Sarah Ann Camfield, Nov 9, 1903

South Bend Nov 9th 1903

Well Anna

I suppose you think it is time to hear from me well I have been buisy doing nothing it seems to me I have not been feeling as usual I have quite a cough and am lamer than I have been but I will be all right after alittle I think Rosa is tiing some Comforters she has tied two and is finishing another today that is all she is going to do thay have been mooving stoves that is done now we are going to have three stoves running this winter we ought to be warm

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the hard coal stove is in the front room and the little wood stove is in the dining room right by my bedroom dore so you see I can be warm if we can get coal there is potatoes and apples in the seller to last some time I dont know how many and they made 13 gallons of crout so you see were provided for awhile any way and 1 hundred quarts of canned fruit the Mothers meeting was at our house the day before I came home and last week it was near enough so I went and this week wensday it will be here again the first sunday I was home I went to the Evangelical Church

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I think I left two pocket handkerchief in the pocket of your cape it seems as if there was something else but donot know if you will send them I will be Obliged Joseph has been out of work ever since I have been home to day he is at work on the sewer I believe I have not called on any of the neighbors yet nor seen Mrs Gallop she is taking care of the same woman she was when Joseph was here for 5 five dollars per week I think she better stick to it if it is money she is after and of coure it is and nothing else from your Loving Mother S A Camfield

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every thing is straitened up now there is one paper we have have not got but it is ready when we call for it the money is out on interest at six percent the same ast was before so that is off my mind for two years

I wrote to Elizabeth belden yesterday today and tomorrow I think to write to Ella did you send the one I left for misses Plant of coare you did


Interesting that Sarah Ann had an investment and struggling to have enough money most of her life.

I wonder if Grandpa Joe was rethinking giving up barbering when he had to take work on the sewer? I was never clear on why he gave up his barber shop.

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


Camfield, Sarah Wisner (South Bend, IN) to “Well Anna”
[Sarah Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 9 November 1903. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1903-1904,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Sarah Ann Camfield, Oct 12, 1903

Buchanan October 12th 1903

Dear Children this is Monday morning and I thought I would begin my task of writing letters by writing to you for I thought you would be most interested in it I received 15 letters Fraiday and one saturday I got one from Jud Sweeting did you write to him he said he received a letter frome me the day before I thought it must have been from you and he thought it was fro me I never wrote to him I supposed they were out west I did not know they were in Bronson

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now for the writers of the letters it was a perfect surprise to me Anna had six that she had got but said nothin about till Friday morning they came and put them in my lap bed had them looked over Ashley had been to the Office threw another lot in my lap then the wonder was more than ever wen they had had fun enough of seeig mybewilderment Anna explained it to me I had never heard of such a thing I think there could not have been a more complete surprise

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Mr and Mrs Warner of Noble ane from Mrs Orrie Smith one from Mrs Ola Harris and Harrises niece that is taking of one from Mrs Plant of Bur Oak one from Mrs Bloat Bell plant motherin inlaw of sherwood I never saw her nor hardly heard of her but she wrote a splendid letter also one from Mrs Spero and one from Mrs James Burk Batavia and one from Mrs Minlin Batavia and Mrs Bogardus of Noble Mrs Elizabeth Belden of Wisconsin Mrs Ella Mc Kinnon of Minnesota and Mrs Libby Camfield of Kansas palace and one from Mr Earl Camfield of the same

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your letter came Friday morning and the picture saturday I think you and Earl look very natural but I cannot much of Freds looks in him Anna says he is in the dark more I know I cannot see near as well as I could last year not ever last spring wel I do not of any thin more only to thank your part in the party I thought you would like to know how it came I think it was verry nice indeed

[no signature]

What a nice birthday surprise for Sarah Ann! Most of the letters I have of hers were written to her daughter Anna. I don't know how this letter written to her son in South Bend, IN came to be saved.

Warner, Smith and Harris were related to Libbie Warner Camfield (Fred's wife).

Sweeting, Plant, Bloat, Spero, Burk and Minlin were neighbors of Sarah Ann when she lived in Branch County, MI.

Mary Bogardus was the wife of Henry, see link below.

