Relatively Speaking

11/8/2010
I have just received a large box of Austin letters from my cousin Kathy T., a descendant of James Eldred and Emily Parmenter Austin. As I get the letters typed up or scanned, I will be posting them as I have time!

Pier 18, Balboa CZ, October 1, 1918
Dear Father,
Your letter from Monticello received today. I was very glad to hear from you. I saw your name on the jury list, so was not surprised. Did they try many interesting cases this session?

I have been on the rifle range or gallery twice. The first record I made was 13 scores out of 75 possible points. There was only one fellow who was as low as I was. The second time at 75 yards, I shot 30 points, a trifle above the average. The rifle we use for target practice weights 8 pounds and shoots .22 shot cartridges.

I didn’t get the papers yet, but probably will before long. Mother said she was going to send me a package. I would advise her to send things to eat for any perishable things will sure “perish” before they get here. However, I could use towels, handkerchiefs, soap, three in one oil, shoe polish, etc. very well and it would leave me nearly all of my $7.00 each month. I would also like my razor.

Have you heard from Mac lately? I suppose he has had a hand in the fighting by this time. I wish I could be with him now.

I think Bulgaria’s surrender is the very first sign that the balance is beginning to swing in our favor. Turkey again cut off from German aid will soon quit. Germany and Austria, Hungaria may fight on indefinitely and we will probably meet with bloody Chechs before Metz, Strasburg, Ai La leofapp C and the other Rhine fortresses fall. I hope next year will end it.

PS Am enclosing some pictures, and Chinese, Japanese, and Austrian money. Your son, Raymond

Wednesday noon, Mountain Grove House, Eldred, October 2, 1918
To: Mr. C M Austin
c/o Mrs. Fowler, Monticello, New York
My dear Mortimer,
Just received your letter and was glad to hear you were well. We all feel fine, but this damp weather I keep the children in the house. Verna told me she heard there were a lot of cases of diphtheria in Barryville, but I doubt it. Our phone don’t work right, so I can not find out, but I am careful here.

I got a letter from Ray. I will send it to you. Tonight I am going to get Mac’s letters and the pictures together and send to him.

If Willie don’t feel well any morning, I won’t let him go to work. Mr. Scheuneman is home sick today and beside, he got a sliver in his eye putting on the roof of his building.

I will be glad when you get though “courting” for it is certainly lonesome without anyone to scold.
Well, Elizabeth is ready to go back to school so I must close with love from all, Jennie
X Arthur’s kiss, X Elizabeth’s kiss X Robbie’s kiss, X mine, X Willie’s
(more…)

Included in this set of letters are some of the addresses and names of a number of the girls that wrote Mac in response to the ad in the Lone Scout Magazine courtesy of his brother Raymond.

CAC 7 Co., Fort Amador, Canal Zone Jan 5, 1918
To Pvt. Mortimer M. Austin, F Co., 11 Inf, Chattanooga, Tenn
Dear Old Mack:
Well this is the date you get a little older and tomorrow I do the same.

Did four hours guard this morning. It is pay day and I go on pass this pm so will have time to write no more. Drew just $13 yesterday. That is all that is left after my four liberty bonds bills, $.25 wounded soldiers fund, collected from loans, $1.65 which left me just $8.40. When I went to town, I spent $5.20 for little odds and ends.

While in the city, I made up my mind to see the place. You talk of slums in New York, London, Chicago, but believe me they cannot begin to compare with the city of Panama. It is only in sections that the other cities have slums, but all Panama is just one great slum district. [a long letter] Yours, George R. Sidwell

Vandervoort, Arkansas, Jan 1918
Kind friend,
Saw your address in Lone Scout. Thought I would write you a few lines. Hope this will find you OK. How do you like the army? I have several friends who have gone to the Army. Oh it is so lonesome and makes me so sad to see them go…Miss Jewell Hamilton

From Peerless, Indiana, Jan 4, 1918
Dear Soldier Boy:
I saw an article that your brother had published in the Lone Scout magazine in which your name and address was given. Although I am only a school girl living in a small town, I would enjoy corresponding with you and if you will write I will prove to you that us country girls can write as interesting letters as our city cousins. Sincerely yours, Ottie Godsey

Peerless Indiana, January 13, 1918
Dear Mr. Austin,
Thank you very much for writing me such a nice letter. Now you said you preferred the country girls to those from the city…Ottie Godsey
(more…)

Both Uncle Raymond and Uncle McKinley (Mac) were in WWI, though in 1917, just Mac had enlisted. There are a number of letters from this time frame. Thank you to my mom for sharing with me Uncle McKinley’s and other Austin letters that are in this post.

Barryville, NY, January 15, 1917
Dear Friend,
Received your letter last week. We were glad to hear that you were still in America. We haven’t any horses this winter, so I hardly ever get to Eldred or in fact anywhere. They had a box social in the fall and another one around Thanksgiving, but it was while I was in Brooklyn, so naturally I did not get to that one.

It certainly has been a very cold winter. 30 degrees below zero some of the time, but we really haven’t much to kick about in that direction as we have plenty of wood.

I have a cousin who is a major in the Aviation Corp…I have not heard since where he went. Ruth

Feb 7, 1917
Dear friend McKinley,
Received your letter some time ago and really intended to answer it before, but was busy the last couple of days keeping warm (or trying to, haha).

Monday certainly was a terrible day. The wind blew about 50 miles per minute. You speak of mud. I don’t believe that I would know what much looks like. Aunt Noval said that there were several Sundays when there wasn’t anyone except the minister and Christine that ventured out to church…Every cold day, I make a new vow that I will not stay here another winter, but I suppose that I will not have courage when it comes to the pinch, to get a job…
Belle Mills is teaching here now. Went to visit the school the other day with Anna and it surely was a circus. I never saw so many methods of “spit ball” throwing in my life, but well, I guess she is about as good as the average teacher. Your friend, Ruth
(more…)

I am continuing to work on the Austin/Leavenworth book. At this time it is 600 pages long.

The Austin’s loved poetry and copied numerous poems, usually poems others wrote, but Great Grandma Mary Eldred Austin, her daughter Emma, and son Lon wrote a few poems of their own. I couldn’t find any reference to Mrs. Prindle on the internet, and I think perhaps Emma Austin may have written it. I did find the author of “I Locked it in”. The last piece is a newspaper article from Great Grandma’s Scrapbook that I typed up. Thank you to cousin Melva for loaning me Great Grandma’s Scrapbook.

Mrs. Prindle’s Soliloquy
It kind-o-seems to me tonight
While darning these stockings by candlelight
That I ain’t quite the woman I used to be,
Since I let old Prindle marry me,
Because I was so much afraid
Of living, and dying an old maid.

I always used to dress so neat;
My hair was smooth, my temper sweet,
I have learned to be cold, seldom brush my hair,
And don’t care a pin about what I wear.
And wonder that ever I was afraid
Of living, or dying an old, old maid.

How loudly that Prindle to snore contrives
Was man ever before so great alive?
It really, sometimes appears to me
He means to be hateful as he can be.
But then, I no longer need be afraid
Of living, or dying an old, old maid.

He smokes and chews and has many a trick
Disgusting enough to make one sick.
And it used to me, and among the rest,
He dotes on onions, which Idelest.
But perhaps, that’s better than being afraid
Of living or dying an old, old maid.

And then the young one, such graceless imps,
Tom squints, Jack stutters, and Enoch limps.
On two club feet, they fight and swear
Throw dirt, tell lies, and their trousers tear.
Oh no! I shall never more be afraid
Of living, or dying an old, old maid.

