The letters below were written between 1874 and 1899 and handed up through the Francis Marion Anderson family. Francis was born in 1844 and died in 1924. He was the next to the youngest child of Rev. William Anderson and his wife, Nancy Cheek. The letters show Francis as a major family leader.
Granddaughter of Francis, Mrs. Elizabeth Anderson Hacker of Richmond, Kentucky, shared these letters with us. They are a treasure for our family. They show the family trying to maintain communications between themselves through those years.
Elizabeth also shared with us the minutes of the Station Camp Baptist Church from 1858 - 1871. They follow after the Table of Contents and cover the activity of Abijah Anderson in 1870-71. The book was old and faded and Elizabeth was barely able to read it.
It is reported in family records that William moved from Jefferson County, TN to Owsley County, KY in 1843. Francis Marion Anderson was born in 1844 in Tennessee which indicates that William moved to Kentucky before he moved the rest of his family to Kentucky.
Each letter was transcribed without editing. Grammar, punctuation, style and spelling were transcribed as viewed. The transcribed letters are considered in first draft form. Copies of the original letters will be shared with anyone wishing to refine the transcriptions.
I think that a great deal can be learned about our family from these letters. I will not share my observations at this time but look forward to sharing thoughts from others later. The letters from Susan I. Witt are especially important because they collaborate our knowledge of some of the Andersons remaining in Tennessee after William, Jesse and Jacob moved to Kentucky.
Paul K. Anderson, Jr.
1804 Glenbrook PL
Dalton, GA 30720
706 275 0870/ e-mail: pa@alltel.net
Minutes were recorded from August 1858 to September 1871.
The Predestination Baptist Church at Station Camp, Ky. Met and opened in order, on the 3rd Saturday in August 1858, with Bro. John M Parks, moderator.
December 1865, by application, the church granted Sister Susan Fry a Letter of Dismission.
July 1866, by order of the church, Bro. H Hamilton and his wife, Sister Polly Hamilton, was granted a Letter of Dismission from the church.
December 1866, Sister Mary Duncan was dismissed from the church.
January 1867, Bro. George Will, moderator - no business before the church.
The Predestination Church of Station Camp met in order for business on the 2nd Saturday in February 1870, Bro. Abiga Anderson moderator. The doors of the church being opened, Brother Abiga Anderson and his wife, Margaret Anderson presented a Letter of Dismission from Brush Creek Church and was received in full fellowship with us.
August 1870, A. B. Anderson, moderator. The church called Bro. Abiga Anderson as pastor.
LETTER # 1, This testimonial was transcribed without editing in May 1998.
To whom it may concern:
The bearer of this testimonial, Mr. F. M. Anderson, has been a student of my school for the last ten months; and I can confidently and cheerfully recommend him as well qualified to teach a public school, both as regards attainments and moral character. He has been a good student, and has made rapid advancement since he has been under my tuition.
S. A. Harris
Principal of High School
Booneville, Ky.
July 5th, 1874
Letter #2, This letter was written by Susan Witt to her uncle, Francis Marion Anderson. Susan is a 20 year old daughter of Rhoda Anderson Witt. Rhoda is an older daughter of William and Nancy Anderson. In 1843 William moved most of his family to Kentucky. Some of his older children remained in Tennessee. This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Witts Foundry, Hamblen Co. Tenn.
