Elizabeth Warner Camfield, March 12, 1911

The next letter was written by Libbie to the family back in Buchanan and told in heart breaking detail of the death of her son, Russell Amasa Camfield.

Rec'd Grandma's letter on Earl's birthday all right containing the cards for them both, except our thanks for them. she asked in it if Baby walked yet. no, he never even stood alone but got so he "hitched" around on the floor in one room only. He was sick 3 weeks but not dangerously so until he broke out with measles Thurs. night before he died Mon. morning. complications of thyphus and pneumonia were to much for the weak little body He suffered agonies, especially the last few days. I pray I may never see a human being, or anything suffer so again, but he is past it all now and altho we miss the dear little fellow we cannot wish him back to a life of suffering that has always been his.

Am sending a Bronson Journal to Grandma, mention is made in it of many she will remember Altho no mention was made of Fred’s father or my parents coming home with us. We were very glad Fred’s father could go with us, he stayed Tues. night at my brother Lawrence’s, all the family and relatives who attended the funeral stayed to Boltis’ for dinner Wed. There were 3 big sprays of flowers which covered the box, we took a spray of 4 dozen carnations with ferns from here, some of my relatives gave another of white and pale pink and white roses were given by the W. C. T. _ _ + L. T. L. those letters were cut from purple felt and pasted on white chiffon which tied the spray. We could take him home by having the casket put inside of a zinc box which was hermitically sealed in the presence of a city health officer then that box was put into a plainly painted shipping box which could not be opened; but all were so thankful could take him home under any conditions.

Of the burial she said, "on the same lot with Grandfather leaving space between for Grandmother."

The letter also contained other bits of news. Henry Bogardus was not in Noble, he was spending the winter in either Wisconsin or Illinois. She tells of her parents still being with her and visiting other relatives in Chicago. Also in a note added at the top of the first page she said, "The Powder Mill Explosion reached our house but did no damage". This was a reference to the Explosion on March 9th in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, over 60 miles away.

.

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


Camfield, Elizabeth Warner (Chicago, IL) to “Dear Aunt and All”
[Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle] Letter. 12 March 1911. Digital Images 1-5.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2010.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1910-1911,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Aurie Smith to Sarah Ann Camfield, Dec 14 1909

Bronson Mich
Dec. 14 1909

Mrs. S. A. Camfield
Buchanan Mich
Dear Sister in Christ.

I received your ever welcome letter some time ago a few days after we laid little Viva at rest near her papa. She had been failing for over a year & we knew there was no help for her. Now dear grandma don't feel sad of course we will always miss her for she was so sweet & good but she was ready to go & longed to go. It was God's will so we must think of the tome we will

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go to her. It wont be long when you get there & meet Masy & Mr. C - Mrs. Bogardus you will no doubt find her near her papa. When I 1st knew I must give her up it came to me papa will have one & you one he had waited over 6 yrs for her so I must not be selfish Yes I praise God for his goodness & mercy to us. I expect to go to see Libbie before long. if it's God's will. after I get back I don't know what I will do will wait for God to open the way then walk in it. I often think tho if I could only have some money left after debts were

page 3

paid after I go Hence. I'd tell them to start a fund in the Mennonite church with it towards helping support Christian widows with children to support so they could stay at home with them & care for them. For I know what it is if I could wash iron or sew for a living I could but nursing is all right for me alone but not good for the children. But I don't expect that time will ever come if I have enough to bury me I'll be thankful. We are having grand meetings when its so we can get to them But the Christians

page 4

are digging down deeper. Yes Mr. Bogardus nieces were here & took care of her for some time. She was buried by the North church in Gilead. I sent his address to Libbie & I think her obituary to Libbie & expect you have them by this time. He couldn't see to read but as he lives with his niece or nieces they can for him. Thank you for the cards to the girls & Gladis encloses a little keepsake for you some of her own work. she makes them quite a bit larger or sells them single as anyone wishes Must
your ___ present she says

top of page 1

close & get to bed Love from all. In haste Good bless you is the wish of your friend
Aurie Smith


I originally published this letter as being from "Annie Smith." That post has been deleted and replaced with this. The explanation can be found here.

