SOME EARLY SPRINGFIELD LETTERS
AMELIA MATILDA BERGEN LAMB LETTER DATED MAY 4, 1846
TO JEANNIE (LOUISA JANE TRUMBULL) LEA
Prepared by
Richard E. Hart and Curtis Mann
Springfield, Illinois
Front Cover Photograph: The envelope of the letter of Amelia Bergen Lamb to “Mrs. Henry Lea Care of George A. Trumbull, Esq., Worcester, Mass.,” postmarked at Springfield, Illinois on June 5, 1846.
Introduction
Richard E. Hart and Curtis Mann
Springfield, Illinois
Front Cover Photograph: The envelope of the letter of Amelia Bergen Lamb to “Mrs. Henry Lea Care of George A. Trumbull, Esq., Worcester, Mass.,” postmarked at Springfield, Illinois on June 5, 1846.
Introduction
The internet is one of the remarkable technological advances of our time. “E-mail” has effectively replaced written “hard copy” correspondence. Our Pavlovian reaction to the words “You’ve got mail” has replaced our daily anticipation of the mailman’s delivery to our old-fashioned mailbox, now relegated to a receptacle for corporate solicitations termed “junk mail.” With the disappearance of the written word in “hard copy,” historians, archivists and librarians are puzzled as to what will be left to piece together as history or archive or retrieve from our paperless age of internet communication.
But despite the decline of the elegance and civility of a well composed “letter” and the rise of the often curt and never elegant “e-mail,” the internet has ironically helped in the preservation and transmission of things past. The internet trading site “Ebay” has created a world of micro commerce matching buyers and sellers from around the globe in trade reminiscent of an ancient bazaar. Search for the term “Springfield Illinois” and your computer screen will be flooded with a seemingly unending supply of Illinois Watches, Illinois Dairy milk bottles and post cards of Springfield’s Lincoln sites from every decade of the past century. The authors have become enthusiastic sleuths at this site. It was here that the “Amelia Letter” was found. It was described in a rather cryptic manner directed at its importance to collectors of postage memorabilia rather than to local historians of Springfield’s mid 19th century life.
The first read of the letter was a struggle due to the small script and grammatical style. Once it was transcribed, the fun began. Like a detective, Curtis Mann traced the people referred to in the letter. Was Lizzie Todd married in 1846 as suggested in the letter? A quick internet check of the Illinois marriage data base on the Illinois State Archives web site confirmed that she indeed was married to Harrison J. Grimsley on July 21, 1846. With each new read, the letter revealed more and evoked a sense of time and place—mid 19th century Springfield.
The letter paints an abstract yet substantial picture of the life of an upper class woman of mid 19th century Illinois. Ladies such as Amelia and Jeannie were permitted to travel independently without the accompaniment of their husbands. Amelia was privileged to have spent time with Dorothea Dix, an early American, feminine activist and reformer.. Dix was visiting Springfield to lobby the Illinois legislature for reform of the Alton prison and Amelia spent an evening with her at the Springfield home of her uncle, James Lamb. There are also hints of traditional female domestic responsibilities—Amelia was making shirts and helping install the carpet in the new home of Lizzie Todd and Harrison Grimsley.
It is ironic that this revealing letter of a 19th century young lady was preserved for 146 years before being thrown into the 21st century Ebay internet bazaar. The Ebay seller was in Peoria. It is unlikely that the authors would have found this letter without the internet. It is now a part of the collection of the Sangamon Valley Room at Springfield’s Lincoln Library. Viva the internet!
Richard E. Hart and Curtis Mann
Springfield, Illinois
April 2005
But despite the decline of the elegance and civility of a well composed “letter” and the rise of the often curt and never elegant “e-mail,” the internet has ironically helped in the preservation and transmission of things past. The internet trading site “Ebay” has created a world of micro commerce matching buyers and sellers from around the globe in trade reminiscent of an ancient bazaar. Search for the term “Springfield Illinois” and your computer screen will be flooded with a seemingly unending supply of Illinois Watches, Illinois Dairy milk bottles and post cards of Springfield’s Lincoln sites from every decade of the past century. The authors have become enthusiastic sleuths at this site. It was here that the “Amelia Letter” was found. It was described in a rather cryptic manner directed at its importance to collectors of postage memorabilia rather than to local historians of Springfield’s mid 19th century life.
The first read of the letter was a struggle due to the small script and grammatical style. Once it was transcribed, the fun began. Like a detective, Curtis Mann traced the people referred to in the letter. Was Lizzie Todd married in 1846 as suggested in the letter? A quick internet check of the Illinois marriage data base on the Illinois State Archives web site confirmed that she indeed was married to Harrison J. Grimsley on July 21, 1846. With each new read, the letter revealed more and evoked a sense of time and place—mid 19th century Springfield.
The letter paints an abstract yet substantial picture of the life of an upper class woman of mid 19th century Illinois. Ladies such as Amelia and Jeannie were permitted to travel independently without the accompaniment of their husbands. Amelia was privileged to have spent time with Dorothea Dix, an early American, feminine activist and reformer.. Dix was visiting Springfield to lobby the Illinois legislature for reform of the Alton prison and Amelia spent an evening with her at the Springfield home of her uncle, James Lamb. There are also hints of traditional female domestic responsibilities—Amelia was making shirts and helping install the carpet in the new home of Lizzie Todd and Harrison Grimsley.
It is ironic that this revealing letter of a 19th century young lady was preserved for 146 years before being thrown into the 21st century Ebay internet bazaar. The Ebay seller was in Peoria. It is unlikely that the authors would have found this letter without the internet. It is now a part of the collection of the Sangamon Valley Room at Springfield’s Lincoln Library. Viva the internet!
Richard E. Hart and Curtis Mann
Springfield, Illinois
April 2005
The Letter
Letter of Amelia Bergen Lamb to Mrs. Henry Lea c/o George A. Trumbull, Esq., Worcester, Mass. Postmarked at Springfield, Illinois on June 5, 1846
The letter is dated May 4, 1846. It was written between that date and June 5, 1846, the date it was postmarked at Springfield. Amelia M. Bergen Lamb wrote the letter to “Mrs. Henry Lea,” Jeannie Lea nee Louisa Jane Trumbull. It is addressed “Care of George A. Trumbull, Esq., Worcester, Mass.,” Jeannie’s father who lived in Worcester.
The letter is dated May 4, 1846. It was written between that date and June 5, 1846, the date it was postmarked at Springfield. Amelia M. Bergen Lamb wrote the letter to “Mrs. Henry Lea,” Jeannie Lea nee Louisa Jane Trumbull. It is addressed “Care of George A. Trumbull, Esq., Worcester, Mass.,” Jeannie’s father who lived in Worcester.
The Author: Amelia Maltilda Bergen
The letter’s author was Amelia Matilda Bergen Lamb, the 27 year-old wife of Joshua Gibson Lamb. Amelia was born in July, 1818, in Freehold, New Jersey, the daughter of John G. and Margaretta Matilda Henderson Bergen. In November of 1828, 10 year-old Amelia moved to Springfield with her parents. Amelia and Joshua were married in Springfield on May 27, 1840. On May 4, 1846, the date of this letter, they were living in Alton, Illinois. They had no children.
The Author’s Parents: Rev. John G. and Margarett M. Henderson Bergen
On the occasion of this letter, Amelia had come to Springfield to visit her parents and in-laws, John and Susannah Gibson Lamb. Her father was the Rev. John G. Bergen, D. D., the 56 year-old founder and minister of the First Presbyterian Church. Her mother was 53 year-old Margaretta Matilda Henderson Bergen. The Bergen family was probably living in the house that Rev. Bergen built in 1828 shortly after the family arrived in Springfield. The house was located on the south side of Washington Street, between Fourth and Fifth Streets, a block and one-half east of the First Presbyterian Church and a half block west of the State House.
Soon after their [the John G. Bergen family] arrival, her father [John G. Bergen] built a house on his own lot at the south side of Washington street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, and in that she [Jane Eliza Bergen] taught school in 1829. That was believed to have been the first school taught by a lady in Springfield.[1]
State House
First Presbyterian Church
Residence of Rev. John G. Bergen
1867 Drawing Showing the Rev. John G. Bergen Residence
Soon after their [the John G. Bergen family] arrival, her father [John G. Bergen] built a house on his own lot at the south side of Washington street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, and in that she [Jane Eliza Bergen] taught school in 1829. That was believed to have been the first school taught by a lady in Springfield.[1]
State House
First Presbyterian Church
Residence of Rev. John G. Bergen
1867 Drawing Showing the Rev. John G. Bergen Residence
The Author’s Father and the Bergen Family
The Bergen family had their European ancestral roots in Norway. In 1633, Hans Hansen Bergen who was born in Bergen, Norway, emigrated to New Amsterdam, now New York City. For generations thereafter, his descendants lived in New York and New Jersey.
BERGEN, REV. JOHN G., D. D., was born Nov. 27, 1790, at Hightstown, Middlesex county, N. J., ten miles east of Princeton, N. J. Of his ancestors the history is preserved for seven generations, which will be found designated by numbers. 1st. Hans Hansen Bergen was born in Bergen, Norway. He was a ship carpenter, and went to Holland; from there he emigrated to New Amsterdam, now New York city, arriving in 1633. In 1639 he was married to Sarah Rapalje (now Rapalye). She was born June 9, 1622, about where Albany, N. Y., now stands, and is believed to have been the first child of European parentage born in the colony of New Netherlands, which then included the present States of New York, New Jersey and part of Connecticut. Hans Hansen Bergen and Sarah Rapalje, his wife, had four sons and four daughters. 2nd. Joris, Jores, or George, their fifth child, was baptized in New Amsterdam, July 18, 1649, and married Aug. 11, 1678, to Sara Stryker. They had nine children, and their fourth child. 3rd. Hans Jorise Bergen was baptized Aug. 31, 1684, and married Aug. 16, 1711, to Sytje Evert Van Wicklen. They had five children. Their eldest son (4th), Jores, or George Bergen, married Miss Hoagland. She had three children, and died. He married a second time, and had nine children. His eldest son (5th), John B. Bergen, born March 27, 1739, married June 8, 1763, to Sarah Stryker, who was born August 25, 1745. They had eight children. Their eldest son (6th), George I. Bergen, born June 16, 1764, married in 1789 to Rebecca Combs. They had ten children, all born in New Jersey. Their eldest son was (7th) John G., whose name heads this sketch. Both his parents being consistent Christians, he, under their training and example, became a member of the Presbyterian church, at thirteen years of age. He attended Baskingridge Academy, and when properly prepared entered the junior class at Princeton College, and graduated at seventeen years of age. Having chosen the ministry, he commenced a theological course of study under Rev. Dr. John Woodhull, who had been appointed by the Synod of New York and New Jersey, Professor of Theology, in the absence of a seminary for that purpose. At 20 years of age he was licensed to preach the gospel. It was his desire to mount his horse, go to the west and commence preaching, but he was induced to accept the position of tutor in Princeton College in 1810. In Sept., 1812, he resigned that position, and in Oct., 1812, accepted a call as pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Madison, N. J. Rev. John G. Bergen was married Nov. 10, 1812, at Freehold, N. J., to Margaretta M. Henderson, who was born in 1793 in that city. Her father, Dr. Thomas Henderson, was a Judge, member of Congress, and a ruling Elder in the old Tennent church at Freehold.
