Olive Smoot Bean, Correspondence, 1882

File — Box: 1, Folder: 13

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September 2, 1882-Jeffersonville, Virginia
Dearest loved ones at home
"...I pray that this may find you enjoying good health, and sweet contented happiness, that you may be prepared in every way for your trial which is now a little over two months distant....Dear Polly must always include herself as one of the loved ones at home, and in all my letters where anything can relate to all, that it is for all; for I realize that, in the bounds of union and love... becomes [sic] sweeter and stronger because each one enjoys the love and affection of all....I hope you, Dear Olive are not trying to do as much work as you usually do...for above all things take care of your health...[Olive] It will be better to have your Coal and wood bought early...watch your opportunity and get your wood chopped and put away.... Also commence fatting the pig by the first of Oct. and have it ready to kill by the fore part of Dec... You will please get some pretty good canton flannel and have me two suits made that is undershirts and drawers."
September 3, 1882-Provo City, Utah
My Own Dear Husband.
Oh! Will, as I sit tonight alone in our little home and think of the pleasant Sunday evenings we have spent together in it, I lose control of my feelings and am obliged to shed tears of lonliness."
OSB
September 11, 1882-Burkes Garden, Virginia
Dearest, darling, sweetest, blessed, best of wives
"...If you could only see the sin and iniquity, which presents itself all around us, you would wonder how anything is accomplished in preaching the Gospel. Right in my field of Labor in Russell Co. there is three men living in open adultry with women whom they keep right with their lawful wives....Oh! I am so thankful that dear dear Polly is so near and dear to you, and ever pray that you and those you love are as near and dear to her, which I feel assured they are. May you both be blessed with that joy and happiness...."
JWB
September 12, 1882-Provo City, Utah
Dearest Husband,
"...In regard to the wood and coal, and other things you mention, I will carry out your directions as far as possible. Coal is rather scarce now and there is a general demand for it....I have been burning coal this summer, on account of not being able to get my wood chopped. I am not able to chop more than it takes to kindle with...."
OSB
September 20, 1882-Provo City, Utah
Dearest Most Devoted of Husbands
"...The registration is over, and Provo shows a total of 944, so I suppose the "Liberals" will find they have none the best of us yet."
OSB
September 26, 1882-Provo City, Utah
Dearly loved and loving Will
"...I am feeling particularly depressed and lonesome today....Polly came up Sunday night, the first time for nearly four weeks...but has not come tonight, and I feel lonely and blue in consequence. I am tired too, for I cut apples yesterday, and done a big washing today, so if my letter is not cheering, you must consider the circumstances.... There are days when I feel like all had deserted me but God and my loved husband, and that I was forgotten, almost, by Him who is always a friend to the faithful....But Oh! my loved husband, do not cease to pray for me, that I may safely pass through the ordeal, and live, with our children and Polly, to welcome you home."
September 26, 1882-Swords Creek, Virgina
Dearest loving ones at Home
"...I am very grateful for dear Polly's friendly note and the good wishes, and prayers therein expressed, and I trust and pray that the deeper feelings of her heart, which she half conceals and is half afraid to express, will develope into a reciprocation of the pure love which she knows that I have for her, ere I return. I will write to her if she desired it, yet I could say nothing more than what I have, in writing to the loved ones at home for I feel there is nothing that you desire to conceal from each other; and I pray that I may never, by word or action, do anything that I will be ashamed for both to know."

Dates

1882

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