The Letters of Katie Kerwin – Hart

1886-1889 to Lizzie Conlin

Envelope addressed May 25, 1886 –Miss Lizzie Conlin, Chana, Ogle Co. Ill’s (Afton & Rochelle postmarks)

Creston, Ills

May 23^rd/86

Dear Lizzie

I received a letter from you April 3^rd. I answered it. I have not heard from you since. I took the opportunity to write again hoping to find you well as this leaves me at present.

I drove home three weeks ago today. I called to your home your folks were all well. (They) said you were coming home soon to stay home for the summer. You will come to see me then won’t you? I hope you will for you have been so long promising.

I sometimes think you are never coming, but they say long threatening comes at last. I suppose you have heard about Mrs. Johnny Norton’s dying with the typhoid fever, was brought to Creston to be burried. She was 24 years old. Leaves two children. The girl that has worked for them over two years is keeping house for Johnny Norton now. Pat Hart’s wife (Bridget) is not very well for the last three weeks. Grandma Kerwin was there all last week. I am intending to go home next Saturday if the weather permits. I received two letters from home this week they are all well. Bernice? is there yet. Did you get any new dress this summer. I didn’t & don’t think I will. I guess I must ware out my old clothes then go without any -as it is hard times I can’t afford to buy new ones.

Hickeys are intending to have a dance in the barn, but I don’t know when.

We aint through house cleaning yet. The painters are coming next week.

We have over sixty little chickens, sixteen turkeys & more on the way. The Boss & mistress is away. I must draw my letter to a close for it is time to skim the milk & prepare supper.

Good bye, write soon.

My regards to all.

Your friend

Katie Kerwin

Creston Ill’s

Sep 19^th 86

Dear Lizzie;

I thought you had forgot me intirely so I must write to you again.

I thought I could see you last Sunday when I was home, but you did not come to see me. We had company so I didn’t get away any place, even up to Aunt K. her & uncle John came down Sunday. Anyway it wont be very long until I am home for good.

Mary scrubbed the stoop & the kitchen for me. Mistress came out & was terrible put out about it, said it was to hard work for her [Mary]. Mary said I had so much baking & other work to do that it would be late & I would be tired. Mistress said it was to be done & I was expected to do it. Mary said because Katie is hired girl you have no sympathy for her. They had hot words for a few minutes. I was afraid they would get into trouble on my account. Mary & the kids is gone to Southern’s today.

We have two men now [english at that]. We had two ditchers here for three weeks. They are gone now & we have three day hands shocking corn. There is always an army of men here. Mary Hart is having nicer times than she

should in Creston.

We have had any amount of company today to see the sick woman. They are all gone to bed now it is late. Time for all honest folks to be in bed, so I must mind the clock & put the cats out & say good bye to you.

Give my regards to your folks, write soon. It seems you have forgotten when you were away from home & like the news.

I am as ever your friend,

Katie Kerwin

Creston, Ill’s

Oct 24^th 86

Dear Lizzie

I received your kind and welcome letter the 17^th was glad to hear from you as I had given up ever hearing from you again. I came to the conclusion that you were on your rear ear about something. I enjoyed reading your letter. The hint on the tallow bissiness was rich as could be. Yes Lizzie I am intending to leave Creston before very long but cant tell you when.

If I don’t stop work soon I will have to go naked [that would be a sad case]. I have not got a new calico dress since I come here. I am tired of working.

When I told Mrs. Brown I was not intending to stay this winter she cried like a baby till I thought her heart would break. As Frank Hart says "it’s a long road but there is a turn in it". Her hasty temper & firey tongue often caused me to cry. She may cry until she is tired then stop if she likes for all I care.

She had the cheek to ask me to stay until Christmas & go home then rest a few months & come back to work here again next spring. I told her not to depend on me for next spring for I would not come back. It would make you sick to hear her telling everyone "she is going to louse her girl."

The old lady Reed is here visiting now. You see I have a bed fellow, but rather a still one. She is a nice old lady. I never heard her speaking ill of any body.

Does your grandma seem to be satisfied living at your cousin’s. My grandma is off pleasuring yet.

Lizzie I hope you will excuse this paper I wrote this letter on but it is all I have on hand at present.

All the folks here are gone to church, but Mrs. Reed she is warming the bed for me. It is time for me to be getting there to.

I send kindest regards to all. Write soon……..

I am as ever your true friend,

Katie Kerwin

Envelope postmarked Dec. 6, 1886 in Shabbona, IL. Addressed to Miss Lizzie Conlin, Chana, Ogle Co., IL

Milan Ill’s

Dec 5^th/86

Dear Lizzie,

I received your kind & welcome letter two weeks ago & would have answered it before but I had no writing paper & every time the boys went to town they would forget it.

I was in DeKalb Friday & spent nearly all my money. I got a dress will send a piece in this letter. I don’t suppose you will like the color very well. When you come home if you can stay I would be pleased if you would bring your tools with you to make it for me. I did not get anything to trim it. I thought I would make it plain.

Sally Marshall is married to Mr. Pooler & Marg Maher is married to man in Dekalb. Jack & Nell were called out in the church in DeKalb last Sunday. I don’t know whether they are married or not. Jessie Shambo has a young daughter. Will Shambo has no family only "little Blossom".

