THE OLD LETTERS

Written at Louisville, St. Lawrence County, New York

1842-1867

By the family of Elon Taylor and others,

To their son Moses Taylor in Union City,

Michigan

Elon Taylor, Born April 3, 1792, Died October 9, 1881, married

Cyrena Carpenter, Born June 8, 1794, Died August 23, 1880

Their children: (First two born in Mass., rest born in Louisville, New York)

Born: Died

Cyrena Taylor m. Wm. F. Drake May 24, 1812

Moses Taylor Nov. 16, 1814 Mar. 16, 1909 Union City, Mich.

Elias Taylor Sally Willson Jan. 14, 1816 July 3, 1907 Mears, Mich.

Mary E. Taylor m. Willson Jan. 1, 1818 Jun 1, 1882

Beulah M. Taylor Nov. 4, 1819 Fitchburg, Mass.

m. Elisha M. Morse

Charlotte M. Taylor Dec. 17, 1821 Jan. 12, 1896 Ohio

m. Samuel W. Willson

Ellery A. Taylor May 24, 1824 Sept. 16, 1916(or 1915?) Louisville

Joel C. Taylor Feb. 26, 1826 July 4, 1826 Louisville, N.Y.

David M. Taylor June 3, 1827 Canton, N.Y.

James R. Taylor June 10, 1829 Sept. 13, 1832 Louisville, N.Y.

Caleb C. Taylor Nov. 8, 1834 Sept. 8, 1841 Louisville, N.Y.

Emoline E. taylor m. Geo. Hodge Oct. 23, 1836 1913 Louisville, N.Y.

Phydelia D. Taylor Dec. 18, 1837 Feb. 18, 1854 Louisville, N.Y.

Cyrena was the daughter of:

Caleb Carpenter, Born Sept. 16, 1769, Scituate, R.I., died Apr. 4, 1848,

and Mary (Ballou) Carpenter, Born Foster, R.I. April 8, 1773, died about Dec. 1850 at Louisville, N.Y.

[?] OF LETTERS TO MOSES TAYLOR & DYANTHA THORP TYALOR, HIS WIFE

as of November, 1972

Four [?] envelopes as follows:

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM HIS PARENTS

Copied November 16, 1968

By June Finten Everett, only

great-grandchild of Moses Taylor

stampless, addressed:

Moses Taylor 25

Union City, Branch Michegan

Louisville, N.Y. (Different postmaster)

August 10 [prob. 1842]

Dear Children, I once more attempt to write to you, hoping you enjoy the best of health which is the richest of Earthly Blessings. I hope you enjoy happiness unsullied by adverse minds. If you strive to make each other happy you will be sure to obtain it yourselves. We are all well at present with some exceptions. Elery has been unable to work for several days. He hurt himself mowing. Emeline has a very bad cold. Father and Mother lives with us. They are well for people of their age. Elias lives here. He has been talking of going to Mishegan next fall but Sally says he has given it up. Money is so scarce he can get none for labour. They are well. Elen’s health is better than it was last summer. Cyrene’s health is very poor. We was on the Island last week. They were all well. Samuel calculates to start the middle of September for Ohio and he does not know but he shall go to Michegan. The rest of our friends are all well in this place. Samuel Stafford broke his arm about three weeks ago. It is gaining finely. He can do some light work in his shop. Tell Hosea fortune smiles on Sam. Riches are in view. I will wright the particulars some other time.

Mrs. Willson and her family were all well last week. They live with Ashley. Sarah and Elizabeth is out at work. We have heard that Juba E. Day was crazy. I read a letter last night from Mrs. Pierce. She knew nothing about it. It is likely you know by this time. When you write let us know. We have been waiting for some time to get another letter from you as you mentioned writing again soon. We want you should write as soon as you get this letter and let us know how you get along since your Misfortune. It is a great grief to us that we cannot help you, but you know the distance is great between us altho you seem so near. It would be a great consolation to us if you would come back and live here. We believe God is able to bless you here as well as there. It is not in the place altogether. Industry and economy with faith and devotion will gain you a good support and the best can have no more. As for the abundance of filthy luker, it is a curse instead of blessing, for where your treasure is there will your heart be also. We have the assurance that if we pray in faith we can have whatever we ask. We ought to be rational creatures and search the scriptures and rely on the oath of Jehoven who hath sworn by himself unto him every knee shall bown and every tongue shall swear, surely shall say in the Lord have I righteousness and strength. If we cannot rely on the immutable oath of God what can we trust in?

No more at present. We remain your affectionate Parents.

Elen and Cyrene Taylor

(to) Moses Taylor

Dianthia Taylor

(NOTE: It would seem from this that Hosea must have been a Stafford. Almost all the letters inquire of him, but mention no relationship.)

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM CYRENA TAYLOR, HIS MOTHER

Copied November 23, 1968

By June Finten Everett,

his only Great-Grandchild.

This letter is a stampless cover addressed as follows:

Moses Taylor 25 (cents)

Union City Branch Co.

Michigan

Louisville, N.Y.

August 24

Louisville, August the 23, 1842

Dear Children, We received your letter of July 31 yesterday stating your distress. You may think you can guess our feelings but you cannot imagine the feelings of Parents at the sufferings of their children. We will help you to a bed and some clothing and try to help you to come back. Elias thinks he will try to come to your relief if he and your Father can make out money if health will permit. Nothing else that we know of will hinder. He has been trying to make out money but it is a cash article in these times. There is none scarcely stirring but I hope they will make it out yet. It will be well enough for you to write immediately and send directions so that if Elias cannot go we can send the things. I cannot mention the things we will send you at present but we will try to make you comfortable for the coming winter. The clothing will be of home made cloth such as we wear ourselves. The bed may not be the best but if you will come back I will try to let you have some more feathers to put in when I can raise them. You may rely on my generosity for I believe God is good to all his Dear Children. He does not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. Neither will he be always wroth lest the spirit should fail before him and the soul that he had made. Put your trust in God for he will be merciful to your afflictions for he is the saviour of all men, especially those that believe. He is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works.

Elias has gone to the Island. He carried your letter to Mary. I hope these lines will find you enjoying the richest of heaven’s blessings. We are in tolerable good health at present. Cyrene and Sally has each of them a young daughter. I want you should let us know how all our friends are in Michigan as far as you know. We have heard that Juba E. day was crazy. When Mrs. Pierce wrote they knew nothing about it.

We want you should make up your mind to come back here and live in this place or near by. Friends can be of great service to each other when they are all together. If you was here we could do more for you than it is possible for us to do now but we will do all we can now in our situation. You know pretty near what our circumstances are. We have grown no worse and not much better since you went away. we know not what misfortune awaits us but we trust in God who is good to all who put their trust in him. If he slay me, yet will (I) trust in him for he is alone able to carry us through.

I must close by subscribing myself. Your ever affectionate Mother until death.

Cyrene Taylor

(to) Moses Taylor

Dianthia Taylor

(NOTE: Sorry about the poor typing. It is very difficult to erase with this typewriter so sometimes I am lazy. The writing of Cyrena and Elias is easy to read but they use almost no periods.) [JFE]

Page 2 of Letter of Cyrena Taylor dated August 23, 1842

O Come my dear Children

Return to your home.

I pray you be willing

And hasten and come,

And tarry with friends

That loves you so dear

Our aid we will lend

And to trust never fear.

We may want help ourselves.

If we do I am sure

You willing would be to

The hardship endure

Elias is generous to help us we know

And Elery’s ingenious and generous too.

We’ve a plenty of corn and some butter and cheese,

We’ve potatoes, some pork and can make more with ease.

The milk of six cows, five heifers and growing

And them we must keep for no one is buying.

Enough of this nonsense too, for you do not want to read such stuff, but be patient.

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM HIS BROTHER ELIAS TAYLOR

Copied October 1, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover

addressed as follows:

25

Mr. Moses Taylor Esqr.

Union City, Mich.

Louisville, N.Y.

February 13

Louisville, Feby. 12, 1843

Dear Brother & Sister I now take this opportunity of writing a few lines to you to let you know that we are yet active and in a midling state of health altho sickness prevails through our land. The Erisipulus is raging to a considerable extent. Several have died on the County road and in other towns around us. It is said that in the town of Canton there has been more deaths in ten months than there has been before for ten years. I said that we were in a midling state of health. I am not correct for Cyrena has fits every few days & I think that if she does not get better soon she cannot live a great while. She has had several severe attacks which we thought she could not encounter but thank heaven she is yet alive and is numbered amongst the living. I had almost said she might better be dead for she has to drag out a miserable life.

Dear brother I am almost ashamed to write to you because I could not send you something to you last fall but I had not got my cloth at that time and money I could not get altho I had about sixty dollars due me at that time. I offered and tried to sell my mare which is four years old last spring for thirty dollars and in fact allmost at any price and I could not raise five dollars. At no rate could I of raised twenty dollars. I should have gone there last last fall, but Sir, money is out of the question. In all the business that I have done this last year I have not collected money enough to pay my expenses alltho I get a living after a fashion and my children do not cry for bread yet, but the times is so hard I don’t know how long I can say that.

Father received a letter from you a few days since which brought the good and bad news. I do not know how to mourn with you for I have never lost a child. I have one boy and one girl of my own and I have Father Willson’s youngest boy living with me. His Father is dead and his mother is in Canton poorhouse crazy and she ought to have been there years ago for had he of never seen her he might have been perhaps a well man but alas he is dead and gone and bid fare well to all trouble here below and sooner or later we must all share the same fate, but let not this trouble our minds. The more trouble we borrow the more miserable we be so let us drive away dull cares and live as happy as we can. Dear Brother & Sister I hope I shall meet with you both on earth that we may enjoy the privileges of this life and if not I am full in the faith that we shall meet on the fair shores of Eternity.

Dear Brother, Sister Charlotte thinks that you use partiality. You have written to Bulah several times and have never written to her at all. She says she suposes that you do not think of her because she does not write to you.

I did think that I would take a trip to the west next summer but I have taken a farm of Benjamin Phillips for one year. I moved last fall. I live in a house that has been built since you went away near where Sanborn lived. Samuel Stafford is married and lives close by. He works at the blacksmith trade. I have been to work this winter at the shoemaking business with a man by the name of Moore in this City. If you should come back here you would hardly know the place. There has been several fine buildings put up since you was here. We have all kinds of business going on here.

I was over to the Isleand not long ago. They were all quite smart but Mary and she had a young son a few days before I was there but she began to sit up some then. Our old friends wishes me to send their best respects to you. They often mention to me something about you and your misfortune. They often wish you was here so they could help you some but it is with others as it is with me. It is hard sending anything but money and that we can’t get. The price of grain is about the old price. I have nothing more to write at presant only I want you to write as soon as you receive this. I think that I have written enough to weary your patience. So fare well.

Yours in haste,

Elias Taylor

(to) Moses Taylor

NOTE: The letters of Elias Taylor are very easy to read even though they do not have punctuation nor capitals for the beginnings of sentences. Sometimes I have copied his misspellings and sometimes not.

This particular letter was covered with grime and cobwebs and bug dust from the past 20 years. My grandmother kept these old letters in the horsehair trunk in which her father had brought his school books and other belongings from New York state. Unfortunately, some time after her death they were removed and put in the cherry box in which Rozie’s accordion came. It had cracks through which the dirt could enter. I had thought for some years that the letters were missing altogether so I was happy to find them in any condition and this one has really cleaned up quite well but has a couple of tears.

