Survived by 9 children.43

Postmaster of Howardstown, KY is late 1880’s to early 1890’s.

Letter to brother, Boone
July 21, 1907, Howardstown, Ky

Dear Boone,

The weather has been awfully hot for several days. Have had plenty of rain and the gardens look fine. Have the best garden I have had for several years. Will not have any fruit. There will be a few apples and grapes but nothing else except lots of blackberries.
 
Chester went to St. Louis today with Web Spalding to see if he can find him a job as my business is too bad to offer him any inducements at home. I will take Rena into the store to help me which I think will be ample help, only when I have to be out and then I do not know what I am going to do, perhaps I can get Wiilard or Sam to help her.

The young folks assembled at Sam’s last night and had moonlight croquet. Lura carried off the prize as the champion player and received a nice box of candy. Sam and Sudie served supper to the crowd. Lura and Bill Stiles two girls are visiting among us. Will remain for five weeks. There is a baseball game at the Jo Cambron farm this evening between the Howardstown team and a team in the neighborhood. Guess it will be very fierce.

We lost our little boy, Ismal, on the fourth of this month. He was only sick for one week. He was 25 months old. He was one of the brightest children I had and was the center of attention in the family. Just old enough to be cute. Never was sick until he had the measles. His appetite failed him and he was taken down to his bed. The doctor said it was the result of measles.

Well, Boone, how do you like Oklahoma now that you have gone through a whole year and now that you are acquainted with the flatness of the new country and what do you think of it? I guess I am stuck and never will be able to move out of Ky now that I have no reliable help and can`t leave my business long enough to visit you which I had all along intended but you must come and see us. I understand the man who bought you out in Stilton is doing a fine business.

William Boone is home for a few days. He had been gone for 17 months and says he has a job with the RR Co. Illinois Central and says he has only lost two days in that time, Sundays not excepted which I believe is quite a record. I believe I told you Willard had purchased the T.H. Cecil farm from Mrs. J.E. Carrico and will move over in the fall and I think I will be glad when they come over.

Sam Cecil fell from a scaffold on Nick Boone`s farm some time ago nearly killing himself. His hip was broken and he he was bruised pretty badly. Wm. Bell still stays away most of the time trading. He and Jo Willett has rented the widow Bard farm near Miller Springs for the next year.

Sam and his family aren’t doing much at his mill. This time he could not buy any wheat and I had to buy my flour away from home. Dr. Johnson and and Lulie Gilky were married a few days ago. Do you got anything to drink?

Your brother, Milburn

Howard Bros. store in Howardstown: The top floor (3rd) was their undertaking establishment when the Howard Bros had the store. It became a roller rink later, when FM Head had it.

Henry was the son of James Logan DeSpain and Sarah Ann "Sally" Oaks. He married Mary Louise Mulhall and they had 11 children. 

Born in Green Co., KY according to death certificate.