Letters from William Noyes Osborne

We've established that Olivia Noyes-Haskell-Osborn was a fan of letter writing. It appears that her son, William Noyes Osborne, took after his mother quite a bit. Below are transcribed letter from William to his family over the years.

There are many interesting letter transcriptions from his daughter Ruth which can be found here, but here is what William had to say.


Fairfield, October 11, 1885

My Dear Sister

Will try and pen you a few lines this evening. Have just got home from Silvia’s. The folks are all well there as well as here, or they are as well here as usual. Am glad they like the horse so well. I miss her very much and I guess Silvia does to for she has not had a ride since you went away with me.

Last night as the Flying Yankee went through Clinton it run into the team of Horace Goodwin of Clinton killing him and his wife and horse instantly. They leave six small children.

Got along at the fair quite well. Had a good boarding place. Mary and she that was Ada Rideout are going to be here sometime this week. And we are going to have the thrashers this week so I guess Mother will have enough to do.

Eva is getting along about the same with her school.

Have got fifty one bbls. Of apples gathered and more to come yet. It has been quite a job to hand pick so many this fall, guess there will be six or eight bbls. More.

I guess that most of all the folks on this road think that I am going to be married this fall.

You had a letter the other day from Mrs. Keeler and Mother opened it and is going to answer the same for you. Don’t you think she is kind? She thought she could tell them about the folks better than you could.

Have got Ansel thrashing tomorrow. He is not going very fast.

Minnie Dean is to be married next Wednesday to a Barnham fellow.

Silvia sends her love to you.

Mother says she will write soon.

Your Obedient Brother, W. N. Osborne

===============================================================================

Fairfield, January 5th, 1886


Dear Sister Clara

Will try and write you a few lines this evening. It has been one awful rainy day. I might say with lying but little that we have not had any cold weather yet. We haven’t been but three days of good sleighing and now the mud is deeper than the snow has been any one time yet.

Mother got a letter from Eva today. Expect she has written to you before this. We haven’t heard anything about the fire yet only what Eva said and she only said that there had been a fire. Expect Eva told you that I was going to buy the Emery farm and how I was to pay for it. Had the writings done a week ago today $500 to each of you at five percent annually. Is that satisfactory to you or not?

Lydia is at Norridgewock to meeting and Edith is here. She is a much better girl than when she was here the last time.

I have got a pen of White Plymouth Rocks now seven of them and they are quite pretty.

Mother had a letter from Mrs. Keeler a while ago asking all about her folks. Mrs. Hawley sent quite a lot of things to Edith and told her that she could not live but a little while for she had a cancer that the Drs. Say she can’t live long with.

Silvia’s was not sick but two or three days she got a very bad cold and came near having a fever.

How should you like to have one of my wedding cards sent you about the first of next month? If it would make you made I won’t send you any. Some day in the first week of next month you can add another sister to your list. I don’t want to you to tell anyone for we are not going to tell anyone but our own folks, and you are the first one I have told yet.

Guess I will let Mother finish this letter as she wants to. Expect you saw Portas marriage in the journal.

From your loving Brother

===============================================================================

Fairfield, January 18th, 1886

Dear Sister Caddie

I will try and write a few lines this evening

Well expect you will want to know first how the folks are. Well Mother has had the tooth and head ache for comfort today and your new sister is not feeling very well tonight so has gone to bed. I think she got cold yesterday when we were out to ride for it blew up quite cold before we got back. We were married, Saturday night, at her home, by Rev. N. D. Curtis. We were the first couple he had married since he came to Fairfield and really he acts as though he was quite proud to think he had the chance to marry so fine a couple. He told Mrs. Plummer that Silvia was as sweet a little girl as he had seen for a long time, and told Mother that he thought she had a fine daughter.

Now Caddie I think you are wrong when you think that I won’t like my sisters as well as before I was married. For I know that I shall, and I know that there are but a few brothers that have more love for their sisters than I do for mine and I don Have had five letters from Baltimore asking me to come out there on a wedding trip. Had one from Bess and Edna last night. Bessie wanted me to take Silvia’s Grandpas and Grandmas and Mary Gifford along with me. Silvia sends her love and says she will write soon. She will send you a piece of her dress I guess. I have sent to Charlie for some cards.

Mother wants to write some as will close. Will try and do better.

Brother Will

===============================================================================

Fairfield, Maine December 21, 1930


Dear Elwood, Sarah and Eleanor Ann


Thought I would try and write you a few lines tonight although there is not much to write about but am glad to say that we arequite well just now. I am quite lame at times, mostly in the right knee and the left shoulder but moves about from place to place,but is not very bad when I can keep still.


We have had a fine winter this far. Fine autoing all the time. It has only been below zero once here at Osbornes. I dug a hole down near where you had the camp at the gully today for a calf that I lost and did not find any frost under twoinches of snow. It has been a fine day but we have stayed at home and watched the traffic. Charlie goes away in his twenty-dollar ford Saturday nights and we don’t see him again until Monday morning. That makes Sunday a very busy day for me.


The box came Friday and is in very good shape on the outside at least, but the restrictions as to opening does not give us any idea as to how it looks inside. Many thanks for it just the same. I have been in to most of the drugstores here but have not found that shaving cream that you spoke of, and they say that is one on them. Where did you find it, at Coburn Mountain, but will try again soon. There must be others just as good. Another year past and I could not get a chance to go hunting. The same old saying, next year I am going. Edmond Phillips brought me a good junk of meat though.


