Letter from Asbjørn to Anders ROE (10 Nov 1873)

Letter. Asbjørn to Anders ROE (10 Nov 1873). Images courtesy of Verla Williams.

Dear Son Anders! in our Lord Jesus' name God's grace and peace.

Your letter of 13th last month is received in which we see that you have a little damage on your farm. This has saddened us on the one hand and on the other it is regarded as a sign of God's goodness there to discipline you to _____. When I think back on my 60 years course so has it been more and more periods where almost everything relating to occupation has turned out badly so it has often appeared as if I was supposed to fall into complete poverty, this has neither not happened and neither has it done me other damage than that I have with great seriousness sought my God by Jesus Christ and in him remission of sins, peace with God in addition light and power to overcome all pain. These earthly and in themselves useful and good things lie so near our longing and desire in as much as they are necessary for livelihood. Not it alone but it is strange to have something to display and flaunt with in the world. When now God sees everything this redounds us only to destruction, he begins to demolish our idols so we must _____ to our land, creation, own capability and everything and therefore forces to believe that God rules all things with his powerful word. Then can the word "seek first God's Kingdom and his righteousness so shall all these things be added to you" get entrance to our house (among us).

You seek after high offices, this can be good enough if it does not give cause to keep you away from the highest of all offices, namely God's Kingdom. You think that changing place or changing your occupation for fate's sake is _____ for me because God rules everywhere but if God Himself will alter your position it is another matter. So far I know there is not like spiritual awakening in Jackson and uplifting meetings held there ? visit these frequently and allow it not to anger you if it appears (pitiful), is conflict and dissension among the restored, and very unsociable in daily life, there are some who have followed in more or less degree continuous if (in case) the Lord has had _____ he calls _____.

As far as our situation is concerned so it is approximately about the same. No sickness of consequence has, thank God, afflicted us except your siblings have the cough severely in our house as almost over all. They say it is whooping cough.

This year's crops were as follows: timothy hay very good; spring wheat according to common opinion has not stood so good for 4 years, winter wheat more questionable on account of the hard last winter, corn enough ripe, but small. A drought during August gave it a setback, the same for the potatoes. Wheat harvest we have 247 bushel, rye 108 ditto, 44 ditto oats. The wheat has varied from 90 to 100 _____ price at the depot. With regard to milk and butter in previous summer was it, the least we have gotten since we came here. As will come there of _____ to _____ the pasture is very scant now to that we had only 1 old cow and 2 goats that milked.

Then I sold 3 milk cows last year in order to help me not to come into debt because of the considerable outlay I have had to have to build up a new place. This year I must absolutely attempt to build a granary and besides in debt to Johannes Olsen Raa for a "grubb" job 40 dollars. We got grubbed over 8 acres this summer but we could not get cleared and broken more than 5 of them.

How unfortunate that we are not able to help you very much, we then wishing it, but we know the Lord helps all who fear and await his mercy. The worse is when work animals are away on a farm. You have perhaps steers which can come to _____ is good reason to raise cattle there or perhaps you will have to sell them in order to help you.

Concerning around us here is it approximately about the same. The people became alarmed at cattle festival this fall, when Mrs. Blasker and Hartman lost each 5 pieces horned cattle in short time. Hoffman is supposed to also have lost some but we have not since heard more about it.

Ole Fredricksen has been a little better this fall so he has gotten up and has worked a little. We have recently buried their middle child Olina who died of whooping cough. She was a miracle of intellect not full three years old could she also pray to God in her sickness. It is remarkable how a small child can humiliate the wise and great. I had often occasion to talk with her when she lived how sensible this little and wise girl could talk though not always clear. Lars Johnsen was also here for the funeral. We were then also in our store keeper Johan Hole and some with him. It appears that they will join our church organization. Amherst have we also had meeting. There are some converted? from the Trom-- who live there.

Of the rest it is the same as usual with the others known here and are past well in the body. Lars Rowe was also here and also greetings from him can I say the same. We have had already snow for 14 days so we have been able to use sleigh a little but it looks like it will dry off again now. I can and tell that we have planned a little fruit orchard and produced for first time 1/2 bushels apples, we have now 40 apple trees which are ready to bear and other different berry kinds in addition to a couple red grapevines which still not have begun to bear.

Finally I will close my long letter with a loving greeting to your wife and children from me, your mother and siblings plus all known. O. Fredrikson likewise many greetings, their youngest child Fredrik suffers also of whooping cough and their oldest child Carl to a lesser degree. Your mother will try to send a little remembrance in the mail consisting of a pair of gloves and two scarves all home worked. She greets Elsa especially.

Amherst the 10 November 1873
Asbjørn H. Raae

Write back soon as possible that we can know if the package is arrived.

I Anna greet Elsa and ask to write back soon so will get letter for Christmas.
Anna