Relatively Speaking

Pillipsport, NY
September 21, 1891
Dear Brother
You will begin to think I have forgotten you all, but I haven’t. I was sick all day yesterday and day before with a sore throat, was able to teach today, although, I do not feel very well yet. I have not written to Mort yet.

I wish you would tell Maria to finish my dresses as soon as she can for I need them very much.

Hope you will write soon and tell me all the Eldred news.
Your loving sister, Aida

———————
1896
(Aida is in Eldred)
From: 13 Leland Ave
New Rochelle, NY
May 25, 1896

My dear Aida,
I received your letter of the seventeenth. I am glad you have so good a lookout for summer boarders. Who are they? Ladies or gentlemen and are they real nice?

I have made no plans for this summer as I am thinking some of going west, but I have not decided yet; if I do not go west you will probably see me at your place in July. You need not save a room for me because I am not sure enough for that.

I would like to help you fix up your house. I like that work if I am not all tired out.

I think your circular is quite swell. We have had so much rain here yesterday and today. If you had as much as we have, I am sure that spring would not go dry.

I am so glad your mother is able to be around. Is Maria with Lon now? Remember me to them. Has Dora work yet?

I expect Aida you will see me in July. Be sure and write and tell me who you are expecting for July; not that that would make any difference with my coming, I can assure you.

I wish school was over for this year and always for me. I am sick of it tonight.
Remember me to all your folks.
Lovingly,
Lou or Lon Young

———————-
1897
Envelope from Port Jervis
addressed to
A A Austin
Mt Grove House
Eldred, NY
January 26, 1897
Dear Lon:
Last Thursday, while Mamma was in New York and I was acting as housekeeper, Papa and I were much surprised to receive a barrel of apples and the butter enclosed from you.

Please accept our thanks for the apples and as to the butter, there is none too much for we can use it all and after using it, will weigh the crock and then papa will send you a check.

He would settle with you now, if you knew the number of pounds, but since you are willing to wait, he ought to be. The apples came just at the right time, for we were getting down to the last of what we had.

The presiding elder has been with us since Sunday, last evening at the Quarterly Conference. Papa informed the official men that he rather expects to leave here in April, so if he does, that will mean a new home for us.

Yesterday and today have been very cold here. Can’t imagine what it must be up in Sullivan.

Aunt Annie talks of coming up to visit us this winter and if she does, we will both come up for a few days and then accept your invitation.

Mama saw Aunt Annie and Mr. and Mrs. Walker last week at that time theyw were all well and inquired about you all.

Remember me to all, if you are in port Jervis at any time, come in to see us. Again, thank you for your kindness
Very sincerely Bertha SS Collins
————
New York, April 10, 1897
Dear Aunt Mary,
Your dear letter (no date) gladly received, and I do wish I had been a good child and answered it sooner, but then you know “I always did so!” Never mind, I am going to write now anyway.

Yes dear! You waited so long I had heard all the news. Willie Kyte’s death, Alvy Sergeant’s cancer, Isaac’s illness, ground broken for the new mansion and studio on the hill, proposed return of the alaska delegation, George Beck’s marriage etc!

Now whether my news will be any news to you or not, remains to be seen, but here goes. Bud’s sweet little girl has recovered from the diphtheria and appears to be as well as ever.

Ida received a letter from Polly Mapes saying that Rebecca had started (by easy stages) for home. She intended to stop on the way to visit her friends. I suppose they are as numerous as the sands of the desert or leaves of the forest. she will probably arrive in time to ride home on the first trolley car that runs between Barryville and Eldred!! Hoop La!!

Ida had a letter from Tina a short time ago. She was not very well, having just recovered from an attack of grippe, which had left her with Catarrh of the stomach that is pretty bad, I think. She does not say anything about coming home. I wish she would come. I should like to see her very much.

I received a letter from aunt Julia Austin a week or two ago. She and her sister Mamie? are living at Golden’s Bridge Westchester Co., they are keeping house. Jennie is married and lives about six mile from them.Sarah died last Thanksgiving day of pneumonia. I was very much surprised to hear this. She was always so much stronger than Mamie or Jule. I had not heard from them for six years and was very glad to hear from them once more.

Yes that was very sad for Annie C to lose her husband, poor girl! She has had her share of trouble.

Polly is with me yet. She sends her love and hope to see you soon. Mrs. Bassett was here yesterday. She often speaks of you and told me to send her love when I wrote.

You wrote that Maria had gone back of Proctor’s. Has she given up the idea of running the boarding house this summer? I hope you have all got rid of your colds.

———-
Envelope addressed to A A Austin Eldred
Mt Grove House
May 23, 1897
My dear Lon,
It was a great disappointment that we were unable to come up and see you all before our departure from Port Jervis, but owing to our being busy, we had to forego the pleasure.

We had expected you and Mort would drive down and we could then have given you the crock and butter pail which belong to you, but since you did not come, we took them into the house next to ours and left them with Mrs. Ingram to keep until you call for them. So they are there awaiting your coming.

I expected to send you this word before, but with our moving and unpacking and getting settled, I’ve had very little time for writing.

We stayed at my Aunt’s, Mrs. Walker’s for ten days after leaving P. J. coming down here on the 4th. Since then, we have been busy trying to make things look homelike.

I’ve been terribly homesick for Port Jervis and the mountains, for this place is entirely different, but I’ll get used to it, and then we are near New York.

We have a very pleasant home, nice large yard and a garden, very nice church, fine pipe organ and good music.
The people are pleasant after we know them a I think we’ll like them. They have done much in the house for us and have shown their goodwill in many ways.

Sometime when you or Mort or the girls are in NY, just take a little trip down to Staten Island. It’s only an hour’s ride. Remember us all to all the family. We will hope to meet again in dear old Sullivan some future day.
Very sincerely,
Bertha SS Collins
Amboy Ave.
Tottenville, Staten Island, New York
You received papa’s last check, did you not?

