History of the Love Letters

These love letters were kept by my great-great-grandmother Nancy Callaway-Raymond in an old shoe box. They were found with a few photographs. I have transcribed the letters here and hope to add links to some of the other named people throughout the letters in the community of Henderson County and Union County Kentucky. The letters talk of their train travels to see each other (they lived in neighboring counties), farming, shopping, church/Sunday School, horses, general life at that time and a budding romance as they prepare for marriage.

Oscar and Nancy

Photos found with the love letters.

Taken from a Letter about One Month Prior to their Marriage

~~~
In the language of a poet “Tis sweet to love but A! how bitter to love a girl and then not git her.”


Why darling I did not have the blues coming home I was as happy as a lark. But Tuesday morning when I went home and went to work all a lone I was so lonesome, when I thought how far I was from the one I loved and one I know beyond a doubt loved me will you believe me if I say the tears came uncounted. Distance will not be our lot long, so let us be contented with it until the wheel of time brings up better things.
I received a note from Ida this eve she said she received a letter from “Dear Old John”. She and I are going to a mite tomorrow eve about three miles beyond Corydon. I wish you could be there. Cordie says she can go the 5th Sunday if I can get off. I was thinking it would be better to wait a week or two longer. What do you think of it? You will hear from me again before that time and I will tell you definitely whether we will come or not. If we come we will n ot start until afternoon get there about sundown.

Do you know what time next month that is to take place. Must I put in the ring “Nannie” or “To Nannie”? By the way I did not take any guimine, for I forgot it and will expect a whipping when I come down, hope you will be as merciful as possible and glad to say a got along nicely without it. I am through replanting corn and the croppers are half through setting tobacco. It is getting late and my eyes are dim as you may know by this scribbling, asking you to excuse lead pencil as my pen and ink are up at Pa’s I will close.

I am ever your Oscar.

P.S. Take good care of yourself and excuse this miserable written letter. Do not wait until Wednesday to write.

In the Beginning -- dated May 28, 1890

Miss Nannie Calloway:
Esteemed Friend:


It is with much pleasure I attempt to answer your highly appreciated letter, which came to hand a few days ago. It seems that fate is against me on letter writing. I was just preparing to write Sunday afternoon when a couple young ladies came in, and of course I had to entertain them they did not leave until nearly church time and as they walked down from C., I could not stand to see them walk back, so I escorted them home, got in a mud hole came very near breaking down.

Miss Suddie B. was over a little while the other day. I see she hasn’t forgotten me yet. By the way my Kansas girl has gone home, I bid her a last long farewell Sunday night it seems she could not make up her mind to make Old Ky., her future home, Isn’t strange? When her interest is all here. I wish I could help you share that musical treat, and get to see that cousin. I know you had a fine time at the party Jim must to have been there. I had an invitation to a social last week, it being several miles away, and as I was not feeling very well I did not attend. I have been nearly sick for several weeks some say I have the La Grippe, I think it only a cold.

Miss Nannie I have been looking for that picture group, have you forgotten your promise. You may send a copy of that poetry next time if you think of it. I am not particular about the original rat (?) all I want only a copy.

The Baccalaureate sermon will be preached next Sunday the commencement exercises will take place, Wednesday or Thursday following, you ought to attend. There are only three graduates this time. I hope you have not come to the conclusion that I have forgotten you again. Certainly, I will excuse your wild speculation before you receive the other letter. I beg your pardon for being so dilitary in writing. I know Ida has a good scolding laid up for me, I have not answered her letter yet. As the night is wearing away and it is time farmers had retired I will close for the present.

Hoping you will excuse this hastily written letter.
I remain your true friend,
S.O.Rayman

June 9, 1890

Miss Nannie Calloway:
Kind Friend:

It is with much pleasure I endeavor to answer your highly esteemed letter this rainy Monday morning. I am glad you had not come to the conclusion I had forgotten you.

“Forget thee in the banquet halls. Go ask thy fellow man, or ask the tear that secrets falls If I forget thee then.”

I wish you could have been here last week to have attended our school entertainments, we had only three nights.

