Keese Family Round-Robin Letter

Table of Contents

Descendants of Stephen R Keese

Esta Smith Polley, Walterville, Lane Co., Oregon, June 11, 1910

Eva L. Sibray Foss, Danville, Ark., Nov. 14, 1910

Francis Foss, Danville, Ark., Nov. 14, 1910

A.V. Sibray, Cadillac, Mich., Nov. 17, 1912

Lilla Sibray, Cadillac, Mich., November 17, 1912

Thella N. Sibray, Cadillac, Mich., Nov. 17, 1912

Emma C. Keese Simpson, Hill City, S.D., July 13, 1914

Wilburn M. Keese, Audubon, Ia., Sept. 20, 1914

Alvaretta Haines Scott, Denver, Colo., Sept, 29, 1920

Laura B. Scott Harper, Oklahoma City, Okla., Oct. 13, 1920

Esther L. Keese Ferguson, Parlier, Jan. 23, 1921

Esther L. Keese Ferguson, Cardington, O., 4 m. 30 -1922

Lillie B. Sibray Grogg, Parlier, Calif., Jan. 24, 1921

Pluma Elma Sibray Collier, Visalia, California, Feb. 8, 1921

Gladys Collier Wilson, Visalia, Calif., Feb. 11, 1921

Eva L. Keese Perrin, Wilcox, Arizona, March 29, 1921

Willis T. Keese, Pasadena, Calif., April 11, 1921

William Willis Sibray, Pittsburgh, Pa., 3-26-22

Nora Keese Mason, Cardington, Ohio, April 14, 1922

Leanna May Keese Ramsey, Cardington, O., April 17, 1922

Myra Keese Lee, Upper Sandusky, Ohio, May 2, 1922

Eunice V. Lee, Upper Sandusky, O. May 4, 1922

Florence Paxon Kelly, Pennville, Ind., June 7th, 1922

Lilburn M. Keese, Marion, Ind., Sept. 3, 1922

Lilburn M. Keese, Marion, Ind., Nov. 26, 1922

Florence Paxon Kelly, Chicago, Ill., Dec. 3, 1924

Sarah Annetta Keese Pillsbury, Cicero, Ill., Dec. 7th, 1924

Olive Thresa Keese Bill, Sheffield, Ills., Feb., 1925

Lydia Ellen Keese Green, Newburg, Iowa, Dec. 20th, 1925

Alfred R. Keese, Newburg, Ia., Jan. 4th, 1926

Ida F. Keese Gallagher, Sauk Center, Minn., Dec. 26th, 1925

Wilburn M. Keese, Audubon, Ia., Jan. 17th, 1926

Maggie McClaren Keese, Audubon, Ia., Jan. 31, 1926

Nathan Orlando Keese, Greenfield, Iowa, Feb. 14th, 1926

Ann Luers Keese, Greenfield, Ia., Feb. 14th, 1926

Emma Keese Simpson, Hill City, S.D. Mch. 4th, 1926

Sarah Keese Dunning, Riverton, Wyo., March 18th, 1926

Ruth Dunning Merritt, Pavillion, Wyo., Mar. 23rd, 1926

Norma D. Dmerritt, Pavillion, Wyo., Mar. 23rd, 1926

Erma Dunning McKinley, Clearmont, Wyo., March 29th, 1926

Ruth McKinley, Clearmont, Wyo., Mar. 30th, 1926

Willis T. Keese, Pasadena, Calif., 7mo. 30Th 1926

Willis T. Keese, Pasadena, Callif., Eleventh mo. 19Th, 1927

Descendants of Stephen R Keese

From Alfred Leroy Keese's genealogy records

(Yellow highlighted names are letter authors, blue highlighted names are people mentioned in the letters, italicized entries are my additions)

1-Stephen R Keese b. 30 Aug 1801, Clinton, New York, United States, d. 5 Jan 1883, Franklin, Georgia, United States

+Sarah H Gove b. 6 Jun 1806, Lincoln, Addison, Vermont, United States, d. 20 Sep 1891, Franklin, Georgia, United States

2-Jonathan G Keese b. 17 Oct 1827, , Morrow, Ohio, United States, d. 12 Sep 1863

3-Sarah Catherine Keese b. 30 Nov 1862, , Morrow, Ohio, United States, d. 3 May 1934, Riverton, Fremont, Wyoming, UnitedStates

2-Elizabeth D Keese b. 4 Oct 1833, , Morrow, Ohio, United States, d. 27 Apr 1914, Orosi, Tulare, California, United States

+Loami Sibray b. 1 Dec 1826, Fairfield, Ohio, United States, d. 16 Mar 1900, Bryant, Jay, Indiana, United States

3-Mary F Sibray b. 25 Jul 1854, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 8 Sep 1854, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States

3-Elvin O. Sibray b. 1 Sep 1856, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 29 Oct 1859, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States

3-Pluma Elma Sibray b. 1 Nov 1858, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 1 Nov 1946, Orosi, Tulare, California, United States

3-Eva Lenore Sibray b. 7 Dec 1861, Westchester, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 23 Feb 1936, Visalia, Tulare, California, United States

3-Lily Belle Sibray b. 29 Sep 1864, Bryant, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 11 May 1922, Visalia, Tulare, California, United States

2-Jason Evans Keese b. 6 Nov 1835, , Morrow, Ohio, United States, d. 1 Jul 1905, Green Mountain, Marshall, Iowa, United States

+Lavina Odell b. 16 Apr 1840, , Wells, Indiana, United States, d. 20 Dec 1917, Green Mountain, Marshall, Iowa, United States

3-Volney A Keese b. 12 Jan 1862, , Jay, Ind, USA, d. 6 Aug 1918, Ferguson, Marshall, Iowa, United States

3-Jonathan(John) Gove Keese b. 15 Jul 1866, , Jay, Ind, USA, d. 6 Dec 1937, Marshall, Iowa, United States

3-Hannah Anna Keese b. 24 Jun 1868, , Jay, Ind, USA, d. 30 Sep 1938, Marshall, Iowa, United States

3-Olive Thresa Keese b. 18 Feb 1871, , Jasper, Iowa, United State, d. 20 Dec 1940

3-Ida F Keese b. 22 Mar 1877, Marshall, Iowa, United States, d. 13 May 1966, Seattle, King, Washington, United States

3-Myrtle M Keese b. 4 Nov l 1880, Marshall, Iowa, United States, d. 6 Jul 1925, Marshall, Iowa, United States

3-Alfred Raymond Keese b. 6 Oct 1882, Ferguson, Marshall, Iowa, United States, d. 29 Oct 1959, Marshalltown, Marshall, Iowa, United States

+Martha J Paxton b. Abt 1838, Of Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. Abt 1880, , Jay County, Indiana, United States

3-Phillip Elmer Keese b. 13 Nov 1869, , Jay County, Indiana, United States, d. 5 May 1873, , Jay County, Indiana, United States

2-Nathan R Keese b. 24 Dec 1839, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 15 Apr 1901

3-Lilboum (or Lilburn?) M Keese b. 22 Aug 1864, Penn Township, Jay, Indiana, United States

3-Leanna May Keese b. 12 Jul 1866, Penn Township, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 13 Sep 1951, Cardington, Marrow, Ohio, United States

2-Lydia Ellen Keese b. 20 Jan 1842, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. Abt Feb 1946

+Maggie Brayton b. <1848>, <Penn Township, Jay, In>, d. 8 May 1938, San Jose, Santa Clara, California, United States

3-John Earle Keese b. 4 Sep 1878, Pierre, Hughes, South Dakota, United States, d. 20 Sep 1887

3-Harry Gove Keese b. 25 Mar 1881, Audubon, Audubon, Iowa, United States, d. 24 Nov 1933, Coalinga, Fresno, Calfornia, United States

2-John E Keese b. 11 Dec 1845, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 6 Mar 1878

+Sarah H Tirrell b. Abt 1845, Of Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 28 Apr 1903

3-Stephen Royal Keese b. 1 Oct 1869, Cardington, Marrow, Ohio, United States, d. Jul 1896, Cardington, Marrow, Ohio, United States

2-Matilda E Keese b. 23 Oct 1848, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 2 Feb 1876

3-Nathan Orlando Paxon b. 4 Jan 1870, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 29 Jul 1871, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States

3-Addison Fremont Paxon b. 19 Jan 1876, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 19 Jan 1876, Pennville, Jay, Indiana, United States

2-Loretta M Keese b. 28 Jul 1852, Bryant, Jay, Indiana, United States, d. 15 Aug 1881

Walterville, Lane Co., Oregon, June 11, 1910

The Family Letter has been with me almost three weeks, and to say I have enjoyed it would be expressing it lightly. I should have sent it on, but I could not spare it.

Before I go on, I will tell you who I am. My name is Mrs. Esta Smith Polley. I think I am entitled to being called "baby," as I am the youngest child of the youngest of Stephen R. and Sarah H. Keese - Lorretta M. Keese, and I am proud of my ancestors. My dear old grandfathers and grandmothers - how dear they were to me. As a good many of you know, I lived with my grandma and dear Aunt and Uncle Hains until I was past 12 years, and a good deal better off would I have been if I had been left with them, for I have seen a good deal of trouble, but the worst of it is over, I hope, and I try to think it was for the best. I am living with my second husband, and a dear, good man he is - so kind and good to me and my two boys, Charlie aged 12, and Earl aged 8.

O, my dear relatives, how I would love to see all of you - everyone. I am here in Oregon, away from all of you, and I want everyone of you to think of me when you read this, and remember me in your prayers, and all that can, please write to me, if it is only a card, for I remember a good many of you. I have very poor health, as I have heart trouble. We have a nice little home here, and manage to make a good living, but not much over that. But I want to help with the monument for Grandpa, Grandma, and my dear Mamma, it if is not too late. If it was not for my two children I would sell out here and go and help take care of Uncle and Aunt Hains. Sometimes I think I cannot stand to stay here and not see them again in this world. I was out and made them a visit 12 years ago; my eldest child was born there. I read the Family Letters then, and also wrote some in it, and that is the last time it has ever reached me until now, but I hope it will not be so long again. I am going to put one of my pictures in; I wish everyone would do that, so we could see how each other looked. My father, Ed Smith, was here when the Letter came, and when he saw Uncle Isaac's picture he said, "Well, well, if it ain't Ike; he looks good to me." I don't think I ever saw him, but I remember Uncle Willis, Aunt Elizabeth, Aunt Hannah and Uncle Nathan, although I was very young when I left his place in Ind.

Cousin W. W. Sibray was out to see me in 1893. I enjoyed his letter so much as to what he said about our grandparents. Too much can never be said of them to me - there never was anyone like them. How well I remember my dear grandfather's last work. I was just a little child, and he took me with him to bring a load of corn in the wheelbarrow, and we sat down and shelled it. Then he said, "Now, Dearie, take the cobs in and put them in the wood box, so Auntie can get supper with them." I will tell you of a treasure I have that money could not buy - it is a book that Grandpa wrote some sketches of his life in, and then gave it to Mamma. Title, "Allegories of Life."

Well I had better close for this time, and sen this dear old Family Letter on its way. With many fond wishes and prayers, I remain

Danville, Ark., Nov. 14, 1910

The Family Letter has again come to our home. It has been nearly three years making the round this time; it is very welcome when it does come. All the letters are so interesting. We – or I – have read them over and over. A few more have joined the circle and some have dropped out. Our children leave the writing all for me, but they like to read the letters. Oh, well, maybe they will take it up when I leave off.

We are living in our little home in town. Bessie lives near. Arthur lives about one mile away; they have a little boy nearly one year old. Lillie, our oldest, lives in Indiana; their little boy goes to school now. Our household has been cut down to four now, Isaac and I, and two children, Francis aged 9, Caro 7. We were called to lay away our oldest boy, Charlie, two years ago last October, and oh, what a vacancy in our home! None can know only those who have had the experience. It seems like the older our children get the harder it is to give them up. I thought when our baby died it was hard, but it was nothing to the loss of Charlie. But the Lord knows best, and what is our loss is their eternal gain. My faith is strong, and there is one more link in the golden chain binding our hearts to the home in Glory. Ah me! How little we actually know, only what we learn by experience, accompanied with heartaches, doubt and worry.

