LETTERS FROM HOME

A TRANSCRIPT OF ORIGINAL LETTERS FROM THE THOMAS DAVID FAMILY IN WALES TO THE JENKIN DAVID FAMILY IN SNOW SHOE, PA

Contributed by Gwen Cunningham whose grandparents were the Jenkin David family in Snow Shoe, PA.

Much of the content of these letters is obviously of a personal nature but together with the included comments re friends and neighbours etc they provide a fascinating insight  into family life and relationships at the end of the 19th and the opening of the 20th centuries - where families were separated by a relatively vast distance.

25 December 1888- Cefn Cribbwr Farm

Dear Son, We received your leter in due time and was very glad to hear that you was in good state of health. The same has it leave us all at present. We are very glad to hear that you are going on first class in your fresh situation but you do mention something that you are not inten to stop very long in that place gain. I should like very much for you to fall on the right place for you to put yourself down satisfy in the same place. I mean because shifting from one place to another it is rather expensive for you in that country, but remember you I do not mean that you are doing wrong as you are ratling away. I can understand by you that you don't intend to have much idle time in future by going to the experience of learning the short hand which I am very glad to hear that you are doing your best to come on.I am very thankful to you for all the news you sent me. There is many of your old friends here enjoy theirselves by reading it.

Dear son about this place the working is going on very brisk all about this country now at present and about farming affair we are going on pretty fair. Lewis your Cousin at Fforddygyfraith is with us still and William Davies next door with the old man and old James Hopkinton from the Graig have been with us this last 3 or 4 months. There is a load of hay off to Taibach every Friday to ESQ Vivian supply Cefn works with hay and straw supply small quantities to several others about the country.

You was born May 24th, 1865, you did start from here to America September 19th, 1882.

Here we are writing on Christmas day. We do enjoy our Christmas the five girls and we both and we don't know how do you enjoy your Christmas but we hope that you are enjoy it first class. So no more at present but take our kind regard from us all (the) family. Thos & Ann David, grocer & farmer, Cefn Cribbwr, Bridgend, Glamorganshire.

25 March 89- Cefn Cribbwr

Dear Brother,I received your most welcome letter and was indeed very glad to get it and hear that you were enjoying good health as it leaves us all at present. You said in your letter that you have had quite a bit of rain lately. I must say the same we have had nothing but rain for the last few weeks but it is getting a little better now.

You said you were expecting to hear that a few of us girls were getting married about Christmas but how can we marry without chaps and indeed we would feel very sorry to go before you for we are certain we would make you look very shabby. James your old companion that stays at Powells Bridgend is married to a dressmaker on Coity Road and Isaac Davies Cross Inn and Cathrine Eveans both were married about a fortnight ago.

Annie is very busy now with the childrens exam its coming off in about a fortnight when she has a class of about 40 or 50 to be examined and she also expects the report of her exam at Bridgend last October.

You wanted to know who Miss Thomas is she is a cousin to the young man who they  used to call Jenkin Davies second when you were at Tondu School. She also had a brother at school called David Thomas. You also wanted to know whether Johnny Richards was still at London. He is and when he comes home he mostly asks of you. David Jones and family all excepting Jane and Lily are residing at the Ogmore Valley. Jane still keeps business at Aberkenfig. David Jones is the manager of Wyndham pit at Ogmore but is unable to follow his work for the last few months owing to sickness. John Davy has a very bed leg they intended to take him to the infirmary last week. William Thomas is a land surveyor at Maesteg. Mary Ann and Sarah are at home with their Mother. So you see theres not one of them married they are getting very far on the shelf.

Annie Robberts from Ogmore, David Robberts  eldest daughter, was buried at Nebo about a fortnight ago out of the typhoid fever. The family most all have had it.

Old Goven the cross was buried last Saturday. She had reached the age of 91 years.

So I have no more news this time. I must conclude with kind love from all I remain Yours Affect Sister, Sarah J. David  excuse bad writing

April 1889- Bwlch Cottage, Cefn Cribbwr, Nr. Bridgend

Dear Friend, How are you getting on there now? Many a time I have thought about you whether you were alive or dead, and if alive, how you fared. But through the instrumentality of your sisters, I was learning that you were still in the land of the living, and that you fared pretty fair. I was at your parents house (the farm) one day in last month when your letter arrived, after S.J. read it, I had the pleasure of reading it, and I could see that you hadn't thoroughly forgotten me. You wished to be remember to me. Further on I saw that you had been in a party, and the party insisted upon you giving a song, which you gave & with a good rception. So I was prompted after all this to pen these lines, thrusting that you will accept them, as though we were constantly corresponding. Dear friend, I have been rather busy of late, had the Nebo choir learning a cantata entitled (Immanuel) for Good Friday, the performance of which reflected great credit on all concerned. Your sisters Annie, Lizzie, & Maggie had prominent parts to execute, and they came out (especially Maggie) A 1 at Lloyds. S.J. & C. were also in the choir. We had a crowded house and everybody going out with a smile on their face & telling that it was a perfect treat. On the following Monday (Easter Monday) we, myself & John David (Cross Inn) & S. Jane, Maggie Thomas, went up to the Garw Valley to an Eistedfod, and I competed & won the prize which was 5/=. So you see that there is a boy living at Cefn still, that do make some of them shiver in their boots.

