Author: Valeria L. Nelson of Lawrence, MI
Title: Letter to “Aunt” [Hannah P Draper, age 55]
Date: 05 June 1876
Curator: Christine Fisher
Note:
Lawrence, Michigan
June 5, 1876
Miss HP Draper [age 55]
Dear Aunt,
I promised mother I would write to you it is such a task for her. You have doubtless received the card mother sent you just before she received your letter. Uncle Lawton was taken violently sick with Typhoid fever the Dr said in the night of the 26th of February. He had sat at table every meal through the day though he complained of having one of his old spells of headache. When the Dr called in the morning he said there was no help for him. and they had better send for the children; which was done. They gave him stimulants and opiates and he lived till Friday April 3rd died about three in the morning.
Henry got work up in the north part of the state last winter and Mary thought she wasn’t needed at home, so she went with him. Henry all at once thought they were wanted at home; so they packed their trunks and started. They left the cars at Bangor, and Henry’s Br brought them up to his fathers where they first learned that uncle was sick as they left before the telegram was sent to them; Mr. Wells told Henry how sick he was, and had them go as soon as they had eaten something. Mary thought strange they didn’t let them stay all night, and was surprised when Helen met her at the gate and told her that her father was still alive. Why is he dangerously sick she asked. I did not know he was very sick, she was fairly overcome for a while but when she spoke to her father he knew her and called for her often till the last. He was conscious only at intervals, but all the while he seemed sure he was nearing home. The last time he spoke in meeting he said perhaps it was the last. He seemed on the very verge of Heaven. He said he did not know as Elijah’s experience would be his that the firey chariot would come for him, but he was sure the host would be there and I guess none who knew him doubts of his welcome by the host and the Lord of hosts to eternal rest. June 11th our little Edgar’s birthday. I began this Monday eve when Will was gone off to fish. But didn’t get it finished I went early Tuesday to help Mother on a quilt and two of my neighbors with me. And I went again Thursday morning and helped her through the day. She got the quilt on week before last. Friday morning a week ago Ida had a fit. Father brought her up home at night and I went home and helped Saturday. Sunday they got Minnie Draper to help them for a week. Today Ida Squires is going back. Mother isn’t able to get a long alone a single day. Ida has been there since February 24th. She worked there when Helen was gone north a year ago. Our folks thought they wouldn’t have her again. But she agreed to do better; said she had rather work there than any where she had ever worked and would work for ten shillings a week if they would take her back and try her. She has worked better, but she is so cross she adds to mothers cares, while she lightens the labor. No one is angry with you for not coming though it would have been pleasanter, could you have come, but it is all right. Mother finds that with every burden, strength is given to bear it. Helen is very lonely and home sick too [husband Elam Branch died in 1874]. I guess she reached her place. April 8th found Mrs. Livingston expecting. They join places with her. V she is dependent on him for help to clear and build and she was to stay there till her own house was up. We think Mrs. L is sick as Helen hasn’t written since May 24th. Her address is Gaylord, Otsego Co, Mich. All are usually well.
Your loving niece, VL Nelson
PS I meant to tell you that Mr Wells died with an apoplectic fit just one month after Uncle was buried so Henry and Mary went to live with his mother.