Transcription of letter written by John Anderson, b 1779 Augusta Co VA to his son, William I. Anderson, in Dubuque Co., IA Jackson County, Ind. January 29, 1839 Dear Son, It was with pleasing sensations we received yours of the 27th & 28th of Dec. last, which informed us of your welfare, nothing of importance has transpired since my last. As I stated I have nearly got through paying Ferguson for the place, for we have sold Cattle & Hogs last fall to the amount of $100, without any distress at all, and still have enough left to support on. But one thing gladdens my aged heart; your voluntary assistance last summer, in helping me out; because, if it had not been for your timely help, I could never have accomplished the payments, for John arrived just in time to save my property from execution, as the stay was almost expired when he returned. This favor, I shall always remember while I have breath with the strongest obligation of filial piety. For the present I'll have quit to make fire and feed, but more in a day or two. Jan. 31st, yesterday I went to Brown's town to settle off Ferguson's judgements he obtained against me on the two last notes for the place. I paid up the cost, amounting to $12.12 1/2c. Ferguson agreed to take me for the balance of the principal, which is $1.23c. I hold an obligation for his compliance at the whole amount was $109.91 1/2c. At this time fortunately, I feel like getting through tolerably easy. The health of Patsy is somewhat improving I think. If I understood you, you stated you got your head broke last winter with a handspike, this was new to me. I want to know more about it. Sorry to hear of the accident happening to Lucius Longworth. I hope he may recover. As to Mr. White's trip to St Afee for his health, I think, if he can stand the trip, it will be conducive to his health. The winter I suppose set in nearly as hard here as it did there, especially about the 23rd day of last Decemember, all our water courses were frozen up too. We have lately heard from your uncle Bill Chambers' folks, they are all well, he has bought and paid for 800 acres of land. I suppose John's not coming was a great disappointment to you. I will just tell you frankly, John has no intention to ever go there again in my opinion, or however, he is opposed to our moving there. At this time he in full partnership with a Louisville market man buying chickens, butter, eggs, etc., for Louisville, till spring, when they intend making a crop of corn on White River bottom for the Oleans market. Joe & Catharine are going to school, boarded out in the neighborhood of Tom Dixon's. Your mother is impatient to start to bring them home & put this letter in the post office, and it is so cold I can't write fast. We are opposed to John's going down the river, I am glad to hear there is a possibility of your money at Cedar river. We wish you to try to make it convenient to pay us a visit next summer or fall, as I wrote in my last I would try to see your country myself, but if you can come it will save us the trouble, and be very gratifying to us all to see you here once more. Respecting my old Day-Book, when you come shall be welcome to it, if you will not get it printed and have the profits (if any) myself. Let us know in your next whether or not you received a letter from Tommy Robertson. I stated in my last I would try and do better...but your mother is in such a hurry, I am forced to break off for the present. Ever your loving Parents John and Elizabeth Anderson ****************************************************************** Transcription of a short letter by David R. Anderson - About 1839 - written in Jackson Co IN to his brother, William I. Anderson, in Dubuque, IA You stated in your last letter that you belonged to the Lyceum in Du Buque. I want you to let me know what sort of a Society it is. I belong to the Leesville Philomathean Society where we meet every Friday evening and debate, deliver Speeches and act Scenes-- David R. Anderson See page 74, History of Jackson County 1816-1988, for mention of John Anderson, teacher. This source provided by Lewis Ruddick. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Arlis Anderson Renfro