As stated in a previous post, Lola Bonnell left all her papers to the Cincinnati Historical Society, now part of the Cincinnati Museum Center. At the request of one of our members an intern went through them and copied all the letters dated before 1900 that were found in Mss qB716, Deeds, mortgages, letters, invitations, calling cards, newspapers clippings and other miscellaneous materials. The Cincinnati Museum Center graciously gave permission for us to post transcriptions and scans.
Underneath each letter is our guess at the writer, recipient and people mentioned in the letter. If anyone has information or knowledge that adds to or changes any of these guesses, please let us know and we will correct this post accordingly.
The quality of the images reflect the quality of the photocopies. Fortunately they were all legible.
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Andrew Lydick Power of Attorney to Jacob Lydick 6 August 1832
Rec'd 24 Nov 1832 & Recorded in Book No. 45 page 411 Griffin Yeatman, Recorder of Ham. County, OhioThe State of Indiana
Montgomery County
I John Wilson Clerk of the Circuit Court of Said County do hereby certify that Ezekiel McConnel Esqr before whom the within Power of Attorney from Andrew Lydick & Sally Ann his wife to Jacob Lydick was acknowledged is a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County duly Elected Commissioners and qualified and as such full faith & credit are due to all his Official Acts.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Said Court at Crawfordsville this 6th day of August 1832.
John McConell
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Montgomery County
I James Stilt one of the associate judges of the Circuit Court of Said County do Certify that John Wilson whose name appears to the foregoing Certificate of Magistracy is Clerk of the Circuit Court of Said County duly Elected Commissioned & qualified and that his certificate is in due form of law.
Given form under my hand this 6th day of August A D 1832
James Stilt, Associate Judge C Court
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A. Lydick (seal) Sall Ann Lydick (seal)
Witnesses Saml Fisher, E McConnell
The State of Indiana Montgomery County
The State of Indiana Montgomer County SS
Personally came Andrew Lydick and Sally Ann his wife the Within Named Grantors who severally acknowledge the above powers of attorney to be their voluntary Act and deed for the purposes therein expressed. Given under my Hand and Seal this Sixth Day of Aug 1832.
E.McConnell, Justice of the Peace (seal)
Mary Jane Bonnell to Hannah Bonnell 11 April 1851
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Dearest Cousin,
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Your cousin M.J.B. To Hannah
Hannah was probably Hannah Bonnell, daughter of Aaron Bonnell.
M.J. Bonnell was probably Mary Jane Bonnell, daughter of Aaron's brother Henry. She would have been 11 at the time of the letter and had brothers William, Thomas and Albert/Ally.
Hannah and her family were recorded in Clermont County, Ohio on 15 August 1850 in the census but were living in Illinois 7 November 1851 when Laura Bonnel was born.
Will is probably Mary Jane's brother, William Wayland Bonnell.
Will is probably Mary Jane's brother, William Wayland Bonnell.
The "Aunt M" Will wants a letter from is probably Hannah's mother, Margaret Dackey Bonnell.
Sallie Augusta Given to Hannah Bonnell 24 May 1859
My Ever Affectionate Friend,
It is now nine o'clock and I am pretty tired but still I thought I would write to you. Kate has just got in bed, she was up all night last night at a wake. A little babe died three or four doors from us in the alley named Dorrington. Kate went to the burying today and I had to get dinner for eleven men and one woman. Don't you think that was enough beside our own family. Uncle Joel and the girls started home yesterday morning. I expect you heard they were down on a visit for the first time Orlando went home with them. We heard yesterday that Tom was worse. I was very sorry for I hoped he would be well before this time. I expect Susan is almost wore out. Hannah your letter of the 31st of March was kindly accepted the 6th of May. If I had received it in due time it would have afforded me a great deal of news, but I was glad to get it as it was. I am always pleased to get one from most any of my friends.
