Jane Ely (Jane Wellington Barker) was born in 1817 in Oriskany Falls, New York in 1817.Ý She married Edward Ely (b. 1811) in Oswego, New York April 23, 1843. They had four Children: Charles born 1844 in Ohio; Helen Mar born in Ohio in 1850; Mason Barker born in Winona, Minnesota Territory in 1853, and Harriet Elizabeth born 1858 in Winona, Minnesota. Jane and her husband were early pioneers of this area coming to Wabasha's Prairie, Minnesota Territory, May 4, 1852. Jane's husband Edward was Postmaster of Wabasha' Prairie, he was also a teacher, businessman and minister.

These letters were written when Jane and her family were living in Ohio. It was not unusual for pioneer families to make a number of moves before they found the place where they settled permanently. In Ohio Jane taught French and art. After she and her family moved to Minnesota Territory she became locally prominent for her portraits.

1845 | 1846 | 1847 | 1850 | 1851

Mason Barker Esq

Oriskany Falls

Oneida Co.

New York Lancaster

My dear Father,

We have deferd writing a long time waiting the arrival of Kirkland, but he has disappointed all our expectations, and mother says we must not defer any longer and as she wishes me to write first I do it with pleasure. I have enjoyed Mothers visit very much and as the time approaches for her to leave my heart grows sad. I regret that we live at so great a distance from each other, which will prevent our meeting often and I am very sorry that circumstances seemed to forbid your accompanying her or at least coming for her. I am very anxious to see you and I think you would enjoy a visit here, but we must not now make any useless regrets. Mother is becoming very fond of her little granson. She has even offered to take him home and bring him up. I suppose however she feels perfectly safe in making such an offer knowing how necessary he is to our happiness. The weather is excessively warm and has been for some time and we think it not best for Mother to start till next week. It would be so unpleasant for he on the canal during such warm weather. She is anxious to see home though I think she has not been homesick. Her visit has done me a great deal of good. I have enjoyed it very much though I have been confined in school all the time. At first it seemed hard to go into my school and leave Mother. I wanted to be with her all the time. Her health has been unusually good.

My school is tolerably good it numbers 42. Miss Ely, Mr. Elyís sister teaches the primary department she has had considerable experience in teaching and makes a very acceptable teacher. Mr. Ely has been absent about two weeks attending associations. I expect he will be absent from home a good part of the winter, he desires to be engages in his calling. I suppose you are all very anxiously waiting for Mother to grace the house with her presence and I suspect Dear Father you have felt lonely at times but be consoled Mother will soon be with you and Harriet. I hope Ette and Hellen will content themselves and wait patiently. Is Joseph at home? I wish he would write. We have received no letter from Kirkland to explain the reason of his failing to visit us. Now father I will leave the rest for mother to write so good by

Your daughter Jane W. Ely

My dear husband

I hope I shall soon be home thare for need not write much, I am only waiting for cooler weather. You need not write agane for I think I shall leave before a letter could arive. I was happy to receive such good news from home. I was very anxious to hear before the letter came. I have been verry contented since but I think I have made my visit out and I want to see home now very much indeed. I like Ohio very much I have made some aquaintance. I have had several calls and made some visits. We expect to have a party next Saturday and on Monday we should leave if the weather is cool. I feel dissatisfied to leave without seeing Kirkland.

Elisabeth Barker

Mother has taken my boy and says I must finish the letter. She has nothing more to say because she expects to see you so soon. I can say a few words to Ette and Helen. Ette I am happy to hear of our prospects of a future situation that promises so much happiness to you. You must study the duties of that station that you may be prepared to fill it with happiness to yourself and to your betrothed. Give my love to brother Frank. ñ and to Helen I would say prepare to make a good school teacher and I hope if we are all spared to see you in Ohio yet. You know it was long my expectation to have you live with me, perhaps I shall realise it yet. It is most dark and I will now close.

Jane W. Ely

1846

Mason Barker Esq.

Oriskany Falls

Oneida Co.

New York

Lancaster [Ohio]

My dear parents

Your letter was gladly received and I hasten to reply to it. I was sorry to hear of your being so afflicted with the rheumatism and as it has on that account become such a task to write. I do think that the girls should do most of your writing, or assist you at least that we may hear from you more frequently. It was three months or more since I heard from you before I received your last and you can not imagine how anxious I at last felt. Friends often inquired when I heard from home and I was actually ashamed to tell them. I wish I could hear from home as often as once a month or certainly once in six weeks.

