Hemans, Daniel W. (fl. 1872-1881) to Frances B. Shiras
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02429.13 Author/Creator: Hemans, Daniel W. (fl. 1872-1881) Place Written: South Dakota Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 January 1872 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 12.7 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses a Christmas festival and provides an update on their missionary work, particularly in regard to education. Notes that his wife has charge of the Mother's Services. Expresses his dedication to "bring some souls to our service." Describes a visit to Santee, where he saw family and preached. Reports that his horse killed herself. Mentions that Nancy will write.
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[Illegible] Agency Dak.
Jan. 12. 1872
Mrs. Shiras
My dear friend,
your kind letter just came to hand, I & my wife we both very glad to hear from you again. I thank you for your kind present.
We have a Christmas festival yesterday, and have a joyful time. All the Indians those who come to Church, & baptized, and all the schools, have got something, so they all very glad indeed.
I will tell you again how we are getting along with our work. Our work going on prosperous among this tribe. We have now six schools on the reservation,
[2]
three schools at below, and two at above. I Teaching now in the shool, Eng. [illegible], 1st 2nd & 3d [illegible], Geography, & Arithmetic. Our church was crowded on Sunday services. We have four Services on Sunday, and we have Bible class on every Wednesday afternoons, and have service in Friday afternoons. Miss West & my wife have charge the Mother's Services on Thursdays. My lungs is not very strong, but I am working every day for My Master, & trying to bring some souls to our Savior, & to worship the true God.
I will tell you something about my visit to Santee Mission. I have been down there two weeks ago, & see all my relatives they all very well, my sister
[3]
Carrie is big girl now. Paul is getting better now, but his lungs weak yet. so he gave me charge the week services in the Mr. Heinman's Church. I preached five time while I was there, on St. Stephen's, St. John Evan's, Holy [illegible], Friday afternoon and Sunday morning. I as a preacher in that week. My horse was killed herself in Thursday night in the Ms. Hinman's stable, and I came up by a tame with my two aunts on Tuesday. I heard Ms. Hinman came back home on Saturday night last week, we expecting to see him next week.
It is time now to have service this afternoon, & I must close now. I & my wife send our love to you + Dr. Shiras. Nancy was going to write you
[4]
to night. I should be very glad to hear from you again.
From your Sincere Friend, (in [illegible])
Rev. Danl W. Hemans.
Jan 12, 1872
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