I went to a party last Tuesday week with Alice Carpenter's Sunday School. We went on a canal boat. It was poor riding I tell you. Orlando got a letter from Doc Cunningham one or two weeks ago. He talked then of coming home. He said he would stop and see us as he was on his way home but I have not seen him yet. It is now ten o'clock and I don't feel like writing any more. You must please excuse me for this scribbling and for not writing any more for it would take me all night to write all what I want to say. Why don't you come to see me before long. Well if you don't do that you can write to me oftener than you do. Hannah you ought to be here to hear the music tonight in the dutch theatre. I am almost tired of music. I hear it every night. Now write soon. Don't forget it.
Good night
Yours truly forever
S.A. Given
N.B. May the 27th
Hannah I thought I would let you know Alfred Stroman gave us a call this morning as he was on his way to Wheeling.
S. A. Given is Sallie Augusta Given (see the following two letters). A Sally Given is living in Colerain, Belmont County, Ohio in the 1860 census.
Hannah Bonnell would have been 15 when the letter was written to her.
Sallie Augusta Given to Hannah Bonnell 9 December 1860
Dear Friend,
A long silence does not denote forgetfulness of my friendship for you. A much longer time has elapsed since I received your last kind letter than I intended should have done ere I had answered it. But in that time I have been quite busy cooking for cornhuskers and carpenters. Today I have no person to cook for and I take the opportunity of writing to you.
I have heard that Philena Hetzler is married, and Lib and Andrew. Eliza and Camilis too. If they are I think there is not many more young folks left down on Indian Hill. Hannah, it is snowing a little now and father has commenced to make a jumper if he gets it made and there is any good sleighing come this winter you may expect to see me come jumping down there. I have the promise of a sleigh ride if there is sleighing. I think your dress is very pretty. I got one the next week after I was down to see you bit it was an everyday calico one, purple. I sent my last winter bonnet down and got it altered and trimmed in Crimson and black. I went to Methodist Preaching yesterday afternoon and to Baptist at night. I have been to one party since I seen you, and had an invitation to attend another, but did not. I have a very pressing invitation to go to an oyster supper to Mr. Hunts when they have it. Tomorrow morning was the expected time but I do not think it will be then or at least I do not know certain. So you will know the young folks about here try to enjoy themselves. Hannah you said you would come up when I hadn't so much to do. I expect we will have two men a month or more to board but last week we had eight, so come as soon as you can. I want to see you very much. I have not any news to write so I will make this letter brief. Father is waiting on me to get it written. He is going to the office. Please write to me soon. Your friend Augusta.
Sallie Augusta Given to Hannah Bonnell
My much esteemed friend,
I now embrace the present moment to answer that letter I so long ago received from you. I expected to have the pleasure of a visit from you before this but was disappointed. I have been to the city this last week. I went down with Kate and Lane on Monday and came home on Thursday.
Uncle John received a letter from Uncle Will Thursday morning. They left Cincinnati on Saturday and arrived at their new home on Friday morning following. Grandmother enjoyed her trip very much. We went a visiting or had company most every evening while Kate was here. Land had his guitar and wherever we went they had a violin and with singing we had very pleasant times. Well Hannah, my carpet is wore but I do not know when it will be brought home. I had forty two yards I expect you was at Eliza Carmon's wedding. I have heard that Susan is agoing to live with her. I think it will be so nice if she does. One of Mr. Baker's little girls got burned to death a week before last. Kate heard one of your neighbors was also. I think I never heard of so many losing their lives by fire as have this spring. I got two of my front teeth plugged and one of my double ones pulled while I was in the city. I will send you a piece of my new dress I got too and I got a new border for my summer bonnet.
The Methodists are having quite a revival in Purn Town now several have joined. Mary among the rest. Most of them are near her size. Father received a letter from Belmont last evening containing the sad news of the death of Uncle Amon. We little expected to hear of his death before Grandfather's. They think he will hardly survive the grief he is called on to hear being so very feeble. I think Father will go up soon to see him he will if possible. Uncle Amon is the one that was married last fall. He lived a single life long to be married and called away so soon but it the Lords will. He died last Sunday with the bilious calie. Oh1 I think they will be so lonely there.
