Tag Archives: Indiana

Gladys – 16 April 1971

Letter transcription:

118 Juniper court
W. Lafayette, Ind 47906
4-16-71

Dear David, Bonnie and Debbie,

At last the Annual Meeting is over and the meeting today (program planning for Officer’s training day)—two days later. When we started planning the meeting last fall, we thought if we could get 400 to attend we would feel like it was a success, since it was to be a different type of meeting. 748 were seated at the dinner at 6 o’clock in the evening. The Seminars were all filled—12 altogether. In the afternoon session which was held in the south ball room, 700 chairs had been set up and those were nearly all filled and many people were standing. The first session lasted from 2 until 3. Seminars from 3:15 until 5:15. A group came in following the dinner to hear the speaker—Miss Peggy Billings from the Board of Missions, so we can’t say just how many did attend. At any rate it is over and I think everyone is glad it is over and was what we consider a success. There were 96 tables set up for the dinner. With the help of three other persons, we made 97 table decorations. Centerpieces made with a 15” candle in the center, surrounded with evergreens, straw flowers and paper butterflies. Everyone seemed to think the centerpieces were very attractive. We gave them away after the dinner. No problem there. I didn’t want to have to gather them up after the meeting, so decided to let someone from each table have one.

I have been so busy with the above mentioned meeting, have had to neglect my desk. I have worked here for a while this evening, writing checks and just getting things cleared off my desk. Next week will also be a busy one. Have to go to Geneva Center for a meeting on Wednesday, then at 6 o’clock on Thursday morning start for Wichita. A friend is going to drive to Indianapolis and we are going to fly from there. Since she is driving, I am going at the time she wants to go. If I didn’t want to get up that early, I could have Dad take me to the airport, but after I get to Wichita, I can sleep. I am rooming alone, so will be alone and not have to talk to someone. The first session doesn’t begin until 1:30, so I will have time for a good nap. (Church Women United)

My typewriter still hasn’t been repaired. I hope to get it in to the shop next week before I leave for a good overhauling. Probably should not be using it now, but hate to write by hand.

I didn’t get to go to the first Project Commitment Meeting, but was told over 500 attended. I hope to attend the next one. There will be six meetings. As I understand, some of the people Project C., is aiming to reach are not attending. The militants, and the disadvantaged whites. Too bad, because they are the reason for having such meetings…

Dad is doing some glueing for someone at the Health Center—now called Student Hospital. Somehow the word got around that he is good at repairing broken things and every once in a while, someone brings him something to mend.

Glad the Avon soap has given Debbie so much fun. We had an Easter Egg Hunt after Mark and Shirley had the children came last Sunday. I have been wearing pant suits and had one on when they came. Becky said she would like to have one, so Grandma got one for her yesterday and mailed it to her. She is rather slender so it is hard to get a good fit. I didn’t take the boys measurements, so couldn’t get them anything. Hope they won’t feel slighted. Thought I might find something for them in Witchita.

Your Insurance notice came and I am forwarding it.
Love Mother

(over)

Lea & Bob didn’t come—both bad colds—so don’t know any more about Lea’s plans than before.

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/01/08/gladys-16-april-1971/

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, 9 March 1885

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Letter transcription:

Dunreith Ind. March 5, 85

Dear Sister Lena;

Your kind letter was received some days ago and would have been answered ere this had I not been so busy. We are both enjoying good health this winter, Ettie makes her home at her Father’s; I have been out preaching every day, save four, this year. Ettie was with me some five weeks, and enjoyed herself very much.

Yes! we had a grand, good, meeting at Knightstown. After an absence of some four weeks, as I was here preaching and but five miles from there, I suddenly dropped in on them at their S. school

[page 2] yesterday and we had quite a joyful greeting. I preach for them next Lord’s Day.

