1870 Antique Letter Merryall Wyalusing PA Bradford Co Willis E Lewis Lumber Mill For Sale

1870 Antique Letter Merryall Wyalusing PA Bradford Co Willis E Lewis Lumber Mill

double sided Approximately 7.75" by 4.75"

Up for sale or purchase is a fascinating, original 2-page manuscript letter written on January 10, 1870 by Willis E. Lewis of Merryall, Wyalusing Township, Bradford County, Pennsylvania, addressed to his mother.

This piece offers an incredible, intimate window into late-19th-century rural life in northeastern Pennsylvania. It discusses local school life, transporting lumber and coal to the local mill, a local lodge meeting, a trip to Camptown for a prayer meeting, dental work, and the anticipation of his mother's return home via the village of Wyalusing.

• Date: January 10, 1870

• Origin: Merryall, Pennsylvania (Bradford County)

• Author: Willis E. Lewis (Listed in the 1900 Wyalusing directory as a local auditor)

• Recipient: "Dear Mother" (likely Thilena S. Lewis)

[Page 1]Merryall Jan 10 1870Dear Mother,We received your letter today. Pa was down to the mouth with a load of Lumber & brought back part of a load of Coal for the mill & Eddie & I were at School & Mary was out the back door & some one brought the letter & laid it on the table & went away again at noon. When we got home Mary stood at the door with the letter in hand & I took it & guess it was not long before it was out of the Envelope & read. I went down to uncle Johns with your Head-dress but was one day to late. As you persive I am now Home from the Lodge Eddie Said...

[Page 2]...that Newel was with me but I guess he did not know that it was so at least I did not.I went up after Mary Cook to go but she had just got home from getting her teeth fixed & did not dare go out in the cold so I went up to Prayer meeting to Camptown with Mr. Cook. Every thing is going off fine but it seems lonesome & we will all be glad to see the young Thilena S Lewis once more in Merryall — the Rheumatism. In your next letter please state the time you expect to arrive at the well Known village of Wyalusing.well good By from your SonWillis E Lewis

• Local Geography: Mentions Merryall, PA, Camptown, PA, and the "well known village of Wyalusing."

• 19th-Century Industry: Mentions rafting/hauling lumber and coal for the local mills (lumber rafting down the Wyalusing Creek was a massive local industry in this era).

• Social History: Touches upon local school attendance, a community lodge, a prayer meeting in Camptown, and even a casual mention of getting teeth fixed and surviving the harsh Pennsylvania winter cold.

• Genealogy: Excellent primary source document for researchers tracking the Lewis family of Bradford County, PA, as well as the Cook family.