Coryell County Texas Archives History - Letters .....Day, Mina To Grimes, FM & Lydia 1890-1938 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/tx/txfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Virginia Crilley http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00003.html#0000642 November 14, 2007, 1:03 pm Letters from Mina (Elmira Susan Grimes Day) to her brother, F.M., and his wife, Lydia Grimes. Eagle Springs, Texas Sunday Sept. 14, 1890 Dear Bro and Sister, This morning I will write you to let you know we got the Fowls alright. They were just as pert as could be not one even hurt there was one egg in the crate when it came to the express office but it was not there long after for the express agent had taken it out before Mr. Day could go from town down there. Says he is going to set it. The Rooster is so fine I have done away with all mine now and only have him and the young ones that are small. I shall do away with all mine entirely now as these are so much better chickens than mine are and now let me thank you both for kindness and trouble of sending them to me. I shall ever feel grateful and hope some day to do you all a favor in return. As soon as cotton picking is over I would love so well for you all to come and stay awhile with us would be glad to have you fall in any time but after that work is over then we will have no workhand and could have so much nicer time. Can't you all come. If not think you might spend Christmas with us anyway. I am sorry to tell you Willie+ has moved. He left, headed for Mexico* but there is no telling where he will stop. They have been gone for two weeks and I have not heard a word from them since they got to the Grove***. Matt sold him two mules and Inn Day the wagon and the next morning he was off only 2 days time was gone before we could hardly realize he was going to leave what he did not take he left in the house did not seem to think much about the loss of leaving them so they will be hard to dispose of I brought them to my house we sold some things the day he left and that seems like all we can sell. Anna's family are all well and so is the other relative as far as I know. Lydia, you come out to see us anyway if Brother can't come he can bach with Mr. Williamson for a few days and let you come. We will meet you at the depot anytime you will let us know you are coming and I would be so glad to have you stay with us awhile. How is your Babe** getting along? Mine can talk right along but is not near as mischievous as when I was there last a great deal better boy have you got Mr. W____ (line drawn instead of the word) there yet he was so good to take care of Babies while their Mothers were busy. Well, I will close for this time. Write soon and tell Earl I want to see him and hear him talk. Hurry up and come to see me. Kiss him and Babe for me. Your Loving Sister, E.S. Day +Willie is the son of Mina's older sister, Martha Jane, who died as a young woman. Willie and his Aunt Mina corresponded and he had a special regard for her. *Probably New Mexico rather than Old Mexico. He wrote to his grandparents describing his life as a gold miner in New Mexico. ^Maybe this is a reference to Blooming Grove? ** Carl Clarke Grimes born July 6, 1889. Earl Grimesborn 10/10/1885 (both sons of F.M. and Lydia. *** Grove -- Coryell County community ========== Whitson Texas January 17, 1892 Dear Sister, As it is raining today and will have to be indoors all day will write to you. All are well and hope you all are the same. We have been having some winter here for the first week or rather since Christmas. Lydia I spent the past summer in Virginia and had a nice visit of it. I was there nearly three months. I only took Charlie with me. Bro Matt took me. [John Day was from Roanoke Virginia. Matt was his brother. Charlie born 11/19/1888. Ernest (2/1/1881) & Virginia (Feb 27, 1883) remained at home] Virginia is going to school in McGregor and has been ever since the first Monday in September and will continue till June. She spent the holidays with me. She is to commence music in the spring. I hope she will be able to leam quickly for we all need an organ in the house and someone to play for us for we all love music. Lydia how are you getting along with your fine chickens. Can't you sell some more of them. If you can, I would like to have at least 2 dozen hens for being gone last summer and having no one here to see to hem for me I had no luck with what I had hatched before I left as the hogs eat up must all the little ones and what I raised last fall are nearly all roosters. I have a dozen or two roosters now and if you can let me have them I will sell off all my hens but those you all sent me and what few I have raised of the same. I had to keep my hens last year and have some of the half breed hens but few and would like to get more of them if can. Now I am anxious to get them and will pay you what they are worth and the cost of expressing them. Now if you can, let me have them, please sister at once and I will send the money to you right away for I never saw such layers in my life. I have sold so many eggs from those you sent this winter and want to have that