We had 37 ducks to pick for Thanksgiving market. Aunt Kate helped us pick them. She said they are going to kill a beef. I told her to save some tallow for Lizzie C. & T. She was very anxious to know what it was for. I would not tell her what it was for. She said when she saw you she would tell you she had some tallow for you. You would think she knew it all, then tell her all about it, but don’t you give it away. You ought to give the receit in full to Nell. Johnny is running a hay press. I told him about the stove pipe falling on your head. He wanted to know if you hurt the pipe any.

We were to a dance at Sheridan’s last night. We had a nice time. All the town house boys were there, not some of the girls. I heard your two Sisters & Ada Griswold were at Aunt Kate’s today. Johnny went away this afternoon. He was going up to see old paddy jussin (Johnson?). Ellen might run him.

There is going to be a big dance down at little Tommy Skelly’s next Monday night. A big time is expected.

Bessie Garrity is loafing around Milan yet from one house to another. The kids started making molasses candy. I left my letters & went pulling the candy. I had a picnic with them.

Peter got through work last night, Wednesday. He says he wishes you would come home for he has forgot how you looked. I asked him who I would get to make my dress. You are the one he appointed.

Mary Hart has a new dress. I understand she is to have it made in Shabbona. She may change her mind when you come back. As the kids are raising cane I cant think half what I want to say to you. We are all well & hope you are the same. The family all send regards to you. I bid farewll & close with love to all.

Your True Friend,

Katie Kerwin

Dear Friend Lizzie,

I received your kind and welcome letter last week & was pleased to hear from you & to hear you were well, but was very sorry to hear about John not feeling well. What seems to be the matter with him. Do you think it is the heat. How is he now. I hope he is better by this time.

Maggie went back to work a week ago last Sunday. She was home three & her thumb was mot intirely well but Mrs. Brown was about down sick. So Maggie went back to do what she could.

I thought sure you would be to meet the train in Rochelle the 4^th. I looked around to see you & John [but I might have watched until I was cross eyed.]

I met your cousin John McCann on the fair grounds & had a long chat with him. I asked him if you came. He said not but Johnny did. I had to ask what Johnny? For I did not think of your brother being called Johnny, but I did not see John or I don’t know of any of the crowd that did. It was hard to miss us for there was such a crowd. If you saw us you would be proud of the town you were imported from.

The hint about the young Ryan’s was pretty good, but I will take care of the young Kerwin’s first, so that I will thoroughly understand any profession when the young Ryan’s arrives to this Country.

I was intending to go home last Sunday to go to church, but the horse I ride had sore feet, so I got left.

I had a big time last night dreaming about you. When I woke up this morning I had pillows under my head, but I was across the foot of the bed. I haven’t time to write all the dream for they are ready to start.

So good by, write soon,

Your friend Katie K

Give my regards to all - also you all – in haste

Envelope addressed to Mr. J.T. Kerwin, Chana, Ogle Co., Ill’s – postmarked May 7, 1888, Malta, IL.

Box 44 Malta, IL

May 6^th 88

Dear Brother and Sister,

I received your kind and welcome letter & neglected answering until now. We are all well & hope you are the same. Mrs. M. Hickeywas buried last Thursday . She died with three days of sickness [inflamation of the bowels]. I went home the night before to go to the funeral. It was the sadist funeral I ever saw, the boys took her death awful & Mike is nearly crazy. It would draw a tear from a stone to see the 3 little girls come and look at her & cry as if their heart would break. I never saw a corpse that looked as natural as she did. There was a very large funeral.

Henry is going to take Jimmy’s place. Jimmy is going to stay at home. Peter has 3 or 4 acres to plow Thursday. Him and Willie both look very thin. I brought the letter home to them, when they read where you said to be careful of Willie, he said when you were there yourself you was not as careful as you might be. He said last summer when he would be tugging away, if he asked you to help him you would say go to Hell & do it yourself, that you was not working for that firm anymore.

I aint near through house cleaning here yet it is a terrible big house to go over. We did not do anything toward it in two weeks as Grace & her husband were visiting here & I was glad when they were gone. While they were here it was nothing only the house full of company. There would be 4 or 5 preachers here at a time. I got sick of so much preaching.

Did you get any pictures taken when you were married. If you did I would like to have one of them. I am intending to get some Cabinets before long.

Did you plant any corn yet. Brown is nearly through planting. I think you folks are intending to get fat this year if you plant as many potatoes as you said you were going to. I should think you folks could take a trip to Milan before long. John & Lizzie used to come last summer. I should think you could now.

I guess I will have to stop writing for I am ashamed to send any more scraps of paper but it is the best I have got. So good bye, write soon.

Your Sister,

Katie Kerwin.

Malta, Ill’s

Dear Brother & Sister,

I received your kind and welcome letter today & was pleased to hear from you & to hear you are as well as leaves me at present. I was very sorry to hear about you taking Grampa’s going home & mother is sorry & fretting about you since she heard about it. I came home today to stay until Wednesday to make some dresses. I won’t have time to put much style on them in that length of time, but times are very hard now.

I didn’t see Maggie since before you were home. She was home twice since. She came home Saturday night & went to Mass Sunday. I could not go as Mrs. Brown was up to Grace’s.

