Hi listers -- I just recently came upon a letter that was sent by an ancestor
of mine to his parents. He was residing in Greensburgh, Decatur County,
Indiana at the time and I thought it might be of interest to some of you. It
appears that he was a physician and in practice with another physician in the
area. If anyone knows anything more about the sender of this letter, or whom
the other physician might be, I would appreciate any feedback. This is a
relative that I had not stumbled upon until this letter surfaced. I believe
him to be a nephew of my 3GGrandfather Arthur Teal. The original letter was
folded up several times and tucked inside a leather change purse with a lock
of dark blonde hair. Some it is illegible where the folds of the letter
caused it to tear. I letter is as follows.....
It is from Dr. Asa Teal, Greensburgh, Decatur County, Indiana to Mr. Arthur
Teal, Rushville, Fairfield County, Ohio. It is dated My 9nth, 1828.
Dear Parents,
Permit your son to tender his ____ ____ most affectionate and sympathetic
feelings as it is the only way he can pretend to _______ retaliate for the
kindness and many favors he has received from you. Although I cannot see you
and converse with you yet I have not forgotten you. Many an hour of sleep
have I lost in meditation on the happiness I enjoyed while living in my
Father's family in fact I never knew what the real worth of relations was
untill I left them. Your letter I received about a month since it had been
miscarried some way as it came to me from the south. I was glad to hear from
you all and hear of your health. I my self have enjoyed good health since I
left home. The cause of my not writing to you oftener is that I have
received letters from Ohio at different times and all of them gave me
information of you. I did expect to see you all this spring but
circumstances of a peculiar nature have rendered it impossible for me to get
off. I now calculate to come in the fall if alive that long probably in
October when I come I shall settle the business that I left unsettled. The
people are verry healthy in this part of the country and not ________ for the
doctors to do. I have lately taken into partnership with one one of the most
eminent physicians in the western country and we are the only physicians in
the town our practice last month is worth eighty or ninety dollars and is
still getting better. Money is verry scarce here at this time. Corn sells
at 50 cents per bushel four 2 dollars per hundred and verry scarce at that.
We have had no winter here but rain and mud a plenty. Our country is
improving verry fast. People are moving here from all parts of the globe the
land is of the first quality and I think this will be a great county in time.
I have nothing more to write at present but remaining your obedient son
untill death. Asa M Teal
THEN HE CONTINUED TO WRITE ON THE NEXT PAGE……
Inteligence has just came to me of the marriage E. T. Hammond and Aunt
Elizabeth Teal. The only compliment I have for them is that heavens
blessings may crown them joys and fill their arms with girls and boys. Tell
my cousins that I am well and have plenty to eat and drink and clothes to
wear. Sister Elizabeth, Fanny and Harriet must take care and improve their
time well by reading good books. Education is the only thing that will
accomplish a lady and make her respectable and take care that you don't marry
the first Jack that wants you. I herd from Dr. _____ ________ since and he
was well. I expect to live a bachelor my life however I have had a great
temptation lately there is a handsome girl here worth five thousand dollars
Sincerely,
Nancy Brenner Peters
NPeters103(a)aol.com
Greene County,PA-John/McGlumphy/Scott/Headlee
Baltimore, MD-Teal/Teele
Fairfield County, OH-John/Teal/Teele/Brenner
Perry County, OH-Teal/Teele/Van Dyke