William Lewis Booth

• Birth 17 Feb 1818 in Farmington, Ontario County, New York
• Death 24 Feb 1894 in Hillsboro, Hill County, Texas,
• father of Richard Booth (1846-1879, who was murdered as an attorney in Texas, and his life described here.)
• grandfather of Eugenia Booth Miller, (my great-grandmother, her life described HERE.)
• attorney in Hillsboro, TX, founding father of that town.

He lived during the time a man by the name of William Booth started a Salvation Army, and a man named John Wilkes Booth assassinated a president.  Neither of them were related to him, to the best of my knowledge.

I've written a bit in Richard Booth's post (see above link) and about how William and his family with his brother Charles, immigrated from their original homes in NY, through Indiana and Illinois, to finally end up in Hillsboro, Texas.  Here's the family home as it survived into the 1990s.

William Booth Home, 208 N. Waco St, Hillsboro, TX, purchased land on 12 May 1855, (photo 1993)

Here is his obituary, which calls him Col. Booth.  I find it interesting that people who keep these clippings so often neglect to date them, nor say which publication printed it.  Perhaps it was on the back, in 1894.

His second wife, Hanna Conn Booth, had died ten years prior, in 1884.   His brother, Charles Booth would live just 3 more years.  And Lucinda Booth Slocum, his only sister living at this time, was the one mentioned in Minnesota.  She lived until 1906. 

This obituary gives me information that I didn't have before, that his son W.L. Jr was still alive at this time. This son wasn't a true "Jr." as his middle name was Legrand, not Lewis.

His daughter Miss Cinnie Booth was well known in Hillsboro, TX.  His youngest daughter, Annie Booth Attaway, had already given birth to his three grandaughters, two of them were to become my Great-Aunts Alice and Gertie Attaway, and will be honored elsewhere.  I don't think I ever met Aunts Alice and Gertie, but I received beautifully hand embroidered dresses and wrote thank you letters to them (they living in El Paso, me living in St. Louis) in the 1950s.

William Booth was a county judge, at a time when law was difficult to enforce in Texas.

I was very interested to see that he identified himself as a Spiritualist, as well as a republican.  Maybe the former was the reason his burial was presided over by a minister who was from Waco, rather than Hillsboro.  Just guessing.  Spiritualists have often been disdained by more conservative religious groups, and he was the President of the statewide Spiritualist organization.  I wonder if he ever contacted his descendents during a seance.



Texas Find-a-Grave has a picture of the city cemetery in Hillsboro.  I'm interested to read there that he...

was called "Colonel" by the locals, although he would have been too old to fight in the civil war, he was a Texas volunteer serving on the homefront. "

 These are his children and their dates from that source.  Richard R. Booth is not on this list for some reason.

  Charles Thomas Booth (1839 - 1886)
  William LeGrand Booth (1840 - 1906)
  Sarah Jane Booth (1842 - 1842)
(missing, Richard R. Booth)
  Frank Booth (1848 - 1867)
  Elizabeth Booth (1850 - 1865)
  Lucinda Booth (1854 - 1920)
  Conn Booth (1856 - 1864)
  Annie Booth Attaway (1859 - 1948)

His first wife was Mary Ann McManus (1818 – 1842), the mother of his first three children.  He married Hannah Leak Conn (1818 – 1884) in Indiana in 1843, who was mother of his 6 younger children.

 His parents have already been honored on this blog under other posts.  Jane McElhaney Booth,(Here) and Isaac Booth (HERE)

As far back as I can go

There are so many ancestors who don't have any parents on their information.  They have supposed birthdays, and birth places.  But the parents are unknown, at least at this time.

So Ancestry.com does this fun thing, called Hints.  This means someone who didn't have any documents besides once being in a census, may now have some new information.  It's kind of fun, but often leads to more mis-information.  I have to be careful with what is already known when adding the new stuff.

But there are many people that go just to their beginnings, and nobody further back.  (I wouldn't call it a dead end...because it's their births, not their deaths!)

Right now I'm exploring Nancy Handford Williams, who suddenly has "hints" from other people's family trees.  And there may definitely be some dates.  All I knew before was a "born about 1796 in Kentucky, and died after 1850 in Montgomery County, MO."

Oh goodie goodie, there are 3 census reports and a death in April of 1860...she lived another 10 years...which I'll peruse soon.  Then I can flesh out her life a bit more.  She became the great grandmother of my grandfather who died young.

