Mary instead of Julia.  They say he is going to get married this month.  Dr. Mat graduated today.  Katie & Mary went to see him.  They wanted me to go, but I told them I would  rather stay at home.  I had a good time with Katie the other night.  I told her I was going to be married next month.  You ought to have heard her get after me.  She said "then we never will get to see you"  She went to crying & I told her better.  I told her I dident know she thought enough of me to cry about me.  While I was teasing her she said if I left home she was going too.  Said Pa & Ina would have to get some one else to cook.  Bens & Mary hated to see me leave.  Mary cried when I left.  Said she dident know what she would do.  Oh! Yes!  Dident your mule get loose?  Maggie came over Monday morning & said there was a mule in their yard with a saddle on & I thought it must have been yours.  You must have had a lonesome walk home.  We received a letter from Ella last week.  She is still sleigh-riding.  She & that young man are getting along fine.  Said he was going to take her sleigh-riding.  Katie & her beau have played quits & he is going with another girl.  She has been looking blue every since, but she tries not to let on.  Guess by the time she gets home she will have another.  She and Arthur Finley have played quits.  I will bring this to a close hoping to hear from you soon, I remain

 

Your Devoted friend

Laura Talbott

P.S. Don't lay this aside but please answer immediately & oblige your sincere friend.

Don't let anyone else see this.

13

Vienna Ind [date illegible]

Miss Laura

Dear friend,

I will try and answer you kind and most welcome letter this night.  I am glad to hear that you arrived home safe [illegible] I believe you said your fellow and of corse you was glad to see him.  and as you have a very bad cold the young doctor will have a chance to make a profeshian call on you and if [illegible] he will have to come often to see how you are getting along.  Well has Charley got home yet with the horse I let him have?  Write and tell me how he got along with her and how she stood the trip.  We have had several snow storms this week and it seems as though winter is not over yet.  Well I was over to your brother last week and seen Mary and the children and ate supper with them and heard your name mentioned several times while there but strange to not see you there and very lonesome without you.  Well they have quite a joke on me about the mule getting loose and leave me to walk it all alone by myself and strange to say the mule started home at one o'clock and I dident make it home until five o'clock that morning on the [illegible] of my mule and when I got there the mule was there waiting for me.  He had got tired of waiting for me.  Well I went to George Hougland sale yesterday.  There was a large crowd and every went high.  Ben got a cow, several other things.  Mr. Friedley was the auctioneer of the sale and Fred wrote the names of them that bought.  Well Charley been moveing some last week and you say Katie is visiting in the City.  So she is going to have a good time and leave you by yourself now and you told Katie that you was going to be married and had her crying.  You ought not tease her that way and make her feel so bad.  Well the Ohio River is between us and I expect I can never cross it.  I don't think the mule could ford it.  Well I will close for this time.  I remain,

Your true friend,

W. R. Everitt

I did not lay this aside but it is my [illegible]

When this you see,

sometimes think of me

Your old friend WRE

of the sleigh rides we share when together

write soon by and by

Well I havent been out of a Sunday night since you left here.  It is bad how the girls goes off and leaves all alone.  So good by from true friend WRE

14

 Mar 24 [no year given] Slate Ind

Mr. Everett,

Kind friend,

            I received your letter yesterday and of corse was glad to hear from you but am sorrow to say that I cannot see you next Sunday if you do come and I beg you not to be offended.

            Well, you said you had ben to a party and had a fine time.  I was glad to hear that and hope you will continue to have fine times.

            I was at the litterary a week ago last Saturday and I tell you that grand.  The house was crowded and it broke up that night.  Thair will be preaching at the [illegible] church next Saturday night but I am not going.

            Thair is a great deal of sickness hear and many deaths and weadings.

            A young man near hear had to have his leg a taken off yesterday.  His hors fell down.  Broke his leg so badly that it had to come off.

            Now you will get this letter from Crothersvill.  I am so far from any office I just mail my letters where I can.

            Now don't come Saturday or Sunday.

Alice [Lett]

15

Saxony Ky Mar 31^st 93

 

Mr. Wm. R. Everitt

Dear Friend,

It is with much pleasure I attempt to answer your most welcome letter which I received last week.  Was very glad to hear from you.  Willie went out to Ben's Monday to get a mule to plough & was to be home Wednesday.  So I got a postal from him this morning saying he would be home Saturday or Sunday & bring Ben's team.  Ben was here Monday & went home Tuesday.  We were all surprised to see him.  He said the folks were all well.  Said he hadn't seen you for some time.  You surely don't go around much.  I have been to the City once & have been to see Ettie twice & Katie, Charley & Walker Shadburne & I went to the Catholic Church last Friday night.  Dident see one person I knew, so dident have a very nice time.  I have been to Sunday School every Sunday.  They want me to teach a class.  Say it will be ready next Sunday, but I am going to stay home that day.  I won't go regular so there is no use in taking a class.  Mrs. Sears said she would teach my class after she got through teaching her class if I wasent there, but I think that is too much for her.  Think she would soon get tired of that, so I will stay home & perhaps they will get some one else to teach it.  So you say you guess I had the Doctor for my cold.  I haven't seen the Dr. since I came home & don't think I will very soon.  He is angry with me.  I saw his Mother & sister on the car last week & they were telling me how nice Mat looked the day he graduated.  They wanted to know if I saw him that day.  Told them I dident go.  The Dr. is going to see a young lady near the City by the name of Seaton, so Walker was telling Katie.  Mary Tichenor was here Sunday night & Dutch came after supper & staid until ten.  They have up quite a case.  I told him I heard he was going to be married this month.  Told him guessed Mary was the one he was going to marry.  He said he hoped it would be her.  He is trying to get work around here.  Pa said he was in hopes he would leave this neighborhood but it seems he won't.  I look for he & Mary to go to Jeff soon.  They think a great deal of each other.  Ben was telling me Jim Hougland's wife was dead.  It is a pity for his family.  It is a good thing he has grown daughters.  So your brother is moving.  Guess his wife is glad of it.  She seemed so anxious to move.  Have you seen any of Kennedy's folks lately?  I haven't heard from any of them.  Guess they are waiting for me to write to them.  Wish I could be at Underwood Easter Sunday.  I am going to spend that day home.  Guess you will go to Underwood that night.  Katie & I went out this morning to fix up the [horses?] beds & clean up the front yard, but the wind was blowing so we had to give it up.  Will try it again next week.  It is awful lonesome without Ella.  I would give most anything if she was home but don't think she will be home for some time to come if ever.  I have only written to her one time since I came home & then only a few lines.  Don't know what she thinks of me.  Guess I will catch it when she writes to Katie.  I saw in the paper where the eighteen year old daughter of Mr. Barnet J Everitt of Jennings township died.  Was she a relative of yours?  Katie & I weighed week before last & she weighed a hundred & twenty four pounds & I weighed a hundred & thirty seven.  I have lost ten pounds in two weeks.  I wish I would loose about ten more.  The horse you gave Charley is getting along very nicely.  She was sick last week, but is getting better.  Pa thinks she will get entirely well in about a week.  That is why they wanted to get a mule from Ben.  They want to let her get well before they work her.  I will close for this time as I want to take this to the post office before the mail goes out.  Write just as soon as you can.  I am,

Your Sincere Friend,

            Laura Talbott

In one corner of your heart,

Plant one sweet forget-me-not

Write soon.

16

Underwood, Ind

Apr. 93

My dear friend Laura:

Your long-looked-for letter came at last.  I had almost come to the conclusion that you had forgotten your promise.  But nevertheless, I was so pleased to get your letter that I will think of that no more.

            Mamma has been down in bed sick for seven days and I have been kept very busy waiting on her.  We have been having a great deal of sickness around here lately.  I suppose Florence told you in her letter about Mrs. Jim Hougland's death and also Miss Bettie Cochran, and Miss Mattie Staton were buried last week.  Miss Cochran is Mr. Marion Cochran's sister, you remember him on account of him going with Mamie.  Emma Kelley has been very sick with lung fever and Ed told me this morning that she had the pneumonia now and could not be up under four weeks.  Mamie has been staying with Mrs. McAdams for over a week, but she is at home now so Aunt Lizzie can go and stay with Emma.  Laura, if you could come out to visit us now you could make a new mash.  We have a Doctor boarding here.  He seems to be so nice, but the only thing I don't like is that he is bald headed and of course the chances of leading him around by the topknot would be rather slim.

            You remember the bride and groom that was in the Depot the last evening you were down here, Tina and George, well they only lived together two weeks.  So of course this caused hard feeling in the church and you may know the consequence was that the whole Searcy family joined the Methodist Church last night.  There are some people that can't stay in one church long enough to turn around.

