Tag Archives: Emma (Lawhead) Foster

Army vs. Navy (Gladys)

: November 27, 1943 envelope

: November 27, 1943, p. 1

: November 27, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Nov. 27 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Nov. 19 came today – making almost as good time as at your last station. Just hope mine gets thru as quickly to you. Sat. P.M. & the football game tuned in and John listening. It’s Army & Navy playing today. Mark is building a model plane for Bobby. Bobby stays in a while then says he must go out & play with his kidlets meaning Jimmy & Martha. David is asleep. Mark took him out for an airing and a little sunshine after lunch but it was so cold I brought him back in after about 15 minutes. I hung a few things on the line and they froze so brought the colored things back in and John hung them in the basement. With my throat & sinus being so sensitive this year I figured it wasn’t worth hanging clothes out and take the chance of making my throat sore. We went to Laf. yesterday and took Mark to see Dr. Cole. He gave me a prescription for Sulfamerazine and I brought it here to be filled. The drug stores here haven’t merazine so had to call Laf. to get it. Mark just has a slight head cold but those things can grow into something worse and I know Sulfas nip those cold bugs but I don’t like to give sulfa without Doctor’s instruction. I kept Mark home all week from school due to signs of nervousness. He, I think, has been playing too hard since school started and I hadn’t been making him go to bed early – however there is a new ruling for Mark – he goes to bed at 8:30. I think with plenty of rest and not so much strenuous play he will soon be himself again. He is taking Vi Delta now too. I didn’t give either J. or M. the oral cold shots this year. I can understand how he would get a cold bug – with my throat & sinus bothering me all fall.

I saw Dorothy this a.m. She was in Chicago with Marie Steinbaugh yesterday & Marie fainted. If you rec’d all my letters you know Marie had one breast removed some time ago and has been taking X-ray treatment all fall. However the clinic had dismissed her. Dorothy took her to Billings and she had an X-ray made but couldn’t stay in the

[page 2] hospital – no beds – They are going to write the clinic for her first X-rays and she is to go back to Billings later.

You remember the Couch family – you delivered the 8^th baby. Mr. Couch died this week. I was told his trouble was his blood turned to water. He was in St. E. Hospital then was brought home just before he died.

Just now on the radio there is a broadcast from a Navy Sub (Capt. Steve Basket) & Army Bomber (Col. Ed Garbarge) – two former Army & Navy football players carrying on a conversation about the game they played in several (20) years ago. This conversation was brought into the broadcast at West Point.

I talked to Dr. Cole yesterday about Mother’s illness. He said the cancer was in the head of the pancreas and had probably been there a year. I didn’t get a written report on it but didn’t think it was necessary, after he explained it to me. There was a partial obstruction, due to the growth.

The Zells are having their first fried chicken from the flock they started in Sept. and we are invited to dinner tomorrow. They are all “sold” on David. They want a boy so much and they have been very much interested in David since his arrival. Of course you have been informed from different sources about David’s personality and can understand his popularity. Mrs. Zell says their children didn’t have good appetites when they were babies, and David does a very good job of eating, and they enjoy watching him eat. I am giving him hemoganized (boiled) milk now. Have to get it from Bans.

My new lenses seem a little strange today, but the man at the optical co. adjusted the frames so they fit better.

I have to write a letter to Pauline. She asked me to buy some sleepers for James L. She couldn’t find any out there in “those wide open spaces.” I got two pr. and must send them out to her today so she will get them soon. IT sure takes a lot of time to keep up my correspondence, but I like to receive letters so must write if I receive.

I will again wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you get the boxes we sent. This is one time you will have to overlook the smallness of the gift and remember the spirit it was sent in.

Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/07/01/army-vs-navy-gladys/

Lt. Palmer’s Flowers (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: November 18, 1943 envelope

: November 18, 1943, p. 1

: November 18, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Nov. 18, 1943

Dear Mother,

Yours of Nov. 4 (v-mail) came today. That really wasn’t so bad. In it you wrote of my Oct. 30 letter arriving in 5 days, and I also noted that you now have my corrected address. The telegram you sent when your Mother passed away also arrived today. So you see letters are much faster.