We went from Knightstown to Summit on that cold, windy Tuesday. We had to drive over from K. to Dunreith to take the noon train. As the wind was from the west and to our back and we in a phaeton we did not get cold until when within a mile of here we came to a creek frozen over and impassable and compelled to turn about and face that forceful blizzard; we had not proceeded more than half a mile ere we concluded that to ride the mile and a half we had to go against the west wind [?] to freeze badly if not fatally, so we stopped at a Mr. Huddleson’s whose wife is a sister of Bro. Whitmere’s

[page 3] wife. I was not as cold as Ettie who had to thaw her fingers in icy-water to get anything like relief. After an half hour—good and warm—we resumed the uneven tenure of our way. The train at Newcastle from Connersville was some five hours belated and we had to wait from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thurs spending the coldest day of my recollection on a journey that might just as well have been postponed until a more pleasant day. Moral. “D’was better mine [?] you tont be too quick.”

After three days rest I went to Mechanicsburg. A little town 9 miles west of Summit–, I remained there three weeks having a splendid attendance and profound attention, two

[page 4] only were baptized. But we succeeded in organizing a little congregation composed of some of the best citizens of this county. Men and women of means and influence. They will proceed at once to build a church.

We are here just over Lord’s day, go to a schoolhouse half way between Summit and Newcastle this week.

I owe Ella a letter I think will write to her soon. I received on from Sherman. Kiss the babies for me. Give my love to all, would be glad to see all.

Lovingly Your Brother
Eugene

(write soon)

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/01/05/fayette-friday-eugene-b-scofield-9-march-1885/

Gladys – 9 April 1971

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Ct
West Lafayette, Ind 47906
April 9, 1971

Dear D, B, D,

Will try to get this written before a committee comes to help me with table decorations for our annual W.S.C.S. meeting which is being held at Purdue. Some thought if we got 400 registered, we would be doing well, but as of now there are 700 reservations for the dinner at 6 PM. There will be seminars in the afternoon dealing with issues of today such as Racism, Extremism, Population Explosion and Hunger, Pollution, World Development and Understanding, Sexuality and others to make twelve. Trinity women are making table decorations. I went to a floral shop—the woman who runs it belongs to our church and she showed me how to build this “thing” we are making. Just think in terms of getting made and delivered to the North Ball Room before Wednesday afternoon— and our meeting is in the afternoon and evening—90 separate table decorations. I undertook to do the job myself and thought I was about finished—had made 40 pieces, when I got word yesterday that we can expect 700 or more at the dinner. I had solicited help Wednesday and two women said they would come and help and it is about time for them to come.

Dad is going to Kentland today to get some dental work done and if I can possibly get away for two hours, will go see Mrs. Myers. Have been too busy attending committee meetings, etc., etc., since my last letter to get up there. I have two gifts for her—Avon soap and Avon scented candles. She likes Avon soap so well, and I thought I could not give her anything better. Dad is having a vacation this week, since this is Easter vacation for Purdue students.—We went to Kentland yesterday and when we returned, my committee returned (they had worked with me for 2 hours in the morning) and we finished the decorations—90 altogether. Dad fixed a place in the basement to store the “pieces of art” until they can be taken to the North Ball Room, which may be Tuesday evening or may be Wednesday morning. When we had finished, Dad had us stand (my committee) with the decorations and he took a picture.

Before we finished the decorations, John came home, but he didn’t disturb us, because we were too anxious to get our job finished. I don’t know what I will do if I get word of any more reservations—just make a few more center pieces I suppose. Lea and Bob didn’t come. John said they were both suffering from colds. Mark and Shirley and the children will come tomorrow. I colored eggs last night and some this morning. I have six baskets ready to put out for a hunt after they come. We have had a very warm, sunny day and tomorrow promises to be the same, so we can have the egg hunt out of doors.

Yesterday when I visited Mrs. M. found her feeling as usual. She had gone to beauty parlour the day before and had a new permanent. Doris had taken her to the shop. Doris goes over about every two weeks and takes care of some of her errands. Yesterday (I mean Thurs.) was the first time she had been to the beauty parlour for a long time. The operator has been going to her apartment and giving her shampoos and sets. She does manage to go to the foot doctor in Watseka once a month or perhaps every six weeks, but other than that she has not tried to go out for a long time—except the day we took her to the McClures for lunch the day Dad gave a program on drugs for the high school class.