A niece of Mr. Cloe that will weight some 300 is visiting there and I went up Friday eve for a game of 63. She was very active and a very good player. We found out that Maurice Emery had been married some time to Angie Bickford and not many knew that anything of the kind was looked for. And probably they will raise just as many blackberries.


Llewellyn Howe has passed to the better land. Funeral tomorrow. We had a letter from Ruth saying that they were all gettingover their colds and the children were feeling fine. Elva said Daddie I want to go to Toyland and Sarah said Daddie I want to goto Fairfield so they asked her what for. She said to see grandfarder and drammie, Aunt Eva and Aunt Caddie, so you see she knows where her folks live. And I wish I could drop in at Mainsgate Street tonight and see you folks. Hoping that you are all
feeling find and will have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Very sincerely, Dad


Elwood, I wish you would send Mac P a card, Western Ave., Fairfield.

===============================================================================

Fairfield, Maine March 20, 1934 Addressed to Mrs. E. N. Osborne, 29 Maplewood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

Dear Sarah:

I wrote to Elwood yesterday that I thought perhaps I had sent the package to the wrong place. So I am sending you the care I received this morning as you might forward this letter to him. Am sorry I have made so much bother. Well dear girl I would like to hear from you in your own hand writing. Hope you and the younger girls are fine now that the most of this hard old winter has gone. We have had a tough one here this winter but a fine day to be out today. That is all the good news I have. Sincerely yours.

W. N. O.

===============================================================================

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1943 - TWO MEMBERS OF FAIRFIELD LODGE GIVEN 50 YEAR MASONIC MEDALS

Two members of the Masonic order, having reached their 50th year as Masons were honored last night by Siloam lodge of Fairfield. William N. Osborne and Horace G. Parkman were given fifty year Maine Masonic Veterans medals.

Osborne has been a member of Siloam lodge for the full half century. Parkman received his degrees in Atlantic lodge of Portland and transferred his membership to the Fairfield lodge several years ago. Eighty Masons enjoyed a turkey supper served at 6:15 by the ladies of the Merrymeeting chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. It was also past masters night and former occupants of the presiding officer's chair performed the work in the Master Mason degree on two candidates. The past masters conducting the work were; Connell Y. Lawry, senior warden; William E. Burgess, junior warden;
Harry L. Holmes, treasurer; Walter C. Woodman, secretary; Harold A. Thyng, chaplain; Philip H. Merchant, marshall; Carl P. Fogg, senior deacon; Lester W. Gerald, junior deacon; Clarence R. Plummer, senior steward; Arnal S. Bragg, junior steward; B. Wentworth Greenleaf, organist; Willis M. Keene, tyler. Other past masters having parts in the work were; Charles H. Gibson, Herbert O. Brown, James F. Atkins, Carl C. Piper, Frederick L. Gould. Guests were present from Waterville, Skowhegan and many lodges in nearby places.

===============================================================================

Letterhead - ALBERT JEWELL & SON (Ralph A. Jewell), Manufacturers of Sewing

Machine and Baby Carriage Crates, Box Cleats, etc., Fairfield, Maine

September 13, 1945

To a Good Neighbor;

As I understand, on September 13th in 1860, there was born one male child which was given the Christian name of William. I have had the pleasure of knowing this man for the past forty-five or fifty years. I have lived where I have had to pass his home, and I have lived in the adjacent village below his home during these years. In this span of time I have always found, and have always been told and have had the pleasure of seeing by experience, that Mr. William N. Osborn is a neighbor, a friend and a good adviser to anyone who ever came into his contact.

Mr. Osborne, you have lived a life that has been an honor to yourself and to the community. I know of no man who had tried harder in life to live, what you call, a good true Christian life as you have lead, and on this day I hope you may have a very pleasant day. Memories of your past, I am sure will bring great joy and comfort to you.

I hope I may have the pleasure of enjoying your friendship for many years to come. signed R. A. Jewell (Neighbor Jewell)

===============================================================================

Fairfield, ME July 24, 1946

Dear Elwood:

Your letter received yesterday. Was glad to hear from you folks. Don't wonder why we haven't written before. Just guess at it.

The Munnoch family arrived here July 13th in find shape. With the load that I wouldn't think any car could have hauled over some of the hills. We have had a severe drouth up to day before yesterday and a plenty of rain since. I sold my hay to G. E. Do., but he hasn't been able to cut any of it yet on account of lack of help and too many strings to pull. Am glad you folks are as near starting for Maine. Then we will tell you all the news. The Munnochs are living in the camp most of the time so we won't be crowded. Hoping to see you on schedule time. Sincerely, Dad

===============================================================================

Fairfield, ME Jan 31, 1947

Dear Elwood and family:

Yours of Jan 26 arrived in due time. You said you owed us both a letter so would make yours a combination and I will make mine a family letter. We are living yet that tells it all. Wish we could have someone appointed to our planning needs. Although we have only one thing to plan on now. We have had a very comfortable winter in some respect. No more zero weather than usual for this section. All stormes ending with mist or rain to hold the snow but we have need for creepers or skates most of the time. Have had use for all of the coal ashes in the yard this winter. I haven't been out much only been to the village twice with the car this month but would have been more if I could have started the old thing. I was down Wednesday to see the Dr. and as my courage was low got Geo. to take me down. That is the first time I have seen him since last May I think. The only trouble with me now am getting very weak old age call it. Can eat and sleep fairly well. Yes, got the dr's. bill the first of this month it was only $33.00 for the four years of service. I am satisfied with the bill also the service. The Dr. hasn't been in his office for over two weeks. Let me come to house the other day. Thinks he will be out soon now. Dr. Walters is very sick I hear. There are two new Drs. in town now a Dr. Savage that is spoken very well of and Dr. Greenlaw from town. Both were in the service.