Perhaps if I’d married some other man
My life in a different course had ran
But what could I do when my other beaux
All wailed and wailed and didn’t propose.
And I was getting so much afraid
Of living and dying and old, old maid.

Sister Sally is forty-five,
And just the happiest soul alive
With no stupid husband to annoy and perplex,
Or quarrelsome children to harass and vex
But Sally was never one bit afraid
Of living, or dying an old, old maid.

How she kids me! But it makes me mad,
For well I remember how grieved and sad
She was when she told me that all my life
I’d repent if I did become Prindle’s wife
And I told her I was more afraid
Of living like her, an old, old maid.
The End

I Locked It In
by George H. Westfield
I took my grief and I locked it in.
And bolted and barred the door,
And told myself it had never been,
And never should be no more.

“For life goes on and must go the same,
For Months,” I said, “and for years.”
A man and weak, it were scorn and shame,
“Let woman give way to tears.”

But lo! in the night I heard a sound.
I woke with a start and cry.
My grief stood there, with its withes unbound,
and looked with its awful eye.
It took my hand, with an icy chill,
And said, with a mock and jeer:
“Your bolts were strong, but I haunt you still.
You thrust me out: I am here.”

I seek the crowd; but it follows there—
I cannot drive it away.
The forest wild; it is in the air,
It gnaws at my heart all day.
And at midnight it comes—the ghost!
And it mocks beside my bed.
Oh! hopeless moan for the loved and lost.
Oh! hearts that break for your dead.

Street-Car Etiquette
A few hints, boiled down, the observance of which will tend to promote the comfort and welfare of that large class of fellow-sufferers who are obliged to spend from thirty minutes to two hours of each day in those necessary evils called street-cars.

Gentle hint No. 1 and of importance first:
Always chew tobacco when riding. If you have not acquired that most elegant habit, do so at once, or you will thereby lose one of the best opportunities of showing your independence and utter disregard of the decencies of life, and of your neighbors’ clothes.

No. 2 Never give up your seat to anyone, especially to ladies, thereby showing that you were brought up with a proper regard of your own importance and comfort. Should you have a weakness in that respect, however, and should you wish to give up your seat to a lady, be particular that she is young, good-looking and well dressed, and always select the time when some poor washer-woman or tired shop-girl has been hanging on the strap in front of you for half an hour or more. you will thus show that you have a proper regard for what is due to the different classes in society.

No. 3 When standing, always take the first seat vacated. Never mind the ladies; they can do the same. You know your rights; take them. Sit down like a man, and if you have a paper become immediately absorbed. Take no notice of any little mean remarks that may be made by those around you—you might get kicked out of the car if you did.

No. 4 Should a good-looking girl be seated anywhere near you, that is alone, (Be particular about that,) stare at her—they like it—and it may lead to—personals in the Herald, which object and end should be your highest ambition.

June AD 1860
envelope addressed to
Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon I. Clark
Half Way Brook Village
Sullivan Co., NY

Sullivan County
Town of Highland
I do hereby certify that on the tenth day June instant at the house of Wm. H. Austin in said town of Highland, Mahlon I. Clark of said town of Highland and Laura L Austin also of said town of Highland were, with their mutual consent, lawfully joined together in holy matrimony, which was solemnized by me in the presence of James H. Austin, Mrs. Hannah Eldred, Mary Ann Austin, Ralph Austin and Fanny Austin, All of said town of Highland attesting witness.

And I do further certify that the said Mahlon I. Clark and Laura L. Austin are known to me to be the persons described in this certificate; and that I ascertained previous to the solemnization of the said marriage that the parties were of sufficient age to contract the same, and that there appeared no lawful impediment to such marriage.
Given under my hand, this the fifteenth day of June AD 1860
George T B Stage
Justice of the Peace

after June 1860 but before June 1861
Laura,
I sent Irvin’s socks. I had no measure to go by. Mrs. Clarke brought yarn and said thre was enough for 2 pair. I should have made them longer, but I thought I would do as she said, but it lacks one knot of being enough and when I get that you shall have the other pair.

I thought I would send these for he mite want them. You must come when you can. I had a letter from James. He appears to be in good spirits. His horse is alright. He lives with the same family he did. His businefs is good and a prospect of its being bettern than ever it was.

Augustus’s folks all well. I creep along about as well as ever. Mrs. Dunlap washed for me yesterday. My neighbour calls often to see if I want healpe. I have got wormwood and a going to use it for I think it is dropsy that makes me weak for my appetite is poor. I have everything I wish for, but do not eat much. James told me to get whatever I want and I do.
My love to you both Adieu
Fanny Austin

[James, Laura, Ann Mary, and Henry (my great grandpa) are siblings and Fanny Austin is their mother.]
——–
Barryville Dec 23 (1863 is the latest this could be as Ann Mary died August 31, 1864)
Dear Sister,
I received yours of the 22 and now I am on my bed with the stand by it with a pillow for me to rest on while I write. Four weeks yesterday, I was taken sick with the bilious fever, very sick. the day before I was very smart so Perry went down the River and was gone a week. I was down all the time, but nights I kept getting worse. On Saturday they thought I would not live for a while.

I don’t think I ever was so sick before, but through the mercy of God, I am getting better. OH how thankfull we ought to be such a friend when we feel all other Sources failing us that we take a Saviour to look to knowing he never will leave nor forsake us, but will be our guide even unto death.

I feel to exclaim with the Psalmist, Blefs the Lord oh my Soul, and all that’s within me Blefs his holy name for all mercys to me.

I will not be able to come either Christmas or New Years. We intend to come when I get able…

I would like some of your pot cheese, first rate. I’ve been wanting it since I begat to eat. I do not have much appetite. I have a very good girl we pay her ten shillings a week. I expect I shall have to keep her sometime yet.

Perry saw James when he was in New York. He was boarded at Augustus’s, had a situation in the Bibb House. Henry was here this week. He had received a letter from New York that Spencer’s Lawyer had written for one hundred dollars mor for Pappy’s board. I would like to have you come and see me if you can without hindering Irv’s work. We can write to each other. Kifs tiger? for me. You did not say whether you had heard what has happened.

Martha Clark has got a babe a week old. She is home to Motts (mother?] It will be very hard for her Moth Clara hear well. I must close for I am very tired.
I remain yours,
A M Schoonover (Ann Mary Austin Schoonover)
[Martha Clark may be the sister of Laura Austin Clark's husband, Mahlon.]

New York, August, 1864
My Dear Friend,
Why Lonnie, how do you get along?

I am sorry I have not lived up to my promise. I told you I would write Thursday evening…excuse me Lonnie for my long delay in writing to you.

How do you do. Speak up, don’t be bashful. I am quite well thank you and hope when you read this, it will find you and your friends in the same state of good health.

How is Mother/Martha? coming on? I expect you have fine times with the boys. Have you had a swing since we left? Oh, Lonnie, did Frances send you the song of Wait for the Wagon? If not, when you write and I hope that will be very soon, let me know whether you have it or not and I will send it to you. I have no more to say at present. I close by sending a kiss and my love to al who may inquire after me.
I remain your affectionate friend,
Addie [one of the Eldred Austin cousins]

Monday June 26, 1865
Dear Emogene,
Your letter was received in due time and perused with much pleasure, as of course yours always are. You say you wish to see me awful bad, but you can not want to see me worse than I do you, for I want to see you awfully badder, but I guess we will have to take it out in wanting, for I shall not be able to get in the country this Summer as much as I want to see you, and you know how much that is, but what cannot be cured must be endured and so I am trying to be reconciled to my lot. Don’t you think I am getting rather sentimental?

