George's letter to Nellie T. about his Dad's death.
Cincinnati, Ohio July 21,1894
Dearest Nellie,
I can't express to you how grateful I am for your good and sympathizing letter in this time of sorrow. I am sure nothing could have consoled me more, yet the loss of my father has so prostrated me that I am hardly able to write anything interesting to you.
He died so suddenly, Just when we thought he was getting better, he took to bed and shortly afterwards died. The Tuesday before he died he was out riding and Wednesday he walked around the farm feeling well, so he said.
He took sick Wednesday night and was in bed all day Thursday, and Friday morning about 2 o'clock he began to get worse. Mother sent me after the doctor and priest. I went with horse and buggy as fast as I could, it's about a mile and a half where they live, but when I got there I did not know whom to take first the doctor or the priest. I only had a small buggy and I knew that father was very low and I had no time to loose, so I told both to get into my buggy and drive home as fast as they could, and I would wait until they came back. Well, just as the priest was through with the last ceremonies father breathed his last.
Oh Nellie, how I wish you were here so I could speak to you. I could tell you this so much better. The death of my father has broken me all up and I wasn't able to do much since.
He was so good and kind to us all, but one never misses his father until he is gone. His complaint was Diabetes, it is incurable, but they live with it sometime for many years.
Father left no will and I was appointed administrator which gives me lots of extra work. You know that two of the children are not of age, Josie and Tresia, and Tillie, poor girl was just 18 the day father died, a sad Birthday, it nearly, broke her heart, she will certainly never forget her 18th Birthday. But we will have to make the best of it now.
I will continue the business same as before, and I think we will get along all right.
Mother and sisters thank you very much for your kind invitation, but they will be quite busy at home for awile, Maybe this fall they will be able to get away.
They would like for you to come to Cinti. You will receive a letter from one of my sisters soon.
Now my dear friend, don't get discouraged because my letters are so short. You know that I am busy, a friend of mine is sitting right next to me now waiting for me to finish.
Well, Nell I'll think of you so much more and please don't shorten your letters on this acc't, I dearly love to read them, and when you lie in that hammock please think of me occasionaly.
The folks at home are all well and send you their regards. Hoping you are all well I remain with love to you
Your unfortunate Friend,
George
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