After I received your letter I went immediately down to the ware house and inquired about those things and learned that the went only about five weeks since, they gave as a reason that no boats came up this side cut there being no freight for them. We could not send them as you directed, stipulating the freight clear through and taking a receipt. They were not shipped on a psicah (?) boat. I think they will not be lost. We consigned them as you directed to Farwell Utica and Williard Oriskany Falls. I took your letter with me and went to the ware house and had the box and barrell marked precisely as you wished, and then ordered them sent the first opportunity, and I supposed you had received them, however it is very probably you have received or will soon. If they get lost on the way I will search them up when I come next summer.

Charles Edward has been very sick, but is nearly well now. I was very much alarmed about him and some of the neighbors have since told me that he was the sickest child they ever saw, it was a long time before the doctor could determine what the disease was, at length after giving him warm tea and powder after powder the symptoms were sufficiently developed for him to decide it the Bronchitis, a disease which previously I always though confined to adults, but the doctor said he had met with a number of such cases, in some places it is called Catarhal fever. As soon as a blister was applied to his chest he was relieved and soon began to recover, but he was two weeks getting up again. I closed my school one week during the time. He is well now except he has not fully recovered his strength. He is not able to run up and down stairs as he used to not to stoop down for his playthings, if we tell to do so he will say "I cant", he talks a great deal making long sentences. He will call to papa to come home and bring the horse and take him riding. He talks so plainly any body can understand him. He is now in my lap teasing for the pen to write a letter to papa. Mr. Ely was home during his sickness but has again left, he still preaches in Jackson. My school is still flourishing, but not as large as it was last quarter of account of the exceedingly hot weather. As the weather has now changed I shall have my numbers increased. This has been a very fruitful season, such apples and peaches I never saw before. O Mother how I have wished you here you are so fond of fruit. My family is so much pleasanter this year than it was last. I still have Christina and shall keep her till next Spring when she expects to be married, every thing is done up in good style. She sends her love to you and says she would like to see you very much. Tell Harriet that all the girls complain most bitterly about her neglect. Frances Connell says she has not received a word from her when she solemnly promised to write her, and Latitia Hreider say Harriet does not mean to write, that she called her a fool before she left, and that she probably considers her such now. Julia White sys she still continues to send papers to Harriet, but receives no return. I hope they will write as soon as they return from hop picking. Do write a long letter tell me about Mrs. Towers school & about all the good folks of Oriskany Falls. Tell Harriet that Latitia says she is going to be married in Nov. to Valentine. I cannot say whether it be true or not. There is no prospect of Fanny Connellís being married and Julia it is said is engaged to Doct. Taylor who has located himself in Tarlton. Tell her that Hetty Heron is married to Mr. Nuise, Susan's father. Nearly all the young ladies are married, Miss Cattin, Miss Duple to Parry Forter, the two Miss Carpenters and that Miss Araker has gone home to be married. The other class are coming on fast to fill their places. Maria Slaughter is at home now she calls often. This has been a very sickly season but there have not been many deaths, fevers have prevailed to a considerable extent.

Father indeed I do wish you could have Charles to dandle on your knee, it would be great satisfaction to you to do so and I am sure I should be delighted, he is very playful and talkative. I hope we will all have the pleasure of seeing each other in less than one year. Mother you must write me all about the people in Schuyler, you merely said they were all well. I want to hear more. I am sorry you felt so little in the mood of writing. You delay too long now. I feel most like writing immediately after hearing from home, and you generally receive an answer as soon as possible after writing. You said nothing about Rhoda Etteís health, and she never has a word to send to me no more than if I was a perfect stranger. I shall surely write to Matthew in a few days. Give my love to all my friends, remember me particularly to Aunt Barker. I wish cousin Patience would write to me, I have received only on letter from her in three years. Tell Joseph to write write write.

Your Daughter

Jane

Mother I have preserved some quinces plums and cherries. I wish you lived near you should have a jar of each, and if I could only transport a peach I now have on the table! On the last market morning we bought a peck of fine ones, a few days ago a lady from the country brought me half a bushel and gave me.

Jane

Lancaster

My dear parents

I have defered answering your letter longer than usual for which I can assign no particular reason, only that my time has been more than usually occupied. I have a large school and two extra classes in French and Drawing, both are attended out of school hours. I have about fifty scholars, thirty in my room, nearly all of which are young ladies, none under twelve. I have also five boarders and expect another this week. Christine is still with me and does all the work, and gains time to sew for herself. She does her work well improving all the while. She now makes my soap, which has been done before this by Mr. Ely. He is not at home much of the time. He has had two attacks of the chills and fever this fall, but at length succeeded in breaking them up. The rest of us have been well. I think Charles Edward is now taking the whooping cough. I thought he had it when an infant but I was probably mistaken.

