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Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. - Page 2     Born: 14 Mar 1835 Died:  05 Feb 1869       Letters 18 - 38   Letter # 18   Letter Dated: June 25, 1863 From: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. (age 28) Living In: Indianapolis, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton (b. 1789 - age 74) (Father) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Indianapolis, Indiana June 25, 1863   Dear Father:      Just got a letter from home. House burned up - all in the kitchen lost - balance saved. A good prospect for me here - think I'll get a situation at $500.00 a year to begin with and the promise of constant employment at much higher wages, but I am not certain yet.      It seems that a whirlwind threw the coals out of the stove in the kitchen which was somewhat open.     Let me hear from you when you can write. I'll write frequently. Thank God there's a mansion not made with hands which will never burn up.      Your son.   N. B. Hamilton     Letter # 19   Letter Dated: January 18, 1864 From: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. (age 28) Living In: Indianapolis, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton (b. 1789 - age 74) (Father) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Indianapolis, Indiana January 18, 1864   Dear Father:      We received your letter which was written on Christmas Day and now I hasten (after so long a time) to answer. I am fairly established and started in my business. We have a fine office, carpeted - cane-bottomed chairs - a nice lounge - fine paintings, large desks and things too tedious to mention.      I am getting along first rate. One of my students in Bookkeeping at Hartsville is clerking for me. My employers think that I am a Bully secretary and I know from what I can see and hear that they are well pleased. It will not be very hard for me to please honest men and I shall endeavor to do my duty to the best of my ability as they have not only made me Secretary, but Treasurer also, and a great deal of money has and will pass into my hands. The Co. is doing well and will be a very strong institution in a short time.      Poor Dave (David Wilfong Hamilton, b. 10/5/1838; RHR) and Ann (Achsa Ann Martin Hamilton, b 11/16/1836; RHR) have lost little May (Edith May Hamilton, b 9/25/1860, d 12/20/1863; RHR), but I suppose you have heard of it before this. Dave writes that he intends to visit us next month perhaps he intends to come and stay with you. I would be so glad if he would. He or I ought to come and live within reach of you and it will be hard for me to get the chance soon if I succeed well here, as persons that can do business and get a good reputation are run after and as soon as they are free from one engagement there are plenty of others to be had. The only trouble is to get a start, and as I have got one I don't know when I can stop.      I got a letter from Uncle Tom (Thomas Cleophas Hamilton, b.2/1/1784 - d.2/23/1872; RHR) and I will enclose it in this. He sent me a lock of his hair which is quite black yet with very few gray hairs in it. Poor old uncle he is ripe in years (79; RHR) and will soon be gathered I trust with the faithful where his eyesight will be perfect and where he can see all his brothers and friends and all the redeemed of the Lords who have died and gone before to welcome him and you and all who keep his commandments, into the Paradise of God where Father and Mother and children may all meet to part no more.      Bine's (Lovina Cannady Hamilton) girl (Sarah Elizabeth Young, b.5/10/1855, adopted 10/16/1865; RHR) is a great big fat child and is very good too. Hardie (George Harding Hamilton, b.7/12/1958; RHR) and Buddie (Melvin Leroy Hamilton, b.12/11/1961; RHR) are both fat as pigs and Bine's health is pretty good. I hope you can write to Uncle Tom and tell him what Uncle (Archibald Hamilton II, b.12/19/1785 - d.4/4/1860; RHR) and Aunt ( Susannah Bridges Hamilton, b. 12/7/1787 - d.10/27/1862; RHR) died with and what ever you are a mind to and I will write to him also. His Lawrence, Washington County, Ohio.      If I can spare the time I will come down and see you when Dave comes, but can not promise certain. Write as soon as you can and give our love to all the friends.   Yours affectionately - N. B. Hamilton   (Remarks: N. B. Hamilton, jr. was with the Equitable Fire Insurance Co. in Indianapolis. MS)     Letter # 20   Letter Dated: January 29, 1864 From: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. (age 28) Living In: Indianapolis, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton (b. 1789 - age 74) (Father) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Indianapolis, Indiana January 29, 1864   Dear Father:      I did not expect to receive a letter from you so soon. Hence it was a pleasure and a surprise.      I have written to David (David Wilfong Hamilton, b.10/5/1838; RHR) as you requested. I will do all I can to induce him to come and stay with you.      I was very much surprised this morning - a very pleasant looking stranger came into our office and handed me a paper. I saw that it was a notice from the former Secretary of this Co. to P. E. Royse that his note for insurance would be due, etc. I remarked to him that I thought it probable that some of my people were acquainted with the name Royse in New Albany perhaps. I told him my name was Hamilton. What, are you James B. Hamilton, he asked. I told him I was Ninian B. Hamilton. Said he, taking me by the hand, I remember you perfectly well. You were a little sprightly bright eyed boy when I taught school at Bakers School House, and says I, this is Pleasant Royse. I have no recollection of ever seeing him at all but when quite a child I heard you and many of the neighbors speak of Pleasant Royse until I became perfectly familiar with the name. He said he remembered that I was hard of hearing, and this reminded me that the bright eyed little boy he spoke of must be Reuben (Reuben Hamilton, b.2/6/1831 - d.1838; RHR). I spoke of this and he remembered his name and said I was the baby and we had quite a long chat. He inquired after Dovey (Delilah Ann Hamilton, b.11/20/1828; RHR) and the friends generally and told me that he lived at Fredricksburg and had been engaged for the last 20 years in writing a work which he showed me - entitled the " Voice of Prophecy". He has it completed and stereotyped and has sold one thousand copies. It is a book of about 500 pages and altogether a very readable book no doubt.      The last news we had from Hartsville was that my mother-in- law was very low with lung fever (pneumonia; RHR). They promised to telegraph if she got worse and as we have not received a dispatch we think she must be better. We are all well - all goes well. I sent word to our agent at Salem to call and see you and fill out an application on your house and I would send you a Policy of Insurance and should not cost you a cent, now nor hereafter. His name is Hayden - he is an excellent man, honest and honorable and succeeds well.      