Halfway Brook flowed through an ocean of large old magnificent trees in the town appropriately named Lumberland. There were 8 or 9 sawmills on Halfway Brook around the turn of the 19th century, as well as other sawmills in the area, or that is what I read in Johnston’s Reminiscences and Quinlan’s Sullivan County.

I now have a site that relates to Book I: The Mill on Halfway Brook that you may be interested in: Halfway Brook

I am working on the first in a series of three books about my Austin/Leavenworth ancestors. I’ve titled both the series and the first book, The Mill on Halfway Brook. (Special thanks to daughter Joanna for her expertise in creating titles.)

As I have been writing this book, my husband has been remodeling our home, and now we are to the new kitchen cabinet stage. Yay! ( I say this to hint at one of the reasons the book is not done yet and may be slowed down for a couple weeks. The other reason is that I have ginormous amounts of material to include in the book [said appreciatively, not complainingly].)

I decided to do a blog about the first book, which I had hoped to be out by now, but isn’t, and is at least two months away.

“Why don’t you get the book done instead of doing posts on the book?” you ask.

It’s a reasonable question. I’m not sure. I thought it might be fun to involve you the reader in my writing process, and the many discoveries that I am making as I write this book. Also, since many of you are more acquainted with the area, you may be able to correct some of my information before it is printed.

So this first post is about the area around Halfway Brook, where my father’s parents, grandparents, and great grandparents lived, and where some of you reading this post grew up or may even live.

Halfway Brook was the name of a nine mile stream, before it became the name of the Village which is now Eldred. At the mouth of Halfway Brook on the Delaware River was the settlement called The River, which became Barryville. To the west of The River, also on the Delaware River, was the Ten Mile Settlement (later Tusten) on the Ten Mile River. And to the East of the River was/is Mongaup on the, guess the name—Mongaup River.

The mouth of Halfway Brook is halfway between the Ten Mile River and the Mongaup Settlements, hence the name. Or that is what I read.

The Halfway Brook (there is another one) I am talking about, is in a most gorgeous area called the Upper Delaware River Region, in New York State. Halfway Brook Village, (now called Eldred), grew up about four miles north of “The River”, and slightly to the east, near the middle of Halfway Brook.

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

Pier 18, Balboa CZ, October 3, 1918
Dear Mother,
…I am in the best of health and spirits and am enjoying life as well as it is possible to in Panama.

I got a letter last night from Uncle Ell which I will answer directly as soon as we come off lock guard. Will also write Grandfather a letter then.

I hear that there’s a song going in the states that runs,” Take down your service flag, your boy’s in Panama” Is that true?

Have you heard from Mac lately? I have been thinking a lot about him recently. To say I am worried would be unsoldier like and to say uneasy or anxious is altogether too mild an adjective for this case.

Take it from me, I’ll be glad to see snow again. I want no more of this “continual summer districts.”

Give me apples and peaches any time here after against bananas and oranges and I’ll match the pine tree against the palm any day. New York may not be the best state in the union, but the United States is the best place in the world.

I have given up all hopes of seeing France as a soldier. I’ll not feel very proud when I get home. Your loving son, Raymond

Eldred, NY, October 7, 1918
Dear McKinley,
I see by the papers that the soldiers are going to be allowed to have Christmas presents, and that the Christmas labels are being distributed to the soldiers. It will see so good to be allowed to send you a little something again.

It wouldn’t surprise me at all if the war ended before Christmas, but it isn’t likely that things will be settled enough so that many of the soldiers will get back much before spring.

I got Robbie Croft’s picture a few days ago and am sending you some. The one in the field where the cattle are, was taken across the road from the house. He was not quite near enough to the camera when I took it for you, to tell who it is, but the one near the silo looks just like him. I haven’t heard yet whether he has gone across, but he expected to go soon, when he was home.

Quite a number will be in the next draft from Eldred. I don’t know just who. I suppose Raymond Myers will be one of them. But there isn’t much possibility of any of them getting to France. Jim Parker, being on the railroad, will escape being called.

We are having some beautiful weather, but I suppose the winter will soon set in now.

I had a letter from Mrs. Carlin last week. They were all well, but dreading the winter. I can stand the winter better than I can the hot weather.

Lon had a letter from Dr. Austin a few days ago. Miss Hall had been quite sick, but was getting better.

We are all well and hoping that you are. If there is anything special you want, let me know so that I can send it when I send your Christmas. With love, Aunt Aida

Eldred, October 12, 1918
My dear Mac,
Just a few lines while I have time. I see in the papers in order to send a package to the soldiers that the soldier one sends the package to must first get a label and send it to the one he expects to receive ia package form. I hope you have sent yours before this as they claim no packages will be accepted without the labels in it, if you don’t get a Christmas package, it will be because we have received no label.

The Spanish Influenza is sweeping the country here, even our school is closed for awhile. No cases being nearer than Shohola, as we know of. We often wonder how you are and if you have escaped it; You must be careful and it is a worry to know at times.

You must be in places where you can not be careful. We have a joke on Dad coming home from Monticello. He met a soldier who had been wounded in France and for a month had been in the hospital of Otisville. He was on his way home and Dad fell in with him at Port Jervis and became so interested that he was carried on beyond Shohola. The conductor was kind enough to slow the train down and let him off at Lackawaxen.

I am afraid my pencil is so dim by the time this reaches you, you will not be able to read it. But Elizabeth is learning to write with pen and ink. It is impossible to find a decent pen in the house.

Willie is still working at Procters. Dad expects to work for John Lovee as some as he gathers his garden.

Well I must close as Dad is going to the office. It has been over a month since we heard from you, so we are looking for a letter every day.
Love from all, Mother.
This letter was returned.

33rd US Infantry, Camp at Culebra, October 17, 1918
Dear Brother Bill,
I am back at Culebra again. Our company has done its shift at Lock Gave and is back to its headquarters again.

I have had a couple letters from Father and mother and I will answer them soon.

There is not much to write about here. This climate takes a person’s ? and it is really hard work even to write a letter…

If I was you, I would go to school this winter. You have passed your regents in the subjects you tried. In January, you may get some more of them and by June you could go over the top.

“Hang good Jobs and big pay” (underlined twice) when you are so young and so near high school. Remember I was much older than you before I got any of my regents. I got tired of living on Father’s money alone. That’s why I got my first job at Proctor’s.

You have worked all summer and I know you have earned a winter’s schooling. Father and Mother are both anxious I am sure that you will. Don’t be afraid that you will run short of money for I will help you and I think Mac will too.

I have learned since I came to this army, that it’s the educated men who are the officers and the rest are like me, more or less. I am your brother, Raymond

October 21, 1918
Pvt. Mortimer McKinley Austin
MG Gun co., 11th Inf, Eldred, Ny
Killed in action October 21 [I also have 14th]
Isolated in the community of Romague Sous-Mont Fancon

Map coordinates: Verdun 35 NE; North 285 and East 08.8
Identified by Tag on cross and 3 tags on body. Removed June 10, 1919 to grave 69 Section 43 Plot 2, Romagne Sous Mont Faucon.

33rd US Infantry, Camp at Culebra, Nov 3, 1918
Dear Father,
I received your welcome letter several days ago, but we have had a hike and a field meet since, so have not had much time to write.

We hiked seven or eight miles, only two fell out of our company. Several others fell out from the rest of the companies. It was quite hot and I had a headache for a couple of hours after we got back.

In the field meet yesterday, M company made a good start. But company L had the ranking officer, so what he said went. They disqualified us twice. Once they disqualified both of our runners for one man’s error.

We took first prize in the walking contest. also in the squad competition. Altogether we won about 25 points. We have a pretty good ball team and I hope we will keep on building up.

Have you heard from Mac lately? I have written him several letters from Panama and as yet I have heard nothing from him. It lookes to me like the war is going through its last stages…

I am feeling fine except the heat and I don’t get along very good. There are few cases of influenza here. But no such thing gets me. All I wish is that I was in the states. But I don’t worry about that for I expect to come back soon, so don’t be worrying about me. With love to you all, Son Raymond

Graves Registration Service, November 4, 1918
envelope from War Department
Letter inside says that Private Mortimer M. Austin M G Co. 11th Infantry is buried in Commune of Romagne-sous-Montfaucon (Meuse) France.

Camp Gaillard CZ, Nov. 17, 1918
…It would be worse than useless to try to express my thanks (on paper) for the box you sent me. The razor is a good one. Luckily fo me it’s a safety for now that there is no chance of a German bullet getting me, I’d hate to die by a razor.

Well, Mac will soon be home now. Probably next spring or next summer. Some fine day you will see the top of a military hat coming over the steps and it will be me you see next….

I am getting somesomewhat used to the climate and the last hike didn’t tire me much. We made the last mile mostly up hill at quick time. Possibly a dozen fell out. They are using us fine, as always well fed and quartered…

Did I ever tell you that our present quarters are in full view of Culebra—cut also part of the Perdio Miguel (English Peter Mc Gill) Locks.

…I wrote a letter to grandfather sometime ago. Did he get it? With love to all, Raymond

NYC, Nov 19, 1918
Dear Mortimer and Jennie, Raymond, Willie, Elizabeth, Lawrence and Robert,
To you all we send our sympathy with you in the sorrow this sad news brings. I have telephoned to several parties and have written (in Eugene’s name) to Sec’y of War, Baker, Washington and to the American Red Cross here for any information in regard to McKinley.

It is possible that the information is in error. We can only trust to God…We are all sharing this sorrow and this suspense with you…McKinley was noble and loyal to the highest things of life. He was brave and gentle. He was a young man of high principles…

Mr. Walter Styles letter came at once to us with your message. Everyone must sympathize with you all for McKinley was universally respected. Affectionately and with sympathy. Eugene, Sally and Charlotte (Eugene was an Austin relative)

Camp Gailard, Culebua, CZ, November 23, 1918
Dear Mother,
I received your letter a few days ago. Many thanks for the money order. I was surprised and terribly sorry to hear of our neighbors awful misfortune. I sincerely hope that they are all well again.

I am thankful that none of you have been sick. Don’t worry about me for influenza is very rare here abouts.

I was very glad to read Mac’s letter. I have written him several…

We had a hike the other day, but it didn’t tire me much. Several dropped out though. We also had about half a miles double time. I started about third from the east and finished with only six men and an officer ahead of me. Only about ten ran all the way around. I have a notion to try for the football team for lack of better excitement.

The climate doesn’t bother me much now although I could stand old Sullivan county much better. I wonder who will be the gladest Mac or myself when we get back. I hope he gets home first and I think he will.

You can hardly imagine how lazy and listless a person grows down here. I used to like to write letters, but now I can hardly keep my mind on one thing for a minute. This is H––L on earth so far as the climate and looks of the place goes.

But they feed us fine. We have exceptionally good officers and as we won’t be here much longer, I can amuse myself some way or another for a few months. We may come back in January. But far more likely, it will be May or June.

Very shortly we will go on the rifle range and probably in January, we will go through the war maneuvers at Cluerra so that time will go fast.

Could you send me an arithmetic? I’m going to some school when I come back so I may as well improve my time here. I think I shall go to work at a factory and then go to school nights. I could save money that way to go on up.

Did you get those books I wrote for? Also can you find my Esperanto books? If so, I wish you would please send them to me.

Tell Elizabeth I was glad to hear from her and will send her some postcards. Am returning Mac’s letter. Please send me more if you have them. With love to all, Raymond

Port Jervis, NY, November 24, 1918
My dear Mrs. Austin,
There has been nothing connected with the war, or any other sad experience for years that brought such a shock to us as when we learned last Monday of the tidings that reached you the day before. It seemed as if I could not have it so,m that your big splendid boy had given all.

