Railroad Y. M. C. A.: Bible study at 3 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. Mr. Firman McCormick will conduct the men’s meeting. All young men are cordially invited. Good music.
“Religious Notes,” Fort Wayne News (Fort Wayne, Indiana), 11 July 1896, p. 4, col. 7; digital image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 29 November 2013).
Letter transcription:
MRS R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-1-43
Dear Daddy – Six letters today and one each for J. & M. – Also the box with the cat eyes & shells. I think the cat eyes very pretty & unusual. The name is right. Mark was thrilled over the shells. John looked at them but they didn’t mean so much to him as Mark. Your letters today were in answer to some you from me and it was the kind I like to get – of course you can’t write like that until you get some to answer. We are all over our colds – so hope you haven’t spent too much time worrying over us. We did have a long siege but seems like past history now. Mother is ironing and Clara M. is doing some cleaning. I am not trying to do much but take care of David. I think that comes first and tho he is very good it takes just so much time to do all that has to be done for him – and I am a little on the ragged end after such a long sinus infection. I am feeling good but not much extra pep for doing cleaning. There has been so much smoke this winter because of the extreme cold weather everything gets so dirty. We took the rug out of the den (nursery). It was getting so worn & hard to keep clean. I am going to move the piano into the living room so the den can be David’s room. That is where we keep him most of the time and it is too crowded now. There is sunshine today after yesterdays gloom. Some thaw too. Ruthie wrote that the movies they took were good so when you come home you can see what David looked like at 3 months. Will send pictures this week – Love – Mother
©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/03/six-letters-today-gladys/
Two pictures of Sophia (Yegerlehner) Thatcher Perkins, the youngest daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Schwartz) Yegerlehner. The picture on the left is likely during the 1890s while the one of the right (with the narrower sleeves) is after 1900.
The original photograph comes from a photo album that was scanned by Eric Graham. He was visiting relatives in California when he discovered this album in their possession, and (thankfully!) he had the foresight to ask if he could copy the pictures.
©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/04/wordless-wedne…ia-yegerlehner/
AKE
Royal Benton Ake, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ake, residing on the Piqua road, died at 5:30 o’clock Tesday evening from cholera infantum at the age of fourteen months.
“Ake,” The Weekly Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana), p. 6, col. 1; digital image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 29 November 2013).
Letter transcription:
1/31/43
Dear Mother,
I’ve re-read and I believe most of the things are answered so maybe just some comments here and there. In the first place instead of getting only your letter of Jan. 14, I got both 13 & 14 in the same envelope. Maybe that is something only what if the 14th hadn’t gotten here. I’m not scolding just kidding. Your writing every day either hits the mail as it comes or my box where ever it is gets so full the postal clerk has to get rid of some any way that was about the latest yet of any around here. Even the V-mail was later than most other mail.
If Agnes M. hasn’t written about the tax I wish she would because I didn’t know she had written in about the 1941, but I guess you have that all fixed by now. I’m sorry if I asked the 1941 to be paid after she wrote in
[page 2] and everything. You probably had written me of hat in some of those letters which haven’t arrived. And if you have any surplus buy bonds because after all that is the best and maybe it will help in a small way also.
Was your mother just coming for a visit or to stay permanently? She just as well plan on leaving Terre Haute for good for she would have it so much nicer in Kentland I would think.
All the boxes you sent have arrived, and I now have lots of chewing gum. It is OK but even inside the wrapper etc. it is just a soft mass and has to be “walled and lolled” quite somewhat before it gets into a chewable mass. We can occasionally get peanuts here that are canned and if eaten right away they are still fresh but it they stand overnight they get tough and moist.
Sorry Bart got the address twisted
[page 3] because other people might write also. Taylor’s greeting had only the Naval Base and New Caledonia but it got here OK. No San Fran. or anything.
The Chaplin hasn’t reported on the progress of John’s song as yet because after all we don’t have many piano players along since playing pianos isn’t our main purpose for being here.
Got my watch back and it does pretty good – gains only about a minute in 24 hrs. Didn’t cost anything – That isn’t this fellows work but I treated a bunch of boils for him and got him a hundred Vit – B tablets so he returned the favor. He told me however the watch had seen better days but don’t send one because there really isn’t any need for a watch here and this hot damp weather is hard on watches.
Don’t know what the show is tonite yet but the weather looks favorable.
[page 4] The show is over and so is the last mail delivery. Scored big – got each of the Christmas letters the boys wrote and a letter from Dr. M. and a V-mail letter from you dated Jan. 16. That is the latest by two days. So my idea of the V-mail was correct only you didn’t say a word about how you were and since you didn’t mention yourself I assume you are better at least l hope that is the case.