Write soon and I will also. Your son - N. B. Hamilton     Letter # 21   Letter Dated: February 2 1864 From: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. (age 28) Living In: Indianapolis, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton (b. 1789 - age 74) (Father) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Indianapolis, Indiana February 2, 1864   Dear Father:     I have just received a letter from David (David Wilfong Hamilton). He will be here day after tomorrow. He has sold off everything. If he comes to see you I will come too, if I can leave.      We are well. No more at present. Your son - N. B. Hamilton     Letter # 22   Letter Dated: February 4 1864 From: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. (age 28) Living In: Indianapolis, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton (b. 1789 - age 74) (Father) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Indianapolis, Indiana February 4, 1864     Dear Father:          I have just received another letter from David (David Wilfong Hamilton). He says for me to tell you that he is coming to work that farm, but for you not to send any money till he get there.      We are looking for him by every train from this until he comes. I am glad he is coming and hope he will find it pleasant to farm as he can live cheap and make a good living and be company and help for you. Yours in haste - N. B. Hamilton     Letter # 23   Letter Dated: May 17 1864 From: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. (age 29) Living In: Indianapolis, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton (b. 1789 - age 75) (Father) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   A photocopy of the original of this letter is included in this book so the handwriting of this teacher of writing skills may be observed. This letter was not among the ones typed by Mildred Markland Skelley, I obtained the original from Edith Westover Procunier, whose mother, Bertha Hamilton Westover, probably got when she and Dora Hamilton Howorth made a trip to Indiana visiting relatives in 1906. RHR           Indianapolis, Indiana May 17, 1864   Dear Father:      According to promise - and we should always keep our promises - I drop you a few lines today; not that I have anything particular to write, but merely to keep you "posted". Our health is pretty good although Bine (Lovina Cannady Hamilton) has suffered much here of late with Rheumatism in both feet and in her right arm. She is much better now.      Some time since I was taken down sick, and before we called in a doctor I was taken with a real "sinking chill" and was worse than I ever was in my life. For one whole day I knew little of what was going on. This was on Sunday and the next Friday I was in the office again and have been at work ever since. All feared that another attack would be dangerous and perhaps fatal; but the Dr was affective and succeeded much better than he expected.      The children are well only Hardie (George Harding Hamilton) has several sores about his hands and face. His blood seems to be in bad order. Uncle Geo. Harding after whom Hardie is named came to see us and talked a great deal to him and pulled out a five dollar "greenback" and gave it to him. Uncle is very clever and warm and earnest in having us to come and see him. He is very rich - owns perhaps thousands of acres of land not far from Paris, Ills. He has 22 miles of plank fence on his home farms and all the improvements anyone could think of almost, even a fine lake for fish and wild ducks which are plenty all the time. He acquired his wealth by trading in cattle in the New York Market. He is extensively acquainted far and near, has visited back and forth with Abe Lincoln and many other Washington officials. The government's Indian Agent (I can't think of the name now) is his brother-in- law and finally he tells me "If you are in want of a situation at any time, Hamilton, just let me know. I am pretty extensively acquainted and I think I will be able to get you a place if you want one". So it is, when I wanted a start it was hard to get it. Now I could plenty of situations but think it best to stick to the one I have until election day at least.      I don't know when I can come to see you; but will try and make it as soon as possible. We received David's (David Wilfong Hamilton) letter and will answer in a few days. Our love to all.   Your affectionate son, N. B. Hamilton     Letter # 24   Letter Dated: August 29, 1864 From: Lovina Hamilton Living In: Hartsville, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton (b. 1789 - age 75) (Father-in-Law) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Hartsville, Indiana August 29, 1864   Dear Father:      Ninian is very sick. He was taken sick immediately after his return from Harrison County with the flux (any excessive discharge of body fluid body matter, especially from the bowels. RHR) and came down to Conference and was taken down with inflammatory rheumatism and he has been confined over a week with that. He had it mostly in his left knee. It is much better now - we got a recipe and sent to Columbus and had a bottle of liniment made which relieved him immediately. He seems to have some signs of slow fever - but I hope he will not be bad. He is taking medicine. He has not been able to do any work for four weeks. The children are well. I am very unwell - my health has never been good since I had that bad spell early in the summer.   September 4, 1864        Nin has been worse since I begun this letter and I thought I'd wait until he got better. He has had it in both knees. He is better now than he has been at any time since he's been sick. He is very weak and cannot help himself up and down. He is not in any severe pain now. I hope he will soon be well.      He has often spoken of you since his illness. His almost daily expression is "Poor old Pap.  I wonder how he is getting along. I'd like to see him so well". We did think some of coming down to see you this fall - but owing to his sickness we will have to return home.      We rented our house out to a man and his wife while we would be gone on our visits. We could save eleven dollars rent and have room for our things. We want to get another house if we can. The rent where we are will be $15.00 next month. I hope rent will come down some soon. Things are above a living rate almost in the city. Poor folks can't hardly live.      