Hannah have you made any garden yet. We have lettuce up and that is all. I set out a few roots of flowers. Our folks have their oats and a few potatoes in the ground. The peach trees look nice now. Some are quite out in bloom and some pretty near. Father took supper at John Flemings Friday night. He went up to take a drove of hogs to Higginsport for Oliver Perin.
Hannah I must go and get dinner now. I do hope you will please write to me soon.
I have no excuse to offer for not writing to soon come up and see me before long do. I will stop writing now. With my love for you. I remain your
Friend Sallie Augusta Given
Written to Hannah Bonnell
Please accept the enclosed toilet set with my compliments and as a slight token of my regard.
Yours & C
N.S.J.
County Treasurer's Office
Cincin.. April 27th/ 77
P.S. Knowing so well how fond you are of horses I had this set made with horses on especially for you. The material from where the vase & bowl is manufactured is goose grain mantle designer Jas A Hanford
N.S
Flo is probably the Florence Buckingham who married William Jones Bonnell. She would have been 20 when the letter was written.
Elizabeth Ann Weller (wife of Gilbert Weller) to her sister-in-law Eliza Jane Weller Buckingham (wife of Oliver Perry Buckingham) 5 February 1880
Pine Hill Tennessee February 5th 1880
Dear Sister
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The family all join me in sending their love to you all.
E.A. Weller
P.S. direct your letter to Flat Rock, Lewis County, Tennessee
Written to Eliza Jane Weller Buckingham, wife of Oliver Perry Buckingham by her sister-in-law Elizabeth Ann Weller, wife of Gilbert Weller. Gilbert, Elizabeth & their children are living in Lewis County, Tennessee in the 1880 census.
J. Christ to His Brother 25 February 1880
Dear Brother,
Your letter has come to hand would say that you must remain very cool and calculate as if you was going to come out to a cent Remember that $10000.00 is not so large a sum as it sounds to start save all expense you can, and try to get work going on as soon as you can, make a sharp plan and work to the scratch, be sure your men or partners are workers and don't drain too much money out for living, in all ways be sure to not let the recognition of your hands and you may have success if you can adventure enough to get the work be sure of keeping expenses down to the lowest possible point from the start so there is always some money left to own the machine for money is to business what coal is to the engine.
When you get your thing worked through so you are quite clear give me a little sketch of how you work it. You will of course have foundry machine shop and woodworking department. I am getting along well here, may perhaps get a chance to make a digger with Gent to start another buss, manufac. barb wire, he proposed to me last Sunday. I will first work the matter up thoroughly.
Hoping to hear from you soon.
I remain truly yours
J Chrst
Anyone know who he might be?
Invitation to a Surprise for Willard Korte 15 December 1880
Compliments of Mr and Mrs. Korte
Miamiville, Ohio
Requesting the pleasure of your company at their residence Christmas Eve Dec. 24th at half past eight.
Committee of invitations.
Emma Ragland
Hattie A. Jones
Music by Pru Reeves
Dec 15th '80
Floor Managers
Walter Buckingham
Bert Josef
Louis Buckingham
John J. Jones
The two Buckingham floor managers are second-cousins to Florence Buckingham, wife of William Jones Bonnell.
Retta Waybright to Florence Buckingham Bonnell 10 January 1881
Dear Flo
I find that I have so much to do that I shall not be able to get off before Tuesday Jan. 18th. You may look for me on the Hillsoboro Accommodation that evening. I shall be there without regard to the weather, nothing shall prevent me but sickness or accident. I know you will think this a long time but it is unavoidable. We will talk the rest over when we meet.
