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McCown & Wylie Family Letters

Privacy Level: Open (White)
Date: 1856 to 1925
Location: Ohio, West Virginia, United Statesmap
Surnames/tags: McCown Wylie
Profile manager: Doug McCown private message [send private message]
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Uploads of images of family letters that were in my possession. Some originals are now in the possession of WV Arts, Culture & History at Charleston, WV under the title of "McCown Family Letters"

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Contents

Letters in Private Collection

WV Cultural Center

The following letters are at the archives of the WV Department of Arts, Culture & History in Charleston, WV. The remaining letters in this FreeSpace are in the possession of DC McCown or his brother.

1. Letter from unknown author to Elizabeth “Bettie” Blume containing an acrostic poem, July 15, 1858 (original envelope included) (LINK)

2. Letter from Philip and Elizabeth Blume to Robert and Elizabeth Wylie, July 23, 1872 (LINK) (Transcript)

3. Three letters from James “Cecil” McCown to Sylvester “Vess” McCown in Kenova, West Virginia, April-October 1891 (LINK to Letter 1 -page 1) (LINK to Letter 1 - page 2) (LINK to Letter 2 - page 1) (LINK to Letter 2 - page 2) (LINK to Letter 3 - page 1) (LINK to Letter 3 - page 2) (LINK to Letter 3 - page 3) (LINK to Letter 3 - page 4) (Transcripts)

4. Letter from James “Cecil” McCown to Sylvester “Vess” McCown written on C. A. Sarber Rail Road Contractor letterhead, July 7, 1892 (LINK to page 1) (LINK to page 2) (LINK to page 3) (Transcript)

5. Letter from Garrard Morgan (G. M.) Blume to Elizabeth Jane Blume Wylie written on Fayette Coal and Coke Company letterhead, September 9, 1902 (LINK to page 1) (LINK to page 2) (Transcript)

6. Letter from G. H. Blume to his brother-in-law, Robert W. Wylie, written on Fayette Coal and Coke Company letterhead, August 4, 1908 (LINK) (Transcript)

7. Letter from Herbert McCown to Mary Ellen Wylie McCown sent from Kaymoor, West Virginia, circa 1926 [to page 1)] [to page 2)] (Transcript)

Robert to John Wylie 1840

This is a transcription of a letter from Robert Wylie to his brother, John Wylie (my 4th Great Grandfather).

Mrs. Asenath Wylie Crawford (1850-1938), of Beaver, PA was the possessor of the original letter. Mrs. Crawford states that the writing in the original is very fine and that it is now (1931) about 91 years old the ink is as black as when written, but the paper has worn so badly where folded, that some of the words are not distinct, the stars indicate this discrepancy.

Hallgreen Castle by Bervie 30 May, 1840

My dear brother,

I take the opportunity of my friend, Alexander Patterson, Esquire, from Bervie who leaves for Illinois, United States America, where he is to take charge of a banking establishment. He is a fine gentleman and a worthy companion. Indeed, his absence will cause a blank in the community. I received your kind letter of May 10, 1817, and wou1d have gladly embraced your kind invitation of leaving this for America. But, alas, I met with a bad disaster on the farm that I was removing from which completely paralyzed my **** and at that time my two sons, William and John, had gone to sea and the rest of my family except one being daughters and finding myself without the necessary funds, I was obliged to resume my old trade of a *** etc. etc. Had I gone out to you when I took that lease on the farm in Aberdeenshire then I had about 10000 Stg., a **** this country that my funds were gone

I am sorry that I did not write in answer at the time I received your letter in order to keep up a correspondence, but my spirits were broken for some time. I wrote four or five years after I got your letter, but I never received an answer.

I shall give you a state of my family and also of our friends in general. As it is now twenty-three years since your letter, you may be prepared for great alterations. My family at that time consisted of Ann, William, Catherine, John, Mary, Annabelle, Jean, James, Elizabeth and Leslie. Margaret, our youngest, born here. William was very successful at sea, soon got command of a ship and after sixteen years at sea round and round the world died at sea aged thirty tears. He died at Sierra Leon, on the coast of Africa, and a scoundrel of an agent absconded with his property. The chief mate having caught the *** of the country, and made off to America, and has rendered no account. I received £300 which William had in the bank in London. John went out to sea with William and as my brother William was then in the Brazil he wrote the captain to leave the youngest son at Rio de Janeiro, on the return from the trip and John stopped and our brother had died. He now stays with Dr. William Wylie, our brother’s son at G*** who went out to visit Uncle William, who died before he arrived. Our brother William was very unfortunate in his later years. He died a single man much regretted by his friends at Rio but left no money. Our sister Catherine lives at G**** and keeps a shop. Our brother Alexander lives at G**** in the Custom House Service and at present has a living worth *** *** a day. He and his family have been fortunate. His oldest son, Robert, is captain of a large ship in the African trade and is making a fortune. He is married and lives at Liverpool, The Doctor, William, as I mentioned, is in the B***. John is a seaman and trades from New York but has not the ambition of Robert, Edward is in the African Trade and commands a fine ship. He also is in a way to make money in the same trade as Robert.

Alexander is a *** and is in business for himself. James is a cooper *** but is at sea on a voyage to the West Indies. D*** and a brother whose name I forgot are *** and carry on business for themselves. The youngest is a daughter, Elsia, at home with father and mother.

I neglected to mention in the account of my family that our youngest son, James, was a *** a ship’s carpenter and is on a voyage to the Indies and South America. He has been on a voyage to the *** and since Riga. We have not heard from him since April when he was at D***.

You will be anxious to know of our uncles in London. You have no doubt heard, that our Uncle Robert died about thirty years ago and left a widow and infant child but I could not learn if they are alive or who inherited his large fortune. Thomas died a few years after and left a son and three daughters to whom he left 15,000 pounds each and 30,000 to his son and a fine house in Lions Square, London. I had occasion to be in London when he was alive and was in his house *** with *** in Scotland but he never offered me a glass of wine. He died soon after. That was in 1829 or 1830. So much for all your friends here. Now in return I hope you will favor me with your own history for the past twenty-three years.

