Sand Gap, Kentucky

January 10, 1944

 

Dear Cousin Minnie:

 

            Thank you for the snaps of yourself and home.  We enjoyed them so much.  I am sure you will get well again in such perfectly lovely surroundings.  I think you are real nice looking.  You favor your mother’s side of the house.  You favor the Bennetts.  You favor your Uncle Bob Bennett’s girls, Mrs. Mary Moore, and Mrs. Sylvania Wilson.  Uncle Bob Bennett and his wife have been dead a long time.  Your Uncle Bob Bennett married a Miss Sarah Hamilton.  They had seven children, namely, Mrs. Sylvania Wilson, Mrs. Mary Moore, Mrs. Lydia Turner, Mrs. Lucy Farmer, Mrs. Dora Tincher, Messrs. William and George Bennett.  Lucy and Dora are dead.  Lucy died from something like the Hodgkins disease.  A lump came on her throat and as it enlarged she lost flesh.  When she took sick, she weighed 145 lbs, and when she died she scarcely weighed 45 pounds.   In death she looked so pale and hollow faced I could not bear to look at her face.  Mrs. Mary Moore was considered quite a belle in her young days and had suitors galore.  Your Uncle Bob Bennett’s children were all well educated. Perhaps you would like to correspond with cousins Sylvania and Mary.  Their addresses are as follows:  Mrs. Sylvania Wilson, McKee, Ky., Mrs. Mary Moore, Annville, Ky.  Enough about your Uncle Bob’s family.

            Now for your Uncle Dock Bennett’s family.  Your Uncle Dock married a Miss Nannie Hunter.  They had five sons and two daughters.  Namely:  John, Thomas, James, Robert, and Hugh, Martha and Margaret.  Margaret’s son, Estil became a minister.  Uncle Dock raised his family at Gray Hawk, Ky.  at your grandfather Bennett’s old place.  Your grandfather’s name was Thomas, and his wife’s name was Mary Fowler Bennett.  Uncle Dock was the baby of your mother’s family.  Uncle Dock’s children most all live in Ohio, except Robert who lives on at his father’s and grandfather’s old place.  His address is Mr. Robert Bennett, Gray Hawk, Ky.  Hugh Bennett died 2 years ago of high blood pressure.  His blood pressure was too high to record.  He was a runt – never over 4 feet tall.  Enough about Uncle Dock’s family.

                        Your mother’s sister, Margaret Bennett married a Mr. Billie Gray.  They had four children – namely: Thomas, John, Henry and Nannie.  Thomas and John Gray are dead.  Nannie married your Aunt Elizabeth’s husband, Mr. Dan Bowles, after her aunt’s death.  Can you imagine that?  Her Uncle once by marriage.  She was supposed to be weak in the head!  Enough about your Aunt Margaret’s family.

                        Your mother’s sister Elizabeth Bennett married a Mr. Dan Bowles.  She had two daughters – Mollie (named for your mother) and Susie.  Mollie married a Mr. Ford and soon died.  She was a real beauty they all say.  Susie is a gracious and charming woman also.  You would love her.  Susie married a Mr. Billy Collins.  She never had any children.  Your Aunt Elizabeth died when Susie was 7 days old, and your Aunt Margaret Gray raised her.  Soon after your Aunt’s death, Mr. Bowles ran away with your Aunt Margaret Gray’s only daughter,  Nannie.  They went to Oklahoma and never once visited Kentucky again.  (I don’t blame them for clearing out).  Dan Bowles was the biggest heathen that every saw Jackson County.  Grandmother said Aunt Elizabeth bed about 50 head  of stock up until confinement.  I wish you could talk to my grandmother and let her tell you about the above brute.  The old Devil went blind years before he died.  He had plenty of time to repent for his sorry deeds.  Enough about poor, abused Aunt Elizabeth.

                        Your mother had three sisters to die long before reaching maturity.  Namely, Mary Ann, Lina and Millie.  I suppose Aunt Martha has written you this history before.  I trust it doesn’t bore you.

                        Now for the Durham side of the house.  You know all about your own family, all about ours, and all about Uncle Jim’s.  Murray and Ben are in California.  Your father’s sister Annie Durham married the Rev. Samuel (Sambo) Bryant.  They had five girls, Elizabeth, Ellen, Mary Florence, Nannie and Catherine.  Catherine married an actor of some note.  Mary Florence is dead, also three sons, George, Sidney and Charles.  Mother says, “Ellen is dead also”.  Aunt Annie died shortly after my grandfather did.  Uncle Samuel is still preaching at 55 years of age.