See ya later....

Heirloom or not?

My grandmother (dad's mother) gave this to me when I was a young adult, a short time before she died.

I've treasured it, and polished it occasionally, and maybe used it once.  That was one very good punch that I served at a party for University of Hartford Art School students and staff in Windsor, CT.  Or maybe it was that party for friends in Tallahassee, FL...good parties have that problem, the next day you forget exactly what you were drinking.

But who is MCG?  I've been doing genealogical research for the last year.  I bring information (sometimes inaccurate I'm afraid) and post it here on my blog.

But I can only find one ancestor with these initials, Mary Catherine Gainer.  And they were her initials after her second marriage.  Would an antebellum woman (who already had children) have received a punch ladle on a second marriage?

I have no idea.  So I keep looking for other women who married into a "G" family in my tree.

And I cannot yet figure out the manufacturer.  Here's the stamp in the handle on the back.

Stamp on back of punch ladle "MCG" monogram

It begins with "A" and perhaps "H" then a 5-6 letter word ending in "T" - I got out the trusty magnifying glass to see that much.

But when I browsed on line for maker's marks and names, nobody seems to have these initials.  I don't even know if it's sterling, since there isn't a stamp saying so.

So perhaps this ladle belonged to some ancestress who served some mean eggnog.  I tend to think so, because of the way my grandmother gave it to me.  She didn't know whose it had been, and as a teetotaler, seemed embarrassed to have it.

Henry Rosenberg (or Chauncey Sweet Chapter 4)

Galveston days
Let's look at Chauncey G. Sweet's friend, Henry Rosenberg, who apparently left quite an imprint on Galveston, TX.

Taken the year of his death at 69

I'm posting this blog as a link to/from Sepia Saturday this week, though the topic ranges a bit far from the theme of city streets.  But as you read about Mr. Rosenberg, perhaps you'll see his great influence on the city might be similar to traffic flowing along the streets of Glasgow, or maybe not.

 The following is a column that was added to my Uncle Chauncey Sweet's page on Ancestry.com, letting us know about Henry Rosenberg, his friend and benefactor.

Henry Rosenberg - Galveston's Benefactor

By Michael Culpepper on September 5, 2010

This is the sixth edition of IBC's (Islander by Choice) monthly column for Galveston Monthly.  You can pick up a free Galveston Monthly at many local locations across the Island.

 My favorite Islander By Choice is Henry Rosenberg. Most Galvestonians probably associate his name with our public library or perhaps the elementary school located in the East End or maybe even 25th Street. What many people may not know is that he is responsible not only for many Galveston landmarks but also for many of the philanthropic ventures that kept Galveston livable in the early 20th century. He contributed in ways that he believed would make a unique and lasting impact.

Rosenberg was born in Bilten, Switzerland in 1824. He moved to Galveston in 1843 and worked in dry goods before eventually buying the business with his savings. By 1859, he owned the leading dry goods store in Texas.

 In the coming years, his titles would include: Swiss Counsel of Texas, Director of the First National Bank of Galveston, President and primary investor of the Galveston Railroad Company, and City Alderman to name a few.

 It was not until after Mr. Rosenberg's death in 1893 that Galvestonians realized how much space this fair city took up in his heart. He left large sums to build and support the Galveston Orphan's Home, The Rosenberg fountains, Rosenberg Free School, Eaton Chapel, Grace Episcopal Church, Galveston's first YMCA Building, the Texas Heroes Monument, and of course Rosenberg Library.  The Galveston Orphan's Home was built in 1895 on the west side of 21st street between M and M and M 1/2.

That same year, the Letitia Rosenberg Women's Home, named after his deceased first wife, was erected at 25th and O 1/2. The architecture and fabric of our island still benefit today from these contributions, but more importantly young lives were changed for the better within those walls.

The section of Henry Rosenberg's will that gets my "cool factor" award has to be the drinking fountains "for man and beast". He left $30,000 for fountains to be built throughout the city. That he wanted them in all communities and included the animals' needs says a lot about this man. 17 granite fountains were erected - most with lower basins for animals of all kinds to enjoy. About half of these fountains are still around today and can be viewed at various spots around the island. Each one is inscribed "Gift of Henry Rosenberg".

