Tag Archives: Connersville

Random Record – State of Indiana vs. Henry Myers

Fayette Circuit Court, Complete Civil Order Book vol. A: 281 (Image courtesy of FamilySearch.org)

Fayette County (Indiana)
Circuit Court, Complete Civil Order Book vol. A: 281-282

State of Indiana }
vs. }
Henry Myers } On an Indictment for Larceny

Be it remembered that at the term of said
Court begun and held at Connersville in and for the said County of Fayette before the
Honorable the Judges aforesaid in Monday the nineteenth day of March A.D. 1821
By the oath of Stanhope Royster, foreman, David Melton, James Groendyke, Robert
M^cCormick, Ephraim Myers, Noah Pumphrey, John Melton, Joseph Justice, John
Hughes, Alanthn Curtis, Joshua Heizer, Moses Lockhart, Samuel Harlan and Wil-
liam Legg good and discreet householders of said County of Fayette It was presented
as follows to wit “State of Indiana Fayette Circuit Court in and for the County of
Fayette in the said State of Indiana of the term of March in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and twenty one Fayette Circuit Fayette County SS.
The Grand Jurors for the said State of Indiana impannelled and sworn in the name of and
by and under the authority of the said State of Indiana in the said Fayette Circuit Court
and in and for the Bod of the said county of Fayette upon their oath presen that Henry
Myers late of said County of Fayette wheelwright on the twenty seventh day of
December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty with force
and arms at the County of Fayette aforesaid and within the jurisdiction of the said
Fayette Circuit Court three pair of cotton stockings of the value of three dollars
and seventy five cents of the personal goods of Jonathan Keny and John Tucker
and one silk shawl of the value of six dollars of the personal goods of the said
Jonathan Keny and John Tucker then and there being found feloniously did
take steal and carry away contrary to the form of the statute in such case made
and provided and against the peace and dignity of the said State of Indiana.
And whereas afterwards to wit at the Term of our said Court and on Tuesday
the second day of said term came as William W. Wick Esquire Attorney prose
-cuting the pleas of the State of Indiana and the said Henry Myers in his own
proper person who being arraigned upon the Indictment aforesaid and the same
being read to him and being demanded of him how he will acquit himself
for plea thereto he saith he is not guilty in manner and form as he stands charged

Fayette County Circuit Court, Complete Civil Order Book vol. A: 282 (Image courtesy of FamilySearch.org)

[page 282]

therein and for trial thereof, he puts himself upon the County and the said prosecutor each so [?]
and thereupon the Sheriff, as he is commanded, brought into Court the following panel of good and
discreet householders of his Bailwick, to wit “Joshua Jones, Elnathan Cory, Jonathan Coleman
James Brownlee, James Dale, Jonathan John, Philip Louderback, Asa Harper, Basil Roberts
Enos Harlan, William Vardeman nd Robert Knowlton who being elected tried and sworn
the truth to speak upon office joined afs’d upon their oath afsd do say and said the following
verdict to wit “We the Jury so find the defendant guilty as he stands charged in the within
Indictment, that the property stolen and spedified in the within Indictment has not been
restored, that the property stolen as specified in the within Indictment is of the value of nine
dollars and seventy five cents. We do further find that the within named Indictment defendant
make his fine to the State of Indiana in the sum of nine dollars and seventy five centers and that
he receive one stripe and that he pay the costs of prosecution” And thereupon the said defendant
by his counsel moved the Court for a new trial in the above cause for reasons then and there filed
to wit “1^st That the verdict is contrary to law, 2^dThat the verdict is contrary to evidence”
which reasons being seen by the Court and due deliberation thereon had. It is therefore considered
by the Court that Henry Myers the defendant aforesaid for the offence afs’d by him as afs’d
committed so make his fine to the State of Indiana in the sum of nine dollars and seventy
five cents and that he receive on his bare back one stripe and that he pay the costs of
prosecution and the said defendant is recommitted to the custody of the Sheriff
the Court recommend the said defendant to the mercy of the Governor of this State for a
full and general pardon.