I wish I could say something comforting. You see, next to my very own, McKinley came closest to my heart for George often said and repeatedly has written when he was in Panama…that “Mack” was his only friend. Of course there are boys he cares for, but your boy was the only one he ever had in the intimate inner circle of his heart.

The Indian tribe they had formed as boys they took along with the years—the language, the signs, their calendar and names. Only last Sunday, I found “Ahmek’s” Christmas message to “Humn” in one of laddie’s pockets. There were their vows one of which was the clean white life they were to lead. Things I came across accidentally, and as intimate and holy. I mention it to you only to show the clean white thought and life of your boy.

These past few years have tried us as by fire, and we mothers have tried to watch our boys with a faith and courage equal to their own. It has not been easy, this giving up, but we have been so proud of our soldier boys, proud that they volunteered.

And now in my thought of you, I bow my head in humility. Yours is a glory that you and many other mothers have these days with the Mary of old when her Son gave up his life for others.

Believe me, you and yours have our deepest sympathy—more than this we are sharing your grief for it is ourts too.

May you feel that the Eternal God is your refuge and the comforting touch of the Everlasting Arms in these days of your grief. Yours most sincerely, Marion Sidwell

Albany New York, Thanksgiving Day, 1918
newspaper clipping: Private Mortimer McK. Austin, Eldred
My Dear Friend Lon, [This is Lon, the brother of Grandpa Mort Austin.]
My thoughts were turned to you by this little slip in the casualty list and I began wondering if it was your brother Mort or his boy, but which ever it was, it proves you were loyal and the boy was not afraid to pay the price for liberty.

What a wonderful Thanksgiving Day for America, but sad for the families of the boys that will not come back. But what a wonderful victory and so much sooner than we had hoped for. We had prayed for victory and while we were yet praying, the powers of darkness were falling.

Well brother, 20 years go I worked with you on Proctor Hill, so time lies on a pace and a great task is ahead of the American people to reconst.

…Well Lon, write me how you are and give my sympathy to the family of the Hero. They had something real to give while I had only money, but glad to be alive to help in the great struggle. I have expected to see you in Albany, but have not. I am with the Albany Hdware and Iron Co.
Very truly yours, Arthur E. Howlett

Avon Methodist Episcopal Church, New York, November 26, 1918
Dear brother Austin,
I read in yesterday’s paper of the death of Mortimer McKinley Austin of Eldred, NY and can have no doubt that it is my dear friend, your son McKinley. Is it possible that this is so? It was a great shock to me when I read the name. I haven’t seen the names of any others from out there if there have been others wounded or killed. Has this great privilege come to McKinley alone out there, to make the supreme sacrifice for liberty and the rights of humanity? I know what a terrible blow this has been for you all, but also feel sure that you realize the great honor and glory that has come to him in giving his life and to you in giving a son in the greatest conflict for the truth and honor that the world has ever known.

God bless you in this hour of need and your wife and children. What a blessing to know that Jesus gave His life and understands our hearts and needs and sympathizes with us.

It is surely a great comfort to you to know that McKinley was a Christian. His ideals were high and I feel sure that in enlisting (for he must have enlisted being too young for the draft), he did it with a noble purpose to serve God and his fellow man and make his life count for the most. This he has done. He lived more in those months of service probably than many of the rest of us ife we reach fourscore years.

My prayer is that God may comfort your hearts and grant the fulfillment of the ideal world order and freedom for which dear McKinley laid down his life. Yours in sympathy and love, Charles W. Taylor, Pastor

War Department, Washington, November 29, 1918
The Adjutant General’s Office
To A. Eugene Austin, MD, New York City, NY
Sir:
I regret to advise that this office has received no further information concerning the death of Private Mortimer McK. Austin, Machine Gun Company, 11th Infantry, than that he was killed in action October 21st, 1918.
For further information and details concerning his death you should write to his Commanding Officer.
Commanding Officer
Machine Gun Company, 11th Infantry
American Expeditionary Force
Respectfully, M F. Lerovin?
Adjutant General

November 30, 1918
Dear Mortimer and Jennie and all dear to McKinley,
With this a letter goes to France to the Commanding Officer of Madline Gen. Company 11th Infantry asking for further information and details concerning McKinley. I wrote him how McKinley was the oldest of his family, universally beloved and respected, the first man to enlist from Eldred. As soon as the answer comes, it shall go to you as this does, at once.

We trust One whose love and wisdom and comfort is infinite. He is with McKinley and McKinley is with Him where the dear boy is, and we shall surely meet again. Lovingly from us all, Charlotte C. Hall

December 3, 1918
A letter to Dr. Austin on American Red Cross paper saying “with deep sympathy for your loss that we inform you from the official report that Private Mortimer McKinley Austin was killed in action. For further particulars concerning his death, we have asked our Paris office to get all possible details from his comrades or anyone who can give any information. We regret very much we can not expect this report for at least six weeks because of the overcrowded mails, but shall communicate again with you just as soon as we hear,” and express sympathy eloquently.

Culebra, CZ, Dec 6, 1918
Dear Brother Bill,
I believe I owe you a letter so will write you a few lines tonight. I celebrated my birthday by doing a day’s kitchen police. Not a happy celebration either, believe me.

We are trying out on the rifle range now. I believe I can do good enough in the preliminaries to be allowed to shoot for record. i hope to make sharp shooter if all goes well. I feel pretty sure I can make marksman without any trouble.

Since I got that letter, I have had hard work to do anything. Say why don’t you get the “Official bulletin” Oct. 21st up and look over the casualties. You can get them at any Post Office. Miss Kelly would be glad to let you look over them. I have found more Austins on the lists, but not Mac. I also found two George Dunlaps, one from Oswego, NY. Many of the “killed in action” often turn up to be wounded or to have been isolated during the battle and returned later. How does the dispatch read? Does it say “was killed” or “was reported killed in action? These are very improbable hopes. but some how I can’t believe it. I am praying I am right.

Mac probably wrote you a letter before he went into the battle if it comes, I wish you would send it to me. Raymond

Culebra, Dec 8, 1918
Dear Father,
You doubtless have received my other letter which I wrote immediately upon the receipt of you letter of Nov. 17…

Although I scarce dare think Mac is still alive, I think there is a possible chance of the report being a mistake. I have gone over the causualties down to October 16. A fellow by the name of J M Austin of NY state was killed or died around October 20 the list was made out about Nov 15th. There are also many other Austins listed, mostly all killed. There is a little hope of confusion of the names…

I wish you would send me a copy of the words used by the telegram. Also, compare the serial number given by the telegram and the one on Mac’s insurance policy…

These are surely sad days for me and I can tell how you all must feel. Do not think I am all alone with this sorrow confined to myself, we are all brothers to a great extent and we feel and sympathize for each other…

You have all been bery brave. Pray for fresh strength and trust that the message is false. Trusting you are all well…Love to all, your son Raymond

Culebra CZ, Dec 8, 1918
Dear Folks,
Just a few lines to let you know I have found McKinleys name on the casuality list of Nov. 25…

As soon as you receive any word, hope you will send it to me as it worries me day and night. I am doing my best to stand up to it like a soldier and I hope you all will remember that this is a soldier’s family and will act accordingly.

They are examining our equipment and I hear the war maneuvers are coming off sooner than expected after them our time here will in all probability be short.

The weather is very hot now, the dry season is here and drilling is pretty warm work.

December 12, 1918
Dear Jennie,
Ever since I’ve been out, I’ve intended to write to you from day to day. I can’t write much at night without waking myself up for all night and it gets dark so soon after school is out that I don’t get much writing done at the school house. There has been a great deal of sickness and death here. Three deaths in family of Miller’s just below school house. The father, infant son and the best child they had in family, a big boy about 14. My school was very small for about 2 weeks, but now I have about 22.

I wonder very much how things are going home. Christina said she would send me announcement soon as they were married. I expected it Tuesday night, but when it didn’t come last night, I began to feel worried. They say, “No news is good news”, but it is hard to believe it so far away. I am willing to come back if any of them are sick and they know it.

I guess I’m getting rheumatism, my knees ache every day, but I get up free from it in the mornings. At first, I thought I was getting influenza, but guess it is something that will last longer.

I hope you have kept well as well as the rest of your family and I would like to know how Raymond is getting along. Will stop as it is really quite dark in room now and I must leave. Glad it is coming moonlight. Lovingly, Anna (Grandma Jennie Austin’s sister)

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 from 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

Hoboken NJ, Dec 19th 1918
Dear Friend Austin,
The news about poor McKinley has just reached me and it goes without saying that I was grieved at his sad fate.

I shall not attempt anything by way of consolation for, alas, in such cases, there is no consolation, but time.

I had just begun to settle myself in the belief that as no news was good news, we could all meet together again under more changed and happier circumstances, than last season, shake hands and congratulate all around. That God may help you to bear up under it and that you will accept this expression of my sincere sympathy in your trouble I am most sincerely your friend, Wm. A. Lozier
As you no doubt have received many such tokens of condolence, I will not burden you with the necessity of replying until we next meet.

Quarry Heights CZ, December 23, 1918
Dear Mother,
I came down here to Quarry Heights Friday. I started a letter to you but was called on guard before I could finish it. I received yours and Bill’s letters and the package. Many thanks for it. Everything came in handy.

Don’t worry about me being sick for if I am sent to the hospital, I’ll drop you a line before I go so you will know.

I heard that our batallion will sail for Camp Meritt on January 22, 1919. I hope so, but hardly believe it. they say that a few have already gone.

I suppose by now you have had some news from the Red Cross investigation. Perhaps they may have some of Mc Kinley’s personal belongings, letters, watch, etc. I have found out that the 11tth Infantry is in the 5th division (not corps) and is in the army of occupation.

I believe the last letter of Macs I saw was dated September 19. He must have written a letter between then and October 21st.

I guess the US has lost terrible for the number engaged 700,000 men (US) were engaged and 262,000 fell…

I really believe our next war is only a few years off and I think President Wilson sees it…I hope he can carry out his war program for 1926. Lord Raldon says that “Wilson’s ideas are almost damnable” and I guess Japan seconds the motion.

We are doing guard duty now. I was on guard on Pier 18 night before last. Raymond
P. S. My letters must have been held up as I write once or twice every week. Send my mail to Culebra.

Mount Hermon, Mass., Mount Hermon School, December 26, 1918
Mr. C. M. Austin, Eldred, NY
Dear Mr. Austin:
I am sorry to hear that your boy has been taken from you. He, with others of our Mount Hermon boys, has made the supreme sacrifice, and of these we are proud, but we miss them from our list. I appreciate your kindness in giving me the information, and wish to express to you our sympathy with you in the great loss which has come to you.
Yours sincerely, FF Cutler, Office of the Principal

Quarry Heights CZ, December 31, 1918
…I am very glad you are all well and hope you will continue. So you were lucky to have all pulled safely through the influenza.

What kind of a wedding did Aunt Christina have? I hope she is well now. I hear the influenza has started up again….

I got a $2 money order at Culebra some time ago…But I think I told you about it. Many thanks for it. also, the lot of things you sent me.

It sure puts heart in a fellow to know that the folks are still thinking of him. I expect I’ll be home sometime in May or June. Don’t worry about me for I feel fine.

January 3, 1919 Quarry Heights, CZ
Dear brother Bill,
Many thanks for the box of candy that arrived today. another fellow in our tent also got a box of sweetcakes, etc., and the tent had quite a feast. We put guards at the tent door to keep out the rest of the company.

I guess we leave here on January 15 for Culebra and a few days later I believe we will “March on Sheraear”? for war maneuvers.

We may be there for a month. There are sixty men going to a place called David, two hundred and fifty miles up the coast. I hope that I am on the list. Lately, I have almost hoped for a revolution some where. Since Mac was killed, time hangs heavy on my hands.

