Etola Robinson, Nov 27, 1902

South Bend Ind.
Nov 27nd 1902

Fear Friend: have ment to write you some but am so buisy that it is hard to take time. Of corse this is the buisy season in the shop and they want me to work over time but I do not do it only once in a while when I can not very well avoid it. we have had three women to help us but they none of them suit. wish you could be here and help us. you would be better than all three of the ones we have had the work is not so hard but it takes a little common sence and some skill. I have been having some cold for a couple of weeks but it seems better to day the wind is whistleing through the crevices this evening. sounds as if we might have

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some cold wether. well we have had a pleasant faul any way. I suppose you are all ready for winter. I am as near ready as I shall be this side of January. I havent any thing new and shall not have untill I get out of the shop so as to have time to make something.

I have not been over to Joes since I was home. suppose your mother is there now. well I intend to go soon. Thanks giving is at hand are you going to have turkey? there has no one invited me to dinner so I suppose I shall have to eat alone. well I am thankfull to have something to eat. How is the grand daughter geting along? Tell Leib I am going to write to her next sunday tell her I enquired at one place what they were paying for honey and he said .1L but he had all he wanted then. Tell Tamerson to write to me she should note wate for me to write always

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as she has so much more time. Well I guess I must close for this time. with love to all I am yours,
Etoley

Mixed in with the above letter is this undated letter. I believe that the two letters were sent together. The first Anna could share with the family and the second one not.


Well Annie I expect you are wondering how I am geting on with the matter I spoke of when home. Well I am working on the second lesson. do not have half time enough for study but think will get through all wright. wish you could study with me. but I will tell you what I am going to do. I have to send the printed lessons back at the end of the course, but I want them for refferance and shall coppy them when I get out of the shop and then will send them to you and you can learn them and send them back. of corse that will not secure you the diploma but it will give you the knowledge and it may come usefull to

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you some day.

There is nothing certin yet about my recieving the diploma but I intend to work hard for it and I believe I shall get it. If I do not it will be onley one more disappointment.

I did not see Barb Rose when I was home. come to the conclusion that as long as she had enlarged her business she would not care to take this up.

well good by and write soon.

your frind Toley


Privet.


Toley may not have been a relative but I've become quite fond of her and was thrilled when I learned that she had started studying nursing! I was also very saddened that she had no dinner invitation for Thanksgiving. I wonder if her niece, Amelia was still living with her?

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


Robinson, Etola (South Bend, IN) to “Dear Friend”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 27 Nov 1902. Digital Images 1-5.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Apr – Dec 1902,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Tamerson L Carlisle, Sept 17, 1902

Anna's still away and Tamerson writes another letter but not by choice.

Papa wants me to write, so I will. I did not intend to write again but he wants me to write to tell you to stat as long as you want to. because he is at home now. He got through last Saturday night but Tuesday and Wednesday he threshed.

Without actually saying she thinks Anna should come home she lists many reasons why she should. They hired out the laundry and then had to do the ironing. Anna's mother, Sarah Ann, "has had a very lame back for several days nearly ever since you left." Tamerson hadn't been feeling well herself and listed several arches and pains that had been troubling her. One reason listed for Anna to stay was that Tamerson had only made four loaves of bread and was looking forward to having baker's bread when it ran out.

She also included the town's sick report:

Old Mr. East is very sick. I don't know whats the matter. Old Mr. Sparks is not expected to live. I got a letter from Toley last Friday and she said. "Violet Alphont is very sick."

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


Carlisle, Tamerson Louisa (Buchanan, MI) to “Dear Mother”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 17 September 1902. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Apr – Dec 1902,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Daniel M Carlisle, Sept 9, 1902

The next letter was written by my grandfather. In general I am not publishing letters that have not passed out of copyright, however this one was so short I decided to share it rather than try and paraphrase it.



Riverside Pasture
Sept 11, 1902

Tamerson gave me a visit on the R.R. to day. I hope that you are well and happy. Stay as long as you want to. The 2 grandmas and us are getting along pretty well. I had a job offered me on the M.B.H.+C Rail Road at 1.25 per day. I did not except it. I have heard from my gun but do not expect to receive it for two wks.

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What is the new babies name and has she got Red hair. Write soon for I am ancious to hear from you. Good by and excuse poor writing for I am sitting on the bleu rock this side of the little Bridge and holding the paper in my hand.

Ever Yours
Daniel


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


Carlisle, Daniel Michael (Buchanan, MI) to “Tamerson gave me”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 11 September 1902. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Apr – Dec 1902,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Tamerson L Carlisle, Sept 9, 1902

The next letter was written by Tamerson to her mother, Anna. Anna was visiting Frank and Mamie but I'm not certain exactly where they were living.

