Ellie’s getting married

My three-greats grandmother, Ellie Stoneroad Patterson, seems to have come from a family of some means. She went to a private school in Harrisburg and spent her twenties unmarried–this was in the mid-1800s–and lived with her mother, traveling a bit, including to Iowa to visit her sister. She married John Lyon Patterson in March 1872, at the age of thirty, and moved from Mifflin County to Juniata County, leaving behind her community, her congregation, and the Sunday School class she taught.

This letter, written to Ellie from her Lewistown friend E.K. Gibson in March 1872, was evidently sent after Ellie had moved away to join her new husband J.L. Patterson in Pleasant View. Ellie was missed by her friend and by her congregation. And E.K. updated Ellie on the lives of the people she knew, noting, among other things, that Joe Myers was dead, and Mrs. Ellis had gone to Baltimore.

Lewistown, March 29th, ‘72

Dear Ellie,

I just got your welcome letter, am so glad to hear that you are having a nice time. I hope your honey moon may last for ever. I was up to see your mother this afternoon she was very well. I think she stands her lonelyness pretty well, better than I thought she would. Charlot Forsyth has concluded not to have (…), and sent her word to that afect. (?) moved in this morning. Ann keeps the front room upstairs & little room up. Mrs. Margaret & Mrs. Myers called here the other evening. Mrs. M. was saying she got to bible class just in time Sunday afternoon to hear Genl McCoy say they would miss Ellie Stoneroad so very much from bible class Sabbath School & in fact every where in the church. Mary Shaw speaks up & says well Genl you are always so slow why didn’t you try and keep her in town & the Genl says it always takes two for a bargain of that kind. Mr. Evans is still living some better. Mr Thrush comes back to Lewistown. Old Joe Myers is dead. Mrs Ellis has gone to Baltimore. I did not go to Society last week–tonight it meets at Mrs Pattons. They are just waiting on Mr Garner. Maggie Jones is home with a schoolmate of hers. Jones had them out buggy riding. Mother has not been well for a week. I am worried about her. Maggie has a rash out on her from head to foot. She (…) in the least sick. I don’t know what it is. I hope nothing serious.

I’ve no doubt–Ellie you looked ever so nice on Sunday. I should liked to have seen you. I expect there was any amount of talking done at your expense, they will end that after while, as they do every thing else. You must look your sweetest when you make your debut here. Mother joins in love to you, remember me kindly to Mr Patterson. I’ll be glad to hear from you again if you feel like writing.

Ever your true friend

E.K. Gibson