It’s hard to tell just when we will come home. Probably about mid May at the longest.

Have you any further particulars of Mac? The 11th Inf is in the first army corps and fought under General Hunter Liggett. I seen where a fellow in the 11th company E, I believe, was wounded in the Argonne fighting.

If the letters he wrote to Rosie and Lena are dated after September, I would almost believe he had made a mistake in the month or if they were dated between Sept. 1st and 11th, it could be mistaken for November. Did he say anything about being in a hospital? Many men were there when their regiments left for the fighting and being unaccounted for in the confusion were erroneously reported killed or missing in action. Also, did he speak of any particular event…

I suppose the states are going wild over the homecoming soldiers. …

I suppose Elizabeth is still going to school. I will write a few lines soon.

Tell Arthur and Bob that every man should be a soldier when there is a war. There is no better time to begin than now. Make them proud of poor Mac and as anxious to be willing to be willing to serve our country as he was.

…I’ll say it’s pretty hot here, but as at present, we don’t drill any and only walk post five hours out of seventy-two. I consider this to be a snap.

The winter is well along up there now and pretty cold too, I expect. I want you all to be careful and not get sick for I believe to loose another one of you would just about do me up.

I am returning the telegram with this letter…Praying you all are well as I am and will write soon. With much love to all. Your Brother, Raymond

Quarry Heights, CZ, Jan 14, 1919
Dear Brother,
Your letter of December 29 just received. Needless to say, I was very glad to hear from you. I suppose by now you have had more details about Mac from the Red Cross. Don’t fail to send me any details you may get immediately. …

I am glad you are having a mild winter and I hope it keeps up. Although, I am afraid you will have a late spring and they won’t send us home during bad weather.

When the 29th Infantry went back, many soldiers died from diseases caused from the change of climate. We have only been here a few months however and most of them had from four to ten year’s service here. I’ll take my chances any day.

I never got Fred Morgan’s letter. What company and regiment does he belong to? Also, what camp is he at?

According to reports, twenty men from M company who have dependants are booked for a discharge. Also we hear that men are coming from the states in February to relieve the 33rd. They will be in quarantine for thirty days so we may possibly leave here in April. Then we would be held in detention for a month in the states.

Some how I feel that I will be discharged and come home next July. If things keep up in South America, we may have to go down there and cool things off…

January 11, 1919
Two rough drafts of Aida (spelled her name Ida) asking for more information on names of some of the members of McKinley’s company and saying that the last letter received was September 28, 1918.
envelope addressed to Rev. WM. J. Mc Veigh, Chaplain, 11 US Infantry, A E F, France.

MG CO. APO 745, 11th Inf, 19 January 1919
Dr. A Eugene Austin, New York, NY
Same letter sent to Mort Austin March 1919
Mr. C. M. Austin, Eldred, NY
Dear Sir:
As commanding officer of the MG CO 11th Inf., I answer your letter of inquiry regarding the death of your son Mortimer McKinley Austin. I was in a different division at the time of the death of your son, but by questioning men in the Company who were present during that engagement, I am enabled to give you the following information—most of which was given by Sergeant Popp who was in command of the section.

At Madelaine Farm after this company had gained its first objective, your son was put in command of the 6th squad (acting as corporal). In order to consolidate the position and to prevent a successful German counter-attack, your son took his machine gun and his squad of men forward to a shell hole. It was a dangerous mission for artillery and machine gun fire was heavy. Finding the hole not deep enough to provide cover for the gun and all the men, he returned to the trench and obtained a shovel.

Most any other man in his position would have sent one of the men of the squad back for the shovel, but your son chose to run the danger himself. On the return trip to the shell hole he was struck in the breast by a machine gun bullet and although thus badly wounded, he continued forward and gave the shovel to his squad, who then dug in and held their position.

During a lull in the fighting, he was brought back to the trenches for Medical Aid and all efforts were in vain however and about an hour later, he passed away. He realized that his wound was fatal and took the knowledge like a man and like a soldier, never once complaining and only regretting that he would be unable to fight on.

All the men of the Company state that your son was one of the most likable men in the company. None were braver and the reason he was killed was because he was too brave really. I shall not attempt to assuage your grief with mere words of sympathy. Perhaps the knowledge that he died as the bravest of the brave, facing toward the enemy, leading his men forward to a point in advance even of our own lines, may somewhat lessen your suffering. I sincerely hope so.
Believe me to be very truly yours, Allen B. Maxwell
Capt 11th Inf Comdg Co.

Barre, Mass January 19, 1919
Dear Brother Mort
Your letter received some time ago. I have been sick the last 2 weeks, so have not written many letters.

I received a letter from Raymond and answered that letter for I thought he was so far away from home and alone and waited yours until I was well. I am feeling quite well now and went to work last Thursday. There is quite a lot of sickness around here.

Last Friday it was 12 below zero, the coldest so far this winter. It is warm now and no sleighing. The ice is 8 inches to 12 inches thick now and it looks as if we are not going to have much snow or cold weather this winter. Still it is quite a while until spring and we may have all the winter we want.

I received a letter from Lillie a few days ago. She has been sick with the flu, but was around when she wrote.

Is Tom Collins in Eldred this winter or did they go to the city for the winter?
I hope you are all well now…Love to all, Eldred

Dear Jennie,
I come to you in this your hour of sorrow with sympathy from the depths of my heart while you mourn the loss of your boy, I feel we can all thank God that he gave his life in a noble cause. While your heart bleeds for your boy, we can feel grateful that God has given you other children to comfort you while many a mother has given her all in this cruel war. With love, Eldred

Quarry Heights, CZ, January 25, 1919
Dear Father,
Your more than welcome letter of Jan. 7 received a day or two ago. Would have answered sooner, but was on guard the 23rd and 24 and as there was inspection at 9 am this morning,until now there has been no convenient opportunity.

I am glad you are having Mac brought home. We cannot better use his insurance than in that way. It will be hard to come home without him. But it will be easier to have his grave where we can care for it.

…I got a letter from uncle Ell a few days ago. I am glad to see how he has changed his opinion of joining the army.

The weather up here while altogether too hot, is not so bad as at Culebra. There is no reveille or retreat to stand and we are only supposed to do five hours guard in the days although just now some men are in the hospital and I have to go on again at four o’clock. However on guard once in a while is easy enough.

There are some more rumors around about us going to the states in March. The Puerto Rican soldiers attached to the military police go back to their regiment on the 27th and I hear they sail for Puerto Rico on February 7. I don’t mind the army, but I hate Panama whole heartedly though.

Alonzo Eugene Austin MD, NYC, February 11th 1919
Dear Mortimer and Jennie, Raymond, William, Elizabeth, Lawrence, and Robert.
It is a great sorrow to enclose this letter which tells that our McKinley has paid the supreme sacrifice on the altar of our world’s freedom in France. In all your mourning, we mourn with you.
…His death is a great loss to you all. It was like him to ask that the insurance, should he give his life, be used for the education of his sister and brothers…

…We love McKinley. His going home is also a great loss to us. We had high hopes that sometime his home would be where his great great grandfather Austin lived…

As the letter of inquiry was written on paper like this, Capt. Maxwell evidently thought McKinley was Eugene’s son. I am writing him that he has not that honor, but that McKinley’s parents will recieve the letter and will want to reply…

Eugene and Sally write in messages of sincere sympathy with you all. These pages are from them as truly as from me. Our united prayers are for you all. In loving memory of McKinley…and full of sympathy with your sorrow. Charlotte C. Hall
PS …Please give our congratulations to his Grandfather Leavenworth, that he had so soldierly, so truly patriotic grandson. Please give him and his family our sympathy in their loss…

YMCA, Luxemburg, February 14, 1919
Dear Miss Austin,
Chaplain McVeigh gave me your letter concerning Mortimer Austin MG Co. 11th Inf. I regret to have to tell you that he was killed Oct 14th in the Argonne Forest Drive. He was killed near a small town called Cuvel. I was with him when he died. But was wounded later in the day and cannot say where he was buried. I don’t know anything about his personal belongings for I was taken to a hospital on the same day that he was killed. But am trying to learn something about it. When I do, I’ll be sure to let you know at once.

Chaplain McVeigh has gone to the States and he was in charge of the burying party.

My dear lady it grieves me to have to write this information. But I am the only officer with the company that was with them there.

However you will be glad to know that he died like a true American doing his duty. He was well liked by both officers and men of the company. and we are proud to have had such a man. If there is anything I can do for you in anyway, Please let me know. I’d be only too glad to do it.
Yours very respectfully, G L Edwards
1st Lt. 11th inf. NYC

Culebra CZ, Feb 16, 1919
Dear Folks, I was very glad to receive your three letters of Jan 23, 28th and 25th. It was nearly three weeks since I had heard from you and I had begun to feel uneasy.

I came back to Culebra Feb 6th to be examined for discharge on the grounds of my allotment. I have turned in my equipment and have been kept very busy.

There are a number of others who are waiting discharges and as we don’t drill, we do most of the work.

I would have written to you long ago, but I have had very little time…Just when I will get home is guess work., but unless the breaking off of the armistice holds, our discharges up. I expect to see you around March 10th to 20, maybe sooner. A few men have already gone back.

I am satisfied now that Mac is among the killed…according to one account I have seen, the 11th lost 399 men killed, 141 wounded and 226 missing and other account gives it as 339 men killed.

One of Macs friends in F Co., was Aloucious Delaney of Port Jervis. Maybe if you can locate his folks, he may know something about the details of Mac’s death.

At Quarry Hgts…I saw the names of two or three men who were wounded in the 11th inf, but they were all wounded in September, so would know nothing of the where abouts or casualities of October. Two officers were cited for bravery who belonged to the 11th. One was killed.
Clarence Wormuth is among the 10,000 missing. I am very much afraid that our losses will not stop there. This may yet turn out to be our bloodiest war…

I am glad you are having such an easy winter. You must all take care of yourselves as I want to see you all well when I come home…Tell Fred Morgan I got his letter and I would have answered it, but did not know whether to send it to Meade or his home being as he was getting out so soon.

I have no intention of reenlisting…Keep your eyes open and if you see any good job. I’ll jump at it the next day after I land home. By all means stay in by the fire during the bad weather. I think I can fix anything that is liable to go wrong.

The cake and the nuts were surely great. We (about 14??) divided the cake and all said it was fine. I was very glad to get it. Many, many thanks for them…Love to all, Raymond

Dear little sister,
I was very glad to see that you are learning to write so nice. You must go to school every day and by and by you will learn enough to be a school teacher.

I am coming home soon and I will be glad to see you and Arthur and Robbie again.
ps. Don’t send any papers from the government or Red Cross to me as I will not be here when they come and they might get lost. With much love, your brother, Raymond

Mount Hermon School, Mount Hermon, Mass. February 17, 1919
Mr. C. M. Austin, Eldred, NY
My dear Mr. Austin:
I am very sorry to hear of the death of your son. He made an excellent record here at Mount Hermon. He was on the honor list of students both terms he was here and had an absolutely perfect record in attendance upon all his classes and appointments.

About 1300 of our boys have been in military service; 42 of them have made the supreme sacrifice. We have sorely missed the boys here at Mount Hermon, but have been glad that they have been able to help in the settlement of these great questions.