I was very much gratified to receive a letter from Kirkland and that too from home. I wished I could have been there too and witnessed the meeting. I anticipate that pleasure however in less than a year and I hope K will then make you another visit. I am very anxious to see you all once more. I can hardly wait till the time arrives. I hope and pray we may all be spared for that blissful period. I answered Kirkland's letter immediately and have also written to Matthew. You say I must write you all the particulars both of my school and family. Well my boarders are Jan Rickets the same that was with me six months last winter, Elvira Peters, Albina Pierce and her cousin Mary Carpenter and a Miss Flattery, sister to the lawyer, Harriet will remember. My school opens at half past eight in the morning and closes at four, between twelve and half past one I give Drawing lessons to a class of six. During the evening I attend to my class in French. All these things with my sewing keep me pretty busy, and withal I will take time to read. I am now reading Napolean and his Marshals by J.T. Headly, a brother of Isaac Headly. He is a very popular write, but recently come into notice. By the way I received a letter from Mrs. Sanning three or four days since. She writes me all the news from Oswego (?). She has been boarding since I left. Mr. L. is absent from home all the time, he is engaged in business in a neighboring town. P.B. Peck is there living in the affections of his people. J. Headly is in Cincinnati.

I suppose you would like to hear something about my little son. Well he is as robust as ever, talks every thing and very plainly too, he is a good boy. I can put him to bed in the dark wide awake and leave him he will go to sleep, but he is so full of mischief and he loves to go into the school room too well. He will slide in on every opportunity he can get and then it is a task to get him out. The girls plead so to keep him. I think he is more interesting now than ever before, he is so affectionate, he frequently comes to me and say Ma I want to love you, then twining his arms around me he will lavish his kisses upon my face and neck. He is also generous giving away his last morsel. I shall take some pains to cherish in him this last trait of character. I have written particularly about him, knowing you would be interested to know.

My boarders have one large room warmed by a stove. I sit mostly in my parlor. We have put up since a fine grate at the expense of ten dollars. We were under the necessity of purchasing another stove for one of the school rooms which cost eighteen dollars. We are then accumulating a great deal of property which we shall have to dispose of at a great sacrifice whenever we leave here, but I have no more idea of leaving Lancaster now than when I first opened my school, still I may leave. Mr. Ely is doing as well in the ministry as any other man in this part of Ohio. He is better paid than many. He has purchased him a fine horse and goes and comes when he pleases. He has no idea of taking me away from Lancaster until he finds a pleasant home to remove me to, which I think will not be very soon. He sits by me now reading and sends his love. Mary also sends love. Harriet why donít you write to Satcha (?)? You must write to me in the next letter. Helen I wish you would write more ñ tell me more about Harriet and Jay Curtis.

Mother you must write immediately I am exceedingly anxious to hear about your ankle, are you able to walk, and is it still painful? And father tell me about your health &c. I am afraid I shall never see Aunt Barker now, how is uncle R. and cousins Sarah and Patience. Give my love to all. I wish you could persuade Joseph to write to me.

Wednesday eve ñ This is a cold stormy night, the first time we have had any snow. We have had a delightful fall with but little rain. I must close

Write soon

Your affec. Daughter

Jane W. Ely

1847

To: Mason Barker Esq.

Oriskany Falls

Oneida Co.

New York

Lancaster F

My dear parents

I have not been as punctual recently in writing to you as formerly. I have forgotten what my previous excuses have been but I have now a very good one to offer. We have all been sick. Mr. Ely has had the chills ever since I wrote you, he has not had them very regularly because he took powerful medicine and broke them up, but they have returned upon him invariably. He has been consequently confined at home all winter. He applied to a new physician who has the reputation for curing the chills and fever and broke them, then started off for Jackson. He has such an iron constitution that he may be deathly sick one hour and the next on the street, however it gives him a very bad countenance. My little son is sick in bed was taken after Edward left a week ago today, he has another attack of the Bronchitis, for several days last week he was very sick. The doctor was alarmed, he says now if he should get a relapse, it is doubtful about his recovering, his lungs are in such a bad state. When I wrote you last I believe I informed you that he was taking the whooping cough. He had nearly recovered from that when he took a violent cold and it was renewed worse than ever. Then followed the Bronchitis together with some inflamation of the lungs. He is much better now his fever is entirely broken up, but he is very weak. He has one of the worst blisters on his stomach that every was draun. With the best of care now he will doubtless recover. The doctor is all the time charging me to be careful of him. I closed my school for several days last week, but I commenced again today. I shall not however neglect Charles in the least.