29 May 89- Cefn Cribbwr

Dear Son, We received your most welcome letter and very glad to get it and to hear that you were enjoying good health as it leaves us all at present except your father. We have been during the last six weeks suffering from rhumatic in his hand and that's been the cause he has not written to you. You asked in one of your letters how many pairs of stockings we had send to you and in case that we have not sent to tell you before it was two pairs we sent. As you was so anxious to know how much stock we have, I will give you just a short description we have four cows milking and another to calf very soon, six calves out of which two are twins and twelve others a year old, and also a full horses as follows Matler, Prince, Blossoms, Ball, and one two year old and also a little colt which came last week, four sows, three geese a gander and twenty gooselings and about a score of fowls, crops as follows barley and oats are set and coming up splendidly and busy now with the Swedes.

Sarah Jane was up in Ogmore Valley last week after old account but failed to rise even her train money so you can guess its not very brisk up there. Continual alteratins has taken place in Bridgend since you are away a new cattle market behind the York. Mr. Powell has built a beautiful shop opposite the York containing two entrances one wholesale and the other retail. It is the largest building in town. David Jenkins has written a letter to you whether you have received it or no. We have sent you several papers lately and we should like to hear in your next letter if you have received them. You can expect a letter from Annie in a few days. We have no more news to give you this time but kind love from all friends relatives father and mother sisters included. Thomas & A. David, Cefn Farm, Cefn Cribbwr, Bridgend

Lewis wishes to be remembered to you many times. Please write soon and give us all the news.

4 Sept 89- Cefn Cribwr

Mind to write by return.

Dear Brother, We received your most welcome letter and very glad to get it and as I understood that you vere very anxious to hear from us girls I thought I would answer it. You mentioned in your letter that you would like Annie to ask one of the telegraph operators in one of the railway stations here for a copy of the telegraph alphabet and as she was best aquainted with David Jenkins she asked him and he said he would feel very pleased to do so and he also intends to write to you. You said in your letter that ladies were not plentiful. It seems to me that they are rather to plentiful as you said that you was the only gentleman in the parlour with six of them and as I see you have so much to do with young ladies just send and let me know who is your intended, her name and what is she like. You wanted to know who our best young men were. I must say that they are very plentiful but there are scarcely any worth fancing at least that's my opinion of them. A marriage took place at Bryn Mach Farm between the second daughter of Thomas Webster and the lodger John Davies entitled (Jack the Devil), She managed to wait until she reached the sweet age of sixteen. There is another marriage to take place here about next week between Isaac David, Cross Inn and Catherine Evans Sos. David Davies Cross inn and Mrs. Roberts, farmer's arms are buried. I was very glad to hear as you were progressing so well with the singing and especially hymns. Mother would like to know what place of worship you go to. I have no more news to give you. All friends and relatives Ffordygyfrith, Cross prenpeat? And Llest do send their love to you . Having no more I must conclude with love from all. From your sister Cecelia David, The Farm, Cefn Cribbwr nr. Bridgend. Mother wants to know whether you have received your stockings. Please excuse bad writing as I have not had the schooling you and Annie have had.

13 May 1890- Cefn Farm

Dear Son & Daughter, Received your letter safe to hand after long expectations this morning,& was greatly surprised with the news it obtained. After being away so many years it is indeed only what we could expect but we always hoped to see you "single" once more, although we were very pleased to hear that you had made a home because when you needed comfort it was such a distance to send home for it, & we were also very pleased to hear that you had met with a welsh young lady & if Sophia has any relatives at present in the Ystrad if you have their address kindly send it to us then perhaps we would be able to enquire about them. You mentioned that you had enclosed a photo in the letter however it was not in when the letter reached here, so if you had forgotten it kindly send it by return of post. We should be very pleased to get it. The girls should have liked very much to have enjoyed the wedding day with you but the distance being so great would not allow them the pleasure, so we must all now be pleased with an introduction with Sophia through post & live in hopes that we shall be introduced personally very soon.

We have a little news to give you Sarah Jane's family has increased she has got a daughter since three weeks tomorrow. She has been very ill but is gaining a little now. The baby's name is Mary Jane. Although Davy is only a month older than you he must be very old now that he is a father.

As we sent you a full description of Sarah Jane's wedding we trust that you will give us a full description of yours from the commencement to the end & if you have photos of the wedding party kindly send us one with Sophia's. I suppose you have told your wife that we are a jolly lot of girls & we should be very pleased to get a letter from her. Cecelia thinks herself something now that she is the oldest single.

We want to know to which denomination you and Sophia belong trusting you are Baptists as you know we are all so fond of the water. You mentioned about a present, you can expect something with the next letter.

 Having no more news we will conclude hoping our letter will find you both quite well. With best love from Father, Mother & Sisters Please don't forget the photos & we shall expect the next letter from Mrs. David

June 1890- Cefn Cribbwr

Dear Brother & Sister, You have undoubtedly been expecting a letter from me this long time now, especially since you are joined in Holy matrimony.

 I was quite surprised when I learned the contents of the letter containing the information of your marriage; and I longed for seeing the portrait of the fair one for about a week, when lo and behold it was placed before my eyes and the question given to me in this fashion- Now Davy let me see if you know this person? I hesitated a little, then another question- have you seen her before? At this junction I collected all my wits & remembering powers together still looking at the portrait, and after about 5 minutes study I was bound to say no I have not seen her before, then Mam told me that she was Jenkin's wife.

