Letter: 7 July 1872

To Lora Arnold
from Elisabeth Johnson

Schuyler Falls
July 7th, 1872.

Dear Sister and all.

I should think you might write oftener, you ought to anyway if you have any interest in anything pertaining to the old home. We are very much troubled concerning Pa for he seems to be growing weaker every day and is very feeble, cannot sit up but a little while at a time. He cannot even feed the pigs, did so when he carried the pails with the neckyoke a long time, but cannot do that now. Uncle Terry tends him, but he goes to him, and I don't believe he will be able to ride there many more times unless better. Uncle has been very sick, just lived, that was all and will probably never practice much more as Dr. Orman will come soon and take his place. He bled at the lungs nearly a pint and the Drs said he would never live through another spell and he might have another at any time. Dr's said Ann could not live until cold weather and that perhaps she might not appear to be any worse than now, she went strawberrying and picked two quarts last week, she is a dreadful troublesome patient and Mela (?) has her hands full. Strawberries have been very plenty and we have just lived on them and preserved lots. Lydia has just come for Ma in a great hurry as Mrs. Ducat (?) was sick so they have both gone to tend her. We thought Noah Farnsworth would give you a call perhaps he may on his return as he found a place 40 miles south of Chicago that he liked, before he went on farther, was in Minnesota the last we heard, and we hope he may call on you, and if it is a possible thing you come home with him. Hattie was twelve yesterday you could trust her as a housekeeper for a time we think. Martha is still factory girl but should not be surprised if she came any time, as one of the girls came home and she said Martha was homesick. Ida went to Redford (?) with Pa last Tuesday, the 4th, went with Herman and the company, to High Bridge and about tired out. John and Hannah came and spent the 4th here, and after tea we went down to Mr. Weaver's to call. Lib Turner has very poor health this summer; they expect Ann soon. Carrie Stickle has a new five dollar hat and twelve dollar shawl ain't she comin out, she will be as fat as Debbie if she keeps on, but about as smart as when you went away. Mrs. Spalding has had a letter from Aunt Martha Fry, she was well but the (Drs)? health was poor. Joan had moved to Kansas and left her girl with her. She did not inquire about us nor mention our names only said she had heard you had moved to Illinois. How did you like the looks of the picture Amanda sent you, (your expectant brother). Pa appears better this afternoon, this morning he had a bad spell, and Flora is boiling black cherry bark for him now. Mary is quite smart, has been over once. Samantha is weaving all the time as ever. Jane (Rosman) ? has been having a lame back but was out hoeing again last week. If Pa continues failing we would like to have you come and if you cannot get the money to come with let us know and do not stop to get ready for things are cheaper here than there.

Pa is going to Mill so must hurry, e's some better this morning. Mrs. (Ducat) ? has another daughter. Write as soon as you get this or I shall scold again.

From

Elisabeth Johnson.