Now I will tell you of my own ailments. In the first place I wish to inquire if I ever had the whooping cough, are you very sure that I have had it. I took a cough about the same time Charles did and I have whooped nearly as much as he, indeed I have had all the winter a very bad cough, it makes me nearly sick. I have had cough before, but none ever lasted so long. I have been this winter exceedingly careful about exposing myself, but it has been of no avail. I never was more afflicted with colds. I shall commence soon taking medicine in earnest unless I get better. There is not much prospect of my recovering as long as I have to expose myself nights as I do. I have taken all the care of Charles night and day. I have missed Edward so much, he is gone and will not return till April. There has been great alarm here this winter about the small pox. There have been nine cases and one death in town, several in the country. The people are very much excited. All the schools are broken up but Mrs. Hís and mine. Several stay away from my school for fear of exposing themselves. Charles was vaccinated and it worked finely. I was vaccinated again but it did not take effect. You recollect that I had the Hins pox when I went to school at Little Falls. That will protect me for life against the small pox. I have just read you last letter over again. You said in that that you were afraid we were sick untill you received my letter and that it took off a great load. I am afraid this will bear another worse load still, but you must not worry mother, I presume I shall be better soon. I know you will say at once that Jane will die with the consumption, as you have said a thousand times. Perhaps I may but I think not with this cough. I am inclined to think this the whooping cough. I am anticipating a great deal of pleasure in visiting home next summer. I expect I shall want Hellen to return with me. I have wished thousand times she was with me now. I have a pleasant school and if the small pox dont break it up shall have an examination at the close of this quarter. Mother you will be anxious to hear from me soon again. Well I am equally desirous of hearing from home. I wish to hear how your ankle is. Write me immediately and you shall receive an immediate reply. Father do you have the dyspepsy as badly as ever and so troubled with the rheumatism too. I donít see how you can get about and work still. Oh how I wish you were in circumstances where you could live without it. Still I suppose you are as happy to be employed. I can hardly wait till the time rolls around when I may see you all once more. It will be a joyful meeting. I expect time has written a good many lines on your brow since I left. O how I long to see you and to present my little son to you for a blessing. Good night.

Your affectionate Daughter

Jane W. Ely

Good morning, Charles is very bright this morning has been playing with the girls.

Mason Barker Esq

Oriskany Falls

Oneida Co.

New York Lancaster [Ohio]

My dear parents

I received your letter two weeks ago today, and intended to have answered it immediately, by my time has been so much occupied. We are again preparing for an examination, which you know is a time that tries one's soul, and we are compelled to be diligent both in season and out of season. But I presume you would rather I would first talk of our health. I am entirely well. I have no cough. Charles is well also. Mr. Ely has not been home since I wrote you last, but he has had no chills since he left. I expect him to return next week, our examination will take place in two weeks from next Wednesday. He will certainly be home in time to attend that. We expect to remain in the same house where we are another year but we will not pay over one hundred dollars rent. I intend after this quarter closes to teach one quarter more, than I am going home to my fathers to the home of my childhood. I intend to be absent during the months of July and August. I can not say whether Mr. Ely will go or not. Of he goes I shall make a visit to Connecticut, if not it is doubtful. Mary Ann will then go home, and I hope Hellen will be prepared to return with me.

You see I am making great calculations for the future. I am looking forward with so much pleasure to my anticipated visit home. I never felt more anxious. I am daily talking to Charles Edward about it, he is already familiar with the names of all his uncles and aunts. Oh mother he is getting to be such a mischievous boy, he requires constant attention, he is almost a spoilt child, the scholars make so much of him they are teaching him everything both good and bad, and he is of such an age that anything sounds cunning, he can now tell what state he lives in, who is president, how old he is, and all the little pieces of poetry designed for the amusement of children, he can repeat, he says he is a Buck eye boy of O-hi-o. Last evening Miss Rickets asked him who he was, he stretched himself up and with an air of pomposity said he was James K. Polk. They are constantly teasing him and when he way anything cunning they laugh at him with all their might. When asked what his papa is doing he say he is preaching the Gothpel. I write this much to you about him because I know you are interested but pray donít repeat what I have written to any one else for it will not sound well. Christina is going to leave me this week, she is to be married in one week from tonight. I have another girl engaged but she will not fill Christina's place. She has improved so much since you were here. Harriet I called on Julia yesterday. She had a great deal to say about you. Frances Connell is in Cincinnati, she went down to attend Mrs. Full in her sickness who died two weeks since. You recollect her they moved to the city last fall. Frances will return soon. Latetia is sick and I am fearful she is going into the consumption, she is in the same way Olivia was, she complains bitterly that you do not write to her.

