April 11, 1899 To: Nancy Brown, Chicago, IL From: Louese Harris, Shelbyville, MI On a visit to her parents’ home she stopped in Kalamazoo and she couldn’t keep the tears away as she missed all the times that Nancy had greeted her there. Also mentions how excited Nancy’s dog Zama was to see her children… Continue reading April 11, 1899 letter to Nancy Brown from Louese Harris
October 2, 1898 To: Matilda Brown From: Willis Brown, Chicago, IL Apologizes for not writing. Lizzie is in Michigan and has not been well lately. He was surprised to hear of Hattie’s death. When Lizzie is ready to go home, he wishes his mother would come with her. It would give Nancy a chance to… Continue reading October 2, 1898 letter to Matilda Brown from Willis Brown
September 22, 1898 To: Nancy Brown From: Louese Harris, Shelbyville, MI Is upset about their mother’s condition and hopes that something can be done to ease her suffering. Wishes Nancy could spend the winter to be with her. Reports that Cora is healing nicely. 1898-09-22 Louese Harris to Nancy Brown Shelbyville, Sept 22/98 Dear Sister… Continue reading September 22, 1898 letter to Nancy Brown from Louese Harris
June 27, 1898 To: Willis Brown, Chicago, IL From: Josephine Curtiss, Sodus, NY Gives an update on her family and also recounts the earlier deaths of Charles and Sidney Allen and how William Tinklepaugh dishonestly took Sidney’s home away from him. 1898-06-27 Josephine Curtiss to Willis Brown SODUS ACADEMY E. Curtiss, A. M., Principal Sodus,… Continue reading June 27, 1898 letter to Willis Brown from Josephine Curtiss
December 18, 1890 To: Hannah Keith, Galesburg, MI From: Nancy Brown A lady stopped by selling Buddington Charts and Nancy thought Hannah might be interested in it. Christmas is near but there isn’t enough money to buy everyone presents. If some of the family can come by and if she can get some cream she… Continue reading December 18, 1890 letter to Hannah Keith from Nancy Brown
January 1, 1879 To: Margaret Stinehart From: Julia Allen, Comstock, MI Daily accounting of the family life. Comstock, 1879 Dear Sister Margaret[1] January 1st, We[2] went to Keiths[3] and held New Years, Hanks family[4] there too. Nancys Pa plays on a violin, & her Brother[5] on the Organ so we heard good music. Hank give… Continue reading January 1, 1879 letter to Margaret Stinehart from Julia Allen
Many stories recounting forays into the realms of Spiritualism involving members of both the families of Ambrose & Matilda Brown and Charles “Luke” & Sarah Keith Jr. have been passed down through the generations. Letters and diary entries of various family members also mention spiritualism or attending a “circle.” The following are just a few:… Continue reading Forays Into Spiritualism
On April 21, 1873, Henry “Hank” Brown wrote the following in his diary: Cloudy and raw. We went down to Fathers to day. I took a negative of the house to day. Since the first picture shows the women sitting outside, and the last three pictures show leaves on the trees, it’s not clear which one, if… Continue reading Ambrose & Matilda Brown’s Home
March 8, 1863 To: Matilda Brown & Julia Allen, Galesburg, MI From: Sarah Lunn, Janesville, WI Reminisces about their childhood and especially the fall of 1814 and the war. Janesville March 8, 1863[1] Dear Sisters[2] We have not heard a word from you since John[3] was here until a week ago last night we… Continue reading March 8, 1863 letter to Matilda Brown & Julia Allen from Sarah Lunn
Digging through the stacks to find my family's history
~creating a legacy through story genealogy
A genealogical site devoted to the history of the DeKorn and Zuidweg families of Kalamazoo and the Mulder family of Caledonia
Cultivating Conversations on Family & Faith
Reflections
Sharing a love for Indycar with my sons
Letters & Diary Entries From the 1860s through the 1890s 