I enjoyed it hugely. A young lady said yesterday she enjoyed all but the first night. She figured it was the reason. I told her I considered that the best night of the three. I always try to make everyone feel as good as possible. One of my old class-mates Alfred Cinnamond is to be united in matrimony to Miss Ora Givens of Morganfield Wednesday eve. I have an invitation, don’t think I shall go, as it is so far to go in private conveyance and no way of returning that night by rail. He has been teaching in our pubic school for two years, he intends to go in the merchandise business now.

I am left once more to dance in the hog trough. Why is it every body can get married but me? Isn’t strange? Nevertheless, it’s true. It seems that Henderson Co. boys are partial to Union Co., ladies. Who can blame them? I notice Union Co., boys pluck a rare gem from our circle once and a while. Is it wrong to retaliate? I think not. I think Jack Farley has cheek (?) like a government mule. I envy him of his nice company. I know from experience he had a nice time. It would have been a great source of pleasure for me to have joined the fishing party, although I have no luck fishing either in sea or dry land.

The old adage says an industrious man can’t fish. There are exceptions to all rules and I am the exception in this one. I believe the rain is about over, and as I have not set and tobacco yet I suppose it is about time I was at it.

I am not going to plant but a little as I have a good deal of wheat to take care of. I am very much discouraged over the prospect, as it is full of smut, (chear?) and etc. I wish I had someone to drive my binder this year. As I have nothing of interest I will close, hoping to hear from you soon. I remain your true friend.

S.O. Rayman.

P.S. Many thanks for that beautiful bouquet.

May 22, 1891

My Darling Nannie:

Please pardon me for a little digression, I do not think it is a forfiture of promise, only fulfilling it a little sooner. I am thinking of going to Smith Mills Sunday to childrens day, if I do I will not have time to write at my appointed hour. Then I think we have put the time a little to far apart for it seemed I would never hear from you again. I can join in with you and say this week has seemed to go on crutches to me too. Suppose Ida has told you we got to Grandpa’s by six o’clock Monday. I went on to Corydon and spent the night, went down to the shop and staid till bed time and told them all about my trip and what a nice time I had, for I really enjoyed myself better than I could ever have anticipated. I was highly delighted with my trip and my new kin,


I did not know you had such sweet amiable sisters, though I could have easily guessed judging from you and Bro. Charlie, I think is so nice and friendly and accommodating. I am sure he has no better opinion of me than I have of him. Is Cousin Annie there yet? I was so glad to meet her, I can see her now in imagination looking at me with those lovely eyes. Tell the girls I enjoyed their company over at Mr. Conn’s very much. But was sorry you was not there. I did not think of staying until after dinner when I left you. Aunt Olivia had dinner on the table when I got back and would have me up my horse and feed him.

I too am truly glad Miss Mattie showed her hospitality, it so much nicer. Don’t you think so? I came home and told them I felt highly complimented, for she insisted on us not going out in the rain said “they would think we ran you off.”

Tell Talbott I know now he did not want to see me by waiting until I had gone to come, but I am very anxious to see him, hope it will be my pleasure in the near future. We will not insist on their waiting for us, we might see it if they should decide to wait something might happen, so let them live as happily as God has designed them to. I can pray God’s choisest blessings on them, and look forward to the time when we will be as happy as they.

I had a heart full of “innocent cause” of your shedding tears lately. You and I can afford to fulfill the scripture in this particular “weep with those that weep and rejoice with those that do rejoice.”


I think of nothing more at present, as it was after eight before I ate supper tonight. I know it must be growing late and I want to get up and off to town early in the morning, so will close. Tell you the rest when I come down. Good night Darling

I am truly yours, Oscar

P.S. Give my love to Sister Mag and cousin Annie tell them I am getting real anxious to see them and hear their sweet voices.

June 14, 1891

My Darling Nannie:

This rainy Sunday afternoon finds me fulfilling my engagement with the pen. A! That I could fulfill it in person for I am so anxious to see you, it seems like an age since I saw you. How is this hot weather serving you? I hope you are well and getting along nicely. Do not work to hard this summer take good care of yourself for my sake. I wish I could be there to partake of those nice breakfasts, but never mind I will have the pleasure of passing judgment on them by and by. Precious thought! A! How sweet. What do you think Dear? It’s reported I am going to get married after harvest. They didn’t miss it far did they? People in general think I am going to change my mode of living next fall. Cousin Amanda Walton remarked this morning at Sunday School she was sorry my hay kept me from going to Sturgis to-day, said she heard I went there every other week. I told her I would not go so often in the future. We had a large class at Sunday School this morning all the young ladies have gotten home from visiting. I get to see Miss Sudie nearly every day now while working in my hay. She is sewing with Cousin Amanda.

