Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1895-07-21 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.47Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha Lambert, Iberia, Ohio, “Morrow Co.”]
Lock Box 28, Ada, O.
July 21, 1895.
Miss Lambert
Iberia, Ohio.
My Loving Bertha: While you are at church this morning I am thinking of you and endeavoring to send a few thoughts for your consideration. As your letter came this morning about S.S. time I am feeling pretty light-hearted and free.
Our training class met this morning at 8 as usual so I did not stay for church. You seem to be happy and busy and that makes me glad, for I trust that we may always have something to do: of course I don't mean to desire to be compelled to toil always for selfish purposes {ie} to keep soul and body together as many have to do, but I do mean just what Henry Martyn said viz; “not let me burn out for God.”
Commencement is over and a nice time was had. The class address by W. J. Bryan of Lincoln, Neb. was fine indeed, his subject being Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln. The orations in general were good, but lookout for even better next year. I am a Senior now and have already been threatened with the squirt-gun.
The Herald will be late this wk., but will be a double number. A great many of the old students were here. I was more than pleased to have Mr. J. A. Smith and lady (Miss Timmons) with us. Mr. Smith was with me most of the time. They invited me to call on them at her room, which I did and had an enjoyable time.
She seemed to think about as much of me as of Mr. Smith, but it is too late now as from the display of her jewelry and his conversation they are strongly cemented for life. I really think she is a very nice lady, combs her hair somewhat as you do, but —— she isn't half so pretty nor one fourth as nice as my Bertha, nor did I see any here that were.
Miss Lanning is here. I noticed her at the depot yesterday morning seeming rather forlorn. As I felt that I could sympathize with her I commenced conversation with her and finally remarked that D. I. should have been with us. She brightened up at once (it made me smile). She said she had just heard from him etc. I know some others who were expecting to meet their better half here, but were disappointed. I had the advantage of them as I was busy most of the time, but all they could do was to fold their hands and think.
Afternoon
I was a little lazy before dinner and did not finish my letter, but after taking a substantial meal on water, crackers, bread etc. I think I may proceed. W. E. Rogers and E. N. Barr (classical graduates) take charge of Dayton University, Dayton Tenn. Mr. Rogers as Pres. and Mr. Barr as Vice Pres. Many of grads. will canvass for Stereoscopic views, some go to work on father's farm and mamma's kitchen. Doubtless I will follow their example. You ask concerning vacation. I forgot to say anything about that in my last. As I would have to look around some for work if I should go out and the time being so short I have decided to stay right here, if classes are all right, until next July except one? or two? trips. I have laid out the following work for the vacation. Book-keeping, review two terms H. Algebra, review Greek for exam. at the beginning of next term, prepare an oration for first night of term, write up the Northfield Conference for the Herald, prepare courses of Bible study for Y.M.C.A., assist the different committees in their work, try to work up a Y.M.C.A. excursion, write four letters to you, think of you lots (most of the time) etc. etc. Do you think that is sufficient? I will tell you later how much I get done. The latter part will be done whether the first is or not.
I have found no trace of that money at all. Two other fellows here missed about the same amount at the same time. I pray that it may be the means of saving some soul. As there is no Y.M.C.A. this afternoon I wish I might be at Iberia. I would fan you so nicely you would forget about warm weather. I hope we may not be deprived of this opportunity after this year, and what is better than all the hope of after a while spending the hallowed Sabbath in our own home where only God and we shall know its inmost depths.
O, I think you have pretty good powers for expressing your love. I think if you should do much better than you have been there would be a subject at Ada for the insane asylum.
You almost infatuated me in our last visit and I confess that if you tried to charm me in any way you did admirably and was more than successful whether the plan was tried with regard to looks, manner, dress, loveliness or any other way. Just go ahead the more the merrier. It just makes me love you all the more and if you can stand that “all right.” You are at liberty to try to express all you feel and wherein you fail I will take it on faith any way. You are a sweet nice girl and it makes me proud to know that you are mine and that you are willing to call me yours. May God grant that the bond of love may bind us more closely all the time.
I am well acquainted with Mr. Bigbee - also Mr. Elliot. Mr. Elliot is a good speaker and a regular genius. I think he belongs to the Epworth League, but will try to find out further. He is a rank Philo and is at home in any kind of music.
Prof. Smith is in Pa., but one of the music students told me that Mrs. Smith would see to all orders that came in, so you can send here.
Marvin Miller came in yesterday. He and Alva will be together next term. Mr. Fisher and I will room together at Heller's.
I have been urged to go to about five places to board this year, but they all want money. I want to board myself after this year.
A letter from Leonard states that he and Howard made a visit to W. Va. as cousin Ethel (I suppose you met her last fall) died July 8. Everybody seems to be getting along there about as usual. He says if his foresight had been so good last spring as his hindsight now he would have stayed in school. I think he will be here this winter. I am sorry to leave you but must do so. What do you think about me becoming a Pres.? I feel encouraged to start on this yr's work and can lay hold on God's promises. May you be led into pleasant paths even though they be thorny. Yes I shall continue to ask God to bless you. I should like to read [or?] diaries together.
Ps. 23. Devotedly,
J. H. Harris.