The Rosenberg Free School and the YMCA building were two very thoughtful gifts that we no longer get to enjoy (except through photos). The Free School was replaced in the mid 1900's by a more modern structure. The Galveston YMCA building was torn down in 1954.

The Texas Heroes Monument at the intersection of Broadway and Rosenberg Street, is one of the most viewed and admired landmarks in our city and is the reason that 25th was named after Rosenberg. 

Many may not realize that this monument tells the true story of the Texas Revolution. Most know that Lady Victory's extended arm points to the battle grounds at San Jacinto where independance was won for the Texans. However, there are also four very vivid bronze panels at the monument's base that show not only the victory of San Jacinto, but also the Goliad Massacre, the Battle of the Alamo, and General Houston Charging against the large numbers of the Mexican army at the final battle.

 

 In Rosenberg's eyes, his most important gift was the Library that now bears his name. It was the first free library in the state of Texas. In his will, he wrote about the gift of the library: "I desire to express a practical form of my affection for the city of my adoption and for the people among whom I have lived for so many years. Trusting ... that it will be a source of pleasure and profit to them and their children and their children's children for many generations."

 Henry Rosenberg's built his home (which still stands) in an older neighborhood on Market Street. It was an unusual move when people of his means were normally building mansions on Broadway. He preferred to live among society rather than above it. Rosenberg was a rich man in many ways, not the least of which was his richness of generosity toward people without means. It is something that, although has recently come into vogue, wasn't very prominent in Henry Rosenberg's time. His qualities should be an inspiration to any Islander.



Mrs. Rosenberg obviously had quite a sense of humor.  Why else would she have listed her exact age, and then her weight!  I don't know how many years she had been married to Henry, who was 17 years her senior.  I think I would have liked to meet this lady.

For lots more information about my great great great (not sure how many) Uncle Chauncey G. Sweet...look HERE.

William Sandford Rogers - Ancestor

Born February 9, 1850, in Huntsville, Texas, he was the son of George Washington Rogers and Lucinda Benson Gibbs Rogers.  I've posted some information about them before here, but have yet to honor this Great-grandfather on the Rogers side of my tree.  He is listed in the 1850 census of Walker County, Texas...being 4 months old.  There his father is identified as a merchant.

My grandfather said he was known as W. Sam, though my grandfather didn't remember him at all, having been almost 2 when he died.

In the 1870 census,W. Sam at 20, is living in Mount Lebanon, Bienville Parish, LA.  This is where a lot of his mother's family (the Gibbs) had settled, as well as Rogers.   He is part of a household of his mother "Luci" at age 30. (*note the date is probably a bit wrong, since he wasn't born when she was 10 years old.)  His siblings Laura (18) Alice (16) and George (12) live with them. 

Bayou Dorcheat hardwoods from Nature Conservancy

Since his father's death in 1864, it is likely that his mother moved to be close to her family.  The end of the Civil War probably had something to do with that as well.  In 1866 she apparently had his father's remains reburied in the Mount Lebanon cemetery, after he'd been buried originally in Texas.

Mount Lebanon has an interesting history which must coincide with my family's settlement there.  Wikipedia says thus:

Mount Lebanon was probably the first permanent settlement in what is now Bienville Parish. Its pioneers were Baptists from South Carolina who quickly established a church and school. The school became Mount Lebanon University in 1853, but closed during the Civil War to serve as a high school and a Confederate hospital. After the war the school reopened. After years of struggling, it was consolidated in 1906 through the Louisiana Baptist Convention into Louisiana College in Pineville in Rapides Parish in central Louisiana.

The Mount Lebanon Baptist Church was organized in 1837, and the Louisiana Baptist Convention was established there in 1848. One of the Baptist organizers in Mount Lebanon was pastor George Washington Baines, maternal great-grandfather of future U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. The church building is still in use. The sanctuary is separated down the middle; men would sit on one side of the divide, women on the other. There is a balcony where the slaves were seated.

There are eight houses in the town that are on the National Register of Historic Places, including a building once used as a stagecoach stop and hotel.

After the railroad was built through Gibsland, 3 miles north, Mount Lebanon began to decline in population and economic opportunity. The post office was decommissioned in the 1950s."

 I was interested to learn a bit of the topography of the area...one comment said there are hills around Gibbsland.  There's not much of a town either of Mount Lebanon or Gibbsland at this point.

