What Elam and Merab might have looked like
This letter was written by Elam Yale (1781-1867), the son of Uriah Yale (1761-1833) and Eunice Merwin (1760-18xx). Elam was married to Merab Ives and together they had at least ten children between the years 1805 and 1827. The youngest child was Luman B. Yale (b. 1827) who was suffering from a boil under his arm when this letter was written in 1828. The oldest was Millenna Yale (1805-1888) who was married (1827) to Henry Stockwell (1802-1876) and relocated to Caneadea, New York, not long afterwards. Henry’s older brother, Abel Stockwell (1797-1863), was a school teacher and we learn from this letter that he and his wife Lydia resided with the Yale family in Guilford. Henry and Abel Stockwell were sons of Moses and Urania (Ball) Stockwell of Bainbridge, Chenango County, New York.
Millena’s sister, Olive Yale (b. 1808) has added a small portion of her own writing to this letter.
Elam mentions that his sister, Maria (Yale) Burtch (1796-1889) has recently been abandoned by her husband Jonathan Burtch (1792-1881), leaving her with four children between the ages of two and eleven. I believe Jonathan founded the town of Burtchville in St. Clair County, Michigan.
Stampless Letter
TRANSCRIPTION
Addressed to Mr. Henry Stockwell, Caneadea, Allegany County, New York
Guilford [New York]
January 14, 1828
Dear Children,
Through the blessings of God, w are all alive and in good health. Merab is rather unwell. Lunon has a swelling under his arm. We expect that will come to a head in a few days. We want to hear from you. We will inform you that your friends are all well . Roxy is much as was when you left here. I will write you of the state of religion. There is a reformation in the Church principally over on the turnpike near Br. Lanes. 16 has been baptized. Br. Andrew & wife have joined by letter. Now while the things affect you, may you remember your God. Remember that time is short. Henry, I pray that you may have faith in Christ. Repent of your sins. Believe in Jesus that you may live together as ____s of the grace of life that your prayers be not hundred. Millenna, pray for yourselves and for us and I pray God that he will keep you in the truth.
The Brethren in Cable’s Settlement have requested to be set off. A council has been called but they did not constitute them. I want you should tell us now how you like your place [and] how things are with you. We all send our love to you. Give our love to Br. Hitchcock & family.
N.B. Your Uncle Jonathan Bartch went away soon as you did and has not been back since. He has wrote back that he was done. His property has been sold, Moriah has what the law allows her.
— Elam Yale and Merab Yale.
Dear Brother and Sister,
I now take this opportunity to inform you of my health, which isn’t so much decayed since you left here. Never till now did I know how to prize a sister. I thank you for writing your mind so freely but I will excuse you this time the solitary that I have passed since you left here. Time will fail me to write much. Lewis has come home sick. I han’t seen any them that been anywhere since you went away but to meeting. Respecting what I told you, I han’t no opportunity of writing at present. He sends his love to you. I want you to write your mind and feelings the first opportunity. So I must close.
Your affectionate sister. Goodbye. — Olive Yale
Lewis Ives is very feeble in _____ to a consumption, the swelling on Lumon was landed yesterday and is better today. Mr. Moses Stockwell family all well. Abel-2 keeping school with us.
Yours in love, — Elam Yale, Merab Yale
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