Now without one bit of flattering remember I am highly delighted with your taste and fancy. I believe (and you know that I am a pretty good thought reader) by the appearance of her that you have been fortunate in obtaining a good partner- a one to share life in sorrow and happiness with you. I wish you joy, happiness, prosperity now in the United States.

And in due course our wish is that you both will be blessed with house full of offspring.

Pray forgive the above.

Perhaps you know by this time that our family has increased? If not, let it be known now that S.J. has given birth a little girl whose name is Mary Jane & both are coming on first class. The little baby is getting quite a pett. You'll see by this that I have proved myself a man the first go by having a girl.

Now I won't keep you longer this letter any errors you will kindly overlook. I conclude with fondest love from us all. Yours affectionately D.& S.J.& M.J. Jenkins

Jenkin & Sophia.

Oct. 1890- Cefn Cribbwr

Dear Brother & Sister, How are you getting on by this time I suppose you have been longing for this letter for some time, but when you'll learn the contents of this epistle you wont wonder at the delay on our part. We received your letter came to hand in due course and we were very glad to learn by it that you both were getting on alright in the United States. We hope you will continue to enjoy life as well as possible. So much about that.

Now about the dress; we, (especially Sarah Jane) have been kept in suspence for so long a time as you,...after we read that you were sending a...for the baby, we expected it every day for...months..(I believe) before it arrived, when ....... last morning's post brought....suspension

We are getting on first class thanks. I have been promoted to Junior guard since about a fortnight ago. So you may guess that it is not altogether bad. But the worse of it is that we will have to go to live nearer to the station, so that won't be so pleasant, will it?

Now being that I have no more news I'll draw to a close trusting this letter will find you enjoying good health, as they leave us. Remaining Yours aff, Bro. Sist & niece D.S.J. & M.J. Jenkins

N.B. This letter is fragmented and parts are missing.

My dear Children, I send this to you as a cope of the regenal and this I think is good and I think old Mr. Watkins is land in a better place and so I hope that he is and this is farm Ganpa to little Annie David XXXXXXXXXXXXXX and this is farm Ganma XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX So good bay My dear little baby

In loving remembrance of Mesach Watkins, Died Dec. 6, 1893,aged 65 years 7 mon 22 days

Loving friends weep not for me I long to be at rest; how happy happy I shall be when pillowed on my saviors breast. Oh the hope the hope is sweet, that we soon in heaven may meet. There we all shall happy be rest from pain and sorrow free.

15 Jan 95- Cefn Farm

Dear Son & Daughter, We were very pleased to get your letters but were very sorry to hear of little Annie's illness hoping she is alright by now. There are lots of children ill around this way, the weather is so very bad. Mother was saying that when Lizzie had scarlet fever when she was a baby she had a large gathering on her neck, so I expect little Annie resembles her aunt in some things, although she is so far away. Many thanks to Sophia for the nice presents she sent us. We think it exceedingly kind of her, it is such a treat to get silk handkerchiefs from abroad they are so very much finer than we can get in this country. Sarah J. & Cecelia also ask you to accept their greatest thanks for the rings which were so very nice. Polly is so very proud of her's. I can tell you Clarice is not yet old enough to appreciate her's but I don't think her mama is backward in doing her part. Times are much the same in this country. Park Slip is still going on the same. An accident happened there last week, a boiler bursted, there was no workmen hurt, but three children of a man called Haymond aged 2,4&6 were playing near the place & were burnt very badly. The two youngest died in about two hours after the accident occurred. The doctors now give hopes of the other one's recovery. There was a young man buried here last week, he used to live at Fforddyfryraith, they called him Tom Kate that is the only way you will remember him. I have no other news to inform you of only that I have a particular longing to go abroad. Let me know in your next letter what kind of place America is for school teachers as I would like a thorough change. I'm really sick of this place. I must draw to a close with fondest love from all to all. Remain, Your ever loving Father, Mother & Sisters  May you all enjoy a bright & prosperous new Year XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  Kisses for Annie

15 Apr 1895- Cefn Farm

Dear Son & Daughters, You are doubtless expecting a letter from us long before now but between sickness and trouble  we have been quite unable to write. It is with great sorrow I have to inform you of the death of Evan, Cecelia's husband, which took place a fortnight today after a short illness of only nine days. He first had influenza then it turned to Rheumatic fever touched the heart & he died very suddenly. The trouble caught poor Cecelia in great weakness as she had been confined on Wednesday & he was taken ill on the following Saturday. The baby was a little girl but only lived a few hours. I don't think myself she will ever get over her trouble but it is a blessing she had not left home, as she has nothing towards bringing up her little girl, left without a father before she is twelve months. He was buried at Siloam where he was a member. It was a very large respectable funeral. We have all been ill with influenza. Mother has not been out for the last six weeks. She was getting a little better until last week she took a fresh cold, had a second attack & was confined to her bed for three days. But I'm pleased to say she is a lot better.

I have no particular news to give you, but I hope you are all well & hope we will soon be so, Sarah J., Davy & little Polly are all well...

