Tedburn St. Mary Devonshire: Triggs Family Connections

No. 50 Union Terrace

St. Thomas

Exeter

Devonshire

(date: about September 1890)

Dear Uncle (Fred Triggs],

I suppose you will be surprised to hear from me. I asked Aunt Susan for your address when Poor Grandmother was buried, but I have been ever since making up my mind to write to you. You know of course I am married about eight months ago. I am working in the City Brewery. Sidney is in Herefordshire now. Evelyn is at Yealmpton but home now, as I am writing this letter, for her Holidays. Cyril is at Creditors so we are all away from home. Only Father and Mother left at the old sweet home. They are very well, I see them sometimes. I suppose you would not know any of us now; it must be eighteen or nineteen years ago this month September I remember you was sailing across the ocean. On Tedburn Fair week they've a Cattle Fair now; for the Past two years so the old Fair is not dead yet. I went home the Sunday after the Fair. The old village is looking the same as ever. Saw Uncle John Morrish and Aunt May. I told them I was writing to you. I was to remember them to you and also Oliver Lethbridge. His brother Jack is home now from London. He is out of the Force now -- he has been home for some time. Tom is still living. Uncle William and Aunt Jane , but she is failing fast -- she is not fit to be left by herself now. She gets lost on times.

John Lake is dead about four or five years ago. The Smith you know so Tom got his business now. His Nephews is got married now. Jack Laskey [?] is married -- he is living at Exeter keeping a Public House now. He is to so fat you would not know him now. His Father and Mother is still living right across from our Place where Old Kellaway used to live you know. Jack Hodge is still at Harford. George is at Exenouth, married with one child. I suppose you can remember when you went picking nuts with old George some years ago. Poor Grandfather Hodge is dead about twelve months before. Grandmother 91 years old age. George Hodge or Bonney as we used two call him is dead about 2 years ago also Jack Taverner and his Father Old Butcher you know. Of course you know Blanche Morrish is gone as well some time ago -- Ernest her brother is Married -- he is a Butcher living in Exeter. Reginald-- that is another brother -- he is up at the same (butcher] shop with him. Of course you did not know him, he was born about the Fair week when you was sailing. He is a fine chap, got to now biggest of the Family. Fred he is in Exeter Tailoring. Then comes Mildred -- that is the youngest so of course you don't know -- she is got a fine Girl now growing tall like Blanche.

We have had very Poor summer in Devonshire this year. The Farmers have just finished harvest. It has been a very wet harvest for them this year making a dear loaf for winter. Corn is still going up. The Potato crop is very good but the disease is got in them some Places very bad. All the other crops are fairily good about the Part. Old Tedburn Town is altered since you saw it last. Nearly all pulled down -- only one or two houses left there. Mrs. Tothill is still living there. Tom Holman is dead about three years ago. I forgot to mention his name before.

I don't know much more news to tell you this time. I will write again sometime. I think you ought to come home once and see us all. I am sure they would be glad to see you. Make up your mind and come next summer. Don't you forget to write soon after you get is letter and let us know how you are getting on. Send home one of your photos -- if you have not got one get some done. I should like to see you very much. You see I have sent you one of mine but they tell me I am took a bit too stiff but its like me. That's all the news this time. All that I know off so I must draw it to a close. Hope you are enjoying the best of health as it leaves me and my wife up to the time of writing. Remember me to Dick Chisworth when you see him. I saw him when he was home last.

From your Nephew Mark Triggs

It's now the 10th of October that I posted this letter so you will see how long it takes coming across