JFE

(Copy of a Stampless cover from Elias Taylor to Moses Taylor)

Copied Oct. 13, 1968

By June Finten Everett

Cover reads as follows:

Mr. Moses Taylor Esqr.

Union City, Branch Co., Mich.

Louisville, St. Lawrence

Co. N.Y. August 11 25

Louisville August 6^th, 1843

Dear brother, I now sit down to write another letter to you which is the third letter that I have wrote to you since I have had any answer. I am all most persuaded that you are sick or you would write. We are all in a middling state of health of present. Hoping that these few lines will find you enjoying the same. I have been expecting a letter from you this some time back and the reason why I do not get one I know not. But when you get this I want you should write me an answer without delay. I have not heard nothing about you nor Hosea this long time. I want you should write all about the folks there and crops and season. we had a very long cold winter here last winter and we have had a very dry summer. So far spring crops are poor. Winter grain is good. There were quite a number of cattle lost last winter and in Canada there were nearly one-half of the stock died with hunger and the epidemic has raged nearly to the same extent all around us. Several has died here in this town with it and in Madrid, Pottsdam, Stockholm, Canton & Norfolk nearly one fourth of the inhabitants have died with the same disease. It works different ways. Some are taken swelling in their limbs, some in their heads and some in their bowels and that is about sure death. They are sometimes cured but not often. But thank kind Heaven our familys are yet spared. I have now returned from church. I have had the pleasure of hearing the Gospel declared by one Alfred Day, a Universal Preacher. How happy I am to believe in the salvation of all. If I thought one of my friends were to be finally lost what could I think. How unhappy should I be. And why partialism should be preached I cannot tell for they have no groundwork in the Bible and to set forth a doctrine cannot be proved by the Bible and sound reason is a curious doctrine. However, I will not hurt your feelings meaningly. I suppose you yet believe in partialism-----

It has now got to be the 11^th day of August and I have not got done haying yet. The weather is very dry and warm. We have not had any rain of consequence since the first of June and the ground is very dry. Potatoes will not be worth harvesting.

When you write, write all about the folks there and about the cropys and prospects of times and if there is any money there or not. If it is possible for me to get away this fall I intend to go there and see the folks for I believe that you have given up coming back here to see us again. But I don’t blame you for not coming is money is as scarse there as it is here.

Our little village is improving greatly. There is one hotelle, one store, one shoe shop, one cabinet shop, two blacksmith shops, one tanery, one clothier shop and they all have business enough, but the thing is there is no money. That is what makes dull times with us all. I have nothing more to write at present. Be sure and write as soon as you receive this.

Yours truly,

Elias Taylor

(to) Mr. Moses Taylor

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM ELIAS TAYLOR, HIS BROTHER

DATED AUGUST 15^TH, 1843

Copied by June Finten Everett

on July 8, 1972

Outside inscription reads:

Mr. Moses Taylor, Esqr.

Union City, Mich.

Millersville, August 15^th, 1843

Dear Brother, Having an opportunity to send you this letter by William Pierce, I thought that I would write again. I wrote a letter last week and sent it by mail. But perhaps you will get this letter first. If you do you can do as you are amind to about taking the other out of the Office.

We are all in a midling state of health at present. William tells me that your health is midling good, also you wife. He said that you was doing well, that is you was getting a good living.

But he said that you was the stiffist Presbyterian that he ever saw. He thinks that if I should go there that you bring me over to your faith. But I doubt it much for I am too well acquainted with them—and I think you remember old (Devil) Mr. Hall that old Saint that tried to take the advantage of you and me and in fact did injure us. And since you went away he tried to have give my note for what he said was his due and I am well acquainted with that sect of people and their creed and such I want nothing to do with. (I mean such religion.)

But the religion that I want is not this homemade religion but that which fadeth not away and makes him rejoice in the true God and Father of us all, whose mercies and Love shall never end. He certainly knew when he created all to what end he created them for, or else he was not all wise and if he created a part to be lost he certainly was not merciful, and we read that he was an all wise, merciful Being and his tender mercies is over all his works. Now when you or any body else will convince me that he has ever changed in Knowledge, Justice, or Mercy, then perhaps you will make me agree with you in religious views, and in all others we never disagreed. So I will let this drop here for the pure friendship and brotherly love I would not like to disturb which exists between us on no account whatever.

Mother was up here last Sunday and saw William Pierce. She requested me to write a few lines for her. She said she had not time to write. They are all quite smart at fathers. (Bulah lives at home and always ought to and the reason why I will not tell now.) But if I ever see you I can tell you the whole story but I shan’t now.---)

William Pierce tried very hard to have me promise to go there next spring if I could sell off what I have got for the money and a fair price. I could get there, but when I got there I could not buy land and pay for it down. If I could get land on fair terms perhaps I could pay for it sometime.

Charlott lives with Mr. Baley’s folks here in this village. Elery & David lives at home with Father, and he lives on the Day farm yet. It is hard times here now.

Flour is worth 3 dollars per hundred. Corn is worth six shillings and money hard to be got. I have not had a great deal of Constable business to do lately and that is all the way that I can get a fraction in cash. I could get a plenty of business if I would do it on tick, but I will not for I have some standing out this three years and I can’t get it. If I could get what there is owing to me I could go to the west without any trouble, but it is in small debts. I have nothing more to write at present. But my prayers is for your welfare both here and hereafter.

This from your brother and friend,

COPY OF LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR

Copied Sept. 14, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This is a stampless cover addressed as follows:

Mr. Moses Taylor Very fancy fold.

Union City, Branch County, Mich. DO NOT UNFOLD

Louisville, St. Lawrence

Co. N.Y. Nov. 22 05

Louisville, November 19^th, 1843

Dear Brother, I now sit down to write a few lines to you to let you know that I have not forgotten you altho it seems as tho you had forgotten me for I have written several times to you and have received no answer from you since last winter. Sometimes I think that you have been offended at something that I have written to you but I hope not. If so I ask your forgiveness and I hope you grant my request. It seems as tho something was the matter or you would have wrote to me before this time. I will give you a short sketch of the times and our health. Our health is good at present hoping that God sends the same blessing upon you and your wife and the children if you have any. It has been very sickly about here this last two years. Many of my acquaintances has left this world of trouble and have gone to their long home with the prevailing epidemic.

As for the times they are hard but I think not quite as hard as they have been. Money is geting more plenty than it was last year. Wheat is worth one dollar pr. bushel. Corn is worth fifty cents, oats 25 potatoes was a verry lite crop this year. I think they will be worth 75 cts. pr. bushel next spring. Our hay crop was light. Stock is verry low. I have bought good two year old heifers for six dollar and pay in boots & shoes. I am carying on the shoe making business with my partner Orvis Moore. We keep one hired man. We buy young cattle for beef and turn their hides into leather and the beef into cash or grain. We sell their hides for five cents per pound and their beef for two & three and we are doing very good business. At any rate we get a living. I have three children to take care of, two of my own.

Father’s family has got considerably reduced at home. Elery has gone to work with Elon to learn the shoemaking trade and David has ran away. He went away about the first of October and we heard from him the next day. He went through Pottsdam and we have heard nothing from his since. Charlott has gone to the Isleand to live. I exspect that she will be married next fall to Samuel Willson. That was his last words to me before he left.

You may think what our trouble has been this summer, to think of trouble and to realize it is to things I knew nothing about trouble before. But thank kind heaven we are not to be blamed for anothers faults.

Cyrena is a poor miserable creature. She has fits all most every day and sometimes six or eight in the course of twenty four hours and he does not half provide for her and I do not think that she will live but a short time. It don’t seem as though she could have stood it until this time. But John and his wife lives as happy as tinkers. They have got two children. One they call Norman and the other John.

I believe that I have nothing more to write at present. I beg pardon for all that I have done amiss and want you to write as soon as you receive this letter. Now don’t forget.

Forgive all mistakes and bad spellings if you please.

This from your brother and friend.

Moses Taylor Elias Taylor

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM ELIAS TAYLOR, HIS BROTHER

Copied November 28, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Mich.

Louisville, St. Lawrence

Co., N.Y., April 8/44 25 (1844)

Dear Brother,

I now sit down to write a few lines to you to let you know that we are all well at present and to let you know that we have not forgotten you and I have not given up the notion of going to the west. If I can sell what I have got here I shall go this summer or fall. I have had some offers made me. I think I can raise about one hundred dollars in cash by next fall. And I am at a stand what part to go to. I have thought some of going to Wisconsin. If I thought it was as healthy there where you be as it is in Wisconsin I should be willing to go there. I suppose it is more healthy there now than it used to be. I want you should write and tell what kind of a chance there is there for a good shoe maker for that I profess to be. I don’t think of going there to farm it at present for my health has improved greatly since I commenced shoemaking. I have been to work with a first rate workman. I am now in company with him. We keep boots and leather on hand for sale but money is so scarce that we have to sell very low for cash. We sell thick boots for three dollars and upper leather for forty-five cents, sole leather for eighteen cents per pound. Please write and let me know what kind of a chance there would be there for me and what prices of boots, shoes & shoemaking is.

I will now tell you about the times here. It is very dull times. There is but very little money to be had. We have had a very long cold winter. The snow came on the seventh day of October and has remained on ever since. That is something I never saw before. It has now got to be the seventh day of April and there is considerable snow yet in the fields. I commenced foddering the seventh of October and will likely have to fodder one month yet, which will make seven months and you may well know that it is hard times. Now I want you should tell me exactly about the times there and whether it would be better for me to go there or not. It certainly cant’ be any harder times there than it is here if it is as healthy. If you think it would be better for me to go there I want you should tell me the best way to go and where to land, whether it would be best to land at Toledo or Detroyt and send me a way bill in your letter after leaving the Lake. Father’s family is all well and all our old friends that is here is well. When you write tell us about Hosea and his family. Tell Phylura that her folks are well. I must close for I have nothing more to write at present. Don’t forget to write as soon as you receive this. I must acknowledge that I have been too lazy about writing.

Elias Taylor

Yours in haste,

You must excuse me for not adressing you and your wife for I had forgotten as you had one. This to you both.

E. Taylor

I had forgotten to tell you that we had a second cousin come to see us from Vermont. Her name is Louisa Taylor. She came here last January. She is awaiting to get a school here for she has no parents. They are both dead. She seems to be a very fine girl. I have not had much acquaintance with her.

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR

Copied October 27, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City

Branch Co. Mich.

Louisville St. Lawrence (NOTE: This is very interesting

Co. N.Y., Nov. 11/44 25 the first 4 is upside down,

not the second.)

Louisville, November 10^th, 1844

Dear Brother, I now sit down to write in behalf of Father and Mother and my self. We rec’d your letter with much joy to hear from you and to hear that you are all well but we are sorry to see you so much cast down to think you are in debt and no money to pay with. Cheer up and don’t be discouraged for you have more property than I have and money I have none. I am owing about fifty dollars. But all we expect of a cat is her skin.

But to return to my business again we are all well at present. I saw John last Tuesday. He said they were all well on the Island. They now have three boys Norman Luther, John Taylor, & James Moses is their names. They are all smart boys. Cyrena has five children and they are all well. Elen[*] has three. They are all well. I have two, Moses and Charlott. They are as smart as Michigan affords. I have thought about going there but the times are so hard that I can’t get started yet. We have had a great snow storm here. It commenced on the 28^th of Oct. and lasted two days. It fell about two feet deep on the level. It is now about ten inches in the woods. It has been a very bad time to do any kind of business. We have held our election here and without a doubt Silas Wright of Canton will be our Governor and Polk our president. Democracy Triumphant.