kind entirely. Have four beautiful roosters that I am going to keep. Mr. Calvert asked me to write you also if he could get ten or twelve. He was here and wanted to buy mine but I have only the few of the full stock and could not let one go for I need more of them myself. Now if you can let me have them I will be willing to pay every cent they are worth for they will soon repay me. I have only to sell mine which is easily done for there are two men wanting my old stock of fowls now and will pay me 20 cts apiece for them and waiting til I hear from you so write me if can spare them and if any for Mr. Calvert. Write soon, love to Bro Fred and boys, Your sister, Mina ================================ Oct 25th, 1892 Whitson, Texas Dear Sister, This morning I will write you a few lines all are well and hoping you are all enjoing the same blessing. There has been very little sickness here this year. Anna had gone out to Stephens County. They went last month. I look for them back by the first of next month. Her health has been real bad since her last baby came. It is nearly six months old now she named her Margie or rather Ernest did it is the best babe I ever saw I never have heard it cry to amount to anything I don't see how she could get along were it not good. She has heart trouble. They have rented out all their land for another year even the house they lived in what time they are not traveling they will rent a house that was their intention when they left here. It may be possible they will stay up there this winter with Mr. Fowler. [Anna 9/14/1862 married E.A. Culpepper Jr 3/14/1882] [Margie born May 29, 1892. Ernest ? Mina's son born 2/1/1881] I was out to Sister Sallies in July they were all as fat as pigs. Sallie is begining to look a little old but not as old as I look. They all tell me I look as old as Sister Mary and I am beginning to feel old.[Sarah Catherine (Dec 21, 1854 married Ellis A. Bean 3/3/1875) lived at Pidcoke Ranch, Coryell Co at that time] Bettie is looking real well is fleshier than has been for some time. Freddie was with us all summer and fall. Just went home last week. He and Sol have grown so much. Sollie is about as tall as Mr. Day now. [Acree family. Betty Grimes m. George Acree. Sol (12/18/1875) Fred (3/26/1878] Say to Bro Fred that Matt [Matt Day, brother-in-law to Mina] has an artesian well in his pasture. I think he only had to go 420 feet for water. I have not been over to see the well yet as it has been raining for the past few days. If it is much of a stream it will be of much value to him for he had no stock water at all. Lydia what have you named your Babe. You did not say when you wrote. [Mary born 1/6/1892] Well, Lydia did you save my pullets for me. I really don't deserve any for not writing you long ago but hardly knew whether to ask you to keep them for me or not as the neighbors fowls on all sides of me have been dying all fall and still some of them have Cholera among them yet -- but fortunately so far I have escaped and will risk buying a dozen white ones if you can spare them without disfurnishing yourself if you only have usual what you wanted for your own use I would not think for once of asking you to let me have them but if you have them to spare I would be glad to have them for they will soon repay me. I would rather have the white ones if can spare them as we it seems can't raise only white roosters. I have had good luck with my fowls this year but they are mixed up by keeping hens of the old stock. If you can let me have them, please write soon as can that I may get them before the roads get bad. We have daily mail now and can get the mail carrier to bring them right out from the train for me as he lives here in our place and they won't have to stay at McGregor over night. Write me what they are worth, and I will send the money to you and then you can send the chicks if get over a dozen in box or has alright would not care if it was more. Please write immediately so I will know whether to sell mine or not. With much love to all and kisses for the little ones. I will close for the time. Write soon to your Sister, E.S. Day PS Did Bro Sam get that meat chest Mr. Hunter sent him. Mr. Day paid Mr. H. and we never heard one word if it since it was sent. ============================= (portion of letter...no date) (Can suppose Nov 10, 1893 based on marriage date of Dan and Helen - Oct 27, 1893) to their house and took two young men to board. They are making money fast these days. Bro Ekie [Annie's husband] has gone into the grocery and drug business in Eagle Springs. I do hope he will make money for they have sold the Old Home and I would grieve to have them lose the money and you know money can soon fly away if put into a store of any kind. Dan Jones was married to Mrs. Helen Nailor in Goldthwaite two weeks ago today. I know of the girl and she is a splendid young woman. I do not know how they will manage about the children. I hear Sister Mary does not want to give them up perhaps they will all live together. [marriage Oct 27, 1893. 