Maurice Matheson 1934

La Grande Ore

1714 Z Ave

June 9, 1934

Dear Sis,

Hope this letter finds you all ok & feeling fine. Sorry I didn’t write sooner but guest seemed like I couldn’t write to no body.

We’ve sure been having some wet weather my but how it did rain for about 8 or 9 days not steady but was sure a lot of water fall. The sum has shown yesterday & to day will proably start laying again next week. I sure hope so.

How is the corps if ask there this year any way. Things look fair out here. We had so much rain it split. Lots of cherries upon I don’t know how they will be. They may not before they ripen If it would of waited a week it would probably been better but I guess we have to take it as it come rain or shine.

Folks are all feeling pretty good. I got me a new $32.50 bango sure a keen one “Tenor Bango.”

Marvin said tell you he has been going to write to you but has been so busy that he didn’t get around to it yet.

I’m sure a puzzle when it comes to writing. I don’t like to write well enough to write to any body.

Listen Sis I got a picture of me. That I’m going to send you. I want you to send it back because by rights it ain’t mine. But, my Girl friend over next to the line has got the negatives to it and some other pictures she lives at Jamieson Ore. She went to normal here She went home the other day. We had some taken a few days before. She left but she had to go home quicker than she expected & I never got to see the last but she said she would send them to me. When she got home.

So if you will send this one back, I will get one like it & some of the other & send you. I will write her & get the negatives to it. Well sis I guess I will close tonight so will write more next time.

Please don’t wait so long to write as I did.

As Ever,

With Love,

Maurice

PS Tell Archie I said Hello.

Please send Picture back for long as it really isn’t mine. I will send a picture of my girl friend.

Albert Hackerott Jr. Dec 5, 1954

Dec 5 ’54

Dear Archie & Mable –

About every time I thought about writing there was a good show in TV. That takes up most of our time in the evening. Don’t even have time to read the paper anymore. Great Bend came on the air the last of Nov. and they are close enough that we have good T.V. every night. We had our first rain last night since I got home from our trip. 60 hundreds so it was really getting dry and dusty. So far we have had a very mild winter just a couple day that it was down to about 10 above but other than that around freezing was the coldest we have had. They had rain while I was gone so the wheat came right up but doesn’t look as good now as it did maybe in a few day if it stays warm it will green up again. I just got my pictures back the other day sure got some nice ones of our trip. Makes me wish I could take it again next year. If you ever have a chance to take 101 along the coast it is well worth your time. The road is one curves (shows curves in the letter) right after another and a slow road but lots to see & the Red Woods are beautiful. I was really glad when we got thru Saw F. crossed the Golden Gate bridge at 1 o’clock & they were playing football with Ill. So really got in a traffic jam. Had thought some of going on to Los A. then along the Southern way but I said I had enough city driving I was going straight across country for home. Now I wish we had gone on South I have never been down there.

No water in the ponds so we won’t get any ducks this year the pheasants are few & far between don’t know what has happened to them. Our steer calves brought 21 (cents) not as much money in a cow herd as big steers now. We are getting our road graveled down from the Co. road so now if it is muddy when you come see us you can come right on thru. Oh yes I wanted to tell you the president was trout fishing in Pine Colo. When we went thru there if I had just known it ahead of time I just as well of gone fishing with him. I’ll bet the game comm. Stocked the stream for him so it would have been good fishing. I want to write a few lines to Shirley & Myron so they will know I haven’t’ forgotten all about them. Yes I thought maybe as soon as Shirley left you would be leaving Seattle. I don’t blame you one bit there are hundreds of small towns that would be so much better. I supposed most of the coast towns the living costs would be high. About every Friday or Sat night Bill & Jim come up to  spend the night so they can see T.V. Billy doesn’t get to come up during the week now that he is in school Aunt Laura got a bunch of colored pictures of the trip she just got them back I haven’t seen them yet. I don’t know why it takes so long to get the pictures developed. Well it won’t be long till Xmas it sure seems like time flys any more. We have been busy putting a new foundation under the south chicken house & converting it to a calf shed. Eggs are 18 (cents) so it doesn’t pay to raise chickens any more $5.55 a hundred for pullet atoms. I suppose you saw in the paper where some one blessed Mary Wineland’s money & got away with around $80. Well by the time I get a short note written to Shirley it will be bed time so will close for now.

Love, Albert Jr.

Joe & Stella Seaman - Dec 14, 1960

Tarkio, MO

Dec 14 – 1960

Dear Archie & Mable: -

I take my pen in hand to write you a “scap” to-nite. Got your good letter last Saturday and was mighty glad for it –

You are right this has been some year in a lot of different ways, The republicans carried all the offices in the state and every congressional Dist except the 5^th which is southwest Kansas. Was disappointed in the National as I wanted Nixon – I don’t like this Chester Bowles that Kennedy has in his cabinet and a Mail Carrier in Topeka told me yesterday that our Next Post Master General would be a Nigro.