I am having a hard time with my hay this time. I have some that is getting a good soaking now. I did a big days work yesterday, put up 18 loads and cut from 9 to 12. I feel sorry for the hands towards night, look like they were about give out although I was not very tired. I am as tough as a pine knot.

I will have to go to cutting wheat Tuesday or Wednesday, and I will not and I will not get through with my hay by that time even if we have nice weather, and I don’t know what I am to do. I will get along some way, if I have to leave my hay until after I cut my wheat. My wheat has right smart smut in it. I hope we will make enough to live on next winter, and I don’t care how soon it comes. Do you?

How is Aunt Olivia getting along? I hope she is better. Has Ida been spending any of her time with you? How did you throw her off the track about the ring? I know I will catch it when she comes home. I have not let Ma read a letter yet, but I expect she has guessed all. I was joking Ma this morning about kissing you good by and asked her if she kissed you once for me. Yes “mama” likes you ever so much. She and Pa are spending the day with Grandpa, Uncle Tom Powell and wife are here will spend the night with us. Ella has just been in and asked me to go down in town and get some ice for her. I had just as well be learning to run errands so I guess I had better go.

Yes Pet we will go to see Mrs. Allen (?) sometime when I come down we can call as we come back from “Brothers”. By the way, Ora wants to come with me next time I come through in the buggy. You tell “Sister” Lula she must come over the next time I come. I am anxious to see her. Has Miss Mag gotten home yet? How is she getting along? Nannie is talking to me so I don’t know what I am writing. There is a dark cloud coming up. I believe we are going to have a big rain, we have already had a good shower, we were needing it too.
Monday morning.


Uncle Tommie came before I got through writing yesterday. Thought I would add a few lines this morning but the bell has already said get ready for breakfast. Uncle Tom compliments your horse highly says I ought to have him trained and then I could sell him for a big price. He and Aunt Mollie gave me a special invitation to come down to Princeton Fair which comes off about the first of Oct. A! Would not it be nice for us to go down as Aunt Olivia dreamed we came to see her. As they are hurrying me up for breakfast, I will close so Goodbye dear.
From your own dear Oscar.

July 26, 1891

My Darling Nannie:

I have the pleasure once more of fulfilling my engagement with the pen on Sunday. I have had a very pleasant day, went to Sunday School, got there to late! After Sunday School Cordie and I went to Grandpa’s and spent the day. Pa and Ma, Aunt Mag and her family, Uncle Smith and wife of Princeton and Lelia (Lulia?) were there. I enjoy Uncle Smith’s company so much, he is such an interesting talker. We had a wheeler (whuler?) picnic here yesterday in the woods there by my barn. I went had a nice time. I took dinner with Ida which I enjoyed very much. It reminded me of our fishing spree. I wish you could have been there. But before I went to the picnic I attended the funeral of Adna King, Cousin George King’s son about 22 years of age, one of the best young men in town. I have never heard naught of him. How nice that is to have that said of us when we come to die. He was visiting his own cousin Addie King. Annie’s sister I heard they were engaged. He left $50 of his life insurance to her. There was also another busying in our town yesterday. Mr. Tom Crowe’s child. Mrs. Emma Land who died in Sturgis last week, child died Saturday. We are often reminded of the fact life is short, death is certain. How important it is for us to be always ready “for we know not the day nor the hour in which the son of man cometh.”

I received a letter from Talbott the other day too. And am very anxious for us to see them. Shall we go to see “Bro” Saturday eve. I will try and start early enough for us to go, as I expect to come back Sunday night. Ida wants to come down with me. I promised to bring Ora if she gets out of the notion I will bring Ida. She can stay at Aunt Olivia’s until we get back, she must not cheat us out of our visit. What do you think? I have not thrashed my wheat yet, expect to thrash tomorrow, begin after dinner. I have been disappointed in getting a machine. I expect I have missed it by not having my wheat sold as it is going down. Prince is lame. I went out in the pasture for him this morning to drive to Grandpa’s and found him lame. Think he must have gotten his foot fastened in some way. Hope he will soon be over it so I can drive him Saturday. If not I will drive Daisy, the one you pinned the flowers on. I drove her today for the first time this year. She is a splendid buggy animal. Well darling what are you doing with yourself since sis Mag left? I know you are lonesome and so am I. I wish we could be together more. It seems like an age since I saw you althou most of the people here think I saw you last Sunday, as I was not at Sunday School. I told Miss Mary (as she is the only one I see at Sunday School) I went to Sebree last Sunday. She wanted to know if you had moved to Sebree. Cordie says she wants to write a line on the other side so will say good bye.
