From Frances M.
"Fannie" Warren
To
Philip Hugh and Sarah
Wood Warren
This letter was written by Frances M. (Fannie) Warren
born 1862 at Chestnut Bluff, Dyer Co., TN to Philip Hugh and Sarah Wood Warren
(both born Williamson Co., TN and both buried in the Eldad Bapt. Church Cem.
in Gibson Co.). Fannie married Willis Bennett Hunt in Nov. 1882 in Gibson Co.
The letter was written to Viola Thomas born 1860 in Gibson Co. to William Atha
and Sallie A. H. Davis Thomas. The Thomas family moved to Livingston Co., KY
but apparently returned often to Gibson Co. since William's brother John Smyth
Thomas (and other relatives) were still in Gibson Co. (buried Oakland Cem.)
Nettie in the letter is John's daughter who later married William L.
Wilkerson. They both died in San Diego CA. Viola married William Thomas
Threlkeld from Calvert City, KY in Jan. 1882.
Fannie's brother, Thompson Wood Warren, married Viola's
sister, Theodosia Thomas. T. W. and Dosia are my g-grandparents. I sent a
picture of Dosia plus ones of her parents and they are on the Gibson Co.
GenWeb site. I also sent a picture of Fannie Warren which is there also.
Sophronia and Sallie were Harpers, b. 1815 and 1827. Their
sister Nancy married Cyrus Turner so that may be who Mrs. Turner is. Their
brother Henry is buried at Eldad. Their brother Joe Harper is also mentioned
in the letter. These Harpers would be distantly related by marriage to Viola.
If there is a closer connection, I don't know it.
I found this letter collection stashed at my dad's house in
Memphis a few months ago. I've had a blast trying to figure out who everybody
is and imagining how things were back then.
At Home
Aug. 27th 1881
Miss Viola Thomas
Dearest friend
It has been just a week since I received your much welcomed
letter and you may be sure its contents were eagerly devoured. After I read it
I felt as though I had had a short converstaion with one of my old friends -
one whom I had spent many pleasant and happy hours with and sincerely hope
that I may yet be allowed that privilege again though I have no bright
prospects of such a thing. I have been enjoying myself very well since I wrote
to you. I attended an examination and concert last week at a little school
house called high hill. Mr. Walter Hess was teacher. He is bro to Zach H. He
was there and his bald head looked as slick as ever. He and I had a very
lively time buggy riding and eating watermelons. He enquired about you. Said
he was very sorry you went home so soon. I went to Mr. Joe Harpers on Thursday
morn and stayed until Saturday morn and every time I went to that window where
we sat and wrote that song ballad I could not help but think of you and wish
you was with me. I have attended several protracted meetings and one camp
meeting all of which I enjoyed very well. I have sat up nearly every night now
for nearly a week with sister Mary's baby. It has been dangerously ill but is
better now. I see Mr. Hunt nearly every day so you know it is natural that I
should hunt a litt. Miss Eliza and Mrs. Turner was here on yesterday and spent
the evening. Miss Sophronia has been right sick but is about well now. Miss
Sallie is getting better. They are all able to talk a little yet. They have
sold their place and are talking about going to Tex. Keep your self in
readiness Viola to receive a new cousin. I tell you Mr. Adkins Sedberry and
Nettie are taking the day. You just ought to see them. You know it is a larg
couple. Ida McHaney sayed with me last night. She is as jolly as ever. Viola
the news in this county has dried up nearly as fast as the crops. We never
have any thing new but we are having some awful hot and dry weather. I would
like to be there and see you about the time you went to whip some of those
children. I imagine you are bad about that. Viola as soon as you get your
Calvert City sweetheart's image engraved on your heart so that you can paint
just send it to me. I should like very much to see him There is going to be
singing at Eldad tonight and of course I shall go. I expect to have a gay time
as my fellow is going with me. I would make a speech to him tonight but as it
isn't leap year I am afraid he would not listen to me. Nettie brought me your
picture and I would not part with it for anything. Viola I could talk to you a
week and then not tell you half what I want to and as they are calling me to
dinner I will have to close. The family sends their love to you. I remain you
friend Fannie.
Mamma sends her love to your mother and wishes you success
with your school. good bye. your loving friend Fannie Warren.
When you answer this write a long letter. I do love to read
them so much.