Maryville Tenn

March 2 1884

Mrs. Jennie Johnson

Dear Sister & family

I had about come to the conclusion that none of you were ever going to write to us any more. it had been three or four months since I had got a letter from any of you. I am sorry to hear of the overflow again I am afraid you will all be chilling about next thing we hear. I hope it will not get in your house.

We proved to our selves little more than eight weeks ago. I have been just as well satisfied as I could be anywhere we have a very comfortable house all our own and are happy and contented I enjoy house keeping splendidly and have as good and kind a man as anybody be they white, black green yellow or blue.

No we did not have a large wedding there were only Will Mc and his family Mary Coker and three children Ella Lyre, Petes sister and two of his cousins from Knox Co. and Mr. McCarrel (the preacher)

I have not got me any sewing Machine yet. Perhaps I will get one soon.

There has been a great deal of sickness around hear this winter. Ella Lyre’s brother has been real bad for about three months. the Doctors gave the case up and there were three or four weeks that they were expecting him to die any time but he is getting nearly well now.

Mrs. Edmondson and her only daughter Mrs. Blackinship have both died since Jan. I am glad Susie is getting along so well. I sometimes think, that if she was here with us any happiness would by almost complete. We have one of Petes little half brothers with is a real sweet little fellow of seven years. He likes to stay with us and he is so much company and you know I can hardly get along without some child to keep me company. Bob has been crippled up with Rheumatism all winter some of the time he could hardly walk and mother fell while crossing the fence with a bucket of milk and hurt her side so she has hardly been able to do any thing for two week. she has no one staying with her. I have tried to get her to get some one to stay but she thinks she could not get anyone that she would have.

Mrs. Talent (a woman who lives close) is very good to help her and since she got hurt she goes every day and makes the bed and helps milk. She had done all mothers washing since I left. The rest were all well.

Jennie you must no laugh at this scattering letter for I have had to stop every few minutes to laugh at Bobbie. He is tonguetied and can hardly talk at all and every thing he says seems funny to me.

Hoping to hear from you soon I close, Yours Affectionately

Jennie Barnhill