Friday, July 31, 2009

Sarah Ann Camfield, Jan 26, 1900





South Bend January 26 1900 (310)

Dear Children

we are all well and hope you are allso Roza wrote last week but I thought I would write all the same

Monday 29th we are having pretty cold weather yesterday and to day the coldest we have had Fred got aletter from Libby saturday they are all well Now I am going to send you one dollar to get yours and Ashleys pictures taken for me and therest of you I suppose you can get six send me three and you keep three I got Josephs and Roses taken and now I want yours also

and if you have that big oxalice I would like to have you send me some did your blossom and what colour was it I gave Mrs Burk some of those I took home but do not know the result the rest I gave Rose and she planted them and left them about aweek and threw them away because they had not

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grown I tried to find out where she threw them she said she did not know where she threw them if I get some more she will not get them to throw away

Fred has gone to bed to sleep he worked all night last nite he will work night now for two weeks and then days for 2 weeks that is the way they change

I have a few worsted pieces I am going to send you for your quilt

we expected tola here yesterday but she did not come I guess it was to cold

write as often as you can

write soon so goodby for this time

from your S A Camfield

Ps will you please send me the patern of the star you were piecing when I was there last sumer I have and set to gather 2 quilts and have blocks for 2 more now have eleven stars for another they are the star with a square middle that I have

I have only one picture of Rose that was taken very late in life with her daughter, Ruby. I wish I had the picture mentioned. If any other descendants have a copy I would love to add it here.

I had already dated this picture as c. 1900. Perhaps it was the one that Sarah Ann requested.
Ashley, Daniel, Tamerson, Frank, and Anna Carlisle

I didn't know that Fred had moved to South Bend to work while Libbie took care of things on the farm.

What color was the oxalis? I never brought mine in last year. I'll have to get another and keep it as a house plant. Maybe a green with pink flowers.

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


Camfield, Sarah Wisner (South Bend, IN) to “Dear Children”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 26 January 1900. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1900,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Monday, July 27, 2009

William Mullis vs. Elizabeth Doughty 1842

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Amanuensis Monday, hosted by John Newmark at Transylvanian Dutch.


I have been trying to transcribe some records in addition to the letters. This slander suit was found online in the Munice/Delaware County Digital Resource Library. There is nothing in the file that tells what the out come of the lawsuit was. The key point for me is the mention of Ohio. Had Elizabeth lived in Ohio or was she repeating something she was told by her future husband, James Graham? She was represented by a Mr. Buckles and Rachel Graham was married to Thomas N. Buckles.



State of Indiana In the Delaware Circuit Court
Delaware County September Term 1842

Wiliam Mullis Plaintiff complains of Elizabeth Doughty defendant in custody +C of a plea of Trespass on the case for that whereas the said William Mullis is and always has been a good honest + faithful citizen of the State of Indiana and has sustained a fair charactor among all his neighbours for integrity and has never been guilty or suspected of the atrocious crime of Larceny yet the said Elizabeth Doughty well knowing the premises but contriving and intending maliciously and wickedly to Injure + destroy his charactor and to bring him into disgrace amongst all his neighbours and to Expose him to the penalties of the law for larceny did on the first day of April in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred + forty two at the county of Delaware letter and publish in the presence and hearing of devers persons the following false malicious + ______ words to + of and concerning the said plaintiff that is to say you (meaning the said plaintiff) stole a horse in the state of Ohio and had to run away for it you (the plaintiff meaning) had To run away from Ohio for stealing a horse and I (the defendant meaning) can prove it. thereby meaning that the said plaintiff had been and was guilty of Larceny by means of the committing of which said several grievences by the said defendant the said plaintiff says he is Injured + hath sustained Damages to the amount of one thousand Dollars + therefore he brings his suit od

Marshall atty for Pllff


Elizabeth Doughty
ats
William Mullis

Case in the Delaware Circuit Court

And the said Defendant Elizabeth Doughty who is an infant under the age of twenty one years, to wit, of the age of sevenateen years, by Smith + Buckles her attornies comes and defends the wrong and injury when +c. and says that she is not guilty of the said supposed grievances above laid to her charge, or any or either of them in manner and form as the said William Mullis hath above thereof complained against her and of the said Elizabeth Doughty puts herself upon the country.