Peter is through all his corn very near three times. Willie says they will finish it in about 2 days & ½. We had lots of rain here last week. Bert & Dick were here today. Sam Veale is going to give a dance in his new barn Tuesday night. The crowd is all going, so maybe with the help of God I can go to another dance.

Well Johnny, I don’t know were we are going to spend the 4^th. It is like last year. I suppose we won’t know until a few hours before hand.

Malta is going to celebrate. I hear Shabbona is going. Aunt Kate was to Cortland two weeks ago & to Mass in Maple Park. The priest gave it out that he was going to give a temperance picnic for the benefit of the church. She thinks all the young folk’s around here ought to patronize it [but what harm if it was anyone that ever prayed towards her own church]. The picnic is to be given in Geneva. Eddy & Anna says they are going. She says Patsy promised to meet them there. Mary was anxious to get Will to go, but the lads went down there and persuaded him out of it & spoiled it all for Mary.

Brown had a social Friday night. I was not so tired since

Adam’s ox was a calf as I was yesterday. Nora says to tell you our old cat has 5 kittens & the prospect of another black cat before long. I got my picture a long time ago & ment to send one before now, but I have no large envelope, but I have one saved for a long relation.

This letter don’t look like my writing even if it does sound like my talk, but I cant help it for the ink is thick & I am trembling like a leaf all over. I don’t know what is the matter, for my nerves are generally pretty steady. Well I will close for this time, we all send our love to you all. Good bye, write soon.

Your Loving Sister,

Katie Kerwin

Malta, Ill’s

July 19^th 88

Dear Brother & Sister,

I took time to write to you tonight hoping it will find you well as this leaves me.

Maggie & I were both home Saturday night & to Mass Sunday. The folks at home are all well. Peter had not cut any hay then. He had the rye shocked. He was bothered a great deal with the Reaper. He thought it was because he did not have it set right, so he went over after Dominick. He came over & found that there was a casting broke. Dominick says he is an expert man to ride over in his carriage & find the faults of the Reapers.

Mr. O’Boyle is gone to the springs in Wisconsin for the benefit of his health.

The latest news is that Mary Riely is going to be married soon, but I think it is only talk. If she gets married there is no danger what the rest of us can. I suppose you have heard about Jimmy Kennedy having a boy. Jimmy Mahan’s a girl, also Mike Condon’s, others to numerous to mention.

I suppose you are busy haying. Mother aint well at all this summer, she is bothered so much with her head acking & when it aint aching it is dizzy or numb. I think it is owing a great deal to her worry & fretting a great deal & as there is no one to talk to her & get it off her mind, only Nora & she aint hardly old enough to understand. When Maggie & I were home we would not let her worry. We would change the conversation as soon as she would start it, & if her head don’t get better when the weather gets a little cooler, I am going to give up my place & go home.

I send you my picture. There is no use for me to say I am better looking than it for you know to well how I look, but if you should show it to some nice fellows out there tell him I am better looking than the picture. Peter says it is taken to course & fleshy for me. Mother don’t like the pomador & the side of my face so dark.

I am busy now days quilting & it what I don’t like very well, & it has to be done so nice & close together. Closer than I would if it was mine even if the kids would get their toes in it.

Well I guess I have told you all the news I can think of for this & it is time to go to bed as the rest are all going & I aint in the habit of sitting up late.

Good bye, write soon.

Yours truly Sister

Katie Kerwin

Malta, Ill’s

Dear Brother & Sister,

I received your kind & welcome letter some time ago & no doubt by this time you have begun to think I have forgotten you, but not so. Camp meeting takes all spare time we have now days. Mr. & Mrs. Brown & Pearl went last Saturday & is there yet. Millie Conyers went Tuesday & come back today. Willie Brown is going tomorrow & the devil knows when he is coming back. Him & I were here alone. Oh but he is a quite old slob. Nora would stay with me only they are intending to thrash this week & Mother needs her help at home. The A.O.H.of Aurora & Batavia gave a picnic in DeKalb yesterday. Peter & Mother & Maggie & myself were up. All of Milan was going only for the rains, but there was not very many of them up to what they would if it did not rain.

We got started early so we were up to hear two Masses. The weather stopped one tenth of the Batavians & Aurora. The Hibernians from both places were to be dressed in their uniform & march & the Irish girls of DeKalb congregations. They were to represent each county in Ireland. They had green skirts, white waists & green sashes over their shoulder & the name of the county they represented. It rained so only a few had (?) their skirts & they only marched from the Depot. The morning worked so bad. The A.O.H. didn’t bring their suits at all. They had the grand army from Aurora there dresed in their uniforms & girls & they are the well drilled ladies & all Irish if you please. Patrick Feeney is one of them. Dock & the woman, McGuarry’s, Harts, O’Boyles & I could not tell all that was out.

I did not get home until half past eight. What do you think of that & no one to get Willie his supper, but there was no danger of him starving for there was lots to eat in the house. He had to milk the 10 cows alone. But I could not help it for it was like pulling teeth to get Peter started & he was straight as a string to.