Pa and Ma are not well Ma has had so many sick persons to do for. She is nearly worn out. She had that young Flenor here that came with you to school when you came out here. He was here two months with inflammatory rheumatism all over him and was a great deal of trouble. Nin will write as soon as he gets well. The children are well. Give out love to all. Bine     Letter # 25   Letter Dated: September 16, 1864 From: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. (age 29) Living In: Hartsville, Indiana To: David Wilfong Hamilton (Brother - age 26) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Hartsville, Indiana September 16th, 1864   Dear Brother:      Bine and the children will leave here on Thursday, the 22nd, for Pekin, and if possible make it through in the same day, either by the way of Seymour and Mitchell or New Albany and I am not able to say which. Will you be so kind as to watch the trains for them and assist them to fathers - and oblige - Your brother N. B. Hamilton     Letter # 26   Letter Dated: February 19, 1865 From: Lovina Hamilton Living In: Hartsville, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton (b. 1789 - age 76 (Father-in-Law); Candace Hamilton Martin (Sister-in-Law) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Hartsville, Indiana February 19, 1865   Dear Father and Sister:      I am almost ashamed to venture a line after waiting so long and apologies are common things I will offer none. Since I saw you I have had my "faith tried" in more ways than one. We have had considerable sickness tearing up moving around and Nin has been gone, etc. until I almost feel as if I never will have a place to stay again called home.      Nin is gone now to Indianapolis to see about the draft and to see about a situation. He talks of getting a temporary situation there until he can start up as he wishes here. My feelings are rather adverse to his plan of commencing a school here but perhaps its may prove a success. Let come what will and where will I am in favor of having a home and living there. I am so tired of gouging around.      Father and Mother are well as usual. Mother has not had a spell of fever this winter. Brother Henry (Henry Cannady) lost his wife the 2nd of January. He and his three boys are living with Father and Mother. She left a babe four weeks old - a Mrs. Arbuckle has it. Its a boy also. It has a good place.      Mother has had four boarders a part of the time this winter and a hired girl so there has only been 15 of us in the family.      I had an awful time going home last fall. I did very well till I got to Greencastle. There all my trumpery was to be moved to another train, and as the young ones were no inconsiderable part I found it some trouble. I had much trouble in getting my ticket and if a kind lady had not minded Gracie (Hattie Grace Hamilton, age 1) for me I guess I would not have gotten it at all. After I got on the train for Indianapolis while we were waiting to start someone told me if I did not see to my trunk it would be left there so I had to go and hunt up my trunk get a check and order it on the train.      This I did in less time than I can write it. By this time it was getting dark and very cloudy. About the time I got fairly seated again in come the conductor and tells us we will have to get out and get on another train as they could not make this one go. Of all the scrambling you ever seen we witnessed.      Then baskets, bandboxes and young ones were all transferred and jammed into one seat in a car so full that not one more could possibly have been seated - but we were in now and awful tired and its raining so here goes for Indianapolis - Soliloquy.     Now when I get to Indianapolis what will I do if Nin is not there - It is fair times and the whole face of the earth will be in a squirm with people - what will I do with my plunder and children while I hunt a hack through the dark and rain? Well here comes the conductor and takes the vote for Abe (Abraham Lincoln) and Mc (George McClellan) which amounted to 360 for Abe and 65 for Mc - so this drove away a little dull care and we arrived about 9 1/2 o'clock at Indianapolis and sure enough the depot was full and running over and I could see no Nin - I hunted the thinnest place next to the door and stood Hardie (George Harding Hamilton, age 6) Hamilton, Mellie (Melvin Leroy Hamilton, age 4) and the trumpery and hunted around after Nin. After I spent some time, I could not find him - I give up and was going out to hunt a hack thinking he had not received my letter - when someone gave me a tap and looking round to my joy there he stood - so then I ceased to be responsible having found the Head - When we reached home we found Julia there - she had come that day and had everything in trim and she declared if she had known what time I'd been home she'd have been up and had me a cup of hot tea -      I have been thinking of writing to you and to Pap and Dave (David Wilfong Hamilton) but my time is precious while I'm gouging around all the time, I hope you will not think hard. Many of my letters have never been received. Old A. C. Chamberlain, the P. M.(Post Master) is angry at me and I suspicion. I wrote to Nin every week at Pouhkeepsie and four weeks together he never got anything from me. I shall counterfeit my hand in directing this and see if it goes straight. There is much complaint here about the P. M.      Hardie is beginning to read considerable - Mellie is fat and saucy. Gracie runs everywhere. Say "How are you Mama" "dood tato" "bye-bye" etc. etc. The children were all taking the chicken-pox when I left your house - did your children have them? Mine had them very light - I would hardly have known what was the matter if others had not taken them from mine. Tell Lillie (Lillie Belle Martin) Hardie would like to see here.      Write soon - now Can (Candace Shuford Hamilton) please do and Isaac (Isaac Martin) too. Yours as ever - Bine     Letter # 27   Letter Dated: September 11, 1865 From: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. (age 30) Living In: Hartsville, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton (b. 1789) (Father - age 76) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Hartsville, Indiana September 1, 1865   Dear Father:      I have been too busy to write sooner, and can only give you a brief letter now. My school is going beyond by my expectations. The White River Annual Conference of the United Brethren Church passed Resolutions a few days ago recommending it in the highest terms. A number of students entered this week - one from Iowa, and I expect to be over-run almost between this and Christmas. Advertising does the work.      