This Letter was written by Elizabeth Johnson to her son Hiram Johnson while she was visiting her childhood home in Russelville, Brown County, Ohio. It is dated May 13, 1879.

Dear Son


Hiram as I have been writing to the other children I thought I must write to you. I suppose you hear from them that are at home for when Mary writes she nearly always mentions you; do you ever think of going to Kansas; this spring has been backwared and cold but has changed and is much warmer but very dry. The farmers are wanting rain very badly; and have planted their corn but it will do but little good while it is so dry. There will not be a very heavy crop of fruit for a great deal of it is killed. The friends here are well generally. Although your Aunt Nancy does not look as well nor fleshy. I should have said she has her health better than when you were here. Your Grandmother has not changed very much. Lizzie your cousin I mean only weighs ninety nine and a half lb's your Uncle John will make up for what she lack's. He weighs two hundred and forty-four I believe lbs.

Miss Ella Salisbury is at home after a long visit among friends at Marietta, Ohio. Miss Hale-Tyler is still enjoying single blessedness. Wilson Williamsons school is out and he will be at home soon. Willie W. is at Leabenon going to school. I do not expect I spelled that right but you sill know what I mean.

Mrs. Benner was sick and had Dr. Williamson there this morning he had a pain in his side and complained of dizziness in his head some thinks he is failing but I could see but little difference when I saw him last. I think he looks very well for a man of his age. Cousin Sallie Henry is unmarried yet, you remember her I suppose. Mollie told you how much she thought of her did she not.

Arnas McKinley bought the house and lot where he lived when you were here for five hundred dol. at public sale. They are fixing it up. John schip bought that brick building but his Father backed out and he rents from him.

It has been so long since I have written to you or received a letter from you I haredly know what to write to interest you. A second cousin of mine from Galesburg, Ill. is coming to Russelville next month on a visit to her friends. You may possibly know them, the name is Strain, her husband has a book store or something of the sort. Her maiden name was Bassett. Her father lives in Abington. It is only about nine miles from Galesburg. I believe that is the name of the place, you please write to me. You can till how all of the friends are and more especially yourself.

Your loving Mother, Lizzie C. Johnson

P.S. in assorted angles on letter: Some of them that have found out that I am writing to you will think that you will never answer me, but I hope they will be mistaken, as ever

Did your Aunts Mary or Ellen ever get anything that belonged to their brother David in Denver, Colorado.

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