20 May 95- Cefn Farm

Dear Son & Daughters, We got your letter in due time & were very pleased to hear you were all well. I suppose you have heard from Sophia's Mother before now that Mrs. Richards has come over for a visit. She spent last Friday in our house so we got a little news from her. She told us she did not think you would come over this summer so I told her I would write you if you cannot manage to come we want Sophia & Annie to come. Mrs. Richards intended returning in July but if Sophia will come she will wait until the end of August. For you to understand who Mrs. Richard is she told me to tell you the wife of David Richards the mining boss. I can tell we will be all very much offended & disappointed if Sophia don't come, as this is a splendid chance for her. We want you to write back at once & let us know when Sophia will start & when she will arrive at Liverpool & Sarah J & Davy will go to Liverpool to meet her. She had better start at once & then she will have a nice time here. I'm pleased to tell you we are all gaining at home. Hoping you are all well now. We remain with love Your Affectionate Mother, Father and Sisters. XXXXXXXXXXX P.S. Be sure you write at once.

Undated partial letter

Perhaps it would be safest if I refused him your address it is dangerous you will get to know too many of my evil doings.

When you write give us a full account of your voyage. If you were here tonight I expect we would be having a quiet little chat, it is about 11 oclock. What did Annie think of her doll. We sure were wondering here what she would say. It will not be many months before she will be with us now. I'm longing to see her. I expect Jenkin has told you Sophia before how that I had cheek enough to tell him I wanted to see you and Annie more than himself. I knew him at once in the station but had I met him in the street unexpected I should never have known him.

Mag wants me to ask you Jenkin how often Sophia has to supply you with a spoon of cream.

I must draw to a close & be off to bed hoping you are all well. We are pretty fair here. With fondest love from all to all we remain your affectionate Father, Mother and sisters.

5th May 1901- Cefn Farm, Cefn Cribbwr

Dear Brother & Sister, It is with very sad news I have to greet you this time the death of poor mother which took place yesterday afternoon. I'm sure it will be a terrible blow to you as it is to us all here. She has suffered cruel during the winter & especially during the last three weeks, that poor mother had quite tired of this old world of troubles, was very willing to change for a better, which she has well earned through the good & kind life she has always led. She expressed the wish many times during the last few weeks that she could see you & really we all wished she could have seen you many times. Her funeral is to take place on Wednesday afternoon at Nebo Cefn. She wished that she should be buried there. I don't feel I can write any more tonight. You can guess how we feel here seeing an empty corner, we will have to write to you again when all is over. Hoping you are all well & that we shall hear from you soon. I remain your sorrowing sister, Annie

12 Aug 1901- Emlyn House, Bridgend

Dear Brother & Sister, We received your letter in due time and were pleased to hear you were all enjoying good health glad to say this letter leaves us all fairly well.

Well I don't know how to write this letter and you must think it very strange of me I have been trying to write for the last couple of weeks but the thought that I have not got poor mother to tell me what to put in the letter is nearly killing me. How much we miss her I can never tell you but you know how good she was. There never was a bigger lost than we had to loose our good mother but I suppose we must try to bear up in this our hard trial.

They are very busy with the harvest at home. The girls find it hard such a lot of care I really don't know how they keep up at times. Of course they have always had the work to do but then poor mother had all the management and you know what that meant. I am still at Bridgend and have been feeling a little better for the last couple of weeks. I hope I will continue to feel better as I don't think I would be fit for much else if I give up my trade. How is the baby getting on I expect she is a fine girl by now, I would like so much to see the...

19 Feb 1902- Cefn Farm

Dear Brother, In answer to your letter which we were very  pleased to get, I must say I was very surprised at you asking me about the mortgage on the houses as mother told you all about it when you were home and that was Annie's reason for not saying anything about it when she wrote to you but I suppose you must have forgotten so I will write it down for you. The mortgage is 360 pounds. It was made at the time of Aunt Jane's death to pay all debts after her so you see it makes 60 pounds for each one of us to pay before the houses are free so let us know when you write what you are going to do about yours. Well that's all there is to say about the houses and I would have told you before only we quite thought you knew. Of course mother had nothing to do about it as everything was put right after Aunt Jane. You wanted to know how things were after mother. Well to start business there was no will as mother knew we would have all we could do to pay all debts. She wished us to keep on the home and to do the best we could. We know we have to work very hard but that we don't mind at all as long as we keep a home and make a living for ourselves. We have always managed to do it and I don't think with a little luck we will fail yet. If we sold everything we could square up now but then we would have to give up the farm and that would never do if we want a home so we think we will manage to pull along by making the best of things. There are plenty of our own people that would be jolly glad to jump in our place. If you think you will sure to be able to call to memory what mother told you when you were home you would understand so much better. I am such a poor letter writer. Mother had 180 pounds on interest with John Matthews when you were home it was 120 pounds but she had to have the remainder for that coal works. When Mother died Mr. Mathews wanted her money and we did not no what to do. Mother had insured herself for 50 pounds she had done it for little Clar. Well Cis used that 50 pounds and Will and Annie gave us 90 pounds on interest until we will be able to make them back. We managed to make up the rest so you can see we now got 90 pounds instead of 180 pounds to pay interest on and that is all the interest we are paying after mother. The debts are as near as I can say to 180 pounds so you can see we got our work cut out. About that coal works we have not heard a word about it since mothers death. You know it was taken for five years and that meant 100 pounds they used to ask mother about the money each time she paid her rent. What would you advise us to say if they ask us about it. It seems to bad if they make us pay it considering we have never had a penny from it and all the money we spent there. Now about the farm, when Aunt Jane died the farm was left for mother by her will so Mr. Randall the Agent would not have fathers name put for it being it was willed for mother. Now after mothers death there is no name for the farm if it had been put on fathers name at that time there would be no bother for us now. The Agent told father he did not think it wise to have it put on his name now as he is getting on in years it would only mean another bother and father thought the same. He told the Agent it was on Cecelias name it should be and for us three girls to be together to do the best we can. Now they have to wait until the end of the term before the name can be changed then they are going to draw up an agreement for you, Sarah Jane, and Annie to sign the farm for us girls. As I have told you I don't know exactly when it will come but I don't think it will be long. Again I shall be very glad when it is all done with. Well I think I have told you all now best I can. When you write back home let me have a letter in it to know if you have been able to understand this and what you think of it. Fond love from your affectionate sister Lizzie

