Ella Frasier to her brother Edward, 1894

We now add a new voice to the collection: Ella Frasier, youngest sister of Edward. At the time of this letter, she is 32 years old. She never married and, as far as I know, lived with her mother Ann Campbell Frasier until Ann’s death.

The letter is written from Woodlawn, Nebraska – a spot on the map just northeast of Lincoln and not too far from Malcolm.

The photos we have of Ella are so charming (click on them to see enlarged views).

I imagine this last photo would have been closest to 1894, although that’s just a guess.

Again with the pigs! This Frasier family apparently had a thing for pigs. Once again, Edward has a sow and Ann and Ella are debating whether they should accept it.

Woodlawn, Neb.
March 2nd, 94

Dear Brother,

I received your letter Monday and would have written sooner but have had no
chance to mail it and the roads have been too very bad for me to go to the
office. Was glad to hear that you were well. We are ordinarily well. You did
not say whether you had any snow down store or not. We have not had so much
snow since 1886. The snow round the house and buildings was immense if that
will describe it. I expect the little kids are housed these days making lots
of music.

Ed in regard to your sow, I would have been glad to have excepted your offer
if I had not had one, but she is what ma would like to get. Ma will write in
regard to it. I ought to have good luck with mine this year and her pigs
will be “full bloods”. Ida I think if I get a peep out of you I will have to
come down. I would like to see you all but do not know when I can come down
but want to before hot weather. How is your sister and her husband. I hope
he is better. Schuylers folks are well.

Please write soon
So good by with love to all
Sister Ella

The reference to Ida’s sister and her husband is, I assume, about Elinor “Ellen” Jane Black, married to John Dirom Gilchrist. Actually, John dies less than three weeks after this letter is written and then Ellen herself dies of tuberculosis the following year. They leave behind five orphaned children (the would be Ida’s nieces and nephews). Edward assumes some degree of responsibility for them. There are some letters coming up in the sequence in which Edward helps them settle some of their affairs.