Mother is busy trying to get away in the Country before the fourth and the Doctor says we must get Emma off as quickly as possible. She has been very sick with fits and had them so hard and so many of them that we began to fear she would never get over them, but she is getting better now, yet is still very weak. The Doctor said her mind was too active for her body, that she learned too fast and that we must not let her study or read and said that the country would do her more good than anything else. (I wish he would order that prescription for me.)

I was very much surprised to hear that you were teaching School, how I should love to be there to see your exercising your authority over the little ones. ARe you very severe with them? I suppose you do not teach them much, do not misunderstand me, I do not mean to say that I do not think you capable of teaching, for I know of no other Cousin of mine who is so well fitted for that position in life as you are.

Em, I guess you were just marked out to be a little School teacher for you have an uncommon amount of patience with children, one of the most requisite things which a School Teacher needs. (While I, poor me, what shall I say for myself) what I meant was, that I thought it must take a great amount of your time to make them mind, and keep them in order.

Do not get angry at me Em, for talking to you thus. I do not mean to dictate, but you had some experience yourself when you were here to School, you know you used to say you did not see how Mifs Marr could teach, when the Scholars were talking and there was so much confusion in the class, but I think you have pretty good government with children; I am going to try and persuade Mother to let me come up and be one of your pupils during the summer and take lessons of patience from you. Does this proposition meet with your approbation? Write and let me know and tell me more about your school.

Now I think I have written you quite a long letter, (such as it is) and as I think you are about as tired of reading such nonsense as this, as I am of writing, I will bring my letter to final hoping to hear from you soon I remain,
Ever your loving Cousin,
Tina
PS
Mother sends her love and hopes to see you all soon. Tell your Mother I never eat string beans, but what I think of her and that is pretty often
My love to all not forgetting your dear self
Long may you live
Happy may you be
Rest in content
And often think of me
You must excuse the blots on the paper as Rand got them for me.

January 9, 1866
Dear cousin,
Although it is but a little time since I received your last letter, yet I am going to answer it now as I have some time. I thought I would make the most of it by writing to you.

I commenced going to school Monday and you must know that it takes the greater part of my time in fulfilling my school duties and so if my letters are not as long as usual, I hope you will make all due allowance for me. I shall not call this a letter, for it is not deserving of the title, it is only an analogy for one, but I can not help it. I feel unusually out of humor tonight and my ideas are all dull and common place.

Oh Em, you do not know how bad I want to see you. I have got so much to tell you I cannot write it for it would take too much paper. Sometimes it seems as if I shall never see you again. It seems so long to look forward untill the next summer. I never make any calculations now, for we do not know what a day may bring forth. Sometimes when we think we shall be the happiest, we have our saddest most sorrowful hours. It is as the minister said at little Mortie’s funeral There is more bitterness in sweet in our cups and that we would have to drain it to the very deep.

Oh Emma, if I did not think I could do a little good in the world, and perhaps make others happy, I would not care how soon death came to me, how soon God saw fit to take me home. The sooner the better. Life has no charm for me now as it once had. It seems as if all happiness had been wrested from me all that I loved has been taken from me. Why should I care to live, to struggle on with no cheering voice to comfort, no loving hand to guide me.

But I did not mean to write this but my feelings overpowered me. But I do not wish to make you unhappy. Trouble will come to you soon enough, would dear Emma that I could shield you from all sorrow and suffering, but we must all have our dark days and the more trials and temptations we have to endure the better it is for us for it teaches us not to think too much of worldly things.

I must close for it is getting late. Mother sends her love to your Mother and Grandmother write very soon and believe me ever your loving Cousin,
TIna
Note: Mortie may be the son of Rev Alonzo Eugene Austin and Isabelle Johnson Camp who died at age 2, if my information is correct, he was scalded to death when he pulled a pail of hot water over himself.

Mount Kisco, Jan 1st 1868
My Dear Sister
You will doubtless be surprised at receiving a letter from me, but James has been talking so long of writing to you, that I came to the conclusion that I would write in his place. It seems as if I knew you for James talks so much about you he has been talking of writing you for a long time, but has not made it out yet. I will not wait for him much longer, would you? He thinks he can not spend the time. It does make it bad when a man has such a large family as he has to provide for, but we really do mean to come one of these days.

James has had his picture taken for you. I think it very good, but not quite as good looking as he is, he will send it on as soon as he can get a chance. I have had mine taken, but I guess I will keep it home. I think you will have a better opinion of my looks if I keep it home. I do not pride myself much on my beauty. I am good enough looking to suit my husband and he is all I care to please in that respect. He is a dear good husband I assure you whether he can say as much of me as a wife, I do not know. We have been married four years yesterday. It does not seem so long.

James has but one child, that is me. He does not come home but once a week. The time hangs very heavy on my hands sometimes. I go down to see him quite often though. We live about forty miles form the city on the Harlem road. We think it very pleasant here and want you to come out and see us. We would love to have you come dearly. How is Emogene? I would like to see her very much. Give my love to her. I would like very much to visit you.

It must be very pleasant where you live. To hear James talk you would think no other place worth living in, but I do not wonder at it for it was his home that one word tells the story for home is the dearest spot on earth and no matter how humble it may be, we would not exchange it for all the wealth the world could offer, but I must close for James want to add a line hoping to hear from you soon, I will close wishing you all
from your loving sister, Julia
Feb 18, 1868
PS
Dear Sister Laura,
Julia says I must write a line. I will by one month and a half old already, I think it time to finish this letter and send it a jogging. I did not intend this delay and I would say it is not Julia’s fault. I take all the responsibility, but as I only write once in twenty or thirty years, you will excuse me. I have thought and thought and thought of coming to see you and have not come already and now if we should have ten years and you should receive a letter as the end of the time

…aside from this jargon, I have not forgotten you although I do not come to see you or write, I often think of you and Irvine. I often pray for you. I hope you pray likewise and try to love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope if spared to come and see you sometime. I send you my good looking face. I will praise it and try and make it out all right although anyone knows it’s homely enough for want of space I must close, my kind regards to Irving and all inquiring friends. I should be pleased to get a letter from you
Your affectionate brother
James H. Austin
I will send my photograph by Henry who is coming next Friday.
My addrefs:
James H. Austin
Mount Kisco
Westchester Co., NY

Sometime before January 1870 [This may be when Laura Austin Clark lost her daughter Eva.]
Dear Friend and Aunt
I was very sorry to hear that dear little Eva was dead. I had just been writing to Tina that Eva was very sick, but I little thought so soon to hear of her death.
Your niece, Emma

LIttle Eva
Tis true that death’s relentless hand,
Tis ne’er with mortal man at rest
He will often come and steal
Away the ones that we love best.

Twas when the grass was springing green
Along the hill side in the mead,
That he dear little Eva claimed
And laid her with the silent dead.

And she was beautiful divine
As pure as spotless as a saint
A form as lovely and sublime
As skillful lirnnes could so paint.

We miss that little one so fair
She’s gone no more on earth to be
She dwells in that blest country where
Her Lord and Saviour she can see.

Ellsworth, he will miss
That little one so mild
But never more on earth
Will he behold that little child.

She was so sweet on earth to stay
Too good for a world like this
So thought the angels as they called her away
To that world of heavenly bliss.

We would not wish her back again
On this cold earth of misery
From Jesu’s arms in that blest place;
Prepared for such as she.
EEA
Note: Edith Emogene (Emma) Austin wrote poetry. She died at the age of 28 in Solomon, Kansas. She was a daughter of William Henry and Mary Ann Eldred Austin, and sister to Grandma Mort, Uncle Ell, Uncle Lon and Aunt Aida.

