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Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) to Frances B. Shiras

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02429.50 Author/Creator: Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) Place Written: Nebraska Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 April 1881 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.2 x 12.8 cm. Order a Copy

Comments on the new spring and the difficult past winter. Discusses her garden. Also discusses her growing children and her older son's school. Informs Shiras she is getting re-married and is worried how she will react. Describes it as a financial necessity, noting that her fiancé is a good Christian who will treat her children as his own.

Quotes

"Spring has come again. every thing looks fresh and new. and we know that out Father in Heaven has spared our life to another beautiful spring. and we give praise and thanks for his goodness. and we pray that our hearts too grew in grace, like the spring. grass and flowers. that we may fit to look upon us with His eyes."
"This is the hardest winter we ever know since we came in this country…all the houses by the banks carried off by chunks of ice…a great many stock has destroyed."
"I came home last month from Mrs Fowler. you know I help her in the house. there was seven boys boards there…little Danny…so fat almost round. his face was bigger than mine. this is first time I see him so fleshy since he was born."
"Mr Fowler is very sick this spring and no school"
-received saddle for Allie
"we raised a good deal last year. so we get along very well this winter…we use to pulling the weeds watered the plants. and at night we keep awake watching for fear some animal would come and eat up the corn and other stuff. it is very hard indeed without a man." Some help plowing and planting from neighbors"
"let me tell you one thing. whether you will agree with me what I am about to do. do write me quick and tell me…you are my best friend in the world. and I want you to be still my own friend for my dear Daniel sake. I shall never forget him in my life for he is my first-husband. He is so good. I never go without thinking of him. I am going to be married…there is so much to do…there is so much to do…I am not rich…this man is a cousin of Daniel, his name is James Pay Pay. we all thinks he is a good christian man. he help Mr Fowler in services the whole winter"
"pray for us that we again have happy time until he deaths us do part. that we may both walk in his path. and walk in His fear."
"he says he will be good to them and treat them as his own children. this man never have been married…"
"this is the last time my name Hemans will be appeared in this letter. my dearest name. I can not part with my name. but I can not help it"

Hemans, Nancy A., 1843-?
Shiras, Frances B., b. 1814

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