My wife and family join me in compliments to you. In hopes to hear from ***

MY dear brother, Yours affectionately, Robert Wylie

An Acrostic to Miss Betty Blume 1856

An Acrostic To Miss Bettie Blume

  • M_iss Bettie, an acrostic upon your lovely name,
  • I__will compose! And while I of your fair frame,
  • S__hall speak! I hope you will believe me true,
  • S__ince but in candor, would I speak of you,
  • B__ut I will not flatter, no it is not in me,
  • E__ven to speak of charmes on virtues I do not see,
  • T__o Thee belong and in Thee many of the virtues tivine,
  • T__ruth , goodness, and honesty in Thee doth combine,
  • I__fancy the best gifts on Thee have been bestowed,
  • E__ach comeing from the kind hand of your God,
  • B__eauty sits upon your noble brow with balanced grace,
  • L__ike burnished gold it throws a lustre on thy face,
  • U__nrivalled then for beauty before me dost thou stand,
  • M__idst all the gifted fair ones of our happy land,
  • E__nough dear Bettie, I shall remain your constant friend,

Winfield, Putnam County, Virginia, September 23rd 1856 (RW – Script)

Better make religion your chief delight; And worship Him who is Infinite; Religion has to us been given; It guides us all the way to Heaven

May your pathway brighter shine; May your days in peace decline: May you then forever be; Happy through eternity


I can't forget thee now 1857

This letter is unsigned, but it was contained in an original envelope that showed it was from Robert W. Wylie.

Valentine letter for Miss Blume – 14 Feb 1857 To Bettie:

I can’t forget thee now.

In happier days I saw thee fram (sic) Across my lonely way; Thy life became the morning dream That tells of coming day; Full long in that bright dream I dwelt With gay unclouded brow; Ah! Me, the bliss of heaven I felt, And can’t forget thee now. The gloom of fate’s unpitying frown Is on my spirit cast My star in darkness has gone down, My best of life is past; But though the seas overwhelm me quite. And hid my sinking prow- I love thee mid this awful night, And can’t forget thee now. Though other charms may brightly woo, My heart to feel their power, And other hearts my bless them, too, In youth’s warm passionate hour, On me their rays shall gently fall, Nor will I breathe one vow To those – to thine – I gave them all, And can’t to other now. “Valentine” Winfield, VA Feby: 14th 1857

Northcraft to Blume 1857

This letter written in 1857 is from Richard Northcraft to Elizabeth Blume. It is written on high quality paper in beautiful flowing cursive. There were a few misspellings – some of which were influenced by the King James Bible.

Walnut Grove, Putnam County, Virginia, August 1st 1857

Miss Bettie J. Blume.

Dear Sister Bettie, I have seated myself this beautiful afternoon for the purpose of writing you a few lines. You must not get offended when you receive this letter for it is written in a spirit of Christian kindness and I humbly trust that you will receive it in the same Christian spirit. When it reaches you, I hope that it may find you in the enjoyment of good health and in a fine flow of spirits. Your friends up in Putnam are generally well and all appear quite anxious to see you once more in their midst. This pleasure I suppose they will soon enjoy as you spoke of visiting Winfield in August. Spiritually we are getting along pretty well at all my appointments I have large and attentive congregations that I have ever seen at that place and at Bear Creek, my congregations have greatly increased a few Sundays ago at the latter place at least one hundred was in attendance quite a large number for that place. These appearances give evidence of an increased desire to hear the Gospel. I feel somewhat encourage and let me say that I need encouragement for I have been much cast down in spirits ever since my return to this charge. Many things have transpired to bring about this depression. But I shall put my trust in the Almighty for I know that His grace is sufficient to sustain me in my every position of life. On last Monday I went in company with Sister Dawson and Sister Mary Cash over the River to see Sister Jennings and Sister Bettie Humford. We concluded not to pay the ferriage and determined to go over in a canoe. I had to act as Ferryman. This was a new business to me for I had never taken a canoe over a stream in my life. But I told them that I could take them over in safety. As I could do whatever I undertook, Except getting a wife. Puss you know is quite timid but she ventured to get in and pushed boldly out into the majestic river and landed them safely on the opposite bank. We spent a day quite pleasantly. Sister Bettie was well and looked as captivating as ever. After Tea we once more got aboard our little craft to return home. I got one of my mischievous spells on me and pretended that I could not manage the canoe. I soon had my fair passengers awfully frightened, Puss in particular. But after I had enjoyed the fun long enough I made out to get to the landing in safety. Puss and myself went out to the Valley yesterday to gather blackberries and got back this morning. When you come up you will be made acquainted with the incidents of our blackberry excursion. I will however say that we had quite a pleasant trip and got plenty of delicious fruit. I rec’d a letter from Bro. Henry C. Sanford a few days ago who had just returned from Bro. Spurlocks. He has appointed his Basket meeting the 19th & 20th of September. I do not suppose that it will be in my power to attend at that time, that is if I take my contemplated trip up the Ohio River for I do not suppose I will be back in time & before I close let me say a few words to you upon the subject of Religion. For I trust my Sister that if you have not yet found that you are still seeking the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, I feel a deep interest in your present and future happiness. O Bettie, continue to seek the Pearl of great value – rest not until you know that you are a child of God. Possessed as you are with high intilectual (sp) capacities. Think of the good you may accomplish if your heart be sanctified by the religion of our Lord Jesus Christ. O never quench the Holy Spirit whose office it is to regenerate and seal us the heirs of God and witness with our spirits that we are the adopted children of the great Redeemer of the world. Religion gives true beauty to is possessor. O may its beauty adorn your future life although the faculties of man are impaired through the fall and their tastes greatly perverted, yet who is not pleased with the picturesque, the sublime, and the beautiful in nature. Who can stand and look out upon the fields growing beneath the weight of their ripened fruit, or upon the forest clad in verdant mantle, or on brook or dell or tiny water fall and fail to catch the soothing influence of nature’s rich poetry. But when the heart is controlled by the love of God, then we see these things through a corrected medium. Yet, O my sister, what is external beauty it is unsatisfying and soon ceases to please. We may be charmed by a well executed portrait. We may look with admiration on the finished statue, yet we are not satisfied. The one is but painted canvas, the other lifeless marble. God has constituted the face the index of the soul and its true beauty is that outward reflection of the mind, which spreads over the human face a beauty all divine. Internal emotions will manifest themselves on the countenance or in the eye. Religion therefore beautifies by correcting the heart. I throws a pleasing lustre (sp) over every excellency of our nature and gives to every grace a potent charm. When the heart feels the warming the hallowing influences of this holy love it may bid defiance to earth’s chilling tide of woes and smile at every stormy blast of life. O seek it then with all thy heart, Go and trust in the blood of the Great Redeemer like the afflicted leper who trusted in His power and goodness. He could say, “If thou will, thou canst make me clean.” Christ responds, “I will, be thou clean”. Go like the diseased woman who amid her musings thought, “If I could but touch the hem of His garment, I shall be healed”, and then her spirit flew to Christ and the outstretching of that poor and trembling hand to realize the healing contact was but the outward shadowing of the desperate soul’s earnestness and trusting. O then such trusting may be yours, and then like her, you may realize the sweet tide of health flowing through your frame and the infinite virtue of the precious blood of Christ shall stay the plague. Go and trust like the woman of Caanan (sp) she met the Saviour’s (sp) silence first and then His apparent refusal and last his sore rebuke. But her faith triumphed over all and marvelously turned the whole rebuff into and overwhelming argument and she received all she asked and went home to find Satan driven like lightening from her daughter. O then my sister go like these thee. That is, be your spirit like theirs Intensely trusting in the great Redeemer. Did their persons approach the sacred person – True, but this was only a circumstance of incident. Their soul’s attitude and motion was the great matter. Their success depended on the swift rushing of their spirits to the Saviour (sp) and trusting in his power. O, then let my spirit rush too. Whisper forth the ardent trustful prayer. It will not be lost on the passing breeze for he is ever listening and is only waiting to be trusted in . O the precious blood of Christ. But I must close for my sheet is full. Puss and myself expect to go down to pay you a visit soon and you must come up with us. May the Almighty bless you through life – and bring you at last to the home of the pure and the blessed – Yours affectionately,

