My Tree

Deeply Rooted

Nelson, Valeria L.

Source 008 – Personal Letter by Amanda Lawton

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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

Source 031 – Personal Letter by Iva M. Cooper

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Author: Iva M. Cooper age 16 of Paw Paw, MI
Title: Letter to “Aunt” Miss HP Draper [Hannah P. Draper age 78 of Westmoreland, Oneida Co, NY]
Date: 12 February 1899
Curator: Christine Fisher
Note:

Paw Paw, MI
February 12, 1899

Miss HP Draper [age 78]
Westmoreland, Oneida Co NY

Dear Aunt:
As Auntie [Valeria Louise Nelson Nelson, age 62] has warned you not to be scared, I suppose you have nerved yourself for my awful letter.

I have never seen you, and perhaps never shall, but I hope that I may sometime, I would be glad to come if I could, and stay with you, and comfort you in your loneliness.

I hope you are getting along all right this cold weather, here this morning the thermometer registered 34 degrees below zero, and it is predicted, that it is going to be cooler during the next three days, some, here in town, have lost their fruit by having their cans burst, and we should have lost ours, if mamma (Helen E. Nelson Branch Cooper) had not nearly all night, keeping fires. Grandma [Nancy J. Nelson, age 85] said, this morning, when she first awoke, that she hoped those poor children would not freeze, meaning Amanda and Frank (Lawton), she thinks you are all right, because you wrote you had your supply of coal, for the winter, but I think the children will take care of themselves for Frank has a good supply of wood in the wood shed, we have also managed to keep in wood.

We are all as well as usual, papa [Lyman Cooper, age 70] and mamma [Helen E. Cooper, age 53] are convalescing from the LaGrippe, grandma [Nancy J Nelson] has a slight cough, having taken a little more cold, but is getting better, Auntie [Valeria], well, she is not exactly a somnambulist, for she does not quite walk in her sleep, but she does nearly every thing else, eats, talks, pares potatoes, and washes dishes in her sleep, and it is quite funny to see her sometimes when se goes to eat an apple, she will begin to pare it, get a mouthful, take a nap, and so alternate till the apple is finished, when she (rousts up) as grandma says, to see if she has eaten it, or where it has gone to, she nods and bows on all occasions, and this morning got up, went to the stove opened it, made a low bow, and was met by the flames, (I suppose I ought to say was kissed by them), at all events she singed her hair, smelled it burning, (and woke up). She says she was not asleep, but I think she must have been taking her morning nap, and got up in her sleep, we never know what she will do next, she says it is not so funny, and though we have to laugh at her, we are all sorry for her, because she has been broken of her sleep so much taking care of grandma, that she can not help it.

I thought I would send you a valentine, and thank you, for that , capable cat; I have three cats, but I have not used diamond dyes on them, one of them is black nearly all over, the other two are malta and white, I think. I will not follow the example of the capable cat and dye them. Do you keep a cat? Grandma says, you used to keep a cat, when she was there, and that you had a chair for it.

I think this is all for this time, as grandma says, you can not read it, your not being used to my writing.

When you write to Auntie V [Valeria]
Write a letter, please, to me.
I will always ever be
Your grand-niece Miss Iva C.

Miss Iva May Cooper [16 years old]
Paw Paw, Box 178
Van Buren Co, MI

Source 030 – Personal Letter by Valeria L. Nelson

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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.

Source 033 – Personal Letter by Nancy J. Nelson

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Author: Nancy J. (Draper) Nelson
Title: Letter to “Children” [Valeria – age 34, Marcus – deceased, Helen – age 25]
Date: 01 January 1871
Curator: Christine Fisher
Note:

Lawrence
January 1, 1871

Dear Children,
I suppose you have looked long and anxiously for a letter. I was sick with Erisipelas when I received your last and since I have got about it has been such cold weather and so much making fires at night that I have not found time or felt able to write. Valeria came and stayed one night and a day and Mrs Benjamine was here at the same time the rest of the week. Mrs. Bercham came once a day and swept and done all she could, my limb was dreadfully swollen so the skin burst and so inflamed the skin pealed off, I had to go to work when I was obliged to use my crutch. my limb is swollen considerable yet but is over the soreness. Aside from this we are in usual health, but with all my privations and sufferings I feel that I have much to be thankful for at the beginning of this new year. Many blessings of which thousands are deprived. Mr Benjamine and wife have both been out likewise Wm Haverd [unclear] from Yor Stand. Susan went with him when he went back, she expected to stay five weeks. Her Br James was to be married the 14th of December so she got there to the wedding. I suppose your Aunt Ellen is very sick again. I have not been to see her but Uncle said she was better to day, I went to V’s yesterday. She is well and wanted to write to you but had not time before we had to come home. She says she will write as soon as she can.

We were very sorry that we was away when Elam came, we had gone to Wills for turnips. We had a fine lot of them. OW Rowland is going to try to get my Pension. We should have went up last week but it was so cold until Saturday we could not leave the house, we shall go to morrow if the weather is fit. Valeria has a parlor stove for her front room so she is comfortable, her cow makes lots of butter so she gets along finely. I got a letter from your Aunt Sarah [Nancy’s brother Nelson B. Draper’s wife, Sarah Spencer Draper?] about the time I got yours. She was feeling quite unwell when she wrote she had been helping your Uncle do his falls work. She and the girls had husked all their corn 300 bushels and she was tired out. She said their crops turned out better than they expected. She thought they would have more potatoes than they should want, your Uncles health is better. She said they had not heard a word from my son in law since he left. I think he had best let them know of his welfare. I thank you very much for the Sack. It is so comfortable under my Shawl. With wishing you all a happy new year I will close, pleas excuse mistakes.

