Sarah Ann Camfield, 27 Feb 1883

Noble Center Feb 27th 1883

we receive your letter saturday was glad to hear all well we are as wel as is common it has been hard work for Father to tae care of the stock it has been so icy and is yet the horses are not shod and he cannot get them to the shop he we did not cut only 2 loads of hay last summer we had corn stalks and corn to feed so we left one field to feed without husking it cost so much to get to get it husked and in fact we could get no one to husk hands was so scarce we paid 8 cts a shock for one field and the other stands in the field to draw as it was wanted and it is almost imposible to get it quite some of the time

reverse

about the earth quake we have not seen or heard any thing only what you wrote
I have only seen one woman once since the 18th of January so you must think it has been pleasant for me it has been such unpleasant weather we have 1 little calf and expect another in aweek or 2 I am making carpet rags I want make acarpet this summer if I can why not take your loom and come and weave it for me Frank can you sew carpet rgs good yet I am sorry you have a blind eye but I think it is now how is Asleys aunt write soon
S A Camfield

written across top, upside down

the house where Rozy and you went to the post office burned down last wednesday


It sounds like little Frank had suffered an eye injury of some sort.

Ashley had lots of aunts however many died prior to 1883. Perhaps a clue will be found in the Carlisle letters.

Sarah must have had a letter from Anna fairly recently based on the reference to the earthquake.

From the USGS: Michigan Earthquake History

Between 1872 and 1883 a number of moderate earthquakes were centered within Michigan. On February 6, 1872, three shocks lasting 30 seconds were reported at Wenona. No additional information is known about these tremors. Reports from Redford and Greenfield Village, not far from Detroit, indicated a minor earthquake occurred on August 17, 1877. It was noted that horses were frightened during this shock. Some persons reported hearing a noise like a train. On February 4, 1883, an earthquake cracked windows and shook buildings at Kalamazoo (intensity VI). This shock was felt in southern Michigan and northern Indiana. Cities as distant as Bloomington, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri also reported feeling this earthquake.

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Michael Camfield



Camfield, Sarah Ann Wisner. (Noble Center, MI) no salutation “we receive your letter” [Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 10 February 1883. Digital Images 1-2. Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Snowville, New York. 2008. [Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1882 - 1883, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]