I haven't been over to see Clara this month but hear from her most every day on the telephone. She is doing well. Leslie Ames and housekeeper have married and the neighbors are giving them a house warming this evening down to Harold and Martha Teagues. They offered to come after the Osbornes and get them home but we would be far better off at home I think.  The glasses I was to have I haven't got yet. For a number of reasons. One I haven't felt able to look after it. Two the ones she got for me was just no good. She offered to try until I was satisfied and I am satisfied now that she can't do any better and will let it drop for now. There are many things I could write about but think this will do for this time. Best wishes to all. Oh. the pictures arrived O.K. Sincerely, Dad

===============================================================================

Fairfield, ME May 18, 1947

Dear Elwood:

Thought I would try and write you a few lines. Just to let you know that we are yet living but not thawed out yet. Not many mornings in May that it hasn't been below freezing. May 14th 26, May 15th 28 and so on. Cloudy and rain most every day.

Yesterday fair and warm enough so anyone could go out with an overcoat on. No farming done yet. Allan did harrow the garden yesterday. 11 A.M. and just starting raining agin. We have had a lot of dandelions but too cold for people to want to come and dig them. About four bushels have been dug yet. Mullen came up last week and took off the double windows and removed the banking and ahses and put in the rest of the time around the spring house cutting bushes and piling to burn. He promised to come yesterday to mow the lawn but I didn't see him. B. says don't let things go. I notice that shecan worry but don't let things go. I was down yesterday and had another check up with the Dr. He found everything but old age doing well an that was on the gain. Haven't been able to get that pile of wood sawed yet, that is in the bakc yard. I haven't got to worry about that big ash log that was in the past ure any more. My neighbor next door above took it out without saying anything. He asked George some time ago if he knew who cut the tree on the line. George said yes and that I had a right to cut it as it wa son my side of the fence but he took it just the same but after I got done talking to him the other day he decided he had no right to it and wanted to pay . I had paid out $6.00 for work on it four years before they ever owned the farm and also had permission from the Coles to cut it. I told him I would try and forget it but didn't like being used in such a way by anyone.

I was over yesterday to see Clara. She was feeling fine. Had a paper bag gathering moths. Mrs. L. was out calling. I think Mrs. L. had just as lives make a change but I hope it won't come to that for I am down and out.

As far as talk goes. I have let George have the farm on the same terms as last year. His courage is better than mine. He seems to have the usual hard luck. Lost a cow a short time ago had cost him $125 and if I can see right he isn't making good on all of his deals. I am enclosing a clipping that hits me hard at Skowhegan again but these things have got to come.

I have thought it over much about help here for us but all I think and asking doesn't get us anywhere. I wrote to Ruth asking whas she and Henry would come and stay with us one year for and I don't see that they are in shape to do that as I don't think they should leave Sara alone yet. There will come a time worry will be over. I even worry about the cold rain we are getting today.

Hope you won't mind what I have written. Will try and do better next time. Hope you can read this. Best wishes to al. Sincerely,

Dad

===============================================================================

Fairfield, Maine - August 22, 1947 from WNO to Ruth

Dear Ruth:

Your letter received this morning. We were glad to hear from you folks. I got this paper out to write you one hour ago and Vida came in and it is now just nine P.M. I didn neglect of your own family. I thought Sara had a fine job, but she may find something she likes better, but should not be left alone just yet in the little city of Miami. We do wish you folks could be nearer to us. I am feeling better than I did when you left her last spring and will probably live through another winter, want to or not.

We have better wood to burn this winter and the promise of coal, which I think we will get. Do the best you can for us after your own family are looked after. We are getting along all right just now. My medicine has been gone for two months and just emptied the bottle you got for me. But E. brought me one that I haven’t tried yet. George finished haying on this farm today but has the upper farm to cut yet. August has been fine for haying.

Mrs. Cole has got home. I went to see her yesterday. She is coming along fine now, looks fine, but has fallen away quite a bit.

We drove up to Hinckley this morning for a ride and a little business. Your Ma hasn’t been out much. She said this morning she felt so bad she had got to go back to bed. I said, “You better go to Hinckley with me.” so she did. Elwood and family left a week ago this morning at ten A.M. and arrived home Sunday afternoon, with good luck and a long ride. They were on the road much of the time. While in Maine two days at China Lake, one at Abbot fishing, one day at Bangor, and one day they took Clara up to see Annie Hobart, and also to see the Haskell’s girls at Lakewood.

Hope we will see you at the proper time and when will that be? Thanks for the stamps. I will use one for this letter.

Best wishes to all. Sincerely, Dad

===============================================================================

Fairfield, Maine October 5, 1947

Dear Elwood:

For the last two weeks I have been trying to get my courage up to write to you and I haven't the courage yet but will try and see what I can do. The weather here has been about the same here as you said in your letter that it had been at Pittsburgh. I got cukes & tomatoes in the garden yesterday that were hidden in George's weeds that were O.K. to use. The leaves on all trees are as green as ever yet. Not enough frost to start them yet. Very warm today. My man Mullen has not been with me the last three Saturdays on account of being called back to the mill and yesterday on account of a bad lameness from a fall.