1st wife Malissie Burger died Jan 19, 1888. Mary Jones had been keep the 2 children ("Mont" (1883) and "Little Mary" born Dec 26, 1885] Sister Mary wanted Ira to go to school with Sollie but he did not want to. I was so sorry for he needs to go to school so much. It seems so strange that the boys who have money do not want an education while the poorer ones do. [Ira son of Dan and Mary Ann Jones born 1875] I suppose Eva told you that Dr. Young is married. None of the family went to "the marriage but I do hope they will get on well and may his wife be indeed a mother to Della's children.[Della, daughter of Dan and Mary Ann Jones. Died Mar 10, 1893. 3 children. 2nd wife Mary Drue married Oct 18, 1893] Bro, we have the finest little cow I ever owned. She is a heifer from my fine cow that I lost two years ago but she is better than her mother now and..... ================== Moody, Texas December 25, 1906 Dearest Bro & Sister, How I wish it ever so much that I could be with you all in the sad hours of life as it is my heart goes out in love and sympathy praying if it will be the will of the Lord that Carl may be spared and soon be returned to health to brighten the home now so sad and desolate. You are having all done for him that can be cone and the disease is not near so fatal as was a few years hence. So now let's hope for the best. I can almost imaging how heart broken you are being denied the privilege of caring for him or being with him not even seeing him. I know it is hard to bear. I wish I could come to you now that you might know how I love and sympathize with you. I hope for the best-- feeling we'll hear Carl is getting over this when I hear from you. Ernest is here and speaks of coming out to see you when he goest back. Said were he in Hillsboro today he would have gone. Suffice your house is under quarantine now, but you could talk to him and he would have phoned me. Hope none of you all will take it and it may be none of you will for Charilie Wright got a Negro family to come this fall to pick cotton fro mhim and one of them took and broke out bad all over showing the sores on his body to Charlie he took them all home and the whole family of them took it but not one of the Negroes that sty'd. We hear had severeal cases in Moody. Also in Temple but no fatal ones. ? ? we are willing to help you one of the best and dearest brothers that ever lived how I wish I could come to you now. I hope oh I hope you may not be stricken down with the disease, as I don't know how I could stay away. However, I am hoping and praying for the best putting all my trust in him who has said will be a helper in time of need and who will never forsake us no never. Sister Mary said she would help you so let us hear from you right away and how to send. So now Bro I know all this is hard to bear and words seem so empty. (rest missing) Moody Dec 28, 1906 My Dear Brother, Your card came today also a letter from Sister Ellen waso so sorry to hear Carl is no better. Hope by this time he is improving he being so badly sticken his recover will most surely be more slow. Sister thinks he is having all done for him that can be done and the little fellow is holding out very well threefore I feel he has got a chance to get well though from what they tell me he has a bad case. I hope he will be spared and that the family chain may yet reamin unbroiken however now seeminly so never ? Hope to hear from someone every day I think Ellen will write often so can for me so anxious to hear from him every day can harldy wait for the carrier to come. Where is Lydia and the other children are you and Little Fred home by yourselves if so I know how lonely and sad you are. Tried to talk to some of the folks in Corsicana night before but could not get neithger Bello ? or Ernest. We know Sister Ellen has no phone. Sister Mary and Bettie are in Moody all well also Ernest family are well. We try to write you every day or so. I don't know as it iwll do any good but yet it may be a comfort to know that one here we are sad and wee with you now praying for you and yours. Hoping to hear more favorable from Carl tomorrow From your loving Sister, Mina Moody Jan 2, 1907 Dear Bor & Sister, From each of you came a letter today also one from Bro. Hall one from Earl saying poor littel carl was worse. Oh I hope he is better seems I can hardly believe he will be taken we have prayed hoping & trusting each day to hear he was getting well and you can know how I felt when the crd came from Bro Hall saying the Dr. thought he was out of danger Were so thnkful & happy now today so sad. Oh how I love and sympathize with you both Have never been standing where you now stand, but from out of teh depths of a mother's heart I almost know how you feel. The burden seems very most too heavy to bear yet after all he has promised to be with us in times of trials and afllictions and if we only trust him will never forsake us when .... only think of the other children so dependent now for a Father's love and Mother's care even you to go to him you would risk your own life and could not possib perhpas do little Carl any good. So now lets try to be submissive ...I wish I could be with you and perhaps it may not be long. Will write soon and may teh Lord watch over and bless you all is my prayer. Loving