Letter from [Annie L. Muir] to [Margaret Muir Reid et al.], 1901 Apr 27.

[1]Portage, Wis. Apr. 27 1901Dear Maggie, Sarah, & the Rest -I enclose Maude Watson\u27s letter, which explains itself. I returned from Poynette yesterday afternoon - It seems that Mrs. Robertson had the grip in the winter & had not been quite so strong since that time - But she kept up her work in her persevering way - Had even done some housecleaning the week before her illness began and bought a new bonnet The first, she said, since Mary\u27s death. She went to church on Sunday the 14th - On Monday did not feel as well as usual. Was worse on Tuesday and they called Dr. [Binney?] who called it pneumonia & called the case a serious one - The family were not th[en?] alarmed - But Maude sent for her sister - Mrs. Bushnel - who came at once & took care of her house & family so that Maude could stay with Mrs. R. day & night - Mary Blackley & the neighbors helped too - Hamilton who has been in Madison all winter in a printing office happened to be at home for a few weeks - so was there too06198 [2]On Saturday she seemed better - and they were quite hopeful - But at 11 o\u27clock in Saturday night she was taken very much worse - and she could not speak to them again tho. she tried painfully hard to do so. Maud\u27s letter tells the rest - She was laid to rest beside John Watson & the family in the Arlington Cemetery On Tuesday the 23rd On a beautiful Spring Day - +++ She left no Will. But Hamilton & Jim seem likely to settle everything about the property & disposal of things in a peacible and satisfactory manner. The house which she occupied is to be rented - James had rented the farm & he will live there & board with the family who lives in the house & helps him to work it. H. has let his farm and hardly knows what he will do - Go back to Madison probably - His family lives in the House on his farm - & are very comfortable indeed - She & the children seem well & happy. The baby is now nearly seven months old & a great pet inthe family - I, & two of the little boys went across the field to the woods and gathered lots of the beautiful Anemone - I enclose [two?] hoping that they may keep their color untill they reach you. -(3.)Dr. West & little family are still with me - In some way the house which they thought they were sure of - Slipped from them & before they knew it was rented by some one else - who had looked at before they did or something of that sort - They have not found anything else which suited them - and now that Baby is well & thriving & the family is much smaller - She had two women here until she was about seven weeks old - A girl in the Kitchen & a woman to help her & the Baby. Poor little thing she had a hard time, the first five weeks - as they could find no food which would agree with her - & she nearly starved - She hardly weighs eleven pounds now & will be ten weeks old tomorrow. But she is well - & so sweet & good. They have put in a little garden and will stay with me for the present. I have my board for the rooms they have - And while I pay them nothing They have no rent to pay - And that is worth something to them while they are getting started here - For Osteopathy is not as well known here now as it will be in a few years - or perhaps months. He has a number of patients but not as many as he wants - By a good deal - He very kindly gives me two or three treat-06198 [4][treat-]ments a week. free of charge - I began regular treatments of the tenth of this month - I think it is helping me - I hesitated about taking them when I could not afford to pay him - but her very kindly said he did not want any pay - That I had already paid him - & was paying him all the time - But he did not explain how I did it - He is a very conscientious, Christian young man, I have great confict[ense?] in him, & hope he may do well here - Poor little Arthur Owen! I only heard yesterday about his accident - And how courageous he was about it all - He must be a Dear little fellow - Well Maggie I think of you very often & am glad that you can have Sarah with you so much of the time, when you are not [illegible] well - The Lord bless you both now & always I pray - My Love to you both - Each - and All - Mother\u27s Geraneum is full of large fine blossoms -Love And Goodbye -Will send you Poynette papers, soon

Letter from Annie L. Muir to [John Muir], [1890?] Apr 8.

(4)The robins & bluebirds have returned - The anemones are again in blossom and the grass is growing green once more - and we hear & [give?] praises to the Creator all around us - and surely [celebrate?] with them within ourselves - I enclose to you Anna Merrill Foster\u27s letter - also a clipping containing words which reminded me of you as I read them. I had a letter from Mrs. C. C. Parry recently - written in Philadelphia. She complains of very poor health. She enquires very affectionately about you & your family - Says she has very pleasant recollections of her visit in the Alhambra Valley. This letter is freighted with love & best wishes for you & all the family.Your sister, Annie L. Muir[1]Portage, Wis. April 8- \u2790Dear Brother JohnIt seems [like?] a long time since I have heard from you or written to you - And as I am longing for a word from you, I will begin at my end, and do my part first. It is a rainy, drizzling day, and Mother & I are sitting cozily by the fire. Part of the time she reads, and part of the time she nods & sleeps in her chair; while I have sewed & thought most of the day - Now almost gone - And as you see my last thoughts [2]were with you, and the change in my occupation followed - The past week has been a very depressing and solemn one to [Mother?]; as her dear old friend Mrs. Roby, who lived quite near [illegible] and with whom Mother [spent?] so many pleasant hours these last years of her life - died, quite unexpectedly just about a week ago and here aged husband followed her in less than a week - Both burried within one week - I can see that it has been a shock to mother, and as this is always a trying season of the year I am a little anxious about her. I am glad to say that she is not sick, but she feels weak - complains of being tired without doing any[3]thing to tire her - But I am going to get a tonic for her, & hope that she will get along all right - Sarah has just returned from the country where [she?] has been cultivating the acquaintance of her two grandchildren - Kenneth & Bernice Eastman. Joanna\u27s health is rather better than it has been - and she is somewhat encouraged about business as Walter has made a change. Is now travelling for a lumber Co. And as he has, in the past, been engaged in the lumber or timber business - and is to receive a stated salary, there seems less uncertainity about their affairs - 0141