Bine has just recovered from a four weeks spell of Periodical Neuralgia. She was under the care of the doctor for 3 weeks. Hardie (George Harding Hamilton b.7/12/1858 - d. 10/6/1882; RHR) and Mellie (Melvin Leroy Hamilton b.12/11/1861 - 4/30/1935; RHR) are fat and both go to school and learn very fast. Hardie (age 7) has learned the telegraph alphabet and can soon learn telegraphing. We have two sets of instruments in operation. They cost us $125.00 and were sent to us from Boston. I would love to come down and bring the whole family and feast on peaches and melons and eat some grub with you, but it is out of the question. Our love to all. Write when you can. Yours affectionately - N. B. Hamilton     Letter # 28   Letter Dated: March 17, 1867 From: Lovina Cannady Hamilton Living In: Hartsville, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Sr. (b. 1789) (Father-in-Law) Isaac & Candace Hamilton Martin (Brother-in-Law & Sister-in-Law) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Hartsville, Indiana March 17, 1867   Dear Father and Brother and Sister:      You may be somewhat surprised at Nin for not answering your letter but when I tell you that he has been not only unable to do business but dangerously ill for two weeks - you will be ready to excuse him. The same old complaint in his side called by Dr.Usay "pleuretus", a chronic inflammation of the inside. The Dr. says he must not go into the schoolroom again for at least three months - and he recommends some kind of active exercise as soon as he is able - such as farm or carpenter work. Nin is in an unpleasant situation. His Dr. has had a hard work to prevent his side from gathering and it came near being too late when he began. The Dr. says if his side gathers he can only live about twelve hours after it breaks - He was taken this time as he was last spring with high fever. Dr. put an irritating plaster on his side as large as your two hands and said it must stay on until the third day and then he could tell if it would gather - two such days I never spent and I pray God I never may again. I have never had courage yet to ask him if he can prevent it from gathering but I infer what he says that he thinks he can as he says he likes the way the plaster is doing.      Everything that can be done I am doing. The Dr. lives in the next house to us and I see him every day - directions of every kind are fully carried out. Nin can now walk around as it is thought best for him to walk in the open air. If he could travel some - but where is his means I'd be willing for him to do anything or go anywhere if he could - If he had means to get the material he would go to work on a house as soon as he gets able. Dr. says he is bound to exercise if he lives -     Now Pa I am sorry I have nothing more encouraging to write to you but such is the truth and this is the burden of my mind. A large family and bad luck and pinching times are ours to contend with but nothing not even all of these combined weights upon my mind as his failing health, but God has always cared for us and in Him we trust. The children are well except Mellie (Melvin Leroy Hamilton) - he has a cold and cough. My health is very good with the exception of a weak back. Nin talks of coming down in a few weeks if he gets better. Nin says tell you he paid that insurance company $4.00 and he will have them to pay back. Write very soon to us. I hope the next news we have may be more encouraging.      Now Candace (Candace Shuford Hamilton Martin) do please write as soon as you get this if its only a few lines - it will be a source of comfort to us as ever your sister - Bine     Letter # 29   Letter Dated: January 18, 1868 From: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. (age 32) Living In: Hartsville, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Sr. (b. 1789) (Father - age78) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Hartsville, Indiana January 18, 1868     Dear Father:      It has been some time since I wrote to you and longer still since I heard from you, so I propose to write a few lines to inform you that my health has improved very much since I wrote to you last. I hope that I will soon again be sound and well. I have sent to Dr. Hamilton in New York for medicines. He says he will guarantee a cure and I thought I would try him. Bine  is sick with a severe cold which has settled in her head. She seems better today. The children have bad colds but are tolerably well otherwise.      I wrote to the Equitable Insurance Co. and told them not to send you any more notices, and I want you to pay no attention to any of them. Do not answer them at all, and send me all the letters they send you. I will attend to it. I must close. Give our love to all and accept it yourselves - from your Son - N. B. Hamilton     Letter # 30   Letter Dated: March 1, 1868 From: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. (age 32) & Lovina (Bine) Cannady Hamilton Living In: Hartsville, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Sr. (b. 1789) (Father - age78) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   [The first part of the letter is from Bine]   Hartsville, Indiana March 1, 1868   Dear Father:      Your letter came to hand last Tuesday - I am sorry I cannot say it found us all well. Nin was taken two weeks ago last Tuesday with typhus fever and has been confined to his bed until yesterday - he sat up all day for the first. He would now be doing finely if he did not have night sweats they weaken him so very much. He had the hardest spell he has ever had - his side did not hurt him any this time - he is awfully poor.      Mother was taken with lung fever five weeks ago today and she also sat up all day yesterday for the first. I've had my hands full. Hardie (George Harding Hamilton) has whooping cough for nearly three weeks. Edie (Edith Lucina Hamilton) had a spell of something like scarlet rash which made her very sick for several days. None of the children have had whooping cough. I think Mellie (Melvin Leroy Hamilton) and Gracie (Hattie Grace Hamilton) and Edie (Edith Lucina Hamilton) are taking it, then Lizzie (Sarah Elizabeth (Young) Hamilton) and I'll be through I think. I am taking the nurse cough I cough as bad as Hardie (George Harding Hamilton) and more of nights. He has not got it hard - it hurts his head worst.      There has been more than usual sickness here this winter. We have had the celebrated Dr. and lecturer here, Geo. H. Everett, and he told Nin he should rest one month by all means and it would do him an immense amount of good - by being released from all care and anxiety.      I wish he could but he has some students all the time who think their education is pinned to his coat tail and no none else can learn them anything. If they would only depend as much on his partner it would be a blessing for Nin. Sometimes I get vexed that he must be compelled to stay with them so closely. But I hope when he gets over this spell his health will be better. If it is not he must quit. He has gone to sleep and I'll wait until tomorrow to finish my letter. This is Sabbeth night Pap I wish you could come out and see Nin I think it would help him. Bine   [The second part of the letter is from Ninian, Jr.]   Dear Father:      Bine wants me to finish and I'll try and write a few lines although its quite a task for me to write. This month I will be 33 - and instead of being as I should in the very prime of life, enjoying vigorous health, I am so unfortunate as to be unable to attend to my business of any consequence. When my health gets good and I feel about right it seems that I am easily snatched down again. This is because my system has been overtaxed. It can be restored. All my doctors tell me so, but they say nothing but rest will do it. Medicine will not do it. I ought to take the rest. It seems like committing suicide not to do it. Every interest I have - my family and their wants now and hereafter, all demand that my heath should be restored at any sacrifice necessary. Pay no attention to that Ins. Co. Your son- N.B.H.     