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Transcribed from the original by
 Sam
Bunn.
The Ensign and Phelps families that had been intertwined in marriage
on several occasions once again came together on September 30, 1846 in
Forsyth, Monroe County, Georgia. So far no records of the details of the
marriage have been located except for the date. It is interesting that
Isaac Ensign born in 1747 was the Grandfather of our ancestor Isaac Ensign
and also the Great Grandfather of Cornelia Phelps! This "Cousin marrying
Cousin" was quite common in this period.
The first look into the life of the newly married Ensign family comes
from a letter written December 27, 1846 just three months after Cornelia
and Isaac were married. Letter #11 was written from
Culloden Georgia to Cornelia's younger sister, Susan who was 13 years
old at this time and staying with her grandparents in Simsbury. Culloden
was quite a prosperous town in the 19th century boasting a college and
was a hub of activity for the area. Isaac must have taken work in Culloden
which is about 12 miles southwest from Forsyth. They originally roomed
at a tavern which must have been frequented by some rather uncouth characters.
They later moved to a boarding house that must have been more comfortable.
Cornelia's reference to the "land of sturdy habits" obviously refers to
the "Proper" habits of the New Englanders in Connecticut.
I will now digress for a few pages and look into Cornelia's sister Susan
Jane Phelps who died a few years later at a very young age. The next letter
in this section, Letter #12, is from Parker Johnson
to Susan who is still visiting in Simsbury. Susan was 13 years old when
she received this letter, and it is the only one available from Parker
Johnson to Susan. Parker and Susan were married in 1851, however, Susan
died 13 months later and left no children. This is perhaps the most tender
love letter of all in this book, yet written to a girl only 13. Letter
#13 of this group was from Cornelia to Susan. Cornelia is visiting
her parents in Forsyth for a few days and left Isaac in Culloden "behind
the counter", obviously a clerk in a store there or else he owned the
store.
Letters #14, #15 and #16
are an exchange from Oliver Roswell Phelps and his sister Susan. In the
first two, Roswell is in New York working for the summer and left right
after writing for Simsbury. Obviously her letter to him was written before
she received his as she did not respond to his inquiry.
Letter #16 is our last from Susan to her brother. From
reading these letters between Roswell and Susan, they must have been very
close friends as well as brother and sister. They seem to have placed
confidences in each other quite often, even though he was several years
older than she was.
Letter #17 is from Susan and Georgia Phelps to their
brother Roswell in Simsbury. Georgia was only nine years old when she
wrote her part of the letter. The last letter in this group, Letter
#18, is the last written to Susan. Read these eight letters now before
we return to Isaac and Cornelia.
Letter #11
From: Cornelia Phelps Ensign
To: Susan Phelps, Hartford Connecticut
Culloden Dec 27, 1846
Dear Susan
We received your letter Christmas day and have been so busy as is usual
you know Christmas that we have not had time to write you before this
evening. We have not heard from Forsyth for some time only as some of
the citizens of that remarkable place pay our quiet village a flying visit.
The last one who honored the place by his presence was no other than Mr.
Patterson principal of the school at the college. Mrs. Mann & Miss.
Johnson have entered into a partnership in the school and are going to
teach some kind of painting. Mrs. Mann learned at the north among the
other valuable accomplishments they are accustomed to initiate their cherished
pupils. You will have to read the "Little Georgian" to find out the name
of it for it is so much Indian I cannot get around it with my tongue much
less my pen unless I had it ready spelt before me. We hear Miss. Hayden
is a little homesick and presume you can conscientiously and feelingly
sympathise with her having the same blessing to enjoy yourself. Since
church we have been thinking about our good friends in Conn and should
not wonder if in our dreams we should visit the land of our nativity,
hoping it may be possible once more to see them face to face. So it seems
the teachers have little respect for the high blood of a Southern in thus
correcting you for some fancied misdemeanor. Such is the lot of school
girls. Bear it and profit by it. It seems as if we could now see your
wild look faithfully daguerreotyped as they were performing the operation,
and really wish we could preserve it for you to look at when you come
home. You are aware we can not give you much news of what is going on
in Forsyth but perhaps we may be more fortunate in our next. Thomas King
is checking in the place but of course he makes little difference with
us. If there should at any time a wonderful affair happen here or in Forsyth
we will dispatch a letter forthwith to apprise you of the circumstance.
We have now left boarding at the tavern and taken lodging at a boarding
house where we can enjoy ourselves without the luxury of sitting down
to the table in the honorable company of hogdrovers etc. etc. a luxury
you might appreciate if you had only once experienced it. There is no
telling where we may be when you may come home perhaps be keeping house
and if you do not find a bean in the land of sturdy habits just come to
Culloden. The girls of the place are few and not remarkable for beauty
or talent.
Monday Morning. We have no news this morning. Wish you would write as
often as you can we are all away from home and like to hear from each
other. We do not care how often. We expect a good school here next year.
If we do our business will be much better.
Give our love to all. Isaac & Sarah C
I trust Susan that the time will fly fast and that you will soon come
home and see all of your folks. Learn all you can. There is a certain
doctor in Culloden says he wants to see you. He thinks perhaps from my
description you would suit him. Cornelia
Letter #12
From: Parker Johnson
To: Susan Jane Phelps, Simsbury, Ct
Forsyth March 8th 1847
Dearest Susan,
Yours of the fourteenth was duly received and read with great pleasure
by me and I am in hopes it will not be the last that I shall receive from
one whom I love so dearly. You I recon have received a paper which I sent
you not long since and you can take that piece of poetry which was in
it as the true sentiment of my heart for they are I assure you. You know
my fault in writing very fast so you will excuse bad writing if you please.