© 2017 transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/31/random-record-state-of-indiana-vs-henry-myers/

Random Record – State of Indiana vs. William Scott

1 Reply

Fayette Circuit Court, Complete Civil Order vol. A: 58 (Image courtesy of FamilySearch.org)

Fayette County (Indiana)
Circuit Court Complete Civil Order Book A: 58-59
Spring Term March 1820

State of Indiana }
Vs. }
William Scott } On an Indictment for an Assault & Battery on the body of Silas Thomas alias M^cName

Be is remembered that heretofore to wit, at the term of the Fayette circuit
court began and held at Connersville in and for the county of Fayette be
-fore the Hon. John Watts Esq. circuit and presiding Judge and the Hon.
Edward Webb and Train Caldwell Esq^s Associate Judges of said court
on Monday the sixth day of September A.D. 1819 by the oaths of
John Bradburn foreman, Jonathan Bishop, Daniel Heaton, Moses
Prewitt, William Gossett, Forest Webb, Lewis Noble, John Grewell, James
Haughan, Timothy Orr, William Harreld, Thomas Green, Gabriel Ginn
Charles Royster, Jacob Rees, Jesse Webb, Thomas Simpson and Silas

Fayette Circuit Court, Complete Order Book vol. A: 59 (Image courtesy of FamilySearch.org)

[page 59]

Pumphrey Sworn as grand jurors and charged to inquire in and for the
county aforesaid and in behalf of the State of Indiana. It was presented
as follows to wit: State of Indiana, Fayette Circuit Court, in and for the
county of Fayette aforesaid, of the term of September in the year of our Lord, one
thousand eight hundred and nineteen, Fayette County, Fayette Circuit S.S.
the Grand Jurors for the said State of Indiana impannelled and Sworn in
the name of and by and under the authority of the said State of Indiana, in
the said Fayette Circuit Court, and in and for the boy of the same county
of Fayette, upon their oath present that William Scott late of the county of
Fayette aforesaid, laborer, on the fifteen the day of April in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and nineteen at the county of Fayette aforesaid,
and within the jurisdiction of this Circuit Court aforesaid, with force and
arms in and upon one Silas Thomas alias M^cName, an Indian, in the peace
of the said State of Indiana, then and there being, did make an assault and
him the said Silas Thomas alias M^cName did then and there beat, wound
and evil treat and other wrongs to him the said Silas Thomas, alias M^cName
then and there did contrary to the form of the Statute in such case made and
provided and against the peace and dignity of the said State of Indiana.
and whereas afterwards to wit, at the term of said Court, began & held
at Connersville in and for the county of Fayette, before the Hon. Miles
C. Eggleston Esq. Circuit and presiding Judge in the said third circuit and
the Hon. the Associate Judges af’d, on Monday the 20^th day of March
1820 then came as well William W. Wick Attorney prosecuting the pleas
of the State of Indiana in this behalf, as the defendant aforesaid, Wil-
liam Scott who now moved the Court to quash the indictment afore
said for reasons then and there orally shown: which reasons being
heard by the Court, and due deliberation thereon had. It seems to
the court now here, that the said Indictment is insufficient to main-
tain the action af’d and that it be therefore quashed. It is therefore
considered by the Court, that William Scott the defendant af’d as
to the indictment af’d, do stand thereof discharged and do go there of
hence without day.

©2017 transcription by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/29/random-record-state-of-indiana-vs-william-scott/

Fayette Friday – Eudora R. Scofield, January 9, 1883

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Bloomington Ill. Jan 9^th 1883.
Miss Lena Scofield
Connersville Ind.

Dear Aunt Lena:

Perhaps you think less of me for not being more prompt in Answering. O! it so hard for me to write any more. I would be pleased to get letter from you every week and I do hope we will commence [?] to do. I write as often to you as any body. I am so home sick all time that I can hardly live. You can see great many changes there I suppose. I wish I could get a look once more of “home,” You

[page 2] ought to see us. I am going to be the smallest. LeRoy & James are so large and Minnie would scare you. She is every way larger than I am. Floy is just as nice & sweet as ever. Little Taddie is waring [wearing] pants and to keep his feet dry—we were forced to buy him rubber boots. “He will coast with neighbor boys,” he is out half time this bitter cold weather, when he is in doors every thing takes tumble—after he leaves house looks like whirl wind had pass through. Then he is quick smart (can sware little) [to much]. He does now not much, but for awhile Ma could not do anything with him, she would call him home and talk to him—he would listen while she talked, then after she thought he would be alright