Letter # 31   Letter Dated: April 22, 1868 From:  Lovina (Bine) Cannady Hamilton Living In: Hartsville, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. (age 33) Living In: Indianapolis, Indiana   Hartsville, Indiana April 22, 1868   My dear husband:      Yesterday came at last and I got your letter. My heart was sad when I read it and for long hours last night sleep would not relieve me. This morning I feel sad but hopeful. God has heard my prayer and I am impressed while writing this that you will be better. Why did you not tell me when you wrote how you were? You did not say anything about your feelings - after Thursday morning when you felt so badly. My dear husband you cannot imagine How I felt when I came to what Doc said. I was looking anxiously for it but my heart sank when I read it. Brother Alter waited until I read it to hear how you were. He seems very anxious. When I told him Mc was coming he quizzed me very closely. So much for that - I think some one had told him or given him a hint. Dear how are you? O if I only knew you were better this morning but -"The tears they fill my eyes spite of all I can do".      You should not have gone to Georges that night. Why did you not go on the street car? If I am always to believe that the "Darkest hour is just before Day" the day star of hope would soon arise and shine brightly in my soul - and I cannot say that it is not dawning just now. I feel I cannot tell what - but I feel that the anxiety is not so oppressive. Every evening at 5 o'clock let our prayers meet at the throne - You had my earnest prayers before you asked them. How my heart swells in gratitude when I read about Sallies religious enjoyment and dear little Hattie God bless her. I was overjoyed - encourage her all you can and tell her Aunt Bine prays for her - Give them my best love. Good old Joe - what must I say to him - give him and family my love and tell him I feel I have his sympathy in my distress and above all do not forget to ask his special prayer in your behalf - for I have more confidence in his prayers than in his medicine, and a great deal in both.      Have you been to see McFadden yet? Go and get relief for your throat. You did not tell me what Dr. K. thought ailed you, and perhaps it was well you did not. You will go to work to restore your health if there is any way so get along. Now I will not admit any if's. If you are going to N.Y. and can't borrow a hundred or two up there, you can come home and sell your lots and you need not mind your family. I'll get a school or manage some way to get along. I guess I can keep body and soul together some way. I want you to do this immediately - and do not lose any time - how long will you have to wait for Dr. Jacks letter - I hope you have written before now - make whatever arrangements are necessary and do not let your family in any way interfere. Mc has not come yet - Romminger said there was something in the Ex- O, but when he started it was locked so he did not bring them.      Mr. Alter was going to write but Frank has concluded to go after dinner so he says tell you they are getting along very well - He persuaded Mr. Merchant to take Bookkeeping - he paid $20 dollars down and has sent home for the $30 dollars. Mr. Alter does not like his looks very well - he says he behaves however very well. He will give him a scholarship when he pays the remainder. Dear, tell Sallie how we are cramped for room and situated otherwise - I don't know how we'd get along if she were to come down - I hope she will not come anyhow before the "Reunion". Did she get my letter?      These lovely days dear they surely will help you. You did not say anything about coming home or what you thought of doing - anyway I guess I'll get another letter Friday which will give all the particulars - remember I am not asking you to come home. I only feel anxious to know what you are going to do. The children are well and help me like good children. Edie (Edith Lucina Hamilton) talks a good deal and she can walk all over the house. Hardie (George Harding Hamilton) was in Ma's kitchen with her Monday and came running in and told us Edie could walk - and brought her in and she walked half over the floor, before night she walked from one door to the other without ever falling. I never saw a child get up and walk all over the house in an hour. Charlie has been here every day looking at "the books". Have you Jim Henry's note - he came in to pay it off and we could not find the note. Hadn't you better send it, and let me send you the money for your work if you do not come home soon. Must I go on with my books? I'm ready to close another set since you left (the 2nd) but I'm stuck on closing. Brother Alter says if I'll come down he'll help me out. I guess I'll go this after noon.      I was sorry you had to hurry off so - I felt lost but it's all right now, and if we keep well all will come out all right. I don't think of any more to write now - if there is anything you want to know just ask. Do whatever you think will be best in every respect for yourself without any reference to anything else.      Tell Aunty Trotter and all the folks I'd love to see them and If I am ever fortunate enough to get up there I'll see them if they are alive. Don't worry yourself any but remember that there is a home of peace for all of us however much we may suffer here - it will soon be over and then we will have no distress, sickness, sick friends, or dependent little ones. God will take care of all. Be happy - lively - have no care nor anxiety and you'll get well sooner.      How odd it would seem to you to see Edie "dodling" around over the house - crossing Grandma's doorstep without holding and going where she pleases - and it look odd to us.      Now I am as ever yours only, and affectionately -   Bine   Remarks: There would be no way to guess how this personal letter to N. B. Hamilton written by his wife, could have been in this collection of letters unless N. B. H. forwarded it to his father to read.  Whatever the reason - it is a great letter. (MS)     Letter # 32   Letter Dated: May 22, 1868 From:  Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr. (age 33) Living In: Indianapolis, Indiana To: Candace Hamilton Martin (Sister) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Indianapolis, Indiana May 22, 1868   My dear Sister:      Your letter is at hand, and I am truly sorry to hear that you are so badly afflicted with sore eyes. They are so annoying. I am also sorry to hear of the hard times you are having, but with enough to keep soul and body together, and contented minds. We may be happy although times are hard.      