The coal has been loaded in the celler at last and paid for $120.00 for 6 ton. Paid taxes the same day $207.60 that is more than I have taken for water for a week. Haven't got the wood all in yet but near it. I had a boy after school for a few days but it didn't pay. I hope Mr. Mullen will be able to help me bank the house and put the double windows on. It's just another worry. I had many Birthday cards and gifts which I thank you folks much for your part of them. Didn't find the one in the closet until I got your letter just the right day.

We are not feeling well at all and something may have to be worked out before spring but I don't know how to do it. But it doesn't pay to worry. That coal and wood looks as though it was more than I could do to handle it over this winter. I worried about getting the coal & wood and now worrying about handling it.

This is my limit - writing this time but will try again soon.

Monday morning temperature 49o & clear.

Best wishes to all. Sincerely, Dad

P.S. Would like to tell you a lot of things that would not look well in black but what can I do.

===============================================================================

Fairfield, Maine August 18, 1948

Dear Elwood:

I am going to try to write a few lines. I do want you and family to see sometime before winter. Sooner the better. That is all I can say. Ruth has been with us for a week now and we expect Henry soon. He is in Bradford now for a visit with Elva. The Skowhegan Fair is on this week with 64,400 attending today was reported. There is in the front room two figurines on the mantle that was given to us when your mother and I was married that a prty at Skowhegan want very much now to have very much and has offered $25.00 for them and I told them I would ask you if they were for sale. They would fall from the mantle very easily. Bertha said she would like to sell her part of them and I think it best for me too. What do you think. Clara has got to move again. She is going out to Mrs. Tilson's on the Nowell Farm next week. This is as much as I can dow ith a pen this time. Please let me hear from you soon. Sincerely, Dad

===============================================================================

Fairfield, Maine October 4, 1948

Dear Elwood:

I am going to start a letter to you, but don't know when I can send it, but as soon as I can. But wish most I could talk to you.

Your mother isn't any better but much worse in a way. And I am down and out, in my mind and you will believe it and not wonder when you hear the story which I have not strength to write all at one time. I will enclose a little birthday present though it will be late. You can cash it with the names that are on it now. I should say, if the one means anything. I will take another try.

Another try 7 P.m. wish I didn't have to try to write. Let me tell you part of the story. That will be all you will want this time. Ruth & H. are all ready to start for Florida all packed and loaded for the journey, some time soon I will try and tell the whole but I am not strong enough just now. Wish I could talk with you but it is no use to try to make a go of it. R. would be all right is she was alone I have said too much now. Am not going to let B. read this. I thought R knew B. condition but it is a conundrum. I wish I could do better but have had too many birthdays. Read it if you can. A lot I should write but have got to stop for the good of all. Will try again soon.

Best wishes to all the family. Sincerely, Dad

===============================================================================

Fairfield, ME October 29, 1948

Dear Elwood:

Will try and write a few lines and you can't gues what I have tried to write. I only wish I could talk to you face to face. Ruth and H. have gone out this evening and are out most of the time. They don't like the way B. talks and no wonder as I don't either.

I don't know how any of us know what to do. I could write a lot but have gone far enough this guess. The weather is fine of one kind, but not much rain yet to help yet. George has to haul all but cistron water and not much of that to be had. Out where Clara is there are three lovely wells as Mrs. Tilson said when Clara went there but all dry now. R. & H. are trying to keep her supplied.

The Kennebec Log Driving Company took 215 carboys of water from September 16th to October 23. That helped me out as they did all the work and their bill was $53.75.

Not going to puzzle you this time with any more. But if I could see would try. Let me hear from you all that will do me a lot of good as I can get B. to read to me if she feels like it.

Best wishes to all. Sincerely yours, Dad

Something to laugh about But B. is much worse shape than Clara or than you can imagine.

===============================================================================

Fairfield, ME Nov 21, 1948

Dear Elwood:

You were quite near me last evening. Was glad to hear your voice. Came near not hearing you as we were in bed and if you can read this you will do well. I am sure it has been quite a warm November and at last we have got rain enough to help wonderfully.

It doesn't worry me as it did a while ago. I have as bad a spell of worry, thinking the time is short for me then what will B. do for help come 12 -30 or 1 a.m. as I usually have times about then that anyone could worry. I am losing fast and losing often now. We should have had R. this winter for I know of no one that could take her place. Not even H with half of the family at least.

Have lots to talk about but don't think it would look fine in such writing as this.

Friends tell us to call them day or night and they will be on the spot but it would puzzle B. day or night to call anyone.

Gone my limit but will try to add more tomorrow.

Monday morning not much good to try to write. Had a hard night about all I have to add is that we should have someone with us and who shall it be. Wish wish someone could come persuade Ruth to return but alone. It is a hardship for all. Wish we were where we should be that would fix things right for all. Guess at what I should write not what I have written. See us when you can.

I can't do anything alone. Have out lived that.