BERGEN, REV. JOHN G., D. D., was born Nov. 27, 1790, at Hightstown, Middlesex county, N. J., ten miles east of Princeton, N. J. Of his ancestors the history is preserved for seven generations, which will be found designated by numbers. 1st. Hans Hansen Bergen was born in Bergen, Norway. He was a ship carpenter, and went to Holland; from there he emigrated to New Amsterdam, now New York city, arriving in 1633. In 1639 he was married to Sarah Rapalje (now Rapalye). She was born June 9, 1622, about where Albany, N. Y., now stands, and is believed to have been the first child of European parentage born in the colony of New Netherlands, which then included the present States of New York, New Jersey and part of Connecticut. Hans Hansen Bergen and Sarah Rapalje, his wife, had four sons and four daughters. 2nd. Joris, Jores, or George, their fifth child, was baptized in New Amsterdam, July 18, 1649, and married Aug. 11, 1678, to Sara Stryker. They had nine children, and their fourth child. 3rd. Hans Jorise Bergen was baptized Aug. 31, 1684, and married Aug. 16, 1711, to Sytje Evert Van Wicklen. They had five children. Their eldest son (4th), Jores, or George Bergen, married Miss Hoagland. She had three children, and died. He married a second time, and had nine children. His eldest son (5th), John B. Bergen, born March 27, 1739, married June 8, 1763, to Sarah Stryker, who was born August 25, 1745. They had eight children. Their eldest son (6th), George I. Bergen, born June 16, 1764, married in 1789 to Rebecca Combs. They had ten children, all born in New Jersey. Their eldest son was (7th) John G., whose name heads this sketch. Both his parents being consistent Christians, he, under their training and example, became a member of the Presbyterian church, at thirteen years of age. He attended Baskingridge Academy, and when properly prepared entered the junior class at Princeton College, and graduated at seventeen years of age. Having chosen the ministry, he commenced a theological course of study under Rev. Dr. John Woodhull, who had been appointed by the Synod of New York and New Jersey, Professor of Theology, in the absence of a seminary for that purpose. At 20 years of age he was licensed to preach the gospel. It was his desire to mount his horse, go to the west and commence preaching, but he was induced to accept the position of tutor in Princeton College in 1810. In Sept., 1812, he resigned that position, and in Oct., 1812, accepted a call as pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Madison, N. J. Rev. John G. Bergen was married Nov. 10, 1812, at Freehold, N. J., to Margaretta M. Henderson, who was born in 1793 in that city. Her father, Dr. Thomas Henderson, was a Judge, member of Congress, and a ruling Elder in the old Tennent church at Freehold.
Amelia Bergen Lamb ‘s Father, the Rev. John G. Bergen[2]
Rev. J. G. Bergen was pastor of the church at Madison for about 16 years, during which time his labors were greatly blessed. They had five children born at Madison. George I. Bergen, the father of Rev. J. G. Bergen, was a merchant, and sustained such losses during the war with England, beginning in 1812, that he closed his business, and in the summer of 1818 emigrated to Woodford county, Ky. In 1824 Mr. G. I. Bergen, in company with a married son and daughter and their father-in-law, Major Conover, six persons in all, set out to explore Indiana, and camped near where Indianapolis now stands. They made up their minds to remain there, and one night while they were around their camp-fire, they were startled with the cry of “Who’s here!” coming out of the darkness. The words were run together, and seemed like a single word, “Hoosier,” and this circumstance is believed to have been the origin of that appellation for citizens of that State. The traveler who had thus unceremoniously approached them remained all night, and before he left next morning had convinced them that it was better to go and see the prairies of Illinois. The result was that they settled in Jersey prairie, twelve miles north of Jacksonville, in Morgan, now Cass, county, Ill. George I. Bergen died in 1825, and his widow married Rev. Mr. Kenner, in 1827, and they visited Mrs. Kenner’s old home in New Jersey. While there her son, Rev. J. G. Bergen, resigned his pastorate of the church at Madison, Sept. 10, 1828, for the purpose of accompanying his mother to Illinois. The party started Sept. 22, 1828, going by the way of Lexington and Frankfort, Ky., to visit friends. After a journey of nearly 1,500 miles, they arrived at Springfield, Nov., 1828, bringing their five children, namely-- JANE ELIZA, born 1813, She was married in April, 1833 to Col. Robert Allen. CATHARINE H., born Sept. 21, 1816, married in Springfield to Edward Jones. AMELIA M., THOMAS H., born Dec. 15, 1820, married March 29, 1849, at Trenton, N. J., to Mary G. Cooley. GEORGE, born April 5, 1824,
Margaretta M. Bergen died Oct. 18, 1853, near Springfield, Ill. Dr. Bergen was married at the latter place, Nov. 9, 1857, to Mrs. Susan A. Vanhoff. Rev. Dr. J. G. Bergen died Jan. 17, 1872.
Margaretta M. Bergen died Oct. 18, 1853, near Springfield, Ill. Dr. Bergen was married at the latter place, Nov. 9, 1857, to Mrs. Susan A. Vanhoff. Rev. Dr. J. G. Bergen died Jan. 17, 1872.
Grave of Rev. John G. Bergen, Amelia’s Father
Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois
The Author’s Mother and the Henderson Family
Amelia’s mother, Margaretta Matilda Henderson Bergen, was born in 1793 in Freehold, New Jersey. Margaretta’s father, Dr. Thomas Henderson, was a physician, born in Freehold, New Jersey, in 1743. He died there on December 15, 1824. He was graduated at Princeton in 1761, studied medicine under Dr. Nathaniel Scudder and in 1766 became a member of the New Jersey medical society. On February 15, 1776, he was appointed 2d major in Colonel Stewart’s battalion of minute-men. On June 14, 1776, he was appointed a major of Colonel Heard’s battalion. Later he became lieutenant-colonel of Colonel Forman’s battalion in Heard’s brigade. At the battle of Monmouth, he was a brigade-major, and was a very valuable man on the field. He was the “solitary horseman” that rode up to General Washington, while the latter was standing beside his horse at Freehold Court-House, and informed him of the retreat of General Charles Lee. In 1777, Dr. Henderson was appointed a member of the provincial council. In 1794, he was vice president of the council of New Jersey, and acting governor of that state at the time of Shays’s insurrection, while Governor Howell was absent in Pennsylvania with some New Jersey troops. After the adoption of the Federal constitution, he was elected to congress, and served under Washington’s administration in the Fourth United States Congress--1795-1797. He was a Federalist. Although Dr. Henderson never relinquished the duties of his profession, he was kept continually in the public service, and after his retirement from congress was by turns surrogate, member of the legislature, judge of common pleas and commissioner to settle boundaries between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.[3] He was also a ruling Elder in the old Tennent church at Freehold.
Margaretta’s mother is not known.
Margaretta M. Henderson and John G. Bergen were married on November 10, 1812, at Freehold, New Jersey. Margaretta M. Henderson Bergen died on October 18, 1853, near Springfield.
Margaretta’s mother is not known.
Margaretta M. Henderson and John G. Bergen were married on November 10, 1812, at Freehold, New Jersey. Margaretta M. Henderson Bergen died on October 18, 1853, near Springfield.
The Author’s Husband and the Lamb, Lea and Gibson Families
Amelia’s husband, Joshua, was the son of John and Susan Gibson Lamb, who also resided in Springfield at the southeast corner of Second and Adams Streets in 1846.[4]
The Lamb Family
James Lamb was the son of George Lamb and Susannah L. Gibson. Elizabeth and Susan were sisters thus making Henry Lea and James Lamb first cousins. The women were the daughters of Thomas Gibson and Hannah Ring Gibson.
John Lamb married Susan Gibson Lea in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1834, and Susan died there on August 8, 1836.
John Lamb married Susan Gibson Lea in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1834, and Susan died there on August 8, 1836.
The Lea Family
Susan Gibson Lea was born in ____, the daughter of Elizabeth Gibson and James Lea. She married John Lamb in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1834. Susan died there on August 8, 1836.
The Gibson Family
Susan’s mother, Elizabeth Gibson Lea, was the daughter of Thomas and Hannah Ring Gibson.
Her mother’s sister, Susannah L. Gibson, married George Lamb. They were the parents of Joshua Lea Lamb, Amelia’s husband. Susannah L. Gibson Lamb died on April 7, 1847 and is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The Gibson Family
Susan’s mother, Elizabeth Gibson Lea, was the daughter of Thomas and Hannah Ring Gibson.
Her mother’s sister, Susannah L. Gibson, married George Lamb. They were the parents of Joshua Lea Lamb, Amelia’s husband. Susannah L. Gibson Lamb died on April 7, 1847 and is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Grave of Susannah L. Gibson Lamb, Amelia’s ___________
Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois
The Recipient: Jeannie Lea, nee Louisa Jane Trumbull
Amelia wrote this letter to Jeannie (Louisa Jane Trumbull) Lea, her 24 year-old friend and the wife of Henry Lea[5] of Madison County, Illinois. Like Amelia, Jeannie was visiting her parents, George Augustus Trumbull, a 54 year-old merchant and banker,[6] and 48 year-old Louisa Clap Trumbull,[7] in Worcester, Massachusetts. Jeannie was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on October 12, 1822, one of twelve children.[8]
The Recipient’s Family: The Trumbull’s
Jeannie Trumbull Lea was a member of an old New England family as the following account describes:
The Trumbull family of Worcester, Mass., traces its history back to John Trumbull (-1657), who came to America from Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, about 1637. He settled in Roxbury, Mass., but soon afterwards removed to Rowley, Mass., where he remained until his death. One of his sons, Joseph (1647-1684), originally removed to Suffield, Conn., in 1670, but Indian hostilities forced him to retreat. He returned again in 1676 and remained there until his death. Subsequent generations also remained in Suffield, until Joseph, the son of Joseph and Obedience (Belden) Trumbull. Joseph Trumbull (1756-1824), born in Suffield on 12 October 1756, arrived in Worcester in 1778 and opened a general store. In 1799 he formed a partnership with Isaiah Thomas and established an apothecary shop. He became sole owner of the shop in late 1783, but sold the business a few months later. For a number of years he practiced medicine in Petersham, Mass., but continued his business interests in Worcester. He returned to Worcester in 1803 and remained there until his death on 2 March 1824. Joseph married, on 14 February 1786, Elizabeth Paine (1766-1832), youngest daughter of Hon. Timothy and Sarah (Chandler) Paine, of Worcester. They had one son: George Augustus (1792-1868).
He attended Philips Academy in Exeter, N.H. In 1813 he bought the bookstore of Isaiah Thomas, Jr., and published the Massachusetts Spy from 1819-1823. He opened a brewery in 1822 and the following year sold his interest in the publishing business. From 1824 to 1836 George was cashier for the Central Bank of Worcester. He then became first cashier for the Citizens Bank of Worcester, a position he held until his retirement in 1858. He died at Worcester, Massachusetts on August 17, 1868.
The Trumbull family of Worcester, Mass., traces its history back to John Trumbull (-1657), who came to America from Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, about 1637. He settled in Roxbury, Mass., but soon afterwards removed to Rowley, Mass., where he remained until his death. One of his sons, Joseph (1647-1684), originally removed to Suffield, Conn., in 1670, but Indian hostilities forced him to retreat. He returned again in 1676 and remained there until his death. Subsequent generations also remained in Suffield, until Joseph, the son of Joseph and Obedience (Belden) Trumbull. Joseph Trumbull (1756-1824), born in Suffield on 12 October 1756, arrived in Worcester in 1778 and opened a general store. In 1799 he formed a partnership with Isaiah Thomas and established an apothecary shop. He became sole owner of the shop in late 1783, but sold the business a few months later. For a number of years he practiced medicine in Petersham, Mass., but continued his business interests in Worcester. He returned to Worcester in 1803 and remained there until his death on 2 March 1824. Joseph married, on 14 February 1786, Elizabeth Paine (1766-1832), youngest daughter of Hon. Timothy and Sarah (Chandler) Paine, of Worcester. They had one son: George Augustus (1792-1868).
He attended Philips Academy in Exeter, N.H. In 1813 he bought the bookstore of Isaiah Thomas, Jr., and published the Massachusetts Spy from 1819-1823. He opened a brewery in 1822 and the following year sold his interest in the publishing business. From 1824 to 1836 George was cashier for the Central Bank of Worcester. He then became first cashier for the Citizens Bank of Worcester, a position he held until his retirement in 1858. He died at Worcester, Massachusetts on August 17, 1868.
The Recipient’s Husband and the Lea and Gibson Families
Jeannie married her husband, Henry Lea, in Worchester, Massachusetts on September 2, 1845. Henry was born in Wilmington, Delaware on September 16, 1803, the son of James and Elizabeth Gibson Lea. He was educated at Burlington, New Jersey where he resided in 1810 when his parents moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Henry joined them there later and in 1822, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Later he moved to Jackson, Tennessee where he was in business with his elder brother, John. Henry later moved to New Orleans, visited Cuba and finally settled at Alton, Illinois, where he was in business with his brother-in-law, Joshua G. Lamb, and his nephew, James Henry Lea.[9] He later was alone in business until he retired and settled in Worcester, Massachusetts. 2 Sept. 1865, moving thence to Wilmington, Del. In 1868; in Worchester, Mass.
The Interconnections of the Families
The letter is filled with references to various relatives and friends, all of whom were a part of Springfield’s “upper crust” and the extensive social and familial network of the Lambs, Mathers, Bergens, Edwards, Jaynes, Leas, Slaters, Grimsleys, Trumbulls and Todds.