sister, Mina. Moody Jan 3, 1907 Dear Bro & Sister, Just received the joyful news that Carl is betto. I hope when next I hear from him will have the same sweet words Carl is better. Ernest phoned some one of Bro freidns at the Gove then he let me know. and today got a letter from Bro. Hall. They have sure been good to write I hear from them every day. I can hardly wait for the mail to come . Mr. Day foes down each day to meet him our box is not near as it was at first. Am glad Earl is with you now it was needful he come home for you all sure did need him now if ever did hope he would be content to stay at home and help you for if Carl gets well he will not be able to do anything for some time. Tell Earl, Charlie is at Honey Grove in Wall School.I believe he went one term there. Little Charlie likes fine and is doing good work. He left last Tuesday will not come home til somtime in May. [Earl had attended there at one time. He was working in Houston at this time, selling papers on the railroad. Earl never wanted to stay on the farm] All the folks are well talked to the girls this morning. Had a heavy rain last night hope Bill & Nellie were not out in it Seems like a long journey for this time of year. It may be they will make alright will write you all again in day or two Hope to continue hearing from the Boy every day and each bring the good news. With much love to all, your loving sister, Mina ================== Moody, Tx Jan 9, 1907 Dear Brother, Your letter came yesterday bearing the sad news that Carl was worse. I do hope he is better. Sometimes seems though there is no chance for life to hold out much longer yet they rally and come out seeming all the better. Wish I knew how it was with him this morning. I hope the letter coming today will tell me he is better. [Carl was exhibiting Red Island Red chickens in Corsicana, and caught small pox. They thought he was recovering, but caught pneumonia and died 1/7/07] Bro. Fred I am going to send with this letter a check for $250 two hundred and fifty dollars. I know it seems a small amount but I just happen to have that amount of my own. .have four bales of cotton and some little yet in the bank enough to make out that much. I am glad I have it to send though small, it will help some. Now this is mine but understand Mr. Day is or would have been just as willing to have sent his money as I am. I just wanted to let you have what I had. Suppose Sister Mary will send in some too. I told her yesterday and she is where she can send it any time. We have bought another farm and of course we have not so much money now on hand for we just bought this winter and we keep Charlie in School and you know it takes no small amount for him. However we are willing to help you all we can. I am surely disappointed in Bro Sam, don't see how he could have refused you in this hour when he has so much, but such things come up in life. We can only look at them charitably and try to make the best of it. We can hope to hear from you soon.[Sam was in Snyder, Scurry Co Tx wrote letter on Stationary of "The Coming West" newspaper] Mr. Day will go to Moody send the money in his name. With much love, Sister Mina Moody Tx Jan 16, 1907 Dear Bro & Sister, Seems like I just have to write you this morning for I can'thelp from thinking all the time of you so fearing someone of you are sick. [probably from smallpox which Carl died of Jan 7] I phoned Ernest he thought differenly said when he talked to the Gun? he would let me know. I saw in the papers where there were several new cses out somewhere near you and now I'm uneasy for fear it may be in your family. Will hear from Ernet today. Heard from Ruth yesterday all well except the Babe. [Ruth Hall - daughter of Ellen Grimes Hall. Chester Franklin Barnes born Aug 4, 1907]. Mr. Day is in Gatesville as Grand Juror will be gone all of next week perhpas longer has been gone all this I sure am lonely no one here now except Uncle Matt [brother to John Day] L? Eckie eats with us at noon is plowing here has retned land again this year. [a Culpepper] Ben lives on the place we bought. [Annie's son age 22] Both Annie's married children live near us. I wish so much could see you all today. I always though I loved you as much as any Sister ever loved a brother, but toady you seem double dear to me. Now since you have been called to go through so much ansiety and sorrow. I know I love you better than I ever did in my life. I often think would not os be a sad life if no one loved us. Especially when we are so sad and lonely in life. I so much like the words of the Poet, who said, "Give thy love freely do not count the cost. So beautiful a thing was never lost" I hope to see you all this summer if not before. Will write you some again. I know you all don't feel much like writing so will let you hear from us again. Sister Mary is well and all of the folks so far as I know. Hope all are well with you. Much love to one and all Lovingly, Mina ====================== Moody Tx Jan 23, 1907 Dear Sister & Bro Will write you tonight all are well have just been to McGregor quite a long ride so don't feel quit so well after driving over the rough road. Bettie was not at