Mack is full bent in getting Doll. He was there two weeks ago & twice last Monday. He did not see Mother either time. Peter was off thrashing. Mother went to DeKalb yesterday to see if he could not be stopped from coming there. The first one she met was Uncle Eddy. She told him about it. He told her he would settle it for her & as it happened Mack was in town & Dock went for him & give him as good a scaring as he ever got. He warned him if he ever heard of him going there again he would finish him.

You spoke about getting sun son struck. Did you mean son or sun?

Mary McDermitt is in the country for the last month. I had a letter from her today saying her & Rueben are coming down to preach Brown’s next Sunday eve & to see the cook. Johnny Moran & family are living in Dakota. Pat Welch & wife (Johnny O’Boyle’s Hanna) are living in Sandwich. Big Mike O’Boyle is working in Wisconsin, his family is going there soon. Mrs. Bowes is dead since Aug. 1^st. Edd aint expected to live very long. You thought it was bad on bags for Mary Hart to be writing to B.G., but Will (Fee) don’t be quite as fresh as he was. I don’t think he was up to see her twice this summer, but she goes down to Fee’s every Sunday & sometimes Will aint home & she will wait until he does come if she thinks he is coming. If it was any other girl that was running after a fellow like that Aunt Kate & Mary would get the lock jaw from talking about them.

Eddy is quite fond of going down to see Mary Fee. He come to our place while we were to church. He could not stay only a few minutes for he said he had to get back to his colt or to do his chores, so Willie went as far as the west end of our lane with him & supposed he was going home of course. (when I was coming home Peter come as far for us as Howe’s, he was going up to the Center.) As we come past Fee’s there was Eddy sitting in the shade in Fee’s yard. Peter thought it was a cold reception for a fellow & as cold as a week ago last Sunday was.

He has a fine white mustache & the dirt grimed into his lip shows off to perfection.

Yours truly

Katie Kerwin

Envelope addressed to Mr. J.T. Kerwin, Chana, Ogle Co., Ill’s –Postmarked in DeKalb, Sept. 6, 1888

Malta, Ill’s

September 4^th 1888

Dear Brother & Sister,

I write a few lines to let you know we are all well & hope you are the same. We got the crab apples. Mrs. Conlin took the small half. She said as she was alone all her girls gone from her she would not have time to tend to more of them. I think you must have a crab-apple tree orchard, when you were able to spare so many. Nothing could be more appreciated than them for we all think so much of them.

A week ago I heard Mother lamenting about crab apples for one of their trees died. The folks at home started to thrash today. I thought they were going to start yesterday noon so I went home to help on the straw pile. But I didn’t do very much, but Dick was there & was going up to the well for a barrel of water so I got into the barrel & rode up to the well & helped him. I might be doing something else, but I thought all work and no play left Jack a dull boy. Fagan’s are thrashing for them, Frank Lawler, C. Fagan, B. McCarty are the proprietors.

Katie McGirr was burried Thursday, left two children. She died with quick consumption. Her mother brought her back here about a month ago to die. The Kerwins were to the funeral & just before they got home, Flora colt run into the wire & got badly cut. The kid’s got old Scheidecker & he stopped the blood & as soon as Peter got home he went to Malta for Johnny Campbell. It is her front two front legs that got cut up close to the breast. There is six stiched in one leg & 3 in the other. Peter did not get to bed untill 2 o’clock that night. She seems to getting better now.

He went to help Howe thrash the next day & was not there over an hour when he was taken with pains in his bowels & had to go home. Mother put mustard & horse raddish & linseed & everything she could think of on him. He could not feel the head from anything for a long while. He was so drowsy & sleepy & when they would stir him up he appeared to be silly. They sent for Aunt Kate & her & Willie went for the Dr. As every man in the neighborhood was thrashing, he also had a bilous attack of vomiting. Dr. Willis says it was information of the bowel & he got the very best treatment & if he had not vomited all that bilous stuff it would throw him into typhoid fever. They sent for me & was going to send a dispatch to you by the Doctor, but he said it was not nessary untill the next day anyhow. Peter is up since Sunday but is very weak yet & looks bad yet. But of course you could not expect him to be strong as ever in such a short time, but he is gaining.

I did not finish your letter last night as I was very tired after coming back here for I had to take up stuff enough to last while they are thrashing. I don’t know what Ma would have done if I didn’t come home, for she had one of her worst spells with her. She was not able to do the first thing. Aunt Kate is grunting every day but she would not be if old John would keep his own side of the bed. They are improving their time while grandma is in Kankakee.

I done my washing & ironing before I went home & took care of a big amount of the crab apples & left the table all set for supper & when I got back here, Mrs. Browne was gone. You bet I had to make tracks to get supper then. Maggie is well. She don’t get home only once a month. She is coming home next Saturday night for it is Church Sunday.

Curly is working for Johnny McGirr pressing hay. He rode his pony over to our house yesterday & had his dinner. He is getting fatter than ever. Mr. Boyle is home & feeling splendid. We got a letter from Barney last week & a tin type picture taken with a white hat on & turned up all around. He looks like a cowboy. He is bottling beer yet. Uncle Pat is running a engine for a steam thrasher out in Kankakee. Mary McDermitt is out in the country over a month. Her & Ruben Southern were here to see me three weeks ago. Mr. Hart & I were out to Southern’s two weeks next Sunday. Mary Hart & Will Fee are all broke up. I don’t think he was up there twice all summer, but she was running down there all the time.

