Duplicate memorial to correct names and add family relations.

Letter from Mary Vest Underwood to her sister Julia Vest Johnston. This letter contains vivid description of life down on the farm for Aunt Mary Underwood. The Underwood family (Sid, Mary & children) lived in the Little Walker Creek community in the west end of Giles Co., Va. During the summer months in the mid 1950's, I visited the Underwood home with my Johnston grandparents. Aunt Mary was a warm, lovely person who worked hard her entire life on the family farm. She was 60 years of age when she wrote this letter.

Postmark: 2/11/1956 Poplar Hill, Va.
Addressee: Mrs. J. L. Johnston, Trigg, Va.

Friday Eve
Dearest sister Julia:
Your letter to hand some days ago. Was more glad to hear from you and to know you was better of that cold. I had the sore throat for three weeks then I had taken the awfulest cold and sore throat, have had it for 2 weeks. Just keep on taking more some days. I just don't feel like I could go. But just kept on trying. Lula (sister-in-law Lula Underwood) complains all the time. I feel uneasy about her.

I have pieced about 5 quilts this winter. Are you getting any eggs? We have 22 hens laying now I think. We lost up in the teens of chickens with the cholera before I knew what to do for them. I put them up in the (chicken) house so they could get no water, only what I give. I gave them warn water with a teaspoon of powdered alum and half a cup of thick cane molasses in the warm water, stand it til it dissolves. Remember this and save your chickens.

Hensel (Mary's son) was at home last week. But went to Pulaski to stay til he comes back. Well, we sure did have some good rain. Sid (husband) ploughed our garden yesterday. I want to put out our onions right soon and plant lettuce. Hope we can have a good garden this year. We didn't have anything last year much. Yes, we went down to John's (brother) that evening, sorry we didn't get to see you all. We had a good time and a nice supper you bet. You know all the hogs we had died and poor little John give ma a gallon of Lord's ?? can buy one of sausage. H? and T? sure are good children.

Helen (Mary's daughter) and children are well. Guess Reba (Julia's daughter) and all are fine. would love to see them. I want to come down sometime when Hensel comes in and stays long enough. We'll bring you flower seed, plant them anytime in April.

Well, I'm tired.. have churned, cooker beans, have 2 hog heads on working this eve Mr Barton sent us this day. Sid is gone to Mr. Colman's to get a mule he bought from him. Well as I have no news, I'll ring off, milk and get supper. Write me when you can. Come up.

You know I think Sam & Grace (brother & wife) could come over, I don't have to go over there. I still have that love way down deep in my heart for all and praise God I am still healed of heart trouble.

Love, Mary
Answer soon. Lots love. Pray for me.