11 May 1902- Cefn Farm

Dear Brother, We received your letter in due time and were pleased to hear you were all well, hope you are still the same. Now I would have answered your letter before but I have been waiting expecting I would have that agreement to send so being its not come I thought I had better send this letter. I expect to get it now in the course of a week and will send it on to you at once. You said you did not quite understand my last letter as regards the debt, it is 180 pounds besides Annie's 90 pounds making it 630 pounds in all, Now about your house you wanted to know what we thought those houses valued I will tell you what is coming in and what is going out for the house then you will be able to judge for yourself. After paying rates and taxes you will have 9 pounds a year rent and of course you know the ground is freehold so I don't think you need hesitate in thinking it is worth over 60 pounds. The others are going to pay theres I don't know how we are going to manage after we loose the rent of the three houses we will miss them very much as they have been a great help for us. We find it hard enough to pull along now but I suppose we must do the best we can. Well I don't think there is anything else I want to tell you about this is all business. Cecelia is writing to let you know how we are getting on I showed your letter to the girls as you asked me and they were very pleased to see you were of the same opinion as themselves. Write soon, fond love from your affectionate sister Liz

12 May 1902- Cefn Farm

Dear Brother and Sister, We got your letter and was most pleased to hear that you were all well as this leaves us at present. I have been very busy this last week setting potatoes. I have got to be out all time or there is nothing done. The worry of the place is just to much for me but I suppose I must put up with it the best I can as I got this child to rise or I think I should come out there to you as it is not very pleasant to be here. Uncle Davy Maesteg was buried a few weeks back died very sudden. David Jenkins wants to know if you received a letter from him. His foot seems to be a lot better. He is working now. Do you intend coming to see us this summer we would be most pleased to see you all come. How is Annie and the baby getting on. Clarice as grown very much lately. She was eight years old on Saturday last. I have no more to tell you this time hoping to hear from you soon. With fondest love from your sister Cis

Undated partial letter

the interest for poor mother so I went to see him. We decided to leave it as it is until the end of the year that will be May to see how we will manage. Then those of you that with can pay your share. We will have to continue paying the interest, as we won't be able to get the money unless we sell the houses to pay them.

We got such a lot of work paying it to very trying for us girls and it won't do for us to show father because after he would take drink all the  world would know it and we could never stand that. Poor mother did all she could so we must try our best to finish and I think with a little luck and time we will get a bit straight. Then the girls would make a living for themselves on the farm and father can be very comfortable with them if he liked if he would only keep from the drink we would be so happy. Father gets his health splendid and so do Mag and I but Cis is not at all well she suffers to much with indigestion and they work so very hard. Once we get straight I will leave and go home then I will be able to help them. Clar is getting such a big girl we find her such company, we would be lost without her. Well I think I have given you all the news, now write back soon and if you will say anything about what I've told you write it on a separate paper to the letter as I will want to take the letter home and post it here to the shop. Hoping you are all enjoying good health. Fond love from all to all. I remain your affectionate sister Lizzie. We wish you all a very merry Christmas.

15 Aug 1906- Cefn Farm, Cefn Cribbwr

Dear Brother and Sister, It is with great sorrow I have to inform you of the death of our sister Sarah Jane, which sad event took place last Thursday.

Her baby was born the Wednesday after you left and she got along very nicely up to Sunday when she took a chill and died on the following Thursday.

We have Clarice laid up with scarlet fever. She was very ill all through last week but she had the turn on Friday so the Doctor says she will pull through now with care.

Well Jink I don't feel like writing. I can never tell you what a time we have spent since you left. Will be glad to have news that you reached home safe and hope you found all well. Love to all. Your affectionate sister, Liz.

25 Aug 06- Snow Shoe Pa

Dear Brother Sister, Having a little time to myself today Sunday I write to let you know that I got back home safe and found everybody here well and getting along all right. I had rather a rough voyage across until we got to within about two days sailing of New York then the weather changed very much and got quite warm although the rest of the trip was quite cold everybody using all the wraps they could scrape together. I got to New York about two o'clock on Saturday and took a night train leaving New York at 8 o'clock in the evening. I got to within 20 miles of home on Sunday morning about 10 o'clock. I had telephoned ahead and had my rig meet me at the station so I got home in time for dinner on Sunday. Since that time I have been kept rather busy at the mines. Since starting we have been doing a rather brisk business although not to our full capacity on account of being short of men. Quite a few left us during the strike but I suppose they will come around again soon.

(end of letter)

25th Aug 06- Snow Shoe, Pa.