            You asked about Bro Friedly's folks.  Mrs. Friedly has been sick but is much better now.  She and Mr. Friedly started to Kansas this morning to stay quite a while.  I hope she will be entirely well when they come back, and I think she will.  Fred is boarding with Mamma.  I don't know how the church will get along without him.  Bro. Glessner is going to be superintendent so you see Sunday School will be all right.

            Oh!  Laura, I do wish you were here to help us in the Epworth League and go to Sunday School.  We do miss you so much.

            We are going to have a new preacher.  I don not know what his name is yet.

            By the way, we have quite an addition to Underwood.  Messers Finley and Giltner have boughten out John Ester and John is building him a store room and a dwelling house.

            John and Mack are going to School at Scottsburg now, they like to go so much.  I rather think it is on account of so many pretty girls.  You know Mack is especially fond of the girls.  I must close.   Write to me again soon.  Would like for you to come out soon.  The boys send regards to you and Katie.  We all send love to you all.

            Your friend, Viva [Norton]

17

Saxony Ky May 1^st 93

Mr. Wm. R. Everitt

Dear Friend,

Will answer your highly appreciated letter which I received Thursday.  Was very glad to hear from you.  We had a storm yesterday [illegible] It frightened me right bad.  There was two young ladies and a young man going by in a surrey at the time & they came running in here for shelter & they said they had never seen such a bad looking cloud.  They were strangers to me.  The wind dident blow as hard as I expected.  I suppose you all [illegible] have had a storm out that way too.  I received a letter from Viva Norton last week & she said Mr. & Mrs. Friedley had gone to Kansas to stay quite a while.  Guess you all will miss them at Church.  Viva said there was a young Doctor boarding with them.  She said if I were there I could set my cap for him.  She said there was only one objection she had to  him & that was he was bald headed.  I am afraid I would stand a slim chance if I was out there.  Guess some one else has him long before this & don't think I would like a Doctor.  Well I was doing some fine work Saturday.  I helped Chas to paint the inside of one room & painted one myself Saturday evening & painted the front room downstairs this morning.  I got along real well.  Pa said I did as well as Charley.  It is very tiresome work using the brush & not being use to it.  I received a letter from Mamie Petz Friday & she was telling me she had another beau.  I will not go to the trouble to tell you who it is for think you know more about it than I do.  So you were thrown off of your mule.  It is a wonder you don't get killed.  You had better be careful.  Oh, yes, you asked me if Clarence Brumley was the one we call Dutch.  Yes, he is the one & he is the one I told you said he could tell a storry & almost believe it himself.  He is going with Mary Tichenor & is going  with a Miss Harris living in Jeffersontown.  He told me he & Miss Harris were going to marry in the fall.  I told him I had heard that before, but I wouldent believe he was going to marry until he was married.  He came here last Tuesday night & Katie & I went upstairs & left him downstairs with Chas & Willie.  I dident hear him when he left but Chas said it was ten o'clock.  I tease Katie about him & you ought to hear her get after me about it.  He tells so many storries that we don't believe any thing he says.  Anything but a storry teller.  I received another letter from Ella Saturday & she wanted to know how you was & who you were going with & if we had played quits.  I have never mentioned your name to her since I came home & she thinks by that we have played quits.  Well we havent had any thing but rain for about a week & it puts everything back.  The potatoes & some of the early corn are up but I am afraid the frost will get them yet.  Chas is in the City painting.  Willie is just knocking around, just doing any thing he can.  The ground is so wet he can't plough.  How is Ben getting along?  I wrote to him over two weeks ago & have received no answer.  The last time he was here he gave me fits for not writing to him, so I have written to him & that is the way he is treating me.  I don't think it is a bit fair either for expect he has as much time to write as I have.  So you say you havent the time to come down here.  It wouldent take very long to come here.  They are going to have a concert at the church the 25^th of this month.  It would be nice if you & Alvin could come down & go.  I think you all could spare the time & we would be so glad to have you come.  Mamie Petz was telling me she had gotten a letter from a widower & she had never seen him.  She said he had been married twice & was about forty years old.  She said he could beat any of the young men writing love.  She wouldent tell me who he was.  Says for me to guess but I can't.  Do you know who it is?  Well I just wish you were here sometimes.  Chas gets the harp & I play the piano & Katie & Willie dance.  It is a sight to see Willie try to dance.  He is so tall.  They try to get me into it, but I hardly ever join in it.  I think Charley is mistaken about me standing in the door watching that boy across the way for I never do any thing of the kind.  Well I haven't had my picture taken yet.  I havent been in the City but once since I came home & that was over a month ago.  I think you ought to have yours taken & send me one first, don't you think so?  Well I will bring this to a close as it is getting late & guess you are tired of reading it.  I am, as ever,

Your sincere friend,

Laura T.

Write to me real soon & tell me all the news.

How much to be prized & esteemed is a friend

On whom you can always in safety depend

Your joys if extended will always increase

And griefs, if divided will be hushed into peace

Write soon

18

[top of page torn off]

Friend,

            Received your letter Saturday & was somewhat surprised to hear you are going to marry soon.  I hadent heard about it.  I want to ask one favor of you and hope you will grant it as it is the last I ever expect to ask of you and that is please send me my letters & I will send you yours.  I wish you much peace & happiness.  I will close.  Wish best regards to all & best wishes to you & your intended.

[top of page torn off]

and live at your ease and have a good wife to kiss when you please, is the wishes of your friend.

LWT

19

Slate Ind - May 15, 93

Mr. William R. Everett

Dear Sir,

Please sir I beg you to forgive me for saying that you are mistaken when you say that my answer was given with my love, for such is not the case.  I am sorrow to say that I do not love you.  I thought I did but when I find myself bound for life, the love or rather the fancy of love has turned into hatred.  And I would most humbly beg you to release me of my promise if it is in your hart to release me.  I now realize that my life would never be happy and it would be impossible for me to make you happy, at least I don't feel like I could try.

            I know this will be quite a shock to you and I am very sorrow of it but I believe it is better to tell you plain than to let you find it out later when we might be bound for life.  I know we could never live together and I think best never to try it.

            I am very sorrow that such is the case.  I only wish I could love you for God knows I have tried to love you.

            Please don't think that I have no respects for your feelings, for it almost kills me to say what I have said.  I know you love me and I respect your love but cannot give love in return.

            May God help you to stand the shock that I know I have cast upon you is my prayer.

            I hope you all of the good luck and happyness that this world and heaven can give.

            I am willing to remain your friend.  Would gladly assist you all I can as a friend.

            And please remember that I have considered your happyness and pleasure as well as my own and I know that you could never be happy with a woman that did not love you.

            I will close by asking you to forgive me.  I cannot help what I have done and please write soon and tell me what you think of me by this time.

Believe me ever your friend,

Alice Lett

Slate, Ind.

20

Saxony Ky June 93

Mr. Wm. R. Everitt

Dear Friend,

I was surprised to receive another letter from you.  I thought you would be married by this time.  Think it is a funny case.  DonÕt quite understand it.  Were you going to marry sure enough.  Ben wrote & told me week before last he heard it but didnÕt believe it.  I wish I could see you and you could tell me all about it.  You ask me to forgive you, I will do so.  I dident know what to think when I read your last letter.  I dident think you treated me right - for I dident eve know you were going up to see Miss Lett.  I hadent heard anything about it.  I thought you ought to have told me sooner, donÕt you?  If it had been me, I would have told you sooner.  I am willing to drop the past, providing you promise to do better in the future.  It seems you and Miss Lett have a hard time getting along.  Guess it is a case of true love never runs smooth there.  Well we have been having plenty of rain this week.  Katie, Chas & I went to Aunt Olie Shadburnes last night.  Played on the piano and harp.  Had a real good time.  She came up in the evening and asked us to come down and play for them.  We had our concert and it was real good.  Katie and I went and sold some tickets for Mr. Wetstein.  He just begged us too.  Said he would furnish a horse and buggy.  Think it will be my last time selling them, for it isnÕt fun.  Have you seen Ben lately?  He wants me to come out, but it is so I couldnÕt well come.  Is Jeff and Mary Freeman still going together?  Guess that will be a match.  You say you would like to see me.  It is only thirty miles.  You could come any time & I would be glad to see you.  What has become of Alvin?  I never hear anything about him.  I havent heard from Ella for some time.  She told Katie I could use my own pleasure in writing to her.  I havent written to her  for some time, and she donÕt like it a bit.  Ma & Katie write to her & I thought that was enough, but she donÕt.  She has a beau out there  & she is always telling what good times she is having.  She says they are only friends.  Katie & I had our picture taken last week but wonÕt get them until next week.  Well I will bring this scribbling to a close.  Hoping to hear from you real soon.  I am, as ever,

Your true friend,

Laura.