Richard Northcraft

Philip and Elizabeth Blume to Robert and Elizabeth Wylie, July 23, 1872

This letter is addressed as “Dear Son” from Philip Blume (1793 – 1872) in July of 1872. He died in November of 1872. However, it seems to be addressing his son-in-law, Robert Wylie as it mentions sales of store goods and we were in possession of the letter. The following is a transcript with corrections in spelling, punctuation, etc… The handwriting, though is quite legible.

Mountain Cove, July 23rd 1872

Dear son,

In answer to your inquiry about the quality of the flour you sent us. It is No 1 the best I have seen for many years, but good as it is, my appetite is failing with my declining health which has been preying on me for 7 months. I eat about 1 or 2 small biscuits a meal (and) some milk. I have a severe cough and pain in my left side. My bowels are greatly disordered & I am still growing weaker. In looking over McLean’s medical almanac you sent he describes my case in every particular & pronounces it the liver affected. I see your card on the back of the almanac, so I expect you keep the medicines for sale. If so, please send me by Bettie if you cannot come yourself, McLean’s strengthening cordial & blood purifier also his volcanic oil liniment and a box of his universal pills & I will pay for them when they arrive which I hope will not be long. We have pleasant weather here now, but a good deal of rain. I am very anxious to see you all before I go hence. The way I am failing so fast I sometimes think the time is near at hand and I am daily trying to be ready. Our love to you and your family. P Blume

Tell Bettie I will write before long … Mother

Elizabeth Blume to son-in-law 1876

This letter is undated. Given the content of the letter it is probable the letter was written in the summer of 1876. Despite that it was addressed to “My Dear Son” it appears to be written to Robert W. Wylie by his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Smith Blume (1803-1876). Evidence: She references Jacob and Charles. Philip and Elizabeth Blume had children by those names, while Elizabeth Brown Wylie (Robert’s birth mother did not.) The handwriting is near perfect script and highly legible. (Punctuation has been added to eliminate run-on sentences.)

My Dear Son,

You need have no fears of being forgotten. My children are all very dear to me. I love them only as a mother can. It was gratifying to me to receive a letter from you and I will try and say something in return, but cannot promise to write a full letter. It is through the mercies of a kind father and redeemer that my unprofitable life has been spared – feel thankful I have strength to walk about the house and yard and do some little turns, but still feel very feeble. (I) can take but little exercise. I know not how long I shall stay here or how soon I may be called away but that doesn’t trouble me. I feel resigned that I may be found of him in peace and may be counted worthy to enter through the gate into the city, there to dwell with our blessed redeemer forever. I feel sorry that business is so dull with you, but it seems to be so everywhere. Everyone complains of the scarcity of money, but I hope times will soon be better; however, we must try and be resigned to our duty trusting in God and hoping for the best. I am glad to hear that you and Bettie are still trying to live christians and I pray the Lord to fill your hearts with divine love that he may give you grace to take up your cross and to live in the discharge of every christian duty – putting your trust in him for they that trust upon the Lord shall never be forsaken. (I) would like to see you all very much. Kiss Bettie and the dear little ones for me, your affectionate mother. Jacob received the wine of life. Charles says he will write to you when he gets time. He is busy now.

