1840-1911. · Missouri, Illinois and Virginia:
by [Family Archive].
Small family archive of letters, 10 pieces in all, some folio size, other basic letter sheet size, over 20 pages of text, some docketed on reverse. Most pages are aged and browned, some chips and tears, a few holes at center folds, a little staining, but otherwise about very good. This family archive begins with a letter dated June 14, 1840, and provides a glimpse of life in still early America during the pioneer period. In the first letter, which is. from near Danville Missouri daughter Emily Lee and Adam Lee to father Ely Butcher in Randolph Virginia, asking for money. Emily complains about poor health, but tells him to consider moving out there where good land could be had. Another letter dated September 24, 1840 is from Rock Island County (Illinois), from John H. Butcher to his father Ely in Randolph Virginia. John Butcher a farmer tells his father he is in "tolerable good health", but talks about some hard times where he lives. He comments on the rivers being very low, and it appears his shipping costs were double what they should be. He stays he finds times very hard in this country, harder than expected, and adds he couldn’t get $1000 for his home at that time. He even makes a comment about a split in government, but that the Whigs may feel they won (writing not totally clear on this comment). On January 2, 1842, from Danville Missouri, we see another letter from Emily Lee to her father Ely Butcher in Randolph Virginia. This letter has a sad tone, as Emily complains she hasn’t gotten a letter from her father in almost two years, despite writing to him a few times. She says she feels neglected by her father and brothers, and times are very hard. She mentions store credit is not available, and they lost a horse. According to Emily her in-laws are no help, and she has eight children to take care of. She tells her father she will see him in the spring, and she expects him to do something about her situation. Seems like Ely’s kids are often in need, and asking dad for help. On August 20, 1844 John Butcher In Rock Island Illinois to Ely Butcher in Beverly, Randolph County Virginia, appears to be visited by his sister, and his brother-in-law and sister Adam Lee and Emily lee. The farm is doing well, and he indicates that oat and corn prices are "tolerable", and he expects to produce 800 bushes of corn and wheat. It appears his sister wants a divorce, and it also appears John asks his father to intercede with his uncle Peyton about the land he uses. He seems to be tired of being a renter. He asks his father to negotiate a deal, and help him pay for it. He apologizes for the tone of the letter, but sounds a little desperate. There are also what appears to be some detailed receipts for the goods of Ely Butcher the dates appear to be 1842 and 1843. In fourth receipt the date is unclear, but could be as late as 1866. A final document is a marriage certificate for Hannah Hart Butcher, and the date is November 22, 1911.
(Inventory #: 105031)