[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading. First two pages are written to Mary's grandson Willie, and the remainder to Willie's mother, her daughter Jennie.]Onarga Sep 9, 1886
My Dear Willie
I was very glad to get your letter. The first I believe you have ever wrote me. I am so glad you are able to get around again and hope you will be able to enter school when it opens.
Nettie I suppose is gone how do you all get on without her you will all miss her much as she was the life of the household has Mary started to school and have you seemed a girl for the kitchen, hope you have. It was well you had so many kind friends amongst your companions when you were laid up with your knee is it quite well again. You will be obliged to save it more than you had been doing[.] It would be a hard time with Lloyd if he had a weak limb he is so stirring and so playful he is now going to school eats no breakfast an[d] cannot take time to eat his dinner though he comes home very hungry but he must have some time to play ball at noon he seldom likes time to walk, loves to go to school, and loves most of all to ride and drive Diamond their pretty little horse he has come to be quite gentle, little Horace was very fond of him too called him Dimie he loved to ride in the buggy dearly it could scarcely get off without him he watched it so closely, he is a real cute fellow, wonder do what ever his Uncle Willie would tell him to do. We miss him very much and his mother too. He is now getting over the whooping cough nicely.
I must now close and go to dinner. Will write some to your mother will be glad to hear from you again[.]
With love your Grandma.
My Dear Daughter it is quite a while since I have written to you I think of you often these warm days and winder [sic] how your head is my head is some better and I am getting stronger than when I came here, wonder how you will get on without Nettie hope you have a girl. We notice [?] that you have a new neighbor are you pleased did she belong to Wooster is the daughter pleased. Presume Dr Paxtons are gone. I see that Mr Lyons' are really going back to China what will they do with their children[.] Why does Mr Johnston not return to India but go to Biddle instead we have not heard from China for some time Anna is quite anxious to hear about Jeanie as to whether she is to have her or not perhaps they will keep her at Calvin [?] awhile it will be so hard for Robbie to part with her so soon after her mothers death[.]
Anna is getting ready for her intended visit is having her sewing done.
Mr Wilbur is home was at Clifton a short time left Mrs Wilbur there for treatment. Whilst he was absent the church purchased a new bell and put it up all unexpected to him he takes his meals near his home. This morning I recieved [sic] my certificate from Mr Reigart I did not ask for it until the last minute as I was sorry to sever my connexion with that church where I have been so long a member[.] Frank Reigart expects to go to Princeton this fall and Agness [sic] has a position to teach somewhere. Mrs R and Ellen S. are not improving much. They expect to visit Pittsburg & Newcastle shortly. Ellen M is well and happy the rest of the friends are in usual health except C Brendt who is going down. I would like to hear from some one of you soon. Jennie M is not well as usual the heat is hard on her J L [son John] is well gets pretty tired. Willie is about as usual now goes to the store every day but does not do much. I have not learned yet whether Johnie is to stay but think he will. Love to Horrie and all. Write me soon and give me the news.
With love Mother