FOUND IN THE ATTIC

The attic is comprised of two main sections.

The first contains keepsakes and photographs that at least two family members can agree either belonged to, or are a likeness of, a given ancestor (this was harder than it sounds). These items are ordered in the same manner as the ancestor list. To see a brief description of the keepsakes, click here.

The second section is a collection of photographs whose subjects are a complete mystery. To go directly to those, click here.

Frances Marian Davis

1927 - 1999

Baby Frances circa 1928	With Lulu Belle's colt circa 1940	Wearing Mattie Barton's crystal necklace circa 1950

PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD

Arch Sherman Davis

1892 - 1933
(Frances)

For additional information on Arch Davis:
Letter from Dale Buckner to Sarepta Tewksbury
OBITUARY

Dale Buckner

1895 - 1961
(Frances)

Dale graduated with Bluffton High School's class of 1915. I know that she received the engraved coin purse and gold bracelet to mark the occasion. Both items are now mine. The bracelet is a very soft metal and cannot take much wear. On my wedding day, I wore it as my 'something old'.

A letter from Dale to her grandmother, Sarepta Doster.

Poneto, Ind.
July 26, 1912

Dear Grandma,

Etta is not much better. She went to bed yesterday and stayed until about half past one o'clock.

High Jackson's wife was buried yesterday. We went to the pond and got lilies for the Lodge and they made a wreath for the funeral. And some of the short stem ones we gave to Mrs. Smith. She has been awful bad – didn't know whether she would live or not. Has been unconscious.

We are busy as ever, we had the thrasher yesterday and we will have them today, I guess. The early apples are getting ripe now. We are having all the applesauce now that can be handled. Joy and Arch Davis or Yarger went Sunday to get apples at the Baker place and Joe Huffman was there with his basket full. He was so scared he could hardly talk. Arch Davis is working for us now. He is a pretty good worker.

Say will you press a Canada thistle leaf and bring it home? There has been a dispute whether this is it or that. The state bank is being plastered now. The private bank is going up to the second storey. It looks pretty.

The fly trap is full of flies. It catches a lot of them. Our timothy seed is running about 7 sacks to two loads. They are not thrashing it in the ring. We have to cook for them all. Guess that is all for this time.

Dale B.

Saturday morning July 27, 1912

Mrs. Smith is awful bad. They think she is dying, She is unconscious and doesn't swallow anything at all. Lizzie Cook and Lizzie Roof are there most of the time.

For additional information on Dale Buckner:
OBITUARY

Martha Jane Yarger

'Mattie'

1871 - 1958
(Arch, Frances)

For additional information on Mattie Yarger:
Photograph of granddaughter Frances Davis wearing Mattie's necklace
COURT RECORDS
OBITUARY

FRANCIS Marion Buckner

1867 - 1938
(Dale, Frances)

MAY BUILD PARK AND HAVE FAIRS

Reported Project To Secure Spur From Traction Line At Poneto

A force of men and teams are actively at work on the doctor Doster farm east of Poneto grading for a new racetrack which is being backed by Marion Buckner and other Poneto gentlemen and it is expected to have a good track ready for use in the shortest possible time.

In addition to the race track it is reported that there are plans in course of promulgation looking to the construction of a small park and a fair ground on the farm. There are three good-sized fish ponds on the place and by combining these a large pool could be formed, and a pretty grove would give the feature of a small park. A gentleman who was in Poneto yesterday is authority for the statement that there is talk of having the Union Traction build a spur to the Doster farm and in addition to park features arranging for a fair and races next fall.

Evening News Banner
June 18, 1908
Wells County Public Library

WELLS COUNTY HORSEMAN SUCCESSFUL AFTER FORTY-TWO YEARS BREEDING RACING STOCK

Perhaps if you were a breeder of fine harness racing horses in this day and age of motor transportation you would be making plans to sell out to the buggy manufacturers and let them do what they could to carry on, but there is one man in Indiana at least who feels differently about it.

This man is none other than Francis Marion Buckner, the leading horseman in Wells county and one of the best in the state for that matter.

As stated above it is indeed surprising in this present day to find a man devoting his life to the breeding and training of harness race horses, many of which are known throughout Indiana and surrounding states and even on the grand circuit.

