Name/Title
A letter from Jonathan and Mary Hildreth to Emma and Henry MillsEntry/Object ID
2011.351.1.1Description
A letter from Jonathan and Mary Hildreth to Emma and Henry Mills, 18 April 1880. The missive, without an envelope and written from Los Angeles, is from grandparents to grandchildren and laments mainly about poor economic conditions and the desire of the Hildreths to return to an unnamed location, though via an "emagrant train," suggesting Missouri. A reference is made to Mary Hildreth going to "Montie" or El Monte. After Jonathan's lengthier portion, a shorter one is penned by his wife. In the 1880 census, taken 4 June, the couple resided at 164 Fort, near Sixth Street, where the 75-year old Jonathan was listed as a machinist from New Jersey and his 74-year old wife, a native of Ohio as keeping house. Neither had origins of parents listed. The Hildreths had been in Los Angeles since at least 1876, but the town was in a depression for years afterward. With some stains, soiling and a few creases, the overall condition is good.