Letter from Annie L. Muir to John Muir, 1885 jun 15.

0116[6?]K.C. Mo- June 15- 1885Dear Brother John;I know you want to hear from me and so write a few lines. Writing is still very hard for me or I would have written sooner.I am nearly recovered from my recent attack. [squiggle] Am able to sit. up nearly all day. and to take short rides again.My lungs have not been injured by it; and the doctor says they are doing well. He advises a change to a cooler climate, and I intend going home to Portage as soon as I am able to trave;; which I hope will be this month, as the two or three following are usually extremely warm. The other members of the family here are well, with the exception of father who is very feeble now, but still quite happy. I was looking for a letter from you during my sickness; but no doubt your time is very fully occupied -With love to you all I close- hoping to hear from you soon -Your Aff. Sister Anne L. Muir. J. sends love

Letter from Annie L.Muir to John Muir, 1883 Nov 15.

01115Crete Neb. Nov. 15 ‘83Dear Brother John: -Your two kind letters to Maggie and me were rec’d, and I hasten to acknowledge you exceedingly kind invitation to me. How I wish it were in my power to respond in person immediately, for I long to see you again and to make the acquaintance of your wife and baby – but for the present I am utterly incapable of undertaking the journey I have as yet barely recovered from the journey from Wis. to this place, which was just a month ago – Dan has[Page 2]even forbidden my riding out in the carriage, as he says the jaring & shaking have a tendancy to spread the difficulty in my lung – which is, as Maggie has probably told you, hepatized. My plan now then, is if possible, to get down to Kansas City before the coldest of the weather comes, and winter with Joanna & Walter who have very cordially urged me to do so – as it is warmer there than here and less windy – and then, as the climate there is highly recommended for such cases as mine I shall hope by spring to be able to accept your invitation – And oh how I will look forward to it! for has it not been the dream of yours, that I might one day visit California, and look upon the wonderful Yosemite Valley [illegible], of which I have read such glowing accounts from your pen and that of others. The very thought of it seems to inspire and lift me out of myself. Can you tell me what months are the best, in Cal.? But of course I shall have to be guided by circumstances entirely. Maggie will write you again by and bye. With love to you and yours. I am yours affect –Sister Annie L. Mui

Letter from Annie L. [Muir] to Wanda & Helen [Muir], [ca. 1895] May 30 .

[4]I am hoping to have a letter from each of you soon. I miss the letters that used to come from you so often.please give my love to your mamma & to dear Grandma Strentzel. I have given up hoping for letters from them, but perhaps they will give me a grand surprise some day.Cordially & lovingly,Your Aunt Annie L.[1]Portage. Wis, May. 30--Dear Wanda and Helen,This is Decoration Day and I have just returned from the Court-House where the usual exercised of this day were held. We usually meet in the High School Park, but it was raining beautifully so we went to the Court-House instead.The children from our sixteen schools marched; with the Old Soldiers, the Guppy Guards, and some other orders, making a long, fine looking procession.They carried flags, and had a Brass Band with stirring06273 [2]music to lead them and as it was raining very lightly at that time they looked very happy, and it was a pleasure to see them. Ethel & Bessie Bowen were there, and even little Bernice marched with the others, so that she did not sit near her Mamma & I, and when she got tired of sitting & staying there she concluded to go home to Grandma\u27s. So out she went when the rain was pouring down. We did not see her go, and when we got home there was a strange looking little figure in one of Aunt Sarah\u27s wrappers, all draped up in queer fashion.Aunt Sarah said she was so[3]wet when she came in that she had to strip her and manage the best way she could.It is past six o\u27clock now and the sun is shining out, and Portage itself is decorated. The trees & grass are so beautifully green & sparkling with rain drops and the roses & syringia have burst into bloom, with some pansies & other plants, I am sure your eyes would sparkle with pleasure if they could see just what mine see from this window, at which I am writing. I sincerely hope that you may some day

Letter from Annie [L. Muir] to [Daniel H. Muir] , 1872 Oct 21.

