*Transcribed from the papers of Minnie Bruce Arnett Milam, daughter of William Washington Arnett and Eudocia Herrington Arnett

Newspaper clippings including Uvalde, Texas History

South Carolina to John and Jane Arnett, 1785
Oath of Allegiance, William Arnet, 1778
Will of John Arnett, Sr. 1780
Letter from Lewis Conner Holland to his daughter, Clotilda, 1841
Lewis Conner Holland to son-in-law, H.H. Herrington, 1841
H.H. Herrington to wife, Clotilda, 1860
Henry Harrison Herrington to daughter, Eudocia Arnett
Power of Attorney from Eudocia to J.L. Herrington, 1880
Letter from Lavinia Jordan to family, 1857
Letter from Eudocia Arnett
Letters from a cousin of Will? (W.W. Arnett?)
Various letters to Minnie Bruce Arnett Milam
Uncle Billy's Poem (?)

SOUTH CAROLINA
(see fancier version of the below document)
PURSUANT to an ACT of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY
paffed the 16th of March, 1783, We, the COMMISSIONERS of the
TREASURY, have this day delivered to
Mr. John Arnett
this our INDENTED CERTIFICATE for the Sum of
Thirty Six Pounds Nineteen Shillings
and a half Penny Sterling for Provisions
and Forage for Continental and Militia
are in 1700. and 1701. as pr two Accounts
Audited
the faid John Arnett
his Executors, Adminiftrators, or afigns will be entitled to receive from
this Office the Sum of Two Pounds Eleven Shillings
and Eight Pence
on the Demand for
one Year's Interft on the Pricipal Sum of Thirty Six Pounds
Nineteen Shilling & a half Penny
and the like Intereft Annually

The faid John Arnett
his Executors, Adminiftrators, or Affigns, may make any Purchafes at
any Public Sales of Confifcated Property, (except fuch as fhall be ordered
by the Legiflature for fpecial Purpofes; and this INDENT fhall be re-
ceived in Payment.

For the true performance of the feveral payments in manner abovementioned, the PUBLIC TREASURY is made liable, and the FAITH of the STATE pledged by the aforefaid ACT.

GIVEN under our Hands at the TREASURY OFFICE, in
CHARLESTON, the Second
Day of April one thou-
fand feven hundred and eighty five

Edward Blake Commiffioners
of the
Peter Bocquety Treafury

£36.19.0 1/2 Principal.
£2.11.8 Annual Intereft.

SOUTH CAROLINA
PURSUANT to an ACT of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY paffed
the 16th of March, 1783, We, the COMMISSIONERS of the
TREASURY, have this day deliverd to
Mr. JaneArnett
this our INDENTED CERTIFICATE for the Sum of
TTen Pounds five Shillings and four Pence
Sterling for 800 lb Beef for Continental use
in 17[ ] aas prAccount Audited
the faid Jane Arnett
his Executors, Adminiftrators, or afigns will be entitled to receive from
this Office the Sum of FourteenShillings
and feven Pence
on the Demand for
one Year's Interft on the Pricipal Sum of Ten Pounds five
Shillings & four Pennys
and the like Intereft Annually

The faid John Arnett
his Executors, Adminiftrators, or Affigns, may make any Purchafes at
any Public Sales of Confifcated Property, (except fuch as fhall be ordered
by the Legiflature for fpecial Purpofes; and this INDENT fhall be re-
ceived in Payment.

For the true performance of the feveral payments in manner abovementioned, the PUBLIC TREASURY is made liable, and the FAITH of the STATE pledged by the aforefaid ACT.

GIVEN under our Hands at the TREASURY OFFICE, in
CHARLESTON, the Twenty Eighth
Day of May one thou-
fand feven hundred and eighty five

Commiffioners
of the
Treafury
J Mitchell

£10.5.4 Principal.
£0.14.4 Annual Intereft.

State of Carolina To John Arnet Sr
1780
Novr 5 to 20 Bushells Corn @ 3/6 (8th) To 10
Rations a 6.....................................3:15:
500 Corn Blades @ 3/1 1/2 Cr 4 Bushs
Pease @ 3/6 Marion £9:72

Will of John Arnett (written 1777; From the Copy in the South Caroliniana Library)
In the Name of God Amen I John Arnett of Prince Fredericks Parrish Craven County and province of South Carolina being very sick and Weak in Body but of perfect mind and memory Thanks be given unto God Calling unto mind the Mortality of my Body and knwoing that it is appointed for all men once to die Do make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament that is to say principally and first off all I Give and resign my soul into the hands of Almighty God that Gave it & my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a Decent Christian Burial at the discretion of my Executors Hoping for a Glorious resurrection to Eternal Life through the meritorious and preveling Intercesion of our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ and as touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to blefs me is this Life I Give Demise and Dispose of the same in the following manner & form. Iten I give & bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth Two pounds Currency Item I give & bequeath to my Son James Sixteen pound Currency Item I allow my two Sons John & Alexander to Give to my Daughter Mary as they see that she stands in needs or their abbilities will allow Item I Give all the reminder of my personal Estate to my Wife Arnett And my Sons and Daughter to Wit. John Alexander Margaret & Ann and them to live upon the Plantation together and not to Vendue and if my two Daughters Margaret & Ann Marry they are to receive their parts Either in Goods or Money as best answeres the other to Give Item I Give to my Son John & Alexander the plantation I now live on and my other plantation on Tract of Land on Venture Branch and Lastly I Do herby Nominate my Two Sons John & Alexander Executors of this my last Will and Testament and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and Disannul all and every other former Wills Testaments Legacies Bequests and Executory by me in any ways before named Willed & bequeathed Ratifying & confirming this and no other to be my Last Will & Testament In Witnefs whereof I have herunto set my hand and Seal this 22th day of January in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Seven hundred & Seventy Seven--------
His
John Arnett (LS)
Mark
Signed Sealed Published Pronounced
and Declared by the said John Arnett as his
Last Will and Testament in the Presence of
us who in his presence, and in the presence
or each other have hereunto Subscribed our Names
Isaac Nelson
Samuel Montgomery
William Montgomery

Macon June 13th 1860

My Dear Wife,
I succeeded in my arrangements today and leave at 2 P. M. Lavinia Burwell and Major Jordan go to Springs. The Col frets all the time. Him & Jordan stays. You my Look for a letter on my arrival in N York. Should you become dissatisfied in Jones come to Macon but if consistent with feeling stay as a change will cost $ one or 2 Hundred $ at least to rent and furnish a house to remain 2 or 3 Weeks. Should no unforeseen disapointment I shall return about the 15th July and you will try and get down about that time or a little sooner to Col Jordans.
I have bin quite sick since I left you but feel better all right. &c &c
I think I should com to Macon a Weak sooner and try to Swap Mary & Jom for a cuple of [ ]
My Love to you and all the children. Sister and cousins
H. H. Herrington

(Power of Attorney from Eudocia to J.L. Herrington, April 27, 1880)
The State of Texas }
County of Kinney } Know all men by these presents that I Eudocia Arnett of said county and state have this day appointed and by these presents do nominate constitute and appoint J.L. Herrington of the County of Milam and state of Texas my true and lawful agent and attorney in fact, for me and in my name place and stead to assume full control of and to take charge of all and singular my right title interest of whatever description which I now have or may have in and to certain real property situated in teh county of Terrell state of Georgia the said property being all and singular my interest therein by reason of heirship from H.H. Herrington and C.J. Herrington. my said atty in fact J.L. Herrington is hereby fully empowered to take charge of any and all interest I may have in any of said property formerly owned by the said H H and C. J. Herrington and which I as one the heirs at Law of said parties may be intitled to. my said atty is to make full and complete investigation of my said claim in and to said property and full power and authority is hereby given said atty in fact in my name place and stead to sue in the proper court in court if necessary for my said interest in said property and said atty in fact is hereby fully empowered to transfer all and convey any and all interest of mine in said property as one of the huirsat Law of said H H and C J Herrington in the [ ] terms and upon the conditions as my said atty in fact may consider most advantageous to my interest in the provisions herein, and in my name place and stead said atty in fact is empowered to sign any transfer or conveyance which to me be executed the same for the [ ] and considerations therein expressed.
Witness my hand seal of office this the 27th day of April AD 1880
J.P. Baugh, Justice of Peace
& ex officio Colony public Kinney County Tex

[Acknowledgement followed]

[Ed. note: James Washington Holland b. 1826 (son of Joseph J. Holland d. 1826 m. Nancy) wrote to Cousin Deille, dau of Jonas H. Holland... Cousin John B. Odom m. Miss Arrington?]