Julia Auria "Aurie" Warner Smith was the daughter of Marshall and Laura (Rupel) Warner. She was the widow of Mannasses "Masy" Smith. His death certificate can be found on the Seeking Michigan site here. Their daughter, Viva L. Smith, was born 10 September 1900 and died 20 Nov 1909. Her death certificate can be viewed here. In 1922, Aurie would marry again to Frank Newberry. She died in 1937 and is buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

More sad news that Sarah Ann's old friend, Mary B. Bogardus had also died. It took me quite some time to find her death certificate. It was misindexed as Borgerdns and can be found here. From the death certificate I learned that she was born 8 Feb 1825 in Maine, the daughter of Perrin Chapin and Sarah Wright. She died in Noble, Branch, MI on 13 Oct 1909. The informant was Mary A. Conibear of Morten, IL. She was most likely the neice mentioned. In 1910 Henry Bogardus wass still living Noble, MI, a boarder in the home of Orville and Lucinda Pinney.


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


Smith, Julia Auria Warner (Bronson, MI) to “Dear Sister in Christ”
[Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield] Letter. 14 Dec 1909. Digital Images 1-4.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2010.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1909,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Laura Ruple Warner, Aug 1, 1909

Aug 1st 1909

Dear Grandma

We are always glad to here from you also able to be around and can wait on yourself some forit is a grate blessing to be able to do that, I always hate to ask others to do that I guess Aurie and her father have written the most of the news, With out I say they have prayr meeting at the old church and Raymond is class leader, him and Boltis are very attentive going to meeting which I am very thankful for, We are looking for Earl out soon to

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stay awhile and visit

I want to Chicago and visit this year but dont expect I can for I have no way of earning money this year, our cow is most dry. an other year we will have two if nothing happens so when one is dry the other will give milk. You must remember me to aunt Anna, I often think of her, I am so glad you can read and write and pray. so many cant see or use there hands or some thing when they get old. I surly think God is good to us. I suppose you here from Mr & Mrs Bogordis they are quite poorly alltho they do their work mostly this from your loving friend L.M.W.


Laura M Ruple Warner had been a neighbor of Sarah Ann's. Laura's daughter, Libbie, married Sarah Ann's grandson, Fred Camfield and that would be why Laura wanted to make a trip to Chicago to visit them. Earl was Fred and Libbie's son. Aurie, Raymond and Boltis were members of the Warner family.

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


Warner, Laura M Ruple (Noble, MI) to “Dear Grandma”
[Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield] Letter. 1 Aug 1909. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2010.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1909,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Mary B Bogardus, April 6, 1909

Bronson
April 6th 1909

Dear Mrs. Camfield.

We were very glad to hear from you, and know that you are able to write. I intended enswering at once but have been having the gripp and hardly over it yet. The last of Feb; Frank Streng and family came - 4 of them. They staied over two weeks. We had a nice time. I had never seen her or her boys. 5 - 7 years of age. We liked her well. She just did the work and is very very quick. The neighbors here are well except colds but there is sickness around more or less Generally gripp

page 2

I haven't benn out all winter but mean to ride out as soon as the roads are better. Henry went to town meeting yesterday and saw some of the people but we dont go out much. Jud Sweeting whom you will remember lives with his daughter in Utah. He is well and likes the place very much and is contented. Your old house is taken down H. says it looks odd.

I hope you are well and will keep so. It is remarkable that you are. Shall hope to hear from you again. Yours with love.

Mary B Bogardus


I haven't discovered anything about Frank Streng.

I think Jud Sweeting was Judson Sweeting, found on the 1880 census in Bethel, Branch, MI. He was born about 1826 in New York. I have no idea if Mary and Sarah Ann knew him there or not.


