Duplin County, NC - William Grimes Papers ¤¤¤¤¤¤ Jacksonville, Texas November 12th 1905 Dear Wm. Thinking that perhaps you would not object to a few lines from me, I will try to give you a few this morning. I had a letter from Fannie a few days ago. She said she saw you lately and no doubt she told you where I was the last she heard from me. I saw Raymond In Marshall on 25th Oct. On 26th I went down home and returned the same day, so I had no time to call on you. On 27th I left for this place at about 3 P.M., arriving at 6:45 and stayed here until Nov. 7th (when) Maggie, Floy and myself left for San Antonio at nine P.M. We had the misfortune to take seats In a new coach. It bucked worse than an un- broken broncho and by the time we got to Palestine, 50 miles, the first hours run, I was feeling quite unwell. However we stuck to It until 5 A.M. which brought us to Taylor, 180 miles, the remainder being 110 miles. I thoughT best we should stop here as It was almost Impossible to find a stopping place In San Antonio, it being overflowing with visitors. So we went Into the waiting room and took seats for me to vomit. I had M. to try the phone to Tomy but could get no satisfaction and she tried the second time with the same result. By this time I felt able to go out, which I did and made some inquiries of a young man at the door. He told me he worked for Tony and would go with us to his house and we went. It was now getting light. He rang the door bell and Tony was soon at the door and we (were) warmly received. I put to bed. I was able to get up after taking a good nap. G-ot up took some breakfast. After dinner Olga and her mother took us out to their ranch And we had a fine ride in a new surry. The road was so hard and level, the horse could have carried us (5) in a trot all the way but Is was quite warm and not prudent to do so. It wap here his fish ponds are located, well stocked with fish. It has cost him quite a sum to build these ponds (3) and stock them with fish. He has sheep, cows, horses and hogs. Steam engine for plowing with plows and other things for farming, with plenty of feed for stock. Cotton is fine, corn not so good, a bale per acre and some over. Some days their receipts are 1000 bales. Tony still buying. He spent four months in N. Y. last spring learning business methods. He is a very busy man, not much spare time. His two oldest sons Frank and Jesse graduated this year. Now are engaged at $60.00 per month and are to spend the money in taking a business course. He has four boys, Frank, Jesse, Ernest, and Wm. Grimes said to be named for you. His oldest is a girl, Ceclle. She is married to Thompson Hague. (Well you see, I have changed here to use Floy's fountain pen and I am making a poor go of it). page 2 Hague works in the bank, has a nice home and well fixed up, has one child. You see I know all this because they carried us out to see them Friday morning Tony had Olga to take me to the barber shop and had my hair cut, eyebrows cut, and face shaved, I feel better. These folks are very anxious you should visit them and I would be glad you would do so. I know you would be pleased with your visit. They insisted on our staying longer but our tickets were timed to leave San Antonio not later than 8 P.M. Friday. We left Taylor 5:30 P.M., arrived here 11:30. 5 hours on return, 8 hours going. M. got sick on return trip, I not sick much. You will see by this I made a mistake in leaving this page for 6th when it should be 2. As this may be a puzzle to you, I hope you will be able to solve it. I learned at Tony's that Ben does not feel sure he will keep his position, as Campbell thinks B. worked against him in his election. However, he says he kept mum in the canvass. I was at church yesterday to hear Bro. F. A. Downs' last sermon. He leaves for California, his future home over 2200 miles. Bro. Dick Thompson of Dallas preached for us last night. He was our chaplain in the army. He knew me well. I bade them both farewell as I never expect to see them again. Bishop Morrison is to preach here Wednesday night, a show here Thursday. I expect to return in a few days to make a new start. If you see Fannie, tell her where I am. I guess this will do you for the present. Good bye Jo. P. S. Florence sends the flowers. (This refers to seven or eight, what appears to be violets, still pinned to the top of the first page.) The following on a small piece of paper:- I forgot to say land about Taylor sells at from (90 to $125 per acre. Go see the country and your kin. Taylor has nearly enough cotton in the town to fence the town. May health pretty good but still have pains. Note:- The above is a copy of a letter addressed to Wm. S. Grimes, R.F.D. 1, Elyslan Fields, Texas, from his brother Joseph W. Grimes. ___________________________________________________________________ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Sharon Timmons ___________________________________________________________________