Elizabeth Belden and Ella McKinnon were Sarah Ann's nieces and letters they wrote to Anna can be found with the Hall Family letters link below.

Libbie and Earl writing from Kansas was a big surprise for me. I knew that Fred and Libby left Chicago for a time and that at some point they lived in the Ozarks but I didn't know that they tried Kansas first.

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Michael Camfield
Henry Bogardus, Shirt-tail Cousin
Hall Family Letters

Camfield, Sarah Wisner (Buchanan, MI) to “Dear Children”
[Joseph Harrison Camfield]. Letter. 12 October 1903. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1903-1904,
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.]

Effie McFarlane to Anna Carlisle March 12, 1922

Moline, Ill Mar. 12, 1922

Dear Cousin Anna,

Remembering the letters exchanged between mother and Aunt Sarah and your own letters at the time of her death I thought you might be interested to know of mother’s passing. She left us Jan. 20 and we took her to our old home, Waukegan, Ill., and laid her by my father. She had a light stroke of paralysis the 1st of Oct.

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but recovered quickly and almost entirely. She had her second stroke Jan 8. and lingered till the 20th. She was unable to speak after the second stroke. She just gradually slept away the last week.

She has always lived with me and I am terribly lonely but glad she didn’t linger long in that state. My little three year old daughter is lost of company and comfort.

Truly yours,
Effie Belden McFarlane
404 – 4th ave.



For more see:
Carlisle - Wisner Letters
Family of William Wisner
Descendants of Maryetta Wisner
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Margie's Ancestors - McKinnon Pictures



McFarlane, Effie Belden (Moline, Illinois) to “Dear Cousin Anna” [Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 12 March 1922. Digital Images 1-2. Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Snowville, New York. 2008. [Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1921 – 1922, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Ella McKinnon to Annie Carlisle June 15, 1913

Mapleton Minn
June 15th 1913

My dear Cousin
I do not remember who wrote last but I feel as if I ought to write to you anyway I hope you are well. I am most of the time feeling fine too. I have had a good deal to do all the spring so far am in hope a rest will come by & by.

Elizabeth & Effie are here now to stay until some time in Aug I think. And of course that makes always a little more to do if it is your own folks even you always do a little different

Reverse of page 1

I like to have them here. Then tomorrow Ella is starting for the Summer school so as to get ready to teach. Then too Belle was here a few days last week. she was married out there the 10th and came home after her things she had here and left again Sat. morning that is all we have seen her since the last of Sept. it was no satisfaction at all. seems as is she had not been home at all. The next month I expect Eunice Wisner will be here for a little while do not know how long she will stay. I had been loking to a rather lonesome summer but it is getting to be full after all. you had better come too then we would all be together

2

Oh dear it has been so hot today I have not taken any comfort at all. where there are so many to cook for we can not all go and come home and get dinner it takes too long so I stayed at home and this evening has been too warm then I had several letters I wanted to write so that was another excuse. We have had a very cold backward spring May was rather wet but has been very dry for quite a while and if we do not have rain soon will not have many strawberries as the vines are drying up so we had the promise of a lot of them and they are just beginning to ripen but will not be

Reverse of page 2

with out some rain gardens are alright as yet but will not stand it much longer without rain. but corn needs just such weather it is very much behind wheat it ought to be at this time of year but we had so much rain just at planting time that it was late getting planted.

Well I cannot think of anymore this time as I must write another before they gett home from church or I will not get it done as they all talk at once generally. I hope you will not wait as long as I did but answer this soon. I hope this will find as well as it leaves us.

With much love to all
I am as ever your loving
Cousin Ella


I love how Ella slips in the biggest news "Then too Belle was here a few days last week. she was married out there the 10th and came home after her things she had here and left again Sat. morning that is all we have seen her since the last of Sept. it was no satisfaction at all. seems as is she had not been home at all." No details or even her new name and address! Mary Belle McKinnon married Henry George Leick and this letter confirms the date I had of 10 June 1913. I believe "out there" was Grand Rapids, North Dakota. Belle wore a white dress and had a very large and pretty bouquet. Margie has Belle & George's wedding photo here.

Elizabeth Hall Belden was Ella's sister and Effie her daughter.