Envelope: Oswego, NY
April 17, 1887
My Dear Brother,
I am still improving very fast and the doctor says I may sit up tomorrow. I have had very good care and everyone has been very kind.

I have been living on beef tea, but now I have anything I want. Mrs. Shelly, the housekeeper, fixed me a lovely pice of toast this morning, just like mother fixes it and it tasted so good. I ate a whole slice.

Today noon they sent me up chicken, mashed potatoes, a dish of corn, tea bread and butter and a dish of ice cream. Of course, I could not eat so very much of it, but you can see that I have everything and more than I want.
Your loving sister Aida.

Wednesday
I received your kind letter today. I am still gaining and was out doors a little while this afternoon. I think perhaps I had better not stay the rest of the term for I am afraid I shall not be able to make up what I have lost. I will see what I can do and let you know soon. Father has not sent the money yet. I will let you know as soon as he does.

You did not say by what line you would send the package, but I may get it alright and if so will let you know as soon as possible. Ever your loving sister, Aida
=========

May 10, 1887
Dear Friend
Was pleased to hear from you, but as I have refused two other invitations for tomorrow night, it would be hardly fair to have you call…

I will reserve next Monday, the 16th inst. for you.

I must close now, will post this on my way to the Union
Yours very hastily, Helena Gillespie

——-
Henry & Nathan Russell & Day
Sholesale Dealers in
Glassware, Keosene Lamps and Crockery
No. 42 Barclay Street
New York, July 20, 1887

Mr. A A Austin
Dear Sir
I herewith enclose you postal order for 25 Cents and am most truly grateful to you for your kindness and may you always be as fortunate in finding as good a friend in times of necessity. The ant was small, but the spirit was same as if much larger and a very commendable one.

Thank you again for your kindness which through by the operation found a good square hearted man, yet. Even with that pleasure in view, care not to get caught that way again.
Believe me sir, your friend,
Wm A Linimous
==============

Envelope: Mr. Albert A. Austin
#713 Prospect Place, Brooklyn, NY

Eldred, NY, July 27, 1887
Dear Brother,
Mort and father were out to Bethel, Monday to see about a wagon. They can not possibly get one before the last of next month and as that will be too late, Mort wants to know if you will go in with him in taking Irv’s place and get him on the cars there. That is if mother will let us have the furniture. He will take the shoes off the horse and put them to pasture and father, Dora and I will stay there, then next summer, Mort will go to caring boarders…

Be sure and write tomorrow. Your loving sister, Aida

Tell Maria I will write to her today or tomorrow. I hope we go to Irve’s place and we will have just a lovely time when you come up this fall. How soon does Maria think she can come?
Aida
===========

1888
Brooklyn, April 5, 1888

Friend Albert,
I received your letter and I was glad to hear from you. I think it was time you thought of me. I am glad to hear you are enjoying yourself.

I tell you, we had a hard time of it through the storm. The road was stopped for three days. The company sent for all the men to come down to Park Ave. to shovel snow.

Well we went to work for about one hour when someone told us BCRRCo was paying forty cents an hour and of course, that caused a tie up right away in the shovels, for they were only paying us twenty.

Then we appointed a committee and sent them in the office to see the President and they came out with thirty cents an hour for us and after we found out that BCRR was only paying twenty cents an hour.

Well to talk about that girl of yours, I have her down every night and she is growing prettier everyday I get a smile off her. Every time she gets on and yesterday I was talking to her about you and asked her to give me a couple of smiles to send up to you, but she said she could not for they would get rusty before you got them.

I am having great sport as usual taking in balls and theatres. I got a nice late straight run with Wohlfarth the Dutchman on with me.

I don’t think we will do the sneak act often. Them grapes this summer lie we did last. I suppose you don’t forget the day we were out in the park with them damsels. I seen Kate about a month ago and I done the old act over again and she was asking for you.

Now when you come down here, I hope you will come and see me and I will have a nice girl for you. Now I will close my letter, wishing you happy times.

Your Faithful Friend, Thos F. Brady
ps I hope it will not be long before you will write again and let me know how you are getting along.

Envelope: Mr. A A Austin
839 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, LI

August 4, 1886
Dear Friend,
I delayed writing until our removal, as I wanted something to tell you. In the first place, we are six and not one of us owns a bottle of ink, so I will be obliged to use shoe blacking to direct the letter.

Enclosed you will find the stamps you can’t imagine my surprise when I found them. If I think enough of a person to write to him, I’m sure I won’t begrudge the price of the stamps.

It is delightful here, we are more than satisfied in every particular, except in the number of mosquitoes.

Mr. Squires the hotel keeper took tow of the girls and myself yesterday for a five mile drive; the wagon is similar to the “soap box” only it is two seated.

You have no idea how fine the old gentleman and myself looked, perched on the front bench, as there was no rail to the seat. I was glad on our return trip to change places with one of the girls.

The place is almost beyond description, you have to see it to admire it. The Shinnecok Bay lies about one block from the house at the foot of the hill; for the boat we pay 50 cents a week we go out alone and are fast becoming experts at rowing.

I took one of the girls out twice yesterday. The girls have just gone in the yacht for a twenty minute sail, have taken their bathing suits, and are going in the surf. I prefer still water bating until I learn to swim. The board is excellent. Back of the house is a large woods and an immense swing in it we will go there when the girls return.

The beach reminds you of Coney Island. There are 60 boarders here. Everything is just grand. Enough for that. I had but one letter from Ida this summer and have not answered that; she is in Chicago just a week and expects to come here with her sister Addie and little Tom for a while.

Mr. Smith started July 9th for the West. I guess you know all now, so good bye.
Your true friend,
Helena
Direct to: c/o B F Squires, Atlanticville, Long Island
===========

Mr. A A Austin
New York House, near Nostrand Ave.
September 8, 1886

Dear Friend,
If you went home on the excursion train today, you are probably returning at present or else have decided to remain until tomorrow. I trust you found all the folks well and the promised bride and groom flourishing like “green bay trees.”

