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Hotel Grand P.R. Souder, Prop. Your letter of the 16th addressed to Mother at hand. I wrote to Trevor from Mt. Pleasant Hills, Pa. (Fremouth). I went to Meiserville on Sunday P.M. and saw Rebecca. She is getting along fine. But is getting hard of hearing. I also saw Father's Bible, but the front blank leaves containing a History of the Hummel Family have been torn out and are missing. But as the comparatively full history of the family is given by William Henry Egle, M.D., M.A. in his celebrated work, viz - “History of the Counties of Dauphin and Lebanon In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Genealogical and Biographical. ($12.00) Philadelphia. Evert's + Peck, 1883. Now out of print and can not be had. But I know of four copies, viz - 1st Congressional Library, Washington, D.C. 2nd State Library, Harrisburg, Penna 3rd Carnegie “ State College, “ 4th, James M. Hummel, Bismarck, “ She (Rebecca) gave me a Testament that was printed in 1824 wherein father has written the line of his birth; the names of his father (Frederick) and mother (Esther) also considerable other data, etc. She also gave me one of his Arithmatics - “American Lulors Assistant” that was printed in 1813. He was a believer in Astrology it seems for he put down the exact hour of the birth of each child and the Planet under which it was born. He was married three times and was the father of twenty children; only six of which are now living, viz – Wm, Rebecca, David, Levi, Sarah and Henry. Inclosed you will find a specimen of his penmanship. Take good care of it for there are not many in existance. There is considerable of his writing (letters) in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. He was born May 6th, 1800. On Monday I went to see Weisers of Mahautango. They remember you and Mother when you were to see them when you were about eight years old. There are four of them – the mother Mrs. John L. Weiser, one son Holman and his two daughters, Mary and Ruth. My great-frandfather Capt. Frederick Hummel, Sr, Conrad Meiser and John Harri were the three pioneer settlers that opened up Central Pennsylvania to civilizations, etc. On Tuesday P.M. I returned to Meiserville and started for home on Wednesday A.M. In going from one Station to the other in Sinbury I came near fainting. But got home all right. The doctors tell me that I am suffering from a complete nervous breakdown and that I will have to remain at home and do no work of any kind for at least two or three months. The Pneumonia left me with a very weak heart so that the least little exertion makes me faint or feel like it. My Catarrh seems to be getting better – till the weather changes then it's as bad as ever. The doctors tell me that there is no cure for it in this climate. I want to get to California has soon as we can; but the way we are circumstanced there is now show before July or Aug. As to selling for $2500 that seems like too much of a sacrifice as it would cost at least $4500 to replace it. But if we can not sell for $3000 between this and July 1st I suppose we will have to advertise it and sell for $2500. The tenant is moving out to-morrow but the way it looks we will have to trouble to get a new one at $10.00 a month. The side lot I will sow in grass as I can not work it this Summer. The garden will will have dug. Dorothy + Mother can take care of it. I have another good and promising friend living in Los Angeles that it would be well for you to meet, viz – Bishop Bell, of the United Bretheren Church. He is a splendid specimen of manhood and a very able man. I met and got acquainted with him while lecturing in Albright College, Myerstown, Pa. He will be glad to meet both of you. Your mother is writing so I'll close my disconnected and rambling letter. Please give us your permanent address. Your last letter was written from 106 West 5th St and that of Mr. Thomas from 5101 South Main St. Now then which is it? Hope this may find you both well and happy. Please remember me in kindness to Miss Thomas. Miss Phillips met her in Philadelphia and says she is a charming + lovely girl. Levi Hummel. |