Eunice Ann Fenlon Wisner was the widow of Ella's cousin, George H. Wisner.

Ella was Ella's daughter and it seems she is preparing to teach school too. I've been surprised at the number of women in the family that were teachers.

For more see:
Carlisle - Wisner Letters
Family of William Wisner
Descendants of Maryetta Wisner
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Margie's Ancestors - McKinnon Pictures



McKinnon, Ella Hall (Mapleton, Minnesota) to “My dear Cousin” [Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 15 June 1913. Digital Images 1-4. Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Snowville, New York. 2008. [Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1913-1914, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Elizabeth Belden to Annie Camfield Mar 3, 1912

Benedict Nebr Mar 3

My Dear Cousin

Your letter telling of Aunt’s death reached me yesterday; am pleased to have you notify me so promptly.

The news, though sad, is not of course wholly unexpected as at her great age we could not expect to have her here much longer at the best; I am so glad she was able to keep up to the last, to be not just a care but to enjoy the family life, to do little things to while away the hours & to appreciate the care and love I am sure you gave her.

It’s a pleasure to me that she could write me such a

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Little while ago: I thought then that probably it would be the last I would ever get from her and I value it as such.

You cannot fail to miss her and I am sure you will all long remember her; my Father and she were the same age his birthday being Oct 23 and he has been gone more than 20 years but we often think and speak of him

We have had a hard winter here, cold and stormy: yesterday was one of the worst storms of the year; at least of snow and wind it was not as cold as others have been and we hope it will be the last

I had to make a path this morning before we could get out of the gate

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and to our coal house it was more than half way to my waist

Today there has been snow in the air at intervals and looks as though there might be more.

We live only a block from the school house and the town runs a snow plow to the building so that Effie can always get to her work but these days are unpleasant in spite of these advantages
We have been well so far in spite but sometimes I think the later weather with its mud and wet is harder on us

With love and best regards to all of you I will close and sign myself
Your loving cousin
S Elizabeth Belden
Hope to hear from you again



Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield died in February 1912, at the age of 94. There were other condolence letters dated late in the month. Sarah Ann was buried next to her husband in Bronson, MI. Some of the other letters refer to a severe snow snow that the mourners had to travel through.

For more see:
Carlisle - Wisner Letters
Family of William Wisner
Descendants of Maryetta Wisner
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Margie's Ancestors - McKinnon Pictures



Belden, Sarah Elizabeth Hall (Benedict, Nebraska) to “My Dear Cousin” [Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 3 March 1912. Digital Images 1-3. Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Snowville, New York. 2008. [Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Hermon Hall to Annie Carlisle Jan 15, 1912

Waukegan Ill Jan 15/12

Anna and All,
In looking over some old letters last eve I came across one from you dated July 13th no year but know it was about 2 years ago or more

I am ashamed that I did not answer it before but you must excuse and lay it on the Wisner that is in me none of us being noted for our letter writing. I hardly ever write. (to my sisters even) only as I have had to on some business other. I do not know how much of a letter I will make out of this

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time. were much pleased to get the picture of the 4 generations and think a good picture of all as I saw Joe a few years ago. (By the way he promised to write when he left here have not heard from him direct we Sarah & I came near or was out in Minn a short time after he left there 2 years ago)
and the one of Aunt is such as I remember her of course I never saw the others but think them good ones

It is long since your folks left this state and of course you do not remember many of the people here. so any thing I might write about them would not interest you very much yet I will say for Aunts remembrance about all of the old friends and neighbors are gone mostly all dead

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Mrs Culver still lives at Grays Lake now Dan & Ruth Avery both live in Chicago Sam & John are both dead Belle (Culver) White and husband are both dead in fact I can not sort out the ones there were here at that time from those that came soon after I could go on a long letter of the changes in the people here since you went away

I was out to Mapleton this fall while there Ella got a letter from you so I heard a little of how you are there but of course only what was told me
Ella’s son John is here now been