I am having trouble with this typewriter and want to get it in to have it worked on when I go to Wichita April 22^nd to the 26^th. I think I had better stop writing, since it is so difficult to use this. Hope Debbie received her Easter package. The little Avon cologne is for Bonnie.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/01/04/gladys-9-april-1971/

Gladys – 2 April 1971

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Ct. 47906 April 2, 1971

Dear David and Bonnie and Debbie,

My typewriter needs to go to the repair ship, but I think I will wait until I am going to be out of town for a few days, like April 21^st to the 26^th. I am to attend a meeting at Geneva Center—a place the Presbyterians own, but a place we have been using since our Conference uniting meeting in 1968. On the 22^nd I will fly to Wichita, Kansas, to attend the Assembly of Church Women United. I will return home the 26^th. I hope I can keep on using this until then. I would be out of business without my typewriter.

Our days are still a bit chilly and there was a snow flurry today, but it didn’t amount to much. We haven’t had any really severe weather, but now we are having lower than normal temperatures for this time of year.

The enclosed folder should inform you about our trip to Africa this summer. We have decided to leave the tour when we leave Africa and instead of stopping in Rome, to fly on to Zurich and rent a car and drive into Austria. We have not been there and the woman who makes our reservations at the travel agency says Austria is even more beautiful than Switzerland. Sorry we can’t make connections with Mac and Louise, but we will miss them by a few days. I think we will be returning to the States at about the same time.

There is an organization in Indiana called Indiana Interreligious Commission on Human Equality—IICHE for short. It is supported by the Fund for Reconciliation from the United Methodist Church. There are several churches which support the organization. One of the projects of IICHE is called Project Commitment and the purpose of it is to get people of different races and social status together and have conversations to try to ease racial tensions. This program goes on for six weeks and anyone signing up to participate in it is asked to promise to attend at least five meetings out of the six. I am going to help with some mailing matter this evening. I won’t be able to participate in the dialogue, because I have too many dates on my calendar which would conflict, but I am helping to get the meetings going.

Some time in the next two weeks I want to go to Kentland to see Mrs. Myers. I have an Easter gift for her and rather than send it, will take it if possible. I also am sending Debbie a package for Easter and will try to get it in the mail tomorrow.

The bridge club met here Sunday evening. They were delighted with the Steamboat dinner and said the next time they come, they want us to serve same thing. Some said they would rather eat the main course than have dessert, so I would say it was a success. Jeannette Batton asked me where I got all the chopped food—I presume she thought there was a place here in Lafayette where one could buy it. I told her that I did all the chopping. They seemed—several that is—to think it took an awful lot of chopping. It does, but I don’t do it all at one time.

I wish I could have a picture of each one of the banners you have in your church. You should tell your (two) people who object to visit some other churches where banners are being used and see what is going on in the world. The First U. M. Church here in W.L. had banners made for the front of their new sanctuary to add a little color. The interior of the church is brick and is very severe. Just recently I was in a church that was using banners in the sanctuary. I was telling one of the ministers from North Indiana Conference about your banners. He said the banners are doing now what the stained glass windows did when they were first used. Banners are really not a new idea and should be used, as in your case, to do something for the walls.

Haven’t any plans just now about coming out. Lea had a sore throat so they didn’t come over Sunday so I have not had a chance to talk to her about what she plans to do. She did tell me some time ago that she planned to come and stay with you when the new baby comes.

Hope we get a copy of the picture taken by the professional photographer.
Love Mother

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/01/01/gladys-2-april-1971/

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, 4 November 1884

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

Winchester Ind. Nov. 4 1884

Dear Sister Lena;

Your last letter was received in good time, and would have been answered long since but for contending circumstances and dearth of news. We are well—save a touch of piles on my part. I have been subject to some slight attack, of some nature, for two or three months.