Dear mother,

I received both of your cards and was glad to get them. We were afraid you would miss your train and have to wait all night at Benton Harbor.

I know that Frank and Mamie were living in Hartford, Michigan in 1903 and a change of trains in Benton Harbor would have made sense if that is where they were in 1902.

The reason for Annie's visit?

How long do you intend to hold that baby? It says in the paper that it was born last Friday.

Frank and Mamie's first child (and Anna's first grandchild), Clara Frances Carlisle was born 31 August 1902. Clara Frances was named for Mamie's sister, Clara Belle Carlisle Sewell and Frances was Mamie's middle name - Mary Frances Carlisle.

The rest of Tamerson's letter talks about school and how the family is getting along in Anna's absence. Apparently Daniel was working as she says:

Daniel was over last Tuesday evening and split some wood for me. He told me if I heard from his - gun to let him know and as I got a postal yesterday, I took it to the R.R. track this morning. I took a pencil + some paper so he wrote a letter to you.

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


Carlisle, Tamerson Louisa (Buchanan, MI) to “Dear mother”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 11 September 1902. Digital Images 1-6.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Apr – Dec 1902,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Sarah Ann Camfield, April 8, 1902

South Bend April 8th 1902

Dear Children and friends


I will try to write once more to let you knwo we are all well as usual and hope you are the same I got aletter from Elizabeth last week and one from Wirt not very long ago I dont know if I told you in the other letter or not I have been looking for one from Ella nut have not got it yet

I am all alone again so I thought to write but its nothing new to be alin awhile almost every day Rose has an errand to town three or four times aweek and some times more but I am glad to be alone it is preferble to so much noise and confusion

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I have been sewing carpet rags this for noon I am getting most done I dont know what I shall do next I got all sowed up week before last and wondered what I should do but Mrs Brady gave me a lot I have two or three balls to sew yet there will be 4 or 5 pounds of them she says she is going to piece a block for your pattern quilt before I go out there I want to piece one more if I can I almost forgot to tell you that Frank called on us and how glad we all was to see him than they did last winter to see Ben and Bell when they here I donot know of any one I should have been any gladder to see

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apr 9th

I have not seem Tola since she made my dress then she made my bedtick I wanted to change the feathers but did not think I could but 3 week ago I thought I would try so went at it and done it nicely allalone there is two meetings here closeby I intendid to go but I have one of my spells of cold in my head or catarrh I have to sit with my handkerchief inone hand and write with the other to finish my letter Ruby is going to write to Tammerson

from your affection Mother
hoping to see you soon S A Camfield good by



Marshall Wirt Wisner was Sarah Ann's youngest brother. Sarah Elizabeth Hall Beldon and Ella Hall McKinnon were her nieces, daughters of Maryetta Wisner Hall.

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


Camfield, Sarah Wisner (South Bend, IN) to “Dear Children and friends”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 8 April 1902. Digital Images 1-3.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Apr – Dec 1902,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Etola Robinson, March 30, 1902

1902
South Bend Ind March 30th

Dear Annie: I can not remember the time when I heard from you but I think I owe you a letter has not this been a fine easter day? have not been any place to day intended to go to church but it was so stormy all day did not do ot wanted to go to hear the musis Paule Alfont was to play in the paptist this morning and the presbyterian this evening she often plays.

I wonder how you are all geting along? should like so much to see you. Rose called on me week before last but I was not at home.

am having plenty of work now and looks like it would continue all summer. I wonder what is the

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matter with Abb. have not had a letter from him since November and none from Lib since she was hear wonder if she hears from Walt I have not heard since they went from here.

I see by last nights paper that there is a chance of the electric road going through Buchanan after all if it does I think I shall get there more than once a year.

how are the kittens geting along expect they are as big as their mother by this time.

I expect you are thinking about cleaning house I am too but can have nothing new so so not feel very much enthused about it did want a new

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carpet so badly but can not have it but Annie I am almost out of debt have got Mrs Mccombs and Dr. Thomas paied. owe Dr. Myers a little do not know how much but do not think it can be over $5.00 Just think there is the savings of two years gone for a few weeks of illness but I am glad to get out of it that easy and be well.

I suppose you have read of the Singer strike it is apparently no nearer settlement than at first ecery thing is quiet and it has nearly reared to be spoken off.

Monday evening: will try and finish this letter this has been another miserable

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March is giving us a parting breeze well ought not to grumble it has not been very hard on us I have not had to buy any coal this month have only used $7.00 this winter and an other Dollars worth will take me through the spring and sumer I think.

do you ever go down to see Sarah? she and peater are boath poorly this spring wish we had them over here and nicely settled so we could take care of them.

give my love to the while family and tell Tamerson will write to her before long

write soon and I will try not to wate so long before answering next time. I am as ever your friend Toley

Abb and Sarah were Toley's siblings.