Ida must be at Eldred about this time and she don’t think enough of her friend to even write to them. I intend to give her “Hail Columbia” on Monday when we meet.

I remained at Atlaticville only four weeks and as our party left on the 30th, I did not care to stay longer.

Your letter reached A. two days after I left, so they redirected it and after a great deal of wandering around, it finally reached me.

Papa is feeling much better, mamma is still in Sing Sing [the city], sister is preparing for bed, although it is only nine o’clock and I am losing my sun burn and a few pounds already.

On Sunday night I managed to get up a very sore throat, what do you think of that so soon? I was obliged to pay a visit yesterday at 10 am to the MD. He said my tonsils were ulcerated and gave me some paint and a brush to daub them with tonight. I feel so very much better that I promised to accompany my sister to Union Hill in the morning if the weather is favorable.

Mr. Smith has not returned yet, and is not expected until the 20th of this month.

I had my picture taken with two of the other young ladies in the country and will show it to you when you call.

Here I have been writing under difficulties, the lamp is almost out and I am too lazy to fill it. There now, I have told you all, so Good-night
Sincerely, Helena Gililespie
===========

envelope addressed to:
Mr. A A Austin
c/o Mrs. Clinton
290 East Broadway, NYC, NY

In School October 8, 1886
Dear Friend
Your letter received at 5 pm on Wednesday. You see it was entirely out of the question for me to get a note to you in time, however will be pleased to see you Sunday afternoon at the house. Trusting this will reach you in season. I remain
Yours in great haste,
Helena S. Gillespie
==============

envelope addressed to:
Mr. A A Austin
c/o Mrs. Clinton
290 East Broadway, NYC, NY
November 26, 1886

Dear Friend
Yours received. Will be pleased to accompany you to Beecher’s and will expect you at my house in the afternoon; remember you have no watch to hunt for now.

I was very sorry to learn that you reached home so late, we will have to see that it does not occur again.

There now, I will have to close am going to class meeting and will put this in the post office on my way.
Good night
Ever your friend, Nellie Gillespie
============

Eldred, NY
December 1, 1886

Dear brother,
I suppose Maria’s stock of news is exhausted by this time, and you are ready for more, so I will try to present you with a few.

Mort and I have been to Collins’s again to spend the evening, and although the only ones there besides Collins’s and ourselves were Lon Bavitchel and his brother Horace, yet we spent a very pleasant evening and did not get home until about one o’clock.

Tell Maria she missed it that she did not stay home a little longer and get acquainted with Horace, for he is a daisy.

Father has been home since Saturday with the pink eye, and I don’t think he will get back to work this week, although his eyes are a great deal better and he has gone to Barryville today.

Mother says she told Maria that Isaac Sergeant was married, but Aunt Eliza was telling me that it is not true, that he is married. Some of the boys around Barryville started the story. By the way, tell Net that we have had a very “nawce” [nice?] visit from Aunt Liza. She came up Monday afternoon and took her down to aunt Effie’s this this morning. Myers Gardner came up for her this afternoon and took her home.

Mort says to tell you that he will write to you soon and would have written to you before, but has been so busy drawing coal for Bolton and besides this, he has had the pink eye.

Fanny and Blackhawk are doing splendidly. Blackhawk is fat as a pig and takes the world as easy as ever.

Ell has not come yet and we have not heard from him since Maria went back

“Doc” Kelso is sick; and Rob came home this afternoon. I stood in the window and watched him goby.

Mort says you had better stay where you are in stead of going to California and I think so too.

Tell Maria I will try to write to her soon.

Love to all. Don’t forget to write soon.

Yours in haste,
Aida

Envelope to Mr. Albert A Austin
Eldred Sullivan Co., NY
from Oswego Nov 16, 1885?

Letter
Oswego, NY
November
Dear Brother,
Your welcome letter was received this morning and instead of going to church I am staying at home in order to answer your letter as I know I shall not have time to do so during the week.

How I wish I could have been there to the donation Thursday evening. Were there any up from Barryville, or any over from Denton? I suppose Aunt Effie and Becca are horrified. Aren’t they? When is Bec going to Polly’s?

There are a great many new girls here this term and some of them are pretty lively. Either Miss Cooper or Miss Myers is up after some of them nearly every night. Friday evening Miss Hall, Miss Bellew and I were all sitting here quietly when we heard a scream in the hall and of course rushed out to see what was the matter.

Some of the girls on the next floor had dressed a broom stick in some old clothes and an old hat and brought it up to Miss Walsh’s door to frighten her, but one of the other girls on this floor happened to be passing through the hall and of course screamed when she saw it. But you could not blame her for it really did look like Satan himself. Well, all the girls rushed out to see what was the matter and one, a real comical tall thin girl grabbed the dressed broomstick in her arms and started on a mad waltz down the hall. She got just opposite the stairs as Miss Cooper’s head appeared above the banisters and such a scampering and noise as there was. Each girl flying for her room and Miss Cooper calling, “Come back girls, come back.”

The two girls that brought the figure up rushed into our room and so escaped Miss Cooper. So the girls that happened to be nearest the stair were the ones that got the scolding. And I guess it was no light scolding for they have been very quiet both yesterday and today.

You spoke in your letter about sending the money by express, if you should, would it come right to me or would I have to go for it? Please let me know if you send it that way, so that it will not get lost.

Love to all. Hoping to hear from you soon I remain your loving sister, Aida

I received a wonderful “new” batch of old family letters on loan from my Cousin Melva Austin Barney. As I type them up, I am posting them here on my site for you to enjoy.

I did the best I could figuring out what was written. I hope I haven’t offended anyone by correcting most of the spelling and  putting in punctuation.

I found several delightful surprises in these letters today. Hope you enjoy them.