Vess to father 1891

This is a short note from Sylvester “Vess” McCown to his father, Monroe

Kenova, W.VA 10/25/1891

M. McCown Millers, OH

Father,

Enclosed find letters from the boys rec’d last week. 3 of us away from home and each thinks he has the hardest time. I expect to get a house in 2 or 3 weeks. (I) will know by the middle of this week and if I get it we will move as soon as the house is vacated. Things are very dull here. There is no news at this point.

Love to all, Vess

Cecil to Vess April-October 1891

These letters are from James Cecil McCown, one of Sylvester’s brothers. Cecil died at 23 years of age of Typhoid fever in August of 1892.

  • Letter 1

Lebanon, Ohio

April 5, 1891

Mr. S. McCown

Kenowa, W Va

Dear Bro.

Thinking you would like to know of my whereabouts, I will write you a short letter. The Bostona arrived at Cin(cinnati) Sunday 8 P.M. (I) had a very nice time Sunday night but Mike and I did not tell the poster that we wanted to catch the early train so we slept and all of the others got the trains and we had to wait until in the afternoon before we got a train. Mrs. Morrison had saved us a room so I had no trouble in that line. I am taking Pen Graw arithmetic Ed beginning bookkeeping. I will put lots of my time on penmanship – don’t you think I need it and I will take several drills in the common branches so that I can pass our county examination in June, as I go home. Then if I am successful I will teach next winter. Mike is getting along very well but he don’t like the school and would just as soon go home as not. He don’t like the methods they have here but I think he will come to it in a few days. He likes it better now than he did at first. I haven’t heard from home yet. I want you to be my judged whether I improve in pen this turn or not. Judge from my letters. Write often; my time is limited but I will do the best I can. Your Bro. Cecil McCown

  • Letter 2

Millers, Ohio 5/30/1891

Mr. S. McCown

Kenova, W. Va.

Dear Brother,

I am going to attend the examination Friday and Saturday. I will go down on the Ida Smith Friday and come back up to Ken(ova) Saturday night. There is nothing to do at home to justify Will and I both to stay so I will have to find myself another job. If you find a swap I wish you would hold it for me until Monday. I don’t want you to exert yourself too much but if you can find a place that you think that I can fill I wish you would speak for it for me. I will not be choicy. Ben was down this week and stayed two days. His work will be through in six weeks where he is now. Ma had some strawberries to send to you by Will but we heard that Will went Tuesday and did not know any better until this morning. Sunny Dillons caught the Sarron girl who was drowned last Feb. Her folks came down after her on the Brown. She was all to pieces a horrible looking sight it is supposed that she has lain in the willows until this rain floated her out. Ma sends love to her boy. Cecil McCown

  • Letter 3

Ellsworth, Ind

Sunday, Oct 18, 1891 (so for which county – don’t know)

Mr. S. McCown

Kenova, W.Va.

Dear Bro:

Your letter rec’d a short time ago it did me good to read how you enjoyed yourself at home. It is a nice place to be. I am only sorry that I am not there today instead of this God forsaken country. We have been traveling for the last month through this country that I would not have. One hill after another wasn’t enough so they are piled on top of each other. _____ a little town once and an iron man homesick don’t you think so? Vess, if Peck gives you a helper this winter I would like to stay with you. It would be much much nicer than this work if he will pay anything reasonable. I would not kick you need not say anything about it unless you think best. But if you should want me I would gladly except (sic). We are not getting along as fast with this work as Coleman expected we would when he took this work. I don’t think he will make much money. We will be at French Lick some time all while but so far they have been settled by Dutch and it was the same as being in Germany. Today we are with an English family but it is so crowded that I am in misery. There is 11 sleeps in the same room. A man and his wife in the same room. Oh it is nice. I have just written a letter to Ma and it caused me to center my mind on home so strong that it almost made me homesick thinking of how many good things there is there and of the pleasures and company there with what I have to go through with here. I think it is enough to make of hardships will pass away we will spend something then it is a famous watering place for the rich of Ind(iana). Well Ves, I am so lonesome that I can’t write anymore. I hardly know what I have written. If you write next week address Ellsworth but after that at French Lick, Orange Co. After this week we will be in better country and things will be nice like home.

Your Bro, Cecil McCown.

Cecil to mother 1891

Lebanon, Oh, Warren Co. Ohio

Mrs. M. McCown,

Dear Mother,

I wrote Pa a short letter some time ago but haven’t heard from him.

I have spent one long week – have not had any trouble. My studies are not very hard and everything is just as pleasant as could ask for but it seems like a long time when I look forward four or five years that I will have to spend in school if I take a proffession which I have sometimes thought of doing. It almost discourages me, but if See Miller can stand it why can’t I?

I would like to stay at home all the time but I see that is impossible. Millers is no place for me or any other boy that intends to make anything out of themself. This morning when I got up I thought how well I would like to be at home. It was cold and everything seemed so lonely. But it does me good to go from home. It learns me to appreciate the kindness which you and Pa shows me and it learns me the fact that there is no one like a brother or sister. I wish that Will was here with me but I know that it is impossible and I can’t say for him to study for I did not set the example last winter but I would like for him to ____ over every minute of his time on the common branches so that next Spring when we come here we need not put any time on them. I will try and finish them this term.

It is very cold here. There was about 2 inches of snow fall night before last. The ground is frozen hard enough to ____ a horse. I am so afraid it has killed the fruit. Be sure and tell me when you write. My money is holding out all right. I think that I will have enough to summer if I don’t have to buy anything. I haven’t got my oranges yet.

Well how did Nettie and H do with Collett? I hope they will be successful. I will write to Vess and Ben today. I want some of the family to write once a week to me anyhow. I will go to the M.E. Church tonight. Fred Schraman has moved to another room so Mike and I are by ourselves. Mike is very quiet and we get along very well.

Your affectionate Son, J.C. McCown

Cecil to Vess letterhead 1892

Mr. S. McCown

Kenova, W. Va

Dear Brother,

Never in all my stays from home have I neglected writing as I have this time. It was not because I had forgotten everyone, but because things were so _____.

