1895, September 16

From: Frances Fosbrook Leach, at West Pinchbeck, England

To: John Adkins Jones, at (location unknown, presumably New York or New Jersey)

[Note: Frances Fosbrook Leach was the mother of Henry Leach; Henry was married to Gertrude (Gertie) Jones; Gertie was sister to John Adkins Jones; Frances was born in 1825 & died in 1901]

Dear Mr. John,
Although it is a long time since I saw or heard from you – still my thoughts have gone to you and the comfortable time we spent together and it is quite impossible to forget those whom we daily remember to ask God's best blessings to be given not for their or our worthiness but for the sake of His son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
I was glad when I heard you were spending a time with Henry & Gertie as I feel sure whenever dear Gertie is there is a secret influence for good. Bless her I have very often missed her since she left. But thank God I believe she and my dear Henry are happy together with their dear little family. God bless them all.
Yes! I am very pleased yo are in a position in a commercial house in New York and do not doubt but when you have been tried and your worth known but you will get a rise. Do your best and trust in God. The promise is "in all they ways acknowledge Him and he will direct they paths." It gave me great pleasure to know that you were thinking of becoming a Church member, which shows to the world that you are not ashamed to own your new and the best Master we can have, who has done and ever continues to do so much for his children. He says "I will spare them as a man spares his own son that serveth him."
I do not know if there is any Pinchbeck news that would interest you. Things go on just about as usual – changes the old go – the young grown up – with wives & families .
You may sometime also have a comfortable happy home and should I be spared to know that such is he case shall rejoice and be glad. But let the Lady you may choose be one who will be too you a helper indeed. When I heard from your Pap he was well, had with Mrs. Jones been out for three weks I believe to ? and had an enjoyable time. I shall at any time be pleased to hear from you. "Now I commend you to got and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up, stability, settle & strengthen you."
Accept my love and believe me as ever your friend.
/s/ F.F. Leach

Gertie / Gerty

Alice Annie writes of 'Gerty'. Gerty was Gertrude Jones, who was one of John Adkins' sisters. Gertrude was born December 8, 1853, in Liverpool, England. She married Henry Leach in 1888 in New York City. They had 2 children: Harry Ernest Milner Leach, born November 27, 1888 in New York City and Frances Theodora Leach, born April 14, 1891, in Passaic, New Jersey. Henry and Gertie were also mentioned in David's earlier letter to John of May 23, 1895.

Love letters closed with '18'

Alice Annie is signing her letters to John 'with 18'. I wonder if this is an earlier version of SWAK (sealed with a kiss)?

If anyone knows, please let us know.

Steel Wine

Alice Annie has now on at least 2 occasions mentioned 'steel wine' I googled this and found in The Retrospect of Practical Medicine and Surgery: Being a half-yearly Journal (1844), on page 184, a description of how to make a new form of steel wine. I did not, however, find any information about its applications, but it definitely appears to be for a medicinal purpose!

The Journal can be found through the Google Books project at: What is 'steel wine'?

1895, August 23

From: Alice Annie Wren, at 46, Adelaide Road, South Hampstead, England

To: John Adkins Jones, at (location unknown but somewhere in USA)

[This letter was written in one long 'paragraph'; to make reading easier, I have created paragraphs]

My Dearest Jadie:

I received yours this morning. I have been rather anxious to know how you would take my letter; yes I would not like to do other than right.

First I will say, it may go against your likes, but to my way of thinking service is best, as you get board & lodging; & other's places means perhaps a little more money, but you have to get room or rooms & pay for them & you have to dress more – which means expence. Then again, I think I should feel more safe but I leave it to you which you tell me to do.

I thought if you would let me have the £12, that would be enough, & I come over & went into service, at least till we could see my way clear to get into a situation as you name, I would not object; only perhaps it would drop out when speaking to them; I don't mind for myself, only it would be uncomfortable for you dearest.

Of course I quite expect they think it folly on your part to think of marrying a girl so beneath you in station, perhaps it is. I think service is best of the two, & seeing me, even as we did here, would not hinder you from seeing Gerty as you do now; one thing if we were married as you say. Gerty would think it funny, would she not, if she heard we were already? But I leave it to you – you would not do any other than right & just to me I know.

Then again if I went to service, I would not be exposed to the weather as I should in going & returning from a shop. And I would manage the same as here; you understand me don't you? But of course I should prefer what you name.

Anyway I shall try for it; I should not think we would be ready to get a home for nearly 12 months. Anyway we would be careful. I don't know quite and don’t see where I am to go. I don’t wish to put you to more expence than I can help. I could get, I think, a place in a week. I have never been longer than that after I started to look out for one.

I think you mean just what I did by being married. I am not ready for you yet & shall not be for some time, but perhaps you think it will be best to do so.

Not thinking of leaving, I went and spent £1.14.7 in calico; I did feel so annoyed, but it is no use rumbling. I shall bring my things, print dresses & such like, then I shall be ready if I go to service.