"On December 14, 1876, a Thursday evening, W. Sam married Elizabeth (Bettie) Bass in Willis, Texas, officiated by Rev. D. S. Snodgrass."  I know nothing about the Rev. but think it interesting that he is part of the record on Ancestry.

They had two children, George Elmore Rogers, born August 28, 1877 (my grandfather) and Annie Lou Gibbs Rogers, born March 10, 1879, both in Willis, Texas.

William Sanford Rogers died May 29, 1879, and is buried in Huntsville, Texas.

This almost illegible marker (thanks to photo shortcomings) says Sam Houston is also buried in this cemetery.






 

Champion Travis Traylor Sr. 1770

Another February 6 birthday...
another great grandfather...
born in Dinwiddie, Dinwiddie County, Virginia, an unincorporated township in a rural county about halfway from Richmond south to the North Carolina border.  His parents were William Michael Traylor who fought in the Revolutionary War, and Priscilla Nanny Perkinson Traylor.

AncestryDOTcom gives Champion 9 brothers and sisters.

Spanish moss growing on Live Oak trees.

How is he related to me?  Glad you asked.

My generation is 1
My father George is 2
His father George is 3
His mother Betty Bass Rogers is 4
Her mother Mary Ann Elizabeth Powell Bass is 5
Her mother Nancy Jones Traylor Powell is 6
and her father Champion Travis Traylor Sr. is generation 7 from mine.

Champion married 15 Aug 1797 in Wilkes, Georgia, to the beautiful (of course) Sarah Jones (daughter of Susanna (Sukey) Claiborne (Clairborne) and Frederick Jones.  Since her family was also from Virginia, it seems probable that they were also immigrating elsewhere at that time, and may have settled in Georgia.

At age 42, Champion Travis Traylor fought in 1812 against the British in the War of 1812.  He received a land grant of 169 acres as a result of this service, in Cahabu, Perry County, Alabama, where he moved before the actual deed was granted.  This is known because his death in Perry County, Alabama occurred in 1832, and the deed was signed by the secretary to President Andrew Jackson in November, 1833.

  From US Archives.

Possibly the Cahaba River near it's intersection with the Alabama River

Now Cahabu is known as Cahawba, the first capitol of Alabama, which has virtually vanished.  Here's a link to information on it...and it's a few miles south of Selma, Alabama, of which you may have heard. 

The Traylors have 15 children listed on Ancestry.com, but I'm pretty sure some of them didn't exist quite the way they are listed.  There are 2 Champion Traylor Jr. born 12 years apart, while the first was still alive when the second was born.  That just doesn't happen, no matter what's going on in a family.  It only happens when people willy nilly accept that someone posted a person as a child of these people without checking to see how possible it might be.  Perhaps the second Champion Jr. was a nephew.  I'm not going to try to figure it out today.

Historic St. Luke Episcopal Church, Cahawba, Alabama

Champion Travis Traylor died on April 4, 1832 at age 62.  I don't know where he is buried.
Many of my ancestors received land in Alabama, and most of them moved on to Louisiana then to Texas.

All photos shared on this post are from .cahawba.com/index.

Happy Birthday George!

Rosie is a friend who I've known over 50 years.  Her husband is George.  He's a very integral part of her life.  I really don't know him that well, just having spent a bit of time visiting with him while Rosie and I chat our heads off.

Rosie and I email almost daily.  But we don't talk about George that much.  He's stable.  He brings home the bacon, so to speak.  I'm so glad he's Rosie's husband.

Happy Birthday, George!

Your friend, Barb

Chauncey G. Sweet, Chapter 3

His mother, Mrs.Elizabeth Sweet was known as "Grand Aunt" in the family.

1201 Avenue I, Galveston Texas, "Aunties home that she lived as (unclear?) momma"

Chauncey's wife, who I wrote about in a blog back last September, was Ada Pulsifer Phillips Sweet.

Auntie, Mrs. C. G. Sweet

"Ada Phillips grew up in the same household as her cousin and eventual husband...since she was a war orphan and lived with Aunts. She was 35 before she married. She and Chauncey Sweet had no children of their own, but in several census reports from Galveston, there are nieces and nephews listed in their household.

"She lived a long life, dying at 71 in 1932.  Her husband, who was five years younger than she was, remarried..."
in 1936 in San Francisco. 


Uncle Chauncey and Genevieve Fraizer after their wedding in San F. Calif.

