Uncle Josiah writes to our Sarah on 8 Feb 1874 in reply to Sarah's previous letter. Evidently, Sarah's husband William had been ill but had since recovered. William Cummings had been discharged from the army during the Civil War. He had contracted some illness which had nearly killed him. William also received a pension for his service in the War.
Josiah then goes on to discuss his Golden Wedding Anniversary and his hope that both he and his wife would be alive to celebrate it. I'll let you in on a little secret - they do. He tells Sarah about visiting two of his great grandchildren. Josiah states he has lived longer than he ever thought he would. It almost seems like he is a little depressed.
He mentions his brother Adams Holden, Sarah's adoptive father. Adams had been dead for many years. Evidently his son Brewster was still not amounting to much. I'll have to look up Brewster and see what I can find out about him.
In closing, Josiah tells Sarah to include his address on her letters. Grand Rapids now had mail delivery right to their house, as long as the address is specified. He listed his address as 264 Lyons Street in Grand Rapids. The image at the top of the page was taken from the most amazing map. It was produced in 1868 and drawn by A. Roper. I found it at the Library of Congress website. I wonder just where his house was on Lyon street?
Sarah's adoptive father was John Adams of Plymouth NH. I have the research to prove it. You may see both their pictures and feel free to contact us through the web site.
ReplyDeletehttp://federalhouseinnnh.com/history.htm