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Letter #6
From: Abbey Ensign, Nathan Ensign also Ralph Ensign and Isaac's mother
Mrs. Mary Tuller Ensign (Mrs. Moses Ensign)
To: Isaac Ensign, Forsyth, Georgia
Simsbury Sabbath afternoon Jan 12, 1845
Dear Brother,
I embrace the present opportunity of writing few lines to you. We received
your letter some weeks since and were very glad to hear from you. I have
been tempted to make you wait as long as we did for a letter so that you
would be able to sympathize with us. I have been mad enough with you to
bite a tenpenny nail in two. Methinks I hear you say what are you mad
with me about. It is no more we tell than this because you delayed writing
so long, but I will makeup and say no more about it if you will write
oftener for the future. But enough of this, I will try to give you all
the news. You of course have heard that Sabra is in Hartford and David
is in Suffield. Sabra was home Christmas and spent several days. She would
have written to you while she was home but she could not find a moments
time. Mother was not very well also. Mary Clark and she was obliged to
assist me. She likes her school very well but she studies very hard and
has but little leisure time. I shall not write any more on this page but
shall leave it for Mother. [This part was written by Abby Ensign.]
Dear Child--I should be more pleased to talk with you but must be content
to write. My health is better than it has been. Today is the Sabbath.
I have been meeting the test now be not weary in well doing but we shall
reap if we faint not may we not be weary in serving God but be instant
in season to do the will of our heavenly Father. May you ever be found
on the side of the Lord. Let your situation be what it may, if you don't
forsake Him He will not you. While friends and acquaintances are fast
going to the grave. Betsey Mares Tuller Mrs. Ames Mrs. Abby Case and Hector
Humphrey wife they are all dead. Dea Eno and wife and Elizer are sick
also. Lucy Tuller she is so feeble it is feared she will not live till
spring. Job family Jeremiahs and uncle P family saw aunt Sally yesterday.
Give my love to Mrs. Phelps family. Write home often. M. T. Ensign (His
mother)
[Abby continues] There was a donation party December twenty fifth at
Rev and Mrs. Scofields, also January first at Rev. Allen McLeans. Attended
both, they were very pleasant. Charlotte D. was married on Nov 27 (Thanksgiving
Day) and left for New York immediately. She wrote home that she enjoys
herself lots. Marion Newcomb was married Dec 4th. We all had invitations
to her wedding. By all, I mean the young people in our street. Emily Phelps
of Paqumock and Martha Clark were there attended by two young people of
your acquaintance Mr. O. J. Phelps and Mr. John Marshall. The young ladies
spent the night with Mary Ann. The gentlemen at Mr. J.O.P. They wished
to be remembered to you. I should think she had done very well. She appeared
to enjoy herself first rate. They were over here to church last Sabbath.
I had almost forgotten to mention that Doctor White had caught the matrimonial
fever and he too has taken a wife. (Ralph has been whispering something
in the ears of Mary Clark and they won't either of them tell what it is
and its funny) Mary is spending the winter at home. The boys are both
at home.
John Reale and Caroline are at home. John has sold out in Springfield.
Mrs. Hall has been in Springfield a fortnight returns tomorrow. Lydia
is at home as usual. We have selected the New Doctor for her. Would not
that be first rate. Truman is at home doing nothing as usual. You know
that Laura came home from Boston Thanksgiving and is now attending Mr.
H-------school. Celelia and Ann continue at New Britain. Mary T. is at
home. Seymore is at home. I cannot tell what her business is. Dr. J. T.
Leilibridge has taken house at Mrs. Tibbetts. Leavenia Baxtor was married
December 24th. Mary Ann P. officiated as bridesmaid. They have gone to
New York on a bridal tour. Alson Holcomb and wife--Holcome is married
also Harriett Miller and Horace Bainard. She has gone to Hartford. We
got an invitation to her wedding.
[Ralph Ensign writes] Abigail has been telling your story about me but
don't mind her. Nathan has been telling some I suppose. I suppose you
broke the rule some must excuse the mistakes. When you write I would like
to know who wrote it. Yours, Ralph Ensign.
[Abbey continues again] Minerva Gillett is married so it is a gone case
with you but take courage there is a chance for you. Miss Thilomelia Squires
an her(?) maid at the farms was married to Mr. Godard of Granby (a Methodist
Ministers family) a few weeks since. Moses St. John has been to Marcellas
and spend three or four weeks, we think to find him a wife. How successful
he has been time alone will reveal. Perhaps next spring. Mr. Dan Moses,
a cousin of his, is now in Simsbury. Report says that Mr. Moses will not
return until he gets him a wife. Now who do you think is to be the happy
lady? Now guess. Do you give it up? Well I guess if I must tell I must.
