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.
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
The State of IndianaMontgomery 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
Know all men by these presents that I Andrew Lydick and Sally Ann my lawfull and wedded wife of the County of Montgomery and State of Indiana do by these presently constitute make and appoint Jacob Lydick of the county of Fayette, State of Kentucky, my true and lawfull attorney for us and in our names to sell and convey all our interest to certain tract of land lying in the county of Hamilton State of Ohio, on the waters of the little Miami containing one hundred and eighty acres more or less which said tract of land was owned by my father Jacob Lydick dec'd. Now there fore know all men that any sale or conveyance made by my said attorney Jacob Lydick for the above tract of land shall be as binding upon us, our heirs and assigns as if we had personally done it ourselves. And our said attorney is also authorized for us in our name and to our use to receive all money accruing from the same and his receipt shall be binding upon us. In witness whereof we have here unto set our hands and affixed our seals this sixth day of August 1832.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
April 11/51
Dearest Cousin,
I received your kind letter with much pleasure. I was very glad to hear that you were all well but was very sorry indeed that you did not say any thing about any of the folks coming out here this spring. It would do us so much good to see some of you. I am writing this in school. I have not much time to write letters but thought you would rather receive a few lines than not to receive any word. This is Tuesday afternoon and mother has gone out to Uncle Levi's and is going to stay all week. Thomas, Ally and I was out there last week and they were all tolerable well. I expect we will have a may party in our school I wish you was here to partake of our refreshments and have a nice swing. This piece of pink ribbon was a phiapena present to me by a young lady of our school. I will send you a piece of my sunbonnet and my dress. I want you to answer this as soon as you get it. Will is for a letter from Aunt M and wishes he would get one. I have one more request to make ant that is I want some of you to come and visit us this spring. I will look for you. Mother and father are coming to visit you next spring. I would tell you what I studied if I had room. I think this is little paper to write a letter on. I hope you will excuse me this time.
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
May the 24th 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
December the 9rd1860
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
Sallie Augusta Given to Hannah Bonnell 7 April 1861
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
Gift to Florence Buckingham Bonnell 27 April 1877
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
It has been some time since I heard from you till oval got a letter from Perry stating that your health was not very good this winter. So I thought I would write you a few lines that I might get some word from you to let us know how you was as we have wrote several letters but get no answers from any that we write to. I hope when you get this it will find you in good health as well as all the rest of the family. We are all in good health as is all the rest of the friends we are having a little touch of winter at this time we had quite a snow here last Monday the second snow fell to the depth of four inches it still lays on the weather is not cold temperature not getting lower than twenty above zero and that but a short time in the morning we have been having such warm and pleasant weather all winter that we was thinking of making garden and would of had our garden made had it of not been so wet there will be plenty of fruit here this year if it does not get killed after this new grass n the woods is looking quite green in places we are getting quite an opening and by spring will have ten or twelve acres cleared off and ready to cultivate. The boys like the job of clearing better than I thought they would there is not much to clear after the logs are taken out everything looks at this time as though we will have the rail road through much sooner than we expected and then we will heave communication with the rest of the civilized world times are getting more lively here than when I first dome down here the natives are beginning to call for A considerable of lumber are beginning repare their houses and some are building new ones there is not much energy in them all they want is some corn bread rusty bacon and tobaco nearly all of them uses tobaco the women as well as the men. I was at Church A few Sundays ago before preaching began the women was handing their tobaco around to all that wished to join in the luxury of the weed. I have not been to but two places since I come here that people all seem very clever and seem willing to do there best to get this part of the country settled up there is a number of Northern men here at this time and have nearly all of them bought land. Some of them has bought a thousand Acres and is going in the Stock business Well Jane if you have not got good health I think that if you would come down here this spring and stay here this summer that you would regain your health and get as stout as you ever was. We are only seven miles from the great Bever Dam Springs the have got as great reputation for there Medical qualities as any other springs in the country we go to them quite often and fetch water Home with us to drink the children does not like it very strong Sulphur. There is seven kinds of water at the spring. I can name them now I will close by requesting you to write as soon as convenient as I would like to hear what is going on in your part of the country.
