| Title: | S.J. Porter, Illinois, USA, to "Dear Cousin Martha" Co. Armagh |
|---|---|
| ID | 2148 |
| Collection | Irish Emigration Database |
| File | Porter, Sarah Jane/29 |
| Year | 1887 |
| Sender | Porter, Sarah Jane |
| Sender Gender | female |
| Sender Occupation | teacher |
| Sender Religion | Congregational (Protestant) |
| Origin | Chebanse, Illinois, USA |
| Destination | Mullaghglass, Co. Armagh, N.Ireland |
| Recipient | Porter, Martha |
| Recipient Gender | female |
| Relationship | cousins |
| Source | D 1152/2/12: Presented by Mr. Charles Best, Mullaghglass, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh. |
| Archive | The Public Record Office, N. Ireland. |
| Doc. No. | 9612186 |
| Date | 01/01/1887 |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | EMG |
| Log | Document added by LT, 03:12:96. |
| Word Count | 425 |
| Genre | |
| Note | |
| Transcript | Merry Christmas to All Chebanse, Illinois Christmas 1887. Dear Cousin Martha; Another Christmas has come and mingled with the chimes of the sleigh-bells, come memories of my early days which coupled with the Christian tone of the letters [we?] receive act as a cord, & an anchor to keep us from drifting. for Truth crushed to earth will rise again. The eternal years of God are [harsh?]; But Error wounded writhes in pain And dies amid his worshippers. Your last very welcome rec'd [received?] and contents "greedily devoured" as we say You would be entertained if you could have a week's intercourse with our people here (in Illinois). Owing to it's central location it is peopled by nearly all nationalities. I must say that to a student of Human Nature the panorama is almost perfect. Yet in 2 years if all goes well my two brothers and myself intend to pioneer. Go to Minnesota on border of Canada Southern part of the state it is not much colder than in Illinois. Steady cold long winter. Farms very easily got Take a section, between us 640 A [acres?] When we get located we will try to incite all desirable people to come for neighbours so hold yourself in readiness. Who knows what may happen. My life is like the shifting views of a Kaleidoscope. But I thank God I now trust in the finished work of my Saviour. His service is now a pleasure to me. I trust that grace will be given me according to my needs and that I may be enabled to ever trust Him. In regard to the matrimonial affair you spoke of, I will say that like most girls I had an episode but owing to mutual incompatibility and misunderstanding we broke off and I went to the State Normal University and acquired a fair common Education, which enables me in this country to make my way as well as a male citizen. Oh! I will admit that there is a young German, who is a disciple of mine and who if he stands the probation may yet become my life partner But we learn wisdom by experience so ----- Well, Martha it is indeed pleasant to have a confidant. Grant me still a friend in my retreat That I may whisper "solitude is sweet" I am teaching near Herscher 12 miles from home this Winter. A very pleasant western school Robt [Robert?] my brother is attendant in the Asylum and making money fast Father, Mother and the younger children are well and doing well Your Friend S.J. Porter |