Though far away,

And you cannot see,

Remember it is Laura

Who often thinks of thee.

 

I will send you your last letter.  Some of the folks are talking of having a party here the 15th of this month.  It is KatieÕs birthday & I would be glad to have you come to it.

P.S. Please excuse all mistakes & write to me soon.  Truly,

Laura

21

June 6, 93

Underwood, Ind

Miss Laura Talbott

My dear friend,

It is with pleasure that I seat myself down to answer your letter.  I was as glad to hear from you.  Laura, your letter was in the Office a week before I got it.  John Estes keeps the office now.  O I have a nice time & I do wish you would come out.  I would love to see you.  Do come out this summer.  I have lots to tell you.  I have got the finest fellow in Scott Co.  He was up Sunday as rainy as it was upon that day and I think he is such a nice young man.  I have had a little talk or two with him.  If you come out I will do all I can for you.  I see Rose very often.  I never heard any thing about that wedding.  O Laura if you have a picture left please send it to me.  I would love to have yours and Katies pictures.  Tell Katie I have a fine fellow for her if she will come out.  I don't keep my fellows as long as you kept Rose.  My fellow went home at one o'clock Sunday night.  O I have something to tell you when you come out.  I am going to have a singing soon.  Tell Charley that I will get him a good looking girl by the time he comes out.  Tell Will that his old girl hasn't married yet.  Ask him if he remembers the ice cream suppers at Mr. Hosea last summer.  Emma is better and she said she would love to see you.  She sends her love.  She isn't able to write.  Well I will close for this time as I am in a hurry.

From your loving friend Mamie [Petz]

to Laura

Laura answer this letter as soon as you get it and I will do the same by you.

Excuse bad writing.  Bye Bye.  MP

Round is the ring that has no end, so is my love for you my dear friend.

22

Vienna Ind June 11, 93

Miss Laura Talbott

Dear Friend,

I receive your kind letter and was very glad to hear from you and would like to see you very much.  I could talk to you much better than I can write you.  Say it is only thirty miles that I could come most any time.  Well I would like to come very much but it seems like I do not get started.  You asked me if I were going to mary shure enough well there was some talk of it but you know when the girls goes off and leaves me I would then I have to wait for a chance for some one that will not leave me in the cold as some do.  Well I stay at home now and try to be a good boy.  You no all because I have no one close enoughe to go see at the present time.  Well I may have one some time that will stay with me.

            I would like to a been to the consert and seen you selling tickets.  I no it would be fun to see you hand the tickets to the [duch??]  Well I seen Ben and Mary last Sunday.  Took diner with them and had a good time.  Granma Roth there.  You ought to here get after me.  She is as full of fun as ever.  Well I seen Alva and he said he would like to down with me some time.  He thought we could have a good time there.

            You say you and Katie have your pictures taken.  I would be very glad if you both would send me  one of each.  You spoke of having party on the 15.  I would like to come if it was so I can.  I no we would have a good time but I am very now though you can not see I often think of thee.  When do you think you will come to Indiana again?  Excuse poor writing.

Your true friend,

W. R. Everitt

Write soon to me.

23

Vienna Ind  July 24, 93

Miss Laura Talbott,

Dear Laura, it is with much plesure I write to you this morning.  I was glad to hear you got home alright and the folks glad to see you and I expect you was glad to get back to you.  Said Charley took two girls and came very near getting killed.  Tell him to be careful.  Next time he might not be so lucky.  You asked me if I got home safe a Wednesday night.  Yes, got home all right.  Well, there is to be a babtizeing at the summit this evening.  Bertha and Ida went about Crothersville this morning to see Flora Phillips to spent the days.  Well, John Ray played the organ last night and Ida Ray was there.  She looked as sweet as ever.  There was so many pretty girls there last night.  Well, I went to a ice cream supper last night.  There was about one hundred people there.  They had a organ and a french harp and a banjo and they made right good music altogether and made the cream sufer.  You asked me if had Mamie since you went away.  Yes, I seen her two ore three times.  Seen her out a buging last night about twelve o'clock.  Been to ice cream supper at her sisters in laws.  Well, I will try and finish my letter.  I am very busy routing grass.  Was a bugy a Sunday.  It is very warm now.  I have had a call for money in several places.  It bother me so I can hardly write at all and as money is very scarce with me indeed it looks like need everything else but a woman, don't it.  I will close this time with best wishes to you

 

W.R. Everitt

24

Saxony Ky

August 10, 1893

Mr. William R. Everitt

Dear Rose,

            I have just received your letter & carefully read contents.  It seems you are in a great deal of trouble.  Am very sorry to hear it.  You say every thing goes wrong with you.  What is the trouble?  I expect you study too much.  I am happy to say that I was mistaken in what I told you in my last letter & you have no idea what a relief it is to me.  You said you dident want me to try to fool you about it.  I hope you don't think I would try to do such a thing.  I am only too glad things are alright.  You have no idea how much better I feel now than I felt when I wrote you the last letter.  Only I feel bad to think you are in trouble.  Wish it was so you could come down.  I would love to see you & have a talk with you.

            Have you ever said anything to your folks about getting married?  If you have, what do they thnk about it?  I will tell you what I think about it.  I am willing to do all I can to get along & if we both do the best we can & are saving, I don't see why we can't get through alright.  Don't you think that way?  And as far as trouble is concerned, there is no one but what has trouble.  I had my dress cut yesterday & will get it next Saturday.  Have been quilting the last two days.  Ana is helping me.  Will be through in a few days.  Mamie Marshall & a friend of hers are coming out to spend the day with me Saturday.  That is, she wrote to me the other day & said they were coming out.  I have never seen her since last winter.  Said she was going out to Indiana next week & wants me to go with her, but I can't go.  Think Katie will go up the county Saturday & stay until Monday.  Are you all having any rain out your way?  It is very dusty here, but it looks as though we are going to have some rain to-day.  The other day Charley got to teasing me at the table about you & Pa asked me what church you belonged to & I told him the Methodist & he said he is alright for the Methodist are the right kind of people.  All of Pa's folks are Methodist.  Will ask a few more questions & close.  If you marry in September, will it be the first or last part of the month?  & where do you think will be the best place, here or out there?  I will close for this time hoping to hear from you real soon & hoping you will be over your trouble.  With love.

Very Truly Yours,

Laura

 

Tis true that other hearts can love

And win the love of thine

But no heart will ever prove

So true to thee as mine.

LWT

25

Saxony Ky Sept 1^st 93

Mr. Wm. R. Everitt,

Dear Rose,

            Will answer your highly appreciated letter which I received a day or two ago.  I received a letter from Katie Monday & she was telling me about how much fun she is having.  She told me about you taking her to Church & about spending the day with you all Sunday.  Said she had a splendid time.  Said she & Bertha were going horseback riding one evening this week.  We thought the Fair would begin Tuesday but it is the 12^th of this month, so Katie wants to stay until then.  Charley went out Wednesday & I told him to tell her to stay.  Know she will have a nice time.  Charley hasent come home yet.  Guess he must be having a good time.  I received a letter from his girl in Spencer County yesterday & she wanted to know what was the matter with us that we dident write to her.  I don't know what is the matter with Charley he don't write to her.  I wrote to Ella for the first time in a month or more.  Guess she will be surprised to get a letter from me.  Ma & Katie have been writing  to her so I thought that was enough but you ought to have heard her give it to me in her last letter to Katie, so thought I would write.  I sent her my picture some time ago but have never heard whether she got it or not.  Well there was a wedding in the neighborhood Tuesday evening.  Miss Addie Brumley & Dutches sister & Mr. Henry Miller they were married at home & it was quite a surprise to us.  They have  been going together some time but dident think they were going to marry before fall.  That is the last single sister Dutch has so guess it will be lonesome for him.  He don't come here now.  Pa gave him his orders.  He & Mary Tichenor were in the habit of meeting here every Sunday & her father don't want her to go with him so Pa said they shouldnÕt meet here.  I saw them together Sunday on the car going from Sunday School.

            So you saw some of your Jennings County friends & they want you to come up to see them.  You ask me if I care.  I will answer your question by asking another.  Do you think there would be any use in my careing?  It is a little lonesome without Katie for we are always together when she is here.  Don't you think she has grown a great deal?  Aunt Olie was here night before last & she wanted know if I was going out to Bens this winter.  I told here he said something about it last winter.  Guess I had better close for this time for guess you are tired of reading nonsense.

            Write soon.  Truly.

            Laura

P.S. Did Katie sing for you Sunday?  She knows a love song.  You ought to get her to sing it for you.  It is real pretty.  The name of it is A Package of Old Letters.  She always says she can't sing but she can if she tries.  Bye Bye.

