This letter is written by Sybelia Antoinette Currie, ("Beelie"), to Leila Ada Currie. She speaks of her half sister, Huldah A.D. Currie and of her brother, Howard C. Currie, ("How"). Her half brother, George Selser Richards is dying of yellow fever; died 12/12/1873. So, Sybelia is 19 years old at this time and Leila is 15. The Mr. Riley that she mentions must be the John H. Riley that she later marries. Sybelia and John Riley had two sons, Jamie and George. George was born six months before Sybelia died and Jamie must have died as an infant; a baby picture of him exists. George died at age 25. Sybelia died at age 23. After her death, John Riley married her sister, Leila Ada Currie.
They had two daughters and lived to ripe old ages.
The original page size of the letter is 7 1/2 inches by 10 inches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Little Sister,
I know you be-gin to
think I treat badly by not writing but I commenced
a letter last week and felt too bad to finish it
Your much appreciated letter was received and
read yester-day. I was a little surprised to get
another so soon not so soon either but before I
had written again,
We have had and have
now a good deel of sickness in our family, the
old standby had to give under at last, but
am feeling very well again had a fever
every night for a week took quinine Sunday and
broke it up, Sister Huldah is not well yet though
she is going about Miss Till and cousin Virge
spent the day here Saturday I was ironing so
did not stay in there company much, Mrs
Craig sent sister Huldah and I a nice role
of candy she is such a good old lady Miss
Till has been quite sick but has recovered,
Sister Huldah and I attended quarterly
meeting --day there were three new members
received into the church Mollie, Mr. Williams
and brother How, it was quite a surprise to
us all.
I am very glad you like Mrs Kimball
(end page 1)
and your Teacher, hope you will continue to like,
them, Aunt Marian came up to wash for us and
is just finishing it
Leila I have finished
my shirt for brother How it is real pretty
but he wont say so, I will iron it this week.
Little Flora died yesterday she had been
sick so much I did not think she would live
long (Night) The Doctor has been here to see
brother George, and dont think there is much
hopes of his recovery - poor fellow he sufferes
a good deel and cant bare the idea of dying
I hope he will get well, he is very yellow, the
Doctor says he has the up country yellow
fever, and his urin is nothing but blood,
Mr. Riley and Mr. Row have been out in
the hill and brought in eighteen cows and
calves, and have disposed of nearly all of them
a ready, he comes up quite often now that brother
George is sick, Mr. Graves spent the night here
last night and has come to set up tonight,
I know you think I write very funny, but
the pen wont write nor the pencil wont write
Be a good girl and study hard, I will write
a long letter next time, Mr. Graves says give her my love
I know he dont know whom I am writing to.
Much love to Mrs. Kimball and family and
a great deel for your-self Your loving sister Beelie
dont let any one read my letter
Return to Sybelia's Page