My old Friend Walter Peery of Topeka was elected State treasurer, Guess you remember him and his wife Florence. They were at Nettie’s Funeral in Natoma – Had a one page letter from Bob but he didn’t say much, He is O.K.

I went to the hospital on Oct 29^th and after getting out I didn’t go to work until about Dec 5. Had prostate trouble. I’m going to retire Jan 1^st and see if I can live on O.A.B.

We may go to the Gulf some place. Near Brownsville along about the Middle of January and get away from the cold for a few weeks.  Geo. & Ida were down to see us one day late in Nov. after I got out of the Hospital.

We are planning on going to Colo Springs for Xmas if the weather is good.

Yes I think the Huskies should beat Minnesota in the Rose Bow, but don’t know about MO, against Navy in the Orange Bowl.

I agree with you 100% on Politics and think we have taken care of Western Europe long enough and that they should help carry the load now.

I’ll bet you will be glad when Shirley, Myron and the kids can come home from Germany – Perhaps Myron will return to civilian life, if the Air Force isn’t going to take care of the Service Men’s families –

I didn’t get to go Deer hunting this year – But did have 2 week ends of duck hunting and got the limit both times.  Was sick during pheasant season – Drove by Squaw Creek Game reserve today and there were about 10,000 Geese there – Mostly snow Geese & Blue Geese.

Haven’t seen Bowlby in a number of years as I never get out that way – Saw Alan Palmer 2 weeks ago. He lives in Salina. He told me Geo. Musgrove was in Bad shape with heart trouble. His wife is your cousin, isn’t she?

I got pretty tired working and think a rest will do me good – Don’t know how long I can remain idle without losing my mind –

Will write again after the Holdiays as will have more time –

Hope this finds both of you feeling fine and that you have a wonderful Xmas. –

Love, Joe & Stella

Uncle Jim & Aunt Bee (Matheson?) Dec 13 - 1960

Natoma Kans

Dec 13 – 1960

Dear Mabel & Archie

Got your card & letter a few days ago & was glad to hear from you again I dident even know where you & Archie were. We got a long letter from Forest this last summer. It is winter here we have a bout 3 or 4 in of snow on the ground here Now it is a nice snow the wind never blew so it dident drift Jim says it is sure good for the wheat Christmas is soon coming fast enough for me to. We are having our revival here at our church now. It started Dec 5 & will close the 18^th. My children are all fine Bonnie & Lyle live in Denver. Ted in Liberal Kans he only has the 1 boy & he is married & has 1 baby boy. Bonnie lives in Denver & works at Gatis Rubber Co & has for 20 years. She sure makes good money. Ted has a good Job at Liberal Wilda lives South of Plainville. She teaches school at Codell this is her 5^th year for it. Lyle lives in Denver & Paints & makes good money. Lyle has 1 boy & 3 girls & he has 2 little grandauthers. Wilda has 4 boys & she has 5 grand children & 1 more on the way. And Lyle have 1 more grandbaby on the way to. Babies sure come fast but they are aufil sweet to me. I love all babies. We Jim & I have 8 great grand babies and 2 more on the way. So no wonder I am feeling old. I was 70 Oct the 17^th & Jim will be 75 April the 4^th. Poor Uncle John is over here in a rest home Bonnie was out for T.G. & we went to see him he can’t hardly see or hear either just him Jim & Art are all the boys left & just Laura & Mattie is all the girls left of grandma’s children. So glad you have a nice home & wish we could come & see you but I know we can’t we both are bothered with Arthritis. Your Uncle Jim says tell them helo for me Well dinner is over & dishes washed & Jim has gone to saw down a big tree for some one here in town he has a chain saw & it really does the work. He has sawed down over 300 trees I think he said he gets paid for sawing them down & gets the wood to  & we sure have a big pile of wood here in our yard all sawed in to fire wood & we burn 2 heaters. I don’t think I could keep warm with a gas heater. I have a gas cookstove but I have diabetis & on a street diet & can’t eat the food that keeps you warm wish I could see you & all your family I had to read your letter again to see what Shirley’s name was couldn’t think of it that is another sign of old age. You wait & you will find out I know their faces but forget their names. & I find out I am not the only one that does forget & if you live to be old you will find out to. I went to Maggies funeral they brought her back here of coarse & she looked natural. Lyle paints with Sam Boyer part of the time in Denver Well I expect I have better bring this to a close so if I get a chance I can send it to the P.O. to mail it. I hope the best for you & yours & God Bless you all write again from Aunt Bee & Uncle Jim

Mr & Mrs Melvin Chrisler Dec 19 1960

Hope you can read this letter

Dec 18, 1960

Dear Mable and Archie,

We got your letter and Christmas card and sure was glad to hear from you.