October 18, 1875
Mr. F. M. Anderson
Dear uncle, it is through the kind providence of god that I am spared once more the privilige of writing you. I was truly glad to receive a letter from you an allways glad to hear from any of my relations but I would rather see them as to hear from them. we had a asociation here it comminced the 4th day in Sept and went on untill Tuesday night we had Some very good preaching. They were four preachers there names was as follow: Wm. Hammack, Nathan Hursk, Mathew Mcdonnald & Mr Bryant is the paster of the church. I saw a goodly number of my connection and acquaintans all of Mothers children were there except Jane She has been Sick nearly 4 years will be in January the 24. She hasent been So She could get out of bed by herself any of the time. She has been a great deal better this Summer. hope she will soon recover. She has had a severe cold for some time it goes very hard with here. I have be at preaching every Sunday since the first Sunday in august ____3 lines missing______
________to say yes, then I am too hard to pleas for _______nt a nice and good man the young men here took to drinking. So that I do not know who to trust you come out and bring me a Sweet heart with you there are some very nice young men here but they are very scarce. I havent Stayed at home any for over two years. I have been staying with Jane but we are in Sight of Father house. Father are all well as common Father is fultime up a mill he has his Saw mill up and Sawing. Father is getting old he will soon be 55 years old when we loose our Father and Mother we loose our best friend. oh how I wish I could see Grand Ma I never remember of seeing her. I have always wanted to see you all out there. I wish you would come out here and teach school. we have a School house in three quarters of a mile from here if you will come next Summer in time to get the free School it takes up the first Monday in August. Tell aunt Sallie haddy and all the rest of the family I had better bring my badly written letter to a close for it is lenghtly than enteresting give my love to all enquiring friends and except my love to your Self. I written to Uncle Mack last week he sent me his wife picture I think sheso pretty it is bed time so I will have to quit ____________ ______ Remember your Neice as ever your true friend write Soon and aften
Susan Witt
LETTER # 3, Jesse Anderson was Francis Marion Anderson's oldest brother and Shelton Mack Anderson was his youngest brother. Their father, Rev. Willian Anderson moved to Owsley County (now Jackson County), Kentucky in 1843. This letter was transcribed without editing in May,1998.
Jackson Co Ky
Septem the 11th 1877
Mr Frank Edwards i send you a few lines by Mack anderson to let you know that we are only in moderate helth and not very stout also that if you can get any money from Mr. pat little that you would please doso it would be very acceptable at this time if you can not get any money please send my note to me i hope these lines may find you all well
jesse anderson
LETTER #4, 5/1998 - This is the second letter written by Susan I. Witt to her uncle Francis Marion Anderson. This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Rankins Depot, Cock Co., Tenn.
Dec.30, 1877
My Dear uncle
It is with much pleasure that I seat my self for the purpose of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am still liven. I havent forgotten you yet. It seems as though you have forgotten me has been over a year since you writting to me you beg me to forgive for not writting to me. you said you would ________ any more and you have done worse than you ever did we are all well as common except bad colds Jane is still in bed I think she a little better now than she was when I wrote you last Christmas is __ very dull not much fun to be seen well I guess I can wish you much joy write and tell me all your children names how many have you got. I never heard of so many weddings in my life as has been this year if they keep on they will all get married but my time hasent come yet I have got a nice sweet heart if he dont go back on me. we have moved on the river since I wrote to you we live eight miles from Father Father was here yesterday & Brother Henry is over now he will soon be grown Abijah is 21 today he is a noble boy he is going to school Daniel is well his wife has two children one is just a week old Times are very hard. money very scarse not much in circulation calico is some 7 to 8 1/3 cents a yds Dometic is 8 to 10 coffee 25 to 27 sugar 10 bacon is one settle price corn 30 wheat 90 100 I have got abet pig and it is the uglest thing you ever saw it had the collery it name is wigwagle it is growing fast now it will not be ugly all ways it wont eat nothing but bread we are living in a whisky country there is but very few but what they will drink the filthy stuff none of my brothers will drank it we live in too miles from the still house but is a beautiful place in the bottom by old French broad river we had a christmas Supper some youngster was here we had a nice time we had some cake and boil custed and stuff hen I would tell you all but it would be too tedious to mension I wish you would come to see us I think you might come some time I would like to have my new _______ picture I entend to send you mine soon as I get it taken. I would like so much to go to old Kentucky to see all my connection there this year will soon be gone never to return I hope we will all improve our time this year I am afraid we will not improve our time as much as we should this leaves all the connection well as far as I know hope it will find you all well an enjoying life I close for the present write soon and often for it does me good to hear from you
your affectionate Neice
Susan I. Witt
LETTER #5, This letter was written by Abijah B. Anderson of Sherman, TX to his brother Francis Marion Anderson of Waco, Kentucky. This letter was originally returned undelivered and later readdressed and mailed again. This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Sherman, Texas Oct. 9, 1880
Dear Brother, Mr. F. M. Anderson
I have been waiting for some time time, to get in Shape to write you a letter. Not Knowing how much longer it might take I have decided to send you a few lines shuch as I have. To begin at Richmond, where we parted with you. The first thing we did wrong was to leave my shawl & Margarets in the ticket office. However, to make the best out of carlessnes, I informed the Conductor of the fact. He said he would search for them on his return that evening, if found to deliver them to C. F. Burnan. You can make enquiery if found take them & use them. We met with no other loss on the way. We had two very uncomfortable nights on the train on account of loosing our shawls. Crowded cars & Cool nights. I Could not sit up all night. My only Chance was the floor. To that service & the deep seated Cold I took in Ky. the last month I stayed there, I attribute my present Sickness. I have not been able to work for about a week but I think I will be able to Pick Cotton by Monday. I am in hopes so, But to return to our Arrival at Sherman, Brother Walker, with his son Sam met us with a two horse wagon. (Glad to see him you bet, as you say in your country.) He took us & most of our tricks out home with him & gave us possesion of one of his rooms, which we occupied about 3 weeks. The next day after our arrivall, Brother Walker hauled a load of Cotton & I went with him. Bought a Cook-Stove, Bed steads - Chairs, Tables & Something to eat.