There is nothing new here of any importance. Hudgings will be hung about
the second week in April if not before. I do not exactly know what day
but the Judge will set the day for his execution some day this week. Mary
Fackler is not married yet but Oliver is taken with her now. Albert Drewry
has returned again and he and Salome were pretty thick for a while but
I believe they have left off now. I suppose you have heard of the death
of Chester. He had a great many friends here and his death was shocking
to the young people of Forsyth. Susan I hope you will not forget me though
we are far apart but my heart is with you wherever you be I cannot help
but think you have forgotten me but then all at once something rises to
my view and says hope still. You long will be remembered by your humble
lover and admired and almost worshiped. We have had two parties since
you left but I was lost at such a place and why!--because my lovely Susan
was not there. I scarcely enjoyed myself any only in seeing others enjoy
themselves and then I thought that if you were only there I could enjoy
myself as well as the rest, but there will be a time when we shall meet
again and I long for that time to roll around and then I shall once more
be happy. You must write as soon as you can for I want to hear from you
if I cannot see you and may these be our words when we do meet--
No, Never more from this hour to part
Will live and love so true
The sigh that sends thy constant heart
Shall break thy lover too
Your lover, forever yours forever,
P. E. Johnston
_____________________________________________________
Transcribed on September 9, 1991 by Sam R. Bunn from the
original owned by Cornelia Sheppard.
Letter #13
From: Cornelia Phelps Ensign
To: Susan Jane Phelps, Simsbury, CT
Forsyth March 27, 1847
Dear Sister Susan
Norman starts from the North and we presume you will expect a doz or
two letters but to be certain of your having one I have commenced. You
see I am home again. We are all well and almost froze. The weather is
so cold for Georgia how do you keep from freezing up in old Conn. Oliver
says he thinks he shall wait as long as you did before he writes again
but perhaps I can persuade him to write his dear sister few lines. I hope
you will satisfy all of your friends in Conn as regards visiting this
year as I failed to do it while there. Perhaps you would like to hear
of some of the doings out here in Ga. Your friend Julia Colwell is married
to a gentleman by the name of Cozart, a horse drover. He has taken her
to Lexington Kentucky. They wrote on and made inquiries about his family.
His family are wealthy his character good. Mrs. Nelson has a fine heir.
I have forgotten the gender whether neuter or common I am not able to
say. Miss Martha Hollis is married to a gentleman from Culloden--Mr. Sneed.
I forgot to say that Mary Colwell is at home that Uncle Charley has sold
his place and bought in Houston so it is probably we will hardly ever
see them much more.
Mother says don't forget to write that Parker has been quite sick with
the chills & fever which is probably the cause of his not writing
more punctual. They are always inquiring about you and feel a good deal
of solicitude on your account. Mother intends sending you a dress or two.
Papas summer goods have not come as yet so you must not expect anything
very pretty. As regards the quilt, Mother thinks it was a good idea you
may do all you can for Grandma for perhaps it will be the last opportunity
that you will have. I wish there was some way for us to make an exchange
you come home and let me visit in your place for it must be you are getting
tired or will before Papa gets North and I am tired of looking at the
old red hills of Georgia. But stern poverty prevents us from visiting
the land of steady habits this summer. I suppose we might scrape together
thriss enough to go if we had anybody to make some to get us back. Oliver
he sails about as large as life he went down to old man Facklers the other
night with his high heeled boots on. I don't know who he went to see (do
you). Huggins left his pleasant home the jail the other night he was gone
just a week. He had quite an airing but they brought him back again safe
and sound where he will probably stay until he is carried to the scaffold.
If you had given a Yankee that much time I think he would hardly been
taken. They are about to establish a female college in Forsyth. Mr. Darby
principal Mrs. Mann assistant & Mrs. Smith music teacher so report
says. We hope you will come home qualified to enter and graduate. I have
some notion of going myself... Miss. Mary Johnson is dead she died about
two weeks ago in McDonough at her sisters of the consumption, I think.
She has been confined to her room since Christmas...Chester and Miss.
Johnson are both gone--two with whom we have been much together. It does
not seem as though they were both gone never more to return. We expect
you received 10 dollars in a letter you received. Pa says he hopes you
will be careful and not fall down and break all the plates the good folks
have got. Don't indulge feelings of homesickness it is a bad plan. It
will not be long before Pa will come and you can ask Norman all about
us which will be almost as good as a short visit. Mother has cleaned out
the flower yard. We have a few flowers in bloom now Jonquils have finished
blooming some time since. We have a small orchard of fruit trees set out
which will bear in a year or two. I don't know as I can think of any thing
more to write. Georgia grows and learns a little. She wants to see Susa
right bad she says. I have been home 4 or 5 days and think I shall stay
a few days longer. Isaac is in Culloden behind the counter. Give my love
to all and tell them to write to us. Write often. I shall expect a long
letter myself directed to Culloden and you must write a long one home.
I would write to Grandma but you can tell her what I have written. Cornelia.
We send you 4 dresses 3 pair stockings 2 hanks 1 pair gloves 1 silk tie.
We hope they will suit you. Cornelia
_____________________________________________________
Transcribed on September 6, 1991 from the original by Sam R. Bunn. Letter
obtained from Cornelia Sheppard. This was written only a few months after
Cornelia and Isaac married.