[page 3] he would look at her and laugh—say same thing over, before he got off porch. O we did have time with him for awhile. He is a pretty child. The boys spoils him. Orthar is growing—He is little [?]fied yet. His dimples stays with him. How did you enjoy Christmas? And you remember the New Years surprise at our house. Now I often think of the beautiful times we have had together. I heard Aunt Ella had baby is it so—If boy name it Frankie—ask [?] Ross why I like the name. Or Wilbur I went with a splendid young man by name “Wilbur May” last winter. I rece’d for Christmas gifts—a silk handkerchief from Mr. S. A book—“Byron’s peoms”—from Mr. K A Christmas card—from Mr. T Also card from one [?] scholars. I have class

[page 4] in Christian school numbering twelve boys. At Mission in after=noon I has six girls. So you see Sunday is laboring day for me also. I clerked at [?] store during Hollidays, and bought me new dress which I finished last Saterday week ago. [casmire skirt and plush basque] Do you ever see R.N.S.? I wish he would write: tell where he is. He got mad. I think over a yellow envelope but he sent me one—[Perhaps through a mistake] but I sent him home back. Never heard of him since. Does J.K. drink yet? Who did Charles Robinson marry? I wish you was near I would divide my New Year’s candy with you. I am making me silk quilt send me piece of your silk dresses the pattern is log cabin (in strips) you know.

[to page 1] I do not know much to tell that would interest you. We are all well. The protracted meeting begin here next week. This week is week of prayer here—This after=noon the meeting was at our church—The people will meet in different churches this week. I went this after=noon. Have some place to go every evening if I could have time to go. LeRoy and Minnie takes music [instrumental] lessons of Miss Wolcott. I could if I would

[top of page 4] but I will not for two Scofield is enough in one family. James goes to night school. Minnie and Floy goes to day school. I did start to study latin but my teacher, had company from Ind and so I would not intrude so I have let it go by. I close with love to you and all inquiring friends.

[top of page 3] Do you ever see Jessie Pennington? She owes me letter tell her. Do you ever see Eva Barnard who does she go with?

[top of page 2] From your Neice,

Eudora R. Scofield

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/27/fayette-friday-eudora-r-scofield-january-9-1883/

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, December 21, 1882

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Muncie Ind. Dec 21/82

Dear Sister

You will no doubt wonder why I have not written but had the opportunity to look in on me some day you would soon divine the reason. I have been so busy that I have not spent an hour with Minnie since I left home, or in other words since I came here. Ettie was there one eve. last week but as I went to prayer meeting I did not spend much time there.

Ettie staid alone last Sund−. Jeff came up in the afternoon he went through the whole house, said “You keep things

[page 2] pretty clean.” We have both been well ever since I’ve left home. We have our house fixed about—as we expect to have it—for some time.

I got a bookcase but will need another some time, for it will not hold all my books now. Our house is as nice inside as could be desired, but the yard is mudy enough.

I am to preach here 2 Sund− in each mo.− this year $[?]25. At Hillsboro once per mo. and the other Sunday at Bethel or Tabon, I don’t know which yet.−

I expected to come home last Monday but could not. I will be down Monday week.

There is one thing I wish to speak of i.e. we have no cistern here and I want get that big barrel

[page 3] for rain watter. I will name several things I want to get. Sugar Box, Thermometer, sealing wax ladel, starch can, those two parlor chairs, Father’s picture, old pair low shoes, lard can & C&C.

It about mail time can’t write much more at present− How are you along? When will you leave home? When will Uncle be home? How is Ella?[1] How do the people like Bro W.− Where will Bro. Wiles preach next year?

Write soon, love to all, Ettie sends love, When will you be able to visit us?

Your Brother
Eugene

In haste.

[1] Likely a reference to their sister Ella, who just gave birth to her third child December 5, 1882.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/20/fayette-friday-eugene-b-scofield-december-21-1882/

Fayette Friday – Eudora Scofield, July 14, 1882

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Bloomington, Ill. 7/14/82
Miss Lena Scofield
Connersville Ind.

Dear Aunt:

This evening while I have few leisure moments to write I will try to answer your letter, I want you to write oftener for you can tell me more than any other person there. “James” rece’d a letter from Chas. Gilchrist this week – They moving off the Hill makes another great change there. Is Fannie & Conn living in the country yet? I suppose her baby is quite a large boy now.