I was not disappointed when you said it was out of the question to help me. I do not want any of you to feel troubled because you could not, for I have tried to conduct myself so that I may have friends around me who will give me assistance whenever I am unable to help myself. This is a Christian duty and so long as I live in a Christian community I am not afraid of coming to extreme distress.      The trouble now is that I can make nothing till I get able to work again and I can not go where I can have the necessary treatment without some expense, and money cannot be had anywhere.      But still I am hopeful and hope we will all see better times. I am a little better - have improved a good deal under Dr. Kendrick's treatment, and if I can manage to stay a few weeks longer, he thinks he will cure me sound and well. He does not charge me anything for treatment. I don't want Father to feel troubled about me - I'll get along someway although it's the closest time I have ever experienced.      I would be so glad to see Pap and Isaac (Isaac Martin) and hope they will come and see us.      We will have an interesting time at Hartsville the 9th, 10th & 11th of June. School closes, and Exhibition and Reunion. Good preaching by some of our Bishops. I will go home a week before these comes off.      Now Can, I know it is a task for you and Pap to write but I am so glad to get a letter from you that I hope you will write again soon. Isaac never writes, so I must depend on some of the rest of you to hear from there.      Give my love to Pap and the rest of the family and friends. Your Brother, N. B. Hamilton     Letter # 33   Letter Dated: August 2, 1868 From:  Lovina (Bine) Cannady Hamilton Living In: Hartsville, Indiana To: Ninian Beall Hamilton (Father-in-Law) & Candace Hamilton Martin (Sister-in-Law) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Hartsville, Indiana August 2, 1868   Dear Father and Friends all:      I have waited this long thinking Candace (Candace Shuford Hamilton Martin) would write but I will not wait any longer. I am well. Hardie (George Harding Hamilton, 10 years old, b.7/12/1858 - d.8/6/1882) and Lizzie (Lizzie Sarah Elizabeth (Young) Hamilton) and Edie (Edith Lucina Hamilton, almost 2 years old, b.8/7/1866 - d.6/6/1931) are well. Mellie (Melvin Leroy Hamilton, going on 7 years old, b.12/11/1861 - d. 4/30/1835) and Gracie (Hattie Grace Hamilton, almost 4 years old, b.11/30/1864 - d.12/14/1885) are not well. Mellie cut his leg just above the instep with the axe yesterday. He had a piece of rope and was going to cut it off and he says the axe missed the rope and did not hit anything but his leg. It is an awful gap, I could put any of my fingers in it. I took him over to the doctor and had it drawn together and a sticking plaster put on it. He is very patient does not cry much. It is not swelled any yet - I keep a cold wet cloth on it all the time. He will not walk any for two or three days. Gracie has a large boil on her cheek - been coming nearly a week.  It is very purple and I think will soon open. She has never cried but once with it.      I hear from Nin every week. His letters are not as encouraging as I could wish. He said in his last that he was better for the first time since he left. He had flux (any excessive discharge of fluid body matter, especially from the bowels. RHR) on the boat smartly.      Friday we received a letter from our folk in Missouri informing us of the death of my dear Brother William (William Cannady). The one that was Nin's partner and assistant in the Commercial. Dear friends you know how hard it is to lose one of the family far from you. But Oh my brother's poor wife and five little children - she is in a strange land - her sister (my other brother's wife) is four miles from her - His lungs were leak and he worked too hard at his wheat. He finished it on Saturday and took sick on Sunday and died in just two weeks - congestion of the lungs and liver - and run into typhoid fever. He died with a perfect trust in his Savior. Four of the nine are gone and I have never been permitted to see but one of them during their sickness. That one died at home. But we are confident that all are in Heaven.      Now Candace do write. I am so lonely. Sometimes it seems to me that my path may have few flowers and many thorns - Still I do not feel like complaining - none of these things can keep us out of Heaven and it will be the brighter after passing through so many seasons of distress.      Father I do not know what I would have done if you had not given me that money - for I can't get anything scarcely to do. I've not made two dollars since you were here and my children had but one everyday suit (the boys I mean). I've had a great deal of hard work of my own to do. We got the other room soon after you were here and I cleaned it and moved my stove in it. I've washed all my beds and bedclothes and whitewashed. I've been very busy but Lizzie and Hardie help me a great deal. Hardie gets the wood and Lizzie does the housework and takes care of the children.      One of the stores wants me to make shirts and if I get any thing of a job of that I'll get along well. I can make a shirt a day with Lizzie to do the work and take care of the children. Some good soul I don't know who left a sack of flour at the store for me the other day. I have to pay $1.00 for meal - I don't buy any flour - it is $5.50 but it is coming down at other places. They say it is only $4.00 at Columbus.      Write often Candace and let me hear how you all are. Has Isaac got well? How did Pa stand his trip. I was so sorry it happened as it did. As ever in love - Bine     Letter # 34   Letter Dated: August 28, 1868 From:  Ninian Beall Hamilton (age 33) Living In: Skakopee, Minnesota To: Isaac & Candace Hamilton Martin (Brother-in-Law & Sister) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Skakopee, Minnesota August 28, 1868   Dear Bro. & Sis:      My health has improved right along. Twice I took cold which made me cough more and threw me into high fever which came on everyday, but got less and less till I ceased to have any. If I can manage to stay this fall I think I will be a well man. My strength has greatly increased, my voice seems as strong as ever and my appetite is excellent. I am staying at present with a man from Maine. They are not church members but are very kind to me. I am to pay them $2.50 a week for board. I have only a few cents in my pocket. Among strangers and without money. It bothers me to know how I'll get along till I get able to make something. I would not dare to undertake to teach any until my cough gets better. I know your situation and that you need all the money you can get. With me it seems that it is life or death. Dr. Kendrick told Bine at conference that I must not come home yet, that if I did I would probably not live a month, the reaction from a pure bracing air would likely be too much for me to stand.      