57-after  Believed to be written by Jesse Ballard, wife was Ruhamah Dearing, 
sis to Elizabeth Dearing.  Ruhamah died by 4 Jan 1857.  Jesse 2nd marraige to 
Patsy or Martha Dearing(also sis to Elizabeth) born 1807 and md 1) Elisha 
Mayhew

Dear Friend I am Seated to write you few Lines to Let you know that we 
Received your Letter a few day ago.  was glad to her from you But sorry to 
hear of your aflictions. But thats what we all have to Contend with, we have 
had a Large portion of afflictions among us since we saw Each other.  as you 
was informed of our visit to Ohio & West Va, we have Been permitted to Return 
home safe.  we arrived home on the 3 day of Feb past.  we visited many of our 
old friends & Relatives while in the Countery.  we have not herd from any of 
Rigses folks since we wrote to you Before  things have Changed a great deal in 
Ohio since you left thare, you wanted to know what had Become of our Children. 
4 of Mine died Soon after my wife died  the other 4 is Living  the 2 oldest & 
2 youngest died before their Mother.  Richard, John, Mary Irene & Martha are 
living & all are maried.  the Boys is in Ohio & the girls is here in Illinois 
near us.  Doing well.  Patsys Children is all dead & her & me have not had any 
Children since we have Been to gether.  Patsy's grandchildren, Theney Ann, 
left one Child that is Living that we have raised to Be a man  he in this 
Country John W Left 2 Cildren that is Living in Ohio  Marta Mayhew as 2 
Children Living Susan has one Child living  She was the youngest Child.  She 
died here in Illinois.  We moved here in Clay Co, Ill Ten years ago this 
Spring Bought & Lived on a farm until 2 year ago, My health had failed me and 
I sold my farm & Bought some Town property & have quit Business and intend to 
Live on what I have made heretofore.  My Health is reasonable good now, Patsy 
health is good for a woman of her age.  She is verry fleshy But is afflicted 
with the Rheumatism in one of her arms But we hope when the weather setles she 
will get Better 

P.S.  your brother James Deering Received a letter from you sometime before we 
went up there   we will send you our pictures as soon as we get them taken