Best wishes to all. Sincerely, Dad

===============================================================================

Fairfield, Maine November 28, 1948

Dear Elwood:

Will start a letter to you and finish when I can. Am not feeling young at all. Not any freezing weather yet but expect tonight may get it. We are getting along quite well at home but should be having Hospital care. George has been up and taken out the ashes, but the furnace I rather look after as long as I can get to it. It has been easy for me so far to look after it. The old furnace is doing better than expected so far. Have heard from Ruth three times. They would things O.K. on arrival. We need her very much but guess ti can't be done. Several have offered to be ready for a call day or night that helps me out much. Have been looking for to have to call for some time. Don't know what B. will do when it comes. Let me tell you she is bad shape. Though it may be me for she says it is and knows it the things I could tell you are rediculous. Too bad to tell or to put up with. Hope I will be able to hold out.

Monday Eve. expected rain or snow last night but didn't get either and temp. only 26o. Don't know what I wrote last night and can't see to read it now. There is no one in sight for help and I am no good to help hunt anyone up. Would like very much to have Ruth but B. Won't listen to that and I don't think she would to anyone.

Let me stop here. It is no use for me to try any longer. I asked Ruth if I hadn't done as I agreed in every way with tehm and she said yes, as far as she knew in every way. What I got H. mad about should not have been said by him. Then there would be no call for me to say what I did. Will try not to write anything that I can't read myself. Hope to see you some day. Just don't worry about us. There are many things I would like to tell you. You can see by this letter I am getting. Called Clara she thinks she is failing fast. Please be the only one to see this letter. Best wishes to all. Sincerely yours, Dad.

===============================================================================

Letter written by William Noyes Osborne to his daughter Ruth: Fairfield, ME June 22, 1949

Dear Ruth:

I am going to try and see what I can do the hot weather was too mutch. Now that the drouth as broken think I can do better, but it is a task, to start with. I am far being as well as when you left for Florida and B. (Bertha) head is far from being down and out. to redulas. I must not tell you things I would like to but it would be a longer letter than I should try to write. I believe I am near the end. Will Keen was well last week but is gone now. B. has got a hired ma or Elwood. Yet uses me as well as she can.

Haven't been able to find anyone for help yet. Wish the Munnoch family would name a price. Wish I could talk with you and Elwood.

Don't know what I have written for it is all guess work. Eyes still on the go. Load the trailer and head north then it don't seem as though I could last much longer. Call this a letter and burn as soon as you try to read.

The wrapper came all right but is in pieces now. Will tell you about it if I ever see you and Ido hope to see you soon. Gone my limit. Best wishes to all, Dad

===============================================================================

Fairfield, Maine August 17, 1949 (Written by the Housekeeper Elwood hired to take care of his parents)

Dear Mr. Osborne:

You must be home long before this. Your Dad looked for a letter today. I hope he gets one tomorrow Friday - Your letter came this morning. As you know your Dad felt pretty bad when you left but I talked with him and he put his best foot front. He has been better today. Had a Taxi come after him went to Fairfield to the Barbars to get a shave. By me being here and taking over a lot of his cares and etc. He let go of himself and has been very feeble. Had the Dr. one day he needed medicine anyway and felt so all in I thought he should have the Dr. I think he will feel better now as he has given up since he has me to look to. He is a peach. He eats well and gets out on the porch when it is warm enough. Dr. told him to stay out in fresh air quite a lot.

Your mother is juas tas she has been. Poor soul can't help the way she is and I feel so sorry for her altho she does not realize her condition. Nothing worries her even tho she talks about some things a lot. She is a great care and it certainly does require a lot of patience to be with her all the time.

If I had known when I came she had harening of arteries I should have understood then why her mind is as it is. I shant be able to go away to stay all night. It would worry your Dad a lot if I did and I don't think it is right to leave him as he is and as he feels about it. He knows if anything happened to him in the night your mother would be helpless and Lord only knows what she might take a notion to do. The only time I have left the house wa slast Tuesday my daughter & family came from Vermont and I went out with them for a while and over to Dickey's for some potatoes. I told you where people say "There isn't much to do." You can always think there is plenty to do. That is true.

Well, anyway, I guess he likes me pretty well and your Dad thinks I'm pretty good so that part is alright.

I'm going to try and go to town tomorrow to get her a new dress.

I'm glad you had a nice trip home and you can rest assured I shall do the best I can for them.

Sincerely yours, Lula Sinclair

===============================================================================

Fairfield, ME January 16, 1949

Dear Elwood:

I will try an answer the letter I think received last Monday and laid up to answer that ever but haven't been able to find since.

Think we received all of the presents you mentioned. The shirt came in play all right and is O.K.

Our open winter lasted until January 12th with snow or ice, but two zero mornings since then and about 3 inches of snow and two cold days with promise of rain and warmer tomorrow.

Wish I could see to write what I would like to but it is all guess work. We are in awful shape and don't know what to do. I thought it would be over by this time but I am still living. Had Dr. Gousse up to see me Monday. I am better in some ways I can see. B. doesn't know what condition she is but has been telling how she was going to write you that day but don't get at it.

Monday morning Temp 28 looks like rain. Will try and get this out to the mail box. 8:30 and B. has just got out. I have gone my limit so will send this. Guess at this and I will do the same. There is a lot I wanted to write.

Sincerely, Dad

Letters from Olivia Noyes Osborne

While Olivia Noyes-Haskell-Osborn was not a direct ancestor of mine, the fact that she wrote so many informative letters back in the late 19th Century, which have been well preserved and passed down through the family, makes her most definitely worthy of a page of her own here.  Likewise is true concerning Olivia's son William as well as his daughter Ruth.

