30 May 1823 Fox River, White County, Illinois
Dearest Mother and Father,
It is with deepest sorrow that I tell you my beloved Daniel has passed. He was working in the fields with little Amos when he collasped to the ground. Our boy ran to me and his sister for help. We could do nothing. We were helpless and grief-stricken.
Since the children and I are alone on the farm since Daniel’s passing, our neighbors the Ralls have commited him to eternal rest in their family cemetery. I can take the children to the grave to leave flowers and mementos. I fear in time his unmarked grave will become just a part of the plains. With such sorrow in my heart, I can barely think.
My children Amos, who is five years old, and Matilda, who is nine, are so young to be fatherless. I have asked my stepsons to enter into guardianship for them. I am also asking them for protection on the farm. My mind is all discombobulated in trying to figure out what will happen to us. I am relying on God to overshadow us with His Divine Providence.
In a few days, I will journey to the county seat in Carmi as I am accompanied by my stepson Kennison. Daniel’s debts will be paid off and money owed him will be declared. A sad journey, indeed. May God give me the strength to do what is just and right.
In closing, dearest parents, I ask for your prayers and good intentions toward our little family.
Your loving daughter,
Rhody
Note: Rhody (Rhoda) Howell and Daniel Boultinghouse are my third great grandparents. Their son Amos Howell Boultinghouse is my second great grandfather. Together they settled in White County, Illinois and are counted as a founding family in that county. Rhoda’s appearance at the county courthouse in Carmi on 3 June 1823 is the last written record of her. What was her life like after Daniel’s passing?
