📄 Letter, Henry Ackerson to Carrie Best Harrington, 1901
This letter was sent from Henry Ackerson (1875-1926) to Caroline Elsie Best (1872-1954) in 1901. The exact date is unknown but it can be narrowed down. See notes below for details.
65 Clarkson St.
My Dear Cousin
Ella and I have just returned from the "Pan American" and have heard of Uncle Will's sad death. We regret not having been home.
Mother has told me how Uncle Will was planning to have the rest of the family move nearer to his new employment, and how happy he was in looking forward to this, and his having secured a permanent position. It certainly was sad to have it all end this way.
I never felt that I had clearly expressed to Uncle Will how grateful I felt for the kindness he showed to my father during his last sickness. Father expressed himself fully to me on this subject in a letter he wrote me just before he died.
In your sorrow you have much to console you. Uncle Will's life has been a perfect one. He was a true Christian man, and you can always look back and refer to him with pride. He was respected by everyone.
Mother is ever ready to praise the way your good husband so kindly assisted you in your trouble. She says he was at everyone's beck and call, and seemd to know just what to do at all times.
I want to apologize for being so tardy in answering your last letter, inviting us to spend a Sunday with you, but in my rush to get away on a short trip, I thought best to lay your matter over for a while.
I mean to take advantage of your kind offer and will let you know later what Sunday we can get away.
Ella joins me in expressing our deepesy sympathy to your family, and we would be glad to have you say so to Susie and your mother. We remain
Sincerely your cousins
Henry Ackerson, and wife.
Notes:
- The recipient isn't named but with references to Uncle Will's death and to Susie it was clearly sent to Caroline Elsie Best (1872-1954).
- Henry Ackerson (1875-1926) was the son of Carrie Best's aunt Susan Moore (1837-1912), mentioned in the letter as "mother".
- The "Pan American" mentioned is the Pan-American Exposition which was held in Buffalo, NY, from May 1 - November 2, 1901. This letter is undated but it was probably sent before President McKinley was shot at the expo on September 6.
- William Best (1844-1901) died on July 15, 1901.
- From the above details, the letter was sent in 1901, after July 15 but before September 6.