Jessie Ice | Genealogy Lady

Letter transcription:

Muncie Ind. June 27/83

Dear Sister;

I don’t know just whose turn it is to write but make an endeavour to make myself heard from. We are both enjoying excellent health and are doing as well every way as can be desired. The Church here is moving on nicely, we have fair audirnces [sic] and good attention. Last week we had a festival at Sister Avrights, all went merrily.
But you no doubt wonder why we did not come down as we intended. Just one plain reason – it would have cost so much. The rates would have been four ct’s a mile each way for I can get no half fare, nor round

[page 2] trip tickets from Newcastle to C– anymore since the trains have changed. You know my financial condition—and I shall spend as little as possible until I am out of debt. I may come to C– any time, but will not disappoint you by false alarms anymore.
I regret that we did not get down last week—and Ettie wanted to go also as bad as myself—but it would have cost us between $4 and $5 and we couldn’t stand it now.
I received a letter from Sherman several days ago—but he said nothing of himself, but I presume he is well.
Have not heard from Bal. for a month or so. Had a letter from Lee several weeks since and must answer soon.
Tell Ella that I am sorry I could not come down for I want

[page 3] so much to see her “sweet baby.” Kiss it for me and give Frank a “buster” on my behalf.
I will leave the rest for Ettie to tell as she can handle news better than I. Love to all. Tell Ella that I am waiting for a letter from her; write soon,

Your Brother Eugene

[different handwriting]
Dear Sister: Gene said he would leave the rest for me to tell but do not think there is any “rest” to tell. We spend last week at home I stayed one night with Allie & Gertie Ice spent one day with Ankah Bowman then she and I went and stayed all night with Jennie Bouslog had a very pleasant visit. Presume you know that Dr. Jackson and Jes Ice are married. They live at Jessie’s old home by the R.R. Lu lives with them and the

[page 4] boys went to live with their Father & Step-mother on the farm. Mr. Ice gave Lu the piano and Jes the bedroom set. he took all the parlour furniture the Dr. has his office in the parlor. I guess this is about all the change there has been at Summit since you was there. I like Muncie much better since we moved. I have one of the best neighbors. I never met any one I liked better there is two families live in the same yard I like both of them very much you remember Mrs. Harchy that called on us that we did not like she was in often after you left and I like her so much she is coming down one evening this week. Dr. Spurgeon is building a new house on the north end of the church lot. Will close this scribbling answer soon and tell us all the news.