wjgriffing@comcast.net

Topeka [Kansas]
April 10, 1882

Dear Sister Griffing,

I hardly know how to commence a letter to you knowing so well how little good human sympathy does in such times of afflictions. Mr. [Harvey] Curtis & myself feel a if we had lost one of our best friends indeed. We felt very sad when we heard of Brother Griffing’s illness. I could not think but that he would soon be well. But last Wednesday night, Mr. Curtis came home & the first thing he said was, “Well Brother Griffing is dead.” I said, “Are you shure?” and he said, “Here is a letter from Willie” and I had to believe. I felt sad indeed. I thought to myself, is it possible that Brother Griffing will never be here at our house again and the thought filled my heart with sadness. And feeling as we do, we know that you are so lonely, but I do hope that you will be sustained in this the greatest affliction of your life. We know that he is at rest & happy that he has an abundant entrance – that he is safe on the other shore. I know that he will see & recognize my children. I thought of that as soon as I heard that he was gone. He never was selfish here and he will not be where he has gone. He will rejoice to see my darlings as much as he will his own.

Brother [Walter] Oakley’s folks were here yesterday. They feel very sad & sympathize with you and your children. I shall go and see Sister Winans & hear from you from her. And I intend to go and see [your son] John. Mr. Curtis sends words of sympathy & love to you & the children.

Yours in much love & sympathy,
Sarah Curtis

Harvey W. and [his wife] Sarah [Tetrick] Curtis [were married on 22 June 1850 in St. Clair County, Illinois and came to Kansas Territory] in the fall of 1855. They located in Topeka Township two miles east of the present city, and there remained until about 1861, when they returned to Illinois. In 1870 they came again to Topeka, and resided in Section 12, Topeka Township, one and one-half miles southwest of the city. Mr. Harvey W. Curtis was a member of the first Kansas Legislature.

wjgriffing@comcast.net