Letter #14
From: Oliver Roswell Phelps, New York, Aug 18, 1848
To: Susan Jane Phelps in Forsyth, GA
New York Aug 18, 1848
Dear Sister
I believe that the day has come and gone in which it was my privilege
to write to you. I have received one letter from you since I have been
in the great city. But as it is now over in Brooklyn permit me to write
on some new subjects. You may be anxious to know how I am enjoying myself
in New York. I can assure you that it affords me considerable pleasure
to inform you that I am enjoying myself better than could be expected.
In the daytime from 9 to 5 past 5 my mind is troubled and perplexed about
buying goods. And as it has been very warm weather it makes it almost
impossible to enjoy myself. But after the last of the day is over I go
over to Brooklyn and spend the evening with my many pleasant cousins,
for you are already aware that Cousin Charia Hubbard & Sarah Hough
are at Uncle Symans together with the others make quite an interesting
group. We occasionally take a stroll through Broadway through the Park
and not infrequently drop in some brilliant saloon and take some ice cream
& ice water which is not at all out of place in a warm summer day.
But during these many pleasant hours my mind often wanders to you with
an ardent wish that you were here, and I am not by any means the only
one that expresses such a wish for Cousin Rachel & Cousin Sara Hough
and in fact all very frequently say so. Cousin Sarah Hough is going back
when I do so you see I shall have company as well back as I did when I
came. I shall in all probability leave the city Monday afternoon and may
spend the rest of my vacation in Simsbury, but it is hard telling what
I shall do as I have some notion of going to Essex also to Bristol. I
have not yet been to the meuseum but intend to before I leave the city.
[large piece missing] the privilege of making my vacation longer than
the not think that I shall. As I am equally my studies as I am to visit
my friends that it is very essential that I should mind as long as there
remains so much room for improvement. Cousin Rachel thinks that you must
have forgotten her as she has not had a letter in some time. I also hear
others complain of you in the same particular. I am in hopes that my ears
will not be grated by hearing any more complaints of you but I advise
you to write to your friends for I think that many of them merit your
correspondence. I should be highly gratified if I could hear from you
still oftener, but if it is not convenient for you to write, then I will
be content. I received a letter from our folks yesterday which stated
that Mr. James Lake was no better and I am fearful that he never will
recover. As you say that you know of no one more prepared to die than
him, yet it will be a severe loss to the family, for I always thought
that James was the smartest of them. I do not hardly know which one could
be your ____ but think that it must have been Thomas R or Mr. Statham.
I am sincerely glad that you had a fine time for it is a rare thing for
you to go off in the country to meeting.
I am sorry to learn that Mary F is to be married so soon, as I do not
think that her acquaintance with the Gentleman can be very good. As it
is someone I have never heard of before I am very anxious that "Mary"
should do well by marrying because I and her have been for the last two
or three years very intimate "friends", but before I came away I became
convinced that she wanted to get married and if she marries this fellow
my opinion will be confirmed. I have a letter from her which remains unanswered.
"If" I answer it I "may" tell her that she had better wait a year or two-
[piece missing]
...time may be old enough to enter into the wedlock" I shall be very
happy to comply with your wish about Parker and will do as soon as I reach
Suffield. Please to go up stairs and see who is the author of that "Southern
First-Clap Book". I do not recollect which room it is in, but think that
it is in the room where Cornelia stayed when I came away. And after you
have done this I wish you to write and tell me. Do not delay writing immediately
as it is very essential that I should know before I go to Suffield. Address
the letter containing the desired information to me at Simsbury. O yes
you must go at any rate to the lower camp meeting just to do as you have
for years past done. In all probability you are correct in your belief
that some of my letters would not do to be read for such is the case.
For I have some that I intend shall never be read and sooner than have
them read I would lose my "right arm". You have before this time seen
a letter from me recommending a young man by the name of Ballard. You
have seen him several times but perhaps have never been introduced to
him. He will suit our folks in many respects though not in all. As I never
have seen a young man that would in all respects suit all the family.
I think that it is a pity that Cornelia cannot find a word to write to
me. The reason is that she has in a great measure "quit" writing letters.
It is time that I should be buying goods. Write as -"soon"- as you receive
this. Excuse haste I remain aff yours
Oliver R. Phelps
______________________________________________________
Written by Oliver when he was 18 and visiting and working in New York
for the summer. His sister, Susan, was 15 at the time. The mention of
Cornelia (who married Isaac Ensign) who was 24 at the time had a 5 months
old child, Amelia, which may explain why she had not written!
A letter written two days after this from Susan to Oliver must have been
written before she got this one, as she did not answer his question.
Letter #15
From: Susan Jane Phelps Forsyth Aug 20 1848
To: Oliver R. Phelps (location uncertain, probably New York)
My dear Oliver
It is Sunday, a dark and gloomy day and well do my feelings correspond
with the weather for I must acknowledge they are none other than sad.
How could I be otherwise when I relate the circumstances that have transpired
during the past week. We have had four burials this week. James Lake is
no more. Agustus West died last Thursday after an illness of eight days.