[page 2] We live in a very pretty place. The porch extend along the front of the house and is high. I am even sitting on tip stelps. The front faces the east. The family are all well and all at the table but me. Minnie is calling me to supper, so I must go. I have eat my supper and made a call and entertained three callers who have just left.—They are now old acquaintances—have known them since the first time I cane in City. Last night—my fellow came, he will leave the city tomorrow—how lonesome I will be—You ought to try to come to see me soon. I think now that I cannot come to see you all very soon. “I would if I could.”

[page 3] I’ve have had little Tad picture taken and is just like him. Thaddie is smart—he does not act like a baby three years old—more like a boy twelve. He always his hat on back part his head and he came in the other day in that way—said to Ma [Can I have the can?] Ma said not a word, then he said, [I’ll bring it back!] [I won’t brake it, when I get done with it I’ll bring it back.] He looked so straight at Ma, his eyes were sparkling. We think him a great boy. He must always walks so important. He had to sit three times to get his picture, for when we asked him to look, he would raise on his tip toes. When ever he

[page 4] does anything he ought not too he goes to Ma [says] Ma I want to kiss you. She of course must give up—and laughs. Minnie has grown so much and Floy is taller not so fleshy. James is very tall I can stand under his arm. And Lee is as tall but very heavy large. I feel so small beside them. This is yesterday after-noon I will finish my letter—I got sleepy last night before I could wri finish. I wish you was here to go up town with me. I am so home sick. The teachers institute is going on now. Why can’t you come soon, if you don’t I will die. Sure, it will not cost much and not take

[page 5] long to come. Start here at half past Seven and get to Indianapolis at half past Eleven in night—get to rest there one hour before you could start for B. Then arrive here at half past five in morning. I would meet you at Depo—which is only two blocks from where we live. You I know would enjoy the visit we live in a very pleasant place—we have five rooms & kitchen—I am now in “parlor.” I wish I had your picture please send me one. I am going to get mine taken next week. I had mine taken with a friend here but mine is not good so I will not send you one of them. All the boys are working—and Pa. Lee

[page 6] is is commission business for himself. “James” is clerking in Notion & Millinary store, but [?] like any thing at “home” on larger scale. James gets four & half a week. Lee makes sometimes five dollars a day and Pa make four dollars a day and Arthur he has been living in country but came home the “fourth” to day this summer, he is selling paper & now until he can get business to work which pays more. I am going to clerk in fall or soon as I can get a place—All girls work here the Vanbuskirk girls clerk when they can—but now it is dullest time. The girls here which are highly respected and go in best society clerk—clothe themselves and do safe some besides. I live to clerk. Hope

[top of page five] you will write me a letter soon. I want you to give my love to all Pa’s folks and keep a share for yourself. I have not heard from my friends only as you tell me. I would like to see [?]

Yours lovingly
Eudora R. Scofield

[top of page one] I sent two of Thad’s pictures one for Aunt Minnie

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/13/fayette-friday-eudora-scofield-july-14-1882/

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, May 29, 1882

1 Reply

[Editor’s Note: I searched the Connersville Times, published May 31, 1882, and nothing appears to have been published about Eugene. So it looks like he might have been saved from Uncle seeing whatever it was…]

Letter transcription:

Oakville May 29-82

Dear Sister

I drop these lines for the purpose of telling you that—I am well, and also that you may do me a favor viz—There will be a clipping in the Con’ers’lle papers from “Summit—“ that I would rather Uncle would not see—so if you get the Times before he reads it please do not show it to him. I would rather have the pleasure of telling him myself in a year or so. It may not be in C— papers but as it is in the N—Castle paper the C—papers are

[page 2] likely to clip.
A letter will reach me at New Castle on Friday. Will be home Monday.
Your Brother
(in haste) Eugene

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/10/06/fayette-friday-eugene-b-scofield-may-29-1882/

Random Records – Circuit Court Case from 1837

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Fayette County (Indiana) Courthouse, 1920 (Image courtesy of the Indiana Historical Society)

I love court records! They provide so much more information than the standard birth, marriage, death, and census records that many budding genealogists cling to. Typically these records are not found online (yet!). I access court records at my local Family History Search Center. And if one happens to live close to a local court house, even better!