Dear Brother you seem to manifest a great deal of anxiety about our future welfare. I am happy to see that for it seems as tho you had not forgotten us. But give yourself no uneasiness about that for we feel as sure of future blessings as you do that it is unnecessary to be degenerated in order to inherit future happiness. In order to give you testimony of this I would refer you to the Book of Genesis 22 Chap., 16, 17, 18 verses; Isaiah 45 Chap., 22, 23, 24 verses; Phillipians 2, 10, 11 verses; 1^st Corinthians, 15^th Chapter and for further testimony I would refer you to the Whole Bible and you will find that you cannot find the words "Endless hell, Endless death, or Endless Damnation." And I would like ot know how you are a going advocate the doctrine of Endless Misery without either of the words. To substantiate any doctrine we must have sufficient proof. A little more of the Bible, Isa. 55 Chap, 10, 11 verses. Now to convince you that the scriptures which you referred does not show punishment in a future state, I would wish you to examine it more closely and you will find it was expressly to the Jews in reading the 5^th Chapter, commencing at the 8^th verse I believe you will find that it was an earthly calamity. Now to show you that Juraslem shall be restored I would refer you to the Jeremiah 31 Chap. commencing at the 31^st verse I believe. In reading the Scriptures I cannot find anything to prove future punishment. It is an old tradition handed along from one to another. It is a doctrine which I believe to be false for if God is an all wise, just and merciful Being could he prepare a hell and a soul to burn therein? No that nere can be for I believe the soul is a part of the diety (?) for we came from God and we must return to him again. Now if we do not return to him there must be a loss and Christ said he had lost nothing except the son of Perdition. Now if these things are facts why should we fear when we have Gods promises and a promise from all the Holy Prophets since the world began. Now leaving the subject to your own candid mind and sound reasoning, I hope in my heart that you may become as Paul when he was on his way to Damascus. He was then a partialist but after that a Universalist and preached the doctrine. And we have it preached here every few days and it is good news and glad tidings which shall be to all people.

Yours truly, Elias Taylor

Dear brother, I take this opportunity to write a few lines to let you know that I have not forgotten you and I hope you have not forgotten me. I should like to see you and Dyantha and your Michigan boy very much. Charlotte sends her respects to you and Dyantha. I still remain your brother and friend.

Elery Taylor

Nancy Emeline wishes to be remembered to an absent brother. Phidelia Demarious thinks she would be glad to see you. We should all be glad to see you please write again soon and when you do send us an answer in full to this letter for we are anxious to know the truth. (NOTE: This appears to be the handwriting of Cyrena.)

Dear Children, pardon us if we use strong language for we consider the subject of happiness an all important subject altho we do not expect it. A world of spirits as a reward for good deeds performed in this life for we read that Grace is a free gift. We read also that the righteous are recompensed in the earth much more the wicked and the sinner. And why was it said that Christ suffered to redeem sinners. None was exempt for he positively declares that he came to see and to save that which was lost. He did not die in vain for this was impossible for he came to do his Father’s will. Is the arm of the Lord shortened that he cannot save? Now consider candidly of the subject and see if an all wise being could have sent his only son to die on the cross for that which could not be saved. I wish I could see you and converse with you on the subject for it is most Glorious.

I should have written to you before if it had not been for something which has happened in our family and I knew not what to write. But I will give you some information respecting the crops. Corn is very good, wheat was injured very much by the insect and rust, oats was very good but they were injured by the rain and peas also. Potatoes would have been very plenty had they not have rotted in the ground. Rye and barley was good.

It is getting late and my eyes are rather poor and I must bid you good night. This from your Father, Mother, Brothers, Sister friends in the bond of affection and love.

Elen Taylor Cyrena Taylor

We should be glad to know what the Michigan boy’s name is.

*(NOTE: This letter raises a question in my mind about the spelling of some of the names. I had thought the Father and oldest son were named Elon, but the spelling looks more like Elen to me in this letter. In fact, when Elias writes it, it looks like Elm and I may have transcribed it that way once. Elery spelled his own name with only one l. Did it have two? The two youngest girl’s names are spelled out here by their mother. Surely she had them right. Charlotte is spelled sometimes with and sometimes without an e.)

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM ELIAS TAYLOR, HIS BROTHER

Copied November 22, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch Co. Mich.

Louisville St. Law.

Co. N.Y. May 28/45 25 (Fancy fold)

Dear Brother, after a long delay I now attempt to write a few lines to you to let you know that we are all alive yet and in midling good health. It has been quite sickly with the consumption about here this spring. Several have died within the circle of my acquaintance within a few weeks. But the weather is now getting cooler for a few days back and the sick begins to improve. Through the month of April the weather was very warm, but since May commenced it has been cold, snowy, rainey weather. Yesterday it snowed quite hard and it is cold and rainy today and it appears very discouraging for farmers. I have got two garden spots which contain about one third of an acre each. I have planted nothing but my onions yet on the account of the cold weather. I think fruit will be very poor. Grass and English grain will be good I think.

Father’s health is very good. He lives on the old Day place. Mother’s health is very good. Cyrene lives about one mile south of father across the river. William is as poor and lazy as ever. The family suffers for want of care. Elen lives in Underwood Old Tavernhouse. His health is poor. He works a little at shoe making. I live in a house across the road from him. It has formerly belonged to my partner Mr. Moore. His wife died last week. He has no children. He now lives with me. Mary lives on the Island yet and enjoys herself very well. Bulah has gone to Massachusetts and I want her to do well. Charlott lives at Mr. Bancroft here in this city. Elery was twenty-one years old yesterday. He lives with Father. He is a good boy. He probably will stay with him and take care of them. David is a very unsteady and works but little. Emaline lives and home and Delia the baby is now seven years old. I have given you a short scetch of our family and now I will tell you a little more about myself. I am Constable & Collector for this town this year. I carry on a shoe shop with Mr. Moore. I sold my favourite mare a few days ago for seventy dollars in leather at the lowest cash price. I have a four year old colt which I drive now that I call worth $65. I have a good sulky and saddle and bridle, one hog, one cow and one that I hired for a year and one sheep. I have no cat nor dog. I have about two hundred dollars stand out and I owe about seventy five dollars. So you may judge my circumstances in life. I have got a good many friends and not many enemies. I must soon close for want of room to write. However, I must tell you that I want you should write to me as soon as you receive this and tell all about your circumstances and about Hosea and his folks and all the rest of our old acquaintance and how the times are there. Write me a full letter if you do get tired of reading this. I must close for fear of wearying your patience in trying to read my scribbling for it is impossible for me to write well. Give our respects to sister Dyantha and all other inquiring friends. Don’t forget to write.

I still remain your brother and friend.

(to) Moses Taylor Elias Taylor

(COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM HIS MOTHER, CYRENA TAYLOR)

Copied October 29, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This is a stampless cover addressed as follows:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City

Branch Co. Mich

Louisville, St. Lawrence

Co. N.Y., June 11/45 25

(Not dated, but written June 9, 1845)

Dear Children, it has been a long time since we have received a communication from you. I think sometimes that we are forgotten by you but be assured that you are not long absent from my mind altho you are so far from us. The hope of yet seeing you again still lingers in our hearts. We have been expecting a letter from you ever since last January but we have not heard anything from you since we wrote to you. I hope the strong arguments which Elias in my letter wrote to you was no offense. The plain language of the Bible which teaches patience and long and love to your fellow men, and especially to a Brother. I assure you that he meant not to hurt you. It was done in the spirit of love. I assure you. that he is your sincere friend and well wisher. We are all anxious for your welfare and happiness, hoping you enjoy good health which is the greatest of earthly blessings. We are in tolerable good health. Elen has been sick last spring but he is able to do some work now. Cyrena’s health is better than it (has) been for some years past. She has six children, three boys and three girls. Elen has two boys and one girl. Elias has one boy and two girls. Mary has three boys. They were all well not long since. Our friends are well in general. We have had a very cold backward spring. The crops does not look at all promising at present, but the Great dispenser of all good knows what is for our good and will provide accordingly. Please write immediately after you receive this letter.

There has been a number of deaths in this place this spring. Benjamin Willard’s wife is dead. Orvis Moore’s wife and Robert Thomson’s wife. Mr. Moore is Elias’s partner in the shoe shop in the village. Mr. Thomson occupied the Edward Day place for Esq. Redington. Mr. Aaron Allen is at work in Canada about thirty miles back at a place called the Last Oar River. I think it is likely that he has started for Montreal for the purpose of getting pay for his labour, which is something over one hundred dollars. Charles is with him. Samuel carries on the blacksmithing in the village. Asobel (sp?) lives on Erastus Hall’s farm down the Racket River and Lucinda is married to Charles Parmeter and lives in Potsdam.

We have had a very interesting Singing School last winter taught by Mr. Samuel G. Bunker. He attends meetings as Corrister at the Church in Millerville every other Sabbath. I attended the School myself all winter. We learned upwards of sixty tunes, anthems and set pieces of the first rate. The Methodist, Baptist and Universalist all joined for the school. We have a Universalist Preacher here one-fourth of the time by the name of Solomon W. Squire from Canton. He is a worthy man. Mr. Miller preaches in the Methodist Church when there is no circuit preaching.

Distress in Quebec. We had intelligence the twenty-sixth of May there was fifteen hundred buildings burned. I heard today there was not so many and that they had got the fire stopped. We heard from Massachusetts in March. Grand Mother Ballou is dead. She died in February. She would have been Ninety-three the twenty-fourth of April. The rest of our friends there were well with a few exceptions.

Mrs. Harriet Willson and two of her children lives with Richard Lee. He is a batchelor and she keeps house for him. He lives on the Jefferson Prouty tol (?). Harriet lives with John Willson. Sarah and Betsy is out at work. Elery lives at home this summer and he is all the help your father has. His health is not very good nor mine either. I am fifty-one years old yesterday.

I want you should write often and let us know how you are doing. We want to know if you have good neighbours in Michigan. Well, I do not know but you will think I am never a going to stop scribbling and blundering and making mistakes. What you can find out read and let the rest go. So Goodby for the present.

This from your Parents.

Elen and Cyrena Taylor

(NOTE: Cyrena writes very well and need make no apology, except that none of them end their sentences with periods and seldom start with capitals. Unfortunately, I got off on the wrong line twice in copying and had to cross out.)

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM HIS BROTHER, ELIAS TAYLOR

DATED JULY 20^TH, 1845 (There are two large holes in the middle)

Copied July 9, 1972 by

June Finten Everett

Outside reads:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch Co., Mich.

Louisville, St. Lawrence

Co., N.Y. July 23/45 10

Louisville, July 20^th, 1845

Dear Brother, I now sit down to answer your letter dated June 28. We received your letter with much joy to hear from you altho we feel very sorry to hear of your hard fortune. It seems as tho if you were back here that you would be better off than you are there for if you were sick here we could help you. Altho we are poor we might help you in a time of sickness.

Dear Brother, I must tell you plain that it seems as tho we had ought to be together for when we were together one faired with the other. We never complained nor had no hard…nor remember that we ever had a word of complaint in all the world. It seems as tho there were…And I will take all the blame on myself for I agreed to go there, but I have never seen the time that I could go as I want to. You well know that times has turned and my situation in life has turned from single to married and four children in my care and money is hard to get. I was calculating to go there this year and had made up my mind but since difficulties arises.