                        Your father’s sister, Emma Durham, married Mr. Elisha Harrison.  They had nine children.  Girls – Lucy, Amanda and Maude.  Boys – Dr. Leonard, Raphaell, Thomas, Mark, Teddy and Vernon.  Dr. Leonard is dead now.  He was a fine physician.  Our cousin Amanda broke all records for marrying.  She tied the knot five times, and was as ugly as a mud fence.

                        Your father’s brother, Isaac “Ike” married Minerva Smith – three boys, Meredith, Carlos and Ulyssis, Girls – Elizabeth, Margaret, Lucy, Lonas, and Mafrey.  Uncle “Ike” died about two years ago.  His home was in Indiana.  He was the last one of your father’s family to die.  My grandmother is the only one of your mother’s family living.

                        While in St. Louis I visited St. Peter’s Cemetery and your parents graves.  I could scarcely find them.  I had my picture taken there.  Elaine went with me.  I visited Alice’s old house once, and visited Naddiers several times.  I met Maude Harper when she came for Elaine, and liked her a lot.  Elaine married a Mr. Richard E. Tyler of Vallejo, Calif.  Elaine wrote me Christmas.  They have a baby about 10 months old now.  He was named for his father, but they call him “Richie”.  Elaine is so happy now.  I am happy about her situation.  Elaine’s mother is one of the most pitiful persons I have ever seen.  I am so sorry for her.  What caused Bessie to be in such a condition?  The rest won’t talk about her, nor pay much attention to her.  I don’t think any of her folks every visit her.  We here at Sand Gap never knew she existed until I worked in St. Louis.  Thanks a lot for cards and pictures, all is appreciated.

 

Love, Cousin Maitland.

 

 

***Letter from Margaret to her sister Margaret about their mother’s (Sarah Bennett Durham) passing away.

 

Sand Gap, Ky.

June 11, 1944

 

Dear Sister;

 

            On the morning of June 6th at 11 am, our darling mother past on to her rich reqard.  On June 7th at 3 pm, her worn out body was lowered to rest along side that of Father’s in Woodland Chapel on Schoolmaster’s Hill.

            Everything was done that feeble hands could do to keep her with us, but were fat realizing that a “Mansion in the Skies”, beats a “Prison House of Pain” for a blind mother.

            Let us praise God, “The Long Night’s” ended for “There’ll be no Blind Ones there.”

            None saw the passing but me.  I was alone in her room when the end came so gently as to give no warning of the spirit’s flight.

            All the children were present at the funeral except you;  All were present at father’s funeral except me, and since things seen are mightier than things heard, I feel that you are lucky now, as I was there.

            Rev. George Kerby was the attending minister, whose consoling words were as ointment to our aching hearts.

            Bill and Sylvania Bennett and Rachel Gray Tillery were the only representatives from her family tree.

            Casket, gray – Dress of black silk plush with collar and cuffs of wide, cream lace.  Will send samples soon.

 

Martha

 

***In the same envelope:

 

Okeane, O RR1

July 17, 1944

 

Dear Minnie:  was glad to hear from you and to get the pictures.  Honey, I feel so lonely and sad since mother’s gone.  I think they will write you soon.  I’ll send you come clippings and one of the obituaries.  There were 2 or 3 of those.  I am never well anymore, and have head swim and dizziness.  Sinus infection is my chief trouble.  I believe one of my granddaughters is staying with me during her school vacation.  She is 15 and in her junior year at high school.  She is a great deal of help and company also.  I think Florence will stay at the old home, or at least most of the time.   Guess she may paint some when she gets used to her situation.  Minnie, she has spent 22 years with mother, day and night, never away from her but 2 or 3 times in the long 22 years of her blindness.  Mother was so patient.  They didn’t think she would last long, but didn’t expect her to go so sudden.  Mag was in the room alone.  Florence had given mother her breakfast and had gone to the kitchen to wash mother’s teeth when Mag noticed that she had gone with a sweet smile on her angelic face.  They all get consolation from the fact she often expressed a desire to cross over to her dear ones.  She seemed to be in communications with father often.  She would reach out her hand in her wanderings and say Pop, I want to come home.  You’ve been gone so long, she would say.  He was 71.  Yes, honey, I got the spray.  I thought it so pretty.  I wrote you soon after, but you must not have got it.  I have 4 grandsons in the Army, 2 more about 17, one wounded in action in Italy.  Jim and wife went to see the boy.  Minnie dear, I’ll write more next time.  Perhaps I’ll feel better.  Had a letter from Donald.  He sure writes me.  Say Honey, I sent one of the photos you sent me to Mary Bennett Moore, Uncle Bob Bennett’s baby and grandmother’s namesake.  Your mother wrote her some times.  She is a prominent citizen of Annville, Ky.  I also sent your address.  I sent one photo to Maitland Johnson – one to our cousin Maude Richardson (Aunt Emaline Harrison’s girl), and gave one to sister Mag, one to Vanie (Sylvania) Bennett Wilson.  I still have plenty for myself.  I can’t have too many photos of my dear cousins.  Jim and his wife were going to call on George O and family.  They are only 18 miles from St. Louis. (Eddie I mean).

