Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1920-10-15 letter to Bertha Elizabeth (Lambert) HarrisEntry/Object ID
1990.1.168Context
[153 N. State St., Westerville, O. to Mrs. J. H. Harris, 153 N. State St., Westerville, Ohio]
Midland City, O. Oct 15, 1920
My darling wife:
9:30 A.M. finds me at the home of Mrs. Daugherty who so graciously makes it possible for Rev. Spangler to be in school at Wilmington College. We had a splendid meeting of the Sem. board yesterday. They are getting along nicely with the buildings. I left Dayton 7:40 last night but on account of a wreck ahead we got to Col at 11. I slept at the Davidson hotel and breakfasted at the American Dairy Lunch. Am well as usual. Go to Second Creek this P.M. and on to Hillsboro tonight.
Bishop Kephart told me that they are considering my name as chancellor (Pres) of Kansas City University. What do you think of it? It would appeal to me if I could have had more experience in that line of work. They were to have a meeting last night. I May not hear anything further. Tomorrow is you birthday. I first planned to be at home but saw that it would make quite a break in my round so changed it to the present plan.
This letter will have to answer for my presence. I have no way of expressing all that you have been to me. A thousand times I have thought of how unworthy I have been to share your life as I have. In all the trials and heartaches that have come from other sources the inspiration of your life has constantly sustained me and led me forward into paths that I never otherwise would have chosen.
I know this is true and I ought to have been saying it oftener to you as I have done to others.
One of the hardest trials in my work is that of being separated from home.
If any success has attended my pathway it is due largely to you.
I have often thought of the comforts you have sacrificed in the home because we are engaged in our present work. I have felt sometimes that it was asking too much of you and I fear now that your work is entirely too taxing for you. I am hoping that may be changed.
Daily I think of the boys, their joys, heartaches and pitfalls and pray that the Divine Hand may lead them into the proper fields of their life's activities. It gives me great joy when I note that they are thoughtful of their mother.
I think often too of dear old mother sitting in loneliness. So often I meet people who knew father and they inquire about her.
I hope some plan may be adopted whereby no day may pass without family Bible reading and prayer. The consciousness of that fact will help me I am sure.
Every day brings perplexing questions. The ideals of some people almost stagger me. I hope you may have a pleasant day. May choice blessings rest upon you all.
Love to all,
Papa
P.S. The $1.00 is for James & Richard to get you a birthday present.
J. H. Harris
