Letter written by Maria-Elisa (Venetz) Duncan ca. 1959

Date: 1959 [unknown]
Location: Ried-Mörel, Canton of Valais, Switzerland
Surnames/tags: Venetz Kummer

A handwritten letter in the possession of Barry R. Smith as of 14 August 2020 came in a binder with a transcription made by Barry's grandfather Marion A. Duncan. Marion's transcription is prefaced with the introduction:

The following was written by my mother, Mrs. Alfred P. Duncan. It was on an unsigned and undated sheet sent to me by one of her brothers, Andrew A. Venetz, on November 30, 1961. It was probably written about 1959.

"My great-grandparents name on mother's side was Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Kummer. They resided in Ried Morrel, Switzerland. To them were born four children -- one son and three daughters. One of the daughters, Louisa, married Simon Nellen. To them were born five children. Four of them were Elias, Anton, Caroline, and Rosalia. Rosalia married Alexander Venetz. They were my parents. the father of Alexander Venetz was Clement Venetz. Father's mother's maiden name was Teresa Hofer. They had two sons -- Romanos and Alexander. To Rosalia and Alexander Venetz were born twelve children."

M. A. Duncan.

(This transcription is mostly exact except for some grammatical fixes.

To the original letter is stapled a note dated 11/30/61, signed Andrew. It reads:

"This paper was along with Family Birth Record & Certificate of Zitizenship and your mother likely wrote it shortly before she passed away and likely was thinking of the Family and those who have gone before -- Bless her dear heart and soul. (She has often been in my thoughts and appeard in dreams since she passed awan [sic] -- Bless her soul.)