I was at Muncie Saturday morning and learned from Minnie that little Clara was no better when she was down—How is she? Tell me all about her. Minnie also stated that the baby is awful good. How is She? We would like to see them—and all the folks. Ettie says every few days, that she wishes she lived where she could come up and spend the day frequently.

I presume Sherman is at C— by this time as he wrote me he would go to C— in time to vote. Tell him I will write soon.

The campaign has been very quiet here, only one big day since we came—and that not [page torn]

[page 2] We like the people here very much—everybody nice, wide-awake, up-to-the-times sort of folk. Our membership is not large, but I think we will have a large congregation here some time.

The 24^th of this month I am going to Dunrith, Henry Co. to hold a two weeks meeting, I conducted a successful meeting there last year.

We expect Bal. to visit us soon. Would be glad to have you come sometime, whenever you can. Was sorry to learn (from Minnie) that you are having chills again—trust you will soon get rid of them. Dr. Spurgeon has a prescription that he says will never fail to break the chills. I think I could procure if for you if you want to try it. It will do its work in 48 hours at the most.

We had a fire near here last night, tile mill.

This is election day and I have had my say. We are having a typical November day—Damp—Sunny—then cold & windy, just like the “old days” when we hauled in our fodder or corn crop.

Dinner is near ready—I am tired writing and must close. Ettie sends love. Give our love Ella—Dan and all.

With much love

Your Brother Eugene

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How sad was the sudden death of Cousin Alice—So many die this year—we know not who will be the next. We should remember the Savior’s words, “Be ye ready.” We should ever be prepared for our time may be near at hand. E.B.S.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/29/fayette-friday-eugene-b-scofield-4-november-1884/

Gladys – 25 March 1971

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Ct
47906 March 25, 1971

Dear David, Bonnie and Debbie,

Came home from Rochester today. Had been attending a meeting of W.S.C.S. Program Planning Committee. Also had gone to LaPorte yesterday to have new tires put on my car. Janssens live there and Garnett is manager of the Sears store there. I went there yesterday and spent the night with them and went on to Rochester today. I am very tired this evening—having sat all day on a hard chair, then drove home 60 miles. When I arrived home Dad told me that the Conference office had called me to tell me that a special meeting had been called for tomorrow evening for the Division of Christian Outreach—of which group I am also a member. I called the secretary about half an hour ago and told him as tired as I am tonight, I may not be there. There seems to be some trouble over money. The Conference Council met yesterday and cut our budget about 13 percent and we have to meet to decide how we will reallocate askings. The way our Conference is organized—the Division of Christian Outreach has to decide on who gets what—or I should say how much. There are askings of $259,701.00 and our budget was for $198,726.00 and now that has been cut. The thing I can’t quite understand is why we have to meet and spend all the time we do on making the decisions then have the Conference Council question our decisions, and the Council has the power to give or take away from our budget. This new Conference is just a little more than 2 years old and I suppose we are going thru some of the growing pains any infant organization has.

We are entertaining the bridge club Sunday night and since I have been away home for a day and one half, I need to stay home to get a few things done before Sunday. Besides I don’t want to drive 120 miles again tomorrow.—This is tomorrow—I mean I have slept a night and today I feel much rested and guess I will make the trip, since I am a member of the Division and should be on hand for any decisions.

At least we seem to be having some spring weather. However, it is not very warm yet, but at least the sun is shining today and that gives one the impression spring can’t be too far away. I remember one time when we lived in Kentland, we had a blizzard after the middle of April and traffic was tied up and people were sleeping in the gym. We were in Kentland not long ago and everywhere I looked the town seemed to be in a state of deterioration. However, the merchants along main street have added a shelter to the front of their stores, so one can shop along that one section—Kenneys, Hopkins Hardware, Ashtons Dress Shop, Al Thomas’s drug store, the Colonial Inn and an office building—without getting wet when it rains. LeBeau wouldn’t go along with the idea, so the roof stops at his place. Looks little odd, but that is the way it is.

