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Nancy Stratton Van Kirk
Newfield [New York] Very Dear Cousin [Augusta], I have been trying to write you for several days but what can I say? Words are so empty at such a time. We deeply sympathize with you in this great trial and yet I suppose we know nothing about it having never passed through the same affliction. Yes you have long years ago learned where to go in times of trial. Oh what a comfort. I was greatly shocked to get the sad news, but such is life. One after another, we are going to our long house. I have thought of you so much, for I can imagine how very lonely I should be. I have been quite worried about my husband the past winter but he seems much better now, but has a cold. I have been feeling very bad for some time having taken a severe cold. My throat and head are still in a bad state – cannot tell the time when I have felt so miserable. Lucy and Alice have just drove up to see how I was. They all keep well (have sold their farm). Our children are both very well and going to school. Hope I may hear from you soon all the particulars of your husband’s death. Please excuse this short letter. Will write again when I feel like myself. Your
Affectionate Cousin,
Newfield [New York] Very Dear Cousin Augusta, I have been thinking sometime of writing you but the days do go by so rapidly this time of year – especially when cares are so numerous. But in the meantime, I have not forgotten you in your affliction. I know there is a vacancy in your home that can never be filled. I can look back many years ago when we were all at the dear old home. If Pa was away for only a day or two, we felt as if half of the family was gone. And I used to ask the girls to go with me to stay all night, as we were alone. I presume you can remember it? And now if my dear husband is gone if only for a few days, it hardly seems like home. I often think what should I do if he were taken from me. I am one of the dependent ones. A great many have gone to their long homes about here, mostly aged people. Last night a young woman died of measles & congestion a short distance from here. She was sick only a very few days, leaving a young husband and little daughter. Seems very sad. We are wonderfully blessed with health. I feel quite well again. We have a large family. Are repairing a barn. Children both go to school. Are both taking music lessons. Eddie is practicing now. We have had a very late cold spring. We still keep a coal fire in the sitting room. I am such a cold body. Does [your sister] Sarah move back in her house this spring? Think perhaps we shall go over [to Owego] for a short visit next month. Won’t you be coming East before long? I hope so. The change will do you good. I hope to hear from you soon. You mustn’t brood over your sorrow. You have a great deal to live for. We have a great many widows here, it is often remarked, and so many so young. We have one with us every summer for a few weeks. He husband died when she was but 23 years. He daughter is most 20 now. I presume I have spoken of them to you. [My sister] Lucy & [her] family are quite well. Have not heard from [my brother] David’s people lately. We all send a great deal of love and sympathy. From
your affectionate cousin, |