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
Rockford Feb. 25, 80
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
Surprise for Willard Korte
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
Greensburg Jan 10, 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
Sharonville, O. Sept. 23rd 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
I want to come over and see you as soon as I am able it seems like it has been so long since we were together to have a good talk. I have not heard very many of the particulars concerning Emma's death, she gave the baby to Mary to take care of you as soon as I am able it seems like it has been so long since we were together to have a good talk. I have not heard very many of the particulars concerning Emma's death she gave to the baby to Mary to take care off but it was not to be separated from Orin so the 2nd week in Oct. he has a sale and is going to sell everything farm & all and he is coming to stay at Heustone this winter She had softening of the brain the Dr. says now. She did not have a hard time at all and got a long so nicely for a week when she took to having spasms. They said it was terrible to see her have one of them. Mary is still up there yet is going to stay until after the sale. I am in a great worry now the Scarlet fever is in Sharon so I will have to stay close at home after I do get able to go out. 4 or 5 families have it. I received a letter from Julia while she was in Chicago she said she was having a fine time but it was very cold. Charley lost Sool just as he was getting on the train. The whistle frightened him and he slipped his collar. Was Ala Riker married yesterday & if she married Joe McClung she has thrown herself away for those that know him say he is no good. He is Mrs. Maud Scott's brother and live at Mason. He kept bar for Maud a while last fall. We have not named the baby yet. I do not want you to think that much the baby as often as I can. You will have to be careful about taking her out after you get the fever broken. That is in the morning or evening air. Jerry Myers said they would have to give up looking for you and Hannah this fall now Lola was sick. Love to all.
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
Willard Hotel
Butler, Pa.
4/5 1893
Dear Sister,
I promised to write you after I comm back but have been so very busy that I did not have time and I was waiting to hear from Dr. Jones have not heard from him yet but had letter from Fannie today. She says she is feeling so much better only still weak. Dr. Jones told me when I saw him that he did not consider Fannie's condition serious from what he could see but that a more careful investigation might bring forth that which was not visable on the surface. He is to let me know as soon as he has diagnosed the case. He said the baby must be weaned immediately and that he must be on an established diet by the 1st of May, that he must be located ? he is to stay this summer and that Fannie must be away from the care of him. Now Flora, I want you to say just what you think and can do. I will state the case just as it is. Fannie must have help and if she comes to your place will be compelled to have nurse girl. I am willing to pay you $5 per week for Fannie's board and also for the nurse girl and you can use her also. If you folks can get a girl suitable make her do all your rough work but now do you feel that you would want Fannie the baby and girl around you may feel that it would be too much work for you to undertake and Will may not want you to do it as much as I would like for Fannie to be with you, I do not want you to say yes for my sake for this is an all summer job once undertaken. Fannie can go to Lou Foucher but I would rather pay you the money than any body else if you desire it I do not want you to take Fannie at $2.50 but make it $4.00 so you can get something for your trouble. You must remember that your health is of more question to you than anything else and I would feel very badly to have you do something for me that would be the cause of impairing it. Your first consideration is yourself and family. You are to Will as Fannie is to me and you must look at it in a light that gives justice to you. I expect to pay out the most of my salary for Fannie this summer and if you see your way clear I would as soon turn it to you as well rather than any one else. Now Flora you and Will think the matter over and let me know your decision as soon as possible. Fannie would much rather come to your place than go any where else but wants you to be fully satisfied on every thing before she does.
Uncle John and Aunt are crazy over L. Swan. John thinks there is no one like him. I guess he has him out every day showing him.
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
Postcard addressed to Mrs. Will Bonnell, Miamiville, Ohio, Clermont County
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
Dear Sister,
Your letter received: am very thankful that you can arrange to have Fannie come and from what she says of her nurse girl she will be very much help to you and now if you and Fannie had a horse you could just more than go. I have written her to go out and see you about any thing you folks want to talk about and think she can come almost any time. I can not stop off if Fannie is in Cincinnati as I can not stay more than one day and night. I will get down this summer about once in six weeks. I want to see Lola on one of my trips down if possible. I am getting very anxious to see Fannie and the baby and can not stand it much longer will get down in May. Well dinner is ready and I will have to close. Love to all Kiss to the children
Your bro
L.B.
Fannie Swan Buckingham to her Sister-in-Law Florence Buckingham Bonnell 17 April 1893
Walnut Hills
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
Tiffin, O(hio) Sep. 26, 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.
If I had done as I wanted to about fixing my things myself when I was there they would have been done now they can come undone. As I can not do any more & Lee will have to see to them or we will send a move wagon after them with out being fixed & have them see to it & we will have to run the risk of getting them here safely as they are of no use to us where they are and only a bother to you & we will get them here some way broken or not. I am sorry I ever moved any thing out as it is hard work to get things done & get some one to do it, and then we are under an obligation to you & will for it & trouble about them all the time so I will just let them go & when Lee comes home I will have him see to them or leave them & say no more about it. we can live in one empty room this winter just so we have a roof that is all & something to eat. Lee was home Saturday Sunday & came home again Monday night. he gets home quite often now Baby is well & good as can be. he still eats like a pig & never grunts at the table but wants me to walk all day outdoors with him when he is awake. i just finished him three new gowns & we have a nice new bed for him he sleeps well in it now but cryed the first 2 nights. Lee got a letter from Lola & they were all well.