home has been out visiting in Moody for over a week. Will go over to Annie's tomorrow to help her sew. Some work she has to finigh by Friday night and unless I help it won't be done. Sister Mary is not so well lately. I think she has too much work to do. Hattied little boys stay there and go to school. [Ira her son, married Hattie Portefield. [probably Daniel Wiley age 10 and John Fred age 9] And you have some idea how that is. Lydia our banker phoned me the check I sent to Bro Fred on the either of this month has nevere been presented for collection. I'm afriad it never reached him as Mr. Day failed to register the letter. I sent it immediately after I received his last letter so if it is lost we'll send another. [Carl's sickness with small pox involved considerable expense -private nurses - private home, Dr.] I can't help feeling badly for just think if he never got it what could he thing of me. The amount was two hundred and fifty dollars. I don't know how much Sister Mary sent. She never told me how much nor when she sent hers. Expect she sent the same amount or more. Please let me know soon as can whether you all got the check or not. I know we sent one i don't know she did. Mr. Day is still in Gateeville will be home the last of the week, Saturday. Weill write you all soon again love to all so ever lovingly, Mina. Moody, Tx Jan 9, 1907 Dear Brother, Your letter came yesterday bearing the sad news that Carl was worse. I do hope he is better. Sometimes seems though there is no chance for life to hold out much longer yet they rally and come out seeming all the better. Wish I knew how it was with him this morning. I hope the letter coming today will tell me he is better. [Carl was exhibiting Red Island Red chickens in Corsicana, and caught small pox. They thought he was recovering, but caught pneumonia and died 1/7/07] Bro. Fred I am going to send with this letter a check for $250 two hundred and fifty dollars. I know it seems a small amount but I just happen to have that amount of my own. .have four bales of cotton and some little yet in the bank enough to make out that much. I am glad I have it to send though small, it will help some. Now this is mine but understand Mr. Day is or would have been just as willing to have sent his money as I am. I just wanted to let you have what I had. Suppose Sister Mary will send in some too. I told her yesterday and she is where she can send it any time. We have bought another farm and of course we have not so much money now on hand for we just bought this winter and we keep Charlie in School and you know it takes no small amount for him. However we are willing to help you all we can. I am surely disappointed in Bro Sam, don't see how he could have refused you in this hour when he has so much, but such things come up in life. We can only look at them charitably and try to make the best of it. We can hope to hear from you soon.[Sam was in Snyder, Scurry Co Tx wrote letter on Stationary of "The Coming West" newspaper] Mr. Day will go to Moody send the money in his name. With much love, Sister Mina ====================== Letter from Mrs. John Day, Moody, Texas to Mrs. F.M.Grimes Aug. 31, 1916 Thursday Dear Bro & Sister; At last as I know you will say, Mina has taken time to write: and so it is & I have fully admit it is is the fact. AH well as usual only Lew -she's not been so well of late growing very weak, but she hopes the coming cool weather may benefit her but I hardly think so. Cotton picking getting on fine now. Only people complain of scarcity of hands. Sure getting a fine price for it now, and no wonder the farmers are in a hurry to sell all they can. Sister Annie's folks are all well. And by now I suppose you all have Parkey Lewis at the Grove as he was to go there to preach. And I feel sure he will call you over telephone and perhaps or I am thinking he will come out to see you all. I feel sure you will like him for he is one of our best of young men, so good and kind. I love him for all the good traits I know he possesses and you will like him I am sure. [Annie's daughter, Tabitha married Parke Lewis, a Baptist preacher. Grove probably refers to Blooming Grove which is where Lydia and Fred lived near.] I certainly should love to come to see you all again but I don't know when we'll ever get Mr. Day off again. We all sure did have a nice visit. I have had company most all summer, so have been real busy. Mrs Gill left me the 8th day of May, so got an old negro woman to help but she was only a field hand and don't know much about cooking. Otherwise she is good help.[Mrs. Gill is in the 1907 Family Reunion photo] I have never heard how Sister Ellen came out in her race for office. Hope she got it.