I can’t understand your mother but I do think it will be fine for both and really she don’t need to figure on going back when I come home unless she wishes because I know we can get along. She and Mrs. James should be able to hit it off in pretty good style – by the way I don’t believe you have mentioned her since I left home – how is she? I haven’t had any word from home so am
[page 5] very much in the dark about Duane, but I guess I’ll hear from there sooner or later I hope. The latest letter I had from there was from Sam & E. and it was written Jan. 4. Mom’s letter was Dec. 30 I believe, but I guess I will be hearing soon. I’m just 15 days behind now.
If you can get any dope on the new victory tax I wish you would send it. Just so I could read it over. And maybe – worry you with it. No I’ve washed my hands now of all taxes for I believe I’ve made a mess of things – so I’ll keep out. Unless the exemptions are cut way down I don’t believe we will have much to pay next year because my base pay is only $2000 per year and that is all that is taxable so we probably won’t have to worry with that.
Well, it’s good to get even a V-mail letter. Thank the boys for me – and give each a kiss for me and lots of love from me to you. Daddy
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/02/im-not-scolding-roscoe/
Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ake, of the Decatur road, a son.
“The Birth Record,” The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana), 31 October 1906, p. 12, col. 2; digital image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 29 November 2013).
Letter transcription:
I got some letters a week before the first one you wrote came.
Kentland Ind
Jan 31-1943
Dear Daddy-
The last day of this month and more weather. It is very gloomy – rain – There is a little snow left and it isn’t very picturesque. I don’t know how cold it is but looks very uninviting out – like a person would rather stay inside. I called Mrs. Plummer this morning and asked her if she would come over this afternoon – I am going over after her in a few minutes – in the car of course. – – a few hours later
Have had our guest and taken her home again. We had a nice visit. She hadn’t seen the baby since before Christmas and was so glad to spend an afternoon with him. Said he looks like you. She had a “snapfolio” Ruth Padgett gave her to send to you. It has two pictures of the Padgett baby – you remember him. The photo holder
[page 2] was just what I was wanting to send our pictures in – Ruth wanted you to have it to keep David’s pictures in. She told Mrs. Plummer she used 100 cans of S.M.A. – amounting to $100⁰⁰ for “Tommy.” At 10 months he weighs 24 lbs – and wears 3 yr old size suits. He is a baby like Donnie Funk – however our David isn’t so slow. He weighed 14-7 this morning – 4 months & 1 week old – gets Pablum, egg yolk & vegetable soup in addition to 1 can milk every day. He seems to know when to behave just right. He was as good as could be while Mrs. P. was here. He usually is but has his days.
The wind is blowing this evening – You know how it can blow around here – as well as there – The boys – (John & Mark) – came in from Youth Fellowship and John said it’s not so good out. It was freezing when I took Mrs. P. home. There were snow flurries about 5 o’clock – but they didn’t last long.
Bought car & drivers license yesterday $9.75 altogether. Have a bal in the bank now of 296 – but have the Jan bills to pay – coal 28.64 – The boys ins next month & David’s new policy
[page 3] Our new 1943 license is a little plate that is attached to the old (rear) but a new number 541-198. The balance I quoted has the Feb rent deducted – and the Feb check hasn’t been added yet. – Also I have to pay for my coat yet. – Maybe I’ll still have margin enough after everything taken care of to play your ins. loan – then mine. I think those two paid off would be the best investment because of the 6%. I bought those 6 – 37⁵⁰ bonds I mentioned several times before – and about that 1941 tax again. The Federal man advised not to pay it – because it won’t have to be paid – if at all – until six months after the duration and there will be no interest – and we have our bonds to use for payment later on – now does that sound like a wise play or not? Since we are being urged to buy more bonds all the time – and the bonds will be ready for use when you (we) need them to pay taxes, etc., when you are ready to start up again. If this plan doesn’t suit you you can write and tell me to go ahead & pay said taxes.
[page 4] This is the first regular letter I have written in about a week – Have been using v-mail. There is another campaign on for people to use it. I never feel like I get it all said when I use v-mail but since it should be quicker than this will use it most of the time. The P.O. Clerk told me I could send 3 a day but I try to get by with one. At least it will help some if you get a v-mail once in a while – if not all. If you could get one a week you could keep pretty well informed about us here at home. My sinus trouble seems to have cleared up and my throat is well too. The sinus drainage made the throat irritation. John & Mark are on the well list too and David is fine – gains about an once a day – sometimes more. It seemed like we did have a long siege – starting early in Dec and one or the other of us having colds in some form thru most of this month. John having stiff neck two days & missing school. Mark got a cold Mon. last week from the cold school room but he is over it now. – They have gone to bed and I am tired and it’s time to take David up & feed him. Have to move his bed upstairs. He is much too active now for the basket. Will have to fix something for him to be in downstairs. It if were warm weather could put him down in a play pen but since it is cold will have to do something else. Didn’t get a letter Sat. so am looking for one tomorrow –
Love – Mother
P.S. as of this date uniform money hasn’t come
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/01/last-day-of-this-month-gladys/
In 1898, the United States waged a war with Spain for ten weeks over the independence of Cuba. There were other reasons but Cuba was the main one. About 300,000 American soldiers were involved in the conflict. There were 345 casualties due to combat and 2,565 due to disease (mainly yellow fever). Another 1,577 soldiers were wounded. Compared to the Civil War, the Spanish American war was a fist fight.
