Hattie Wood letters: Odell, IL to Perry, IA

MUIR, WOOD

Posted By: Joyce Brown (email)
Date: 11/3/2002 at 15:24:20

In an antique shop in Earlham, Iowa is a large collection of letters written to Hattie Wood (Mrs. Egbert L.) of Perry, Iowa from various people in Odell, Livingston Co., Illinois. The earliest letter is dated April 9, 1900, and is in regard to the estate left by Hattie's recently deceased father Thomas Mourton. There are about 40 letters of a more or less personal nature, mostly from Hattie's sister Alice, and from a woman who signs here "Mother". However, it appears this woman, Jane Mourton, was Hattie's stepmother. A dozen or so letters are from various people regarding the estate, and at least 2 dozen from renters about the crops on land inherited by Hattie. A few of the letters written to Hattie are from "Mother" during a trip to Scotland in 1904. Hattie had at least on son, Frank B. Wood, who was a cashier at Security Savings Bank in Perry. Hattie's sister, Mary Ann, was married to a James Muir. In the obituary of James in 1924, a Miss Penelope and George Muir of Perry, Iowa are mentioned. I don't know how much the dealer wants for the group, but if anyone is interested, I will get you in touch with the owner. There is a lot of interesting information in the letters.
Date: March 8, 2001