Ellsworth was the son of Mahlon and Laura Austin Clark and therefore the brother of the baby that died.

from Middletown, June 9, 1845
to Mr. James Eldred
Lumberland, NY
Dear Parents,
Yours, dated June 13, came to hand June 15. I perused its contents with pleasure and was happy indeed to hear from you both. I attend school every day regular when I am well.

I have lost 8 days on account of my being sick with the hives. I caught a bad cold and then…sick to my stomach. I purchased me a box of McAlister all healing salve and think it has helped me. I am quite well at present and hope these few imperfect lines will find you enjoying the same blessings.

Last Sunday I attended a Meeting and heard a first rate sermon from the first John 1 chapter 9 years. I enjoyed myself very well. I find the promises of God are true whosoever calleth upon me in the name of the Father, him will I in no wise cast off.

There is a good library in this district. It consists mostly of religious books and books of science. I have two book on hand. One is a religious book and the other is the history of geology of New York. It is larger than your large, large Bible. It is a very instructive book indeed.

Sarah is quite well and all the rest of the family. Zophar has had to stop work a day or two for work got blockaded up so that most all the hands had to stop work or the hands that belonged where he did.

Mulford is doing first rate. He has a man of being, a very smart boy, he gets wages and goes to school three months free of any expence to him for one year— is to stay there.

Mother, if you have not made your dress you had better not make it untill…home if Sarah comes home when there’s vacation, I shall come home with her. I have got me a new bonnet. I sold Sarah my old one.

If I had me a school, I should like it much better, but however I will try and get along the best I can.

Give my love to all inquiring friends and especially to Mary Rumer [Bunce?] and Eliza. Tell ? I wish her much joy if you see Ann Eliza, tell her to write to me and I will answer it…

Dear Parents, remember me in all your prayers and I will try to pray for myself. Not forgetting to thank you, I got my grammar before I borrowed many of Lauras. I could not wait any longer. I was very glad to receive…
To James and Hannah Eldred
note: I think this is from my great grandmother Mary Ann Eldred to her parents. She must be staying with her half sister Sarah and her husband Zophar Carmichael.

Dec 8, 1845
Addressed to James Eldred and Daniel Judson
Lumberland, Sullivan co., NY
Copy of Notice, foreclose Mortgage

Letter: Dear Nephew,
I write a few lines to you for your Uncle, the subject is not a very desirable one for me to write, but your Uncle Henry said I must write to you for he could not get time as he had to go right back to his work but as there is no compulsion on your part, I will tell you as I can. He wants to know if you can hire $400 to pay Thomas off and get a deed for the place he don’t ???

Also on back is;
To James Eldred and Daniel Judson
Take notice that enclosed is a copy of notice of foreclosure of mortgages on the pieces mentioned in said notice.
Yours Daniel Hrefutz
Wm. B. Wyles attorney

news article:
Dec 8, 1845
Mortgage Sale
Whereas Abraham M. Eldred of the town of Lumberland, county of Sullivan and State of New York and Elizabeth his wife, did by indenture of mortage bearing date the 27th of May, in the year 1842, mortgage to Daniel Hilferty, of the town of Deerpark, in the county of Orange and State aforesaid…(being the purchase money of the lots and parcels of land herein after described) which mortgage was recorded in Sullivan county Record of mortgages in book No. 8 on p. 240, 241, 242, 243, and 244 at 5 o’clock pm on the 11th day of July AD 1842…the sum of eleven hundred and two dollars and forty six cents, principal and interest:

Notice is here by given that default having been made in the payment of the monies secured by said mortgage, the said lots, pieces and parcels of land and premises will be sold at public auction on the sixth day of March 1846 at 11 o’clock in the forenoon of that day at the hotel of Stephen hamilton, in the village of Monticello—said premises are described as follows, to wit…
Dated December 8, 1845
Daniel Hilferty, Mortgagee
Wm. B. Wright Attorney

note: Abraham Mulford Eldred, known in the info I have as Uncle Mulford, was the son of James and his first wife Polly Mulford. Mulford was an half brother to Mary Ann Eldred. He died at the age of 40 in September of 1847. Well, that is what I have, but the mortgage sale is in 1845, so looks like I have another question as to the correct date.

If anyone wants the whole news article telling about the land parcels, it is typed out and I would be happy to send it to you.

addressed to
Mifs Mary A. Eldred, S. Middletown
Lumberland July 13, 1846
Dear Sister,
I have delayed writing longer than I intended, but these lines will inform that we are well at present and i hope they will find you the same.

There’s been a freshet in the Halfway Brook. It has done much damage. There is not a bridge or dam left between here and Barryville. It has damages us more than fifty dollars.

The Mongaup was very high. There was a young man drowned in that stream. It was James White and old Mrs. Skinner was buried last Thursday.

Mifs Margette West has been married.

Since you left, Pery and Ann are thinking of going to Mount Hope and Middletown in four weeks.

I know nothing about the youngsters. I am told that Charles goes to school yet and the yankee? took a lesson last Sunday night.

Miranda has been ill sometime with the canker and is very troublesome. I can hardly get time to write this miserable scribble.

Ann sends all the love I can get in this letter, but I must draw to close. You must give love to Sarah, Almira and all the children. Tell Sarah she must come and see us without fail.

You must write again soon and let me know if she has done up some cherries for me.

Father, Mother and Charles are well. You must be a good girl and come home soon as you can. I want to see you very much. The children are all sleepy and make such a noise, I must say good night.
From your affectionate sister,
PM Austin

note: Phebe Maria Eldred married Aruna Augustus Austin in 1834 when Maria’s half sister, my great grandmother was seven years old and Aruna’s brother Henry, my great grandfather was ten. This is the only letter I have found that Maria wrote.
———-
Narrows Burgh. March 24th, 1878
addressed to Mifs Mary A. Eldred
Lumberland PO
Sullivan, NY
Mifs Mary A. Eldred
My dear Friend,
I thought I would spend a few moments this day noon in writing to my long cherished friend. The scholars are playing outdoors and I am left alone in the schoolhouse. So my thoughts naturally run on home to home friends. This is a beautiful day, and this is a very pleasant place. The school house is pleasantly situated a short distance from the river on a hill.

How I wish you and Hezekiah would come up here; it would just be a pleasant ride for you when it is good going; but the traveling is very bad at present. I should like to go home and make a visit, but am afraid if I go now, I shall mifs seeing the river break up. They say it is quite a curiosity to see the ice go through the eddy.

I like here very much so far, and like the people. I meet with some “once in a while” that inquire all about Mr. Eldred and his family and some that used to be acquainted with my father. There is not many young people here, but still there is enough for company. Amanda Smith lives about a mile from here. There is quite a large family of them. They send three to school. I have boarded there some. They appear to be very nice girls.

Bansom Lubar pays much attention to Amanda, but whether it will be a match or not, I cannot say. So I will drop the subject.

Sunday March 26
Dear Mary,
I have just returned from a walk, which would have been a very pleasant one, had the day been more agreeable, but it is another damp dark day. However we had an agreeable time, the lady that was with me gave an account of the Big Eddy bridge going off last spring and of a number of accidents that have happened near the bank of the river where we were walking is a large hill which they roll their lumber down and has caused many accidents.

It is called Peggy’s Runway. It derived its name from and old woman who lived at the foot of the hill many years ago, when it was thick swamp. To go upon this hill and take a view you can see a great distance off, which is delightful

How I wish you were here. But you must be tired of this.

I thought when I commenced this I had a great deal to tell you, but after I got at it, I found I could think of nothing interesting to write, I think of going home on a raft as far as Barryville, there will be a number of rafts going from here and I wish you would come up to go down with me. It would be so pleasant.