How are you folks any way.

Well I hope.

Melvin isn’t so well to night again. We had a snow storm last week and it is/been very cold ever since. Melvins brother John died last night at eight oclock of a heart attack he lived in Russell.

He has been sick for a long time he had sugar diabetis to. Leona came down a little while ago to stay rest of the night with us. Don had a cold cause Melvin is sick. It is half past four now and Melvin hasn’t slept a wink all night. He is in so much pain. I have an idea he will have to go to the hospital again.

It sure is cold and we still have snow. How is the weather out there.

Eldon said Johney Lock came out Sunday with his dogs and he got five or six coyotes.

Mable yes Warrena can walk with her crutches but that is the only way she still has arthritis awfully bad and she is dizzy lots of time. When she is feeling well she drives the car lots and she sure does enjoy driving the car so much.

Mable Mrs. Berger at Natoma she keeps sick patients and my brother John stays there since Aunt Rose died.

Well Mable here is Rosas address:

Mrs Rosa Moss

Box – Hines Oregan

Amy isen’t there lots of plane recks lately 186 got killed within the last week. They collided

Dec 19.-60

Well Mabel Melvin is lots better tonight than he was last night. He just couldn’t stay in bed and he couldn’t stay out and he just rolled and tumbled in bed all night with pain. He has muscular arthritis ulsurs of the stomach and heart truble

They say it is to be colder tomorrow and pobissibly some snow.

I am glad that Shirley and her husband likes it over in Germany. For it would be awful to have to stay over there if they didn’t like it there. Well I guess I had better ring off and write some more letters .

Answer soon,

Love to both of you

Melvin and Martha

Mable one of them planes came down in New York city and killed 125 people and then the other one near some bay.  

Laura Wineland and Nellie LaRush - Dec 10, 1960

Dec 10^th 1960

Dear Mable and Archie –

I was so glad to receive your letter.

I was interested in Archie’s finding a hearing aid he could get some good out of. He will be a long while getting use to it. Probly like mother. He will always hear more than he wants to.

We are both real well this winter mother for some reason worrys about such unneccary things. She makes herself more or less unhappy

We had extra good crops this year. And althou cattle were lower our calves sold for $20.50 to $26.50 so we were very well satisfied. We had 38 head.

Mr. lowery on the place wants to retire. So we are trying to sell the place. Of course he will have an interest in this crop of calver.

Albert Senior is real well again. I don’t know if you heard he had appendicitis. Since that surgery he has felt good.

He is taking the responsibility of the selling of the ranch. I’m very thankful he is willing to do it.

I was glad to hear of Shirley and her family. I expect they have their lovely times but they are having a wonderful time and enjoying it.

I think it wonderful Chris is learning to speak German.

It sounds as though those little boys would have a wonderful place to play when they get home.

Lucille and family are well. Her baby Daniel is in second grade.

Roberts mother has been with them this last summer. The sister and her family and Mrs. Leach drove out from Ill in two cars. (in July) Then with Lucilles family they all went to Colo spent ten day had a grand time. Mrs Leach stayed and Bob drove her car home for her and he is coming home today by Buss. He has spent ten days in his old home town.

Do you receive the farmer?

It would be grand if we could come to your 62 worlds fair.

By for now, Love Laura

(Also in the letter-)

Dear folks: I just had to write a little thank you note, as I remember the lovely time we spent in your home and our trips out. I will not be going that way again and wishing you a heart satisfying Christmas in spite of “wars & rumers of wars.” For a brighter day is downing for this old world –

You have earned your loviely new home and I hope you have time to enjoy it – means so much to be in same neighborhood: we have lived here in same house forty six years – but how the neighborhood has changed. Nelli LaRosh

Ken Hodge - Portland July 25, 1984

Portland

July 25, 1984

Dear Lynn & Pat:

Sorry for the long delay in answering your lovely letter, but I had a bit of tough luck, & drank too much and got jack rolled, couldn’t even pay my rent, now I have to pay double next month, of course I could’t get any stamps, I usually have some on hand but.

I won’t say much about myself, but I was in the Army, also a long time in the Merchant Marine, been to all countries but England and Scandinavia lived for ten years in Australia but had to come back to the US in 1964.

I hope you can decipher my damned writing, after all I’m 64 years old but I can still perform whatever.

I’m now living in a hell of a dump, its run down and most of the roomers are exlunatics or corrects sure is a nut house along wit the roaches and noise I manage to survive.