He could not be convinced that he was going to die until about an hour
before his death he requested his brother to pray for him. It is a severe
stroke on his dear old mother. You know the character of this young man
better than I. Even were I to attempt to describe it his death bed was
not to be compared to Mr. Lakes who was perfectly reconciled and said
he had no desire to live in this wicked world. When will we have another
James Lake in Forsyth. Never I fear. Mr. Williams infant daughter and
Dr C.---son about four years old, the oldest and only child they have
buried. This summer it seems very hard to them to have both of their children
taken from them. He is a Roman Catholic and some think it will be the
means of his conversion. When it was struggling in the agonies of death
he knelt down and prayed, then said it was the first time his child ever
heard him pray.
Mother fell down and sprained her ankle very bad. The doctor says there
is no bone out but I can hardly believe it. She will not be able to step
on her foot for at least one month. It is very painful and requires a
great deal of attention. She was coming out of the kitchen door and the
step moved. She fell her whole weight on her ankle. It was by great exertion
on our part that we carried her into the house before she fainted. The
neighbors say that Mrs. Phelps is the last person they could think would
fall but you know that accidents will happen to the "best of families".
She bears it with great patience and fortitude.
Sister (Cornelia) has been far from well for the last week but feels
better today. Says she would have been confined to her bed if Mother had
been well, but as it was not designed to her she has braved it out knowing
that it would be impossible for me to attempt to all. I have again commenced
that bad practice of taking pills but will not follow it longer than I
deem necessary for you are well aware that I think it no pleasure. I now
resume my pain after bathing my head in cold water and taking a very small
swallow of wine. Now do not think that I indulge myself in the habit of
drinking any thing of the kind, but rather believe me when I say that
it is the first time since your absence and also it was the actions of
our dear mother but enough of such nonsense.
There was a democratic mass meeting in Atlanta and Mr. Harden was one
among the many that went. Report says that he indulged most too freely
with the bowl so much so as to get into a fight. It is very mortifying
to Catharine is now causing her many sad hours. Father says he will be
excommunicated from the lodge and if he is I fear the consequences. What
a pity that he should so degrade himself lower than brutes. We still hope
for the best. Cannot you place confidence in your sister and let her know
the name of that young lady who has written you a letter on that all important
subject--matrimony. Rest assured it shall never be lisped. I must confess
that I had no idea that a young lady in this city was so anxious to launch
into the whirlpool of matrimony as to offer her heart and hand unasked
for. It is a bold and daring piece of business. There is no telling the
motives and designs of some. I can hardly refrain from giving some advice
although would not think it prudent unless trusted with the name. I have
none in my mind the very course I should pursue. As it is your warmest
wish that I should give you the name of that young gentlemen and Sister
I will do so. "William Brantly and Lilly." Her name is very appropriate.
I will now relate to you a circumstance of last week. I went to the funeral
of James Lake and called by for Martha Harris to accompany me. While there,
was introduced to a young gentlemen, distant relation of Martha. He went
with us and returned with me. I asked him to walk in, (no thought that
he would by the way). Hesitated for a moment and then came in (it was
6 O clock). We chatted away pretty merrily until the supper bells rang.
He said he must go. I said nothing but waited very impatiently for him
to leave. He again resumed the conversation. Sister called me and said
"don't talk to the fool" and certainly he will leave. I followed her advice
and said nothing for a long time. At length says he, have I said anything
to offend you? If I have do forgive me, Miss Susan. I made no reply but
immediately mother called "Frances as loud as she could hollow, set the
table for the bells have rung". Still he did not take the hint (provoked
beyond endurance) I said "father will be home soon" still he remained.
Our folks concluded he was not going to leave so they prepared supper
and called us to tea, but he said he was not hungry but felt sick. Wishing
him to the bottom of the red sea I persisted that he should take a cup
of tea. He said I could go to supper and he would remain in the parlor.
I would not comment to that arrangement thinking he would prolong his
stay. He remained until the late hour--when to my infinite relief he departed
leaving a thousand apologies for detaining me from supper. Rejoiced was
I when I heard he was to leave in the morning for home. You are well acquainted
with his sister. I am ready to exclaim, Oh Lord deliver me from such a
chap. You will be entrusted with his name provided I learn that young
ladys but I do not most sincerely hope that I never will be in another
such a pickle. Amelia weighs nearly 17 pounds. Yes I think myself a pretty
good nurse now and Georgia is finally improving in the art. Father says
if you wish to see James Sharp you must go to Robins, a hardware store
across the way from Lee and Case. I think I have written about enough.
I expect it will test your patience to read all my nonsense, nevertheless
you can read it in spells.
Give my profound regards to Uncle and family. Tell Rachel I intend writing
before long. I hope that your selection of goods will suit Mrs. . Mom
thinks your taste remarkable good and certainly she must be a judge.
I must close by subscribing myself Your most affect Sister Susy
They all send their love
Letter #16
From: Susan Phelps, Forsyth, GA
To: Oliver R. Phelps, East Hampton Mass "Charge 54"
Jan 20, 1850 Old Man Phelps White House
Oh! Holy night! thy stars are beautiful! I look up to them as to bright
things of hope. I gaze upon them and pray, if indeed, they be the "eyes
of angels", they may rest cheeringly on my beloved brother. The dim sunbeam
has passed into twilight and naught but stillness, awful and profound
reigns within our peaceful village--yes, hark a bell is ringing to call
the people of God to the Temple of Jehovah. Indisposition has prevented
my attending the drapings of the sanctuary today and so this delightful
Sabbath evening I must again remain at home. No friend calls in, no dear
confiding Oliver, to converse with, and as in former days advise and sympathize
with one in my childish and petty sorrows. So I will try to half-way make
myself agreeable on paper. It will also serve to while away the tediousness
of an hour before retiring to my lonely pillow.
