I know from a Dunn genealogy that Richardson Dunn, II (b 22
Feb 1816 Floyd Co, IN, d Jan 1898) married Mary Jane
Zimmerman (b abt 1823, d 1857) daughter of George D. and
Dolly A. Zimmerman. Richardson and Mary Jane were parents
of my great grandfather George Washington Dunn (b 1 Jun 1847
IN, d 20 Aug 1927 IL).
I have the following letter handed down with 5 silver spoons.
From the letter I have guessed that Mary Jane had a brother
named George D. and a sister named Lavinia who married the
writer (and her death date). I would really appreciate hearing
your opinions on the following:
1) What other possibilities might I have missed?
2) Does anyone have census CD's that pinpoint George and Dolly?
3) What's the U.B.Church..United Brethren? What are its roots?
German, English, other?
Georgetown, Ind.
Jan 8th 1910
Mr. George W. Dunn
North Henderson, Ill.
Dear Nephew, I received your kind invitation to your
Daughter's Wedding; but when it arrived your dear and
loving Aunt Lavinia was still in death. I send you 5
silver teaspoons for you to give your daughter as a
wedding present. You will see the initials on the
handle G.D.Z. meaning George D. Zimmerman. They were a
present from your Grandfather Zimmerman to your
Grandmother Dolly A. Zimmerman when they were young;
even before they were married. I want them kept in the
family as a memorial [unintelligible] there is only 5
your Uncle George D. Zimmerman cut one up to make money
when the old folks were away from home. So you present
them to Mary as a wedding present for me.
Your Aunt Lavinia died one o'clock and ten minutes on
Jan 5th 1910 of Pneumonia after an illness of only 5
days. The funeral services were held in the U. B.
Church at one o'clock yesterday by the Reverent Clint
Patterson, Pastor of the U. B. Church on Georgetown
Circuit. I laid her boddy way to in Wolf's Cemetary to
await the Reserection. Text Pauls 1st Thessalonions 4th
Chapter and 18th verse Wherefor comfort one another
with these words. Give my love and respects to all of
your family and retain a good portion for self and wife.
I am lonely and sad at my loss but what is my loss is
heaven's gain. I will close by asking you all to
remember me in my affliction.
from your Dear Uncle John H. Thomas
Ann Bolton <annbolton(a)aol.com>
People who like this sort of thing will find this the
sort of thing they like. A. L incoln