How the Freeman family might have looked
This letter was written by Elisha W. Freeman (1824-1875), the son of William Elijah Freeman (@1800-1862) and Caroline Charlotte DeCarnap (1790-1847) of Atchison County, Missouri. Elisha was married to Mary (“Polly”) Peebly (1827-1891) in November 1848 in Clay County, Missouri.
Elisha mentions two of his siblings in this letter: Isaac Freeman (1831-1868) and Catherine Sarah Freeman (1834-1883). We learn that Isaac started on the long overland journey to Washington Territory in May 1862 and arrived there safely but was wounded in an encounter with Indians on the trail. On-line family records indicate he was married to Elizabeth C. Lechliter (1843-1873) in April 1865 in Holt County, Missouri, where he died three years later, however, so he must have decided against a permanent settlement there. Catherine married Carl Kreidbrink (1811-1896) in September 1853 and resided in Holt County, Missouri.
TRANSCRIPTION
Atchison County, Missouri
April the 5, 1863Dear Cousins,
I take the present opportunity to write a few lines to you. We received cousin Mary’s letter. That gave us satisfaction to hear from you all. You wrote to father and I got the letter. Father died the third day of last September and is buried at the same graveyard [Guilliams Cemetery] that your father is.
As you wanted to know how many children I have, we have had four and three of them is dead. The two first didn’t live but a few days each — two boys. Our next was a girl — Anna Caroline — that was four years old. She died March the 24th. We have one left — John William — that will be a three year-old next month. He is sick now. It is cold and worms that ails him. The rest of the connection is well.
Catherine married Charles Cridebrink, a Dutchman. They have four children and live in Holt County, Missouri. Brother Issac left here last May for Washington Territory. He got through and wrote to me and said that he got a bad wound in a battle with the Indians on the road but was most well. He got his arm broke below the elbow.
I want you all to write to me. Tell me where all the rest of the connection is and where to send a letter to Aunt Elisabeth. I would like to see you all once more and if this war stops soon, I will come and see you. There is the most distressing time I ever seen here in Missouri. Both highway robbery and murder is a daily occurrence. Our best men is imprisoned for opinion sake. Court and jesters is laid aside and theft is the topic of the day.
I have delayed this letter a week on account of my child [who has] been sick. He is getting well and I will expect you to write to me soon as you can. Wilson, I want you you to give this to Mary Lines when you read it and both of you read it and both of you answer it. Write to Rock Port, Atchison County, Mo.
So nothing more at present but remain your cousin, — E. W. Freeman
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