Dr. and Mrs. Homer Shoupe and children entertained at Sunday dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Rolland Foster and son Richard [sic Rolland], of Ft. Wayne. Mrs. Foster and Mrs. Shoupe are sisters.
“Sharpsville,” The Tipton Daily Tribune (Tipton, Indiana), 12 November 1929, p. 3, col. 3.
Letter transcription:
1/27/43
Dear Mother,
Two more letters came from you today but they were back, Jan 1 and Jan 4. I suppose now there won’t be any more mail for days again – Even now the oldest letter is 19 days. That isn’t so bad if we could just keep it coming with any regularity. There is more to it than that but I can’t tell just now why we have difficulty.
You asked questions about the money. I’ve already written that but my advice is to buy bonds. The Bldg. & loan is OK but those are taxable so in the long run bonds are better. About the piano – See what Miss Smith thinks, and I don’t recall any further questions, but there are comments – Sure wish I could have been present at the little
[page 2] party at Funks. I can just see Bill passing the drinks. Tell Ellsworth I have gained some weight but he still has me bested by a large poundage. I hope this new necklace gets there in A-1 condition because I believe you will like it better. There are upward of 200 shells in it and there are 2 holes in each shell. My thumb and index finger are still numb – The color of these may not be right for you but as you said a new dress will have to be bought.
I was surprised and I wasn’t at the Dye family. I think I told you before that you she came to me about him being so hard to get along with and he always seemed so sarcastic with her and I think she was more or less sensitive by nature – and they used to sleep in different rooms. I shouldn’t write that – but I did. You
[page 3] had written me that before and I also had seen it in the Newton Co. E. Don’t write out the last word in any more of your letters because there is a ship by that name and someone might censor it. So refer to it as I have above. Gosh I wish I could remember what I wrote in that letter to Bart – because if it comes back out here I might blush if Dr. P. or Fred read it. I’ll censor the whole letter out before they have a chance to read it.
I hope you and D. are over your troubles entirely but there are several month of cold weather yet and one can expect things like that during those months.
We didn’t have a show last night – too much rain – It’s still cloudy today but not
[page 4] much rain so our show should go on. The Evenings are very long when we don’t have a show. WILL FINISH LATER
After show and mail – Your letters of Dec. 22, 18, 23, Jan 4, Dec 5 and Dec 19 came. I just gave you those as I have them laid out on the table and tell Tony Schub his postmarks of Dec 18 & 19 were incorrect. They were Nov instead of Dec. Your letters are getting pretty well up to date now. That is up to Jan 8th you were better in that letter hope you are continuing so . The picture of the three boys was good and the snow pictures were good. Those small ones must have been taken by Mr. Zell I believe. I still believe I’ve answered all the questions. You say taxes. Do you mean 1941 Federal? That amounts to 80⁰⁰. I believe – The last two installments. I still wish you would
[page 5] pay that or put that much extra in bonds, because I know that that will have to be paid. And possibly interest. So I’d rather it be paid. But don’t pay 1942.
Letters also came from Ruth M. Sam & Esther – Dave & Marie and a Christmas greeting from Berdie Steele. I’ll make out a list of your letters up to date in a day or two and you can see how many are missing. Lots of your letters have the same date post marked on the outside. Must be early in A.M. and late P.M.
I’ve gotten so many letters from you in the past 2 days that I’ll have to re-read and rewrite but for today I’ll say Lots of Love – and thanks for all those letters. I know it’s a burden for you to write as much as you do as often.
Love again
Daddy
Mrs. Fred Williams
1012 Root St.
Flint, Michigan} Fred’s wife’s address
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/24/two-more-letters-roscoe/
Mr. and Mrs. Rolland Foster left Tuesday morning for Terre Haute for a brief visit there with latter’s people, and they expect to be at their home in Tampa, Florida, by July 1st.
“Sharpsville,” The Tipton Daily Tribune (Tipton, Indiana), 24 June 1925, p. 3, col. 4.
Letter transcription:
MRS R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
1-27-43
Dear Daddy-Yours of 1-17 Rec’d today. We are having sunshine today – there was a heavy frost last nite. It isn’t as cold as yesterday – but still cold enough to keep the stoker busy – Mr. Monroe oil it yesterday and aired the radiators. My sinus seems some better today – and I quit doing anything about it – it kept draining whether I had it washed out or not so thought I would quit doing anything – Maybe that doesn’t make sense but having it washed out every other day didn’t seem to help any. There is some drainage today but lots less. I am figuring up taxes. Have to pay gross this week. Agnes is going to write you and explain in detail about ’41 Federal. I am going to give her the figures for ’42 and she will file a report. Now please quit worrying about the taxes – we will take care of things “OK.” David is asleep. He took his pablum without a fight this AM. As soon as we get all our photographs finished will send you another box and put the pictures in the box. I believe you will get it that way as soon as by letter. The reason you haven’t been getting letters is due to shipping space shortage. Maybe the V-mail will be speedier. The necklace broke but I think I’ll have Mr. Reinard restring it. I had my picture taken and then the string broke. The picture didn’t turn out very good and I had it taken again but couldn’t wear the necklace.