Carrsville, Isle of Wight Co.
June 26, 1856
Dear Cousin Deille:

I, even I, design paying an especial and grand visit to my kin in the South.
To see an Uncle and Aunt would be a novelty to me indeed. I frequently detect myself gazing at Uncle Jo searching for the picture of my father whom I never saw.
J.W. Holland

Carrsville, Isle of Wight Co.
Jan. 29, 1857

Dear Uncle:

Your much wished and long looked for letter, has, at last arrived.

You cannot conceive the pleasure thus afforded, in anticipating another accession to my already extended list of correspondents, aside, from the real joy of being informed, "Alls well," thro' the medium of an only Uncle.

For whils't your affections are divided between numerous neices and nephews mine are centered upon an only Uncle, a brother to my father whom I never way to know.

Your nephew
Wash

Garysburg, NC
Oct. 12, 1857

Dear Cousin Deille:

Our cousin, John B. Odom, resides very near our Hdq. and I visit him real often. He is Col of the Militia and a very wealthy man. He married Miss Arrington of Washington.
J. W. H.

Vineville Oct 21st 1857
Dear Sister & Nieces
Since the girls have written to Missouri I have tried to have her reply to them promtly; but the last letter; she was not here; to answer them; I sent her the last one, last week; I hope whe will answer it. If you have see Sister Amanda she has told you that I visited Old Jasper this Fall. Aunt Betsy is toleraby well & perfectly strait; she spends her time principally with Dr. George & Emily. They are members of the church & it is so pleasant for her; Cousin Troup & Cousin Elizabeth's oldest son is there too. both of them members of the church. The Doctor has regular family prayer. he is realy very smart, & they all appear so happy. Dr Alexander Holland is keeping house near Whitfields his oldest child Harriet is sixteen. keeps house for her father; she is a very intelligent young Lady & very Industrious; he has six children; Cousin Dr Calvin left one son. I saw his ambrotype; if it is like him; he is very hansome. Cousin Lewis Holland has a large fortune; Since the death of his wife's mother death death Oh how certain; how many must be called to eternity. unprepaired; The dyer(?) of Macon a Colored man was found in his bed dead. Brother's family is growing up very fast. Benjamin was to see us last Saturday; he was trying to arrange money matters but the banks would do nothing. Such a crisis has alarmed the whole country. All the banks or most of them have suspended & we may expect most of them to break - Eudocia & Lavina must study very hard; their Cousin Julia does write a beautiful letter. They must select something good from the papers; & good books; & a great many books have pretty letters in them. that will learn them a great deal; so by writing a number of letters they will receive letters from their Correspondents; they will also learn from them; does the girls go to sabbath school; if they do not, I would purchaise Sunday school books & have them study at home. The Child's scripture question Book will teach them a great deal; The Price 6 1/4 cents. all religious book published by the American Sundy-School Union is very cheap & can be found in all towns; I am very sorry that Missouri is situated; so she cant attend; Sabbath school. I have endeavored very hard; to have her; understand the bible. you must write to her at Cardsville, Jone County. To the Care of Mr John Clark. I have no idea when she will return. I carried Eunice to Mr Fitzpatricks & left her. She will remain with them a while; she thinks she will visit you; & Amanda this winter; Charlotte ; has a baby, a boy. Mr Clark's Uncle is Elected to the Legislature; I found a cousin of John's with them; Miss Susan Clark a very genteel young lady, herself & brother are all the children they have. If Eunice comes Miss Susan will probably be with her & Eudocia can set her cap for her Brother - In teaching the child at home. Emerson's First Part for spelling & reading. The North American Arithmetic you will find very easy to teach & learn Fowls Grammar is so easy to learn. If children can read at all; they will love to read them & can memorise them. Try your best to have your oldest children take good Educations; & then they can help teach the younger ones There are quite a number of young Ladies Teaching. Some have Infant schools. some music others painting & it does look so industrious; & it is the duty of every one to do all they can We are expecting now very soon to go to Pulaski. Col J(ordan) & Burwell is at the plantation. I want to send Burwell to school; not very far from Mr Bryan's They have built an accademy. they are expecting A Mr Winberly to open a school; Burwell will have to ride & that will delight him; he has a very gentle poney. my children have not kept well this fall; severe colds have prevailed & not many have escaped. I looked occasionally for you all the summer one or both of the girls I thought certainly would make me a visit; & bring some of the little ones; with them. Cousin Harriet Holland has four little fellows to take care of. & she is so lively she is as low as Sister Clotilda ; her half sister has married & displeased cousin Alex very much; but I hope it will turn out for the best. Brother Lawson says he did not receive Eudocia's letter that I sent him She must do her best & write to Julia & Ada Jane; George is a man in size; Betty paints Beautifully. I hope she will graduate & then go to Virginia and finish in some high school; Cousin Dellia Holland has an album that she sent to virginia for relatives to write in Uncle John Holland's family of children ten in number; their Mother, Aunt Nancy; & several grand children, wrote original pieces, and all so good; Miss Josephine Holland writes beautifully; she speaks of visiting Georgia with her Uncle Washington When ever they come they wish to visit all.
How is Miss Laura; she met with a Widow Huson at the Springs; I have seen her; here; flying around; it was thought she was preparing to marry a gentleman from Florida
Miss Laura Wimberly made me a very nice visit on her way to a wedding in Griffin. Mr Winship of Macon married a Miss Alexander. She was one of the attendants. the fifth of November she waits on Miss Holt of Americus. the 10th tenth seh waits on Miss Carswell of Twiggs; she marries Mr Napier of Macon & his parents gives them a large Party next week To day I am trying to finish this letter it was commenced Oct 21st it is now the third of November. everything keeps me from writing. This Winters fashions let me tell you a little about them; Cherry colored ribbon is worn on bonnets mostly; young girls dresses are low neck & short sleeves; then have Basques to wear over the skirts; of the Basque will not be worn longer than they were last year hardly as long. Young girls are wearing plats all the time to school. Eudocia ought to take music lesson; & it will not cost you so much to get a piano & it ads so much to the pleasure of a family. take good care of it & it will last for grandchildren Mrs Freemans little daughter nine years old can play very well; & the boys must have their musical instrument too & I hope they will be aspiring even to the Presidency all must write to Tarversville Twiggs my love to all your sister Lavinia W Jordan.