I sold on an auction for a man that agreed to see me clear of all cost and damages a cow, and they sued me and got a judgement against me for about twenty-two dollars which I had to pay or go to jail, and now the man will not pay one cent. And that ain’t all. They have taken me to Ogdensburgh as a witness in behalf of the people and stayed three days which cost me 5.00, once to Lisbon which cost 3,00, once to Canton which I stayed five days which cost 7.00 and in September I’ve got to go again or pay one hundred and…dollars bond. The suit which I am a witness is brought against Wm. Whalen, Moses…and Robert Clermont for conspiring the…and cost me not less than fifty dollars. This I should get nothing for which money I had made up my mind to take to Michigan.

I expect to collect the taxes here this winter which will help me some. We have about three hundred dollars accounts standing out which will support the family. If it was in my power to help you I would but you can see my situation. But it seems as tho we don’t prosper as well apart (as If) we were together. Perhaps I am mistaken. It seems as tho I could be more contented if I were with you and I do really believe that it would be better for us both. Perhaps you don’t think so. Write as soon as you receive this and tell me what you think about it. I have thought more about you the three months back than I have before since you have been gone. I am sure that I shall never be contented until I see you again. See if you can shape your affairs so as to come back to Louisville.

I will now write a few lines to let you know that we are all as well as usual. Our crops here look well and the weather is dry and warm and we want rain. It is quite healthy here this summer. …will be good here but in the back tow…the frost cut it off in the spring.

To Sister Dyantha Sally sends her best respects and often says she would like to see you and your boy. We have two girls now. The youngest was born the third day of June last. She weighed 12 lbs. I don’t think you can beat it. I’d like to write some more but I have no room. Don’t forget to write as soon as you receive this. From your Brother & Sister, Elias Taylor, Sally Taylor

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM HIS BROTHER ELIAS TAYLOR

Copied October 25, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This is a stampless cover:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch Co.

Mich.

(This letter has some slight

bug damage where sealing wax was [?]

Louisville St. Lawrence (This is the same postmaster

Co. N.Y., Nov. 26/45 10 with the upside-down 4.)

Louisville, November 23, 1845

Most affectionate Brother & Sister (if you will allow me to use the expression altho I have never had the pleasure of seeing you and greeting you with Brotherly Love which would be a great satisfaction to me.)

I now sit down to write a few lines in answer to one I rec’d from you the other day which was mailed in the town of Clyde in Waine Co. which you sent by some person coming in to this state. I read your letter with great anticipation of hearing that you were coming back to York State again but I found nothing of that in it. But you said your health was better than it had been which I was very glad to hear for when you are sick we cannot watch over you, but I trust you have a companion that will do all that is in her power to make you comfortable and happy. When I reflect upon our former days and see the comfort that we took it seems as though we might take comfort again but my circumstances are such that I cannot very well leave at present and I suppose you would not come back here if you could have the whole town given you.

It has now got to be the 23 day of November and we have had no snow yet to keep the cattle from getting their living. The ground has not been frozen any yet to do any harm. Hay and grain will be plenty. Hay will be worth $5,00 per ton, oats 25 cents, corn 50, wheat 100, potatoes 25 cents. Pork is worth 5.00 per hundred, beef 3 2/". We pay 4 cents per pound for hides and sell thick boots for 2.50, thin boots 5.00 and all kinds of boots & shoes accordingly.

I have bought a lot of one-forth of an acre. It lies just at the foot of the hill towards the bridge from the Underwood store. On this garden spot I raised 50 bushels of potatoes this year. I have got it nearly paid for and I have done it all in shoe making this year for George Redington. I intend to get out the lumber this winter for a house and barn. And if you will come and put it up for me you may build it large enough for your children and mine and you and I can live as we use to. There would be work enough for you to do in this place every year. So I think you had better come and build the house and barn for me. If you conclude to do so you will write as soon as possible so I can prepare for you. I have got one barrel of pork that I will keep for the purpose and I have potatoes on hand so you won’t starve if you do come.

Now I will tell you a little about the rest of the folks and close. I have not been to the Island since last spring but I believe they are all well. Cyrena lives in a complete hell for she believes in such a doctrine and she has got the Devil for a husband. They are the most wretched family you ever saw. Her oldest boy has got a fever sore on his foot and I think he will lose the use of his foot if not his life.

Bulah has gone to Massachusetts to work in a factory. She has written back and she begins to see the error of her ways. She says she is sorry that she has given us so much trouble. She went away last March. I hope we may all forgive her and I trust we shall.

Dear Brother we have got a Universalist Society formed here in this town of which Father & Mother, Aunt Lucindia Allen, Elon & his wife & Charlott. I think Elery will soon join. I think I shall when I can get rid of all my old Partialism. There are some where about 25. The society was formed three weeks ago today. I pray it may be the cause of a reformation in this place for the old Partialism has been preached so long here that folks thought there was no harm in committing a sin because they could repent any time and they would be safe, but while such a doctrine is preached there will be but few Christians.

But let us cultivate within us a spirit of love and forgiveness towards man, then we shall see the old heathenish doctrine decay towards man that advocates the spirit of revenge. For if God is Love there is no revengeful spirit in him. So let us purge out the old leaven that has been so long swell up in our hearts and bursting forth that revengeful spirit. So let us love one another and our God supremely. When all this is done we shall be happy and that seems to be the aim of every rational mind.

This from your Brother and friend,

Elias Taylor

Sally Taylor

(to) Moses Taylor

(NOTE: Moses Taylor was a carpenter.)

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR

Copied Sept. 14, 1968

by June Finten Everett

This is a stampless cover which reads:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City Branch Co., Mich.

Louisville, St. Lawrence (This part is written by the

Co., N.Y. Feb. 23/46 10 postmaster in brown ink.

I have finally deciphered

Louisville Feb. the 21, 1846

Dear brother, I once more set down to scrable a few lines to you not thinking that you will take the trouble to right to me, But to let you know that I have not forgotin you and to let you know that father’s Family is all well at present and I hope these lines will find you and your family injoying every blessing both spiritual and temporal. Blessing that the human family can wish for, this being the only way that we can show enny brotherly love towards each other heer on urth. I take the privelige to right to you and I want you should return the compliment to me if you please and let me know how you all are and how you are giting along.

I am now living in Miller’s ville. I have lived here most two years. I rented my hous and hired one heer in this plase and came to work at my traid. My health is very good at presant. For three or four years it has been rather poor the most of the time. Mary is rather unwell at presant with bad cold. The children is all well at presant.

Elias lives nigh naber to me onley acrost the street from me. They are all well at presant. He is to work at his traid in this place to. Brother John W. Willson was heer last Tuesday and he sed that his family was all well. Syrena’s family is all well at presant except little William. He had a feever sore cum on one of his ancle last sumer and it has not got well yet. Sharlotte and Elery is living at home yet. Emoline is living with me this winter and going to school. Delia stays to home this winter. David is in Canadia this winter to work in the shanty, back about forty miles from the front on the river Lost oar [?]. When he left home he sed that he should not bee to home until he returned from market with the lumber which he was to work on which wont bee until the first of Nov. last. He hired out for twelve dollars a month. How he will turn out I don’t know for he is rather unstedy yet.

You must have patince with my scribiling for my hand trembles but this is the only weigh we have to converse with each other so you must bare with me. I want you should right to me if you can. You can but think that I want hear from you. I have not receved but one leter from you sence you went ther and I should bee very happy to receve one from you as soon as posable. I must bring my scribling to a close for it is geting rather late in the evening neer twelve o’clock.

A few words to sister. I should like to recive a leter from you very much as I dont expect to ever see you in this world. This beeing the only way that we have to converse with each other for that reason I should bee very hapy to converse with you in this way if you feel so disposed. Do send me a leter if you pleas and I shall bee very glad to recive it. This from your Brother and friend. Yours with respect. Elon M. Taylor of Louisville, N.Y.

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM HIS MOTHER CYRENA TAYLOR

Copied November 25, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover:

Moses Taylor

Union City Branch Co. Michigan

Louisville, St. Lawrence

Co. N.Y. April 1th/46 10

the

Louisville, March 31, 1846 Dear Children,

It has been a long time since we have received a letter from you. We have been waiting with anxiety to hear from you. If you have not forgotten your friends you are respectfully requested to write to us and let us know how your health is, for when Hosea wrote to Charles you was sick with the throat distemper and we are anxious to hear from you, but far more so to see you. I wish you would make up your mind to sell your property and come back to Louisville. I think your health would be better and I think you would get a plenty of work to do for the place is improving, not so much here as in the towns joining. There is cabinet work wanted here pretty much all the time. Joel cannot do half the work that he is wanted to do. He would be glad to have you come and work with him. We have had the best winter for Mens business that you scarcely ever knew. The snow came in Dec. so as to be good sleighing. We had no thaw to hurt the roads until into March and then it broke up. The Grass River cleared the 21 of March up to the Island, one month earlier than it generally does. It is now cleared out above the dams.

John Willson was here yesterday. He said they were all well on the Island. Cyrene has been sick but she is better. Her oldest boy has a fever sore on his heel which began last July and he has not walked one step since. The rest of our friends are all as well as usual. Elon and Elias both have not enjoyed good health since you went away. Elery lives at home. David is in Canada at work for Gordon Empy lumbering about thirty miles from the River. He went away last October. He was at home a few days about Christmas. I do not expect him at home again until June if he comes then. If he goes to Quebec it will be quite uncertain. Charlotte and Emeline is home at present. They often speak of you and want very much to see you.

Elery has sometimes talked as if he should go to Michigan but he will not if I can keep him here while I live for my time is short at most and he is a trusty friend. He is always steady and never is running about. On Sunday he goes not to the Tavern. He attends no balls nor gambling parties; he thinks it a bad habit. And finally, he is temperate in all things except work. He has hurt himself with work.

Bulah is in Winchindon, Mass. in the cotton mill, at work. She has been there one year. She has been sick but she got better. I think she will not live long without she gets help. Her weight the last we heard about it was 78. That was before she was sick.

There is a talk of having a Rail Road from Plattsburgh to Ogdensburgh. I think they have got it established from Boston to meet it. I think the times are getting better for people calculate to raise their own living and make their own cloth if they can about here those who are not too proud to wear their own manufacturing. Pride and imprudence will yet be the undoing of our Blessed County.

Mrs. Harriet Willson lives with Richard Lee. John and Elery was there yesterday. Sarah and Lib and Harriet Louisa and Martha was all there. Judge ye who is the most generous, Richard or her own relation. Harriet lives with Mary. She was out on a visit. They have a large family on the Island. There is the old People, John and Mary and her three children, Harriet and Dana Willson, Emma and William Prouty. Henry Thomas lives on the same place he did when you went away. Father has builded a house on the old meadow on the other side of the Grass River from here and your Aunt Lydia lives with them. Soper has run away three years ago last Feb. Lydia Soper is married. She was married this last winter to a Widower by the name of Freeman. He had two children.

I hope you will not forget to write as soon as you get this letter and give us information concerning our friends in that (place) and tell Hosea that his mother and Polly has joined the Universalists Society in this place. I fear that I shall weary your patience by this long piece of scribbling, but have patience, it is not every day. But I hope you will not keep us so long in suspence hereafter.

Write often and the subject nearest your heart for that is what we want to hear. Write the whole sentiment of your Religious faith for that would be what we should be glad to know, or anything you please that would be congenial to our feelings. I hardly know what would not be well accepted. But I must stop soon. I had nothing new to write to you so I will close by subscribing ourselves.

Your affectionate Parents until death.