 

Your cousin Martha.

 

 

 

Annville, Ky.

August 15, 1944

 

Mrs. Martha McGuire,

Okeana, Ohio

 

My dear cousin,

 

            I sure was glad to get the pictures and couldn’t figure out why you just didn’t write me a long letter and tell me all about yourself and your family since I really know nothing.  It is a shame the way that families get separated and you don’t keep in touch with any of them anymore.  Of course, I never saw you are any of Uncle David’s family that I know of.  I used to write to my Aunt Mollie, and I had a letter from Uncle David several years ago.

 

            Well, I have a very nice husband and family.  We have three children, the daughter, Zada is married to J.D. Parsley and they live in Brooksville, Ky.  They are in the school work there.  He is Principal of the Brooksville High school and she teaches in the same school.

 

            Our oldest son is in Australia in the army as most every one is that is able body now.  He is a fine fellow and expects to be married to as soon as the war is over.  His fiancé is in the WAC’s and is a real girl.  She feels so deeply this war and is certainly going her part.  She is stationed in Ft. Myer, Va. And works in the Pentagon just across the Potomac from Washington, D.C.  Our other son is home with us.  He is 26 years old, but has had the misfortune of being handicapped with Infantile Paralysis.  He had when he was young and had at a time when the Dr’s didn’t know what to do for it and has been left a cripple in body and mind to some extent.  He is able to get around and can do quite a few things as he is.  He is so much pleasure to me that I would miss him beyond comparison to anything now.  He lost his speech when he had the last attack and for a long time could not talk, but I understand everything he says now.  Of course, he doesn’t read for himself, but he works Jig Saw puzzles and radios and can entertain himself so well that we don’t have to do much for him.  He gets everything from observation probably because of his speech and he can keep up with the times as good as I do right now.  My husband is teaching in one of the rural schools near here and drive.  He was with the Government for a long time but administration changed and he went back to teaching.  He likes to have something to do to keep employed.

            We left the farm about seventeen years ago and moved over to Annville.  We came near the school because Alfred had to be away so much of the time, so we decided we didn’t want to farm any longer so we finally last year sold the big farm and we own a couple of houses and lots here.  The one we live in and the telephone exchange which we rent.  We also have a small farm about two miles from us on a good road so we have some tobacco and grass on it.

            I wish you would come to see us some time.  I didn’t know when Aunt Sallie died, and of course wasn’t there for the funeral.  I don’t have any pictures just now of ourselves to send, but maybe will have later on.  I hope you can come to Kentucky soon and visit me also write me all about yourselves.  If you want to send this on to the children do so and maybe they will write and we can start a (Round Robin) which would be fun.  I just love to get letters.  I sure would like to hear from Minnie and Victoria.  I believe they are the only girls left.  Is that right?