In this letter you mentioned the flowers Lt. Palmer sent but didn’t say what day they arrived. You had written that in a previous letter. I sure hope it hit your birthday as we intended. I sure wish I could get something like that to you for Christmas but I’m afraid there won’t even be flowers this year because we didn’t have the same service as last year.

I know you are disappointed in the letter from here now. I mean the length of time especially after those few came thru so fast. I’m writing just as often however.

The relief you eng experienced by you, which you wrote of in today’s letter, was mutual I can assure you.

I moved today into another room. There was a better

[page 2] one (I thought) vacated and so I moved in. It was just down the hall so there wasn’t much involved. You might put that in the class of furniture moving of which I wrote about a few days ago. This one gives me a better southern, northern, eastern, or western I’m not sure which anyway I can see more – Most of what I can see is mountains so in the new room I can see more mountains. That is very intelligent writing I’ll even admit myself.

More about Lt. Palmer – He is a-1 – was married a year or two ago – was very sick for ten days and I nursed him as a fellow tent mate and of course learned to know him very well. I was certain he would send you anything I asked. In fact he didn’t want to take any money said he would buy the flowers himself but I wouldn’t give him your address until he took the money. He is not a Doctor but his Dad is, so he knows a lot about the ins and outs of the medical profession.

Dear – please don’t worry if my mail is slow – It’s just one of those things that can’t be helped and it will be OK but one gets anxious waiting for letters. I know!

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/20/lt-palmers-flowers-roscoe/

Hope for Early Return (Gladys)

2 Replies

: November 18, 1943 envelope

: November 18, 1943, p. 1

: November 18, 1943, p. 2

: November 18, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
11-18-43

Dear Daddy –

Yours letters seem to be picking up again – Two today – of Nov. 9 & 10 – The last I had was last week of Nov. 4. It’s strange you would only get Ruth’s letter of Oct. 17 when I wrote directly from the hospital Oct. 15 – and regularily after that date – In fact I wrote to you every day during Mother’s entire illness, missing very seldom. The Red Cross was supposed to get a message to you but evidently didn’t.

Hickey wrote to his father about your visit to him and same was mentioned in the Democrat this week. I was going to tell some of Hickey’s family about his P.S. on the letter but haven’t seen any of them yet. Marg Carlson & her mother run the Democrat now and she had a front page article with news about people in service from Kent.

We had Zells here for dinner this evening. Mr. & Mrs. went to Indpls. Early yesterday a.m. The girls came here after school & spent the night and had lunch with us today. Their folks weren’t home yet after school this afternoon so I prepared

[page 2] dinner and they got home just about time to eat. Virginia & I had gone over to the brooder house to fill the feed & water containers when they came home. We really had a house full last night with three boys & three girls.

This afternoon Lucile walked out with J.E. It was a nice warm sunny day for a change. I wanted to get some pictures of David and he for the first time wouldn’t act nice for the camera. I wanted him to stand up and he would just sit down or cry. I was going to the school to help teach Mark’s room to knit and didn’t want to take David along so Lucile kept him. He stays in Jimmy’s play pen when he is there and is pretty good. Jimmy’s things are different. When I stopped to get him Lucile said he had behaved very well. I told her I would keep Jimmy for her when she attends afternoon club meetings. She doesn’t leave him much. Lucile is a very devoted mother, I think. I don’t leave David very often but had to more or less during Mother’s illness. I left him Tues. when I went to the Dr. but Mrs. Zell stayed here with him. She says she will keep him tomorrow while I go again to see Dr. Ade. I don’t like the idea of taking him along because the stores are full of Christmas shoppers now & I don’t think it’s the best place for him, and I certainly don’t want to take him

[page 3] into Dr. Ade’s office at this time of the year. I have a little nose & throat bug but there are so many people now having same or worse waiting in his office for treatment.

Mrs. R. came over with her three last night. She says Joe is still thinking you & he will get to come home after your 18 months. Also she told me that Earl is out somewhere now but she doesn’t know where. His wife has been with him all the time but is back home now. J. had sent some pictures home of his work with the natives. There was one of a woman with a dress on. Much cleaner looking than of some I have seen. Maybe it was a new dress & hadn’t had time to get dirty – or am I too critical?