Elen and Cyrene Taylor

(to) Moses and Diantha Taylor

(NOTE: Moses Taylor was a carpenter. It would appear that his Grandfather Carpenter was a carpenter also for she says here that her father built a house.)

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR

Copied November 21, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This is a stampless cover addressed as follows:

Union City 10

Dear Sir, Some three weeks since I received a letter from you enclosing twenty six dollars which you directed me to pay to Col. Mosely together with three dollars and fifty cents due you from I. Goodwin. On the receipt of the money I called on G—for the money which he agreed to pay immediately but did not so that I thought best to pay the other without it. On applying to the Col. he told me you borrowed ten dollars of him when you went east and declined receiving anything on the contract until he was paid. I urged the matter some and he agreed to let me know in a few days. Shortly after on asking him he consented to take it so he endorsed twenty-six dollars at that time. In a few days G—paid the $3.50 which I had endorsed also. The Col. wished me to say he thought you ought to pay the 10 dollars borrowed money as soon as you can get it.

Sam has left your house and Wood has full possession. Some one told me that he was finishing the house as I told you. On the receipt of your letter directing it not to be thus finished I saw Wood and said to him your directions which was all I could do. No news of particular importance that I can think of.

Your Truly, Jos. C. Leonard

(to) Moses Taylor

(Signature not as legible as the rest to me).

COPY OF A LETTER WRITTEN TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM J. C. LEONARD

Copied July 8, 1972

Union City

Mich. Mar 12

Moses Taylor, Esqr.

Louisville,

St. Lawrence Co., N.Y.

Union City, March 12^th, 1847

Dear Sir

Your letter with reference to the attachment of your property was duly received. Mr. Gilbert of Coldwater was here at the time and I referred the matter to him. He said on a certancy the facts there was but little chance to avoid or stop the sale and involved much doubt. He thought you had better settle it if you could by paying the demand with as much compromise as could be obtained from Tyler. I had Mr. Tucker write to Mr. Tyler and get his best offer in money. He has just obtained an answer. Tyler says the note has been due some time and he ought to have had it before etc. but will take 5 doll. less than the principal, interest and cost. The note was given Dec. 16^th/42 for twenty-six doll.—there is an indorsement of two dollars made Aug. 21/43. The amount that will be due Ap. 5^th next (the time of the trial) will be about 31 or 32 doll. include. int. The cost I do not know anything about what it will be. You had better send the money immediately if you conclude to settle in that manner as it takes some ten days for a letter to get here.

Yours in haste,

J. C. Leonard

Moses Taylor

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM HIS BROTHER ELIAS TAYLOR

DATED JULY 18, 1847

Copied by June Finten Everett

July 8, 1972, 125 years later

Outside fold reads:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch Co., Mich.

Louisville, St. Lawrence

Co., N. Y., July 19/45 10

Louisville July 18^th, 1847

Dear Brother, I received your letter yesterday bearing date July 4^th which I was very happy to receive and to hear that you were all well and the rest of our friends. It is a general time of health here, more so than it was in the Spring. There are many Irish people emigrating this summer and full one half of them dies before they get this far into the country, but among our own people it is healthy.

We have had a very dry spell and very warm, probably as warm as it has been for ten years. The thermometer stood at 96 at Wadington. We had a little rain last night and it is a little cooler today. Our crops look well and a plenty of fruit.

I have not been over to the Island since you left here. I hear from them often. I have no time to visit. I have so much to do. I have a wife ad four children to look to me for bread and but two hands to supply them with.

I have been almost confined for four weeks with a lame side. I got hurt when I was to work on the Road. I have got so that I begin to work some and we are badly crowded with work.

I must tell you they have taken Cornelius Dewel & Phillip Andrew, two of the mob of last winter. Whalan has not been taken yet.

I want you should write as soon as you receive this and tell us if Alfred Willson has been there or if you have heard anything from him. We feel very uneasy about him. He has never answered the last letter I wrote to him. We know not whether he is dead or alive. If you know where he is, please write him and tell him to write to us immediately. I want you should write often and tell us all about Hosea and Luther and Pierce. Give our best respects to Mr. Hobert, your Preacher, in fact to all those with whom I had any acquaintance. Tell them I expect to meet with them all again.

You must excuse me for writing so little. I will write more next time. You mention in your letter something about my coming there. It would be difficult for me to come there this year. Perhaps it will be better next. Don’t forget to write as soon as you get this.

Yours with respect,

Elias Taylor

(To:)

Moses Taylor

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR

Copied November 3, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover with postmark:

Centreville, Mich.

Aug. 18 5 (in a circle)

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City

Branch Co., Mich.

Centreville, Augs. 17, 1847

Mr. Taylor,

Dear Sir: I find it will be impossible for me to attend your trial on Saturday as there is quite a variety of business here to be disposed of on that & the preceding day which imperatively demands my attendance here. I have looked into your case some & talked it over with Mr. Gurney and we are both of the opinion you must beat Wood in the end at any rate. If from any cause the matter should be adjourned to some time next week I could most probably go up. Please say to Mr. Geo. Kellogg that I cannot be up on that day in order that he may make his arrangements accordingly.

Say to our people that we are all well.

Yours ae

S. J. M. Hammond

(COPY OF A STAMPLESS COVER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM E. DEVOE)

Copied October 22, 1968

By June Finten Everett

Cover Reads as follows:

Gidneys Station 5

Mich. Aug. 30

Moses Taylor

Union City, Mich.

Parma, Aug. 27^th, 1847

Mr. Taylor, Sir, I received your letter of the 17^th stating that you wanted some money and wished me to write as soon as I received yours. I will try to let you have some if I can, if not I will write or come out their by the first of Oct. You also write that you had a chance to sell the land if I was willing and the man wood turn out a span of horses and waggon and som money. I want to sell and will take such kind of property if we can agree on the price of land and horses. Please keep him in the notion untill I come out.

Please take notice wee are all well.

So no more at present.

E. Devoe M. Taylor

(NOTE: A later letter shows up my mistake here. The above signature line meant: From E. Devoe to M. Taylor. He signed the later letter Elijah Devoe. Also the postmark or postmaster’s handwriting is clearer and says Gidley’s Station, not Gidney’s. Parma, Mich. is a fair sized town now. It seems strange that a place called Gidley’s Station would have been bigger.)

Copied November 26, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch Co.

Mish. (Written on lined paper,

Louisville, St. Lawrence very brittle)

Co. N. Y. Nov. 17/47

Louisville, November 14, 1847

Dear brother, I take this opportunity to let you know that I am yet in the land of the living and enjoying good health at present and hoping that these few lines will find you enjoying the same blessing. We have had some sickness in our family since you left here. David was taken sick the first of July with the fever and was sick about six weeks and I was taken about the first of September and was sick about 4 weeks but we have got tough again now and fatter than ever. We have had a fine fall. Crops came in good. Potatoes have rotted some here this fall. We have got more corn this fall than we have had before since we lived on this farm. we have been talking of buying a farm, the one that Thomas Bary lived on but I don’t know whether we shall or not. I have made him an offer. I do not know whether he will accept it or not.

We heard from the Island last week. They were all well. Old Uncle John is dead. His health was good til about four weeks before he died. He was taken with sores on his head and back which caused his death. Mother will finish this letter so I will stop scribbling.

Your brother and friend,

Elery Taylor

As I am allowed to finish this letter I will improve the opportunity. It has been very sickly about here this summer and there is some sick yet. It is the old fashioned tiphus fever that is going about. we have a Doctor in our little village by the name of Seaman. He came here a stranger but he has had very good success so far. I have been taking a patent medicine this some time past and I think that I have found that there is virtue in it. I think it will be good for you. You can find it at Marshall, A. O. Hyde, agent. It is Dr. G. C. Vaughn’s Vegetable Lithontriptic Mixture. It is called good for everything, especially the dropsy and Grand Scrofula, Putrid sore throat. It is one dollar per bottle containing twelve ounces, two dollars for a bottle with thirty ounces. You will have a pamphlet with you medicine. I think it valuable. It is high, but think of Physicians visits. I want you should write as soon as you get this and I should like to know how Mr. E. Twist now is on account of his throat. Please write about the health of the people in that country. We have been informed that it has been a very unhealthy season there as well as here. There has been more deaths about here and in Canada this season than there has been for ten years before. Alpheus and Alonzo Phillips and Mrs. Masten are gone to their long home.

I can think of enough to write but my ink is so poor that I can hardly read what I write myself so I think I will save you the trouble of trying to read more. Tell A. T. that we have not forgotten him. So good evening (to) Moses, Dyantha, Augustus. Goodnight.

Cyrena Taylor

Dear Brother and sister, I now take my pen in hand to let you know that I am alive and well. I want to see Bub very much. Tell him that Aunt Line wants to see him and have a good time as we used to do. As the Yankee says, goodby.

Liney E. Taylor

(NOTE: This note is from Emoline. She would have been 11 years old. I have corrected her spelling. Sorry I left out a word [says]. She refers to Augustus Taylor who would have been nearly four. Apparently Moses and Dyantha took him to visit his grandparents during the winter before.)

There were six of the bay gang imprisoned for their misdemeanors. Charles Whalen is not caught yet. He has been at the bay on a number of trains this summer. They tore down Britons bar not long ago. He was in the sprey and in the morning about three o’clock he went on board a boat and cleared. But enough of this. So goodby gentlefolks.

Cyrena Taylor

Copied Sept. 3, 196[?]

The Letters of Moses Taylor

COPY OF A LETTER WITH STAMPLESS COVER

Cover reads:

Moses Taylor Union City

Branch Co. Mich.

Louisville 10

(illegible)

Louisville Feb. 1, 1848

Dear Brother, I take this opportunity of writing to you. It is a general time of health here now and I hope it is with you. I have had no letter from you for a long time but I hope it is not caused from any offence that I have given or my lack of writing. If I have said any thing at any time that has offended you I trust that you have that forgiving spirit dwelling in you that will overcome all evil things. ---I have been very busily engaged in my business this winter. I am trying to settle up my affairs so that I can leave. It has been very dull times here this winter. There has been no snow here this winter. It has been very warm weather so that there has been mud the most of the time. It began to snow yesterday and snowed all day. I think now we shall get some sleighing. Hay is worth 5.00 per ton, oats 2/6 wheat 10/-, corn 5/-, potatoes 3/-, butter 1/3 port from 12 to 15 dollars pr. bbl. It has been a very hard time to collect dets. I have hardly collected enough to live on. I think that I shall take a trip up that way next summer and leave my accounts to be collected. If I can get into any kind of business to board myself I shall do better than I can here. I can earn enough here but the next thing is to get it. I can’t gain a pennys worth a year and that is poor encouragement. My health is about the same as last year.

Dear Sister, I sit down to finish this letter. We are all well at present, hoping these fine lines will find you enjoying the same blessing. Now I must tell you how much spinning I have done this summer. I spun twenty six yards of table linnen and wool enough to pay for weaving. Our children are all well. Hiram, Moses and Charlotte is going to school. Charlotte has got so she can read off smart in reading the spell most all the words in the spelling book. Margery is as smart as a cricket, if you had as smart a girl as she is you might be proud. She will dance like a popet. I should be glad to see you again. I exspect when Elias moves there we shall see one another often. Tell Hosea & Phil…. that their folks is all well. Tell them that Loisa has got a smart young daughter. I suppose that they have heard of the death of Grandfather Willson and Grandfather Carpenter is very sick and is not exspected to live. The doctor sais his complaint is on his heart. Uncle John folks is well only little Sonny has fits yet and I fear they will ruin him. I have nothing more to write at present but I don’t see that crop in your letter yet. I want you should write as soon as you get this.