Smith + Buckles Attys for Dft

and the plaintiff by c____ comes ______ the like
John Marshall Atty for patf



Saturday, July 25, 2009

Etola Robinson, Jan 3, 1900



Jan 2nd 1900

Daniel Carlisle Buchanan Mich

Dear Friend: I write to you last not because you are last or because I think less of you but because it just hapens so. I was to sleepy when I finished Tamersons letter last night to attempt yours so will see what I can do for you this evening.

I was delighted to get your letter it is the first I have had from you you know, and so glad to hear you have a good Teacher you have been so unfortunate in your Teachers here to fore. I shall expect a fine school repoart for you this year What in the world does Charlie Marble do if he can not play? how does he manage to put in his time. I expect you are happy if you have a

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dog but his jumping qualities do not seem to be very great is he an old dog or only a pup? I suppose you will have him trained to drive. hope poor pussy will have a rest now or is she as much afraid of him as she is of Voorhee's cat? Wish I could read your Christmas books I get hungry for something to read, never have goten a library card here.

you are doing well to get $1.00 this winter I suppose you have paths to make now but that is good for your muscle do you skate any this winter or are your feet not big enough for your skates yet. I suppose you and Clint are as good friends as ever __

The woman below just handed me up a

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package and when I opened it I was delighted to find some beauty pins just what I have been wanting all the winter they are very pretty ones too and I am ever so much obliged for them. I want to say give Clint my best but I guess I cut it up short. well I guess that is all for this time so

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good by and a happy new year to you write soon

Yours with love
Toley



Charley M Marble was born Mar 1886, the son of Isaac and Dora Marble, per the 1900 census. He must have been one of Daniel's schoolmates.

Joseph and Elizabeth Vorhees / Voorhees lived next to Etola Robinson's family on Moccasin Ave and behind the Carlisle's.

Clint W Voorhees was born Apr 1885, the son of Charles and Maggie Voorhees per the 1900 census. They lived on Main St, next door to the Carlisle's.

EDIT 19 May 2010 - Clint Voorhees was Toley's nephew. Her sister was Elizabeth Robinson Voorhees and her son, Charles Voorhees was Clint's father.

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


Robinson, Etola (South Bend, IN) to “Dear Friend”
[Daniel Michael Carlisle]. Letter. 2 January 1900. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1900,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Etola Robinson, Jan 1, 1900





The evening of the first day of 1900

Miss Tamerson Carlisle Buchanan Mich.

__ollow little girl how are you?

I suppose I shall have to write to you too or receve a custen lecture on paper. well I like to write to you but like better to get a letter from you. I think St. Nick. remembered you to some purpis this time. is your perfume any good I was not allowed to smell of it before buying so do not know bet I thought the size and beauty of the bottle would make it pas any way.

So that beautifull dog of Mrs. Keens had to be killed did it. well you know I never thought much of those dogs any way. I was over to Paulines Thirsday. was invited there to spend christmas but the people

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below wer going out so I took advantage of there absence to do my washing. had not washed for seven weeks only some stockings and handkerchiefs so it took me until four O'clock to get through. They that is Pauline and Viola had a Christmas Tree and it was very pretty even when the presants were of off it Viola got two sets of dishes and a big doll and several other things. she thinks I am pretty nice she calls me Ttoley and says she loves me a bushle

Well I stoped writing long enough to pope some corn and eat it so now will try and finish I still retain my tast for corn you could see lots of pretty things here Christmas time and there was a continual jam of people for days befor at the 10ct. store I wish you could have some of the lovly candy they sold there for 20 sts. per pound just the very nicest kinds. I tell you it made my sweet tooth quiver to look at it but I shut my eyes and pased it by and nuts I never saw such quantities of them in my life as I saw here for the holidays my! I could have a ful bushl

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of them would not I live fat this winter? well I believe this is all this time so good by and write again soon. from your friend Toley

well Tamerson I have re your present this morning and am very much obliged you made it yourself I know and it is very neatly done I lost the one you gave me last year but will try to hold on to this one. with many thanks Toley



Mrs Keen may have referred to Florence Kean in Buchanan, MI.

So far I don't know who Pauline and Viola were.