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


Bogardus, Mary B (Bronson, Michigan) to “Dear Mrs. Camfield”
[Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield] Letter. 6 April 1909. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1909,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Rose

Over the last year and a half I have been piecing together the story of my great-grandmother, Rose. I hope her childhood wasn't half as sad as I imagine it.

Rose was born Susan Arazina Graham on 9 October 1852 in Indiana. Her father, James Madison Graham, abandoned his family before she was born to seek his fortune in California. So her mother, Elizabeth Doughty Graham, was in effect a single mother with five children to support and care for. Per family records, Rose was born near Muncie, Delaware, Indiana, however in 1850 her parents and siblings were living in German, St Joseph, Indiana and she may well have been born there. Which ever the case may be, Elizabeth returned to Muncie at some point prior to 1855 when she filed for divorce. I can only imagine the struggle and hard decisions Elizabeth faced.

By 1860, Elizabeth was living in Warren, St Joseph, Indiana and listed as a domestic in the home of Nathan and Eliza York. None of her children were living with her. So while both of her parents were still living, Rose was in effect an orphan.

While I have not located all of the children in 1860, I believe I have found Rose in Bertrand, Berrien, Michigan. Listed there is Susan A. Graham, age 7 and born in Indiana, living in the home of John and Aramalinda Blake. I have no idea if Rose was somehow related to the Blake's. The next household enumerated on the census was that of her paternal Aunt, Martha Graham Opfel. Why was Rose not living with her?

John Blake was born about 1809 in Virginia and Aramalinda about 1810 in Ohio. Elizabeth Doughty was born in Virginia and James M Graham was born in Ohio so it's possible they were relatives. Also in the household was Sarah Hogue, age 78 and born in Maryland.

Irregardless of whether they were family or not I have no idea how Rose was treated. Did the family welcome and love her or was she simply tolerated? Did she get to see her mother at all? Did she receive letters from her father? Besides her Aunt Martha she had other paternal aunts and uncles living in Bertrand, along with her grandparents, Porter and Susannah Graham. Was she close to any of them? Did she see her siblings at all when she was growing up? While the older Blake children had attended school in the last year the box for Rose was not checked. It is obvious from the letters she wrote later in life that she did not receive a great education but she was not illiterate either. Did she attend school at some point or was she taught the basics at home?

By 1870 she was using the name Zena or Zina. At the age of 17 she was listed as a servant in the home of Sidney Allen in Buchanan, Berrien, Michigan. On 8 May 1873, still using the name Zena, she married Joseph Harrison Camfield.

I wish I knew when she started using the name Rose. Was it a pet name that Joseph called her, had she been called this earlier in life or was it simply a name she liked? She seems to have used the name for the remainder of her life.

Rose and Joseph had five children. The oldest, Fred, lived most of his life with his grandparents, Michael and Sarah Ann Camfield. I'm not certain exactly how the arrangement came about but knowing how Rose was raised I can see where it could have seemed perfectly reasonable to her to send a child to live with others. I do know that while not a big part of his life most years she was in touch and Fred did return to live with his parents at various times.

This is the only picture I have of Rose and I certainly wish I had one or two from her younger years. I have several pictures of Joseph. The discrepancy in the number of pictures saved may be explained by the fact that they separated after the children were grown. There is an undercurrent of hard feelings towards Rose in the family that I don't totally understand.

Rose lived her later years with her daughter Ruby in South Bend, IN. At the end of her life, when Ruby could no longer care for her and work too, she moved to Buchanan, MI where she spent her final days with her daughter, Pearl Camfield Carlisle. She is buried in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, MI with her mother, together in death where they could not be in life........



This was written for the 85th edition of the Carnival of Genealogy to be hosted at Greta's Genealogy Bog.

The topic, “Orphans and Orphans,” can be interpreted as follows:

The first type of orphan refers to those ancestors or relatives who lost their parents when they were young.