Yours with respect Sally Taylor

Dear Brother, Sally has stolen a chance in this letter to write to Dyantha, but I shall have to finish it yet. I want you should write and let me know what you are doing and how your health is and how you get along. Write often. If you see my friend Warden there give him my best respects. Tell him he must write. You must tell Hosea and the rest of our friends that they must write and not wait for me. Give my best respects to Mr. Bud and Mr. Hobert and all the good folks in the place that I saw when I was there. I believe that I have nothing more to write at present. But don’t delay writing.

Yours with respect, Elias Taylor

(NOTE: At first I thought the date on this letter to be 1828, but it must be 1848 because Moses Taylor was born in 1814 and Elias Taylor in 1816 so would not have been men with families at the earlier date.

The postmaster’s handwriting is quite illegible in part and part could read as follows: Louisville, St. Laceroma or St. Lawrence…Feb 7/*8 = *a perfect 4, but upside down!)

ADDED NOTE: From later letters which were not quite so illegible, though in the same handwriting, I learned this reads:

Louisville

St. Lawrence

Co., N.Y.

(COPY OF A LETTER FORM ELIAS TAYLOR TO MOSES TAYLOR, HIS BROTHER)

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover addressed as follows:

Mr. Moses Taylor Esqr.

Union City, Branch Co.

Mich.

Louisville, St. Lawrence

Co. N.Y., April 10/48 10

Louisville, April 9^th, 1848

Respected Brother, (Mournful, perhaps not unexpected)

Our Grandfather Carpenter is dead. He departed this life on the 4^th of this month. He died with the dropsy on the heart. He was taken sick some time in Jan. The rest of our friends are in a midling state of health.

We have had a very fine winter past except we have had no snow to make sleighing. Times is about midling and a plenty of work to do but little money. If I can get money I shall take a trip up that way this summer. I have written to Alfred twice but can get no answer. If you should happen to see him tell him that we are well and that he must write. If there is a good chance for me there write and let me know.

I shall not write much at this time, but you must write as soon as you get this. Give my best respects to Hosea and Luther and Pierces folks and all the rest of our friends there. No more at present. May God’s richest blessings be yours henceforth.

So farewell.

This from your Brother and friend,

(to) Moses Taylor Elias Taylor

(NOTE: This letter shows that the Carpenter Grandparents of Moses and Elias were the ones who lived in Louisville and therefore, it was the Taylor Grandparents who lived at some distance.)

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM ELIJAH DEVOE

Copied November 3, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This is a stampless cover as follows:

Mr. Moses Taylor 5

Union Citty

Mich.

Gidleys Station

Mich, April 24

Parma, April 22th, 1848

Mr. Moses Taylor, Sir, I received your letter stating that you would get out and pay the taxes on the land and you wanted me to write as soon as I received yours. I have not as soon perhaps as you wished for this reason. Waren Devoe was a going to the Capital. I have sent by him to know how mutch the taxes is. He said that he taxes on 160 acres was $4.83 and on the forty 76 cents. I wrote that I was comming out there and a going to see the land and I want you to go along and perhaps we can pay the taxes then. If not I will go to the Capital and pay them. I think of comming out after planting some time in the month of May if nothing happens and then I should like to get that money.

We are all well at this time, hopeing that these few lines which I may write may find you and your family well.

N B If I should not come I will write.

Yours in haste,

Elijah Devoe

(COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM ELIAS TAYLOR, HIS BROTHER)

Copied November 9, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover as follows:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch Co.

Mich.

Louisville, St. Law.

Co. N.Y., June 19/48 10

Louisville, June 18^th, 1848

Dear Brother, I now sit down to write a few lines to answer your last epistle to me. When I received your letter I soon made up my mind to go out there. I disolved partnership with Mr. Moore and began to arrange my affairs accordingly. That was about the first of May. I then was taken sick and have not done one hours work since. When I was first taken I called on Dr. Ripley. He said I had the liver complaint. I went through with a course of medicine with him. I got no relief but grew worse all the time. I made up my mind that I would take no more apothacary medicine and quite but still run down. Mother & my wife made me up a sirrup of roots. I drank that and Bamset tea. Nothing seemed to do me good. Alltho weak and in great pain I walk out every fair day. About ten days ago I sent out to the Town of Lawrence about 25 miles for Dr. Carpentre. He doctors mostly with roots. He said my complaint was on the heart. He said if I was where he could attend to me he thought he could help me some but it is impossible for him to come so far, as often as he would want to see me.

He left me some medicine which I have been taking ever since. He said he thought I would be able to come out and see him by this time but I am hardly able to walk 20 rods but I hate to give it up so I think I shall get a good easy buggy and try it tomorrow. My flesh is gone so that I hardly make a shadow when I go out in the sun and if I do not get help soon my days must consequently be few. My pain commenced on my left side. It appeared to me as tho it was in my heart. I do not feel it so much there now as I did at first but I am getting very tired and I guess you will think so by the looks of my writing but I don’t know but it will be the last you will ever get from me for I feel as tho my time for this world is short. But I don’t mean to be discouraged nor spleany but O what pain darts through this frame this pen cannot tell to you---but I trust in him whose mercy is sure that those pains they soon will end.

But if Providence proves kind and I soon recover, I intend to go out there yet. If I do get well I will write and let you know what time I intend to go. But you know if I remain unable to labour I and my family will soon use up what I have got. You must write again.

I must close, So farewell

Elias Taylor

(to) Moses Taylor

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM ELIAS TAYLOR, HIS BROTHER

Copied November 16, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch Co.

Mich.

Louisville, St. Lawrence

Co. N.Y. Aug. 2, 48 10

Louisville, August 2, 1848

Dear Brother, I take this opportunity to write a few lines to you and it is with pleasure, for the last time that I wrote to you I did not expect to ever have that privilege again, but through the Mercy of God I am yet alive and am better than when I last wrote to you. I have my ups and downs considerable pain in my back under my shoulder blades. I have not done any labour since last April. I have been in the store clerking a few days but I get very tired before bed time. It is very sickly here this summer. The Bowel Complaint prevails all through the country. Charles Willard is very low with the consumption. He has been confined about 3 or four weeks. His feet and legs begin to swell. Our friends here are in a midling state of health. Samuel Stafford has lost his boy. He is dead. He died with this complaint. Sally’s health is not very good. She has worked too hard to save me. Cyrena has better health than she had last winter. Mother’s health is better than it was when you was here. David has gone out to Lake Shamplain to work. I have not heard from him since he went away. He has been gone about four weeks.

I should be glad to get well so that I could go there but I doubt whether I shall ever go there. If I get able I shall go, but I don’t think that I shall ever be able to do hard labour again.

The mail bag is now awaiting and I must close. Remember me in your earnest prayers and God’s richest blessings be yours and your family’s also. Write soon. Farewell at present

Yours with Brotherly love,

(to) Moses Taylor Elias Taylor

(NOTE: Elias Taylor, born Jan. 14, 1816, died July 3, 1907 at 91.)

COPY OF AN UNSIGNED CONTRACT

Copied Nov. 16, 1968 JFE

Whereas, Henry Burger, of Dansville, Hendrick County, Indiana did obtain Letters Patent of the United States, for certain improvements in the use of the Croskutting saw, which letters Patent bear date the eighteenth day of March, A.D., 1847 and whereas of in County and State of Michigan desirous of obtaining an interest therein: Now this indenture witnesseth, that we—D.L.F. Howe, & Moses Taylor, of Branch County, Michigan, being lawfully seized of the interest of the aforesaid Henry Burger, for and in consideration of to in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have assigned, sold and set over, and do hereby assign, sell and set over all the right, title and interest which we have in the said invention, as secured to by said letters patent, for, and in the

and no other place or places; the same to be held and enjoyed by the said

for own use and behoof and for the use of and behoof of legal representatives, to the full end of the term for which the said Letters Patent are granted, as fully as, and entirely as the same would have been held and enjoyed by had this assignment and sale not have been made,

In Testimony whereof the said part have hereunto set hand and seal this day of A.D., 1848

Witness,

By June Finten Everett

This is a stampless cover which reads:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch Co., Mich.

Louisville, St. Law.

Co cry Sept. 25/48 10 (The 4 is upside down)

Louisville, Sept. 24/48

Brother Moses, I have delayed writing for some time for I did not know what to say to you about going there. My health has improved considerable since I wrote to you. I am now so that I am able to begin to do some light work. The rest of my family is well except Moses. He has been sick about three weeks with the fever. We think he is getting some better now. It has been very sickly here this summer. Cyrena has buried one of her children, the second girl, Mary, Henry Thomas has lost their youngest girl, Nancy, Samuel Stafford has lost their boy Tilius, our old friend Mr. Tuttle is dead, besides several other deaths here this summer. They have died with the disentary or Bluddy Flux. There is several sick with it now. It has been hard times for me this summer you may depend, but I have not suffered for anything except health. I have consumed all my means in supporting my family and I must begin to do something now. All that I earnt this summer was about 12 dollars while I was in the store while the clerk was sick and that is a small summer wages. But I am thankful it is so well with us.

When I view in imagination those praries I wish to be there and the wood lands look pleasant to me. When I look down the banks of Saint Joseph and view the waters gently gliding to the great deep my heart leaps at the thought. I would like to enjoy your society, but alas my circumstances will not permit. The long dreary winter which is now approaching looks dismal to me. I still stay in the room where I was when you was here. I have no hay for my cow and no grain for my family and nothing but my feeble hand to provide for them all. But I trust in the providence of the living God. There will be a way for us all, but it will not do to sink down under imaginations but work while the day lasts and trust in him who created us all and prosperity may yet smile on us.

Since I began writing this letter Moses has had several hard turns of a pain in his bowels and I don’t know how it will terminate. He is a little easier just now.

Charlott has a young daughter about six weeks old.

I have not time to write much at this time but I will write again soon and let you know how we get along. I want you should write and let us know how you all get along. And let us know if Alfred Willson has been there for we have not heard from him this summer. I like to hear from you all if I can’t see you. I think if I get my health I shall go there in the spring.

Write as soon as you get this. No more at present. This from your brother.

Elias Taylor

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR

Copied November 21, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover:

Eaton Rapids

Mich. April 13 5

Moses Taylor, Esqr. (A part torn off)

Union City, Mich.

Onondaga, March 26^th, 1849

Friend Taylor,

I Received a line from you while I was engaged in my school at Eaton Rapids saying that you had written to me and directed your letter to this place. I have lately moved home and got your letter and was glad to hear from you and Elias. I do not know how it is he says that he has written 2 or 3 letters to me that I have not answered. I don’t know what becomes of his letters for I have not received one since last spring, and have written two to him since then and made up my mind that I should let him write to me before I wrote another.

I have no money at present and no means of getting any that I know of except a certain man owing me about 70 dollars returns from Wisconsin which I fear is doubtful. If you can raise the means to get Elias and his family here I will become responsible to you for one half of it. I think it would be better for him and his family to come to this country, come out here soon and perhaps we can arrange the matter some way. He may live with me if (he) chooses to work on a farm until he find a place that will suit him better.

We are in good health at present. Roxana says "give my love (?) to Moses and his wife and tell them to come out and see us as soon as they can.

Write soon. Yours in Friendship.

1. C. Willson

(to) Moses Taylor

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM HIS MOTHER

Copied November 17, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch Co. Mich.

Louisville, St. Law.

