I’ve got another Menzies letter here. There was quite a bit of correspondance between the cousins/siblings in America and London. I’m certainly not complaining! I couldn’t quite make out the date of this letter, but if it is 1888 (I think it might be), I imagine Jennie Menzies-Love’s home life is starting to deteriorate. This would lead up to what happens in 1890. I’m going to get my hands on an article of that as soon as possible!
Glencoe May 8, 18??
My Dear Cousin,
What ever is the matter with you, is any of you sick, or are you tired of your country cousins, please drop me a card and let me know, I wrote you a long letter, and I sent one of my Husband’s photo, but no answer yet -. I could not wate another day, I thought prehaps you were sick – I have had a very hard winter with cough and pain, but thank god I am now a great deal better. I walked to our Church yesterday. I was so pleased to be able to walk that distance and Bob was just as proud as if I had went five miles, he said it meened good to have me along again, and today I am going out to make a few calls, every one was so kind to me when I was sick, if I keep gaining I am going to London next weak to have my photos taken. Then I will send you one dear cousin Jennie.
After you left it seemed to me that I had not seen half enough of you, but perhaps we will meet again, I would like you to send me Mr Loves, yours and some of the childrens photos. I just got Maggie’s today it is a splendid one. I had a letter from Bell last weak. They are all well. Jessie has moved to [Kathleen note: maybe 20] miles away near Mr Peels shop – I am going down there in June also over to Charlies at the Lake shore near Sarnia. I will write you from there. I wish you could visit there with me, they have a large house right at the Lake. Bob says if I gain ten pounds this summer he will bye me a gold watch and chain. I am going to try but I do not want a watch as my health is so poorly that it would seem foolish. Sister Agnes was here three weaks, I had a letter from Harry Cormack he is in San Francisco, he has gained five pounds lately. Jane is away at London next Saturday. I don’t know when she will be home, Andrew is busy the children are well Jennie Simpson is with me yet is going to leave in the fall. Bob is kept very busy, is going to take a holiday and visit Charley this summer if he can get a man for a while. Sister Mary Ann was down lately they are all well. Also Aunt Armstrong poor old Ladie blind but very well, Harry Ferris & Jennie are getting along nicely at river also Mary Clanahan there, Mrs Allen & all your river friends. I wrote a long letter to Aunt Margret in N? today, she has been poorly lately. Bob joins with love to Mr Love yourself and family, kiss Aggie and pray for me, write soon.
Yours lovingly,
Maria S Clanahan
Overall, my Menzies research is really coming together now. I just need to get my hands on some of those New York Marriage Records to be sure. So hopefully next week, I can get some more answers!
Kathleen, I am a newcomer to your blog —and so glad I stopped by to read. I am transcribing a diary of my 2x great grandfather James Peter McPherson, which details his life in Springdale, Wisconsin. The little village is peopled by lots of Scots and is called a Soctch hamlet. However, the reason that I thought of you, is that J.P. mentions a Menzie quite ofter in his diary. Did any of your Menzie people live in Wisconsin? What fun it would be to find someone researching in my same general area.
Thanks for visiting Joan! I haven’t found any of my Menzies in Wisconsin yet but that doesn’t mean they weren’t there. I did find one in Minnesota, but I haven’t found a lot of information about him yet. It would be very cool to find new connections in the area!