Name: Maria Hart
Born: 20 Sep 1836
Place: near Beverly, Randolph Co., (W)VA
Died: 27 Aug 1880
Place: Cleveland, Cass Co., MO
Buried:
Maria wrote the following letter to her sister, Mary Hitchcock, about 4
months before my great-grandfather (her son, William McDowell) was born.
It's here as transcribed in the excellent The Harts of Randolph by
Katherine Hart Frame (1976).
Feb. the 24, 1876
West Line, Cass Co., Mo.
Dear Sister:
It has been a long time since we heard from you. I have been thinking about
you and wondering if you was all well, and what you was doing so I concluded
to write. hard times here last year we had no early garden no corn planted
until the last of June we raised but little good. Corn is selling for 20
cents we have some to sell. We haven't gained much since we come here. We
have two span of 3 year old mules two colts the same team we had when we
left Kans. Susan and Allen (her step-children) have a horse apiece. We have
been thinking about going west and trading for a claim. I received a letter
from Father not long since. He was not well, very feeble did not think he
would live long. Boss' health was not good. Do you know where Joseph is they
can hear nothing from him.
Our children have been going to school. Yesterday was the last day the
teacher treated them to candy. They were highly pleased. Delia can read in
2nd reader. My baby can walk & talk. She is very spritely for her age. She
was two years old the 10th of this mo. She is one of my twins. I do not
remember writing you since they were born. Annie died when she was 6 wks
old. I named the other one Jennie Birdie. She looks like Laura. Susan &
Laura have gone visiting today. I would like to see you all. Give my
respects to Mr. Hitchcock and the children.
from your sister,
Maria McDowell.
The "spritely" Jennie Birdie was for whom my grandmother, Birdie Nina
McDowell, was named.
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