PORTAGE COUNTY OHIO MISC: Letter written to CLARK, Lora 1828 
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March 11, 2000
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 Danville, Hendricks County, Center Township, Indiana
August the 5th, 1828

Dear Sister
Not having heard from you since we parted last
fall, I take this method to communicate to you a few
subjects I have on hand.  Our journey was attended with
considerable trouble on account of the badness of the season
and of the way; but health and fortitude did not forsake us.
We arrived here the 25 of November near 200 miles short
of our destination, one wagon shattered so much that I
could not get it repaired for one week.  By this time
my team were so reduced that I could not get no further
by any means left me.  Provisions so very scarce that the
cheapest any could be had was to give half for hauling.
I am just able to walk to town and back (80 rods), my 
wife confined to her bed and four others on the sick
list.  Veneilia under a decline but I hope not past cure; but
The painful task remains I am to inform you that
on the first day of this month we committed the remains
of our Mother to the silent grave.  She was able to
walk out of doors and about the house to within
about 8 days of her death.  The Doctor thinks her
disease was principally old age, she was 79 years 11 months
and sixteen days.  She said but little before her death and 
most likely sensed she was near her end.
For the most part of the time we have been here all
have felt tolerable with except two of the children that had a
short fit of sickness.  It is the fluse with which we are
at present afflicted and that severe.  It does not appear to be
a place vastly subject to any particular disease although
there may have been ten or twelve buried in town
since we came here and only 8 before.
My losses and disappointments have been severe.  I have
lost 3 oxen and one horse and my standing with and habits 
of the County prevented my proscribing business as I could wish.
Yet under all these circumstances I have executed a good comf-
ortable house, planted nine acres of corn and one of garden.
My corn and my garden exceeds your greatest conjecture, if I
was not greatly involved.   I think I should have a plenty
for our use the year to come.  I have been engaged in mill work
this summer.  Any way to live, we have a pleasant place and
good water and the County very fertile.  People from the Carolinas
and Kentucky habits very different from Yankees.
I want to hear from you but wish nothing but peace and prosperity
This is (however poor) the only place of refuge for me on earth and
may soon be my last home; therefore, let no discored disturb my peace
nor unhallowed hand grasp at my liberty.

Your affectonate Brother    Jasper Vidito.

Mention us to Mrs. Sweet and Orpha

Mrs. Lora Clark
Saybrook
Ashtabula County
Ohio