I, too, wish all the cousins would write. Where is Cousin Florence Haines' good letter? So glad to hear from so many of Uncle Jason's family. I can remember many pleasant visits with the four oldest children, or three, rather, as John was the baby, I think when they left Indiana. I remember one time we children left the bars open and let all the calves out into the big woods, and Aunt Lovina never scolded us. Seems like I can see her yet – fair, fat, and – no, not yet forty – I can't picture her as an old lady at all. I remember her better than Uncle Jason. I suppose it is because she was back to Ind. Visiting. What a funny thing it was to us Hoosiers that Volney didn't know how to cut wood. I often wonder if he and Ella remember me. I think Alfred has the distinction of being the only unmarried cousin in our generation, doesn't he? Well, well, I'd like to have a visit with all of you, but of course never will. We have moved to a state all alone, and when so many write from the same place it makes me almost feel lonesome, but when our children all come flocking in I feel so glad there are so many of us. I think large families can make home a place to be proud of. When I hear so many of the cousins talking of going to Indiana to visit relatives, I think they don't know how few there are there; and did you ever think about it – all of the ones there have been to other states to make homes, and just drifted back. We surely are a roving stock. Well, my letter is long enough, so will close and send this big old letter to Florence Kelly as directed. Wishing you all adieu, I remain

Danville, Ark., Nov. 14, 1910

I am the third and youngest son of Isaac and Eva L. Foss. My name is Francis. I am the boy at home. I am almost ten years old. I go to school. I am in the A Third Grade. I study Reading, Language, Spelling, and Arithmetic. I like to go to school. My teacher's name is Miss Ruth Falk. I like to write letters. Sometimes I write to my Grandma Sibray, sometimes to my sister Lillie who lives in Indiana, and her little boy Charles Bishop. We came from Mich. To Arkansas when I was two years old, and I don't remember any of my cousins, but I would like to see all of them, and would like to write to some who are about my age. Good-bye.

Cadillac, Mich., Nov. 17, 1912

Nearly six years have rolled around since we have had the Family Letter. That seems a long while, and many changes will occur in that time. However, this finds me still in my chosen state - “The land of lakes.” We are almost alone, having but one relative left in the state; that is my nephew, R.E. Collier, of Gould City, sister Pluma and family going to Calif. To live. I should love to see you all, but hardly expect to. We are blessed with “stacks” of friends if not relatives. Have a good home here in town, also a little farm that helps some. I am trying to give my girls the benefit of good schools. Also we are all well and that is something. Mrs. S. is specially happy since Woman's Suffrage has carried in this state. It seems to be hard for me to think of anything to say, therefore I will close. With good wishes to all,

909 First Ave., Cadillac, Mich., November 17, 1912

At last the Family Letter has come to us again. I read most of the letters, and enjoyed them very much. I am the eldest daughter of A.V. Sibray. I am nineteen years old today. I hope to graduate from High School next June. We have dandy good times here. Our High School has a good football team. We claimed the championship until yesterday, when we were badly defeated. I expect to become a nurse when my school days are over.

Cadillac, Mich., Nov. 17, 1912

This is the first time I have ever written in the Family Letter, although we have had it before. I am fifteen years of age, and am a freshman this year. I am the second daughter of A.V. Sibray. We have a beautiful new High School building in our little town, of which we are all very proud. It will be my future home for the next four years, and when I graduate I hope to become a kindergarten teacher. Hoping to hear from all, I am ever,

Hill City, S.D., July 13, 1914

The Family Letter reached us about 10 days ago. It has taken us some time to get through, as one's housework and sewing has to be done at the same time. The weather is quite warm now, that is, for the hills, bu those of you who live in warmer states would think it quite cool and very comfortable.

My family is a little scattered. Maude, the eldest, is working in Lead, S.D., at a cafe. Pearl, the third, is married, and lives in Tabasco, Colo. She lived in Denver one year. If I had known at the time that Alvaretta's son lived there, I would have tried to get them acquainted. Alta, the fourth, is married and lives in Deadwood, S.D. The three small children, two boys and one girl, are at home with my husband and myself. But since the Letter was here last we have been called upon to give up our dear Lulu. It will be three years in December since she was taken from us. It seemed almost more than we could stand, but the Lord's will is best. My husband works in a butcher shop and fruit store. Mother is with me now; will stay through the hot weather. I was very much surprised today to get a letter from Cousin Alvaretta. I hope to hear from her again soon.

The photographs are an improvement on the Letter; we seem to know one another better when we can look at the pictures, although they don't many of them look natural. Hannah looks quite natural, Uncle Ike also. I could not think who Lilburn could be, the only one I could think of was Cousin Elwood.

We look for Uncle Willis this fall, hope he can come. We will all be pleased to see him. I will close, hoping to get the Family Letter again. With love to all,

Audubon, Ia., Sept. 20, 1914

I was glad your big letter was here again, it brings so much news, and those pictures of yours are simply great. Some looked so familiar; Uncle Ike looks but little different than when I saw him last thirty-one years ago. And Harry, well, he does not look like he did when he left Audubon. An then Uncle Jason's family – how pleasant to look at and try to think back thirty-one years and note the changes that have taken place in that time. I never could know which one of the Green boys Ellen married till I saw Doug's picture, and then it was all perfectly plain to me. I think I will have to motor back there and see what they are doing, maybe next summer. I thought we would have the picture of my family in this time, but we were so busy most of the time, and Leonard had to go back to college so soon that we did not get the pictures taken. This is his second year at the State University at Iowa City, Ia., where is is taking the Liberal Arts course, preparing himself for the profession of teaching. And then Lilburn and his family; he was, I expect, about ten years old when they visited us in Monroe. What times we had surely will never be forgotten. An then the pictures of those we do not remember having seen are certainly interesting to look at. I wish all might be in. I will send Aunt Hannah $2.00 soon. I hope all will get busy and send in the cash.

I want to express my appreciation of the number of Christians among you, and pray the rest will make their peace with their God.

I hope to visit all the friends in Iowa and Nebraska, as well as my two sisters. O yes, I would like to visit you all, but my principal business is making a living, and that takes so much of my time that I haven't time for anything else, not even to be sick, so I have not had a doctor called to see me for thirty-two years till this summer, and then I was off duty six weeks, being troubled with gravel. I am thankful for good health. I would have been glad to have seen Uncle Willis when he passed through here, going west. I will give you all fair warning now that if any of you pass through Iowa you will be cut off the list if you do not stop at Audubon. Any little boy in town can tell you where I live. If you have time, write, and we will meet you at the depot in our best style.

2326 King St., Denver, Colo., Sept, 29, 1920.

I am very glad to have the privilege of reading the Family Letter once more. I certainly have enjoyed it. I have had it four weeks, so must send it on tonight. I am very glad so many of the cousins expressed a desire to help buy a tombstone for our dear grandparents. I have written to most of the cousins and asked them to send the money right away, so it can be put up without further delay. So many of you know it was our grandfather's wish to just have a tree mark his grave. My mother and father planted evergreen trees and cared for them for many years. Now they are dead, so there is nothing to mark the burial place of our dear grandparents. I did not know the trees were dead until a month ago. I was called to Franklin, as my brother Isaac was seriously injured. While there I visited their graves. I was very sorry, indeed, to see that the trees were gone. My brother is able now to see to getting a stone and have it put up, if the cousins respond, as I think they will. He and I will give something, too. He asked me to apologize for him having kept the letter longer than he should, and also because he was not able to write in it this time. His shoulders were both broken, the left one being crushed in the joint. It had to be in a steel cast; it was still in the cast when I left, three weeks after he was hurt. I suppose many of you know that his wife died two years ago last July.

My father died seven yeas ago last August, and mother died five years ago the fourth of Sept. My husband died three years ago last May. Uncle Isaac and Aunt Elizabeth died since the big letter made its round. So many of your dear ones have left us. I am so glad that many of you are Christians. I hope all are by this time. We know not the day nor the hour we shall be called. We should all be prepared to go when our Saviour calls us home. Most of my children are Methodists, but it does not matter what church we belong to if we are Christians and are serving God. My children that live in Denver all think they can't write in this letter this time, so I'll have to send it on without. I am keeping house for Grace and Ralph. Edna's oldest girl lives with us. Earle has two bright little girls. They are five and seven years old. He and wife are great workers in the church. Harold has a sweet little wife; she is an earnest Christian, so is he. Ethel has a very bright little girl 2 years old, and a boy 3 mo. old. Edna and Ruth live near Aline, Oklahoma. Edna has one boy and five girls, all fine children. Ruth has two fine children, a girl six years old and a boy 14 months old. I am glad so many of the cousins sent their pictures. I will put in one of part of our family, just the ones that live in Denver. It is not good but cannot get a better one at present.

We are planning to have a family reunion next summer. If we do, we want to have a picture of all my children and grandchildren taken, and then will send one in the Family Letter next time it comes, which I hope will not be very long this time. It is ten years since I had it before. It seems to me it ought to make the trip in two years instead of ten. Let us all try to be more prompt about writing and sending it on. Part of the Directory has been lost and I don't know whom to send it to. I have written to Uncle Willis to find out, and have been waiting to hear from him. I see quite a number have not written in this, but don't know whether they had the chance or not.

We enjoyed a visit (though it was a short one) from Cousin Pluma and Asa Collier, two years ago. We also enjoyed a short visit from Cousin Emma Simpson this summer. We should be very glad to have more of the cousins visit us. Cousin Pearl La Veau(?) lives in Denver, but we do not see her very often. I guess we are all too busy.

Laura B. Harper – oldest child of Alvaretta H. Scott and C.A. Scott, oldest grandchild of Hannah R. and D.L. Haines, and oldest great-grandchild of Stephen R. and Sarah H. Keese.

2833 W. 13^th St., Oklahoma City, Okla., Oct. 13, 1920

You see, that tho I can't be famous for anything else, I am distinguished for my age. To say that I enjoyed the Letter does not adequately express it; I do wish it would come oftener. I enjoyed it more than ever this time, because I could have the family history at my elbow so as to locate everybody; and, besides, it has been my privilege since the Letter's last visit to become personally acquainted with several more of the cousins. When I saw the picture of Cousin Lilburn and his family, they looked so natural it made me homesick to see them again. While I was teaching at Taylor University at Upland, Indiana, I used to go over to Marion often, and they were so good to me it seemed like going home. I never thought of going to Marion without going out “home,” except once when I chaperoned a party of students to an evening concert. One summer (1911) I stayed in Indiana and spent a few days in Jay Co., where I met Florence Kelly and some of her family, and had the privilege of seeing the old homestead and the original cabin where the fire was that dear Aunt Lib wrote about. I met a number of other relatives, but I think all the others were on the Haines side. I also saw my great-grandfather Haines' old place. Then I went on out to Ohio, and spent two delightful weeks with Uncle Willis and Aunt Eunice; I got acquainted with Marue Ferguson and Nora Mason and her family, May Ramsay and part of her family, and Eva Perrin. I also got acquainted with Aunt Allie. Then Lena Ramsay visited me once in Taylor, and so did Bertha Stover Keese. Now I should like to see all of them again! Yes, Cousin Pluma, let's keep up the Family Letter even if some of the older ones do drop out. I feel acquainted with some of you that I have never seen, and then if I do not get to meet you later, the pleasure is doubly great. I think many others feel as I do. Tho I belong to the fourth generation, Cousin Myra Lee is only two and a half years older than I am, and Cousin Esta lacks two days of being three years older, so I feel as if I am sort of a link between the two generations, and have a right to speak in either one. I am almost ashamed to write in this letter, because I know you expected me to be in the foreign field long ago, as I did myself. It is too long a story to tell, but I was providentially hindered. After teaching at Taylor University for three years, I was married on Sept. 4, 1913, to Dr. Chester W. Harper. We have two fine, hearty boys; Kenneth, born on our first anniversary, and Ernest, born Sept. 6^th, 1917. Mamma said almost all of her children are Methodists. I am the only one of them who is not, unless it be one or two of the children-by-law. My husband and I are members of the Nazarene Church. I guess you all know that is a Holiness Church. I have been identified with some phase of the Holiness movement for sixteen years, and love the way better than ever. It grows better and sweeter as the years go by, and I am more than ever determined to press on.