[Aralza Hall, her husband was County Treasurer of Navarro Co. for many years. He died in office, after his death, Aunt Ellen was appointed the Treasurer and served two terms - over 4 years] When you write to me I wish I had some new crochet patterns. I know that Imogene has lots of pretty things new. Te11 her I am going to try to knit her some lace soon as the weather gets cold, so I can. I have done no fancy work this summer, but hope to get busy soon as the cold comes in. I have lots of little chickens now and one hen setting . Will set one today. Have somewhere about 80 turkeys here in all I believe with old ones 89. Hope you raised a fine lot too. When are you all coming to see us now that you have the car, you should come. I hope all is well with you all and also Sister Ellen. When you write be sure to tell me how she is getting along, as am anxious to know. How is Fred and wife? Would like to see them. Guess Ellis is quite a man now with all responsibility of the family will make a grown up of him real soon. [Fred married Sept 14, 1915; Ellis May 9, 1918] Mr. Day has come in and wants to get off to Moody, so I will quit now and got fix up the butter for the folks. Let me hear from you all. Love to all, also to Aunt Ellen and Grandpa. [Lydia's "afflicted sister" lived with her as well as her father, Rolly Hightower] As ever Sis, Mina ========== Moody, Texas May 24, 1929 Friday morning Dear Sister, Sister Mary is real sick and has been since Monday - has bowel trouble. She may get well, but we are real uneasy about her. At times she seems to know us and says a few words, but mostly she's in a stupor. She took her nourishmen this morning, but had a bad spell about nine last night. [Lived until Nov 29, 1930] So you please let Sister Ellen [Corsicana] know of her condition. However I will write you again tomorrow or next day. I hope to have something better to tell you when I write again. I inteded to go there again this morning, but it rained so hard last night I could hardly make it. They have a nurse with her and we can only help. I will let you hear from me again. All the rest are well except Margie. She is not very well. I am hurrying to mail this so you may get it tomorrow. Lots of love to you, Sis Minie ================ Moody, Texas October 4th, 1930 Dear Sister Lydia, I sure could hear you so good for awhile. I wish you had been in Moody for I haven't got over your short stay yet. So sorry that Imogen had to give up the little Baby girl, but we have to be resigned to all these things tha come to us. [Imogene & Claude Ruffin - Imogene Evelyn lived only 3 weeks. Had previously lost Claude Jr. age 6] So sorry to hear of Charlie Barnes death although I have been uneasy for fear something dreadful would happen. [husband of Ruth, daughter of Ellen and Aralza Hall] Poor Sister Ellen she has had a hard life. So much heartache that could have been avoided on the part of others wrong doing. My hear just aches for her -- poor thing. When you write tell me more about the matter. It sure is a bad thing. I hope sister Ellen will not just break down over it. Sister Mary is about the same only some days she seems to know more and takes her nourishment better. Annie' folks are as well as usual, but they are in hard circumstances making very little. Told me the last bale of cotton she sold for her part was only ten dollars Says they may make six She gets three or rather she gts half of three and Son gets the other half. The renter gets the other three. [Annie Culpepper & son, E.A.] I have not seen Sister Bettie since I saw you but she is well. My help sure is fine. She is so good to see after all the work I don't have to make my own beef if I would let her she even feeds the chickens for me. I tell her she hunts for work. She say she want to be busy all the time, she keep the house so neat and clean all the time you never have to tell her she keeps going. I wish sometimes she was not quite so industrious. She sure is fine help, if she stays this way I could not ask for any better. Mary is teaching now so just us three. [?granddaughter of Mina & John Day daughter of Virginia & Charles D. Wright ?] Well it sure has rained the old Leon is bank full now and the creek running through my pasture has been past fording nearly all day and the Bosque river between McGregor and Waco was so you could not get to Waco. Do you stay by yourself now and is Iva close to you? [Iva married to Lydia's son, F.M. but they separated. Iva remained in Frost] We have out 63 bale of cotton some of the renters are holding, others sell soon as ginned. I don't think we'll get over 70 bale and it's not worth but very little. I wish you could come and stay awhile with us. I know I would enjoy your stay so much. I write so bad I know you can hardly read it, but maybe I could do better if would practise more. Seems to me I just put off writing when I know I should write more often. So you write to me when you can for I love to hear from you as often as can and sure does sound good to hear your voice on the telephone. Love to Sister Ellen when you talk or write to her. Love to Iva and the children and much love to you. Sis Mina ============================= Moody Texas August 9, 1936 [Mina Day was 76, a widow- husband John died 1926; Lydia Grimes, 76 ,also a widow, F.M. Mina's brother had died June 1924] Dear Sister Lydia, What a surprise you have in this letter to you. I have so often intended to write but from some cause was put off. We are all well as usual. Uncle Matt as you know is feeble but is getting along very well for one his age.. 80 years. Sister Anna and family are alright except Margie has