I sympathize with you in these days when you must feel so keenly the loss of your boy.
Yours sincerely, F F Cutler, Office of the Principal

Culebra CZ, February 23, 1919
Dear Folks,
Just received mother’s letter with the copy of Captain Maxwell? account of Mac’s death at the battle of Madeline Farm. I hardly know what to say. My pride in him overcomes much of my grief…

The object of God in taking one so dear to us is very hard on our frail minds to percieve, are all “tried by fire” also we are promised tha no “grief too heavy to bear” shall be imposed upon us. With implicit conficence…we can look into eternity unwavering calmness…
With love to all, Raymond

Culebra CZ, March 11th, 1919
Dear Folks,
I would have written long ago, but I found I had no more stamps so I had to wait to payday, which is today. I am very sorry, but I could not help it. I hope you haven’t worried about me for I have been well and on duty all the time. I got your letters also, the papers. I was awful glad to get them.

Say, can you get another paper with the account of “Macs” death? A chum of mine who had a brother blown to pieces at the battle of St. Mihiel would like to have the account of Mac that was published in the Democrat.

It’s just a year ago today Mac left us the last time and it is just about the same time that he left the house. I little thought then that it was the last time we would ever see him. It seems harder than ever to bear. But every time I remember that each name under the “killed in action” means another sorrowing family.

I feel convinced that all this suffering is the work of the Almighty and that He has his own deep motives for them and some day, each wound will be appeased and we will be made plain to us.
They issued us back our equipment again and we went on a thirteen mile hike and were out two days.

Evidently there has been a hitch in the demobilization down here for men are going out in small bunches and so far I have not been lucky most of those gone had loss allotments. Mine is class B which is nixt in line to class A . My discharge is approved of but they lack transport service as the transports are carrying Puerto Rican troops homeward. The US soldiers go back 1st class on passenger ships. The rainy season is near at hand and I hope to leave here before it arrives. I seen enough of it last summer and fall…

Well, I must go on fatigue now, hoping you are all well and will write soon, I am with love to all, Raymond

March 18, 1919
Letter to Chas. M. Austin, Eldred, Sullivan Co., NY saying that the effects of “your son the late Mortimer M. Austin, have not yet been received and that in numerous instances it was impossible to retrieve any effects. [hand written copy of same words sent to Dr. A Eugene Austin which I scanned. Letter to Dr. AE Austin, was on January 19, 1919]

Madison, NJ, March 25, 1919
My dear Mort,
I received a Tri-States paper confirming the report I saw in the NY Tribune last year that McKinley was killed in action.

The report is very well written and shows the interest the officers took in looking after their men. Their desire to afford all the information attainable under the circumstances most difficult and distress to their relations.

McKinley was your first born and the first of your little group to pass from your companionship, not by ordinary disease, but in the shock of battle, a struggle for home and country and God against the most uncalled for cruel diabolical of wars, the world has ever known…

I remember McKinley with pleasure. He was a bright and cheerful youth. We spent a good many pleasant hours at the checkerboard together. He could outplay me easily. His ready wit, keen and alert mind enabled him to see how he could move his checkers for my defeat. I was often overwhelmed as in certain moves he took man after man.

Had he lived, I have no doubt that he would have risen to a high position in his company. It was his ambition to do his best and so it was on that fatal day, with no fear for himself in the midst of the greatest danger, he jumped to the need of making the defense of his company more secure—he was determined to win…

My prayer is that the good Lord may bless and keep you all in his ways. Heaven is only a little way from the earth, and when the time comes for our removal, it will be but a step from this life to the better one on high.

With the wish that Raymond may soon be home and with best wishes for the dear old village of Eldred and its people, I am Yours truly, RB Collins

Culebra CZ, March 25, 1919
Dear Folks,
I left the hospital today. I was only in six days for a slight touch of malaria, but am ok now.
I got Bill’s letter. Many thanks for the money. It will come in very handy. Ten men left this company for home yesterday. We may leave April 3rd. I find that the allotment men have turned in their equipment again any how. I hope they are done fooling now and will get us off the zone shortly. I’ve had eight months of Panama and my stomachs full of it.

One of the letters I wrote to Mac Sept 12th at Balboa, came back to me marked:
“Returned to writer. Killed in action Oct. 23, 1918.” That’s just five months and two days ago…
Do you hear anymore about getting him home or about getting any of his personal effects? It will surely seem lonesome without him when I get home.

I hope I get out of here before anything comes of our trouble with Japan and I am more than ready to fight, but the idea of scraping in these jungles don’t suit me. It’s no place for a white man to die anyway.

So Mrs. Tuzza and Nettie are with you now? I am glad mother has company for I know how she must have felt all alone during the day. I have been busy continually, yet it bothers me all the time. I am with love to all, Raymond

Culebra, CZ, March 28, 1919
Dear Folks,
I received your more than welcome letters yesterday at mail call and am taking the first opportunity to answer.

I think at last the time is near when we sail for the good old US. The men with allotments have turned in all their equipment and are supposed to sail for New Orleans between March 3rd and 7th. Our destination is Camp Shelby, Mississippi, where we will be at least a month in quarantine. In all probability I’ll see you between May and July. Probably about the middle May.
Of course, all kinds of delays, etc., are likely to occur so I set July as a late date. Anyhow, I’ll have two service chevrons which is more than a good many will have.

If things keep up, I’ll probably be back in uniform before I have been a civilian life long some how I feel that we are near another big war…

Mrs. Tuzza’s fortune telling will ultimately come true, but she is looking quite a few weeks into the future. Time must pass however and I’ll be there someday and see old Sullivan co., and home again…

It comes out now that we were not supposed to come here, but were to go “over there.” to be trained and used to fill up the losses made in the fighting regiments.

New Orleans is the embarkation point for Panama and it was through a mistaken order that any Merritt men came here…

I got a letter from Uncle Ell and he said cousin Lilly never received any answer to the letter she wrote me. I worte to her last December. I am writing to her now, but if you see any of them, explain to them how some of our mail has been mixed up.

Of course none of us would ever want to use the insurance…I believe he wanted it used for the children’s education so it would be no more than proper to use the balance that way when they are old enough. It will take well over $1000 probably to bring him home.

One of my friends is going home on a furlough of 30 days and I told him to stop off and see you all on the way back. His name is Clinton E. Fields, I think I mentioned him to you before. He will be able to tell you a good many things about what has happened since I was in camp Merritt with him and I’ll be glad to see some one who has seen you all should I be here when he gets back which probably I won’t be.

Well, I will close now hoping you are all well as I am and will write soon. I am with much love to all, Raymond

Jersey City Heights, NJ, June 1, 1919
Dear Friend Mort,
Some train. I had to stand up half the way home…We got home safe…
When I got home my Brother Joe and Mrs. Beltram was there. They wanted to know how Eldred was. I told them it is fine, that htere isn’t anything better than country life. Now Mort, if there is anything that I can do for you, don’t be a bit backwards in telling me what it is. I am always ready for you and yours. Am getting sleepy will close for the present trusting you are all enjoying good health. Love to all from my fleet. As ever, Your true friend, Chas. Dassori

Rushville, NY, July 20, 1919
Dear Brother Mort,
I received your letter sometime ago and was glad to hear that Raymond got home. I wrote to Raymond two weeks ago, but am not sure that he received my letter, for Lillie doesn’t seem to recieve all of my letters. Lillie writes me she was at Liberty July 4 and Raymond carried the colors. You and Jennie must have been very glad to have Raymond home again. I suppose Will and the other children were happy to see Raymond.

(something about) the Rochester paper that Eckstein’s boarding house at White Lake has burned. Eckalem burnt out about 6 years ago at White Lake, but then he waited until the branding season was over.

Jennie and you must be very busy now with boarders. Think the farmers here are about 2/3 done haying and have about 1/8 of their wheat cut… Write whenever you get time. Love to all, El

Chicago, Illinois, August 30, 1919
Mr. C. M. Austin, Eldred
Dear Sir,
Received your letter sometime ago and must apologize for not answering sooner.
I have enclosed a complete history of the 11th Inf during the war.

Not being able to see you personally, when I came through Camp Meills, I will try to explain in writing how he was killed.

The Corporal of his squad being a casualty, made Austin as I knew him Squad leader and when we reached the hill which was Madelaine Farm, the German’s made it so hot for us we could not advance further, so I directed him to put his gun into action on the west of the hill. Then I went on seeing the other gun put into action which was even more perilous and came back., seeing him on the side of the hill I asked him if he had the gun in action. He said no, he came back for a shovel.

I paid no more attention to him then and went on to report to Capt. Dashielll who was killed later.

Looking around, I seen your son fall forward into the hole he was placing the gun in. Running over to him, I asked him where he was hit. He said stomach.

So I pulled him back off the crest of the hill, bandaged him and placed him in a hole and covered him up with blankets where he died a few hours later.

He was well liked and very popular among the men and among those few who lived a clean life while over there.

He was the best gunner we had in the Company and his loss meant much to those who had to depend on him to keep the German’s head down.

I will enclose names of men in my section who came back and you can find their addresses by writing to the Society of the Fifth Division, United States Army
Veterans of the World War, Washington DC
Yours very truly, John G. Popp
108 S. La Salle St., Chicago, Illinois
Siemanski; Hutchison—witness to his death
Fraley; Wendling—Naperville, IL, who was wounded getting Austin’s 1st aid pouch; Covey HIlton; Chapman; John G. Popp

East Northfield, Massachusetts, November 12, 1919
The Northfield Schools
Letter to Mr. C. M. Austin from Ambert Moody regarding a a resolution passed by the trustees regarding the 63 Mount Hermon men who gave their lives for their country.

East Northfield, Massachusetts, December 1, 1919
The Northfield Schools
Note to C. M. Austin regarding the letter grandpa had written on November 22 in which he enclosed a newspaper account of McKinley’s death on the battle field, from Ambert Moody, who was going to give the newspaper clipping to the Alumni Associations to keep on file.

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

Rossville, Georgia, Jan 22, 1918
Mr. Mortimer Austin, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Dear Friend:
I received your letter yesterday and was glad to hear from you…Your Brother of Eldred, NY told me about you and about you going to school at Mount Herman, Massachusetts, and about you going to the hospital twice.

How are you getting along with the mumps? I have had them…I will close, wishing to hear from you again this week. Yours truly, Bonnie Osburn

Flossie Fraser, Gainsboro, Saskatoon, Canada

Equality, IL, Jan 23, 1918
“Well, I am real sorry for your brother. Hope he will get in next time he tries. There was some boys down here tried to get in, but couldn’t so they came back to school and said they guess they could go to school and they are fine now, better than when they went to the station.

…I am glad you like your new life…I am glad you do not smoke as all boys do, almost all I know.

Talk about cold weather, the snow has been 24 inches deep. We have not seen the ground for four weeks…From your loving Friend, Miss Annie E. Heral
The reindeer love the mts., The rabbits love the hill
I like my soldier brother, God knows I always will.

Cleo Morris From Potterville, California

Beatrice Hauson From Keatchie, Louisiana

Peerless, Ind, January 24, 1918
…Your camp is located in a historic little place isn’t it? Just had the battle of Chicamauga for our history lesson a few days ago. So you are in quarantine for the mumps? I have had them and I don’t think they are anything pleasant. Ottie Godsey

Chickamauga Park, January 24, 1918
Dear Aunt,
We have had bad weather. It was warmer today and the mud is about up to my ankles. We are busy drilling now. There is nothing to tell you. We are not allowed to tell much anyway. There was a bit of verse on our bulletin board.

“Soldiers, beware, enemies ears are everywhere.
A wise old owl lived in an oak
The more he saw the less he spoke
The less he spoke, the more he heard, Soldier, imitate that bird.”

There is no need of worrying over me. We are getting good food and we have as good care as can be given us. I am feeling good and am getting fatter. You would be surprised to see me now.

Did you see the letter Raymond wrote about me to the Lone Scout? I met a fellow in Chickamauga who asked if I “knew Private Mortimer Austin, F Company, eleventh infantry.” I told him I did. He had seen that letter. He was a nice fellow, Well, goodby, Your nephew, McKinley

Crystal Falls, Michigan, January 28, 1918
Dear Friend “Mac”,
Received your welcome letter and although I have much studying to do…will take a little time to answer.

