1872

Ashland Neb Dec 2

Dear Sis Mary

I rec’d a letter from you first of the week. I am glad you keep your health and if you can stand the teaching the experience you will obtain there in Ottumwa will be worth ever so much to you.

So you think the people of Ottumwa are not very sociable, do you. That is a trouble with all cities and you must not expect them to pay much attention to strangers or take much pains to get acquainted with you or any one else unless they have lots of money.

It has been desperately cold for a couple of weeks. I am sorry you have to walk so far. I wish you could find a place nearer to the school house for the cold weather. I don’t know much about Mr. Boos’s as a boarding place but I imagine you can find just as good and pleasant a place nearer and perhaps so that you can get a warm dinner.

We have taken a jeweler into the room with us who works at one of the windows. He is quite a nice looking young man and I guess I shall like him very well. He is from Osceola.

My partner is rather a rough fellow in his talk. Although he is very well liked by nearly every one. He don’t go to meeting and don’t care a cent for religion or anything else, I guess. I get along pretty well with him but have to be very careful indeed.

We had Thanksgiving all right – had a good big turkey. I suppose you got the box – I put in a lot of candy. In a letter from home the folks say Mary Ingalls was hurt by being run over – quite a narrow escape.

I haven’t anything particular to write, So Goodbye.

Hibbard

Ashland Neb Dec 13

Dear Sis M

I take a moment from biz to write you. I am very busy indeed. It is now nearly eight o’clock and I haven’t been to supper yet. We have been opening our Christmas toys and notions. We have quite a nice stock and make quite a nice appearance. I have got a big boil on the back of my neck which does not agree with my comfort very muchly, but I manage to get around pretty easily notwithstanding.

There is a new family just came to town and there are three very pretty stylish young ladies. The parents are Presbyterians and I hope will come in with the Cong. Church and help us. I like their appearance very much. I don’t know as you can read this as I am in such a hurry & have to write like lightning. It is capital skating now on the river but we are too busy to partake of it. The young people here are pretty gay & like to dance. I wish sometimes it was so I could partake of these amusements some.

I wish I could be at home during the holidays but can’t think of such a thing. I am glad you can go and see the folks. It will seem very pleasant to you for it is the first time you have been away for any length of time. Charley Farwell is teaching about 3 miles from town and I presume you hear from him through Hannah. I guess I must stop and go up to supper now. Remember me to Hannah.

As Ever,

Hibbard

Ashland Neb May 27 – 72

Dear Sis M

I expect you think I am a cauless fellow not to write you better, but I declare I have been so busy and have had so much to think of I have neglected writing shamefully. This miserable Post Office matter has taken lots of time. I presume the folks wrote you that we had lost it for the present – at least – we are working like beavers though to get it back and propose to succeed if possible.

It is a beautiful day as indeed all the days lately have been. Yesterday was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. I don’t know of anything to write – can’t think of a thing – am completely mixed up. I am going out to ride with one of the Misses Scott – in Mr. Farwell’s new horse & buggy. He has a nice horse and the young ladies are very charming. I never saw any more entertaining and they have all the boys in love with them – myself excepted of course. I like them very well.

Well I haven’t anything to write so pardon me for not writing sooner & so short a letter.

As ever,

H