I. Chapter: Early Letters – 1840s & 1850s
December 30th, 1849
Essex, Clinton Co., MI
To: Hiram Crawford
& Sally Crawford
From: Louisa Sherwood and William Sherwood
Louisa wants Hiram and family to move near them. Next part of
letter is written to Sally. Writes that she is going to school for the first
time since she left Canada. Wants to know if Sally is married or not. William
Sherwood then writes the remainder of the letter. He was taken sick 3 years
prior and unable to do anything since. Had to sell his farm as a consequence
but has since bought another and the farm next to his is for sale. He also
would like them to come and buy property near them. Mentions when they were
neighbors in London (Canada).
July 31st, 1850
Dowagiac, MI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy & Hiram Crawford
Nancy Crawford went to see her sister Jane Comfort Nelles. Got
seasick coming home and then she and Hiram were very sick for several days.
Pros was also sick. Edwin & Louesa are well. Wants Robert to write if Sally
sees him - they want to know the boys' situation.
September 10th, 1850
Dowagiac, MI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Pros is sick, Edwin well. Louesa had a boy 2 weeks ago last
Thursday and got a bad breast infection. Edwin tried to get a girl to help out
but couldn't find anyone. Robert stopped to see them. It is very sickly
throughout the whole region but very few deaths.
September 16th, 1851
Dowagiac, MI
To: Almira Nelles
From: Nancy & Hiram Crawford
Edwin is working on the "Engine", Louesa is boarding
at Marshall with her baby, and Sally has a little 7-month-old boy. Robert is
still in Wisconsin and she hasn't heard from James. Said she wrote to "our
folks in Canada” but hasn't heard from them. Describes Dowagiac. Expects Sally
and Louesa to visit. Asks Jane, if she receives news from California, to
inquire if there is such a name as James H. Crawford there and to let them know
as soon as possible.
October 17th, 1851
LaPorte, IN
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford
Had a visit with Aunt (Jane?). Everyone was well except Frank Nellis' wife, who was
"confined with a young son". They buried their 14-month-old daughter
on Sept. 1. Almira's husband died of cholera two months ago and Aunt Jane was
in low spirits because of the cholera epidemic. Aunt Jane had lots of sewing to
do and Nancy wished Sarah could live there as she could get as much sewing as
she wanted. Robert said he would take
Prosper in the Spring, and she sometimes wishes he would because she has a
"grate trial with him," but she would miss him. Henry left LaPorte
Sept. 17 for St. Louis. She is
beginning to worry, as they haven't heard from him yet. He hadn't been able to work for 5-6 weeks
because he had erysipelas on his hand
and a felon and boils. Edwin is going to Toledo for a new Engine -- wanted to
have Hiram as his fireman. Edwin is to have the greatest and the most splendid
engine that runs. The name of the engine is the I. B. Parks (?), named after
the president of the road. They moved to another house close to the depot (she
is apparently living with Edwin). Edwin has always been kind to her, but Mary
"has been quite clever since I came back."
August 30th, 1852
Dowagiac, MI?
To: Charles Luke Keith
From: S. H. D. Vaun
Sarah's father is very sick and her mother wants her to come
"by the first cars". Edwin is also very sick.
September 1st, 1852
Dowagiac, MI
To: Charles Luke Keith
From: Sarah Keith
Sarah's father is still alive but they don't expect him to
live much longer. He wants to live until D.C. gets there. Edwin contracted
cholera in Chicago and came home. They
thought he was going to die also, but it appears he will pull through.
January, 1856
Kalamazoo, MI
To: Charles Luke Keith
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
D.C. was up to Potters yesterday looking at straw cutters and
reporting his findings back to Luke.
May 23rd, 1856
Cassville, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford
Arrived at Cassville on the Mississippi River in Wisconsin
three weeks ago. Apparently staying
with son James. Describes the area and
also James and his family. Speaks of
Eugene being quite sick. Asks Lois to
write when she is going to marry Byron.
August 24th, 1856
Galesburg, MI
To: Charles Keith
From: Sarah Keith
Sarah is writing her husband, Luke Keith, who is staying with
her brother, Robert, in Omro, Wisconsin. She tells Luke that after he left his
father fell in the barn, broke a bone in his leg and is having difficulty
getting around. The children are well
but they miss their father. She would like him to bring the children gifts when
he returns.
August to Sept, 1856
Omro, WI
Entries from the Diary of Charles Luke Keith
January 30th, 1857
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford
Nancy is keeping house alone with the little boys. Pros does the
chores before school. Eugene goes to school with Pros. Louisa went with Robert
to the woods to help with cooking. Nancy received a letter from Edwin saying he
would like "the boys” to come out. He has 609 acres and will give them 50
or 70 apiece if they will chop him 20 apiece. Nancy has written to James and
Henry but has not received a response.
She received a letter from Hiram.
February 16, 1858
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Betts
Talks about her home which she shares with her new husband,
Elder Betts, and his granddaughter, Maria Park.
________ 27, 1858
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Betts
Mentions Robert, Prosper, Henry & Hiram. Received a letter
from (your) Uncle Nathaniel Crawford's daughter. D.C. wrote to Robert. Hasn't
heard from Edwin and wonders if he is dead or alive. She wants to see Eugene.
When she heard from James, Ann was very low.
October 30, 1858
Cassville, WI
To: Nancy Betts
From: James H. Crawford
His wife Ann died on the 26th and he is left with two small
children.
February 22nd, 1859
La Crosse, WI
To: Charles Luke Keith
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
Describes where he lives in LaCrosse by the Mississippi
River. Received a letter from Robert
who spoke of James’ death and also his wife’s death and that there might have
been something wrong in regard to him dying so suddenly. Received a letter from Platt Betts. Mentions Stanley Crawford.