The Content of the Letter
The letter is interesting not only for its delightful “girl talk,” but also for its evocative sense of time and place and its specific references to people and political and social events of the time.
Letter Writing
“You will see from the heading of my letter dear Jeannie that I am at home too. & a very delightful thing it is to have two such homes as you & I have. I was delighted to receive your long & pleasant letter, which my husband[10] forwarded to me all of a week since. & which should have been acknowledged same. but there has been such a continuous round of comes & “goes” that I could not secure a quiet corner long enough to write you just such a letter as I wanted to. Fortunately for me & perhaps for you too. (for I do hope you are anxious to hear from me) it is a rainy day. & I am improving it.”
“I have not forgotten what you said about “home letters” & if I was at home should write you more of one, but the fact is my brother Thomas is reading aloud & I can scarcely write at all.”
“Remember me affectionately to your parents & sister & do dear Jeannie write soon to your loving & attached friend.”
Girl Talk
Upcoming Birth of Jeannie Lea’s First Child
“Hope you are more reconciled to the month of July & submit to your fate with a better grace than when we parted.”
In May 1846, Jeannie Lea was in her eighth month of pregnancy with her fist child. Amelia refers to Jeannie’s condition. Jeannie gave birth on July 1, 1846 to a son, James Henry Lea, at the old Trumbull Mansion, Trumbull Square, Worcester, Massachusetts. Jeannie apparently went home to have her child in the comfort of the family home with the assistance of her family. James Henry Lea ironically went on to become one of the first biographers of Abraham Lincoln and a scholar and genealogist of the Lea family.[11]
In May 1846, Jeannie Lea was in her eighth month of pregnancy with her fist child. Amelia refers to Jeannie’s condition. Jeannie gave birth on July 1, 1846 to a son, James Henry Lea, at the old Trumbull Mansion, Trumbull Square, Worcester, Massachusetts. Jeannie apparently went home to have her child in the comfort of the family home with the assistance of her family. James Henry Lea ironically went on to become one of the first biographers of Abraham Lincoln and a scholar and genealogist of the Lea family.[11]
Upcoming Marriage of Elizabeth J. Todd and Harrison J. Grimsley
“I have just written to my poor lonely husband to console him by saying that I m___ ha___ longer h___ of absence in order to be present at Lizzie’s Todd[12] wedding. which takes place the last of this month. provided the new house is finished. I was all day yesterday assisting them in making the carpets. so as to hurry matters a little.”
Amelia suggests that she may stay in Springfield for the marriage of Elizabeth J. Todd to Harrison J. Grimsley to be held on July 21, 1846. Elizabeth, or “Lizzie” as she was called, was the daughter of Dr. John Todd and the cousin of Mary Todd Lincoln. Four years earlier, Elizabeth had been a bridesmaid in Mary Todd’s wedding to Abraham Lincoln. Amelia notes that she is helping with the carpeting in the new home under construction for the prospective married couple.
“ELIZABETH J. [Todd Grimsley] was born January, 1825, at Edwardsville, Illinois, married in Springfield July 21, 1846, to Harrison J. Grimsley. They had two children. JOHN T., born Feb. 3, 1848, in Springfield, married Dec. 12, 1871, in Summerfield, New Jersey, to Cornelia Meesler, daughter of Rev. A. Meesler, D.D., pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church of that place. They have one child, MARY SWIFT. John T. Grimsley is a partner in the mercantile firm of Herndon & Co., and resides in Springfield, Illinois. WILLIAM L., born March 17, 1852, is a clerk with Herndon & Co., and resides in Springfield, Illinois. H. J. Grimsley died in 1865, and his widow married in January, 1867, to Rev. John H. Brown, D.D., pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, and later of the Thirty-first Street Presbyterian Church of Chicago. Dr. Brown died Feb. 23, 1872, in Chicago, and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield. His widow resides in Springfield, Illinois.”[13]
“Elizabeth Todd Grimsley was one of Mary’s favorite relatives, a friend since childhood and later a bridesmaid at the Lincoln’s wedding in 1842. “Cousin Lizz,” as both Lincoln and Mary affectionately called her, married a Springfield man in 1846. Fifteen years later she traveled to Washing for the inauguration, enjoying round after round of White House social events. She remained for a full six months, as Lizzie explained it, because “Mary hated to be alone” and “urged and urged” her to postpone her departure. Like other Todd relatives, Lizzie was also seeking Administration patronage: a postmistress job for herself, which was not offered and a Naval Academy appointment for her son, which was. Mary remained close to the cousin she variously described as “very sweet” and “noble.” For the President’s wife, Lizzie exemplified “the memory of those who were so kind to me on my desol ____ childhood.”[14]
Elizabeth J. Todd Grimsley (Mrs. Harrison J. Grimsley)
Amelia suggests that she may stay in Springfield for the marriage of Elizabeth J. Todd to Harrison J. Grimsley to be held on July 21, 1846. Elizabeth, or “Lizzie” as she was called, was the daughter of Dr. John Todd and the cousin of Mary Todd Lincoln. Four years earlier, Elizabeth had been a bridesmaid in Mary Todd’s wedding to Abraham Lincoln. Amelia notes that she is helping with the carpeting in the new home under construction for the prospective married couple.
“ELIZABETH J. [Todd Grimsley] was born January, 1825, at Edwardsville, Illinois, married in Springfield July 21, 1846, to Harrison J. Grimsley. They had two children. JOHN T., born Feb. 3, 1848, in Springfield, married Dec. 12, 1871, in Summerfield, New Jersey, to Cornelia Meesler, daughter of Rev. A. Meesler, D.D., pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church of that place. They have one child, MARY SWIFT. John T. Grimsley is a partner in the mercantile firm of Herndon & Co., and resides in Springfield, Illinois. WILLIAM L., born March 17, 1852, is a clerk with Herndon & Co., and resides in Springfield, Illinois. H. J. Grimsley died in 1865, and his widow married in January, 1867, to Rev. John H. Brown, D.D., pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, and later of the Thirty-first Street Presbyterian Church of Chicago. Dr. Brown died Feb. 23, 1872, in Chicago, and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield. His widow resides in Springfield, Illinois.”[13]
“Elizabeth Todd Grimsley was one of Mary’s favorite relatives, a friend since childhood and later a bridesmaid at the Lincoln’s wedding in 1842. “Cousin Lizz,” as both Lincoln and Mary affectionately called her, married a Springfield man in 1846. Fifteen years later she traveled to Washing for the inauguration, enjoying round after round of White House social events. She remained for a full six months, as Lizzie explained it, because “Mary hated to be alone” and “urged and urged” her to postpone her departure. Like other Todd relatives, Lizzie was also seeking Administration patronage: a postmistress job for herself, which was not offered and a Naval Academy appointment for her son, which was. Mary remained close to the cousin she variously described as “very sweet” and “noble.” For the President’s wife, Lizzie exemplified “the memory of those who were so kind to me on my desol ____ childhood.”[14]
Elizabeth J. Todd Grimsley (Mrs. Harrison J. Grimsley)
Kate Lea’s Charm
For as I assure you I agree with you most heartily in thinking Kate Lea the most charming little creature I ever knew. I am perfectly in love with her. & wonder she does not craze all the gentlemen. I thought I should have “died” with excessive laughter they danced the “Polka” for us, & we rambled over the hills morning & evening & they went into ecstacies about the Care (?) Spring explored it about ¼ of a mile & concluded when they went again, to don gentlemens costumes.
Canary Birds
“I believe I told you that Louisa brought me a pair of _____ canary birds, which are doing very well. I call them Harry & Wife “Pretttyman” have you any objections?”
Travel
“Kate Lea & Louise Laudon will make us a visit of ten days & a most delightful visit it was too.”
“I have not yet told you how I came to Springfield. Pa,[15] my sister, & cousin did make me a visit of four days only & nothing would do but I next return with them. So I did much to the dissatisfaction of my husband. Next week we go to Pekin to stay a week or ten days. Mr. Lamb may possibly meet me there, & we shall go down the river. I do hope dear Jeannie you were well to go to Boston & that you enjoyed your visit. What is pleasanter than meeting dear friends after a separation long or short.”
“I have not yet told you how I came to Springfield. Pa,[15] my sister, & cousin did make me a visit of four days only & nothing would do but I next return with them. So I did much to the dissatisfaction of my husband. Next week we go to Pekin to stay a week or ten days. Mr. Lamb may possibly meet me there, & we shall go down the river. I do hope dear Jeannie you were well to go to Boston & that you enjoyed your visit. What is pleasanter than meeting dear friends after a separation long or short.”
Men
“Mr. Johnson & Willis Edwards called on Tuesday evening & we were out. On Friday Mr. Parsons & the same gentlemen renewed their call & we had a most pleasant evening. On Sunday evening Willis called again. & the morning they left he & Mr. Johnson went on the boat to say “good bye” very attentive for Alton gentlemen don’t you think!”
“Lillian fell desperately in love with your brother Joseph’s miniature thought him the handsomest young gentlemen she had ever seen & thought she would take a trip to _______ to sting & captivate him. So he had better be on the “look out”
“Lillian fell desperately in love with your brother Joseph’s miniature thought him the handsomest young gentlemen she had ever seen & thought she would take a trip to _______ to sting & captivate him. So he had better be on the “look out”
Health
“Hope Sarah has recovered the side of her feet & your mother her usual health.”
“Tell Cousin Henry that Aunt Lamb has been very ill & her constitution is so shattered that cant will not long contain what little is left of her but she will long live in the hearts of all who know her I do hope his eyes are well long before this.”
“Tell Cousin Henry that Aunt Lamb has been very ill & her constitution is so shattered that cant will not long contain what little is left of her but she will long live in the hearts of all who know her I do hope his eyes are well long before this.”
Domestic Duties
“Mr. Lamb says the plants are not looking as well as they should He thinks they are too much shaded but I think they require more water only. I believe I told you that Louisa brought me a pair of _____ canary birds, which are doing very well. I call them Harry & Wife “Pretttyman” have you any objections?”
“I have nearly finished my cushion _______ but have four shirts to make yet. Don’t you think I’m very lazy.”
“I have nearly finished my cushion _______ but have four shirts to make yet. Don’t you think I’m very lazy.”
Mexican War
Amelia also makes reference to the Mexican War and those from Alton who had volunteered to serve.
“Mr. Lamb is thinking of going to New Orleans not to the war however. about 70 have volunteered from Alton, quite patriotic for a small place. hope there will be enough to take care of us at home should any enemy come upon us awares. William has joined a company of Mounted troops for Santa Fe preferring a northern to a southern climate at this season of the year.”
“Mr. Lamb is thinking of going to New Orleans not to the war however. about 70 have volunteered from Alton, quite patriotic for a small place. hope there will be enough to take care of us at home should any enemy come upon us awares. William has joined a company of Mounted troops for Santa Fe preferring a northern to a southern climate at this season of the year.”
Dorothea Dix’s Springfield Visit
Of particular interest is Amelia’s reference to Dorothea Dix who was in Springfield for a short visit at this time.[16] Apparently Dorothea Dix spent time at the residence of James L. Lamb, her _______ (uncle cousin??) at the southeast corner of Second and Adams Streets where Amelia observed her.
“Miss Dix the philanthropic visited the penitentiary[17] last week & was shocked !! at what she saw there. She thinks the “morals of the convict sadly neglected” rather late to inform them I think. She will return next winter during the session of the legislature & try & do something for the poor degraded beings—I saw her at Cousin James.[18] She is certainly the most energetic woman I ever saw, & well might be for ____ but an energetic put on would ever accomplish what she has.”
“Miss Dix the philanthropic visited the penitentiary[17] last week & was shocked !! at what she saw there. She thinks the “morals of the convict sadly neglected” rather late to inform them I think. She will return next winter during the session of the legislature & try & do something for the poor degraded beings—I saw her at Cousin James.[18] She is certainly the most energetic woman I ever saw, & well might be for ____ but an energetic put on would ever accomplish what she has.”
Dorothea Dix
Engraving of James L. Lamb[19]
Dorothea Dix was a nationally known avid proponent of prison reform in general and reform at the Alton State Penitentiary at Alton, Illinois in particular.
Dorothea Lynde Dix Lives in Worcester, Massachusetts Circa 1814
It is a strange coincidence that Jeannie Trumbull Lea is visiting her parents in her home time of Worcester, Massachusetts at the same time that Dorothea Dix is in Springfield in 1846. It is strange because Dorothea lived in Worcester about 1814. Did Jeannie or her parents have any contact with the Dix family?