Yours & c
Retta Waybright
Flo is probably Florence Buckingham Bonnell, wife of William Jones Bonnell
? to ? 21 May 1882 (the signature line is missing)
Olney, May 21st, 1882
Dear neas. I receave your letter some time a goe and neglect writing till now wee are all well and hope that theas few lines will find you all the same
the wether is weat and cold they pepel is nearly all don planting corn wheat looks fine and all in head rye oats and flax looks nise will make a good crop wee thing the armey worme is heare in plases doing some mames to the cropes the grass lookes tolerable well fore being burnt so last sumer the first crop is a dont to be a short black bery and apples and peaches is the mane crop.
well flo I want to no if ant betsy prise is a living and ant rachly prise and where dose rachely live and is dack a farily this sumer and you is a ceaping house for hime and if he ceap his thin look up, my first is getting strong and I work every day and some time i feald like braking my house leaping and comping to ceap house fore him as he is left a lone. I want you to tell me a how loly and her little boy is getting a long and tell me how the crops is with you and how all is maned and ded I have a good garden and I have oney 20 little chickens
Well loly wee have
Loly is probably Lola Buckingham Mosteller. Her son Edwin was born December 1882. The author might be one of the sons of William Buckingham and Abigail Price. Lola's grandparents.
Lola Buckingham Mosteller to Florence Buckingham Bonnell 23 September 1886
Dear sister,
I thank you very much for your congratulations. I am so glad it is over with and it is a girl, she is growing so nicely and just as good as can be, sleeps most all the time, is good at night. I think she will have brown eyes. I am feeling very well so much stronger than I have felt at this time before. Am trying to take good care of myself this time. I hope Lola is better by this time I was afraid she would take the fever. Am afraid it is caused by your cistern, hope you will not take it. I do not know what you would do if you and Lee were to both take it or I told Lee about keeping broth in the baby, I did not want him to write it at all, but he would. I told him that it was no time for such talk. I was afraid you and Will would be offended and I would not blame you if you were but I am innocent for I would not do such a thing. Charley & Dave are threshing today. They are making cider and cutting up corn trying to get ready to seed. I guess he will have to get more help if he gets his work done The apples are such a job to pick. Come over or send over and get sweet apples for your apple butter. You can come over here and make it if baby is able for you to do so. I told the other girls if they wanted apple butter they could come home and make it, for I would not be able to do it for them this year. Write or have Lee do it as often as you can for I am anxious to hear from
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Yours
Lola
Flo must be Florence Buckingham Bonnell, wife of William Jones Bonnell. Their daughter Lola Bonnell was born 5 December 1885.
Flo must be Florence Buckingham Bonnell, wife of William Jones Bonnell. Their daughter Lola Bonnell was born 5 December 1885.
The writer is probably Lola Buckingham Mosteller.
Lee is probably Leeandrew Bonnell, brother to William Jones Bonnell.
Who is Emma? Orrin? Mary?
Lee Buckingham to Lola Buckingham Bonnell 5 April 1893
Butler, Pa.
Dear Sister,
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Love to all. I will write you as soon as I hear from Dr. Jones but I am much encouraged over her condition. Kisses to children. Write me soon as possible.
Yours resp'ly
L. Buckingham
Written to Florence Buckingham Bonnell, wife of William Jones Bonnell
Written by her brother Lee Buckingham.
Fannie Swan Buckingham (wife of Lee Buckingham) to her sister-in-law Florence Buckingham Bonnell 15 April 1893
Postmarked April 16 1893
Saturday 15 1893
Dear Flora
I just received your letter and was coming out last week it was to rainy & bad. I am coming out this coming week about Friday I guess as the first of the week is engaged. Aunt is coming also if she is well enough & if the weather is good you need not meet us as we can walk up I think will bring the girl so you can see her; we will just spend the day. Aunt has been sick this week. I am better and get along so well now baby is well. Love to all & all send love. I will see you about the other things and talk to you all for this time.
Fannie
Lee Buckingham to Florence Buckingham Bonnell 16 April 1893
D.M. Cubbison's Fountain Inn, South East Corner Park, New Castle, Pa. 4/16, 1893
Dear Sister,
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Your bro
L.B.