---- some missing------
if he was to see him. He is taned until he is yellow enough. He like ________, Man in hunt of flesh, his eyes stick out _______. Health is good in this country.
As far as I know, a Word or two about the Baptist. They had much Contention at their Association derived from their corrispondence 2 or 3 churches, dismiseed with a very bad feeling prevailing the entire body. Brother Wood was to be tride by Cana Church last Saturday. Charges brought against him from Tennessee, I have not heard a word from their meeting. I intend to go to that meeting but was sick. I have been at but two meetings since come here. I have an appointment the 4th in this Month at own School house, if I am well enough, I expect to go to Mount Olive next Saturday. Oh, I pray the lord of Heaven will visit the Churches in this part of his Vineyard, to bless us with his grace, dared by his Spirit & build us up in health & Righteous. My head is hurting, I must quit. (no signature)
LETTER # 6, This letter was written by A. B. (Abijah) Anderson to his brother, Francis Marion Anderson. Abijah's daughter, Theresa, wrote a note in the top margin.(signed Thresa) This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Sherman Texas
Dec. the 30, 1880
Mr F. M. Anderson
Very Dear Bro. It being only 8 o'clock having finished a letter to Bro. Joseph Alexander I thought I would write a few lines to you. For the second time since I have been hear, when I had been here about one month I wrote a long letter to you. I have looked for an answer until I have dispared of getting any. I hardly think you got it or you would have answred it. I have nothing strange to write at this time. But Something very good, if not Strange that is we are all well. There has been much of the time since we came to Texas I could not said we were all well. Best now through the merceies of a merciful God I can say we are all well. I hope these lines will reach you in due time & find you all well. I came here very near down sick, System run down. I very soon fell a victim to what they call here dumb chills
They were very bad for about 3 days then in about 5 days I could begin to work. In about __ weeks they would come again, the same thing over again, untill they attacked me about four times. But I hope I am well of them now. Well of course you know I like Texas, ______, But know ye I have been badly deceived in the Texas Winter. We have had & yet having winter. Yesterday I think was as cold a day as I ever saw. The ground is hard froze. To night is very cold. Men who have lived here 30 years say they never saw such winter as this . I think every spell will be the last - well I have commenced plowing a little for corn it is black loam. It is hard plowing on a team. But I am _____ after I get it broke it will work well. It is so loose my John deer Texas ranger can not turn it - Mase I am so poor if it is possible we must make something, if it is possible if hard work will make me intend to make something this year. I have written several letters to my friends in Ky. & receive several. Today I received a letter from Bro. John Sclivnen I was truly glad to get it. I wrote in my other letter to you in refference to mine & Margarets Shawls. We left them in the ticket office at Richmond Ky. I told the conductor about them. He said he would make enquiry on his return. I told him if he found them to deliver them to Bro. Curtis Burnam - if you can find them take them & use them. This will be a hard year on us. But we are all in good spirits - a man who had but little in Ky will have less by the time he moves to Texas. But if we can not make a living here, I think we had as well quit. I do not say for you to move to Texas, but I do say I think it would be well for you to pay us a visit next fall & see the country.