The second type of orphan would be those siblings or cousins of our ancestors who could be called “reverse orphans.” They are the relatives who, for whatever reason – death at a young age, never having married or had children, or having children who did not survive to provide descendants – have no direct descendants of their own, so it falls to us, their collateral relatives, to learn and write their story.

I have only one ancestor in my tree that was truly an orphan, my great-grandmother, Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle. I wrote some of her story for the 72nd edition of the COG. Rose's daughter, Ruby Camfield, was a "reverse orphan" and I wrote about her for the 20th edition of the COG. Two more "reverse orphans" were Oscar Mere and Henry Bogardus.

Thanks for the poster fM!

Mary B Bogardus, Feb 25, 1909

Bronson Feb 25th 1909

Dear Mrs. Camfield,

How do you do this winter? I hope you are quite well tho' the weather is agains us old folks. Just now we have a blistering time and feel the cold, but we had much colder weeather some years ago. I hope you are not sick in any way. We are about as usual. Have a little snow and can call it sleighing if we want to. but really we have heard but little snow at any time this winter. There has been little sickness

page 2

I don't know of any.

Very little change about here. but will mention one and that is. Mr. Hardmare that bought your old place has taken the house down and made some out building near his home place. Henry says it looks odd. I havent seen it as I do not get out this winter. We heard from Irene Saturday. She and her family are all well. Isnt it funny - her three sons have been married some time from three to fifteen years, but she has never had a grand child. We hear nothing new from Syracuse, but nothing strange about that as they or any of the Bogardus' are no hands to write. Every thing all right

[no signature]



Even though the letter is not signed I am sure it was written by Mary B. Bogardus.

I have not looked at any land records from Branch County however based on this letter and the 1910 census I believe that Sarah sold the farm to Martin Hardman (b. abt. 1859 Ohio).

Irene most likely refers to Mary's sister-in-law. Irene was Henry's half sister and right now I have no idea who she married or where she lived.

She mentions that she has not heard from Syracuse and the assumption is that Sarah Ann had asked. This makes me wonder if Sarah Ann had made any effort to contact any of her Badgley cousins that still lived there.


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


Bogardus, Mary (Bronson, MI) to “Dear Mrs. Camfield”
[Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield]. Letter. 25 February 1909. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1909,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Mary B Bogardus, Dec 23, 1908

Bronson
Dec 23d 1908

Dear Mrs. Camfield,

We recd your kind reminder of the season last evening. I did not reaher that I had allowed your last to remain so long unanswered. I haven't been as well as ususal for some time. and get about very slowly. Have had more to do than usual. and hard to get help. in fact Henry does the most of the work, what little there is done. We havnt heard from Syracuse in some time. Did you ever knew Reuble Gideon Bs some Wm Peter. He died in Iowa in November

page 2

The last of that family. He was six years younger than Henry. Left no children the people about here are quite well I think. I haven't benn out in six weeks. Weather quite pleasant for some weeks. People all busy husking here that lives in the old Lane house. Mr. I Erveeting is still with his daughter in Utah.

I hope to hear that you gettng well iner your illness.

Henry joins in wishing you many returns of the new year. with Gods blessing.

Yours truly M. B. Bogardus

Mrs. Bogardus was mentioned often in earlier letters but this is the first letter of hers in the collection. I struggled a bit with her writing, especially when she mentions the man that died in Iowa. I was unsucessful in figuring out who she is referring to.