Orphea Holcomb is the one which has been selected for him. The bell has
just been tolling for five. Chancy Eno he died this morning, Monday Morning,
about 7. Elizus they think is recovering. Last evening went out to Sidney
Tullers. Jeffry, Bernard, Sam Holcomb, Mary, Lydia, Orphea and myself.
First rate sleigh. Had a very pleasant time. Mariette is well. Bidwell
has got out the old teack (?) again they say. Lucy Tuller is failing.
She will not probably live a great while. She is resigned and cheerful,
willing to meet Death. Sabrina Allen died quite sudden. Louise Leatham
has gone to spend the winter in Canada. I have not been to Granby but
think of going this week. Shall call on Betsy D and perhaps Laura D. Cousin
Samuel is going to be my beau and I hardly know where I shall go. Give
my love to Cornelia and tell her I am afraid she has been missed. Love
to all of Mr. Phelps family. Please remember me to Mr. & Mrs. Dibble.
I have written you almost everything I could think of. It is almost time
for the mail to come now. You mind and write soon. We have not answered
Mr. Phelps letter yet. Mary P commenced (?) me in return some time ago
and it has been her move these three weeks but I cannot find time. I reckon
he will get it some time next spring.
Your affectionate Sister Abbey
P. S. I should have thought you would rather have gone to work for Mr
Dibble than to have to taken a school for such small wages. You should
look well for self. I know nothing about it but if you had worked for
him you would have had certain wages. All I want is to have you make as
much as you can and not have another New Jersey trip. Mother says I should
not have written so, but it is written and it cant be helped.
[Nathan writes] I suppose you want to know how that I get along with
the fiddle. I have not got along very fast for I go to singing school
two nights each week so as to learn to read the notes to play. I shall
learn before you get home, I think. I am in grandmothers room and she
is most of the time a calling for Abigail or Sabra. I get along very well
in school. I went out to the farms Saturday. I suppose that you know that
Abbie Merrit teaches school here. As Abigail is a going to tell you the
news so I will not undertake to tell it to you. I hope you will please
so that you may be well renumerated. I must leave the rest until next
time. Yours, Nathan Ensign
Letter #7
From: Sara C. Goodwin, Bloomfield, CT
To: Isaac W. Ensign, Forsyth, GA Feb 28, 1845
Thank you friend Isaac for your very interesting communication received
a few days since. So you enjoy yourself finely down in Georgia, do you?
Faring sumptuously every day, as your indications of "corn dodgers", "sweet
potatoes," and "chicken fixings" can testify. Well, you are welcome to
the dodgers, etc. but just bring home a sweet potatoe for us, will you?
You cannot but be suited with your temporary domicile, since it was erected
under your special superintendence. Your description of it would answer
for many I have seen in the valley of the Miss. Many eastern people would
think the sparing accommodations of a log cabin incompatible with happiness,
or even comfort. But I have no doubt of the existence of much real contentment
and enjoyment too among the inhabitants of these humble dwellings.
Of course you wish to know what is "going on" in the "valley of Turxis(?)".
You are probably aware that the Congregationalist are endeavouring to
revive church music under the instruction of Mr. Brace of W. Hartford.
Our schools are very interesting-two a week usually. I attended one last
evening at the Townhouse. Saw Abigail and Sabra. John Hall & Caroline-Lydia
Preston, Mr. Tibbets, Juliett Goodrich and I believe Helen Chapman from
Tolland etc. And lots more that you would enjoy a chat with, very much.
Am going again tonight at Weatogue. There was a meeting of the "Mason
& Hastings Musical Association" at Canton last week. Mr. Lowell Mason
himself met us there and his admirable remarks and critical observations
upon vocal music, afforded us a rich treat, as you may well imagine.
Mr. McLean has been unwell and not able to preach for two Sabbaths past.
I learned last night that he is gaining--sits up four hours a day. Ashbel
Moses is continuing unwell also-- I believe has a fever. Lucy Tuller is
quite low with consumption. Mother has been sick for a few weeks with
a very severe cough. She is now much better almost well. Your cousin Hoyt
Whiting has been teaching school in Doucester this winter. His school
closed this week I believe. Hueason (?) had a tall exhibition week before
last. Some 200 attended. The second story of Weatogue Schoolhouse was
literally jammed.