February 23, 1873

Dear Lon,

I…write to you and let you know that I was well and hope you are well and how is Mort and Do [Dorrie] and Eldred and Ida and aunt Mary getting along? It is a bold day here. Is the snow out there now? We have 4 horses and we bought 3 horses…the best of the other horses and they run a way every chance they get. We are going to put in this year [stables?]

Me and father….will have about two thousand bushels of corn this year to husk. I miss [you] a lot. Good by

from wyk

November 20, 1873

Dear Lonnie,

I thought I would write and see how you were getting a long without Mother. She is not very well. 

What is the reason you did not write to me? I think it is real mean. 

I am having a good time, but I want to come home and see you all. How is Mort and Dodo [Dorrie, her brother]? Tell them I want them to write to me. 

Have you any snow. We have not got any, but it is cold enough. How is it up there? I had a very nice time Thanksgiving day. I saw? lots of rag muffins. Well, I must stop writing. I send my love to all. Write soon.

Ida A. Austin

[colored drawing of a two story house]

January 14, 1874

Dear Brother,

I thought I would write a few lines in answer to the letter that you gave to Maria to fetch to me and she left it to New York.

I have not seen Elsworth yet to give him that five cents you sent.

Ell goes with Marry West. He took her to Church last week and Harland? went with them and just as they was going down the first hill, Harland stuck out his foot and Ell fell flat and Mary almost fell. Ell was quite mad.

The snow is quite deep. Mort and Harry ride downhill a little and slide on your pond. I do not go out much. 

Mother is learn me and I learn the boys. I can not write much as I want to write to Marie and it is time I was studying my lesson, so I will close. 

Hoping to hear from you soon. I will close. My love to all. good by. 

write soon from your aff sister 

Ida A Austin [age 12]

===========

Dear Brother Lonie,

I thought I would write you a few lines and let you know that the bull is alright.

Mortie wants to know when you are coming home. If you stay all winter, will you sell me your nuts and tell how much you want for them and I will send you the money in a letter.

I found your pocket book on the table the morning you went to New York and I put it in your box and nailed it up. I will close. write soon love to all 

good By

Ida A. Austin

Eldred found the key in his pocket

do not let anyone see this letter

December, Sunday 20th, 1874

Dear Brother Lonnie,

I received your letter the 19th and was glad to hear from you. I do not want you to give me the nuts for nothing. Tell me what you want for them and I will pay you. 

Mother says tell Nettie or Randy to be sure to come up with Maria. Be sure and have little Emma to come up with them. Mother says for them to come on Thursday, so they can go to Mr. Burl’s donation.

It is snowing quite hard and the ground is covered with snow. The ice on your pond is real thick. We glide on it a good deal. I wish you were here to slide on the pond with us.

Shurman [Sherman S. Leavenworth] and Maria Myers was married. They had a fight with boys that was making a noise out doors. Tommy, Annie, Mr. and Mrs. Colllins went to the wedding.

Love, to all write soon

Ida

February 21 1875

Dear Brother Lonnie

I received your welcome last night and now I set my self to answer it…

You do not think it can be any colder there than it is here. I guess if you had been here a week ago last Tuesday, you would maybe [think] it was colder here. The snow is awful deep here. It snowed all day yesterday, but the sun is shining bright today. 

I suppose you know the ME Church has been holding revivals from Eldred and his wife George Parker’s wife was taken in on probation. Mother says to tell you to be sure and dress warm and not get cold. Mr. and Mrs Burl were here week before last and stayed three nights.

Have you seen Mr. Culver? Does he look just the same as he did? If you see ?Larmmie tell her to answer my letter, but you will have to excuse a short letter as I want to [write] Marie and a few lines to Emma, so good by. 

Wrtie soon. Your aff. Sister

Ida A. Austin

[flower vase and flowers drawn in pencil]

December 9, 1875

Dear Brother Lonnie,

I received your letter last night and will answer it. I will send your book if I can and send my third reader to Harry, for I do not need it (the fourth reader). I have not been to school this week, nor have I been outdoors until today.

Agnes a little girl in school came around on Monday and Tuesday to see when I was coming to school, but has not been around since I am going around to school this afternoon just to report not to stay.

Mrs.Sims? is in here and I cannot write very well. I hope you are all well. Mother is a little better today. I am glad to hear you are going but wish you was here. I like it here real well and think you would if you were here.

“When you write, write all the news”. Have you heard anything from Marry West? Are you going to have singing school this winter, or anything else?

Excuse a short letter. Write soon. My love to all.

Good bye, your aff sister, Ida Austin

PS? [looks like PO]: Emma says her 5 reader is home in her big trunk. I guess and you can use that untill I can get yours to you.

Ida

January 31, 1876

Dear Brother Lon,

I received your very welcome letter last night and was verry glad to hear from you. Harry and I have have splendid times riding downhill. My oxen is growing real big. I wish you were home to ride downhill with Harry and I. Your pond is all covered over with snow. Ell takes Marry to church every once and a while. We are having a revival here in the ME Church. I milk a cow and lead my calf to water. Excuse a short letter. My love to all write soon. good by, your brother Mortie Austin

February 7, 1876

Dear Brother Lon,

I received your letter some time ago, and I have just got time to answer it. Mother came over on Saturday and stayed all night and I went over and stayed with Addie and Emma stayed with Addie last night, and I came home. Mother is going back today. Linnie and little Lon? or Leon? was to Net’s on Saturday to see Ida. 

I did not go to school this morning because I did not have time to learn my lessons on Saturday as I went over to Addie’s early in the morning.

Eldred went to Florida a Thursday. He had to buy a ticket.

When you write, direct your letters to Mother, 11 Picks Street, because we are going to move on Wednesday and I do not know the street or number. Em knows, but she is not here. 

I would write you a longer letter, but I have got to write to Maria and I have got to go to Bleaker Dr.? and put Mother on the cars. Mortie is going with her and I will be alone until Em comes, so I wil close. Write soon. My love to all good by

Your aff sister, Ida

New York, October 29, 1876

Dear Brother Lon

I thought I would write you a few lines. I have been waiting for a letter from you, but it has not come. I hope you will write to me. I want to hear from [you]. I wish you was here. I want to see you so much. I think you would like it here. I do. 

