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This the eighth of a series of letters from early Kinzer settlers in Ohio in the mid 1800s. The persons identified have their ID numbers in parenthesis and italicized. Kinzers are in bold print.
LETTER FROM ELIZABETH TO CATHERINE LINN, MAY 29, 1843
My Dear Aunt,
I expect you will be a little
surprised on hearing from your once loved Child Betsy, as my Dear Mother used to
tell me how much you loved me, and how much I loved you, and I know I should
still love you if I were to see you, although many years have elapsed since we
have seen each other and changes so great, that we should scarce think we were
the same. Yet the part that never dies, is still the same & I have a good hope
that we shall spend a long & happy eternity together, “where we shall know as we
are known”.
When we arrived in the City My Housband being a commissioner to the
Assembly, I accompanied him on a visit to my Aunt Boyd. I was much pleased to
have the reading of a letter from you so I determined to say something in Aunts
letter in return, which I think will be acceptable. I have a large Family 8
children living 6 daughters the five first girls 4 of which are yong womins sise
& members of the Church. Our oldest is now Teaching School. She has 30 girls
under her care. She is 20 years old, but settled in her habits, and a
missionary spirit, which I hope will make her usefull.
I stayed at Fathers on
my way down. They are changing fast. Father is not over half his former sise
and is declining rapidly. Aunt Ferree still living. I think she with my
parents, are the only ones that are where you left them. Almost all the rest
have gon the way of all flesh. Uncle Alexander left, I think six years since to
go to his Son in Ohio. We have not herd of him since. We have written twice to
him, but no answer. I think he must be dead, how I should like to know. I hope
if you have any knowledge of him you will let us know.
I should like to see your minister & have some conversation
with him. He is on the other side of the fince from us so I do not see him in
our side. I hope we shall all get to the rite side together, before long. I
suppose you have herd Sister Catherine is married and gon to the west. She
married her cousin John McIlvain. They live in Whiteside County Ilanois on Rock
River. She is much pleasd. We do still think of going to west. I hope the
Lord will chuse our changes for us and lead us to follow his commands. I will
stop now to leave space for Aunt.
Respected friend Phila May 29, 1843
I am going to add a few lines
to what our frind has written to you to let you no how much I was gratified to
recev a line from you to let me see that you have not forgotten all hare are ___
S_____a one as Get By Boyd ___ has the Lord forgotten me in my aflitcion . I
trust for he has spared me and my children ________ unite our selves to the
Church of Crist all have ______ but the oldest one
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