 

Sincerely

 

Mary B. Moore

 

 

Thurs. Sept. 7, 1944 – Okeana, Ohio

 

My Dear Cousins,

Hope you are both well.  I’m not feeling so well today, have that swimming in my head.  So dizzy.  But I am up and trying to do my work.  Have a great deal of worry.  Four grandsons in the Service, 2 of them over seas.  One was wounded in action in Africa or Sicily about one year ago.  Another grandson just went across, he is with the navy.  The other 2 are in the states yet with the Army.  One is at Camp Hood Texas, the other is near Durham, N.C.  (Camp Butner) 2 more are nearing their 18th birthday.  I had a letter from my brother Ed’s wife.  She wrote all was well.  Tilda lives at the old home alone, but I think some one is with her at night.  One of Mags girls and Mag live just across the road from her.  I sent Cousin Mary Moore one of the pictures of yourself under the Christmas tree.  You sent me 2 of them, and they looked so much like our dear Alice.  I have never met Mary Bennett Moore.  I seen a picture of her husband in the newspaper.  Cut it out and sent it to some of you.  I believe it was to Alice.  He is a very well known citizen of eastern Ky.  You see Mary is the baby of Uncle Bob Bennett’s family. Lydia (or Kitt) is the next youngest, is older than you.  Aunt Sarah and your mother had you and Kitt with them at mother’s before I was married and Mag was mother’s baby then 7 months old, and you were about 2 years old, I think.  Any way you could talk some.  They called you Topsie for a nickname.  Lydia was “Kitt”.  Mary is somewhere around 52, named for our Grandmother Bennett.  I was named for 3 grandmothers, Mary Martha Elizabeth, the last name a great grandmother.  She lived to hold my 2 oldest children in her arms, and I also had mother’s grandmother Fowler living then, but she died when I was about 6 years old.  Minnie, I believe I sent you the obituary of mother, did I not?  Honey, I want to know if you are yet in Oklahoma.  Hope you get this.  Vain Bennett Baker has remarried.  Attorney Alvin Baker has been dead 8 or 10 years, and then when her girls were all three married.  She married John Wilson of London.  She writes me sometimes.  I must get this in the box.  Where are Tom’s children, Margaret and Edward?

 

With love,

Martha

 

Obituary of Sarah Durham:

 

Mother of J.G. Durham Dies

            Sarah Durham, daughter of Thomas and Mary Fowler Bennett, was born August 18, 1852, near Jamestown, Grant County, Kentucky, and died June 6, 1944, at the age of 91 years, 9 months and 10 days.

            At the age of nine years, her parents moved to Jackson County, and settled near Bradshaw, Kentucky, where she spent her younger days until her marriage.  At the age of 10 she united with the Baptist Church at Turkey Foot on War Fork Creek and there her membership remained until 1890, and on this date she moved her membership to the Kerby Knob Baptist Church and remained a faithful member at the church until her death a total of 75 years.

            On February 13, 1872, she united in marriage to J.R. Durham, a young school teacher of Berea, Kentucky, who died in 1921 at the age of 71.  Also one son, C.S. Durham who preceded her in death in 1941.

            She is survived by three daughters, Martha McGuire, Okeana, Ohio, Florence Durham and Maggie Durham, Sand Gap, Ky., and four sons, Prof. J.G. Durham, Berea, Ky., Jesse Durham, Edd Durham and Sherman Durham all of Sand Gap, Ky.  She is also survived by 28 grandchildren and 44 great grand children, and three great grand children.

            Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, June 7, 1944 at 3:00 pm with Rev. George Kerby, with burial in Pine Hill cemetery on Durham Ridge.

 

Her last testimony: “I am ready to go; I am not afraid; I want to go.”

 

 

Sand Gap, Ky.

11-11-1943

 

Dear Minnie,

            It seems I just can’t postpone writing you any longer, although you may have not expected to hear from us until you wrote again.  As you said, would write a real letter within a few days.  But that wasn’t why I didn’t write.  I meant to write almost by return mail, I was so glad to hear from you again.  It had been so long since we had heard directly from you.  Martha, had wrote about your going to Calif.; how seriously ill, you were on the trip, and even after you arrived.  And we have been uneasy about you ever since.  I could hardly imagine you in such a deplorable condition.  But it may be all for the better.  It may be beneficial to you in the long run.