September 5th, 1859
Dowagiac, MI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Edwin W. Crawford
Mary has been sick since February with the inflammation of the
lungs and for the last five weeks has not been expected to live, although she
has been somewhat better lately. Eugene and Edna have enjoyed good health all
summer, but Edna now has ague and fever.
II. Chapter: 1860s Letters
April 17th, 1860
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Platt & Nancy Betts
Want to know if Sarah is coming for a visit. Nancy had a bad
cold but took Jane's medicine and is better. D.C. was there for New Years.
Henry wrote them a while back saying he was thinking of moving to Niles. Edwin
wrote that (Henry?) had already moved. Edwin has a new son. Thanked them for
the likenesses (pictures). Robert's family returned from the woods. Aunt Mary
came for a visit, then went to Robert's. Next she'll go to Oshkosh and then to
her daughter's in St. Louis. Rev. Betts
preaches in the neighborhood every Sabbath.
December 16th, 1860
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Platt & Nancy Betts
Enjoyed their visit with them. Wants them to sell and come out
by them to live. Have been sick for
four weeks and had to get Prosper to come and take care of them. Received a letter from Hiram who said in his
letter that "Helen, my women, sends her love to you". They didn't
know what he meant and want to know if Sarah knows anything about his being
married. Have not seen Aunt Mary. She has moved to some other place in the
city.
October 11th, 1861
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Platt & Nancy Betts
Elder Betts writes the first part of the letter. Henry's wife
had a boy 9 weeks old when they (Henry) wrote. Added a kitchen to their house
this summer. Nancy wrote the rest of
the letter and said that Hiram had written and it troubled her that he had gone
to war. She hadn't heard from D.C. in over 5 months. At that time he talked of
going to New Mexico. She was afraid he had "exposed himself to the hostel
Indians." Said Louise said Sarah should call the baby “Allus
(Alice?). I say put Louisa to it.” She
wants Sarah to tell the children grandma wants to see them and they must take
good care of the baby. Mentions Aunt Linda and Aunt Walls.
December 14th, 1861
Camp Hamilton, VA
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Surprised to learn that the Seely Boys and Charley Long had
taken such a course when there is so much at stake. Galesburg hasn't been very
patriotic as far as his friends and schoolmates are concerned [apparently they
are shirking military service]. Two fellow soldiers fell asleep while on duty
and will be shot in a few days.
Undated
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Betts
Nancy refers to some disagreement that Sarah seems to be
having with her in-laws. Tells Sarah about the poor health of Nancy Bett's
husband, Elder Betts. Robert has been
gone lumbering all winter. Nancy had a visit from her sister, Mary Wickersham.
January 1st, 1862
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Robert Crawford
Tells Sarah about death of Nancy Bett's husband, Elder Platt
Betts, from heart disease.
January 22nd, 1862
Fortress Monroe, VA
To: Nancy Crawford Betts
From: Hiram Crawford
Tells of the war. Says his troop achieved a victory - the
Rebel General Zollicoffer was killed. He hears from Henry regularly, who talks
of going to Yorkville to set up shop. Henry is very unfortunate in getting his
own business going. Sends his love to Father, Pros, Robert and family.
March 6th, 1862
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Has been sick with bronchitis, dyspepsia, and liver complaint
since her husband’s death. Is anxious
to hear from Sarah since she wrote telling her about his death. Prosper had to quit school to stay with
her. She expects Louisa and the
children in about two weeks to stay with her awhile. Elder willed her the farm and all the personal property for her
lifetime and after “I am don with it the girls is to have five hundred dollars
of it to be divided between them.”
Robert was appointed administrator.
Aunt Mary lives with her daughter in Oshkosh and her son-in-law enlisted
in the war. Coufee(?) enlisted and Gen.
William Willcox is captain of the company.
April 6th, 1862
Newport News, VA
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Soldiers have been assembling for the past two weeks -- it is
one large encampment of over 100,000 men and 360 pieces of artillery stretching
over nine miles long. The Rebels have
about 40,000 men. He has to be ready to
march at a moment’s notice. He received
a letter from Prosper but hadn’t received any answer to his letters to
D.C. Didn’t know what to think. Henry wrote that they had lost their baby.
May 25th, 1862
Portsmouth, VA
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
They have captured Norfolk. Saw the Merrimac blow up, was about five miles off and felt the shock.
June 3rd, 1862
Omro, WI
To: Charles Luke & Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Has sold her interest in the farm. Expects to start for Michigan the first of June. Louisa had another young daughter. LP [Prosper] is working on the Wolf
River. Aunt Mary Wickersham is at
Oshkosh. Ann Lacey got a letter from
“canaday” saying that Uncle John Patterson died two months ago. Nancy wants to come live with Luke and Sarah
rather than any of the boys. Louisa wants
her to live with them. Robert and his
wife are willing to let her have a room and let Pros board with her. Pros wants to go to the gold diggings.
July 29th, 1862
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Would like to live with them, but can’t pay. Robert and Louisa are not well. Her baby wears her out. Pros came home from the boom sick with his
old complaint. She’s afraid he’ll never
be able to do hard work again. Got a
letter from Hiram. He was knocked down
by a shell concussion, got up and went a few steps and fell down again, numb
all over. After a few minutes he was
able to get up. The shell killed the
man on one side of him and wounded another on his other side.
August 2nd, 1862
Dowagiac, MI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford
Betts
Was in Niles last week, presumably visiting Henry and his
family, but they had all been sick.
Mary has not received a letter from Edwin since he went away.
October 28th, 1862
Dowagiac, MI
To: Luke & Sarah Keith
From: Edwin W. Crawford
Mother is leaving Dowagiac for Galesburg on Wednesday, October
29th. All are well but for some ague and fever.