[4]chased a nice horse and buggy David rides all he can and I think is improving. We, at home, are now comfortably [settled?], with [deleted: best guess some] surround- ings pretty much to our minds. In looking back Dan. over the changes which the last few years, or, I might almost say one year [has brought?]. I feel that God has led us by a way which we knew not, and has led us into pleasant pastures God is very good and my heart rises in gratitude to Him. Concerning the enclosed money order father wishes me to say that none but we four in the house shall be made acquainted. Mother send love to you and Emma, as do also Joanna and your Affectionate sister [Annie?]. [1] Portage City, Wis. Oct. 21st. 1872.Dear Brother As father has appoint- ed me scribe this evening, I step into Benjamin\u27s shoes and report all the changes, for better or for worse ,-(that [illegible] sends me back to the parlor, in the old house on Hickory Hill, and to the day when you and I stood up, joined hand and listened to those solemn words from [illegible] [of Dave the Squire .?] found in Sandy Gray\u27s old book which at that time opened so readily to the [illegible] from which this is quoted.) but to duty - Father says -: The pain in my stomach is subdued [2]and is healing [illegible] [underlined: slowly]; and except when much [tired?] by over [excertion?] either in think- ing or speaking, the [part ?] which [before?] required the application [illegible - whole line] [illegible - whole line] me to copy from, and which I enclose. Several times during the last three or four days father has come very [near?] faint- ing after any [illegible] [illegible], ] [deleted: illegible] [deleted: illegeible] ; he also appears better in the eve- ning than in the morning, this only today and yesterday.- David is still very poorly, and complains of having written a description of his [case?], to you over a week ago, and received [3]no answer. Last week John Cains wife, Love Reeves\u27 wife ([Robbie Perkins?]) and an other lady were riding down a steep hill in the buggy which we used to own, (a very high one you remember,) when, Love having left the tugs too long the buggie ran against the horse causing him to run, the ladies were all thrown riolently from the buggie into a ditch, Mrs. Cains had her left arm broken between the elbow and shoulder, Mrs. Reeves her shoulder [illegible] and bruised and her collar bone [illegible], or fractured. I hardly know her, the other lady escaped with but slight injuries. It now comes natural to report such [illegible] to you. P[illegible] and [illegible] have pur-

Letter from Annie L. Muir to John Muir, 1885 Mar 5.

[4]has been quite sick. She is in her usual health again - has been staying with Sarah for several weeks -where I am sure she had the best of care. Father\u27s health has been very good all winter; but he is quite feble. and keeps his bed constantly. he has not been down stairs since the 3rd of last September.He is very happy, however and says he believes him self to be the happiest man living.Joanna & family are well with the exception of colds. Please write soon to your sister Annie L. M.[in margin: Joanna sends love to you and to your family. We hope to see you all soon] [Kansas City, Mo. letterhead] [1]120 West 6th St. March 5-1995Dear Brother John -I have been looking for a letter from you for some time but as none comes I will write again to you.We are very anxious to hear of your health You have not yet given us any idea of the nature of your difficulty. [2] We would be very glad to hear some thing more dif- inite about yourself_With regard to my own health, I am happy to say that I continue to improve rather than otherwise, notwithstand ing the very trying spring weather which we are now having here.Almost all, are suffering from colds.I think of returning to Wisconsin next-month if all is favorable, and it will not interfere01154 [3] with your plans.Can you just - as well start from Portage as from this place, on your return to to Cal.?I judge from appearances that it will be mid- summer before you will be likely to be ready to return, if so I would like to spend the inter- vening months at home. It is already one and one half years since I left Wisconsin.I was very sorry to learn from Sarah, that Mothe

Letter from Annie L. Muir to [John Muir], 1898 Jan 19.

