I had intended to post these letters in chronological order but the handwriting on this one was so faint, I had it incorrectly ordered in my binder.
And I’m not entirely sure about the identify of the writer. The last name is clearly ‘Lawson’ but I’m not certain that it’s the same George who wrote Edward in 1877. The signature appears to have initials “P. G.” but the “P” could just be flourish ahead of the “G”. The handwriting is similar to George’s 1877 letter but I can’t say for sure that it’s the same.
According to the 1880 census records for Marquette County, Wisconsin, there was a Lawson family in the area with an older son George (maybe 5 years older than Edward) and a younger brother Philip (maybe 5 years younger than Edward). So it’s possible that Edward may have corresponded with both brothers.
Once again, the writer tells Edward of the “turkie” incident between Mr. Dalton and Mr. Jenkins, also mentioned in William McKay’s letter of 1874. The rest is local gossip and farm boy chatter.
The handwriting is difficult to transcribe. I did the best I could.
Bellfontain, Mar. 14 1875
Edward Dr Frasier
Your note reached me in due time and was glad to hear from you. I had given up all hopes of hearing from you. I have been tending School in Madison this last winter and had a good time as you know I would if there was any such thing. I got acquainted with lots of Girls down there some good looking ones tho there was some rough ones to. I went to B. M. Woothington’s college. I got through about one month ago. Going through the courses in 8 weeks. I did not work half the time either. I prepared to have a good time anyway.
As for the news in sand nallon (?) I cannot say mutch. First Mr. and Mrs. Jno Dalton has got an increase in the Family a girl I believe. Mr. Jenkins came very near parting from his wife last week I understand, the surcamstances I have not learned as yet. You have no doubt heard the Turkie storie. I was 4 day on the suit. Jno Dalton hid the Turkies but they was all stollen a few nights after they had a H*** of a row.
Well Ed Sarrah is all right. I believe I have not seen her for 4 months I belu (?). I suppose you know more about her than I do for she will tell you all the news no doubt but I think Idy will make you a good one they all measure about 6 foot now or __- think(?).
Old Mr. Vaughn lost one of his Horses last week. We are going to stay on the Bellfountain another year. I cannot come out this spring but I will pass by your place in the fall no prent(?) Providence.
I lost one of my horses last ____. I have only 2 now but I have a good team that will do me as long as I want to stay here.
Janus (?) is in Portage yet. Ina is at home yet no more signs of getting married than when you was here as I can see. Well Ed I think I will beat them all if they don’t hurry up. How do you like the country give me a description of it and the places. We have had a su___ wintere here the snow is about three feet deep now on a lu__. Been a d*** cold winter.
Well Ed I will have to stop for they won’t let me alone they want the table for dinner. So good by.
Mother send her Best Respects to all the rest the same. I remain yours as ever.
P. G. Lawson
Bellfontain
write soon