Father I was very happy to hear that you were so well that you had not been troubled with you old complaint lately, and I was happy to hear mother that you were so well, I hope you will be entirely well by the time I see you, that will soon roll around, how fast time flies. I realize its swiftness more and more every day. Brother Joseph what think you of the times of the political state of the country, of Polks administration? Can you be loco still? I wish I could hear what you say about this unpopular war. Come Joseph write me a letter on politics, and let me hear you plead the merits of your cause (if it has any). I should be glad to open a correspondence with you upon any subject, and particularly upon politics. I can not write very lengthy this evening, so I must bid you all good night. Good night, father Mother sisters and brother.

Your affectionate daughter & sister

Jane W. Ely

Mr. Cox has just lost his son of the same complaint that Charles had twice, one of the best physicians in town said that five sixths of the children that die in this country under two years old die of complaint. Doct White says Charles was as sick as any child he ever saw to live. Oh I feel so thankful that he was spared. Little Willy Cox was an idol in the family, they take his death so hard.

My love to all enquiring Jane W. Ely

Friends

1850

Lancaster [Ohio]

My dear parents

I am very anxious to hear from you. It seems a great while since you wrote last. I think we ought to write more frequently. I have thought much upon your anticipated visit here and have felt what a disappointment it would be to you to hear of Helens removal. We have talked a great deal together about your coming, and how much pleasure we should enjoy in having you visit, first one and then the other, but you must come as it is you will find us still in Lancaster ready to receive you. Almira is discontented here and will probably take Matthew off with her to Philadelphia. His salary is only $400 per year and if he can get even this in the city he will leave here. Mrs. Hughes is determined to have them in Pa. Even if she has to sacrifice her property. They have boarded with me this winter and I have enjoyed their society very much, though it has increased my cares. Mr. Ely has been absent all winter, it is now two months since he was home the roads are so bad in the winter season that he comes home only once or twice during the season. Did I write you that his mother died last fall? He has not said any thing more about visiting Connecticut since. I regret very much that we didn't visit his mother immediately after we were married. It is uncertain now about going. In all probability we will never visit his friends. Mrs. Reams is very well contented in this country and enjoys good health. Charles grows tall and slender, he reads very well and can write some though I have taken no particular pains to teach him. Helen was up here all day yesterday staid all night and has been with me today, since William left she spends her Sundays with me. We wish to improve our present opportunities of enjoying each others society as "blessings brighten as they take their flight". I shall look for you and I wish you to write and say when you will come. Matthew is waiting to take this to the office. I must close, my love to Joseph Kirkland and Janet. Kiss the babe for me.

Your daughter Jane W. Ely

Lancaster

My dear parents

Your letter was received with joy. I was getting very anxious about you. Helen did not go till Friday and Mr. Ely on Saturday, the next Tuesday I took my departure with all that was left. I spent a week very pleasantly and have been back nearly a week all alone with Charles. I donít know when Mr. Ely is coming and can no more say what I am going to do than when you left. Ade Cook is in town and has stayed with me three nights. I have managed so far to get company at night. Miss Murphy has just been here and talked an hour with me about Almira. She has just returned from the city after goods. She was with Almira several times, says she is well and happy expects to be sick every day.

I have been better for the last week or two, and have accomplished considerable sewing. Today I have felt quite unwell. Helen is much better Charles stands by me and urges me to say to you to kiss Carra for him, he has been reading several pages in a Sabbath school book of his own accord, and wished me to say to you he has been a good boy today. Thalia has just come over to stay with me tonight. Scatetia has come home with her husband both sick.

Mother I was very much pleased with your letter I think you are improving in letter writing. I hope you will give the details as fully in every letter. Still I can think of more that I wish you had written about. Who does little Sanford look like? Is he pretty? Is Janetts health really improved. You know the order of the physician concerning her, has her difficulty been removed? Father perhaps it not best for you to remain at home this summer but I have felt so dissatisfied that I find myself planning in imagination another visit. I feel that three years is too long to pass without seeing you while you are so advanced in years. I hope to be favored yet with a visit. May you be spared and may we all be permitted to meet once more in this world is the prayer of your affectionate daughter

Jane W. Ely

P.S. My love to the boys and Janet. Kiss the little ones for me.

