From my dad, a letter to his mother: I wonder if he ever mailed this letter, because I shouldn't be able to read it, unless it is a copy. So is this a draft for the letter he sent? Or, was it so personal, heartfelt and sincere that he decided not to send it?
26 February, 1964:
Dearest Mom: At long last I have been able to get pen in hand to answer your letter received some few days back. Just haven't felt up to it. After my trip back from Mississippi (had a spell of car trouble which not only cost me plenty but delayed me no end).
Went by and spent a nite at Rudy's and had him accompany me on one of my short safari's for souls. Went up by way of Collins, then back thru Seminary where I felt sure we would run into some sign of the Hill's and Basses'. But we didn't find anything in either place; (it was Sunday), consequently all stores and courthouse at Collins was closed. So didn't accomplish anything! I even believe "Rud" got the fever (genealogy fever); he said a couple of times how disappointed he was that we didn't find anything.
Well, you know me! Next morning Rud had to help Rachel with various things, so I lit out for Collins by myself. I decided that I would not venture up to Decater this trip; it would have been far out of the way, and I had two places in mind for Monday: Collins and Monticello...both county seats for Covington and Lawrence counties, respectively. Monticello is where Mariann Hill applied for the Pension in 1884; Mary Ann Bass was witness on her application. They both, at that time, lived at Hooker, which has now become a small place.
Covington County was where I believe Isaac Hill lived with Mary Ann Bass. That place is where he supposedly died. Well, my search in the records at Collins produced a Nancy Hill as having bought, or applied and received a piece of land from the government in Covington County; this was 1885. I just suspect that her and William Bass separated and she went by her maiden name, again. William Bass's name appears several times. I neglected to look, my error, in marriage licenses for a clear indication of just who was who!
Guess my efforts this time produced a lot of preliminary findings which shall be fruitful later on. I want to go back as soon as time, money, and Opal's health permits.
Suppose you know that Aunt Annie is over in Pensacola for a short visit. Will drop her a few lines, tonight.
Yes I found where Grandma Hill (Lydia King) is buried. Okahola Cemetery! Went by and had a real fine visit with Joel, his wife, his boys by his first wife and we talked about all of our kin folks.
Joel mentioned that his dad mentioned Silver Creek, Mississippi, many times and said that is where the Hill's came from. That is in Lawrence County, where Mariann applied for the pension in 1884. [Dad repeating himself, here]. Mom, do you recall Papa ever telling about that part of the country? Well, I found out where Grandpa John M. Hill lived, and where he is buried, too. He married...[document ends here; there may be another page somewhere]...
Note from moi: "Rud" (or Rudy) is my dad's brother.
From FamilySearch.org, I'm reminded that his full name is Earl Rudolph Hill. •
"Rachel is Rudolph's wife, mother of my cousin, Laman". [Will try to find a photo]
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