Have you heard of the marriage of Augeline Prosser and Gaylord Hitchcock,
"both of Bloomfield" as the papers have it. They were "tied up" the 6th
of February. It was a very stormy night. It had snowed for two days previous
almost constantly and continued snowing all the eve and the snow was badly
drifted. John Phelps accompanied me. We started in a sleigh and soon found
ourselves on the warmest side of a snowbank. However we were not hurt
at all and the sleigh being uprighted we went on down the mountain and
then at the corners took passage with 8 or ten others on an ox sled and
thus we safely arrived at the Prossers. The bride looked interesting of
course. All things passed off pleasantly. There were not more than half
the expected guests there on account of the storm. So much for Augeline's
wedding.
Hariett G. has tall company again Sunday nights. Whether this renewal
of attention for the fourth time will amount to any thing more than any
previous effort--I "not knowing could not state".
I have sent one paper to, and received one from Mrs. D. P. Ely. I hear
she enjoys life finely in New York. Your account of Southern weddings
was quite amusing. How such proceedings would appear in sober old Conn!
Bub is a bright laughing little creature, "full of fun & frolic",
quite a pet with us all, you may imagine.
Oh, about watchpapers. I have not painted one this winter and have none
that is fit to send you. I'll have some ready by the time you get to Conn
again.
I have received two or three papers from you and have answered them.
I don't know as you get them. Humason has commenced another term. I have
learned that he expects to continue teaching in Neatogue through the year.
He has had 30 pupils through the winter. Pretty well, ain't it? Considering
it is a select school in Simsbury. John Phelps was in here a few moments
since, I told him I was writing a letter but didn't say who to, and he
said I may send about five respects!
The young people in Simsbury have been quite still this winter. All the
parties are donation visits, and the meetings of the far famed sewing
society. Said society meets next Wednesday at your Fathers--Abigail requested
me to come, but I do not know as I shall be able to. You would enjoy it
finely were you here no doubt. I have never attended but just one of them,
that was at Mrs. Goodrich's last summer when you knit for me, you know.
Abigail talks of coming over to spend a week with me, but she has talked
of it so long that I don't really believe she means it all. Well, I've
filled this sheet, I have told all that I think would interest you, but
do excuse its dullness, for I have a severe headache today. Well, now
you must behave yourself down there!! Good bye
I remain your friend,
Sarah C. Goodwin.
Letter #8
From: Isaac W. Thompson, East Granby Ct
To: Isaac W. Ensign, Forsyth, GA (Age 25)
East Granby April 9, 1845
Good Afternoon Brother Isaac
How do you do Sir? I suppose you are enjoying the genial warmth of a
New England Mid Summer sun, while we are enduring the cold of an almost
wintry day. When I arose yesterday morning I found the ground covered
with snow which had fallen during the night. It was a very bitter cold,
blustry day for the eighth of April. I almost wish myself in the extreme
South part of Florida where I could not see snow enough to say snow, for
I can stand warm weather very well but cold weather strikes through me
like a "Carolina Chill" before the fever. We have had quite an open winter
to spring here notwithstanding the coldness of weather now. I suppose
you would like to hear some of the news of the day. Very well, it is mostly
politics. You of course are aware that just before & after an election
of State officers you can hear of nothing but politics;;politics. Well
we held our election yesterday. Simsbury elected two whigs, viz Dr Hanford
& Tuller. You of course will hold up both hands & say "Three cheers"
for my native town. May other towns do likewise. Well Granby has &
also Suffield. While Granby has elected two whig representatives she has
given a Democratic majority on the State ticket, but you ask how could
that have been? Why I will tell you. The Democrats were divided in their
candidates, while the Whigs pulled with a long pull and a strong pull
and pulled altogether & succeeded. It is thought by the whigs that
they have carried the State ticket throughout & reelected Mr. Baldwin
VC but it is doubted at present, it is most too quick to have correct
returns, but enough of this..
You said in your letter that you hoped "those members in the Church would
have discovered the error of their way & returned". I do not certainly
know what ones you alluded to, but if you had allusion to the opposers
of Br. Reid I can only say that they are no more pleased with him now
than when you left. They seemed to have done their utmost to destroy the
influence of their pastor, but I think they are getting deeper into the
mud than they are on the mire for they are losing the confidence of the
brethren & sisters very fast. I said losing, I might have said, have
lost, for they have almost if not entirely. There have been other trials
in the church since you left. Painful as it has been with all of our trials
we have had to withdraw the hand of fellowship from some four or five
members. Some for not filling their place in the Sanctuary & refusing
to support the ministry; others for continuing in the practice of dancing,
attending dancing schools, etc. Perhaps you ask their names. The former
are Wm McRoy, Henry Barrett & Mrs. Allen Winchels. The latter, Chloe
Barrett, George Befs. Pray for them Brother that they may yet see the
error & sinfulness of their way, & return to the fold of Christ.