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


Robinson, Etola (South Bend, IN) to “Miss Tamerson Carlisle”
[Tamerson Louisa Carlisle]. Letter. 1 January 1900. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1900,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Buchanan Fire of 1862

When I first saw that the topic for the 77th edition of the Carnival of Genealogy (to be hosted by Miriam Robbins Midkiff at AnceStories) was Disaster, several potential disasters sprang to mind. There was the Wreck of the Flyer, the explosion at Split Rock and a couple of tornadoes. I haven't researched the epidemic that claimed the lives of my grandfather's father and sisters. Then I read that it should be a disaster that my family survived and how it affected them. What better way to do that than in their own words?

Some Background Information


Some of my Carlisle family's history has been passed down through the generations and written down. I have copied some of the notes kept by my Aunt Sue.

Daniel and Louisa ran an Inn in New York State. By 1840 they had a hotel in Edwardsburg and Mary and Isaac were born there. Before June of 1845 they had moved to a farm in LaGrange and Fanny was born there. Louisa died between 1850 and 1852 when Daniel married her youngest sister, Hannah. Daniel and Hannah then moved to a farm south of Buchanan and that was where Arabella was born in 1857. They then moved into town (Buchanan) and lived on Second St (now Dewey Ave). That house burned down with part of the town and they moved to Main St in 1863.

The Buchanan Museum of Fine Art website includes a brief history of the city of Buchanan, Michigan and contains the following information about the fire.

"Reports of a devastating 1862 fire, which leveled half of downtown Buchanan, also tell us what businesses were established and taken by the fire along Front and Main Streets, east of Mill Ally and Main St., including Ross & Alexander's building, several dry goods concerns, a shoe shop and millinery, a paint shop, blacksmith, livery stable, barber shop and meat market and a dwelling and barn. The losses totaled over $28,000, a not considerable sum for those days."


I have highlighted what I believe to be the area that burned. The map is from 1873. The Carlisle family would have lived near where I have added the words "Second St." I believe their home was rented and that it is the dwelling and barn named above.

At the time of the fire 65 year old Daniel Carlisle was living in Buchanan with his four daughters, Tamerson Zipporah (25), Mary Elizabeth (22), Fannie Louisa and Arabella (5). His son, Orville, lived nearby with his wife Julia. It is unclear where son Ashley was at the time. He servered in the 2nd Michigan Calvary and was probably away, at war. Daniel's wife, Hannah L., was in Columbus, KY where she was a Matron at the Post Hospital.


Unpleasant News



Nov. 1st <1862>

Dear Mother

It is with a sad heart that I now seat myself to inform you that we are now left desolate. Our house, barn and all (with many other buildings) was yesterday burned to the ground. About two o'clock afternoon a fire broke out in a shop. just a little south of the sash factory, it was burned and Kelly's shop Mrs. Dutton's house, Rea_den and Mead's grocery. Ross and Bainton store. The grocery and store joined Dutton's house. The old brick store and all the buildings up to Miller's shop. Dr Dodd's barn, Livery Stable paint shop and Blacksmith shop. We thought the whole town would burn the wind blew very hard and we had no fire Engine. They telegraphed to Niles for theirs, but in such confusion that it could not be read when it got there. A man was sent - finaly on horse back. Some of our things were saved. one bed stead three or four feather beds, and some bed clothes. tables and chairs. no dishes or spoons. No one

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was at home when the fire comenced. Tamerson went to Mr. Dewey's a visiting and was taken sick, but she had recovered so that when the alarm came there she was able to come home Pa was over the river digging potatoes. Fannie was up to Aunt Julia's. Bell and myself were at school. Fannie and the men suceeded in getting most of the things out of the front room and some out of the chamber. but what is that towards housekeeping. None of us but fannie have a chang of under clothes some of our dresses were saved. Aunt Julia had a conjestive chill a few days ago she was very sick, but is better now. Alonzo How was hurt while digging sand a few days since and died last night. his back was broken. Many folks are sick. some of them in the country. Some of the folks were so exhausted and frightened that it was thought that they could not recover. in all about twenty four buildings. Mrs. Dutton has nothing but the clothes on her back. After her things were taken out they were burned. Alexander says to his wife we are poor now that is himself. It really seemed as though the day of judgement had come. but we are preserved alive

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we will rent a house for the present - I think it will be the old cottage house on the hill back of the parsonage. You of core will use your own judgment about coming home. It seems to me if you can earn any thing there you had better stay. The people are very kind to us. they say that we shall have a new house right - away. Mr Dewey wants to employ Fannie in his office to set type the terms were good. perhaps since our trouble he will give more. we do not know what to do. I wrote to uncle A. I guess he will help us. write as soon as you get this.