I have got the sweetest teacher ever was. She has gone to the Cent[enn]ial. I I guess she will be back on Monday. I hope so. She went on Friday after school. 

Lon, do come down. Write and tell me you will come as soon as Tom gets you a place. Please do. Don’t stay there any longer, but come as soon as you can. 

Lon if Em tells you anything to tell Jim Myres, do not tell him. Please do not let anyone see this letter, but burn it as soon as you read it. Lon do not tell Jim anything about me. 

Please write soon and tell me all the news. Good bye your ever true and loving sister Ida.

[something written on the back page, but I can't read it very well.]

Eldred, January 30, 1877
Mr. Alonzo Austin

Sir:
The pleasure of yourself and company is respectively? solicited to attend a party to take place at the residence of Mr. George Clark on Wednesday evening, January 31, 1877 at 7:30 o’clock pm

Complyments of Charles Grinnell Jr.

Cuba, NY, August 1878

Dear Friend
Your kind and ever welcome letter was duly received on Saturday last and I was very glad to hear from you and as you said that you would like to come out here, I think it is the best thing you can do to stay where you are although it is none of my business, but it is very hard times and wages, or very low and You know that I would like to see you, but as work is scarce and wages to, I do not want to encourage you to leave a good home to go out in the world to seek your fortune as I have done, because it is hard to find it. 

I had news that you wanted to come a month ago. I could a found you a job, but now haying and harvesting is over and jobs are scarce again. A Eddie Myers? ? to tell him I want to hear from him soon. Give my regards to Ida and Ria?. 

Well Lon it is late I must bring my letter to a close, but by the way are we square on the watch trade. I have forgotten whether we are or not. 

Rite soon. if not sooner. from your sincere friend

L L Myers? [it's stamped on upside down]

Cuba Alagan [I bet it is Cuba, Allegheny county], NY

Eldred February 14th, 1882

My Dear Son
I received your more than welcome letter last night, but was disappointed in its not telling me that you had left for home. 

Oh, Lonie, with what longing and hope I have been waiting to see you and with anxious fears for your welfare. I began to be afraid you had gone on to Alaska, or that you  was sick or dead untill Aida received your letter. She said we might look for you anytime. 

Oh, my Dear child. Why don’t you come home? What can keep you? Can’t you get your pay, get enough to get home on some way. There is plenty of work here this winter. Come and see. Your Father said to tell you that if you wanted to see me alive, you better come home. I guess by that he wants to see you and oh, I want to see you more than words can express. 

Aida is going to school yet, but I won’t tell my news hoping that that you may hear all by word of mouth. I do hope to hear from you very soon that you are coming home right away.

Did Aida tell you I was sick and sent for her? I told her ever so much to write soon.

Don’t forget  your loving Mother
M.A.

New York, January 23, 1882
Dear Little Tom
Gussie wants me to write you a little letter to tell you that he wishes you would come home and see as he wants to see you very much. He says for you to never mind about bringing the pup home, he thinks it will grow big faster if you leave it up there and he says you can have his Velocipede all day while he is at school and he thinks you will like the little horse that Santa Claus brought you very much.

You will have to hurry if you want to see that Christmas Tree as it is getting so dry we shall have to take it down pretty soon. You must coax aunt Mary to come down with you as we all want see you very much

Gussie wants you to write a letter and tell him what day you are coming home. I will not write anymore as I am most sick tonight.

Papa, Gussie and? mama all send you lots of love and kisses and hope we will see you home now very soon

Be a good boy and do not be saucy to aunt Mary. Good night and many kisses from 

Mama?

New York December 10, 1882
Dear Ida, 
Maria says that she will answer your letter when her eyes get better. Tom says how is Jack and the pups? How is Aunt Mary? Mort also. How is Lonso, Tom and ? I have had a slay (sleigh) Ride Thanksgiving. I have a nice time going to school. All send love. I do not think this is very good good by
Gussie
write soon
Gussie Thompson [Gussie was the young son of one of Aida's Austin cousins in NYC.]
[little drawing]

Brookside April 29, 1883
Dear Friend
I hope you will forgive me for not writing before. I have treated you real mean, but as it is the first time that I have done so, I hope you will forgive me for so doing I received your letter in due time…

Snowing here today. We are having a varry late spring, just sowing oats when it is time they were up. I am well as usual? and working at my trade? traid massion for 150 a day. This is my second year, so that I can not get very much, but I hope to get more next year. 

When you write, let me know what you are doing. You told me that you thought a fellow was better of with a mate than he was alone, but I am alone yet and will be for sometime yet and will let you know when it happens and have you on hand. 

I wish I had something to send you. Did I send you one of my pictures? If I did not, let me know. Anna and I are going to have ours taken together and I will send you one, if you have any, send me one.

from your friend, George A. Lovee

Brookside, Morris Co., NJ

Brookside, December 18, 1883
Alonzo Austin
Dear Sir
I have long thought that I would rite you a letter, but kept putting it off till now. I am now in a store here for a short time. 

While charging a young man with some tobacco by the same name as your first name is, I charged it to you. My boss wanted to know who Alonzo Austin was. 

I asked him what he wanted to know for. He said I charged you with some tobacco. They laughed at me a great deal, but it has been a long time since I heard from you. 

I am a married man now. I expect you are too, but whether you are or not, please come down and see me (will you). I would like to see you varry much if you will come down, it won’t cost you a cent to stay here. Customers is coming in so fast I will have to stop. Hoping to hear from you soon. I am yours respt
George A. Lovee
Brookside, Morris Co., New Jersey

Sunday May 11, 1884
Dear Brother Lon,
Your welcome letter was received  as ever with pleasure. I was glad to hear from you, but I think you are too slow about answering my letters. If you don’t write sooner next time, I will frig you in the ear with a stick. 