From your Oscar.

***

Dear Miss Nannie:

Brother has left a little space for me, very kind of him indeed. Boy’s generally fill every space and corner when writing to their best girl. Well my space is small, will have to tell all in a few words. I am very busy looking night and day. I was so anxious to go down to Sturgis about Friday eve and came back with Bro. as the 4th is so near it will be impossible for me to come. Aunt Mollie from Princeton is very anxious for me to pay them a visit, if I can get ready. Will go sometime in Aug. on my way back will stop over a little while – I am very anxious to take a little trip, Nannie says. Ma Ma tell Miss Nannie something about me. She is as sweet as ever, sitting by my side, putting on her shoes and stockings fixing to go to the shop. I told Bro. the price of that veiler (Veil?). He says, never mind the price, so do I. Come to see us – love to all. Your friend Cordie.

August 23, 1891

My Darling Nannie:

I was made happy by the reception of your short letter and beautiful and fragrant boquet this morning. Was sorry it had been pressed most too much to wear to Sunday school. Ma told me to take them and put them away and I could have them to look at five years hence. I went to Sunday school and church this morning and I guess will have to tell you something Miss Mary R- said. (as you are always anxious to hear from her.) Our teacher Mr. Jones remarked “it was so easy for one to become a Christian to give themselves to Christ. You young men know how easy it is for you to give yourselves away.” I whispered “I thought it rather difficult.” Miss Mary overheard me and turned around and said, “why Mr. Rayman I heard you had succeeded.” Now my darling “by request” and also “of my own good will and pleasure” will give a report of my weeks work. I fixed up my plows and got ready for plowing Monday. I cleared up ground Tuesday as it was too much wet to plow. I plowed Wednesday until noon when it came up a big rain and stoped me. The last three days I put out posts and built 85 pannels of fence. We have had a great deal of rain the past week and the ground is too wet to plow. I will be much later than usual breaking wheat land as I have only plowed one half day. It will take me three weeks to break it., and I cannot come down well till after that time. Ida wants to come with me when I come. She said she heard we were going to get married the first of Sept., had you heard it? Said it came from down there. Ma and I took a drive this evening went down to the farm staid a little while, she gave me a few lessons on economy, we then went down to Grandpa’s spent the rest of the evening. Ida would have us stay till after supper so I did not begin writing till half past eight, and the people are now going home from church. I aimed to go home to night but ma begged me so hard to stay I have decided to stay and go early in the morning, as I will be very busy for several weeks now. Your horse came near getting hurt the morning I plowed. Mr. Iwin (Irvin?) was plowing him and the gray horse, he got in a bumble bees nest and they stung the horse so bad he couldn’t drive them. They got to kicking and stamping and running back until Prince got tangled and fell. I was about 200 yards away but got there as Prince fell and took him loose from the other horse and unbuckled the gear from off him. He then got up. Its remarkable to know how quietly he laid there till I ungeared him. He had 19 whelps on him from stings. As its late I will close for this time. Hoping to hear from you Thursday morning.

I remain ever yours till death, Oscar

September 20, 1891

My Darling Nannie:

How I would like to see you this evening or know even what you are doing but as that is impossible I will have to content myself with writing. I went to Sunday School this morning. Miss Sudie was there. I also went to hear Bro. Miley preach. He has been preaching every since the night of the wedding. I went to hear him Friday and Saturday night. I don’t suppose he will preach any longer than tonight. He took particular pains to come around and speak to me Friday night and then said, “I wish you would tell Bro. Charlie to meet me in Sturgis Monday.” I told him I expect he would see Bro. Charlie before I would, Mr. King who was standing near, asked who Bro. Charlie was. Bro. Miley said I must not tell tales out of school.