Just where is this town that you are living? I’ve never heard of it before. My home town is Anacortes wish I could see it again.

Well Dear ones this is all the BS I can think of for now. Hope to have better news next time, I’ll be moving to an apt. in Sept. I hope.

Love to you both

As ever, Ken

This won’t be posted till the 1^st anyway.

Woodburn OR - Dec 7 1984 - From Iris & Milton Taylor

Rainier Rd

Woodburn, OR 97071

Dec 7, 1984

Dear Lynn and Pat:

It was so good to hear from you and receive your Christmas Greetings. That is one of the blessing of Christmas I believe, as it does bring friends and relatives closer together May the good Lord watch over you and keep you in good health Take time too, to have good times together and enjoy life to its fullest. This is a fine time now with your plans for a family. May God bless you.

We are both fine and expecting to have a good trip to Mexico Jan 21-Feb 3. It will soon be here so we are already looking forward to it. Yes, I wish you were going too. Maybe someday that will be a thing for which to make plans. Anyway, since we are both getting old, we don’t have much time any more so have to make hay while the sun shines!!!!!!

Milton is losing eye sight but will have a cataract operation in the near future that will hopefully bring back his vision. In the mean time, I do all the car driving and reading for him I try to help him keep up his courage and not get dispondant.  He will be 88 in Jan I just had my 78^th birthday. We are blessed, believe me, as our health is good for being this old.

Well, dear ones, we appreciate your invitation to come your way some time and stay over with you. Yes, I think we can make it but not right away. We will wait for some better weather, perhaps in the spring. But will let you know. Do take care now and remember, take GOOD CARE OF THAT LITTLE ONE IN YOUR TUMMY. HE-SHE IS IN YOUR CARE and needs the best you can give. Our love as always.

Iris and Milton

Dec 19 - 1956 From Mabel - Cousin to Minnie

Gary, Okla

Dec 19-56

Dear Cousin,

Am sorry I am so late getting your letter answered. I was glad to hear from you. We are all well and busy as usual – seems like there is more to get done every year, maybe its ‘because we slow down more as we grow older. I am 66 now, how old are you.

Our dag. Ruby & family still live in Richland Wash, my brother Georges daughter Lahoma lives there too she has 2 girls. George passed away in 1932. My Dad died in 1938 he was the last one of his brothers and sisters to go.

I don’t know just what you wanted to know about your fathers family all I know is that his parents Mason True and Esther Baker (Campbell) True were born in Ohio. Our grandma Esther True was 1 of 16 children and I can’t remember all her brothers & sisters names some were 2 brothers Sylvanus & Bushnell and 2 sisters Rebecca & Sally Amy. I have forgotten the others and the only one of Granpa Trues family I remember was a Dr Austin True who lived in Ohio – Oh yes grandma had a sister named Lydia her married name was Porter, Rebecca’s was Maxwell and Sally Amy’s was Tinkham.

Your father had sisters, Lydia, Rebecca, Sally Amy, brothers William, Lawrence, Sylvanus. I just can’t remember any more and I think that is all. I don’t know where any of Aunt Rebecca’s children are. There is 1 girl & 2 boys left as far as I know. The only one that ever wrote to me just quit writing and I could never get an answer she was old and sickly so I suppose she passed away and no one bothered to tell me. Their family were not very close together and fussed all the time.

Uncle Sylvanus was Mittie & Linnie Trues Dad they are both alive and I hear from Mittie at Christmas she is past 80.

Aunt Sally’s family were raised here in Oklahoma and there is Albert, Finley & George & Lucy left. Mytle passed away last spring.

This is about all I can tell you of course if we could chat together I might be able too tell you some details. I wish I had written down a lot that has been told me. Didn’t your Dad ever talk about his family and as long as your mother lived with you she should have been able to tell you some.

Do you have a picture of your old home near Natoma the one with the family on if you want one I will send you some that I have. Say didn’t you have a daughter named Mabel (your oldest) you never mention her. I just wondered. My step sister lives at Okarke but she never visist me. I also have a step brother in the church home for old folks at Independence MO. I have a half brother, Leslie who lives in San Diego alif. Don’t hardly ever hear from him either. He has 4 children I have 2 boys & 1 girl who live near us. We still live on our farm and don’t do much farm work but chickeys & garden our son farms the land. Hope you have a nice Xmas.

Love from Mabel & Herman

(above the letter – am sending a clipping I found in some paper. )

Jan 1964 - Park Wineland

Sunday

Jan 19-1964

Dear Mrs. Taylor;

I am sorry that I could not answer your letters, and also to Mrs. Winland, sooner.