It is quite lonesome here after the good times we had last winter. I never enjoyed myself better in my life, so I have lost my dear Carrie. Well, bid her a finest farewell. Tell her for me that I am real glad to hear that she thinks so much of the bootblack and I wish her much joy and shall be happy to hear of her wedding for it would be a wedding in High life, no doubt of it. Tell her not to forget to send me a piece of cake. I presume you know how bad I fell over losing Carrie. 

Well Lon, the long looked for Austin arrived here, two weeks ago, Friday night. It is Miss Lillie Austin. Well, how does Uncle Lon sound? Don’t you fee quite proud at being uncle? Ell thinks that their baby is just right. He got it a nice carriage cast? 

We are having splendid weather only it is pretty warm. We have got corn up. 

I am too lazy to write so you will excuse me. I hope you will write soon. Tell me all the news. Love to all Yours truly, 
Mort

Cuffey Cove, Mendocino Co., CA, Aug 9th, 1884
Mr. AA Austin, Eldred, NY
Dear Friend,
Your very welcome letter of July 24, came to hand a few days ago to find us all well. My wife’s health is far better than when you left here. After you left she had a severe attack of the erysipelas, thought she would hardly get over it but she came through all right.

Rose has been married two years. Married a man by the name of Teal of Napa Valley. Mr. T is big, has pawn…went down soon after you left. I think it will be all right soon. 

I have a piece of timber 1 1/2 miles? from Abe’s landing. Live on it, got about 10,000. Tirs? made about 50,000 [They are 2+2 in 4 ft long] ?made stakes made. I will commence to have the stakes in about 10 days. Mr. Viland Grant and Warel and other failures of NY city has affected us here quite as much as the East. There will not be much love? until after election. I think then times will be better at least I hope so. 

My all here is depending upon the timber biz. If times get good, I would like to have you work for me. I would give you a job if I had one for any body about—school teaching they pay at Bowees $60 per month board costs $12 at Boners in the Valleys. The schools are larger board from $16 to $20 for month Salaries from $60 to $80 for month. If you want I will see the Trustees and see if I can get this school for your sister and if anything starts up in the Timber Biz, I will let you know. 

Now for what little news I can think of.

Jim Murphy married Mrs. Howard the July after you left. They lived together five weeks. Murphy left for parts unknown. She has applied for another divorce which will make four. I suppose she has another man spotted.

Ross Rower has been married for more than a year. Married a gal of Calistoga Napa, Valley. They live on Rowers Ranch up in the mountains. The Simpsons, Powers and Will Murphey are all at Calistoga.

Folpers live in San Francisco. Dix lives closest by us. They have a fine boy. 

My dear friend, I received one letter from you over two years ago, commenced a letter to you soon after. I was taken sick and never finished it. I am very glad you wrote again. We were very pleased to hear from you. I would for more place to see you. I will now close. My wife joins in sending our kindest regards to you
WD Muche?
If your sister should conclude to come out, I will do what I can to get her a school.
WDM

Sing Sing, August 11, 1884
Dear Miss Austin,
I would have written before I received the first letter from Miss Knipe, but I had not your directions…

Did you feel the earthquake at Eldred yesterday? Mamma and I were in our room dressing for the afternoon when it occurred. We thought some of the children were dancing in the attic, and our peace of mind was not at all disturbed. But when we descended, we found that the rest of the folks were congregated in the kitchen with very anxious faces…

Give my love to Miss K and tell her I will answer her letter as soon as I can.
Write Soon
Sincerely,
Helena Gillespie

September 24, 1884
to Alonzo and Mortimer Austin
Your presence is requested 
at the Marriage 
of Emma Middaugh
to Howell Hankins
October First 
at One o’clock pm
at home
Eldred, NY
September 24, 1884
To AA Austin, Eldred, Sullivan Co., NY

=============

envelope addressed to Mr. W. H. AUstin
Eldred, Sullivan Co., NY
Oswego, NY, Feb 26, 1885
Dear Father,
I have received the money from Eldred and hasten to let you know.

Your kind and welcome letter was received some time ago, but I have not had time to answer it before being kept so very busy with my lessons which are much harder this term than last.

We are not going to have finals this term, so it will all depend upon our classwork and our impromptus whether we pass form our subjects or not.

I am getting along pretty well so far, but begin to feel rather tired, and shall not be sorry to see the first of June.

I had a letter from Lon a few days ago. He tells me that he thinks the trouble between Mr. Perine and the Church will end in a law suit.

It seems strange they wil act so foolish. I should think that by this time, they could see it would be better to leave him alone.

Those verses were splendid, especially that one about the Governor.

Will you tell Lon that I received his letter and will try to answer it soon?

How is mother?  Does she keep well this winter?

I would write you more about the school and my work, but my head is aching quite a badly and I am very tired and sleepy.

Hoping to hear from you soon with love to all, 

I remain your loving daughter 
Aida.

Oswego, NY, November 1, 1885

Dear Brother,
Both of your letters were duly received last week, but I had neither a postal card or stamp in and no time to run downtown for them (as I was extra busy all the week), and so I could not answer your letter immediately as I should have done to let you know that I received the money alright. Mr. Poucher was at the Welland yesterday afternoon to collect but I did not give him the money as it was not enough to make another full month’s payment. But he will most probably be here again next week and I can pay him then. So please be sure and send me some more money as soon as you receive this letter

I had a letter from Maria Friday. She says they are going to have ad onation at our house soon for Mr. Perine. I wish I could be there, but I suppose it is no use wishing. We had a party here last night, but I was so busy that I did not go down.

My room mate said they had a very good time.

Have you seen Becca lately and what is she doing? I saw her while I was in the City. She did not seem to feel very badly about going blind. I thought she would most probably make a great time and was quite surprised to see her so calm.

I suppose things are going on as usual at home. If our father left Sand Beach for good or does he go over once in a while yet? I do wish you would write me some news once in a while.

