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| Field name |
Value |
| Collection Reference Number
|
GLC02429.44
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| From Archive Folder
|
Letters from missionaries Daniel and Nancy Hemans, to Rev. and Mrs Shiras
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| Title
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Nancy A. Hemans to Frances B. Shiras explaining that she is pregnant and has not received any money from the Insurance League
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| Date
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5 June 1878
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| Author
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Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843)
|
| Recipient
|
Shiras, Frances B.
|
| Document Type
|
Correspondence
|
| Content Description
|
Discusses all she has had to do since her husband's death and reveals that she is pregnant since three months before his death. Comments on her hope to be a good mother but willingness to die, if it is God's will. Discusses money problems with the Insurance League the, distribution of clothes, and supplies sent. Notes plans to get her son's picture taken and that he does not look like his father. Explains her son's reaction to the death and her inability to leave to live with a sister.
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| Subjects
|
Religion American West Photography American Indian History Death Marriage Children and Family Health and Medical Finance Clothing and Accessories Charity and Philanthropy Women's History
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| People
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Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) Shiras, Frances B. (b. 1814)
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| Place written
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Nebraska
|
| Theme
|
Religion; Children & Family; Women in American History
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| Sub-collection
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The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1860-1945
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| Copyright
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The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
|
| Module
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Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945
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| Civil War: Recipient Relationship
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Friend
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| Transcript
|
Show/hide Quotes "I had so much to do since my dearest husband gone I had to work hard and get a living Allie and me I have been out much to do the weeding in the field and garden I must pick the bugs of from the potatoes leaves. besides I am not well this year. My friend let me tell you I have a secret you ought to know…I was in a family way three months before my dear Dan leave me on earth alone. but I hope my God grant my earnest prayer of Him by asking a child. that these children grow up to be great comfort to me. and that I will be a good mother to them. brought them up in his fear. but if He thinks best for me. Let the Lord do what is best…I would willingly go to see my loved one that are gone before me." "I give all the little dresses of my darling baby. for I did not think that I need them anymore…I had no money from the Insurance League yet I kept asking the Bishop…he can not tell when I shall have money…" "it is not much for me in this last box…" "he did not seemed to mind at all his fathers death. but I think is a good thing for him if he is. I am afraid he will be sick for he loved his papa so much." "I was trying very hard to leave the country…but I had give it up the hope…some neighbor had shot my best horse and died and one of oxen was beat it with big ax and died these things made me more feel bad. but I must be patient if I can. no one can have a good time all the life." "tell Mrs. B.[rown] I have received coat and vest for Allie last spring it fit him nicely. I am very thankful for it." "Did you ask me how Daniel felt when his hour draw near! Yes he is willing to go. but I am sure he did not feel like leave me and Allie. Oh I thought this only a dream. but now it is not if it is! I shall be awoke before this. just think. Daniel is dead. Oh dear dear it is hard, harder than my children died. But still the Lord means it. He wills it, I must say again; Thy will be done! He did not say any how he felt…week before he died Bishop was there. Daniel say the Insurance money must be kept for me and Allie in in care of Indian Commission. I guess Daniel is remember you because…he read the letter [Dr. Shiras's] and looked pleased I thank God that he gave me so much good friends."
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