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


Bogardus, Mary B (Bronson, MI) to “Dear Mrs. Camfield”
[Ann Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 23 December 1908. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1908,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Sarah Ann Camfield, Jan 7, 1901

South Bend Indiana Jan 7th 1901

Dear Anna all of you

I suppose you will be glad to hear that we are all well Roza has quite a cold but sinot sobad but that she is washing and I am sewing carpet rags peacing bedquilts is athing of the past when I got the 15th done I quit and went at carpetrags for arest I have had six rides on the street car we have been three times to sit to have our Pictures taken the four generations you know I hope they will be righ this time we went yesterday

Mrs Warner Libbies Mother was here last week she came Christmas and went home the day after newyear

now about Christmas Joseph and Rose gave me a little shoulder shall dark gray with a small white border striped and alot of candy and Bel gave me a nice lite apron ready made and some candy and Libby gave me

page 2

alittle candle stick it cost five cents Fred gave Perl abottle of perfume that is al they gave the family we all to gather gave them as much as one dollar my hyacinths are growing but they seem to grow so slow our plants froze one of them cold nites but they was not much loss how is Toley going along we hope she is having a good time tel her we should like to hear direct from her

I dont know whether I wrote to you that Mr Bogard and wife went east last fall so if we had gone to noble we shoul not have seen them they went in august and came back saturday before election when you get ready to weave your carpet we are going to donate ours

I got a letter from Mrs Plant the same time I got yours before Christmas they both came to gather now I must answer hers so good by for this time please give my love and best wishes to all S A Camfield


Fifteen quilts! Sarah Ann was 83 when this was written. I really wish one of her quilts had been preserved.

I think I have shared this picture before. It may be the one she is talking about.

Earl, Fred, Joseph and Sarah Camfield c. 1900

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


Camfield, Sarah Wisner (South Bend, IN) to “Dear Anna all of you”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 7 January 1901. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1901,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Elizabeth Warner Camfield, June 4, 1899

Libbie's next letter tells that Sarah Ann has gone to visit in Noble but is still not quite well yet. Also Sarah Ann doesn't know when she'll be visiting Anna in Buchanan.

Earl is walking on his own and Libbie has more work than she can keep up with and hopes to able to hire a girl to help. The corn is planted and the cherries are ripe - this are going well with the farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Bogardus had visited one day a few weeks previously. Mrs. Pond died and they all attended the funeral. Bert Harris' grandfather died in April and his sister and husband were home from California.

Bert Harris was Libbie's brother-in-law, married to her sister Ola. I have not researched his family.


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


Camfield, Elizabeth Warner (Batavia, MI) to “Dear Aunt and all”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 4 June 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.]

Elizabeth Warner Camfield, April 2, 1899

In her next letter Libbie is very chatty. She, Sarah Ann and Earl are all feeling better. Her mother hurt her back, so she has returned to her home and Libbie's father is caring for her.

She tells a little about her sister, Ola, and her brother-in-law, Bert Harris.

Well Uncle Ashley my father has been having a time keeping “bachelor's hall" ever since Ma has been here he has been over to Ola's taking care of things Bert's father, mother, and grandfather have all been sick at the same time at the other house (you know they live in their daughter's house) and Bert + Ola + children had to go over there and that left things to suffer for the want of care at their home so Pa is staying there he does the barn chores gets his own meals of course besides skimming the milk, churning and taking care of the butter. The Dr. said Berts grandfather might drop away any time and again prehaps he will get well. Ola has her hands full but yet they have good neighbors while here their hasn't been a neighbor woman only Mrs. Burks in the house since grandfather was buried. Mrs. B - hasn't been here for aweek now but she has had a bad swelling time with a tooth.

Mrs Plant, who was a neighbor of Sarah Ann's and who has been mentioned in previous letters has been staying with her nephew in Burr Oak.



Ola Warner was born in 1867 and married Bert Harris about 1890. At the time of this letter they had three children; Howard Harris, born about 1893; Laura Harris, born about 1895; and Norman Harris, born about 1897.

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


Camfield, Elizabeth Warner (Batavia, MI) to “Dear Ones One and all”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 2 April 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.]