There is much more I would like to say; in comment on the different letters, and mentioning others of the relatives I had not met before going to Indiana, but this letter is too long now, so I must forbear. But I cannot refrain from pouring out my heart a bit on the one subject dearer to me than all others. I am so glad that so many of you are Christians, and wish that all were. What a glorious reunion we should have one of these days! And I believe it will not be long until Jesus comes to claim His own. Then let us all be sure we are right with God and walking each day in blessed fellowship with Him. Did any of you ever hear the song, “Nothing Between My Soul and My Saviour”? That is the only was to live to be ready to meet him with joy at His coming. What do success, fame, possessions, pleasures or education amount to if, in the end, we forget God and spend eternity away from Him? Those things are good in their proper place. You will perhaps remember that I wanted an education badly enough myself to work my way thru college, but if that were all, life were indeed a failure. It is “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” I do love Jesus better than ever in my life before, and I'd rather have the assurance that I please Him than to have the plaudits of the multitudes. Good-bye, dear ones, and God Bless you all. I have thoroughly enjoyed this little visit, and please do come again soon.

Parlier, Jan. 23, 1921

It was ten years ago last summer since I had the privilege of writing greetings to you. We are scattered far, all over the U.S.A., and one in Canada. I was in Ohio at the last writing, but now am in the beautiful California, (and if my daughter and family were here, I should be very willing to remain) but I expect to be in Ohio when I write in this again. I would like to say to the cousins, if there are any who have not a “Keese History,” do you want one? If so, send to Uncle Willis and get it soon, for he went to a lot of expense as well as giving his time to compile the history for us. Each one should have one to keep their own family history in, and by each cousin – first, second or third – getting one, it will make his loss lighter. He has some with him, and I think about fifty, all bound, are stored at my home in Ohio.

I am with Cousin Belle Grogg, was with her a part of last winter, but visited Uncle in August and September, and I enjoyed being with him for I have missed him so much since he left Ohio. Who remembers when Uncle Willis first started the first Family Letter? Was it in 1892 or'93? The first visit to Sister Netta and I was in the spring or fall of 1893. We have missed many of the dear letters since that time. My mother was the first one called home, I believe. I hope this Letter will make the rounds before another ten years. I have met all the first cousins but Uncle William's children. This big Letter draws us all closer, so that we feel we know each other if we never have had the pleasure of meeting.

I have enjoyed my stay in California, and it would be very hard for me to decide which I enjoyed most – the mountains or ocean. The latter has a great attraction for me. I am without words to express the feeling that comes over me when looking at them – one so lofty and quiet, the other so restless and deep, but what is most wonderful of all is the Great Creator of all these beauties. Now dear cousins, with love to you all, I remain,

Cardington, O., 4 m. 30 -1922

Here I am, finishing out my letter started in Calif. and finished in Ohio. I did not think it would take it a year to go to 8 homes. Uncle's letter is dated 4m. 11^th, 1921, he sending it to W.W.S., so it visited him (W.W.S.) quite awhile. I see by the P.O. stamp it was mailed in New York, so I suppose it parted company with him in that city, he going south by water around to Calif., and it starting overland, stopping in about nine different states and Canada on its way to Pasadena, Calif., and Uncle. It has been in our home a week. I am sorry I could not get it off sooner, but the day it came Marue (my daughter) and her 4-year-old son Robert were taken sick with grippe, and I had more to do than I got done, baby Helen Louise, 4 months, to care for, as well as 131 little Buff Leghorn chicks, then the cooking. The housework would have got a “lick and a promise” had not my son-in-law (Walter Briggs) been so good to help me. I could not have done it. They are both about well now. Now, Cousins, get your Keese Histories and read them; they are interesting. If you haven't got one, get one. Cousin Belle enjoyed hearing hers read, and I had the pleasure of reading it to her. Oh, how we did visit all the time we were together. I hope Theresa K. Bill will write this time. Everyone, do please hasten this on as fast as possible. Love to all cousins.

Parlier, Calif., Jan. 24, 1921

The precious Family Letter has once more reached our home, and it was truly welcomed by us. Cousin Anna so kindly read each letter; she is such a help and comfort to me. She commenced with those written in 1908 and finished with those of 1920. All were very interesting, but some, Oh, so sad. When Cousin N.O. Keese told of the sad accident that caused his mother's death it brought so to my mind the sickness and death of my own dear mother. So many of our dear ones have passed away since our last letter, but oh, the joy of knowing our loss is their eternal gain. I am so glad so many are Christians. How beautiful Aunt Rebecca's letter was. I cannot quite remember her words but the desire of her heart was that all so live as to make heaven their home, and to say by faith, as she did, in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that they were going to be there. I want to join with you all in saying that, and the prayer of my heart is that we may be an unbroken family around God's throne.

(The following written under picture of Pluma S. and C.A. Collier and their home:)

There! I thought I was not renowned for anything. Myra is the youngest of the youngest son, Esta youngest of youngest daughter, Rosa Kimberling the oldest and Walter Keese the youngest grandchild of Stephen and Sarah Keese, but if any of you have a longer name, let me know, and I'll take a back seat.

Visalia, California, Feb. 8, 1921

The dear old Letter came to me again after 7 years, and I got it out of my turn at that. Now Anna Ferguson has made a new Directory, and I hope all can abide by it, but it makes some of the old letters make the round twice. It has been in Cal. quite a while, but I read most of it to Aunt Maggie, sent it to Sister Belle and Cousin Anna at Parlier, then it stayed a while at Orosi at my daughter Rhea's, but I see she did not write. Now, what will become of it if the 4^th generation doesn't write? For, as you all know, the 3^rd is passing and the 2^nd all gone except Uncle Willis and Aunt Maggie and Allie. I hope Aunt Allie will write this time. As you know, Aunt M. is blind, but sends her love to all. Her boys did not seem to have time to write. Do you know, I think we are rushing through this world so fast we think we have no time to write. Then when a loved one leaves us, we wish we had taken more time. Anna says 7 have passed to the Great Beyond since this letter started, and I just received word yesterday of another – our Cousin John Keese's wife. Dear Bertha! She was the first of the relatives in Iowa to greet me in Sept., 1918. How I learned to love her in the short time I saw her. My heart aches for the family left behind. Asa and I will never forget how lovely everyone was to us on that short trip in Iowa. Also our visit with Alva Scott was all to short, and we want all of you to visit us now, and I think I'll put in a picture of our house so you will know where to get off when you come. I think the pictures great, for we see some we would never see otherwise. I was so sorry to miss seeing the cousins in Nebraska, and some in Iowa, on that never-to-be-forgotten trip, but business bade us hurry home. Now we have sold our place at Orosi, and bought raw land at Visalia; had to build a house to live in, and now prepare land (level and so on) to get an income started. Asa is fixing to set out raisin grapes, also some land is almost ready for alfalfa mowing. I could tell more about California this time, but will only say, We like it, but some people who come do not stay long enough to know if they do or not. Some would rather have some snow in winter. Well, from here it's only a few hours' drive to snow, and fine paved highway most of the way. It looks very beautiful this morning. As I write, I can look out my east window and see it on the mountain tops and the sun shining on it. We have more snow than usual in mts. this winter; ranchers all glad, for that means more water for irrigation this coming summer. We have had good rains in valley, but now the mornings are cold and frosty.

Asa came in just now for gloves to drive team – I mean, to cover hands while driving. Yes, our old letters do look queer to us, but I fear I don't improve with age as Uncle Willis does. Gladys Collier Wilson has been trying to write for this letter for several days, but a ten-weeks-old babe keeps her so busy she don't get time, and this may have to go on its way without hers. She had been married five years without offspring, so of course this one is spoiled by parents as well as grandparents. They live just across the road from us, which we enjoy. Asa and I are very glad to have most of our children settled in Cal. Roscoe came here from Michigan last Aug., and has bought a ranch of five acres about a mile from us. He is a barber, but drives to and from shop. He has two nice children – boy and girl. Rhea still lives at Orosi, 17 miles from us; she has a boy of 7 and a girl a year old. I see Belle said nothing of her family, so I will say Daisy has five children now – 2 girls, 3 boys. She lives at Calwa, about 4 miles from Fresno. Edwina teaches the home school, or rather one grade of it – I can't remember which.

Well, I must begin to bring this to a close, as I can't say half I should like to for it would make the letter to heavy. For fear some who read this will not know, will say Asa and I visited Michigan, Ind. and Chicago on our trip in 1918, as well as Iowa, Colorado, Arkansas. MY! What a good time we had, all told. First stop at Danville to see Isaac and Eva Foss and their interesting family. Then Chicago, to see Cousin Netta Pillsbury; from there to Cadillac, Michigan, to see Bro. Vance and family. I'm only telling the Keese side of it, as of course we visited my father's people in Indiana and Asa's in Michigan, also a lot of friends. Had such a good visit with Lillie Bishop and family, Lilburn Keese and family, Florence Kelly and part of family. Altogether we often talk of the fine time we had, and would like to try it again, only have more time. All of my brothers have visited us since the, and they also had to hurry. Vance came last fall, and seemed to think he had made a long visit, but it was all too short for us. Our home is small to look at but large with hospitality, so come all who are friends – there's a welcome here for you,

Visalia, Calif., Feb. 11, 1921

I am the youngest child of C.A. & P.E. Collier. It has been several years since I wrote in the Family Letter. I was 16 then and am now 25. A good many changes have taken place in my life since then. I was married Sept. 19, 1915, to John Q. Wilson. Everybody calls him Jack, however. We are the proud parents of a baby girl born Nov. 30, 1920; her name is Pluma Lea – the first name for her Grandma Collier. I can only write a few lines, as our baby has colic so much that I haven't time for much but take care of her. I am in hopes she will be over it soon, as she is getting towards 3 months old. I certainly hope the Letter will reach us again soon. I always enjoy reading the letters so much. I guess mamma told you that we live just across the road from them. It sure is nice to be so close together. My! I wish you Easterners could be in Calif. a few minutes tonight, and see how very warm it is. We have no fire and have the windows open. I don't believer I remember such warm weather in Feb. before. Whenever any of you come out this way, be sure and come and see us.

Wilcox, Arizona, March 29, 1921

I am the oldest daughter of John Earl Keese, youngest son of Stephen and Sarah Keese. Words cannot express my joy at receiving the ”big letter” once again. It is like a spring of water in desert land. I do hope it will not be so long returning next time. I had given it up as lost. I have done some roving over the U.S. since I wrote in it the last time. I took care of the invalid in Marion, Ohio, wheeling her in a wheel chair for seven years. Six months after her death, my oldest son being married and my youngest in the army in France, nothing seemed holding me in Ohio, so I went to Visalia to Uncle Willis. After some time he decided to go to Pasadena to live. I took up nursing again, and pushed another wheel chair for eleven months. I had many interesting times at work and at play, and made the acquaintance of many good, kind people. I visited my cousin Pluma Collier, and family, and Belle Grogg and family, and also Uncle Isaac's two boys. I enjoyed my stay in Tulare County very much. I then went to Southern California, and visited Pasadena, Los Angeles and Long Beach, besides many other places of beauty and interest. I was in the height of my glory at Long Beach, for the happiest moment of my life was when I was in my bath suit on the beach of the grand old Pacific. From May 1^st to November 16^th I only missed a few mornings for taking a grand plunge about 5 a.m. from 15 minutes to three hours, according to the time I could spare. In my estimation, no joy compares with being buffeted by the great breakers. How I love it! I am sending a snapshot of myself and friend, taken by her daughter just as we were ready for a bath.