Your loving Mother,
NJ Nelson

PS Helen have you thought what our watch word is yet.

Source 029 – Personal Letter by Helen E. Nelson

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Author: Helen E. Nelson of Springport, Jackson Co., MI
Title: Letter to “Aunt” [Hannah P. Draper]
Date: 21 May 1863
Curator: Christine Fisher
Note:

Miss Hannah P. Draper
21 May 1863

Dear Aunt [Hannah P Draper]
I received your letter in due time and hasten to answer it. It is very warm this afternoon almost uncomfortably and I have the head ache as hard as I want to have it. So you see I am not in any tune for writing and if I make mistakes you will excuse me. It is customary I believe to begin a letter by telling the state of health of each member of the family and I may as well begin now as at any time. Father (Moses Nelson Jr) is or has been middling well for some time and I think if he takes thorroughworst enough he may keep well. I have no encouraging news to tell about Mother (Nancy Jane Draper Nelson). Her ankle is at times very painful and again it is quite easy some times her health is better and again worse. I think probably if she could be some where, where she would not have to work that she would be better and might get well, but as long as we work a farm she will work and that is what keeps her down. Valeria is just now well. She is teaching school here in the chamber. Mrs. Carpenter sends her daughter Esther. They pay a shilling a week and that is all she gets for teaching this summer. I am studying some this summer though I have not made a business of going to school. Mariah and Carrie Dixon, the girls that live here, and also Emma French, attend school, but as they live here they go free. Mrs. French has been giving Emma a whipping for about 1/2 hour and her music has kept time to my writing in no very agreeable manner. We have felt like saying in the midst of squalls and screams from Emily and the scolding of the old woman and girls, “O! for a lodge in some vast wilderness, some boundless contiguity of shade, where rumors of oppression and deceit might never reach me more.” You can see what pleasant times we have living here. The place itself is pretty, but the folks are disagreeable both to themselves and everybody around them unless they chance to be in an uncommon pleasant mood which state occurs but very seldom. I should be very glad if we were able to come and see you when he new arrangements are completed and you were alone. I think the wall paper is very pretty especially the blue and I should like very much to see it on the wall. Well Aunt I have a new dress. The skirt and waist are different. I wanted to get a whole dress like the skirt but there was not enough in the piece only 7 yards so I got another kind for waist and sleeves the colors are more brilliant, but the quality of the cloth is not as good as the skirt. I had to pay $.25 a yard for it. I will send a piece of my waist, but I have used the other all up in my skirt and an apron for Valeria (sister). So I shall not be able to send you any now. I am going to send you a four leaf clover and also the language which is industry, it applies to you I think very well. Charles Dixon of whom I spoke in a previous letter as being in a hospital at Washington happily surprised his folks by making his arrival about three weeks ago having been discharged. Theron E. Carpenter has joined the regiment we shall not probably see him again unless he survives the war and returns. It is sad to think of, so many have taken the parting kiss for the last time to meet no more on Earth but those that have a hope that their loved ones are prepared for eternity will not mourn as those that have no hope, although the loss will be the same. I can sympathize with those that have friends in the army for I have had sad experience myself of having a brother there who suffered and fought and fell for his country. I miss him more and more, the longer the lapse of time, the more I long for a brother’s love and frequently I go away to think and weep and pray for him, if living that he may be protected from the snares of the world and kept free from all temptation and if not that I might be reconciled to the will of God and trust in His love knowing that he chastens in love and merciful kindness and that he dose all things well. You asked if we received a letter dated in February. I cannot tell but I think we did. How do you like your collar. Does it fit you. Mother and Valeria are not able to write to you today so you will excuse them this time. We are all glad to hear from you. Our horses are getting along quite well. The colt is as smart as a whip, but we have to feed him part cows milk. His name is Billy. We have a new milks cow, one he bought for the purpose of raising the colt. I thought I would try and cover this sheet too, but I don’t know as I shall be able. There are five women getting vituals and they jar the house so that I can hardly write. I believe supper is about ready and I shall have to conclude this letter. Our folks are going up to Springport after supper and will start this on the road. I have not been very well for some and on account of poor health I have not been able to make this letter any more interesting. Write soon. With much love I remain as ever your affectionate niece,
Helen E. Nelson (age 17)
Springport, Jackson Co., MI

I will send you a flowering Almond. The language is Hope.

Source 027 – Personal Letter by Valeria L. Nelson and Nancy

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Author: Valeria L. Nelson [age 25]
Title: Letter to “Aunt” [Hannah P. Draper]
Date: 02 December 1862
Curator: Christine Fisher
Note:

Springport
02 December 1862

Dear Aunt:
I thank God for loving friends; my words comforted you, and yours in turn gave me comfort. Hope had well nigh died in my heart, it seemed as though light would never come. Your letter was as a gleam of sunshine as Nellie said. And that sweet little poem is a treasure. Oh! is it not a blessing that the thoughts of one heart, will meet the wants, and give joy to another.

I have been burdened with the care of unraveling the mystery which hangs over my brother’s fate. I felt that I could not rest until I had searched out the matter. But God has shown me that it is his will I should leave the matter with him. And there I have left it trusting him for the result. Knowing that his name shall be glorified and that is enough. Marcus wrote us a letter on a sheet of paper which you sent him. He said in the letter, keep it till I come home, for I wish to preserve it as a momento of Aunt Hannah’s kindness. Need I say it is preserved. I must close to leave space for mother.

Your neice Valeria (age 25)