Mr. Buckner is an unpretentious sort of a man, a great lover of fine horses, and a man who is respected by all who know him. He conducts the Buckner Stock Farm of several hundred acres near Poneto, a small town six miles south of Bluffton on the Indiana Union Traction Line.

The surprising fact concerning his business today, is that he has a group of splendid horses, some of the colts from excellent stock showing unusually promising work in the early workouts. Mr Buckner has a fine half-mile tract that in former days was the scene of many a great race in which some of the best horses and drivers in the country contested for the stake money. The track is in good condition today, but it is only used for training of promising colts and the conditioning of experienced horses.

Mr. Buckner is of Kentucky stock and that may in some way account for his great love of horses. The fact that he does really know and love horses is best evidenced by the fact that his business has survived some of the leanest years horse racing ever experienced and is now in a position to take full advantage of the revival of that sport known to all horsemen as 'the greatest of all'. His ability to judge horses has been recognized from the fact that he has served as judge of horses at many fairs in this district.

In the business of breeding and training of fast harness horses Mr. Buckner is associated in partnership with his son, Dr. J.F. Buckner of Fort Wayne, a graduate of the Indiana University who virtually 'grew up in the business'. Dr. Buckner also knows race horses ad each summer invariably finds him at the various tracks in the middlewest either driving or assisting his father in handling his horses.

Mr. Buckner started in the race horse business forty-two years ago on the same farm he now call the Buckner Stock Farm, His start was made with Katie B, a bay mare sired by George, known in this section as the Wiltse Deam horse. The Deam horse's registered name could not be recalled by Mr. Buckner but the horse was of Hambletonian 10 stock.

Katie B, was bred to a standard horse called Emmerson and his get produced Topsy B, foaled in 1891. Topsy B was bred to Reward J, 2:10¼, and from that union can Miss Reward and Nellie Reed. Miss Reward is the dam of the good race mare Marge, 2:9¼. Nellie Reed is great great Granddam of Bobby Azof, 2:5½. He was the champion green trotter of the world at four years old in 1924. Bobby Azof is seven generations of Mr. Buckner's breeding.

Mr. Buckner drove his first race at Greenville, Ohio, driving the mare Miss Reward, 2:20, and has been racing or training horses every year since that time. He has races such horses as Miss Reward, Rex R, 2:14¼; Delco, 2:10¾; Rex McKinney, 2:8½ ; Reppert B, 2:8¼; Redline, 2:12¼. He has also bred and raised Red Chief , 2:10¾; Rex McKinney, 2:13¼, and at the present time he has Marge, 2:9¾, to be retired for breeding; Bobby Azof, 2:5½; Azetta, 2:12¼; Helen Mix, 2:17¼; Azie Queen, 2:24¼; Saylor B, three-year-old with trotting record of 15¼ and has trotted eighths in 15 seconds.

Mr. Buckner is now working six head of his own horses for the coming season. Most of the colts in training now will be sold at a later date. During his time in the horse breeding and racing business, Mr. Buckner has owned some fine stallions including Atlantic Line, Sam Nutbert, and he has had on his frm such horses as Jaystone 2:4¼; Walter Cochato, 2:2¼, and the champion double-gaited stallion of the world, Peter Henley, 2:2¼, pacing, and 2:6¼, trotting; Martineet by Margrave; Poneto Dillon, Sidney Dillon, and at the present time, McKinney Mac, one year old record of 27¼, three-year-old time trial record, 2:10, and also William Law, 2:17¼, race record. He has raced a half mile trace in 2:8. This horse is by Red Medium, dam Miss Law by Heir at Law.

During his breeding career, Mr. Buckner has bred to the leading stallions of the county including Braden Direct, Argot Hal, Azof, Inline B, Jaystone, Peter Bilikin, David Cuy, Walter Cochato, and he has at this time, colts from all these sires.

Mr. Buckner has had a wonderful record in the horse business and a trip to his farm near Poneto will convince you that is truthfully a great horseman and an interesting host.