            We thankfully received your nice birthday card, gift and nice letter.  I considered it a real letter, was so thankful to hear from you.  But sickness, worry and a burned hand kept me from writing.  Mother was sice, that is, worse than she had been for usual.  So I was so worried, then the burn.  Now I have to work slavishly to catch up, or try to catch up with the work.  I’m awfully discouraged about it, but keep plodding on towards the goal.  Mother seems to be doing as well as she had for a long time again.  At times, she suffers with the right side, just under the arm, the right foot, mainly the toes, often extreme pains in the head.  Has suffered with this malady for years and years.  Drs. Said this was a symptom of hypertension.  In fact it is hypertension.  It is what caused the blindness.  Caused those cataracts to form over the eye sight.  Doctors say that neither of the other ailments are serious, but I always worry, about such things.  I think anything causing much pain is serious.  I especially worry over the side trouble.  I fear it might be caused by the right lung.  But no one seems to agree with me.  Dr. examined her, and said, “No, lungs never hurt there, or in the back.”  Sometimes the pain, moves or reaches around in the back, to right of the spine.  Dr. said this denoted liver disorder.  Which of course is true.  He said a small gall bladder, might be the trouble.  Likely it is so, as she was so low with liver trouble once.  Years ago, when she was very young about 33, I believe, I was only 10 years old, but I remember it well.  Yes, too well.  Everyone that saw her thought she could never get well.  Had one of the best doctors available at that time, and he told father, he thought it a hopeless case.  But he would do his best.  I remember father praying – he often did.  Sometimes he prayed in the kitchen by the table. (Of course he’s asked God to spare mother to us.)  And doubtless those prayers were answered.  In my weak and stammering way, I tried to pray too.  Young as I was, I would help with the wash lots of times – and when I was washing mother’s clothes, I would pray and cry; until I could hardly see the water and tub.  Had so much trouble to study and wonder about.  If poor mother could live to wear out her clothing, that made me so sorryful, to see and so many more sorryful “wonders” most too sad to mention.)  Martha took it serious too, but not so much as I did.  Where there is no better person than Martha, we are somewhat different in regard to trouble etc.  It seems she could always withstand, or baffle off, trouble, much better than I can.  I think Martha was about 13 years of age when mother lay so low.  She had a hard time.  The children were all small.  Sherman was the baby.  Your folks had not been gone from Ky., very long.  Sherman was just a few days old when Aunt Mollie and children left McKee.  But they never heard of his advent until they were located in the south.  Uncle Dave went some time before the family did.  Aunt Mollie had a serious case of sickness when they lived in Atlanta, Ga.  I remember a picture she sent us just as she was getting down sick – wrote she was in awful poor health.  I remember it “like yesterday”.  Mother could hardly talk for crying.  Said; “That picture doesn’t look much like my pretty sister.  She must be awfully bad off”.  Then Martha and I began crying too.  Isn’t it strange how well and far back we can remember some things.  Of course it all depends on how it “strikes” us – how serious, or vice versa – I always though Aunt Mollie and Mother were so pretty.  They got lots of comments too.  They were a great deal alike, in spite of the contrast in hair, eyes, complexion, etc.  Their features were so much the same.  Both had short neck and square shoulders – Mother had pretty black hair, finest of eyes – grey-blue in color, real beautiful teeth, dark complexion, a real brunette, with the exception of the eyes.  And some authorities claim that even blue eyes with this combination is considered one type of brunette.

            Well, you know how your mother looked – I could give a beautiful description of her – for in fancy, I see her now – as when I saw her last.  But it would be useless to you.  I know her vision is vivid in your mind.  I think your photo looks very much like her.  Once I dreamed of seeing you and thinking your were so much like your mother.  I wrote you about it.  When I visited you at Louisville (or Lockland) several said I was so much like Aunt Mollie.  Vic’s fellow, (Dud’s bro.) and their aunt, Mrs. Knaidler, that rode (in the train) with Aunt Mollie and me up to town once.  She said I favored Aunt Mollie more than any of here own children did.  And Aunt Lucy said the same.  I remember Aunt Mollie saying “Why No, Allie looks more like me than she does.”  I never thought Alice looked like her mother – I thought she and Vic both looked more like their father.