I see by the paper that Dr. Van spoke at Rotary last meeting. I understand he isn’t very happy about being home. Shame he can’t trade places with you, eh what? I know you are there to do your duty and cheerfully, but it would be nice if exchanges could be made in some cases, but since those things aren’t done we will just be patient and hope for your early return.

Had to make Mark go to bed early tonight. He has been doing too much & not getting enough rest. He was working arithmetic and was reduced to tears about it so I insisted he go to bed and get up early in the morning & do homework. John is playing the piano just now.

Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/19/hope-for-early-return-gladys/

Eye Exam (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
11-16-43

Dear Daddy – Have been to Laf. today to see Dr. Ade. Had my eyes examined and he treated my nose & throat – I am still spitting. My sinus seems to be a vulnerable spot and the drainage keeps my throat irritated. My tonsils are not so good either. I am to go back Fri. for another treatment & have my eyes checked. My eyes are still blurred from the exam today. I should have written this before I went to Dr. A. It was very cold in Laf. today. My suit & top coat felt very warm & comfortable. I tried to keep out of the cold after my treatment. Alma went with me. Arlene had talked about going but then didn’t – It’s a good thing she didn’t go to see Dr. Cole – he is away at present. I think he has gone to see Don. I had intended to go see him – I had never talked to him since Mother died and wanted to get the autopsy report, but learned downtown that he was away so didn’t make the trip out to his office. Mrs. Zell stayed here with David while I went to Laf. this afternoon. The Zell girls are going to stay here tomorrow night while Zells are gone. I must quit writing – It’s too hard on my eyes.

Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/15/eye-exam-gladys/

Mail Call (Roscoe)

4 Replies

: November 15, 1943 envelope

: November 15, 1943, p. 1

: November 15, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133, F.P.O. San Fran Calif.
Nov. 15, 1943

Dear Mother,

It’s fun to be a foreigner and see people in their native surroundings. Of course, this isn’t the first time for we were also foreigners to those natives we used to treat and write about but I mean civilized people just like ourselves. Their expressions and manners are different and very noticeable, for example, while walking down the sidewalk – instinctively I want to pass to their right – results a few near head in smash up. It isn’t bad walking for a quick step and things are OK but I can see where driving a car might be dangerous. However, that is one thing which won’t bother because chances for driving around these parts are very few.

I can really see how much fun someone would have if they came from a foreign country and landed in the middle of one of our towns. Our peculiar habits and money would be a joke to them so it all adds up to the same thing and it’s still fun. Depending on which side you are on and the circumstances prevailing.

Some time later – I just had a hunch some mail might come in for me today and sure enough it did. Your v-mails of 16, 24 & 26 came as well as air mails of 21, 23 & 25 so now all your letters from Oct. 10 to 16

[page 2] are missing. You gave me a few details of your mother but most of them are missing and of course as yet no cablegram from the Red Cross.

What I’m interested in now is the finances. You probably have written that also and all will come in due time. I’m glad that you could spend a few days with the folks and see all the “kin” folk round about. You didn’t mention anything about Floyd being reclassified so I’ve wondered, since some time ago, I got the word that he thought he was going to be, and I suppose Paul & Earl are pretty well out of it by now.

Then there is another thing I’ve wondered about – and that is the amount of gasoline you are able to get. That car must be giving pretty good mileage or else you are getting more than I supposed. Perhaps you were able to get a little more due to illness or does it work that way? I’m really glad that you can use it because it would really be a handicap if you didn’t have it.

Well Dear do take care of yourself now that you have had your let down and keep your chin up as I know you have been doing in A-1 condition –

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/14/mail-call-roscoe/

Mother’s 71st Birthday (Gladys)

1 Reply

: November 14, 1943, p. 1

: November 14, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Nov. 14 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Sunday afternoon and cloudy. Quite chilly out of doors. John & I took David to S.S. this morning. Brought him home, then went back to church. Mark said he had a sore throat but I couldn’t see any signs of such, but didn’t insist on him going to S.S. & church. He stayed with David while J. & I went to church. Mark didn’t have any temp and seems [to] feel fine now so he must have been “gold bricking.” He insists he didn’t feel good but now is apparently fine.

Jim sent me money for flowers to take to the cemetery – this would have been Mother’s 71^st birthday. Mrs. Zell stayed at the house the day of the funeral so is going with me this afternoon to take the flowers.