Dorothea Lynde Dix was born on April 4, 1802 in the town of Hampden in Maine. She was the first child of three born to Joseph Dix and Mary Bigelow Dix. Her father was an itinerant Methodist preacher. Hampden was taken over by the British in the War of 1812, however, the Dix’s took refuge in Vermont shortly before the war began. Soon after their move to Vermont her parents moved to Worcester, Massachusetts. At this time Dorothea was twelve. Once the family was in Worcester they had two more children, Joseph and Charles. Almost immediately Dorothea began to care for her smaller brothers. Later in life she commented that “I never knew childhood” (Schlaifer, 1991). This was mainly because of her parents unstable household and her role of taking over the raising of her brother’s. Many times when the fighting in her household got out of control she would take refuge at her grandmother’s house, from her father’s side, in Boston.
DOROTHEA DIX
by Jenn Bumb
INTRODUCTION
“There are few cases in history where a social movement of such proportions can be attributed to the work of a single individual” (Kovach,1972). Dorothea Lynde Dix was a woman who accomplished much in her life. She was firstly a teacher and then a social reformer for the treatment of the mentally ill. In her life her goals were not defined, she simply did whatever would best help people. She began a change in the United States with mental institutions at the age of thirty-nine. She had covered half of the United States and Europe inspecting institutions for mistreatment by the time she was fifty-four. In a period of fifteen years this woman did more than most people do in a lifetime. Not only did her achievements spark immediate response, her changes are still being felt today with the way mental patients are treated. This one woman accomplished much for humanity within her lifespan.
DOROTHEA’S EARLY LIFE
Dorothea Lynde Dix was born on April 4, 1802 in the town of Hampden in Maine. She was the first child of three born to Joseph Dix and Mary Bigelow Dix. Her father was an itinerant Methodist preacher. Hampden was taken over by the British in the War of 1812, however, the Dix’s took refuge in Vermont shortly before the war began. Her family life can be described as abusive and nonexistent. Her mother was not in good mental health and her father was an abusive alcoholic. Once the family was in Worcester they had two more children, Joseph and Charles. Almost immediately Dorothea began to care for her smaller brothers. Later in life she commented that “I never knew childhood” (Schlaifer, 1991). This was mainly because of her parents unstable household and her role of taking over the raising of her brother’s. Many times when the fighting in her household got out of control she would take refuge at her grandmother’s house, from her father’s side, in Boston.
Even though her household wasn’t the best she learned many things from her father that would influence many of her choices in life. When she was young he taught her how to read and write, thus when she entered school she was way ahead of everyone else. This developed a passion for reading and teaching, as she taught her brothers how to read as well. Soon after their move to Vermont her parents moved to Worcester, Massachusetts. At this time her mother was suffering from acute, incurable headaches and her father was drinking heavily. It was decided at this time that her parent’s were no longer capable of caring for their three children. Madame Dix, Dorothea’s grandmother, decided to take the three children to live at the Dix Mansion in Boston. Madame Dix sent her son and his wife off to live with relatives. At this time Dorothea was twelve and had already been accustomed to caring for her brothers, which is something that continued as she lived with her seventy-year old grandmother.
Life at the Dix Mansion was extremely different than Dorothea was accustomed to. Her grandmother was wealthy and demanded that Dorothea act and have interests of a wealthy girl. Her grandmother hired a dance instructor and a seamstress to cater to Dorothea’s personal needs. However, Dorothea did not want any of these things. At one point her grandmother punished her severely when she was trying to give food and her new clothes to the beggar children who were standing at their front gate. At the age of fourteen, Madame Dix requested that her sister, who lived in Worcester, take care of Dorothea for a “while” and turn her into a “lady.” Mrs. Duncan, Madame Dix’s sister, agreed to this since she was always very fond of Dorothea. Once she arrived at her great aunt’s house Dorothea immediately took on the role of “young lady” so she could return to her brother’s. However, she was to stay with her Aunt for nearly four years.
A PASSION FOR TEACHING
During this time at her Aunt’s house Dorothea attended several parties for her rich relatives and at this time met her second cousin, Edward Bangs. Edward was fourteen years her senior and was a well-known attorney. Edward took an immediate interest in Dorothea and often spoke to her about future plans. Dorothea told him that she planned on being a schoolteacher. He suggested that she start what was called “a little dame school” (1991). Dorothea asked what this was. He informed Dorothea that at the current time girls were not permitted to attend public schools. However, young girls could be taught by other women privately. Edward told Dorothea that if she was interested he would help get her started by finding her students and a place in which to conduct a school. Edward located a store on Main Street in which Dorothea could hold her classes. In the fall of 1816, at age fifteen, she faced her first twenty pupils between the ages of six and eight. She ran this school of sorts for three years. All this time Edward would continually visit her and keep her company. She was forever grateful to Edward for getting her dream of a school to become a reality.
When Dorothea was eighteen, Edward, who was thirty-one, told her that he had fallen in love with her. Frightened and scared she immediately closed down her school and returned to the Dix’s Mansion in Boston. However, this did not deter Edward. He followed Dorothea to Boston and purposed marriage. Dorothea accepted his proposal but would not agree to a definite date of marriage. The obvious reasoning for resisting marriage with Edward was that Dorothea feared that she would become like her parents. Marriage to her meant desertion of children, emotional outbreaks, fights and heavy drinking.
Once Dorothea was back in Boston she began reading her grandfather’s books that he had received as a student at Harvard University. She wanted to ask her grandmother to use the Dix Mansion as a new school but feared her reaction. However, one day she got the courage to write her grandmother a letter, even though they lived under the same roof, of her intentions. She told her that she wanted to open a school for poor girls to get an education. In addition she would open a separate classroom for wealthy girls, as they deserved an education as well. Madame Dix was thrilled with her granddaughter’s plans and heartedly agreed to them, much to Dorothea’s surprise. However in the spring of 1821 Dorothea’s father died in New Hampshire. At this time in her life she knew that she was not supposed to marry Edward and returned his engagement ring. Her life, from there on, was devoted to teaching children and expanding her own horizons.
From 1822-1836 Dorothea managed to teach her two classes and began writing several books for children. However in 1830, she became very weak and ill. At this time she was asked by her good friend Dr. Channing, if she would accompany his family to St. Croix and be a tutor for his daughters. During this time she was able to fully recuperate and return to her school in Boston. Upon her return in the fall of 1831, when she was twenty-nine, she received news that her good friend, General Levi Lincoln, was elected the new government of Massachusetts and his secretary of state happened to be her former fiancé, Edward Bangs. These two individuals would later become influential in getting Dorothea’s laws concerning mental health accepted as government policy.
In 1836 Dorothea began taking care of her sick grandmother and continued teaching at her school. However she became more and more drained and eventually had a complete breakdown and severe hemorrhages. Her condition was, what is now called tuberculosis, but then they had no name for it or a treatment. Upon her doctor’s urging she gave up her school and took a long vacation set up by Dr. Channing to England. While she was recuperating her grandmother and mother died within a two days of each other. She stayed in England until January of 1841 when she returned to Boston in better health.
SECOND CAREER
Dorothea’s second career began when she was thirty-nine years old. In March of 1841 she entered the East Cambridge Jail. She had volunteered to teach a Sunday School class for women inmates. Upon entering the jail she witnessed such horrible images that her life, from that point on, was changed forever. Within the confines of this jail she observed prostitutes, drunks, criminals, retarded individuals, and the mentally ill were all housed together in unheated, unfurnished, and foul-smelling quarters (Viney & Zorich, 1982). When asked why the jail was in these conditions her answer was, ‘the insane do not feel heat or cold’ (1982).
After witnessing these conditions she immediately took the matter to the courts and after a serious of battles finally won. Dorothea then proceeded to visit jails and almshouses, where the mentally ill were housed, in other parts of Boston and soon her investigations extended over the entire state of Massachusetts. She made careful and extensive notes as she visited with jailers, caretakers and townspeople. Finally she put together all this data and shaped a carefully worded document to be delivered to the Massachusetts legislature. She had influence within the legislature, since she was good friends with the governor. In addition her timid presentation of her findings completely won over the legislative board because her conviction was so powerful. After a heated debate over the topic the material won legislative support and funds were set aside for the expansion of Worcester State Hospital.
Dorothea’s views about the treatment of the mentally ill were radical at the time. The popular belief was that the insane would never be cured and living within their dreadful conditions was enough for them. However Dorothea, just by bettering the conditions of the inmates, showed people that mental illness wasn’t all incurable. She stated that ‘some may say these things cannot be remedied, these furious maniacs are not to be raised from these base conditions. I know they are...I could give many examples. One such is a young woman who was for years ‘a raging maniac’ chained in a cage and whipped to control her acts and words. She was helped by a husband and wife who agreed to take care of her in their home and slowly she recovered her senses.’ Although Dorothea didn’t know the mental processes that were occurring within these individuals she knew that improving their conditions wouldn’t hurt them (1982).
Once she had succeeded she traveled to other states and proceeded doing the same process: extensive travel to jails and almshouses in a state, careful descriptions of conditions in jails and almshouses, and preparation of a document comparable to the one which proved successful in Massachusetts (1982). Although her health was very poor, she managed to cover every state that lied on the east side of the Mississippi River. In all she played a major role in founding 32 mental hospitals, 15 schools for the feeble minded, a school for the blind, and numerous training facilities for nurses. Her efforts were an indirect inspiration for the building of many additional institutions for the mentally ill. She was also instrumental in establishing libraries in prisons, mental hospitals and other institutions.
After accomplishing much, she decided to go after her dream in 1848. She sent a document to the United States Congress asking that five million acres be set aside and to be used for the care of the mentally ill. However, with this request she was way ahead of her time by advocating a role for the national government in the care of the disadvantaged mentally ill. In 1854 the bill passed and was approved by both houses but was vetoed by President Franklin Pierce. After her fighting Dorothea was physically worn out by trying to fulfill her dream. She decided to travel to Europe to rest from her thirteen years of work for the mentally ill.
Once she got to Europe she had no time to rest for she began her process of inspecting jails and almshouses there as well. She traveled to England, Scotland, France, Austria, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Belgium and Germany. In a period of 1854 to 1856 she made an effective change in the way Europeans dealt with the mentally ill as she had in the United States. This was a matter of only two years mind you.
Upon her return to the United States in 1854 she continued to travel and investigate many states she had missed before. However at the outbreak of the Civil War she put her energies into being the Superintendent of Union Army Nurses. Although she wasn’t effective in this field, she continued to serve throughout the war. In 1881 the state hospital in Trenton, New Jersey opened. This was the first hospital that was initiated and built through her efforts to be opened. Since her health was failing she admitted herself into this hospital. However, with her decline she remained in the hospital for a period of six years. Her death on July 17, 1887 ended a career which was unique in its singleness of purpose and magnitude of accomplishment.
NEGLECTED IN HISTORY?
Dorothea Dix has been described as ‘the most effective advocate of humanitarian reform in American mental institutions during the nineteenth century’ (Goldenson, 1970). However, her achievements are only mentioned in five of the current fifty-three textbooks covering the history of psychology. The reason given for this is that she did not contribute to our understanding of the nature of mental disorders. However, she is only in 10% of today’s general history books. Although this may seem something hard to fathom Dorothea Dix herself would have wanted it this way. In her life, she was inconspicuous with her work to say the least. She did not place her name on most of her publications. She refused to have hospitals named after her. Expressions of praise and gratitude for her work always produced embarrassment. In later years of her retirement she refused to talk about her achievements and wanted them to ‘rest in silence’.(Viney & Zorich, 1982). [20]
The Alton Prison
“The Alton prison, built in 1831, was the first Illinois Penitentiary and the first building funded by public money in the State. The initial building, which was a neat stone structure, contained 24 cells and was ready for occupancy in 1833. It was a long, low fortress that stood near the Mississippi River, measuring nearly 100 yards on a side and its 30 foot high walls were broken only by occasional narrow, paneless windows. The prison in its day was considered a humanitarian one, following a system known as “congregated”, as opposed to the brutal solitary system which was then generally in vogue. It was at this same time that the Legislature amended the criminal code by abolishing whipping, the stocks, and the pillory as punishment for crimes, and substituted confinement at hard labor. Prisoners at Alton wore striped uniforms and had one side of their head shaved for identification. They labored in silence by day and were confined separately by night.
