Tag Archives: Indiana

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, 28 April 1891

Letter transcription:

Noblesville, Indiana, April 28^th, 1891

Dear Sister Lena:

Yours of the 24^th, just received, but as I was at Indianapolis yesterday it may have come sooner. I have not been feeling at all well for more than a month, I first had a severe cold for two weeks or more & then had trouble with my stomach. I can hardly say what is the matter, I took considerable unwholesome “dosing” to cure my cold, such as pepper-vinegar stews, lemons, & at the same time drinking too much coffee, & in this way, no doubt, got my stomach disordered. I have had no fever at any time, yet I feel almost past going most of the time. I was a good deal better the latter part of last week, & until yesterday afternoon, but feel indisposed again to-day.

Letter from Eugene B. Scofield, 28 April 1891

Having lost so much time from my elocution, I tried a lesson Monday & one Tuesday. Met Celia at Uncles, she said that Ella & the twins were at her house Sunday. Reported the babies as growing so fast & as looking so sweet in their short clothes. I should like so much to see them. She said that Dan is looking well also. We are very well pleased at Noblesville, my time will not expire until the close of the year. We have a crowded house every Sunday night. Our work goes on satisfactorally & I do not expect it to let up in the least. Kiss the little ones for me & tell them that I should be glad indeed to see all.

Love to Ella, Bal, & my best regards to Dan. & his Mother & Maria.
With much love, I am your brother Eugene.

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/03/02/fayette-friday-eugene-b-scofield-28-april-1891/

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, 4 September 1888

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Letter transcription:

Rushville Ind. 9.4, 1888

Dear Sister Lena

I received your kind missive on my return home, and presume you received a card from me about the same time.
I am still improving—am very much better able to perambulate than a week ago.
Was at Flatrock Sunday and got along finely.
I do not wonder at Thad’s making Dem. speeches. The Rep. candidate for Pres. is a time-servant of all that is contrary to the interest of a laboring man—has always voted in favor of capital & against labor, and as Thad is a laboring man, & chief among them I am surprised that he had to wait to get to

[page 2] Chinese—“Ah Ben!”—ridden California to get his eyes opened. No! I am not at all surprised.
As for Bro. Chase’s chances I do not like to guess—the outlook is too hazy—Just look—Gov. Hovey—Live-long-friend-of-Saloons L.F. Chase—Friend of all righteousness Treus Lemptke—Leading Brewer of Indiana. Looks like they would catch all on both sides if they can. My opinion is, that the whole Republican Ticket will be defeated in Ind. by from 6,000 to 10,000 votes. Harrison was defeated in 1876 by some 6,000 I do not think him stronger now than then. Besides this the Dem. party is in favor which gives it the advantage. Porter evidently believed this, and when all the Rep.’s in the State wanted him to run for Gov. & were expecting him to do so, he refused without giving a reason, choosing rather to enjoy the pleasures of stump-speaking

[page 3] for a reason, than to suffer the affiction of defeat with his chosen people. He was not like Moses see Heb. 11.25
Beside all this the Prohi’s will cut an interesting figure in the play on the cool day in the month of November.
Bro C. would, I think, serve God better by devoting his excellent powers to the building up of his church, than by running a wild goose chase after no commendable purpose. Over Against all such we read: “Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is & of that which is to come.”
The Rep. party is notorious for breaking of promises—but this year they are afraid to even make promises. I believe they do declare for Local option in Ind. a

[page 4] measure that has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Ind.
I am tired of writing; as I cannot use a pen on account of being nervous.
With Love to all,
You Brother
E.B.

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/02/23/fayette-friday-eugene-b-scofield-4-september-1888/

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, 21 November 1887

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Letter transcription:

Middletown Ind Nov 21, 1887

Dear Sister Lena:

I am here holding a series of meetings. Commenced Saturday evening under very unfavorable circumstances there being very few in attendance. Last night, however, the house was full. I am using a new fangled pen, and as you see, with varied effect. Am quite well, as was Ettie Saturday when I saw her last.

