Java, Wyoming Co. N.Y.
March 21, 1864
Dear Bro. & Sister
I received your letter a few days ago and
was glad to hear that you were
usually well. I got a letter from
??? saying Aaron had arrived home. I am
now located here in Java, it is a quiet
place: two stores, one church, one
hotel, school house, blacksmith &
shoemakers shop and my lot is pleasantly
located, store 20 x 30, celler under all
and chamber over all, is small but
comfortable dwelling house attached.
A small horse barn well finished, a
small garden in which is a few fruit trees
for which I paid $800. I bought
the goods which amounted to about $2000.
I would have gone to Ripon but
with my capitol I could not have bought
much of a stock of goods at present
prices and I dare not get head and heels
in debt these unsettled times.
This seems to be a quiet place and good
society and I think I shall like it
very well. The man of whom I bought
the property remains in the house for
the present and I board with him and he
helps me what I need in the store.
If you can spare that money, send a draft
in N. Y. but if you need it keep
it awhile. I can get along I guess
without it. The note is dated Oct
12/63, if you send it I will return the
note by return mail. I am enjoying
confortable health, and hope you are well
and enjoying the blessings of life
both spiritual and temporal, give my respects
to all your family, hoping to
hear from you soon & often, I remain
your,
Friend & Bro
A. Lyford
Dear Niece Laura
Much oblige for your letter and be assured
I shall ever be glad to receive
your letters and had forgotten that I
owed you a letter. I don't have what
to write to interest you but like to receive
your letters just as much as if
I wrote long ones in return. Edwin
Kent is living at home this winter and
is not doing much. He is well and
so are the family. Write again.
Yours,
A. Lyford
Mr. Lyford was married to Emily Hubbard
sister to Maria Hubbard who married
Aaron Bailey. Laura is their daughter.
She is my greatgrandmother. Maria
Hubbard was the daughter of John Hubbard
and Anna Kent. These families
spent many years in Wyoming County, NY.
Ripon is in Ripon, WI.
Transcribed by : Sandra Boudrou, sandrab@blarg.net