P.S. Miss Hightower will visit Lee this Winter with her Sister it is a smart family I would make their acquantance. She writes to Missouri so affectionately I wish Missouri could visit them; Cloe do write to Missouri & give advice
N. B. Major sent us some figs but when we got them they were ruined; yet we are greatly obliged to him for troubling himself L H J

Vineville Nov 25th/63
Dear Eudocia,
Mr. Parsens is now here; he brought a letter from your father written to Mr. Jordan. I suppose Mr. Jordan will send the confederate bonds by him and all the papers connected with them.
Eudocia I know you have not heard of the death of your Uncle William Herington; he died in Milledgeville; he was a member of the Legislature; he had pneumonia. This is all that we have heard. Mr. Jack Herington is in an establishment that they make weapons in; I expect he is doing very well. It will keep him out of the Army. Eudocia sister Jane thinks that you are doing very well with the children. You deserve a great deal of credit. Persevere in doing good, let it be your motto through life; try to make it a pleasure to think of your little sisters happiness, also fathers and brothers but you must watch your little sisters closely, the will love you dearly and look up to you. Oh how dearly I loved my brothers and sisters. Why didnt Lavinia write to me when you did; she too I hope will live to do good.
Burwell is going to school here in Vineville. He has grown to be a rite large boy. I presume Perry and Blacks hire(?) have changed very much. I hope they will grow up to be christian men. Sister Amanda is making herself very anxious about her children. Alexander is giving his and Mary Ellens firm attention. Just at the present they have no diversions but after Christmas they will start to school again. sister thinks she will send Mary to Macon if she can get board. You know her children have been agoing to school near Sparta to very excelent schools. Belle learns fast, she is smart and a very good girl. Sister and Mr. Durham are neither of them well. Mr. D. has a very retched cough. Taylor has given up the childrens property to Mr. D. Missouri is staying with sister Amanda just now. Mr. Barnes is in the Army. Her daughter is very fat but not strong. Frussie, Eunice's husband, is in feeble health Mr. Green I have just gotten a letter from her. You know she has a daughter and they think so much of her. Her husband is a man of some means and a very clever man. Dr. Clark is doing better than he has ever done. They have but three sons living near M:r. Green's. Their Post Office is Smithville, Sumpter Co. Ga. Write to them both. Sister Jane has never been to see me since brother's death. Bettie has but very little opportunity to go from home, her brothers Thomas and George are in the regular service and Benjamin is Surgeon in a company of State Troops. Kennie has had two children. Her first was a daughter and died very young. Cousin Georgia Parker wrote me while she was at sister Janes that Kennies boy was a nice boy rather pale. It does look as if Bettie & Delia does not intend to marry. Ada Jane and Eugenia are very near on the carpet. You remember Gincy as they call her; she came to college two months ago and was taken very ill in four or five days she recovered went home and I suppose will not return. She is about the figure that your Mama was but about as large again her shape I should have said. Aunt Eunice's sons seem so cleaver. Thomas, William, Adolphus, Jonas. Jonas is a real business man I tell you he is nineteen only and he manages his fathers estate entirely and sees to all the rest of the families of negroes. Tom, Will, Adolphus are in the Army. Cant you write Eugenia a very pretty letter. Your cousins Bettie and you and Missouri were not as smart as Alice Kirkpatrick; she caught Adolphus. William is one of General Blanchard's Staff Lieutenant. He is fine looking too. He is now in Macon. He was here the 24th of the month to see Miss Newton a sister of Howell Cobb's daughter-in-law. Maby they will take a fancy to each other.
Eudocia I am writing mostly about the relatives. As a general thing they are trying to get rich and position in the Army. Brother's Tom is Captain. Most of the boys are ambitious and no one will ever be anything unless they are. Instill ambition in the breast of your brothers and sisters and they must not be timid but push themselves along amongst the best. If any one will have energy and strive to do right the publick will soon be attracted and give them attention. A great many ladies married and young ladies are taking French lessons and painting lessons trying to improve. Miss Nentie Onsley has a Texas beau Mr. Rickhow, probably she may go to Texas to live; Mr. Parsons knows him. Nutie sends her love to you. Mr. Cato has left Vineville. Mattie Cato was engaged to John Boman for a while. Neither of them are married. Kitty you remember is the oldest of the girls. Cousin Geogia Parker is at this time with cousin Louisa Kirkpatrick. She is a gay widow and very handsome. I think she is bent on getting a large fortune when she marries. Her poor mother died from being draged down the steps. The Yankees took everything from her and cousin Wash, that you know. Jonas Lawrence's elegant house was burned. A great many of our relative have lost their negroes in Virginia. If this cruel war is ever over we will not have much left. All will be on a footing and then all will stand according to there tallents.
Eudocia I am writing this letter for you all. Tell your Pa Mr. Jordan had like to have to kept a part of the papers that he had. He said he believed he could collect the debt of the estate of your uncle for he had so often acknowledged that the money was ready but would never settle. If I was your Father I would not give it to them. Eudocia you can read this letter to your Aunt Jane and she will let you read hers. I have tryed to give you the family news. Write as often as you can. Burwell is at the plantation just today but all the rest send love kisses good good wishes to you all. Wishing you all health and prosperity. Write as often as you can and all the rest to write. Your Father must answer this letter. I am so sorry that Mr. William Herington has been taken from his family but they have no small children have they; that is the greatest grief leaving poor little helpless children to be buffeted about in life no one to love them. Oh how I feel for them. You amongst the rest of your mothers children are helpless because you are a lady. If you were a man how different it would be with you but it might be worse for the younger ones, but God intends all things to work together for the good of those that the Lord loveth.
I must close. Ever your affectionate Aunt,
Lavinia W. Jordan

P.S. Have you ever seen the piece of music when this cruel war is over; have you any opportunity to practice music is so sweet. Never never give it up. Goodbye.

Dear Aunt Amanda
We received your kind & affectionate epistle it was perrused with a great deal of interest. We were very glad to hear that you & your children got home safe & no dificulty. I have no doubt but what you are doublely repaid for your disipoinment in not going to Jones; by finding Uncle Durham in good health & lively spirits. Aunt Elizabeth hated it verey much she did not have the pleasure of meeting with you for she did not see you but few moments while you were at cousin Charlotte's. She was quite sick at the time she expected to meet with you here; she came in a buggy from Forsythe; arrived at nine & left at 10 she arrived a Uncle Lawson's at 2 it was a very warm day. she thinks it gave her a chill riding in the sun. Uncle Lawson says you treated him badly not coming to see him he expected to send for you every day. he came in the carriage this far with aunt Elizabeth he expected to sell his cotton, we have not heard from him since he left aunt Elizabeth she is on her way to Savannah cousin Ellen kirkepaitrrick has not been to see us yet her father is elected to the Legislature I hardy think you knew that he was a candidate. Aunt Elizabeth said she did not know it when she was there although she knew he was a great politition you did not say any thing about it. You know little Jordan was sick & when you went away but he has go entirely well & fat as he ever was I think he gained his flesh very fast. Uncle Jordan had two chills before he went away but aunt got a letter from him & he was very well & verey lonely. he spoke of several marriages you know Col Charles Walker of Longstreet. his son has maried Miss Lowry preacher Lowery's daughter he married cousin Sarah & preached her funeral he is dead now & Mr Bo Slappy's son Mathew married Miss Land; she was a school mate of mine she was a nice girl. & Miss Shines to Miss Miss Lunds uncle. Cousin George Jordan's wife has a babe a boy. All had been quite well since you left. We have not heard from cousin Anna Kirkpattrick Aunt Elizabeth did not know it untill we told her I dont believe. It has been very dusty it was really verey unpleasant to ride or walk we had some rain the other day & it hailed. it was quite warm before the rain but it feels like it is winter person will begin to draw on their winter clothing now I think I am in hopes ther will not be so much sickness now since it has rained & turned cooler Aunt Amanda did you see the moon in Eclipse last night it was a beautiful night & it turned perfectly dark. it was a total eclipse it was about between 12 & 1 o clock I thought it looked verey pretty. has cousin William & cousin Faney come if they have they did not come by here we would have liked to have seen them; you said you did not know whether Faney would come or not. I got a letter from brother Clayton. he said he was verey well & uncle Lawson was as busy as a bee. he said there was a good deal of sickness in Jone & they keep him going all the time. he said sister Eunice had the sore eyes but had got better & sister Charlotte had a bone felon on her finger & had suffered a good deal with it all was well except them if cousin Faney is with you tell her to write to me. Aunt Lavinia is trying to learn cousin Burwell how to spell - - - - - when ever she can. he likes it much better since he saw cousin Alexander reading Aunt Elizabeth says cousin Addy Jane Holland loves her book & learns verey fast and cousin Julia to she says she is going to beat sis Betty. she is still going to school & in Monticello. Aunt's babe can walk 10 or 12 steps before he will fall & he can speake some words very plain. I am trying to write well & plain. So you must excuse my bad letter perseverance will affect many things. you must try to read my letter I know it will perplex you, but it is the best effort of y our loving niece love from all to all, & many kisses too. I have written to Aunt Clotilda since I received your letter ever your affectionate niece
Misouri