Your well filled, written, and composed sheet received a joyful welcome.
It was thought by me that it would immediately get an answer. You seem
inclined to say that I am not punctual. This last epistle has become misplaced.
I have looked again and again but without success. So you must pardon
me, if I do not reply to all of your inquiries as I presume to say that
I shall ship over some as it so happened I had not (as is my practice)
perused its previous pages but will. It was ______ from the beginning
to the close with sadness so sad despairing desponding and sorrowful your
heart (or rather the one Carrie has given you) that I must acknowledge
it acted as quite a damper on my feelings. I was feeling a little lonely
just then! but have passed many sad moments within the last few days and
eyes amused to the "melting mood" have shed more than one tear. Yes, one
dear friend although not endeared to me by the ______ ___ of relationship
but whom I regard with high esteem and the purest friendship has offered
me conversation and soothes my breaking heart. So I have not but a little
news I must fill a portion of this sheet as I always do in speaking of
self! Well, perhaps you would say "what is the cause of all this grief"
Why only because this willful wayward one must consult her "dear Papa"
about going to school and he says nay! you must wait until they finish
the college they are pretending to build and if you go now it will be
without my consent, so I have no other way of revenging but in tears as
it is beyond my begging and beseeching to get his approval. Mr. Thomas
commenced his school last Monday has between fifty and sixty pupils he
is teaching in the Baptist Church it is not a convenient or appropriate
place but after having the promise of going I was anxious to fulfil, beside
it is always so much better to commence with the rest and at the beginning
of the year. I could assign many other reasons for wishing to attend now
but it is useless and fruitless. I was favoured with a letter from Griffin
indited by those dear friends of mine "Sallie and Sue". I jested a little
with Sue for her "climbing hills" with Mr. Low but she evaded the subject
entirely so I am no wiser than before. Oh yes I have a bit of news you
must keep very silent. It is strange to relate but Miss Emiline or Ling
(as she is called) Reese is to become the help meet or help ear of a certain
young man who is a mechanic and one of the workmen on our slow progressing
building. I understand they are to be married the seventh of next month.
She has said "Parker and Sussi" should be attendants. His name is "Spain"
it is said by some he is very intelligent and ambitious. Oh do you not
wish that the sister of our Cousin Paney may live a life of happiness
and bliss. May heaven's choicest blessings rest on them. Mr. Ensign speaks
of starting for New York next week to purchase the spring goods for Phelps
& Ensign of Fanch Phelps & Putting of Barnesville. Papa has gone
in company with Jimmy or rather will the first of March. A cash store
not one cent of credit. Pa is going to furnish the goods and have half
that is made. Which in my opinion will not make him rich if he has to
depend on the efforts of "James Furbelow N_____"
Cousin Nancy gave a party during the Christmas holidays.
I do not think it is decided by our dear father as to whether you must
meet Mr. Ensign in the great city or not in order to assist him in selecting
and buying. I hope for your sake you will be deprived of the pleasure.
Old Mr. Mitchell departed this life last week. Our folks are preparing
to go to bed so I must close. Do try to be more cheerful when you write
again and let it be very soon. Susan
________________________________________________________________
Transcribed from the original by Sam R. Bunn on April 6, 1990. Original
owned by Cornelia Sheppard.
Letter #17
From: Susan and Georgia Phelps, Forsyth, Georgia
To: Oliver Roswell Phelps, Simsbury, Connecticut
Sabbath morning March 4, 1849
My dear Brother Oliver--
A longer time has elapsed since I last indited an epistle to you than
I intended but time with the "eagles rapid flight" passes away almost
before we are aware of it & in fact I have been quite busy since the
reception of your kind & affectionate letter. I attended the wedding
of Miss. Susan Hayden last Wednesday eve who was united in the Holy bands
of wedlock to Professor Loomis. They were married by an Episcopal clergy
from Macon also several of his (Loomis's) friends came with Mr. Bragg.
The evening passed very pleasantly there being but few present a real
yankee wedding all were inhabitants of the "land of steady habits" but
2 and I enjoyed myself finely "if" one that contributes so much to my
happiness was about. From Father I learn that uncle Lymen has the small
pox. I am very sorry for you are aware how catching it is and we can see
no other alternative than that you too must become its victim--Mother
has passed several sleepless nights in great entreaty about you. I tell
her she cant derive any possible benefits from it but who can help it
when one we love so dearly is in danger of being sick & Oh the "awful
thoughts" that this malady may prove fatal. What agony would be ours.
I cannot dwell longer on this (to me) painful subject only to warn you
to be quarenteed and if possible to escape--
Our mean contemptible town has been one scene of confusion & excitement
for the past 2 weeks in view of a party that was given by the Sons of
Temperance to celebrate their anniversary. Father did not approve of it
therefore didn't contribute and we did not assist in baking the cake so
I did not participate but heard from those that did it was a very dull
affair. Gaulding (a gifted fool) said every body and his dog was there.
A person that heard the remark said all that was necessary to make him
one was a tail. "Do" excuse the expression it is so vulgar. There were
several who were very anxious to have a party & their poverty would
not let them make one out of their poorly filled purse so they went to
the sons for assistance & some were so foolish as to lend a helping
hand so far as their means would allow. The managers were Thomas Thing
& Gaulding beside 1 0r 2 other poor scamps. Do forgive me for making
such a remark but it is the sentiment of my heart. Parker received a letter
from you last week also another was enclosed, a very rich and valuable
communication he handed it to me & I will promise to take good care
of it until you may return it--shall then come in your possession. It
is really worth keeping is it not?
