This letter was written by Edward’s Grandmother, Elizabeth Tainsh Campbell, on Christmas Day 1886.
In her letter, she says she is 92 years old, but her handwriting is remarkably steady and legible!
Money Creek, Decemter 25th, 1886
A Merry Christmas
My dear Grandchildren: I received your letter and must say I was so glad to hear from you. I am able to be around all of the time and feel quite smart, still it is very hard work for me to walk much. Your Aunts, Uncles and cousins are all well. I am glad you are married and your grandma’s wish is, that you may live a happy life, try to live at first as you intend to end.
I suppose you’re getting rich at least I should think so , by the corn you are raising. I hear from your mother how you are getting along. I received a letter not long ago from her and Nellie, also a nice present from them. I received a letter from your Aunt Margaret yesterday, she sent me a cap for a Christmas gift, also a few papers from Aunt Elizabeth. I hope you have a Merry Christmas. I am getting so old I do not care much for any thing now. I am in my ninty second year. Uncle John was to Tomah, Wis. to spend the holiday with your Cousin Belle. Uncle John has his house nicely finished and everything comfortable. He has about forty head of cattle and about fifteen horses, maybe more, and any amount of pigs. Your cousin LaFayette lives in Money Creek. He has a stock farm and a good deal of stock. Also, Jermain Lafayette has three daughters and Jermain one daughter and one son.
Charlie has had very poor health, but has been restored to health recently. He lives in Houston, Minn. He has two daughters and one son.
Crops were very good here this year. Uncle John had 21 hundred bushels of oats, 265 bushells wheat out from 8 acres. A great sight of corn, more than he has raised for years. He has five sons and two daughters. You have heard that your Aunt Lib was dead, also cousin Hattie. Two of the boys are married, one of the girls. The rest are at home. I am stayting with your Aunt Janet while your Uncle is away. I am so feeble I can scarcly get around any if I walk to the kitchen I am all tired out. Money Creek is a nice place. The Methodist Church is near your Aunt Janet house. There is a Baptist church out a little way. They have a good school house. I suppose Maggie is getting rich fast, they are both workers. If you sent me letters I never answered I never got them, but remember I have answered this for I never forget you. Give my love to your wife. I hope you will have a Happy New Year. Aunt Janet sends love. Try to live happy and you will never regret it.
Goodbye from Grandma