The Evening Banner
January 23, 1929
Wells County Public Library

For additional information on FRANCIS Marion Buckner:
Wedding Photograph & Marriage Certificate
BIOGRAPHY
OBITUARY
HINTS, ALLEGATIONS, THINGS LEFT UNDONE

Stella Doster

1867 - 1931
(Dale, Frances)

. . . a woman of many talents and more than ordinary abilities . . .

excerpted from
Adams & Wells History
FRANCIS MARION BUCKNER
Tyndall and Lesh 1918 Vol II pp 515-17

Stella and FRANCIS Marion's Children
GEORGE Doster & Baby Dale	Joy, GEORGE Doster & Dale

For additional information on Stella Doster:
OBITUARY

GEORGE Doster Buckner

1892 - 1959
(son of FRANCIS Marion Buckner and Stella Doster)

Joy Francis Buckner

1898 - 1975
(son of FRANCIS Marion Buckner and Stella Doster)

William Nicholas Buckner

1827 - 1902
(FRANCIS Marion , Dale, Frances)

After William Nicholas Buckner's marriage to Amelia Margaret Yelton, they settled on a farm in Campbell County, Kentucky. In 1855 he moved his family to a farm in Wells County, Indiana, having purchased land there, located eight miles west and one mile south of Bluffton. They were the parents of nine children, all of whom grew to adulthood. Eight of them married and reared families.

Along with farming he also made brooms in a little shop in a summer house which was built over their cellar. Occasionally groups of orphan boys would be shipped into the community for the purpose of finding permanent homes. He would always take in one or two and keep them until permanent homes could be found. He was a very hospitable gentleman, always insisting on giving lodging to families and their livestock overnight as they were passing through. He was known to his neighbors and friends as 'Uncle Billy'.

Martha Prible Morris

For additional information on William Nicholas Buckner:
BIOGRAPHY
PUBLIC RECORDS
OBITUARY

Amelia Margaret Yelton

1831 - 1916
(FRANCIS Marion, Dale, Frances)

FAMILY REUNIONS HELD SUNDAY

Buckner and Carnes Families Had Fine Time at Annual Gatherings

Eighty members of the Buckner family and friends gathered Sunday with Mrs. William N. Buckner at the old home place in Liberty township and they enjoyed a splendid time. A big picnic dinner was served in a shady grove and the afternoon was spent in visiting, relating of reminiscences and an impromptu program of addresses, recitations, and music. A male quartet composed of Ben F., Dr. G.W., and Marion Buckner and H.H. Wheelock, of Fargo, S.D., furnished vocal numbers and Mr. Wheelock also delivered some very entertaining recitations. Peter Frantz also gave some interesting reminiscences of earlier days and a number of others added to the program with short talks.

The Buckners gathered in reunion were descendants of William M. Buckner, who died five years ago. His widow, now in her 77th year, was present with her children, eight of whom are living out of a family of nine. She and her husband settled in Wells County more that fifty years ago, coming here from Brackin County, Ky. Six years ago about a year before his death, they celebrated their fiftieth or golden wedding. The old home place has been Mrs. Buckner's continuous residence since coming to this county and it passed to her and her husband almost direct from the government, their deed being the second and last ever made for the place.

The children and their families present Sunday were B.F., Marion, Dr. George W., Charles V., and John T. Buckner, Mrs. Millie Jane Thrailkill, and Mrs. Anna Beerbower, and Miss Ella Buckner, who lives at home with her mother.

Guests of the family for the reunion were Charles Yelton, wife and daughter, of De Sota, Ind., Mrs. Millie Marshall , of Cowan, Ellery Kern and family of Cowan, Stephan Harlan and wile of Markleville, Ind., Thomas and William Buckner, nephews of Mrs. W.N. Buckner, from Mt. Olivet, Ky., Ira Yelton and family, of Liberty Center, Dr. Thomas Morris and wife, of Mt. Zion, and J.R. Bennett of this city and H.H. Wheelock of Fargo, S.D.

For additional information on Amelia Yelton:
OBITUARY

John Thomas Buckner

1852 - 1933
(son of William Nicholas Buckner and Amelia Yelton)

Benjamin Franklin Buckner

1870 - 1965
(son of William Nicholas Buckner and Amelia Yelton)

Hezekiah Doster

1843 - 1910
(Stella, Dale, Frances)

I am sending my Love to my wife.
Ask her to be of good cheer, all will be made right for her.
I will give her more news in a few days.