            People back here who used to know Aunt Mollie, have said every since I was a child that I looked like Aunt Mollie.  On election day a lady said to me: “The older you get the more you favor your Aunt Mollie.”  She asked all about Aunt Mollie’s family.  She and Aunt Mollie once lived door neighbors.  She was laughing about Aunt Mollie hating to eat by herself so bad.  Said she only had Alice and when Uncle Dave would be gone from home, she would sit the table for two and holler for her to come and eat with her.  Said she always went if she could (I enjoy eating by myself)  The lady was a sister to Uncle Bob Bennett’s wife.  Perhaps you’ve heard your mother speak of those Hamiltons.  Aunt was asking about them when I was visiting down there.  Aunt would call you Marg. Hamilton, sometimes just in fun.  Said you talked so much and so loud like Marg.  Do you remember it?  She called both you and me Riddle too, said we were so sure we were right about everything and would argue till everyone had to give up.  So I guess we were right?  Sometime Aunt Mollie would call you “Min” and say something about your big mouth, then you would try to make your mouth big as possible and laugh.  Gee, how you would laugh.  Al and Vic generally called your Maidie.  Uncle usually called you “Min”, or Mimie, or Minnie May, but I like Min best of all, I believe.  It sounds pettish and good and so handy.  Brother Jim calls his wife Min.  You was an amusing and witty child.  You always had an answer or come back ready for every one.  When you had measles, a little girl up the road at the next house died of measles.  As the news went out that it was you; so several people came in late one morning to show their friendship, sympathy, etc, and to learn just when the funeral would be etc.  Of course it made us all feel real bad, we could hardly keep from crying.  No one had laughed but you.  You went slipping about the rooms, looking at first one, and then another, grinning.  You was up going anywhere you pleased k- so I got tickled at you and slipped out of the house.  You followed, we got out behind the kitchen and laughed until we were weak.  You just getting over the measles, and I was expecting to take them every day.  I said to you, What do you suppose they think by now?   The corpse and the next measle victim out and gone?  Well, you laughed, until you were spotted and tears rolled down your cheeks.  We were both about helpless.  Aunt Mollie said, I should have been whipped, and brought in before the company!  Perhaps I should, but God knows I couldn’t help it.  But Uncle Dave started it again when he can in from work.  Company all gone, you see.  He said, “Hello, Min.  How did you like your funeral?”  You said: “Alright, guess I had more fun that I will have at my next funeral”. I explained to Uncle what created the fun, and he laughed almost as much as we did.  Of course they all knew that if it had been real that no one outside the immediate family would have taken it so serious as I would.  I thought so much of you.  Loved you almost as much as I did Mag.  You reminded me so much of her in actions and talk.  She would say things that would tickle a “Priest”.  I was homesick for her, and you filled her place so well.  I became very homesick at Lockland.  Sometimes I slip out and take little crys yet I hated to leave you.  I thought I was more homesick for mother, Mag, and the baby, (Jesse Riddle) than any of my folds, but I found out I was about as foolish over one as another – often when uncle D. would come in saying something witty, making fun of some of us. (for he made fun of each and everyone through his good will.)  He made me think of Pop so much, I would almost cry.  But I loved uncle all the more for being so much like father, and once when Lewis Smith (the colored man) drove Vic and I to church down to Valley Station, George and Bob passed us on their new bikes, and I cryed again.  What for? Because my brother’s had a bike?  No, honey, because mine didn’t have one.  Just thought of my brothers, especially the two oldest ones, being back here in the sticks with nothing much to enjoy.  Where they could not have rode a bike, for the bad roads – had they owned one – and wished they could be there with George and Bob having a little something to enjoy, and seeing a little of the world.  So I knew then, I was homesick for my brothers, ha; ha!  I was real glad when George and Bob got their bikes.  As glad as any of their family.  I felt they were entitled to things like that.  But my brothers were not born with silver spoons in their mouths, but thank God, I suppose they could keep a silver spoon in their mouths now if they like.  I did love George and little timid Bob.  Would like so much to have a good photo of Bob.  