By the middle of the nineteenth century, Dorothea Dix led a prison reform movement across the country, and Alton prison was one of her targets. Badly located in a low area too near the river, the site undrained and ungraded, it became the center of a violent controversy that eventually ended in a legislative investigation and the construction of a new prison upstate at Joliet. In 1847, Dix proposed the abandonment of Alton Prison because of its unsanitary conditions. As a result, by June 1860, all of its inmates had been transferred to the new penitentiary near Chicago. Although abandoned by the State, the grim old walls of Alton were destined to again be populated before long. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil War, it became a military prison and many thousands were confined there, many of them young soldiers in their teens.”[21]
Springfield May 4th 1846
You will see from the heading of my letter dear Jeannie[22] that I am at home too. & a very delightful thing it is to have two such homes as you & I have.[23] I was delighted to receive your long & pleasant letter, which my husband[24] forwarded to me all of a week since. & which should have been acknowledged same. but there has been such a continuous round of comes & “goes” that I could not secure a quiet corner long enough to write you just such a letter as I wanted to. Fortunately for me & perhaps for you too. (for I do hope you are anxious to hear from me) it is a rainy day. & I am improving it. I have just written to my poor lonely husband to console him by saying that I m___ ha___ longer h___ of absence in order to be present at Lizzie’s Todd[25] wedding. which takes place the last of this month. provided the new house is finished. I was all day yesterday assisting them in making the carpets. so as to hurry matters a little. And now I must tell you something which will surprise you very much, if you have not heard it before. Kate Lea[26] & Louise Laudon will make us a visit of ten days & a most delightful visit it was too. For as I assure you I agree with you most heartily in thinking Kate Lea the most charming little creature I ever knew. I am perfectly in love with her. & wonder she does not craze all the gentlemen. I thought I should have “died” with excessive laughter they danced the “Polka” for us, & we rambled over the hills morning & evening & they went into ecstacies about the Care (?) Spring explored it about ¼ of a mile & concluded when they went again, to don gentlemens costumes.
Mr. Johnson & Willis Edwards[27] called on Tuesday evening & we were out. On Friday Mr. Parsons[28] & the same gentlemen renewed their call & we had a most pleasant evening. On Sunday evening Willis called again. & the morning they left he & Mr. Johnson went on the boat to say “good bye” very attentive for Alton gentlemen don’t you think! The girls would have willingly have spent the summer with us, but they came without their summer dresses & felt the need of them so much before they left they thought it best to hurry home. Lillian fell desperately in love with your brother Joseph’s[29] miniature[30] thought him the handsomest young gentlemen she had ever seen & thought she would take a trip to _______ to sting & captivate him. So he had better be on the “look out”—Mr. Lamb says the plants are not looking as well as they should He thinks they are too much shaded but I think they require more water only. I believe I told you that Louisa brought me a pair of _____ canary birds, which are doing very well. I call them Harry & Wife “Pretttyman” have you any objections? Mr. Lamb is thinking of going to New Orleans not to the war however. about 70 have volunteered from Alton, quite patriotic for a small place. hope there will be enough to take care of us at home should any enemy come upon us awares. William has joined a company of Mounted troops for Santa Fe preferring a northern to a southern climate at this season of the year. Miss Dix[31] the philanthropic visited the penitentiary[32] last week & was shocked !! at what she saw there. She thinks the “morals of the convict sadly neglected” rather late to inform them I think. She will return next winter during the session of the legislature & try & do something for the poor degraded beings—I saw her at Cousin James.[33] She is certainly the most energetic woman I ever saw, & well might be for ____ but an energetic put on would ever accomplish what she has. I have not forgotten what you said about “home letters” & if I was at home should write you more of one, but the fact is my brother Thomas[34] is reading aloud & I can scarcely write at all. I have not yet told you how I came to Springfield. Pa,[35] my sister, & cousin did make me a visit of four days only & nothing would do but I next return with them. So I did much to the dissatisfaction of my husband. Next week we go to Pekin to stay a week or ten days. Mr. Lamb may possibly meet me there, & we shall go down the river. I do hope dear Jeannie you were well to go to Boston & that you enjoyed your visit. What is pleasanter than meeting dear friends after a separation long or short. Hope Sarah[36] has recovered the side of her feet & your mother[37] her usual health. I know she must be happy in the enjoyment of you all. Has she scolded you any for any of your actions & what did she think of me for not giving you better advise Hope you are more reconciled to the month of July & submit to your fate with a better grace than when we parted. Cousin Henry did tell Cousin James[38] he was so proud he could not help it to not forget the letter you promised & which you will remember. Tell Cousin Henry that Aunt Lamb[39] has been very ill & her constitution is so shattered that cant will not long contain what little is left of her but she will long live in the hearts of all who know her I do hope his eyes are well long before this. What does he do with himself & does he even think of our humble home. I am longing for the time to roll rapidly by so that he can live over again the many happy hours we have spent together. Fill all the shelves in your store house with ________ to amuse us next winter.
Mary went home but promised most faithfully to come back again. Mrs. Chickering[40] is at her mothers Mr. C. called here this morning. But I was out & did not see him. He will call again before he goes out of town when I shall deliver your message to his wife. I have nearly finished my cushion _______ but have four shirts to make yet. Don’t you think I’m very lazy. Remember me affectionately to your parents[41] & sister & do dear Jeannie write soon to your loving & attached friend.
Amelia
Love to cousin
______ always.
N. H. Shepherd Newspaper Advertisement-January 10, 1846.A Twelve-Year Old Girl’s Diary: Louisa Trumbull
Many nineteenth-century New Englanders kept diaries, but almost all of them began their journals when they were young adults. Documents like Louisa’s Jane Trumbull’s diary, which records the daily life of a girl in her own words, are rare. Louisa was the daughter of David Trumbull, a merchant and banker, and his wife Louisa Clap Trumbull, living in Worcester, a fast-growing county seat in central Massachusetts. She began her diary in 1832, when she was ten years old, and kept it until she was thirteen. In these entries, Louisa sometimes sounds like an adult--but many of her concerns - friends, visits and socializing, fashions, conflict with sisters, increasing self-consciousness - are not too different from those of young teenagers today.
Louisa’s diary tell us that she was very aware of what was happening in her family and community. After all, there was no television or other mass media to compete for her attention with local news and gossip! It also reveals that she used her diary to record thoughts and feelings which she did not share with anyone else. Like many young people in nineteenth-century America, she often turned her thoughts to “self-improvement” – working harder, behaving better, correcting her faults.
With eleven children, Louisa’s family was large even for the early nineteenth century. Her conflicts with her younger sister Sarah suggest that the large families of the past were not necessarily any more harmonious than the much smaller ones most of us live in today.
January 29, 1834
Our quarter at Mr. Wrights [a private school] was out yesterday and Mr. Wright gave us today for a holiday. I have spent a very happy day today, in fact I have not been so happy as I have been today for this long while. I will now write how I have passed my time. I got up this morning at eight o’clock and after eating my breakfast I washed up the breakfast things and then sat down to my work and sewed until twelve o’clock -- I then put up my work, swept the kitchen, prepared some bread and milk for Susan and Charles. I then made my own and Joseph’s bed and fixed up my room -- I then ate my dinner and afterwards warmed my India rubbers and put on my cloak and bonnet and went up to call for Mary Jennison to go down street with me. We went down to Mr. Dorr and Howland’s and bought a slate and slate pencil for Nancy. I then returned and gave Sarah her book and Nancy her slate with which they were much pleased. I then read some in the juvenile repository and have spent my evenings in writing in my journal. I suppose one reason of my being so happy today is because I have tried to be as pleasant as I possibly could and I think I have succeeded tolerably well.
February 4, 1834
Mrs. Washburn’s baby is a boy. His name is Charles. Mrs. John Davis had another son. She cannot nurse it but there is a shoemaker’s wife taking care of it 3 or 4 miles out of the street.
February 22, 1834
As another week has passed away and another evening devoted to writing in my journal has come round, it seems fit and proper that I should review my conduct of the past week and form some good resolutions for the preceding. Have I improved any? Am I a better child? If so I have not lived in vain. If not I have offended my Maker and Preserver. May my conduct on this earth be such that I can meet death with composure and with pleasure. My reflections this evening are much more pleasant than the one before. I have 1 think in part at least overcome the petulant disposition which I think is my chief and principal difficulty -- I have at least found out one thing. When I feel angry and ready to give some sharp answer I keep still and do not say a single word. I have found this a very effectual method to conquer my disposition and I shall try and preserve and at some length I hope to become a pleasant girl.
February 7, 1835
Since I last wrote we have entered upon a new year and many things have happened... First, Father has failed [in business] -- I need not say this is a new and important event in the history of our little family circle. I shall make no remarks upon this for they require none save to say that Father is universally pitied. Secondary, Elizabeth Trumbull is engaged to be married to William Lincoln...Thirdly, Father has had the gout in both of his feet. Mother took the sole care of him and George was Cashier of the bank...
When the weather gets a little warmer, I shall probably go to Greenfield and stay about a month -- I wish much to go for I am sick of the noise and crying of our little children and glad shall I be to go there where in the quiet of Aunt Susan’s family I shall for a short time at least escape that noise which is daily and hourly made by each child from Sarah down to Isabella.
The weather will continue quite cold -- How I long for the pleasant months of spring and summer. I shall probably when I feel some better go up to Mrs. Towne’s where I intend spending a week or two. I am to sew for her. She said she would give me ninepence a day but Mother says I must not take money -- If I cannot I am sure I shall not waste my strength, little as I have got, in sewing for any one save myself. I do not go to school now. I am now a member of a sewing society -- We carry our own work and meet once a fortnight -- I have been but once -- I don’t think I shall go any more.
February 11, 1835
Nothing of special moment has occurred since I last wrote. I do not feel much better and I begin to be afraid I never shall get out again as I have been completely isolated from the world without for the space of a fortnight and three days -- Caroline is going to singing school tonight -- what is there I would not give to go with her? ... As soon as I can I mean to go round and drink tea with everybody that I can do so without an invitation, I have to day received my usual scoldings accompanied with blows and thumps from Sarah. Much would I give that for one day Mother would witness how much she troubles and belabors me -- of all the punishments that could be inflicted upon me none could be equaled or begin to be equaled by obliging me to live with her. For I feel not that love which one sister should feel for another but I can not love any one be it who it may who is in reality my enemy.
Although sisters in a family were supposed to love each other and get along well, Louisa Trumbull confided to her diary that she disliked her sister Sarah.
April 2, 1835
In keeping a journal I at first did it because my sisters kept one -- afterwards I wrote because it was the wish of my mother and now it is done not only to serve as means of being employed about something useful and proper but because it is a source of pleasure to me -”in after Life” said my Mother, “You will read with pleasure what you are now writing” and even now I am much interested in what I wrote a year or two ago - in the pages of [my journals] there is, probably little perhaps nothing that would amuse any save myself but as they were written for no eye save mine if they amuse my mind or gratify mine eye their purpose will be accomplished. Therefore, I begin my next book as I began my last -- My purpose being (as may be very plainly seen, by reading it) to keep an account of the most important things that happen in our family -- Together with the births, deaths, and marriages of our friends and acquaintances.
May 8, 1835
Elizabeth Paine has got a beautiful wax doll as large as a baby that is a fortnight old. It is most elegantly dressed and opens and shuts its eyes. It was sent to her from London. She has got a great collection of toys but this I believe is considered the handsomest plaything. I also have a beautiful doll, far handsomer than hers -- it is much larger, has beautiful blue eyes and five teeth. It is named Isabella Frink Trumbull. Her doll was given her by a friend. Ours was given me by a much greater friend -- even our God...We have no fire today in our parlour as Liz and Sally cleaned the room yesterday and the fire would make very sad work with all they had done.
May 9, 1835
I went to ride a short distance this afternoon. Greene Street has increased amazingly in the course of a year -- The houses seem to be formed and placed here by enchantment I can hardly realize the change which has been effected. In fact the whole town has altered very much. Old houses are continually coming down and new ones as continually filling their places. Worcester is a very large place and in my own humble opinion a very pleasant one. It is an old but true saying “there’s no place like home” ...
May 10, 1835
Caroline is to appear today in her new bonnet which cost three dollars and seventy-eight cents. It is trimmed with blue ribbon which came to forty cents ...