Co. N. Y. April 4/49 10

Louisville, April 1, 1849

Dear Children

I unceremoniously take the liberty to address you at this time, hoping that you will condescend to answer this scrawl with promptness. We have not received a letter from you but once since you left here. I wrote one in answer soon after but have never had the gladness to receive another from you since. I hope you are not offended with us which causes your silence. I for my part have meant no offense to you. I hope this will find you enjoying the richest of Heavens blessings. We are in the usual health at this time. Mother who lives with us is troubled with a palsy. She was attacked with it last December. She gains but very little if any. I think she would hardly survive another attack. Elias I think is gaining. He is now engaged in N. D. Moore’s store as a clerk. He was obliged to quite shoe making entirely. It did not agree with him. David (is) at work near Lake Champlain. Ellery received a letter from him about a week ago. He wrote that he had hired out to work in a saw mill. He thinks of coming home next June. William F. Drake has moved into the house where your Grand Father used to live. The case is determined at last between Conent and Hasbrook. Conent owns the land. Your Father and Ellery has been talking of buying a piece of land on this side of the river but have not exactly made up their minds yet. Ellery talks of going to see William C. McVicker who lives near to Malone who by the will of his God Father obtained nineteen thousand acres of land. He is married and lives with his wife’s Father. He sells his land very reasonable and takes all kinds of produce in payment. I had almost forgotten to tell you that Louisa and her brother was here last fall. We had a first rate good visit with them. They went away last Christmas. We have had two letters from them since they returned to Worster. We have had quite an uncommon winter. The snow has not been even a foot deep this winter and we have never had a colder winter since my remembrance. It is so cold that Col. Orvis lost his thermometer for it burst open. The river froze over the thirtieth of December and broke up the thirty-first of March altho it is not entirely cleared for lumbering. They have been employed in sawing timber for the Railroad at Redington’s mill. They draw it from there to Columbia to Norfolk and to Samon River. The Railroad goes about half a mile beyond Columbia. They have been at work on it ever since last spring.

A few words to you Dianthia. I want you should write me a long letter and tell me about all your friends in that place and how you get along in singing. I hope you enjoy yourself first rate but I must tell you that our harps have been on the willows a long time, their strings untuned. Our music is become like the language of babel.

Augustus F. I want to know if you remember your Grand Father and GrandMother and Uncle Rell and Aunt Line and Deal you little rogue. I want to see you very much. You must tease your Father and Mother to come and let you come with them to see us. You must learn to write and then write me a letter.

Moses you must forgive me for so near forgetting to say anything about the folks on the Island. They were all well last Tuesday. Samuel was here. Remember me to Hosea and Philura. Tell them their friends are all well and would be very glad to have a letter from them. Write soon and let us know how you are getting along in the world. Pardon me for troubling you with such a long letter containing so little. Smoke your pipe and then read again.

This from your affectionate mother.

Sirena Taylor

(COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM HIS BROTHER, ELIAS TAYLOR)

Copied October 22, 1968

By June Finten Everett

Stampless Cover reading as follows:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch Co. Mich.

Louisville, St. Law.

Co. N.Y. May 9/49 10

Louisville, May 8, 1849

Dear Brother, I take this opportunity of writing a few lines to you and ask pardon for not writing to you before. The reason that I have not wrote before is because I did not know what to write & I scarsly know now what to write. My health is poor. I have been in the store now four months except about ten days that I was not able. The rest of my family is well at present----

Father has just now left here. He has just now received a letter from you which I had the pleasure of reading to him and myself. I am very happy to hear from you. I am sorry to hear of the illness of your wife for health is the greatest blessing of earth. It is hard times here this spring. We had no shipping here last winter and there is no money stirring. The spring is very backward. The grass has not grown much yet. Hay is about used up. Grain is plenty. Wheat is worth 8/- Corn 4/- Oats 2/- Potatoes 3/-. I don’t know what my business will be this summer yet. Mr. Moore has not got on his spring goods yet. It has been hard times for collecting this winter. I don’t know as I shall get imployment here this summer on the account of good times. I think that if I could get a situation in a store there I would go there this summer. But I am not able to do any hard work.

I suppose you have heard of the Rail Road that is going through from Ogdensburgh to Lake ShamPlain. They have got it well started but the prospects are that they will not do much this summer. They are now awaiting for the large fish to swallow up the small ones—and then they start again. And while that operation is going on it will be dull times here—If the times will afford Mr. Moore to get a good supply of goods I probably will stay with him this summer, if I am able. But it is hard work for me to keep on my feet sometimes. I have not seen the time this winter that I could chop wood enough through the day to last over night. I suffer great pain through my left side and shoulder blade and sometimes in the small of my back. I was out to the Island about ten days ago. They were all well there then. Elon’s health is better this spring than common. They have got another young one. I don’t know whether it is a girl or boy—We have had none since you was here. So you have beat me.

I have not much to write at this time. I hope you will excuse me this time and write as soon as you get this.

Do you suppose there would be a chance in a store there for me? I am not so expert as some. But I believe that I have given good satisfaction so far.

Yours truly,

Elias Taylor

(Sorry my typing is so bad.)

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM HIS PARENTS

Copied November 15, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is a stampless cover:

Moses Taylor

Union City Branch Co.

Michigan

(Very fancy fold)

Louisville St. Law.

Co. N.Y., July 2, 49 10

Louisville, May 27^th, 1849

Dear Children, We received your letter of the 21, Apr. with great joy to hear from you and to hear that you were in tolerable health. We hope that the Blessings of God will attend you. May health and prosperity and happiness attend you and yours. We are all well as usual at present. We heard from the Island yesterday. They were all well. Elias is quite unwell this spring with a pain in the side, back and shoulders. Cyrena is not well, altho she is as well as common. They live where your Grand Father used to live and he carries on that place this year.

It has been cold backward weather this spring. Your Father and Ellery has planted between five and six acres of corn and upwards of thirty bushels of potatoes. I do not know how much wheat and oats they have sown. There are some people about here that have not planted yet. We have had considerable rain last week which I think will be of great use to vegetation. There has been considerable improvement in our little village since you was here. There is a shingle machine now in operation, one new store between the tavern or grog hole and Sam’s shop and they are building a bake house between Samuels and the Robinson store on the place that Elias talked of having. The village caracters will not be under the necessity of baking before they can eat. And there is a new blacksmith’s shop on the opposite side of the road from the bake house and another on the bank of the gulley above the little bridge, up toward the Burying ground. They have put up an addition to the gristmill with two run of stone which makes four run of stone in the mill. Mr. N. D. Moore has got an addition to his house on the end toward Mr. Kent eighteen by forty. They have a portico the whole length of the house.

It is now the first day of July and I once more resume my pen to finish my letter. I hope you will excuse me for this long delay. We are in a tolerable state of health at present and hope this will find you enjoying the blessings of health and prosperity. Ellery got a letter last night from Eben. Taylor. He write that they were well. We heard from David last week. He is not coming back here until fall. He is at work in the town of Essex, Essex County. He is at work farming this summer. The work on the Rail Road is in progression this summer. It has been and is now very dry. The water is so low in the river that the machinery has all stopped except the gristmill in Millerville.

Mr. Conent has not been down here yet tho he says he is coming this week. If he comes we shall know whether we have this place or not. Ellery has found a place to buy if we do not have this. It is in Stockholm. He likes the place very much. It lies about three-quarters of a mile from Jonathan Taylor’s. It is on the Pierpoint tract. There is a good frame house and barn on it and fifty or sixty acres cleared or partially cleared on the place. They can have it for seven hundred and sixty dollars and their own time to pay it. Ellery went to see the place. He likes it very much but did not see the agent. Jonathan and James Taylor told him about the terms. Ellery wants your Father and myself to go and see the place before he makes any bargain for it. The buildings are almost new, not having been builded more than five or six years. It has been hired out for a number of years but the man wants to sell it.

Your Aunt Lydia Soper has gone with Joel Atwood and his family to Wisconsin. She took her three youngest children with her. We have heard from them since they got there. They had a first-rate time to move by water. Tylor Soper is married to a lady in Vermont and lives there so that Mr. Reed has a great load taken off his hands and mind for he had one or more of them there pretty much all the time and his health is poor. We have not heard from Mr. Freman and Louisa this summer. They live in West Potsdam. Lucinda Soper married a man by the name (of) Joshua Gates. They went to Wisconsin more than a year ago, so there is none of the family in the parts but Louisa and Lovina.

A few words to Diantha. I hope we shall see something from your pen before long and we should like to hear something about the daughter. She must be very beautiful for Moses says she looks just like her Grandmother. She must surely be an angel. Please favour me with her name. I hope I shall see her and her brother. Tell Augustus that we all remember him and should be very glad to see him.

My wool is carried to the factory to be wrought. This year we milk eight cows. this summer, so I had not much time to spin. Mother lives with us and I expect she always will as long as we both shall live. Please write soon and tell Moses to write and let us know whether he can line out my scribling and call my words together for I have made a bad job of it. Will you overlook my bad writing and answer this scrawl.

To Moses and Dyanthia Taylor

From your affectionate Parents.

Elon and Sirena Taylor

(NOTE: I cannot understand the change in the spelling of the names. Another letter is spelled Elen and Cyrena Taylor on the signatures. Their daughter Cyrena’s name was always spelled the same so far as I see.)

(COPY OF A LETTER WITH STAMPLESS COVER FROM LUCY THORP TO HER SISTER, DYANTHA THORP TAYLOR)

Copied Sept. 30, 1968

By June Finten Everett

Cover reads as follows:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch Co.

Michigan Postmark: Leroy, N.Y.

Aug. 21

25

Leroy, August the 18, 1849

Dear Sister, Again the sun has rose and spread its sultry beams over us. I am yet in the land of the living that my life is spared while others are called from this world to try the realities of another. I must tell you about my health. My health is better than it was in the spring. It has been very poor. for about 2 years I am troubled with a Bane in my side. The Doctors call it lower complaint. I received your letter the 16^th of August. I was glad to hear from you once more as I have not heard from you in a long time. O Dear sister I am a stranger to that Saviour that so often spoke about. I cannot say that my peace has been made with God. I am a stranger to the Saviour. Often have I thought on those things. Pray for me Dear Sister that I may love the Saviour that I may come of convince you move them convert through him that has loved us. I don’t feel as I wish I might feel on the subject. I must tell you about Father Royce’s health which is very poor. He took cold about 5 weeks and settled on his lungs. Mother’s health is good as can be expected for her. They send their love to you all and wish to be remembered to Father and Sister Ann’s family. Dea Royce often speaks of Father and says that he wishes he could see him once more. He often speaks of Father. Tell Father and sister Ann that I have not forgotten them, that I have thought of them often. Think not, thought at a distance, that thou art shalt not forgotten be. While memory lives within my heart I will remember thee. Mr. Taylor I should like to see you very much. I hope that dear Sister we shall see each other before long. I thought of coming to this country and think I shall if there is an opportunity.

As to Rachel I have not heard anything from her since last spring. I heard that she had gone to the West. If I could see you I could tell you more about it. I have no news to write. It is a general time of health at present. There was a young man killed very sudden in our neighbors house this summer about 10 years of age but poor for long life. Mr. Taylor I should like a letter from you. I should like to see that dear Sister that I have not seen for so many long years. You must kiss the baby for me. You must write often as you can. Remember me Dear Sister.