We have one of George.  I suppose Martha has told you about Maitland Johnson, Mag’s girl having a snapshot of Uncle’s and Aunt’s graves – said she was going to write you about it.  Maitland and Elaine Bryant visited theirs and Alice’s graves, and took snapshots of all.  I’ve often asked her to give them to me, but she doesn’t want to part with them.  The pictures are real touching and beautiful.  Mait is kneeling at the head and between Uncle’s and Aunt’s graves holding up a tiny rose bush with each hand.  Said Alice planted the rose bushes there.  And Elaine is setting on the pedistal stone of Alice’s grave marker.  Isn’t that a beautiful thing?  And do you think it cost $500?  We have a nice marker at father’s grave, but it never cost anything like that.  I am so pleased there are markers at Uncle’s and aunt’s graves now, but so sorry if you had to bear the cost alone.  That would be shameful.  Surely the others will bear their part of the expenses (That is pay you)  Martha wrote me about it, about your generous act.  I have to agree with you in thinking that it is shameful they didn’t buy markers long ago.  I was never more furprised in my life than when I saw the picture of those pitiful graves.  Of course, I would have cried, had there been monuments there, for I cried just the same when looking at the picture of Alice’s grave, but oh those markerless graves, and the children all doing so well made it all the sadder.  The first time I saw all 3 graves it seemed I cried as much, as if I were there looking at the real graves.  Maitland also has Alice’s picture taken with Dud and some of the grandchildren.  She is very natural.  Think I would have known the picture anywhere.  Mait has a picture of Bessie and Maude Alsop.  Bessie’s is a small card picture and Maud’s a large photo.  If either look one bit like their mother, I can’t detect it.  Maude may look some like Dud, but not much.  They say Maude is just like Dud’s sister.  I suppose it’s Mary Bill.  I think he told me she was the only sister he had.  Bessie’s picture is so small, can’t tell much about it, but I think Maude’s is pretty.  Mait lets us keep the picture about half the time.  May leave it with us when she goes to work again.  She may go back to St. Louis, and resume her old job as she likes out there real well, but we rather she would get a job closer home.  But I’m glad she went to St. Louis and seen and got aquainted with some of our dear folks.  Saw George a few times but never met him.  Met Bob, but never got aquainted with him.  The best looking man she believes she ever saw.  Is very sure, she saw your 1st husband.  Someone said so, Elaine Bryant, I believe.  She and Elaine were great friends.  She visited at Alice’s late home several times.  Also at Knaidler’s and Elaine stayed with Mait at her boarding place for some time, trying to get a job.  I was so glad the girl married well, and was so happy.  She and Maud used to write to Mait, but they haven’t written for a good while.  Mait thinks a lot of them.  She met Maud at Knaidler’s, had some kind of combination birthday. You only missed mother’s birthdate one mo.  That wasn’t bad.  18th of Aug is her birthday.  She said, tell you she paid your dollar, in on a nice sweater.  She called it her Minnie dollar.  Said you are the only one of Mollie’s children that ever wrote her a line or sent her the wrappings of her finger.  But I told her she was mistaken that George wrote her two or three times and sent her a nice handkerchief, and Alice wrote a card once.  But it has been a long time ago.  Mother’s memory is failing so fast, anyway.  I can hardly stand it sometimes.  She always had such wonderful recollections.  We have several pictures of The Little Church of the Flowers but none so beautiful as the one you sent.  It is the only one we have in colors.  I’m so thankful to have it.  Hope you visit our relatives graves soon.  We have friends living in or hear Hollywood by the name of Williams.  Mr. Williams was back here this summer and said he had visited The Little Church and cemetery, and he knew it was the most beautiful place he had ever seen.  Said he found Murray’s and Ben’s name in the directory but had not had a chance to look them up.  He saw Murray when he was a lad, visiting here.  Also, he saw Alice when she was a little girl.  Knew about her saying “Aunt Sarah, the doctor said take fresh air”, when mother wanted her to come in out of the damp air, when she was a little sick here.  I remember several more witty things you said when I was visiting your folks, but must wait til another time.  I sent you mine and mother’s picture last Christmas.  You must send us yours this year.  Mag is anxiously awaiting that letter.  She is crazy about you.  Well, Min, Good bye until Christmas.