May 11, 1835
... Elizabeth Paine has begun to study Latin. Her father rebelled at first but at last concluded it was best to consent ...Sarah Flagg brought me a fate flour [flower] this morning. I find Lizzy is to marry a man of religious principles, Cally a merchant and I a peddlar. Poor I come off rather badly. Liz I don’t know who hers could apply to but Caroline’s must mean William Flink and as to mine I know nothing of peddlars excepting there is an immense sight of them tin peddlars more particularly. Oh what shocking shocking writing but my pen is not very good and though I am not I feel as if I was in a hurry. The day feels like summer but I hear nothing of my riding out as I had fondly anticipated. The disappointments of life!
May 13, 1835
... William Steams is now in town and is very crazy. He was last night during the whole of the night on the common throwing stones and was very wild indeed.
May 15, 1835
As the day has been unpleasant the scholars have none of them been to school ... I should have been out today had it been pleasant. I was going to Miss Johnson’s to get her to fix a green bonnet for my everyday bonnet for this summer -- Mother has been at work today on a gown of Nancy’s ...
May 19, 1835
Miss Randall’s sister is to be married tomorrow evening to a physician. Mrs. R. has left Worcester to attend her sister’s wedding -- I never went to one in all my life!
May 30, 1835
I suppose we shall go to Greenfield in about a fortnight. I shall admire to go but this weeks experience [staying with a cousin’s family] has convinced me that it is a possible thing that I may be homesick. After all there is no place like home be it ever so homely. I feel as if I had been absent from home a month instead of a week.
June 3, 1835
[Cousin] Emma called to see us this morning. She invited me to go to Milton on a visit of a month. I accepted of course and on Saturday I leave Worcester for the first time without my Mother.
Diary of Louisa Trumbull, American Antiquarian Society., Edited by Old Sturbridge Village. Used by permission.
Trumbull family. Papers, 1773-1896; 1902?, 14 v. ; octavo. -- 2 v. ; folio. -- 1 box. Louisa Jane Trumbull diaries also available on positive service copy microfilm (1 reel, 35 mm.).Louisa Jane Trumbull diaries also available on master negative microfilm (1 reel, 35 mm.).
The collection includes ten interleaved almanacs, for the years 1808, 1809, 1813-1819, and 1822, which contain Joseph Trumbull’s accounts and notes.
There are two octavo volumes in which Louisa Clap Trumbull kept her “... feelings ... thoughts ... doings and undoings ...” for the period March 1829 to December 1879. The entries are sporadic (sometimes only one or two per year), though some are quite lengthy. Louisa recounts the history of her family, her early life, her present life, the life of her husband, and the lives of her children, as well as their spouses and children.
There are also diaries of Louisa Jane Trumbull for the years 1829-1834; 1834-1835; 1836; and 1835-1836. They were kept because her sisters had journals and because her mother wanted her “to write what happens every day.” The entries are sporadic and at times state that nothing of importance has occurred. The entries describe the activities and travels of the Trumbull family and their many visitors.
There are references to Louisa’s brothers and sisters and uncomplimentary comments about the Irish. There is also mention of sickness in the family and the death of her young brother, John Trumbull. The later journals include entries listing what she has read, as well as her reflections on self-improvement.
For the year 1841, Louisa Jane Trumbull kept a record of her correspondence in _The Boston Almanac for the Year 1841_ (Boston: Thomas Groom, c1840). She made note of to whom letters were written and from whom letters were received; along with a note regarding the total number of each.
The folio volumes include George A. Trumbull’s one-volume account book, 1819-1823, in which he recorded the purchase and sale of books and paper supplies.
There is also a family ledger kept from 1865-1885, in which is first recorded the income and expenditures of George A. Trumbull until his death in 1868, followed by accounts entered for Louisa Clap Trumbull, probably by her son, John, until her death in 1885.
The collection contains miscellaneous papers, including a genealogical chart of the Trumbull family; deeds, bills, indentures, promissory notes, petitions, and correspondence; a photocopy of a typescript list of pictures owned by Dorothy McMahon of Plainville, Mass.; two copies of a photograph of James Henry Lea made in Germany; a typescript of materials in the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library; two autographs of G. A. Trumbull, cashier; and a drawing of land taken from the Trumbull Estate by the Providence & Worcester Rail Road. Most of the legal documents concern family landholdings in Worcester. The collection also contains school copybooks of George A. Trumbull for the years 1801 to 1805 and an inventory of books and stationary bought from Isaiah Thomas, Jr. by George A. Trumbull, dated 1 March 1813. There is a collection of newspaper clippings (e.g., poetry, anecdotes, narrations) and receipts that had been found in George A. Trumbull’s account book for the period 1819 to 1823.
There are notes on the Trumbull family possessions, including estate inventories of Louisa Clap Trumbull, John Trumbull, Susan Trumbull Price, and Mary Louisa Trumbull Cogswell, along with an inventory of wedding gifts received by Susan Trumbull Price.
Thomas Gibson and Hannah Ring Gibson
Thomas GIBSON (AFN:PQSF-SM)
Born: 18 May 1723
Place: , Lurgan, Ireland
Died: 2 Feb 1814
Place: Connellsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania
Married: 17 Nov 1751
Place: Bradford Friends, Chester, Pennsylvania
Father: John GIBSON (AFN:DZ2L-MC)
Mother: Christian (AFN:DZ2L-NJ)
Wife's Name Hannah RING (AFN:PQ7Q-PL)
Born: Abt 1733
Place: , Chester, Pa
Married: 17 Nov 1751
Place: Bradford Friends, Chester, Pennsylvania
Father: Nathaniel RING (AFN:PQ7Q-KW)
Mother: Lydia VERNON (AFN:PQ7Q-L3)
Children
1. Name Anontmous GIBSON (AFN:1XSJ-7RL)
Born: 1759
Place: Chads Ford, , Pennsylvania>
Died: 1762
2. Name Elizabeth GIBSON (AFN:1T9S-TF0)
Born:
23 Jan 1762
Place: Chads Ford, , Pennsylvania
Died: 13 Mar 1833
Place:
3. Name Nathaniel GIBSON (AFN:1T9S-TG6)
Born: 6 Feb 1764
Place: , Pa
4. Name Phebe GIBSON (AFN:1T9S-TKS)
Born: 23 Apr 1771
Place: , , Pa
Died: 24 May 1809
5. Name Lydia GIBSON (AFN:1T9S-TCK)
Born: 24 Apr 1757
Place: , , Pa
Died: 22 Dec 1764
Place: , , Pa
6. Name Susannah L. GIBSON (AFN:1T9S-THD)
Born: 2 Aug 1766
Place: , , Pa
Married: George Lamb
Died: 7 Apr 1847
Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois, Oak Ridge Cem.
7. Name Child GIBSON (AFN:1T9S-TDR)
Born: 14 Aug 1759
Place: , , Pa
Died: 1 May 1762
Place: , , Pa
8. Name Christiana GIBSON (AFN:1T9S-TJL)
Born: 24 Sep 1768
Place: , , Pa
9. Name Samuel GIBSON (AFN:1T9S-TL1)
Born: 11 Nov 1775
Place: , Pa
10. Name John GIBSON (AFN:PQSF-V0)
Born: 30 Nov 1752
Place: , , Pa
Died: 7 Jun 1823
11. Name Joshua GIBSON (AFN:1T9S-TBC)
Born: 26 Dec 1754
Place: , , Pa
Died: 19 Apr 1823
George and Susannah L. Gibson Lamb
6. Name Susannah L. GIBSON (AFN:1T9S-THD)
Born: 2 Aug 1766
Place: , , Pa
Married: George Lamb, 25 Nov 1789
Place: Center Meeting, Newcastle, Delaware
Died: 7 Apr 1847
Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Buried: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois, Oak Ridge Cem.
Father: Thomas GIBSON (AFN:PQSF-SM)
Mother: Hannah RING (AFN:PQ7Q-PL)
Husband's Name
George LAMB (AFN:1XSH-TP5)
Born: 2 Feb 1768
Place: Chestertown, Kent, Maryland>
Died: Bef 1812
Place:
Married: 25 Nov 1789
Place: Center Meeting, Newcastle, Delaware
Father: George LAMB (AFN:BQ78-4C)
Mother: Rebecca CORSE (AFN:1XSJ-0K5)
Children
1. Susan LAMB (AFN:1XSH-TQC)
Born: 6 Oct 1793
Place: Chester, Pennsylvania
Died: 4 Aug 1844
Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Buried: Place: Oak Ridge Cem., Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
2. William Armstrong LAMB (AFN:1XSH-TV6)
Born: 14 Mar 1803
Place: Connesville, Fayette, Pennsylvania
Died: 15 Jul 1850
Place: Nashville, Washington, Illinois
Buried: Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
3. Hannah Gibson LAMB (AFN:1XSH-TSR)
Born: 23 Mar 1798
Place: Connellsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania
Died: 18 Jun 1886
Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Buried: Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois, Oak Ridge Cem.
4. Thomas G. LAMB (AFN:1XSH-TRK)
Born: 23 Apr 1796
Place: Connellsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania
Died: 1836
Place: Bridgeport, , Pennsylvania
5. James Lea LAMB (AFN:1XSH-TT0)
Born: 7 Nov 1800
Place: Connellsville, Fayette, Pa
Died: 3 Dec 1873
Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Il
Buried: Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Il, Oak Ridge Cem.
6.George D. LAMB (AFN:BBCQ-WT)
Born: 21 Dec 1791
Place: Hagerstown, Washington, Md
Died: 26 Aug 1867
Place: Pawnee, Sangamon, Il
Buried: 28 Aug 1867
Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Il, Oak Ridge Cem.
Elizabeth GIBSON (AFN: 1T9S-TF0)
Birth: 23 Jan 1762
Chads Ford, , Pennsylvania
Death: 13 Mar 1833
Parents:
Father: Thomas GIBSON (AFN: PQSF-SM)
Mother: Hannah RING (AFN: PQ7Q-PL)
Marriage(s): Spouse: James LEA (AFN: 1TB1-J9J)
Marriage: 18 Apr 1781
Center Meeting, Newcastle, Delaware
George LAMB (AFN: 1XSH-TP5)
Birth: 2 Feb 1768
Chestertown, Kent, Maryland>
Death: Bef 1812
Parents: Father: George LAMB (AFN: BQ78-4C)
Mother: Rebecca CORSE (AFN: 1XSJ-0K5)
Marriage(s): Spouse: Susannah L. GIBSON (AFN: 1T9S-THD)
Marriage: 25 Nov 1789
Center Meeting, Newcastle, Delaware
George Lamb------Susannah L. Gibson Elizabeth Gibson
James Lamb
Hannah Gibson LAMB
Birth 23 Mar 1798
Connellsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania
Death: 18 Jun 1886
Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Burial: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois, Oak Ridge Cem.
Parents:
Father: George LAMB (AFN: 1XSH-TP5)
Mother: Susannah L. GIBSON (AFN: 1T9S-THD)
Marriage(s): Spouse: Thomas MATHER (AFN: 1XSH-V3L)
Born: 6 Oct 1793
Place: Chester, Pennsylvania
Died: 4 Aug 1844
Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Buried: Place: Oak Ridge Cem., Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
2. William Armstrong LAMB (AFN:1XSH-TV6)
Born: 14 Mar 1803
Place: Connesville, Fayette, Pennsylvania
Died: 15 Jul 1850
Place: Nashville, Washington, Illinois
Buried: Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
3. Hannah Gibson LAMB (AFN:1XSH-TSR)
Born: 23 Mar 1798
Place: Connellsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania
Died: 18 Jun 1886
Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Buried: Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois, Oak Ridge Cem.
4. Thomas G. LAMB (AFN:1XSH-TRK)
Born: 23 Apr 1796
Place: Connellsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania
Died: 1836
Place: Bridgeport, , Pennsylvania
5. James Lea LAMB (AFN:1XSH-TT0)
Born: 7 Nov 1800
Place: Connellsville, Fayette, Pa
Died: 3 Dec 1873
Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Il
Buried: Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Il, Oak Ridge Cem.
6.George D. LAMB (AFN:BBCQ-WT)
Born: 21 Dec 1791
Place: Hagerstown, Washington, Md
Died: 26 Aug 1867
Place: Pawnee, Sangamon, Il
Buried: 28 Aug 1867
Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Il, Oak Ridge Cem.
