This is a letter written by Joseph M. Hieatt on February 25, 1896. He the grandson of Jonathan and Mary Conner Hieatt, and the son of their son Meredith. Jonathan moved from Virginia to Kentucky in the 1790's.

A transcription of the text from Joseph's letter is provided below, as well as a scanned copy of the actual letter. If there are errors in the transcription please let me know. You can download the scanned copies by "right-clicking" on the picture and selecting "Save Image As". I have also provided a larger PDF more suitable for printing that you may download by clicking this link - Original Scan (0.75MB) - JosephHieattLetter.pdf.

Many thanks to Betty Myers who first provided this copy to me.

Willisburg, Ky.
Feb. 25, 1896

My Dear Cousins,

Your letter received a few days ago. It was a surprise, yet, quite a pleasure to hear from you all. I will try and give you all the information I can concerning our kinsfolk but my knowledge regarding them is very limited.

I have always been told that the Hieatt family came from Wales to this country. Four brothers, among them my grandfather and your great-grandfather whose name was Jonathan. I do not remember of ever having heard his brothers’ names. My grandfather married a Miss Conner. I do not know her given name. My father’s name was Meredith. There were nine children. Five girls and four boys. My three brothers all died in the same year 1846. Their names were William Henry, Meredith Woodson and Johnathan Benton. My sisters were, Mary Ann, who married James B. Oliver. Frances, who married Wesley G. Watts. America, who married Austin Kelly. Nancy, who married Benjamin Bennett and Katherine who married Elijah Lyon. My father had three brothers John, Reuben and Lewis. Uncle John married a McAlister and raised three children. John and Lucy and another girl but I disremember her name. John and his family live in Anderson Co. near Wardeville. Uncle Reuben moved to Edgar County Illinois but I know nothing of his family.

This, I believe is about all I can tell you concerning our people. Perhaps could I be with you and talk to you I might possibly tell you something I have not written.

There is, so I have been told, an old man by the name of Henry Scruggs living near here who married a Hieatt, and knows more of the history of the Hieatt family than anybody in the country. He could probably give you some information. I have a second cousin, Harban Hieatt living in Hardford Co, near Versailles who might also furnish some information. He is a descendant of one of the four brothers.

I sold my farm in Anderson and bought another in Washington Co. about ¼ of a mile from Willisburg.

Will is coming here. We are expecting him this week. Addie and her husband are living here with us, Frances is married and living at Camden, and Meredith is practicing at Bostonville, Anderson Co.

We would be so glad to have you make us a visit. You can come to Springfield any day and come out on the stage right to our door, if you will write us when to expect you. Addie sends her best love and says tell you to be sure and come soon. She also sends regards to your Mama and brothers.

Hope you will succeed in your undertaking, and let us hear from you real soon, how you are getting along with your work and that you are coming to see us.

Give my regards to your mother and all.

Your affectionate cousin,
Joseph M Hieatt

Son of Meredith Hieatt and Judith Easley.
Grandson of Jonathan Hieatt and Mary Connor.