January 7, 1874
To: Jessie Keith
From: Ella Bogue, Benton Harbor, MI
Was hoping to receive a letter from Nettie, but got tired of waiting and so is sending one to her. Would like her to ask Mrs. Lockwood to send her her Singing Book. It is her sister’s and she has needed it several times.
This letter is among several which were loaned to Jim & Ruth (Stankey) Keith, probably back in the 1980s, by Ella Nola (Curtis) Eaton, whose husband, Clifford Eaton, was the great-great-grandson of James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith. This is a photocopy of Ruth’s handwritten copy of the letter. Note: Jim Keith is the great-grandson of Charles Luke Keith Jr., who was James “Oscar” Keith’s uncle.
Benton Harbor
January 7th 1874
My Dear Nettie[1]
Do you remember the time you asked me if I would answer your letter if you should write to me?
I have been expecting a letter [from] you ever since but I have got tired of waiting so I have made up my mine to write to you and see if you would answer my letter.
I suppose you are busy with your studies this winter. Have you a gentleman or a lady teacher. I received one letter from Aggie Grant shortly after I came home. I answered it but do not know whether she got my letter or not since then I have not heard any news from Deerfield.[2] I am staying home this winter and I should like to have you come and see me. If it is not to much trouble will you ask Mrs Lockwood to send my Singing Book as soon as she gets a good chance. The book belongs to my sister and she has needed it several times. If it was not for that I should not send for it. If you will feel greatly obliged. Give my love to Katie[3] and also to Mary Thayer when you see her. Remember me to your mother and Father[4] and do not forget to write to me. It will give me great pleasure to hear from you.
Believe Me
Your Sincere Friend
Ella Bogue
To Miss Nettie Keith
——-
[1] Jessie “Nettie” Keith
[2] Deerfield, Michigan, Nettie’s hometown
[3] Nettie’s sister, Catherine Keith
[4] Mary Ann (Batey) & James “Oscar” Keith
Letters & Diary Entries From the 1860s through the 1890s 