Misc: Sumpter David Rinehart letter, 1900, Lincoln Parish, LA
Submitted by: Dorothy Rinehart Taylor, 111 Racove Drive, West Monroe, LA 71291
       

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This is a copy of a letter written by Sumpter David Rinehart in 1900 to
his sister Johannah Randall in South Carolina. 
       
Ruston, La. Feb. 12, 1900
Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Randall & family
Johnston, South Carolina
  
Dear Brother and Sister and Children
  
It has been a long time since we have wrote to each other and as I am
alone this Sunday eve and my mind is fastened on the old home folks..I
can think of nothing better than to talk with them through the mail.
Many hours have I spent in thinking of you all and wondering whether or
not will ever meet again on earth. I sometimes think; that I well sell
out and come home to spend the remainder of my short days and when I die
to be laid near my Mother, but then the thought of my children comes up
and I can't leave them. I have but 2 (children) living and three dead in
this State and only one (child) there - so I have to conclude to spend
my short days here. I am now nearly 55 years old - I can't expect many
more years at best but by the help of God I expect to spend that time in
his service. 
  
I reckon you know that I have sold out my farm and store in the country
and have moved to Ruston. I bought a house and lot of 5 and a half acres
of land. 
  
Ruston is a growing town with 2 railroads running through it. It has a
population of 3 thousand and is growing rapidly; 2 fine schools and
about 7 hundred students besides other industries which makes it a
thriving town. I think the property I have will be very valuable in a
short time. We already have 3 churches all with a large membership; 3
good Sunday Schools. I am a teacher in the Methodist S.S. Our school
numbers about 175. 
  
Debbie and her husband has bought land on Cane River about 75 miles from
us. Charlie is living about 6 miles from us - both doing very well. 
  
As for myself I reckon I have as much as I deserve. I am not pressed in
any way whatever. Old Uncle West is looking very old. He has a rite
young wife and one baby he thinks that is all the baby there is, he pets
it mightily.
  
Tobe the little Negro Aunt Shady Ann raised is married and has one
child. You must write to me and tell me all the news about all the
family. It does me good to get a letter from home folks. Me and Kate is
all alone, wish I had some of folks to live with us - a girl especially
to help Kate.
  
I will close, give my love to all - a portion for yourselves.
I remain as ever - your only brother.  S. D. Rinehart.