Letter: Lonson Stilwell to his children, Sept. 4, 1875

The following letter from Lonson Stilwell to his children was written while he and his wife, Mary K., were in Cairo, Illinois, visiting their son, Lucien, his wife Julia, and their daughter, May.  May was one year old.

Here is an outline of the Stilwell family.

Mentioned:

Minnie:  Mary Elva Stilwell, Lonson's daughter.
Warren: Warren Stilwell, Lonson's son.
Lucien: Lucien White Stilwell, Lonson's son.
Julia (Bristol) Stilwell: Lucien's wife; Lonson's daughter-in-law.
May Stilwell: Lucien and Julia's daughter; Lonson's granddaughter.
Bell:  Belle Osborn, daughter of Charles Osborn & Annette (Stilwell) Osborn; Lonson's granddaughter.
Charlie & Net: Charles Osborn & his wife, Annette (Stilwell) Osborn; Annette was Lonson's daughter.


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“OFFICE OF

Cunningham & Stilwell,

Succ’rs to G.M. ALDEN.

Forwarding and General Commission Merchants,

Chas. Cunningham.

L. W. Stilwell.”

                                                “Cairo, Ill. Sept 4^th, 1875

My Dear Children (all)

                We rec’d Minnie’s good letter yesterday.  It relieved our minds very much in regard to home affairs.  I wrote Warren Saturday, which you have no doubt rec’d by this time.  We shall look for Warrens letter tomorrow.

                We are glad you are getting along so well.  Lucien & all the rest seem anxious for us to stay as long as possible.  We shall stay next week, (& two or three more – Lucien) but we will write you when we start.  We went over to Missouri & Kentucky Saturday.  Saw a great many Sycamore trees 5 & 6 to 6 ½ feet through.  Saw Pecan & Paw Paw trees.  The Paw Paw bears a fruit as large as a Medium sized Early rose potato.  We had a pleasant ride on the river.  Staid in Missouri 2 hours.  Just stepped on the K.Y. Shore.  Shall make another trip to some other point.  The river is beautiful.  There are many good residences here a good deal of business done, but I prefer the north.  The sidewalks are horrid, irregular, mantraps.  Not fit for a stranger to travel after dark.  Lucien is busy today marking & shipping flour.  He is well.  Julia is well.  She is just a lovely woman.  Their little May is as good as she can be.  She looks like her Mother.  If little Bell was here, I should say Cairo against the world for good Babies.  We are enjoying our visit first rate.  Write often.  Be good children.  Love each other & love Jesus better than all.  The rest are to write so I will close with love to all of you.  Kiss Bell for me.  This is for all Charlie & Net included

                Your Affectionate Father

                                Lonson Stilwell”