Yes dearest I quite agree with you, it would be folly to think of living as you say. Did I not mention the same to you when over here? Now you quite understand, I do not wish you think it will make much more difference to you & I than when you were here. I will get a place as soon as possible. I think you have done very very well dear for the short time you have been here. But I know we shall get on alright; why need we hurry to settle down, we want a home, a nice one too & that can't be got in no time. Perhaps it would be better for me when I get over.

It would be a rest, coming over there, I have just got a stack of underclothes which I & another girl is helping me. I have a black dress & another serge & a blue; so I think that will last me some long time. I shall make my coat do; then perhaps all being well, I can save a little towards our nest, at least I hope so.

It is rather a dreadful thing the thunderstorms we are having of late. I don’t know what to do, for anyone wanting a companion would not care for a seasick one & I don’t know what I should be like. So I suppose I shall be with you, all being well, the end of November. Yes darling, we must ask God's blessing & if it is right for us, it will come to pass. My word what a baby it must be a size.

You never told me about the trunk, I am afraid my box will not stand to be knocked about, that’s why I want a trunk. I saw one (22?).

I feel a lot better today; I spent 3/6 in steel wine, it's like drinking ink. Give my love to Gerty.

As regards my money, I drew all out last year; as you know none of my people can help me & I have wanted clothes & then I send a trifle home every month if I can. & I am not of a very careful turn of mind sometimes; I like things good & that runs away with money. However now I have a fair lot of things & I keep very well; I shall go home for a few days not long. Then I shall have to give them a trifle; now do you understand me?

I don't really wish Gerty to see until I can get a few more dresses & I don’t want to get them here, it will ruin them.

Is there not a cheaper way than the £12? Surely yes; it is only for a week, but I don’t think I should care to mix up with a dreadful low set. Now I have dearest written early this time haven’t I? With best & truest love I am as ever / Your own / Girlie

You must not let Gerty read my letters to you. I don’t always stop to think have I spell all right.

Oh I nearly forgot the 18 & 2 more

PS

Write & tell me just what you think & wish me to do

Roderick McAlpine Jones

He's the only one of John Adkins & Alice Annie's children who had children: Roderick Maurice Jones (1922, Dallas, TX), Elizabeth Alice Jones (1926, Dallas, TX) and John Adkins Jones (1931, Dallas, TX).

Beginner's shivers

I don't think I mentioned - this is my first ever blog - so I expect I'll hit some glitches along the way before this gets *eloquent* (lol).

I'm a lawyer; what can I say?

Throughout these letters, I use brackets, [ ], to indicate *text* that was not in the original letters.

1895, August 20

From: Alice Annie Wren, at 46 Adelaide Rd, Hampstead, England

To: John Adkins Jones, at (location unknown, but somewhere in USA)

My Own dearest:

I am alone, & I want you – I feel dull & recall the evenings we have spent here; what is the weather like at N. York? It is very hot; I don't remember it so hot. It quite knocks me up; I said so to Mrs. Keralak. She very kindly remarked it did not take much to do that. How are you? Still getting more like what you ought to be Jack?
Yes Jack you are & will be to me dearest, oh for 18 or even part of them they would be nice. My sister Sarah's name is not Jane Sarah, Ann we call her, Sarah or when writing of her, S. Ann for short. It is only natural Mother would feel it would be hard if I were away from my own people. I don’t think I shall miss them much - dearest I am coming; it will be nice to feel we are near each other. Was it not by the church we stood as you mentioned – should very much like a quiet lovey chat now & no one to interrupt us. I received your letter & cuttings last Friday – thanks for all. Your letter was short & sweet, & you were right I was surprised to hear Mr. L knew Mr. & Miss B. Herford. I did not think her a Y. lady that would try for the love of anyone without some encouragement & therefore I think Mr. L has been smitten with her some time or other & Miss Herford felt sure of him. Will she meet plenty of gentlemen at the Barretts? She is I hear rather clever.
Before I go farther I will say I leave this for you to pay 5:^D. I've no money; I've waited to see if 2/2 would turn up, it has not – so, I conclude the best thing would be to send it without stamp, tit for tat. I had to pay 5:^D on yours last time. Did you do that to pay me out for mine? I don’t get on very fast (? past). I have been told to try steel wine if that does not do me good, Rountree (? Sountre) said nothing will. I'm always tired this hot weather is very trying isn’t it Jadie* -- how do you like it? I did not mean that I thought you had felt cold toward me.
Note: Mrs Starkey's child, Flo Walker, is making me a bonnet for Gerty's baby. I hope she will make it pretty. She can if she likes. They are going to move to Broadhurst Gardens – Charlie is going to manage that branch of business, it is all Wellford's now; it has in a way bettered them: they have more money, more rooms, & Flo (Note: to see after the shop). She will continue with the young servant. I call it downright nonsence for only them two to keep one; don't you? We shall soon have summer over now. I am nearly asleep now, I can't eat much this hot weather, can you? Mrs. H has been well(?) this week she was sick, came & woke me up. I did feel cross; if I were sick, she would not care to woke & kept up from 2 to ¼ past four in one's n'shirt; is rather unpleasant isn’t it Jadie*? I don't think I can write any more tonight my own, I am up to work early: 7 or 9; I want the kettle to boil I wish you were here. Should think you wanted something to do - keeping all those pieces of paper. I don't like the blouse. I enclose you a cutting; I have just finished reading all your letters from beginning to end. I began Sunday night. Harriet came in on Sunday with her sister Mary; she is in town with her Lady, I had not seen for 4 years – she is a nice girl. Her people are away & she has asked me many times to go there, I have not been.
She does not come here much now. I think we move about the 23^rd; it is a case of glory in store for us. I am longing to know what you say & think of my coming to you. I hope dearest you wont be very cross about my letter, but really & truly I have none whatever. I want 15/ (?) very bad; will you give it me please? I am not going to say lend – I don't know when you will get it. I hope dear you will not object to my coming sooner than you wished; now I don’t think there is much more I've to say to you now. Have you heard from Mother? I don’t think Susie intends writing she said she can't write, she feels it would not do, you would not care for it, & she has not been used to writing to people in a better class. I think that is the true reason of all of them. Have you heard any more of your sisters, brother, & Mr Jones? I suppose Millie is looking forward to her holidays? Note: more now I am as ever,
Your own true & loving
Girlie twith 18
PS: I've just come from the Dr I feel queer, I don't like your blue ink I put your letter under my pillow & I think – the laundress will be able to read it.