I am enclosing a copy of a family record that was sent to me by the decedent of Jacob.

I have not been able to connect John 1803 up with any of the other I have on first the emigrant.

However I came across something that might help, and it’s not so far from where you live, altho I do not know exactly the spot.

There was a John Wineland, emegrant that settled in Virginia.

He had a son Peter (the only record I have)

Peter had 8 children

About 1780 three of his sons, John, b. 1769 – Peter, and Christian, went to Morrison’s Cove, PA about 1780.

The emigrant John and his son Peter with the rest of the family’s stayed in Virginia. I don’t know how long, but I am sure they are buried there.

I am enclined to think that he might have landed in the neighborhood of Norfolk. As there were some German settlements in the area south of Richmond toward Norfolk.

If you could find a 1790 census, it might give you something on the way of names.

Thanks,

Park Wineland

Ray Simpson - Dec 31, 1985

Grainfield, Kans

June 28 (1943)

Dear Archie & Mable

I see your nice long letter and was sure glad to here from you. Geo sent me this letter you wrote to him. And I intended to write to you but I had been pretty busy and never got around to it.

We are still in Grainfield have been here 5 years but don’t no how long we will be here. The Fellow that owns it is trying to sell it, so we will have to get out when ever he sells it. The Boys Harold & Clifford wants us to come to Siverton Colo where they are. They both work in the Pride of the West mine.

Harold has been making over $600 a month. He runs a machine.

And Clifford makes between 4 & 5 hundred a month. He is married again. He got married last Nov I and Bess was there and went to New Mexico with them to get marrid. Silverton is only 75 or 80 miles from New Mexico we were out there & over in Utah to Geo for 2 months last fall. I went hunting Deer with Geo and got one the first day and Geo got 3.

Bobs oldest Boy Bobbi is in Australia he is in the Navy and Harold Alice second Boy is in the Solomon Islands he is a Marine.

And Geo Cliffords oldest Boy is at Tasal Utah forman of the Cross H Ranch. He married the Bossis niece and has a good job. Marold got killed in an Auto Accident out there three years ago in Sept.

Bob lives down buy Sludley he run the Robinson Elevator there a year. He quit a month ago and is working in the Oil Field in the Pratt Ranch at Studley they have brought in two dandy good wells. They run 12 to 14 hundred Barells a day.

Alice just has 1 Boy at home he is about 14 years old. And his Girl has been working in Wichita in an Airplane Factory.

John & Syliva still live out there where they did when you was there last. We had the Bigist Hail storm through here a week ago last Thursday nite. It reached from Alakley to Salina and it was from 10 to 12 miles wide. It just mowed everything down.

We had the finiest Garden that we ever had and it just ruined it.

Rawl Alice & Bird and the two Sylvias & Johny came in yesterday and had my Birthday Dinner. My Birthday was last Thursday and your mother a week ago to day. She would have been 66 if she had lived. I was 69 that’s getting pretty Damed Old. I don’t feel so good  but have been working all spring I may drive Johns Truck in Harvest.

Rosa lives at Atwood. Curry runs the Port of Entry and sells gas & Oil and Baldwin Combines.

Alice Rosas Girl works for JC Pennys in Topeka. She is 19 years old Geo is still in his Ranch  in Utah he has 3 boys. He is doing well.

Harold has 2 Boys Billy & Darell.

Rosas Boy finished High School this year. She has another Baby Boy born the 9^th of March.

The 2 Red Headed Girls looks like Twins Shirley is a little taller than Bessie Jean and a couple of lbs heavier. I had a letter from Netti. She is not very well. I have not seen Geo or Wm since last Sept. Wm three Girls are in California.

Did Irvin have any children from all his wives. Why don’t he even write to me. Tell hm I would like to here from him.

Well I guess I had better ring off Aunt Bess sends her love. Be sure and write.

Love

Uncle Fred

Uncle Fred (White) June 28, 1943

Grainfield, Kans

June 28 (1943)

Dear Archie & Mable

I see your nice long letter and was sure glad to here from you. Geo sent me this letter you wrote to him. And I intended to write to you but I had been pretty busy and never got around to it.

We are still in Grainfield have been here 5 years but don’t no how long we will be here. The Fellow that owns it is trying to sell it, so we will have to get out when ever he sells it. The Boys Harold & Clifford wants us to come to Siverton Colo where they are. They both work in the Pride of the West mine.

Harold has been making over $600 a month. He runs a machine.

And Clifford makes between 4 & 5 hundred a month. He is married again. He got married last Nov I and Bess was there and went to New Mexico with them to get marrid. Silverton is only 75 or 80 miles from New Mexico we were out there & over in Utah to Geo for 2 months last fall. I went hunting Deer with Geo and got one the first day and Geo got 3.