As ever,

Laura

26

Saxony Ky Sept 14^th 1893

Mr. W. R. Everitt

Dear Rose,

Will try & answer your ever welcome letter which I received Wednesday.  Was glad to hear from you but very sorry to hear you were sick & hope when these few lines reach you they will find you in perfect health.  I was wondering why you hadent written.  Thought perhaps you dident get my letter.  Received a letter from Katie Monday saying she was coming home this eve but she dident come.  Look for her tomorrow.  So you heard she & Alvin have played quits.  I havent heard whether they have or not.  She dident mention his name in her letter.  She said Lee Neville took her home from Prayer Meeting & was going to take her buggy riding Sunday.  Ben dident want her to go with him.  Said she dident know what she was going to do about it.  So havent heard how she come out.  She wanted Willie & I to come out to the Fair.  I couldent come very well the weather was so bad Willie dident try to go.  I wrote & told her we were not coming.  We had rain Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday & we needed it bad.  I got a long letter from Ella Tuesday.  She said it was quite a surprise to her to get a letter from me.  Said she was very glad to think I hadent forgotten her.  You asked if I told her about getting married.  Yes, I told her & she wanted to know what day.  Said she couldent be here but would like to know what day.  She is still going with that young man I was telling you about.  He is from Indiana.  You seem to be very blue.  Am very sorry.  Hope this will find you feeling better.  You want to know if I get out of the

[page missing]

Well I will let you know if such should be the case but don't think it will.  Times are a little hard at present but will soon be better.  They most always are right after the election.  The paper reads like they will be a great deal better in a short time.  Well do you hear anything about Mamie Petz's getting married?  From what Charley says Ben & Kennedy's folks don't get along as they should.  But guess they will soon be alright.  At least I hope they will.  Think quarreling is poor business.  Don't know he & Mr. Friedley came out.  Guess they speak by this time.  I will have to close.  It is getting late.  Hope you will excuse this paper.  I am out of paper & can't get any until some one goes to the City as no one keeps it out here.  Hope next time I hear from you you won't be feeling so bad.

Bye Bye, Love & best wishes

Write to me real soon,

As ever,

Laura

27

Saxony Ky Sept 26, 93

Mr. W. R. Everitt

Dear Rose,

Will answer your welcome letter which I received this morning.  Was truly glad to hear from you, but was beginning to think you dident care much about hearing from me by waiting so long to write.  Kate came home Friday a week ago.  Said she had a delightful visit.  She received a letter from Bertha Saturday & she was telling her about Miss Mattie going to McCommics. Ben & Mary said they were coming over this week but guess they have changed their notion.  I have a good time teasing Katie about Les Neville.  She says she & Alvin dident have any fuss.  Said he just quit coming.  I just have a picnic out of her about George Roth.  She told me about him & made me promise not to tell.  Said she told you.  So I call her George.  Sometimes she gets to teasing me & that is all I have to say.  Well we staid home all day Sunday.  Dident go any place.  Walker Shadburne came up in the evening & it rained all evening.  Went to Sunday School Sunday a week for the first time this month & you ought to have heard Mr. Wetstein get after me for not coming.  Ma received a letter from Ella this week & she said she thought Katie & I were treating her real mean not writing to her.  Every letter we get from her she either has just gotten home or is getting ready to go some place.  Think she don't do much else but go.  So Mamie has gone to the Fair.  Guess she will have a fine time.  Well you asked which would suit me the best, to marry on Sunday or Thursday.  I think Thursday is the best, don't you?  Or if you think it best you can come over & fix it after you get here.  Either way will suit me.  I thought perhaps you would come over last Saturday as you dident write.  If convenient I would like for you to write & let me know when you are coming.

            Well I will bring this to a close as I have no news.  Hope you will write to me real soon.  Good Bye for this time.

Yours truly,

Laura

Much love to you.

P.S. Kate wants to know how Mary and her parasol are getting along.  She says is it still large enough to keep two dry?  She says she is waiting for that Cousin you are going to give her.  She says bring him over.

Bye Bye

Write soon

28

Vienna Ind Oct 15^th 93

Miss Laura Talbott

Dear Laura

It is with the greatest of plesure I will try and answer your welcomed letter wich I received last Wednesday.  Was very glad to hear from you but am very sorrow to tell you I am in very deep trouble at the present time.  They have sued me and your brother on two [nats?] and put eneough cost on me to have two made several trips to your house and back.  It seems to me that I have more trouble any body else.  You said you told Charley to tell me that I was no good and said you was fakeing with him.  No, I expect you was about right about me.  From the way things is going it looks that way now and I would think you would not want to be tied up to that kind of a man.  They have new preacher M.E. Church and his name is Johnes.  I heard him preach last Sunday night.  He done right well.  He looks like the preacher for.  Well I understand that Mamie is coming home next Wednesday.  She has took quite a story and [??] is very sick to see her.  He thinks it has been almost a year since he saw her.  He comes to [Canada?] quite often.  Bertha said Katie she wrote her over three weeks ago.  Has got no answer yet.  Wanted to know who was the case.  I still do not no when I am coming down.  The times is and the every is going now it seems you have had severals chaces to send me your picture but have done it yet.  I guess you do not want me to have it.  I do not no what has become of my tintype.  It is not worth sending.  So bye for this time.  WRE

29

Saxony Kentucky

Oct 19^th 1893

Mr. William R. Everitt

Dear Rose,

            Your welcome letter came duly to hand.  Was read with pleasure.  I am very sorry to hear you are in trouble.  Hope it will not last long.  You say you think you have more trouble than any one else.  I don't think there is any one but what has trouble, for this world is full of it.  But there is one consolation, if we live right while here, when we leave our troubles will all be o'er.  But how few of us live right.  I only wish I was as good as I ought to be.   My Cousin & I were talking the other night & he said he could give up drinking or any thing most but dancing & going to the theatre.  Said there wouldent be any use in living if he had to give them up.  Katie & I lecture him most every time we see him.  So Mamie is just getting home from the Fair.  Poor Merian, he must have felt bad.  Guess he will be happy now as he will be with her again.  It is a wonder she could stay away from home so long.  It must have been lonesome for Mrs. Kennedy with out her.  But she will have to get use to it for guess Merian will take her soon.  I understand Net Finley has left Underwood.  Guess Mr. Giltner must get lonesome.   They say he was going with her.  Have you seen Mary & Ben since they were here?  I havent heard from them yet.  I suppose you have had lots of frost out that way.  We have.  Ella said they have had snow out west.  She & Cousin Millie are talking of going to Kansas on a visit this month.  She wrote to me over a month ago & wanted to know when I was going to marry & I dident  answer her letter so Ma received a letter from her last week & she said she was going to send me a little present.  So she sent me a silver sugar spoon & Cousin Millie sent me a silver card receiver & Lilly sent me a silver pin holder.  They are real nice.  I got them last Wednesday.  Said she dident know what to think of me for not writing.  Said she was beginning to think I wasent going to marry at all.  I went up to Ettie's Saturday & the first thing she asked me was when was you coming over.  I told her I dident know.  Said she dident believe you were coming at all.  Said you were trying to fool me.  But I let her talk.  Told her I guessed not.  Well I will send you my picture but wish you had one to send me.  If you have any rats in the barn just tack this picture up in it & expect they will soon leave.  I will close.  Write to me real soon.  Hope you will be over your trouble.

As ever,

Laura

Hope you will be able to tell when you are coming over when I hear from you again.  It seems like quite a while since I saw you.   So you say I was right about your being no good.  I was only joking for I only wanted to see what Charley would say.

Truly,

Laura

30

Saxony Ky Nov 1^st 93

Mr. W. R. Everitt

Dear Rose,

Will answer your ever welcome letter which I received Friday.  Was glad to hear from you.  I looked for you Saturday evening & when you dident come thought you would be here Sunday.  Looked for you all day but dident see you.  I dident go anywhere Sunday.  A young lady cousin came out from the city & spent the day with me & Mrs. Shadburne came up in the evening.  I received another letter from Ella this week.  It is the second one I have gotten from her & have never answered either of them.  You ought to see the last one.  Said she had promised herself never to write me another line until I wrote to her.  Said she was surprised to think I would treat her that way.  Don't know when I will write to her.  She wanted to know what was the matter with you.  Said she dident believe we would ever marry.  Said you were only trying to fool me.  I got a letter from Mamie Petz this morning.  She said she was going to get married the 9^th of this month & wanted me to be sure & come to the wedding.  Wants me to write at once & let her know whether I am coming or not.  Said she would never forgive me if I dident come.  I would love to go, but guess I won't get to go.  I always thought so much of Mamie & told her when I wasent there to let me know when she was going to marry & I would come if it was possible, but don't think I can go.  I think she will forgive me.  She said she had lots to tell me but dident have time to write much.  I got a letter from Ben last week.  He said he was hauling wood for you.  Well, Katie & I went to a play party at my Aunt's last night.  Had a very nice time but we dident play those kissing games.  Got home about half past one & got up at half past four this morning, so we dident get much sleep.  There was only one objection.  there was about five more young men than there was ladies.  I dident want to go at all but Katie wanted to go & said she wouldent unless I went, so thought I wouldent keep her home.  Well, I hope you are not sick as you dident come Saturday & hope you will come next Saturday.  You say tell the folks if don't make any difference if you don't come, that I am ready & can get another?  Perhaps I could, but I don't want another, so it would make a great deal of difference with me, but don't hardly know how about you, whether it would make much difference with you or not.  Would it?  I will close hoping to see you Saturday.