I had made arrangements to get to Sycamore for the fair. I don’t know whether any more of the crowd is going or not. If I can see the old gent in time to see the rest of the crowd, I will do all I can in favor of going to Rochelle. But as for staying a week or two I will wait untill I am needed worse before I make such a long stay. But I will go to see you as soon as I can.

Mack has not made his appearance again at home since Uncle Eddy gave him the talking to. If we go to the fair we will go the third day. Sometimes Mother’s head feels quite well & then again it is as bad as ever. Well I guess I have told you all the news I can think for this time, but before I write again, I will get a new pen, for this one is next to none at all. All the rest of the folks are in bed & I aint used of sitting up after they go to bed. So good bye, write when ever you get time. I send best wishes to you all, your loving Sister,

Katie Kerwin

Malta, Ill

Dec 5^th

Dear Brother & Sister,

I received your letter along time ago & also one yesterday. Was to pleased to hear you were well as this leaves us all at present.

Peter got through his husking last week, the south crib is full, the north one is over ½ full.

Maggie & Nora husked every day since they began to husk. Maggie was down to Batavia & stay 3 weeks this fall. She had a good time I can assure you & nothing to do. Eddy bought her a $6.50 ring & gave her a $5.00 gold piece & payed her fare home. I think I will have to go see him & see if he will do as well by me. I thought I could claim the ring but her name was on it. She thought I got nicely left for once in my life. Uncle Edd was intending to move into his new house. I expect he has moved before now. Hattie Bowe is going to live with them as long as she wants to stay. Edd Bowe was burried while Maggie was in Batavia. Johnny Norton’s oldest boy is dead & burried, died with one weeks sickness, diptheria. Mr. Garrity burried a son & daughter in one day. One died one day & the other the other the next with consumptions. They were both full grown. He lost a young woman of a daughter the time Mary Bowes died & six weeks from the day his wife died with a canser of the breast. There is a great deal of sickness here now.

Therow’s house keeper is going to leave tomorrow. Then of course he will get his washing done here & also be here to dinner. I would as soon see the devil coming as to see him.

Willie Brown is teaching in town Milroyan District. Grace & the preacher are here this week. Her & Lizzie was in Malta yesterday. Mrs. Brown & all of them were to Coyles west of Malta today. Lizzie went home tonight & is coming back in the morning & they are all going to Mar Veal & the next day to DeKalb. Well I guess I will stop at that & let them go where they please.

There is a revival meeting in the west school every eve this week & they all pack off every night. Pearl is here tonight.

Dick was talking of going out there, if he did give him my regards. Also deal very kindly with him for him & I are big friends, more over since he took me riding in the barrel. You will have to excuse this scribbled letter for I wrote it in a hurry & besides I am out of practice of writing now. Of course you folks are coming home Christmas.

Well good bye for this time

I remain your loving Sister

Katie Kerwin

Written in the margin – This week the two Edd Harts for instance and several more – I think your Uncle John Roe is to be fitted if he don’t know any more than to pay such a price for a cow. If she should take the colic or get casted in the manger before the morning where would his $20 be. No wonder this country is in ruin when the likes of him is let run at large. Johnny Kerin’s is married about a month.

Envelope addressed to Mr. J. T. Kerwin, Chana, Ogle Co., Ill’s and postmarked Dec 29, 1888, Malta, IL.

December 27^th 1888

Malta, Ill’s

Dear Brother & Sister,

I write you these few lines hoping to find you all well as this leaves us at present. How is Lizzie. I did not hear she was sick untill I went home Christmas eve. We got all the apples. We don’t know how to thank you for them. But you cant imagine how they are appreciated in both houses. They are they nicest apples I ever saw for this time of the year. John & Mary came down to our house Christmas & Peter hitched up our team. Him & John went to town for them & got back it was dark. They were talking & eating apples & the first thing I knew it began to rain & they were elected for the night, also Edd Hart & A. Anderson. We had a pleasant time. I had a big calculating on you folks being home but I was disappointed. I was very sorry to hear Lizzie was sick. Peter come to the Christmas tree for me. Mrs. Brown put on for me a shirt, pants, & night dress. That was all I got for Christmas.

I expect all the crowd is going to the club dance Friday night, but I aint . You see I am getting old & has to save my dollars. Well, I did not get back untill today. They did not say a word. If they did I would go back again. They wanted me to stay to help but I would not. I told them we always had a family gathering at home, that I never was away from home on that day. They got old Herkinshines old woman. We havent much news as everything is dull.

I remain your loving Sister,

Katie Kerwin

Good bye, write soon

Malta Ill’s

Jan. 27 1889

Dear Brother & Sister,

I received your kind & welcome letter some time ago & have neglected to answer it before. We are all well, hope you are the same.

