Sunday, January 4, 2009

April 29, 1908

In this letter we finally get the first name of our mysterious writer. His name is Clint Rowe, which surprises me as I didn't think Clint was a common name of that time.

This letter was quite long but the paper was in good condition. There was literally only one word I could not make out so that was a nice change from the first two letters.

Note that this letter went to Osceola, Missouri while the first two I transcribed were to Joplin, Missouri. There is quite a time span between these letters so it looks as though Miss Barnhart has finished school. I wonder if she is teaching other than "Sabbath" school, which is mentioned in this letter.


April 29, 1908

Hematite, MO

Miss Bessie Barnhart
RFD 2 Box 34
Osceola, Mo.

Dear Sister Barnhart,

Having been in town this morning I received your ever welcome letter and was pleased to hear from you again.

Well sister I wish I could have said as you hoped I would, in my last letter, viz: that I was coming but surely you cannot hope for it any more than I, really I have been ashamed to write and so often that I come not come, but I will come as soon as possible.

No sister I did not take a wrong view of what you said concerning our marriage, but I was afraid you might [---] such certainly in the time of it.

We must wait and let time tell a thing or two. (I will say more when I see you)
You spoke of winter-like weather. We have been having it for fully a week and so much rain that plowing is hindered. I must get my corn all planted ere I start for your place and as long as the weather is wet I cannot plow.

That is why I wanted to call on you in February, but I have tried to be patient, under my disappointments.

And another reason why I wanted to call on you sooner than this is that I knew if my brother gets too ill it is hard telling when I will get to come.

I have prayed and prayed that I might get to call on you soon if it was not against the Lord’s will, and while I have been disappointed in not getting to do so ere this, yet I cannot help but think that God knows, and will do, that which is best.

My brother is not required to be in bed but he is quite weak, and does little or nothing. If he walks 500 feet he is tired out. You might say he lives and that is all.

I do not like to be away from home at night because of his aptness of having a serious spell of sickness, and he gets lonely and uneasy at night, and dreads the thought of being alone should he become seriously ill.

For these reasons I came home instead of staying at Mr. Davis’s tonight. I will be glad when Mr. Davis returns.

I earnestly hope your Sabbath school will bear fruit to the glory of God.

I do not remember whether you spoke of Ethyl or not, but I think not.

The thermometer registered two below freezing this morning and has several times since the fruit was on the trees. I wish we could have fruit as it is half or at least a third of our living, but if we do not it is our place to be content with such as we have.

I will be happy when I can talk with you instead of writing.

May 2, 1908
after sundown

You will notice that I started this letter the 29th but not having the opportunity to finish it, it is now the 2nd of May.

I am sincerely sorry that I could not have replied sooner and trust you will pardon my delay.

Mr. Davis came home Friday the 1st and I was glad too.

I plowed some that day but some of the ground was very wet, today has been a nice day but it is cloudy around now.

When I came home last night or rather yesterday afternoon, mother was lying down, she is feeling very poorly. Grandmother is about the same. Joe is also about the same.

Oh how I wish we could have two weeks of nice weather so I could get my corn in, then if the Lord permits I will pay you a visit.

I will be uneasy about home affairs to some extent while away though.

If it was not for my work I would come the 4th but it is impossible.

It may be that I will not get to let you know in time to meet me or even know I am coming as I will have to snatch the first chance that comes as my work will crowd me very much.

I must close for this time hoping to see or hear from you soon.

I remain as ever your brother in Christ,
Clint Rowe

“My soul fainteth for thy salvation but I hope in thy word.” Ps 119:81

“before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have kept they word” 119:67

“I know, O Lord that thy judgments are right and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.” 119:75


2 comments:

  1. I found a cemetary listing in Okanogan, WA for a Clinton E. Rowe (1881-1962) and wife, Bessie D. Rowe (1883-1973). I wonder if this isn't the same couple. The link to this data is below. Love the blog!

    http://www.interment.net/data/us/wa/okanogan/mtviewl/mt_view.htm

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  2. The handwriting is so beautiful. And, I am excited that Bessie was a teacher!!! I wonder if in the end she taught around here?? Janice, thanks for sharing this with me, with everyone!

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