April 1st, 1863
Falmouth, VA
To: Luke & Sarah Keith
From: Jeff
Returned to camp Friday; he was reported AWOL. Looked up Lieutenant Hiram Crawford who is
in command of Company E. He’s a first
lieutenant and all his men like him.
Says to tell Aunt Catherine and Lucy to expect a letter from him.
May 23rd, 1863
East Burlington, IL
To: Nancy Crawford Betts
From: Edwin Crawford
This is his birthday; he is either 37 or 38. His father, on his deathbed, told him if he
had money to spare he should give it to his mother so he’s sending her
$5.00. He has charge of the locomotive
shops. He boards in Burlington, Iowa,
across the Mississippi so letters should be directed there.
June 7th, 1863
Belle Plains, VA
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Was surprised to hear Mother had gone to Canada for a
visit. Jennie wrote that Ed had given
up farming and that Pros was running the farm.
“Mary always thought more of him [Pros] than the rest of the
family.” The fight on May 3 was the
hardest. He believes no battle on
record shows a musketry fight of so lengthy a duration.
July 4th, 1863
Sterling City, CO
To: Sarah Keith
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
Mother went to Canada.
D.C. is proud of Hiram for serving his country. He says if he were needed he would go, but
not until then. Wants to know how many
children Sarah has.
August 11th, 1863
Beamsville, Ontario
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Was at Mary Hanys Campfield Station 18 miles from “your
uncles.” Was glad to hear Hiram
survived the battle in Pennsylvania.
Wants Sarah to write to D.C. and Hiram.
Is staying at Prowley Kilhorns.
Brother Stephen is at Alyman 12 miles from St. James. Can’t find where William Crawford and family
are. Heard that John Oneal is dead; his
wife may be in London.
September 27th, 1863
Beverly, NJ
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
War news. Has seen a good deal of New York and has found Uncle
Nathaniel and a whole nest of cousins. Uncle Nathaniel’s health is not very
good as he suffers from rheumatism. He
has an appointment with the police department at a salary of $600 a year and
lives at 67 Horatio Street. His wife is dead and he has one child living, Miss
Caroline B. Crawford, otherwise known as Carrie. She has some cousins living in
the city by the names of Bodine (or Berdine?) and Nelles (or Weller?) and more
relations living in Orange County. Aunt Catherine, father's sister, is living
in Orange County, New York. Hasn't
heard from Mother since she went to Canada.
April 14th, 1864
Niles, MI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Henry C. Crawford
Hiram didn't come home with the Regiment. He was detailed to
stay. Virginia was in LaPorte because he couldn't find a house fit to live in
but has found one now and is doing very well considering the high price of
gold.
April 21st, 1864
Brandy Station, VA
To: Charles Luke Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Arrived from recruiting station on February 18. Has written to
Mother, Sarah, Jennie, Henry, Robert, D.C. and Prosper and seems irritated that
he hasn’t received any response from any of them. Sent $168.00; wants Luke to
put $150.00 of it in a drawer someplace until he needs it. There has been lots
of rain. When it is not raining the
time is passed in reviews, inspections, and drills.
(Can’t
make out where he is stationed. Looks
like Head Less Detached 20th, Brandy Station, VA)
May 19th, 1864
Spotsylvania, VA
To: Charles Luke Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Hiram has received four letters, three from Galesburg and one
from Cousin Carrie Crawford. General war news about Grant’s assault on the
rebel positions in Virginia. Captured 600-1,000 Rebel prisoners. Today is the 15th day of fighting and so far
he has escaped without a scratch.
June 3rd, 1864?
Dowagiac, MI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Sent the letter with Eugene. Wants Sarah to make sure Eugene
gets on the 4 o'clock train. Nancy wants to go to Henry’s on Monday. She has 20 pounds of rags and wants Sarah to
help her weave a carpet.
July 26th, 1864
De Pere, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Charles Luke Keith
Luke is in De Pere, WI, south of Green Bay where he is trying
to sell bed bottoms. Robert accompanied
him as far as Oshkosh, where they had dinner with Aunt Mary.
August 19th, 1864
Burlington, IA
To: Sarah Keith
From: Edwin W. Crawford
He is railroading as usual. Spent a week with his family in
Dowagiac. Mother was there too. Speaks of Mary. Mother has gone to Niles to
visit Henry.
August 25th, 1864
_______City, CO
To: Sarah Keith
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
The plains between Colorado and the states are covered with
bands of hostile Indians cutting off communications and supplies. Everyone is trying to fight Indians and he
expects to go in a few days. All kinds
of business have been suspended and Denver is under martial law. D.C. will try to keep his promise to come
home in the fall. Says to direct his mail to Sterling City "as
usual."
September 21st, 1864
Galesburg, MI
To: Charles Luke Keith
From: Sarah Keith
Sarah is updating her husband, Luke, on the affairs of the
farm while he is traveling in Wisconsin selling bed bottoms. Sarah visited
Luke’s father to see how he was doing. “Father is a striping off the leaves and
feeding them to the cattle. He said
Ethan might have all he could pick.” Sarah’s Mother is looking for a letter
from brother Robert, whom she is hoping will send her $20.
September 23rd, 1864
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Charles Luke Keith
Luke will probably leave Omro sometime next week for the south
part of the state. Would like to hear from Sarah before he leaves in case
something should happen that requires him home so he can leave immediately.
Luke has a few more bed bottoms he would like to sell before returning home.
Robert thinks of going to Minnesota this fall.
If he does he will go in a few weeks. Doesn’t know whether Robert plans
to pay his mother this fall or not. If
Luke goes over there they may say something about it but he will not unless
they do. Wants to know what sent Pros back to Dowagiac.
January 30th, 1865
Burlington, IA
To: Charles Luke Keith
From: Edwin W.