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here about 3 weeks I think he will go back soon there is not much to do here so he is not at work and the last two weeks have been the severest winter weather we have experienced in 20 years The thermometer registering 10 from 14 below up to zero the whole time about all anyone wants to do is to keep fires I did not use to think 10 below was very cold but now it pinches I can tell you
I suppose you know that Elizabeth is in Nebraska Emmits widow lives here in town Lulu with her May is at Wheaton Ill
Marthas boy Wirt is in the west you are in correspondence with some of Ellas folks so know as much about them as I can tell you

I guess this will do for this time and if you will answer this I will try to do better for a little while afterward
Your cousin, H.W. Hall


Top of page 1, upside down

We are all well as usual and hope you are the same through Ella I heard that Aunt was enjoying good health and I hope she will continue to do so until she rounds out a century

Top of page 3, upside down

My address is on the envelope
I forgot to say there is only 3 or 4 inches of snow here nor has there been yet at any one time this winter
Hermon


Hermon Hall 1846-1916 was the son of William Hamlin Hall and Maryetta Wisner Hall. In 1872 he married Sarah Ann Dayton 1850-1935. Anna and Joe were his cousins and Aunt their mother, Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield. Hermon had three children and six grandchildren at the time he wrote this letter. I wish he'd shared something about them!

I believe this is the picture that Hermon refers to. It is a four generation picture of Roland Earl Camfield born 1898, his father, Frederick Camfield born 1874, his father, Joseph Camfield born 1847 and his mother Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield born 1817.

Earl, Fred, Joe and Sarah Ann Camfield c. 1901

John McKinnon was visiting in Illinois in 1912 and must have arrived about Christmas time in 1911. Ella wrote on 16 September 1908 that he would be traveling in Colorodo and Iowa. I have not located him on the 1910 census. It appears that he may have traveled around for quite some time.

Hermon confirms that his sister, Elizabeth Hall Belden is still in Nebraska.

Their brother, Emmit Hall died in 1904. His widow was Eva Bangs Hall 1857-1925. They had two children, Eva May Hall born 1877 and Lulu Belle Hall born 1880. Lulu was still with her mother for the 1920 census and still single at the time of the 1930 census. Eva May is not listed with her mother in either 1910 or 1920 and I have yet to find her, although she may be listed in Chicago in 1910. I believe that both daughters remained spinsters.

Martha Hall Fairman's son, Wirt Hall Fairman, Sr is another member of the family that I have some work left to do for. In 1910 he was listed on the census in Jerome, Lincoln County, ID. On the 1920 census he was living in Dixon, Lee County, IL and his son Wirt' Jr's was listed as age 4 and born in Idaho so for now I assume that he remained in Idaho until sometime between 1916 and 1920.

The Culver family may not have been related but they seem to be important to the Wisner's and Hall's.


For more see:
Carlisle - Wisner Letters
Family of William Wisner
Descendants of Maryetta Wisner
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Margie's Ancestors - McKinnon Pictures


Hall, Hermon W (Waukegan, Illinois) to “Anna and All” [Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 15 January 1912. Digital Images 1-4. Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Snowville, New York. 2008. [Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Earle, Fred, Joe and Sarah Ann Camfield. Digital image privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Snowville, NY. 2008. Original photograph held by Uncle Bill, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Buchanan, MI. 1999.]

Elizabeth Belden To Sarah Ann Camfield Dec 19, 1910

Benedict Nebr Dec 19th

My Dear Aunt

Do you realize it is almost Christmas again and I want you to know I have not forgotten you but wish you once again Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I hope this will find you in your usual health as it leaves us: we have both been having colds but not serious ones

Effie’s school closed Friday for two weeks vacation and we expect to go to Malcolm in a few days to spend Christmas with our cousins

We are having fine weather

(reverse pg 1)

We had quite a fall of snow a couple of weeks ago and there was good sleighing for several days which is not common here but it has thawed a good deal for several days and the snow is about gone

Not many have sleighs of any kind but I assure you the children have enjoyed the snow: there is a little hill in front of our house and the school children have thoroughly enjoyed it

Have you heard from sister Ella lately? If so you will know that they have sold their farm and will move in town in the spring It will be easier for Jake and Ella but I don’t know as they will know what to do with themselves.