Very Truly,

Laura

P.S.  when you dident come Saturday, Charley said he expected you had gone to see Miss Lett.  I just let him talk.  I told him I guessed something had happened so you couldent come.

31

Vienna Ind Nov 5 93

Miss Laura Talbott

Dear Laura, I received your most welcomed letter a Friday and was very glad to hear from you but very sorrow I could not be with you last Sunday.  Pa was gone to the fair and the folks could not spare me and this Sunday I have such a bad cold I did not feel like going any where but if you can come out this week I will try and go home with you next Saturday.  There is a big meeting commences a Monday night at the Underwood.  You must write to Ella and tell her we have put the weding day off until better times and think they will come soon.  I have some prospect now you must cut to the weding so you will no how and perhaps you will get scared out of the notion of marrying.  Well I seen Ben and Mary last Saturday.  they are all well.  I would like to see you out this week and we would tend the meeting together and think we could have a good time.  Well I will close for this time hopeing to see you soon.  I remain as ever, yours truly, W. R. Everitt

 

Well be sure and come this week and then I can tell a great deal more than I am writeing to you.  Do not let them tease you so much.  Tell them you want to stay with them a little while any way.  Well I will look for you out.  If not, write soon.

32

Saxony Ky, Nov 15, 1893

Mr. W. R. Everitt

Dear Rose,

Will try to have a little talk with you with the aid of pen & paper, although I could talk much better if could see you.  But it is hard to tell when that will be.  So you are very busy.  Seems to me you could get off long enough to come over here.  It is not very far & would not take long.  It is true you couldent get back by four in the morning, but it wouldent take much of your time.  Received a letter from Ben today.  Said he had traded one of his mules off.  He wants some of us to come out right soon.  I got a letter from Florence Finley.  She is teaching school near Scottsburg.  She said she thought Jim Houghland would marry soon.  Ma got a letter from Ella yesterday & said she was going to marry this Winter or in the spring so guess we wonÕt see her very soon as think she is going to live in Colorado & says she wonÕt come home before but is going to send us her picture.  I have been expecting it for she has been writing a great deal about a young man.  She calls him Bert, but donÕt know his Sir name.  She told me some time ago, but I have forgotten it.  So if that is the case, they wonÕt have but one girl left.  I tell them they ought to be glad to get rid of us.  It will be a little lonesome for Katie, but donÕt expect they will have her long.  She donÕt have any company, but guess when I leave it will put her in the notion.  She says she ainÕt going to leave at all, but guess it is all talk.  Ella donÕt want anyone to know she is going to marry, so donÕt mention it to anyone.  She wants to surprise them.  Where does Mamie and Marian live?  Suppose she was a very pretty bride.  Would love to have seen her.  Florence was saying Bro Gates was married & they had a new preacher at the Baptist Church.  So you say you wonder if I will be the next to be chari-vaned.  Well, I donÕt know, for donÕt know whether they would think enough of me to chari-van me or not.  Was Mamie married by a preacher or did she go to the court house?  Ettie & Jim were here Saturday.  Spent the day.  She wanted to know when you were coming.  Told her dident know.  Said she dident know what to think and mabey you think they dident tease me.  I will close.  Will look for you when I see you, but hope it will be right soon.  You can leave your work for a little while.  Bye Bye.  If you donÕt come be sure to write to me soon.  But would much rather you would come.

As ever yours,

Laura

I will ask one question before I quit.  It is this: Do you think you will marry this month and where do you expect to marry, here or over there?  Ben said he wanted us to marry at his house, but donÕt know whether it will be a good plan or not.  What do you think about it?  I would like to surprise the folks at the Summit if I could & am going to surprise Ella if I can.  DonÕt intend to say anything more to her about it.  She seems to think it is all over and there is nothing of it, so I wonÕt write to her until after we marry.  She will scold me for not telling her, but a little scolding donÕt hurt anyone.  When Ma & Katie write to her I tell them not to say anything about me more than I am well, so that is all she hears about me.  I said I wanted to ask one questions, but have asked several.  Bye Bye.  Come over as soon as you can.  Truly, Laura.

33

Saxony Ky Nov 24, 93

Mr. Wm. R. Everitt

Dear Rose,

            Will answer your welcome letter which I received Thursday.  Was glad to hear from you but expect I am in most too big of a hurry answering it as you seem to take your time about answering mine.  But perhaps you havent the time as you are attending the meeting.  Well I have been sick for a few days but am about well now only I havent any appetite.  I had a cold & sore throat.  Was right sick Saturday & Sunday.  It is the first time I have had sore throat for a long time.  They all teased me & said I was only love sick.  I dident want to let on but I felt so bad, for thought they would tease me.  I just let them enjoy themselves.  They have lots of fun at my expence.  They have gotten so here lately they tease me about Walker Shadburne.  He comes here nearly every night & talks to the boys & I hardly ever say any thing to him & never thought about them teasing me about him.  So after supper I go upstairs & he & the boys sit around & talk & have a good time.  A girl told me she heard Walker & I were going to marry & I laughed at her & told her we were own Cousins.  She said Cousins sometimes married.  I told her yes, but we would never marry for I dident have enough love for him for that.  He is only eighteen & the idea of starting such thing.  I told Walker about it & you ought to have heard him laugh.  Said he never saw such neighborhood.  It reminds me of Underwood.  So you all are having a good meeting.  Am glad to hear it and only wish I was out there to attend but can't come out this week.  I am very glad to hear Mamie & Net are going to try to be better girls and if I was out there perhaps it would have some affect on me.  I wish I was a real good girl.  So they are praying for you.  Well, I hope they will make you a better boy.  I don't mean to say you are so wicked, but there is none of us so good that we couldent be a little better.  I wish I had some one to pray for me.  I always pray for my self & all my friends & enemys and try to be good, but there is lots of room for improvement yet.  Ella wrote to Katie this week but dident write to me.  She is still thinking of marrying.  She showed her intended my and Katie's pictures and he said I was the best looking.  I told her to tell him if he was to see us he would change his mind.  She said she told him Katie was the best looking but he would have it his way.  Well what do you think I heard.  Katie went up to Ettie's this evening and Jim said I was getting awful thin.  I said I was grieving myself to death.  The idea of such thing.  I suppose I am getting a little thin but it is because I don't eat anything hardly for I havent been well but don't think it would hurt me to loose a few pounds.  He was here yesterday & he kept teasing me about getting so thin but thought he was only jokeing, but Ettie says he meant it.  You say if I don't mind Ella will be married now before I will.  It is beginning to look a little like it, don't you think so?  When do you think you are going to marry?  I would like to know for my dress is rather light and wonÕt do to wear in the winter.  Well I would like to see you & would like for you to come over Thanksgiven.  You can come Wednesday & stay until after Thanksgiven I am going to look for you and if you don't come I will just think you don't care about seeing me at all.  There is going to be a Candy Pulling close that night & if you wish we can go and have a nice time.  Be sure and write so I will get it Tuesday so I will know whether you are coming or not and don't you fail to come now.  If you don't come I won't know what to think.  Be sure and come.  Bye Bye

Lovingly

Laura

34

Vienna Ind Dec 3 1893

Miss Laura

Dear Laura

I arrived in Louisville safe a Friday night and was suffering with my tooth and went to the dentist.  Had it taken out and stayed all night there and had a good time, so good that I missed the train the next morning.  I went over in Jeffersonville and went home on the 3.  Well we have it very cold this morning.  There is a snow on this morning but not enough to take a sleigh ride.  Well tell Katie my cousin said he would like to have been along with me and went with us to the party.  He says he knows he would enjoyed himself very much and says not have to the party until holiday and it may be so we can come then.  I enjoyed myself very much this time and know I will be back again in the future.  Well tell Ettie I enjoyed myself fine at her house.  Well Bertha has gone to Crothersvill on a visit and will not be back untill Monday.  Well them and Jese the horse Jacey is hear to day.  Jese is going to New Orleans to stay all winter and ride horses.  Well what did the Kentucky girls say about your Indiana fellow?  I expect they made fun of me, did they not?  Well I gess you are tired reading this and I it to a close.  I remain as ever, your lover, W.R. Everitt