Dr. Doster to Sarepta Doster

Transcription Note: Ink is faded, but the note reads exactly as shown above. csm

For additional information on Hezekiah Doster:
BIOGRAPHY
OBITUARY

Sarepta Tewksbury

1846 - 1930
(Stella, Dale, Frances)

...but I will tell you this you are the best, the most wonderful and considerate lady I have ever met and I have met many...

excerpted from
a letter dated Nov 11, 1926
Sallie Kendrick
former employee

For additional information on Sarepta Tewksbury:
Note from Dr. Doster to my Wife
Letter from Dale Buckner to Sarepta Tewksbury
OBITUARY

Letters from Home: Simon Tewksbury to Sarepta & family

Ray (Michigan) February the 25/71

Dear Children

I take this opportunity to write a few lines to you to let you know that I haven't forgotten you, the longer you are gone the more I want to see you. I thought that I would send you Mothers and mine picture so you could see how we look for I don't know that you will see us very soon if you don't come out here and see us. You can come better than we can. Your Mother's health is not very good. I have had a feeling in the middle of my hand, it has been three weeks since I have done any thing. It is getting better. The rest of the folks are all well. We have had a good deal of snow here this winter, it is snowing here today.

I will give you the price of things out here wheat is 1.30 corn .70 potatoes .75 pork 8½ butter .15 (.25?) eggs .18 oats .50.

Sarepta, you and Stelley can come home if Cye (Hezekiah) can't leave, but we would like to see you all. You must excuse this and write for we want to hear from you.

This from your Father, Simon Tewksbury

Sarepta, if you can read this, write and let me know, then I will know whether to write to you again or not.

I must close

Clifford Oct 1, 1888

My dear Daughter and family

I think I owe you a letter. I do want to hear from you, so I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know how we are getting along. The Woman has been very sick for the last five weeks -- is better now, she thinks she will be able to do the work soon.

My health is good now. I have survived on my farm this summer. My crops were good- it has been very dry and cold here this summer -- it spit of snow yesterday. Otas says he is glad he made you that visit. He has got six nice sheep. He is a big nice boy -- can go to Clifford and get anything we send for... gets the cows every night.

The children are all well but Victory. Nancy is down there to see her now, will be back Thursday. I have been to see her twice and will go again if she isn't any better. The Doctor says it is Consumption -- the ulcers are gathering and broke on her lungs. She cant live long --she has mourned herself to death for the loss of her Children.

Byron has built a new house this summer. Ed has got a baby girl a month old.

Steley, you used to say when you got to teaching school you would come and see us. We would like to see the whole family -- have been looking for you this fall.

There isn't any more news to write this time Sarepta, write and let me now how Hiram is getting along and how fast you are getting rich. I hope this will find you all well.

I was down to Detroit to see Em Chubb -- she has had a hard time with her shoulder.

I have always wondered whether the seven devils that were cast out of Mary Magdalene were drowned with the hogs when they went in to sea. I am sure they weren't. I think Eligak has six of them and Vick says she knows where the other one is. I did not ask her where it was.

Sarepta don't tell any one that I have found six of them for there is a small chance for me to be mistaken.

This is from your Father Simon Tewksbury

Clifford (Michigan?) Dec 10
(envelope post marked 1897)

My dear daughter and family,

I will try and write you a few lines to let you now how I am. My health is not very good now, I am bothered with short breath - have been for a long time. I received your letter with much pleasure, I would like to see you and family once more.

We have been having some snow and cold weather ...illegible... Emma and Elijah have bought five acres of land that Fred sold off of his place there is a good house on it and a barn on it.

I married a woman one year ago the 6th of December. She is a kind and pleasant woman and a good housekeeper. She has one son and three daughters. They are all married. They are a kind family and respectable. She says she would like to have you and Cye come and make us a visit.

Otas is home and is going to school this winter. The children are all well. I bought a woven coat and cap and an under coat with the present in the letter. Sarepta, come and see us and make a visit.

This is from your Father -- My love to you Simon Tewksbury

Letters from Home: Nancy Tewksbury to Sarepta & family

Feb 26th 1871

Dear Sister,

I thought I would write a few lines to let you know that I had not forgotten you. I think that I wrote the last letter, but received no answer then I thought that that I wouldn't write again, but I changed my mind since I can't write a very long letter for it is almost meeting time. Elales(?) Allington preaches, there was a donation to our house for hymns?.