Crawford
Checking to see if Luke had put the spring beds in and if so
to let Edwin know and he will send the money but will do it on the sly. His
health is good with the exception of his foot, which has given him a good deal
of pain and trouble. The nail has come
off causing him to hobble around. Edwin
thinks it will bother him all winter.
June 3rd, 1865
Golden City, CO
To: Sarah Keith
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
Enclosed a letter for Hiram, since his whereabouts are unknown
to D.C He does not hear from Sarah as
often as he would wish.
August 13th, 1865
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Charles Luke Keith
He is at Robert’s.
Prosper has done well and “calculates to stay . . . up the river.” Aunt Mary expects to go to York State to
live. Luke’s clothes are falling
apart. When he left Depere he had his
trunk checked for Oshkosh and hasn’t seen it since. Hasn’t had any luck selling bed bottoms and is pretty
discouraged.
May 13th, 1866
Spring Hill
To: Keith Family
From: Lois G. Clark
Lois is trying to make some decisions about her life as a
young widow. She is trying to decide whether to buy a home in Spring Hill. She thinks she can afford it if she sells
all her livestock. She is also asking
whether her sisters have visited the grave of her late husband. She would like her father to mark the
gravesite with a board.
May 20th, 1866
Oshkosh, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Lucius Prosper Crawford
Is upset with D.C. and can’t understand his unwillingness to
help Mother. Wants to promise to help
her but his health is not good and he has only worked a month and has no
money. Had another fire in Oshkosh --
one-third of the business part of town burned.
There was $100,000 in damages.
June 25th, 1866
Golden, CO
To: Nancy Crawford Betts
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
Sent money. Hasn't heard from anyone recently.
August 18th, 1866
Chicago, IL
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Had a visit from Robert and a letter from D.C. Robert and Hiram paid Aunt Jane a visit and
stayed all evening. He was sorry that
he didn’t have the time or means to visit Sarah or Henry. Robert wants Sarah to know that mother’s
things have arrived.
August 20th, 1866
Oshkosh, WI
To: Charles Luke & Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Has arrived at their new home (apparently she is living with
Prosper). Tells of purchases made and of not receiving some of her goods. Says
Aunt Jane looks quite young and dresses young.
October 13th, 1866
Oshkosh, WI
To: Nancy Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
She has received letters from Aunt Jane Sunderland, D.C. and
Henry. Louisa has returned from Minnesota where she was visiting her
family. Prosper is working at the stove
factory, but work might not be available after a couple of weeks. If this happens, they may have to move.
November 18th, 1866
Oshkosh, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Lucius Prosper Crawford
There is no work for him this winter so he and mother can't
stay through the winter. She will go visit Aunt Jane for awhile. Mentions
Robert. Didn't know Lois' husband had died.
February 20th, 1867
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Is taking care of Mrs. Whitman(?). Will stay until the boys
come from the woods and then hopes to set up housekeeping with Prosper in Omro
or Oshkosh. Got a letter from D.C. Hasn't heard from Henry in a long time.
July 19th, 1867
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Robert and family are well. Pros came home for a few days then
went back to the boom. Heard from Aunt Mary. She is living in Beamsville.
Willie Crawford and his father went to the boom; saw Pros.
September 4th, 1867
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Prosper is working for one month on a farm. She wishes Sarah, Luke and their two
youngest children could come for a visit.
She was glad to hear Aunt Caty and Lucy had moved into their new
house. Hiram married a young lady from
Odgenburg, NY. Mentions Aunt Peat
Johnson and Aunt Lib Smith.
September 17th, 1867
Golden City, CO
To: Sarah Keith
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
Prosper wrote D.C. that Hiram had married. Since Hiram has not favored D.C. with a
letter or wedding card, he will give Hiram the cold shoulder should he get
married which he has not the least idea of doing. However, if he could get some
good woman to share the ups and downs of life perhaps he might be happier. He
is of a very contented disposition and as a general thing enjoys life, although
he has had a great deal of bad luck during the past two years. Last month he
was elected County Clerk for two years on the Republican ticket by a handsome
majority.
October 28th, 1867?
Clinton, Ontario
To: Nancy Crawford Betts
From: Nancy Comfort
Nancy Comfort is writing her aunt and mildly chastising her
for not writing back. The rest of the letter is devoted to updating her about
her brothers and sisters and news about her Aunt’s sister, Mary Wickersham, and
her long lost son, Edward.
December 2nd, 1867
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Prosper has gone to Chicago to find work. Hiram wrote him that he would find Prosper
work if he could come there. If Prosper finds work, he will stay in Chicago
until spring. Robert has been in Green Bay with Mr. MacArther hunting pine
forests for Mr. Wilson of Chicago. They
expected to be gone all winter but MacArther lost his wife and wrote to Mr.
Wilson that he could not tend to the business any more. Robert has returned
home again and has no work. Louisa
wants Robert to hire out to someone who is going to the woods and she will go
with him and hire as a cook. She thinks
it would be a great savings for them. If Robert goes to the woods, Nancy will
be all alone except that Willie will stay with her. Received a letter from
Hiram a few days ago. He said they were living in a small three-room cottage.
Received a letter from D.C. last week and had heard of Henry from Hiram.
December 9th, 1867
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Felt very glad to receive a letter from Sarah and to hear that
all were well. Talks about her washing
chores. Nancy had received a letter from Kate, Hiram’s new wife. Describes
Prosper’s trip to Chicago to find work so that they can afford their rent.
Received letters from Hiram and Henry.
January 19th, 1868
Niles, MI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Henry Crawford
Didn't know they had moved to the timber farm. He was gone
about 10 weeks in the fall in the roofing business in LaPorte. Got a job at
home making one hundred sets of wagon wheels. Was in Chicago and got to meet
their new sister. Virginia was at Mary's; she was helping her father since her
stepmother died. Everything is different from what it was a year ago. Mary’s health is poor and she is wearing
herself out very fast. Mary gets up in the night and goes up to the
graveyard. She told Virginia she would
wake up and find herself nearly frozen. Her cousin, a young woman who is
staying with her, told Virginia that she would sometimes get up from the table
and go into the next room and drink her tea alone.