Uncle Chauncey, taken in Calif. 1937 (though the written inscription says 1936, the photo stamp says 1937)

My grandmother's great-Uncle Chauncey Sweet died in California on Feb 11, 1947 when he was 82.  He was buried there.

Perhaps taken by Chauncey G. Sweet in San Francisco

Chauncey Granger Sweet, Chapter 2

As of the 1900 Galveston, TX census, the widow Elizabeth Sweet (age 69, C.G.'s mother) was living at 1709 Winnie St., with her son Chauncey Sweet, (age 37) his wife Ada Phillips Sweet, (age 34), nephew Lucian Chamberlain, (3) nieces Ada Swasey (14) and Stella Swasey (12).   It is interesting that the ages of Chauncey and Ada Sweet seem to be reversed on this census, as she was actually older than he was.  She was born in 1860, and he in 1865.  Ada Swasey would grow up and eventually became my grandmother. 

An Aside: Where did Lucian Chamberlain connect to this family, you might wonder.  
His mother was Lucy Azalea Sweet Chamberlain,  C.G.'s sister.  She was alive at this time, and married to Dr. Austin B. Chamberlain, who was quite active politically...which may be the reason why their son lived with his Uncle Chauncey and grandmother "Grand Aunt".



Chauncey is listed in the 1908 Galveston City Directory as a Teller at the Rosenberg Bank, located at 2209 Market) and living at  1201 Avenue I, with his mother, Elizabeth Sweet, who is listed as Sidney's widow.

Chauncey G. Sweet

Chauncey G. Sweet was possibly the first Christian Scientist in my family.  He is listed in the Christian Science Journal, Vol 22, as Galveston's Christian Science Church's First Reader (1904).  He contributed to the Christian Science Sentinel in 1899 in "Lectures."  Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the religion, lived until 1910.  

He continued to rise in the bank, where he gained the position of executive officer and trust officer...at least that is the description given in a newspaper clipping which isn't dated.  That clipping (the one on the right of the various family clippings below) is talking about a merger and another person (Sealy Hutchings) becoming President of the Bank.  It is possible that C.G. Sweet had already had had that position (which is the traditional family story about him).






More about Chauncey Sweet in Chapter 3, soon.

George Washington Rogers

Born in 1820 on 7 Feb, George Washington Rogers is listed in several places in the Rogers Family Bible.  

George Washington Rogers

As I wrote in a past post, the Sevierville, TN Rogers family somehow met and married with the Hiram Gibbs children from Union District, South Carolina. (See my past blog HERE which mentions LUCINDA BENSON GIBBS (1818-1884)  who married George Washington Rogers in 1848 in LA)

George Washington Rogers' sister Nancy Terissa Rogers (b.11.7.1826) married Thomas Gibbs (b. 06 JAN 1812, d. 18 MAY 1872), brother of his wife, Lucinda Gibbs.

The Rogers and Gibbs families traveled west, probably together, stopped in Louisiana to set up homesteads for the Gibbs families, where the marriages took place of Thomas and Nancy in 1847, and George and Lucinda in 1848.  Micajah Rogers (his father) and his family continued to Huntsville Texas.

A bit of record I just found: "Second Lieutenant George W. Rogers was listed in the General Staff of Texas Volunteers, which was received July 1846; discharged Oct.1846. Under Majr General Gov. James Pinkney Henderson, 1st regiment of Texas Mounted Rifle Volunteers - (received June and July, and discharged Sept and Oct 46)"  (Source: http://archive.org/stream/mexicanwarvetera00roba#page/74/mode/2up/search/Rogers)

Certificate my cousin has related to George W. Rogers' veteran status from the Mexican American War

So George W. Rogers fought in the Mexican War as a Texas Volunteer in 1846, 2 years before marrying Lucinda, back in LA.  Their first child, my great grandfather, William Sanford Rogers was born Feb. 9, 1850 in Huntsville, TX (W. Sam according to his son George E Rogers).  So that's the period of time that they moved to Texas.  By this time George W's father, Micajah would have been an elder of 55 years.  But he lived until 1873, another 17-18 years. This active man had leadership in Huntsville, Texas in the early years.