 

When this you see remember me and sometime think me a friend in need is a friend indeed.  WRE

35

Saxony Ky Dec. 16, 93

Mr. W. R. Everitt

Dear Rose

            Have just finished the supper dishes so thought I would try to have a little chat with you with the aid of pen & paper.  Expect I could do a great deal better if you were here, for it is so much better to talk than write.   But will do the best I can.  It is turning awful cold.  Expect we will have snow by morning if it keeps on as it is now.  We had a storm last night but it dident amount to much.  So you have been sick.  Am very sorry to hear it.  Hope this will find you well.  It looks like the gripp is taking the rounds.  There is a great many around here sick with it.  Ettie & the children are complaining.  Jim was here to day & I told him about the [church?]  I am going up Monday to help Ettie bake for Christmas.  Expect we will have a good time for we always do.  So you ate dinner with Mary & Ben Sunday.  Expect you all had a good time.  Would love to have been around & heard Mary get after you.  I would love to have a talk with her just to see what she would say.  Katie & I were saying the other day it would be so nice if we could go out & spend Xmas with Ben.  I would love to be out to go to the entertainment for know I would enjoy it, but won't get to go out.  Will have to spend my Xmas at home.  Our entertainment is the 28^th & we are pratcing some songs for it.  Am glad to hear you & Ben are coming over to go with us.  Know you will enjoy it.  You say you expect we will be glad to see you go.  There is not a bit of danger of that.  Will only be too glad to have you stay just as long as you will.  So Mamie wants me to come to see her.  Tell her I think she ought to come to see me.  She & Marion can come any time.  I want to go to see her next time I go out there for know I will have a good time with her.  So you have a cow.  I think there is nothing nicer than a good cow.  You say do I think I will milk her soon.  That is more than I know, what do you think about it?  How is the meeting getting along?  I suppose you heard about the bridge breaking across the river.  They have found sixteen dead & don't know how many more were killed.  It must have been a sad sight.  I will close for this time hoping to hear from you soon.  I am

as ever Lovingly,

Laura

You ought to be careful & not take cold for the gripp is hard to get rid of.  Hope you won't get sick again for want to see you the 28^th if not before.  Well this is Sunday morn & the ground is white with snow.  Guess you will have a fine time sleigh-riding.  Wish I could take a ride with you but guess I won't get a sleigh ride this winter.  Had a fine time last winter.  I love to sleigh ride but don't like snow for it makes things look so gloomy.  If there is any snow on the ground think I will wash your face with it to get even with you for washing mine last winter.  You all be sure to come over & be sure to write soon

Truly, Laura

36

Dec 24, 1893

Miss Laura Talbott

Dear Laura,

I received your letter Tuesday but have been very sick with the grip.  I fell in the watter and got wet and took a chill and have a very bad cough.  Have fell off 15 pounds in the last week.  Well, I was over to Ben's a Saturday.  Took supper with them.  Mary is sick with the grip and has a bad cough.  Is barely able to go around.  I and Ben went over to Hosea to an oster supper.  There was about three hundred people there and had a good time.  You ought of have been there.  Know you enjoyed it.  They had good music.  Had a violin with the organ.

            Well, I got Mary and Granma a Christmas present.   She says she wants to send you a present by me when I go down to see you.  She says that she will make a present for me.  I wish you all very happy Christmas and good time and much fun and wish I could be with you, but you may look for me the 28 if I am able to come.  I will be there shure.  If I do not come, you will know I am sick.  Well, this is a beautiful day for Christmas eve, so I will close for this time hopeing to see you soon, I remain, as ever your sweetheart

W.R. Everitt

37

[first page missing]

you may set the time that it is to come, hour.  Will it will not be long untill the seventeenth of this month, will it and do you still think you want to marry?  Then if so, I guess it will be as good as any, don't you?  So we can make arrangement for the future.  Well I will aim to come the day before.  You can make arrangements to suit yourself.  I thought we would aim to come to Schatchburg that night and stay at my Brother's and so we see may miss the [illegible] by that.  You may pick you place where you would rather be married at.  It don't make any difference with me where and you can let any of your realatives that you want to.  So I let my folks no and they did not hardly believe it but told them I would soon have to leave them.  So you had better go to see all of your friends before you leave.  You will hate leave all of them, won't you?  It be very solem thing.  Well I will close for this time hopeing to see my darling soon.  I remain as ever,

Yours truly,

W.R.Everitt

38

Saxony Ky Jan 10, 94

Mr. W. R. Everitt

Dearest Rose,

            I will answer your ever welcome letter which I received this morning.  Was very glad to hear from you and also very glad to hear you are well.  I think it was a good thing you came over here for if you had staid home, you might have taken cold, for you would have gone out in the cold to work and think you needed a rest.  We all enjoyed your visit very much.  I am well and Pa is up and going about the house but is most afraid to go out yet.  Well, Katie, Willie, and I went to Aunt Sallie Hall's this evening and she said she liked you very much.  She said they all liked you.  Cousin Ed is talking of coming out there in the spring when he gets ready to buy a horse.  Well, about the seventeenth, I am like you, I think it as good time as any, and then we can prepare for the future.  And Aunt Sallie wants us to marry in her parlor.  She said we could come there and she will fix us a nice dinner and a nice supper.  So I think it will be a good plan to go there, for it will be more convenient and I think eleven o'clock will be a good time, and I am only going to have the family.  I don't even intend to invite Aunt Olie, for if I invite one, would have to invite all or cause hard feelings.  And we can go out on the late train as you say.  And think it would be best for you to come Tuesday so will look for you then.

            Aunt Olie wanted me to marry at her house, but it wouldent be as convenient and Aunt Sallie always feels nearer to me than any aunt I have.  And as to what preacher, I would just as soon one would marry me as the other.  Pa and Aunt Sallie say have a Methodist, so told them I would be satisfied.  You say marrying is a sollem thing.  So it is.  But if we both work together and try to do what is right, don't think we will ever regret it, do you?  Katie is going to try and go out to Ben's next week and says if you see John to tell him to come down.  Charley is putting in glass in hot bed sash.  He say he don't know of any one that wants to buy a driving horse but will let you know when he does.  Well, I will look for you Tuesday certain, and eleven o'clock Wednesday is the time at Aunt Sallie Hall's, if it suits you.  So I will close hoping to be with you Tuesday.

With much love to you

I am as ever your own,

Laura

 

Have you told Ben and Mary?  He wrote and asked me to come out and stay until Mary got well.  Said she was sick but told him I couldent come, but dident tell him any thing about it.  That was last week, so havent heard from them this week and don't know how Mary is.  Bye Bye, Dearest, until I see you.

LWT

39

At home Feb 1^st 1894

Dear Laura,

            I received your unexpected letter yesterday evening and was real glad to hear from you.  I looked at the proof and it is very good of both you & Rose.  I returned it the same day, and expect your pictures are finished but Ed has the receipt, and we can not get them.  I was truly pleased to learn from your letter you had not been homesick yet.  I have not seen or heard of any of your folks since they returned only they stopped and took dinner the day they returned home.  Mamie has not felt well since she came home.  Tell Mattie she will write.  She says she had a nice time and wants to go again next summer.  Tell Mr. & Mrs. Everitt they must not treat her so well again, for I am afraid she will want to visit them too often.  She has fallen in love with Miss Mattie.  Tell her she speaks of her as though she had known her for years.  I will give you the carpet rags and hunt up some quilt pieces for you by the time you come over.  I want you & Rose to be sure and come & see us.  I feel as if I had known him a long time.  I wrote a long letter to Ellen a day or two after you were married and am anxious to get a reply.  Kate said she would write to Ella as soon as she got home.  It was so awful cold here for a few days last week.  Perhaps is the reason Charly has not been here.  Minnie has gone down town for me on an errand or she would send some word to you.  The streets & pavements are so dirty since the last cold spell.  I hate to step my foot out.  Minnie had the head ache and though perhaps the fresh air would make her feel better.  I will not write you a long letter this time.  Will write more next time.  The children enjoyed the nuts & persimmons very much.  I helped eat some of the Hickory nuts.  They are so much better than the ones we had.  Remember me kindly to Bertha & the family and receive love for you & Rose.

Your loving

Aunt Sallie H

Hope to see or hear from you soon.  Excuse this scribble.  My pen & ink are not good.