I was very much surprised when I went home, they told me you made such a good visit in Milan. The way the weather looked that Monday, I thought you would start the first thing Monday, or I would have gone home as I promised. Don’t seem I had any visit at all with you. That old long (?) coming spoiled it all. I wave not heard from Batavia since only Peter & Mr. Hart went down there a week ago yesterday came back Tuesday. They had a nice time you know. The folks are all well. Mrs. Brown & Pearl & Lizzie went to Hampshire week Saturday stayed till Thursday. Maggie stayed with me till Wednesday eve. We went to Charlie’s party. Had a nice time. My sides are sore yet from laughing at Maggie. She was just in for a big time. Uncle Pat & Mary Hart come home a week ago Thursday. Mary Kerwin is also up. I had a letter from Kankakee. They are all well. Mary Ann is in Madison Wisconsin. Sara is teaching in their own district. They had a big dance at Johnny’s a short time ago.

I was to a carpet rag bee to Hannah Maley’s yesterday, dance in the evening. I was to Lee today, you bet we ought to have a big indulgence for it was so cold & rough. A very small congregation today. It was his farewell sermon. He is removed to Stark, I think is the name of the place. He felt very bad about leaving. Johnny McConarthy & Mary Moran were called out today. Hugh Duffy & one of the Kelly girls were married last Wednesday. Old Brown went down Wednesday & put the yoke on Leana Cody & George Borden. John McCabe & Mary Marshall are to be tied up tomorrow. It is so fashionable to get married I think I will to. But still it aint cold weather & the winter is nearly over & soon be to warm for two to sleep in one bed. I guess I will wait a while longer. What do you think about it.

Maggie & the Long fellow took in the calico dance in Shabbona Friday night, also to Maley’s last night. Well I guess I cant think of any more to write for I am tired & sleepy. I have to get up at 4 o’clock Monday mornings to start washing. You see I have to train my company to go home early. I find it is a good habbit, Ha, Ha, Ha.

Your Loving Sister,

Katie Kerwin

Envelope addressed to Mr. J.T. Kerwin, Chana, Ogle Co., Ill’s – postmarked Batavia, March 4, 1889

Batavia, Ill’s

March 3^rd 1889

Sunday eve P.M.

Dear Brother & Sister,

I received your kind & welcome letter just before I took the train to come here three weeks ago Thursday. I am very lonesome. The first two weeks I thought I could not live through it but I don’t mind it so much now. Dock’s are rejoicing over a 10 lb. son since last Wednesday. Both mother & baby are doing nicely now, we still have to get Dock a new pair of pants for the old ones wont hold him [he was so pleased]. Mary was very sick. We thought she would never get over it. She was in hard pain 4 hours. Oh if Dock don’t more than set them up for the boy [the General as he calls him].

I had a letter from home last week. They are all well. Maggie gave me strict orders to come home for she was tired of the preacher. Her & Pearl are quarreling all the time.

I have missed some big times out home since I came in here. The first week I was in here Dock brought me to a Maskrade ball. We did not dance [we were spectaters} I was not over the river in over a week. I could go any time I wanted to but I hated to leave Mary alone. I didn’t have time this week. The first week I was here Turky came home to dinner with Dock, had his fancy horse. He asked me to go to St. Charles with him. I told him I could not for I was washing, but that did not hinder me for I was through. I was afraid he would go out the back kitchen & catch me in a lie. He came to dinner again a week ago last Friday & wanted me to go to Geneva with him. I told him I had an appointment to fulfill after noon, so in order to save myself I went over to see Mary McDermit. Dock went then & sure enough they stopped here coming back, but I was gone. If I go once he wont give me any peace while I am here.

Hattie Bowe’s is living here. She is the lazziest girl I ever saw. Any one would think she would be so glad of a home, she would do every thing, but indeed it is more bother for to wait on her than to pay for what she does.

Oh Docks has a lovely home, every thing is so nice, but still I prefer a country home. It seems I would give any thing to see some one I know. I don’t think when I am going home. Well I guess I am talked out for this is my third letter this afternoon. I can’t think of any more to write so I will close hoping to hear from you soon.

Mary McDermitt went to Chicago yesterday, is going to start for Dakota tomorrow to visit her sister Maggie. She don’t have Walter Norton any more. Good bye, write soon.

Envelope addressed to Mr. J.T. Kerwin, Chana, Ogle Co., Ill's,’ postmarked Malta, April 10 1888

Malta Ill’s

Apr 7 1889

Dear Brother &Sister,

I received your letter some time ago & did not find time to answer it untill now.

I got home two weeks ago yesterday. I come to work the next day. I have been about sick ever since. I took cold when I came back here. I did not go home last Sunday morn. Untill I was called to get supper. Monday washing, more cold. Cleaned house Tuesday & Wednesday took more. So I was not able to do anything untill yesterday. My throat was so sore & I was sick all over. I was afraid of diptheria, its very plenty around here also mumps, but I feel about all right now. I went down to Aunt Kate’s before I went home. I found all the folk well. Maggie was not home today. She started to work for Wescot last Sunday. She get $2.50 a week. Jem had a lovely little colt last night.

Mrs. Loche come out here last night, he is coming in a few days. Brown’s & them & every other robber in the country are going to Oregon Wednesday to the golden wedding of Mr. & Mrs. Cartright. Lizzie brown is grunting now days. Link did not keep his side of the bed. Jimmy O’Boyle was over to our house last week. He feels very blue as Dominick left home, started for Kansas & never told his father he was going away at all untill he was in the buggy going to take the train.