Elizabeth GIBSON (AFN: 1T9S-TF0)
Birth: 23 Jan 1762
Chads Ford, , Pennsylvania
Death: 13 Mar 1833
Parents:
Father: Thomas GIBSON (AFN: PQSF-SM)
Mother: Hannah RING (AFN: PQ7Q-PL)
Marriage(s): Spouse: James LEA (AFN: 1TB1-J9J)
Marriage: 18 Apr 1781
Center Meeting, Newcastle, Delaware
George LAMB (AFN: 1XSH-TP5)
Birth: 2 Feb 1768
Chestertown, Kent, Maryland>
Death: Bef 1812
Parents: Father: George LAMB (AFN: BQ78-4C)
Mother: Rebecca CORSE (AFN: 1XSJ-0K5)
Marriage(s): Spouse: Susannah L. GIBSON (AFN: 1T9S-THD)
Marriage: 25 Nov 1789
Center Meeting, Newcastle, Delaware
George Lamb------Susannah L. Gibson Elizabeth Gibson
James Lamb
Hannah Gibson LAMB
Birth 23 Mar 1798
Connellsville, Fayette, Pennsylvania
Death: 18 Jun 1886
Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Burial: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois, Oak Ridge Cem.
Parents:
Father: George LAMB (AFN: 1XSH-TP5)
Mother: Susannah L. GIBSON (AFN: 1T9S-THD)
Marriage(s): Spouse: Thomas MATHER (AFN: 1XSH-V3L)
LAMB, JAMES L., brother to George Lamb, was born Nov. 7, 1800, at Connellsville, Fayette county, Penn. His father, George Lamb, died while he was quite young, leaving six children to be cared for by the widowed mother. The family were members of the “Society of Friends.” James early desired to assist his mother in bringing up the family, and at twelve years of age went to Cincinnati, making his trip on horseback, and engaged as clerk with Hugh Glenn, a relative of the family, and a prominent merchant of that city. In 1820 J. L. Lamb removed to Kaskaskia, Ill., where he engaged in mercantile pursuits and pork packing, in company with Col. Thos. Mather and S. B. Opdycke, at that place and at Chester, Ill. This firm packed and shipped the first barrel of pork ever sent to New Orleans from Illinois. J. L. Lamb was married, Jan. 13, 1824, at Cincinnati, Ohio, to Susan H. Cranmer, daughter of Dr. Cranmer of that city. She was born there, Aug. 13, 1803. They moved to Springfield, Ill., in 1831, and in moving his effects it was necessary to charter a boat at St. Louis, and take it up the Kaskaskia river to the village. This was the only instance of a steam boat ascending that stream. The goods were landed at Beardstown, and transported to Springfield in wagons. Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Lamb had seven children; two died young. Of the other five--
JOHN C., born June 16, 1825, in Kaskaskia, was married in Goshen, N. Y., Dec., 1868, to Anna Pougher, a native of England. J. C. Lamb was engaged with his father in pork packing, and is now the proprietor of the A’tna foundry and machine works, in Springfield, Illinois. 1881 History, p. 686: John C. Lamb, proprietor of the AEtna Iron Works, corner Second and Adams streets, was born in Randolph county Illinois, 1825. His father, James L. Lamb, was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and settled in the old town of Kaskaskia, Illinois, about 1822. He married Susan H. Cranmer, of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1824. They were the parents of five daughters and the subject of this sketch; one daughter deceased. They moved to Springfield in 1831, where Mr. Lamb engaged in pork packing, extensively, and in merchandising until he died in the fall of 1873, John C. being associated with him in conducting business. In 1848, Mr. J. C. Lamb became a partner in the firm of Lowry, Lamb & Co., in the AEtna Foundry and Machine Works. In 1853 the firm was dissolved by the death of one of the partners, and in 1855, Mr. Lamb bought the entire concern and has since been sole proprietor. He does a large business in the manufacture of railroad work, mill machinery and steam engines, employing an average of sixty men.
SUSAN A., born April 3, 1828, in Kaskaskia, was married in Springfield, Oct. 20, 1847, to John Cook, who was born June 12, 1826, in Belleville, Ill. Mr. and Mrs Cook had seven children, four of whom died in infancy. JAMES L., JOHN C. and WILLIAM J. live with their parents. John Cook was the only son of Hon. Daniel P. Cook, one of the early congressmen from Illinois, who married a daughter of Gov. Ninian Edwards. She died when the subject of this sketch was quite young, and he was brought up by his grandfather, Gov. Edwards. He was under the instruction of Rev. John F. Brooks (then of Belleville, but now of Springfield), from 1834 to 1840, and entered Illinois College, at Jacksonville, in 1841. He was obliged to abandon his studies the next year, from a temporary loss of sight, and afterwards attempted to finish his education at Kemper College, St. Louis, Mo., but failed from defective sight; and clerked in a commission house in the latter city for three years. Jan. 8, 1846, he formed a partnership with Hawley & Edwards, in Springfield, Ill., in the dry goods business. In 1854 John Cook was elected Mayor of Springfield, and in 1856 Sheriff of Sangamon county. At the expiration of his term, Gov. W. H. Bissell appointed him Quartermaster General of Illinois, and in 1858 he organized an independent military company, called the Springfield Zouave Grays, and was chosen Captain. This company was accepted by Gov. Yates, under the State’s quota of 75,000 men in 1861, and was the nucleus of the 1st Reg., Ill. Vol. Inf., of which he was chosen Colonel, and which was called No. 7, in honor of the six regiments furnished by Illinois for the Mexican war. Col. Cook’s commission was dated April 24, 1861, and the regiment was mustered in at Camp Yates, April 25, 1861, by Capt. John Pope of the regular army, and was, consequently, the first regiment to enter the field from Illinois for suppressing the rebellion. They were ordered to several different points, and at Fort “Joe Holt,” Ky., Col. John Cook was assigned command of a Brigade. Feb. 3, 1862, he was assigned to the command of Gen. Charles F. Smith, in the movement up the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers. After the capture of Fort Donelson Col. Cook was commissioned Brigadier General, for gallant conduct. During the advance on Corinth he was ordered to report to the Secretary of War, and was assigned a command consisting of his brigade, with two brigades from Gen. Shields division, eleven batteries of Artillery, and two regiments of cavalry. After McClellan’s retreat from Harrison’s Landing and Pope’s retreat from the valley, Gen. Cook was relieved, at his own request, and the following fall was ordered to report to Major Gen. John Pope, commanding the military department of the northwest, under whom he remained until Oct. 9, 1864, when he was assigned command of the military district of Illinois, with headquarters at Springfield. He was there mustered out, having been previously commissioned by President Johnson, Major General by brevet. He was elected in the fall of 1868, Representative in the Illinois State Legislature, from Sangamon county. He was instrumental in securing the second appropriation for the erection of the New State House. Gen. Cook and family reside in Springfield, Illinois.
CAROLINE F., born Feb. 8, 1831, was married in Springfield, Dec. 19, 1855, to William J. Black, who was born in Vandalia, Ill., Nov. 11, 1828. He died, Nov. 24, 1861, leaving a widow, who resides with her mother in Springfield.
HANNAH M., born July 6, 1838, in Springfield, was married there, June 18, 1862, to Legh R. Kimball, who was born Aug. 7, 1826, in New Hampshire. They had one child JULIA L., who died in infancy. Mr. Kimball was paymaster on the Chicago & Alton railroad, and afterwards General Agent on the T. W. & W. railroad. He died May 30, 1865, in Springfield, Ill., and his widow resides there with her mother also.
ELIZABETH T., born July 29, 1844, in Springfield, was married June 8, 1864, to Gideon R. Brainerd. They have four living children, LEGH KIMBALL, BENJAMIN H., JAMES L. L. and SUSAN L. Mr. Brainard was book-keeper in the Marine and Fire Insurance Company’s Bank. He is now engaged in farming, two miles west of Springfield, Illinois.
James L. Lamb was an elder in the First Presbyterian church of Springfield, and a director of the Theological Seminary of the Northwest, at Chicago. He was an active, earnest, christian gentleman, always interested in education, and a friend to those in need, as the writer of this can testify from personal knowledge. He was in the pork packing business, in Springfield, from 1842 to the time of his death, which occurred Dec. 3, 1873. His widow and children reside in Springfield, Illinois.
1] Power, pp. 114-116.
[2] 1881 History, p. 517.
[3] http://famousamericans.net/thomashenderson.
[4] Ancestry and Posterity of John Lea of Christian Malford, Wiltshire, England and of Pennsylvania in America 1503-1906, by James Henry Lea and George Henry Lea, Lea Brothers & Company, Philadelphia and New York, 1906, p. 97. John Lamb married Susan Gibson Lea in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1834, and Susan died there on August 8, 1836.
[5] Henry Lea was born on September 16, 1806 and died January 5, 1881. James Lamb was the son of George Lamb and Susannah L. Gibson. Elizabeth and Susan were sisters thus making Henry Lea and James Lamb first cousins. The women were the daughters of Thomas Gibson and Hannah Ring Gibson.
[6] George Augustus Trumbull was born in Petersham, Massachusetts on January 23, 1792. George lived in Worcester, Massachusetts, a county seat in central Massachusetts.
[7] Louisa Clap Trumbull was born in 1798, the daughter of Capt. Caleb and Elizabeth (Stone) Clap, of Greenfield, Mass[achusetts. She died in 1885.
[8] George and Louisa were married on September 20, 1815. Their twelve children were: Elizabeth (August 31, 1816-1900), who married William Sever Lincoln; George Clap (March 1, 1818-1885), who married Nancy (Woodbury) Moore; Caroline Burling (June 24, 1820-1880), who married Francis Blake; Louisa Jane (October 12, 1822-____ ), who married Henry Lea; Sarah Paine (August 26, 1824-1871), who married John Clap Riley; Joseph (July 22,1826-1880), who married (1) Frances Towne Hamilton, and (2) Marry Moore Johnson; John (July 31, 1828-1832); Charles Perkins (September 12, 1830- ), who married Mary Norwood; Susan Trumbull (March 20, 1832-1902), who married Dr. Price; Isabella Frink (May 20, 1834- _____), who married George Franklin Hartshorn; Mary Abbot (February 2, 1837-1864), who married John Beare Donne Cogswell; and John (March 23, 1841-1893).
[9] 1850 Census of Madison County, Illinois
Henry Lea 45 M Delaware Merchant
Louisa Lea 27 F Massachusetts
Harry Lea 3 M Massachusetts
Sue Trumbull 18 F Massachusetts
Mary Wadun 28 F Germany
[10] Joshua G. Lamb married Amelia M. Bergen on May 27, 1840. Joshua Lea, Amelia’s wife, was a cousin of James L. Lamb. Henry Lea was the son of James Lea and Elizabeth Gibson. James Lamb was the son of George Lamb and Susannah L. Gibson. Elizabeth and Susan were sisters thus making Henry Lea and James Lamb first cousins. The women were the daughters of Thomas Gibson and Hannah Ring Gibson.
See the attached biography from Power.
1850 Census of Madison County, Illinois
Joshua G. Lamb 51 M Pennsylvania Merchant
Amelia M. 32 F New Jersey
Sarah Welch 20 F England
[11] James Henry Lea 6 (Henry-5, James-4, James -3, Isaac-2, John-1) Educated at Union College, N.Y. (of Alton, Ills, until 1864, of Wilmington, De. 1865-1870 and 1878-81, of Boston, 1870-71, Fairhaven, Mass. 1883-1890, visited Europe 1868-9, of South Freeport, Me., after 1899 to date. Visited England frequently 1887 to 1905 on Genealogical work, present London address 14 Clifford’s Inn, E.C Member Soc. Colonial Wars, Maine Historical Soc., Maine Genealogical Soc., Harlian Soc., Parish Register Soc., Yorkshire Arch. Soc; Wiltshire Arch. Soc., Member of the N.E. Hist. Gen. Soc., Hon. Member of Old Colony Hist. Soc., Wisc. Hist. Soc., and old Northwest Gen. Soc. He m. Harrisonburgh, Va., 12 May, 1873, Anna Blackwell, dau. of Dr. William and Frances (Pannell) Williams (b.Bridgewater, Va. 4 May 1852) from whom he separated by mutual consent in 1895, legal divorce Aug. 1896; m. 2nd Providence, R.I., 30 Nov. 1897, Ida Florence, dau. of David and Charlotte Fales (Converse) Heaton of Providence (b. 3 Dec. 1857) and widow of Henry W. Pope of Brooklyn, N.Y.
[12] Elizabeth J. Todd.
[13] Power, pp. 716-717.
[14]
[15] Rev. John G. Bergen, D. D.
[16] Journal, June 11, 1846, p. 2, cl. 1.
[17] State Penitentiary at Alton, Illinois.