40

March 12^th 1901

Dear Laura,

I write you a few lines.  Charlie is going to town.  We are all tolerable well.  Pa is sitting up a walking around the room.  Katie is upstairs.  She had a little girl March 7^th, last Thursday, and is getting along tolerable well.  Will's mother is with her.  The baby is fat & well.  There is a woman here to wash for us today and it is a pretty bright day.  I hope you are getting along all right.  Tell Forrest when she goes to school long enough she must write me a nice long letter and to take good care of her Mamma.  Katie often says she wonders if Laura is up yet.  All send their love.  Willie & Will are at work.  It is tolerable lonesome & a good deal of hard work to do now.

Your loving mother

Bettie Talbott

41

[first page missing]

can you set up any yet or have been in the chair yet?  Write me the particulars to me just how you are.  Cheer up and do like that said.  Fool the doctors.  Get up before they no about it.  Tell who all comes to see you and do you miss me very much?  We you may look for me this week shure and I will want see you lots better I come.  If you want any thing write and I will fetch it to you.  I am at Sotchburg today.  I am going back to Vienna and see to the things.  Will close.  Lots love and kisses to your loveing husband

W.R. Everitt

Write at once

Yours truly

42

Louisville May 14, 1901

Dear Rose,

I expect you think I don't intend to write but I have been looking for some one down & my side has been worse.  The Dr. sent me some more save so will try it & see if it does any good.  I fell well only my side.  Willie took some green cloves to town this morning.  I want to see the children so bad.  Hope they are well.  Will come back as soon as my side gets well.  The baby takes her bottle & is doing real well.  I nurse her part of the time.  She don't cry as much since she gets enough to eat.  Will & Willie are weeding sets.  How is the folks out home.  Give them my love.  I hate to see them have to take care of the children & do hope I will be able to come home soon.  It makes me feel so bad to do nothing.  Wish I was able to work & be with my family.  I will close as there is no news.  You answer at once & take good care of yourself.  Come down as soon as you can spare the time & have a pass.

            Love and many kisses to you & the children.  I am

Your loving wife,

Laura Everitt

43

Vienna Ind

June 17, 1901

Dear Laura,

As Mattie as come in and wrote to you, I will write a few lines.  I was glad to here that you was better and I hope you will stay better.  Well I fell very bad some time.  I will get Miss Groves to wash your bed close and have them all clean and nice for you.  She is cleaning house for Miss Alpha.  I have got a nice garden this year.  Well I will close this time as Mattie is a waiting on me.  Write when you can.  Love to all.

From Ethel to Laura

 

Dear Laura,

Ethel and Mattie are at my house and Ethel has been writing and I thought I would put in a word.  Hope this will find you better.  Stacy and Alta are playing on the floor and making so much noise.  I can't bear myself write.  Have been cleaning house and making garden.  You must get well and come out and eat beans and corn with all of us.  Well, this is a short letter but the paper is about filled up.  Goodbye.

Your Friend,

[Mamie?] Dismore

How is the baby?

 

44

Vienna Ind

Aug 6^th 1901

Mr. & Mrs. Rose Everitt,

Dear Bro & Sister,

Mother, Bertha, & Sallie drove into the P.O. this morn and brought me your nice cheery letter.  It was so kind in you all to write us and especially Ben.  He was at our house on Sunday afternoon a short time (but Bertha and I was visiting Mrs. Sallie Rickards.)  He told our folks he was going to Ky and that we would hear from you on Tuesday.   I appreciate promptness in promises, especially in case of sickness.  We all were delighted to get a few lines from you.  Dear Laura, we are greatly encouraged and hope you will continue to get better and will soon be able to visit us and plan where you will live.  Mr. Alpha said he would like to have seen Rose while he was out.  Wanted to know what he should do with your household goods as he has a chance to rent his house.  Said Mrs. Gray wanted it.  Pa is not feeling at all well yesterday and today.   Thinks it is the dry hot weather.  Mother is about the same as usual and Bertha and I are still on the weak list.  I am feeling better than last week.  Sallie is well and sends kisses to all and said she wished Papa would hurry up and make Mamma well.  She is so sweet everybody loves her.  They took her to see Ethel new girl baby this morning and she had a spell.  The baby was born on the 4^th of this month.  Bertha and Ethel says it looks just like you Laura.  Do you wonder at it.  Havent named it yet.  Her Mother is with her and she is doing fine and always inquires of you and Rose.

Aunt Martha fell off a chair over a week ago and broke her left wrist but is now able with Uncle Henry's assistance to keep things on the move.

Laura, you said you eat so much.  Please tell me what your diet is.  Expect you will soon be as fleshy as Dan Richey's sister.

You might compose yourself at night and get lots of sleep.  Then you will soon be strong.  Cast all your care upon Him.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  You have so much time now to get acquainted with God, commune with Jesus, your loving Friend and He will comfort, sustain and guide you.  You so much dreaded to go to the infirmary and now you see it was best.  I was where He wanted you to go.  Take consolation in this beautiful hymn.  I trust your nurse and Physician are Christians, are they not?

            Just as I was finishing this letter, Rose came, greatly to our surprise.  Was so glad to see him and to hear Forest is well.  Yours lovingly,

Mattie

45

Underwood, Ind

Aug 12^th 1901

Dear Sister Laura,

I received a letter from Ella today.  Was glad to hear you are better.  Mary, Bertha & I fixed your house all ready Tuesday for you to come so you must try & get able to come.  I will meet Tom at the depot.  Laura, have you got any fruit jars at Vienna?  If you have, let us know & we will fill them for you so you will have them for winter.  You tell Ella not to go out west & we will all get together  & try to make Pearl.  She ought to stay with Ma & Pa.  She and Willie can take care of them and fix the house up if she will.  I will do all in my power to help them tell Ella to tell Aunt Sallie Hall.  I can put up her tomatoes for Cousin Sallie Smith and another day or two, but I can't furnish them for less than one Dollar a doz.  The cans cost forty cents empty.  I went to the factory this eve to find out.  You tell Rose to be sure & let Aunt Sallie know.   I got a letter from her yesterday saying she wanted Ma to let her know.  I wrote her a letter yesterday but directed it to Sta. C.  Did not know her number.  Tell her to let me know how many doz she wants & I will bring them sure.  All join in love, Laura.  Trust in the Lord & never cease to pray.  He knows best.  I hope you can come soon.

Your loving bro

Ben Talbott

46

Tuesday Sept 2, 1901

Dear Rose

            Will ans your letter I received just now.  Was so glad to hear from you, but I want you to fix up things so I can come home this week.  I feel I can't stand it here any longer.  I can't eat good.  I am so homesick.  Now please don't disappoint me & be sure & come for me this week.  I want to come so bad.  Bertha said she would help fix for me so be sure & fix this week & come after me.

            Pa was here this morning & is going to bring Ma this week to see me before I leave here.  Ella was here yesterday.  So was Ben & Willie.  Aunt Sallie is coming this week to see me.  I feel better today.  Could stand the trip all right.  So will look for you after me this week certain.  Love & Kisses to you & all of the folks.

Your loving wife,

            Laura

Write & tell me when you are coming & come as soon as you can.

47

Louisville, KY Sept 4, 1901

Dear Rose,

received your letter just now & was glad to hear from you, but you said you were coming Saturday but didnÕt say whether you were going to take me back or not & I am building all my hopes on that, so please donÕt disappoint me, for I want to come home.  I feel better today.  Sat in the chair today & yesterday.  The doctor donÕt say any thing.  The place is running some yet.  Mrs. Wetstein came yesterday & brought me some lovely flowers.  I feel I have staid as long as I can.  I am tired & homesick.  There is no news, so will close.  Ans at once & be sure to come prepared to take me back Saturday.  DonÕt fail.  I miss you so I canÕt stand it.  Ans at once & tell me whether you are going to take me back or not.  I am crying as I write.  Give my love to all & kiss the children for me, & love & kisses to you.

Your loving wife,

Laura

48

Greenfield Ind

Sept 8^th 1901

Mrs. W. R. Everitt

Louisville, Ky

Letter received.  Please report within a few days and if you are ever so little better or more comfortable even for a few hours at a time, please let me know.

I will send you something to read as soon as I can.  Won't you try to realize that the words of the 91^st Psalm are meant for you.  Please notice the 14^th & 15^th verses.  Also please see Isaiah 41:10.