Dear sister
In your letter you said nothing about the stake dish. Missouri has endeavored to interest you. Sister has been in bed ever since she arrived here two weeks ago this evening. She endeavors to sit up but I tell her to remain in bed except a short time in the morning but she is not well enough to be up only to rest herself. She has little or no appetite. I will try to write you some of these days. You must answer Missouri's letter. Much love to you Mr. Durham & children. Sister says tell you she has no chills now, but realy I very much fear she will nver be any better. without a great change she will be obliged to weare out but we must hope for the best. ever yours affectionately

Brackettville Kinney County Texas
Jan 25th 1892
Mrs. Nellie Barnett
Dear Sister
Your most welcome letter was recieved a few days ago and how pleased I was to know I that I was not entirely forgotten by you and yours. was very sorry to learn you had been suffering so much. hope you are entirely in good health ere this. W Arnett is just recovering from a four week seige of La gripp. he has suffered a great deal. the other members of my family are all well. Minerva is at home now she still has those sick spells but not so often I can not say how long she will stay. Louisa Lola and family are quite well. We have had some very cold weather but little rain, stock are very poor and a great many has died. I was well pleased to learn Fannie won the scholarship and hope whe will continue to Improve each shining hour. Tell Brother P I want him to have all your pictures taken for me before he move from town, how I wish I could see the baby. Am glad you are going to the country for I know you will all enjoy it and have better health too. I had a letter from my oldest brother (the one you met) yesterday they are living in Colman County have a nice farm and are doing very well the other brother is still in Hill Co he too is on a farm near Abbott. We had a letter from Sister Mary Weathered since W Arnett was first taken sick but would not answere untill he was better. Tell Fannie and Lon I will make Lee write to them as soon as I can. Our town has had more sickness this winter than ever before but hope this pretty fair weather will brighten everything and every body who give our best wishes and love to C Rose and family and tell Mrs N her mother. W A dose not know why she dose not write I would of likked so much to of seen her and do hope she will soon write and make us tha promised visit soon too, but I dnot look for her nor sister Mary either soon. Tell Brother Powhatan that W Arnett will write as soon as he gets strong enough. I must close, love to all, write soon

Your true Sister
Eudocia Arnett

Saturday eve - January the 31st 1880
Cousin Will your letter of the 18 [ ] is received with with pleasure as they all are. Bettie was married the 28 [ ] to Mr. T. F. Morton, cermony performed at the church, in sight of us, at 12 o clock in the day by a methodist minister bro Babb, about 40 of the relatives present, all caome that was invited, had a nice dinner, two turkeys, two chickens, a pig, a ham, chicken sallad, pickles butter, boiled custard any amount of pound cakes, snow balls chess cakes, Candies and oranges, light bread and coffee. Mr Mortons Father gave a reception and had about the same turnout and dinner. tell Louisa and Nerve that Bettie dont think she has taken a broken stick. Frank Morton has an unsullied reputation. I will describe him to Louisa, he is between 27 & 29 years old, Temperate. I never heard of his touching a dram, weighs 175 lbs, black hair and skin off the same bolt, blue eyes, a little on the reserved order, is a clerk in a dry goods store in Booneville, his salary is $50 pr month he owns a hous and lott in Boonevill, also two quarter sections of land in this neighborhood on one them is having a framed house put up [rest missing]

Ed. note: the following partial letter is in the same handwriting as the above letter.
August 31st 1881 Wednesday
Cousin Will yours of May 29 much disappointed at there being five and half blank pages on it. now my Cous dont do me that way any more and you had so many provis[ ] I fear you wont play off that joke on your aunt Nellie in 1882. I will be on the look out for you and I'm hard to fool any way. we all met the 25th Aust, that could be ther, and had a splendid time, two of Cousin Fletcher Gillilands daughter were there from Marshall County Mifs, they first visited Baily Springs for their health. Capt Beall and family were not there (as sister Ellen was'nt well enough she has been in feeble health several years. I have been suffering with rheumatism in my neck and head over a week but made a Key stone liniment that done me a heap of good as it is easily made will tell hou how. peck a hole in an egg and empty the contents in a clean quinine bottle, then fill the shell full of apple vinegar - pour that in then fill the shell with turpentine and mix it. [rest of letter missing]