How do you know if your ancestor was a nice guy? Census and vital records will not reveal our ancestors’ personalities. On a side note, I also love newspapers. Why? Because you can learn the dirt, the gossip, and the minutia of our ancestors’ lives. But today I want to talk court records. While I research several groups of ancestors for my BCG portfolio, I come across all sorts of engaging court cases. This week I stumbled upon a rape indictment from 1837. The plaintiff was a spinster, Mary Ann Veatch, and the defendant was John Caldwell, laborer, late of Fayette County. As far as I know, I am not related to either. However, what caught my eye was the name of one of the jurors, Jacob Troxell—my ancestor. (Someday I really do hope to finish the book I am writing on him and his descendants.)

So far, I have not found any conclusive records about who Mary Ann Veatch or John Caldwell were beyond this trial. Both of their surnames belonged to families who had settled in Fayette County, Indiana, in the early part of the 1800s. What do you think really happened?

Fayette County Complete Circuit Court Record, vol. E: 300-301 (Image courtesy of FamilySearch)

Transcription:

Fayette County (Indiana) Complete Circuit Court Record Book E: 300-301
September Term A.D. 1837—

State of Indiana }
vs. }
John Caldwell } On an Indictment for a Rape—

Be it remembered that at a Term of the Fayette Circuit Court begun and held at the court house in Connersville in the County of Fayette and State of Indiana on the fourth Monday and twenty fifth day of September in the Year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and thirty seven before the Honorable Samuel Bigger President Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit of the State of Indiana and Edward Webb and Stanhope Royston Associate Judges of said of said [sic] Court within and for said County of Fayette, upon the Oath of Joshua McIntosh foreman, John B. Tate, Nathaniel Hamilton, Aaron Perrin, John Louder, William Alger, David H. Munson, John Lester, Samuel Shortridge, Jeremiah Conwell, Hugh Reed, Zenas Powell Sen^r Levi Trowbridge Hugh Dickey Jun^r & Elias B. Stone, good and lawful men of the said County of Fayette who being empanneled and sworn as Grand Jurors at the term aforesaid to inquire within and for the body of the said County of Fayette, it is presented, “That John Caldwell late of said County, Laborer, on the ninth day of May in the Year of Our Lord one thousand Eighteen hundred and thirty seven, with force and arms at the County aforesaid and within the jurisdiction of said Court in and upon one Mary Ann Veatch spinster in the [?] of said State, then and there being unlawfully, forcibly, violently and feloniously did make an assault, and her the said Mary Ann Veatch, there and then unlawfully, forcibly, violently and against her will feloniously did ravish and carnally know, contrary to the form of the Statue in such cases made and provide and against the peace and dignity of the said State of Indiana S. W. Parker Prosecuting Atty., And Afterwards to wit at a Term of the Fayette Circuit Court began and held at the Court house in Connersville in the county of Fayette and State of Indiana on the fourth Monday and twenty fifth day of September in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven before the Honorable Samuel Bigger President of the sixth judicial Circuit of the said State of Indiana, and Edward Webb and Stanhope Esqr^s Associate Judges of said Court, within and for the said County of Fayette and now here comes Moses Lyons one of the recognizance Bail of said John Caldwell comes and surrenders into Court the body of the said John Caldwell in discharge of his said recognizance and is there upon comes the said John Caldwell and Benjamin H. Hanson, Stephen Gordon, James Bolton, Elisha Vance and Samuel K. Ross, and acknowledge themselves to have indebted to the State of Indiana as follows to wit, the said John Caldwell in the Sum of two hundred dollars, and the said Hanson, Golden, Bolton, Vance and Ross in the like sum of two hundred dollars, to be levied on their Goods and chattels lands and tenements respectively if default be made in the following conditions which conditions are that the said Caldwell shall appear before the Judges of this Court from day to day during the present term, and answer the State of Indiana upon the above charge and not depart without leave—HC

And afterwards, to wit, at the Term aforesaid of the Court aforesaid began and held as aforesaid before the Honorable the judges aforesaid and continued from day to day before the said Judges until Tuesday the eighth juridical day of said Term, Samuel W. Park Esqr – Attorney prosecuting the pleas of the State of Indiana in this