(to) Dyantha Taylor Lucy Thorp Goodby

The reason why I put the dime in so is to save you 25c. My letter cost 50

NOTE: The portions underlined were hard to interpret and probably are not right. Her handwriting is very difficult to read. While it is well-formed and graceful, even flowery, still it is not always the same, some letters are unusually formed, m is used for n and vice-versa, ou are written together, p looks like f and her spelling of even simple words is very poor. Sorry my typing is so bad.

(COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM ELERY TAYOR, HIS BROTHER)

Copied November 3, 1968

By June F. Everett

Copy of a stampless cover inscription:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch Co.

Mish.

Louisville, St. Law. 10

Co. N.Y. Dec. 19^th, 49

Louisville, Dec. 16^th, 1849

Dear Brother,

I once more attempt to write a few lines to you to let you know that we are in the land of the living and in tolerable good helth at presant. Grand Mother is still living with us. Hur helth has ben verry poor this fall. She is troubald with the palzy so some of the time that she cannot use hur right hand at all and she is troubald about talking. She cannot say what she wants to. Samuel and Sharlotte was here on a visit last week. They ware all well. They have got too the smartist children that ever I saw. They are talking of going to Ohio a year from next spring. John’s folks are all as well as comon. Little John has fits yet and they grow harder. Elias’ helth is better now than it has ben for years past. His famely are enjoying midling helth. Cyrene helth is about the same as comon. They live whare Grandfather use to. We are still living here in the old castle. They have not got this land slold yet so we do not know whether we shall by here or not yet. We have ben offered 250/ dollars for that peace of land on the other road but we want to know where we can buy again before we sell that. We can makeup something over 500 hundred dollars to buy a farm without selling any of our stock so I think that we can buy a purty good farm by gitting a little time to pay the balance. You wrote for me to come there be fore I bought here. I shall like to do so but it is not convenient for me to go there at presant. I have made up my mind to spend my days in Louisville if I can buy a farm to sute me. We have had a verry dry summer and fall here this season. Crops were lite excepting wheat whitch was good for this countery. Wheat is worth 1 dollar a bushel, corn 50 cents, oats 32 cents, potatoes 32 cents. Times are verry good here now. I am a going to (be) drawing saw logs as soon as there is snow enough to git into the woods. You murst tell Gustus not to forget Uncle Rell. I am not marryed yet and that is not all. I do not know when I shal be. I should like to have you come and make us another visit if you can. Uncle Silas was down and made us a visit last fall. Father had a letter from Grand father not long since. He and Grand mother were well. He has sold his farm and gon to live with one of his daughters.

The rail rod does not get along verry fast from Ogdinsburgh to Lake Shamplain. They run a shore for funds so it will not be finished so soon as well expected. I have no more news to write at presant. Oh, liked to have forgoten to tell you that Beulah was marryed. She was marryed the third day of last July to a man by the name of Elisha H. Morse in Mass. in the town of Wincinebon (?)

I want you should write as soon as you get this letter and let us know how you are gitting along. I supose you are gitting tiered of my scribling so I will close by incribing my self. You brother and friend.

To Moses Taylor Elery Taylor

NOTE: I have copied his spelling in this letter. He used commas for periods.

COPY OF A STAMPLESS COVER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM ELIJAH DEVOE

Copied October 22, 1968

By June Finten Everett

Stampless Cover reads as follows:

5c

Moses Taylor

Union Citty, Mich.

Gidley’s Station

1. 19 Dec.

Parma, Dec. 19^th, 1849

Mr. Taylor, Sir I take my pen in hand to inform you that we are all well at this time. Hoping that the few lines that I may write may find you and your familly well. I wrote a letter to Lucy last summer which three letters that I had wrote without receiving anny information from her. Except the last one she wrote that she had not received anny of my letters before she had got an idear that her Father wood come their this fall and was making som calculations of coming out here to see us. But she write she was sadley disappointed but calculates to come out here next summer and see us. I cannot tell the reason why you have not come out here as you expected last summer except that your familly has been sick which since writing the above I remember that your wife wrote she was unable to come and have expected you wood come this fall or send us some word that you was unwell or your familly being sick and could not.

I sold Jacob Anglemyne my land in Cass County but he got sick of his bargain and I ncarcerated (?) him and have it yet. I suppose the taxes should be paid on the land which is now due and must be paid or we shall lose it.

If you cannot come out here this winter please write if you can possible send me a little money if it not more than five dollars it will help pay taxes. My taxes is high this year and I will give you credit.

And you will oblige yours,

Elijah Devoe

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM HIS BROTHER, ELIAS TAYLOR

Copied November 28, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter is enclosed in an envelope

which is a stampless cover as follows:

Louisville, N. Y. 10

June 3

Moses Taylor, Esqr.

Union City, Branch Co.

Mich.

Louisville, June 2^nd, 1850

Ever Respected Brother,

I set my self down to answer your letter bearing date May 19^th which came to hand last evening and was much pleased to hear from you and to hear that you were all well and I can say in answer that we are in a midling state of health and it is a general time of health here now.

We have had a cold wet backward spring and too wet to plow and sow yet on the most of the farms about here. It is hard times for money here now. The California feaver has been raging all winter and a great many gone which has drained the loose change from us. If I had the change I would go but it is too hard to be got. Produce is high. Wheat is worth 1.25 pr. bushel, corn 75, oats 50, potatoes 40 and other things accordingly.

I would like to go out there next fall if I can get money enough but I have been sick so long that it is hard time with me yet. But if my health remains good I will out grow it all yet. I have been at work now two months and have not lost any time yet.

I have hired for six months for 19.00 pr. month and that is a hard way to get a living. You will excuse me for not writing any more at this time.

Yours in friendship, love and truth.

Elias Taylor

June 3^rd

Father’s folks are all well. Grandmother lives there with them. She is very feeble with old age and quite likely will not live through the summer. Elery lives with the old folks on the old place yet. They have not bought any land yet.

John and Mary was out to Father’s yesterday but I did not see them. Little John has fits yet and has almost spoilt his senses and has made a cripple of him now. This is Monday morning. It is clear and cool and Sally is getting breakfast and the babies are yet sleeping and I must go to my toil.

Give us your best wishes.

(to ) Moses & Dyantha Elias & Sally

COPY OF A LETTER TO DYANTHA THORP TAYLOR FROM LUCY THORP

Copied November 10, 1968

By June Finten Everett

May 16, 1851

Dear Sister, After so long a time I do address a few lines to inform you that I am well at present and hope that you enjoy the same. After we left your house we had a pleasant time home. An has been sick most of the time since she was out there. Mr. Devoe charged me 3 & half dollars for coming out there. It took most of the pay to him that I receive for the last (?) and pay for what I owe it has left me destitute of money at present. Now I will tell you what I am doing (?) at present. I came here the first of April but did not go to work until 2 weeks ago. I thought that I would hire my board whilest I stayed here. Think I shall not stay here long because I cannot make anything only to pay for my board. Do not think I shall ever make anything in this way. Feel quite discouraged. Do not know what I should do. I would like to have you write as soon as you receive this without fail, and send that money without fail. No more at present.

Lucy Thorp

(NOTE: Lucy’s handwriting, while elaborate, is still very difficult to read and her spelling is so bad it is impossible to copy it. The best I can do is put down what I think she meant.)

(This letter was in an envelope postmarked Massena, N.Y., Sep 22. Also enclosed is a letter from Elijah Devoe with a dateline of Parma, January 18, 1956. [sic?] Apparently neither letter came in this envelope. This letter of Lucy’s must have come from Parma too for she was near enough to go to visit.)

COPY OF A LETTER TO DYANTHA THORP TAYLOR

September 6

Dear sister, I sit down to answer brother’s letter which I did not receive until a day or two ago. I was glad to hear from you. Mr. Thare here a few weeks ago and said he was going to Union City. I requested him to inform me whether you was there or not. Mr. Thare was here today and said that you was well and the rest of your family and said that brother Taylor had gone west to work to be gone two months. Brother mentioned in his letter that he should be gone 2 months and sister wished me to come out and stay with her. Sister I am sorry to say that I won’t come out there this fall due to circumstances. After all I expected that you had gone but am glad you are not gone. I would have been glad to come out and stayed with you but do not wish to be disappointed in my calculation. I have calculated to go to Ypsilanti this fall to work out my troule (?) and do not wish to disappoint.

Sister I received your kind letter last May and have not heard since until now. I mention in this letter again that I received that money that I received. Sister I have no news to write. We are well at present. Elijah says that if you don’t come out there and see them he will come out there and put Moses in the drink. They are building this summer. Expect to move in their house in Oct. I have no news to write. It is a general time of health. Must draw to a close for it is getting late.

Good Bye

Dyantha Taylor

Lucy Thorp

Transcribed by June Finten Everett, September 6, 1968

(NOTE: This letter is very hard to decipher because some of the letters are very unusually formed, especially "w" which has three loops, the middle one higher and "m" which looks like "n". The spelling is very bad, for instance: Hav=have, knot=not, leter=letter, know=no, knews=news. As in the other letters there are no periods and capitals do not appear at the beginning of sentences, but rather on words where they should not be, such as his and her. Even the names are not usually capitalized.)

COPY OF A LETTER TO MOSES TAYLOR FROM J. W. WILLSON, A BROTHER-IN-LAW)

Copied November 10, 1968

By June Finten Everett

This letter enclosed in an envelope:

Mr. Moses Taylor

Union City, Branch co. A 3c Geo. Washington

Riverton, Mich. Mich. stamp, Series 1861 was

May 8/ 67 affixed, is loose.

Riverton, April the 28, 1867

Brother Moses and Sister Dyantha,

I now sit down to write a few lines to you to let you know that we had not forgotten you. We are well as usual for us. We are growing old pretty fast and we feel the effects of old age pretty sensibly. Mary’s health has been very poor for a year past and mine has not been much better. We have been just able to keep about and do a little but we can’t do much.

We expected to hear from you by Elias when he came back from the east but we did not and we were some disappointed not to. Now there appeears to be some thing wrong with regard to matters between you and Elias for I can hardly credit some of his statements. Now has he any reason to make such statements or is it all an imaginary exaggeration? We have heard from him now we just want an explanation from you. For my part it don’t trouble me much but it troubles Mary a good deal for she cannot believe that Moses has got to be such a man nor I can’t nor don’t. I let him say what he is a mind to and let it pass at that. I think that he is partially deranged by times for he has had trouble enough to make a half a dozen men crazy if all is true that he tells. Now I want this to be confidential betwixt your family and mine. I don’t want him to know that I correspond with you at tall. I don’t want to offend him and let him forget his trouble if he can so we hear what he has to say without any contradiction and let him tell his storys as he has a mind to.

We have commenced farming a little, plowing and sowing wheat but the weather is cold and dry yet. My letter did not get sent to the post office and has laid over so I will try again. It is now the 5^th of May and we had a fine rain yesterday and last night but the weather is quite cool yet but clear and pleasant.

Elias was here to see us yesterday. He comes when he is in the neighborhood and has time. He works around at little jobs of carpenter work when can get chances. He talks of buying a piece of land some where in our neighborhood but whether he will or not I don’t know. He is so unsteady that we can’t tell what he will do. Moses and his wife have got a young daughter born on March the 11^th. They are all well. Margery and her man are getting along very well and Marrion lives with them. My boys are all at home now and will put in our crops and then they will go to work out until harvest. Alie is married and lives in about half a mile of us. So now I believe I have got about done for this time. We send you our respects, not forgetting Gustus [Augustus] and wife and Lula. So I remain yours as ever.

J. W. Wilson

Direct to Riverton, Mason Co., Mich.