(From the cousin of Wm. W. Arnett)
December the 30th 1882---Saturday evening
Dear Cousin I hope you have had a pleasant Christmas. I got home Thursday having been in Rienzi since thursday before by special request--no egg nogs--but every thing else that was good, parties in Town every night of course I did'nt attend them. I happened accidentally to be at one at sister Salle Curlee's brother Johns widow. the young gents requested a masquerade party at the Hotel thursday night but old Parson Fitzgerald died (in town) that morning and it was put off on that account I and Duncan went to a reception at sister Millers the 6th Inst--her son, Ben Miller, (a cousin to my children) married Miss Polly Boone (first Cousin to sister Mollie Curlee) married in Corinth and come down on the train, it turned awful cold that night so that Dunk come home and I stayed until Saturday and Ben and wife & Miss Jessie Miller went to Booneville in a fine two seated buggy drawn by a span of Calybanks. I staid at Frank Mortons until tuesday when Dunk came for me we killed six hogs that averaged two hundred and fifty each. We are getting fat on greasy bread and sausage meat. Duncan went to a little sociable last night and I was alone so I put in part of my time counting the expense of a visit to see you and family--$30 worth in clothing and $50 to take me there & back thats eighty dollars and double that for my escort would be one hundred and sixty, that is a heap of money for one who dont make any thing, but twelve dollars will take me to see Aunt Anna and back and Mother wants me to go with her there in the spring I would go if it was'nt for leaving Duncan alone and I amy go after crops are laid by Dunk speaks of going to Sherman City County Texas to look at the country with a view of going there but I am too old to make any change of the kind, if I go to Tipton County through Memphis--two dollars more would take me down the Mississippi river to Othello where Dr Forbes lives and that would be a great temptation. O, if I was as rich as Vanderbilt I would go to see you all and imagine I would have such a nice time. I am not aspiring for wealth but would be real glad to have enough for all such and to treat my friends well when they come to see me but we are poor ungreatful creatures & hard to satisy- I am rather expecting Mr Frank Morton and Bettie this evening to spend a few holdays with me and have boiled my stove pot full of hog feet, eleven, to feed them on, little Charlie Morton is beginning to walk. dear Cousin I got your letter some time ago. Yes James Berry Governor Elect of Arkansas is a second Counsin his Father being my first Cousin on Mothers side. the same relationship to me that your children are. he had to steal his wife as Mr Quail was opposed to Berry on the ground that he lost a leg in the war and his property also. but since acquiring all his honors his honorable Father in law has not only spoken to him for the first time since he was married but actually made frinds. he has his three oldest daughters off at big seminarys of learning James Berry is a man that his relatives & friends may weel be proud of. I dont feel well today. think I took cold in my escapades I dont love to write at such times as one imports their feelings in the writing and may be bore my frineds with it. but you must excuse a failure-----You have a sublime Idea of the comet--I never formed any conclusions relative to it. always looked upon a comet as something out of the regular order of business in the astronomical regions and consequently make me feel sad. I dont see it often, as I have to go to the garden gate--as the green timber in the yard obstructs the view. I guess from its location that it can be seen for some time. Dunk and I went to Booneville last Sunday to a baptist meeting and saw Mary Lou Forbes (Edwins little daughter) baptised, with eight others. We stayed all night a Frank Mortons. I told Bettie of your letter and that she was addressed same as me. She replied--I must write to cousin William Arnett. Dunk says to tell you he will be glad to get the Bad Boys Diary. he has gone to Rienzi to day to learn the price of cotton and beef. We sell fat beef at 3 cts to 4 1/3 pr lb a great many beef cattle have been shiped to Mobile. Cows & calves are worth from $15 to 25. we keep ours and furnish beef to the familys who live near & watn it It is cold as winter to day--rained yesterday. Cullen Forbes spent yesterday with us my help, Marcie Hinkle has gone to Baldazar to live -left two weeks ago today--after staying with me seven months--we got along finely--had no hard feelings--but she had lived with Mrs Johnsey before she came to live with me and perhaps liked her better--I had too much company to suit her--as it made more work to do, and now I and Dunk have it to do, of a morning I make the coffee and make hash or brown the beef set the table, cream the milk and dunk works up the biscuits and puts them in the stove then goes to mild the cow--after breakfast I do the balance--such as washing dishes, stove pans, churning and get up a little dinner & sometimes eat a cold supper. I dont know what I was intended for, I have no relish for cooking--Ill put on a pot of beef in my room, it boils dry and burns--then I take out the meat and hav'nt time to wash it--get another and it turnes over in the fire--run here Dunk--where is the rag Ma? take my cook apron--he gathers it and catches the pot and I trying to untie it in the back and when done it is my other apron--then steam coming in my face and Dunk holding on he pulling me and I pulling the pot we got it all adjusted after a time. I dont always keep on two aprons at a time. John Stanly said if thats the way we do he wont come to see us. When Louisa gets her Piano and carpet she will think we are too common to come to see her and the lawyer--yes and the sweet little Laura Louisa--how old is that child. Yes your writing with five children playing around you at one time. You are used to childrens fuss I cant stand but one at a time in any place and that must be a good one--it seems to me that children are worse spoiled than they were when mine were raised--I have nine grand children but cant let them all come at once more than once year Christmas for instance--Mother is able to be up she sent to a meeting in Rienzi nine days in succession Rufus Curlee (brother Johns son) professed religion, also Mannie Curlee, Billies little daughter you see the old lady was excited in the good cause. bacon is worth 19 cts pr lb cash. Corn 50 cts bushel it was $1.75 before the new corn come in, crops are pretty good this year--corn is--cotton will be light owing to bad stand in the spring. Aunt Anna grandaughter (Anna Bet Haynie) was at our anniversary dinner, spent two months in all with us. Cousin James Berry (the Governor of Arkansas wrote us word he would visit us the last of this month dont you see we [page missing] . . . . . . . .
Your last letter was November the 16th and the Texas siftings--horned frog and all. I have read it through--thanks for your kindness and Cousin Eudocia got disappointed in her trip--that was her woman acted so hateful -- is her trip in s-ak yet? Yes C.C. Clamp can afford himself pleasures this winter when I come to see you all, will get Louisa to give me some music on the Piano, does the blow flies trouble the meat department? there are not many persons who speak against Texas but one man said they had to put their dishes of preserves and sweet doings in water to keep the ants out of them. January the 1st Monday right here my oldest son Cullen C. his wife, Nettie, and two of their children came in and stayed until next evening. Bettie Morton and family has'nt come yet. Frank loaned out his bugy and it was brought back broken. Cullen and Dunk went to Capt Beals yesterday. Sister Bettie Stanly, from Corinth, is spending a visit there, sent me word to come but I am not well enough. Could, not rest last night for coughing Dunk is perfectly willing and insists for me to go with Mother to see Aunt Anna in the spring Think probably I will begin my out fit and go what all must I tell her for you? Ill tell yer you often speak of her in loving terms in your letters give my love to all your family, Your Cousin L.A. in love.
[Ed. note: The following excerpt of a letter probably was part of the above; may have been from another letter but surely the same author so I will include it here.]

-------------------Ark. visiting a brother and sisters, he give glowing accounts of their early circumstances but says the he did'nt put up a poor mouth but he'll be dogged if he is going to stand this poverty. he is up in the Adkin to move to Mississippi bottom and over see one of those large farms, never thinking once that he is 52 years old and not got long to live he is making an effort to give the polish to Nellie Ben, his youngest daughter, and the only child at home with them. Sister Bettie is in fine health and has a great desire to make a show in the world, to dress fine and set a fine table, while I am more after the old fogy style, that is, to try to be contented with such as I can get easy, she is kind hearted and obliging and looks young to her age...

Now dont you know I will make a poor out cooking? to tell the truth, I (have) never done much of it. this morning I put a skillet of flour light bread to toast. made the coffe, aiming to finish off with butter and cold ham. Dunk said he was tired of that kind and he put down some egg bread. We went to bed at eight last night and I awoke at 12 never went to sleep until about 4 now is'nt that too bad that I have to do this way in my old age? and be deprived of the company of those, that is dear as life, as well as the help. Mrs Latch (one of our renters) does the milking for a part of the milk, guess I will get her to churn the same way, and it may be we can strike up on some help as every one is taking such an interest in us. how does Lola like house keeping? there is many a turn to do,------------------

-----------
Beaumont, Texas
May 2, 1933
Dearest Olivia:
Was glad to get your letter for I too was planning to get all the information I could concerning the family; have written a few letters but no answers as yet. Will let you know what I learn.
But this much I do know - Grandfather was John Calvin, and he had two brothers, William and Cullen, don't remember their middle names. There was also two girls, do not remember their names, but one of them married a Lawhon. Great Uncle Cullen had two sons (Albert and Lon - may have been others). They are or were living either in North or South Dakota - understand they were wealthy lumbermen. Great Uncle William also had several children.
The family come to Texas together and settled in Tyler County. Later Uncle William and Uncle Cullen went to Central or West Texas. My grandmother Kavanaugh told me this (mamma's mother). She knew them all well. Albert and Lon boarded with her one time and went to school to her. She also told me that Grandma Arnett's mother was a Calhoun - half sister to John C. Calhoun. Grandfather Arnett was a Methodist preacher. Did you know that? He is buried in Huntsville. Was away from home when he died and was buried before grandma knew it.
There is a Miss Arnett here - Irene Arnett. She teaches in Lamar College. Her people live in Illinois. We think we are all of the same family. She has an uncle who had already traced his family back to or beyond the Revolution. I am going to write him.

I do not know where the old family bible is. Will let you know anything I get.

Love your cousin
Ella Arnett Chaison
(lives in Houston and I have previously give her address to you in a letter 520 Heights Blvd.)

