Feb 26 1858

Dear brother and sister

I sit down this morning to answer your letter and tell some of my
troubles which I have had in the last six month in the first place Ann
was sick then myself then Elijah was taken next then Charley was
sick four weeks and died Oct 21 pen cannot describe his suferings
Elijah lingered along five months and died Jan 25 he was taken with
the influensia and kept taking cold which setted on his lungs until it
turned to the nasty consumption his liver was verry badly affected
also he died rejoiceing in hope of meeting all the blessed that have
died before. I never knew what trouble was before it seems to me
like I could not give them up but we all have to submit to the will
of the lord I hope I shall meet him and all of my children in heaven
where parting is no more. I have a girl born Oct 12 I named it
Rachel it favors Frank and Charley verry much. myself and children
are well at present there is considerable sickness through the country
William Grounds has the typoid fever now but is geting beter the rest
of his folks are well the rest of our folks are as well as usual at this
time though the most of them have had some sickness this fall and
winter. Martha Healey died about two weeks ago. the sickness
generaly is typoid fever I havent heard of very many deaths. Mother
health has been pretty good this winter. I cant tell yet how I will live
Tarnt Davidson has rented my place I am at Tom Lucas now Elijah
made a will and appointed Tom Lucas executor he willed the farm
to me untill the children becomes of age and the other property as
long as I remain a widow. his part of his fathers estate he willed to
the children. the seed you sent come safe I gave them to Ira and told
him to try them and see what they would do.

we have had a very open winter about two weeks ago it snowed and
frose and was somewhat disagreeable a few days I dont of any thing
more at present to write that will interest you. it is rather a poor way
to write with a child in my arms anyhow you must as often as you can
if fathers folks wants to hear from me let them read this. they have quit
writing to me. I have writen some half dosen leters to them since they
have writen to me so farewell till next

your sister

Sarah E. Butler