The lady with whom I am now boarding says if you come, I must certainly bring you here, for she would like to see you says she has nursed you when you were a babe. She used to be aquatinted with Maria. Her name then was Betsy Johnson. It is now Mr. Case.

I should like to hear from you and hope you will write me soon and tell me all the news you can think of’ and don’t you go to getting married before I see you, or without giving me an invitation to the wedding. If you do, I shall give you the slip when I get married and you don’t know how soon that may happen. I suppose you know there is great danger of it.

I have written to a certain place since I have been here, but have received no answer yet. Perhaps I delayed too long. It may be all for the best as I have grown so homely since we met that I may not be known.

You will laugh when you read this for you know that I never was handsome, but I do think I was not so very coarse…as now. However, “Perty is as perty does,” they say, and somehow, I can’t do pretty. And that you well know, so good by to this.

Do write me Mary as soon as you receive this, let me know how you are getting along, what your prospects are for the future and when you think of going to the City and what you are going to buy me there if it is a pretty nice little doll? I do not know as you will like so much nonsense…

Where is Felix Kyte now, I have not heard from him since I have been here. He did not know whether he should conintue at Beaver Brook or not when I saw him last. I told him he must take the school at the mouth of the Lackawax if he did not stay there. I believe I did not tell him he must, but said he had better.

I must stop this scribbling or you will not have patience to read it. So give …friends and remember me

PS Do not forget to write. Please direct your letter to Narrows Burgh Sullivan Co., NY. The post office is acrofs the river. We have to trave over a large new bridge to get there and people have to pay three cents fro walking over, but I can go free—good says I.

Tell Mother I wish she would send me 5 dollars if she can, I forgot to tell her when I wrote her by Mr. Wiggins. Give my special love to her and your Mother

May 3, 1848
addressed to :
Misfs Mary A. Eldred
Lumberland, PO
from Narrows Burgh, NY May 3, 1848
My Dear Friend,
According to promise I have seated myself to inform you, or my succefs in gaining a school for you. I saw Mr. John Dexter soon after I came up, and he asked me if I had found a teacher for them yet. I told him that I knew of two that were wishing to get a school; having heard of a district about a mile or two from here destitute of a teacher, I inquired of him if they did not wish to get one there.

Mr Dexter said he supposed they did and would speak to them about it and next time he sees me would let me know the conclusion and when they would come after you, so I might write you when to expect them.

Having heard that a family by the name of Gale were acquainted with your father, I told Mr. Dexter they could get you there, thinking it would be pleasanter for you to go among your father’s acquaintances even if they were strangers to you. Supposing of course, I could get the other school for Eliza, you can not imagine how tickled I felt with anticipation of having my two old companions so near me that I might see them once in a while.

The one I expected to get for Eliza is about two miles from here, and the other is between three and four miles. I did not see Mr. Dexter again until yesterday and he requested me to write Mifs Eldred to come as soon as you could conveniently for they were very busy at present and did not know how to spare time to go after you and said he would rather pay your fare in the stage or your expenses any other way as they were so busy with their lumbering. And he said that respecting the other school, he had seen some of the employees and they had concluded not to have a school there at present on account of some money matters. I do not understand what, so I am dished? in getting Eliza there.

I was very much disappointed for I was almost sure of that school for her. I spoke to her you know about the school first before you had said anything to me about it. But I think taking several things in consideration that it would be better for you to come. She is clever kind girl or has been so to me and I really wish she could get a school near me. She is such good company and schemer?

But Mary, you will begin to think from what i have written that I do not prize your comnpany at all. If I can get Eliza’s but you are mistaken if you think so, for you know I always liked your company and I only wished it was nearer.

Mr. Dexter desired me to tell you that you might come as far as Mr. Rofs’ the first night. He is one of the employers about half a mile up the river form Murry’s, the tavern. It is on this side where he lives but the tavern is on the other side. If you will write me as soon as you can conveniently and let me know what day you will come, I will meet you to Mr. Murry’s.

“Dear me!” Mary I have made so many mistakes I do not know as you will be able to make sense of what I have written whether there is any sense or not, but you will not wonder at it when I tell you Mrs.—has been talking to me nearly all the time I have been trying to write. However I am alone at present. The rest having retired.

Having done up my businefs, I must make some inquiries respecting my friend at home and around home. I hope they are all well. I must write to Mother soon. You will please to give my love to her and tell her that I am going to write her soon, that is if this gets there first. Remember me to all inquiring friends, your mother in particular.

And do not forget to give my love to Eliza and tell I mean to write her soon and she must not forget to answer it as in former times. I wish you would write soon. Believe me [name is cut out?]

There is to be a circus or show in Honesdale the 18th. of this month. The greatest I suppose that ever was known there. How I should like to go, but I don’t expect to. Do not let anyone see this. I must bid you good night. LAW
Note: I think this is Lydia Wheeler, but not sure if she is a relative or friend.

July 1, 1848
addressed to Miss Mary A Eldred
from Narrowsburgh
July 1, 1848
Ever Dear Mary Lumberland
It is with much pleasure I now seat myself to answer your letter which I received sometime since, but have neglected anything until now I should have done so before this, but iI was out of paper. I hope you will forgive me for my seeming coldnefs. I was so in hopes you would get some way to come down to day for I want to see you very much.

Your mother talks of coming to see you the fourth and she wants me to go along perhaps I will. I was down to Eliza’s a week today and staid all night. We went to the river to meeting on Sunday, but we went over to see Elmira on Saturday afternoon and it was quite dark when we crossed the river to go home, but Elmira and Mr. Fish went part of the way.

I suppose you have heard by this time that Eliza and Lewis were to have been married today. George has had an invitation ever since the first of April, but Eliza has backed out for ? want that to ? when the time was so near and he had given all his invitations and got all ready for her to use him so. She told me the whole particular from the beginning to the end. I hope she will never repent.

Oh, Mr. Gray arrived in town today. You wanted to know whether I had heard from Hez? or no. I had a letter from him and Eliz last Saturday. He is coming home the 20th or the 25th to stay four days on a week at the logest? The I am to go back with him and stay a spell. I want to see you very much before I go for I may never see you again and I want to have a long talk with you. You know of course by this time that I am not married yet. I can’t tell when I shall be. Hez sent his love to all inquiring friends.

I have nothing very interesting to write you and I will now close my letter wishing you better health than I now enjoy. I have felt I am sick for a week and my hand trembles so that I can’t write. I don’t know as you can make out one half of it. I am in a great hurry and have not time to read it over. It is supper time and I must bid you good by.
Write soon
from your affectionate friend
Mary E. Bunce
excuse all irregularities
My love to Lydia and all inquiring friends.

July 10, 1848
addressed to Mrs. Mary A. Austin
Lumberland
Sullivan County, West Point, NY, July 10, 1848
Ever Dear Mary,
It is with pleasure I once more seat myself to answer your letter, which I received on Saturday afternoon. I was pleased to hear form you. I began to grow impatient thinking perhaps you had forgotten your friend Mary. I am getting quite impatient to come home again it seems a year since I left.

Lewis tells me sometimes that he shant let me go home in three years. I told him today that I should start next week. He said that I could, but he cannot leave till this work is done.

…I never want to see another Railroad much less live on another. He has been quite unwell for a week, but feels better today. The weather is so warm it seems sometimes as thought I must die. It is very sickly here. I have got one sick man to take care of. He has been sick one week tomorrow. The doctor has been here today to see him. He boards with us. His name is Matthew More, cousin to Lewis. and yesterday, my girl was sick abed. I tell you, what you had better believe that I begun to feel as though I would like to see home. I was afraid that we were all going to be sick together.