They are very kind to my wife and family at Hartsville, Twice somebody sent them flour - don't know who. Bine sews all the time whatever she can get to do. Oh how bad I feel because I am entirely dependent on others for means to keep me alive. If my friends were wealthy and able to stand it, it would be a different thing. As it is I can only say I am hopeful that all will yet come around right.      Write to me. Your brother - N. B. Hamilton     Letter # 35   Letter Dated: January 3, 1869 From:  Ninian Beall Hamilton (age 33) & Lovina (Bine) Hamilton Living In: Hartsville, Indiana To: Ninian Bealle Hamilton, Sr. (b. 1789 - age 79) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana     [The first part of the letter is written by Ninian, Jr.]   Hartsville, Indiana January 3, 1869   Dear friends:      I am glad that I am able to write a little and let you know that I am better - a great deal better than when we wrote last. Rhoads never paid any attention to our distress, but pushed the suit. Our friends advised us to set off our $300.00 according to law. It has been done and the cruel Rhoads gets only $31.00 to work upon till I am able to make more. Bine must tell you how our friends have helped us which if they had not done we must have suffered for food, clothing and wood. Bine could get no work.   [The second part of the letter is written by Lovina (Bine)]   Dear Relatives:      Nin is tired and wants me to finish the letter. Myself and children are well. Nin is much better but is poorly yet - sits in the big rocking chair - has fair appetite and some days improved very fast until this rainy gloomy weather set in. I am glad to tell you dear friends that we have good friends here - who when they learned of our destitute condition said not a word to us but our kind Sisters, Mrs. Edwards and Grandma Scammahorn went out with their papers and came in to our house in the evening and handed over to us a list of names to which was appended about $32.00 in money and provision - mostly money paid in part, some flour, meal, chickens, canned fruit, etc.      Nin's condition confined me so I could not go and hunt work and none was brought in. God bless them - "a friend in need is a friend indeed". It cheered Nin and relieved my mind. I forgot to mention $6.00 worth of wood from Will Tix and some from others. Another paper with $6.00 subscription was handed in by the druggist. You who have never been n such circumstances cannot realize how we were distressed, nor how gratefully we received from the hands of those kind Sisters - the amount mentioned.      Nin is still anxious to go to New York - as his only hope of perfect restoration to perfect health. John (John S. Martin) says he can do nothing now as money he cannot get. We are seriously inclined to doctor him no more as all does him no good.      As soon as brother-in-law Daniel Shuck learned that Rhoads had sued he went and saw him and offered him $60.00 in gold for the judgment - which at the present premium on gold would have amounted to the whole of the judgment or within a dollar or two. Rhoads was so stiff he would not take it and Daniel told us to be easy, that if Rhoads got to any of our property he would pay it's full value - he would see to it - so instead of the whole amount he get $31.00. Our friends say he ought never to have any more - That comes out of the Stationary Department of the Commercial - things Nin had to sell - paper, envelops, blank books, etc. Our lots and household property is not advertised - thank God -      Now we hope to hear from you soon. Very affectionately - N. B. & L. C. Hamilton   Remarks: The brief beginning of the above letter was the last that N. B. Hamilton wrote home to his father and other relatives. His death occurred shortly after he wrote this last message. MS     [Ninain Beall Hamilton died on 05 Feb 1869, CDL]       Letter # 36   Letter Dated: March 14, 1869 From:  Lovina (Bine) Hamilton Living In: Hartsville, Indiana To: Ninian Bealle Hamilton, Sr. (b. 1789 - age 79) (Father-in-Law) & Candace Hamilton Martin (Sister-in-Law) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Hartsville, Indiana March 14, 1869   My dear father and friends:      I wrote to you the 8th of February and as I have never received any answer I have concluded  to write again. You surely got the painful news of my Husbands departure from this world, and I will not inflict upon you again the pain of reading it and on myself the pain of writing it again. My dear dear friends why don't you write to me? I was so anxious to hear from you. I asked him on Wednesday, I believe, if I should send you word and he said "No no - they cannot come and it will only distress them".      My heart grows more gloomy each day and I feel sometimes that this world is all gloom and that even Providence Himself has turned his hand against me. Oh my friends, none of you but Father can sympathize with me for none but him knows the grief of a heart bereaved of a companion. He was so good and so loving and such a tender Husband. Oh he loved me so dearly - and so many times when I would be doing all in my power to make him happy he would say - "O my dear if it was not for you what would I do. Bless your dear soul".      Oh Father I have lost so much I have lost all. He was a Husband indeed and in truth. A loving and a dearly loved husband. Oh how I miss his kind good letters when he was gone. Oh how eagerly I watched for the mail for I knew so well each week - and after each mail - it would bring me words of love and cheer. But that only comfort during his absence is gone and I am left to mourn cheerless and full of gloom.      We are well. Never have I enjoyed as good health as during the last six months. Since I have been taking the paper published at Dr. Jackson's Institution in New York, where Nin wanted to go, we have not had a physician in the house for myself or children. The children have not had a bad cold this winter. My own health never was as good, although circumstances have been very unfavorable for it.      I have a little business. He requested me to send his Policy to Bro Witt in Indianapolis, to collect. Before anything can be done (and it must be done within 3 months after his decease). Someone must give a certificate of his age - sworn to before a qualified officer. I wish Isaac (Isaac Martin) to write out a certificate after this form and swear or affirm to it and send it to me -        This is to certify that said N. B. Hamilton was _____ years old the _____ day of _____, 1869.                                                                                                                                               Isaac Martin      No one here knows his age and we have never recorded his or my name - I am sure he is 34 today, but my word will not be taken - Dear friends this is sad business for me but it was all that comforted him - the hope of leaving us a little something - he was so sorry he could not pay up and secure the whole $2000.00 but I am content - he did all he could and more than he ought to. Do write - Oh how it will relieve me to get a letter.      