Lawton, Jesse W.

Author: Amanda B. (Branch) Lawton of Lawrence, MI
Title: Letter to “Sister” [Iva M. Cooper of Beulah, MI]
Date: 28 October 1906
Curator: Christine Fisher
Note: care of CH Craine [husband of Junia E. Cooper, Iva’s half-sister through father]

Dear Sister [Iva]
I direct to you because mother said to and it has been so long since I got her letter that she may be back in Paw Paw by this time. I am sorry I could not answer sooner but I was out of envelopes, stamps, and money at the time so was obliged to wait till I could stock up again.

I saw Welsh the day I got the letter. I thought I explained things so it was all understood that I couldn’t meet anything more until Carl pays me. I hoped he would pay me this month but I have to wait until Nov. And my creditors have to wait along with me and the int. is steadily growing but I can’t help myself.

But this is enough along this line. I hope Junia is much better by this time. It seemed so hard that she must loose her first little girl and probably all the one she will ever have. Mrs. Barnes was buried the 7th of this month. Her foot was amputated a few days before she died hoping to save her but it was too late. The last time the Dr tried to dress her leg I was told that the flesh sloughed off to the bone from where the sore was on her leg to her toes. The dear little woman has been such a sufferer for so many years. Death must have been a sweet release to her, though it must be very lonely for Mr Barnes, but he probably will not have long to endure it. Last night we were told of Aida Barnes Fuller’s death. I haven’t heard any particulars yet. I think Junia went to school to her. I suppose you had a snow storm up there the same time we had ours. Apples were frozen solid on the trees and grapes on the vines burst – the string beans were many of them spared. Apples that were on the ground were not hurt. We hadn’t had frost enough to color the leaves yet and they just crisped and fell green. We have had the most peculiar looking landscape this fall that I ever saw having entirely missed the gorgeous red and yellow colouring of the leaves that we usually have in Oct.

It was so cold and stormy that the baby [Frank Jr] and I didn’t go to church today but Jesse went with Silvia. And the baby is taking a nice long nap so I am having quite a peaceable time writing. But it is time to start dinner now and I must write to Aunt Valeria [Nelson]. I had a letter from her dated the 5th and as I haven’t written to her since the baby was born I think it is about time I wrote. We are well so far and hope you are the same. But good by with love and best wishes to mother if she is still there and also to yourself and Junia and good luck to Charlie.
I remain as ever your loving sister,
Amanda B. Lawton [Iva’s half-sister through mother]
Lawrence, MI