Now about Till. She did not loose much time after I left in telling you the talk. I am sorry if she was to tell you that she had done it before I left & I could have taken my part. But I never said anything but what I would just as live/ell you both as not but no telling what she has told. the way it came was: she asked me if I was working for my board & living cheap and she said someone else asked her the same and then she told me I was a fool for doing what I done & paying what I did. Then she told me a whole pile of stuff you should have said about me & my extravagance & other things & you did not want Lee to marry me & I got mad. I tell you I said a few things to the tales she told me & I was so mad for a little while I could not help it, but nothing very terrible as I can remember for I know how she tells things & I was careful what I said. I was mad enough to leave & never come back for a while: as I have always treated you as well & better than my own people & done more for you and wanted to try and get along if possible but I have seen my mistake now now to my regret and am sorry I went to your house this summer at all. People told me not to go as we would get to thick & I thought I could go with very little trouble as we always got along so nicely 
But I never told you any thing of what I heard while I was out there About Will & his children, he does not care I know but I heard it just the same from 4 different ones & they asked me if things was not so & I could not say no. I did not care so I was treated well but I was sorry that people said anything to me about it for Will & his children for it not me. I do not care who he slighted for his children it was none of my business. I would just as live told you as not what I said to Till but I did not have an opportunity to do so with out telling what she said & I did not want to make any trouble. what I did tell you was nothing & only for your good. Well I will stop & hope you will recover from your shock and I will see Mrs. M Bonnell later in regard to this matter and I will have Lee write or do something soon as possible. Goodby write when you can. Fannie
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,
Your letter I have today & was good you answered so soon. I suppose you have Lee's letter by this time. Am so sorry we have had any trouble it has worried me so as I am all out of fix over it. I know I answered your last letter to soon. i was to mad to write when I did and had ought to have waited but did not. No I am not mad at you or Will either for not sending our things & I do not want either of you to think so. I was mad at Till & was so worked up that I did not think & I was provoked to think that we had things & could not use them & had to live the way we are. I know it is not your fault because you have your work. I do not expect you to leave & do just when we want you to but it is provoking to have things & can't have them where you need them. I have to go to bed at 7 & half past just because the baby gets sleepy & have no place else to go as their sitting room is so far away. I can not hear a sound of him & will not leave him alone & if I had the other room I could go in there. it is to cold to sit in with out any fire or carpet down. I am sorry we leave to trouble you people so about them. I would get some one else if possible & so you would not have the bother may be there is an empty move wagon going by would take the things but I am thousand times obliged to Will & yourself for every thing you have done. and will see that you get paid for all. I am very well satisfied with last summer's board & did not say anything about it. I was willing to pay you $5.00 and thought it was not a cent to much for everything But Till asked me that question if I was working for my board & or she said you can live cheap out here on your relatives & I said I pay Flora $5.00 a week 
& she thought was awful. I suppose because Sam & Nell paid her so little that sound bit and I told her we would rather give it to you than outsiders & she began asking me questions about what you had to eat & if you had enough &I shut her up on that quickly & the question she tried to ask. I think Till was trying to be self. she said it was Louise that asked her if I was working for my board but I do not believe it. but she said she saw me doing something all the time & thought that it was in the bargain to work for my board, but I did not do more than I wanted to & I knew you had things to do, & I was willing to do what I did or I would not have done it & tell you. 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.
So many have said how much Fannie thinks of her sister-in-law when they hear me talk about you folks but I am sorry I got to talking to Till at all for she is pretty slick for me but we will let it drop & say nothing more about it as Lee feels so badly about it & I do not want any trouble. And about Will it came through Till about people saying Will neglects to talk or and any thing as long as his children were around & he would leave any thing or body for a little foolish thing they would want and I do not like to tell you the other party as they are not very near very often and I will not say a word about that (But it is not Uncle or Aunt) and they think lots of you & Will & I will not say as they were asking me if Will was that way all the time at home.
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.
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.
Probably Lee Buckingham to ? Date Unknown
loose pages
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.
Enoch Jeffreys Buckingham migrated to Ohio in the year 1791 and settled in Hamilton Co. on the Little Miami River 15 miles from Cincinnati, where he died in 1845 aged 82 yrs. His children were William Levi & Enoch, Levi, Enoch, Maria, Elizabeth, John S., Matilda, Horatio, Mark, Jane & Greenbrier W; the first Levi & Enoch died in infancy.
Levi Buckingham was born in Ohio in the year 1795, he married Elizabeth Bell in 1818.
John Symmes Buckingham was born in Ohio in the year 1803, he married Margaret G. Gist in 1843, She was born in 1824, died in 1850. He then in the year 1852 married Mary Ferguson she was born in Pickens Co, South Carolina in 1820. He died in the year 1865 aged 62 yrs. His children were Josephine M, William J, John C. and Margaret K.
Finis