O how I do want to see you Mary. I shall have to come about the time you know when that is.

I wonder how all the folks are in Lumberland. The next time you write to me, you will please write a longer letter and tell me all the news there is agoing.

If I could only see you and have one of our long sociable talks together, it would do me more good than a little. I don’t know what can be the matter. I can not write to save me. But no wonder, the flies bite so that I don’t know what I am about.

I have nothing to write about and I do not think it best to write a long letter for I don’t expect you will be able to read one half of this. How I do wish that Polly Maria would come and stay with us long as we stay here and now I will close as I have nothing more to write this time. Give my love to all inquiring friends and write soon.

Excuse bad writing and all irregularities and now good by
from your sincere and affectionate friend,
Mary E. Carmichael

August 1848
to: Lumberland, August 12; paid 5
from Narrows Burgh
To Mifs Mary A. Eldred
August 8, 1848
My dear friend,
I ought to have written you yesterday and put his letter in the office today, but I want to write to you so I cannot put it off, but will try to send this up someway before Saturday.

You was home so short a time, I did not have time to say boo to you. So I have been thinking of sending up a few words in black and white whether they come acceptable or not is not for me to say.

However, trusting to that, I will now begin with or about Eliza’s wedding which came off the Saturday following your exit from Lumberland or according to record, July 22, 1848.

It was getting late when I got there and she had not dressed yet. Eliza had been almost crying and said she was afraid I was not coming and believed she should not have been ready that night if I had not come.

Aunt Polly was in very good spirits, but Uncle Justice face was half a yard long.

Eliza was up a few minutes and I went home with her and stayed all night. Lewis came up that night. I knew he was coming and I wanted to see him and get an introduction to him beforehand.

I like him, good what acquaintance I have with him. But I must tell you, when we were getting ready to go, Aunt Polly says to Lewis, nobody asks you to go to bed, I should think somebody might ask you to go to bed. Nobody says anything to you about going to bed at all.

So much sport or laughter I have not enjoyed since as that made you know just how queer she will talk.

Eliza told me she Polly, could not get ahead of him much and then a spell after she come in the bedroom where I was and inquired so Lewis could hear for her night gown. Eliza was with me first. Eliza told her she had none then she told the last she seen fit. Pete Brofs had it on, but no more of this till I see you. It is better told than written.

There were not many to the wedding, but there were many wishes for you. Mary Bunce did not get there till after the knot was tied, but I suppose she has told you all about that. for probably she has written you. She told me she had received a letter from you the other day.

I have not seen either of them. Lewis and Eliza since the great event except when they went buzzing by in a carriage up to Mr. Bunce’s to set up with Hezekiah who was taken sick soon after his arrival which was the same Saturday of the wedding.

I long for to see her, but since I have engaged in the school, it is not so easy for me to go when I choose. Hezekiah was out to meeting last Sabbath. He looked as pale as a Broadway gentleman need to I did not have an opportunity of speaking with him.

He was to have gone back last Fryday, to see about some trunks that had been taken back in the cars to the City, but his sicknefs prevented him.

Mary was going with him, but as he was not able to go, he sent Mary on in the stage Friday and wrote to Foster to meet her. She is going to stay two or three weeks or till Luey goes back to New York. Then she is to return.

I have written such a complicated Mefs that I fear you will not be able to spell out half of ir. You can not imagine how I wnt to see you. I have so much to tell you. But I must add another story here, but I will first tell you. Mrs. Kyte had a niece by the name of Emily Osborn come up with ? and Lucy.

Felix gave me an invitation to take a boat ride with them on the Hagan Pond which I accepted and on our return, he gave me a paper to read which Wm. had sent him. It had a piece in it about a picnic party in New Hope, which Wm. had marked for him to read. There is one sentence in it that had the word auburn which he marked it being the color of his girl’s (Mifs Murrays) hair, Feliz said.

The sentence is this, “While pendant hung, the auburn curl from the lady’s brow.” But I must not forget to tell you about the newcomer to Mrs. Maria Austin’s that came to town one day last week Wednesday or Thursday.

You must send us a name of the feminine gender and a pretty one too, for it is the prettiest you ever saw. Little Josephine Eldred (Gardner is crossed out), is very sick, do not expect her to live. It is very sickly around Andrew Crofford is very sick.

How is Mrs. Johnson up to the Eddy? I heard she was taken very low again. I hope you call and see her often as you can. give my especial love to her and Mrs. Kellegg? I wish Mary, you would wear my cotton flannel skirt home with you when you come. Do not forget it. It is at Dexter’s.

Where thpretty heart was, “you know”.

How I want to see you. Do write to me as soon as you can and tell me all the news you can from that source, Eddy?

My respects to Louisa,
Remember me your ever affectionate friend
Lydia Wheeler

I am boarding to Nancy Austins. Old Mrs. Austin was there. She found out I was writing a leter in at the school house. She said if I was writing to Mary Ann, must tell her that Old Mrs. Austin said she must take good care of Henry for he has gone up there somewhere to work. She believes that will be a match yet.

note: There is an Ann Eliza Hickok, daughter of Justice and Mary Hickok who married Lewis Bolton.

Has anyone heard of a Nancy Austin? I’m assuming Old Mrs. Austin would be Fanny Austin, wife of Ralph and mother of Henry, although Fanny would only be 60, and that doesn’t sound so old anymore. .

April 3, 2009

Hello Austin and Leavenworth relatives and friends!
I am working on the book as often as I can, but I am not sure when this book will be finished. I recently got even more old letters and other information which is very pertinent to the story which I am busily transcribing.

In the next few posts, I will include some of the letters and information my mom sent me. They are the oldest ones yet, starting in 1845.

Thank you so much to all who have contributed letters and information.

Hope you enjoy these recent ‘old’ letters.

1918
Mountain Grove House
C M Austin Proprietor
Eldred, Sullivan County, NY
September 25, 1918

To: Mr. C M Austin
c/o Mrs. Fowler
Monticello, New York

Tuesday night
Dear Mort
Received your letter tonight and will write a few lines. You have been away two days and it seems about that many weeks. You got another nice letter from Raymond. I will send it with this. He has been moved to Balboa. I think that is on the Pacific coast. Wasn’t Balboa the one who discovered the Pacific Ocean? I only wish we could feel as easy over Mac as we do him. I paid Raymond’s Red Cross money over today. They was after it.

Elizabeth still gets along well in school. LIttle Anthony made me a short call after school today. He is a bright kid. We are feeling fine, but only wish you were here. Still it is a good rest for you and likely you will have to work hard all winter.

Willie is feeling alright again so don’t worry about him or us. I will certainly be good for I have no chance to be bad. Take good care of yourself with lots of love,
Jennie
———-
Mountain Grove House
C M Austin Proprietor
Eldred, Sullivan County, NY
October 2, 1918

To: Mr. C M Austin
c/o Mrs. Fowler
Monticello, New York

Wednesday noon
My dear Mortimer
Just received your letter and was glad to hear you were well. We all feel fine, but this damp weather I keep the children in the house. Verna told me she heard there were a lot of cases of diphtheria in Barryville, but I doubt it. Our phone don’t work right, so I can not find out, but I am careful here.

I got a letter from Ray. I will send it to you. Tonight I am going to get Mac’s letters and the pictures together and send to him.
If Willie don’t feel well any morning, I won’t let him go to work. Mr. Scheuneman is home sick today and beside, he got a sliver in his eye putting on the roof of his building.

I will be glad when you get thourgh “courting” for it is certainly lonesome without anyone to scold.

