Name/Title
Gray Letters 1852 03 29Entry/Object ID
2024.10.1.269Description
This is a letter dated 03/29/1852 from Samuel Gray's sister Mary Joanna to her brother Samuel Gray regarding family matters. She starts out by saying she hasn't received a letter from Samuel for a year. The letter she received told her of the birth of their second son, Franklin Henry, and of his death in the same letter. (NOTE: Franklin Henry Gray was born 08/20/1851 and died 01/16/1852.)
She says she is glad that Samuel has a good pastor and church to attend. (At this time Samuel is attending Woodbridge's church in Benicia.) She goes on to wish it were an Episcopalian church and sends a poem to Samuel regarding religion.
She talks of their modest means and how they aren't rich but are happy. She says that her husband has nearly paid Uncle the $600 he owes for their black girl. (In the previous letter she talks about their servant and how much she cost. This confirms that she came from the Edward Epps Powers estate and is probably the 13 year old girl named Nancy in the 1850 Federal Census for Mr. Powers.)
She talks of her husband's health and that they have almost paid off the doctor's bills (the previous letter talked of an ear injury to her husband). Lastly, she mentions a Mr. Anderson who is in business with her husband.