So, you are in quarantine for the mumps, eh? Many of the boys and girls in High School also have them, but I hope I do not get them, because then I would never get through with this semester’s work. As ever, Emily Neugebauer

Helen Hamilton Chicago, Ill
going to Columbia College

Katharyne Lancaster, Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Anne Alice Racene, Astoria, Oregon

Laura Watson, Winton, NC

Cates, Indiana, Feb 1, 1918
Mr. Mortimer M. Austin
Dear Friend:
I received your letter and was glad to hear from you…I expect you wonder where I found your address. I found it in the magazine “Lone Scout.” One of your brothers had written a letter to the magazine telling them about you. He seemed to be very proud of you. He signed his name, C. Raymond Austin. Your friend, Vera M. Allen

Mamie Henry, DeBeque, Colorado

Barryville Feb 12, 1918
Dear Mr. Austin,
Yours at hand and I am sorry to have made you so much bother over the 1.80 interest. I have a complete record of the 90.00. Note including payment of 50.00 and interest 1.80. I neglected to put down the page in index. We were looking at a record of the 1500 Mortgage on which the ? on note was not recorded. Thanks for the L. M. Vanness address, yours truly Gee Carmen

Anna Betsa, Lopez, PA, Feb 21, 1913
Dear Friend,
…I would like you to do me a favor. You wrote in the last letter that there is a Russian fellow in the same company with you. So one of my girl friends I told her about this Russian fellow, so she said so I would write to you So you would ask that fellow for his address and you can send it to me in the next letter and I will give it to her. She is my cousin…From your Friend Anna Betsa

Ila White, Durham, OK

February 21, 1918
Dear Friend McKinley,
I received your letter and was of course glad to receive it. I won’t write very much because I walked over to see Uncle Fred and Aunt Mary Myers today and am very tired.

…You heard that Earnest has been drafted? John Horton and Able Hulse are also drafted, I believe. There are quite a number to go from this town on the 23rd, but I don’t know yet who they are. I guess that Earnest’s folks are quite (what shall I say disturbed?) about Earnest’s going.

I saw Edith Seargent today and she said that they thought that you must have started for “Somewhere in France” because quite a little of your mail among other things a couple of registered letters had been returned to Eldred.

Of course, all that I know is what she said about it and how she found out I don’t know. I told her that you were still on this side and let it go at that, but thought you should know about it. I also heard that the company that Fred Straub is with will was to have started with that ship which was sunk, but was quarantined just before is started. Raymond Davis is in France, I believe.

You simply can’t imagine what you have missed by not being here this winter. They say that its the coldest winter ever remembered. Last week was rather warm though and the weather was very pleasant. But I haven’t been able to get to Eldred. I guess that Mr. and Mrs. Asendorf are in the south again this winter.

One day this week, one of Mr. Harry Dunlap’s oldest girls was stricken blind in school. They say that it is caused by a blood clot on the optic nerve and that is too far back in the head to operate. Is it not truly a dreadful thing?

Dad is reading a Johnny Chuck story and if I get some of it mixed up with this letter, well just lay it to my natural craziness.

I haven’t done anything very much this winter except get fat and I surely have done that. But just the same, I helped Dad with the wood last week. Men are very scarce and some of them don’t want much pay. Some of them $2.50 a day and they are just the ones who get to work about 9:30 and quit in time to get a little wood up for themselves.So to cut my long story short, mother and I helped. I didn’t do much except rake it up, but believe me, it made my muscles sore, but they soon got over that and am feeling fine as a fiddle.

Oh I heard the other day that Walter Toaspern (you know him do you not?) is at the same place (Waco, Texas) as my cousin Clifford Colville and he is also in the aviation corps. Is that not odd?

Well I am getting really dreadfully tired and so will have to say “Good-Night”. Write once in a while and let us know what you are doing and where you are. Do you have any idea of moving soon? Your friend, Ruth Colville

Eldred, NY., Monday Feb., 26, 1918
My dear McKinley:
At last I have gathered enough ambition to write, also, I begin too realize that Dad and I are growing old when the cold weather affects us as it has this winter, we were certainly glad to hear you were having good weather. It is beginning to be pretty decent here.

Raymond seems to write quite long letters to you, so I suppose he keeps you supplied with all the news. Clarence Wormuth is in France. Aunt Lottie and Christina had a card from him since he got there. They claim one of the McBride boys are there, too.

Did Raymond tell you that your Grandmother had been very sick? She was taken sick Christmas Day and is not able to go out yet. We all feel quite worried about her.

Aunt Lottie teaches at Barryville (at least four miles away) and walks home nearly every night, but that is not as bad as some of your walks. Can you cook yet and what (if you do)? Your time must be nearly all taken up with training etc., and that letter writing Raymond got you in. He certainly likes to write letters. I would laugh if he only got a letter shower from a lot of girls himself.

Where you are, is it part of Ft. Oglethorpe? Mr. Beck’s youngest son is at that Fort, the one that used to own the donkey.

About the insurance, I certainly appreciate your thoughtfulness and hope you will come safely home after this war is over and in a course of a few years take out an insurance policy in the name of Mrs. McKinley Austin. Dad is insured in the Maccabees and they gave him an insurance paper and we have it here. Do they manage with yours? I dare say it is a government affair.

Willie says you never answered his last letter. It might have miscarried somewhere, so when you answer this, write to him and I will understand that it is an answer to this. It seems to be so laborious for Willie to write a letter. I know they are not breezy like Raymonds. This letter is for Dad too. He says sometime he will get started and write such a long letter that it will take you until the end of the war to read it. Well goodnight. Love from all, Mother

Chattanooga, Tenn, March 14, 1918
Dear father,
I got here all right. The train was late into Jersey City and I missed my train. I was 14 hours late, but as I got the conductor to sign a paper telling the reason, I think it will be all O. K. Well I will write soon. Tell Aunt Aida that I am here all right. With love to all the family. Your son, McKinley

Jersey City Heights, NJ, March 21st, 1918
Dear Friend Mort,
Don’t you think it’s about time I answered your last letter? Really I’ve had my hands so full I didn’t know where I was standing. But some Saturday of next month April, I would like to take a trip up there and stop over until Sunday evening with you, with my little girl if you’ll have room for us.

I would like to see the man together with you about renting a house for the summer months for my family. I’ve had Edna sick with Diphtheria a few weeks. Thank God everything came around nicely and she is doing fine.

Say Mort, I am at the same old thing again, and that’s of going south. I was thinking of going there while the family is up in Eldred if I can get hold of a place for them. I have an offer from Savannah, Georgia with the Sea Board Air line RR for the first of May. I am going to make the trip this season either to Savannah, GA or to Jacksonvlle, Florida, whichever place I like best and can get employment there. I’m going to rent a small farm and go into the poultry and hog raising on a small scale for a starter. It would be a good idea for two of us Mort. What say you? Will close for the present,
Hoping to hear from you soon. Love to all from us all. As ever your true friend, Chas s. Dassori

Maria Myers Leavenworth Died March 25, 1918
Maria was grandma Jennie’s mother, and therefore my great grandmother.

Chattanooga, Tenn, March 31, 1918
Dear Aunt,
I was very glad to get those pictures they were real good…We are having fine weather here now.

I did not send anymore this month because I owed some and there are some things that I want to buy to take across with me. But I expect to have a good deal to send back next month.

My corporal is attending sniper’s school and I have had to lead the squad. I don’t like it very much. I am expecting to be transferred to the Machine gun company. I would rather stay with F. company, but I have noticed that a good many things that have happened to me lately, really unimportant themselves, have resulted in advantage to me. And while I am not superstitious, I think it best not to try to change that everything is coming for the best.

Perhaps you understand what I mean? I suppose I could get another man sent in my place, but I think whatever happens is for the best. Your nephew McKinley

Riegelsville, NJ, May 10th, 1918
Mr. C. M. Austin, Eldred, NY
Dear Sir:
In the past three months have lost two hands out of five because of the draft. I have your letter of Dec. 18th before me and after reading same, it occurred to me that the position as herdsman might interest you. I know that you have boys 15 and 17 years of age. Could use the boys to advantage through the summer months and give them work in mill during winter. The position pays $50 per month, house rent, garden, potatoes, table fruit and milk.
If interested wire at my expense when you will be at liberty. Yours truly, Geo L. Bidwell

May 18, 1918, Middletown, NY
Dear Pa, Ma and brother and sister,
I am still in Middle town. But as we expect to leave early Monday morning for Ft. Slocum, and I may not have a chance to write soon again. The recruits got tickets or a pass at a hotel for a free night’s lodging and a ticket that gets them a 50 cent meal at the French restaurant.

They surely use us great. The officers are civil and ready to talk to a certain extent. There are two other recruits here besides me. It costs $2.50 per head a day to keep us here the way the gobernment does. $1.50 for meals and $1.00 for lodging.
Well I hope you are all well as I am for I am sure enjoying myself. With love to all, Raymond

Raymond enlisted May 20, 1918.

Base Hospital, Camp Merritt, NJ, June 16, 1918
Dear brother William,
I didn’t get any letters yet, however I am writing to tell you I am on the (convalesecant) list. (excuse the spelling). I haven’t felt hardly at all, but I was broke out something awful and I guess I fooled the doctors.

They use us great here, ice cream every day for dinner; toast and eggs, cornflakes and cocoa for breakfast, or shredded wheat, pettijohn or grape nuts.
There are about 30 beds in this ward and about two thirds as many patients…

Camp Merritt Hospital ranks up welll among those in the US. There must be 2000 cases altogether and I have heard rumors of on four deaths. I hear that sometimes for three weeks at a stretch there are no deaths at all.

I hope that father will be all right when this reaches you. Tell him to look for me home early next month if I am still here. Sometime ago, ma said you expected boarders shortly. Who are they?

We will probably stay at Camp Merritt till July 15, as I haer that they haven’t got an extra transport on hand. If my company goes and leaves me in the hospital, I am going to transfer to an overseas company if possible. Raymond

Camp Merritt, NJ, June 17
Dear Father and Mother,
I received the letter addressed to the Base Hospital today…They let me up today and I am feeling fine. I have inspected the whole ward and then bean this letter.

I wish you would send me a bundle of “Lone Scouts” and Christian Advocates” as I am allowed to read now. I will probably be here till July first, so don’t worry about me taking pneumonia.

…ice cream every day for dinner. Today we had creamed chipped beef macaroni and tomato sauce, baked potatoes, bread, butter, and cofee or milk.
For breakfast we had toast, boiled eggs, cocoa and corn flakes.

Macs letter is with the rest of my stuff being fumigated…Well it’s supper time, so will close. Write soon. I am with love your son, Raymond

Camp Merritt, NJ, June 21, 1918
Dear Father,
…I am very glad you are better now. Mother told me you didn’t feel good, but she didn’t mention the doctor giving you medicine. However it is just as well she didn’t, or all is good that ends well.

I hope Willie will like his job on the hill and if he don’t work under Kinney, I believe he will be all right.

Mrs. O Brien, Joe Hayden and his mother came up to see me yesterday, but they couldn’t git in as the measles ward is always under quarrantine. They sent me a note by a dispatcher telling me to write her at her home address at Brooklyn.

I may leave the hospital tomorrow. But I am in no hurry to. They use us too good here for me to be anxious to leave soon….

Well, write soon and give my love to all the folks. Hoping you ar eall well. I am your loving Son, Pvt. Chas. R. Austin

11 US Inf., APO 728, June 27, 1918
Dear Mother,
Just a few lines to let you know I am all right. I have been to the trenches and like them better than drilling. It was bad when it rained, but on good days, I like it.