Mary E. Carlisle.

I wonder what Hannah's reaction was when she received the letter with unpleasant news written on the outside? A second letter with more details was soon dispatched.

Buchanan Nov 4th 1862

Dear Mother

No doubt you will hear of our misfortune by Mary's letter ere you receve this. The fire broke out about 2 1/2 oclock on Friday afternoon Oct. 31st. ____ from the sparks in the Berghum mill next to the machine shop burning in all 24 buildings burning most of the business buildings. our house + barn all that we have left is 4 feather beds 5 quilts 11 chairs the best rag carpet very little clothing. I have not a second change of under clothes Mary Father + Bell the are in the same condition we have rented the cottage house on the hill called the old Blanchard house, we cleaned 3 rooms to day will get family settled one week. you know it wont take long we saved one bedstead the cottage one got another one of Mr. Hahn. John did not hear of the fire untill Saturday eve he came down on Sabbath morn Gave me $20. said to buy dresses with but have not spent

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it for that and told me to go to Mr. Black's shop and get + bedsteads. The people are very kind to us we stay with different ones

Aunt Julia has forgotten how many things you gave her, she gave me one pair of pillars 1 straw tick. 3 or 4 spoons that is all so far. Sister Hoag the ministers wife gives as she can + lends some things Pa and Bell did not have one thing only what they had on I am so tired that it is almost impossible for me to write. I was at Mr. Dewey's during the fire had been very sick with a congestive chill. Sarah Chopin died in Dowagwiac the funeral was there her remains were brought to Niles for internment I went to the Cemetery with Mrs. Dewey. I fainted while there was ____ to __ was but with difficulty I am usually well now. we are well. Fannie will go to Niles on Monday is going to set type I told her that she could not go to Rochester. she declared that she could go I told her that she should work. gets $1 per week and board if she learns rapidly can earn __, by spring I told her that she should stay until spring do just as you think best about coming home if you come bring all that you can. anything will be acceptible/ excuse this in haste

Tamerson


The family was left with very little and have split up at least temporarily. Both daughters are concerned about money and replacing the items necessary to life. Daniel's brother-in-law, Issac Ashely, a well to do hotel keeper in Rochester, NY, has already been looked to for help. Friends and neighbors have been generous but Julia was criticized for not doing enough.

Hannah responded to Mary's letter.
Columbus Nov 7 / 62

My Dear Family

I have just read Mary letter and learned that all we had is gone truly it is sad news to think we have no home and all that we had to make home pleasant gone I am very thankfull your lives were all saved no limbs broke all must look dark I feel so sorry that all the silver is gone and beding was the Bureau burned up and all that was in it? are the coverlids gone to well never mind we must bear it the best we can under the circomstances try + make the best of it the pay master has not come yet and dont know when he will come I cannot write I cannot tell how I feel Yours Truly

H L Carlisle

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PS when you direct yours do it in this way

Mrs H L Carlisle
Post Hospital
Columbus
KY

Hannah seems a bit overcome, her letters were rarely brief. She understands the family's need for money but is helpless to do anything until she receives her pay. There must have been other letters that either did not survive or I have yet to locate.
Dear Wife Sunday Evening Buchanan Dec 7 1862.
We received yours of Nov 30 on the 4th the Bundle you Sent by the man has not come I have just been to see I think he was not honest the reason Fannie had a little more clothing saved was she got home in time to help take her own out some of it She + Mary were when the fire first started and the door locked they were helping __ grain get her things out the unwise plan of leaving A house alone which you know I have always been opposed too we see now the impropiety, + danger the reason the drawers were not taken out strangers to the house as they were knew not where to look for it Tamerson having directed the cleaning the house + put everything in a new place + upside down + put the Bureau in to the Butrey where no one would think looking for it had it been in the front room where I have always wanted it would have been saved a matter of fine I have always thought of but my family have always disregarded my advice in these matters there was nothing nothing taken out of the butrey unless the spoons were ____ no remains have as yet been found of them I forgot to mention in my last that the letter with the 2$ in money came all right it being southern money it was difficult geting rid of it I made out ___ last I would not _ind on take any, none of it taitt not so here. Orville started night before last to Ga noiss Portenfa County __ the sale of the history of the rebellion + tok with him some mass to pay his expences