Desiring to try the metal of a horse I wished to buy I loaded Ettie into a bugy and drove to Summit on Saturday afternoon. Drove six miles, somewhat hilly, in 45 minutes. Drove back after half an hour in same time. Unhitched the horse—ran two squares carried two doz. cans of fruit=a doz. each trip down seller—also a box of onions—packed my valirse—hurried four squares to depot—saw the train moving out but succeeded in stoping it, and was on the cars all in 25 minutes from the time I drove up to Saffles stable.

[page 2]
We expect to move next week. We will pack up and ship our goods on Friday and will go down and have the floors scrubed Saturday—haul in our goods and on Monday Ettie will go down, and in a few day we will be all right.

I was called to Greenfield and preached Thursday & Friday & Sat. evenings to large audiences. Had a very pleasant time. Saw their gass wells and sat by my first gas fires. I will not try to tell of the conveniences of natural gas as you have heard so much about it. There is gas now burning in the grate behind me as write in the pleasant home of Bro. J.P. Shoemaker.

I am in a historic community—this being the home of the family of Franklin’s who have produced so much discord on the organ question. I remain ofer 27^th

Enclosed find clipping that will arouse old memories. Place in one of my books after you read it.

With kisses for little ones and love to all I am your Brother E.B.

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/02/16/fayette-friday-eugene-b-scofield-21-november-1887/

Lena’s Postcards #80 – Balzora Scofield

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[Postmark: Sharpsville, Indiana, 1 February 1917, 8 PM]

Address: Mrs. J.W. Hackleman, R. Route 2.—, Connersville, Indiana

2-1-’17
Dear Sister. We were
greatly pleased by your
gifts X’mas & my B.D.
card. Laura has been
in wretched health, keeping
our attention here, but I
think of you all—& am so
glad to hear. Frank looks
young for his years—but is
not strong. Failing—He
& Laura send Love—as
does your Loving Sister
Bal.

©2018 copyright owned by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/02/13/lenas-postcards-80-balzora-scofield/

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, 16 March 1887

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Letter transcription:

Spencer, Indiana; March 16, 1887

Dear Sister Lena;

As will see by above date, I am in the city of S. Am assisting Bro. Strawn in a protracted meeting, are having good success, Have had 24 additions to date, with a good prospect for many more. Those gathered in thus far are among the best citizens of Spencer.

We have a good church here, & in fine working order membership 250 or more. Two judges belong – one of them Judge Robinson, an own cousin of George Holten & Jennie Shipley. Judge Robinson was an acquaintance of mother’s. He is a prominent lawyer, & a fine Christian gentleman.

I have never held a series of meetings that have given me such satisfaction as this one. Never have I been able to direct my efforts so much to my satisfaction as in this meeting. We have had crowded house every evening and the interest has been excellent from the first, and still first, and still continues, yet I do not know how long it will be thus.

I am in good heal[th] well situated as for plenty of labor. But must close took dinner with Dr. Wiles—some days ago.

Fraternally, & lovingly, E.B. Scofield

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/02/09/fayette-friday-eugene-b-scofield-16-march-1887/

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, 4 October 1886

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Letter transcription:

Meade Center, Kas. Oct. 4, 1886

Sister Lena;

Dear Sister; I have been owing you a letter for some time and will improve the present opportunity. As you will see I am way out here in south western Kansas, am here to preach and am getting along finely, last evening the new Church was full to overflowing and quite an interest is being manifested. Two have been added since we began—a week ago yesterday.

I left home Wednesday morning Sept. 22 at 6 a.m. and was met at the Depot at Bloomington by Minnie, and as the cars were very much crowded I thought best to accept the invitation to remain over night. Thad. has suffered very much for several months with a sore eye. He had his eye ball cut some six months ago. He had gone to work for the first time in months the week I saw him. His children (Lee Roy Excepted) are all doing well. Arther is a model of a young man, and Minnie is a real lady. No one could change more than has El [Eldora].