To: Mason Barker Esq

Detroit

Michigan

1851

Wheeling

My dear Mother

It is Sunday afternoon, I am in my chamber sitting beside the cradle in which is Helen fast asleep. Mr. Ely is in the parlor conversing with one of the members of the church. Charles is about perhaps in mischief. I have been to church left my babe in care of one of my good neighbors daughters who comes in every Sabbath morning and takes care of her. I have an old woman living with me who works for her board. She is deranged, and partially so when she came has been to the Lunatic asylum twice. She took a fancy to Mr. Ely and said she was coming to live with us. We did not encourage her but she came. If she were only sane she would be a great deal of help to me, as it is she does a great deal of the drudgery. I cannot say how long we shall keep her. I have a good washerwoman every week. She is the best I ever had. My clothes will compare well with yours now. I like my home better and better indeed, I am very comfortably and pleasantly situated, more so than I have been since I was married. Mr. Ely has a fine church and they appear to be united in him. The congregation is large and increasing. The church has a good house and parsonage free from debt. One member of the church might be called a millionaire for there is no counting his wealth. He lives out of the city about two miles. I have been out once and spent the day. They live in great style with their slaves to wait upon you every step.

I visit a great deal. I must go to see all the members of the church and if I donít take tea it is no visit. It keeps me busy if Helen was not one of the best babies I could not do half as much as I do. I wish you could see her as she sleeps now, she has grown very much in three months, she has six teeth and a new suit of hair. She has a new carriage in which she gets a ride every day. She is delighted to go and expresses it when ever I get her bonnet. I have not made her any new dresses since I left Detroit. I donít wish to until she wears short ones. Charles has not been to school yet, it is vacation in the schools, he will start soon. I presume you wish to know whether Mr. Ely is presently paid or not, so far they have done well, he hands over to me three dollars a week for table expenses, it is a new plan we have adopted and I like it very much. I think every woman ought to have the entire management of the table, let the husband appropriate what he thinks proper and let the wife manage. I donít believe in going to the husband two or three times a day and saying we wait some tea, some sugar, pepper, salt &c &c. It is vexatious. I think the wife ought to have a certain allowance for clothing, so much per week that she may get according to her means what she wishes, that she may have no reason to complain of her husbands penuriousness or he of her extravagance.

I presume you are now in Schuyler. I often think of you, I am very anxious to hear all about your visit. You did not write half enough in your last letter, you have so much to write about. You ought to write immediately to make up for past neglect. I was very anxious about hearing from you before your letter came. Two or three letters passed between Helen and myself enquiring after you. How do you feel about Helen? I think all will be well. She appears to be very much encouraged. I think she will be sick about the middle of next month or before the middle. I wish either you or I could be with her, but we know she will have good care taken of her. She is still doing her own work, that is good for her. Ade and her beau stand about in the same relation together as they did, their marriage is still uncertain.

I have at length after some inquiry learned about Mrs. Dexter. They left Wheeling about seven years ago and went to Parkersburg from there they went to Pittsburgh. She died last year with the cholera in Pittsburgh. I was very much disappointed in not finding her here, but I have found some very good and kind sisters in the church. I enjoy myself very much. So much better than I expected. Mr. Ely is a different man altogether since he has found a situation according to his desires and profession. I wish you could visit us now in our new sphere. I was glad to hear of father's good health. You said nothing about yours. I would like to have you write particularly about yourself. My health is better than when I wrote last, still I am subject to ill turn of vomiting and diarhea. I like the water very much but I never drink it without ice which we have brought to our door gratis, as the man is a baptist. I can say truly that I like housekeeping much better than keeping school. I never kept house before the house only kept me.

Now Mother I have been reading your letter over again, it is an excellent letter you improve so much in writing. I want you to write me another immediately tell me about the people of Oriskany Falls. I am sorry that Hat had not one word to say to me. I did not expect it from Ette. Tell me about Mrs. Babcock remember me to her, tell me about Caroline Champion, Delia Nevel, Mrs. Sergeant &c, tell me about all my friends in Schuyler and Frankfort. I mean to write to Janet tomorrow and I hope to hear from Detroit soon. I think so much of those two little children they are so dear to me. Little Sanford how I love that child. I wish I could see him and share Hellens dinner with him once in a while. Helen vegins to eat every meal she has a high chair and fills her place at the table. I must now close as it is time to get tea. Helen is sitting on the floor. I have not held her since I commenced writing, and Charles is by her and sends his love. He wishes to know if you have that cow yet and in which corner the barn is built.