Correspondence with Minnie Bruce Arnett Milam

Milledgeville Ga.
July 28, 1935
Mrs. T.M. Milam
Ft. Stockton Tex
Dear Mam,
Your letter rec'd and contents noted. In reply, I can be of very little aid in helping you out, as to your family history. My father, J.A.C(layton)S. Lawrence died when I was 6 years old, and his father died in Lee Co. Ga. when my father was 12 or 13 yrs. old. My fathers mother was a Miss Holland, she and grandfather were first cousins, both from Va.
My grandmother had several sisters and 2 brothers. Perry who went to Tex. and Dr. (Lawson) Holland who remained in Ga. and was the father of Wm H. Holland's father who was benj. L. Holland M.D. who was my guardian, and [ ] in medicine. I have never heard of a Dr. Joseph Holland . I remember Aunt Amanda visiting our home at Forsyth Ga. when I was about 16 years old, but never learned of the other Holland sisters. I think Lavinia was my grand-mother. My grandparents died in Lee Co. Ga. From your letter, I am satisfied, you and I are grand children of two sisters--Misses Hollands. I don't know of any one who can give you much family history. I am 71 years old, the oldest of the tribe in this section of the country and know nothing. I will close with kindest regards to you--a cousin of mine.
G.A. Lawrence M.D.
Milledgeville, Ga.

Jan. 15, 1938
Dear Mrs. Milam,
I regret my delay in answering your questions and your very beautiful Christmas card. We were so busy in the flower shop during Christmas that I had no time for anything else. Since then I have been almost as busy. Daddy keeps after me, however, so I won't delay further.
Daddy's father was named John Augustus Clayton Sumner Laurence. (Born about 1830) He had two sons, Lucius (the elder) Lawrence. Born 1859, and Gustave Aurelius Lawrence (my father) Born 1864.
My grandfather J.A.C.S. Lawrence married Sarah Frances Barkley in 1858.
Daddy was born 1864 instead of1863, he says.
That, I believe, answers all your questions except "who were the parents of Charlotte Holland?" I'll ask Daddy again, but don't think he knows.
Lucius, (b. 1860), as you see was Daddy's only brother. he, like my father, was a physician. he died quite a young man (31 yrs.) two weks before his only child was born. This child was a boy named Lucius for his father. he was my father's only nephew and they felt rather close. Lucius lived just 20 miles from us all of his life. he met a very tragic end. his step father (a drunken sot for years) shot and killed him year before last. That, I think [rest missing]--------------------

OFFICE OF J. J. FORRESTER
TAX COLLECTOR, LEE COUNTY
LEESBURG, GEORGIA
October 19, 1935
Mrs. Minnie A. Milam
Stockton Texas

Dear Cousin Minnie:
I am indeed glad of our little correspondence because I never knew that I had any relative on my Grandmothers side except what Hollands I knew.
First I want to say that I want the original of the letter which sent me, signed, E. A. Wilson. This is my Grandmother, Ellen Amanda Wilson Holland. I do not know how she came to sign "E. A. Wilson, however." because there was no reason for the letter . Her maiden name was Ellen Amanda Holland. She first (2nd) married Alex B. Duncan, who was the father of my mother, and the person referred to in the old letter as Mollie. My grandmother then married Mr. Durham, from what marriage she had one child, (Belle) who later married Mr. Alexander Forrester, the man referred to in the old letter.
My mother married John W. Forrester and they had six children, viz: Hattie (she died in infancy), Julian J., who is the writer, Addie Bell and Duncan (they were twins), Marie, and Robt. Redmond.
Marie is living at Miledgeville, Ga., and is matron for one of our colleges for girls, and her name is Martin. She has two girls, but she is a widow at this time.
Robt. Redmond (we call him Bob Red) is living in Tifton Ga and is practicing Law.
I am the only one left who is living. I am country County Tax Collector and do a little farming on the side. I have two boys, viz Wallace Redmond and John Morgan. Wallace lives in Columbus Ga and sells Life Insurance (He graduated from Ga. Tech in 1925) and Jack, we call him, is living in Atlanta and is Secretary of the Georgia Public Service Commission. He graduated from the State University as Lawyer but at the present time he is not practicing.
You asked me if E.J . Wilson was a sister of Clotilda and Ellen Amanda. She is Ellen Amanda, herself, as I have already stated, and she was married Four times, First Mrs. Bryant, second, Mrs. Duncan, third, Mrs. Durham and lastly Mrs. Wilson.
The Gill and Duncan spoken of in the old letter. Duncan was my mothers brother and his name was Alex. B. Duncan for his father but was always called "Duncan." Perhaps my Father, who was his brother in law, started it, or may be his wife started it, as I remember hearing her call him "Duncan" when I was a boy. I can remember, as a boy "Duncan" had a friend by name of Alec Herrington who lived in Albany Ga. and it might be possible that they were related. If you think they are and will write Edwin Sterne Albany Ga. he might give you some data on this man. He was his Uncle, I think. I never heard of any Herrington's, though, that I knw was related to us.
I never cared much about the family tree and now I am getting too old to bother about it. I was born in 1873, so you see I am getting on the Shady side of life.
I forgot to say that I married Kittie Rogers in oct. 96 and she has managed to put up with me since that time. Right here I will say that she can do anything that she tries. I have often said that she could cut up a 200 lb. Hog One day and grind him up into Sausage meat and then the next day take the prize on China painting or Embroidery at the County Fair. This is literally true.
I do no know anything about Cousin Charlotte's family. They have almost passed out of the picture.
Well, I suppose I have written enough and I will close by saying, that if you are ever in Georgia come by to see us. We love our Kin and are always glad to have them come around.
Yours etc.,

J. J. Forrester.
P.S. You will note that I am a poor typist but I have been better but when you see as many years as I have you cannot do things as well as you once could.