Few families have Spanish War veterans in their ranks. The Schiele family had one and he was Silvester Schiele. Over the years, I have come across several subtle references to Silvester’s involvement including a reference by Roscoe in one of his letters. Silvester was Roscoe’s uncle, also known as Uncle Wes to those of you who have been following along. Lately, more military databases have come online due in part to the relationship between Fold3 and the National Archives. Ancestry has also posted many military databases. I now have a clearer idea of Silvester’s service but I still have one more step. I need to order his pension file. Maybe I’ll do that soon!
Record of Service
Pension card
For more information on the Spanish American War, click here.
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/01/military-monday-spanish-war/
Birth Record
Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ake, of Pleasant township–a son.
“Birth Record,” Fort Wayne News (Fort Wayne, Indiana), 5 April 1900; digital image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 29 November 2013).
Letter transcription:
1/31/43
Dear Mother,
This P.M. while reading a little I fell asleep and was out for almost one hour. Don’t exactly know why because I was reading one of Daymon Runynon short stories, but I will confess I don’t remember much of the story even though I did finish it.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Hasn’t rained any today as yet but the wind blows hard – we are looking forward to a show tonight to help the Eve. pass by. The name of the show is The Queen of the Yukon. Sounds very exciting.
Dr. Loop was in a short time this P.M. Just long enough to say Hello and was gone again. I thought he had gone because it had been some time since he had paid us a visit.
[page 2] Just 6 mo ago today I took my wild airplane ride across the country from Chicago to San Francisco. That was a very hard day’s ride and if you ever want to relax don’t travel so far in a plane because it is very tiresome. I really have to go back a long time to get something to write about but that’s the only way I can think of enough to write. There are lots of things I could ask about but I know you have the answers in the mail that is coming but mail coming doesn’t mean a thing – only that that is here is any good or as an old Yegerlehner saying – a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Or maybe that is somebodys else’s saying.
Dr. P. just got a Christmas greeting and a V-mail dated Dec. 26 but that doesn’t
[page 3] help very much – we still have a possibility of mail at 5 P.M. but I think there is no hope for much – but in time things will come along again I hope. Will finish later.
Well things are better – had two shows tonite, and also had mail. Your V-mail letter of Jan 12 came, air mail Jan 14 also air mail Dec. 29, Dec 26 Dec. 24. Your letter of Jan 14 wasn’t too good but I really think now that you have had that washed out it will be OK at least I hope so. I believe if that had been treated often early that wouldn’t have happened – but you can’t get that type of treatment at home unless things have changed since I left there. I truly hope and pray things are better for you now. My mail is at least 6-8 days later than others due to you writing every day. The V-mail is later than most others but this Jan. 14 is the later – keep dropping a V-mail about once each wk.
[page 4] The picture of D. was pretty good – he begins to look as if he is filling out pretty rapidly.
Most of your letters were old and the old ones told of your condition leading up to this last affair but like a continued story all your letters end in critical points. The one on Jan 8 said you were better. The V-mail of Jan 12 said one side was Ok, but the other was acting up. Yours of the 14th said you had a washing out and there is the end. I suppose the next will be 4-5 days later and it probably won’t get here for several days. So I’ll just have to wait worry & sweat until I get the next. Your suggestions about the hospital is fine and I hope you go if things are too bad. Surely someone will take care of J & M in case you have to go.
I’ll be waiting for Agnes M. letter about the taxes – do what you want. Just so you keep me out of Jail & buy bonds
[page 5] to cover the taxes. And Don’t renew the J.A.M.A. I told you that before but just in case the word didn’t get there.
Along with your mail came a V-mail from Allgoods and a Christmas greeting from Guess Who – Amel Taylor. And it was censored – wasn’t that a Joke. The only letter that has even been censored. Really I’ll write them a reply – They I think mean well but their finances are not the best so I’ll answer just to be nice.
I’ll re-read your letters tomorrow and maybe have something more to write but it is now time to turn in so I’ll say solong and hope you are better, much better, by now
Love Daddy
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/30/dont-exactly-know-why-roscoe/
Genealogy Lady 