This morning I got the vegetables cut for the Chinese dinner we are going to serve the bridge club Sunday evening. Since I have to be away tonight, thought I had better get some of my preparations taken care of today. I have had the chicken, pork, chicken livers and shrimp in the freezer for a long time. We haven’t tried this dinner with the club, so don’t know whether it will be a success or not. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Dad is a little dubious about having this kind of dinner for the club, but I figure everyone has to do his own thing and if they don’t like it they can eat what they like the next day. Very few persons have said they didn’t like the “Steamboat.” It is a fun sort of dinner and since I have all the chopping done ahead of time, won’t have so much to do Sunday.

Dad has built some more shelves for me in my office. I had been using that book shelf you had in school, but decided it was inadequate and thought shelves from floor to ceiling would be much more convenient. Dad says I will just have more junk, but I am going to surprise him and throw away a lot of the papers which have accumulated.

I am in the process of sorting and storing slides in a cabinet which Dad built. He found the pattern in a magazine and it holds the projector and there is storage space for several thousand slides. I am in the putting away process now. Have finished storing the pictures we took last year in Japan. Have put away the ones we took in Switzerland and other places around the world in 1969. Have stored on 1964’s. Since I have them in order, it won’t take long to transfer them to the new storage place. Will take a picture of the project when it is finished.

Thanks for the pictures of Debbie and of you. Get Bonnie in on the next ones.

Must get this in the box.
Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/28/gladys-25-march-1971/

Gladys – 18 March 1971

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Letter transcription:

March 18, 1971

Dear David, Bonnie and Debbie,

Yours received today and while I have a few minutes will answer. The last time Lea and Bob and John were here Lea said she was thinking about going to Rockport to stay with you when Bonnie gets home from the hospital. I would like to come and if the baby goes over as long as Debbie did, I may be able to come out, but can’t promise anything. Since I am Chairman of Missionary Education I have a responsibility at the School of Mission July 5^th to the 11^th. Lea and Bob are coming here the 28^th of this month to play bridge. We are entertaining the Kentland Bridge Club and the Kennys can’t come, so Lea and Bob are coming to substitute for them. We will talk about the trip to Rockport when they come the 28^th. Lea recently spent a week or so with one of her cousins (Betty) when her baby came and I think that was what gave her the idea to come and help Bonnie. I am hoping I will get a chance to come out before then, but haven’t any definite plans at this time.

We were in Kentland the last Sunday in February—Dad gave a program or rather talked to the high school class at the United Methodist Church about drugs. After the morning worship service we took Mrs. Myers to the parsonage and had dinner with the McClures. She really enjoyed getting out. She doesn’t get out very much anymore. About the only going is to get her feet worked on. The hairdresser goes to her apartment and does her hair so she doesn’t have to go out for that. I just wish she would go to a nursing home, but since she is so set against it, there is not much to do about it. I can understand why she wouldn’t want to go to one, even though it would be better for her physical condition to be where she could get some care. In the evening we went to Johnsons for bridge club. The Kenney’s ate at our table and told us Tommy has quit college—he had transferred from Indiana State University to I.U. He apparently didn’t do anything for a long time but just loaf around. Now he is working for either the University or the City on a trash detail. Sounds like quite a comedown for one who had a silver spoon in his mouth—like an unlimited checking account and a car of his own. He also quit the Catholic Church. Phyllis said that he wanted to go to Europe this summer and she wants him to go and get it “out of his system.” From everything I know about how he was allowed to grow up, I think he had no parental guidance and I think that was one thing he probably needed as much as anything. I think Art and Phyllis thought if they gave those boys everything they wanted and didn’t make them do anything they were being good parents. Bill is going to Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis and from what I have seen of his work he is quite good. The Logans were here this evening. They came down once a year for check-ups—they are Dad’s only patients, outside of Purdue Students. Dad takes care of them for their yearlys and Dr. L., takes care of our teeth. We have had them here for dinner before, but this time they insisted they take us out for dinner, so we ate at Sarge Biltz. In spite of all the new places to eat here in Lafayette and W. Lafayette, that place holds its own. I suppose a good reputation for good food is hard to beat. The Logans were talking about Tom Kenney. We were surprised that Art hadn’t good to pieces, like he always did when anything went wrong with Tom, but he and Phyllis were both acting quite casual about the whole thing. Dr. L. thinks they are just putting on a good front. Dr. Logan goes to the drug store often and he says Art talks about Tom all the time and about what he is doing. At Christmas time, he went to New York to spend the time with a girl friend. Phyllis has a brother who is a lawyer and the plans were for Tom to go into his uncle’s office when he finished law school. Phyllis keeping saying that she thinks Tom will go back to school next semester. I still think his greatest problem is his parents. Phyllis said they never did tell him what to do, just let him do his own deciding.