Well pet I got home at one o’clock, had a very pleasant ride all alone, enjoyed my lunch so much and many thanks for it. A! Hasn’t it been exceedingly hot this week, almost to warm to work. I took Queen home Monday. We found them all well. I took up stumps three days last week, took up 98. Friday and Saturday I hauled manure. I have not been feeling well all week, and have not been working hard, but have been going all the time. You was cautioning me about working in the rain, not let me tell you please don’t work too hard this hot weather.


How is Ida getting along? How often has Mr. Cross been there? Have you been attending church much? I suppose you went over to see Aunt Olivia. Did you and Miss Matt have a private talk. If so, what did she say about the time?

I can tell you who joined the church, it was Cousin Elias Powell and lady, daughter and son in law, Birdie Crutchfield.

Well as usual I began writing rather late and pa and I have been down to the farm and fed, and when we got back it was church time so I have heard Bro Miley preach a splendid sermon since I began this letter. Pa and Ma spent the day at Grandpa’s to-day. Ma bought me a tube-rose and I will send it to you with all my love. I wish I could see you to-night. About this time last Sunday night we were on our way home from church enjoying each other’s company so much. Cordie says she is going to write to you this week so you may not be surprised if you receive a letter from her. As it is getting late and I am going home to-night I will close. Hope you are well and having a good time. Good bye pet.

From your Oscar.

P.S. You and Miss M try and arrange so it will come off at the same time. I think it will be much nicer.

November 8, 1891

My Darling Nannie:

I am so glad to tell you ma is doing better, the Dr. says she is clearer of (fives?) than she ever was. She hasn’t taken solid nourishment yet. I think she will soon begin to mend. I am so glad she is better and I know you are. Well Pet how are you getting along? And what are you doing with yourself to pass off the time? I am getting on slowly with my coal house. I gathered corn yesterday. We are very scarce of stock water. I hauled a load yesterday. We are having a slow rain now and I hope we will have enough to make water for the stock. We are needing rain very bad. I would like so much to have been with you to have helped you gather pecans. Yes we will share ours with Ida. I went down a little while this evening to see them. Grandpa is very feeble and Ida is not very well.

How is Aunt Olivia? I heard she was having the chills. We looked for her up Friday night. Has sister Lula gotten well? I was so sorry to hear she was sick. Tell her she must be sure and come spend Christmas with us. And Miss Annie Long also. I often think to Miss Annie and would like very much to see her. Give her my love when you see her. If she did not come last Saturday, I hope she will come next so I may get to see her, for if nothing happens I will come Saturday. It seems like an age since I saw you. Ida says if Grandpa is better she may come with me, but she cannot stay. I am so glad you have decided to marry at home, especially if we have supper. It will be so good in Sister Annie to give us a supper and no one will appreciate it more than we. I hope we will be enabled to repay them for some of their kindness in the future. I often look forward to the time when they will visit us and how I will take Bro Charlie around and show him the stock and farm. A! Darling won’t we be happy then. May God speed the time. When did you see Maggie and Talbott and how are they? Just to think I have not seen them since July 5th. I would like so much to see them and thought we would get to visit them before we were married, but I don’t….

November 12, 1891

My Darling Nannie:

I received your dear letter this eve was so glad to hear from you also to hear that Lula was better, hope she will soon be able to resume school. I think it real sweet in her to say “Bro” and hope she will continue it. Dear it was to bad to deceive the people so wasn’t it? I am so surprised at Mag and Tabbot not hearing we had postponed it. Tell them we will let them know in due time. Yes pet we will go to see them soon after we are married. I am very anxious to see them as well as the rest of the folks down there. I don’t guess anything will prevent me from coming Sat. – so two days from tonight I will be talking to you, won’t that be nice? Ma is much better the dr. dismissed her the day before yesterday. She is very weak yet, but she is taking solid nourishment now and I hope she will soon regain her strength. I am so glad Darling Jim and Mat went over Sunday night to see you. Wish I could have been there to have made the “circle complete” know I would have enjoyed both crowd and refreshments. I am so glad you gathered us some pecans. I am very fond of them.

