Scratching Beneath the Surface The Jane W. Ely Letters

We have already considered some of the problems of reliability and accuracy that historians must keep in mind when using letters to draw conclusions about lifestyles of the past (see "Scratching Beneath the Surface--The Historian as Sleuth). The letters of Jane W. Ely, an early pioneer settler in Winona Territory, offer us a whole new set of opportunities to sharpen our skills as historical sleuths.
Carefully read Janeís letters. Scratch beneath the surface for evidence to support your arguments in discussing the following questions:

1. Do the Ely letters constitute primary source documents?

2. Jane' letters cover a span of time that precedes her arrival in Winona. Why is this important to a historian studying lifestyles in the Minnesota Territory?

3. What is the occupation of Janeís husband? What are some of the difficulties that this causes for Jane?

4. What can you tell about the eating habits of the early settlers in Minnesota Territory from Janeís letters?

5. What do we learn about traveling during frontier times in Minnesota Territory?

6. See if you can establish a "family tree" listing the relationships within Janeís family. How might you be able to solve some of the historical mysteries that come out of this project?

7. What are some of the difficulties and hardships that children must have faced in territorial times? What are some of advantages they may have had?

Scratching Beneath the Surface