Melinda teaches our school this winter. It will be out this week Thursday. Myra is as smart as a little whip. Oh, hon, I would like to see you and Stella. Why don't you come home? I don't think Myra is any smarter(?) than Stella. Put her picture in the next letter you write.

Miss Noppa's(?) dead. I have just been writing to Aunt Sophia I suppose you have heard that they have moved to Lapee. You must excuse all poor writing for these are… Well I must stop writing, losing light.

So, good night. Kiss Stella for me. Write soon

From your Sister Nancy

Miss Sarepta Doster
Please answer this

Letters from Home: Margret Tewksbury Kellogg to Sarepta & family

Ray Centre, Mich
Feb 1873

Dear Sister Seppie,

Just imagining what a surprise I had about 15 minutes ago in opening a letter and finding it from you, my own dear sister. I had about made up my mind that you had forgotten and forsaken me - have changed my mind now. Oh, how sweet to think that I am remembered by one so dear to me, to think of the many hours we have passed together and the sweet privilege of writing to each other.

Aunt Mary has come in and wants me to tell you she sends her best wishes and thinks she will go to Ohio instead of there. Mary School closes in one week more. Miss Whitcomb is sick and closed her school for good. They are having quite a time in the Dickins school. Bill Dickens turned Ez Nye's children out of school for bad conduct and Nye go mad and pulled out half of Bill's whiskers and they are going to have a lawsuit.

J Ingland married a Steveson girl, she has been dead two years. J too Aryubah to the party at New Year's. We had a splendid time to the party, there was sold over 100 numbers.

Father and Vic have gone out to Lapeer to see Will - went last Thursday and came home Monday. The last I heard from Het, she was poorly, they have gone to keeping doses at last in the house with Janet, used to be Perry, Benson now.

Marion came as expected, did not visit anyone, went right home. Mrs. Thompson is getting better all of the time, they feel encouraged about her. She is doctoring with a man from Canada. I don't think she will ever get well. Mary Houbhert came down and stayed with me two weeks. I helped her get ready to go out Georges Eddies. I worked for all of the time, have made 3 cloaks for Mrs. Pierce and got my pay - have a dress for Mrs. Shafer to make besides, lots of other work to do.

Mother and Ella were here two weeks and had a splendid visit. We went to Lins, Mr. Avery's, Mrs. Chubb's, Mr. Lenz's, Mr. Martin's, Mr. Butfield, Uncle Dan's and was so cold, could not go any more. Mrs. Ben Lenz is very sick, hasn't spoke, nor whispered for over three weeks - is some better now. Mrs. Wright's health is quite poor. It's quite sickly around here amongst children, quite a good many deaths - not anyone you would know. Jim was to Detroit last week and seen Lige's folks were all well. Em is as fat as ever.

There has been quite a good many weddings here this winter. Nell Sutherland to a Lyons, Mariah Woodworth to a hardware merchant in Utica, she is his third wife. Mary Willey to Bill Bliss. John Inglesbee to a girl 22 years old.

Mrs. Chubb had a dispatch from her sister at Adrian stating that she was very sick and wasn't expected to live and to come forthwith - went last Monday - hasn't gotten back yet, heard once from her - not any better - had 4 shocks of palsy.

We talk of going to Lapeer soon on a visit and Columbia to see Sarah, and Linda if she is there. Linda expects to go to Ypsilanti to school. ? years she graduates the end that time.

Sep, you will have to excuse pencil for haven't my thumb and can't write with a pen. We are all well and hope you will write soon. It is very cold here yet, too cold to work or play. Excuse all deficiencies in my letter and not make fun of poor composition, write soon if worth answering. Love to all the friends and keep a share yourself.

Margret Kellogg - I bid you good night.

Letters from Home: Emma Tewksbury Chubb to Sarepta & family

April 29, 1873

Dear Sister,

As it has been so long since I received your letter I thought I would try and answer it. We are all well. We are having a very bad spring, it is cold here, Sep. I hear from home sometimes, Pa and Victoria were down here and stayed all night. Vic has got our school and will board here. I shall have something to do this summer for Hank is at home, he works on the plank road - gets 1 dollar per day. I think he will do well.