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I recieved a letter last night from R B Ashley with 10$ in it to pay the freight on a box of things they have started us containing some bedding some clothing some dishes table cutlery + perhaps articles he did not mention May Heavens Blessings rest appon such friends Mr Havens on __ the river gave some flour + potatoes last week + and said when he butchered he would foe more It has been hinted that the folks in the river Bend are making two quilts for us but the most novel case is that of Poor A C Day After giving a stack of hay to me + Russell he Rusel went to see him to know where to go to draw We were going to gather to get it that day he told Russell he had to take some cattle on a debt + could not let it go poor man he ought to have a contrinution + I hope he may never be Burned out he would dispair + die he has just bought 100 + 20 dollars worth of furs for his wife + two daughters What doe we live for Julia has given some small articles Sineed wrote she + Henry + Tamerson ___ Are one A long visit now with _____ team to ____ + Lowells Pots + _____ Mary is at Eamens yet + Tamerson at Deweys have not seen them home Tamerson says Mary must come + help her she can get no time to sew there is about 3 inches of snow but no sleighing ground froze hard Weather cold and blustering the machanics that wer burned out have all got shops + going on again with business _ times ___ hand every thing in the hands of merchants __ are high Salt 4$ pr barrell J R was here yesterday

(The rest of the letter discussed politics and was signed D Carlisle.)

So Hannah was able to send money, even if it was not in a currency that was easy to spend. The relatives in New York have come through. The bureau seemed very important and I would love to know what it contained. Daniel has placed blame for it's loss squarely on Tamerson so I'm not surprised she has not come home. Did Fannie go to Niles to set type? And who is looking after little Arabella?

The above are the only letters from this period that I have transcribed. There were wish lists sent to Hannah. Fannie did go to Niles for a time. The Ashley's sent more money and Tamerson went to visit them in the spring of 1863. Care of Arabella, household chores and keeping Hannah updated fell to Mary and she seemed to resigned to her fate. Hannah tried to manage all of the family's business by mail. By May of 1863 Arabella had joined her mother in Columbus.

I believe that prior to the fire that all of the homes the family had lived in had been rented. Sometime in 1863, most likely with the help of Isaac Ashley, the family bought the property on Main St. that would remain in the family for well over 100 years. Was the fire the push they needed?

Did Hannah stay with the Army because of a sense of patriotism or because the family needed her income? I believe it was some of both but she did have a strong sense of duty.

Would Fannie's life have turned out differently if she hadn't been forced to take a job she didn't want?

Orville D. Carlisle was discharged for disability from the 2nd Michigan Calvary on 4 November 1862. One more unhappy event for the family.


Thanks to Footnote Maven for the COG poster.

Sources:

Buchanan Museum of Art. About page. Viewed 21 July 2009.
http://buchananmuseum.org/about-us.html

Carlisle, Mary E. (Buchanan, MI) to “Dear Mother”
[Hannah Glover Carlisle]. Letter. 1 November 1862. Digital Images 1-3.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1862,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Carlisle, Tamerson Z. (Buchanan, MI) to “Dear Mother”
[Hannah Glover Carlisle]. Letter. 4 November 1862. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1862,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Carlisle, Hannah Glover. (Columbus, KY) to “My Dear Family”
[Daniel Carlisle and children]. Letter. 4 November 1862. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1862,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Carlisle, Daniel. (Buchanan, MI) to “Dear Wife”
[Hannah Glover Carlisle]. Letter. 7 December 1862. Digital Images 1-7.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1862,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Etola Robinson, Dec 31, 1899








Dec. 31st 1899

Dear Friend: I read your letter Tuesday and was very glad to hear from you. think Ashley mite have writen to make it a completed family letter. was just going to wash my dishes when the letter came but I let my dish water cool while I read it.r'ced the papers at the same time for which I am much obliged I see you have had a mad dog scare. has any thing farther resulted from it. I wonder if you are having any cold wether? it is as cold here as I want it hope it will let up soon I intended to go over to Rose's to day but it was so cold I backed out. have not been there since than-

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-ks giving Bell was not very well last wednesday have not seen her since to know how she is. she seemed to be having some kind of blader trouble. said she was going to see a Dr. that after noon I was over to Mishawalka Thursday to see Mrs. Alfont she lives just three blocks from the end of the north side street cat line so you see I do not have far to walk very far when I go there

Monday morning the first day of the new year and it is snowing to beet the band but the wind does not blow much so that is one good thing.

