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From: "Frank Myers" <>
Subject: [RHEA-L] Betsy Lawrence to James Rhea and family, 22 May 1852
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 23:20:18 -0600

Dear Friends,

The following letter represents a break from transcription of letters from
Frank H. Rhea to Elizabeth Rachel (Rhea) Clair. The third and final of those
letters will follow next week. This letter was found among the papers of
Frank H. Rhea by his niece, Louise Riegger. I have two typescripts. One
apparently was made by Louise, and it contains a note to Liz Hartline which
reads, "Elisabeth, maybe some day you will run across some one who is a
descendant of this James or Rhoda." I made the other transcription,
apparently from a photocopy of the original letter, since I carefully noted
tears and sketched the cover of the envelope. Liz probably sent the
photocopy (or the original letter?) to me, and I probably sent it back after
transcription. I simply don't recall.

The envelope contains a return that appears to read "Pauz, Ky. May 30th." It
is addressed to "Mr. James Rhea, Waverly, Morgan Cty, Ill." Here is the text
of the letter:

Monroe Cty Ky May 22nd, 1852

Dear Sons & Daughters,

I take the opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know that I
have not yet forgotten you. My health is only tolerable. I hope these lines
may find you all well. The connections and friends are generally well with
the exception of Harvey. He is not able to do anything though he still keeps
about. Mother is dead. She died the 4 day of Oct. last with the flux
complaint. William Davis is also dead. He died the 18th day of Oct. His
complaint was the fever and flux. Brother Thomas has been dead more than two
years. Nancy and Austin and the two girls, Elvira and Polina are all living
together. We had a great deal of sickness in this country last summer and
fall. The fever and flux rage to a frightful degree carrying off many of our
most estimable citizens. But health has again been restored. I live
with ---- (torn and illegible) ---- though I am a good part my (sic) among
my children. Thomas Rhea is married and has 2 children. Married a daughter
of James Parkes. He happened to the misfortune of having his house burnt
about 2 years ago. He talks sometimes of going to your country. James got a
letter from you a year ago last fall. You requested to know something of
Lucy. We heard from her last spring. Her and family was all well. She lives
in Davies county, Missouri. When you write to her direct your letter to
Gallatin, Davies county, Mo. We had a very hard winter. Some of the ----
(torn and illegible) ---- weather that has almost ever been seen in this
country. Corn is worth from $1.25 to $1.50 per bushel. Bacon is worth 10
cents per pound. Hogs are ---- (torn and illegible) ---- at $3.50 gross. I
would be glad to see you all but this is something I never expect for

Time is winging me away
There is nothing here to induce my stay
When all I ask of you is love
Prepare to meet your friends above.

I want you to write me as soon as this reaches you. Direct your letters to
Sulphur Lick, Monroe county, Ky. Lo nomore and present but remain your
loving mother till death.

Betsy Laurence

To: James & Rhoda Rhea
Adam, Virlindia, Vancil

Transcribed by Frank D. Myers
Mason City, Iowa
15 December 1999

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• [RHEA-L] Betsy Lawrence to James Rhea and family, 22 May 1852 by "Frank Myers" <>