I write to you so often that it is impossible for my letters to contain
much information & we are entirely destitute of news. The winter has
been very mild and the gardens were just beginning to put on their coat
of green when Mr. Frost made his appearance and nipped every green thing
so nature now presents a very gloomy aspect. Georgia says do reserve part
of a page for me as I think you will be better edified in the perusal
of hers than mine I will just close as she will be certain to give the
news.
(The above written by Susan Phelps. Following by Georgia)
Dear Brother
For the first time in my life I got to school to Mrs. Mun. I study Geography
Arithmetic definer spelling reading and writing with grammar we fifteen
schoolers Amelia is very mishervous when she comes over to her Grandmama
banbox and pulls out mothers bonnet. Sister Cornelia expect to go to the
North this summer. Mothers uncle has got most well. I had forgot to say
that Amelia got to teeth. This is not written to well as I have written
before if you laugh they hear you over to the baptist church. Mother sends
her best and says that you must be a good boy. Your sister,
Georgia
_______________________________________________________________
Transcribed from the original by Sam R. Bunn on October 9, 1989.
This is one of the few letters written by Georgia and was written when
she was about 9 years old. Susan and her brother, Roswell were obviously
very close even though he lived most of his life in the North rather than
in Georgia.
Letter #18
From: Rachel
To: Susan J. Phelps, Forsyth, Ga
Brooklyn Feb 28th 1851
My Dear Cousin,
Are you looking for an answer to your letter directed to Brooklyn? I
think it is full time it went, but fear it will not be much news carrier
or of much interest, but will I trust be valued by Susy as a token of
remembrance from a dear Cousin. Your dear brother staid with us last night.
Oh if Susy had only come with him. I am quite sure Susy and I should have
had a pleasant time. I have not the least doubt but that if I could go
to Forsyth we should enjoy it. I dare not think of that, my going to see
you, but I think you will come to see me. Cousin Maria came to see us
in January. I enjoyed it myself very much and trust she did. She went
from here to Bloomfield, then back to Bristol. She left a sentence for
me to put in this. I trust you will forgive my forgetfulness as I cannot
repeat it. Do not judge wrong of Maria you are far from being forgotten
by her. She said when she first came here she must write to Susan. She
confessed it was over a year since you wrote to her but she went considerable
and had much sewing so the letter was not written here. It is but dreadful
few that I have received from her. You and I are pretty regular correspondents,
are we not? I trust we shall yet be sometime to come. You asked if I spent
a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year? Christmas was no different than
other days only as I attended church in the morning. New Years day I had
to with my Mother and sister receive the numerous calls from the Gent.
Many call then that do not any other time during the year. I had not one
single invite to a gay party as you did. I have but a very few acquaintances
indeed that I should expect an invite. You did not write any thing about
Santa Claus. Did you hang up your stocking? I did not mine, can that be
the reason why I did not receive something? I cannot mention one single
gift. I am mistaken in writing I attended church Christmas. It was Thanksgiving
day. If I remember right Christmas was quite dull to me. How swiftly time
flies. Today is the last day of Winter month for another year. Oliver
tells me you have left school. Have you graduated? or left for a short
time? I often wish I was a school girl but if I should commence now I
fear much or all would be new to me. Mentioning our teacher recalls the
remembrance of many pleasant hours and days. I very seldom hear of her
but she is I think still alive, but much afflicted. George and Emily and
little George came down week before last staid about a week. You must
excuse me for not having this letter as long as most of them are perhaps
I shall sometime make it up. My Mother and Sister an of course Eddy send
much love with mine. Write soon and a long letter
to your dear
Cousin Rachel.
______________________________________________________________
Transcribed from the original on September 6, 1991 by Sam R. Bunn. Letter
obtained from Cornelia Sheppard. Letter was written the day Ella Ensign
(my G. Grandmother) was born!
Though he may have been a prolific writer, only one letter survived written
by Isaac W. Ensign and that was to Cornelia. She had gone to Simsbury
for the summer to visit her grandparents. His letter, #19, gives some
humorous insight into his dependency on his wife as he tells her he cannot
find his nightshirts anywhere! Cornelia's letter back to Isaac, #20, is
full of news from Simsbury. From it we glean that perhaps Isaac's brother
David was suffering from epilepsy or something similar as she mentions
his "spells" where he falls. Letter #21 is the last available written
by Cornelia Phelps Ensign. It is a very interesting letter written in
1851, giving some insight into life in 1951 Georgia.
A pause here before you read these three letters completing Chapter 3
will give some insight into the descendants of Isaac and Cornelia Ensign.
Their first child was Sarah Amelia Ensign who was born March 28, 1848
in Forsyth. Amelia, as they called her, married John Lewis Ponder on December
12, 1877. They had two children: Ralph Ensign Ponder who married Laura
Bloodworth and Evelyn Ponder who married Herbert H. Swasey.
Their second child, Ella Maria Ensign, was born February 28, 1851 in
Forsyth. When Ella was 18 she married James Monroe Ponder, a brother of
John Lewis who married her sister. A copy of their marriage license is
included in the appendix. It is interesting that they were married on
December 14, 1869 in Forsyth and their only child, Abigail Elizabeth Ponder
was married exactly 28 years later! James Monroe Ponder was a very prominent
businessman and banker in Forsyth, and also a Captain in the Confederate
Army serving with the Quitman Guards. Their daughter, Abigail was born
in Forsyth September 22, 1877 and married Samuel Rutherford on December
14, 1897. Their two children were Juliette Rutherford born 3 March 1901
and Eleanor Phelps Rutherford born September 28, 1905. This line will
be amplified in a volume on the Rutherford family.
