Hamersly Library

Bloomington Polk Co. O.T. July 7th 1856

Dear Brother and Sister

it falls to my lot this morning to write a few lines to you to let you know
that our Dear Father Departed this life the 24 of june he was taken sick
on the 9 of june he lived fifteen days from the time he was taken sick
his Disease was the Tipoid Feever we had the best Medical aid that
was in the country but it all done no good

we had a Botanic Doctor and I think he was a verry good one and we
had two Mineral Doctors and one of them is said to be the best in the
Terrytory his funeral was Preached yesterday by John E Murphy at the
Monmouth Schoolhouse we had averry fine Meeting yesterday and the
day before there is nine persons to be immersed to day Elizabeth H
Hutchinson is one of that number

you must excuse me for not writing more this time for the Mail will leave
here before I could write al that I would like to write I would have writen
to you sooner had it not ben that Isaac Butler said he would write to you
but he wrote to Joseph in stid of you we expect Ira F.M. Butler will
administer on the estate this leaves us all in good health except some bad
colds the friends are all well so far as I know except Margret Mason she
is complaining some I donot know is the mater with her you must excuse
me for not writing more but I will promise to write again in a short time

I want you to writ to me as soon as you get this leter it is time I was gone to the office

So no more at present

[to] John M. Butler

E.D. Butler

*Addendum*

[It is thought that John M. Butler received the above letter, then sent it
on to a nearby family member (James?) after he added this note to the bottom.] 

August the 21

Dear brother and sister this leaves us only tolerable well I want you to
come down if you can to morrow evening I want to see you about the
land suit they have brougt suit for the land Mary the plums is ripe so
you had as well come a long and gether some

John M. Butler

Contact