June 2016 – Letters to and from the Keith and Related Families

April 15, 1856

To: Luke Keith

From: David Crawford, LaPorte, IN

David is updating is brother-in-law on his brief trip to LaPorte, where two of his brothers, Edwin and Henry, as well as his Mother, are currently living. Edwin is thinking about quitting his job with the railroad and going west. His Mother is planning on going to Wisconsin to visit her son, James. Henry has a 5-month-old son that David is describing to Luke. David seems to be in some kind of venture with Luke that has had a couple of false starts. David would prefer that Luke not mention this if Edwin comes to visit. David is planning on returning to Chicago shortly.

This letter was originally posted to the Crawford/Comfort Family Letters and can be viewed here

January 1, 1856

To: Luke Keith

From: George Tomlinson, Pavilion, NY

Comments on the health of various family members. Also still trying to decide what to do in terms of buying land.

Scan of 1856-01-01 George Tomlinson to Luke Keith

Pavilion Jan. 1. 1856.

C. L. Keith Esq

I am here, got back to “America” – as the paddy would say – I stood the _____ totually well. Found Paul[1] shaking – a hard looking subject – he has the ague 4 day in 8 & looks bad at that. His wife, Abiah & Ann[2] have it – the ague I mean – slightly, say once a week or so – tho Ann is had up – not able to do any thing. Jenny & Ella[3] have got well. Frances[4] has been free from the shakes. Paul has a good farm & good buildings. It will be right in town when all the projected R.R. are constructed. I dont think it will be very soon.

Eratis[5] folks are well except Henry[6] – he has the ague. Loyal[7] is there.

I got home last Saturday. The little one[8] dont know me – wont have any thing to say to me at all – squalls if I look at her. Phebe has a good time with her. I guess she will become requainted. Frank[9] sticks to me like a shawdow. I cant move without him. He looks hard – have been very well used in my absence or something else. Our folks put me through after the old gate. I am coward a little more than ordinary on acct. of confidence & dedication this week. One would think a general _____ was on foot by the _____ our folks are making.

We have first rate slieghing now days.

I find things about as I left them — — or strange. I have not yet seen Aunt Lois.[10]

Jan. 6. We have had a house full of folks attending the meeting. I have been to see Aunt Lois. She is well as usual. Cant see as those pictures look natural. She wished I had brot the old one back. Perhaps you had best send it the first opportunity. Your line of Dec. 30 is recd. I would like to trade with you if on account of the old folks &c if I could. I dont think your house as good property for me as the land – that wont — up, if it produces nothing. I cant trade any way without satisfying Lasher.[11] He told me when I left him at the burgh[12] that he wasnt willing to seek a new house. I dont know but he might be satisfied if I would build on the other side. I will trade as I proposed when I left or will let you have the land for the price you offer any time you may make sale of your house – or you may keep the house & I will give you time on the payment till you can sell the house to your mind.

The Dea.[13] thinks the land on the south side will not be worth much without the other side. He thinks you will have to move in with your father[14] – i.e. if Hellen[15] goes away. He thinks the old gentleman will not do any thing now while he lives & that you will have the farm to see to & the old folks to look after. He thinks Wesley[16] will be unable to suit however well he may do. Help in the house will be as difficult to obtain as work out of doors. Mr. Rowe died a few days ago – he was kicked by a horse – died in a week after.

I will write again soon.

Geo. Tomlinson

I have been looking for a line from Wesley in relations to a trade. I dont want to build if we trade – in the mean time I want to know what he has to propose.

——-

[1] George’s wife’s uncle, Paul Sprague

[2] Paul’s wife, Lydia (Sanderson), and his two daughters, Abiah and Sarah Ann Sprague

[3] Paul’s daughter, Ella Sprague. It is unknown if Jenny was another daughter; however, at this time there is no indication as to who she was

[4] Paul’s daughter, Frances Sprague

[5] George’s wife’s uncle, Erastus Sprague. Erastus and Paul were brothers

[6] Erastus’ son, Henry Sprague

[7] Loyal Starr, who was married to Erastus’ daughter, Emma Sprague, and who might have earlier been married to his older daughter, Lydia Sprague

[8] George’s daughter, Nellie Tomlinson

[9] George’s son, Frank Tomlinson

[10] See Footnote #5 in 7-22-1855 letter

[11] George had leased his farm out to Mr. Lasher