In a letter to brother James dated 10 April 1872, Ira Sayles sent both sympathy and sermon to his ailing 50 year old sibling whose diagnosis of palsy had been shared in a March note. Palsy by definition in the 1870s was a chronic condition involving some sort of paralysis. A person had three alternatives … Continue reading Believe You This?
James Sayles
Reading Between the Lines: A note from Ira Sayles, 1869
This post examines the letter Ira Sayles, my great-great-grandfather, wrote to his brother James in July of 1869 for its tantalizing clues of sibling whereabouts.Many thanks to cousin, blog-reader, and James Sayles descendant, Sharon Babcock, for sharing her family stash. A bit of Review Ira Sayles (1817-1894) was one of nine children born to … Continue reading Reading Between the Lines: A note from Ira Sayles, 1869
Amanuensis Monday: A Letter From Ira
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to a blog-reading cousin, Sharon B., who contacted me after perusing this site. After a flurry of excited email, I received a packet of letters written from MY great-great-grandfather to HER great-great-grandfather. Today I transcribe the first of these brotherly exchanges. Thank you, thank you, Sharon! From Rushford, … Continue reading Amanuensis Monday: A Letter From Ira
Shoots, Roots, and Leaves 