October 16, 1903 letter to Hannah Towne from Nancy Brown

October 16, 1903

To: Hannah Towne, Galesburg, MI

From: Nancy Brown, Chicago, IL

The day before was their father’s 90^th birthday and she wishes she could have been at home to be with him as she realizes that even though he lived longer than any of their parents’ family members, he won’t be around much longer.

Scan of 1903-10-16 Nancy Brown to Hannah Towne

Friday 10:45 AM[1]

Dear ones at home[2]

I wished so many times yesterday that I could been at home, Pas[3] 90th birthday. Not that it would been any more to him than any day but to me it seems so much. He has lived longer than any of his own family or Mas[4] and we know they nearly all lived to quite an age. You wrote how much more quiet he was. That seems to me like an other change. That means he is a little nearer to change. How terrible it will be when it comes for us but better for Pa. I shall try not to be surprised at any thing but I do hope I can see him again. Well Hannah as you say I was homesick this Monday. I got home just twenty minutes past nine. When I took my train you still stood in the station. I “rubbed”[?] around a little more and found we did not have to go out side or down the stairs to go from the waiting room to the elevated station, which is so much better & easier than going up & down so many steps. Am glad you enjoyed your lunch. It did not amount to much. Bess[5] said we had been gone about half an hour when she thought of a package. It just took her breath. She had the meat, bread, cake & cheese she had fixed for you. Said if she had known she could find us she would have gone to the train next morning & taken it to you. They did not get over here till yesterday. She was not well enough to come. I’m going home with her this P.M. We will stop down town & get her some nightdresses & a bedstead. She has decided to put up a bed in the kitchen bedroom. She is bloated quite bad this week. Her face & hands look real bad. Sunday Lizzie[6] has invited us, Julius[7] & Bess, Claude & Eda[8] there for the day. Bess wont try to go unless she feels much better which can hardly be expected. The tomattoes have not come yet. If they come while I’m gone Eda will see to them. I shall come home tomorow morning. I dont see how you got your work done that was promised if Carrie[9] was sick. Lou[10] wrote the xcursion is tomorow. She nor Cora[11] cant come. Lou will plan now to come for the hollidays. _____ and Lela[12] will eat up to Claudes tonight. Bess is up there now. I must stop and get lunch as Lela will be home about 11-45 and we want to get downtown early. Quite a cold wind blowing. Ethan if there is an other xcursion I wish you would come. You could see us and how we live if nothing more. I have written _____ a letter will send you a coppy. Write when you can. Love to all.

Nan

The things have come, have not opened them _____. 1:15.

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[1] Even though the letter was not dated, her mention of “Pas 90^th birthday” makes it obvious it was written on October 16, 1903

[2] Her sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne, and brother, Ethan Keith, who lived in the family home

[3] Their father, Charles Luke Keith Jr.

[4] Their mother, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[5] Her daughter, Bess (Brown) Recoschewitz

[6] Her sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown

[7] Bess’ husband, Julius Recoschewitz

[8] Her son and daughter-in-law, Claude & Eda (Neumaier) Brown

[9] Presume this is the Carrie that is mentioned in previous letters as someone who helped Hannah with her dressmaking

[10] Their sister, Louese (Keith) Harris

[11] Their sister-in-law, Cora (Meredith) Keith

[12] Her daughter, Lela Brown

April 24, 1903 letter to Nancy Brown from Ethan Keith

April 24, 1903

To: Nancy Brown

From: Ethan Keith, Galesburg, MI

Ethan has received word of his Uncle Robert’s death from his Uncle Henry and is expressing sadness that “our folks are all leaving us.” He and his sister Hannah have been sick with colds, as has their father who has also been suffering from a severe headache. Ethan also mentioned that his Uncle Hiram’s job may be tenuous and if lost would cause considerable distress.

This letter was originally posted to the Crawford/Comfort Family Letters blogsite. Click here to read the letter.

Obituary for Robert Crawford

ROBERT CRAWFORD

February 23, 1826 – April 13, 1903

———————-

OBITUARY

From the 4-16-1903 Omro Weekly Journal, p.1

Another Pioneer Gone.

On Tuesday the remains of Robert Crawford, who for some years had been living with his daughter, Mrs. John Tullar of Neenah, were brought to this village for interment beside the remains of his wife who died here years ago. Short funeral services were held, Rev. Roberson preaching the sermon. The funeral was held in Masonic hall, the Masons of which order Mr. Crawford had long been a member, having charge. Those who saw Mr. Crawford in Omro just a week ago when he came here to attend the funeral of Robert Shufelt, little thought that in one short week they would be called together again to attend his obsequies. His death was caused by blood poisoning, caused by the too close paring of a corn, the infection being taken from a colored sock.

Mr. Crawford came to this vicinity in the fall of 1849, and settled on land now included in the town of Omro, and from that time on up to within a few years he has been a resident here most of the time. He was a man of strict integrity and was highly respected by all who knew him. Mr. Crawford was of the make-up that the sturdy pioneers of Wisconsin are made of, and in his death Omro loses another of her very early settlers. He was 77 years old. Four daughters survive him three of whom attended the funeral.