Olivia Noyes was born in the summer of 1819 in Deer Isle, Maine, in Hancock County, to Joseph Noyes & Olive Morey.  Pretty much every one of the few hundred people living in this small town were involved in the granite industry, and it's likely that Olivia's family was no different.  The granite boom in Deer Isle is credited for helping to build the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Smithsonian Institution, the US Naval Academy, the Manhattan Bridge, and the tomb of JFK at Arlington.  The town was split at the end of the 19th Century into four smaller towns:  Stonington, Deer Isle, Little Deer Isle, and Isle au Haut.

Also, Deer Isle was home to a band of Indians during the time of the Noyes, and family legend states that one or both of Olivia's parents were part of the tribe.  Of course, this is always a popular legend in white American families, and is almost always impossible to prove.  I have done some research here and it appears that Olivia's father, Joseph, originally from NH, was a son of the Revolution, and is listed as a Free White person in all census records (but none of that really disproves the Indian claim).  

The following is some detail about Ezekiel Morey, Olivia's maternal grandfather (no mention of Indians here):

Town of Deer Isle, Maine page 89
Ezekiel Morey Sr was one of the very early settlers. He came here about 1767, from New Meadows River, in the vicinity of Brunswick, Maine. From what information I have been able to gain, he built the first framed house in the town. Mr. Morey was twice married, and had a large family, 13 children surviving him. The time of his death I have not learned. (He passed in 1815). After his death, the principal part of his farm, a large and valuable one, passed into the hands of the late Hezekiah Rowell, Esquire, who built a house upon it, which was afterwards purchased by the late Joseph Sellers, 3rd, and is now the estate of his two deceased sons, George W and Mark H Sellers. The lot they own contains some 6 acres. The residue Mr. Rowell sold to various persons, who have built upon their respective lots. His sons who survived him were Elias, Ezekiel, Isaac, Joseph, and James. The daughters were the wives of Mr. Charles Sellers, of this town; a Mr. Calderwood, of Vinalhaven; two were the wives of a Mr. Wooster, of the same place; one of a Mr. Edson; one of a Mr. Sweet; one of a Mr. Day, who resided on the island of Mt. Desert; and the youngest of the late Mr. Joseph Noyes, of this town, a native of Atkinson, New Hampshire. who came in 1804 and died not far from 1850. Mrs. Noyes survived her husband a few years. She was a lady held in much respect, a sincere Christian, and beloved by all who knew her. The children of Mr. Noyes, with one exception, have removed from this town, and the land an buildings he occupied are now owned by Mr. William C. Gray. All the above sons and daughters, except Mr. Elias Morey, Mrs. Sellers, and Mrs. Noyes, removed from this place. Ezekiel and Isaac to the town of Hope, Maine, and afterward to the state of Ohio; Joseph lived and died in Castine; and James lived in the town of Levant, not far from Bangor. Mr. Elias Morey died not far from the year 1844; Mrs. Sellers in 1832, aged 83; Mr. Morey, the father, was very tall in stature, being nearly 7 feet in height, and a very worthy man.

Source: An Historical Sketch of the Town of Deer Isle, Maine

Olivia married Joshua Haskell of Deer Isle in 1840, and they had five boys (one died at 3), eventually moving to Fairfield, Maine, to start a farm.  In 1850, both of Olivia's parents died two months apart (he of cancer, she of phthisis, or TB).  In 1852, Joshua was crushed on his farm in Fairfield by a boulder he was trying to wrangle in order to clear his land (his death had been witnessed by poor Olivia). 

Poor traumatized Olivia married Timothy Osborn in 1854, less than two years after Joshua's death and she and the four boys (Herbie, Joseph, Alvin and Charlie) moved in with him at the Osborn Homestead, and they had four children together (Eva, Mabel, William, and Clara - none of the girls ever married), in addition to Timothy's surviving two children (Mary and Lydia-my 2nd great grandmother).  Olivia lost her oldest son Herbie in 1870 at age 22.  She lost her daughter Mabel in 1882 at age 25, when she walked through her bedroom doorway and was struck by lightning during a late summer storm.

Later in life, Olivia got lonely and enjoyed writing from the Homestead to her daughter Clara (nicknamed "Caddie") who lived with her, and worked as a schoolteacher (like her sister Eva) and  was often visiting family elsewhere, and at one point was in "Andover", according to one of the letters (possibly a teaching job in Oxford County?).  Below are transcripts of these letters, with clarification notes written in brackets:

November 22, 1883, Thursday,  Signed “With love Mother”

Dear Clara:

Will write a few lines before I commence tea.

I have just returned from dear little Walter Burrill’s funeral. Only think how hard for May to have her baby drowned. Last Tuesday Albert Low’s wife wanted to go over the river to carry her father home and wanted Mrs. Low to take care of her baby, as she calls him. But she wanted to go out to John’s so May Burrill told her to leave him there. When Albert’s wife got to Clum’s [nickname for Columbus Burrill, cousin to Olivia's husband Timothy Osborne - Clum and his father Benjamin Burrill were also neighboring farmers on Skowhegan Road in Fairfield] she went right by with her boy, but they call to her and went out and took Wilson out. He and Walter played all the forenoon around the house and had a grand time as two little three-year-old boys could have. After dinner she took them down from the table and let them go out again, never dreaming that they would go to the river. (Wallace was 3 last September. Wilson 3 next week).