I staid home with Thad Wednesday night while the rest went to prayer meeting. We had a long talk which

[page 2] I enjoyed very much. On Thursday morning I resumed my journey arriving in Kansas City too late for the train west and put up at a hotel for the night. At 10 a.m. I took the train and crossed the State of Kan. by daylight arriving at Dodge City several hours late at 2 a.m. and went to bed. At 8 a.m. I again took up my moving tent and for 9 hours wended my way over the great Buffalo plains of the Southwest arriving at my destination at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Thus you see I made my journey of 1,000 miles mostly by daylight. I had traveled most of the road from New Castle to Bloomington along which there are very few objects of interest, save Wabash River which is lovely this season of the year. On my journey crossed the Wabash, the Illinois, the Mosouri and the Kansas and Arkansas all about the same size. at 2:30 p.m. the 24^th I crossed the Great Mississippi River at Louisianna Mo. It is as clear as White Water, and greatly in contrast to the muddy Mo. River.

Kan. has suffered from a drouth this year yet in the eastern part of the state the crops look fair, at least the corn in the field, and out here the corn, oats, millet & cane

[page 3] look very fine. The cattle in all parts of the country are looking well as are the horses and sheep, hogs are a scarce article.

This is one of the finest counties in the State. One year and a half ago there was not a house where the Co. seat now is, now there are 800 or 900 people. A quarter section bought of the U.S. two years ago just north of the present town for $200 is now worth $12,000 and quarters all over the County are ranging from $800 to $3,000 and $800 piece is generally much broken but good pasture land. Keep it in the family—I bought a half section of as fine land as there is in Kan. last Saturday. It is 12 miles out, but that will not affect in 10 years from now, and does not affect it much now. By the help of my friends here I got it at a big bargain from parties auctions to sell, and have just been offered $500 for my bargain—but no. It lies to the south west of here. See map. Please say little about it.

Right here the Buffalo roamed not more than 4 or 5 years ago. I have seen hundreds of prairie-dogs and now and then a Jack-rabbit, as large as a small dog. Deer still

[page 4] and few miles west of here the wild-horse.

Well I guess I have told all of interest save it should be about domestic matters. The houses here are all small. In the country most of them are made of sod, and when plastered outside and in are very cozy—but not many are thus finished. The most of the people are industrious and honest. They leave doors unlocked, and are seldom troubled with thieves.

They are chiefly from Indiana, Ill., Ohio and Mo. as named in proportion of numbers.

Give my regards and these presents to Dan. My love to Ella and the Babies and also to Bal. & all.

Lovingly Your Brother
Eugene B. S.

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/02/02/fayette-friday-eugene-b-scofield-4-october-1886/

Siblings

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Gladys and Jim certainly enjoyed posing for the camera. They were the two youngest siblings of their family, born twenty-one months apart. By the 1920s, their oldest sister Lydia Allie (Foster) McCammon had died. An even older half brother—whom they may never have met in person—lived in Arkansas. Jesse was partially raised by their grandparents, James H. and Margaret (Rea) Lawhead, and an uncle Jasper Lawhead. Another brother Glenn moved west at some point. James E. Foster, the father, had long left the family so Gladys and Jim remained to take care of their mother. The siblings possessed strong work ethics and helped to support their mother until Emma died in 1943.

[Photographs from the private collection of the author.]

A Family of Three

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Roscoe, Gladys, and John Yegerlehner, 1932 (Photograph from the author’s collection)

Sometimes, even when you think a project is finished, the project isn’t done! I’ve been sorting through the digital images I have stored over the years, from scans of old photographs to my contemporary collection of iPhone photographs. When I posted the collection of pictures of my great grandmother holding my uncle John a few days ago, I completely forgot the above photograph. It belongs in the same pile.