My sore throat seems to be cleared and sinus not bad. I took sulfadiazine

[page 2] twenty hours and didn’t break out any. I could have taken another dose but my throat felt good and I didn’t want to take until I got a reaction. It must have been a small bug – but I believe it was starting like it did last year & I nipped in the bud (I hope). Virginia Zell also had a sore throat and was in bed yesterday. I think we were both getting it at the same time. She came over for me to help her with her knitting, then she went out & raked leaves in the cold, which didn’t do her any good – Of course, hanging out clothes Fri. didn’t help me any either. I am debating in my mind if I will hang out tomorrow if the sun shines – don’t worry, I won’t if it’s very cold.

David is playing in the nursery, Mark is in his room supposed to be modeling airplanes, John has the Sunday Symphony on and I am trying to write – you will excuse these two letters together but must confess, forgot to mail yesterdays – I have a good excuse, I had to stay in due to my throat and didn’t send the boys to town for anything in the P.M.

Here’s hoping you get both –
Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/11/mothers-71st-birthday-gladys/

A Letter from Sis (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: November 9, 1943 envelope

: November 9, 1943, p. 1

: November 9, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Nov. 9, 1943

Dear Mother,

A letter from Sis came today informing me that your Mother had passed away. I’m very sorry and feel badly that I couldn’t be there to assume the responsibilities with you but that just was not possible. From your letters I knew pretty well what the final outcome would be. As I wrote before you must be very careful now because you have been going on nerves and the let down will have its affect.

Ruth praised you highly in the way you are carrying on. All of which I felt sure of, but it sure makes me feel good to hear it from others. I think I’ve written that before but I don’t mind repeating on a subject of that type.

I hope Jim could come home and help you but Ruth didn’t say if either Glenn or Jim were there. You probably have written all the details but the letters just haven’t made the rounds. Her letter was dated Sept. Oct. 17 and it does seem strange that that should come thru and none of yours. Perhaps you didn’t have time to write as often as you wished.

It seems that D. is still a favorite with

[page 2] his aunt Ruth because she described some of his doings while she was taking care of him. Of course Mark & John came in for their share and she also said that people around there said she looked like me. How terrible for us both!!

I’m glad my Mother could come and be with you for awhile. I know she must have felt badly because I believe she thought lots of your Mother. I suppose we were very fortunate in having the mothers we had and I cannot sympathize with you because mine is still with us even though we have been miles apart for some time now.

Glenn surely picked a very good time to come home because he was able to see his mother before it was too late and I’m sure she was very much pleased with his visit.

Don’t worry about finances, etc., because they will be taken case of as time goes along and worry will only make thinks more severe for you.

I’m very anxious to receive your letters of the past few weeks for I know you have written as often as possible.

All my sympathy Dear and
Lots of Love
Daddy.

Letter to Jim (Roscoe)

5 Replies

[Editor’s Note: This letter to Jim Foster was included in Roscoe’s letter to Gladys of October 22, 1943. It is unique to the collection because it is likely the only letter that Roscoe wrote to someone other than Gladys and the boys that survives. Faithful readers will notice a definite change in writing style and tone. The letter’s survival is due the the fact that it was mailed to Gladys, whether intentionally or by mistake.]

: October 22, 1943, p. 1

: October 22, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.

Dear Jim,

Your v-mail written Aug. 1^st arrived today so I’ll hurry and return one – The letters you wrote before took about 6 mo. to get here and I was certain you would be moved before I could return a letter to you – anyway thanks for writing me and I’m duly ashamed for not writing to you sooner.

I’m truly sorry about your mother but I’m at a loss to give her my medical service because of distance, etc. Financially I think Gladys has enough to give her the medical attention she needs – It really was fine that you could get home to see her if it was only for a few days.

I have plenty of shoulder brass so no need to send more – and anyway out here it would not make any difference. In fact I didn’t wear any for some time for I didn’t want to be a prize package. It’s quite customary in certain

[page 2] regions for all officers and men to wear the same uniform. However, we are very much civilized now that is in comparison to our first month or two.