Bobs oldest Boy Bobbi is in Australia he is in the Navy and Harold Alice second Boy is in the Solomon Islands he is a Marine.

And Geo Cliffords oldest Boy is at Tasal Utah forman of the Cross H Ranch. He married the Bossis niece and has a good job. Marold got killed in an Auto Accident out there three years ago in Sept.

Bob lives down buy Sludley he run the Robinson Elevator there a year. He quit a month ago and is working in the Oil Field in the Pratt Ranch at Studley they have brought in two dandy good wells. They run 12 to 14 hundred Barells a day.

Alice just has 1 Boy at home he is about 14 years old. And his Girl has been working in Wichita in an Airplane Factory.

John & Syliva still live out there where they did when you was there last. We had the Bigist Hail storm through here a week ago last Thursday nite. It reached from Alakley to Salina and it was from 10 to 12 miles wide. It just mowed everything down.

We had the finiest Garden that we ever had and it just ruined it.

Rawl Alice & Bird and the two Sylvias & Johny came in yesterday and had my Birthday Dinner. My Birthday was last Thursday and your mother a week ago to day. She would have been 66 if she had lived. I was 69 that’s getting pretty Damed Old. I don’t feel so good  but have been working all spring I may drive Johns Truck in Harvest.

Rosa lives at Atwood. Curry runs the Port of Entry and sells gas & Oil and Baldwin Combines.

Alice Rosas Girl works for JC Pennys in Topeka. She is 19 years old Geo is still in his Ranch  in Utah he has 3 boys. He is doing well.

Harold has 2 Boys Billy & Darell.

Rosas Boy finished High School this year. She has another Baby Boy born the 9^th of March.

The 2 Red Headed Girls looks like Twins Shirley is a little taller than Bessie Jean and a couple of lbs heavier. I had a letter from Netti. She is not very well. I have not seen Geo or Wm since last Sept. Wm three Girls are in California.

Did Irvin have any children from all his wives. Why don’t he even write to me. Tell hm I would like to here from him.

Well I guess I had better ring off Aunt Bess sends her love. Be sure and write.

Love

Uncle Fred

Wilda Simpson - June 23, 1962

Plainville, Kansas

June 23, 1962

Dear Mable & Archie,

Got your letter & the sweet sympathy card yesterday. I’ve been wanting to get a letter written to you sooner than this but seemed I just couldn’t. You see I had so much to do in such a short time. This happened 2 days before school was out so I had a lot of school work to do after school was out. Mr. Mahoney told me to take all the time I needed but I knew Summer School would soon start & I’d be terribly busy then so I worked as hard as I could. Ted & Edith stayed a day after the funeral to help me with mom’s apartment. Ray & I came back another day & finished up. Then I had to sort stuff, cards, keepsakes, etc. & put in boxes for us 4 kids. I had gobs of letters to write to mom’s close relatives (brothers, sisters) & lots of letters to write to Bonnie, Lyle & Ted about the affairs, etc. I also had a lot of things at home to do getting ready for college. Than it started – so now I just squeeze in a letter when I can. It was so nice of you folks to send flowers. Thanks so uch & also for the card.

Hope you folks are feeling fine. I’m feeling some better though I still feel awfully blue & lonesome sometimes. Ray & Bob are OK. Ray has been fishing some & had pretty good luck but they aren’t very big. Jim & family will be here from July 1-5^th. He is to go to Keesler in Mississippi for some more schooling. Bill’s & Dave are fine.

Rosa was here for a couple of weeks visit. She left Monday. She surely looks good. Aunt Mattie looks pretty good but Uncle Mel has high blood pressure, his eyes & ears are giving out on him. Aunt Laura is about the same as she was, I guess.

Uncle Art had another sick spell – I guess it is pleurisy. I certainly hope it isn’t his heart.