[4]Mission! Angels might envy you of such a mission!Although I still cough some, my health is much better than in a longtime - for which I am very grateful.Wishing you all a Very Happy New Year. I am yours with love,Annie L. MuirP.S. Your friend Dr. Meachum is still a very sick man - And I am told that John Cairns is very seriously sick too - His recovery is considered doubtful - is I am rightly informed - A.L.M.02386Portage, Wis_ Jan. 19_1898My Dear Brother John - Many, many thanks to you for your New Years gift. And especially for the magazine. I have read and reread Miss Graydon\u27s article with the greatest of pleasure. Was delighted and more than delighted with it - it is an inspiration!I wish I might make Miss Graydon\u27s acquaintance. Is she like Janet Moore? What do you know of Janets health now? I have heard nothing of her for a longtime. Would like to hear - [2]Could you give me Anna Merrill Foster\u27s present address? She wrote to me months ago, and I carelessly lost the address [illegible] given me, and as she did not write again I have no address of hers and so cannot reply to her last letter.I enjoyed, yesterday, a swift exhilirating sleigh ride out among the Caledonia bluffs. The day was sunny and bright - The temperature just a little below the freezing point - as we had previously had a rain which had gradually changed to ice, encasing each twig & limb & [then?], following this, on the night proceeding my ride, a heavy hoarfrost which add-[3]ed decoration, to the already jewelled trees & shrubs; the result was enchanting. I wish Helen & Wanda could have been with me to see it & to enjoy the ride too. They would think they were realizing some fairy dreams.I am sorry to know that you have been suffering from some bronchial trouble Hope you are better now & will long enjoy strength & health, that you may yet write volumes which will uplift & inspire with the thought of God\u27s goodness & love & presence in all things as shown in his Wonderful Works ; which is your mission it seems. Oh Gloriou

Letter from Annie L. Muir to [John Muir], 1894 Jul 12.

Portage. Wis.,July 12, \u2794. Dear Brother John: I am writing to you this morning on Joanna\u27s account, chiefly, and so will speak of that first. She talked her affairs over with me yesterday, and said that she had never been so hard pressed for money as now -- that Walter\u27s affairs had managed to take another bad twist of some kind, and he had not been able to send money as usual and that in consequence her rent and grocery bills were unpaid. Said she had thought she would not ask for help from anyone, nor speak of her needs, but was at last compelled to do so. Mother and Sarah each let her have a little, but they could not give her much, and as I knew that you would not be willing that she should lack anything that was needed I persuaded her to let you know about it. She has been worrying about things and overdoing in this warm weather, and is not well, and so I am writing for her. She hopes that Walter will soon be aboe to send money again and that she will then be able to return what has been lent to her. Her children are well-- rosy and happy, which is a great comfort to her. And God is over all, in whom she trusts, so that she is not in despair, although discouraged at times. Her confidence in Walter is unshaken. I think her indebtedness is about fifty dollars. There, John, I knew your kindness and tenderness of heart by experience, and knew that you would blame me if knowing this I did not let you know, and therefore I have told you all. I am most happy to say that mother keeps quite comfortably well through this trying hot weather. She is looking thin for her, but she takes things easy and goes out for a walk in the cool of the evening and enjoys herself pretty well. Sarah is much better than she has been. About the same as when you were here. But she was quite sick in the spring. I have been sick and well again several times, but on the whole have much more to be thankful for than to complain of. I had a loving good letter from Mrs. C.C.Parry in which she wished to be remembered to you and your family. With, love to you all,I am. Ever yours affectionately, Annie L. Mui

Letter from Annie L. M[uir] to [John Muir], 1884 Feb 14.

[4]very free. Now I think I have made my case very plain to you; Am almost as- hamed of taking up a whole letter with self.Maggie has gone to Kanses City to visit Joanna & Father. Her health has been very poor this winter; she will be back in a week or two.You came very near visiting us. But Almost is but [illegible]With love to your Loui and little Wanda, I close Your [Off.?] [Sister?] Annie L. [illegible][1]Crete, Feb. 14. 1884.Dear Brother JohnI know that a letter from me is more than due you, but I have delayed for two reasons, first I find writing very fatiguing; and I did not know what to say - was waiting for developments but I have not gained as much as I had hoped for during the winter, and now see plainly that I cannot hope to make California in the spring. Indeed I have been patiently waiting for strength to go to Kansas City, which has not yet come, and that is only about 200 miles; so you see Cal. is (2) yet far beyond my strength. So I must be content just where I am for the present.[Darren?] was here about a month ago and re-examined my lungs. The left lung he still says is quite sound, and the right-one doing well.Last October he said the lower lobe of the right, was entirely consolidated, or [kepatized?], and the middle lobe partially so. At his last visit he said, that the lowest lobe had partly cleared itself and that the process is go- ing on ?] and in other parts. Such was his very encouraging report a month ago, but I took cold, or something I hardly know what, and have not been as well since - have coughed more, and the cough hurt me more than before - and I have(3) been raising a little blood. Now I fear all this looks very discouraging, and discouraged to you.Think not so.The weather has been very cold and unfavorable this month 10 degrees below zero yesterday, wtih a cloudy sky most of the time Now I think that with milder dryer weather, I will quickly improve.I sit up most of the time. Generally from about 10 A.M. till 7 or 8 P.M. take care of my own room, do a little light fancy work take short walks tc._ My appetite is good, and I have not lost weight since coming to Neb. Dan. Says this damp climate is just the thing for me, as my cough is loose, expectoratio