I suppose you are interested in seeing some of the old world and are anxious to get out. I was just that over one year ago but somehow I’ve seen more than somewhat and that good old flat land around Kentland would be a sight for sore eyes. The tour of duty here has never been clearly stated so I’ve no idea how long I might be here. If it’s going to be a long time I do hope I can push forward because monotony is a slow way to pass time. I had some hope of getting home by Christmas but it begins to look doubtful. Anyway I can’t ask favors because other have been out as long as I have and they have vital interests at home the same as I.

Gladys sure has been a Dear in keeping things going and has been assuming the home responsibilities in a great big way and believe me I’m proud of her and desperately in love with her as much so as say 15 years ago – pardon the romantic side of an old salt.

Hope you get to stay in the good old USA because I know Thelma will appreciate it lots. Best wishes to Thelma and Regards.
Jake

The Day After the Funeral (Gladys)

2 Replies

: October 18, 1943 envelope

: October 18, 1943, p. 1

: October 18, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind.
Oct. 18 – 1943

Dear Daddy,

Yours of Oct. 5, 8, 9 & 10 came today – one picture – Thanks and reminds me to tell you I haven’t any film and can’t get any for our camera. I will keep trying. Maybe I can find a roll in time for Oct. 23 – (13^th month). David is now sitting in his high chair chewing on a crust of bread – he seems to like to eat just plain bread. I cut his hair today and I like it very much. He jabbers like John used to do. Lucile kept him yesterday until after the funeral and she said he was very good. Slept from 1 pm till 3 – Floyd & Ruth brought him home after we came back to the house for all the family to see. Your Dad, Ralph, Faye, Glendon & Clara came yesterday. Your Mother went back – She had intended to stay but J. & T. stayed so she went home. I am to take them to T.H. Wed and go on to C.C. The boys will be out of school from Wed. noon (teachers convention). Which reminds me – Mark brought his card home with 3 A’s, 1 A-, 5 B’s, 1 B+. John didn’t get his card today. The band teacher had to resign due to a heart condition.

[page 2] As yet I haven’t received the autopsy report but know there was carcinoma of Pancreas & gall stones. I’ll send it as soon as I get it. I asked the Red Cross to get a message to you so hope you got it. I haven’t talked to Dr. Cole since last Thurs. I thought he might be able to explain things fully after the O.M. but the report will no doubt do that.

Jim addressed cards to people who sent flowers, pallbearers, Mrs. Knowlton & Rathburn & Rev. Servies. We both signed – I got a wire for $10⁰⁰ from Glen this a.m. for flowers. Of course I had taken care of the flowers for all the children. Jim had a pd. up pol. for $100⁰⁰ and one for $315⁰⁰ I have here. I paid the hospital bill in full Fri. – The total was $248⁰⁰ but I had kept it paid every week. If I figure correctly I have a bal. of $23 – now in the bank but have no outstanding bills except the drug store and it isn’t much. There isn’t anything I can think of I’ll need to pay before the first. The Ins. is taken care of now until Dec. J. & T. are out right now. Mark is in the yard – John is trying to entertain D. and I must get this finished so it will get mailed. I still think you could write a book. I have your letters to prove it when you come back.

Love Mother

John and Lovina (Schiele) Yegerlehner (Roscoe’s parents, c1946)

Farewell Emma (Gladys)

2 Replies

[Editor’s note: Gladys did not write a letter on October 17th as she was likely too busy with the funeral and all the visiting relatives. Emma’s obituary appeared in the next edition of the Newton County Enterprise. The paper announced that the funeral had been the previous Sunday (10/17).]

RITES HELD FOR FOUR RECENTLY

Emily Foster, Adda Watkins, Florence Archibald and Dr. Cox Succumed

Mrs. Emily H. Foster

Final rites were conducted from the Hufty-Crane funeral home here for Mrs. Emily H. Foster, 71, Sunday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. V. B. Servies in charge. She died at the St. Elizabeth hospital in Lafayette Friday after a three months illness.

Born at Robinson, Ill., she was married to James E. Foster, in 1894. Surviving are three sons, Jesse, of Arkansas; Glenn, of Nevada, and James, USN, at Norfolk, Va., a daughter, Mrs. Gladys Yegerlehner, of Kentland, and a sister, Mrs. Minerva Metcalf, West Union., Ill. She was a member of the Methodist church.

“Rites Held For Four Recently,” Newton County Enterprise (Kentland, Indiana), 21 October 1943, p. 1.