November 19^th I came to Wilcox, Arizona. This is a great cattle country. Here I have met and become acquainted with some real cowboys while spending a week at the Mule Shoe Cattle Ranch. While there one of the boys offered to take me riding on horseback, but knowing that I could not stay on a horse's back if it were standing still, I refused. There are several hot springs on this ranch, in fact, the name Hot Springs, which is generally applied to the ranch, is very applicable, for the water when first taken out of the springs can hardly be drank. I would like to describe an automobile ride in Arizona, but on account of the ups and downs and sudden turns in it, words fail me. Easter Sunday we rode thirty miles over these Arizona roads to Cochise Stronghold. Historically, this place was the stronghold of the Indians during the days of Indian terror in the West. It has only one entrance, and that is guarded by a lookout rock. The rest of the Stronghold is surrounded by formidable rocky crags. The Indian Chief Cochise is buried somewhere in the entrance to the Stronghold. His actual burial place is unknown, for after burying him, his Indian braves milled over his burial place with a hundred horses.

The fantastic coloring of these mountains is continually changing. In thirty minutes the coloring will change something like this: first, a slate gray, then immediately followed by a dismal grayishness, which gives them the appearance of being worn and tired. These alternate in rapid succession all thru the day. And one would have to witness an Arizona sunset to be able to comprehend the glory and beauty of it.

Six miles from town, on the road to the Stronghold, may be seen the most wonderful and perfect mirage in the world. It resembles in every way a great inland sea, surrounded by mountains, with islands reflecting their whole shape in the water. On a windy day may be seen great white-capped billows breaking against the shores. But drive out into the “sea” and you will find a great, widespreading alkali sand desert.

Where I will be when I make my next move, I cannot say – just so it is in the will of the Father is all that concerns me. I may start for Ohio; if so, I hope to visit as many cousins on my way as possible, so don't be surprised if I come tapping at your door most any time. I should love to get acquainted with Uncle Jason, Uncle William and Aunt Hannah's families. I fondly love all of my relatives that I know, and I'm sure I should the rest of them if I'm ever permitted to meet them. I close with much love,

Pasadena, Calif., April 11, 1921

I am the only uncle by that honorable name left to you at this time, so will address you as children. We are all children of our Heavenly Father, brothers and sisters of Christ if we are doing the will of God. Let us, therefore, be about the Father's business. He hath need of us; every one has work to do. No one can do our work for us. We are all created for a purpose, and should do it. But how am I to know what my work is? I hear some of you say. “If any man lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally, AND UPBRAIDETH NOT, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN HIM. BUT LET HIM ASK IN FAITH, NOTHING WAVERING.” IT HAS BEEn SAID THERE IS NOTHING BETTERE FOR A MAN THAn that he eat, drink and enjoy good in his labor. He must work and do good. A favorite text comes to my mind, “Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”

The Family Letter is with me now. It is nearly 11 years since in it(sic) in 1910. It was unavoidably delayed by the ill health of your Cousin Florence Haines, Isaac's wife. She was a lovely woman and a good writer. She has since passed on to the Great Beyond, leaving two sons and two daughters. May they write in the Letter on its next round, is my desire. I will not write much this time. I note great improvement in most of the messages. I fear you cannot say so much for mine. I am writing without glasses, having lost them a few days ago.

Would like to suggest that when the Letter comes into a family, that you call the children in and read it together. Then some one volunteer, or be appointed to write the message for the family. It will expedite business and teach co-operation – a thing we all need to learn. I now close, wishing you God speed in every good word and work. Lovingly and faithfully

P.S. - If any of you have a message for me, write it carefully and mail it to my address, 540 Ashtabula St., Pasadena, California, for I expect this will be my home until the Father calls me to come up higher.

2634 Glasgow St., Pittsburgh, Pa., 3-26-22

It seems the Letter is so long making its rounds that we have to tell who we are each time it puts in its appearance, so here goes: I am W.W. Sibray, or, to be more specific, William Willis Sibray, eldest son of Loammi and Elizabeth Sibray. I was born on the banks of the Limberlost, I never could remember the year, (there are just wo people living who know, Sister Pluma Collier and Cousin Anna Ferguson). One thing I am sure of, I was born during the great Civil War, and was named after my two uncles, William and Willis, who were then fighting on the side of the Union. That introduction should be sufficient.

I have read all the letters and certainly enjoyed them. Cousin Eva, you sure do look O.K. In your bathing suit. I, too, enjoy the ocean. I have bathed in both oceans and the Gulf; however, about 15 minutes in the Pacific is long enough for me – the Atlantic and the Gulf are better, as they are not so cold.

I reside in Pittsburgh, Pa., 2635 Glasgow St. I am wondering if any of you every pass through Pittsburgh; if so, why not stop and see me. My family consists of two girls and a boy. My eldest girl, Constance works in the office with me, and my little girl, Janet Elizabeth is in her second year in high school, and my son Don is in college. We would all welcome you. My wife, Jessie, joins me in inviting you to stop at Pittsburgh any time you may pass through this city, connecting the East and the West.

Some of the letters are ten and twelve years old. How time flies. Uncle Willis is the last of his generation.

Last time I wrote for the Family Letter I contributed 14 pages of typewritten matter. This time I am writing with a pen, and shall not burden you with a long letter. I am leaving for California within a day or two – Pittsburgh to New York, thence by boat to New Orleans, thence overland to San Francisco. Hope to see some of you before I return. Good night.

Cardington, Ohio, April 14, 1922

I am glad the big letter has found its way to my home again, but, dear ones, do try to hurry it along when it comes to your house. W.W.S., they tell me it was you who kept it so long this time. Now, I want you to be a good boy next time it comes to your home. Oh, A.W.S., how I would like to see you and yours again. Now, just because I am speaking to those two boys, I do not intend to slight any – how I should like to see all the cousins I have seen, and all I have not seen. I have seen so few of us, but I love all of those I do know, and I feel sure I would like those I have never seen. I think this letter is a big help to make us seem more like cousins. So everybody write, or all the cousins anyway, whether your children do or not. All of the children were at home and heard the letter read, but they said, “Mamma, we do not know what to say; if some of the other children would write, then maybe we could.” Will say there have been several changes in my family since I wrote last. One girl was married and lived with her husband 5 years, then he died, leaving 2 little children for her to care for – a boy a little past 4 years, and a girl 13 months old. We had them over a year with us, but nearly a year ago she took them and is making a home for herself and them by sewing. The other girl has two children – a boy and a girl; both of the grandboys are 6 years old, and one of the girls is 4 years old, and one was 3 years old yesterday. Then we have had another boy come to stay with us since the other letter was written; we call him Royal O.

One of Uncle Will's girls spoke of writing to some of the cousins, and then after a while they stopped. I, too, have had the same experience, but I think it is just because we are all slow in writing, not because we are not interested in our cousins. Now I will try to write to any of you who will take the trouble to write to me, but all of my brothers and sisters live away from me, but one – Eva in Calif., Myra in Upper Sandusky. Now I am sending one of my pictures so you may all see me as I really am.

Cardington, O., April 17, 1922

The Family Letter has again reached us after the lapse of eleven and one-half years, and imagine there have been many changes in some (or all) of our homes in that time. The letter came to me the 10^th, and as Uncle Willis asked to keep it going, I will grant his wishes as far as I can, as Willie Sibray says, the letter is so long getting around that we must tell each time who we are, so will say, I am the only daughter of Nathan and Almira Keese.

I enjoyed reading the cousins' letters, and I greatly enjoyed the pictures, especially the group of Uncle Jason's children, and truly wish I could meet them face to face. I often wonder if we would enjoy ourselves together as we did forty-six years ago. That was one visit not to be forgotten by me. It is as fresh in my memory today as it was when we were there, but there have been many sad changes since that time. I would like very much to put a picture in, but have no small ones, and the family group is too large – it would make too much postage. Now I will say to Cousin Pluma and Asa, that I felt very much hurt to think you did not come to see us when you were within less than a day's drive with a machine. We were most sure you would come. Hope you will be able to start out again in the near future. Would like so well to see Belle Grogg and family. I made a trip to Ind. last August to see some relatives and my old home. The old home did not look natural, and the relatives were few, but what could one expect after forty years' absence? I planned to see one very near and dear cousin, Florence Kelly. She was gone from home, so my plans were shattered. My children are most all in reach of us. Have three girls married, all living within an hour's drive. Have seven grandchildren. My boys are not any of them married; the oldest one is in Marion, Ohio, the second one is in Capron, Ill., and three at home, and one girl at home.

My mother is with me now. She don't like to live in town.; she likes to be where she can see Nature in all her glory. It is very restful to the eyes to look out across the green pastures and fields, and to see the fruit trees dressed in their pink and white. We are hoping for fruit this year. Mother wants me to write some for her, as she is very busy making rugs. She braids and sews them. She says if she could see some of you she could talk better than she can write. Writing has become a punishment to her, so she joins in love to each and every one. Now I must close and prepare supper, for when school boy gets home he is always hungry.

Upper Sandusky, Ohio, May 2, 1922

Love's greetings to each of you. When the Keese Letter came yesterday, I think I understood the father of the prodigal when he spoke of the dead being alive. For I had been thinking of the “Big Letter,” and wondering if it was lost or if it was dead and buried under some one's forgetfulness, and would I ever see it again? And here it was alive and ready to tell me all about my dear Keese relatives. When we all enjoy the letter so much, and want it oftener, why do we delay it so often?

When I saw our pictures on my old letter, I almost wondered why I sent that old one, then remembered 12 years ago it was a new one; our little girl of then is now – well, in the eyes of the world (and her own I guess) she is a “grown woman,” but to her mother she is still “our little girl.” She graduated from high school last June – when seventeen. I think she may write some in this letter; it is time she was getting acquainted with the “cousin family,” as some day our children must take our places, if this letter is to be kept up. Now, I always look in each letter to see what each cousin is doing, thinking, and trying to make of this life, or do with it to make the world better or worse, for I believe we cannot pass through this life, even though only a short time we stay, without leaving it better or worse. What have we been doing? Well, when the letter visited us twelve years ago, my husband was a mechanical engineer, and holding a position of draftsman in the Marion Stearns Shovel Co. Since that time, we sold our home in Marion, moved to Naperville, Ill., where, in June of 1918, my husband graduated from the Evangelical Theological Seminary, then back to old Ohio we came. We have a fine charge, a circuit of three churches. “Mexico,” about 12 mi.; “Bellvernon,” 8 mi., and Salem, ½ mi. from where we live. The parsonage here is a nice little farm house of 8 rooms. The Church owns 10 acres here, but we do not farm the field, but have all the garden and “truck-patch” we want. I also raise a few chickens. But as I go with Bert when calling, and by the time we get around to all of our “big family” giving special attention to the sick and needy physically, morally, Spiritually, and those that think they need some especial attention of the Pastor, and attend the Missionary Meetings, aid societies, class meeting, prayer meetings, besides the regular Sunday services, and then the special services such as conventions, rallies, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Baccalaureate sermons, and attending the graduating exercises (when one of “our families” have a “sweet girl graduate”), not of one church but three, do my own sewing – did Eunice's until this last year – not only making but remaking, cleaning – both “dry” and “wet” - pressing, turning in-side out, up-side down, the other side to, and all kinds of camouflaging old clothes into new ones, to make them last beyond all possibility, making ourselves look respectable “as a minister's family should” regardless of how small the salary; then doing my own housework – washing and ironing included – trying to keep up my reading, so as to at least keep up at least some reading and studying so as to be properly clothed mentally, and being always considered “naturally slow,” you will see I have not a great amount of time to idle away. But we are happy and, I need not say, busy in our work. I might add that the correspondence is no small item with us – letters of sympathy, hope and encouragement, of consolation and comfort, etc. The letter-writing falls on my husband – he is so much better at expressing his thoughts on paper than I. Of course, I have only been speaking of the work I go hand in hand with Bert. These are only side issues.