You would be astonished to be in Sherman during cotton trade there. My neighbor Henry, about 2 months ago bought 320 acres of prarree land joing his home farm of 300 acres, 200 in cultivation on his home farm: for which he paid $15.00 per acre. About 2 weeks since he bought 160 acres all in cultivation, a good house & orchard, well & a good big barn, deep black sandy soil in full view of Potsburough from the house you can see all over the country for which he pays $20.00 per acre. Henry said to me the other day that place would suit me better than the one I live on. If I get tired of the black loam, I shall try to rent that farm next year. Well I must close this scrible by saying I miss you all very much indeed. I would gladly live among my old friends if they would come to Texas, if they will not - we will have to live separate for the present. I may some day get very tired of Texas. I can only tell what is not what will be. Give my love to Bro. Lane & Family & Dr. Scott & Family Tell Dock he lost a fee by not being in reach of me when I was sick. But the Doctors all being strange I worried along with Cooks Pills, Synconadia & Smiths tonic & got well. Write on receipt of this.
Yours respectfully
A. B. Anderson
Mattie I went to the Christmas Tree in Chr Bessys hack. to Potsborough. I _____ a nice dress. Stayed to days & nights. Seen a heap of fun. I expect to start to school Monday morning.
Thresa Anderson
There was a Hattie Wilson in the Francis Marion Anderson family. She was a step-daughter from his first marriage. She and Thresa were about the same age.
LETTER # 7, This letter was written by A. B. Anderson to his brother, F. M. Anderson. This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Sherman, Texas
January the 9", 1881
John went to Sherman yesterday. Went to the office, received my letter written to you the 9th of Oct. 1880. It has been to Washington to the dead letter office how it managed to get there is unknown to me, after looking over its contents I thought it might yet be of some interest to you. I concluded to remail it to you, & change your Post Office from Station Camp to Winston. I started a letter to you about 2 weeks ago I do not know whether you have or will get it or not. I suppose you will never write to me unless you get a letter from me first. So I mean to keep writing untill I get a letter to you. I have nothing of interest to write . More than we are all well & the weather is very colde We have had no rain for some time but plenty of snow. The ground has been froze for about 3 weeks so I have not been plowing any lately & I never will plow any more with out a change in the weather Write to me what kind of a day it is at your house to day, which is the 9" of January it is so Cold here I wish to know it is there. I have written severall letters to friends in Ky & received several. Tell Brother Lane I would like to hear from him, I expect to write to him before long. I will close write on receipt of this give me all the news May the Lord take care of us all is My Prayer Yours with respect.
A. B. Anderson
After the last word, "respect", there is some writing that looks like a HHC or VVC or XXC.
LETTER # 8, This letter written by Francis Marion Anderson to his brother, Abijah B. Anderson who was living at Sherman, Texas. The note at the bottom of the letter to "Johnie" is to John Mitchell Anderson, about age 18 at this time, Abijah's oldest son. This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Estil Co., Ky. Sept. 26th, 1881
???. A. B. Anderson Dear Brother
After a long delay I will try to write you a few lines. We received a letter from you about the last of July, which we was glad to get, yet sorry to hear of your health being so bad. Still later we received a Postal from Johnie informing us that you were yet very sick. Dear Brother I suppose eme this, you have heard the order to Kind Invitation of North District of Tates Creek Association for your Return Among the Baptist in these parts. I cannot say anything in this matter. The will of the people is, that you should come back to Ky. But is it the will of God? You can tel much better than me, as far as makeing a living is concerned, Without health & the blessing of God upon us & our labor we cannot do anything any place.
The drought has been very sever in Ky. wheat $1.25 _____ _____ Engaged at $4.00 for a bbl & potato higher before Christmas stock very low unless ____. Many places grass burnt up & feeding their stock. Brothers Kimber and Mack was at the Aso. at Richmond & said they were all well & having very good meetings at Flat lick. Bro. James' wife was Baptized at September meeting by Eld. Candell. The order of the Aso. was, that Eld Clark should write you to know whether you would come back or no. Bro Bunnand to make Subscription from all the churches to meet expences of moving & Seting up cc, in case you would come. I would just say for you to consider this matter & be thoroughly persuaded in your own mind. This may look to you like a very fast movement of our people. When really we donot know whether you want to come or not we had a very Pleasant time at the Aso. Had Rained the Knight before & During the meeting the preachers Present were Eld. Burmum, Mcinturff, Dodd Bupand, Gilbert, Newland & Clark. On the 17th of Aug. old aunt Rebecka Serivner was buried. her funeral attended at the same time by Eld. H. J. Clark. On the Knight of the 17th of Aug. about 1/2 of Irvine burned almost compleet loss no insurance scarcely anything saved except a few goods. I was at Sand Hill yesterday. Eld. Dodd Preached his last sermon on this tour & a good sermon it was. From the text "J_iah 6_ - for zions sake I will not hold my Peace & for Jurusalems sake I will not rest ___." Bro. Jef Park was there & said to me that he had written you two letters and had Rec'd no answer yet. We want to know very soon if it is your desire to come back. The Baptist propose to send you means to come on, & also to assist you in setting up with necessuries of life. Dear Brother you know how fallible men is. Best I think the Baptist is in earnest, they feel their need of more faithful preaching in our bounds & if your leaving us is a means in the hand of god to bring his _lathful people to the line of duty, god be Praised for it. for we know it will work together for our good if we are of those that love God. Dear Bro. these proposals are not made as inducement for you to come. If it is aganst your will. But in case you come, your necesity, will only be our duty, the health of the people is very good, considering the excessive heat & drought of the summer & faul. Dear Brother, I must close from the present hoping that you all are well write & let us hear from you.