Dear Father and Sisters, I take pleasure in writing to let you know that I got back safe and found everybody well and everything else going along all right as I expected.

In coming across I cannot say I had a very pleasant voyage on account of rough weather. We had it very stormy from the time we left Liverpool until we got within about two days sailing of New York. The weather was quite cold making it necessary to use all the clothing we could scrape up. Some passengers suffered very much not having been prepared for such weather but when we got to New York it was quite the reverse it being so warm we could hardly stand it. I was very fortunate in getting home. I got a through train leaving N.Y. at 8 o'clock Saturday evening and got to within 20 miles of home Sunday morning about 10 o'clock. I had telephoned ahead and had my horse and rig there to meet me so that I got home on Sunday in time for a late dinner. We were bout two hundred 2nd class passengers on board and for those that did not get seasick it was a pleasant time. For instance, the table I took my meals at seated twenty. On the Monday morning after we started there were only three of us that reported for breakfast, an English Lady, a Yankee and myself, the rest were all laid up being sick. From that on our number increased each day at the table. The last couple of days we had the full amount. On Thursday and Friday Evenings we had concerts in the Hall. They were very nice, some very good talent being on board. So much for the trip since I got back I have been hard at work every day. How are you getting along with the harvest. Let me hear from you soon with all the news. Give my regards to Alf, Richard and Lewis and all the rest that helped with the hay there. How is father feeling now. Is the seperator  still working all right. Sophia is going to give you the rest of the news so I will close by sending my love to all. From your Brother Jenkin

Liz, Give my regards to Miss Stenner and all the rest of your shop hands.

25 Sept 06- Cribbwr Cottage

Dear Bro & Sister, I can hardly hold the pen steady enough to write you; the terrible blow we have had has nearly finished me. It is almost incredible the suddenness with which I have been deprived of my dear wife and my children of a loving mother.

We do try to console ourselves with the belief that dear Sarah Jane is gone to a much better place, yes we are confident the she is gone from suffering grief and pain to weare the Crown of Glory which she had made sure of.

I will just give you a short account of her illness so as for you to see how awfully unexpected the end came.

On Wednesday Aug 1st the baby was born, & both continued to get better every day until Sunday Sarah Jane took a nice bit of food midday Sunday 5th, but about 3 oclock in the afternoon she called me and said that she felt very strange. I sent for the nurse & your Aunty Sarah at once, after the came I went for the Doctor. He came at once and examined her & tried her temperature which had gone up to 105 degrees. The Doctor the prescribed & mixed up some medicine & said she would be alright shortly. Next morning I went down to Kenfig Hill for another Doctor and when he came and examined her he said that there was no danger only for we to follow the advise of the Doctor that was attending her. So we renewed our confidence when we that both Doctors were of the same opinion. Things went on until Thursday when I went again for another Doctor, but unfortunately that man was away on his holidays. So I sent to Kenfig Hill again and had Doctor Twist up the same as on Monday. He was here at 8 oclock at night, and after his examination said that he had no fear of her recovery. He went away from here at 8:30 & at about 11 oclock my dear wife was no more.

Oh dear dear Jenkin, she was talking a lot about you the last few days, to think that the first letter you would have after gone back would convey the news that I am dead, that is what she was saying.

The poor girl knew on Monday that she was going to die, because she told me on Monday night about it but none of us thought the same as her.

And to put things worse, there was little Clarice bad in bed on Cefn, preventing any of the girls to come down to do anything for my dear Sarah Jane in her last hours. Only Annie was able to come and between everything I think that we have experienced trying times since you left. My little baby (Sarah Jane) the name her mother gave her is doing very well indeed. My brother & his wife are bringing her up, the live near Tondu School nice and handy for us to see her every day.

Polly and Ethel are fairly well, of course Ethel don't realize it but Polly knows that she has lost a good loving mother which can never be replaced. I have had Polly from the Co-op to keep the house going, and I think the we will manage fairly well like that. I have no more this time therefore I'll close with fondest love to you all. David

2 Oct 1910- Bryn Fawe, Coity road, Bridgend

My dear sister, We received the letter from Ann J. this morning bearing the sad news of the death of our dear brother.

It is indeed a terrible blow for us. We had been hoping from day to day after having Annie's letter saying how sick he was that we would have better news but alas we hoped in vain.

Well dear sister words cannot express our feelings for you and the children, only wish we were near to comfort you in this your great trial and pray that God will give you and us strength to bear up.

We were pleased to hear that you had cousin Ann J. With you also your dear mother which I am sure was a great comfort to you. Well dear sister our hearts are too full to write much today. Will be very pleased to hear from you as soon as you feel able to write. With deepest sympathy, Your sorrowing sister Lizzie

13 Oct 1910- Cribbwr Cottage, Aberkenfig

Dear Sophia, It is an unpleasant task I've taken in hand, that is, to write you a letter in the sad circumstances which has befallen you, in loosing you dear husband, and my dear friend and brother.

Undoubtedly you feel the wrench very much poor girl, and believe me, I sympathize with you very much.

It is just 4 years since I was in the same trouble. I thought then that the world was closing around my head with my 3 children. But thanks be to God I have had strength up to now to bring them up.

Poor Sarah Jane was in awfull trouble about Jenkin, these were her last words- when she believed she was going to die, O what awful news to send to Jenkin. So you see she thought a lot of him in her last moments.