 

With Love

Florence

 

I suppose Martha wrote you about Ed’s sick spell.  He isn’t real well yet, but much better.

P.S. I’ve been very sick since I began this letter (Guess you don’t wonder).  Have a serious throat trouble.  Hardly have a well day.  I suppose Martha wrote you of Mag’s serious sickness, last spring?  Mait had to come home on that account.  Then she got sick and is not well yet.  Gone to Richmond today to see the Doctors.  Had her tonsils removed last June.  Never had my throat examined yet.  Write soon, FD

 

 

 

P.O. Box 14

Fort Spring, W. Va.

Dec. 31, 1944

 

Dear Cousin Minnie,

            Aunt Tilda forwarded your lovely card to me.  I think it very pretty.  I like the picture idea of you’re a lot, and I am very proud of your card indeed, and shall keep it always.  Mother, Aunt Tilda and all our family enjoyed the pictures so much which you sent from California.  I would have sent you a Christmas card, but I didn’t know your address.  I didn’t know that you had moved to Arkansas.  I know you must like it a lot in Arkansas.

            My mother, who has had a bad attach pf pyelitis (pus of the kidneys) She takes these spells when her system gets too much poison in it.  You can’t operate for this condition --- you can only diet and take a course of medicine.  She takes these spells by growing faint and dizzy.  Her head swims and she falls wherever she happens to be.  My sister and Aunt Tilda are staying with her now.  I only have one sister, who has been married for seven years.  She has two sons, ages 6 and 4 years.  Billy Carl and Merritt are their names.  They are real swell youngsters.  I have only three brothers and they are all in the Service.  I have brother in France, who is a Wearer of the Purple Heart”; a brother in England, and a brother who is now training at Great Lakes.  Uncle Bill Durham lives somewhere in Arkansas, but I don’t know his exact address.  His son, Tommie, also lives there.  I believe he lives near “\bear Mountain” or some such mountain.  I just can’t recall his exact address now.  Uncle Bill Durham is your father’s first cousin.  You should look him up.  He lives with his son I believe.

            My father’s sister, Aunt Martha Parsons lives down on the White River somewhere, but she left Ky. years ago when she first married and never did return.  I don’t know whether she is still living or not.

            I had a letter from Aunties Tilda and Martha yesterday.  All my home folks are well so far as I know.  I suppose Aunt Martha or Aunt Florence (Tilda” as we all lovingly call her) has written you about Grandmother Durham’s death on June 6th, 1944.  After about seven or eight weeks illness she was taken from us.  My mother was the only one in the room with her when she died.  Her face lit up for a moment, she seemed to smile, and then a change come over her face.  She passed from this world without a struggle.  She was 92 years of age, but certainly did not look that age.  She was laid to rest beside my grandfather in Woodland Chapel Cemetery, who died on Oct 12, 1921.  Aunt Tilda is the saddest person you ever saw.  Grandmother often spoke of you children, and often wished you and Alice would come and see her.  She was blind for 21 years.  She couldn’t go to see anyone.  Do write soon.  You never did answer the letter I wrote you last Christmas.  I hope you can visit us in the near future.

 

With love,

Maitland

 

 

Sand Gap, Kentucky 12/19/44

 

Mrs. Margaret Baker

Eureka Springs, Ark.

 

Dear Cousin;

            Perhaps you thought I had forgotten you, but very much to the contrary.  I yet hold you in most loving remembrance.  How could I forget one who made my dear mother so happy last Christmas by remembering her with a beautiful card and gift.  It pleased her as much as it would a child.  Which she was in a sense, and I was pleased almost as well as she.

            She examined the card and gift real well by touch and said “ I know they must be pretty”.  She most always examined everything that way.  Appreciated it more you see.  It helped to pass away her dark hours.  It sees now that I can never get over or forgive myself for not writing you, while dear mother was here and reading it to her as I always did most everything.  And I did intend writing you real early, but I took sick in a short time after hearing from you, and wasn’t able to write for a long time, and when I was, I had to keep so busy, I just kept postponing all my writing, and no one who sent cards last year knows whether or not we received them excepting your mother.  I also wrote her that I had received your card and gift.  So I supposed she would tell you about it.

            Dear thankful hearted mother, often asked if I had wrote you, and sent her thanks, for your remembering her.  I would say, not yet mother, but I will right away.  She would say, You must.  She liked your name and wondered if Aunt Mollie did name you in honor of her sister Aunt Margaret Gray.  She called you Minnie’s girl, and asked if yours and your little boy’s pictures wasn’t awfully pretty?  I told her they really were, indeed.

            We have one of your pictures and a couple of Billy’s.  One was taken with his dog on his first day at school and a younger one wearing a hood cap.  I tell you he is pretty, and so is his mama.

            Dear mother passed away the sixth day of June.  I think sister Martha wrote your mother about it.  She died the death of a Christian.  Was perfectly willing to die, only hated to leave us.  It seems I have very little to live for now.  The sweet memory of her grows brighter every day.  I hated to give up father and brother so much, but mother still more.  I wrote your mother to Blackwell thinking she had gone back there, but never received an answer.  Mag sent her a copy of the Citizen, paper to Eureka Springs containing a poem about mother, but don’t know if she received it or not.  May put her name and address on the wrapper in case it should not be delivered.  I do like the description of your new home, and so glad you and your mother live near one another.  Seems I would just delight in living there.  Please write and tell us all about all.  We are uneasy about Minnie.  Mag joins me with loads of love.

 

Cousin Florence