My love to all. Your afflicted daughter - Bine     Letter # 37   Letter Dated: July 24, 1870 From:  Lovina (Bine) Hamilton (age 32) Living In: Columbus, Ohio To: Ninian Bealle Hamilton, Sr. (b. 1789 - age 80) (Father-in-Law) & Candace Hamilton Martin (Sister-in-Law) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Hartsville, Indiana / Columbus, Ohio July 24, 1870   Dear Father & Friends:     I drop you a line to let you know that I am home safe - we got to Columbus at 9-1/2 a.m. and had to wait until 1 o'clock for the hack. It was very tiresome from Columbus out. One of our horses gave out and almost laid down in the gears about two miles from home, but it happened to be close to a Mr. Bradby where we got another horse and came on in good time.      I was quite unwell at New Albany the morning I started but I said nothing. After I got in the hack at Columbus the blood began coming up and strangle me considerable for awhile and then quit until this morning when I had another very bad spell of bleeding.      I found mother about as usual. Henry (Henry Cannady) is down sick with fever and had been for about a week. He seems a little better now. The rest are well. There was no meeting in town today. There is a basket meeting at Flat Rock and a great many are gone. I was welcomed home by many kind friends. Was invited to dinner yesterday to Dr. Keys - went and had a good time. Quite a houseful there. My things were all right so far as I have seen yet. Garden is pretty good, plenty of beans and potatoes. The weather is awful hot, and I feel very bad sometimes. I hope you are better.      I think of you often. Be careful about those chills. I hope Can (Candace Shuford Hamilton Martin) and Isaac (Isaac Martin) are well, and the children. I will expect Lilly (Lillie Belle Martin) to answer this letter - she promised to. I want to hear if she had a good time on the Bridge and in Louisville.      With many good wishes for you all, I subscribe myself - As ever - L. C. Hamilton P. S. That trial was put off till December on my account. So I'll have to go at last.     Letter # 38   Letter Dated: April 18, 1871 From:  Lovina (Bine) Hamilton (age 32) Living In: Hartsvill, Indiana To: Ninian Bealle Hamilton, Sr. (b. 1789 - age 82 (Father-in-Law) Living In: Pekin P. O., Washington Co., Indiana   Hartsville, Indiana April 18, 1871   Dear Father:      Hardie (George Harding Hamilton, age 12) wrote you sometime ago informing you of my sickness. I am glad to tell you that I am up again. We have dismissed our hired girl and I am helping the children do the work. I did not know when Hardie wrote - how the disease might terminate. One doctor said I had Neuralgia in the stomach which was true and another was fearful that it was ulcers.      If I had known I would get up it would have been better not to wrote but I hope you are not uneasy yet.      I never suffered so much in all my life. The doctor could do nothing for me only give me morphine to give me rest. the disease had to wear out. Mother is still failing. The children are well.      I am not stout at all - I have had another bad spell of bleeding at the lungs since I got up. I hope you are well. I must close - write soon as you can. As ever yours - L. C. Hamilton   Remarks: So ends the lives of N. B. Hamilton (Ninian B. Hamilton, jr.) and his wife Lovina (Bine). Following are letters written by their surviving children to their grandfather and relatives in Indiana. Their Aunty Shuck ( Daniel Shuck's wife) reared the children - later moved to California.  MS Rebecca Lovina (Bine) Cannady Hamilton died July 12, 1871, probably of tuberculosis. RHR       The next two letters were written by David Wilfong Hamilton, younger brother of Ninian Beall Hamilton, Jr., after hearing of the death of Bine Hamilton.       Letter from Ninian, Jr's brother, David Wilfong Hamilton, to sister, Candace Hamilton Martin   Letter Dated: September 12, 1871 From: David Wilfong Hamilton (age 32) Living In: Mimosa, Republic County, Kansas To: Isaac & Candace Hamilton Martin (Sister) (age 30) Living In: Indiana   Mimosa, Republic County, Kansas September 12, 1871   Dear Brother and Sis:      It occurs to me that I am in debt to you one letter at least. I received one from Lillie Belle (Lillie Belle Martin is Candace's eldest daughter) dated July 22nd. I have not had much time to write when I felt like it since then, but now I will try. We have had two letters from H. H. Cannady since the death of the widow Hamilton ( Rebecca Lovina "Bine" Canndady Hamilton or Mrs. Ninian B. Hamilton, Jr. MS) asking what among other things shall be done with those orphan children, but I found it difficult to answer. We would like to take one of them if we were better situated, will anyway if some difficulty is found in getting a home suitable. We are just commencing in a new country and have some of the hardships - Home to build, break fence, and raise some crops and will have to go short perhaps a year or two. Have eight in family and while it is true we have had assistance from Father Martin (Nathan Martin) we may be left flat again. I still wish to do something for them. Should any of my present prospects be realized I would be safe in so doing and do justice to the child. Daniel Shuck, I think, will look to the matter. I feel much interest in knowing they have good homes.          We are all well.     Yours,     D. W. Hamilton      [To read complete letter (# 16), Click Here]     Letter from Ninian, Jr's brother, David Wilfong Hamilton, to sister, Candace Hamilton Martin   Letter Dated: May 23, 1875 From: David Wilfong Hamilton (age 36) Living In: Mimosa, Republic County, Kansas To: Isaac & Candace Hamilton Martin (Sister) (age 33) Living In: Indiana   Mimosa, Republic County, Kansas May 23, 1875   Brother & Sister:      I often think of brother Ninian's (Ninian B. Hamilton, jr.) orphan children, never hear from them - don't how they are situated. Do they know their father has a brother that has an abiding love for them, for the sake of hallowed memories of the departed, as well as the relation he bequests them, intensely more binding in their state of orphanage. If it is ever possible for me to visit you all I shall hunt them up, and if possible let them know that there is a heart that feels for them. but I must shift a little, I find myself tarrying too long by the wayside. My thoughts come quicker and my tongue (of the absent) clumsier.         In love, Your Brother -     D. W. Hamilton      [To read complete letter (# 18), Click Here]         Go to Page 1 - Click Here   Go to Page 3 - Click Here                                           SOURCES   Thanks to Richard Roberts for the additional information on the Hamilton Family as well as the Hamilton Letters rob95536@yahoo.com                                                                                         If you have photos or additional information about the Hamilton family, please contact me.