Sarah Ann Camfield, 5 July 1897

July 5th 1897

Dear Children

I don't know what you think because I have not written before it was not because I could not it was because I did not we are all well as we can be this hot weather we are busy haying now and working in the corn next week will in the wheat I suppose we have 18 acres to harvest on Mr Williams place there by Mr Bogarduses place Mr and Mrs B was here last week Father and I went to Coldwater to the celebration saturday and yesterday we had a celebration sermon here at the Church so we have been to 2 celebrations this year the church decorated with green and flowers and flsgs of all kinds thos made of cloth and those that grow in wet places and we had agood surmon and all seemed to enjoy it


page 2

I did for one three weeks ago last saturday Father and I went out to our old home in Noble for a visit to meting sunday forenoon and evening and had a good time in general

we have a good many Cherries they are getting ripe enough to begin to can I wish you and Joseph folks could be here I think the Children woul enjoy it so much especily. Josephs you have fruit so yours would not care so much yes it is the station between Bronson and Coldwater I did not forget it was Ashleys Birth day I believe the 55th how time flies we are having terrible hot weather Father is cultivating corn in the hot sun I am afraid he will give out but he will do it

upsude down, top of page

Mr Michael and Mrs S A Camfield

Isaac Ashley Carlisle was born 5 July 1842, Edwardsburg, Cass County, MI so Sarah did have the date and age correct.


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


Camfield, Sarah Ann (Batavia, MI) to “Dear Children”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 5 July 1897 Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1897,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Sarah Ann Camfield, 19 January 1897

Noble January 19th 1897

Dear Children I will try to write to you once more it is hard work to write my hands are so lame I suppose the rheumatism but I neglect it it was more than a year since I had written to Josephs until a short time ago I wrote to them we are all well Father and myself have bad colds we could hardly speak this morning but are better now we had the grip last spring I think that is hangimg on us yet when we get alttle cold but we will not complain for I think we are most wonderfully blesed with health and strength for our age I am in my 80th year he is in 77th year do you know we was married 50 years the night before Christmas I do the washing and ironong do up Freds fine shirts and all house work mending and making for us Fred buys his clothes ready Father buys his overall I make his shirts stockings

page 2

I do not know whether I wrote you we was going to move in march we are going toward Coldwater in the township of batavia we have afarm of 100 and 25 acres we will have abetter house there is 2 good barns on the place 3 orchards good cellar and cistern we have it 3 years 300 and 50 dollars per year
Bogardses folks are wll I have not seen them since Christmas they came hre and brought me afootstool for apresent I have not seen either of them since
Ashley I think you mae a better looking old man thanayoung one we thank you for the picture we looked at it some time before knew it when we showed it to Fred he hardly looked at it he said I dont have to take but one look to know Ashley we rent this place for 50 dollars ayear

M and S A Camfield

Prior to transcribing this letter I did not have a marraige date for Mike and Sarah so now I have 24 December 1846. I wish she had given some details or said where they were married. I assume it was in Onondaga County, NY as they were still there for the 1850 census. (There was an earlier letter that mentioned their wedding date I had doubts about the year it was written.)


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


Camfield, Sarah Ann (Noble, MI) to “Dear Children”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 19 January 1897 Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1897,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Sarah Ann Camfield, 25 Novemeber 1896

Noble November 25th 1896

[Sideways top left of page - You know I am in my 80 year]

Dear ones all we are well that is we are none sick Fathers shoulders are lame a good deal of the time he has to quit work several times this fall I suppose it is rheumatism other wise we are well me health is better thanever I do not have half the aches and pains I used to but I have not the strength I once had but I do my work washing ironing and mending and cooking and some making I made 6 sheets and 9 pillowcases this fall every stitch by hand my hands are lame a good deal I suppose the rheumatism but have not stoped work and shall not have to we are going to move in march if nothing happens to prevent Fred has rented a farm out toward Coldwater 130 acres of land so you see there will be some work for some body look out door and in the house we are going to rent this place if we can