The Germans shelled us once or twice but the more I see of artillery bombardment, the less I am afraid of it. The trench rats scared me a couple of times when I was on guard. When they run around, they make a lot of noise and I thought once that it was a German in the next bay when it was only a rat.

Did Raymond ever join? I think it will do him good. I wish you would send me the address of the Eldred boys who are in the army. Well I guess I will close hoping you are well. I am Your loving son, McKinley M. M. Austin, Private, Machine Gun Co.

Camp Merritt, NJ, Jun 30, 1918
Dear Father, Mother, Bros and Sister,
There’s some mistake. We didn’t leave this morning and probably will not go till Wednesday, maybe not then…

When I go to Panama, it will probably be nearly a month before you hear from me as it takes nine days to go down and probably more. It will likely be two weeks before I can get assigned to a regiment so as I can give you an address.

However, I’ll write you at the first opportunity. Don’t worry if you don’t hear from me for if anything happens to me, the government will send a telegram something like this: “Soldier 377340 has been wounded” or “Killed” or “ is “missing” whatever the trouble is. If I am hurt, I will be classed as wounded or if I die of disease, I’ll be classed as killed.

{Some insurance info, then], If you think it necessary, tell them my age which was 18 years on May 6, 1918, don’t forget that the penalty for enlisting under age is 6 months at hard labor and a dishonorable discharge from the service. However I don’t consider it necessary to tell them my age…When I get to Panama, I’ll send you my company and regimental address, also my number if they change it…Have I ever had any broken bones or serious illness— no.

Tuesday we hiked to the Hudson River. We went down the side of the Palisades on a narrow path four abreast for a mile. The road was almost straight up and down and it double back and forth three times to the hundred yards.

The Palisades are brown rock and run almost straight up and down at one place. I saw them I think they are 200 feet high. the river there is about three quarters of a mile wide We saw two transports at anchor farther down…

When we left camp for the hike, we had seventy men and three officers. We came back with forty men and two officers in the ranks. The rest were straggling along in the rear.

Yesterday they sent us out into the country in an auto truck to get sod. We got two loads of sod and we got a ride through a little village. We crossed a railroad at least every mile. The gardens here are growing fine.

Most of the roads are macadam, but on our hike we went over some cobblestones that nearly broke some fellow’s ankles. On the way back, we made a forced march and every once in a while, someone would drop out the hike was nine miles. Five of which we made at forced march. With love to all, Raymond

Camp Merritt, July 4 1918
Mountain Grove House heading
Dear Folks,
I expect to leave here tomorrow morning at 2 am. I don’t think they are bluffing now, for we can’t leave the company street, so I will mail this letters. I’ll
have to sneak out of here to do it.

Sunday had a nine hour pass to Patterson NJ. Our expenses were all paid for and we went out in private autos. The YMCA gave usa supper which I surely enjoyed.

Well, don’t worry if you don’t hear from me ofr two or three weeks. I was glad to get the package, but no letter direct from home has reached me…Will write as soon as possible with love to all, Raymond

11 US Inf., APO 728, July 7, 1918
Dear Mother,
I got your letters all right. And I got one from Raymond. He was still at Camp Merritt. If he goes to Panama, he may see George Sidwell, if George is still there.

It must be hard for you to see us go, but you have been very brave. If all the mothers in America were like you, there would not have been a need for a draft. I think the reason we boys, who are no braver than the average, were so quick to go, was that we have always been taught that we have a duty to our country. Some seem to think that their country should protect them, but shouldn’t call on them to help.

I am getting along well. We have been lucky so far. This is a fine place for a summer home, but we have some bad neighbors. Give my regards to all. Tell Aunt Aida I will answer her soon. But it is hard to get time. I have several letters now. Hoping to hear from you soon, I am Your loving son, McKinley

July 27, 1918
Dear Aunt,
I have started to write to you several times, but something always bothered. I have been busy, so would only write one letter to the folks and expect they tell you what I write.

I have been so busy lately, or so lazy that I have not written lately. But I thought you might worry…I got the pictures all right. They were good.

You wanted to know about this country. There are some of the prettiest places here I have ever seen, but I prefer Sullivan County. I have seen pictures home that look just like the country here.

How is everything in Eldred? I suppose nearly everyone of the boys have either gone or expect to go soon. I can’t think of anything much to write, so I will close. Your loving nephew, McKinley

Culebra, Panama Canal Zone, Ancon Hospital Panama, July 27, 1918
Dear Folks,
I arrived at Colon Panama. OK, only I was just recovering from the mumps which I took on ship board. I also got seasick from being confined in the ship’s hospital and I couldn’t eat much. My stomach was all upset and nothing looked good to me. But I hadn’t been on land half an hour before I was as hungry as a bear. Don’t worry about me, as I am going to join my company tomorrow (Sunday) so the lieutenant who is the surgeon tells me.

Well I’ll try to tell you about my trip in the order that things happened. We got up at 2 o’clock in the morning on July 5. We ate breakfast at about 3. But it was nearly 6 before we marched out of camp Merritt. We entrained at Dumont for Hoboken which we reached at about 10:30.

We surely looked good with our rolls slung over our shoulders. We marched through Hoboken to the docks where the red cross gave us a cup of coffee and a sandwich. By 12 we were all on the “Killpatrick” and at 1:10 we began to move. that might at about 7 or 8 o’clock, we saw seven small whales. The food we got to eat during the whole voyage was the worst I ever tasted.

We saw porpoises almost every evening. ON the third night we saw the glow from the lights at Newport News, VA, and we saw the light from a search light nearly a30 miles away. We saw land for the first time on the fourth day when we passed Palm Beach, Florida.

The next day, I went to the ship’s hospital which was a disgrace to the US Navy. There were only five pair of slippers for 16 men. The food was almost unedible and anyone who was seriously sick would have surely died. They were all men and only one fellow took any interest in the sick men. The average medical man was a good for nothing bum before the war in my opinion, although some of them are real fine fellows who try to be of some good.

Through the portholes I saw several very mountainous islands. We also passed the north eastern coasts of Cuba. We ran into San Juan, Porto Rica on the tenth day. I could see the crowds through the portholes. Everyone wears a straw hat there. All the soldiers who were well went ashore on a hike and got some fruit and coconuts. We didn’t get any, although one of the medical men paraded around the hospital eating fruit.

On the 18th of July, we left San Juan. We came through the Carribean Sea and it was surely rough. On the 20th the hospital got so crowded that I and some others were moved out on the deck. That night for supper, I ate my first meal since going to the hospital. The next night it rained and our bed and blankets got wet and stayed that way ‘til we landed at Colon, Panama, on July 23.

They took us off the boat in the afternoon. I walked, but some had to be carried on stretchers. By the time I got on the train, I was feeling as well as ever. There are surely a lot of railroads here. We came from Colon to Ancon, 57 miles in about one and a half hours. the railroads run on embankments raised out of the swamps in many places. On both sides there was nothing but water with the stumps of trees standing about it. Here and there an island of two to five acres raised 15 or 20 feet above the water. It is on these that the natives have their farms.

At Ancon, I helped unload the men who were on stretchers from the train and put them in ambulances. Then I climbed on the back of an ambulance and rode up to the hospital…With love to all, Raymond

Camp Gaillard, Panama Canal zone, August 3, 1918
Dear folks,
I came out of the Ancon hopsital OK except for my uniform which got filthy dirty from being kicked about in the ship’s hospital. Three other men came out with me. One had no hat, leggins, or socks, and his pants were about six inches too short. His beard was about half an inch long and was red at that He had brought a blanket to Ancon with him, so of course, he had to carry it on his arm. The other two had all their uniform, but they were all smeared with tar and grease from the ship.

We left the hospital about noon. I never felt so cheap in all my life as I did when I got out on the street in my dirty clothes and with out my leggins…
Aug. 4: I write my letters on different dates as I am continually being interrupted.

This is the wet season down here. It rains some every day and the roads are all sticky and slippery. I have heard old veterans speak of Virginia mud…But Panama mud is a reality to me now in fact, big clods of it are sticking to my shoes now.

We are quartered in tents now which reminds me of Ft. Slocum. But our food is ten times better. We have to eat outside and today we ate in the rain. Nevertheless, I got enough. Something has given me an awful appetite and I will soon gain back what I lost on the “Killpatrick”.

I haven’t had any letters from you since the 27th of June and I am beginning to be quite worried…

Have you heard from Mac yet? I wish you would send me a bundle of “Democrats” rural New Yorkers, “Farm and homes” and “Christian Advocates” and any other papers except “Lone Scout”. Save them ‘til I come home…

While I was in the hospital someone stole a pair of pants and a suit of underwear off me. Some of the fellows lost their blankets or mess kits, so I was comparatively lucky.

Has any one else volunteered since I left? What kind of crops have we this year?…I’m going to write grandfather (Sherman S. Leavenworth who was in the Civil War) as soon as I can “afford” it. With love to all, Raymond, 33rd US Inf.

August 9, 1918
Dear Mother,
I hope you will pardon me for not writing sooner. But when I had paper, I did not have time and when I had time, I could not get paper.
Have you heard from Raymond lately? I have had one letter from him.

I don’t suppose there are so many city boarders up this year. Aunt Aida sent me a couple of pictures of the children saluting. They certainly looked comical, especially Robbie. Is Willie still working at Proctor’s?

In the last letter I got from you, you said that Miss Ferguson was inquiring for my address. I have not heard her yet, and I am beginning to hope that she has lost it.

Tell Grandfather that I will write him sometime. When I get back home, we will have some time swapping war stories. Raymond will talk for a week steady when he gets back.

I am getting along well. Except in a big drive there is not much danger, so you need not worry about me. Well, I will close. Give my love to all. Your loving son, Mac

Edred, NY, August 11, 1918
Dear Nephew,
The letter I commenced to you the forepart of last week, I did not get finished until the last of the week, but as I have planned to send you a letter every Monday, I will write you a few lines tonight so as to send it off in the morning.

I have just answered Mrs. Carlin’s letter. She is at Long Beach with her cousin. Will be there until September. Fred Morgan is home for a few days. I have not seen him. I think I told you in one of my letters, that George Sidwell is at one of the camps in one of the southern states. He is attending some kind of a school. His father was telling your dad that at Panama they wanted George to drill for an officer, but George didn’t want to be an officer. It is quite comical to hear about the different fellows from this place being officers…

The Congregational Church had their fair last Thursday and Friday and took in a little over 300 dollars the first day. I did not hear how much they took in the second day. I don’t know when the Methodists have their fair.

Dr. Austin and Joe Ayres came up yesterday in Joe’s car, but went back today. We have been having some fearfully hot weather, but it is cooler now again. I hope you haven’t had such hot weather over there.

I will close as I want to write to cousin Tina tonight. She has married a rich rancher and lives in Montana. She sent me a souvenir of Montana. One of the scenes is of the Custer Battlefield as it is today.

Be sure and send my letters to Barryville, NY box 26…Hoping to hear from you soon. Your loving aunt, Aida

Camp Gaillard, Crulebra, CZ, August 12, 1918
Dear Brother,
…It is quite warm here, but no more so than it is in New York during August. I suppose you have heard from Mac again. I wrote him a letter day before yesterday. It will probably be two months before I get an answer.

Has anyone else from Eldred enlisted? Also has any news been heard from Fred Straub, George Dunlap or any of the fellows who went over?

I suppose by the time this reaches you, Mrs. Luzza and the others will be thinking of going home. Give all the people my best regards and tell them I am glad I joined the army although I am not a crack Soldier…

We drill a couple hours every day. I am no expert at drilling, but I like it very well. We have half an hours exercise every morning which I don’t like so well. But it’s got to be done, so I do my best, which is none too good…hoping that all of you are well and will wirte soon, I am your brother, Raymond

Camp Gaillard, Culebra CZ, August 16, 1918
Dear Folks,
I just received two letters from Willie and one from Mother. I also received letters from four Lone Scouts who read some articles I wrote for our paper. They are from Wisconsin, Kentucky, New Jersey and south Carolina. I’ll probably have more letters soon.