Sounds like you had a big day with the Bishop and other ministers. Wish I could have been there. Also the Town Meeting sounded interesting.

When I get to Kentland, I read your letters to Mrs. Myers and knew from them that you were planning to come to Indiana for Christmas. While reading and catching up on news from you I had a thought. Why don’t you make a carbon copy when you write to her—using this kind of paper and send me a carbon each week. The only extra effort it would require would be an envelope and a six cent stamp. How about? If you will send me the carbons (copy), I will write to you each week. Fair deal?

The Logans left early because the weather forecast is for snow and they didn’t want to get caught in bad weather on the way home. The weather here this winter had been pretty good, but in listening to the weather from all over the country, sounds like you have had plenty.

Dad built a cabinet to hold our slide projector and 50 drawers for slides. I am in the process of sorting slides and putting them where I hope they will stay

[page 2]
for some time. And also it will be good to have all the slides in one place. It is a neat little cabinet and he is about through finishing it. It will probably take me as long to get the slides sorted and put away as it took him to build it.

We are going to LaPorte (Janssens live there) Sunday. I have been asked to give a program on Missions at their church on Sunday evening. We are going in time to have dinner with them, also attend morning worship service with them. I gave the program to a Guild group last night. Our Conference office has procured a film strip that does a pretty good job of covering the work of the United Methodist Church in North Indiana Conference and Missions around the world. We have plenty of information if people would just bother to inform themselves. I am afraid too many of the people who go to church do not know what it is all about. Maybe I shouldn’t feel that way, but last night I asked how many had a prayer calendar and some of the other publications which women in that group should be reading and they looked at me like I was speaking a different language. I will say this for them, they pay their pledge to missions, but from what I hear, some of them ask, “where does our money go?” I told them last night in the literature I had with me was all the information anyone needed to know where their money goes.

Since I am Chairman of Missionary Education, I work with the Conference Missionary Secretary and he asked me to itinerate a missionary we have listed in our North Indiana Directory. He is Lawrence Thompson and this year he is working for the Board of Missions. in N.Y. office. He has been a missionary in Japan and will be going back to Japan this summer. He is going to be itinerated in Logansport District and Lafayette District. He will be a guest here with us from April 30^th to May 3^rd. He will fly back to New York the morning of May 3^rd. He will speak in our church at the morning worship services May 2^nd, and at a church on the south side of town in the evening. He will be in Indiana 10 days.

Think about the proposition I made about sending me the carbon copies.

Have been looking for Don’s address, but can’t find it. Will get it from his sister Annie Mishler—she is taking training at St. E. and her husband is in school at Purdue. Will call her soon and get the address.—Just looked and looked in my filing cabinet for my Christmas list and couldn’t find it under C where I always file it. Resumed this letter and happened to see a clip board that has been on my desk since Christmas and the thought suddenly occurred to me that my missing list wasn’t missing, but just at my finger tips. The address is Rev. Donald Yegerlehner, 2305½ Sand Point Road, Ft. Wayne, Ind. 46807. I think he has the title of Rev. After graduating from Purdue with a 6 point (the highest) he went to Minnesota for a year or two and took Theology. He is now doing social service with a church in Fort Wayne.