So farewell yours as ever
F. M. Anderson
At the bottom of this letter was the note to Johnie which will be found at the top of page 13.
Dear Johnie
Mattie and Florah Scott is going to the office & I have not time to write anything now but I will try to send you a letter soon. I hope you may succeed in all your undertakeings. Your schooll you mentioned should ___ ______, will be the Crowning touch to _______ ________ ________ life may God Bless you. Write to me.
as ever yours unworthyly
F. M. Anderson
LETTER # 9, This letter written by Robert Rhodes Harris, husband of Theresa Anderson, to Francis Marion Anderson. This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
September 20, 1886
Waco Madison County Ky
Dear Uncle,
I seat my self to drop you a few lines to let you no I and Theresa married the 14th of this month why didnt you come down Uncle Mape I want you to come down as soon as you can I want to make a trade with you I want to rent your farm if it sauts you to rent it let me no as soon as you can about it. if you cant come down rite to me whether you will rent it or not and what terms you will rent it on hoping to here from you soon I will close
yours very truly
Robt R Harris
&w
Waco, Ky.
LETTER # 10, This letter written by Joseph Anderson to Francis Marion Anderson. The letter is not dated but the content suggests that Joseph, "Joe", is in Texas with his father, Abijah Anderson, in 1880-81. In reading this letter you must remember that Joseph is 10 or 11 years old. This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Mr F. M. Anderson
dear Uncle i will try to write a few lines to you if i can think of that much well my dear uncle how are you getting along, what are you doing for a lively back in old Ky & i expect i _____ your _______ will be Just working all the time, what kind of a sundy school have you at the school house & hope you are getting along well out there i receiv The letter you wrote to Willie you spoke very polite about Maggie and i expect she is as good looking as ever, say you must go to see Girty and to Maggie whisper sugar in her ear for me do not neglect that part of it. i am well and laboring as well as could be expected for weighing 140 lbs run my chore excepting to___ _______ _____. Well i will close i hope i will have more to write next time and ______ something better about how is the ___________ where is it going To ___________ give my love to Theresa and all the children, Flora how is school by this time you must learn can write and tell me about _____ Libb and ______ i must tel___ dear uncle write soon nothing would gives me more pleasure than to receive letters from you tell me all the news write soon
your nephew Joe Anderson
LETTER # 11, This letter written by Abijah B. Anderson to his brother Francis Marion Anderson. Abijah is in Casey County, KY in 1886. This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Brownville Ky
Oct 18th ,86
Mr. Marion Anderson
Dear Bro, we are all well and Commion. Very busy Indeed making Molasses Selling at low prices, 25 cts per gallon. By the barrel charge $4.00 for the barrel. I think we will get done by Christmas. I wish you was here to ____ the vaperator while I rest. Well to begin. The 10th day of August John W. White went into your house . I rented it to him for $1.50 per month. he was to pay his rent month he has paid me $2.50 cts. I thought I would write to you at once but failed until now. I let him have nothing but the house, no wood. Bob Harris wants your ______ ______ your all or haws.
(a line may be missing)
every servant sundeth or ____ _____ to his own master. I have but one Master. Their every where present, beholding the Evil & the good & whose years are open to the cries their Saints. I can not speak in this letter to you about my knowlales. Come down I think I could tell you some things. But I will Say this I feel I am determined, by the grace of God, to please Him who I feel has chosen me to be a soldier Whether any body else is pleased or not. Write soon or come down Handen Sallie Pol__ & all the children I wish to see very much, yours
AB Anderson
At the end of the last word, "yours", are the letters VQC or &QC.