But while we have thus been pained, our hearts have been made to rejoice
in God for the mercy drop that has fallen in that Mrs. Edward Thompson
as we hope has been brought into the kingdom of God, Dear Son, & united
last Sabbath with the visible Church of Christ in Tariffville. Our Sabbath
School is very interesting now, & has been through the winter and
notwithstanding the pernicious influence that appears to be shed abroad,
we have a very full congregation on the Sabbath.
Our prayer meetings here are not very interesting at present, probably
on account of the feelings of some of our brethren & Sisters. But
I hope & pray that the time may soon come when we shall be of one
heart & of one mind & that we shall fear lest we offend one of
Christ's little ones, for it has been said of such as do offend "that
it were better for them that a millstone be hanged about his neck and
drowned in the depth of despair."
You said that you hoped we should not do any improper or rash act, to
which I respond Amen. I hope we shall have the Spirit of Elijah's God
to guide & direct us in all of our deliberations & that we shall
do nothing but what will be for the glory of God & our souls good.
I was glad to hear that you are situated among Christians & where
you could enjoy the preaching of the gospel. As it is almost time to go
to the office I will close by wishing you health & prosperity in this
world & life everlasting in the world to come. I have enjoyed very
good health the past winter but my mind has been dark & dreary most
of the time. I should be glad to receive a letter or paper at any time.
And while you remain absent from us pray for us that we may be firm &
steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the good work of the Lord realizing
that these slight afflictions here will only work out for us a far more
exceeding & -----weight of glory.
Yours in the hand of Christian love,
Isaac W. Thompson
Letter #9
From: Sarah C. Goodwin, Bloomfield, CT
To: Isaac W. Ensign, Forsyth, GA
Bloomfield Conn July 12th 1845
Respected Friend,
Will any apology be accepted for my thus long delaying to answer your
very interesting letter received in April last? Please excuse me this
once. My correspondents all complain of unwanted neglect of late. You
know I used to be a "pattern of punctuality" but to owe the truth I do
not love to wield my pen in letter writing as well as formerly. It is
not because I love my friends any less, but it is merely a disinclination
for expressing my thoughts and feelings on paper. But even at the "eleventh
hour" I will write all I think will interest you. Perhaps you have heard
ere this of the lamented death of John E. Prosser, which occurred June
27th. As you may not have heard of it I will briefly recapitulate some
of the circumstances connected with the mournful event. Undoubtedly you
were informed of his marriage May 6th with Harriet Cornish of Bloomfield.
The disease which so suddenly terminated his existence was typhus fever.
He was sick but two weeks--delirious nearly all that time, of course no
sense of his alarming situation. All that medical aid could do to avert
the stroke was done but alas without success. His funeral was the most
solemn and affecting one I ever attended. An immense concourse of morning
friends followed his remains to the "last long home". His widowed bride
was color & tearless doubtless her grief was the more intense. His
father feels deeply his irreparable loss. John had faults it is true,
but he also possessed many redeeming qualities. His untimely death spread
a gloom over the youth of his acquaintance, for his friends were numerous.
His sister Selina was married to Jay Cadwell a little more than two weeks
previous to John's departure. A large & pleasant wedding party. I
met your sister Abby both at the bridal & funeral. John E. was well
as usual this eve of the wedding-he was the last one to whom I said "good
night" as I left for home. But he has gone "to that house from whence
no traveler returns".
You inquire after E. F. Lord. I see her occasionally. She is well, single
& likely to be for ought I know to the contrary. Old Simsbury changes
but little. Evelin Brocket & Cordelia were married Election week and
it was a lively, pleasant time we had at their wedding. Rodney Cass &
Esther Pettibone were married July 7th Monday morning wedding. Cake &
cards circulated. Rev. Charles McLean was invited to a Miss. Williams
of Wethersfield Wed morn July 9th. & started immediately for Saratoga
& Niagara. Thus much for Cupid's doings. Maryett's Bidwell still passes
her every second sabbath evening. Burton has a daughter added to his family
circle recently. Aurora Case & wife are spending the summer at home.
She is a lively pretty girl & does not suffer from contrast with Eastern
girls. Edward Case is also at home. Simsbury has considerable company
this summer. Mrs. Amos R. Eno & family have arrived. Miss. Sarah Peck
is at the parsonage. Mrs. Milton Humphrey & Mrs. Jane Lewis are at
Chester Eno's. Maria Tuller is again with us. Charlotte Ely also spends
the summer at home. The glorious 4th was celebrated by the meeting of
the Sunday School Union. I rode in another direction. If one cannot
be independent on that day when can they, I ask?