Received a letter from Louise recently and she was wondering if we could meet in Switzerland. I am afraid our schedules will not mesh. It would have been fun to be together and show them around to some of the places we are familiar with, and have them meet some of the distant cousins.

Love Mother

Thank for all the information about your activities. Glad Debbie liked her Teddy.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/23/gladys-18-march-1971/

Fayette Friday – Eugust B. Scofield, 7 July 1884

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Letter transcription:

Muncie Ind. July 6 7-84

Dear Sister Lena:

I believe you owe me a letter nevertheless I will write another. We have been getting along nicely every since the advent of the boy. Ettie is getting quite strong again, and the little one is as hearty as could be desired. He was much indisposed for the first two or three weeks but since that time has been well. However the little fellow was very fretful yesterday, last night, and this morning, sleeping very little of the time, but as he is now sleeping we hope he will get a little rest.

We kept a girl two weeks, the first week she worked as nice as a new

[page 2]
broom, but as soon as Ettie got up she wanted to be on the run every afternoon, so we gave her a dismissal, and I took the kitchen chambermaid, nurse, and general household work until Ettie was able to assist me. We got along finely.

There is little news for me to impart. I am about to change my field of labor on account of financial depression here. Just what work I will take up I know not positively, I have several in view, and arrangements partially made.

Minnie and A.J. are well. A.J. went to Indianapolis this morning.

We had a big 4^th here. Roasted ox, etc., etc. Grand fireworks in the eve. Two negro women seriously if not fatally injured by the explosion of a rocket not far from where we stood.

Love to all—Ettie sends love write soon—
Your Brother Eugene

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Ettie bought a ratan cab-parasol top, and as she did not like the black she is covering it with satine, I enclose a sample.

Fayette Friday – Eugene B. Scofield, 8 April 1884

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Letter transcription:

Muncie Ind. April 8, 1884

Dear Sister Lena

Yours came to hand in due time. I am truly happy to learn that your health is improving, and that you are so much stronger than in the past. We are well. I have seen A.J. since his return and he says he enjoyed Beacher’s lecture very much.
It is snowing this morning. Yesterday was election day in our city—everything was quiet.
Last Sunday week I spent at Winchester—had a good time. On Monday following I went down to a church 10 miles in the country to preach a

[page 2] funeral, Ettie accompanied me.
10^th 1 p.m.
I was interrupted at this point, my sheet has been neglected.
We were at Minnie’s a few minutes last eve. She is coming to spend the afternoon with Ettie.
We are getting along nicely in our church work. 15 have been added to our number this year. Last Lords-day Sister Highland’s and her daughter Carrie united by letter. In this week’s “Standard,” is an obituary of her husband.
Yesterday and the day before the Women’s Christian Temperance Union held a district convention in this city, quite a number were in attendance.
Tomorrow night the public schools of the city will give an entertainment in the High S hall for the benefit of the city—

[page 3] library. The school children are canvassing the town for purchasers of their tickets. Several pairs of the little “scouts” have dropped in on us, besides several one’s. I think it will be a success. 10 cts.
I see by the “Enquirer,” that Elix Morrison has been elected to fill the place of Squire Dale. And that Press Kensler is the Republican nominee for county treasurer. And I suppose “he will get there Ely!”
I received a copy of the “times” a few week ago, if you sent it accept thanks. Send more.
Would like to see all of you but under the present management finances are not found on the public highway.
We had a fearful storm 7 miles south of us last week. I have not visited the ruins.

[page 4] but think I will go tomorrow.
I received a letter from Bro. Wiles yesterday, and was glad to know that the Church at Springersville is growing so fast.
Some miserable incendiary nailed the doors of a fine barn, several miles above this city, a few evening since, then set fire in each manger, and some 8 or 9 horses perished in the barn as none could be gotten out.
Is Sherman in C— yet. Give my love to all. Ettie sends love. Write soon,
Your Brother
E.B. Scofield

Fayette Friday – Eudora Scofield, 10 February 1884

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Letter transcription:

Bloomington Ill Feb. 10^th/84
Miss Lena Scofield
Connersville Ind.

