Ann sent two letters on the same day on January 18, 1902 – one to her son Edward and the other to her grandson Roscoe.
I don’t have many photos of Roscoe as a child, but one that I do have was taken just a few years after the time of these letters. Here he is with his brothers and sisters; Roscoe is at the far right. He’s probably around 17 years old.
Ann has words of encouragement and advice for young Roscoe, including some frank talk about girls! And it comes as no surprise that she also has to say something about pigs.
Her letter to Edward is full of details about an 80-acre farm that she is considering purchasing. She is anxious to get Edward’s opinion before she closes the deal.
Lincoln
Jan 18 1902Dear Roscoe,
I was glad you got time to write and glad Santa Claus found you. He gave you very needful articles.
You say your man has gone. Well Pa has two left. You did not say Chet went with the girls. Perhaps his head is all right. I hope so, well, I hope you will not get girl hungry till you get through going to school. But they are Awfull bewitching be ware.
Thank you for your nice letter. You are getting on nicely, I meant to set you an example and answer yours directly but I went a riding and I played out, this a lovely day. You have a good stock of hogs if they do well. Grain is high, you can plough soon. You must write again. The school children are having a nice time today.
Good by from Grandma.
Then to Edward and Ida:
Jan 18 – 1902
Dear Children,
Well Ida I am glad you got safe home and none of you sick. I never could go from home.
Ella rode round and looked at land. Then we went to look at an 80 8 miles east. The 80 lays very good but one run cuts off 12 acres. It’s in pasture. Water in it if not too dry. 2 wells, good water, pump in one. Congressman Burket has land joining it same section, but everything on the 80 gone to rock, the man that owned it died, had lots of land and he had one girl. Other relatives has been having her decided in her favor. Will be sold on the 28. They ask $40 per acre. 2 1/2 miles from Walton. Burket gave 37 last year. There is 2 hills one on each side. If they want there I would buy. It has a good view. There is several Lincoln men owns land around there but lots of round land. I wish you was coming up to the Butter show and have you go and look at it 20th.
Snowed last night. Looks winter link and expect you have got things all fixt nice. Hope so, write soon.
from Mother