Pray how did you pass the day? And now I must inquire how your school
prospers & when you are coming home & so on. And moreover Isaac
are you going to show us Mrs. I. W. Ensign when you return? We conjecture
that Sarah Cornelia P--- will be Sarah Cornelia E. ere long. How is it--you
may tell me in a whisper & "I won't tell anybody". Be right but I
shall positively expect some cake & a card. The current report now
is that Humason will be married to Eunetia Eno in the coming autumn. He
visits there, that is certain. He continues his school yet. Moses is at
home & quite steady for him. The sewing society is still sustained.
I have attended but one of their meetings & that was at Mrs. Goodrich's
last September when you helped me knit. Do you ever hear from "our Tim"
or Dewey? Levi Prosser is at home & has been for two months. I reckon
you know something about hot weather but it has been pretty considerable
warm here for several days past. The mercury has ranged from 92 to 98
degrees in the shade. I have received two papers from you & answered
them since you last wrote. If you deem this worthy of a person read it
& destroy it. Sarah
Edwards saw mill is in operation but the grist mill is still in progress
of building. Harriette & Evelin remain exactly the same.
Your friends are all well I believe. Abby has not been here to make her
visit yet-ridiculous isn't it! Yours in considerable haste
Sarah C. Goodwin
Transcribed from the original on April 28, 1990 by Sam R. Bunn. The original
was found in Oliver Roswell Phelp's bible by his great granddaughter Cornelia
Sheppard.
Isaac and Cornelia did not marry until September 1846.
Letter #10
From: Moses David Ensign, Simsbury Ct June 1846
To: Isaac W. Ensign, Forsyth, GA
As I did not finish the letter the other night I take it up again tonight
though I am not much in the spirit of writing which by the way is easily
discernable without the aid of glasses by the various hooks I transmit.
Though the land is filled with wars and rumors of wars yet Simsbury, good
old Simsbury is safe!!
Young Jeff is making rapid advancements toward the land of double misery.
The other half is no less than Jane Humphrey eldest daughter of Austin
Humphrey of North Canton, but the consumation of his hopes will not be
till the sire and yellow leaf covers the autumnal forest if as soon as
that still I am not certain.
Moses St John is engaged to Nancy Lee of Granby so the old folks say.
Maryette Gilbert is still a spinster I suppose. Bidwell has not served
his seven years yet. The girls say that Mary Phelps thinks that a Peck
is about as good as a bushel. Mary Williston is engaged to be married
to someone in Britain, I forget his name. As for the rest of the young
men and maidens of Simsbury I am unable to tell whether there is any hopes
of their doing anything to populate the world or not
Mothers health is about as usual. She is around and able to do some work.
Abby and Sabra are quite well but your honorable correspondent is under
the doctor's care. Now don't be very much frightened nor alarmed for I
am able to work yet that is to do enough to pay my board. So you need
not consider it a very serious malady but rather as following the good
old maxim "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"..By the bye
before I forget it I want to inquire if there is a young lady in Forsyth
or anywhere near or in Macon by the name of Sarah C. Coombs that you know
of and is there a Seminary by the name of Montpelier Seminary any where
in that region. If you don't know I wish you would inquire. Our folks
want to have you send your photograph or likeness by Mr. Phelps when he
comes. Please bear it in mind. I don't know exactly when I shall start
but if I do go it will probably be sometime in June. I expect our folks
will make some objections but why then I may as well go this summer as
any time, don't you think so. We don't have much to do in the shop. We
have no peddler but Ezekiel Case.
They have given Mr. Chapin of Ireland parish in West Springfield to come
to Tarriffville and he has accepted the call so you see we shall have
a minister. He is quite a balanced and smart man. The difficulties are
all settled now so that it all goes like clock work but how long it will
continue so God only knows. For my part I have but little respect for
such fickle madness as some manifest so as to admire every newcomer though
perhaps Mr. Chapin will do as well as Mr. Reid. I hope so at least that
is that he will try to do what is right. Sabra says she shall write before
long. Write often and full letters. Mrs. Barber and Mrs. Palmer are up
here now. Remember us to all. Don't forget that likeness. If I go West
I shall go in two or three weeks. I must stop for this is quite long for
me, so write. We are sorry you are not coming home this summer. David
Courtesy of 
Sam Bunn
225 Durham Road
Milner, GA 30257-4004
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