I have some walnuts and popcorn laid up for winters use. Do you like them? Well pet I have been breaking ground today. I had a little piece that got too hard to break when I was breaking the other, so I left it out and since the rains I have decided to break it and sow it in wheat. It is so rough a piece that has not been cultivated for years. I broke two plow points on it today. I wasn’t to get it sowed tomorrow if it don’t rain tonight. I have plenty of stock water now.

Yes indeed I thought of the 10th the whole day. I helped Mr. Iwin strip tobacco that day and yesterday till noon little did we think a month ago I would be stripping tobacco the 10th. Good many were disappointed p here by me not getting married 10th. As I came home tonight I came by Mr. Ball’s to see Edd a minute and while I was talking to him Miss Sadie spied me and came out, said she heard I was going to marry the 10th, and here it the 10th is gone and you are not married yet. Said now she heard I was going to marry 16th. I told her when the 16th had passed someone would say the 20th. As its getting late I will close and tell you the rest when I come Saturday. Good bye my darling. Take good care of yourself.

With much love and many k-, I remain ever yours, Oscar

November 19, 1891

Nov. 19 -91
My Darling Nannie:
You need not have been uneasy about me you know I am as tough as a pine knot, I didn’t get very cold. I got out and walked a little while and warmed myself up. I got home half past one o’clock. Prince stood the drive fine. Many thanks for the nice lunch. I enjoyed it ever so much. Mrs. Morris and little Ethel were here when I got home so Ethel and I had a nice time eating pecans. I gave Ma those apples and told her you sent them to her. She enjoyed them very much. She ate nearly a whole one today. Ma took a little cold on the change of the weather and was not quite so well yesterday but is better today. Yes Darling, Ma was glad to see me. No one knew I was near until I opened the door and walked in. You ought to have seen Ma through up her arms and say O my boy! She just took on said she was afraid Prince had run off with me or something had happened. The rest said I was laughing in my sleeve because it rained. I ran down to Grandpa’s a little while this morning. He said he has been fussing about me not coming down and telling how all were. Grandpa is very feeble he was almost lost the use of his left hand, I am so sorry to see Grandpa failing so fast it made me feel so sad to look at him this morning as he followed me out to the gate. Ida is not at all well. In getting up last night Grandpa fell over the rocking chair and Ida going to his rescue gave way in the back and fell also, so she is very much complaining this morning. I gathered come all day yesterday it was a lovely day for the business, I killed a calf this morning, and hauled Cordie coal and Pa wood this eve.
Pet I know you was very smart Tuesday. I wish I could have been there to have helped you enjoy your dinner. Sister Lula and I had a very pleasant ride that morning. I think so much of her, I love her now like a sister. I read the latter part of your letter to Ma where you spoke of her loving you. She said it was her nature to love every body, especially those that are near and dear to her. You will find she will be a mother to you. As I have filled my paper I will close, bidding you Good night and may the Angels watch over you tonight my dear is the wish of your devoted lover, Oscar
P.S. I will send Guss a ring in this letter.

November 29, 1891

My Darling Nannie:

I made my trip safely Friday night. Cordie and Lizzie were at the depot to meet me. How long did you remain at Hensham(?) I hope you enjoyed your trip. I enjoyed mine very much. Have you seen the bridal party since I left, where are they staying are they going to Aunt Olivia’s? Grandpa and Grandma are better. Ma is still improving has been sitting up the greater part of the day. I ran down to Grandpa’s a little while Saturday morning. Aunt Mag was there I gave them both their cards. We forgot to give Walter one I did not think of him until I had gotten nearly to Grandpa’s Saturday morning. I took one of the invitations here, changed envelopes and dropped it in the office. I forgot one of my cousins at Princeton. Uncle Tommie is here came on the early train yesterday morning. I have not seen him yet he is at Grandpa’s. Pa and Ora spent the day there today. I went to Sunday school this morning there was no preaching in town today being the 5th Sunday. I asked Cousin Amanda if she wasn’t going down to the wedding. She said she couldn’t spare the time. I told her I would like very much for her to go. Well pet I tried on my suit this morning after Sunday school. It fits perfectly. Cousin Addie Walton came in while I had it on she said she thought it was very pretty. I don’t think it’s like Talbott’s. I think it will brush all right. Well darling I went to work Saturday morning. I have gotten some hands spoken to, to help me. I can finish Tuesday. I went to the farm this evening to tend to stock and cover up my fruit jars and did not begin writing till after dar. Mrs. Morris and mother came in just as I was ready to begin so I could not write much while they were here and it is now bed time. Tell sister Annie to please send me that certificate the last of the week. I will get my license Monday. I suppose you have written to Bro. Miley eve this. As I have nothing of interest I will bid you Good night. And may God bless you is my prayer from your devote one, Oscar.
