Marriage proposal from John Hix Randleman to Sarah Ellen Stumbo

January 18th, 1876

Dear Ellen,

     I hope you will not be taken by surprise when I inform you that I am about to perform a duty that I owe to myself and others, I intended to have consulted with you on this subject Sunday evening that I now am about to make known to you.
     Believeing that I could express myself better in writing than any other way, I know you have not enjoyed letter writing hear to fore.
     It has been my desire to be plain and frank with you as I trust you will be with me, love and affections, you have long ago won while I have fondly looked forward to the happy day when; I could claim you as my own Dear Wife.
     Will you be and will you give me the rich treasure of a heart full of love, and receive mine in return, if so all that I am will be yours.  I feel that to wait longer, after our long acquaintance, is unneccessary. Five long years ago I thought of just what, I now write you and I will try and abide your decision.

So Remains Your Devoted Lover,
         John H. Randleman
John Hix Randleman
Lyle Garnett, son of Mabel Randleman, has what I believe is a copy of the letter that John wrote to his future wife.  I believe it is a copy as the original was written in 1876 long before they had lined paper, which Lyle's letter is written on.  I have photographed the letter and transcribed it. 
Cindy Marcell, 2000

To right: John Hix Randleman
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