LETTER # 12, This letter written by Robert Rhodes Harris to Francis Marion Anderson. The letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Nov. 25th, 1888
Harris, Madison, County, Ky.
F. M. Anderson.
Dear Uncle,
I seat my self to write you a few words on business I was at the Old mans to day and herd that you would not be at home untill Christmas we was talking about puting in a Tobacco crop to gather rent is to high in this county for a fare man, so I have got this proposition to make you I will tend all your land and you can have a home as long as I have got 4 or 5 acres of tobacca land and can get 6 or 7 more from John Butler That is as good as any bodyes in this county. I would like to go in with you and would like to have you to go in with me if you want to trade with me on these proposition write on return male if not writs any how for I want to no what to do. don't fale to write, so I will close on this business.
uncle Mape
I herd that you was going to get married is it so or not write me and tell me if it so. Flora said tell you she was as ___ as a asale and three ________ as long and wanted to see you very bad, we are all well, and hope this wil find you the same so good by rite soon
yours as ever
direct in care of R R Harris
F J Estill
LETTER # 13, This letter was written by James Anderson, of Jackson County, KY, older brother, to Francis Marion Anderson. James is the only family member with a son named Mack Jesse Anderson who was born in 1869. This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Jackson Co Ky
February the 5th 1889
Mr. F. M. Anderson Dear Brother i have looked for you til I have becum impatient so i thought i would write you a few lines and let you know that i want you to cum there is sum things i wish to talk to you a bout that is to tedious to write. There has been several wedings up here this winter among the ____ _____ _____ day Spanks and Alen Morris daughter and the prospect is that Mack Jesse and Nan bet will both steep off soon and i want you to be shure to come as soon as you can and stay as long as you can keep this very still from the fact it Might happen to fall through Mape i must tell you that i have been down father Mother is very lo yet they told Me to tell you if you wanted a wife to cum down there. there was a girl down there by the name of rose that owned a good river farm and she was claiming you i do not know her given name though i guess you do
(bottom of letter missing)
LETTER # 14, This letter was written by John Mitchell Anderson, oldest son of Rev. Abijah Anderson. He was about 26 years old when he wrote the letter. The letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Witts Foundry, E. Tenn
February 23rd 1889
Dear Uncle Marion,
This is Saturday morning and all is quite - here as it seems that the home folks are not going to write me any more I will see if I can hear from them through you. It has been now three weeks since I last wrote them and no answer yet - they are basily engaged with more important affairs I ____ ____.
Notwithstanding this I trust that the blessings of Almighty Lord are upon them, and you, and that you are all an appreciative and grateful people. For his great consideration, our Lord demands our first, our last and our perfect obedience.
My love for my people is great and few are the days that my prayers do not go out to them. The effect ___ prevent prayers of the righteous man availeth much. I do believe the prayers of my people have been heard in my behalf. O that I could pray for them as I feel they have for me. Certain it is as the experience of the ages prove "that prayer is the key of the morning and the both of the night". One grown of earnest devotion outbids in smartness the best utterance of poetry. I commend you to God and to the word of his grace forever. Amen
When you hear from me again you will learn no doubt that I am a member of the Missionary Baptist church. I have _____ my duty to know - and such is my conclusion. The church accepts me on my experience and baptism. Next Sunday I am to unit with the church here. Elder Evans and myself have just closed a splended meeting at his place. I am cordially invited to preach (I might say) all over East Tennessee but I am so closely confined at school that my opportunities are few. Tell Pa that I am required to preach before the students at Mossy Creek which I will try to do very good. I believe the time not far distant that I shall be able to give my life to the ministry of the Lord and there is no Service I Love so well. I cannot, I will not say my Life as a Sacrifice on the alter of a church whose sole claim _______________________________________.
I will tell you too that when the roses come again I will enter for ______ or ______. ______ _____ upon a new life you can guess as to which it is - it is not good for man to live alone. Write soon J. M. Anderson
LETTER # 15, This letter was written by William Anderson, second oldest son of Abijah Anderson, to his uncle Francis Marion Anderson. The letter is undated but in another letter to his parents he mentions a proposition with his uncle. That letter is dated May 5, 1889. William would be 21 years old and in college - working during planting season. His uncle possibly loaned him money for school and clothes. This letter was transcribed with out editing in May, 1998.