The third child was Charles Albert Ensign who was born May 21, 1854
in Forsyth. Charles married Nancy Sutton Proctor on September 28, 1882
and had four children. Addie M. Ensign born May 17, 1884 married Mr. Kendrick
on October 4, 1904 and they had two children: Louise Ensign Kendrick who
married Robert Ogden Persons, and Josephine Ensign Kendrick who never
married. Oliver Phelps Ensign was born March 17, 1889 and married Lolla
Bright Cannon. Their children Oliver Phelps Ensign and Charles Joseph
Ensign were the last to bear the Ensign name as descendants of Isaac and
Cornelia. The third child was Charles William Ensign born November 30,
1892. He married Mary Leila Patterson and no known children came from
this marriage. The last of Charles Albert Ensign's children was Cornelia
Amelia Phelps Ensign born February 14 1901. Cornelia married Hamilton
Cabell Claiborne on September 23, 1924 and they had one daughter, Cornelia
Phelps Claiborne.
Cornelia Phelps Ensign died at the age of 32 on March 12, 1857 and was
buried with her parents in Forsyth, Georgia. Isaac lived to the ripe old
age of 87 and is buried in the Ensign Mausoleum in Forsyth. He died on
November 8, 1907 and his obituary is included in the appendix. It is interesting
that Cornelia's mother, Sarah, died on May 12, 1957, exactly two months
after her daughter.
Letter #19
From: Isaac W. Ensign, Forsyth, Georgia Tuesday Eve
To: Sara Cornelia Ensign, Simsbury, Conn June 27, 1849
Dear Cornelia
I received a letter from you just last night and now will devote a few
notes to you by way of inditing a reply. Tis but a very short time since
I wrote you and nothing of much importance has happened in our worthy
village since the protracted meeting closed Sunday Evening under the auspices
of Messrs Keith & Atkinson. The meeting commenced cold and cheerless
and instead of preaching to the church and uniting them by pointing out
and enforcing duty or preaching repentance and faith in Christ the meetings
commenced and were carried on urging sinners to come to the altar and
showing the advantages of being a church member. One of the arguments
used in the exhortation I will relate. It may serve to show the spirit
of the meeting. One night they were invited to the altar and just before
the prayer one of the preachers says come and kneel round the altar no
matter how many there was. Once a young man who came up to the altar when
they were three or four deep and knelt with the mourners. He now is President
of Emory College. Become a Christian and you are in the road to distinction.
Those are not the precise words, but they convey the idea to me it is
a matter of no surprise that the effect produced was so small. There was
so much of the "man work" and too little of the Spirit of God. I would
like to see the Spirit moving on the hearts of this people and hope we
may yet be favored with the genial showers of Divine grace. On Sunday
the Presbyterians Baptists and Methodists all united at the Methodist
Church---
Mrs. Reafe Banks is very sick. Consumption. I do not think she will live
but a short time. Mrs. Cohran is getting better. Mr. O C has been up to
the store yesterday and today and is going to the High Falls tomorrow
if nothing happens. Business is only tolerable. Am very sorry Amelia should
be so much trouble. But Suppose it is hard to wean children any time.
Has Oliver changed much in appearance? I am sorry he is not coming home,
as I should like to see him. Presume he is doing as well as he can.
So Sabra is to be married tomorrow night. Well then she will not visit
Forsyth soon. How do Nathan & Ralph get along. Do they grow? Write
me the particulars of Sabras wedding after it is over. Farewell to letters
from her now. I suppose I have no reason to complain as I am faulty in
that very particular. Who will do the work now. Sabra & Abigail are
both gone. Abigail must work I suppose to be contented as I reckon she
is but if I was her I would keep house. I do not believe in living with
the old folks anyhow. They are generally first rate neighbors, and I believe
that is the place they ought to sustain. I do not think you are making
much by weaning Amelia now. I have not been able to find those nightshirts
yet. They were not in my trunk and I have scuffled along thus far without
them. Several of our good folks have gone to the Temperance Convention
today and some go tomorrow. IW Gaulding & Lady make it their wedding
tour. We are to have a glorious 4th here if the Sons can make it so. Give
my love to all. Tell them to write one month of the time gone.
Yours Aff I. W. Ensign
Letter #20
From: Cornelia Phelps Ensign
To: Isaac W. Ensign, Forsyth, GA
Simsbury August 7 1849
Dear Isaac
I received your letter today and also one from I. F. N. saying that he
should be in N.Y. in about 3 weeks. Oliver is here anxious to go to the
city if he is going so as to be back to East Hampton by the 28 of the
month. I wrote to Mr. N. that I thought I should not return with him I
wrote also your wishes about the cat but whether he takes the trouble
or not I think is doubtful We are all well here as usual your mother has
recovered I think from her hurt with the exception of her being a little
more nervous. Amelia's syrup that I have given her has helped her a good
deal. She is I think going to talk before she has any teeth to eat with
as she has not had but two since she left. Tell Susan that I will answer
all her letters if it is 2 a week. I am in hopes that Mr. Keiths visits
will be beneficial to some of the inhabitants of the promising town of
F. We have had dry weather here all summer for the last 2 or 3 days we
have had rain. I am sorry that you are not going to have any peaches.