February 27th, 1868
Chicago, IL
To: Sarah Keith
From: L. Prosper Crawford
Describes his employment as a conductor on the “horse cars”
through the streets of Chicago. Prosper has been staying at Hiram’s with “our
new sister” since having been taken sick and has had good care. He describes her as a pretty smart little
woman and thinks she makes Hiram a good wife.
She speaks in high terms of appreciation of a letter Sarah wrote to
Hiram since his marriage in which some good advice was given. Mother is set on
moving to Chicago to live. Prosper has
given her little or no encouragement and is concerned about their ability to
pay the rents that are in Chicago and live as well as she would like. He thinks
she is much better off where she is. Robert intends to move with his Family up
on the Chippewa sometime this spring.
Wants to know where Henry is and why he doesn’t write. He wrote to Mary yesterday.
April 23rd, 1868
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: L. Prosper Crawford
Prosper left Chicago about five weeks ago in rather poor
health. The irregularity of meals and
sleep was too much for him. He concluded that it did not pay for a poor man to
be sick in Chicago. Mother was anxious
for him to come home or else she wanted to move there to Chicago. He found
Mother in poor health and rather despondent.
She has been suffering from palpitations of the heart and nervousness,
which reduces her strength. The time is fast approaching when she will not be
able to do her own work. She is not very happy and his work calls him away from
home much of the time. He wishes she had some company, someone to assist her,
someone to care for her in the house.
Prosper thinks about marriage but is fearful of his ability to support
another in his present circumstances.
May 3rd, 1868
Niles, MI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Henry Crawford
Henry has been away from home for the last four weeks engaged
in the roofing business. He visited Mary this spring. She said she was feeling well.
Eugene runs the machinery and won’t go to school or do anything else. He was in Niles with a lot of boys last
week. He came over to the house about dark, stayed a short time, then went
home. Henry was not at home at the
time. He has not heard from Hiram since
the first of last month. He received a
paper from D.C. last week.
August 1st, 1868
Chicago, IL
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Arrived at Hiram's on Thursday. Hiram and his wife Kitty met
her. Her grandmother lives with them. Hite and Kitty send their regards.
Expects to go visit son Henry and then Mary and then to Sarah's. Prosper has
complained of poor health this spring and the first part of summer. Robert is
up at the Boom weighing logs. He boards
and gets over three dollars a day. He
comes home every Saturday and goes back on Sunday. His children are well. Louisa is a good deal better than she was
two weeks ago. One of her sisters is
with them part of the time. She looks
very bad.
August, 1868
Battle Creek, MI
To: Nancy Crawford Betts
From: L. Prosper Crawford
Prosper senses that his Mother’s visit to Henry and Virginia
Crawford did not go particularly well.
He is sending philosophical advice to her about returing good for evil
and having compassion and pity on others’ faults instead of inflaming passions
by returning evil for evil. He wrote
Eugene about a month ago and would like Ethan to tell Eugene that he is anxious
to hear from him. He has also sent Sarah $3.00 that he accidentally carried off
while he was visiting her. He ends his letter by saying “Please excuse errors
and believe me when I say I love you better than I used to.”
August 29th, 1868
Golden City, CO
To: Sarah & Charles Luke Keith
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
Would be most happy to visit Sarah but to be candid he does
not know when, if ever. He may within a year and may not in five but when a
railroad is completed through to Colorado and the Indian question settled, D.C.
thinks he may be able to get away from home. Mother writes quite often. In the last letter she was in Chicago and
was thinking about going to Henry’s and to Mary Crawford's, Edwin’s wife. He hopes she will find a place “amongst some
of our folks” where she could be contented to live and be happy. D.C. then writes about his life as “that old
Bachelor Brother.”
September 27th, 1868
Chicago, IL
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Mentions Kate, also his mother's visit with Henry and Mary.
Hoped that Henry was making money out of his roofing - it would be refreshing
to see a Crawford make money and keep it. D.C. had written that he had made and
lost three fortunes since he had been "in that country."
January 30th, 1869
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Was afraid to open Sarah's letter because of the bird on the
envelope. She thought someone had died. Louisa received a letter from Robert.
(Sounds like she is staying with Louisa and children.) Received letters from
D.C., Hiram and Kitt. Their little boy is finally growing. Would like Sarah to
send the letter she got from Alfred Comfort. Also she can't find her picture of
Emry Crawford. Robert and Prosper had gone into partnership on a house and lot,
but it fell through. Prosper was
without work a good part of the winter.
March 7th, 1869
Chicago, IL
To: Sarah Keith
From: Katherine Atchinson Crawford
Found her letter in Hiram's pocket so wanted to answer it.
(Appears she has never met Sarah.) She has a baby boy 4 months old.
July 12th, 1869
Niles, MI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Henry Crawford
Henry’s business took him to Chicago last week and he called
on Hiram. Hiram’s wife is coming to
visit about the first of September.
Then they are all going to visit Sarah and her family. Times are hard, money scarce & there is
plenty of rain. Virginia’s health is very poor.
September__, 1869
Chicago, IL
To: Sarah Keith
From: Katherine Crawford
Enjoyed her visit with Sarah very much, also at Mary's and at
Henry's. Tells of Harry, her son.
September 10th, 1869
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Nancy has moved again.