Fannie Swan Buckingham to her Sister-in-Law Florence Buckingham Bonnell 17 April 1893
April 17, 1893
Dear Sister,
I will write you telling you we will not come out until you are all through house cleaning so you can drop me a card when you are finished. I am getting along nicely but do not feel very well today. Think I took a little cold last week. I think you will like the girl I have she is nearly white and so quiet & nice about the house & we all like her ever so much. She will do washing & ironing & washing dishes out to your house or any thing else. She is not afraid to work and is willing to do it. She does it all here & takes care of baby afterwords & Aunt does the cooking. She is so nice about children & she can look after them all. She is strong & healthy & can do all with little trouble. I thought I would bring her out when I come to spend the day & you can see her & she can see the place. I will talk more when I can see you. Good by for this time. Write when you can. Thanks for the things. I expect I will come to stay the middle or later part of May.
Love to children & all
Sister Fannie
Will told Uncle he would drop in a postal but we will not come this week any way. not for two weeks.
Tell Hannah if she wants a boarder this summer she can have Aunt as she wants a place near the baby. They can not do with out him they think now.
Fannie Swan Buckingham to Florence Buckingham Bonnell 26 September 1893
Dear Flora,
I received your letter this noon and will answer immediately in regard to our things. You folks need not trouble your selves about them as I can do with out them now and when Lee gets time he can come down and fix them and get an express waggon from some place near to take the entire lot to the Depot & then we will have every thing up here & not be bothered any more about our goods as we have had more trouble with them than they are worth & more so.
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give away any shoes you find as I have all others packed.
Written to Florence Buckingham Bonnell, wife of Will (William Jones Bonnell)
Written by Fannie Swan Buckingham, wife of Florence's brother Lee Buckingham.
Till is probably Matilda Riker Bonnell, wife of Will's brother Moses.
Fannie Swan Buckingham to Florence Buckingham Bonnell 29 September 1893
Tiffin, O(hio) Sept 29, 1993
Dear Sister,
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Now I am done with Till and she has made enough trouble now & hard feelings & she can't make any more. But I think she had better keep still for she just talked about every one.
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You know others can notice things done that you would it think of and I had ought to have told you but I hated to and can not write any more about it. but be careful. don't let the children to to Till's to much to eat. she always brings Louise in with everything. I wonder if Louise does talk to Till that way. I am sitting in the hall writing and am nearly froze to death. it is very cold up here & we have not much of a way to keep warm but by a drum in the room from down stairs room until we get an other room furnished and get a little stove in there. Send the brusells carpet & the clothes hamper with the glass and the blankets & comforters, my old pillows,
as I am going to have a feather bed made out of them for baby's
bed or he has to sleep alone. May be you can squeeze a pillow or son in that big box one corner & the one pair of curtains is up at the window. I do not want the others & if Billie crates the furniture put in the eaze with the sofa if it will go & if not let it go this time & wrap the rug up in the carpet & I guess that is all & take them to Madera and send them by express on pass No 433. I will have Lee write & have them see to it. Baby is well & is getting so fat I think the change & the cool weather has helped him as he has a good appetite & eats so nicely at the table & every one that leaves he says by by & shakes his hands at them. He likes his milk to and is willing to take it.
He stays with the people down stairs and plays on the floor. I went to church last Sunday & Lee put him to sleep at 10 o'clock & he never woke up until 2 o'clock. He just lives Lee now & looks for him every morning. He is so much company now for me & I think I will get along so much better this winter than last with him. Lee has a cold & sore throat last time he was home. He will have to put on his underclothes now. I have been cold every day this week & have been sick also & can't get warm. I have been feeling badly all week. I guess because I was so cold & had such cold feet it made me feel worse.