I came here to work for Burr Sarber but in a short time after I got here he had to give up the work and it went to another man’s hands. I had a gang of men and was getting along nicely with them when it happened. I had them just from hire 3 weeks about the same time the clerk of the commissary took sick and had to leave. I was then taken from my gang and put in the commissary as I was then the only one who knew anything about books. It is a very particular place all of the men work under checks and the clerk has to issue them each night. Each check calls for so many hours and they are good for the money any place. So you see there is no small thing in paying off 75 or 150 men each night and also issuing rashans (sic). As I was going to say they gave up the work and when the other man took charge of the work he had his old Foreman, and the commissary clerk came back so I was left in the lurch. But at the same time Burr took the track laying and put me as timekeeper and commissary clerk. It is not a very bad peace(sic). Them books are not hard to keep. The work in the commissary is light so the main thing is keeping the time and issuing checks which takes about half a day. My wages while on the road all the same was $65 per month with $3.50 week board, but this month I will only get $45. It is quite a fall but it was the best I could do. If they had kept the grading my wages would have run at $65 all summer. I will stay this month for what I am getting but they must raise it next or I will make him think that I am going out, but I will not until I see something better.

We have a crew of Old Virginia Negroes here. They are a great set. All of them call me Captain James. It makes me think of the old man who had the boat above yours last summer.

Burr Sarber is sick with Typhoid Fever. He is very sick. He will have a hard time of it as he is so fleshy. I think that he will come through all right.

Write Often

Love you all, your Bro. Cecil McCown

Ma to Vess 1892

Dear Son

I received your kind letter several days ago and I have neglected to write not because I did not want to. Vessa, ma thinks of you every day for there is something all the time coming up to remind me that I have only three dear boys now and how could I forget you? Twelve weeks today since we followed poor Cecil to his resting place. A sad day it was to and I will all the rest of my life – oh one so dear to me how can I ever give him up. I know he is better off but that makes his loss none the less. You come home if you think best. We will all be glad to see you. Willie was everything but well for several days after getting home but is well now and is as funny as ever. Dustin McKnight is here on a visit. Nettie and Hattie Manville has gone down to Browns today on a visit. She is here also on a visit (and) has been for several days. Hontie is in school but no school today. Rube’s sister from the west is on a visit and her little boy and only child is very sick and perhaps dead and Rube has gone up home there and won’t be any more school this week. Pa is writing to you and if there is any news he will tell you. I wish Ben had went in Will’s place. He wanted to go so bad, but it can’t be helped now. Take good care of yourself Ves and don’t get sick and will write again. Your Ma.

Monroe to Vess 1892

Millers, O 6/12 1892

S. McCown

New Orleans, LA

My Son,

I am glad you keep us in remembrance to write once a week. Your letter was welcome. (I) am glad are so comfortable situation also that you find Capt Halliday so genial. He was always so. It may pay to cultivate his acquaintance and friendship. He is or was a man who stood by his friends always consult Graham before engaging in any business aside from his he might object. I think you are now in a fair way to get a start upward. New Orleans was in my memory always a trecherous apple market, but keep your eyes open you will strike it. ____ __ all well and our protracted meeting going on can’t do much else only attend meeting. The membership are coming around and I anticipate a good time. Ma was at Huntington and is having a crayon picture made of Cecil life size, poor boy, how I miss him as I went to his grave on last Sunday. How all the circumstances of his commision and his sickness and last talk to the family came up before every incident _______ before as though I was in the midst of it again while I try to be resigned I often ask myself and that why it was, a life so full of promise cut off so suddenly. My this dispensation of Providence make us all better so we will go to him when we are done here. I hope you cough under the warm and sunny skies of La will get better. Take good care of yourself and be good. ______ was up Sun and Monday looks well. Friedie has got home from the mountains and will be up on Sunday so I suppose. Sis will soon know what she will do. Julius Anderson’s son Toni is on the farm and has been attending our meeting and has misbehaved to a considerable extent. Last night in my talk it was of mothers and a mother’s influences. I seen he was all attention and after church was over he came to me and congratulated me on my talk. I hope it will do him good. Our home is the same old home _____ as in times past. Nothing I know further that I know matters that would interest you, about 7 ____ in the river the Packets and running – no indication of ice. Pleasant weather, Thermometer 55 with indications of rain. Write often, yr father

M. McCown

Ben has not been up _____ of the _____ starting soon. Ma will write soon.

Monroe to Vess Jan1893

The following is an interpreted version of a letter by Monroe McCown (1832 - 1899) to Sylvester (Vess) McCown on 4 Jan 1893. The letter is dated 1892 in error, but it is a common error at the beginning of a year. Added words or letters are in parenthesis. Brian McCown provided the original transcript.

Miller, Ohio - Jany 4, 1892

S. McCown

New Orleans, La

My Son,

You owe us two letters but I will write as I hear from Nellie (Mary Ellen McCown) you have been from home some days. I hope your trip up the river proved to be pleasant & profitable - a good thing - the boats just out of the Ohio before the ice for navigation has been suspended here for some 10 or 12 days and no immediate prospect of resumssion (resuming). In the last few days it was measure under some rain and the river opened up below but colder now & snowing and the river full of heavy floating ice. We spent Christmas at home had Nellie Ben Ida & the children (Mary Ellen, Benjamin Franklin, & Ida May Miller McCown) also Chris Frutel was up to see Sis & took dinner with us. Had a good dinner & pleasant day. Attended church as usual. How comforting to be in love with God & the measure of Grace. With Joshua long ago I hear said, “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” At least I will as the Heavens lead in that direction, and as we go out one by one. How pleasant in our Lordship, if we mourn not as those who have no hope. As I look at Cecil's picture so life like and think of his snow covered grave, if there was no evidence of his heavenly home, I think I would die with grief. But I can go to him in the Lord's good time. Will it be that our family will be complete in heaven. God grant it may be so. It can be so our home. About us you know it in the fresh stores, full of loafers, nothing doing but furnace feeding. To then stock what was raised last year and we will commence in the spring & toil for bread and meat. Ben (Benjamin Franklin) went to work at the _______ last Monday they have about 8 months work, contractor. His family is at home. Haven't seen Nellie (Mary Ellen) for some days, but hear she is well. Will, Hanta & Rob (William Burr McCown, Rosa Pochahantas McCown, and Robert Truehill Hiles) are in school. Sis (Nettie) is at home and we are as comfortable as we can be - a comparatively well. Be a joval boy do right and you will be successful, because you have ability to get up in the world. We wrote you some days ago God bless you. yr Father, M. McCown