Love Mother
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/24/the-necklace-broke-gladys/
Letter transcription:
1/26/43
Dear Mother,
Just finished a letter to Uncle W. thanking him for the atlas. I didn’t give you a very good accounting of all the things you sent. We did get rid of some sardines last night. I used some of the misquito cream before the show and we have the calendar up on the wall in plain view of all. I don’t know if you knew it or not but one of those papers had an article in it about the mail to the boys outside of U.S.A. Hope more articles like that are written and results are obtained, because it is now 7 days since any new mail has arrived and that makes things sorta draggy as far as the mail is concerned (I mean new). Got the package of course and some Christmas greetings
[page 2] mailed way back in Dec. The Christmas season has sure lasted long this year as far as the greetings are concerned some of those earlier ones came about 2 wks before and the last one came 2 days ago from Dolores. I still have hopes of getting another or two – don’t know who from but just expecting I guess.
We have had rain most of the day after a deluge last night or rather 5 AM this morning. It really sounded like it was coming right thru the tent top, but it didn’t.
John and Mark, circa 1942
I always keep forgetting when I write to John or Mark. Are they still keeping the scrap book? And if not why not? And I still think it would be a good idea – Maybe one item each week or
[page 3] one per month. I think each should do that. Particularly of things that happen in the South West Pacific. Those things might be interesting to talk about when I get home. That’s just a suggestion and if I thought it a good one made it I would say it was a good one but I really don’t want to brag – modest. I remember John was saving some before I left.
The films you sent weren’t exactly for the camera. There were 16 exposures and the camera only shows eight – So one my first roll every other spot was vacant. There isn’t any hole in the camera to show the extra ones. Don’t know if I’ll be able to figure how to use them all. The pictures were pretty good but small. There weren’t any pictures just the developed films. I tried to develop a few but didn’t do so hot. Will try again soon. In time I’ll get some to send home – If not I’ll send the films. If you are allowed to send packages – you might send 2-3 rolls. We have to be a little careful where we take pictures and when but there are times when good pictures would be of great value.
Silvester Schiele, 1939
Portrait given to his nephew Roscoe S. Yegerlehner
Later. Mail
Got 5 letters from you – postmarked – one Dec. 21, two on Dec. 28, one Jan 7 and one Jan 8. Mark’s Christmas greeting came. Mrs. Plummers greeting and letter. Geo Tilton’s letter and calendar another letter from Uncle Wess and a letter from Dave Burns. His letter (Daves) was the oldest – Dec. 10 (4). Mark’s greeting was Dec. 10 Mrs. Plummers was Dec. 20 and Geo Tiltons Dec 4 (10). Notice the correction. Anyway things looked
[page 5] up. In your last letter you said your sinus was better and Dr. A. thought it looked better – sure hope you are both correct.
I’ll answer just a question or two of your letter today and read them over more carefully before the next – First I can’t offer anything on the piano – Have John talk to Miss Smith – She could give more advice than I. If you can see your way clear financially and she thinks it better than the old one it is perfectly OK with me. What will you do with the old one. Make them take it away for I don’t want to have to push it around the garage when cleaning time comes.
Well, I must write other letters and will re-read your before tomorrow’s letter. When you get my letters just mention the dates written no particular reason just curious. D’s picture was pretty good –
Lots of Love
Daddy
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeny
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/22/more-christmas…eetings-roscoe/
Today is this blog’s first anniversary. I can hardly believe that a year has passed since I first started writing. Over this last year, I have transcribed and posted over 350 letters that my grandparents wrote during 1942 and 1943. My oldest child finished elementary school. I traveled to New England for the first time this century. I saw two amazing Broadway shows. I entered the world of DNA testing (which is fascinating and frustrating all at once!) I finished Boston University’s Genealogical Research Certificate program and started ProGen. I completed my first paid work as a genealogist. The blog has over 300 followers and has received over 18,000 views in the last 365 days. Readers from all over the world have discovered my grandparents’ story. I think they would be amazed and humbled that anyone would be interested in their experiences. Most of all I would like to thank everyone who has stopped by, and especially those of you that continue to stop by – day after day. Thank you! It has been an amazing year.
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/22/happy-first-anniversary/
Image via Ancestry
I stumbled across a record today, a new record on Ancestry. It is actually a very old one even though it is new to me. I never even suspected that this record existed because Benjamin C. Foster was born in 1797. In my mind, he was a little too young to have served in the War of 1812. In case you haven’t been following the genealogy news this last year, Fold3, Ancestry and the National Archives have been working on a project to digitize the War of 1812 pension records. The plan is to make the records available to everyone….for FREE. The project is only 12% complete at this point. So while I found this index card today (which has made me extremely excited), I have to wait because the actual pension file has not been digitized yet. Patience is a virtue, right?