Shirley(McKee PO Ky
Mr. F. W. Anderson
Dear uncle
Your highly esteemed ______ ________ was exceedingly Glad to hear from you and to hear you was all well and doing as well as you are. I am in good health and well pleased. I have worked two months and one day. My expenses have been as follows:
one hat 75 cts
one shirt $1.00
one pair shoes $1.50
Suspenders 50 cts
washing $2.00 labor
These are the nesaearys of life. Well in regard to the money matter. I cant send any at the present man not have it. i talked to him about it i can send you as much as $.40 in three or 4 weeks and then after harvest i can send you some more and if you think it best you can send me your note for each brow when the money is received that is the best i know. write me if this suits You. well dear uncle write again. i enjoyed your letter so much. Yours as ever William Anderson
LETTER # 16, This letter written by William Anderson to his father and mother, Abijah and Margaret Anderson. The letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Father and Mother i received your letter some time ago and have been waiting for something to write and have nothing to
at last we are done planting corn planted 150 acres, i harrowed 40 acres of __________ and today my man took me to Bloomgan in his buggy and and gave me my dinner at the hotel and coasted me no loss of time. well it is getting late i will lay down my pen untill morning
This is Sunday morning and i am still in the land of the living i hear from John every week. he informed me he was living with the Missionary Baptist i think that is what he aught to have done and pa i think it would all to your __________ and Spiritual enjoy men of your world do the same thing. why not write me what you think of it. well pa i will close wishing you all well. write soon what have you done at Flatwoods Your Son
May the 5th, 1889 William Anderson
you and uncle Mape write me what you think of my proposition
LETTER # 17, This letter was written by Alice Anderson who is a daughter of Shelton Mack Anderson who is a younger brother of Francis Marion and Abijah B. Anderson. This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
January 9, 1892
Mauldan Ky
Mr. Mape Anderson
Dear uncle I sit my self this morning to write you a few lines to let you know that wee was all well and hope this will find you the same. wee hant heard from you and aunt marthey since you went home. uncle mape wee are Having winter up hear the people cant work much pa has had a lot of lumber sawd and he got grand pa to help him work on his house but they daunt get to work much. Mr will Anderson is doing more work then any man up hear he is gone about all the time a preaching this winter they Had a mity good meeting at oak grove last meeting ordain uncle Jowl yark for Adiaton.
well wee heard that uncle Bige had moved westland tell us whe other he hasar not. aunt marthey i havin sean any of your folks since you was hear only saws cousin ________ was up hear one time
well aunt marthey I was about to forget to tell you the news will Anderson has got them a fine girl at their house it is about 2 months old they call it etta they think it is all they is and i guess is
Write soon yours as ever
Alice Anderson
The above noted will Anderson is most likely William H. Anderson, son of James Anderson. James is an older brother of Francis and Abijah. The current record shows an Ettie Anderson born 11/1890.
Mauldan is not on the map but records identify Oak Grove Church in Jackson County North of McKee.
LETTER # 18, This letter was written by Susan Witt (now age 41) and is addressed to her uncle, Francis Marion Anderson. You will remember in 1875 and 1877 letters, Susan was looking for a husband. Records in the Morristown, TN Library compiled by Charles Allen Hampston on Susand's family indicate that she married Daniel Theoderick Witt, a cousin, on December 18, 1879. It is indicated that he possibly died October 21, 1889. The "John" mentioned in this letter is possibly Jane's husband, John V. Moser. This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Rankins Depot, Cook Co
Nov. 19, 1896 Tn.