The Rogers Family Bible has an entry in hand writing, then transcribed by typewriter with carbon copies in 1954 by George E. Rogers, Sr. and copied to his 4 sons and their descendents "GEORGE WASHINGTON ROGERS, Son of M.C. & C. Rogers and Lucinda Benson Gibbs, daughter of Hiram and Sabra Gibbs, were married at the residence of Dr. Jasper Gibbs, in Bienville, Parish, Louisiana, by Rev. George W. Baines, Baptist Minister, on Thursday September 14, 1848."

North Portico of the house George Washington Rogers and Lucinda Benson Gibbs built on the 200 acres they purchased from Pleasant Gray in 1844.

George Washington Rogers died 26 Jan 1864, almost 44 years of age..  their children were:
William Sandford Rogers, (1850-1879), 
Laura Terrissa Rogers (1852-1922), 
Alice Luella Rogers Ross (1853-1925), 
George Henry Rogers (1854-1854), 
George Washington Rogers, Jr (1857-1875)
and Jasper Gibbs Rogers (1860-1861.)

More Notes on Colonel GEORGE WASHINGTON ROGERS(1820-1864). SOURCE: http://files.usgwarchives.net/tx/freestone/bios/gwrogers.txt

"G.W. Rogers served in the War in Mexico - under Captain Gillespie; Col. John C. Hays: 1st Regiment Texas Rangers, Gen. Zachary Taylor. He was wounded on
assault on Bishop's Palace, Monterrey, Mexico. His name is on the Gillespie
Monument in Huntsville, Texas. After the battle (from war department 1846) Col. George Washington Rogers lay wounded on battle field all night, during icy
storm. He contracted tuberculosis. After recuperating, he returned to his home
in Gibbsland, LA. Later he married Lucinda Benson Gibbs.

"George Washington Rogers and his wife, Lucinda Benson Gibbs purchased 600 acres of land in Walker county in 1844 from Pleasant Gray and his wife, Hannah.
(This being out of their Headright.) Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Rogers were said to be
the wealthiest family in town and their Greek-Revival style home on University
Avenue was the finest in its heyday. The aristocracy from East Texas were
entertained there. (G.W. Rogers was Huntsville's first Treasurer.) One feature
was a huge ballroom that occupied the southeast wing. In later years, the
house served as the president's mansion for the third president of Austin
College - Rufus Bailey. The house also became the home of H.H. Smith, the
second president of Sam Houston Normal Institute. Other owners made changes in the house, but it has been restored and is still standing today.

"Listed in 1850 Walker County Census as a merchant, 30 years old.

"Died near Cotton Gin, Freestone, Texas. (After remaining in Texas for 2 years,
remains were moved to Mount Lebanon, La., and interred by Mt. Lebanon Masonic Lodge #104.)

The Rogers Family Bible again says:

GEORGE WASHINGTON ROGERS, Son of M. C. & Cyntha Rogers, died near Cotton Jin, Freestone County, Texas Tuesday 26th January 1864 (after remaining in Texas 2 years, remains were removed to mount Lebanon, LA, and interred by Mt. Lebanon Masonic Lodge #104.

Was Lucinda Gibbs Rogers, the widow, living in Gibbsland, where her brother lived? Or was the re-burial for another reason?  Lucinda was buried in Huntsville TX, 20 years after her husband died.  She had 5 children when he died, the youngest 4, the oldest 14. 

Old letters transcribed

Some historic letters that refer to
1. my great grandmother Zulieka Phillips Swasey
2. my grandmother's Uncle Chauncey Granger Sweet (see post about him yesterday HERE)
3. Uncle Chauncey Sweet's cousin Ada Phillips
4. their childhood during and after the Civil War in Texas.
And yes
5. mention of a piano owned by Zulieka and Ada Phillip's mother, Mary Granger Phillips.  So I am posting this under the theme (meme?) mentioned on Sepia Saturday this week, come over and see many more interesting stories HERE.

The following copies are transcribed below the photos.

Transcription of above copies of letter:

                Sabine Pass June 29, 1872

Dear Issy

        I am having a nice time all your cousins Aunt and Uncle are well.  Issy I will tell you something but you must not tell anyone that is if you have not walked a lone yet I want you to hurry up and walk.

        Minnie has got a Mockingbird & I expect you had it your would be playing with in and when there was no one looking you would eat the things out of its cage.

        You ough (sic) to see us play croquet we have a splendid time & have a little kitten to play with us & her name is Dolly

(page 2 of 2)

Vardin.

        Sister has learned Chauncey his keys on the piano. He also sends you a sweet kiss.