You would probably like to know some of the details of mom’s death. You know I told you I was over to see her about 4 times a week & sometimes oftener. I see her every Saturday & she would always go to the Beauty Shop with me, do her trading or whatever she needed. So I saw her May 12, we had her over to our place Mother’s Day, May 13, & then I came over May 14 because that was their 50^th Wedding Anniversary & I couldn’t let her spend all that day alone. I took her to Plainvill & took her to café for supper (She loves to do that & we took her quite often). Then we did some shopping & she bought some wreaths for Pop’s, Newts, & her little brother’s graves. (She was so proud of these wreaths & I was going to take her to the graves Memorial Day). Then we went to the Laundramet & did her washing. I didn’t get down to see her Tuesday or Wednesday but Ray & I came down Thursday evening & visited a while. We took her out to Pop’s grave to see how the grass was coming. She said, “I’ll be glad when I’m right here beside him.” The next morning she wrote letters to Ted & Aunt Mary, cooked her dinner & left it on the stove to keep warm & went down to the post office & fell at the door & was gone instantly. God was certainly merciful to her & to us, too, by not letting her linger along & suffer. But oh, how we miss them both Young Henry Pohlman gave her mouth & mouth respiration till the resuscitator got there but she was gone. Uncle Art came after me immediately & I was called out of my school room as I was before & I was down there in a few minutes. We called the other kids, Ted & Edith came that evening. Bonnie & Del were up in the mountains 200 miles from Denver & the Police told them to go home immediately but didn’t tell them why. Bonnie came on the train Saturday evening. Del & Lyle drove down Sunday morning (& Fern, too). Dan & Bills were here but Jims couldn’t come. We had the funeral Monday afternoon & it was a beautiful service & the flowers were beautiful, too. Leonard James led us into the church reciting “The Lord is my Shephard.” The obituary tells what songs were sung & who the casket bearers were. Aunt Bessie & Aunt Mary aren’t very well & we surely worried about them.

You can probably imagine how Bonnie & Del felt hurrying down the mountain & not knowing what was wrong. Del’s folks aren’t very well, either. Fred Pohlman told them very plainly to tell the Police or Highway Patrol to find them & tell them it was Bonnie Harch’s mother.

Sunday Morning –

Isn’t it about time for Shirley & family to come back to the U.S.  I hope they are here already for I know it is hard on you & Archie for them to be so far away.

I wrote the first part of this letter on my lap at the Beauty Shop. Hope you can read it OK.

We might possibly be out there in August if you are still planning on being home. We don’t know for sure yet what we will do. But of course we’ll get in touch with you if we do decide to come. But if you have something else planned for then don’t hesitate to tell us. It would be nice to have some more good visits.

Bonnie called me yesterday morning.  We just get lonesome to hear each other’s voice so we call.

Harvest is going on here now but it is kinda wet. It rains a little nearly every day or night.

I am sending you some pictures mom had. She had boxes & boxes of pictures. I thought maybe you or some of the other kids might want them. Usually our parents give away our childhood pictures to their brothers & sisters & then when we are grown up we don’t have them & would probably like to have some.

I must stop for this time. Sorry I didn’t write sooner. But you know you are one of my favorite counsins. Gold bless you all. Write.

Love, Wilda & family

In case you just ordered flowers & didn’t specify what kind – they were candy stripe carnations – very pretty.

Ray & Wilda (Matheson) Simpson May 19, 1961

Plainville, KS

May 19, 1961

Dear Mable & Archie,

So glad to hear from you & that you are coming out to visit. You are coming the right year, too, for it is our Centennial year & there is lots going on in the neighboring towns. The larger places are putting on some real good entertainment. Plainville will celebrate June 1, 2, 3, 4 & they will have one of the nicest celebrations around here.

We won’t be here when you get here but will be back before you leave so we surely will have some good old visits with you. I’m so glad you’re coming. Today was our last day of school & we are leaving Sunday to go to Michigan to visit Jim & his family. We’re so excited. We haven’t seen their youngest – Patricia – She’ll be just the cutest age – about 5 ½ or 6 months. Ray’s vacation is from Sunday May 21 to June 1! So we’ll be back the last week you’re here – as we may be home a little earlier.

Yes, will try to get all the relatives together here that we can. The Uncles & Aunts have aged a lot – including my folks.

Oh yes – back to the Centennial – Beards everywhere & in some towns the men, women & kids are wearing old time clothing & there are Centennial Jails. Etc. Ray, Bob & Bill have beards & we are all having lots of fun. We hate to miss the celibration at Plainville but will be back for the one in Hays. Bob’s outfit is real cute – like Wyatt Erp, Bat Masterson or the Mavericks. He even made himself a fancy Walking Stick.

I hope you have some movies of Shirley & her family. I’d sure like to see them. I bet you & Bonnie will have a nice visit. You & Jo Hogan, too.

Bill & family live in Hays. They have 3 real cute little kids.

I am at Edna’s Beauty Shop in Natoma under the Dryer writing on my lap. I hope you can read this.

Yes, Mable, we’ll see that you & I have at least 1 day with just you & me to have a good old “gab fest” like we used to. We could talk for hours & the time went so fast we wondered where it had gone. This is the only time we could take our vacation this summer because college starts June 14 & ends Aug 10. We couldn’t go anywhere after Aug 10 & get back in time for Institute & School. I hae to go over & enroll the 14^th.

Archie, will surely be gald to see you, too. We’ve been having quite a lot of rainy weather lately, but by the time you folks get here it may be hot & dry. You know how Kansas is.

