McMillan Letter

This was a letter received by Gorden Brabham of Olar, SC dated 21 July 1934 from David Braxton McMillan of Rt. 2, Mansfield, Mo.

Dear Sir, realizing that time is drawing nigh for your annual reunion and that I can not attend it, altho it would afford me much pleasure to do so, and get personally acquainted with some of you Southern people. I am sending you this letter, which if you consider would be of sufficient interest to apart or all present you may read it in their hearing. While I send greetings and best wishes to all who may be present. I presume the letter will be of more interest to the McMillan than others. First I wish to say all the McMillan of the north are of SC origin. Daniel McMillan, a brother to James and Henry W. McMillan had four sons, cousins to my Grandfather who left SC about the same time my Grandfather did and went to the states N. of the Ohio River and settled there and from these five progetors, McMillans are found throughout all the northern and western states. Quite a few of them have occupied Honorable positions in both state and nation, besides, being leading characters in business and educational work. US Senator James McMillan was either a son or grandson of one of those McMillans who settled in Ohio and at this time a McMillan is a Federal Judge in California. My grandfathers family consisted of 4 sons and 4 daughter, all lived and rear families, my father was the oldest one born 1817. He and his brother next to him were too much afflicted to be soldiers in the civil war, but their two younger brothers served through it in the Northern army and came out unhurt. Infact Lawrence Pinckey is the only McMillan I ever heard of loseing his in that war.

Now a few words in regards to myself; I have just finished my 80th yr the 3rd inst. I have very good health for one of my age. Can do some work yet, and walk 4 or 5 miles with out being badly fatigued. I am rather small in stature, height 5 ft. 1 in. and weight 135 lbs. has been about that every since I was 25 years old. am fair complected and have blue eyes. Until turned by age my hair was dark brown, now nearly white. Althrough the active part of my life I followed the teaching proffession during the fall and winter, and worked on my farm through the spring and sumer, but of late years I do nothing but cultive my garden and do chores around the place. I have been a member of the Baptist church for the greater part of my life and my work in the church has been teaching the Bible Class. I am getting ---- now, I shall have to close.

Give my best regards to Mrs. Brabham, your companion who I understand is a McMillan and tell your Cousin Maude Brabham, I appreciated her letter very much am sorry it was never my lot to get acquainted with her father. Now if any of you people deem this merit a reply it will receive a hearty welcome.

From a friend to all D. B. McMillan or David Braxton McMillan.

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