…I’ll have $7.60 left. That’s enough to buy stamps writing paper, and bananas with and that’s about all I can buy here anyhow.

We had a nice little hike this morning. We were over to the canal. From where we were, there was a good view of Culebra cut form the south side. the water in the canal is very muddy. We saw a dredge at work removing the dirt that works up from the canal bottom. After one of the officers explained a good deal about machinery that operates the “little ditch”.

We have signed the pay roll twice and I expect to hear the old bugle say “pay day.” “pay day” almost any morning. The money and the stamps came together (thanks for them). The stamps are worthless here anyhow. They were stuck tight to the letter…don’t risk any of Ma’s letters until I am assigned…

How is grandfather getting along this summer? and have you heard from Uncle El lately? With love to all, Raymond

Eldred August 19, 1918
Dear McKinley,
We have been having a few cold days and it seems good after the terribly hot weather we had…Doctor Austin didn’t get up Saturday, but is coming Tuesday and will stay a week this time.

Tommie Collins is getting around again, but of course has to use his crutches. I think I told you about his falling from an automobile and breaking his ankle just before Robbie Croft was called to the army.

Your dad’s and Uncle Lon’s buckwheat looks fine. Uncle Lon talks of getting a small mill so that he can grind his own grain this year. He had a fine piece of wheat, or did have. He gathered it last week. He has a yearling that he is going to put into beef this fall, so with our wheat and buckwheat, meat and vegetables, and fruit that I am putting up, our living won’t cost so very much and we will be able to save quite a little toward a payment on the place. I am going to put up some plums and crabapples this week.

The only thing lacking is the chickens. Lon doesn’t seem to want to bother with them. But the doctor’s wife and I both want chickens. We two are planning on the quiet about them, for I am sure I could make them pay, and I think you will find a fine flock of chickens on the place when you get back.
I see by the papers the government is going to make some provision with regard to the education of the boys under twenty-one when the war is over. So perhaps you will be able to go through Cornell before you settle down as a farmer. I do hope you can for it will mean so much to you later in life.

Sunday slipped by again without my writing to you. Dr. Austin was in quite a while in the morning and Ell came up in the afternoon and stayed to tea…your folks were going to take Ell out home…They were going to get Bert Eldred to take him then, but his automobile broke down on his way back from Lackawaxen, and they couldn’t go…

Ell expects to go down to Virginia to work this winter. He told Dr. Austin he would buy this place of him if he was able. But he said, “I suppose that would take a good lot of money.”

The Doctor said, “Not such a great deal.” This is the only hint we have had with regard to what the doctor would ask for the place. Although we have had quite a few talks with the doctor about the place, we have never asked him anything aobut what he wanted for it.

We thought we better wait until we were ready to make a payment. He says they don’t want to sell the house and yard, but will make arrangements so that you will have that and too when they are through with it.

Your dad says Ell took your address and Raymond’s and said he was going to write to you both. He liked the largest picture of yours the best…With love from all, Aunt Aida

Company M. 33rd US Inf., Pier 18, Balboa CZ, Sept 9, 1918
Dear Father,
I received your letter while I was still at Culebra…We are quartered on the pier, so we see practically everything that goes on. There was a big Japanese vessel here bounding for Chile with about 500 Japanese, Chinese, and Korean emigrants on board. I have several pieces of Chinese and Jap and Australian money I will send home when I have a chance. I will also send some photographs if they will let me.

Sept. 11: …The money order came yesterday. Thank you ever so much for it. I have not had a chance to cash it yet, but expect a pass around Saturday or Sunday and will do it then.

I have been permanently assigned to company “m” so my address will be sure from now on. I wish you would send the pictures now and also Mac’s letters. I have almost expected one from him myself. It would seem good to read some of his letters just now.

I am on guard today and was just relieved a few moments ago. I am watching the electric station this time. My orders on this post are, “To allow no one to pass with out a check. To arrest all suspicious persons and to examine all packages.”

What did Uncle El say about my enlisting? Did he think I did wrong?

…They are using us fine here and any one who knows enough to obey orders will not get in any serious trouble. I ran across one over bearing sergeant at Ft. Slocum and that’s about all…It is getting warmer here and believe me it takes lots of ice cream and soda to keep me comfortably cool.

So some of the people would like to see me? What does Uncle Lon and his consort say now?

…When I think of the four long years that grandfather fought through and of your cousins and Mother’s uncles who never came home, it would be a disgrace to the whole family if I should want to quit now…don’t worry, for if anything happens, I tell you the truth, and conceal nothing. With love to all, Your son, Raymond

Pier 18, Balboa, Panama Canal Zone, Sept 19, 1918
Dear Mother,
The papers and magazines you sent me arrived tonight…As I am doing guard duty quite often now, I wish you would please excuse the interval between and also the briefness of my letters…Hoping you, father , bill and the kids are as well as I am. Your loving son, Raymond

Pier 18, Balboa CZ, Sept 19, 1918
Dear Brother,
…I haven’t seen much here to write about that would pass the censor, so don’t think I am forgetting you because my letters are short.
I broke my rifle yesterday and I guess that’s the climax to my “hoodoo” streak of luck. Everything has gone smoothly since that and I am picking up confidence again.

Believe me, it’s hot down here. They tell me the sun here drives some men crazy, especially weak minded ones. I suppose that you all will have serious apprehensions for me after hearing this. Howsomeever, I believe I’ll get back as sane as I left. thought that may not be saying much.

So Proctor won’t raise the men’s wages? He’s sure generous.? Always was that way anyhow.

We had a tug of war yesterday between the front and rear ranks. It was exciting sport while it lasted, even if we were out pulled in the end. Your brother, Ramond

11 US Inf. APO 728, September 19, 1918
Dear Mother,
I was glad to hear from you. I have been busy lately and have not written as I should I am well and feel as if I will be lucky.

I only wish that I could tell you more about where I have been during the past couple of weeks. You would blame me for not writing more. I certainly thought enough about you when I was laying in a shell hole with the German shells throwing dirt and tones all over me.

I don’t think much of the Bacre? either as a fighter or a gentleman. They are tricky fighters without much idea of honor. Their artillery and machine guns are fair, but their infantry is not much good. It may be I have not seen their good troops yet, but I think we can lick them anytime we have half a chance.

I got a letter from Raymond, a few days ago. He seems quite well satisfied. I think both of us will be more contented with home when we get back.

We are not allowed to get parcels without having permission from some officers and I don’t know as I need anything much now anyway.

It is surprising just how little a person really needs. I hope George Dunlap was not badly wounded. Well, I will close with love. Your son, McKinley

11 US Inf AEF, Sept. 22, 1918 (received Oct 23)
Dear Aunt,
I am writing to let you know I am well. So far I have received all your letters. They did not come in rotation for I got your fourth, 3 days after your sixth.
I have not written as I should because we have been busy and when I get a while off, I like to rest…

I got the pictures all right. If you see Lena, tell her I got her letter and wrote once from over here. Her picture is not as good looking as she is but, I knew who it was.

I am glad to hear you are getting along so well on the farm. Next year I may be home to help, of course we can’t be sure. If it is possible to get the land? castle place, do so.

When I come back, I will have a couple of hundred dollars or more to help with. I think that I will be lucky here. I have been so far.
Well, give my love to all, Your nephew, McKinley

Mountain Grove House, Eldred, Tuesday, Sep. 25, 1918
Grandpa Mort is on jury duty
To: Mr. C M Austin, c/o Mrs. Fowler
Monticello, New York
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. It will certainly be good for I have no chance to be bad. Take good care of yourself with lots of love, Jennie

Pier 18, Balboa CZ, September 27, 1918
Dear Father,
I received your letter yesterday. I was delighted with the pictures. The children have not changed so much after all. Although Bob seems bigger to me. Did you send Mac any pictures?

So you will be glad when the last battle is fought. I think we all will be. I don’t like to discourage you, but I feel we will see quite a while of it yet. Our loss to date has been about 25,000 men, so you see we haven’t fought a single big battle yet and I feel sure there are some big fights in store for us yet. We’ll win though, cost what it may.

Tell Bill not to enlist until he is at least 17 years old, unless we should get hard up for men, and I don’t believe we will. There are enough between 18 and 40 to do up this job good and proper.

As I say every time, there is nothing much worth writing that would pass the censor.

I am glad you are sending the papers every week. I sure do enjoy reading them. Bye the way, if you can get any books on military drill, tactics, etc., send them to me. I think you could get them in any city like Port Jervis at a bookstore.

…hoping you and the rest are all well and happy as I am. If you have any to spare, please send more pictures. With love to all, Raymond

11 US Inf. APO 728, Sep 28, 1918
To Miss Lena Hill
Dear Lena,
Did you get the other letter I wrote? It was so long ago I forgot when. I got a letter from you that you wrote just after I left the states. I got your picture from my aunt. It was good, but you are much better looking than the picture.

Well, How is everything in Eldred now? I hope to be back there by this time next year or sooner. It is now about 14 months since I enlisted in the army and I will be glad when the war is over. We are doing our best to get it over soon, too. The allies are winning everywhere now, and America is doing her share. I heard from my brother Raymond. He is in Panama now. He seems to like the army pretty well.

I guess I will close now. Write soon. Hoping you are well. I am. Your friend, McKinley, M.M. Austin

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

Jersey City Heights, NJ, June 5, 1917
Dear friend Mort,
Hello Mort and co! How is things? It’s a long time since we have seen each other last. Isn’t it a shame this dreadful war is being carried on. Everything is going up. Gussie [his wife] said it is just awful the way the prices of eatables and etc. is going up.

Well, at any rate, I (with the Almighty’s grace) expect a newcomer in the early part of August sometime. Let em come and the more the merrier.

Say Mort, there is a young friend of ours who would like to go away this summer with her niece (9 years) old and we suggested your place. I told her we don’t know but I would write and find out. She is a good soul. She would like to go away for the last two weeks in July. If you are taking boarders Mort, do you think you could take her and her 9 year old niece for the last two weeks in July?

I am back at it again Mort…I am thinking seriously of going to Florida this coming fall. I have already corresponded with one of the railroads for a freight checking position which I am now doing…I am very anxious to get away from this climate and its winters…With love to all from us all, As ever, your true friend, Chas. S.Dassori

Postcard July 1917
I have been accepted and am at Ft. Slocum. Your son, McKinley.

Jersey City Heights, NJ, July 31, 1917
Dear Friend Mort,
…Say, I had a good hearty laugh over that parcel your wife sent me by Mrs. Beltrame. It was a pipper. The picklet I put it in a barrel and it’s half ripe already. The onions are devoured also.

I took the parcel along with me last Sunday (just as you sent it) over to the hospital where Gussie is and let her open it; well we had some laugh over it. Mrs. Beltrame was with me at the time. I’ve got another (stem winder) I mean a boy Mort, so that makes it four boys and one girl.

Mort, I was to have my vacation starting August 6, but I phoned in to the boss and explained matters and things was arranged for me to have it now. So you see I am now a he she or two in one. Chief cook and bottle washer and dish slinger. Just as soon as things is in running order again, I’ll do my utmost to call on you over some Sunday. Gussie wishes to be remembered to all.