She rented three rooms from Mrs. Henderson and pays ten shillings per
week. Prosper left for Michigan last
Wednesday hoping to make boxes for peaches with William Willcox and family. She
doesn’t know whether he will get to Sarah’s place or not. Robert and family are
well with the exception of the baby. It
has “a hard cold.” Eugene left six
weeks ago for Brandon and has not been heard from since. Nancy feels quite uneasy about him. She told him to write when he found work but
he has not. Nancy has not received a letter from Henry in a long while and
doesn’t know why. Prosper received a
letter from D.C. the other day. He was well. The last letter Nancy had from
Kitt had a picture of the baby. He is very fleshy and quite good looking. Nancy
took two letters out of the post office for Eugene and thinks one of them was
from Ethan.
III. Chapter: 1870s Letters
January 17, 1870
Golden City, CO
To: Sarah Keith
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
Sends $10.00 and says not to worry about paying him back. Is very happy with his life but wishes he
were rich so he could help others, especially his mother.
February 3rd, 1870
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Eugene went to the pinery last week. Nancy has not heard from
him or Prosper since he went away. The
last letter received from the boys indicated they were all well. She hasn’t received any letters from Henry
but one since he was visiting Sarah.
Robert is in the woods. His wife
had a letter from him the other day.
Eugene heard from Pros before he went away. They are in the same camp about sixty miles from here and they
have to work for low wages.
February 14th, 1870
Omro, WI
To: Nancy Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Nancy has enjoyed very good health for several weeks but this
morning she is not feeling well. Has
only heard from Prosper once since he went to the woods and has not heard from
Eugene since he went away. Louisa and
children are well. Having very mild
weather this morning. It looks very
much like a spring morning. Received letters from D.C. and Hiram last
week. D.C. sent $5.00 and Hiram sent
$4.00. They are paying her rent at present.
These are very discouraging times.
It is hard work to get a hold of any money or get any work.
September 5th, 1870
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Nancy
received a letter from D.C. last week.
He said he had not received a letter from any of his folks. He would like to hear from Sarah. She also
received one from Hiram. Prosper came
home a few weeks ago. He had a cold and
was very sick, although he is better now.
She also received a letter from Henry.
The family has been sick, including himself and Jenny. He was very bad last spring and Jenny was
sick all winter and all summer and is just now getting better. Nancy is thinking of visiting Hiram. Henry says he wanted to see them all very
much. He would like her to come and
stay with them awhile. She would like to go but doesn’t want to stay long.
Wants to see Henry and all of his family as well as Sarah and her family and
Hiram and his family. Received a letter from Alice N. Crawford, James’
daughter. She wants to hear from her
aunts, uncles and cousins.
October 12th, 1870
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: L. Prosper Crawford
Making arrangements to go in the pinery this winter. Expects
to be on the Peshtigo River north of Green Bay. His job will be at the landing
tending the scale and keeping records for thirty dollars per month. Robert
expects to manage a concern for McArthur in Minnesota near Lake Superior where
Eugene is working (and has been the past four months). Uncle Pat Hamilton died
the 27th of August. No
letters from Mary. Prosper heard from
another source that he willed all his property to Mary and her brother Emmett,
who in all probability will not live another year.
November 13th, 1870
Glen Haven, WI
To: Nancy Crawford Betts
From: Alice Crawford
Hasn’t heard from Nancy in quite a while. Inquires into the
whereabouts of Uncle Robert and his family.
Grandpa’s health is very poor most of the time. Aunt Kitty has another
little girl named Flora. She received a
letter from Aunt Harriet a few days ago, who is well and likes Iowa very well.
Rolla sends his love. He says he will write when he thinks he can write well
enough.
January 17th, 1871
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Received a letter from Henry. They have been very sick. Jenny is not able to do much of anything and
John, their oldest son, has had the fever this fall. Henry has been working at his trade making carriage wheels this
winter. He says it has been very sickly
in South Bend this year past. Poor
Henry is having a hard time of it. John
Worley has buried his wife. He said she
died very happy. He is Jenny’s youngest
brother. Received a letter and a Colorado paper from D.C. announcing his
marriage to Miss Amanda Thornton. Hopes he has got a good companion and they
may enjoy each other’s comfort as long as they live. Received a letter from
Hiram. He and his family enjoyed Christmas very much. Got letters from Robert,
Prosper and Eugene. They are all well.
Winter, 1871?
Chicago, Il
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Hiram is writing Sarah to tell her that his family is well and
that he is glad to hear that Nancy [Keith] is feeling better. They are
experiencing a major snowstorm and the company is having difficulty keeping the
trolley cars running.
May 11th, 1871?
South Bend, IN
To: Sarah Keith
From: Henry Crawford
The children have all had the measles this winter, five at one
time and all very sick. Virginia has
also been very sick. In the past four
weeks she has been up but not very strong. Has a contract making wheels for the
Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Co. making two hundred sets per week. Henry employs nine hands.
November 27th, 1871
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Arrived
at Robert’s last Wednesday morning and have rented two rooms for fifty cents a
week. Found Bell at Robert’s. When Bell found that Nancy had rented she was
very indignant and said she thought it would be cheaper for them if Nancy were
to board. Pros had gone to Oshkosh. He
met Eugene and stopped overnight with him.
Mary gave Eugene only $100.00. When Prosper returned, Nancy told him
about Bell’s comments. He did not like it very much. He thought she was rather
“faster than she ought to be.” Since
his marriage, Prosper has gone deeply into debt. The remainder of the letter talks about a visit to Chicago and
seems to be describing the clean up after the Great Chicago Fire.
January 5th, 1872
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Nancy has not been feeling well lately, but appreciates the
kindness of her landlord as well as her son Robert and his wife. She describes an unpleasant visit with Henry
and Virginia. She talks about her sisters, Jane & Mary; Mary Crawford, who
is planning a trip; and Prosper, who has just purchased a team of horses from
his father-in-law for $300.00
February 21st, 1872
Chicago, IL
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Sends his sympathy to Sarah regarding the general ill health
of her family and the financial strain it seems to be causing. He is well as is
his son Harry. Kate is not feeling well
and is taking medicines for kidney, liver and “complaints too numerous to
mention”. Hasn’t heard from Henry since he was out there, therefore, doesn’t
know why they didn’t visit Sarah.