Well now dear Sophia I pray you not to dwell too much on your loss, but bear up, and try to think you have a duty to perform, to rear up the children. Of course Annie will be of great help to you, but the other 2 got a long time yet before doing much in that way.

Now is the time for you to lean upon the arm of Jesus and he will wipe away the tears.

Dear Sophia you will do this thing which I ask you viz. Place a twig of evergreen on Jenkin's grave for me, we spent many happy hours together, when we were boys together.

When you feel inclined to write, do drop me a line. Now I will close this letter with fondest love to you and the children from myself and children. David

7 Nov. 1910- 10 North Avenue, West Ealing, London W.

My dear Sophia, thanks very much for your letter which I was very pleased to get & to hear that you & the children were well, pleased to say we are all very well here. It was very good of you dear to send me a full account of poor Jenkins illness & death as I know it must have been a trial  to you to write. I sent the letter & also our slip of paper down to the girls, but I suppose they have written you before this. You must excuse me keeping you so long. I have such a lot to do with this long family & shifting into this house has given me such a lot of extra work & worry but now we are getting fairly straight. Mag came up about two weeks ago & is staying for another week or two. Liz was with me for three weeks back in the summer but I have not seen Cis for nearly a year. Cis and Liz are not at all well. I was hoping Cis would have picked up & got stronger when she left the farm but she is keeping much the same & Liz I think she really ought to get out of business for a few months. She is hoping to get out for a few weeks Xmas time so I expect she will come up here for a change. The girls had a letter from Ann J. Mag brought it up for me to see. I was so glad to see that Annie has made a good start at school. It is nice for you to have her settled, she will be such good company & comfort to you. Does Vivien go to the same school as Annie. It will be some years before baby makes a start, poor little chap he won't remember anything about his Papa. Well dear I have nothing very special to write about. Hope you will be able to arrange all your business to your best advantage & without a great deal of trouble. Still there is always a certain amount of worry & inconvenience attached to such affairs. Well dear again hoping that you & the children are keeping well & that you will let me have a line when you have the time to spare. Kindest regards from Will & with fondest love from self & kiddies to you & the children. Your affectionate sister, Annie

P.S. So pleased to hear you still have your mother with you, hope she is keeping well & although I have not had the pleasure of knowing her, kindly remember me to her. Annie

8 Feb 1911- Bryn Fawe, Coity Road

Dear Sister, We received your letter and also the cards which we all thank you for and was very pleased to have them. We were glad to hear that you were all well. We are all very well except Lizzie. She has been up with Annie now for a month and have seen a doctor there so I hope he will do her some good. We are expecting her home on Saturday. Her time is due back in the shop in two weeks. I wanted her to leave for the winter but you know she got such spirits she won't give up.

Dear sister by now I suppose you have given up your business and I know you must feel it very hard but it must be a great care off your shoulders. But I do hope you will get your rights for your lost has been great enough. Dear sister I was up in Nanticoch in Ann J. brother in law's funeral on Saturday. You know her sister was buried 9 months ago so there are 5 little children without father or mother and all under 12 years but I am glad to say they are all gone to good homes. I feel so sorry for Ann J. for it is so hard to bear when you can't get to those that are so dear to you. Clarice was very glad to hear that Annie intended writing to her will be so pleased to hear from her and from Vivian as well. Hope little Jenkin is allright  now we would love to see you all. Well dear sister I will now draw to a close with fondest love to you all From your loving sister Cis

17 April 1911- Bryn Fawe, Coity Rd, Bridgend

Dear Sister, We received your letter some time ago were very pleased to get it and to hear that you were all well. Pleased to say Lizzie is getting a bit stronger but indeed has a lot of work picking up yet. Hope she will get on better when the weather gets warmer. Cecelia has been up in London for the las few weeks. She had got to look rather bad so she thought that a change would help her. She will be coming home now soon. Annie said in her letter that she looks a good bit better. We had a letter from A. J. Rees last week. She sid she felt a lot better now. We were very pleased to hear that, she always says such a lot about little Jenkin in her letters that he is such a bright little fellow. I wish I could see you all. How is Vivian, we would like to have a little letter from her. Is your mother gone to her home. I am sure you must miss her very much. They are all very well in Aberkenfig, little Sadie is growing fine and has such a lot to say. Clarice is getting on alright in the shop. She had holiday today and Friday will be going to the shop to the shop tomorrowand Lizzie so I am quite  on my own in the day but I don't mind as Lizzie comes home to sleep but of course Clarice comes home to her meals. Well, I think I will finish up now hoping to hear from you soon and that you are all well this from your loving sister Maggie

17 April 12- Graig House, Cefn Cribbwr nr. Bridgend, Glam.

My dear Cousin, I have been thinking to write to you on several occasions, but had neglected to get your address from your sisters-in-law.

I want to thank you very much for the nice little sideboard cloth which you sent me. It was a long time on the way, but I had it safely at last. It was very kind of you to think of me and I appreciate anything from "across the water" so much.

I heard from Ann Jane last week. She said she had written to you. I should so love to see her- my dear sister- once again.

I hope you and the girls and little Jenkin are all quite well. My husband and I were at Bridgend last week, we live five miles from there. Oh, but you have been to Cefn, of course.

We are very happy and comfortable here, in spite of the fact that Jack was one of the strikers. All the miners have been idle for six weeks, but I am pleased to say they have restarted works.