The weather was certainly mild in late February 1932! The 28th landed on a Sunday that year. The perfect day for a family get-together and presumably attending church. Roscoe and Gladys moved frequently in the early days of their marriage. He worked in Clay County teaching school. The setting isn’t rural enough to be Clay County. I presume the photograph’s location to be Terre Haute. In 1932, Emma and James Foster resided at 719 Harrison Street, Terre Haute. When the photographs were taken, James’ divorce from his first wife Gladys was about to be finalized (March 1932). I am also making the assumption that the automobile belonged to Roscoe and Gladys. He bought his first car a year or two before he married Gladys.

719 Harrison Street, Terre Haute (Image courtesy of Google Maps)

If Roscoe, Gladys, Emma, and Jim were standing at the curb, looking back at the house when the photographs were taken, their house would not have been visible. By panning the angles in Google Street view, a large tree obscures the view of the house directly behind the family! Notice the newly planted trees in the background behind Roscoe and Gladys. However, by moving back down the street a house of interest is detected. The two-story house behind Gladys’ head has a gable window as well as roofs of two different heights.

Harrison Street, Terre Haute (Image courtesy of Google maps)

Emma and Jim’s house is the first house on the right. The tree obscures the house directly across the street, but the house with the two roofs and gable is visible to the left of the tree.

Have you searched for an ancestor’s home using Google yet?

A Funeral

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Another three photographs create a grouping in my collection. Since everyone is dressed in black—at least they seem to be in the black & white photographs—I assume the foursome attended a funeral. Again, the time frame appears to be the mid to late 1920s. None of the women are wearing jackets, but the ground is covered by a light layer of snow. The tree limbs are bare. The photographer is unknown (since they never make an appearance). The petite woman standing next to Gladys is believed to be her Aunt Minerva, fraternal twin to Gladys’ mother Emma. Minerva’s dress is old-fashioned compared to Gladys’ stylish frock. The longer skirt hem and squarish collared neckline hearkens back the the World War I years. James (Jim) and Emma stand in the background. He was quite tall; his shoe can be seen on the ground next to Minerva’s feet. While Emma stands on the lower step—her boot just visible behind Gladys’ legs—creating the illusion that mother and son are the same height.

Gladys, Emma, & Jim Foster, with Aunt Minerva (Photograph from the author’s private collection)

I do not know whose funeral generated these photographs—especially since the mood is not particularly somber. Gladys smiles in both pictures. I have not discovered a Foster or Lawhead relative, living in the Terre Haute area, whose death occurred in the late 1920s, who would have prompted such a reunion. Perhaps I will someday…

[Photographs from the author’s private collection.]

Sunday in the Park

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Another group of photographs in my possession likely dates from the spring of 1929. I did not acquire them together, but spread out over a few years. Until I started looking at each photograph closely—sometimes better achieved once a photograph is scanned—I did not realize that they were taken on the same day. Or at the very least, Gladys is wearing the same dress. Because of the quality of the photographs, the different angles, lighting, and her hat, it may be hard to tell that the dress is the same. The feature that stands out the most is the sleeves—a fitted upper sleeve with a gathered, more voluminous lower sleeve controlled into cuffs at the wrists.

In the five photographs, Gladys is captured alone and with both her husband, Roscoe, and her brother, James. My gut feeling tells me that the outing took place in the spring before Gladys and Roscoe married—perhaps an engagement photo shoot. They married on 25 May 1929. Gladys wears a ring on her right hand (the only one clearly visible in any of the photographs). While an engagement ring is traditionally worn today on the left hand prior to marriage in western cultures, that has not always been case. The band appears simple so it may or may not be relevant. Skirt hems rose during the 1920s, and the tight fitting bell-shaped hats, known as cloche hats, remained popular throughout the decade.

YEG1929 - Roscoe & Gladys (Foster) - Terre Haute, Indiana

It appears that the threesome had fun taking turns with the camera. Unfortunately, it appears that they didn’t find a stranger to take a photo of all three of them together!