Clum was in the barn doing his chores. Before she got her dishes washed she went out to look for them, and the Low boy came to her and said. Walter is on his face in the water. She thought it was in the half a hogshead where they watered the sheep as they had been sailing ships in it.  She called Clum and he tracked them to the river where he saw him floating on top of the water. The ice was frozen on the shore out some ways hard enough to hold Clum. He ran right in as far as he arm pits and caught his scarf as he was drifting into the river a dripping lifeless form.


Little Wilson says they went onto the glass and he slipped down and Walter slipped and hollered papa papa papa and his face got wet and he didn’t say anything after that. So he ran up to tell them. Wilson is no larger than Courtney. Mr. Burrill and his wife and Rebecca had gone to Wat [probably Waterville].  If she had been down at home she might have seen them when they wandered off. It is a sad house. It was a large funeral for a child. Mr. Emery officiated. Mr. and Mrs. Plummer, Mr. Rowell, Nell Burgess and Hattie G. sang and Edith played. The last piece they sang was “Go Bury Thy Sorrow.”  I hope it may be the means of uniting the neighbors. They need it. Ann Coleard went right up though she hadn’t been in the house for more than five years.


Mattie ran all the way down here to get me to go up bare headed though she was in there the night before and May scarcely spoke to her. Mrs. Low has set every one against Mattie telling every thing she ever said and more I think. And May had said that it was a disgrace for any one to go in there and no one in the neighborhood did but Mrs. Osborne and Mrs. Burrill. Mattie was saying the other day, she would give any thing to know what made May B. treat her so coolly. I knew but didn’t say so. I think as Christ told the people when the woman was accused to him that he that is without Sin among us better cast the first stone at her. Last week I was real miserable so got Cora to help me this week. But she had to go home to help Ann part of the time, so she will help me some next week. I like her first rate for she works all day and knits in the evening when she isn’t gone somewhere. You know that’s my kind of girl Diligent in business. Cora says you promised to write to her but haven’t.


We have had Mr. Gifford all last week [this would be Charlie Gifford, wife to Timothy's eldest daughter, Mary Ann Osborn] and this making shovel handles and this week Horace Cain is here. We were laughing at Will at the tea table tonight about getting so many letters. When Horace said he wished some one would write to him. Said if he lived till Sunday he was going to write to you and see if you would answer it. There is a time at town tonight. Will and Horace have gone.


I cured my rheumatism or dropped stitch in my shoulder by pulling so hard on the cloths line as to make it slip off the stake and I went backward my whole chest into the entry. It really cured me and I am as well as ever this week. Get your visit done and come home. What is the use of staying so long doing nothing?

********

 

October 29, 1885, Thursday, Signed “With love Mother”


Dear Clara:


Tried to get Eva or Will to write to you tonight but Eva was tired and she and father went to bed about seven and Will soon after.  So here I am the lonsomest of the lonely, keeping fire to boil cider and writing letters to keep awake. Have written to Enos O. [this would be Timothy's nephew Enos, living in Platte, Michigan].  Clara you can’t imagine how lonesome it is evenings here. My eyesight so poor I can’t read but a little and no one to speak to.


Why Sylvia will die of lonesomeness when she gets here [Sylvia might refer to Sylvia Burrill-Bell, from Dover, who would've been cousin to Timothy's first wife].  And then she don’t read much so I shant be much better off.  Lesley is gone to Dr. Twitchells to work but I shant miss him only meal times, he is so still. But he has seemed more like a live fellow for a few weeks and Eva sometimes says things before him awful.


She is getting along a little better this week. You can imagine how she has felt for a few weeks with Mrs. Getchell and Elba Hobbs down on her enough, to call the committee to visit the school it was so noisy and Ev G the worst one to keep still.


And when he came in Eva just as sick (as folks will be sometimes) and had just been punishing a boy and Ev G had slipped up into the back seat without liaf so that the committee thought the same as Mrs. G. it was a noisy school. Do you wonder that she let the children frase the sentence


Patriots love their country


Parrots love their country


Now if you tell E. I was to this I won’t tell you anything else. To save writing will put Joe’s letter in so you can read it and then send it back.


Sylvia was over here all the week last. She is at Ed Piper’s now. Report says Cora is going to be married this fall her Chase has gone West with his son.


Ann hasn’t been in since you went away or any of the other neighbors much.


Oh, yes her and her Buck were in Sunday evening.


Georgia Tate is in Rockland. She may be here now as they expect her. Will has got toe top of both chimneys off expecting a man today to fix them but he didn’t come and now it rains so hard he has had to get up and go on the house with the lantern and cover them up.


The select men are in a stew to know what to do with Aunt Louisa [this could be Louisa Osborn, who was actually Timothy's cousin, and probably 'like an aunt' to this family, and was getting on in years]. They say Mr. Eaton paid four dollars a week for her board. Isn’t it strange they keep calling on Will [her son] to see about her only a second cousin? William Osborne [probably Ephraim's son, not her own] says he will give 90 cts. a week. If all of her nephews and nieces would give half as much there would be enough. The town would pay half of her board and not let her know it.


It’s ten o’clock can’t stop to correct this so good night with love to all of my folks from Mother

********

 

February 7th, 1886, Sunday Signed “With love Mother”

Dear Clara:

Will try and write a few lines to you and Eva, today with one of the coarsest pens out.