Uncle's letter seemed to me like a benediction. I thought of John the beloved in his later years. There are so many such good and favorite texts, but here are two that have been especially comforting and encouraging to me: “All things work together for good to those that love the Lord,” and “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

Uncle, question around, and see if we cannot get more ans. Who does not use tobacco? - either of the Keese boys, or our husbands. A woman with one drop of Grandma Keese's blood in her could not – my Grandmother could not hate it worse than I do. I have my hand up high - “It is not used in our family.” Hands up, now. I do not blame anyone for not wanting to own up to using it. Many more things I would like to say space forbids.

Youngest child of John Earl and Sarah Roxana Keese. My husband joins me in love and good wishes to Uncle and cousins all.

Upper Sandusky, O. May 4, 1922

This is the first time I have had the opportunity to read the “Big Letter,” and I certainly enjoyed it. As it will fall to us as the younger generation to keep up this letter, I will add my mite this time. I am the daughter of Myra Keese and Bertram Lee. I am 18 years of age. I graduated from High School with the class of '21. This year I am working at the home of wealthy people in Upper Sandusky, just five miles from home. I am working and saving hard in the hopes of being able to enter college this fall. I have been very busy this spring - we have been cleaning house, etc. I do all my own sewing in my spare moments. I am a lover of nature, and my last three Sunday afternoons I have spent mostly in the woods learning new things, as my life had been spend almost altogether in the city. I know I have become better acquainted with all of you thru your letter, and I hope you feel acquainted with me. I would be delighted to correspond with any of the young people of the “Big Letter” if they would write me. I must close and hurry this letter on. With love to all, I am

Pennville, Ind., June 7^th, 1922

I received the dear old Letter four weeks ago today. I was so glad to get it. I had just been wondering about it a few days before its arrival, and thinking of all the dear ones that had written in it, and now so many of them gone on to the “Far Country,” and yet it is just a breath and a heart beat that separates us, and we are always inclined to think it's a far-away place. Just a few years back, and we were the children; now, we are the old folks, or nearly so. Some, perhaps, may say, “I may be old in years, but still young in spirit.” That can be true to a certain extent, but with the years comes also a certain staidness that is not noticeable at sixteen, yet I believe in keeping young in our ways as far as is becoming for us to do so. I like to keep myself posted on the important moves in our State and community, to be a neighbor and have neighbors; to go to church and hear the gospel preached, to good lectures, music recitals, and such things that are uplifting and educational. I am not writing this to boast, but just to let you see a little of the “Keese” that is in me, for I know it belongs to that side of the family. But the one thing I prize above all else is the love we have for one another. I have seen so few of the large family, yet I love them because they are my own dear mother's and grandparents' kinsmen. The blood of my dear grandparents is in my veins, and I am surely proud to be a descendant from such noble people as I know they were. And another “trait,” or whatever you wish to call it, is I am happy to say that if ever any of the cousins are in the State or going thru, they have made a detour of miles to come and see me, which I appreciate very much. They do not forget me, which proves that there is tenderness of heart, a “something” more than just outward courteousness. There's “a tie that binds,” and I am so glad. I have read and re-read the letters, and enjoyed them so much. There are numbers of dear ones missing from this chain of letters, but there'll be no missing link beyond if we are faithful to do our work here that we find to do, and trust God and do His will. As I have just heard the sad news of Cousin Belle Grogg's death, and know she will never write for the dear letter again, it reminds us again that there is another link gone from our chain letter and yet

Such was Cousin Belle's life, for I know she was a true Christian. Thus we can see clearly it means something to live “right,” and some little corner of the world may be made better from our having been there. I have never achieved greatness, only filled a very humble place as best I could. There were certain things I would have loved to have had done. One was a musical career, both vocal and instrumental; another was literary work, but opportunities were scarce when I was at home; had my own mother lived, my education would have been something worth while, or I always felt so about it, at least. Well, really, I have rambled on at such a rate there will not be room left to say anything of importance, for I find I have written principally of myself, which I did not mean to do so much of, but will have to tell just a little more yet. We have five children living, all married; nineteen grandchildren living, five in heaven, for “of such is the kingdom.” Our oldest child (a daughter) is thirty-seven years old today; she lives at Lawrenceville, Ill. Our youngest lives in Chicago, has been at Cousin Nettie Pillsbury's several times. Our second child (a daughter) lives at LaPorte, Ind; her husband works in the Studebaker Auto Shops at So. Bend, Ind. Our oldest boy lives near Montpelier, Ind. I was there when the Letter came, caring for his wife and their eighth baby, and he only weighed 14 pounds; his mamma weighs 94. What do you think of the products of Hoosierdom, anyway? They had six sweet little girls; lost the oldest one with scarlet fever; then two little boys came, fourteen and one-half months apart. They are sure proud of them. Our oldest has five girls; the second has two girls, one boy; the third is Frank, the one I have just written about; the fourth one is a blacksmith, and lives here in town near us. They have two girls, one boy; the youngest has one boy. Now that is biography enough.

Cousin Nettie said she missed my letter. Well, if all goes well with the Big Letter, she will think I am rather conspicuous in this one. If I ever get to Chi. to the children's, I will surely visit her. And Cousin May, you could never be more disappointed than I was when you were here on a visit last fall. I remember Cousins Ora and Esta Smith, and re-read Cousin Esta's letter three times; there seemed to be such a longing or “homesickness” about it that it made my heart go our to her, for despite the years that have gone since my dear mother has been gone from us, I find myself very often wanting mother. I had a good step-mother, but she is so different in disposition from what my own was, or as I feel she would have been in regard to our education and training in general. Altho I write this with no disrespectful feeling toward mother, yet each of us know we love our own best – it is natural.

July 30^th, 1922. - This is Florence Kelly, eldest daughter of Matilda Keese Paxon, first cousin of W.W. Sibray – in more ways than blood relation, altho the letter has not tarried quite as long with me as it did with Will, yet I am willing to bear part of the blame for its slow progress in its journey from shore to shore. I saw Cousin Lilburn and wife June the 11^th and told him of the letter, and was sure he would have had it long ere this, but such is life with me. I went to Lake Tippecanoe on June 15^th, my husband also. We were helping in a large hotel. I don't know were I take it from, but surely I like such work, and have achieved some fame in the line of culinary art, but I was overtaxed with the work and the heat, so had to come home for a little rest, but am expecting to return soon, and perhaps go to Florida with the people for the winter season. Thus I am a little like the Irishman's flea – I haven't been at home only about six weeks in a year. This is a very pleasant Sabbath day, altho I did not go to church as I think every one should. I am surely glad to note that so many of the loved ones are Christians. I belong, or I should have said, my husband and I belong to the Methodist church; have not been as active in the work and attendance as I would have liked to have been in the last year, but part of it was unavoidable. Well, I must bring this rather lengthy letter to a finish. I have tried to fix all the relatives that I have not seen, in my “mind's eye,” and try thinking how each one is spending this day, and dear ones I have met will never be erased from my memory, as I can close my eyes and see them, and I love to just sit down quietly, and do so quite often. Dear Uncle Willis! The good visit we had when he was to see me. I wonder if it will ever be our privilege again on this earth? If not so willed, I am determined, by God's grace, to meet all in Heaven, for I have many loved ones there. Cousin Pluma and Asa, Will and Vance have all been to see me several times, and Cousin Lilburn and wife are among the very faithful, loving ones to come, and oh, we sure enjoyed it for, dear ones, when we think of it all it is like Cousin Pluma says, we are living in too much of a hurry, and the only remedy I can think of for the “healing of the nations” is salvation thru Christ our Saviour, and when one looks about them and takes a few minutes of thought, we see there are so few that give the future a serious consideration; it's “Oh, I haven't time now – I must hurry.” Well, I could keep on, but I think I had not better make you glad twice in one letter. So here is best wishes for the quick journey of our letter, with lots of real love to every one.

Marion, Ind., Sept. 3, 1922

I am at a loss to know what to write, for it only lacks about a month and a half of being 12 years since I wrote you. Surely, some one is more careless than I am (and that is useless) or it would have been here two or three times ere this, but I am not going to scold any one, but let's not let it happen again, but let's be prompt, for we must remember the 3^rd generation is beginning to pass away, and this is our best medium of information to keep us posted on how each family is getting along in the world, for if we were to write to each one, it would be some task. I am going to tell you of two – or rather three, reunions we attended a week ago today. Cousin Florence Kelly wrote us her children would all be at home that day. By the way, Florence is the one of the cousins living in Jay Co; she lives at Pennville, only 2 ½ miles from where our grandparents settled in 1836. She and I are the only ones in Ind. But to the reunions. The flivver was running fine, so we went up to Pennville, about 33 miles from here, found her children and grandchildren all there – 5 children and mates, 19 grandchildren; 51 of us ate dinner at her house, then went to Balbec about 3 ½ miles north, to the Paxon reunion. There Florence presented her family in a body, having by far the largest family present. Uncle Willis, while at the Paxon reunion I saw Lowell Grisell, and told him what you told me to about the two ears of corn you got on the old homestead. He said that was all right, so I have done my part, and you are not guilty of any wrong. Say, now, Cousins, I enjoy the pictures, especially of the ones I have seen, although it has been so many years since I have seen the Iowa cousins – 47 years, but Wilburn I remember it as if it were yesterday, for we gathered hazelnuts out on the hill back of your house. It was in Monroe that I got my first pair of pants. I remember Uncle Wm. was working in a brick yard. I also remember being very sick the first day I was there from eating so many plums at Aunt Hannah's. Of Uncle Jason's family, I must say Volney looks natural; he looks very much like my father after he shaved his beard off. Hannah is the likeness of her mother. Alfred (whom I never saw) looks like Uncle John Earl, and Douglas has lived with a Keese so long he looks like a Keese.

Now, dear ones one and all, I would I could see every one of you, but I do not suppose I ever will in this world, but hope to in the next. Now, Laura, I am glad you remember the good times we had together. We often talk of you. We often pass through Upland on a little ride (in the flivver). If you were here, we would not have to depend on Billy to drive a little Sunday afternoon. We drove out this afternoon; we were about half way to Upland, so when you come again we will have some steak and gravy for dinner, and drive over to T.W. In the afternoon. Now, how is that? Now, dear ones, I am going to tell you a little about what I am doing. I and our son Burton are in the grocery business yet; it is an everyday job, and we have never had a strike, yet at the end of the year we get what is left, let it be much or little, and it is generally little. Burt has two boys, Everett aged 11, Dale aged 5. Now I have written back on this paper, and to the end, so I will have to bid you good-night, with best wishes for every one.

Marion, Ind., Nov. 26, 1922

It may be a surprise to you to get a letter from me so shortly after you got the Family Letter, which I suppose you have sent on its way some time ago, but this is a follow-up letter which I (...part of the sentence missing...) do likewise, until it overtakes the Family Letter, then I want it enclosed and sent on with my letter, as it is to tell our relatives of the great loss we have sustained in the death of Burton's wife Bertha, who died Oct. 24, 1922, very suddenly. She had not been very well, and the Dr. advised her to keep off her feet a few days. On Tuesday the 24^th, she was stricken while talking to two neighbor women that had come in, and died in a few minutes. We miss her very much. Burton is very lonesome, but he has borne it bravely for the sake of his two boys. Now, dear ones, I cannot write to you all only in this way, and I hope none of you will be called upon to do so, but if you are, and can get your letter to the Family Letter, it will reach us all, and we may not be so long in hearing such news.

And now, to the one who has the Family Letter, when this sad message reaches you, keep it going. I have neglected to say that we are at present living with Burton and the boys. My wife is hardly equal to the task, but we all help her when we are about the house. With love and best wishes to one and all.

P.S. To Lillie: It may be that Burton has called on you today, as he went to Portland today with some friends; if so, he will tell you all I do not know, as they will go or come by there, and if he does he will stop, if but for a few minutes. This leaves us well as usual and hope it will find you all well. Good night.