The girls at Bridgend are quite well. Cecelia is still at London with Annie. The place agrees with her much better than Bridgend does. She is very well now. Well, I must finish up now. With much love and thanks I remain Your affec'ate cousin, Lizzie Thomas

12 Jan 1915- E.R.XII Hospital, Windsor

My Dear Aunt and Cousins, Very many thanks for the nice present you sent me for Xmas. I have been thinking of writing to you for weeks but we have been so busy I have just come on day duty again after five months of night work. Living in the night was very funny at first but I liked it very much and was quite sorry to come back on day duty. It was so nice having the ward all to yourself. We had a night sister she only came around three times in the night. Anna must have worked very hard with those children would liked to have seen them very much they must have been very pretty. I have just seen about 2000 soldiers off to France. We have the 2nd Life Guards Barracks opposite here it is dreadful to see the poor things go, they all look so cheerful. I should think they must feel very sad in their hearts. Two of our Doctors been killed two such clever fellows men who we can ill afford to loose these days. Our Doctors are all in uniform the Hospital is quite military I had 25 soldiers in my ward when I was on night duty. I do wish this dreadful war was over the Germans are doing such awful things one of our Doctors was shot while attending to the wounded. Jenkin must be quite a big boy by now. I should like to see you all very much. I must now close. Wishing you all a very happy new year. With much love, yr aff. niece & cousin. Clarice

14 Jul 1924- Bridgend

My dear Vivian, received your most welcome letter this morning was so glad to have and glad to know that you are well. I have not been very good for the last few days but feel fine today. I went to a Dr. yesterday morning. I went down to Carmarthenshire to see old Aunt Ann. They were waiting and watching to see me. Aunt is just like a little girl. She is very smart and is 86 years of age the old man is 85 and looks like Rip Van Winkle. I didn't take Jenkin along and they were quite cross about it but I was glad in myself that it was me that was there for there is nothing but Welsh getting talked with them from the youngest to the oldest. I got there on Thursday and left on Saturday. Jenkin spends the most of his time at Aunt Annie's and is having the best kind of time with them. He thinks so much of Uncle Will and he is so nice to Jenkin. I am goin down to Cardiff this week they are preparing a fine time for you two girls next summer then the summer after Clif is coming to the states to see us. Aunt Cis got her first letter from Clar this morning. She said she was married on the 20 of June got to the place at 5 o'clock and married at 8 the same evening. She said she was very happy. I have had two letters from Anna. (end of letter)

31 March 1925- Sexsmith, Alberta, Canada

My dear Aunt & Cousins, Very many thanks for the lovely gifts which arrived on the last mail. I cannot tell you how delighted we are with them and how we are longing to see a small person wearing them. I was not very well over the weekend so am staying with my mother-in-law. It's only one mile from our home, so Garfield is here quite often. I was pleased to hear that Annie & Vivian are making a trip over this year but I do wish it was before I left. By Mama's letters Auntie Mag is still very poorly I do wish she would get better- it's such a worry. Well, Aunt I am afraid I do not feel much like letter writing, but you shall have a line from Garfield when the stranger arrives.

I don't know how to thank you enough. With love from both to you all your aff. Niece Clarice

15 Apr 25- Sexsmith, Alberta, Canada

My Dear Mrs. David, My beloved wife Clarice passed away after giving birth to a boy and a girl at 9:30 on April 11th.

She had been taken to hospital on the previous Thursday on the Doctor's advice. After an examination, which disclosed albumen, he decided to hasten matters. The confinement was successful with but little hemorrhage, but it seems that her kidneys must have been in very poor condition and failed to function properly.

She lived to see her babies, and did not realize that she was to pay the supreme sacrifice. The end came quietly for she had been unconscious for sometime.

The interment took place on Easter Tuesday with in sight of our home.

The babies weigh 6 1/2 lbs each and according to the matron today they could not be doing any better.

Father, Mother and I are going to bring them from the hospital tomorrow. Mother is taking charge of them.

It seems terribly cruel that my dear wife should be robbed of her chief desire, for her baby that was to be had filled all her thoughts for many months past.

It has to be and we must bow to Him who gave. I am yours truly, L. Garfield Walters

9 Dec, Wednesday- (year not written)- Freshfield, 14 Esplanade Ave, Porthcawl

My Dear Sophia, Well how are you all we have not heard from you for ages do hope you are all well we are all keeping well here Annie and I are the rocks of the family I think we hardly have enough puff to take us to the top of the stairs if we had a bit more of that we wouldn't be so bad we have busses running all round here now or else I think I would be indoors forever off course Annie has the car to take her I may be able to use to one some day but I don't quite know when that day will arrive. I think Lizzie wrote to you some time ago from Swansea she is down there with Don he got the divorce through in October a jolly good thing to finish with it. It has been a big old worry for Will and Annie. Well I think I better tell you a bit about Tom he is some boy full of the nick enough to drive you cranky at times with mischief he was full of excitement coming in from school today they had an exam and had got 10 out of 10 for arithmetic I met his teacher last week she told me he could do his work fine that he was some scholar I went in to Bridgend to see Polly yesterday they are all well there. Well I had better stop now and be off to bed. Hope you will all have a good time Christmas and best wishes for the New Year from Margaret [Last Updated : 12 Feb 2005 - Gareth Hicks]