Ray & I have quite a few gray hairs now but, after all, we have 6 grandchildren. Our kids are all fine & so are the grandkids. We had our 30 Wedding Anniversary May 2^nd.

Well, I must stop now. My hair is nearly dry. I’ll have to hurry home for I still have 101 things yet to do. We even have to have a school picnic tomorrow. So take care of yourselves. God bless you & will be seeing you soon.

Love,

Wilda, Ray & Bob

Loss Of My Father

I lost my father on March 25th. He meant the world to me. It's hard to believe he's gone. He is the one in the photo of this blog. He died 3 days before his 85th Birthday.

I have a suitcase of letters that were written by him and my mother to my grandparents. Those will not be posted on here - in my life time - because it's too close to my heart. Even now after he's gone. So, I will continue to post letters and work on my genealogy. I was doing the Taylor's for him and me both. Now it's just for me. My mother enjoys seeing the work I do on genealogy and I'll continue to share with her.

I will try and get more letters posted this year. I keep moving them around, and know I need to get them posted for other family members.

Keep checking back - there is more coming!

Col. Beisner

“Col. Beisner”

Col. Beisner assigned to Tac; ends tird tour with the 15^th T.F.W.

Langley’s gain is Macdills, thought the Air Force continues to win.

Col. Gerald J. Beisner, 15^th Tactical Fighter wing director of operations, will depart Macdill next week for his new assignment in the Tactical Air Command office office of Safety at Langley AFB Virginia.

In the two years that Col. Beisner has graced the Macdill scene, the likable and affable man has earned the respect of all those he has encountered.

Establishing a reputation of genuine concern and fairness toward others, the veteran fighter pilot’s departure is welcomed by few, altho accepted, in the light of the Nomadic tendencies of military life.

Keeping these tendencies in mind, it becomes a shock to no one then, that when the Salina KS boy, Native reports to Langley in July, he will have completed his third assignment with the 15^th TFW.

His first association with the wing accord 24 yrs ago when he flew two World War II mainstay aircraft, the durable P-47 Thunderbolt and the sprightly and lethal P-51 mustang, while the wing was located at Wheeler Field, Oahu, then the territory of Hawaii.

Col. Beisner, perhaps feeling a bit nostalgic, commented on the lasting friendships and wonderful people who make up the 15^th now as in 1946.

He confided “Shoe color, people and aircraft have changed, but the spirit which is at the heart of any topnotch organization has remained unchanged.

It has been a rewarding pleasure to be a part of the 15^th history and accomplishments, and I wish continued success to great people of the organization.”

The Col inlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 for the purpose of entering pilot training as an aviation Cadet. He received his commission through the aviation Cadet program in 1944.

Since that time, Col. Beisner has spent virtually his entire career completing an impressive background in fighter operations. He has flown over 4,900 hrs. Almost completely in fighter aircraft, including the P-40, P-51, F-80, F-86, F-100, and finally the F-4-E at MacDill.

During the Korean conflict Col Beisner flew the F-51 mustang on 107 combat missions with the 35^th Fighter Bomber group. He was a warded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while there.

Col. Beisner then alternated stateside and European assignments for several years. He was stationed at Canon AFB, N.M twice and spent 2 different tours at Hahn AB, Germany. Col. Beisner also served as commander of the 355^th Day fighter Sqdn at Myrtle Beach AFB, SC.

Subsequently to his second assignment in Germany, he returned briefly to Canon AFB as director of Safety, 832^nd Air Division, TAC.

Col Beisner was then selected to become the chief of Safety of the newly formed 836^th A Div. at MacDill. Later Col Beisner was checked out in the new Phantom II F-4-C and received command of the 558^th TFS of the 12^th TFW from MacDill on a three-day flight to Cam Rank Bay, Vietnam, thus becoming the second F-4 Squdn to be assigned to support the Vietnam War.

While at Cam Rank Bay, Col Beisner flew 202 combat missions in the Phantom II, of which 35 were over North Vietnam. For his dedication in Combat, Col. Beisner has received the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with  thirteen Oak Leaf Clusters and the Bronze Star. He also hold the Combat Readiness Medal, and other Service Awards.

Upon completion of his Vietnam tour, Col. Beisner was assigned to Davis – Monthan AFB Ariz. In Jan 1967, where he assumed command of the 4456^th Combat Crew Training Squdn which trained replacements F-4 crews for south east Asia. He then served as assistant director of operations at Davis-Monthan before his assignment as director of operations for the 15^th TFW in June 1968.

NOTE: This is believed to have been copied from a newspaper article. This was handwritten by Mabel Matheson Wineland. Not sure why she copied this – but she was from KS.