Chicago, Ill., Dec. 3, 1924

Two years last June the Family Letter reached our home, or it was May when it came, but I wrote in it June 7^th, 1922, and last evening read the letter I had written, in Cousin Netta Pilsbury's home, she having received the Big Letter a few days ago. It seems to be a very slow traveler, but will soon be on its journey again. I did not expect, when writing, I would overtake my letter on its way, but so is the journey of life – so many unexpected things take place. Although we should be prepared for the “unexpected,” we are never ready for it when it comes. So many things have taken place since 1922 in my own life: when I look back, it seems like a dream almost, yet it is all reality. One very sad reality is the loss of my dear husband, who passed from this life Sept. 11^th of this year, leaving me sad and lonely, but he has passed from sickness and suffering into eternal rest, for he was prepared to go, leaving evidence of the fact, which is the greatest comfort to myself and children. Cousin Lilburn Keese laid his wife to rest last February, and since coming here, to my son's home, I was made sad again by hearing of Cousin W.W. Sibray's very sudden death. We must all answer the summons sooner or later, and we know when the boatman comes to take us over, we may enter into a well-earned rest. The world is so big, and we seem such a small atom in it, so we sometimes wonder if we really are of much use, so it seems we will have to be satisfied to do what good we can in our little sphere, where-ever it may be. I am staying with my children this winter, trying to regain my broken health. Am feeling stronger now; hope to be able to work by spring. I feel like the time will not seem so long when I can be regularly employed. I came to my son's Nov. 5^th; am at Cousin Netta's at present. Have had a delightful visit in her home. We are expecting to go to the International Stock Show tomorrow, not only to see the fine stock, but to try and get a peep at our National Executive, President Coolidge. Just how we succeed remains to be seen. I visited with Cousin Lilburn Keese the week previous to coming to Chicago. Always a pleasant place to go. Attended S.S. and church in their grand new edifice, a beautiful, inspiring place for worship, and such a good old-fashioned minister; the house seemed filled with the spirit of real, earnest worship. I have re-read the cousin's letters, and always enjoy them. Cousins Myra Lee and Nora Mason were to visit me since my letter of 1922, also Edwd. Grogg of Calif. Cousin Netta's son just left; he made a short call about eight o'clock, so I have met another one of our relatives, and a fine, stalwart man to look upon, one respected and a man to trust, as he holds a very responsible position with a manufacturing concern here in the city. Well, I must close, and get ready for bed. There have none of my children written in the Letter, but they have most of them read it, but some day they will have to take my place if this goes on down the line.

Sarah Annetta Keese Pillsbury, daughter of Jonathan G. and Phebe Ann Keese, born Mch. 15, 1858.

4913 W. 24^th Place, Cicero, Ill., Dec. 7^th, 1924

It has been 12 years since I read the Family Letter; my old letter was dated Sept. 19, 1912. Think of it! Well, it has not been here all that time, but it came here long enough ago so I should have sent it on in Sept. Now I'll “fess up” - I forgot it for a while, thought of it and opened it, and dreaded to start in on it, but finally did, and now Florence Kelly has been here, and we certainly did have a good visit. Now I must say we, my husband and myself, took a trip; we went first to Denver, then Salt Lake, then Boise, Ida., and saw our eldest daughter Myra; stayed three weeks; then Portland, Or., 4 days, then San Francisco and Visalia, and Los Angeles and Pasadena, then back home. It was a lovely trip. Spent a delightful week with Pluma and Asa Collier and family, Aunt Maggie and her two sons, Uncle W. and my sister Anna. We were gone a little over two months, but what a lot of work to get everything in your own order after some one else has had charge of things while you are away. Don't think we will ever go so far again. Calif. is lovely, only we were there in the worst time of year, July and August. We enjoyed Idaho, also Salt Lake and Denver, so I suppose as long as my daughter lives there, we will have to go there as often as possible, that is, while my husband works for the R.R., so he gets a pass, for it certainly takes lots of money to travel. Now this paper is not very good for this letter, but it will have to do. Mabel, my second daughter, lives in Chicago, but about 20 miles away. Laurence does not live so far away, but is a very busy man, so he does not come over very often. He has 3 children, 2 boys and a girl; Mabel, no children. Myra, 4 boys, oldest one in the Navy, 18 years old. Now, dear folks one and all, I wish you all happiness and good luck, and hope we shall all hear from each other again, God willing. I have enjoyed reading most of them – my own was about the worst; hope this is better. My hand cramps so it is difficult, so I'll close and get this off to Theresa Bill tomorrow,

Dec. 8^th. Now tomorrow I will send this to Theresa Bill. I have just read Florence Kelly's letter that she wrote here Wednesday eve, and I see that she has not mentioned the passing of another one of us. W.W. Sibray passed away Oct. 30^th, and was buried at Washington, D.C., Nov. 3^rd. Truly a good man has gone. A letter from A.V. Sibray brought me the sad news a few days ago. Now, please, Theresa, won't you write me, or do I owe a letter? How are you all; we think of you often, but this time we did not stop to see you on our way home from Calif. Getting home was such a big event; I could not get away again. We certainly enjoyed Uncle Willis and Anna, and all the rest. Aunt Maggie is so cheerful and happy, although blind; keeps house all alone yet not lonely or sad.

Sheffield, Ills., Feb., 1925

The Family Letter came some time ago, but as we had just moved to our little home a short time before, the letter was laid aside for awhile. It surely takes the letter a long time to make the round, and so many changes take place from the time it leaves us until it returns again. I will introduce myself as Thresa Keese Bill, fifth child of Jason and Lovina Keese. I've always been very proud of the Keese name. There are so many of the relatives that I've never seen, but those who have visited us have been most welcome, and now that we have such fine roads for autos, there surely will be more coming through Sheffield, as we live just out of town a few rods, and there isn't any excuse for not coming to see us. The only relatives I have gotten acquainted with are Uncle William's, Uncle Jonathan's children, Aunt Elizabeth, Uncle D.L. And Uncle Willis and Francis. Uncle Isaac's were to visit us when I was a small child. Uncle Willis made us a good visit several years ago. We certainly owe him a great deal for the family history that he spent so much time and money getting together for us. We were all very sorry to hear of Cousin Will Sibray's death, but one never knows when the call may come to go up higher. I've heard my father talk of Will Sibray so much and say what a fine man he was. I am very glad to hear so many express their faith in Christianity. It is a great comfort, especially as one grows older and passes through many trials of life. We are fortunate in having our family near us. Homer, our eldest son, lives on the old home place, and has a fine wife and two fine boys; Maurice, second son, lives twenty-two miles north of us. He has been a very successful teacher for several years – has a grocery store in the town where he lives – but still teaches, as he has help in the store. They have a fine little girl; she started to school last fall. Mary, our only daughter living, is living on a farm near us; she has a dear little daughter 18 months old. And Robert, our youngest son, is to graduate from the State University at Urbana, Illinois, in June. Our family life has been a very satisfactory one, although troubles have come to us as they do in all families. We must not complain.

Hoping more of the family will find it convenient to visit us soon, and that the Letter will make a much speedier journey than the last one, with love and best wishes from

Newburg, Iowa, Dec. 20^th, 1925

This is from Lydia Ellen Keese Green. I will try to write a few lines for the Keese Family Letter. There has been another one of the Jason Keese family passed away not long since. Myrtle Keese Hilsebeck was killed in an automobile accident last July; she leaves a husband and three children, the youngest three and one-half years old. When I read the cousin' letters, they all seem so strange to me; it has been so long since I knew most of them. We have lived in the same place for over thirty years. We are having a lot of snow this winter. It makes me think I would like to visit our relatives in California, or our daughter in North Carolina. We have visited her once since she lived there; went through Indianapolis, Indiana, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Knoxville, Tenn. I wondered if any of the relatives lived near any of those places? Our children are all married, and live less than twenty miles from here, except the one in N. Car. We have five children. I have two brothers and one sister that live near us; one sister lives in Minnesota. She and her husband are visiting here now until after Xmas, so there is quite a bunch of us when we get together. I would like to visit the cousins and get better acquainted, but I am afraid I never will unless they come to see us. We still live on the farm, but I begin to feel like we had better move to town and let younger people live on the farm. We live on the Glazier Trail, two miles from Newburg and two and one-half from Gilman.

Newburg, Ia., Jan. 4^th, 1926

Several years have passed and many changes have come since last we read the Family Letter. When last I wrote I told you of our first-born, a son of a few weeks of age then; he is now thirteen years old, nearly as large as his “dad,” and has three brothers and sister - the youngest will be five the 12^th of Jan. Our branch of the family stay pretty close to Central Iowa, mostly. If any of you should make up your mind to visit us sometime, you couldn't fail to find at least part of our tribe somewhere in any of the central counties of the State. Ida lives in Sauk Center, Minnesota. Thresa at Sheffield, Ills., a short day's drive from here. Some of you have heard of Myrtle's tragic death last July, at Eugene, Ore., in an auto accident. She was brought back and laid at rest beside her father and mother at Green Mountain. Nate Keese, where are you? I have written you several cards in the last couple of years, but can't find you any more; and Sadie, too. We seem to have lost track of you and your family. We often talk of the time you and Ruth and little daughter spent Christmas with us at Green Mountain. I want to get track of all the relatives in the West, as we plan to visit out that way before many seasons go by. We want to take the children for a trip while they are all at home with us, and Tillie's folks are about all in California now, so we think it's going to be pretty fine. There are so many of you to visit, perhaps we can manage to spend most of the winter among you before you all get tired out and run us out. Will have to make it before long or the little, old “flivver” will be badly overcrowded, the children are growing so rapidly. Well, I'll not take up any more space in the big letter, but do want to urge more of you to visit us. Think how much more it would mean if we could see and converse together. I believe it's a Keese trait to neglect writing, but I also believe we all have a real heart interest in each other. I can at least speak for our branch of the family. Wishing you all much happiness and long, full years, I am

We have not late pictures taken alone, but will send these, as we enjoy seeing pictures of the others, and hope more will send them. This was taken under an apple tree out in our yard. Wish you could all come to see us sometime.

Sauk Center, Minn., Dec. 26^th, 1925

Have been reading the Family Letter, and can say it is becoming more interesting all the time; only wish we might be able to hurry it along a little faster. We didn't imagine, when we last wrote that it would be so long before it returned. Our home is on Minn. now. My husband's health failed soon after we wrote in 1915; he suffered a severe nervous breakdown, and was compelled to give up his work, which he loved and expected to make his life work. The Drs. advised country life for us, and his health is much better now. We carry on the work on 200 acres of land, with a little outside help. L.E. supplies quite often for Sundays for different ministers, is manager of our local creamery, and enjoys his work very much. At present we are spending a little time visiting our relatives, and have surely enjoyed every minute of it – only hope it won't be so long before we can see them again, and that they may all be spared and be living here when we come back again. We miss our dear sister Myrtle, and all the others who have departed this life, but all that is left for us to do is to make the best of life, and hope to meet some time in a better land. Hoping this letter may get around with a little more speed, and that it may not be so many years before it reaches us again. 12 years have elapsed since we started it on its way before. Love to all.

Audubon, Ia., Jan. 17^th, 1926

The Family Letter arrived a few days ago, and I hasten to get it along lest I be guilty of procrastination. To say I was glad when it arrived would be putting it mildly, for I really enjoyed reading even the oldest letters, for they were new to me, and I hope to write at least cards to many soon, letting you know where the letter is or where I sent it, as I have already done to Uncle Willis, and I will suggest each one write him when you receive it, as he is getting quite aged and should certainly command that much deference.

Now, if any of you do any broadcasting for the radios, just drop me a card, giving your Station and wave length, and I will try my best to tune my Atwater Kent in on you. I am still carrying mail, but as I reach the retirement age (65) the 27^th of March, I do not know how long I will be permitted to continue, but being in good health and not feeling like quitting work, and yet not looking to try any new stunts, I have applied for an extension of time. But as Congress at present seems bent on giving each carrier two routes (which is all right where roads are hard-surface and not too much snow) but in these Northern states it does not look good to the R.F.D. boys, I assure you, and as a rule they are not lazy fellows, either. And then I think the greatest trouble will be to find substitutes who will keep horses and rig to make the one route just when the roads are so bad the regular carrier cannot make both with a car. Time will tell.

