Dera Friend:
I am seated to write you a few lines to let you know that we received your letter a few days ago. Was glad to her from you But sorry to hear of your aflictions. But thats what we all have to Contend with.. we have had a large portion of afflictions amon us since we saw Each other. as you was informed of our visit to Ohio & West VA we have Been permitted to Return home safe. We arrived home on the 3 day of Feb past. we visited many of our old friends & relatives while in the Countery. we have not herd from any of Rigses forlks since we wrote to you Before things have Changed a great deal in Ohio since you left there, you wanted to know what had Become of our Childrfen. 4 of mine is Living the 2 oldest & 2 youngest died before their Mother. Richard, John, Mary Irene & Martha are living & all are maried. the Boys is in Ohio & tghe girls is here in Illinois near us. Doing well. Patsys Children is all dead & her & me have not had any Children since we have Been together. Patsy's grandchildren, Theney Ann, left one child that is living that we have raised to Be a amn. he in this County, John W. left 2 children that is Lviign in Ohio. Martha Mayhew as 2 children Lving, Susan has one Child living. She was the youngest Child. She died there in Illinois. We moved here in Clay Co., IL Ten years ago this Spring. Bought & Lived on a farm until 2 years ago. My health has failed me and I sold my farm & Bought some Town property & have quit Business and intend to Live on what I have made heretofore. My health is reasonable good now, Patsy
s Health is good for a woman of her age. She is very fleshy But is afflicted with the Rheumatism in one of her arms But we hope when the weather setles she will get Better.
PS, your brother James Deering Received a letter from you sometime before we went up there. we will send you our pictures as soon as we get them taken.