Your affectionate daughter

Jane W. Ely

Wheeling (Virginia) Nov 16, 1851

My dear parents

I have not answered your letter quite as soon as you wished, nor as soon as I intended when I received it, but my babe has been so troublesome that I could scarcely do any thing else but take care of her. She is much better now so that I have a better command of my time.

Mother you know not how anxious I was about you before your letter came to hand. I think you are inexcusable for such long delay. You can write with as much care as any body and when your absent children depend upon you to give information concerning yourself and family, you ought not to procrastinate. I was very much pleased to hear from my friends in the east, but I only wish I could see you and hear a more particular account of them all. I would like to hear some particularly about little Sanford. I felt as if his death came near home. The dear little creature! Did he suffer much? I am anxiously looking for a letter from Janet, which will give intelligence concerning him. I hope it will come forthwith. I want to keep up a regular correspondence with her, and between you perhaps I can hear from you as often as I wish. The boys are so absorbed in their business I presume it will be a hard matter to get a letter from them

My dear parents

I have just received the sad intelligence of the departure of my dear sister Helen. I feel inconsolable her dear loved form is before me and how can I give her up. I was unprepared for such news. I flattered myself she would do well, but it is all over now, she is gone where there is no suffering. O if I could only see you now, we could sympathise together in our affliction. I received a letter from William containing a brief notice of her death, she died murmuring Jesus and angels, without one doubt of her final salvation. I know that she has gone to a better land, and she has crossed the river a little before us, in view of this we ought to be consoled, but O how miserable I have been today! We have been very punctual in writing to each other once a month regularly, the last letter showed that she was in good spirits and enjoyed good health, but William writes that she had made up her mind for the worse weeks past. He wrote a beautiful letter. I hope her death will be a means of doing him good. I hope it will redound to the good of us all. If we only are so happy so to meet her in heaven, it will not be long before we will all be numbered with the dead. Life seems to me today to be nothing but a dream, a vapor that soon vanishes. Mother write to me soon, I cannot write tonight my heart is too full.

Your afflicted daughter J. W. E.

My Dear Parents

I have a few moments to write before this letter goes to the office. Helen is gone to rest, you will no doubt have the particulars of her death before this reaches you. The news came like a shock to us here. We had been waiting a letter for three weeks. We were not prepared for such sad news. William seemed overwhelmed with sorrow. His house is desolate, Helen was his idol. He did everything in his power to make her happy. They were just settled in their new home enjoying all the pleasures of life, but alas how transient is all earthly happiness. How short lived are all worldly pleasures. To William this is a dreadful stroke. Who can sympathise with him. The light of his dwelling has gone out forever. It is a question whether the husband or the parent will the most deeply feel the stroke. You will be deeply afflicted. A Beloved and affectionate daughter in the pride of womanhood is called suddenly away with no mother or sister to close her eyes in death. It is proper it is fitting that we should mourn over her premature departure from her Parents her husband and her home. Helen has endeared herself to us--less than a year ago she was with Jane in her sickness. She named our little babe--little did she think that our little one was to hear her name above--yet so it is. We hope her mantle may fall upon our little one, that she may inherit he virtues and her character. It is well now with your daughter she is in heaven the abode of the blessed departed spirits. I will not write more.

Yours aff.

Edward Ely

I thought I would add a little more as we (you) will wish to hear more of us. My health was never better. I am increasing in weight rapidly. Charles is well and learns very fast at school. He has nearly learned the multiplication table. He is constantly repeating it night and day, with verses he commits. I have had a sewing girlwho has been sewing for him. She has fitted him up for winter. He goes to church and Sabbath school regularly. Helen is improving fast she can push a chair all over the house. I think she will walk before she is a year old. Mr. Ely still gives satisfaction to the church and congregation, all is prospering. Now mother do be more punctual in writing. My correspondence with Helen is ended. I can not endure the thoughts. Let us more highly value this privilege of communicating our thoughts to each other. J. W. E.

