Pleasant Valley Jo. Davies Co. Ills

Jan 6 1883

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Dear Uncle Whit

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We are all wanting to welcome you back to the States and our homes but if this is not possible we wish at least to hear from you and to know how you fare, whether in good health and spirits or sick and suffering with no one to smooth the rough places and comfort you in dark hours. We have a small farm of 160 acres partly paid for and would be very happy to have you for a neighbor. Last year was a very prosperous one for farmers in these parts. Crops and prices both being good with promising prospects for the future. Have you got a Rail Road near you now? I suppose you have a stock farm. Does it pay now or is it too far from market? All your brothers, Sisters, nephews and nieces were well the last we heard. One of our member and as usual one of the best has been taken by the unrelenting hand of death. Eva Waterbury who had been married but one short year was snatched from us and her place can not be filled. She was such a model lady. Uncle Fordyce Waterbury and Aunt Addie live in Chicago No. 3750 Johnson Place. Mother is going there on a visit this winter. We have had a steady cold winter so far and not much snow. We have good sleighing now with about six inches of snow. It has been a real nice winter no mud and not many severely cold days. Howard is going to Dixon Ills. to go to school in a few days. I hope you will come and see us soon and locate where we can hear from you now and then at least. Wishing you a Happy year for 1883 I remain your nephew

Wm. Smith

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