We have not the necessary data to write up such an article as we would like to give our readers.

December 26, 1902 letter to Nancy Brown from Robert Crawford

December 26, 1902

To: Nancy Brown

From: Robert Crawford, Shell Rock, IA

Robert is writing about his last visit with his sister in October and about Ethan and Hannah’s devotion to their parents. He is staying with his daughter Lizzie and her husband, Jay Smith, through the Christmas holidays and then spending the winter with his other daughter, Lulu, in Oelwein, Iowa.

This letter was originally posted to the Crawford/Comfort Family Letters blogsite. Click here to read the letter.

December 24, 1902 letter to Nancy Brown from Ethan Keith

December 24, 1902

To: Nancy Brown

From: Ethan Keith, Galesburg, MI

Ethan is writing his sister about their Christmas, which has been empty without their mother. Pa seems to have her on his mind much of the time and wishes they could have both died at the same time. He was sorry that Lela couldn’t join them for Christmas.

This letter was originally posted to the Crawford/Comfort Family Letters blogsite. Click here to read the letter.

Obituary for Sarah (Crawford) Keith

SARAH (CRAWFORD) KEITH

December 26, 1821 – November 18, 1902

OBITUARY

From an unknown newspaper clipping.

November 17, 1902 letter to Sarah Keith from Edna Allen

November 17, 1902

To: Sarah Keith, Galesburg, MI

From: Edna Allen, Kalamazoo, MI

Edna is writing her Aunt, who unfortunately died on the 18^th, before the letter arrived. Edna is updating Sarah on her family. She was in Wisconsin, but missed seeing Uncle Robert, although she has received a letter from him. She saw in the paper that Hiram had been in Galesburg visiting.

This letter was originally posted to the Crawford/Comfort Family Letters blogsite. Click here to read the letter.

November 14, 1902 letter to Nancy Brown from Ethan Keith

November 14, 1902

To: Nancy Brown

From: Ethan Keith, Galesburg, MI

Ethan is writing his sister describing the poor condition of their mother. He is having much difficulty caring for her as her condition fails.

This letter was originally posted to the Crawford/Comfort Family Letters blogsite. Click here to read the letter.

November 14, 1902 letter to James Keith from Robert Crawford

November 14, 1902

 

To: James Keith, Shelbyville, MI

 

From: Robert Crawford, Neenah, WI

 

After visiting relatives in Shelbyville, Robert went to Chicago with his nephew, Ethan, to visit his niece, Nancy, and his brother, Hiram, before returning home in Neenah, Wisconsin. He received a letter from his sister, Sarah, who was getting weaker and was gradually failing when he saw her. He was planning to spend the winter with his daughter, Lulu, and her family in Oelwein, Iowa. Heard about the marriages of Cora’s sister, Josephine, and also his niece, Bess, to Julius.

This letter was originally posted to the Crawford/Comfort Family Letters blogsite. Click here to read the letter.

October 29, 1902 letter to Nancy Brown from Ethan Keith

October 29, 1902

To: Nancy Brown

From: Ethan Keith, Galesburg, MI

Is writing after returning from a visit and thanks them for everything. He went to Kalamazoo on Monday to sign the patent papers which will be sent to Washington right away.

Scan of 1902-10-29 Ethan Keith to Nancy Brown

Galesburg, Mich.
Oct– 29, 1902.
4.35 P.m.

Dear Sister,

I intended to have begun a letter you earlier but did not find a stopping place in my work before. Have been gathering apples. I arrived at Galesburg Sunday night at 12.20. We were one hour going to Hammond. Will Holmes[1] came on to the train soon after I got there, rode out to Pullman. There was a very thin crowd on the train there must a good many staid in Chicago. I did not sleep any coming home. Bert Kingsley and the Comings boys kept me company from Michigan City. Felt pretty old Monday but would go again. I enjoyed the trip. I saw you all, and know where you live, and how you look. Am very much obliged to you and the girls[2] for what you done for me. Went to Kal–[3] Monday and signed the patent papers[4] and paid them the last of the $45.00. Said they would send the papers to Washington right away. Finished digging potatoes yesterday have got 24½ bushels in the cellar and there are not more than two bushels that are too small to eat. They are real nice and we feel pretty good over them. Hannah[5] says she wont write to Jim[6] about the drum. I told her she had better let it go and not have any trouble so I will send it to him unless you had rather I would not. Ma[7] keeps about the same is just as thirsty as she has been.

Will have to close and do chores.

Love to all

Ethan

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[1] The husband of their half-niece, Ina (Skinner) Holmes

[2] Nancy’s daughters, Lela and Bess Brown

[3] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[4] He was an inventor and had several patents

[5] Their sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne

[6] Their brother, James Keith

[7] Their mother, Sarah (Crawford) Keith