With sincere good will

Love

Yours in Truth & Love

Wm. E. Ogle

54 Noble St.

Greenfield, Ind

49

Vienna, Ind

Sep 8^th 1901

Mr & Mrs Rose Everett,

Dear Bro & Sister,

I have slipped away from the crowd and will write you an answer to the letter you sent us by Brother Tom.  He brought it to us as soon as he arrived at Scottsburg.  Today Mr. Baily is spending the Sabbath with us.  So is Jess Everett and Mary Watson, Lydia and Lester Martin.  Jess brought ice and we had lovely ice cream, something you get every day.  Dear Laura, we are all so glad to hear you are getting stronger.  Mother says tell you to hurry up and get so you can stand on your feet or can you already?  Guess you was homesick to see Rose, were you not?  I don't know who was the worst, you or rose, for he could not work for thinking of you.  We have set Tuesday for ond day to arrange your house ready for you whenever the Dr. pronounces you well.  Ma and Pa said don't think of coming such a long trip untill the Dr. says you are well.  I have felt all the time that you were going to get well, but you know it takes time.  I fear you are getting too anxious and you would miss those kind nurses.  They have everything convenient and know just what kind of diet to give you.  None of us are very well.  We are so rushed.  Next Sunday is when our new church is dedicated.  It is to be a basket meeting.  Expect to have services some time this coming week.  Then we will a good deal of company then.  It is this last Sunday [illegible] that is next Sunday.  Ethel has to inquire of me every time she sees me how you are and hopes you will soon be well and be her neighbors once more.  Just now they are bothering me to get [illegible] all are so merry.  Sallie and Forest are enjoying the cream too.  How is Tommie?  Kiss him for me.  All [illegible] love and kisses.  Isn't it sad to think [illegible] is suffering so, but blessed consolation to all suffering [illegible] "made perfect through suffering"  Write as soon as you get this.  I went to see Mrs. Grover Saturday.  She has part of the washing done and will finish next week.  Said she would fill the feather tick soon.

Love from all,

Mattie

Bertha sends love and says tell you she hasn't time this evening to write, but hopes you will soon be well.

 

 

 

[Laura passed away 21 Sept 1901]

50

Dec 27^th 1902

Wm. R. Everitt

Dear Brother,

            We were delighted to get you dear letter, but sorry to learn you could not spend the Holidays with us.  Not many of the folks could be with us on Christmas.  Only Bertha & Mack.   They came down on Christmas Eve and returned to their home on Christmas night.  Brought us some nice presents and your dear little ones were made very happy by Santa bringing them many nice toys, books, dolls, fruits, and candy.  Baily & Krause did not remember us this year as yet.  Hope you had a merry time.  It was rather a mixture of joyÉ

[page missing]

Emmet is home to spend the holidays.  Is looking fine and is giving Everitt and Son some pointers on book keeping.  Tom and Jess are now full partners.  Tom's are moving back into the old home.  You know the new Sheriff takes possession on the first day of the New Year.  We are having very cold weather now and we feel for you out handling those lamps.  Keep yourself warmly clad and do be careful and don't have any more accidents.  If you can get the children anything, get the girls hose supporters, those that fasten around the waist.  Mother said if you get her something a flannelett wrapper would be the most acceptable.  Bust measure 34 inch.  And Pa says he does not want anything as he is still has a supply of that fine tobacco.  Is now enjoying a delicious smoke.  They as well as I miss you a great deal.  They are kept very busy feeding the stock and carrying in wood and making fires.  The boys are looking fine and it is laughable to hear the children saying "We are filling our hog full of sausage."  Wish you could see how busy the children are writing to you and to hear little Sallie reading.  She says Papa I think your boss is awful mean not to let you spend Tristmas with us.  Are you well and I am lonesome to see you.  All join in love and bushels of kisses.  Tom says he only wants boots.

With love,

Your sister Mattie

51

Locust St. No 2427

Anderson, Ind

Sunday March 26 - 05

Dear friend Lula,

I now take the present opportunity to answer your letter that I received the 23.  I was so glad to hear from you and to know that you are well, but was sorry to hear your Ma was not [illegible] Tell her to pay me a visit and I think the trip would help her.  We are all well.  I was sorry to hear of  Ora Whitlatch's death.  One of them Bagshaw Boys that lived over on the other side of the Rail Road east of us when we lived down there by Wes Crums told me 2 years ago that Ora was maried and lived at Cementville or some place down in there.  If so, did she have eny more children and where are they?  Tell me all about it.  And Florence, what kind of work is she doing?  Is she teaching school?  I gess that she is qualified for a teacher.  Does George Whitlatch still live with the Keenen woman yet?  He married her before I left down there.  And how many children have they got?  Did Wess Crum marry eny more and has he got all the children with him?  He was so mean to his woman.  Does Hettie Crum and her man live together?  I heard that they separated once.  Tell me all about the neighbors.  I do love to hear from down in there.  Who owns Grandma Thomases place now?  I bet it looks lonesome now.  I the house and stable gone off of it?  Does Wattery Beries live where they did when I was there?  And old Mrs. Mackison, is she still a living and in the same old place?  And Angeline Montgomery, is she still alive and is old Billey [illegible] still alive and did his wife ever get back home again?  Well I will close for this time.  Write soon and tell me all you know

from Mollie Buman to Lulie Hardy

You ask me what it would cost from Underwood to Anderson but I don't know what it would be from Underwood, but it is about $2.10 from Seymour to Anderson.  You come on the train to Indpls and take the Anderson street car and come to the target house by the Belt Rail Road and get off and I will meet you.  We don't live but a little piece from the target house.  Come soon.

Good bye.

52

Charlestown Ind Jany 25, 1912

Mr. W. R. Everitt Dear Sir

That case of Tabots is set for February 12^th and you must be sure to be there.  I will leave here at 8:20 AM & you can get a car that goes over the bridge just ahead of my car so we will get to the station near the same time.  Ben clames that Mary Ricketts lived with them for two years which you know is not true.  Can you give me the names of some more people in that neighborhood that know she never lived at his house. Mr. Gardner wants to take some depositions in that case.  Let me hear from you at once and give me the names of any that you know of so I can notify Mr. Gardner and let me know sure whether you will be there or not.  As you are personly interested you must go.  Sure answer & oblige.  Yours,

W.H. Meloy

Miscellaneous scraps of letters

 

53

 

[page missing]

your girls was then?

            The girls both fell in love with Maggie and said she was so pleasean & so lovely [illegible].  I am as happy over that.  I am some better, Mother.  Have gained in flesh 120 [illegible] but the Dr. dosent want me to [illegible] scarcely any and absolutely do nothing but you know I can't do that.  Maxwell talk of coming down some Sat.  He is so anxious to see you Mother.

            Well I must close for it make me nervous to write.  Hope someone can read this to you.  With love & kisses and prayer all for my dear Mother, I am, your loving baby girl

Bertha

Regard to Chas, G??? & family & Rose's & Maggie

 

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54

[top of page torn off]

but I remained home to write to you as Leily & May have run at me for several days to write & see what Rose said about letting either two or one of his children come out here.  How is Lydia, give her my love.  Does Sallie speak of Laura very often now?  Mattie, you will find this a very dull letter I know.  That is the reason I hate to write for I write such stupid letters but I love to receive them.  If I could only write like you I would take pleasure.

[top of page torn off]

to bed.  Am so sleepy.  Kiss the dear little children for me & tell them to remember their dear mother & try & be good so as to meet her in heaven.  Mattie, I would be pleased to hear from all of you so please write & tell me what Rose says about the children.  Give my love to all & accept a large portion to yourself.

From your friend,

Ella Talbott

1877 Gaylord St. Denver Colo

 

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55

[page missing, script is in Laura's handwriting]

P.S. I went to see Aunt Sallie Hall Monday and she was  complaining of feeling bad and the whole family is about half sick.  There is more sickness & more deaths in Louisville than there has been for some time.  It seems like every one is complaining.  Aunt Sallie was glad to see me but the first thing she asked was what has become of Rose.  I told her you was in Ind so she dident say much.  I have to put this over the letter to keep one from reading it through the envelope, so thought I would just fill this side.  Write to me soon.

 

 

 

 

56

[page missing]

a letter from a young man in Minn that would just be a dandy if you was acquainted and he says that he is coming out to see me some time.  If he does, I will make him a mash with you.

            I have just received a letter from my best fellow in Minn.   His Pa and Ma wrote too.  They want me to come back, and I want to go, too.

            Well, I will be obliged to make my letter short as I am looking my Uncle John Liddle.  He wants me to keep house for him and I think he will be hear soon.  So please excuse delay and short letter.

            Write soon, I remain as ever, your true and loving friend

Alice Lett

 

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57

[page missing, script is in Alice Lett's handwriting]

save half day.  If it suits you I would like to put off getting married untill after the 25.  That is only one week and two or three day off.  I might suit me sooner.  I will know by the middle of next week.  I would rote sooner but I thought it might suit me to get married next week, but I don't think it will.  I will know by the 25 sure.  I can set the day after then.  It won't take long to pass away.  I would like for you to get a top buggie

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