[18] James Lea Lamb, age 56. Henry Lea was the son of James Lea and Elizabeth Gibson. James Lamb was the son of George Lamb and Susannah L. Gibson. Elizabeth and Susan were sisters thus making Henry and James first cousins. The women were the daughters of Thomas Gibson and Hannah Ring Gibson.
[19] 1881 History, p.207.
[20] Dix, Dorothea L. (1824). Common Things, Conversations. Munroe & Frances Inc: New York.
Dix, Dorothea L. (1975). On Behalf of the Insane Poor: Selected Reports 1842-1862. Ayer Co. Publishers, Inc: New York.
Marshall, H.E. (1937). Dorothea Dix, forgotten Samaritan. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.
Tiffany, F. (1891). Life of Dorothea Lynde Dix. Houghton Mufflin: Boston.
Wilson, D.C. (1975). Stranger and traveler. Little Brown: Boston.
Viney, W. & Zorich, S. (1982). Contributions to the history of psychology XXIX: Dorothea Dix. Psychological Reports, 50, 211-218.
[21] Infamous Alton Prison, J.E.(Gene) Wheeler.
[22] Louisa Jane Trumbull Lea (1822- ____).
[23] Amelia is referring to her home with her husband in Alton, Illinois as one home and her home with her parents in Springfield, Illinois, as another. Amelia is also referring to Louisa Jane Trumbull Lea’s home with her husband in Alton as one home and to Louisa Jane Trumbull Lea’s home with her parents in Worcester, Massachusetts, as another.
[24] Joshua G. Lamb married Amelia M. Bergen on May 27, 1840. Joshua Lea, Amelia’s wife, was a cousin of James L. Lamb. Henry Lea was the son of James Lea and Elizabeth Gibson. James Lamb was the son of George Lamb and Susannah L. Gibson. Elizabeth and Susan were sisters thus making Henry Lea and James Lamb first cousins. The women were the daughters of Thomas Gibson and Hannah Ring Gibson.
See the attached biography from Power.
1850 Census of Madison County, Illinois
Joshua G. Lamb 51 M Pennsylvania Merchant
Amelia M. 32 F New Jersey
Sarah Welch 20 F England
[25] Elizabeth J. Todd.
[26] Residents Of Alton Prior To The Close Of 1840, Taken from the History of Madison County, Illinois, 1882. URL: http://www.iltrails.org/madison/alton40.htm
[27] Willis G. Edwards
1850 Census of Madison County, Illinois
Willis G. Edwards 28 M Kentucky Physician
Julia M. Edwards 22 F Kentucky
Franklin Edwards 23 M Kentucky Clerk
Pusley 18 M Illinois
Mary Eliza 16 F Illinois
Cyrus Edwards 14 M Illinois (twin)
Martha Edwards 14 F Illinois (twin)
William A. Whitacker 34 M Kentucky Merchant
Letitia Whitacker 26 F Kentucky
William Whitacker 6 M Missouri
John Whitacker 4 M Missouri
Edward Whitacker 2 M Missouri
Louisa Gran 18 F Germany
Mary Murphy 18 F Ireland
[28] Lewis B. Parsons, Alton lawyer, 1882 Madison County History, 1882, pp. 187-188.
[29] Joseph Trumbull, born on July 22, 1826, the son of George Augustus and Louisa Clap Trumbull.
[30] Ad January 10, 1846 Daguerreotype Miniature Gallery Over the Drug Store of J. Brookie. …he will remain at the above room until the 1st of February
[31] See Journal, June 11, 1846, p. 2, cl. 1.
[32] State Penitentiary at Alton, Illinois.
[33] James Lea Lamb, age 56. See the attached biography from Power. Henry Lea was the son of James Lea and Elizabeth Gibson. James Lamb was the son of George Lamb and Susannah L. Gibson. Elizabeth and Susan were sisters thus making Henry and James first cousins. The women were the daughters of Thomas Gibson and Hannah Ring Gibson.
[34] Power, p. 115. Thomas H. Bergen, born Dec. 15, 1820, at Madison, Morris county, N. J., brought up in Springfield, married March 29, 1849, at Trenton, N. J., to Mary G. Cooley. She was born in that city, July 20, 1823. Soon after they were married they left for Springfield, and while on board a small steamboat on the Ohio river, near Wheeling, West Va., it blew up, killing 17 persons. They escaped with their lives, but lost their entire baggage. They are without family, and reside one mile east of Springfield.
[35] Bergen, Rev. John G., D. D.
[36] Jeannie’s sister, Sarah Paine Trumbull, born on August 26, 1824 (1824-1871), the daughter of George Augustus and Louisa Clap Trumbull. Sarah Paine Trumbull married John Clap Riley.
[37] Louisa Clap Trumbull, born in 1798.
[38] James L. Lamb.
[39] Susan Gibson Lamb, mother of James L. Lamb, and Joshua’s aunt, died in Springfield on April 7, 1847.
[40] John Webster Chickering, Alton attorney, married Martha M. Bowers on May 1, 1839. Sangamo Journal, May 3, 1839. Martha M.’s father was Henry C. Bowers, who died in Sangamon County, Illinois. Madison County History, moved to Chicago in 1843.
[41] George Augustus and Louisa Clap Trumbull.
(Perry Slater letter to Doct. Frank Milles dated March 2, 1847)
C. Perry Slater was one of seventeen children of Elijah and Olive French Slater. The Slaters settled first on Sugar Creek in 1818 where they lived until 1821 when Springfield was laid out.
C. Perry (Slater), born September, 1823, in Springfield, Illinois, studied medicine with Dr. Jayne, spent three years in California, returned and was married in 1854 to Susan Mather Lamb. He was a practicing physician, and died in 1858 in Springfield, Illinois, leaving a widow and one child, Hannah M., who was married in Chicago, Sept. 27, 1876, to Walter Trumbull, eldest son of Hon. Lyman Trumbull. They reside in Chicago. C. P. Slater’s widow married James H. Roberts, a lawyer, and resides in Chicago, Illinois.[1]
Perry was 23 years-old when he wrote this letter.
Doct. Frank Mills
Jacksonville
Ills.
P.S. Wednesday Morning
Penn got home last night & is very well.
Tuesday evening March 2nd/47
Dear Frank
“Romeo is himself again.” The illustrious Legislature has ajourned and Springfield sleeps in the quiet moonlight as quietly as though its Legislative halls had not so recently been filled with vice and corruption Night is not now made hideous by the infurnal yells of a free peoples representatives and their midnight caucuses. All is still and quiet and our good city seems itself again. Tis a lovely night and I have just enjoyed a stroll alone thinking of “her” of th__ and building any castles of my future fate. How sweet it is thus to such solitude and think of those you love. I received your letter and can assure you it was doubly welcome and that I have patience sufficient to wade through ______ of such. I regret to hear of Doctor Millers unpopularity and hope never to hear “Yells infernal and haried” eminating from the mouths of students to insult a man so worthy as is the Doctor. I can only think of their conduct with contempt. Frank I have ever thought you a man of great sense and decided good taste. A man quick to discriminate a---- and appreciate too goodness beauty and perfection. The high estimate you have formed of Miss C----- character has stamped upon my opinion truth as eternal as truth itself. And Miss Ranick has taken a dislike to you and instigated her Brother to do you harm. Strange Strange She must be a poor judge of the nobleness of heart the magnaminity of such that makes the true man the sincere friend and the pleasant companion. How prospers Kate Abrams? Has she many admirers? I hope she is kindly treated as I admire her much. Did the___ come off on commencement nights. If so who conquered? I am glad to hear that Miss Conn is well enough to go into company again. I was sadly disappointed to find her so unwell when I was last down. I had hoped to have had the pleasure of bringing her up with me. Mr & Mrs Lamb start east via Beardstown on Wednesday. Your mother goes with them. Col. Prickett died yesterday with Plurisey.[2] Last Thursday he was in the house of Representatives acting as clerk. Old Lady Lamb is yet very ill.[3] “Pestitene” and his beautiful daughter Mary have returned. Doctor Turner has been here for two or three weeks. We had a splendid strangers Ball given by the citizens on the 22nd in the State house. I presume your Jacksonville Ball was but a minature in comparison. There was only between three and five hundred persons present and it only cost between three and five hundred dollars. Doctor Turner I was told had some difficulty in getting an invitation. One of the managers remarking that his room would be a d___d sight more pleasant than his company. He is thought here to be a soft one. A very particular friend of yours remarked to me just after dancing with the Dr. “that she did not think that a man who had the faculty for making himself disagreeable that the Doct has should be countenanced in society. Miss Sophy and Miss Torrey are flourishing. I had the exquisite felicity of spending last evening with them at Mr Stickneys room (the member from Gallatin) Miss Pope & Morrison are yet here. Lt Gov Welles as --nd stuck as _____and “____” _____________ after Miss Pope. It is believed that he will not succeed. P—a has not yet returned. He has been expected every day for the last week. Doctor Sister and Miss Trumball wish a place in your memory. Mr. Trumbull started for Bellville today. Remember me to Miss Eunice (?) & Miss Dunlap. Tell Bill I pay no attention to such contemptible notes as his last. Write soon long and often
Your sincere friend Perry
[1] Power, pp. 663-664.
[2] 1881 History, p. 91 and 125. Power, p. 581.
David Prickett, born on September 21, 1800, in Franklin County, Georgia, came to Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, in 18__. He graduated in the law department of Transylvania University, at Lexington, Kentucky, in his twenty-first year, and was admitted to practice at Edwardsville, November 15, 1821. He was Judge of the probate court of Madison County, and in 1826 was elected to the General Assembly of Illinois, at Vandalia. In 1831, he was aid-de-camp to Gen. John D. Whitesides, in the Black Hawk War. David Prickett was married on January 24, 1834, at Tremont, Tazewell County, Illinois, to Charlotte G. Grifith, who was born on May 9, 1806, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She was a sister to Mrs. Hannah G. Opkycke, and daughter of Dr. Thomas Griffith, of Tremont, who was formerly of Pennsylvania. David and Charlotte Prickett moved to Springfield in 1835. David Prickett was the first reporter to the Supreme Court of Illinois, having been appointed to that office as soon as it was created. In 1842 he was appointed a director of the State Bank of Illinois, on behalf of the State. He was assistant clerk of the House of Representatives of Illinois at the time of his death. He was a man whose integrity was above suspicion, very genial, rich in anecdote, addicted to witticisms, frequently pointing them against himself. Every public man of Illinois knew him to speak kindly of him.
[3]
To: Mr. William House
Sherburn Mills
Fleming County Kentucky
March the 26th 1848
Springfield Sangamo County Ills
Dear father and mother,
I now take up my pen to inform you of our loss. Robert left us and has gone to the spiritual world. He died on the 21st after an illness of more than a year and has been confined to the house entirely. Most of the time to his bed for the last four months. He has suffered a great deal but he has borne his sufferings with all the patience and resignation of a Christian. He was well aware that he must die and felt himself ready to go whenever called away. He scarce ever uttered one complaint and suffered no fear of death. He had an abscess on his side a little below to the left of the heart. It has been coming for more than a year. He opened it last September and it has been a running sore ever since. He had a sore throat all winter and a hard cough. I think his lungs were nearly all gone before his death on the 23. We laid his remains in the earth and though we had long expected to part with him soon it seems a great loss to us. But we feel that it is gain to him therefore we bear it as well as we can. We are all well at present but little Edward he has never been very well since he had the scarlet fever. All the family had it but Mary and Louisa last fall. But having a good physician and great care we saved them all. Our friends are well so far as I know. Jane has left as she was married on the 22 of February to Mr. Charles Graves[1] of Lexington, Kentucky and I think she has done very well. He is a young man of good habits and very steady to business. He has bought a house and lot and they will move to it in a few days. The health of the country is good and we have had a pleasant winter warm and most of the time dry. We have the greatest revivals of religion ever known in this place. Dr. Dunyan who has been with us this winter went on business up in Macon County a few weeks since and he called and took dinner with Mr. Shepherd and Jane and they thought to come down to see us but have not come yet. I have not seen Thomas Humphreys nor any of the folks from out there since he came home so that I have not heard from you by him. Dear parents write to me. I want to hear from all. James write to me. I sometimes think you all have forgotten me or you would write more frequent. The children all send their love to you. Give my love to my friends there. So no more at the present but remain your truly affectionate daughter.
Sarah Cannon
To William and Ann House.
[1] Catharine J. Cannon was married to Charles W. Graves on February 22, 1848 in Sangamon County, Illinois according to Statewide Marriage Index.
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