Say Mort, shall we charter Pullman cars when we go west; or shall we cut down expenses and ask for cut rates on freight cars. We could up a stove in one of them and cut a hole in the roof for a pipe…Many thanks again for the parcel. As ever your true friend, Chas Dassori

Chickamauga, Aug 4, 1917
Dear Aunt,
I am here and like it better than at Fort Slocum. We get better food and the officers seem better, though we had a fine sergeant there. It took over 34 hours to come here, counting from the time we left the barracks at Ft. Slocum, till we got here.

If I am lucky, and come back, I wouldn’t miss this for five thousand dollars. The trip down to here was worth a year of a man’s life. I’ll never forget it. I am sure….For the present, my address is: Mortimer Austin, 11 US Inf, F Company, Military branch, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Your nephew, McKinley (They put me down by my first name here.)

August 4, 1917
To all the family, relations and friends, I am very well and certainly like this place.

We left Port Jervis on the morning train instead of the 12:15…of the fifteen applicants, only two, Al Delaney and I went. We were examined at Poughkeepsie and a bunch of us, 13 in all, were sent to Ft. Slocum. We got there late at night.

Sunday we were examined again and four were sent back. Also we were vaccinated and inoculated for typhoid. My vaccination didn’t take, but the inoculation did. Monday we got our uniforms and were assigned to our squads. Tuesday afternoon, we were told to get ready to go South. And we were examined again.

About 7:30, we left our barracks, turned in our blankets and marched to the parade ground. The commander inspected us. Then we were sent aboard a ship and sent down the East River. All the way down, everybody on shore was waving. Every boat was saluting and the factor whistles were blowing. The Battery was crowded with people cheering, waving and throwing their hats in the air.

I saw the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and other noted places. They shipped us from Jersey City, through on a special train. We were well received everywhere. As we went through the towns, we would sing and cheer and wave to the crowd. My throat and arms got tired, but I never had so much fun before in my life. We certainly got some welcome.

In one East Tennessee town there was a little girl about eight years old holding a baby about the size of Robbie standing by the track and waving to us. The country through east Tennessee is very beautiful and so are the girls. The ladies of this region are very good looking and nice acting girls. They have a ladylike way that a good many of the northern girls, especially those from the city, have not. And they dress properly for which I think counts a good deal toward making a lady. Of course, I may have only seen the best sort of them, and may later see the short skirted loud mouthed, painted over dressed female that we see too much of in our cities.

Give my regard to all our town and soon I will begin writing to my friends up there. from Mac, otherwise, Mortimer Austin…

August 12, 1917
Dear Ma,
I have not got any letters yet, but I suppose everyone is well. The army is no picnic, but it is not so very bad. They say our lunch is to be assigned to the machine guns…I was vaccinated the second time and it is coming on pretty good. I was down to the station where they were unloading watermelons and a man dropped one of the melons on my sore arm.

Most of the officers are good, but there are two I don’t like. One is a sergeant who thinks that hollering is the only way to learn a man. The other is a conceited kid corporal. Jimmy Sullivan says he would like to meet them again when the war is over. Sullivan is an Irish sailor. He had been in the merchant marine and has been through the danger zone lots of times without seeing any U boats. His boat helped pick up survivors from other ships three times. He says every port in France is full of German prisoners. He says that there are no soldiers in Europe that can match the British in bayonet fighting. I thought the French were better, but I have heard a good many say not.

Just got your letter (double underlined). Give my love to the family. from your son, McKinley

682–60 St., Brooklyn, ? year
Dear friend McKinley,
I got your card and also a letter from Aunt Aida. It was some surprise to us as I thought you weren’t old enough. It seems only a short time since you were quite small. I hope you enjoy the life and that it agrees with you and that you get to be a healthy robust man as it is great outdoor live.

I have some friends away like you and they all like it real well and they tell me they are treated grand and that there health improved so I hope and pray to God that the war will be over before they will have to send any more of our Americans.

Aunt Aida and Uncle Lon must have felt awful at you going away from them as they were so used to having you with them and also your parents and the family. But I hope you nor any more of the boys won’t have to.

Take care of your health and be a good boy and let us hear from you when you get a chance as we all join in sending our best wishes to you and hopes God will save you and all our Americans…Hoping to hear form you soon, Mr. and Mrs. and Estelle Carlin

Barryville, Sept 10, 1917
Dear M. Austin,
Enclosing check 49.52 and money order 2.28 to apply on Note dated May 3/17 from month amount 9000 as follows on Principal 50.00
Interest 1.80
balance due on note 40.00
Think you have done very well. This is war times you know. It will be all right to pay the balance next month. Yours Truly, Geo Carner

August 24, 1917
Dear brother,
How are you? I am getting along well now. I did have a very sore arm, but it is a good deal better now. We have bayonet drill now and rifle practice. Our captain showed us some trenches modeled after the best and newest types and gave us a talk about transverses, parapets, etc. and their uses. Our lunch is in with the regulars now…

September 5, 1917
Dear Father,
We had a holiday today as this is the day when the drafted men were called. There was a big parade in Chattanooga. My company was not in it fortunately and I had a day off. I watched the men march down Market St. They took about three quarters of an hour passing. The drafted men marched behind the soldiers. There were a number of Civil War veterans in the parade wearing their old uniforms of blue or gray.

I bet the drafted men will be sick of war soon. We got some hard drill at first, but I don’t think it was anything to what the conscripts get. Some of our non commissioned officers were transferred to train the National army as the conscripts are called, and from the way most of the regulars fee and speak of the “d—-slackers” they won’t be shown as much consideration as we were.

Some of our men got awful lectures at first and the NC officers say that a man that has to be made to fight, doesn’t deserve to be shown the patience a volunteer deserves. I don’t mean they will be ill treated because of the rules in the discipline that forbid striking a man and all that. But they will probably get some savage calling downs and be reminded they were forced to fight for their country.

At noon a couple of the boys and I were down on Market St. I was just going to look for a restaurant when a fellow came up to us and said. “Boys, there’s a lunch for you soldiers at the courthouse.” The lunch was served by the “Daughters of the Confederacy” and they sure treated us fine. They seemed to be afraid we won’t get enough to eat and they kept urging us to eat some more. One of the fellows with me, tormented the other by making out that the other wanted more to eat and the poor guy was as full as he could be. The first fellow would say, “Shorty wants some more cake.” Then a girl would come over with a plate of cake and offer it to “Shorty” who would protest that he didn’t want any more. The girl would think he was bashful and insist on his taking it while we enjoyed ourselves immensely.

We made out that “Shorty” was the big eater of our company, but that he was bashful out among company. So the ladies tried to feed him all the more. When he got outside he gave us a calling down.

One of the old ladies told us that she had seen both armies in the Civil War and the men in camp in 1898, but that the lads in camp now were the best behaved soldiers she had ever seen. Good bye and best wishes from your son, McKinley

September 3, 1917
Dear Mortimer and Jennie,
We would be very glad to have a visit with you before we return. Will you give us the pleasure of your company with us at dinner on Sunday Sep. 9th at one o’clock that we may all keep the Lord’s Day together? We are all proud of Mortimer McKinley A. and we will be glad to talk of him with you in the place where he was born. Hoping to welcome you to the old cottage on the hill.
Very Sincerely Yours, Sara Hall Austin, Charlotte C. Hall

Eldred NY, September 15, 1917
Dear McKinley,
It is nearly nine o’clock, but I will write you a few lines as I have so little time during the week. Dr. Austin’s folks went back to the city yesterday and it seems rather lonesome. I will have the house this week and so be home every night.

I was rather diappointed when I came home Friday and did not find a letter at the Post Office from you, but I suppose you are kept pretty busy. Dr. Austin has not returned from Maine yet and so we have not been able to learn anything definite with regard to this place, but I think we will get it all right.

Your father and mother with the three youngest were up for a little while this afternoon. Your father is working on the road now. Raymond worked a while, but thought he was not getting enough and so left. I don’t know what he intends to do.

Willie seems to hate to go to school, so I will have to give him his work after school each day. I was in hopes I would not have to do any school work after school this year, but I do not like to make him go when he dreads it so.

Uncle Lon is very busy with the fall work. We had a very heavy frost three nights in succession and everything is killed. Miss Hall’s flowers were just beginning to look fine. Everything was so late this year.

Maggie Dunlap was in for some butter tonight. She said Harold wrote to you sometime ago, but has not heard from you yet. Dr. Austin’s wife received your letter. Do write soon, With love, Aunt Aida

Eldred, NY, September 20, 1917
Dear McKinley,
I have not had a letter from you in two weeks. This makes the fifth that I have written to you. I thought perhaps we were not getting each others letters, so I will register this to you to make sure of your getting it.
I had a letter from Mrs. Carlin last night. She said she had just written to you. Do let me hear from you, With love, Aunt Aida

October 7, 1917
Dear Ma,
I am sorry you were worried about me. I might say though that it is best to always believe the best you’ll hear of the worst. I have learned since I joined the army not to worry. I would have written sooner this time, but we had 24 hours in the trenches, a long hike, and a couple of sham battles and I have been so tired when the day’s work was over, I didn’t feel like writing. The strike is over and we can go to Chattanooga when it doesn’t interfere with our duties.

Oct. 9th: Aunt Aida was here yesterday. I thought I made it clear in my letter that I was out of the hospital and what ailed me. She said the folks told her that my letter didn’t say what was the matter or whether I was out of the hospital. I was glad to see her, but I thought it was foolish to come down here. from Mc Kinley

Chickamauga Park, Nov. 3, 1917
Dear Father,
I got out of the hospital alright. I wish I could get off and come home for a couple of weeks, but they are only giving short passes now.
I am sending you some pictures I had taken in Chickamauga. One of the pictures is of me on the bridge below Chickamauga, another of two fellows from the 52nd down at Crawfish Springs, another of another fellow and me at the same place and the other of a place on the road to Chickamauga.
Tell Aunt Aida I’ll send her the pictures too, and that I’ll write soon. But I am busy straightening my things out after being in the hospital and have not much time. Your son, McKinley

Chickamauga Pk, Dec 4, 1917
Dear father,
I am on guard at Fort Oglethorpe just now. I’ll be through and go back to our quarters the 11th. We go on guard every other day. My company goes on at 4 pm today. Then we come off at 4 pm to morrow and rest till Thursday.

Unless the rules are changed in our regiment, no furloughs will be given and no passes for over ten days. We have now a system for giving passes. A person who has been in the army:
4 months can get a 6 day pass
5 months can get a 7
6 months can get a 8
8 months can get a 9

As it costs almost $45.00 with the new war tax on tickets and it takes near two days, I don’t think it worthwhile getting a six day pass. I would only be home two days. Most likely we will be here in March, then I’ll see if I can get a 9 day pass. I would like to see home before I go to France as I think the war will last some time.

The climate here averages much warmer than home. There are spells of cold weather, but they do not last long. The average type of weather here is the sun is very hot in the middle of the day. It gets cool about four o’clock and is very cold by morning (of course it isn’t as cold as it is home then. The nights are cool all the year.

This part of Georgia is much colder than the average as we are in the mountains. The sudden changes in the weather are the worst here. The ground never is frozen very deep and soon thaws out, I am told. So far the ground has not been frozen as I have noticed. This is another disadvantage as it allows the “hookworm” to spread among the people. If a person understands how to prevent the spread of this trouble, there is no danger and cure is easy and certain. If a person has a good warm house and uses sense, this wouldn’t be a bad place to live.

Work is not so well paid as it is in the North, but rents are lower and I believe land, is cheaper. Of course, it takes money to buy a farm in good condition. There are several companies here who will money on farmlands at reasonable. rates.

To give you examples, I will send you some advertisements of farms for rent or sale. Running from 4 to 7,000 acres. And Raymond was thinking of coming here and getting work. I’ll put in some labor advertisements. Well, I’ve got to get ready to go on guard now. from your son, McKinley

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.

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.

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. .

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.

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.]