Why don’t you write anything?
Love to all. Write soon.
Your loving sister, Aida

New York, December 31, 1885
Dear Aunt Mary
Tom went down to Aunt Nett’s yesterday and I am alone with mama. She is not very well and wanted me to write for her to let you know that we have not forgotten you.

We often think of you and wish we could see you. Mama wants to know when you are going to be ready to come down. She sends lots of love and says she will send you the money for your fare when ever you will come. Grandma sends her love and hopes you will come down as soon as you can.

Hoping this will find you all well and wishing you all a Happy New Year with much love, I am ever your affectionate nephew,

A Austin Thompson

our address is 60 East 83 Street

 

 

 

 

 

Before 1869

Dear Emma

I commenced to write a letter to you three of four times, but could not make out to finish it so I thought I would try once more and see if I would meet with any better success.

We have been so busy and have had so much company lately. that it seems as if I should never get a chance to write unless I did it on Sunday and I don’t like to write letters on the Sabbath, but will try and not write nonsense though [I] rarely write anything else, for when one has such a nonsensical nature as I have, it comes perfectly natural for them not only to talk nonsense, but also write in a nonsensical style.

In your last letter you warned me not to think you were getting sentimental or that you were flattering me that you have been longing for the summer to come in the hopes that I would also come with it. But you must not call me your dear Tina for I am not dear to anyone neither have I got a sweet voice. You don’t know how ugly I have grown, how harsh my voice is nor how horribly homely I am, why, my eyes are larger than any owls and how changed from their original color gray to a greenish hue, my nose is twice its natural size and covered with pimples, while my hair retains its mouse colored tint. I think seriously of sending in an application to Barnum requesting him to place me among his natural curiosities. I think I would be the greatest show among them. I give you this description of myself that you may not be alarmed at me should I come up this summer. But I have no more time to write, excuse this nonsense and answer as soon as you can. Mother sends her love to all and says tell Grandmother if she comes up this summer it will be to see her. Ever yours,

Tina

1869

New York Sunday 24, 1869

[to Aunt Mary]

This is the first opportunity I have had for writing since I received your letter and I have a great mind not to answer it at all after what you said about my not wanting to see you. and about paying us for what we have done for you, etc, etc. I think you ought to be ashamed of yourself to talk so. I think there are quite as many obligations on our side as yours so we will drop the subject.

I will send you the pattern of my waist and also a sleeve pattern. I should make it plain waist to button up in front and put the trimming on the waist in the form of a little round cape, let it run over the shoulder and down quite low in the front and back and I would make the skirt past to ? cape the ground. They do not make the walking dresses as short as they did at first.

Net has gone up to Paterson and I am advising you the best that I can. You did not tell me whether you were going to trim the skirt or not. They make most of the walking dresses with two skirts. If some of them are made with one skirt trimmed with a bias flounce of the same as the dress and bound with the same. 

If Maria is coming to New York, I will fix her skirt for her after she gets here or any thing else I can do for her I will do with pleasure. I am curious myself to know where she is going. I think you might have told me. Tell her for me that a rich man has not come along yet. I am afraid I shall have to marry a poor man after all as they seem to be the only kind that are at all “loveable” or else she will have to marry the rich man and take me to live with her.

Yes, I agree with you in thinking that Net…I can dance for joy that we are still free. I am glad that dear little Ida was pleased with her doll, but I am afraid that name will take all the curl out of its hair. Tell her I will bring it a new dress for its name when I come. Ida has named her doll Addie. You did not tell me how Aunt Mary liked her doll…

I shall expect to hear the next time you write. I hope you will excuse this wretched writing for I have written in a great hurry. How I wish I could see you all and have a good chat. We will make up for lost time when we do meet. Do write again soon and often. Give my love to one and all and believe me with much love your affectionate niece,

Addie

 

Sep 20, 1869

Dear cousin Emma,

I suppose you think I am about the meanest person that ever chanced to claim relationship with you in neglecting to write to you as I have done. But Emma cannot help it if you do and what is more I shall not try for I have really been so busy since I came home that I haven’t even had a chance to take a peek in any of my interesting books much less find time for writing. Last Sunday I thought surely I would write to you, but being kept awake all Saturday night by a monstrous big hail I should like to tell you where it is, but don’t think it would look very well written. 

You of course may readily imagine that I was in most any kind of a mood, but an amiable one and of course had I attempted to write would have written such a cross all natured letter that you would have wondered what could have happened to so completely have disturbed your most amiable cousin’s temper.

Well how are you all getting along with out me, with my sage counsel and advice, Don’t you miss me terribly, if not more so? I should just like to take in a peep in at you all tonight and see what you are all about.

I like housekeeping thus far and I wish you were here to see how admirably I get along. Ranny’s mother and sister have been around twice to see me and Em, you would nearly die a laughing to hear Ranny tell them what a splendid cook I am when I haven’t hardly cooked anything but beef steak since I commenced to keep house, just as if my fool coun’t cook that good. 

He is so afraid I will do too much that he follows me every step I take about the house, to see what I am about. Oh you would laugh I know if you were here and I wish you were. It has been terrible warm here today and I will be glad now when the warm weather is over for it is having a very bad effect upon me. I am getting to be fearfully lazy.

How is it with you are you…Have you got a school yet to teach or have you given it up. You seem almost as inquisitive as some of my relations are and I want you to be sure and answer all of my questions when you write. Em can’t you come back with your Father when he goes home?

I wish you would give my love to your mother and remember me to Tommy and his Mother. Ranny sends his regards to him and wants him to come and see him when he comes to NY write soon and

believe me truly your loving cousin.

Tina

note: Justina married Randolph Laing. Ranny must be his nickname.