Hillsboro, Ga.
Nov. 24, 1937
Dear Mrs. Milam:
I am sending you quotations from letters of my father writen before he left Virginia, concerning members of the family in whom I feel you may be interested.
Miss Josephine Holland, about whom you wrote, I judge to be the Josie my father wrote of so often--his niece, the daughter of his brother Joseph , and (I think) a Miss Countsill.
He says of her, once: "My niece, Joseie, holds me in pledge to accompany her in a visit to every one of them (the relative), and to her Uncle Lenox, (or Lenoir ) in Memphis, Tenn; so soon as her session is closed. She is now at the 'Richmond Female College,' than which no college of higher order exists. her father sometimes speaks of coming too."
This letter is written from Carrville, Isle of Wight County, Virginia, in 1857--March 20th.
on Dec. 15, 1856, he wrote from Glenmare--I think this is the name of the family seat, rather than a town.
"Josie has another beau, a millionaire (so Called) from Albermarle, and of course, gave F.T. "the mitten." Tis said, you know this: "Maidens are won, like moths, by glare, and Mommon wins where seraphs might despair."
I have just written to the president of the Patapa in Baltimore relative to her entering the senior class in March, I expect to go with her, as Joe being too fat and lazy."
From Gelnmare, Sept. 2nd, 1857. "You ask when Josie and myself will visit you this year. We shall be in Macon, Vineville , and at Cousin Wash Holland's about the last of November, if no unforeseen event occurs to prevent us. We shall remain in Memphis the rest of the season. I shall then return to Virginia for the next few weeks."
Josie was then young, about sixteen, I think, and supposed to be very beautiful. For a long time she and Francis Holland, a double first cousin were in love, but they did not marry. My father lost track of them after he moved to Georgia.
Josie wrote in an album of my mother's, but I do not have it at hand just now. I will find it and send you a list of the relatives who wrote in it.
Of the album my father says: "I anticipated on procuring the autographs of our president and his cabinet for you, but failing to get an album whilst in Baltimore and Richmond similar to the originial I had no opportunity of sending this I obtained in Suffolk to Washington.
And as an excuse for being so dilatory I must assure you it is no easy task, comparing and selecting for others. I leave you to conjecture the original pieces--they are, however the best. I failed to obtain the autographs of all your kinsfolk, for they are as numerous as beggars in Italy. Some are in Richmond, some in Northern Virginia, and one at the Virginia Military Institute-" This in 1857.
He says on a "Sister G (Georginia Parker) only visited one relation, Mrs. Jordan. I believe this Mrs. Jordan to be the one related to you. He mentions Cousin Alice (Kirkpatrick) Holland, also, and I have a very touching letter she wrote my mother upon the death of one of her children. She married Adolphus Holland, my Uncle.
In 1857 he says:
"Last Sunday I saw Cousin Betty Lawrence, by the bye a very pretty and interesting lady--should have called on her today according to promise, but for the rain."
In 1861: "Frank Holland and Fannie Lawrence will be married the 25th of April." and "I rejoice at the news of Cousin Lou's health and design reviving our correspondence, also writing Cousin Lavinia and Betty."
I have a great many old letters like these, and I have entended reading through them all for information about the people you would like to hear of. While my father lived in Virginia, my mother, his cousin, often wrote him about this or that one of our relations there, and he often asked about the Georgia relatives. If you will give me a list of the people in whom you are interested, and the questions you wish to know, I will look especially for them.
My health has prevented me from making much effort in tracing these matters lately and I am sorry if I have disappointed you.
Give Mrs. Eckhardt my assurance of any help to her of which I am able, and please believe I am always willing and glad to do anything I can to help you. I am very grateful for the information sent me by both of you, and thank you very sincerely.
Cordially,
Thetis Holland Brown
(Mrs. W. J. Brown)

The Women's College of
The University of North Carolina,
Greensboro, N.C. Department of History and Political Science
August 4, 1937
Mrs. T.M. Milam
Fort Stockton, Texas
Dear Mrs. Milam:
--I almost put it "Cousin Minnie," for I am sure we are cousins,--but too distant to claim, no doubt. It seems that we had common ancestors down to the time when your branch of the family went to Tennessee. I do not have the records available now; but I have jsut returned from a visit with relatives in Georgia, during which I spent a day with Mrs. Warren lane of Statesboro and had a rather superficial view of her records on the Arnett family. Mrs. Lane is my first cousin on my mother's (the Dixon) side. My brother, Carey George Arnett of Haleyondale, Screven County, Georgia, employed Mrs. Lane some years ago--in the nineteen-twenties--to trace the Arnett family. She has done a rather good job so far as our own branch of the family is concerned and also on a number of collateral branches. She seems to have gond much farther and covered a wider scope than any other genealogist has done in the field of the Arnett family. She has definitely traced my family--which was almost certainly yours down at least to the Revolutionary era--back to the Middle Ages. One thing that interested me particularly is that we are descendants of Lord Bacon (Francis).
The John Arnett to whom you refer as receiving his pension in Screven County, Ga., was my great grandfather. His son and grandson, my father, remained in Screven and I was born there. Collateral branches of the family scattered. Of my father's four sons, no two of us live in the same state.
Referring again to more distant ancestors, my forefathers and their brothers were mostly Johns (more Johns than any other), Williams, Peters, and Thomases (referring of course to their given names). They scattered from New Jersey and Pennsylvania to Georgia--and some branches westward to Texas and adjacent states. Mrs. Lane also has the record of the branch that came via Barbados, but I am not sure she has linked it idrectly to the others except more remotely in the British Isles.
I believe it possible to reconstruct a large part of the family tree--larger even that Mrs. Lane has already done, but it probably is not possible to make it complete.
I shall welcome any further information which you may have to offer.
Sincerely yours,
Alex Mathews Arnett
P.S. I presume you are aware that once you trace your line back to the British Isles it is easy going for many centures back, because of the fact that record there are easily available.
P.P.S. The picture of William H. Arnett , which I am returning, could easily have been labeled H. J. Arnett, and all who know my brother would have thought it a good likeness of him.

Gray Jones Co. Ga.
Dear Cousin ,
I have already written you a card about receiving your and Coz Marys Photos. We will take good care of them and return them just as soon as I can get all the other relatives here to see them. You see they are scattered around considerably but have written several of them. Also Tessie and Lorena in Atlanta. I want Mary to write Lorena and invite her to stop over when she goes West this Fall.
Her address: Miss Lorena Evans, 799 Hill St., Atanta, Ga.
I wrote them that they had better hurry & come to see some good looking kinfolks from Texas. that they are better looking than any Holland I ever saw in Ga.
Listen cousin I want to tell you what happened when the pictures was handeded to me. They were so nicely wrapped I was handling with so much care &c. finally I got the paper off. My cook brought the mail in to me and was standing close by to see She called to my daughter to come & see how pretty my coz was. Well, I said how young and beautiful and am affraid she has made a mistake. I began to open up some more paste board and saw some writing on the back of yours with your face turn from me. My daughter Carola was stiing right in front of me. she hollowed out look out Mama there is another one. she took it in her hand and handed it back to me. Oh! well this is Coz Minnie, and of course this is her daughter Mary. My, my, what a laugh we did have. I told Cora that if you could make make yourself look so young, I could too, all I needed was primping up a little more and step out a little more, and to get out all face creams and powder.
Coz, I am so glad you sent us the pictures to look at. Makes me feel so much nearer, only you ought to give them to me. I gave you mine with the big hat and you wouldn't accept it. so I am sending another when I return yours. That hat also has a story that I must tell you when I send it. Some day I may have some new ones made and I'll not forget you. All my late pictures were burned. Well, I was anxious for our Ordinary, Mrs Morton to see my good looking Texas relatives. as you had been corresponding a good while. So to up to the Court house I went and met a nephew. Thomas A. White, my oldest siters son, who married her coz Dr. T.A. White. Well, I called to him to stop and showed the pictures to him. he said Aunt Lillie if I was single I sure would fall in love with Coz Mary. Holland like to fall in love with their kin folks. Aunt Lillie her mother is pretty too, Coz I showed it to Every body in the court house------------(rest missing)