Jim and Mot are going to live in Lapeer. Jim is going with Frank this summer. I tell you what it is, they will be so nice and put on so much style. Mot tries to dress better than anyone and guess she does. They do not go to our folks, I guess they do not speak. I should think they would be happy, how mean it is for them to talk so about each other, but I do not care, they are always in a mess(?) with someone.

Lige is very good to me. I think we will get something in a few years and then it will seem better. We are very saving. I shall not have anything new this summer. Erney says tell Stella he is going to school. He often speaks about her.

Oh, Sep, it does not seen as if I could have you go so far away and never see you again. Oh, how I wish you had come home with me that night, for I had a nice ride home. Elige got one of the neighbors to come after me, he was very much disappointed because you did not come. He thinks a good deal of you and Hezekiah and would like to live near you. Perhaps, we will sometime, if we can do well here. In a few years, we will have some money and then perhaps we can come out where you are. Sep, you must not work so hard, if you do you will grow old and then you cannot work. Sep, you do not know how old I grow, you cannot believe how fat I am nor how mad I am about it. I look like an old soap tub. I cannot wear anything I have got.

Sep, I am tending gate and trying to write at the same time. You may think I have my hands full, and I do. This is such a poor letter, do not let anyone see it, burn it up.

I have got a sewing machine, it is a Singer. I like it very much. I have done considerable sewing since I saw you. Sep, I hope you will not let Stella forget me, tell her she must learn to write and write to me. Ettie is going to write. Sep, you must write every month when you get in your new home and it will not seem so bad. I hope you not have to go alone, if you do, you must take good care of yourself and dress warm, for it will be cold on the ears and a long journey to go with it.

Thompson is not expected to live. I think Ma is quite well. Will is in Lapeer to work. Ed is going to work out this summer. Pa and Henderson are going to work the farm themselves. Nancy will have to work hard if Vick teaches. Seppie, I guess I have told you all the news. I wish you would write to us before you go away. I shall keep your letters always. It seems as if I could not give you up. So good-bye for this time.

Emma Chubb

Elige wrote to you 9 weeks ago.

Letters from Home: William and Amy Tewksbury to Sarepta & family

May 1, 1879

Dear Sister,

As I was thinking today how forgetful we been, I thought we must try and do better. I was very much pleased when I received your letter, we had just got home from your Father's. Victoria and Byron went out with us. They were all well. They have been down here since. He had some notes due him. Father is real well for a man of his age, he weighs something over 200 pounds, he hasn't much of any gray.

Of course, you have heard how miserable Emma Chubb is, she has the asthma and then the ague every other day, but she still is that fleshy. She can scarcely get around the house, it can't be her flesh is good. You were asking about Lim(?) Compton's losing his speech, as for my part, I can't say but what he can talk as loud as ever.

Uncle Russel's folks are all well. Lyman is teaching school at Williamston, he gets six hundred - $600 - a year. Frank, I don't suppose is worth one dollar. Marian is in Canada, he has been to Ann Arbor studying to be a lawyer. I don't know anything about the rest of them.

Ed is working Elias Lee's place. Mr. Lee's team got frightened the 3rd day of April and ran away breaking his limb below the knee twice, he is to Mr. John Goodell's, they haven't been able to move him since. It seems real good to see Ed so close by, he is one of our near neighbors.

You were asking where we were staying. Will has rented David Naspeter's(?) place for one year. That is just afore the Cente(?) house. I wish it would be convenient for you to come out and see us this summer. I should like to have you very much.

You were saying you thought some of going to Cal. You were acquainted with Miss McDaniels, she is there now. She is teaching there, gets eighty a month.

I will close as Will want to write some. You will excuse all mistakes and receive this from
ever your sister Amy Tewksbury

Tell Stella hi, write in your next [letter]. I will send her a piece of Albert's dress to piece up. I will send his photo before long. I would like all of yours.