Toley's long hospital stay really cost her. I admire her for working to pay off the debt rather than buy things she wanted and put off the payments.


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


Robinson, Etola(South Bend, IN) to “Dear Annie”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 30 March 1902. Digital Images 1-4.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Jan – Mar 1902,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Sarah Ann Camfield, March 15, 1902

South bend March 15 1899 [1902]

Dear Children and Grand Children

we are all well and this will find you all enjoying the same blessing this is such a beautiful spring morning I have been out taking a walk and called on a neighbor it very hard walking on acount of the ice

I thought I had blocks enough for three quilts one for each of the girls and comenced setting one to gather and found I had only just half enough so you see I am not out of work yet

Fred is with us yet he has rented a house two weeks ag but Libby has not come yet

I got a letter from Mrs Plant aweek ago she is in Newyork state will come back in March to burr oak

them bulbs did not grow

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I suppose you know today would be Fathers eighteth birth day if he was alive I have read two sermons this morning and Called on a nabor and peeled potatoes for dinre and written this letter and made my bed and it is onl eleven oclock I do not mean to brag but am so glad I am able to do it and try to be thankful for the blessings of health that I can do it

I feel to prais the giver of all health ana strength and power


S A Camfield

write when and as often as you can

PS
I send you this star so you can see the size of my work I had 126 stars thought for 3 quilts 48 for each it wants 84 Bells the star is all pink and out side blue the others will be all kinds just as they come I have Bells partly cut out togather have 14 stars to peace yet



1899 is written on this letter but I can not tell if it was added later. Mike would have turned 80 in 1902. There is a letter by Libbie Camfield written 15 Mar 1899 that firmly places Sarah in Batavia that year. Either the date was added later or Sarah Ann was missing Mike and put his death year on the letter by mistake.

Sarah Ann's break from piecing either did not last long or I still haven't properly dated this letter!

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


Camfield, Sarah Ann (South Bend, IN) to “Dear Children and Grand Children”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 15 March 1899 [1902]. Digital Images 1-2.
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.]

Sarah Ann Camfield, March 6, 1902

South Bend March 6th 1902

Dear Children

we are well and hope you are I am alone so I would write to you to let you know that we have not forgotten you I am not peasing anymore I am carpet ragging I have about ten good balls sewed and enough torn to make about two more balls now if you would like them I will make what I can but if not I will stop and find some else to do I have got the blocks for the three quilt done and two over I believe that makes twenty six since two years ago the 12th of last november

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ther is more pieces but I have got so tired of it I do not want to do any more of it and I dont know as any wants any more quilts

I got apicture of Wirt and his two boy about two weeks ago and a letter from him last week I have not had any from Elizabeth yet since I wrote to her

how is the Cremery is it running yet it will seem strange to Jim Woods folks to live out in the Country I should think Joseph thinks it must be the Cathaway they have got

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I dont know what this is a piece of but thought I would send it to Tamerson

Joseph and Rose is talking of buying alot this spring I dont know whether it will be any thing but talk or not I have down town once since I back to the bend and I went and spent the day with Mrs Tampson that is all I have been away only to meeting I have been serveral times in the evenings as well as in the day time I believe itold you they built a new Church close by it is just about as down to the Osborn plac from your place ther has als bee built a minnonite Church built about as far as down to McKnight corner I think

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I have not been there but think of going when the weather is more settled I can go the biggest half of the on the street so it wont be very bad I can go once in awhile any way it will be better than sitting here day after day that is gettin quite tire some I am getting anxious for the time to when I can come to Buchanan for a but I shall hate to go away now and leave the meetings it is such acomfort to go we got aletter from Libby this after noon they are well well I am tired and guess you will be when you get done reading this. So good by for this tine

S A Camfield

Marshall Wirt Wisner was Sarah Ann's youngest brother. I did not find his letter or picture. Sarah Elizabeth Hall Belden was her niece. Elizabeth "Libby" Warner Camfield was married to Sarah's grandson Fred. Fred lived with Michael and Sarah Ann for years and was more like a son to her. I believe Fred was living with his parents and Sarah Ann in South Bend and Libby and son Earl were still in Branch County, Michigan. Wood's and McKnight's were family friends in Buchanan.

Twenty-six hand pieced quilts in 2 1/2 years. I think I would have wanted to do something else too. I wish I knew how big the rag balls were and what what she did with them.

I'm not sure what churches were in Buchanan at that time and I should look into it as Sarah mentions missing meetings when she stayed there. The family lived out at the edge of town and on a hill so perhaps it was just too much of a walk for her to get to any of the churches.

