File: 1831-08 Schoonover, Mary to John Deeds
From Mary Deeds Schoonover to her brother, John Deeds and her mother, Deborah Castor Deeds. The date is unknown, but it is probably August, 1831. She mentions in this letter that her daughter (Margret) will be one year old on the last day of "this month." In her letter dated October 2, (q.v.) she refers to the fact the her daughter was one year old on the last day of August. Her Grandfather Deeds, whom she mentions in the second paragraph, is not otherwise identified. However, the Deeds Genealogy (Book 1) indicates that a John Deeds, born in 1750, might be Philips father. The dates fit well. They would make John Deeds 81 years old in 1831. (PS 1999)
Dear friends,
I embrace this opportunity to inform you that I and all of my family is well at present and I hope this silent messenger may find you all well. I have been very sickly since I left Pennsylvania. Ever since I had my little daughter I have not been very well, I have been afflicted with the res[.... ], but I have got a great deal better, so I can work. I call my daughter Margret, and she will be one year old the last day of this month, and she is fat and pretty. My old man is very good natured and is good to me.
My Grandfather Deeds has been to see me a few days ago. He is eighty years old and he is very smart. He walks like a boy, and he wants to see father before he dies. He has got his third wife and Uncle Philip has got the farm to [?] the old man as long as he lives, He lives about fifteen miles from me, and John has been to see him, and I expect to go soon to see them. Uncle Philip has [?] ten children.
Well, I want to know when mother will come to stay with me as [?] I have a great desire to see her in this country. [The next paragraph is illegible except for a couple of words. Apparently she is asking again when her mother will come and live with her, and she has a horse to ride.]
Let me know whether you will come or not, and if you will come, what time
Dear brother, it does appear that you have [?] that you did give me to know in your letter. I have nothing to say, only that I would rather you would marry a Christian girl, but I know nothing about the girl. Brother, watch and pray lest you enter into temptation and neglect, and do not neglect to go to meetings, for you forget the Lord and turn to [?] this word and the last [?] well worse than the first.
We had Brother James Michael and his [?] all night with us, and I seen father and he said he seen you last August at Fairfield meeting.
From John and Mary Schoonover to John Deeds and Mother Deeds.
Mother, I often wish that you was here to help me to work and to help me to eat peaches and apples, for I have plenty of everything, only help of someone. And farewell, Mother. I still remember you more than all the rest.
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