[page 301] behalf now comes, and the said Defendant in his own proper person and by Vance and Test his Attorneys come also, and being arranged upon the Indictment aforesaid and it being forth with demanded of him how he will acquit himself of the charge in said indictment specified for plea thereto says he is not Guilty as he stand Indicted and for trial thereof he puts himself on the County, and the said prosecutor doth so likewise and thereupon comes a Jury to wit, Stephen Moore, Jacob Troxell, Denis Springer, Nathan Robinson Thomas Reed, George Stanley, Joel Williams, Thomas J. Davis, Dany Tyner – James P. Hamilton, Hiram Messersmith, and Abraham Conwell Twelve good and and [sic] lawful men of the County of Fayette who being Elected tried and sworn the truth to speak in the premises, after hearing the evidence as well in behalf of the said defendant as on the State, the arguments of counsel and a charge from the Court retire to their room to deliberate attended by a sworn Officer of this Court, and day is given H.

And afterward, to wit: On Wednesday the ninth judicial day of said term the said Samuel W. Parker, Esqr Prosecuting Attorney now comes and the said defendant in person and by her Attorneys come also and thereupon the jury empanelled in this behalf on yesterday now returns into Court the following verdict in this behalf, to wit: “We the Jury find the defendant not Guilty” It is therefore considered by the Court that the said defendant, as to the Indictment aforesaid do go hence acquit without and discharged without day. HC—

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/30/random-records-circuit-court-case-from-1837/

Fayette Friday – Rev. Eugene B. Scofield, 22 February 1884

2 Replies

[Editor’s Note: While researching the details of this letter, I realized that Eugene put the wrong year on his letter. Records show that Milton Highlands died in 1884, and Jim Harvey and Lulu Ice married that same year. It makes you wonder what Eugene was thinking when he dated his letter 1882!]

Letter transcription:

Muncie Ind. Feb. 22/82 [sic 1884]

Dear Sister Lena;

Your kind letter was received some time ago, but you must pardon my delay as I have been rushed for the last few weeks. We are well. We took dinner at Lin’s yesterday. Bal has been here two week-is spending a few days at Lin’s.-She had a bad head-ache yesterday. She will stay several days longer.

There is not much going on for me to impart in way of news.

Last Sunday I officiated at a funeral under the most trying circumstances. The proprietor of the Gas Works here-S.M. Highlands went into partnership with his brother Milton, of Mechanicstown, Ohio, to purchase the Marion (Ind)

[page 2] Gas Works. Milton left his home in Dec. for Marion, and was there when, on Jan. 3 his house (in Ohio) burned down burning two of his children to ashes, and burning another a young girl of about 18 so bad that she is still in care of the Doctor. In the latter part of Jan., he came here to his brothers with his wife and two children (the other 8 years old who has been having the measles ever since they came). He was compelled to look after the works at Marion, and would come home frequently to see his sick; In so doing he contracted a cold it settled into lung fever from which he died last Thursday night 8 p.m. He and his wife were both members of the Church – they had been to church Sunday 2 weeks before last – she sent for me the evening he died just after I returned from prayer meeting

[page 3 ] I went around but it was difficult to render any comfort. A large number attended the funeral.

I am sorry to learn that you still have to take medicine trust you will not have to do so long.

I would like much to see Frank and the baby as well as all the rest –

Yes I knew the – – one you inquired about, he seems to be rather on the bachelor list, first rate fellow I guess.

I saw Ed. Luther in Indianapolis a month ago. He looks well, wears spectacles, don’t look much older than he did 8 years ago. He lives at Anderson.

A few weeks ago I borrowed a two horse rig of Bro. Quick, and Ellie, Grace Wilson & I went to Summit on on the snow, Staid over night, came home next day.

[page 4] Ettie gave me a pair of slippers for Chris[t]mas present that and a pair of cuff buttons from the Sunday School was all I got. I gave her a nice album, a little scrap-book and her mother gave her a nice toilet set. She gave her Pa, a cup & saucer, and her Ma a tile to set a coffee pot on.

The above is our Christmas.

We took dinner at Adamsons; May and Lee were here and they went too. Lou Ice and Jim Harvey will be married Mar. 5 Joe Clawson and Lavara Harvey were married a couple of weeks ago. They had a dance on that occasion.

I would like to come down but don’t know when I will.

Write oftener. Tell Ella she owes me a letter.