Did you know that Jessie Rose Laenord is dead? I had a letter from Millie not long ago saying she had been dead about four months and that she left a little girl baby which had been taken to the infints home at St. Joe. poor little thing it had better be withh its mother. I am glad the children liked

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there presants I did not have time to see if the books were any good or not for I bought the things as I started to come to Buchanan and had not much time. I knew the perfume would please Tamerson for a few minutes whether it was any good or not.

I think you fared pretty well christmas and I imagine some of the things will cause you to have something to do besides quilt. well blessed is nothing and I recieved nothing and so will have nothing to make.

I suppose Lizzie has gone to Mays Bell does not seeme to envy May in the least. I have not seen Amelia since she came back it

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has been so cold and stormy that I have not gone over and she has not been here for the same reason I could take the car here at the corner and get a transfer but hate to pay car fair.

Monday evening: Well Anna this is what Frank would call writing a letter on instalment but never mind so I get it written I realy intended to finish it this morning but was interrupted. Well I recd. A Christmas present this evening Amelia was over and brought me some crocheted slippers they are read tied with read ribbon so you see I shall be very gay so fareas my feet are concerned Bell and Bird were over also this evening Bell says she is all

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wright again Bird has not ____ any work yet I guess there is not place for her and Me. I recd. A letter from Mrs. Mccomb this morning They are in Bay St. Louis Miss. She says the town is said to be one hundred years old and she is shure it is that much behind the times it is half a mile wide and 13 miles long. Well I guess I have written all I can think of this time

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So will close it is not nearly so cold this evening so I hope one will be able to get out and be comfortable tomorrow.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and hoping to hear from you soon I am yours truly Etoley Robinson



I believe it should be Jessie Rose Leonard but I know nothing else about her. I also think Mrs. Alfont was Mrs Alvord. Amelia Gosline was a roomer in the same house as Toley as Toley at the time of the 1900 census. I'm still working on figuring out who Millie, Bird, Lizzie and May refered to. Why might Bell have been envious of May?


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


Robinson, Etola (South Bend, IN) to “Dear Friend”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle and Tamerson Carlisle]. Letter. 31 December 1899. Digital Images 1-4.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Apr - Dec 1899,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Sarah Ann Camfield, Dec 29, 1899





Dec 29 1899

Dear Children and grand Children

I will try to write once more to let you know that I have not forgotten you we are all well as usual and trying to be happy as we can I have every thing I kneed to be comfortable I have my bed here in the front room and agood coal fire in the other room night and day Joseph sleeps on the couch by the stove so I am not alone we have plenty to eat and why not be happy and content and I am

Now I will tell you about my Christmas presents in the first place Joseph and Roza gave me anice Bible nice large print so I can read it good then Mrs Brady gave me anice handkerchief then Mrs Arnold gave me one then you sent me one or they all said it was for me so I took possesion of it then Mrs Bell Marsh sent me anice black apron with abiad hem on the bottom and avine worked with white silk at the top of the hem

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and Ben sent me a one pound box of candy and Ruby gave me a little red box all trimmed with little sea shells I think it verry of her it only cost one penny you would not think it possible to see it it is large enough to hold two handkerchiefs now I just got a letter from Libby since I commenced this they are well

now I must tell you about our Christmas tree we got alimb of a flower bush called fire in the bush about two weeks ag and put it in acan of warm water and and changed it the same as you would to keep flours fresh and now it 22 beautif flowers and 11 buds not opened yet the lind is twenty inches long no __ nothing but the limb

O forgot in my otherletter to tell you there that I got anice little monument put up at Fathers Grave before I came away so now when you see it is dark marble with white letters x think of it you can think it is marked with his name in large white letters and the date of his birth and death on it S A Camfield

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I wish you a happy new year

write when you can it seems like seeing you to get aletter


I find it cute that Sarah Ann refers to her granddaughter as Mrs. Bell Marsh. Bell = Mabel and her husband, Ben, worked as a candy maker.