Letter transcription:
MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
1-26-43
Dear Daddy – Clear and cold today. This must be one of those old fashion winters people talk about. Mr. Monroe is here this morning checking the furnace oiled and aired. He says everything is fine. I am on a club committee this afternoon. I would rather stay in since it is so cold but maybe it will do me more good to get away from home for a little while. I will wear my new coat and keep warm. I haven’t gone much this winter and need to get away from the house now & then. Arleen went to Laf. on the bus Sat. and when she told me I told her to let me know next time and I would take her so we may go one day this week. I don’t mind driving now because the traffic is slowed down and not much of it. There are hugh [huge] signs all along that say “Government orders drive only 35 per.” The ones I have noticed that do not keep to that are mostly out of state license. I hear David grunting and it is time for his bath – and pablum – the latter he doesn’t care much for but “mama” pokes it down him just the same. He does better than at first, however if he doesn’t get it he is hungry so has to have it. No letter today but had 3 yesterday (Jan 13-14-15). The J.A.M.A. is still coming – will talk to Dr. M. about your Co. dues. Dr M. sent you a box of goodies.
Love Mother
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/21/one-of-those-o…winters-gladys/
Letter transcription:
1/25/43
Dear Mother,
We are sweltering again this P.M. but there is a pretty good breeze so we aren’t suffering too much. As I’m writing this I’m sipping on a warm bottle of beer. That seems to hit the spot much better than warm chlorinated water. And even better than warm coke – we have all three. Our beer was all gone for a few days but we were able to beg a little working around. Got a case of 48 bottles for 10¢ per bottle. We have it stored and when a bottle is taken out a dime is put in the fund goes on for another case. Don’t worry we aren’t drunks because 2 or 3 bottles is about the days limit and that is generally in 10-12
[page 2] hours. Just for thirst and not affect. Maybe the beer has caused the extra weight I spoke about and not the food. Anyway that can be cut off when I come home.
Image via Wikipedia
The show last night was “Arise My Love” pretty good but another war picture – What we need is more funny – slap stick – Donald Duck or Pop Eye. Or some of those actresses in person – What for? The what for was the last item, but don’t worry on that score either because other than whiskers we are a bunch of hermits – no money either along with the whiskers.
Really it’s hard to write anymore as you can tell from what I’ve written above but maybe some of these days more mail will come and then
[page 3] there will be something to answer and write about.
I’m sending in another letter about the uniform money so if you get it be sure to write me in several of your letters. I’d like to get that and your transportation to and from Norfolk, but those things seem to be very slow. That would make a pretty good size pile and if you see fit pay off the loan on the John Hancock policy and save 6%. I’ll try again later.
We had sardines and crackers tonight with beer. What does that mean? Your box came today. The one with the chewing gum and sardines – we had some crackers left so we are still saving the crackers you sent for a later party. Boy were those sardines good. I can see where 5 boxes won’t last very long.
[page 4] a small atlas came from Uncle W. today. It’s pretty good – has maps large enough to see something.
I printed a few pictures but just got the knack of the thing so will print more in a few days. These are very small but if good they can be enlarged. I’ll print more when I’m in the mood. Seems as if I’m temperamental anymore but I’ll get over that in time I hope.
Well I do hope some late mail will come tomorrow.
Love Daddy
Lt (jg) Yegerlehner MC USNR
Receiving Station
U.S. NAVAL Advanced Base
Noumea, New Caledonia
% Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif.
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/20/sipping-on-warm-beer-roscoe/
Letter transcription:
MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
1-25-43
Dear Daddy- I am sending a regular letter today so you might note which get there first. After the balm of yesterday the weather today is like a slap in the face. There is a little snow but not enough to cover the ground and is it cold – Wouldn’t mind mixing some of your warm weather with this. But surely we will have a good spring then we can forget all about this wintry winter. Mark has just come in for lunch. John hasn’t arrived yet. David is asleep – after he takes his 10 a.m. feeding he sleeps a lot until 2 P.M. He is feeling very lively today – has been kicking a lot and laughing. If your uniform money comes I will pay off the ins loan on your pol. I will anyway if I have enough after paying taxes etc. I am going to give Agnes figures this week then after she figures will let you know the “answer.” Our expenses aren’t elaborate but groceries are high and I think the boys should have good food. So far have bought 100⁰⁰ coal and as the weather is going will have to get more. I think I’ll get Mark a coat for next winter because the material is better now than it will be. He has been wearing a short coat but will get a ‘finger-tip’ next. He is waiting to mail this –
Love Mother
I do not specifically know why at this particular time Emma or Gladys needed this affidavit. It survived, and was found amongst all the papers and letters. Since it was dated 25 January 1943, the same day as this letter, I felt it added to the narrative.
Transcription of Birth affidavit:
1/25/43
This is to certify Gladys Ruth Foster Yegerlehner was born Nov. 1st 1905 in Terre Haute Vigo County Indiana and that I was then and there present.
Emma H. Foster [her signature]
This is to certify that Emma H. Foster appeared before me Jan. 22th 1943 and acknowledged the execution of the forgoing instrument. Personally.
Geo Wᵐ Wolf notary
My commission Expires
2/7/46
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/19/groceries-are-high-gladys/
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