Frank Scofield’s wife is dead & buried & leaves 4 children the youngest one is a couple of weeks old. All the Batavia folks are well. They called the kid John Edward. Sheen Camerah’s mother was hurried the day I come home.

Monday eve

Company came in last nigh when I was writing. I did not like to be writing then. I left the room It was cold upstairs. Mrs. Brown & Grace were down visiting at Phelps this afternoon. They left here about two o’clock. Phelps’ were not through washing when they got there. Oh they cant keep their mouth shut about it. It is a killing affair not through washing before dinner. There will be a paper written about it.

Brown sold over $1000 worth of hogs & cattle today. He is smiling like a white cloud.

How does Mag like it in Indiana. I have not seen any of them since Charlie’s dance. I don’t see any one at all any more. Cant even see a team on the road.

Mary Bowler was here today inviting me to a wooden wedding to Will Condon’s April 22. Every thing to take a persons money. I guess I wave told you all the news. We are all well & hope you are the same. Hows your headache. Have you any young chicken yet. Mrs. B has 22.

Good bye, write soon.

I remain your loving sister,

Katie Kerwin

I was up Earl’s Saturday night to 30 years wedding anniv. The house was crowded full & a nice time & all of us brothers & sisters bought two chairs for them. Good bye write soon.

Envelope Addressed to Mr. J. T. Kerwin, Chana, Ogle Co. Ill’s – Postmark unknown

Malta, Ill’s

April 29, 89

Dear Brother & Sister,

I received your kind & welcome letter last week & was pleased to hear from you only sorry to hear you were bother so with the headache. Can’t you get anything to relieve it. How are you now.

I went home Saturday eve on a 3 yr old colt that was drove only 3 times & rode twice. We didn’t tell Mother it was the colt when Willie come in he said you little devil – wasn’t you afraid to ride that wild colt. She was excited from then untill I stated away yesterday. I suppose she is thinking yet I got threw before I got home. Old Kit is heavy with foal, Doll has a nice little colt. They are both doing nicely. Peter will finish plowing today. Dick was there yesterday. Brown planted Saturday.

We were to Lee yesterday. We have a new priest there. It was the first I heard him. He is a grand man . He aint very long out from Ireland, he has the spunk. He will bring them to time. He makes rules & he will have them obeyed. His name is O’Calahan. Dominick O’Boyle is in Chicago yet looking for work. Bennet is in there working.

I aint through house cleaning yet. I have the sitting room & there bedroom, the kitchen & pantry to clean yet. If I have a house of my own I don’t want a house as big as this one ii I have to clean it myself, but still I would like one big enough for kids to play in & room for two behinds to turn around.

I was not to the Woods wedding or to the town house. Peter went to Shabbona Monday night. Maggie walked home

Sunday. Mr. Dick Cadwell was to work for old Brown. He bought the stock Friday night. Brown was to haul the hogs Saturday & to bring the steers Tuesday or Wednesday, but Dick was up here by half past 5 & eat his breakfast here & drove them himself. He said McCormick & him talked it over & thought it beter to ship sooner. Brown felt like as if his clothes didn’t fit him. Well I intended to write a good long letter this time, but it is Monday night & I am kind of tired. 4 o’clock Monday morning is our hour. You see I have to train my company to go home early Sunday eve. I think it is a good plan to.

Well I quess I must close for this time hoping it will find you both well.

Good bye, write soon.

I remain your loving sister,

Katie Kerwin

P.S. they aint got any young pigs at home yet. Brown has over 80.

Milan Ill’s

Aug 4^th 89

Dear Brother & Sister,

I received your letter Thursday, would write before only I sent a card Wednesday. Maggie was getting better all week. Her head did not feel well Friday, her head got worse. They dispatched for Mayo, he came yesterday. Maggie seemed nicely in the afternoon.

Aunt Bridgetcame out yesterday on surprise. Her & Maggie was walking around & having a nice time. She got up in the morning & dress & was feeling pretty well & all at once she begins to talk & rage & did not know any of us or any thing. Peter came up to the Brown’s & told me & went for Mayo & was back by noon. She was out of her mind untill after noon. She was crying & wanting me & saying she had not seen me in two years. I would speak to her & tell her who I was, but she was sure I was Mary Hart. She was saying you would come & see her but Peter wouldn’t think enough of her to ask how she was for he did not speak two her in two years, but she is all right tonight only her head is aching very bad. Aunt Kate was here all day & is going to stay all night. I have to go back to Brown’s for they are going to thrush.

I have an awful headache tonight it scared me so when Peter told me & rode so fast home.

Peter got your letter, but I am answering for all. He is through cutting oats. If she aint any better I am coming home to stay. Well I guess I will close for this time. We send our love to all.

Your Loving Sister

P.S. Monday Morn.

I arrived to Brown’s shortly after 5 o’clock. Maggie rested good all night, seems better this morning.