Some of you do not explain who you are. Now those of us who are living away out by ourselves, and do not have a chance to talk over the things concerning our relation, and, having never seen you, cannot remember who you are, give us your No., please. I received a Christmas card from one of my nieces, who is married. I have heard who she married, but I have forgotten his name. Now she signed, “Maud & Barney,” but I am afraid a reply addressed thus will not reach her. I have a notion to try it, just to see. There is so much good coming in over the radio, I can hardly write; so many good sermons all over our land. Now, at 9:15, a new sermon just starting in Denver, Colo. No doubt many of you have radios. I wish to say Lilburn is right as to the year they were in Iowa. It was while we lived in Monroe, and we left there in the fall of 1875 for Montour, and in the spring of '76 to Gilman.

Well, I suppose some of you will want to know something of my family. You probably know we have only the two boys left. Leonard graduated from the University of Iowa, at Iowa City, in the year of 1917, and taught school until he was called into the service at Camp Dodge, near Des Moines, where he received a commission as Second Lieutenant, but was kept there training men till the close of the war, after which he taught in Des Moines West High till he went into service of the Veteran's Bureau at St. Louis, Missouri. From there to Cedar Rapids, and then to Omaha, Nebraska, where he is at present in the same service, as chairman of the Rating Board. Bernard is in the University at the present time, where he will graduate from the School of Commerce as a public accountant, February 3^rd next.

I was sorry to hear of Will Sibray's death, although I never saw him, yet I had learned to like him and the appearance of his letters in the Family Letter. I am glad to know there are some preachers in the gang. We had always hoped the Lord would call some of our boys in His ministry, but I guess He did not see anything in them worthy of that calling. Now, friends, I expect some of you will be wondering just what kind of work Leonard is in, as many of his friends here ask that question. Many think he is still teaching. The Veteran's Bureau is the organization through which the laws concerning the disabled soldiers are put into operation. When he first went to St. Louis he was chief clerk. Then the Veterans' Bureau was in 3 divisions, but soon Congress placed them all in one. Then he was made Contract and Purchasing Agent for that district, consisting of Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. In this work, his duties were to make contracts with the schools and colleges for teaching such soldiers as were placed in them, and to purchase all supplies needed, which consisted of books, tools and machinery, or any other supplies needed. Then he was sent to Cedar Rapids as manager of the local office there, till it was closed, and then to Omaha, Nebr., where he is chairman of the Rating Board, where his Board, when the doctors have examined a disabled veteran, and make a report of their findings to them,then they decide as to what pay he shall get, if any.

I just received a letter from Uncle Willis today, January 18^th, in which he stated he was well and in his 88^th year, and much pleased with the letter I sent him. With love and many good wishes to one and all, I am

Audubon, Ia., Jan. 31, 1926

I thought I would write a few lines in this big letter, although I am not a member of the Keese Tree, but I am mother of two very fine Keese boys, so I guess you will pardon my presuming on your time. I am wife of Wilburn Malachi Keese, daughter-in-law of William G. Keese. I enjoy reading the big letter, and was rejoiced while reading it to find so many of the relatives Christians. I am trying in my weak way to be a follower of the Lowly Nazarene, and I know that He is able to keep that which I have committed to His care, and that I shall one day stand before Him to give an account of the deeds done in the body. Wilburn and I are alone most of the time now. Our eldest son, Leonard Keese, graduated from the State University of Iowa the spring of 1917, taught until he was called into the World War. Since he got his discharge, he has been employed in the U.S. Veterans' Bureau, doing fine. His salary is $2750. per year, with headquarters at Omaha, Nebr. He is unmarried. Our youngest boy, Bernard Keese, is just finishing his senior year at the State University. He attended the summer school, so he is getting out in 3 ½ years. Will be home Tuesday morning. He has prepared himself to be a public accountant. We have just bought an Atwater Kent radio set of five tubes, and we are certainly enjoying it. Although we cannot talk with your personally, we hear those over the radio from all of the states in which you live – from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Canada to Mexico. We have been listening to such wonderful sermons today over the radio, as it has been raining all day and we did not go to church. So we attended at home. Well, I guess I had better quit and let Wilburn send this on its way. I hope it will not be 12 years before it reaches us again, as it was this time. Wilburn wrote to his Uncle Willis Keese and told him the big letter was here, as he wanted him to know it had been resurrected and was on its way again.

Route 4, Greenfield, Iowa, Feb. 14^th, 1926

I was sure surprised when the old letter came knocking at our door, but it sure found the latch-string hanging outside, and we gave it warm welcome, and we talked till midnight with all the folks but two before retiring. I could just see a great many of you as I last saw you. It is surprising how many of us there are that claim Christ our Lord. It sure is a revelation. I suppose you all know that my father (W.G. Keese) was an ordained Methodist minister for some years before he died. He died in Hill City, South Dakota, and was buried in Hermosa, S.D., all in the Black Hills. He has a soldier's slab to mark the resting place. But mother rests in Hebron, Iowa. She has a fine monument to mark her last resting place. It is on a nice hill covered with bluegrass and some wild flowers. The last time I was there I saw several wild lilies, such as we used to pick when on the way to school, on the virgin prairies of Iowa in the '60s and '70s. I see there are some dropped out on account of death, and some otherwise, but the trails are still left for all – some one and some the other. We all have the same guidebook, and if we don't get on the right trail, that will be our fault. I thought I would finish this great letter, as this is our wedding day. Have been married 32 happy years. Have not gathered so much of this world's goods, but have lived so we get blessings from God. Have been blessed with 6 children, 5 boys and one girl – Minnie, who is married and has two children, a girl and a boy, the girl 3 past, the boy 4 months the 21^st inst. Lost one boy in the Black Hills, S.D. Harold, the second is married, lives in Burlington, Colorado, and James C.K. Lives in Greenfield here; he is a baker by trade, but not married. Arthur is here in high school, second year. Minnie's home is in Adair, Iowa, about 24 miles N.W. of here. Her man runs a dray line there; is doing fine. I think when I make my trip to Calif. I will stop at Oak Cottage – that looks good to me. But the name takes the cake. I think, Mrs. C.A. Collier, you will have the front seat instead of the back one. Well, Ida and Leroy Gallagher, you don't either of you look like you did when we took the trip to Cedar Falls and Waterloo. We sure had a fine time. I have not seen any of the folks for some time. Eva L. Perrin looks fine in her B. suit – looks very much Keese like for weight and build. Well, I think you went thru Iowa but did not stop. I think we ought to have a large family gathering – all meet at some central home in Iowa. Would not that be grand? I close, with love to all,

Greenfield, Ia., Feb. 14^th, 1926

We were sure glad to receive the Family Letter again. We often wondered if it would ever got here again. I have not met a good many of you, but have read the letters till I am almost acquainted, and I think if I could meet them it would not take long to get acquainted. I am glad that so many are Christians, and we all ought to feel thankful to Uncle Willis for starting this letter, and for the Family History, too, and I want to thank him for the book of the Rose Tournament of 1926. I had a sister there in 1925, and she thought it the most wonderful thing she ever went to see, and I sure would enjoy seeing it, too. Flowers are not so plentiful on New Year's Day. We have seen decorated cars just grand Fourth of July, but not January 1^st. We only have one child at home, Arthur. He is a sophomore, he has a good distance to go to school, just enough so he gets exercise, and can come home for dinner. He belongs to the foot ball and basket ball teams. Our team won last week with Shenandoah, last night with Atlantic – have done fine all this season. Greenfield is 20 mi. N.W. of Creston, and 65 mi. S.W. of Des Moines, and we have dandy roads, so come and see us. With love and best wishes from us all,

Hill City, S.D. Mch. 4th, 1926

The dear old Family Letter has been here a little over a week, as it takes some time for a busy housewife to get over all the letters, and some of them over again, as some are dim, but so very interesting. I tho't the letter was lost long ago, as it has been on the road so long. Brother Nate gets more out of the letters than I do, as he remembers so many, and also knew more of them. I remember the Haines family - Uncle Jason, Uncle Nate, Uncle Ike and Uncle Willis' and family. I would sure like to see them, all that are left. Now if any of you have time to make a trip, don't pass us by, as we are on the State highway, and the scenery here is very good. There are a great many people from all the States go through, so you see it can be done. Cousin Ella, put some young folks on the farm, and take a trip for yourself. I am sure you will enjoy it. This invitation is for all, both great and small, no matter whether we ever saw you or not, you are welcome. My family consists of 4 girls and 2 boys. The eldest girl lives in Lead. (I expect that is the niece Wilburn speaks of, Maude & Barney her husband.) The have no children. Pearl & husband, Alta, husband and little son live in Denver; they made me a visit the first of the year. Willis, Leonard and Juanita are at home. Will try to put in a picture to pass around. Well, Ida, please put in another picture, taken later, and also plain so we can see how you look. I sure have a good one of Uncle Willis; sure looks good to me. California must be a good place to live and look young. I would sure love to go there for a visit, and the next place would be Gilman. I would love to wander around the streets. I go there many times in my dreams. Of course I realize there are many changes, but to me it seems just like home. We are having lovely weather; we have had an ideal winter, and spring is early – the blue birds are coming back, and my hardy plants are already growing. Well, it is time to get supper, so will have to hold this over another day. Mch. 10^Th – Now you see I have kept this longer than intended, but will be sure to send it on its way tonight. I will have to leave my old letter in until it gets to Uncle Willis. We have all heard the folks talk of the time you made your home with them, and also father talked so much of the time, you were in the army together. He talked so much about it, when he was sick, before his death. It is no wonder he seemed more than a brother, marching together and not knowing when you would be parted, but you were both spared for a longer life, and a better one. God know best, that we might have a dear father that none of us will forget. And then our dear mother was left to us for a few more years, so that span between softened our sorrow. To the cousins who lost their sister in an auto accident, I will say, no one knows what a shock it is except those who have gone through the same. My sympathy is with them, and all others that have lost the dear ones.

Riverton, Wyo., March 18^th, 1926

I have read all letters, and some more than once, especially the ones I have known. I have enjoyed all. Some were quite yellow with age, but being written with ink they could be read. My brother, N.O. Keese, has a letter written by my father to mother while he was in the war, but can be read, and he says money could not buy it. I also have a lock of hair that was sent to him, and we found it in his testament. I expect Uncle Willis would remember, as he was with father. This big letter arrived in a place it never had been before – 52 miles from R.R. and 27 from P.O. It has been with us since the 9^th of March. I was just finishing my washing, but sat right down and began to look it over. When I came to myself, I happened to think I had one flannel shirt in the tub, so I laid the letter aside and put the shirt out. My husband, J.S. Dunning, kept on reading aloud, so it went, until that eve at a late hour, we had it nearly all read, but in the morning we started in. Our son Frank came, and we looked it over some, but as he was trucking for the Union Oil Co., he did not have time to read or write again. His last was written July 30^th, 1914. We are going to try to get this letter off tomorrow, Mch. 19^Th, our youngest boy's birthday. I see by the old letter he had written, Uncle Willis had invited him to the next reunion. Although he was just starting to school, he thought he might go. I sure wish I could go. Gladys Collier speaks of it being so warm in Feb. in Calif. What would you think of Wyo. in March – haven't had fires only for meals today, but as soon as the sun is gone, then it cools off in a hurry. Pluma, you do seem to have lots of name. You did not sign all of that when you wrote me at Riverton, Wyo. A.V. Sibray says Mrs. S. is especially happy since woman suffrage has carried in Mich; that was in 1918 when you wrote. How about now? Have you noticed you still have to walk chalk, or has she given in to the old boss? Pluma, you speak of Bertha, John Keese's wife, being so good. I was there after putting our dear mother to rest; they surely treated us nice. There was where John and Uncle Willis met us at Marshalltown. We took our Xmas dinner at Alfred's, and a lovely dinner – all the brothers and sisters were there but Thresa. Aunt Lovina and Ida were living together. We enjoyed meeting them, but only for a short time. Mother's death was a sad surprise to us. We all have to take the same trip. Some have warnings in lingering sickness, but others depart without. It is up to us to be prepared. I often wonder if I am on the right road. I am trying to live right, having faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and if we have that in the true light, it is sure carrying on the straight and narrow path. Eva Keese Perrin, you surely look as though you was enjoying good health, although your letter was written in 1920, there might be quite a change by 1926. I have heard you girls spoken of so much by Royal when he was with us in Keystone. You spoke of roving around; since writing in the last letter I have an idea you have had to go a great many places between that time and now. Since we sold out, we, too, have been roving, but not very far. May Keese Ramsay and Lilburn K., I surely remember your visit in Monroe, Ia. Your father said he would just as leave eat the cabbage we raised as he would an apple, the cabbage was so white and brittle. Uncle W., you said in your letter of 1921, you had to write without your glasses – they were lost. Now, I could not do that at my age. You said call all the children in when reading the letter. I did; just one was all I had, and that was my husband, and he enjoyed it very much. You have written a useful letter, and if all the nieces, nephews and children would take the advice you have given, although I must say, all the letter contained good advice. Some have passed away since they have written, but those that are left let us keep handing it down to our generation that is growing into womanhood and manhood, who, in their turn, will think of their beloved parents and grandparents, and still pass it on. I hope there are not many flappers in our Keese tribe. There are so many more things to contend with to what there were even in my young days. But we should be more uplifting in our ways to keep us in the true living of our grandfather's advice. Myra K. Lee, your letter of 1922 is very interesting, and so are the pictures. I used to get letters from you after your brother Royal was killed. Esther Ferguson asked who remembered when the first letter was started; was it in 1892 or '93? I don't remember when it started, but I got it first in 1899. Lillie Grogg speaks of my mother's letter and her sad death, her letter not lacking in faith of gaining our heavenly home. I feel that my father and mother are waiting for us all. She was not much to advise only little children, but father gave it whatever he thought it was needed, and had the opportunity. I will close with love to all. If any deem to write, it will be welcome.

