Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1897-07-21 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.142Context
[Box 219, Athens, OH, to Miss Bertha Lambert, Westerville, Ohio, “Franklin Co.”]
Plantsville, Ohio.
July 21, 1897.
Miss Bertha Lambert,
Westerville, Ohio.
My Darling Bertha: Once more I come. Your message of 14th inst. came to hand Sat. night. I never appreciated a letter more than that. Of course I did not know until then whether you were coming home direct or making a little visit in Chicago. Perhaps I may get another letter this evening.
You want to know all about myself of course. I stayed at home quiet all last wk., attended services Sunday, gave a missionary talk in the morning and conducted the union in the evening.
I saw several of the old neighbors, took dinner at Geo. Hanson's (they live where Elijah lived). I cannot express my feelings at all. Orndorf preached Sun. P.M. (the first I ever heard him). Mon morning Leonard and I visited the graveyard, visited with Willard Rardin a while, stopped a few moments at Frank's, took dinner at Geo. Hanson's, was at Jno. Huffman's a short time, at Uncle Wm's for supper, Plantsville for mail, called at Dora's a few minutes and then came by your old home.
Just to think there I saw myself walking across the field with you almost nine yrs ago, next a bashful boy in the parlor, etc, etc, etc, etc.
It seemed that I ought to see you there, but in vain.
Things are in quite different order now from what they were when you lived there.
Whatever way I may turn thoughts of you come flooding o'er me with such tremendous force that I have felt myself saying time and again that I do not want to come back here until you can come with me. I have had a nice visit and people are so kind and all that, but there is a place which no one but you can fill and I have really never realized that so much as I have since coming here. I certainly have a deeper feeling of sympathy for you in our separation. I have prayed that I might see you soon and perhaps I may be able to do so.
This lay off throws me out of course, but perhaps it will be made up in some other way. I can give you nothing definite as to what I shall do because I have heard nothing from Athens. I am debating the question as to going to Athens tomorrow and then I will know what to do. I think my finger will be ready for business by Monday and perhaps there is work I could do there now. Orndorf was here last evening and wants me to fill his appointments next Sun. at Otterbein, Fairview & Oak Hill. I would like to do that, and may decide to do so unless I get word to go to Athens.
I must let him know after I get the mail.
People seem shy of asking me about you. I made arrangements with Orndorf to ask for Qr. Conf. license. I wish we could carry out our plans this fall.
I am sorry I cannot spend this wk with you but “Darling” our patience shall be rewarded. You are a jewel, little girl, and I wonder why I did not appreciate you even more when we were together.
School time will soon be here again. I can scarcely think of us being separated this yr. The study of medicine still rather clings to me, but we will talk later.
God is good and will deal justly with us.
As I look at our plans for life work, life really looks sweet even though it may be filled with toil and care.
You are such a blessing to me. Last yr was a wonderful yr to me and it dawns on me more and more. It is no use to try to say it, you know how I feel so I will say no more until I go to the office.
Glen sang a solo at S.S. last Sunday. Mr Lyons a Wooster student stayed with us last night. He is selling stereoscopic views. At office and rec'd yours of 16th inst which had been missent. I also rec'd a card from Carlos stating that they were ready for me to go to work. My finger will hardly allow it although I feel that I must get to work so I believe you may address me at Athens, Box 219. I have visited long enough under the circumstances. I will read your letter again and again when I get time.
May God keep and bless you is the prayer of your Lover,
J. H. Harris,
Box 219, Athens, O.