page 2

there three or four spoken for it.
Joseph this is your birth day I did not think of it until I commenced the letter we had 18 acres of corn on the Williams place 4 acres here at home they have been husking corn for the last six weeks they have husked 7 acres for Bogardus and 6 more to husk for him and Fred has husked agoodeal away from home besides they have two or three days husking to do at home yet then Fred has sold 40 cords of wood they have that to cut and 6 cords for another man besides for ourselves so you see they are not out of work nor likely to be
we shall have abetter house when we get moved there is a parlor and sitting room below two rooms upstairs and wood house two porches one front and one two orchards but I donot want to go I consented to because I thought we could do beter I hate to go and leave our meeting I enjoy them s much I wish you wold come to Jesus and be saved

upside down, top of page

from your affectionate mother S A Camfield


Sarah and Mike are moving again! It's a shame that Sarah will have to leave the church family that so recently has brought her joy.

This confirms that Joseph Harrison Camfield's birthday was November 25 (1847) and that Sarah was born in 1817.


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


Camfield, Sarah Ann (Noble, MI) to “Dear ones all”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 25 November 1896 Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1896,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Sarah Ann Camfield, 18 April 1896

Noble April 18th 1896

Dear Children I am allmost ashamed to write it is so long since I ought to have written I have talked about it so much but it quite a job for me to write but if when I think of it would go at it would not be as bad we are well as usual now I have abad cough
Father and I had the grip awhile ago when he got over hat then his legs got sore like they was 4 or five years ago not so bad as they was then but he is better now so he is plowing they are sowing Oats this afternoon Fred is sowing and Father is draging I dont know what we should do with out Fred I seemed to get over it now it has come back worse than before but amfeeling better this after noon I have not written to Josephs folks since I wrote to you so you know it is along time

2

we have two or three days nice spring weather we are glad to see it we are going to put out eighteen acres of corn on Mr Williams place this spring about eight on our own if the Lord is willing we have about 19 acres of wheat on Bogarduses farm we dont put any corn on his place this year you asked setting (x hen) I have one that has set it will be three weeks friday and 2 more have set about aweek we have 2 Cows anither one growing she is most one year old we have 2 big hogs and we had nineteen little pigs but they all died but seven

14th I am feeling better I washed and baked pies this forenoon and went sown to Mr Richardson

tel Mrs Strawsite when you see her I would so much like to see her but never expect to not in this world

[the remaining two pages are blank]



Sarah didn't finish the letter. I suspect that Mike or Fred was going by the post office so she just sent it rather than finish it.


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


Camfield, Sarah Ann (Noble, MI) to “Dear Children”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 18 April 1896 Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1896,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Sarah Ann Camfield, 10 Dec 1891

Noble Dec 10 1891

Dear Children

at last I have sat down to write to you we are well and hope you are the same Mr and Mrs Bogardus have gone to Coldwater on a three or four day visit and Father is doing their chores that our own keep him nearlt all day we have our corn about hald husked we have had so much stormy weather there could not be much done we got shingles to have our kitchen shingled sixweeks ago but there has not been aday fit to have it done I am afraid it will not get done this fall it is so late
I made out to raise 6 turkeys I sold four and kept 2 I got 9 cts apound for the turkey and six and ahalf for chickens what I sold of both came to a little over 8 dollars

page 2

you asked about the corn it was about as good as we expected it is good sound corn not a soft mebbeen in the field the ears are rather shaort on account of the verry dry weather but it is averyy good crop we have the sowed to wheat it is looking verry good
I was glad to hear from illinois once more if you see Mrs Sherwood tel her how glad I should be to see her I suppose the children are all maried or gone from home so they are alone like us
I wish we could come there to spend the holidays with you and see all the folks and every thing but it is no us to think of it if you could make it convenient to come here all of you we would try to make it as comfortabl for you as we could and be verry glad to see you in the bagain
so good by for the present M and S Camfield


This was the only letter from 1891.

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


Camfield, Sarah Ann. (Noble, MI) to “Dear Children”
[Anna Camfield Carlisle]. Letter. 10 December 1891. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Snowville, New York. 2009.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1891 - 1893,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]