Pavillion, Wyo., Mar. 23^rd, 1926

Just 11 years ago the 30^th of July, the Family Letter was at my house, and surely expected it to return sooner than this. Has taken many years to make the rounds. No doubt, many changes have taken place in every home, as it has in mine. In 1914 I wrote that I had a little girl 11 months old, Norma, and in this one I can add one more girl, Catherine, age 10, and two boys, Royal, 8, Jack the baby, 6. All doing fine in school. Norma expects to enter second year of High next year, if she is able to attend summer school again this summer. We have just fair schools where we now live. We moved from Montana 6 yrs. ago to Wyo. and a year ago we came to Pavillion, where my parents have lived for three years, this being much higher, and my health has improved very much. We bought a little home, and expect to remain here a few years at least.

I have enjoyed everyone's letter very much, and only wish I may some day know at least some of you personally. How well I remember the short and sad visit I made in Iowa with my mother, Sarah Keese Dunning, when called there to lay her dear mother, and my own grandmother with whom I lived a good many years, to rest. How dear and kind every one was to us. I remember every face there, but not names. How we have missed her, altho I have my own dear mother with me at least once a week, and enjoy her talks of her relatives and young days, and I realize only too well that she and father are getting along in years too. She lives in her God and is always happy. My two brothers, Frank and Charles, are here, Frank married and Charles in high school. Erma, my only sister, about 200 mi. at Clearmont. How I miss her; we have always been very close to each other. I do enjoy Uncle Willis's letters very much, and wonder if he remembers me while at Cousin John's and Alfred's homes. I wish all of you full and prosperous years, and may we all meet in the better world, if not here.

Pavillion, Wyo., Mar. 23^rd, 1926

I am Norma Dunning Merritt, the 4^th grandchild of Sarah Keese Dunning, and the oldest daughter of Ruth Dunning Merritt, that making me the 5^th generation of the “Keese Family Tree.” I visited many of you when a small baby, and have enjoyed the reading and talking of your letters. Mother and Grandma spent hours with the “Family Letter,” that, of course, leaving me with the housework, which, I am proud to say, I can do if I am only 12 ½ years old, thanks to my mother's training. I study very hard in school to be an A No. 1 book keeper, and I know all of you wish me success. When the Family Letter comes again, I hope I am able to say, “I have won.” I have not had the privilege of knowing many of mother's people, but I am sure I would love you all. I would like to visit Uncle Willis very much. We have talked of taking mother to Calif., and who knows? We may, and I could visit him then. I hope to be able to read many of the letters of the 5^th generation when the Family Letter reaches us again.

Clearmont, Wyo., March 29^th, 1926

Well, this is a pleasure I had given up, as it has been so many years since I wrote, and I have moved so many time, but the pleasure of writing to my Great Great Uncle W.T. Keese. How I would love to see him. I am a lover of old folks and have lived with them most of my life. I stayed with my grandparents (W.G. Keese) all of my school days, and how I enjoyed our Bible studies together. It seems but yesterday, but it has been a long time, as my dear, dear grandfather passed to a happier home 25 years ago. After his death, I lived with dear grandma until I was married, as that was the wish of my grandfather on his death bed. When I wrote before, my girl, whose letter is in this big one, was only two years old, now she is 16, and I have three more – LaVern, 14; Frances, 8; Dorothy, 5; and two boys – James, 18, and Bill, 5 months. We have all enjoyed this big letter very much, and as I have a Keese book, I can look them up, and the children enjoy it very much. I hope it will continue in years to come. I live about 200 miles from any of my folks, and it is hard for me, as I have not been so far before that we couldn't go and see each other, but I have been better off than some, so I don't complain. My husband's folks live in Nebraska, and he hasn't seen his mother for thirteen years. Why do we do such things? (just as one says in this Letter), we are living to fast – we haven't time. But think of mother and father and visit often, if we cannot see brothers and sister, is my wish. When mamma wrote, it was nice and warm, but it is anything but that now; it has been snowing and blowing about as cold as any time in winter. That is one thing about Wyo. - we never know when we are going to have summer weather. The fields are almost ready for grain, and some has been sown; and then it gets cold. It may turn warm in 24 hours. But I like it as well as any State I have lived in, and that is several. We live on the Custer Battle Field highway, and if any of you come this way, would be glad to have you stop. We see tourists from all over the world.

Clearmont, Wyo., Mar. 30^th, 1926

I am of the 5^th generation, the oldest daughter of Emma Dunning (the 4^th generation), whose mother is the oldest daughter (3^rd generation) of W.G. Keese (2^nd generation), and Stephen and Sarah Keese are my great-great-grandparents, I am proud to say, for I have seen their pictures, and know by my own mother and grandmother, they would be ones of kindness and love.

I am 16 years of age, and am in 2^nd year of High, but I haven't had the opportunity to go to school this year on account of sickness in our family, but I am hoping to continue next year. We live about 12 mi. from town. We are renters from the Leiter Estate here, which is a $30,000,000 estate. They have some fine improvements on their places. If we have a good crop and can meet all expenses, we are planning on a trip to the Hills this fall. I certainly hope we will have the pleasure of meeting some of our unknown relatives. We received the Family Letter Mar. 27, 1926. I had forgotten all about it. I had been told about it, and how interesting it was to know of your relatives in this way, but I never realized it being so large.

Well, I must close, hoping to write in the Family Letter again in the near future. I will be glad to correspond with any who wish to do so.

The previous letters had all been previously typed and copied. The following two letters (the second unfinished) were copies of the original hand-written notes. The spelling has been changed and copies of the originals are appended next.

Willis T. Keese, Pasadena, Calif., 7mo. 30^Th 1926

I have just read thy message in The Keese Family Letter dated March 30^th of the present year. Question: Art thou the little girl that was Sarah C.K. Dunning in the winter of 1915 at Alford Keese's on News(?) Day? Near Green Mountain Iowa eleven years ago? Well, Well I am pleased. And 16 now sweet 16, near the age thy Great Grandmother was when I saw her in Iowa in 1880 I believe? 46 years ago. Am I growing old? Am I a Boy again? God bless thee and keep thee is the desire of my heart. May thy ways be ways of pleasantness and thy paths be paths of peace!

Pasadena, Callif., Eleventh mo. 19^Th, 1927

The enclosed letter to the (Cousins) was written some months ago! I was not as well at that time, as I am at the present time! I had been ailing for nearly two years. Thought I was growing old! The Doctor that I consulted said nothing but an operation could heal me!

After considering the matter a few minutes, I said I had lived in this body 87 years and I did not propose to have it mutilated at this time in life! I've consigned it to Mother Earth, from which it came.

In my ignorance of real Life! I did not know it was the Temple of God! Built up by the Spirit to dwell in thru the journey of life on this mundane Sphere! If I had I would have been more careful of it! That is I believe I would. I am writing this to you children, Grand Children and whom ever may read it may have the benefit of my experience and do better than I have done. Tis written God created man...(unfinished)

Descendants of Stephen R Keese

From Alfred Leroy Keese's genealogy records

Walterville, Lane Co., Oregon, June 11, 1910

Danville, Ark., Nov. 14, 1910

Danville, Ark., Nov. 14, 1910

Cadillac, Mich., Nov. 17, 1912

909 First Ave., Cadillac, Mich., November 17, 1912

Cadillac, Mich., Nov. 17, 1912

Hill City, S.D., July 13, 1914

Audubon, Ia., Sept. 20, 1914

2326 King St., Denver, Colo., Sept, 29, 1920.

2833 W. 13th St., Oklahoma City, Okla., Oct. 13, 1920

Parlier, Jan. 23, 1921

Cardington, O., 4 m. 30 -1922

Parlier, Calif., Jan. 24, 1921

Visalia, California, Feb. 8, 1921

Visalia, Calif., Feb. 11, 1921

Wilcox, Arizona, March 29, 1921

Pasadena, Calif., April 11, 1921

2634 Glasgow St., Pittsburgh, Pa., 3-26-22

Cardington, Ohio, April 14, 1922

Cardington, O., April 17, 1922

Upper Sandusky, Ohio, May 2, 1922

Upper Sandusky, O. May 4, 1922

Pennville, Ind., June 7th, 1922

Marion, Ind., Sept. 3, 1922

Marion, Ind., Nov. 26, 1922

Chicago, Ill., Dec. 3, 1924

4913 W. 24th Place, Cicero, Ill., Dec. 7th, 1924

Sheffield, Ills., Feb., 1925

Newburg, Iowa, Dec. 20th, 1925

Newburg, Ia., Jan. 4th, 1926

Sauk Center, Minn., Dec. 26th, 1925

Audubon, Ia., Jan. 17th, 1926

Audubon, Ia., Jan. 31, 1926

Route 4, Greenfield, Iowa, Feb. 14th, 1926

Greenfield, Ia., Feb. 14th, 1926

Hill City, S.D. Mch. 4th, 1926

Riverton, Wyo., March 18th, 1926

Pavillion, Wyo., Mar. 23rd, 1926

Pavillion, Wyo., Mar. 23rd, 1926

Clearmont, Wyo., March 29th, 1926

Clearmont, Wyo., Mar. 30th, 1926

Willis T. Keese, Pasadena, Calif., 7mo. 30Th 1926

Pasadena, Callif., Eleventh mo. 19Th, 1927

2833 W. 13^th St., Oklahoma City, Okla., Oct. 13, 1920

Pennville, Ind., June 7^th, 1922

4913 W. 24^th Place, Cicero, Ill., Dec. 7^th, 1924

Newburg, Iowa, Dec. 20^th, 1925

Newburg, Ia., Jan. 4^th, 1926

Sauk Center, Minn., Dec. 26^th, 1925

Audubon, Ia., Jan. 17^th, 1926

Route 4, Greenfield, Iowa, Feb. 14^th, 1926

Greenfield, Ia., Feb. 14^th, 1926

Riverton, Wyo., March 18^th, 1926

Pavillion, Wyo., Mar. 23^rd, 1926

Pavillion, Wyo., Mar. 23^rd, 1926

Clearmont, Wyo., March 29^th, 1926

Clearmont, Wyo., Mar. 30^th, 1926

Willis T. Keese, Pasadena, Calif., 7mo. 30^Th 1926

Pasadena, Callif., Eleventh mo. 19^Th, 1927