Love to All – hastily

Your Brother E. B. Scofield

Fayette Friday – Eudora Scofield, February 4, 1882

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Bloomington Ill. Feb 4^th/82
Miss Lena Scofield
“On the Hill, Ind.”

Dear Aunt: This is Saturday eve. “Wont it seem quear,” to write on this day of the week. If I was there it would be so different: from this but I generally go to the “Wesleyan” on Friday eve. and on Saterday after noon I spend my time in library so in evening I half [have] to study my S. School lessons. Then we live twelve blocks from “Court house,” which being so far. It is not safe for young lady to go out alone. I have given

[page 2] up all hopes of ever getting to live back there. You must come out the first chance “you get” to see me. John ever told you I had a fellow—is mistaken—“I think.” I will confess thought that I do think very much of a friend here. “He is a daisy.” But when I get a fellow I will let you know. I go once in a while with young men to church and concerts. And when I go to socials I think very much of some one in Ind. “You can guess.” I was so glad to hear from you and your letters are liked better [by me] than any letters I get from Connersville for you tell me about persons I like there. Tell Ella Enyart Thomas I would eat her

[page 3] baby up if I only could be near enough. I always liked Ella and will remember her as often as I get a chance. You ought not to let C.L. win some body else heart. I know that house is large enough for you & him. “Well some girls are hard to please.” Did you ever speak a good word to D.L. for me. I want you too. (Oblige me) (Just once) When do you ever see R.H.S.? Next time you speak to him please tell him my address is “808 South Lee St. Bloomington Ill” Also I send best wishes and regards. O if you was here how we could talk. I don’t much anymore. You would not know if you was where I could be in view—or hearing

[page 4] distance. Well by site you would but by my voice. I cannot be gay here although I have acquaintances that are very nice and sociable girls. I left there when just in my brightest years or the beginning of my brightest years—and before in full glance they were blasted. So now I feel very much like I would like to live back there but no one here knows it so it is and will be I suppose. I don’t like to write since came here, for I would rather talk with you sometimes I try to write and get to feeling so bad I cannot finish my letter so this is the way letters are left.

[page 5] unanswered. Hope to hear from you as often as you can find time to write. What did you get for a Christmas present? I did not get anything only what I made. O yes Minnie made me a collar and during Hollidays I clerked at the Liberty mine de. store [?]. Then made myself a new black cashmere dress for New Years present—it is the first new dress I have had since come to B. except one gingham dress. Ma went out riding last Thursday and seen more than she has since came here. She went out west—the city where she had a view of the Fair grounds and passed car shops

[page 6] The Western “Depo”—Nearby is one [of] the largest flour mills & miller “there” I am interest by. He is twenty four. How do you think you would like a miller? Ma then rode north—went pass the “Stand pipe” and took a view of “Normal City.” She then drove south to the “grave yard” drove through it. She said it was a beautiful place, laid in a natural forest, and the most magnificent monuments stood there. It is some place I have never been yet. Last summer we had so much sickness that we did not get out any place. When you come to see us we will go up to the stand pipe and over to “Normal,” could go for three weeks and not see all. I hope ou will come out to see us soon. I am

[top page 5] waiting patiently. Give my love to all persons who inquire of me and the best love I send to you. “Answer soon”

Your Niece
Eudora Scofield

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield #1

6 Replies

[Editor’s note: Rev. Eugene B. Scofield was a minister of the Christian Church, a faction of the Baptist Church which split off in the first quarter of the nineteen century. Eugene was Lena’s youngest brother. After the death of their father, Sherman Scofield, in 1877, the children’s uncle Silvester Scofield kept an eye on them. In 1881, Eugene was 23 and just beginning his career. He became a prominent figure in the church as he grew older. Many of the letters in this collection were written by Eugene and they catalogue his days as a circuit preacher.]

Letter transcription:

New Washington
June 1^st 1881

Lena; Dear Sis. I am well. I Preached last Sunday at Utica, am now looking around to see what can be seen. There are within 10 miles of this place seven churches without preachers and are all well to do old churches.

I will preach at one of these on next Sunday.

Will be home the first of next week.

Tell Uncle that I could make ten dollors by staying down here this week and that. If if I am well (will be home) the first of next week.

Your Bro,
E.B. Scofield