March 18th, 1872
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Talks about Robert and family as well as Prosper, who has not
been feeling well. Mentions that Aunt Jemima Comfort has been married fifty
years in February and had their Golden Wedding anniversary.
March 24th, 1872
Golden, CO
To: Sarah Keith
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
Glad to hear that Sarah is more cheerful and that her
prospects seem brighter. The last portion of the letter is missing.
July 25th, 1872
Chicago, IL
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Provides a general description of a potential job should Ethan
wish to come to Chicago and work for Hiram’s company. Mentions that he received a short note from Henry indicating that
Henry’s shop had burned down.
November 4th, 1872
Glen Haven, WI
To: Nancy Keith
From: Alice Crawford
Has been away for several weeks which explains why it has
taken her a while to respond to Nancy’s last letter. Has received letters from
Nancy, her grandmother, and Eugene. Not
sure whether this letter should be addressed to Miss Keith or Mrs. Brown.
November 13th, 1872
Chicago, IL
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Glad to hear that Sarah’s family was comparatively well, that
Mr. Brown’s health had improved and that he and Nancy Keith had married. Received a visit from Eugene, who was on his
way to visit Mary Crawford, his stepmother, and was hoping for work in Detroit.
Announces the birth of a daughter, Jessie Blanche. Describes son Harry as being
“as fat as a pig”. Goes on to describe an “Epizootic” epidemic that has killed
270 horses and has affected the operation of the city’s horse cars and
omnibuses. His company has been operating
with steam engines after approval from the city council. The company is losing
$550.00 per day.
November 19th, 1872
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Reports that she is feeling well, as are Louisa and the
children. Robert is away overseeing
lumber for “Mr. Siman.” She doesn’t expect him home before Christmas. Mentions
that she has seen Prosper and wife and had received a letter from Hiram
announcing the birth of Jessie Blanche.
Kate has taken a while to recover from the birth. Was glad to hear that
Ethan’s health is better and that Nancy’s wedding had gone well. Has not heard from Henry in a long
while. Eugene had left 3 weeks ago to
find work. Received a letter from D.C.
January 20th, 1873
Golden, CO
To: Sarah Keith
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
Pleased to receive photographs of Luke and Hannah and is
looking forward to receiving ones of Mr. and Mrs. Brown. Mentions his
correspondence with Mother and that he would like to visit but that
circumstances do not permit travel. Describes his general state of affairs and
society in Colorado. Mentioned a letter from Hiram announcing the birth of a
daughter.
March 10th, 1873
Mishawaka, IN
To: Sarah Keith
From: Henry Crawford
Left the railroad shop because he is not able to work. Now working in Mishawaka, but doesn't know
how long he will stay there. Wagon
making is heavy work for him. Did not
write to mother the same so as not to make her uneasy. Virginia’s health has been very good this
winter, the baby is hearty and stout.
He has been walking some four months and can say almost any thing they
tell him. Virginia is at LaPorte.
March 13th, 1873
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Prosper has just come home from the woods. Robert came home
last week. She received a letter from Hiram the first of March. He said he had a hard cold and Kate had an
attack of the bilious fever but she was getting better. The children were well. Hasn’t received a letter from David since
the 12th of January. Has been feeling
very bad about him, afraid he is sick. Eugene came home this week. He thinks of working with Robert and Prosper
at the Boom. Hopes Hannah will “never make up with that fellow nor give him a
chance to have any conversation. He is a fickle minded fellow. He doesn’t love her.” Prosper and Bell talk
of moving to Winneconne, six miles from her.
If Robert sells his place he would go too.
May 14th, 1873
Chicago, IL
To: Sarah Keith
From: Hiram Crawford
Has been investing a little in real estate. Has bargained for a house and lot. The house was to be finished so they could
take possession by the 1st of June. The
price was $3,200.00, $500.00 down and the rest in monthly payments of
$25.00.
September 10th, 1873
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Received a letter from Eugene, he was well and thinks he will
do well if he keeps his health. Hiram’s family is well and the baby “is fat as
butter.” Kate has tried to have his picture taken but she failed. When his head
was still his hands and feet were moving. They are going to try again and if
they get a good one she will send it. D.C. wrote that they were all well. He
said his baby is pretty and very fleshy and has blue eyes like its father.
September 11th, 1873
Chicago, IL
To: Sarah Keith
From: Katherine Crawford
Since they bought the house they won't be able to make a visit
to Michigan. Eugene spent 2 nights with them. Their son, Harry, looks just like
him. Henry and Johnny visited them. Hasn't seen Jenny since before the fire.
Sorry to hear Nancy is down on her luck and wants to know where they're living.
Their children are well; the baby is almost 11 months old.
September 21st, 1873
Galesburg, MI
To: Nancy Betts
From: Sarah Keith
Speaks of Hannah and Underwood not making up. Lucy Milham had
a baby girl. Sarah thinks her husband is a shiftless man. Thinks Lois’ husband,
Del Skinner, is a good man. Eugene was here two weeks ago. He was well. Doesn't think Mary has done the fair thing by him, but guess he
will come out all right.
November 4th, 1873
Golden, CO
To: Sarah Keith
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
D.C. has enclosed a
“Cheap Photograph” of himself and family as “we would naturally appear on our
best behavior.” He would like one of Sarah along with the balance of the
family.