I've done a search and can't find the "fire in a bush" that was the family's Christmas tree. Does anyone have any ideas what it was?

Michael's stone must have been replaced. Below is a picture of the stone that I took last year. It isn't marble and the carving is not colored. Sarah has a matching stone so perhaps Michael's stone was replaced at that time.

Michael Camfield 1819 - 1899
Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Branch County, MI



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



Camfield, Sarah Ann (South Bend, IN) to “Dear Children and grand Children”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 29 December 1899. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Apr - Dec 1899,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Monday, July 20, 2009

Rose Graham Camfield, Dec 1, 1899












(1899)

South Bend Dec 1st

dear ann and all of you
I have thought for some time of writing you a letter so will comence now as I have to write several others I have been real buisy since I saw you canned and preserved fruit of different kinds made some lovely quince preserves also tomato preserves besides Jells and other things then we sent some things to Freds folks Bell made the Baby a Cloak and Hood of white Eider down also some dresses and skirts

page 2

then one of my neighbors gave me a lot of things for the baby her own child had out grown them among them was a baby carriage as good as new a little chair and other things and we sent them all to Freds folks also a black wool hood for Grandma the Hood was a present to me and I did not wasnt it it is a real pretty Hood knit in a fancy stitch it will be warmer and better for her than the one Bell made last winter I also sent Robes and quilts for the baby so you see I have been real buisy my own work is a good deal and then if I think of some else it makes me awful buisy

page 3

Bell was here the other day she had just got a letter from freds wife they are all well I am going to write to Mother to night we want you to come and see us christmas and bring the children you would all enjoy it so would we our children havent missed a day yet Pearl starts to the new Building tomorrow morning it is called the colfax school building it is on our street three Blocks from our house Ruby and Leroy havent been transferred to the new school yet but may be any time the madison is very crowded

page 4

we all enjoyed Franks visit more than I can tell I spose all the more for him coming unexpectedly and then he is a soldier and that pleased the children especialy Leroy the thought it a great honor to sit on the fence and have a soldier walk past on our street but to have one in the house to eat with him and be here all the time was too much joy for him alone he told all the other boys and they came and looked to their hearts content, yes we all enjoyed the visit ever so much I spose he has Joined his regiment now

page 5

this is to Danel and Tamerson

well he will only be gone a little over a year and a year is awful short the time soon passes the children are talking of christmas Leroy wants a ship, the poor child hasnt heard any thing else but spanish and american ships for the past year no wonder he wants to own one, and Pearl wants Books and now I am ashamed to say that Ruby longs for a new doll I am tring to shame her out of it a girl almost eleven years old and playing dolls ann this page is for Danel and Tamerson it is to silly for you

scrap of paper, top cut off with scissors

the children all started to school last monday 4 dollars paid for their books and so that is over Mrs Slusser was in to spend the evening and mother and I are going in there before she goes Mrs Arnold is still alive and sends regards

well Pearl is going to mail this so good by
Rose



This is another letter where the year was added at a later date. I believe that 1899 is correct because no gift for Michael Camfield is mentioned. It should be noted that the letter is filed in the incorrect folder.

Frank was Anna and Ashley's oldest child and had been serving in the US Army.

When Rose says "this page is for Danel.." she has spelled Grandpa's name the way it was always pronounced. His name was spelled Daniel and he was named for a long string of Daniel Carlisle's, however he was always called Dan'l.

The scrap of paper at the end appears to belong to this letter is somewhat confusing. Rose's mother died in 1880 so when she refers to "mother" she is talking about her mother-in-law, Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield. On page 2 she seems to indicate that Sarah was still living with Fred and Libbie. Sarah did spend winters with Joe and Rose after Michael died but I don't know when that began.

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


Camfield, Rose Graham (South Bend, IN) to “Dear ann and all of you”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 1 December 1899. Digital Images 1-6.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Jan - Mar 1899,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Elizabeth Warner Camfield, Oct 11, 1899

In Libbie's next letter she talks of household things, the weather and her health. She was talking medicine and feeling well. She thanked Anna for some handkerchiefs and Tamerson for a book that she had made for Libbie's son, Earl.