I don't know how you will get along. What has got in to old Mrs. Cromwalks
head to sell out? is she going to California? Caroline Ensign Husband,
Rhodas sister, has gone to stay 2 years and left her with 3 little children
and only about 2 dollars a week to live on. She takes tayloring and lives
in Middletown. Oliver says this is the first of his knowing anything about
Mr. Morse's affairs he thinks the good man is jealous because he has to
write so many letters. The R Road is now in the works in Simsbury plenty
of paddys about. I suppose you have a great deal to do I am afraid you
& papa will both give out. David likes his gun very much. Sabra moves
to Granby this week. Rhoda is here yet--they have not heard from Erastus
or John for a great while. June Keston is not married she teaches school
in Wheatogue close by Grandpas. Grandmas health is quite poor. I don't
know but I shall be sorry that I wait until Oct before I go home but the
folks here were so much opposed to my returning this warm weather said
it certainly would make Amelia sick if not me. It will only be about 4
weeks longer to wait. I should think Father would be afraid to offend
such a dangerous man as Willis should not you? You say you are about the
same. I was in hopes your health would improve but I suppose you have
too much to do. Cibella intends going to N Jersey this week to assist
Mary in her school she is not very well, Mary I mean. Oliver was a little
sick Sunday night but I gave him a good sweat with sage tea and drafts
on his feet and cured him so he is well as ever. Oliver & Amelia are
having quite a time with Amelias little wagon. She has the greatest time
at family prayers in the morning. She has a little stool to sit on &
her Grandpa sits it by him and tries to have her sit down. She will sit
and read in her book all the time the rest of us read them at prayers.
She goes from one to another shakes her head and bows and dances about
lively. Tell Georgia her hair has grown so it hangs in little curls. I
have made her a little linen sacque trimmed it with braid.
I am glad to hear you have disposed of the Black flour. I suppose our
house will be pretty dirty when I get home. You know it leaks in that
little bedroom. I cant understand about Mr. Morse & Oliver can you?
Davids spells are not so frequent but much harder. He now falls when he
has them out of his chair. He fell last Friday hurt him quite bad hit
his face against the piece of marble under the stove. I fear he is beyond
recovery. He is very cheerful though but must not talk much for fear of
bringing on those spells. Did they have a bell in the shop when you was
here which was connected by a wire so they could pull it in the back room
when they wanted from the shop? It is quite convenient. I hear them pulling
it now as I am up in the library writing. Well I have been down and eat
dinner. Expect to go over to Abby's this afternoon. I have sprinkled a
lot of clothes to iron before I go. I had quite a lot for Oliver and Amelia
dirties a suit every day so you see I have something to do. Have you received
Davids letter which he wrote about the first of July? He is expecting
an answer. I want to see you all very much. I want to go to Bristol but
I have had no opportunity to go as yet. Don't think that you are wasting
time writing to me if you know how anxious I am to hear from home this
is written without lines as you might suppose.
Good Bye, Yours aff
Cornelia
Love to all
_______________________________________________________________
Transcribed from the original on September 5, 1991 by Sam
R. Bunn. Original letter in the possession of Cornelia Sheppard and found
in her Grandfather's Bible
Letter #21
From: Cornelia Phelps Ensign
To: Grandparents (O. C. Phelps) Simsbury Ct
Sunday Afternoon Forsyth April 13 (1851)
Dear Grandparents
Perhaps you think that I have forgotten you because I write so seldom
but not so. Oliver has returned. He arrived last Thursday well and in
good spirits. We are all well at present but Georgia. She is not very
well complaining some. I think if mother takes her from school her health
will improve. We have quite warm weather now the gardens are in a flourishing
condition. Mother will have green peas this week. My garden is not quite
so fortunate. The rabbits eat up my peas and made them bitter. We have
a plenty of lettuce & radishes. Roses are in full bloom. Our house
is covered with rose vines. You have heard I presume that I have another
daughter 6 weeks old now. She is more like the Phelps family than Amelia.
Her nose is just like her Grandpa Phelps. Her name is Ella & I think
I have my hand's full although Amelia is 3 years old she is a great deal
of care & trouble. I have a very good servant hired but Negro help
need a great deal of watching. The most I prize this girl for she is an
excellent hand to take care of children. Amelia has gone with her now
go preaching. They preach to the blacks after dinner and Mr. Ensign has
gone to Bible class and I am trying to write and rock the baby. I should
like very much to see you all. Oliver says he thinks Uncle Jeremiah and
perhaps his wife will come out next fall. I should like very much to see
them & many of their Northern friends. Mr. Ensign will come on in
June or July after goods but I don't know that I shall try to come with
Ella. She will be so much trouble if I should come I should leave Amelia
at her Grandpas. Oliver tells me you have no liquor in the house. I am
truly glad for Grandpas sake, not only his health is better for not drinking
but his mine is freed from its injurious effects. Mother has had her teeth
taken out. They pained her so much she could not stand it. I will try
and write more next time but now must close. Love to all. Do write if
it is not more than two lines.
Yours affectionately,
S. C. Ensign
_______________________________________________________________
Transcribed on September 6, 1991 from the original by Sam R. Bunn. Letter
in possession of Cornelia Sheppard. Baby Ella mentioned in letter is my
Great Grandmother.
Courtesy of
Sam Bunn
225 Durham Road
Milner, GA 30257-4004
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