February 4th, 1874
Shawano, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: L. Prosper Crawford
At the present Prosper is living in a shanty among the Pines
about seventy miles from Winneconne (home) and four miles from Shawano. His
business is to scale the loads, keeping account of the same and the company
books. The total number of feet rafted last season amounted to 213
million. This year the highest estimate
is 80 million. This great reduction
owes partly to the money panic and partly to the depletion of the pineries in
this section of county. It is estimated that in three years the pine on the
Wolf River and its tributaries will be exhausted and in twelve years all the
pine this side the Rocky Mountains.
Many lumbermen are now looking to Puget Sound as their next place “of
rendesvou.” D.C. wrote of news of Hiram’s promotion to the office of secretary
and treasurer of his company. Has heard but very little of Henry of late. “Don’t write to him, not but that I think of
him, but the Worleys are a terror.” Thinks it a very unfortunate circumstance
“when Cupid dart did pierce their heart since it killed not a single Worley and
almost used up a Crawford good boy but in hard luck.”
February 13, 1874
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Nancy has been in Oshkosh getting her teeth mended and
visiting old friends. Had one letter from D.C. after he returned home. He had a
pleasant visit with Sarah and family. After he left Sarah’s place he traveled
to Mary’s and found Eugene there. They went on to Henry’s who was tickled to
see him. Henry wrote that he had a good visit with D.C. and how surprised Henry
was to see him. On opening the letter she found a post office order for
$5.00. Doesn’t know whether Jenny knows
anything about it. Henry had news about
all of his children but said nothing about his wife. Robert came home last week. He suffers from rheumatism much of
the time. Louisa and children are
well. Has not seen Bell in two or three
weeks. Doesn’t know whether Prosper has
come home from the woods. She was
looking for him around the middle of this month.
April 10th, 1874
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Her health is quite good this spring; has been taking the
electric health restorer. D.C. sent his photograph in a splendid frame and sent
Robert and Prosper a photograph each in a smaller size. Robert has trouble with rheumatism a good
deal of the time, but his family is well. Received a letter from Eugene a short
time ago. Received a letter from D.C.
to say that Amanda joined the Episcopal Church a short time ago. Hiram wrote
that they were all well, that they had a dreadful snowstorm a week ago and that
Clem Crawford had visited and stayed two days. Edna is still going to school in
Oshkosh. They want her to be a teacher. Willie is almost as tall as his father.
February 11th, 1875
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Had a great snowstorm last week. The snow drifted ten feet in Oshkosh and they sent to Ripon for
the snowplow and engine. It piled four
or five feet high on the porch. It has been real Canada weather. Robert is in
the woods and will be till next month.
Louisa was in last evening (her health is not very good). Prosper wrote
last month that they were all well. His
wife and children are with him. He has
rented a room or two from an old farmer.
His work is scaling logs. Eugene is working on the streetcars. He doesn’t like it very much. Says he will leave as soon as he can get
another job.
September 26th, 1875
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Robert Crawford
Louisa has gone to Minnesota to visit her folks. Expects her
home this week after an absence of three weeks. Mother is getting along about as usual. She cannot keep a cent of money. Will has been coughing this
summer and they are getting alarmed about him.
November 17th, 1875
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Received
a letter from Hiram. He said that
Harry’s lungs were so bad they had to take him to Sarah’s. Nancy Brown wrote that Aunt Kate and Harry
had been there and Harry appeared better. Went to Winneconne to visit Prosper
and family. Bell is looking quite
well. Leo is a smart little fellow but
full of mischief. His other son runs all over and says some words. His name is Lucius Byron. Received a letter
from Alice Crawford. She doesn’t like Oregon as much as Wisconsin nor does her
brother.
January 3rd, 1876
Omro, WI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Crawford Betts
Mrs. Cynthia Long came with her husband at Christmas hoping to
find Robert at home but he wasn’t there.
She gave Edna and Kit a dollar and Lizzie a gold locket. Received a
letter from D.C. over Christmas. He
never forgets his mother. Hasn’t heard from Hiram but expects to soon. Nothing
from Henry. Hiram said in his last letter that Henry talks of visiting his
mother but she feels that it is all talk with him. She doesn’t expect to see
any of her children again unless they come and visit. She has no money to
travel and visit any of her children. She would like her children to provide
enough money for one visit.
February 6th, 1876
Colorado Springs, CO
To: Sarah Keith
From: David (D.C.) Crawford
David is sitting up with his little daughter Ida, who has been
very sick for five weeks. David is running a hotel but Amanda does not like the
business and so he may sell it in the spring or fall.
May 2nd, 1876
Lawton, MI
To: Sarah Keith
From: Nancy Brown
Nancy is writing about a bonnet that she has made for her
mother. There is also some discussion about Hannah’s need for money and that
Grandma is traveling through Lawton, but is not planning to stop. Nancy is concerned that her Grandma is
getting old and that Nancy shall never get a good picture of her now.
May 8th, 1876
Chicago, IL
To: Sarah Keith and family
From: Louise Keith
Louise, who is 15, has been living in Chicago and attending
school. The school, which is 2 miles
away, contains 1,190 students and has 17 teachers and is situated in a
four-story building. Louise then describes a typical week at school. The balance of the letter consists of a
description of Gilmores Band Concert, which she attended with her cousin
Eugene.
June 7th, 1876
Omro, WI
To: Nancy Crawford Betts
From: Robert Crawford
Robert has just returned from the Boom and is going away in
the morning. Saw Prosper this evening.
He is going to work on the Boom.
September 3rd, 1876
Lawton, MI
To: Luke & Sarah Keith
From: Nancy & Henry Brown
Hank and Nancy have been struggling to make ends meet and have
decided to move to Chicago where Hank will be able to find work. They have sold their cow and are thinking
about selling their pig. They are
currently $30.00 in debt. Hank believes that he will be able to double his
income living in Chicago.
September 7th, 1876
Lawton, MI
To: Luke & Sarah Keith
From: Henry Brown
Hank describes his plans for Chicago and his new job as a conductor on