She also had some sad news to report:
Aunt Ann do you remember my sister Minnie (Mrs. Preston) the one that was here with her husband and little boy, she had a ___ on her finger you know - well her husband died Sept. 20 she found him dead in bed the next morning he was as well as usual the night before - heart disease - she has 3 children the oldest 12, youngest 4, it is the first death in our family of course he was an "in-law" but they had been married about 14 years I guess.



I have not done much research on the Warner family. To find out who Minnie Warner had been married to I checked at Seeking Michigan and found the death certificate for Nelson E. Preston. He was born 1855, Monroe County, NY and died 21 September 1899, the son of Joseph Preston and Sarah Eldred.



From the 1900 census, Noble township, Branch County, MI I learned the names of Nelson and Minnie's children:
Vernon E Preston, born Jan 1888
Lyla A Preston, born Dec 1889
Henry N Preston, born Oct 1895

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


Camfield, Elizabeth Warner (Batavia, MI) to “Dear Aunt and All”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 11 October 1899. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Apr - Dec 1899,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Sarah Ann Camfield, Oct 10, 1899




Batavia October 10th 1899

Dear Children and grand Children

we are as well as usual and enjoying our selves as well as we can we had Mr and Mrs Spero and the two Chlidren here last week they came friday after noon and stayed until sunday morning 10 o'clock also Mrs Plant called last week one day alittle while she was going to Coldwater on buisness she she could not go by without Calling she is going to york state to her Brothers I dont know whether she intended to stay or not she said she would try to come and make us avisit before she went october 11th There is some prospect of rain this morning it is neaded badley every thing is very dry Freds man lift Saturday and he has considerable corn to husk yet hans are

page 2

verry scarse they say it is impossible to get aman to work at any price I went to Coldwater the 2d and sold my place in Noble and had the writing drawn for it so now I have no place any more I get 1,100 dollars for it I have a mortgage on it Libbbies health is poor she is taking medacine all the time it is so dark I cannot see the lines I did not get the Rig pattern of Mrs Vorus will you please send it to me in your next letter now I have rags ready cut and sewed for 15 or 20 yards of carpet what had I better do with them please tell me in your next letter what you think I thought to have it wove and bring it with me to the bend and I thought to fetch the rags and have it wove there but dont know what is best if I could sell them I think that would be ebst but dont know as I can write soon and tell me what you think

S A Camfield


Added scrap of paper

I forgot to tell you I went to Mrs Tiltons last week had agood visit write soon and tell what you think about the rags I have walked up to Mrs Burks twice since I came back


It seems sad that Sarah Ann has sold her home. She hadn't lived there in some time as the house was rented out and they in turn rented another, larger place.

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


Camfield, Sarah Ann (Batavia, MI) to “Dear Children and grand Children”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 10 October 1899. Digital Images 1-3.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Apr - Dec 1899,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Friday, July 17, 2009

Rose Graham Camfield, Sept 26, 1899



South Bend Sept 26th (1899)

Dear ann mother went home to day and Bell went with her, she don't know if she will come back with Bell or wait a while, while she was here she pieced blocks enough for me a quilt, and I dont see as I miss any of the pieces the girls are piecing some, I ma sorting out a roll for Tamerson

I had aunt May come and spend the day last week she could tell mother about the camp meeting at Buchanan she was there 4 days they always go she would have taken mother to the mininite meetings here with her horse and carraige but they have their meetings upstairs and mother could not

page 2

climb three flights of stairs. we had a real good visit last sunday we went on the street car to Mishawaka and visited the orphans home, also stopped at spring brook it was a treat to her and me both she seems so well and chearful for one of her age

to day I washed and made some sweet apple preserves and so you may know I am tired I will not write a very long letter to night as I wrote you a long one the other day. Bell will probably stay at Freds nearly a week she will visit friend in Elkhart also Leroy is writing Danel a letter so I will have to send it with mine well good by wrote soon

Rose


Who was Aunt May!? My best guess is that it must have been Mary E. Graham Edgin, Rose's father's sister. She lived in Niles, MI. If Aunt May was an aunt on Rose's maternal perhaps it was Margaret Doughty Horner, about whom I know very little.

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


Camfield, Rose Graham (South Bend, IN) to “Dear ann”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 26 Sept 1899. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Apr - Dec 1899,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]