P.S. I was telling Cordie about the ring being too large for Gusta(?) she said tell you to send it back, she would send one that would fit.

December 3, 1891

My Darling Nannie:

If you will excuse a short letter this morning. I will write you a few lines. It is now six o’clock. I have just eaten breakfast. I am going to the saw mill today to get a load of lumber to build a plank fence. I thought while I was waiting for day I would write you rather than wait till tonight for I expect you will look for a letter today. I made my arrangements to write last night, but Cordie sent me word to come down to the shop so I did not get back until late, bed time. I would like to know what you are doing and how are you getting along! I think you did pay Mag and Tabbot a long visit. I wish I could have been with you. But never mind, this time next week we will be enjoying each others company.

Well pet I got through gathering corn Tuesday and the hands finished yesterday. I expect Mr. Iwin will move the last of this week, at least I hope so. I hope we will be able to go to housekeeping in a week or two. It won’t take long to fix up one room so we can move. Ma and Ella is making my carpet this week. I expect I will send by Cordie tomorrow to get me another carpet she is going to Evansville she wants me to go with her. I think it useless. I may go as far as Henderson. Have you heard from Bro Miley yet? Please let me know whether Bro Charlie will meet me at Morganfield or not. The sick folks are all getting along well. as it’s getting light and I want to get an early start to the sawmill I will close. Am sorry I had to write in such a hurry. Hope you will excuse this scribbling, though you would rather take this rather than wait till tomorrow to hear from me. Good bye pet.
From your own Oscar.

December 6, 1891

My Darling Nannie:
I suppose this will be the last Sunday night I will write to you for some time. I am truly glad my writing days are over, for I never did enjoy writing, especially love letters.
Well darling I attended Sunday school and church this morning as usual. I also attended the funeral services of Mrs. Tumer’s little child this afternoon at 1 p.m. I then went to Grandpa’s and spent the rest of the evening. Grandpa doesn’t seem to be much better. He can’t walk without assistance. I am sorry to see him failing so fast. He says he would like very much to attend our wedding and would if he could possibly get there. He said he dreamed about you last night. Ida didn’t say for certain whether she was going or not. Mr. Hambert King and wife came soon after I got there so I did not have a private talk with her. I have not heard of any one else coming except Cordie and Nannie. I don’t think there will be anyone else there from Corydon. But I have good news for you this time. Mr. Inin (Iwin?) has gone at last he moved Friday and yesterday. I selected paper last night and the hanger will begin work in the morning. So I think by this time next week we will be enjoying each other’s company around our own fireside. Then we will realize for the first time what happiness is. I am so glad we can to go to housekeeping so soon. So we will be fixed up by Christmas so Miss Lula (?) can come to see us. I invited Walter up to call on her this evening. Tom Warfield, the young man I gave her for a sweetheart is very anxious to see her. Well from the way the wind is blowing it will be cold by morning. If it is not too disagreeable I want to go to Morganfield horseback or in the buggy as I want to see a man on the road this side of Waverly, so I can make one trip do both. I guess I will find Bro. Charlie there somewhere. Yes I think it real nice in Bro. Charlie and Sister Annie in giving us a supper and take it as quite a compliment as they did not give any of the rest of the girls a supper. Let us be on time that night so we will not miss the train. I will stop at Aunt Olivia’s. Have your trunk packed and ready. If you have a way it would be best to send your trunk up to Sturgis Tuesday eve. As it is about bedtime I will close. Hoping all things will work well for us Tuesday. So good night. May God bless you.
From your intended, Oscar

The Raymond's

Oscar and Nancy in a marriage photograph, possibly taken about 10 years into their marriage.

The House He Built for His Wife

Around 1900 - here is the house Oscar built for Nannie. The family is all standing in the front yard of what is now Greenlick Road. Today this home is occupied by my Aunt and her family. Our family has lived on this same farm for nearly 200 years.

The Raymond Children

Paul, Mary Maxwell and Basil Raymond around 1900.

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