LETTERS

Early Ellis Settlers

This is a copy of an old letter that my great grandmother Mary Emma STRAYER HUGHES wrote to her sister Martha "Mattie" E. STRAYER CRIPPEN. Roy is my mother's dad, now deceased, as are all his siblings.

SHATTUCK JAN 2 1904 OKLAHOMA

TO: Mrs. Mattie E. Crippen Davenport Iowa

FROM: Mary E. Hughes Oklahoma Territory

Dec 31st 1903

Mrs. Crippen Dear Sister: We received Rose's letter and got the box Christmas day. Everything was so suitable and acceptable that we thought Dicie Alice used her eyes to a good purpose while she was here. She gave me so much when she left that I could hardly expect anything more from her. Did she tell you that she gave me a set of knives and forks, a tub, clothespins and several more things. That set of plates fit in my cupboard nicely. June was much pleased with her dress and has made it up herself. Minnie made a wrapper of her share of the blue. June has made a nice waist of the small piece of blue for Bennie. The shoes fit Roy but he has sore feet and can't wear them now. His blood is bad and he has several boils. The largest coat is a little too big for Henry but he can wear it for an overcoat. He was much pleased with his harp. Minnie claimed the purse and the white beads and divided the ribbons with June. I had only one machine needle and it was so dull, so I was glad to get some more. That oil cloth fit the table all right. Please accept my heartfelt thanks of the whole family and give our best to all the senders. We were so glad that brother bought land here, but I am afraid he will lose his bargain if he don't hurry back. There is quite a demand for land and the man has a chance to either rent or sell and wants to close the bargain. I enclose a letter to Arthur and Alice. Will you please send it to them. You can read it if you like. We are having lovely weather. Our wheat is up and looking fine. Leroy has almost all his ploughing done for the spring crop of oats and barley. He is arranging to let Arthur have a team to put in his crop with. Arthur ought to be here by the first of Feb. to begin spring work. Oats should be put in in Feb. and corn about Easter. Spring comes so much earlier here than it does with you. The children are going to school and are learning well. Well I must close and write my other letter. We are all well as can be. Give my love to Mother and all the rest and write again before next Xmas.

Your loving sister, Mary E. Hughes

Leroy's son-in-law sent him $10 for Christmas

Submitted by: Michelle Wiggins