John Griffith Letter - Rothsay June 21, 1892

“Dear Son and daughter. I now write to you these few lines to let you know that we are keeping well hoping these few lines will find you the same. Thank God for his kind mercies to us. We received your kind and welcome and was glad to hear that yours was well. Well Isaac I guess you are anxious to know that we are getting along. Many a tear was shed and many a lonesome hour we spent since we lost your loving mother. You said you would have come and seen her. But I know she would have been glad to see you and I know you would be glad to see her too. I would hardly think she was going so quick but the reason was that I couldn’t think of parting with her. Although I could see her failing since last fall. Oh Isa we missed your mother wonderful for she was always there to comfort us when we came in. We are very lonesome and seem to be getting no better. I have a great beating at my heart and I think I won’t be long behind her. Well Isa her funeral sermon was a beautiful one. The minister read the 21^st chapter of Revelations and then he took the text from the 14^th chapter of St. John and the first three verses. George and me is keeping ourselves. Mrs Copper and Levinia has been very good to us and helps us what they can. They are all very well.

Only Mr. Cooper hasn’t been very well but he is better now. Mr and Mrs Kees is very good to us. She comes over and does all our baking and many other little things. Often when you need a friend you will find a stranger better than your own. Mrs Kees thought a great deal of your mother. Our neighbours think we keep the house very nice but it leaves a poor home without a mother. A short time before she died she said I don’t know how yours will keep a home when I am gone, and then she said don’t forget me. But I must tell you I had my arm under her at the last word she spoke was to put my hand on her forehead but best of all she parted this happy life. Isa you must not think hard of me (not) writing. I started to write to you long ago and couldn’t for my feeling would not let me. You asked me if Mrs Emery how long she stop. She left the night of the funeral and went to Tom Henary and stayed there all night and then her and Louisann visits the rest of the week around and never came back to see us. I consider I used her well and give her own way in everything she said that Mary Ellen said she could have her good coat and Louisa her silk jacket and her good crepe bonnet and veil she asked me for a bed spread and I gave it to her and there was another bed spread gone and I don’t know where it went. I told her I would keep the parasol but for all she took it and several other good articles she took two the pillow shams and George followed her to Tom Henary and got them back from her so you may think she is one of the greedy ones but it made strangers think very little of her. I wrote to Easter (Esther?) and got an answer but Tillie has never answered my letter. I had a letter from Uncle Holebrook and he was very sorry for my trouble and he invited me to stay a while. I would like very much to go and see yours but I don’t think George could do alone. Our crop looks well we had nearly all sowed in April. Mrs. Noble is still alive but suffering al lot more but I must stop. Give me best respect to all the old neighbours. When you write let me know all the particulars. I want to know how your crop is doing. I heard Johny E the Sunday before and he spoke very nice. Heard yours had a backwards spring. Let (Clard?) preaching last Sunday and Willie Read are at present. I still remain your loving father and brother.  SIGNED JOHN GRIFFITH

1851 CENSUS MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP

LANARK COUNTY, ONTARIO CANADA

AS OF 12 JAN 1852 AGE IS NEXT BIRTHDAY

Received from: Rory Griffith - [email protected]                                                                Posted: 13 December, 2006.