26 May 1852 Morristown, Rice County, Minnesota Territory
Dear sister Elizabeth,
How my heart is full as I share my thoughts with you! It was heartbreaking when Mother decided that we were leaving the comforts of New York to come west five years ago after Father’s death. I often wondered what made her choose this place for us. Being among the few women in this territory, life has been harsh and at times unbearable. Now I have to make a hard choice for myself.
As you recall, our brother has taken employment at the brickyard. Mother and I have helped out there on occasion. The man who is our foreman is called Andrew Storer, a Mainer who has traveled these western territories. He has wanderlust in his blood. His wife Abigail died in childbirth several years ago. He has told me that he wishes to marry again to have company as he moves on, possibly to Wisconsin. He asked me to marry him. Now I have to make a hard choice for myself.
I have asked for time to consider his proposal. Accepting it would mean that I might never see Mother and Brother again. Also, I am 19 while he is 35. He is much set in his ways. Now I have to make a hard choice for myself.
My next letter to you may come from Miss Mary Etta Soule or Mrs. Andrew Storer. What will I choose?
Affectionally your sister,
Mary Etta
Note: Mary Etta Soule was my 2nd great grandmother. She did become Mrs. Andew Storer in July, 1852. After moving to several more places, their final move and home was in Osborne County, Kansas, where they would be successful farmers and the parents of 9 children. They were married for 35 years when Mary Etta passed on in 1887. Andrew would pass 8 years later. So…Mary Etta in making that hard choice would be the mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to many.
