[c:\toby2\jones\letr_jo.doc]
Saturday afternoon[1]
My dear Clyde,[2]
Lillian sent your letter to me. I would have answered it before now, but did not feel able to write.[3] I have been up here three weeks Wednesday. Most of the time I have spent in bed. I have been in bed since Tuesday. That day I had four teeth extracted. Today I dressed and went across the street and had four more. You can imagine how I feel. Tuesday of next week I am to have them all taken out. The Dr. says my teeth caused my stomach to be in the dreadful condition that it. Why I am so nervous. I am lots better but I never expect to be well again. He says when I go home I must not have any ____ for a year. I must take things away, and _____ and not ____ ______ anything. I have been very sick since I left your house. The Dr. here says he doesn’t see how I lived. I am not gaining any flesh here, but they gave me any and everything to eat. I hope I’ll be able to leave here next Saturday, any way about the first, so if you write send it to Wilmington. I hope sisters boys are home by this time.[4] Geo. should not get home before March.[5] We don’t have any idea when Paul and Rob will come.[6] How is my little children getting on. I sure would like to see them. I never will forget how good you were to me.
If ever a poor soul needed a kind word it was me. Nobody but God knows my feelings. Am glad you got this little box. I was not able to fix anything. I was just ____ crazy Christmas day. Honestly---I hardly knew what I was doing. That is why I am here. Dr. Hail said I needed to see a specialist. I think when I get home and can get out, I’ll feel entirely different. Don’t let the children forget me. I wrote to Annie twice, but she did not answer either of my letters.[7] Poor child she has so much to contend with—I don’t think she has much time for writing. Tell Charlie I don’t think I could stand a trip from his house to Sumter right now. Hope you are well. If I never see you any more in this world, just remember I do thank your and Charlie for your patience with me while in your home. Go to see sister often, be good to her.[8] She is getting old. Now is the time she needs someone to care for her. I wish I could be near her. When I died, if I die before she does, I would love to have her hold my hand. She don’t know what she means to me. I am sure she understands me better than any one else in the world. I must close now and am getting so used to sitting up in bed. With love to your Charlie and the children.
Devotedly,
Aunt Bab[9]
[1]Based on the contents of this letter, it
was probably written in late 1918 or 1919. That was when World War I was over
and the sons of Fannie Ellen Jones and Barbara Fowler who had served in the war
were coming home.
[2]Clyde was Clyde Weldon Jones (1890-1971),
wife of Charlies Jones (1879-1949). Charlie was a nephew to Mary Barbara “Babs”
“Babe” Jones Fowler (b. 1865). Charlie’s mother was Francis Ellen “Momma” Jones
(1858-1931), who was an older sister to Babs.
[3]Lillian was Lillian Fowler (b. 1888), the
oldest daughter of Babs Jones Fowler.
[4]Sister was Francis Ellen “Momma” Jones
(1858-1931). The “boys” of Fannie Jones who probably fought in World War I and
were probably referred to here were David Alexander Jones (1892-1973), Robert
“Rob” Lorenzo Jones (1896-1955), Hugh Jones (1890-1967) and Henry Scarborough
Jones (b. 1898).
[5]George was George Thomas Fowler (b.
1894), the youngest son of Barbara Jones Fowler.
[6]Paul was Paul Fowler (b. 1892), the
second son of Barbara Jones Fowler. Her other sons were John J. Fowler (b.
1892) and George Thomas Fowler (b. 1894). It is not clear who “Rob” was.
[7]Annie was Annie Jones Hogan (1884-1950).
Annie was one of the two daughters of Francis Ellen “Momma” Jones (1858-1931).
Annie had gone to high school for several years in Wilmington, N.C. and lived
with her Aunt Barbara Fowler during this time. Annie in 1919 had six children,
including one born in 1917 and another in 1919. So she did have her hands full.
[8]“Sister” was Francis Ellen “Momma” Jones
(1858-1931). Fannie was 61 years old in 1919.
[9]Bab was Mary Barbara “Babs” “Babe” Jones
Fowler (b. 1865).