Well, Elizabeth is ready to go back to school so I must close with love from all, Jennie

X Arthur’s kiss, X Elizabeth’s kiss, X Robbie’s kiss, X mine, X Willie’s
—————–
Barre, Massachusetts
December 18, 1918
Dear brother Mort,
Your letter dated Dec 17 at hand. I was very sorry to hear that McKinley was killed and feel his untimely death with you all. There is a great comfort in knowing he died in action in a good cause. It is with pride I think of your boys, not only of those that got in the army, but of Will for the ? and grit in the willingness he showed when I was at your house to get in the fight.

I am sorry to hear Jennie and the children were sick and hope they are well now.

I received a letter form Lillie last week. She said they are all well.

John Parmenter’s youngest daughter died in Chicago a short time ago from influenza.

Is Tom and Emma Collins in Eldred this winter or did they go to the city.

I don’t know of anything here that would interest you so will close with love to all. Eldred [James Eldred Austin, Grandpa Mort's brother.]

—-
1935
Ossining, NY, June 9, 1935
Dear Brother Mort
I was very sorry to read in the paper your house was burned. I hope you was well insured. Even if you were insured, it is a terrible loss and especially to one as old as you and Jennie and you have spent so many years of hard labor to get a home and then lose it by fire is mighty tough to hear. When you get time and fell like it, I hope you will write and tell me about it and what you are going to do. How is Jennie and the boys coming on? I hope they are all well and the boys have got work.

Where is Raymond living? How much of a family has he? Is Will married?

I suppose Lon and Ida are on the old place.

It is so cold we have a fire tonight.

Just after FDR was elected, Lon wrote me he was glad we had a Roosevelt to lead us out of the wilderness. Well, I think FDR has led us out of the wilderness into the jungle or the mire into the quagmire. I believe we will go down in the slough of despair until the people repent and call to God for help. Love to all, Ell [James Eldred Austin, Grandpa Mort's brother.]

1942
Postcard to Mr. AA Austin
Eldred, NY
Feb 4, 1942
from: Camp Upton
Have been very lucky so far. Hope it continues. Expect to stay here about 2 more weeks.

Co G Art
1222 Reception Center
Camp Upton, NY
on front: A company street scene, camp Upton, LI

————–
from:
Mrs. W. J. Waidler
Cario, NY Box 5
to: Miss Aida Austin
Box 35
Eldred, NY

Sep 7, 1942
Cairo, NY
Sunday

Dear Cousin Aida
What a pleasure it was to get a letter form you. And the “Good morning” poem is lovely. I shall keep it and also pass it on. Why can not we have more of these beautiful sentiments. It does cheer us as we go down on the shady side. I did come almost breaking my neck, but my time has not come, yet.

The dear Lord was watching over me and I am glad to say I am getting better though I have to watch my step. I’m expecting to go to Brooklyn to spend the winter with Laura’s two girls. They are 55 and 52, so they are not girls any more, both grandmothers. But they want me to be with them and I’m glad to be with them. I am hoping I can get out to Eldred before it gets too cold. I could not go this summer because I could not travel among so many people. How quickly the year s roll around. I did not get the stone for my fathers grave last year, but hope to have it all done when I get up there. I will be real happy to know it is done.

Today is a perfect day. The mountains are lovely. I can sit in my window and look at them. It does not seem that the world is in such a commotion here. It is quiet and peaceful I am glad that you did go to France. Last night a friend and I went to see The PIed Piper. If you have not read the book it is grand. I hardly ever go to the movies, but it was well worth while to see that. We saw a lot of France last night. Thank you so much for writing me. With love to you and Lon and hoping to see you later,

Your cousin, Emily
[Does anyone know who this is, and how she is related?
—Louise Austin Smith]

1943
from: 1 New St. Port Jervis
March 8, 1943

Dear Miss Austin
Have been thinking of you and wondering how you are. I I hope? you have been able to keep warm. We have had a long cold winter with plenty of snow. We was glad to be here near Harold’s work so he would avoid all the icy hills.

I was home one day last week for about an? hour, but had to hurry back as Harold was working nights and he had to be at the factory at 4:30. Well, I think Hitler is on the run and believe me I do hope he gets all he asked for. Don’t you?

I hope Lon is well and that you are taking good care of Miss Austin and that you don’t go out when it rains and will be home some time in April and then we can talk more. Should you write do tell me where your boys are. I sent a Christmas card to Billy at some camp in the south. I got the address from Frank. Frank is still at Chicopee Fall, Mass. He has not been home since Christmas.
I like living here in the winter better than staying at home. As one can get out once in a while. Well dinner is ready, so bye and write if you have a chance. Marcia goes to school two hours a day.

All send love,
Sincerely your old school pupil
Mae

Taxes for 1942
value $25 for 2 acres
collectors receipts Feb 17, 1943

armory and court exp—1 cent
county—63 cents
town—99 cents
highway 1—55 cents
total tax—2. 18
collector’s fees—2 cents
total amount paid—2.20
collector is Mary Crandall

1943
Camp Shelby, Miss
Feb 7, 1943

Dear Brother,
I received your letter in which you sent Art’s letter. I also got a letter from Art, which I am enclosing. Have you heard from Bob? I had a letter from Aunt Anna in which she said that she had a letter from Bob written on 20th of December.

In your letter you said that you were sending a check to pay the taxes. Was the taxes just on the old place or was they on my place too? There should be three parcels of land to pay taxes on. One in Dad’s name, one in Mother’s and one in mine. Let me know the next time you write.

I am sending you a bond which I bought. I had it made out so you could cash it too. Let me know if you get it ok. Well I will close now as I can’t think of anymore to write.

Your brother, Bill

——-
1944
Shohola Penn Sept 11
Charles R. Austin
1051 Vandusen St. Stapleton, NY

Regret to inform you your brother private Robert C Austin was slightly wounded in action on seventeenth August in the North Africa area. You will be advised as reports of condition are received.
UL 10 the adjutant General
————–
VMail
from PFC William Austin
Co F 338 Inf A
April 6, 1944
to: Mr. Charles R. Austin
Dear Brother,
Since I wrote you last, I have had a boat ride and am now somewhere in Italy. A short time after I got here, I got in touch with Arthur through the Red Cross and talked to him over the telephone. He tole me that Bob was in a hospital near by a couple days later he stopped in to see me and I got the afternoon off and we went to visit Bob. I guess Bob’s combat days are over as his right arm is in pretty bad shape. I am very much afraid that it will always be more or less crippled. He also has a touch of the yellow jaundice. He expects to be sent back to the states before long.

The war has sure left its mark on the country. Every meal there is always a bunch of children waiting along the mess lines for what the men have got left in their mess kits. Every where you see buildings that have been destroyed. I bet that generation of Italians have had enough of war. Well, I will close now hoping that you and your family are well. Write when you get time. Your brother, Bill
—————–

War Department
The adjutant General’s Office
Washington
In reply refer to Austin, Robert C.
PC-N NAT 060

12 April 1944
Mr. Charles R. Austin
Eldred, New York

Dear Mr. Austin:
It is with deep regret that I must confirm my recent telegram in which you were informed that your brother was wounded. As reports on our wounded are prepared under the adverse conditions of battle, they are of necessity brief and do not give the nature of the wound.

It may be comforting to you to know that our soldiers are given the best possible medical care by some of this country’s finest doctors who are assigned to the many excellent hospitals maintained at our overseas bases.

Theater Commanders submit periodic reports of progress on all hospitalized wounded, injured or seriously ill patients. Based on these reports, the War Department will keep you informed of his progress.