a bad hand from the bit of a bitter puffy but Sister Anna says it is better now and she thinks the worst is over. Doctor has checked infection suppose she will be alright in a few days. Have you heard from Sister Ellen. I have written her twice but she never writes so I wrote her again last week. [Ellen Hall Corsicana] Lydia, I have 4 great grandchildren. John [John Day Wright] has three girls, Charles [Charles D. Wright] has a boy 8 months old, John's baby is a year old today. [Johnice Wright] Sol [Betty & George Acree's son] wrote me he would be here between 25 of June and 1st of July, [Chemistry Prof John Hopkins Washington DC ] he never came and I never heard from him again. He said he was going to visit you also other relatives go to Dallas also see some of Sister Sallie's children had such a nice visit planned going in his car so would have no trouble getting around so I wonder why he failed to come. Was bringing his family so they could see Texas and Centennial. I will write him and find out why. Poor Fred, [?] he is practically blind lives alone does the best he can to cook a little and keep house. Ernest [Day] goes to see and he wants Fred to come and take meals with them but because he can't see he eats at home. I asked him to come visit us but he won't come. I sure feel sorry for him and something will have to be done for he, will have to be taken care of Anna Byrd [Acree] lives in Moody in her Mother's house. I believe her Mother gave it to her. Fred [Acree] lives in Waco both girls married. Are you still living alone. I often think of you and wish you would come visit us as you sued to. Are you still able to get around like you did when I last saw you? Write and tell me all about yourself. What you do these hot days. I do all my work even the washing. Am well as can be and get around alright. Still raise plenty chickens and sell lots of them but think I will quit after this year. Also have quite a few cattle. I enjoy looking after them mostly white faced getting rid of my Jersey cattle except a couple of milk cows. We sure do need rain the grass is getting dry and the creek is running low now and the days are so hot today has been terrible. Cotton looks pretty good. Corn very good but the gardens are gone except okra and black-eyed peas. How is Fred and Iva.[Grimes] Do they live in the farm. We have no country school now the children go by bus to Moody. Sure sorry to see our country schools closed. Mary Jones [Dan Jones' daughter/Mary Jones granddaughter] is still single lives at the same place she has a working girl living with her so its nice for both them that way. Mary can stay at home. Dan made a will so all 4 children share alike that is good. I will have to quit now as it is getting late and will have to go about my work. Write to us when you can and come to see us. We would be glad to see you again. Lots of love, Mina ================== Moody Tx February 13, 1938 Dear Sister Lydia, I wonder if you are alright. I have been thinking and wondering how you are getting on and are you still living alone. I know if you are well you are busy with some kind of work. I do hope you are well and happy. Uncle Matt* is some better that is he is able to walk more can get down the back steps now the past few days. For the first time since last September. I hardly think he will ever be able to take care of himself any more. I have to keep a man here with him now. the Girl and I took care of him until the 9th of last December, but he doesn't sleep much at night—so he soon wore us out. He sleeps too much during the day. He still has good appetite, eats his three meals a day—same as working men. I wish could see you. It would be such a pleasure to have you come like you used to. Wish you could for I sure do have to stay close in, but my health is real good and I get about good. Sister Anna is well as usual. I think when she is not quilting she is piecing them. Vena and the Girls came over Friday just a short time. Helon has moved to Moody. I hope she will like to stay there for Celia May has a new house just about finished not far from Helon. John and family are well so is Charles and Mildred. I have 4 great grand children. Lydia I was 78 21st of last month. When is your birthday. Is it this month? I have forgotten and how old are you? Have not heard from Sister Ellen for some time. I am going to write her soon. Nellie wrote Mary Jones awhile back said Sister Ellen was real fine for one her age. I will also write to Bro Sam. Sister Lydia I am a long time saying thank you for my apron. I wear it so much. Washing does not fade it and I do enjoy wearing it so much. I do appreciate your sending it to me so much. I will try to write you soon, but you know how it is with me. Not much time and not much heart to do much. I can't even keep house much now. Maybe when the weather gets warm it will be different. Write me when you can. I sure do think of you often and do love you. Mina *Matt was the brother of Mina's husband, John Day File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/tx/coryell/history/letters/dayminat41gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/txfiles/ File size: 28.7 Kb