August 24, 1851(Virginia)

June 14, 1851
 
 

My dear parents

Perhaps I have delayed writing too long and you have been somewhat anxious about me. I have found so much to do it has really seemed impossible to sit down in confusion to write a letter. I am a little better settled now and am seated in Mr. Ely's study to address you. I have a great deal to say and hardly know how to write fast enough. Charles has gone to bed on his lounge made of a box after Janet's style We made it today. Helen lies asleep on my bed with her cloak and bonnet on. We had out this after noon all the family and have just returned, the first time I have been out. I was very happy to hear from you and from Helen. I have also had a letter from Uncle Ethridge and Aunt Cynthia expressive of their disappointment in our not visiting them. Aunt C says she watched every conveyance for a week expecting us. Oh Mother it makes me feel so sad when I think of it. I am so sorry that circumstances worked so against visiting our friends in Michigan. After I left you that night I felt uncommonly gloomy. I retired very early, but before ten was waked up by a violent thunderstorm. The wind whistled through the boat, the rain beat against my window. The thunder claps were deafening and the lightning was fearful. I arose and dressed went out into the saloon and found the passengers quietly taking their rest without any apprehension of danger, upon that I went back to bed, but did not rest much, We did not leave Cleavland till after the Cars had left. The pilot said the storm had delayed the boat. I called for a cabman and went to Mr. Clarks. I did not see him for he had not returned from the anniversaries in Boston. I spent the day very pleasantly. In the after noon Charles wandered out and got lost. I knew nothing of till tea time, Mr. Slade came leading him in saying hr found him in the streets crying and inquiring for Mr. Clarks. He knew him immediately and brought him in. His heart was broken. I never knew him so grieved. June 15th the next morning the cabman came in due time and took me down to the depot, and saw me aboard [one] of the cars. We came 38 miles to Ravenna as far as the rail is completed, there the Beam packet was waiting. We came aboard and rode that day and night till 9 o'clock the next morning. When we reached Beam about 2 o'clock P.M. a river boat came along we started on the river and did not reach this place till 9 0'clock in the evening. Mr. Ely came aboard as soon as he could and of course was very happy to see us. Our goods came the day before. I like our house on some accounts very much indeed. It is situated on the river bank and commands a delightful view. The river with its eight or ten steamboats daily plying its surface. The Wheeling Island a fertile and beautiful spot on the other side and the famous Wheeling bridge are objects in fair view upon which the eye loves to dwell. The Wheeling bridge is truly wonderful. I never saw a more magnificent structure. Our house is brick with seven good sized rooms and very convenient. I think when I get settled and fixed to my mind I shall like it the best of any house I ever lived in. Mr. Ely has painted and whitewashed it. He had it nearly all cleaned before I came. I have had no help but him except a wash woman, and I do not see the need of one yet. Mr. Ely has put down all my carpets, and has done all my scrubbing. We have not bought much furniture yet, but intend to as soon as the house is ready. I have my carpet cut and laid down in the dining room but have not been able to make it yet. I have not been well. The water I think affects me and I have the same complaint father is troubled with. I have been taking medicine all the while and today am under the influence of laudanum. Helen still has that bad cough and I think it has taken off some flesh. She is a good babe and sits in her cradle nearly all the time, she has learned to be turned off. You said nothing about my two little children in Detroit. My dear little Sanford how I want to see him! And sweet little Cara does she talk about her aunty any? Kiss them both for me. I have not been to church yet and cannot go for the present. Helen has become afraid of strangers. We left her with a lady of Mr. Ely's acquaintance when we went out and she cried half an hour as hard as she could scream. I thought I would not leave her again. I have had a good many very friendly calls from members of the church, and as far as I can judge it is a very good church, it is composed of about 140 members, they have a good meeting house and parsonage free from debt. I can not learn any thing about Mr. Dexter, but I shall continue to inquire. Mr. Ely knows of no such family among the baptists. Charles lost his hat in the river coming down. I have bought him a common cheap one till I can get out to get him a better one, Father do you know how to resist Helen's urgent request to visit her? When you go you must go by Wheeling, you can go then from here for about $5.00. You ought to come as soon as it is possible.

June 16. I did not finish this yesterday, my babe made pressing demands upon my attention and I had to leave. This morning I am still complaining. Mr. Ely has gone to consult a physician. I think I have taken cold and it has settled in my bowels. Mother I presume you are nearly ready for your journey. I hope you will go during this cool weather it is so pleasant for traveling Janet it will be your turn next to journey and you must make Helen and me a visit. I wish you could call in this morning and advise with me about getting some curtains for my parlor and other furniture. I have no one to talk with but Mr. Ely. I think furniture is much cheaper here than in Detroit. I must close give all my love to all remember me to Mrs. Fish and Mrs. McGrath.

Jane Ely's Letters, 1852-1858