Dear Aunt: This morning I gought be at church, but as I kneed rest I think it is just as proftible to stay home. I go every Sunday when I feel well. I have not missed going before this year. I will try to make the present seem like you was here listening to me talk [so do not ask any questions

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until I get through]
I was home first week New Year, mended my clothes and made over a dress & new skirts for a blush basque I wore last winter. The next week, I went to clerk in store with “James.” As [I did not like the other place]. [I was there two weeks, then I stayed home two weeks while trade was dull. I sewed during this time I was from the store and cleaned house, also returned calls and visits I owed—

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to friends, but the past week I have been clerk at same place with James [I will stope to give the name of our store is “The Bee Hive.” We handle all kinds dry goods mostly notions. It is one block from “Court house” south and across the street from the P.O. south East.] I will go back again this week, may be off after this week again for two weeks, then after that I will be there permently for spring & summer trade. I like clerking

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real well. James is one Head oner of the store, The boss [excuse the expression] which is shortest] said I was best sales lady in store. I sold more goods the first two weeks than any other lady in store. I find my time so taken up sometime I think I can not take time to eat. You know about the meetings of our church through the day on Sunday beside the

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mission school in afternoon. I attend so you see how this day is usual spent by me when I am well. On Monday evening is our Teacher’s meeting and Normal class meeting. Wedsday night prayer meeting night. Friday night is Literary & Musical night at Wensleyan University. When I am at the store I stay there on Saterday nights until ten Oclock

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you see I only have two nights for myself and take Tuesday nights to do my share ironing. The one night left I have company or go some place, sometimes to Library.
The skating rink here is quite a noted place for amusement. LeRoy Orthur & Minnie & James can skate alone. I have never tried much. I can skate with partner, but not alone. I feel it is spending to much money to skate, for it is so

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easly forgotten and often injuries persons more than they rece’d good for a young man died by over heating himself there.
Yesterday the New gas house caught on fire, caused great deal loss of light, but as it happen we had light of old gas. We have also electric light suspended in our streets. That was heary loss in burning of that furniture building in Connersville. I suppose there is many changes made there since

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we left. I think though the prittest part of the City there must be the northern now. I read in Connersville paper that J. K. would move soon in his new house, is that true or is he married. I suppose by that he was. How is Will Kliring and Elle [Enyart’s] used to be] how is her baby? is it pretty? I feel real sorry to hear about Jessie V. that she did not do better in

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marriage. What Stewart sent his regards to me. was is young George Stewart that married Schull girl? I went to see him at Fowler Ind. where I went to see my friend Tilla L. last summer year ago. I am keeping company with a gent who has attend the Valparaiso school and has met Had. S. I would like to see R. H. S. and other friends I once knew. Do you

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ever see Jonnie Curtain and wife? Who did Ed Campel marry? Give my love to Minnie Willes & Florence. I would like to them both. Minnie was so sweet when I knew her. I often think of the time when we eat at school together. I may make a visit among you all this year. If I keep at clerking I want you to speak to Aunt Mary for me and remember me to her. give her my regards and also to Aunt Ella & others

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who inquire of me. I hope you are well. I have enjoyed the company of many friends you & I did once go with together that night we were to a party at Cashmer’s for one place, others I kneed not mention, etc. I hope Uncle Sherman will call and spend a week or more with us when he goes west. I do enjoy his letters so much. It did me good to have him come to see us for I did want to see some one from “home.” Why don’t you

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go west with him. I would if I were you. For it would be better for you to go away and see the world. enjoy the different scenery of the different land. I expect to go more if health permits. I have made me a beautiful crazy silk cushion and am making a plush one, can you send me two or three small pieces to put in it? I will close to wash the dishes

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I will close this letter—hoping to hear from you soon. Your Neice.
Eudora R.S.