Brother and Sister, Here is a space for me to fill, but as Amy has written all the news and my stock of knowledge was exhausted before I finished my letter to Lyman Pickle, you will not expect much. Lyme thinks he is in one of the finest countries in the world. Aunt Mary would like to see Indiana again, I think. Tell Stella she must write and brag on her dog for I think I can beat her. Tell Hezekiah I think I can beat him shooting. It may be such a thing as Amy and I may come to Indiana or else to Kansas with the Negroes. Well, the space is full and I must close by sending my love to all
From Wm Tewksbury

Letters from Home: Myra Kellogg Clock to Sarepta

3705 Cota(?) Ave.
Long Beach, Calif.
July 2, 1922

Dear Aunt Sappa,

It is such a long time since I heard from you I think I must write and I am going to write to Aunt Emma too. Jim was wondering her age, so I looked it up, she was born May 5, 1841, so you see, she is eighty four years old. My, I cannot realize it, how time does fly. To think that mother would be seventy-eight this Sept. She has been gone twenty-two years, in some ways I can realize, in others it seems a century.

The children have gone for a picnic and I was too lazy to get up and get ready to start so early and I think it is good for them to go by themselves. It won't be long until the family will be separated. Russell goes to high school this year.

I am gaining right along I weigh ninety-four pounds with my summer clothes on that is seventeen pounds in less than five months. If I keep on like this, if I can raise the money I shall visit you next year. My but how our tongues will fly.

I had a letter from Aunt Het(?) and she says Aunt Emma is not any larger than she is, and that Aunt Emma thinks that at last she has a home next to Heaven. Oh, I am so thankful she is there and so well taken care of. She had received your letter.

Bella, Arid Howen's wife wrote me such a nice letter . She sure is thrifty.

This is sure a beautiful afternoon, we had a little fog in the morning, not dense, but just damp.

Russell Clock is well and Francis too, but Marguerita is not very well. She went to a cousin in Cincinnati to see if the change would do her good.

We are all well. Pete is getting real thin, he is working pretty steady.

I hope this finds you all just fine.

With love, Myra

Victoria Doster

1883 - 1896
(Daughter of Sarepta Tewksbury and Hezekiah Doster)

After Victoria's untimely death, Stella was given this toy service for her children. Joy, who had three girls, had it in his possession for a number of years. All of his daughters had boys, and it was given to my mother for me. Being a sensible woman, she gave a plastic one to me for play and this one resided in the corner cabinet in the dining room. It's special to me because of its history and the fact that it is the only memento I have from Uncle Joy.

George Doster

1823 - 1908
(Hezekiah, Stella, Dale, Frances)

For additional information on George Doster:
BIOGRAPHY
PUBLIC RECORDS
HINTS, ALLEGATIONS, THINGS LEFT UNDONE

Jane Hardwidge

1823 - 1908
(Hezekiah, Stella, Dale, Frances)

Family tradition says that Jane brought this with her on the sailing ship from England. The tea service, which serves twelve and is intact, was a wedding gift. When I was a child, Mom would remove a piece or two from the packing crate and tell me about the sailing ship and the precious wedding gift. She always said that there had been two services, the blue pictured above and a pink one that was left behind. I wonder sometimes if that one still exists.

High tea was served instead of a luncheon for my bridesmaids and the other generous souls who had helped with wedding preparations. We used the service that day along with every piece of silver I could lay my hands on in four households. I'm still looking for the photographs taken that day. I had slightly more than twelve guests and a dear friend provided white china cups to supplement the tea service. My mother used one of the white cups and mentioned to that same friend that that day was the time she had seen the service used. Today, it's back in the crate wrapped in quilt batting. If I hostess a high tea again, it will come back out. Otherwise, as Jane, Sarepta, Stella, Dale, and Frances have done, I will pass it, God willing, intact, to the next generation.

For additional information on Jane Hardwidge:
PUBLIC RECORDS
OBITUARY
HINTS, ALLEGATIONS, THINGS LEFT UNDONE

Mystery Guests
Unidentified Photographs From My Mother's Attic

Photograph and clothing styles suggest circa 1860. According to Rand-McNally, Bridgewater is in Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, South Dakota, and Nova Scotia. Also of interest, Bridgwater is in the UK in Somerset, due south of Burnham on Sea. However, Eastman house lists Mr. Brown as an American photographer.

Photograph and clothing styles suggest circa 1875.

	Tintype Photographer's Imprint Unavailable

Photograph and clothing styles suggest circa 1875.

	Tintype Photographer's Imprint Unavailable

Photograph and clothing styles suggest circa 1875.

Photograph and clothing styles suggest circa 1875.

Photograph and clothing styles suggest circa 1885. I really wanted this one to be of Sarepta and Stella, but the clothing styles do not support that theory.

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