Ma to Vess Jan1893

Millersport, Jan 4

Dear Son

I am thinking of you today my boy an I must write if only a few lines as Pa told you we had a pleasant time Christmas so far as a good dinner went. Nellie was here. We gave her their presents and she was pleased with them. I have 2 ½ in gold for you. Shall I give it to Nellie or send it to you? I gave Ben and Nellie the same amount and Willia a ring. Paid 250 for it last Christmas. I gave Cecil a razor paid 2 or 3 dollars for it and Hontie a ring so I have given all of you the same. It is a small amount it will do for a keepsake to remember Ma. I wrote to you 2 weeks ago. I hope you are well and had a good time with your trip to Cairo. So you think you will get home before Spring? If not make the best of it for the time will come again for birds and flowers then we will look for you. We have Cecil’s picture to look at it and them my mind runs back to the past and am reminded where we laid him a way and today he is covered with the cold white snow but he is better off than we are – no toil, no care where he is gone and I know he would say to me if he could, “Ma, don’t cry for me. Bye and by we will meet again. Tell all of them I am looking out for them to come and Vess were it not for the coming day when we will all meet him, I don’t think I could live. But, I am trying to be live to be ready for the great day when he will say, “it is enough come up higher.”

Since Cecil’s death you seem nearer than ever to us for the thought so much of you only a short time before he died, I heard him say as soon as he got to making money he would help you to get a start but death leaves a shining mark and it said, “we will take him, he is too good to stay in a world of sin like this.” Hontie is getting along finely in school. Pa has told you all the news. June Nickels is here. He is better than he was. Jennie is going to Burts as soon as the boats get to running. Kent and C left Monday for Delaware. C spent a great deal of time with us. He was here for dinner Christmas.

Vess burn all of my letters. Don’t let anyone see them. I don’t write enough to keep in practice, so burn them! Take good care of yourself and don’t get sick. Write soon. Your ma.

RWW to MaryEllen 1895

1895 Letter from RWWylie to family

South Bend, Monday July 13, 1895

To all of my home folks, I was in hopes I would hear from some of you this morning but did not. (I) was not out of the house yesterday till after 5 o’clock. They took out in the care (sic) but it hurt me so I had to bye them to take me back. There are a great many beautiful places & we crossed the (river) several times. There are bridges for most every street in the business part and some of the largest Mfg plants I have ever seen, the largest schoolhouses and the fewest houses. The square we live on has Junior and ____ Scott one other boy that that was shut up last week with the chicken pox and have only seen one little girl.

The RR is not much more than 100 feet & they pass every few minutes and the most hideous noise. Since most scares me out of bed sometimes as the windows (are) open just side where they whistle but I am getting youst (sic) to it. I do not think I would give your orchard for all I have seen. Apples ____ for the last 250 miles but there (are) many beautiful groves of finest trees. I think you had better come for me this week for I am afraid I will get so I cannot stand the trip. Hope to hear from (you) soon but I know how busy you are.

There (sic) house is very nice but there are 3 steps in front and two back that does not suit one in my condition. They have the most splendid basement along pair of stairs & no banister have only been in it once as Laura had to help me down. Hope you all well. This letter intended for all if you can read it. Father.

Ma to Vess 1898

Miller O. April 10, 1898

S. M Cown

St. Jo(seph), MO

My Son,

For some time____ ___ no letters from you and even ______ ___ my ___ of you. Since I have had 2 letters from you in have had high waters here as you know doubt know. No ___ ________ to us only up to russet tree in yard. We had the largest ____ in _____ of the winder this _________ ____. ____ and Plum trees ran out July and I think all killed may harm some peaches. (I) don’t think apples are hurt. (I) have made no garden, only potatoes planted in garden, lost ½ of them by water. (We) have some 12 acre yet to plow. (We) will be late planting as it looks now. ____ ___ were with us some 2 weeks is not getting on very well. Honta goes there tomorrow. Will and Honta have gone to ______ creek to see _____ where he has been sick some 3 weeks with Typhoid fever. Ma will tell you how they found him and conclude this letter. _____ _____ Election for Bill ____ again. Election by large majority. Also Ben Lynn ____ ____ ___ after done all we could but would not down _____ too ban such a man has the _____ ____ of a free people and spend the people’s money.