[* 'Jadie' seems to be a nickname that Alice Annie Wren used for John Adkins Jones.]

1895, May 23

From: D. Jones, at Sleaford, England

To: John Adkins Jones, at (location unknown but presumably somewhere in USA)

Dear John:

I have just sent per Gt Northern 638 p.m. the parcel. The old overcoat may be useful on the voyage. The two singlets, 2 pairs of drawers, 3 pairs socks & the print shirt will only do for warm weather. The little book is worth more than a whole world to anyone who is really anxious about his spiritual state. I hope you will have a pleasant and safe passage. I presume that you will take any occupation offered; as, of course, one cannot expect Harry Leach to do much, expenses being heavy in New York; any prolonged pressure on Mr. Leach might make it uncomfortable for Gertie. I am going to write to Dewi & Florence very shortly. I enclose (?[*]) Order for 30=. Write as soon as you can from N. York. Give my love to Gertie and the little ones and my affectionate regards to Mr. Leach. Hoping you are being divinely guided

I remain

Your affectionate father

D. Jones

---

[*] This appeared to be 'P.' Order

1895, March 21

(NOTES: David is John's father & an ordained minister)

From: David Jones, at Sleaford, England

To: John A Jones, at (location unknown, but presumably somewhere in USA)

Dear John:

I cannot recall to mind the exact amount of your legacy, nor can I on searching find a clue to it, but I know it is some £35 or £36. So I send £36. This money I invested in American Railway Shares believing that long(?) are(?) this the price would have advanced and that the amount to be remitted to you would be appreciably larger. In this I am disappointed: instead of advancing, the price has materially depreciated. The reason is that American trade and finance have passed through a very severe ordeal during the last few years. If I had put your money in the Savings Bank it would have accumulated some little interest; but the probabilities at the time of investing seemed very much in favour of the American Railway Market. I ought to say that the shares referred to were non-dividend paying.

I hope you will soon find some employment, that your health will speedily improve and that your past experiences may be sanctified in some such way as God only is able to sanctify them.

Please acknowledge receipt of the money at once.

I remain,

Your affect. Father

[penciled in note says further "My Aunt Mary died Dec 1890 intestate. JAJ]

*Formatting* the letters

So, these hand-written letters took lots of liberties with style, punctuation, etc.
I thought at first to try to remain *true* to the style; that is proving problmatic. The letters, as written, convey obvious intentions of certain *formatting*, punctuation, etc., that would, in print, make the flow much more intuitive and perceptible.
I've decided, in my *transcriptions* to add in, what to me feels like, appropriate punctuation that may not be present in the original letters.
Eventually, I'll find a venue/format to provide copies of the original letters, so that they can be examined and considered in their original form.

Bear with me all!

Getting started

The beginning was our family's desire to know about our parents, our parents' parents, and ever backward.
The next step was *genealogy software* - such a useful tool for organizing the information that we *might* know (and hopefully find).
Another step was finding out that there was a BOX of stuff from our past that belonged to those parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and ever backward.
A fun step was going through to box of STUFF with my mother, jogging her memory, letting her relish in past memories, commiserating with her puzzlement when handed-down lore did not jibe with discovered information, joining in her jubilation when handed-down lore DID jibe with discovered information.
It has also been wonderful to learn more and trot down new paths after speculation, discovery, affirmation and synchronization.
There are HAND-WRITTEN letters dating back to 1895 between our family ancestors! What a treasure. I will be doing my best to type up *transcriptions* of this correspondence to share with our far-flung family (but for our family folks who haven't quite brought themselves to enter this astounding cyber-space phase of life in 2008 (and beyond), never fear - my plans are to share this information with you in traditional written/mail form.

Next time - letters from John & Alice Annie!