In order that mail may reach him as soon as possible, you should use the following temporary address until he is released from the hospital or a change of address is furnished you:
Pvt. Robert C. Austin 10,600,184 (Hosp.)
2628 Hospital Section,
APO 698 c/o postmaster
New York, New York

Since the above information is furnished only to you as the emergency addressee, it is requested that you inform all interested relatives and friends. It is my earnest hope that news of his release from the hospital will soon be forthcoming.
Sincerely yours,
Robert H. Dunlop
Brigadier General,
Acting The Adjutant General

———-
Eldred, NY
April 12, 1944
Dear Gladys and Raymond
Have intended to write ever since we rec’d your card and invitation to visit you, but so many things to do in day and too tired at night, but now Aunt Charlotte is on her Easter vacation and Martin and I are pretty much alone, so now I’m going to get caught up on letters.

Orville stopped in yesterday to tell me about telegram that came about Bob. [he had been wounded] I hope you get word soon from him that it isn’t so bad—it’s almost too much to expect all three to come through safely, but we can hope. Arthur has been under the impression that Bob’s outfit was having a tough time and hoped he would be sent home on a well earned furlough.

For past few weeks I’ve intended writing all three boys—I write rather frequently to Bill and Art, but never have to Bob as he never has sent me any kind of correspondence, but I realize when he was growing up I was away and I really was a stranger to him and when Aunt C. left she took all three addresses as she too had planned to write. We were sure Bob would be glad to receive a couple of unexpected letters, but now I don’t know if I should write him or not—he probably will be moved far from his present or last address.

I never mention anything about illness etc. except Uncle El, to Bill and Arthur for I think Raymond knows best what they should know.

Bob Groteclass also has been seriously wounded. I believe he is being sent home.

Charlee was home for Easter Sunday. Tony and LIlly also Lily’s mother and sister came. They are all quite happy again. Tony had a bad habit for a couple of years—drink! But he has improved at least 75% and I guess he will be about cured in another few months. Now he wants to stop it and where there is a will etc.

I guess you know Clifford is helping me this year. He is a good worker and just like one of the family to have around. He hasn’t been able to get 6 days in in any week since he started. So much rain.

Isn’t it nice that you got moved farther into country before hot summer weather.

Will you have a little garden plot? It would be nice for the girls to work in to get a nice coat of tan. Your dad must like it where you are now. Gladys, for he didn’t usually make two trips in the winter, did he?

We were quite amused yesterday by a plane flying low and dipping. I suppose saluting. No one knew who it was then. but today we heard it was Jim Purcell of Barryville. I would call him “a pretty good pilot.” Clifford thought it might be Ed Toaspern at the time, for he swooped low over him. I guess you get most of Eldred news thru Emma and Barryville news through Orvill and his wife. 

Charles Myers is at Camp Shelby now and Aunt Minnie went to Binghamton on Monday to bring her Aunt Carrie Morre, a very old lady, home with her for the summer. She will spend the rest of the year with her two daughters in Binghamton and Oleau. She recently sold her home. Is very spry, but sight is poor. She (Aunt M.) was quite a sick person last winter and glad she is picking up so fast. I often feel like calling you up to have a little visit. but I’d have to call after ten in the evening as our line is very busy up to that time and there wouldn’t be much privacy. I wouldn’t mind anyone listening, but to have them ring in while talking about burns me up. I know who it was the last time you called us. Just a kid trying to get a number for someone else. I’ll tell him of it sometime.

It’s so cold and windy tonight. Hard to realize that it’s near middle of April. Our coal is gone and when it’s so windy, I’m afraid to open up drafts so the stoves aren’t throwing off much heat.

Do you expect to come up to Eldred this summer? If you do, would love to have you and family up to spend the day with me. If I got to town oftener, I’d know more news to write., but I haven’t even had a paper or mail for two days. If it’s clear tomorrow, Clifford will bring mail on way up.

Hope you are all well and that we hear encouraging news about Bob.
With love to all
Aunt Christine

————–
[not sure when this was written]
Hq & Hq Co., Fifth Army,
Antiaircraft Section,
APC #464 c/o Postmaster,
New York, NY
Dear Uncle,
Was pleased to receive your letter of 19 November and to learn that you and Aunt Aida have been well. Trust the winter has not dealt too severely with you since then. The last few mornings a light skim of ice has frozen but a good stove in the tent keeps us comfortable. Up in the mountains the snow adds to the difficulties of life, however guess it can not be much worst than the rain and mud.

Glad to hear the fruit crop was plentiful this season and that you stored a good amount for the winter. Should help a lot to vary the store diet.

Am enclosing a money order for $20.00 for the church. HOpe the attendance will be better this winter but with so many people away from town, guess that can hardly be expected. All the minister’s daughters being away must be felt pretty badly in the church work. Well perhaps before too long the war will be over and things will return to normal; or let us hope a great deal better than ever before. Still I can’t help but feel that it is along ways in the future. Would not be much surprised but what this old world is in for a good deal more of turmoil than most people expect.

As you are undoubtedly reading in the papers we are going forward slowly at the present Time. but we are all confident the pace will be speeded up in the future.

Trust that you and Aunt Aida are still in good health and to hear from you soon.

Your nephew, Arthur
——-

postage is free
From PFC William Austin
Co F 338 Inf
APO 85 Fort Dix, NY
To Mr. Charles Austin
1051 Van Duzer St.
Stapleton
Staten Island, New York

Got back in plenty of time last night your telegram was here. It got here Saturday night about 8 o’clock.
Your brother, Bill
————

1945
taxes for 1945
value $25 for 2 acres
collectors receipts Jan 31, 1945
county—63 cents
town—89 cents
highway 1—63 cents
Ress’d school taxes for 1944—1.27
omitted tax school 1943—1.27
total tax—4.69
collector’s fees
total amount paid—4.69
collector is Mary M Crandall
————-
postcard to
Pfc Robt C. Austin
England General Hospital
Atlantic City, NJ
March 14, 1945

Dear brother Bob
Just a card to let you know we are all ok and that we have heard from Bill and Art since you were here. Bill was out of the hospital and having some dental work done.

Art thinks he may be home on furlough early this summer. Hope we see you soon. It must be pretty near time for your furlough to commence. Hoping to see you soon and with best regards from all. Your brother, Ray

1948
Albert Alonzo Austin obituary
Albert Alonzo Austin died in Eldred at 11:15 am on sunday after a short illness. He became ill while on his way to attend the service in the Eldred Methodist Church and failed to rally.

Mr. Austin, who was one of the oldest and highly respected residents of the town of Highland, was born September 28, 1857, in Eldred, the son of William Henry Austin and Mary Ann Eldred Austin. The greater part of his life was spent in Eldred where he was engaged in farming. For many years he was a trustee and local preacher in the Eldred Methodist Church.

Surviving relatives are four nephews—Arthur and William Austin of Eldred; Robert and Charles Austin of Huguenot Park, SI, and one niece, Mrs. Lillie Calkins of Bethel.

The body was brought to the Porter and Harding Funeral Home, 6 North Broome Street and the funeral, with the Rev. John L. Beebout officiating, will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday in the Methodist church at Eldred. Interment will be in Eldred Cemetery.

1958
In Memory of Anna M. Leavenworth
born: October 5, 1875
Eldred, NY
Passed away: October 29, 1958
Indian Orchard, PA

Service held at Rasmussen’s Funeral HOme
Narrowsburg, New York
November 1, 1958 at 2 pm
Clergymen: The Rev. J. Rober Geyer
Final Resting Place: Eldred Cemetery, Eldred, NY

God hath not promised Skies always blue
Flower strewn pathways All our live through
God hath not promised sun without rain
Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain.

But God hath promised Strength for the day
Rest for the labor, Light for the way
Grace for the trials, Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy Undying love…