Person:Sophronia Wardwell (4)

[It appears that this letter was written to Sophronia in sympathy for the loss of her brother Frank Wardwell. Frank wrote many letters to Sophronia and Cyrus detailing a boating accident from which it took a long time to recover.

Bucksport June 25th 1871

Dear Cousin; I received your sad letter yesterday, was very much pleased to receive it. Should have written to you at first but not knowing where to direct feared you would not get it. Therefore have not. had expected a letter from you but had almost given up in despair.

Ah! Frone what sad news indeed; it seemed too queer that he should have been saved last winter and suffered so much. only to go so soon. The last time Frank was at home I accompanied him to Penobscot when we were coming home. He planned for another side there, this summer and also of the presents he would carry to Grand Pa and Grandma. Little knowing what was in store for him. Ah! how uncertain is life but when he went away he said it seemed as though he was not to return. He went in quite good spirits but I could see he had rather not go. I felt very bad when I heard the sad news. I don't think I could have felt any worse if he had been a brother to me, that merry laugh. Oh! how well I remember that laugh. Seems as though I can hear it now. How lively he was. It seemed so hard for him to be taken right in the prime of life as he was. But I trust he is gone to be with loved ones gone before. Where there is no sorrow, pain, nor care. He has only gone before where he will be waiting to welcome us to that bright world above where all is bright and fair.

Now Frone I have got mother to write you a little thinking that perhaps she might comfort you more than I.

We all want you to come down here and make us a good long visit which mother thinks will do you good. I think it would do you good myself. You need a change. I hope you will decide to come; you would be welcomed by all.

Perhaps you will tire of reading this. I think I will close. My best respects to Cyrus and lots of love for yourself. Please write soon.

From Carrie E. Snowman

1. ↑ Penobscot, Maine Vital Records.
2. ↑ Penobscot, Maine Cemetery Locations, Bowden, Bertha, privately published, 1971.