Carlton, Ill’s

Monday eve

Dear Brother & Sister,

I thought I would write a few lines hoping to find you all in good health. I am sorry to have to write it. Maggie don’t seem to get much better, only she can hear a little by talking real loud. She has the spells, 1 hour & 1 hour better between each one. She works so much different yesterday and today. She throws her feet nearly to the ceiling & then raises up and acts as if she was trying to catch something & then spits for a while. A few days before she would make great effort to get out of bed. She has a good appetite. I think she is getting fleshy. Of course her head aches just the same & will as long as she has these spells. She would be all right only for them spells. Oh how I wish we could get something to stop them. She is in very good spirits yesterday & today.

Peter is hauling manure. I guess you know how the rest of us are. I guess I must close for this time hoping to hear from you soon.

Your Sister,

Katie Kerwin

Aug 14 89

Dear Brother & Sister,

I thought I would write a few line to you hoping to find you all well. We were pleased of Maggie yesterday & day before. She was so nicely. Today she lost her hearing & cant scarcely speak at all. She can talk better tonight than she could all day. It worry’s her to loose her hearing. She realizes everything. She had one bad spell yesterday & day before, but none so far today. She don’t talk anymore about Aunt Kate. She comes down every day. Mary Hart started to work for Nell today. Lizzie O’Boyle come over here Monday, is here yet, she better than a dozen like Mary Kerwin or Mary Hart to take hold & help. Aunt Bridget took a pain in her side, was going to go home, but it got better.

Well, I hope you got home safe. I don’t know what else to write so I will close. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Your Sister

Katie Kerwin

Carlton Ill’s

Sunday Morning

Dear Brother & Sister,

Maggie is not better she has not been able to swallow anything since Monday even her spit, but this morning she can swallow water is it will only last. The arm I told you about is lost all its power. It has been so that if you rose it up it would stay but now it drops as soon as you let go of it. She has the spells 6 or 7 times a day, but not as hard as she has not got strength to work & the same amount of sinking spells. We have kept her up all week by means of injections.

We thrashed Tuesday afternoon, no more since on account of rain.

Maggie read your letter & smiled over it.

In haste,

Katie Kerwin

Carlton Ill’s

Tuesday morning

Dear Brother & Sister,

Love to you all, Your Sister

Katie Kerwin

Carlton Ill’s

Sept 24 89

Dear Brother & Sister,

I write a few lines hoping to find you ell as this leave us all pretty fair. Maggie is getting along nicely since Saturday. She is able to sit up yesterday & today. She is able to walk across the floor by means of a cane. We are so thankful to see her that well itself.

Maggie is making big arrangements on going out there in two weeks. I told her today I would go out with her on the train. She got very mad & said you were going to come home after her with the tears & said she would not go on the train & teeth chattering so.

She has 1 spell a day & that is where she first wakes up in the morning. She works two hours on that one. I never remember of seeing her look so well before, even when she was well & healthy. She looks 10 per cent better than she did two months before she was taken to bed.

She is very nervous & the least thing scares her. The most I am afraid of is some one will be talking to her after she gets up about them spells. She used to take & other way she works on them. Monday Celia O’Boyle was here & she asked Maggie if she did not get tired of her teeth going so. Maggie felt very bad over it & don’t forget it either. Dr. Mayo says if any one tells her about the spells, it will throw her into them again.

I could not finish my letter last night for she was sitting up & had to read it. Every time any one goes to Carton’s she watches closely to see if they get any mail. She always opens it no matter who it is to.

Peter was drawing corn for Pat Murray yesterday. The rest of us are making tomato pickels.

I guess I must close for this time, sending love to all.

Good bye, write soon.

Your Sister

Katie Kerwin

True to her word, Katie does not return to the Brown’s.

Malta, Ill’s

Oct 2^nd

Dear Brother & Sister,

I received your kind & welcome letter last week & was pleased to hear from you, but was sorry to hear you had the itch. How are you now. I don’t see what you want to be sleeping with comers & goers like that. I should think it is with your wife you would sleep. If Lizzie remembers she can tell you how particular I used to be about taking hair from every one.

Well, I suppose Pat & Ma. Conlin enjoyed their visit very much. There was a big dance in Carlton last Friday night. I was there & had a nice time. It was the first one I was to in Carlton.

Bernie is out, I don’t know when he is going back. Maggie got home all right. Peter was drawing corn for Hickey that same day to Shabbona. Mary Mc Dermitt & Rhube were down home on Sunday. I went out to see Aunty Brown last Saturday night & came back Sunday. I enjoyed my visit very much for there don’t seem to be any changes in any thing since I was there. You should think I fell out of the heavens to be there & old Brown did not forget to call me Daughter. I have a big scab on my lip since I went out there. Mary is there now.

William Rowe was there Sunday & was trying to hire me as Lean Cody & George Bowden are going to be married this fall or winter. I think I will stay here all winter.

Mother & Peter & Dick O. went to DeKalb yesterday. Maggie rode up to the corner with them & come & stayed all day. I laughed myself half sick to hear her tell about her visit out to Chana. I know she enjoyed herself. She said if she did not carry on so, she would have been dead with grief.

Cousin Katie Kerwin is to be married next Thursday. Uncle John was up Sunday inviting us to the wedding. Only the near relatives of the contracting parties are to be present. If it don’t storm, we are going.

Mother & all the folks are well & I hope you are the same. I cant think of any more news this time, so I will close with best wishes to you all.

Your Loving Sister

Katie Kerwin