        Lucy says that she wants you to come over that she wants to see you.  I am sorry you have got the hoopin (sic) cough.

        We send love to all

                From  Ada

        (added in pencil) “now Mrs. C. G. Sweet”

Note: The author, Ada Pulsipher Phillips was born 9.15.1860, so she wrote this as an eleven year old. Her sister, Zulieka Granger Phillips, was born July 30, 1858, who is noted in this letter to have taught the piano to their cousin Chauncey G. Sweet b. 2.6.1865, whose sister Lucy A. Sweet was b. 1868.  And Ada, the young author, married Chauncey Sweet many years later.

I'm not sure yet who Issy might have been.  She didn't seem to live in the same home, but perhaps was in the same town, or maybe another one, but under whooping cough quaranteen.  

Ada and Zulieka Phillips mother was Mary Granger Phillips.  Her sister was Elizabeth Granger, Lizzie, in her frequent correspondence.    One such letter talked (pre Civil War) of receiving her piano in their home somewhere near Beaumont, Texas on Town Bluff.

 transcribed it reads:

Town Bluff June 10^th, 1860

Dear Lizzie:

        It is some time since your last letter but I waited to write about the Piano knowing you would be deeply interested to hear about it.  It was obliged to stay at Weisse’s Store a few weeks as the river was so low the Boats could not come up this far and William was so busy with all the mules he could not spare them to go for it.  William fixed up last Tuesday a team and himself and a black boy started to bring. It arrived Wed. night and all hands White and Black sat up till midnight so great was the excitement.  It is a splendid Piano and no mistake most-beautiful tone & action. 

(envelope depicted here, addressed to other sister, Lucy, but letter is to Elizabeth ie. Lizzie)

(Upper left corner:) Town Bluf, TX M (…? obscured by stamp of Three Cents)

(Middle of envelope:) Mrs. Lucy E. Granger.

                                Galveston,

                                        Texas.

(letter continued page 2)

It is one of Gales made  Rose Wood with a beautiful inlade (sic) front carved music rack Iron (?) frame and carving all around the moulding (sic) but not quite seven octaves two pedals the shape of the Pedal is the hansomist (sic) I ever saw very large and shiney.  The tone is brilliant and clear not at all muffled.  It is splendid and you will say so far superior to Margrit Sweets I think I am almost beside myself I am so satisfied with the choice Mr. Hinsbly (?) has been very kind seems to have exerted himself to the ultermost (sic) and I could not have done as well myself.  The Stool cost twelve dollars and it is Rose W. too has a screw top and plane and plush very much larger and prettier every way than yours. It was packed with in the most manner closely sealed over all the seams on the

(back of envelope pictured here, nothing written on it)

(letter contined page 3)

outside and right pretty (written above in margin) picture

in the bottom of the box all framed with a view of house in which it was manufactured in N. J.  I have hung it up it is so pretty.  Oh! I do so want to have you see it and try it.  I would enclose the money if I had it for you to come.  You can imagine me just as happy as a being ever gets to be. I believe I feel just as I did when Father first bought one for me. Just think our Piano was the first ever in Sabine Pass  The first ever in Beaumont  and now the first ever in Town Bluff and is causing equally as much excitement about the county up here as it had elsewhere.  I find I am in need of much practice but every day gain what I have lost.  I play a heap having nothing else to do  and who would not with so elegant

(letter continued page 4)

an instrument to play upon in such perfect tune and order.  It is this I regret – the detention I soon shall have and I have only three months more  I get very tired sitting at the Piano but William is so good  rubs my back until I am rested at night which keeps me up.  Zulie is very much pleased  calls it the big baby and says here is the little baby pointing to herself – she talks very cunning you would laugh to hear her  sleeps by herself now in a nice trundle bed all ready now you see for the next.  I must close  I wrote to Lucy sometime since.  Write me soon.  Love to Mother and all.

        Yours with love,

                Mary

(another hand writing now)

The Baby beats her mother talking.

                W. P.

(this letter was not written to her other sister, Lucy, but mentions that she had written her, so perhaps that is why the envelope was copied on the same sheet.  Lizzie was her sister Elizabeth Granger)

This was east Texas life on the frontier just before a war which changed everyone's lives from what they imagined their futures would be.

The baby that Mary was to deliver that September, 1860, was Ada Phillips, who wrote the first note above when she was 12.