(Ending of Monroe’s part and Henrietta’s follows)

They are all well. I will go and make a short visit with her and come home and go down to Ben’s with Aunt Fannie. We will go and see Nellie to(o). I am anxious for her to see Bessie. She is a great baby with us. Bro Hingree has a romp with her every time she comes. Pa and the boys have been hawling (sic) corn this fore noon. (They) put in about 60 bushells (sic). The crib will soon be full. It will take them two or 3 more days to finish. Vess, take good cair (sic) of yourself and save your money so you can some day have a home of your own. How glad I would be to see you nicely big in life. Hoping that you will be spaird (sic) to return to you little family and your aged parents. I will leave you in the hands of one who loves and cairs (sic) for us all. In the evening prear (sic) Pa and Ma never fergetts (sic) to ask that God may take cair (sic) of ther (sic) absent children and help them to live wright (sic). I will write again before long and I hope I will be more like myself. I am glad you write to us as often as you do. We are glad to here (sic) from …

Your Mother

GMBlume to sister 1902

Dear Sister,

Yours, of 6th received Saturday, containing check. Say to Joseph, the way I made the mistake in payments was that I, in writing was thinking of the payments falling to me from loan is $1250.00 each year and interest accruing to make it sure that I could meet the payments as they become due to you, after making my loan and engaging again into business. I was compelled after making improvements to use more money than I expected therefore had to borrow. Something that I have never had to do before (on account of improvements) however but Side of this I am indebted to no one, and this will be returned with the interest as it falls due, enabling me to go ahead without further hindrance. The old houses had to be repaired and ten new ones about completed, and will have a new tipple within 30 days, and ready to go ahead in business under favorable contract for all the coal and coke we can produce. I surely thank you for the favor which will return to you with interest. I was sorry to hear you did not feel as well as usual and would like to see you often but the ware and tear of age make it a burden either in riding or walking that distance and forego the pleasure of seeing when inquiry of your neighbors tell me you are well and all seems as usual. I forwarded letter to Charlie and he should have had it long ago. I enclose you bonds as proposed which will pay you something instead of lying without profit in Bank. Cora has been with us about five weeks, will leave Saturday. She speaks of you and would have been glad to been with you, her husband is anxious for her return to their home. Marian, her little girl is a sweet and bright child attracting of all she meets. They will not be able the see you this time, in much love all yours.

Affectionately your Brother, G. M. Blume

GMBlume to RWWylie 1908

Aug 4, 1908

Dear Bro. Robert,

Your favor of Monday received. I inclose (sic) paper desired after taking a copy thereof. Upon which you will readily recognize Sister Bettie’s Signature. After Probate Will, I would like very much to have a copy of the will for which I would pay for copy because I have no knowledge of bequests made by her in the distribution of her property. We all naturally feel interested in those temperal (sic) matters in which she felt interest. There are yet two of the one thousand dollar notes executed by me to her yet unpaid which will be paid as soon as I can do so. I know nothing of the bequests and will await – from you further advisements. Mrs. Blume wishes me to say to you and Bettie that she too returns many thanks for the nice Box of Peaches, which were certainly the finest we have had for twenty years. With much love to all. Please answer that I may know paper desired is received.

Your Brother G.M. Blume

RWW to Vess 1911

Athalia, O 1 7 1911

Mr. S. McCown

Macland, LA

Dear Son,

This has been another dark and gloomy Sunday but not rain since last Friday night but the mud is fearful. We had three days rain last week & the river is up on the bluff. I got a barge of coal 2500 Bll (barrels) in Friday evening but have not hauled a lump of coal yet as the stage of the river was such that we could not get to the boat, but we think by tomorrow it will be up so we can. We expect to yard the most of it as there has been so much brought in for the country but we think we will have a demand for it in the spring. The workman boy that was shot died last week, also Marion Scarberry’s wife own firm sold both outfits last week which amt to 60 dollars.

Well the farm deal closed and paid deed in the name of E.J. & W.H. I am not in it and do not care to be. (I) have all the land here & more than I care to work. If there is any Christmas trade it will have to come this week for it did not amt to anything last week. No word from the telephone suit yet. The judge has been holding court in ______.

We look for Nellie & children home next Friday evening on the Bowyer to stay till after the holidays. It looks like it was going to clear up this evening. The apple market is dead & dealers all blue. We have about 1000 dollars out yet with parts that have not sold in the collection are awful slow both for apple and flour Blls. I came near having a nervous breakdown, but am feeling some better today but have no energy to do anything but hope it will pass soon.

The Barnharts moved out yesterday so there is 6 houses empty on this side of the creek & more talk of leaving. Father.

I forgot to tell you that they have struck a 50 Bll oil well self flowing at Linnville & there is great excitement. They are down 1700 ft on Paddy creek with fine prospect & if that is successful they will but one down on this side the hill which would be in the McCall hollow so a boom here is a possibility. They have passed through a good vain of coal at a 600 ft level.

RWW

Holly Ridge Farm 1915

Letters written by Sylvester “Vess” are very hard to read. He writes with a flowing hand, but it is still difficult to make out the words. This letter is in ink – but it ends abruptly indicating there is more to the letter that has been lost. For both of these reasons there is no transcription, as yet. It is written in 1915 on letterhead from a company called Holly Ridge Farm in the region of Washington, LA.

It seems at this time he was working a livestock farm in Washington, LA. A photo on [on a horse] may have been taken at this farm. He mentions 50 to 60 hogs, 40 head of cattle, 5 horses and about 90 goats. He refers to the Millers and to Mrs. P (probably Peckham). Sylvester’s brother, Ben, was married to Ida May Miller.

Vess to Nellie 1915

Whelen Springs, Ark 2/9/15

My Dear wife & ______,

This is my off day for a letter. So was not disappointed not to get one. But fear the ____ has ____ ___ if ______ ______.

Has been a beautiful day. ____ _____ _____ _____ at noon so I came in about 3 o’clock. Rain has give out but have no hopes of gettting in before 10 o’clock so I was lucky to get out when I did. Things are ____ ____ up here and I doubt if the mill will have a very long run unless things change a great deal.

They are so awfully _____ and never are complaining. _______ ____ to exceed _____. So far I have not been _____ so bad as a good many have. I have at last made arrangement with Mr. Miller to get the tie lumber at so much a free lie. Also in a shape to quit it using little I would want to ____ the ____ ___ is the _____. He and I are both praying and if I succeed in getting a market we’ll take a shot in ties. I see no reason why I can’t clean up anywhere from $800.00 to $1200.00 in 4 or 5 months. Then am ready to get out. So all depends on market if we find it _____ I am leaving here. I have had a little fever 2 or 3 ____ and more than usual this eve. No money for me here. Will if I _____ close this ____ and go there will advise you and message for you to send some money to carry out the deal. But will not want any of your individual money.

