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I have copies of copies of pre-civil war letters. They were copied just as they were and I copied mine-typewritten and proofread, 17 years ago. Here is one and I hope someone connects to these people because I have never been able to . She was my g.g.g.g. grandmother Betsy (Harvey) Lawrence. of Ky. - Pat (PHHGENE@aol.com)

Monroe Co. Ky.
May 20, 1848

Dear Son and Daughter,

I take the opportunity of writing you a few lines to inform you that i am in tolerable health, though I am much afflicted with pains. Hoping these few lines may find you all well. I have the mournfull task of informing you of the death of your father. He died of dropsy after an illness of from March 17 thru 28 of April 1847. He appeared perfectly willing to die. Willing to lay down his life in prospect of a better world.

We had broke up and gone to live with our son John. We had started to brother James Harvey when he was taken sick on his way to Francis and Harlands where he died. Harvey was taken sick about the time his father was. He never saw his father in the time of his sickness, though in about a mile of here. He lay apparently at the point of death for about six months.He is now about, though not yet well. One of Francis and Harvey Harlands ch(one of the twins died in the time of your fathers sickness.

Brother Austin committed suicide by shooting himself in the forehead last Christmas Eve, was a year ago, no cause known. Brother Thomas got his leg broken last winter, accidently by cutting down a tree, also his helpers child Samuel died. The rest of the connections are all well as far as I know. I make my home at my son John, though I stay among my children a good part of the time. I am at Brother James Harvey's, where my mother lives. She is in good health for a person her age. She desires to be remembered to you. Twas whole year after his father died and has received no answer.

Times are very hard. Money scarce, corn worth one dollar and fifty cents a barrel, wheat is worth fifty cents a bushel. Bacon six and one-fourth cents a pound. I want you to write as soon as this letter comes to hand and let me know where Rhoda is, and if she is near you. Tell her to write to me as soon as she possibly can. Direct your letter to Paces Post Office, Barren Co. Ky. No more at present but remain your loving mother. Betsy Lawrence

This letter was to James and Verlinda Rhea, my g.g.g.grandparents

Hope someone connects, I would like to have the info on the Lawrence and Harvey families. I have Rhoda and Verlinda's father and mother and children. that's all. as far as Lawrence family goes.