Elizabeth (Woodberry) Story to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch, 22 December 1887

[From Elizabeth (Woodberry) Story in Somerville, Massachusetts, to Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch. She rejoices over Elizabeth's "recovery"; says she's sending her a jacket that her cousin Frances had knit for her several years ago; tells about Frances's death; and tells Elizabeth news of various family members and friends.]

Somerville Dec 22, ‘87

My Dear Sister Lizzie,

Yes indeed your letter was very welcome and words cannot express how I rejoice over your recovery. This is a very busy time with me or you would have heard sooner, but I sent you the Milton News as I thought you would both like to read it. I have also sent the Home Companion for Georgiana1 for another six months. So you will not have a chance to forget me for so long.

In looking over some things that I wished to give away, I found a knit Jacket, that Frances2 knit for me some years ago. I thought perhaps it would help make you warm and comfortable the cold days of this winter. I would rather you should have it, than some one who did not know her. Of course you know that she has left us. I miss her very much but I am quite satisfied that she should go when and how she did. Pneumonia was the cause of her death & I feel that had she lived until death came from the tumor she would have been a great sufferer. She was ready and willing to go & said "it was better so." With Pneumonia of course she could not talk much, but she felt that death was near and was perfectly willing.

Poor Sarah3 is very lonely. She has gone out to Michigan to see her Aunt Sarah4 (you remember Mrs. Rand don't you) and her cousins. I hoped she would stay a year as I thought so long a change would do her much good, but she don't seem to like the air much and from her letters I fear she may not stay even all winter. She went in Oct.

I suppose you remember that I am now 70 years old. I never thought to reach that age. My health is pretty good and sitting in my chair I am quite comfortable, but I am very lame & can with difficulty walk acrost the floor. Still I talk of going to Baltimore to see my children & grandchildren in Jan., expect to be there until first of May. They think the climate will benefit me. Though friends here wonder that I should think of such a thing, but as I do not intent to walk, I hope to get there safely.

Mrs. Burley5 was up to see me day before yesterday. She comes but seldom. I was very glad to see her. I have not been out for a long time and suppose I shall not go until I start for Baltimore.

Please give my love to Ga.1 I congratulate her, shall write her when I get to B.

I have five grandchildren now - Willie6 one 4 years old7 - Fred8 one 9 months9 - Isaac10 3 oldest 611 - next 412 little girl 213 last Monday. I rejoice over them very much.

Write.

Lovingly sister Lizzie

Mr. Story14 joins me in a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to you all.

  1. Georgiana Abbot Bowditch (1848-1927), Elizabeth (Abbot) Bowditch's daughter
  2. Rebecca Frances Ford Woodberry (1826-1887), Elizabeth (Woodberry) Story's cousin
  3. Sarah Lawrence Woodberry (1833-1915), Rebecca Frances Ford Woodberry's sister
  4. Sarah Glover (1805-1898), sister of Sarah Lawrence Woodberry's mother Lucy (Glover) Woodberry
  5. Harriett Lincoln (1810-1891), sister of Elizabeth (Woodberry) Story's step-mother Nancy Howe (Lincoln) Woodberry
  6. William Edward Story (1850-1930), Elizabeth (Woodberry) Story's son
  7. William Edward Story (1883-1969), William Edward Story's son
  8. Frederick Washington Story (1852-1920), Elizabeth (Woodberry) Story's son
  9. Frederick Washington Marion Story (1887-aft 1930), Frederick Washington Story's son
  10. Isaac Marion Story (1855-1918), Elizabeth (Woodberry) Story's son
  11. Isaac Franklin Story (1881-1948), Isaac Marion Story's son
  12. Joseph Marion Story (1883-1934), Isaac Marion Story's son
  13. Helen P. Story (1885-1967), Isaac Marion Story's daughter
  14. Isaac Story (1818-1901), Elizabeth (Woodberry) Story's husband