We are not doing much for Christmas

2

this year; I have not tried to do any fancy work this year: my eyes tire too quickly to use them for anything more than necessary work and Effie does not do much of it anyway. and she has been kept too busy with her school work to do more than that

Hermon’s folks have not written for a long time: they don’t write often but a few days ago they sent me a roll of Waukegan papers with which I was pleased

We have a Christmas entertainment at the Church and Effie will be helping about it every day this week. That is a part of each day It takes so much time for those things

(reverse pg 2)

but they must be done

Our pastor met with an accident about 3 weeks ago. he fell from a buggy or was thrown and broke his wrist. the right one; the Dr. said it was a bad break but he is an energetic young man and it has not entirely laid him up

Now I must close this hoping to hear from you again: tell Annie just a few lines to let me know you are will It will not take her long and shall be much pleased

With best wishes for the season for you all we remain
Your loving nieces
Elizabeth Belden
&
Effie

I could not make out a year for this letter but it was in the 1910 folder so that is what I've gone with.

There were no letters for 1909 and none from Ella in 1910 either so it's nice that Elizabeth mentions her upcoming move in this letter.

For more see:
Carlisle - Wisner Letters
Family of William Wisner
Descendants of Maryetta Wisner
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner


Belden, Sarah Elizabeth Hall (Benedict, Nebraska) to “My Dear Aunt” [Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield]. Letter. 19 December 1910. Digital Images 1-4. Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Snowville, New York. 2008. [Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1910-1911, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Elizabeth Belden to Sarah Ann Camfield Jan 28 1910

Benedict Nebr Jan 28th

My Dear Aunt
I was so pleased to get your letter: I have been thinking of writing to you before this and I hardly know why I have not: it is more carelessness than because I could not find the time. though I really do keep pretty busy.

Effie’s school duties keep her occupied so much of the time that she can do little at home so I have nearly all to do and I don’t have much time to play

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We have had such a hard winter so far: it has taken so much of the time to keep warm that is to bring in ____ and keep the fires

It has been thawing for several days so I don’t suppose the snow will be with us much longer though it threatens more today and but may grass over.

I have heard from both Hermon and Ella lately: they and their families were well but Herman wrote of George Wisner’s failing heath: I think it certain that he will not be here long and perhaps you remember he is just the age of Joseph and myself

Joseph’s being in Nov I believe mine in Jan and George’s in March so he is the youngest of the three.

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I do not think anyone has heard of Uncle Wirt since Uncle Henry’s death. Not that I have been able to find out

We have kept real well this winter for which I am very grateful: in fact in spite of the extreme cold weather there has been but very little sickness in this locality

Once more I must tell you how glad I am to hear from you and that you are able to write and hope I may hear from you again: I don’t mean to neglect you either but will write oftener: I am getting careless about it.

Love to all and best wishes
Your niece Elizabeth Belden

This letter was in the folder for undated correspondence 1900-1940. I think I can safely date it 1910 because Elizabeth wrote a letter in Dec 1908 from Kilbourn, WI and if she had moved to Nebraska in the last month I would expect some mention of it so this wasn't written in 1909. The next letter, written Dec 19, I could not find a year on but it was included in the 1910 folder so I doubt this letter was written just six weeks later. Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield died sometime in 1912 and while it is possible that this was written that year, I think it improbable. That leaves us with early 1910.

I still do not have a year of death for George Wisner, only that he died between the 1910 and 1920 census.

As far as I know, Uncle Marshall Wirt Wisner was still a widower and living in Eau Clair, WI in 1908. He was the youngest of the Wisner children and 16 years younger than Sarah Ann.

For more see:
Carlisle - Wisner Letters
Family of William Wisner
Descendants of Maryetta Wisner
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner


Belden, Sarah Elizabeth Hall (Benedict, Nebraska) to “My Dear Aunt” [Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield]. Letter. 28 January circa 1910-1915. Digital Images 1-2. Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Snowville, New York. 2008. [Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, Undated c. 1900-1940, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Elizabeth Belden to Sarah Ann Camfield Dec 28, 1908

Kilbourn, Wis Dec 28th 09 08

My Dear Aunt
I am ashamed that I have not written you before this and have intended doing so but just allowed myself to neglect it.