Mr F. M. Anderson
My dear uncle it is with much pleasure that I seat my self for the purpose of answering your very welcom letter which I received some time ago and have neglected to answer it until now I have been very buissy since I received your letter we have been moved E three weeks yesterday we are living on the river the mill house is over the river. I do like to be by the fiver and watch it running we havent had a rain since August to amount to any thing The ground is almost white with snow & snowing as hard as it can the river is very low they cant grind fast. John is tending the mill for father it is 10 miles from father to where we live I think we will have some good neighbors over here we have to cross the river to go to church that is the worst we can see the church from home. Brother Dan joined the old baptist church and was baptize the first sunday in October I am in hopes that he will take up his cross an follow Jesus his wife belongs to the same church. I would like to know who that Miss Ellen Witt is an where she lives and what her father name she may be related to me. They are just now sowing wheat some are some sowed wheat early they have to sow it over it has been the ________ fall I ever saw it rained yesterday and this morning untill dinner. Jane is not as well as she was when when I wrote to you last she had a very bad spell yesterday with her heart She has palpitations of the heart. You want to know somthing about uncle John Anderson Family & cousin Pleas Anderson. uncle John all well as common cousin Pleas is married he married a girl by the name of Miss Scott I have never saw her yet cousin Pleas is killing his self drinking whisky I havent seen him for some time it just six miles from here to where he lives cousin Charlie and aunt Polly still keeping house she is still doing her work She is very childish she think that no body can do her work to suit her. if you have secen that collar that Sallie sent to Grand Ma and if she knows ____ when you got Sallie said for you to aunt Sallie Morris and tell her who sent it to her I hope you will not think that I were jesting about your letter I was not making light of it at all I mean every word I want you to be sure and not go to ___ but come to Tennessee to see me and all the rest of the connection out here every letter I get from you I want to see you that much more so I will close for this time This leaves me well and enjoying life and hope it find you well and enjoying your self. give my love to all enquiring friends and received my love to your self. I will remain as ever your neice untill death
Susan Witt
ps Direct your letter to Rankins Depot Cook Co Tennessee
LETTER # 19, Susan Witt in Cock County, Tennessee to Francis Marion Anderson in Ky. This letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
uncle marion Sister Sallie give me a nice collar and told me to send it to Grand Ma she said she had nothing else to send her you uncle Mack an aunt Eugenia ________ ___ me give my love to Grand Ma and tell her I would like to see her come out this part if you possibly can. Pa had his shop burn up the 10th of dec it caught a fire from the curblow he has rebuilt again and has it all at work again so I close hoping to hear from you soon.
your affectin__te Neice
S I Witt
the collar is mentioned in letter #18 dated 11/19/1996.
LETTER # 20, This letter was written by William Anderson to Francis Marion Anderson. The letter was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
(letter head)
W. M. Anderson
Pastor First Baptist Church
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
Oklahoma City, Ok. Feb 25th 1898
My Dear Uncle Mape:
I learn from home that you became offended at my letter to you. Our people at home very much regret this and so do I sincerely regret it.
My mother was suffering and I was sending her every dollar I had to spare and I feel she deserves all that was legally due her. This is all I meant and if I have done wrong I humbly beg your pardon. I am making arrangements to spend a few weeks in Ky. this summer. Think I will spend a few days in your neighborhood.
Wishing you great success, I am Yours Very Truly
Wm Anderson
LETTER # 21, This letter was written by Rev. John M. Anderson to Francis Marion Anderson. John's father, Rev. Abijah Anderson, died August 25, 1998. This letter was transcribed without editing.
Crab Orchard Ky
Sept 13, 1899
Mr. F. M. Anderson
Portwood, KY
My Dear Uncle:
This morn I will write you a few lines. We are all well except Ma who is better than she has been for a few days.
As you have no doubt learned I am going to the Seminary at Louisville the first of October.
If you will go to Brassfield about Saturday there will be a small box of clothes which ma & I thought would be of service to you this winter. We leave you to pay the charges which will be but little.
I hope you are all well and in good condition to spend the winter which I see approaching.
Guess you have new neighbors by this time.
Write us sometime when you can as we are always glad to hear from you.
your nephew
J. M. Anderson
Love to all.
LETTER # 22, This notice was transcribed without editing in May, 1998.
Obituary
On Friday Feb 15th 1924 the Lord called from this earth Bro Mape Anderson. Who was born Jan 1, 1844. He united with the Baptist Church en early life and was a devoted member until death. Which resulted from Pneumonia. His good Christian Character General and Hospitable sprit and his unfailing love and Kindness to friends and acquaintance made him an unusual favorite.
His course has been guided and he has been awarded a crown which God gives to all who loves his appearing.
He is survived by one Daughter Mrs John Thorp of Gilman Ill; three sons, Mr Charley Anderson and Joe Anderson of Waco Ky and Mr Willie Anderson of Hamilton Ohio. He also leaves a brother Mack Anderson of Hamilton Ohio and he will also be mourned by a large circle of friends and relations.
Be it resolved that a copy be spread on the minutes. One sent to family, one to the Western Recorder and one to the County Paper.
Committee Sith M. Cornelisous and M. M. Broughton
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