1867

Sunday April 21, 1867

My dear Emma,

I guess you have begun to think I am the meanest specimen of humanity you ever met with for not answering you letter sooner. Perhaps you are not very far from thinking right, but excuse my seeming neglect for we have been very busy cleaning house and have had a great lot of company and my time has been occupied in attending to household duties so that I could hardly find leisure to write to you and now I have commenced I know not what to write about as there is nothing transpiring which is worth relating and I have long since exhausted my brain in trying to compare something sensible but have given up in despair, for sensible writing is out any line of business so do not criticize my nonsense too severely for it is only the outpourings of a nonsensical nature. 

I went to  church this morning and intended to go to the chapel this afternoon but was sadly disappointed for no one seemed inclined to do up the dinner work, so I had to remain home and do it myself. Oh Emmie, I get so discouraged that I sometimes wish I was dead. Everybody and every thing seems to be against me. I wish I could be with you and talk for I can not write what I should like to say to you, is for you alone and I do not care to give full expression of my thoughts on paper to be perused by other eyes than yours so shall have to wait until I come up if I am not disappointed about that the same as I am in everything else. 

I was up to Belle’s Thursday and spent the day. Belle and I went out…we had such fun. I enjoyed my visit very much and wish the world had a few more like Belle in it. There would always be happiness and peace if every one were like her. But I am going to write a little note to Belle so I shall have to close with much love to you all I remain your loving Cousin,

Tina

1868

New York July 29, 1868

Dear cousin Emma,

I was very much surprised when I received those few lines from you asking me to answer your letter for I wrote to you more than a month ago and have looked for an answer so long that I had begun to think you had forgotten me or else I took up too much of your time by writing to you so often. But I am glad to find my self …although I can not account for your not receiving my letter, but there is no use trying  so much about it so I ask, let the subject drop.

So you are going to School in the village. Do you like it as well as you did going here? Mort said you came running out the schoolhouse to meet him and he could not think as to who it was. [Perhaps Tina's brother Mort.]

…Well Emma I was going to tell you that I cannot come up this summer and you cannot be home…disappointed than I am for I have made so much reckoning of coming and having such nice times with you but so it is and there is no use of murmuring.

Mother has been very sick but she is better now but her feet trouble her so that she cannot be on them at all. She does not even go out of the house, so you see I have enough to keep me busy and she could not possibly spare me this summer. I should dearly  love to come up if I could for the weather is perfectly intolerable here and I have not been well at all this summer, but I may as well maybe the …

Chapel is going to have a picnic on the second of August and I am going to attend. I wish you were here to go with me; but don’t you think they ought to wait one more day for the third of August is my 18th birthday and it would be quite an honor to me for them to celebrate my birthday. But I long to tell you that I was to your town to “Uncle Peters” [Maybe this is O P Schoonover that married Ann Mary Austin, daughter of Fanny and Ralph Austin?]. 

I went the first of July going with the intention of staying over a week, but they…urged me to stay much longer than I should like to have stayed…but I thought Mother needed me. While up there I formed the acquaintance of most all of Ernie’s relations. They were very friendly and sociable to me especially Carrie’s cousin Will Lavender. He was very gallant? and took me out riding and sailing very often and I tell you, Emma I just put…But enough of such nonsense. 

I want you to ask your folks to let you come and make me a good long visit this winter. I should be home all the time and you wont’ have to sleep in the the little old trundle bed either. Write soon and believe me, ever your loving cousin,

Tina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feb 4, 1866

I was just beginning to think you had not received my letter…but I was very glad to find myself mistaken.

And now Emma you must excuse me if my letters are not as long as usual as I do not feel much like writing and would much rather have you here to talk to, but that is not to be…

We used to have nice times when you were here did we not…if we did have to sleep in the little bed…And do you remember the night I slept with you, and Grandmother [Hannah Hickok Eldred] thought It was Maria? By the way, give Grandmother a bunch of love for me. Tell her that I think of her often and that I like applesauce almost as well as I do myself.

Tell Eldred [James Eldred, Emma's brother] he must have a lot of apples picked for me by the time I come up and I hope he has got over his bashfulness enough to be able to give me a kiss.

But dear Emma, you can not imagine how I long to see you. It seems like it was twenty years instead of two since I saw you last. And I could not wait until next summer if I did not know I had got to.

But I have got a feared headache tonight and as it is Saturday night, I have my lesson to study for Monday. I do not study then on Sunday anymore. I am gettting to be good.

Emma, you shall know all you want to when I come up next summer.

I do not care about writing it and having it read, as it would be if my letter was open when you received it, but I guess I will bring my letter to a finale. Give my love to your Mother and Father and all the rest. Write soon and believe me when I say

your loving cousin,

Tina

Feb 28, 1866

My Dear Emma,

I suppose I deserve a good scolding because I have not written to you before this, but we have been so busy and had so much company that I could not possibly find time to write to you before and now that I have commenced, I hardly know what to write you for I feel unusually stupid and so if my letter is stupid, you will know why it is so.

I do wish it was summer so I could come up there. I want to see you so much and I long for a change of some description no matter what, I think it would…put a little more ambition into me of which I am sadly in need. Have you seen Aunt Laura [Laura Austin Clark, their aunt] lately? When you see her give her my love and tell her I want to see her awful badly and that she must come to NY and see us.

How is Grandmother getting along? Does she keep well and make you laugh as much as ever? How are all the little pigs and big ones…How is Billy Kyte and his pig prospering…

But I must close for I have got to get up early in the morning. So goodnight and pleasant dreams.

Love to all and believe me, 

ever your loving Cousin 

Tina

 

Sept 17, 1866

Oh dear Emma How I wish you could come and stay with me all winter. We would have such a nice time. I am home all the while and we could go out together and enjoy  ourselves fine. Can’t you coax your folks to let you come?

Have you heard form Carrie Newman lately? I have written to her twice but have received no answer from her and I am afraid she is sick. I wish when you write you would try and find out why she does not write to me. WIll you? I cannot write any more, as I am very weak yet. It is the first I have been up for three days. I came very near having the cholera, so near that there was not much fun in it.

Ever your loving cousin,

Tina

Love to all and write soon.