All of my underclothes are in one box & my cloak also. I had no idea I would need them so soon but will be all right now until they comes. I will not go out much. There is a fine influence boarding here & I was up to her store She has some of the loveliest hats they are beautiful I wore my new dress Sunday & it felt so nice. Aunt wrote about her & I guess she has taken her dress to her by this time. I am most sure she will please her. I am going to get a green & tan hat & green gloves then I will be fixed. Well write soon with love & to all & to the children Tell Harold that baby has some tempurs & he could have a fine time with them for they do not brake. baby hit me over the eye with one & I tell you it hurt. Well send the things just when you can & we will be satisfied and do the best you can. We can't expect to get every thing here just so. you can use the little blue rocker I am afraid it will get broken coming so will let it be. Well I will close. Goodby with love. Fannie
as I am going to have a feather bed made out of them for baby's
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He stays with the people down stairs and plays on the floor. I went to church last Sunday & Lee put him to sleep at 10 o'clock & he never woke up until 2 o'clock. He just lives Lee now & looks for him every morning. He is so much company now for me & I think I will get along so much better this winter than last with him. Lee has a cold & sore throat last time he was home. He will have to put on his underclothes now. I have been cold every day this week & have been sick also & can't get warm. I have been feeling badly all week. I guess because I was so cold & had such cold feet it made me feel worse.
All of my underclothes are in one box & my cloak also. I had no idea I would need them so soon but will be all right now until they comes. I will not go out much. There is a fine influence boarding here & I was up to her store She has some of the loveliest hats they are beautiful I wore my new dress Sunday & it felt so nice. Aunt wrote about her & I guess she has taken her dress to her by this time. I am most sure she will please her. I am going to get a green & tan hat & green gloves then I will be fixed. Well write soon with love & to all & to the children Tell Harold that baby has some tempurs & he could have a fine time with them for they do not brake. baby hit me over the eye with one & I tell you it hurt. Well send the things just when you can & we will be satisfied and do the best you can. We can't expect to get every thing here just so. you can use the little blue rocker I am afraid it will get broken coming so will let it be. Well I will close. Goodby with love. Fannie
Probably written to Florence Buckingham Bonnell, wife of William Jones Bonnell
Written by Fannie Swan Buckingham, wife of Florence's brother Lee Buckingham.
Louise Oskamp Bonnell was the wife of Lee Andrew Bonnell, brother to Florence's husband.
was not not much the matter with her her present trouble was in the throat but nothing serious.
I suppose all the people in the surrounding neighborhood are going to the party tonight. You ask me if I was going no I am not for two reasons. 1st I got no invitation. you see I got left. 2st I could not if I so desired. O I could go tonight but it would make close connections for me in the morning. I am out on no & the morning mail leaves Cinti at 8 or rather 7:45 A.M. I would have catch the first Loveland and then I would have very little time. i think better I not come if I had an invite.
Give my best to all. Kisses to all the children. I hope I will be feeling better when I write you again. I appreciate the interest you take in me and will try and take care of myself.
Your Bro.
Lee (probably Lee Buckingham)
Genealogy (Author Unknown)
Genealogy of the Buckingham family.
The immediate ancestors of Enoch Jeffreys Buckingham were Wm. Buckingham a native of England arrived in America about the year 1620 settled in Chester Co. Pennsylvania where he died at an advanced age; his son John Buckingham was born in Chester Co, Pennsylvania removed to New Castle Co., Delaware where he married; knowing nothing of his person or character we have only to add that he died here at the age of 84 yrs.; his children were William, Hannah, Mary, Margaret, Sarah, Esther, John, James, Joseph and Able.
William Buckingham married Jane Jones (Jones is not a typo; it does not say Jane James) of Delaware and removed to Pennsylvania where he died aged 87 or 88 yrs. His children were Margaret, John, Enoch, William, Hannah, Ruth and John.
William Buckingham was born Pennsylvania in the year 1734; he married Jane Jones whose parents came from Wales, he died aged 96 yrs. His children were Enoch Jr., Levi, Catherine, John, James, Isaac, Susan, Hannah, Esther, Lydia, William, Jesse and Jane.
Enoch Jr. Buckingham was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1763; he married Mary Margaret Jeffreys whose parents came from were Matthew & Mary Jeffreys, Mary Jeffreys name was Alexander before she married; her parents were Isaac & Elizabeth Alexander. Elizabeth Alexander was the daughter of Henry & Mary Bradly who came from England; Isaac Alexander's parents came from Scotland.
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Levi Buckingham was born in Ohio in the year 1795, he married Elizabeth Bell in 1818.
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