Bob _____ was ____ _____ money and I fear is geeting in a bad shape. I may have to put up some more money and take a mortgage on his property in Alexandria in order to save myself. But hope not. I can do that myself. I can’t figure where I can possibly have a dollar in ties and I should make a handsome profit if prices are ever _______. There is plenty of idle tie ____ and ____ to have them.

So keep the money in shape to send to me when I write. I may not get a market but hope I will. I want to sell the S.P. if possible for I like them better than the other parcels and know the people. I have never told Wylie anything and ____ _____ the line _____. Well dear was good night. Hope I will get a letter _____ ____ Affec. S. McCown

Vess to Wife 1915

4/21 1915, (or 4/25) My Dear Wife,

My last letter was mailed at Peckhams’s Monday – had dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Miller yesterday – came here ___ ___ ____ rec’d your letter 13th Benies _______ _____ M-14th We had hard storms yesterday. Very little rain at Washington. But rains were moving south so suppose they got it last night. I see ____ in sight but have decided to help M. Miller till June of the ____ ___ ___. ____ Bro’s seem to want the Ashton deal. Met them last night. Will finish up here with them soon as possible and go to Washington. Will meet _____ Monday __ a tract down there and when I am done with them will leave for home as I see things are ____ and leaving this morning.

Affec, S. McCown


Vess to Wife 22Apr1915

Lecompte, LA 4/22/1915

My Dear Wife,

I clinched a deal yesterday for the cypress on the Ashton tract. Talked with M. Miller and he seemed to appreciate it very much. The full deal still hanging firm and I am afraid I won’t be able to sell it. Yet must have before Saturday or Sunday as I wrote you yesterday will leave here Monday for Washington and I doubt if I stay there more than the one day. But of course can’t tell. But will keep you posted. The rain has surely helped things, but need lots more rain. Looks like rain today. I was wet all the forenoon in the fine deal.

Things look blue everywhere that I have been and very little lumber moving – stacking most of the cut so will been left ____.

Affect(ionately), S. McCown

RWW to MaryEllen 1919

Athalia, O Oct 3, 1919

My Dear Daughter & all,

I commence to write to you today before yesterday and Margaret said she had ____ so I did not send it. Yesterday afternoon Sylvester took us down to see Laura and the boy Keneth, but neither of them it seemed to me to be doing very but Laura thought she would be better by today but we did not here (sic) from them today. Saydia will stay with them for ten days.

We got our car of stores over today & got them all hauled up which was better than I expected. (I) think we will have plenty of Blls for everybody now. We’ll have a good many to go out tomorrow but of course there will not be any made Saturday. I have not been very strong today and did not go over the river for but a short time at noon. I got some of my corn out up yesterday but not all. Your mother is about as well as usual. I hope you can come in Sunday. (I) suppose you will have the most of them picked by then. There is a great many coming in here and many of them still _____. The bank Shamlin & Beckett moved a good many but I suppose there is 1000 Blls still there yet. Father.

RWW to MaryEllen 1925

This letter is undated, but it seems to be from the early 1920s.

South Bend Friday Morning

Mrs Mary Elen McCown

My Dear daughter, Willie and Ashford arrived ysterday about 3 pm quite unexpected and we thought Sadie would come. I was housed up all day yesterday till Kenneth came home in the evening and to the barber and he went to the store. Junior was sick yesterday and they sent for the Dr. (I) think he is all right today as they gave him a dose every 20 minutes till supper time 4 O’clock & discharge all & was well ever after.

KN took Willie and Ashford out last night & did not get back until 10 or 11. I did not go for I am saving up for what is to come. They both left this morning by train at 5 o’clock for Chicago. I had wanted to go ever since I came here but have not been able. It is 140 miles from here & 207 to Champaign & 13 from Caceys to Champaign. If I ever get able to travel I’ll make the trip some time. My foot is better this morning, but I can only hobble around the house. (I) have only walked one square mile since I came. We expect to start home Monday but I dread the trip for it is a hard one for one in my condition. Hope you and Margaret can make your trip to Columbus and Athens. It will be some time next week before I get home for Willie cannot drive like KN. He is the best driver I ever saw.

With love to all. Father. I want you to come out first chance.

Herbert to Mother 1926

Dear Mother,

I received your letter the middle of the week but have neglected to answer it. I put this drawing and snapshot together hoping that I could that way give you some idea of what S. Fayette was like. We worked in No. 2 mine Friday and then after stay(ed) there about half an hour. (No. 2 mine is the one on the road between S. Fayette and Fayetteville.

I walked back to Fern creek this afternoon and took some snapshots of the falls and intended to take some of Fayette Station as I came back but the sun had already gone behind the hill and it was only 4 O’clock.

I stayed at Ed Blume’s and talked to him for a while. If you can imagine what another Will looks like at 50 you will know what Ed looks like now. A picture of him when he was twenty would have been hard to distinguish from the other had made when we graduated. He was very different from what I have seen of the Blume’s in character for he was not a bit friendly. He just acknowledged who I was and that was about all.

I don’t know how much I way (sic) but it is almost impossible to button my vest to the suit that we bought last fall when I went to Athens.

There is a grate (sic) two bed and two windows and a dresser and writing table in my room. There is a bathroom with a tub it – hot and cold running water. There are a couple showers downstairs so I put on my bathrobe and go to them when I come in from the mine. I never bathe in a tub if I have a shower to use.





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Letter from Henrietta to Vess
Letter from Henrietta to Vess
An Acrostic to Miss Betty Blume
An Acrostic to Miss Betty Blume
Letter from P. Blume to Robert Wylie
Letter from P. Blume to Robert Wylie
Letter from G.M. Blume to Sister (p1)
Letter from G.M. Blume to Sister (p1)
Ltr from GM Blume to Sister (p2)
Ltr from GM Blume to Sister (p2)
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