[ ] Sepr 8th 1941
Sir a few days since I [recd] a few lines from you in your wish and request I can but say Clotilda must be her because they knew of you too on account of helping to hunt up record &c. They all remarked you certainly couldn't be ashamed of these kinfolks in Texas. No sir, but I am afraid they might be ashamed of her Ga. kin. I told them that I was going to doll up some myself by investing in plenty of face cream & powder. We had plenty of fun I tell you, as I left some hollowed, Miss Lillie dont forget plenty of lip stick. &c &c. Of course not.
[Your] Cousin, Cora was looking thru her trunk yesterday and found Hamme's pictures in Atlanta paper when camping on a fox hunt just before he died. I will mark both of his pictures, & mark so you will know him. I can tell from his eyes he is so tired from hollowing and talking he hardly looks natural. It is the only picture I have of him.
Cousin, I wrote several of the relatives about your pictures. Cora gave the cards to a man around town to be sure and mail them, and dont believe he did as I have't heard from either of them. Tessie came home Saturday. I sent your letter to her. Lorena jumped up after reading your letter and got her map of San Diego Cal. and said "well Mama I sure passed thru her town going & comeing. such a pity for relations to loose sight of each other. I hope you received my card. Just after receiving your & Marys Photo. as I asked you on card why did you send the big hat back coz? Now this picture that I am sending you now I want you to keep it, as every one says its just like me [ ]. Altho a little ancient looking, most especially the hat. Dr. Will selected it for me. He was going to Macon one day and, I asked him to bring me a hat as I didn't feel like going myself. He said now Lillie, you know I have never been able to suit you in my life in selecting hats for you &c.
You can if you try. All I ask is to bring the hat, and Ill promise to wear it, and no questions asked about it &c. So off to Macon he went. My sister Mrs. White happened to be on the train going to Macon too. In coming back that night, the train was late, broke down just bellow our home, had to send back to Macon for another Engine. So Dr. Will & my sister got tired waiting and decided to walk home. Sister said as it was so late she would spend the night with us. She nick named me Trixie when I was quite small as they came up the drive way, I heard her ask Dr. Will if he had bought me a hat. Yes Georgia, and I do hate for her to see it because I know she is not going to be pleased with it. I could hear her laugh in a teasing way. Well, they came in and of course I wanted to see my hat. Yes Trick here is your hat, all I ask of you is please dont forget your promise. As I was examing it and turning it around, I could hear Sis laughing. Of course I was getting touched up pretty much. finally I asked Dr. Will why he selected such a tall hat, Listen Lillie, They had ladies hats there from one to 4 stories high, and I decided on the 2 story because I thought it would suit you better. Sis laughed from 2 o'clock until day.
Cousin I am writing in bed. have been very ill with dissentery & high fevers. delirous most of the time Looking for Lorena & Thetis Sunday. Lorena will be in on the Buss this afternoon. Cora went to Macon to meet her. Thetis be here Sunday. if she does'nt come I will return them any way. I hav'nt had and opportuny to show them to Dr. Gus Lawrence yet. he cant travel no way
Cousin I am ashamed of this letter but it is the best I can do at present. I am so nervous. Dr. G.A. Lawrence is a parylitic several times.
Cousin you will never know how hard Hammie and I were working and arranging to get you out to see us when he died. He wanted to see you and know you. as I lived in a little town We decided this was the place for you.
Cousin I think you are very much like Coz Charlotte Clark. Mary is so much like Dr. Johnnie her son. I always said Coz Johnnie was the handsomest young man I ever saw, and so was Dr. Gilly Clark. both handsome as a picture. Coz Johnnie & wife dead. No children. Coz Gillie is dead but dont know about his wife. In fact most all of our people are dead. Dr. Gus Lawrence & myself are the oldest living
July 12
Well Coz, I have been writing on this letter for quite a while. I must finish it up send your pictures back, for I am afraid you are worrying about them. You must excuse pencil. because I am still in bed and not able to do anything. The Dr says I was poisoned in vegetables that been sprayed, and of course not washed as they should have been. Cora was mighty sick too, but she vomited hers up, and got better in 3 or 4 days. The Dr. was sick with the same trouble himself. I was so proud to read a letter from my brother T.B.H. that was written so long ago. Any way his writing looked so natural. He never was much speller, in fact all the Hollands I ever knew were sorry spellers, but my mother was a walking dictionary--she was well educated, also a fine musician. All of her children took after her in that respect. She had the sweest voice I everer heard, and a beautiful dancer. We always gathered in the parlor every night to dance and have music if Dad was'nt at home. All of us played on some kind of instrument. Mostly guitar and piano and harp. something fell on my last one and busted it all to pieces. I have had 3 since I married. how I do miss it. Hammie played and sang well too--and loved to dance better than anybody I ever saw, kepted up with all the new dances too. He also was called the boss fighter of Jones Co. and the most popular too. How I do miss his voice at the courthouse Now Coz I know you are tired reading this so I will say good bye for this time. Give my very best love to mary. I love to read your letters so much. I also think Mary ought to write to her Ga kin.
Coz I will send your letters when I can. Thetis has'nt been yet. she said her girls were packing peaches & couldn't come yet as she couldnt drive the car. I will keep one of Buvers letters.
With love to all
Cousin Lillian A.

Ed. Note: The following letters and/or parts of letters were tucked inside the memoirs. The notes in italics were corrections/additions made by my grandmother, Minnie Bruce Arnett Milam. They were typed, probably not by the original author.

Milledgeville, Ga.
Nov. 4th 1935

Mrs. T.M. Milam,

Dear Cousin,

Your letter rec'd and contents noted. I can be of very little service in aiding you with our family history. My father died when I was six years of age, and his father died when he was 14 years old. I think, my Grandfather was named Lemiel and I have forgotten my Grandmothers name (Frances Agatha, married in 1824, Jasper Co. Ga), but they were both from Va. and were first cousins. They married and settled in Jasper Co., but after ward moved to Lee Co. and died and was buryed in Smithville. My father had three sisters, Charlotte who married Dr. Jno. W. Clark, who lived and died in Smithville, Eunicie who married a Mr. Green and moved to Ala. I have seen these two aunts, but never saw the 3rd sister of my father. After my fathers parents died, my fathers uncle Dr. Lawson Holland had my father (Clayton) brought back to middle Ga. and he raised my father until maturity. At my father's death his first Cousin Benj. L.(ewis) Holland acted a guardian for me and my only brother Lucius who was 4 yrs. older than I. We both read medicine under Dr B. L. Holland (W.H. Hollands father) Dr. Lawson Holland was a brother to Perrian Holland who went to Tex. and raised a family out there. I think Dr. Lawson & Perrian were the only two sons of our G. grand father, and Dr Benj. L. Holland and Dr Thos. Holland were sons of Dr Lawson.H. Now, there were five or six Holland girls, but I do not know of all of them. Mrs. Jordan was the mother of three sons only, and Burwell was the oldest. I knew him & his children. I think they are dead. Jasmine Retreat I think must have been their country home down in the neighborhood of Hawkinsville in Pulaski Co. They moved up to Vineville and lived there during the Civil War. I am the only one living of my family and am the oldest of all the original family in these parts. I am 72 years of age or will be the 29th of next Jan. Aunt (Ellen) Amanda Wilson I think was the youngest of the Holland sisters. She is the only one that I ever saw. One of the Holland sisters married and lived in Savannah Ga. She was the mother of one son only. My father was born in Jasper Co. and so was I. I was 14 years of age when my family left the Co. I don't think my grand mother was named Jane (Frances Agatha) But I believe my father had a sister named Missouri.
Jane was the name of Dr Lawson Holland's wife, I knew her well. Mrs. Jordan was only married once. Yes, I know J. J. Forrester, he has a widowed sister, Mrs. Marrie Martin of Milledgeville GA. I have told her of you. You must excuse my scribling, as I had a paralytic stroke last year and have not fully recovered from it. I am sorry, I knew so little of our family history. I close with best wishes for you, My cousin-- G. A. Lawrence

(Ed. note: this letter had no beginning or end; I am assuming that it is from G.A. Lawrence also, but I do not know that for sure.)

Welborn & Louisa A. Barton Apr 8. 1874

Wilt Thou O Lord, Thy Spirit give,
Lo, we in Thee rely.
Enable us to righteous live;
O be Thou ever nigh.

Lead us by Thy unerring love,
Under Thy shade repose;
Bring us to heav'n where thou hast stor'd;
Immense for all who choose.

Over Thy realms, we'll ever roam,
Sweets there will ever rise;
Redeem'd, and Thy happy home;
All over Paradise.

New themes will there forever rise,
All o'er that wide domain;
Beauties too rare for mortal eyes;
Ah more that mind contain.

Redeem'd by Thy attoning blood,
Through all these realms we'll rove;
O none can ever tell the good:
Nor a tithe of His love

By Uncle Billy