First I want to thank you for the pretty pin ball you sent by Belle; I am very proud of it because it is pretty but most of all because it is your work

I am pleased to show it and tell people that it is the work of my only living aunt and at your age too; I have few things I prize more and Effie wishes me to thank you for her for the card you sent her

Well Christmas has come and past; at least the day is past but I am sure the spirit of the time

(reverse page 1)

will last a much longer time with us

I was a quiet day here; when there is but two we cannot be very merry; when such days come I miss my friends and wish we could eat our dinner with some the few dear ones who are left me
We were both well remembered at Christmas; several handkerchiefs and acrds a pretty handkerchief box for me.

Effie got a pretty necktie a handkerchief a silk opera bag a silk petticoat and several cards and aprons and a few little trinkets.

Wasn’t it nice to see Belle and you had a good visit with her while we only had a call but was glad to get that much

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I must write to Ella too and I have a book I intend sending her and have neglected it

We have had the finest weather all the time so far; have now snow for fine sleighing and the town is taking advantage of it I don’t expect a sleighride though I should enjoy one very much Effie expects to go this evening; her S.S. teacher lives a few miles in the country and has invited her class for the evening: they will drive in after them and bring them back

Effie is at home all the time this winter as she has a position in the Kilbourn City school and we live only a block from her work, so you see I have it very pleasant.

(reverse page 2)

We are only the same distance from our church so we have no reason to stay from its services and we are there always if we are able and have not been kept at home by sickness very many days.

We had our Christmas exercises Christmas eve, and tonight both the Episcopals and the Presbyterians have theirs: I think I shall go to one of them.

Now Auntie I hope you will be able to answer this but if not tell Annie I shall look to her to let me hear from you as I am always so pleased to hear; remember us to all the family and my best love and prayers for you

From your affectionate niece
S. Elizabeth Belden

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I must add a little more to my letter to say that I enjoyed my visit to Lake Co this summer very much though there is but little that will be of interest to you as nearly all of those you would know about or remember are gone to their last home and everything is changed so much since you were here.

But I must tell you about Mrs Culver: I took supper with her & she asked after you; you would be surprised to see how she keeps and looks so young

She is 84 and does all the work for herself and Sim and even the washing and goes whenever and wherever she wants to and is not very gray I was pleased to see her. Julie lives near her but is nearly white

(reverse page 3)

She is the only girl left her though The boys are both living

Mr Shultis has gone and really there are not many left: George Wisner has failed a good deal since I saw him last. more than I expected he would.

Well I will close once more
With love
Elizabeth


Sarah Elizabeth Hall Belden was the daughter of William Hamlin and Maryetta (Wisner) Hall and in 1908, Ella McKinnon's only living sister. She is writing to Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield who would have been 91 at the time.

I have written before that I don't know much about Elizabeth. In last few days I have learned a bit. She was married to Ephraim Belden on 18 December 1875. I can find him on them on the 1880 census in Waukegan, Lake, IL. In 1900 Elizabeth was living in Poynette, Columbia, WI and was listed as married but Ephraim was not listed with her. From this letter I know that in 1908 she was living in Kilbourn, WI, which is now known as Wisconsin Dells. In 1910 she and daughter, Effie, were living in Elk, Lancaster, NE and she is listed as a widow. An undated letter, that I think was written in January 1910, was written from Benedict, NE as was one dated December 1910. In 1920 I find her living with her daughter, Effie, and son-in-law Thomas McFarlane, in Moline, Rock Island, IL. Was she already a widow in in 1900 or was Ephraim simply living elsewhere at that time? It appears they may have moved around to wherever Effie's teaching positions took them.

I believe the Culver's and Shultis' were neighbor's of the Hall and Wisner families in Avon, Lake Co, IL but I will be looking at them a bit more closely to see if they may be related in some way.

For more see:
Carlisle - Wisner Letters
Family of William Wisner
Descendants of Maryetta Wisner
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner


Belden, Sarah Elizabeth Hall (Kilbourn, Wisconsin) to “My Dear Aunt” [Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield]. Letter. 28 December 1908. Digital Images 1-6. Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Snowville, New York. 2008. [Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1908, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]