Person:Harvey Sage (1)

A hand-written letter in the possession of Violet Wiley, believed to have been written to Martin Van Buren Farrington by his mother:

Sunday morning, Pekin, Jan. 14th  ??83

My dear son

You have no doubt heard the sad news of your Father's* death one week this morning, it seemed very sad indeed at the time he passed away so suddenly although we had been expecting it for some time, but death seems sad when we are called to part with our dearest and beloved friend, and one that has been so true and kind to us all they never can be forgotten and we can only trust that he has gone to rest that sweet rest in heaven where all will be peace and happiness forever. For the last six months he was the greatest sufferer I ever saw it seemed more than anyone could endure, three toes on his left foot were entirely dead and turned black and also the bottom of his heel it was most terrible indeed, more than one can tell. I just got a letter from Uncle John. He seemed very anxious to have me come and stay with them as long as I wished to, and also Frank has written to have me come there, they all seem very anxious to have me with them. I think that I may conclude to go after a while when it gets to be warm pleasant weather My health has been quite poor this fall my lameness is not much better. Ange (?) is in quite poor health we fear that she will have the dropsy. Mabel Feats (?) has been very sick for some time. I must close with much love to you and family and hope this may find you in good health. This from your loving Mother Sarah Sage. Please write soon as you get this as I feel anxious to hear from you. Farewell al

* She was referring to her second husband, Harvey Sage, Martin's step-father.

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 Harvey Nathaniel Sage, in Find A Grave.