Have been to church this forenoon. Called in to see Aunt Louise.  She is a little better but does not sit up more than ½ hour a day. Every one at church you are acquainted with inquired for you, and they all have such a time because Will and wife don’t go to church. Silvia says she would like to go if Will would. They have gone to ride this afternoon I guess on the river. It is pleasant today but two days last week the thermometer was from 19 to twenty below zero and though I had a fire all night and double windows and curtain down and a thick brown paper box over the Begonia it froze stiff. I let Ann C take half last fall. She also has the scented geranium and May B the fucia. The most of the geraniums I set on a bench in the boiler way and they have not frozen yet. I was sick week before last with toothache and ague. My face was quite puffy for a week. Haven’t been out of doors until today since a week ago Tuesday. Last Monday we was had two weeks wash. In the afternoon May P came in to say we were to have company in the evening. There was A Low and wife J Fuller and wife Clum and May, Ada Dyer and husband, Willie and Flory his friend and George Weeks, Horace and Mattie and Hattie and the Dr. I tell you Silvia had to work to put things to rights and warm the house. It being a very warm evening every room was warm enough to sit in, even the parlor bedroom.

Last Wednesday eve the same company at A Lows. And last eve at Clum’s, with the exception of H Low and J Fuller and the Dr and their wives. Silvia folks have not been here to stop. Sam hauled her chamber-set and other things over, and the three girls just rode over for an hour last Sunday. But this week there will be a moon, and she expects some of her cousins some evening.

Effie has shown herself out this winter. She would not show Arthur one thing and tried to get the scholarlies not to speak to him. The Getchell children have carried it out all winter. She thought he had no rights to go here. Arthur went to the committee three times before he could get a class made. All this winter infractions, review and review over and over again. There isn’t a family in the neighborhood but is congratulating Arthur to think he beat even if the school is most done. I hope you are not acting out the hermit, if you don’t know anyone in Andover [Apparently she was living in Oxford County for a time, not sure with whom, or why].

You say you hope will can fix up the sitting room. Don’t be so proud. The room is good enough if the plastering don’t fall down on our heads. But I hope we may have a new well house before that falls on our head.  Had a letter from Albert last week.

He says Alvan is in Prescott. Ann C was in about ten minutes this week the second time since you went away.   Annie Fuller is at home sick.  Edith took ether and had that bunch cut off of her toe. [Annie & Edith were teenage daughters of Lydia Osborn-Fuller in Fairfield - Lydia had just come back to Fairfield after burying her husband Charles Fuller in Iowa, 1878] Will got Harvey Wings wedding card this week who married in December.

Must get tea and write to E. With love Mother

********

Fairfield, November 20th, 1889 Wednesday Signed “With love to all from Mother”

Dear C:

If I don’t write fear you will not get a letter this week. It is just splendid weather and nice wheeling while there is snow enough at Portland for sleighing, also at the forks the other way. Have been to church all day. Ida and Annie were up to spend Thanksgiving. Annie didn’t go back until today she was so sick.   She is in a weakly way as she was when she boarded with her mother. She almost talked me to death about her dear friends too many to mention.

I have written one sheet over tonight to Eva Fuller in answer to one from her about Aunt Louisa. Have written twice to Mrs. Sheffers. Don’t hear one word from Alvan. Edna & Bess wrote to Eva last week. When do you think they will be answered?

It’s ten so I must leave this until another time.

Monday 8 o’clock

Aren’t going to wash. We are so neat don’t have to wash only once in two weeks. Eva and me are going to the Mills.   She to get herself some under vests and meself to get Will some cloth for winter shirts, and a table cloth so we won’t have to use a dirty one. It is lovely weather. Will is fixing double windows on the kitchen and sitting room windows in front. He is going to make a double door for the front.

Eva has not yet decided what to do. E. will take a long time to make up her mind as long as she can paint.  School at the two villages commence today. Effie Hobbs takes Eva’s, and a Goodwin girl Edith Hodgkin’s and a change all around at the Mills. Eva hasn’t touched her dress yet. Will has bought him a four year old colt the color of Lady. It never was harnessed but once and then by a girl. But W. has put it in the wagon and rode part of the way to town.

Report says Cora is to be married at Christmas.

Mr. Curtis called on us the day we cleaned the sitting room and found us so so.

Neighbors all well but provoked to think Eva didn’t teach this winter. She is better and ready to teach the first school offered though she never was going to teach again. Wish she could go among all strangers. They always do better.

Don’t be so extravagant about dress, but think more of the heart than body adorning. Do  you go to Sunday School or is your mind all taken up with rides and novels?

Eva is all ready [Eva was Olivia's other surviving daughter]

With love to all from Mother

********

The following letter of condolence was written by some cousin in Detroit, upon Olivia's death.

Detroit, December 10th 1891

Dear Uncle & Cousins:

We received the paper informing us of the death of Aunt Olivia. We little thought when we was there that we should never see her again. We thought that you Uncle [Timothy Osborn] would go first. She seemed so well at that time and such a worker, ready for every good work, helpful to those around her making all happy around her. Oh I think she will be mist so much in your home, and you Uncle how lonely you will be. I think of my Father when Mother died, he seemed so lonely. No one could fill her place. He only lived about one year and a half after her death. I am so glad that I had the opportunity of making dear aunts acquaintance. It seems to appreciate her is to know her and coming there as we did, how home like and comfortable everything was. Mr. Keeler often speaks of our visit and of Uncle and Aunt.  from your niece, Mrs. P. A. Keeler