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. 6 March 1902. Digital Images 1-4.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Jan – Mar 1902,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Sarah Ann Camfield, Jan 6, 1902

South Bend January 6th 1902

Dear Children and all

we are well and hope you are also this is a lovely day alittle cold but fair I suppose you are looking for aletter from me so will try to make one for you I have pieced up all of the strips you gace me and some besides and made stars two quilts one for you and one for Rose hers I have filled out and made them square yours is just stars I did not know what color you would like and I havepiced 16 blocks apiece for the tw of the alike that we started when I was there and I have 9 for the one I left there I think I had ninw there and nine here so that will be eighteen for the one and 16 each for the other ones

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and 9 sample blocks for your patern quilt you will laugh when you see them I amsure I have torn 4 or 5 pounds of carpet rages have not sewed any you will think I have braged enough so will quit though I do not meen to brag only tell you so you will now I have not been sick nor idle

last monday I recieved a nice roll of peacs of calicoes from Ella they are real nice ones and they were kept so nice there was not a wrinkle in them and they were roled up just as smooth as could be she said in her letter I did not tell you I got aletter from her the day after newyear she said if I did

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not like them to put them all in the ragbag but I shall not for I am glad of them and think them very nice between Christmas and newyear I recieved a letter from Mrs Warner she wrote one two pages and Mr Warner wrote one and half and Minie she is the widdowed sister of Libby she wrote most two pages I thought I would get aletter from wart or Elizabeth about the holiday but have not yet well about my Christmas present got 6 handkerchielf and 2 books one big Orange Joseph got me twbladed knife about the size of yours Rose got me flannel for a dress I suppose she told you.

She said Fred and Libby sent 5 dollars for Christmas

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I donot like it atall and I do not see that I kneed it she als got abasket it is apretty basket but I have no use for it.

you need not put your self out any to come to make it I understand by what she said that she asked you to come hae and make it but dont have any trouble about it the gloves you sent me are more than nice and I wore them to meeting Christmas and twice since I thank you for them and also Tamerson for the handkerchief I suppose Rose thanked you for the rug I have not been in one house but ours and the Church since I came here

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I must tell you about the meeting at this new Congregatinal Church here where I go on Christmas day every one seemed to enjoy it so much but when the meeting was out then every one was on there feet and shaking hands and greeting each other and O they they all seemed so happy I never was any where all seeme so united and hapy in my life but I cannot begin to put it on paper but I can feel it when I think of it it seemed like happyneys itself

from your loving Mother
S A Camfield


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


Camfield, Sarah Wisner (South Bend, IN) to “Dear Children and all”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 6 January 1902. Digital Images 1-5.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Jan – Mar 1902,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Etola Robinson, Jan 5, 1902

South Bend Ind. Jan. 5th 1902 (423)

Dear Anna: I will try and answer your letter which I was very glad to recieve. I am very well. weigh 122 3/4 pounds have not quite caught up with you yet but am geting there you see. I am working all the time but there is not much in it. am working at the Furriers part of the time was there nine days along about thanksgiving to help them over the rush and now the regular hand has left them to over see the sweepers at the hospille and so they are giving me all the work there is but at this time of the year it will not be much probily two or three days out of the week but they are holding put the hope of giving me the place next season and if they do it will amount to something the remainder of

page 2 (425)

the time I have managed to have something to do but as I say there is not much in it I have not made my new waist yet shouldlike to have a new corset to fit it over and do not fell hardly able it get ot.

how do you like the cloth off my new suit? it looks very nice on me will send you a cut of my jacket the cloth was $1.00 per yard and I had three and one half yards. it cost me all together $4.32 so you see my handkerchief nearly paid for it I used those big buttons I had on that light grey dress of mine you remember them do you not?

(I shall have to fall back onto my led pencle for that pen lets the ink sown to rapidly) I thought I might possibly come home x miss but did not get my suit

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made in time and did not have anything else fit to ware. am now making a cloak for Frankie Walling out of her mothers plush cape it will be quite pretty. Purl was over here today the first time I have seen any of them since you were here she says they are all well. said grand ma did not go to church this morning because she read untill it was to late to get ready. Rose sent word for Amelia and I to come over next sunday and spend the day. I do not suppose Amelia will go but I probily shall.Purl and I went over to Mrs. Marshes I hapened to mention your having been here and my not being at home and she woundered "why you did not step acros the street/" I told her you only had a few minutes time. how does it come that Clint is home this winter.

[There is nothing more. I may have missed a page when I was photographing the file]

Pearl Camfield and Mabel Marsh were duaghters of Rose Graham Camfield.

EDIT 19 May 2010 - Amelia Gosline was Toley niece and roommate. Clint Voorhees was Toley's nephew.

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


Robinson, Etola (South Bend, IN) to “Dear Friend”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 5 January 1902. Digital Images 1-3.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Jan – Mar 1902,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]