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This is one of the 77 letters retrieved from a bog in ireland. NEWS; birth of TJs nephew, David JACKSON (also of HSBC); plans for Minnie to come to Ireland in spring of 1885; concerns about TJ's brother John JACKSON (black sheep); farming & financial challenges; LENNON family left; Mary MENARY (nee JACKSON) & her "peacock" lover Fred GRIFFIN; Church news; mention of Robert BROWN.
Sharon Oddie Brown. October 6, 2006

Urker Dec 3 1884

 

My dear Tom

 

            As this is my usual day for writing; I write though I have only one piece of intelligence much worth communicating viz, that Andy’s wife [1] had a fine young son [2] , on the 20th ult. He wrote me word of the birth, but the careless fellow never wrote a word since to let us know how they were getting on.

 

            I had a letter from Minnie [3] dated October 13th in which she speaks of coming to Ireland next Spring. She did not seem certain whether you would be with her or not. Now if you cannot come yourself, I think you should arrange with David [4] to come with her. It would certainly be more pleasant to have either him or you than for her to be travelling alone. May God grant you all to come safe; and may He keep you all, from every evil and danger; and give us all a happy and joyful meeting.

 

            You will see considerable changes when you come; especially in your Father [5] ; he has grown very old looking. We are all well now. I am just recovering from a cold. There is nothing new notable to be said about any of your Sisters’ or Brothers’ families. I have not heard any bad news of Johnny [6] since I wrote last. Kate [7] is to be here next week; I shall then hear all particulars. Poor Johnny is the only black sheep in the family. I have done a great deal to help him; and I fear it is all thrown away. I told him that anything more I would do; would be for his family, and not for himself. Oh that he had never been married! Yet still I will not lose hope of him. This year and ones before it have been trying for farmers. Both grain and cattle being very low prices; and wages are very high. Rents also are higher than they should be. The land act did nothing for leaseholders. Indeed it would not be fair that it should; for a bargain is a bargain. Among others, I think Cousin Sam [8] has enough to do. He is growing a little dilatory about paying the rent. I am sure you were glad to learn that we had paid our rent & were in good odour with the Landlord. We had had not, nor have not, the least pinch in paying all claims.

 

            The Lennons are gone to [smack?]. Much good may it do them for a [gong?] of [engines?]. Mr Brooke [9] when Agent managed the estate very badly; I hear that he will be called to account for it.. Mr Johnston [10] has acted very differently for so far.

 

            I have heard nothing lately of Mary’s [11] love affairs; and cannot tell whether they are going on, or at an end. She is on a visit in Armagh with Mrs Calvert [12] at present; but is to be home before Xmas, when little Mary [13] comes for vacation. The gentleman is still cruising about this neighbourhood; dealing in cattle and drest as fine as a peacock, on her money. I have not spoken to her on the subject, for a length of time, as every remonstrance only made her the more stubborn. Perhaps when left to herself, she may see her folly.

 

            Sally [14] has got the most of the curiosities which you sent, sold privately; and has given the price of them to the treasurer of the parochial friends.

 

            Dr. Mills [15] has made a wonderful recovery. He officiates every Sabbath. We have got a very fine man in the Presbyterian congregation a Mr Drysdale [16] . He has made great improvements. I am a good friend to both Churches; and do something for the Methodists also. There is work enough for them all.

 

            With a thousand loves to Minnie and the children, I remain dear Tom your ever affectionate Mother,

                        Eliza Jackson.

PS. No word of Robert Brown [17] yet.

 



[1] Eliza Emily GILMORE (1846-1938) – wife and cousin of Andrew Coulter Bradford JACKSON – brother of Sir Thomas JACKSON

[2] David JACKSON, b. Nov 20, 1884, died in a London nursing home on Sept 12, 1925 – age 40. He also worked in the Far East.

[3] “Minnie” Amelia Lydia DARE – wife of Sir Thomas JACKSON

[4] David JACKSON, youngest surviving brother of Sir Thomas JACKSON & also employed by HSBC in the Far East.

[5] David JACKSON (1814-1889)

[6] John JACKSON – older brother of Sir Thomas JACKSON

[7] Kate Maria Jane WHITING – wife of John JACKSON

[8] Samuel BRADFORD of Cavananore.

[9] Mr BROOKE?

[10] Mr. JOHNSTONE. This is likely John JOHNSTON of Woodvale. SEE: Woodvale JOHNSTONs

[11] Mary (JACKSON) MENARY widowed sister of Sir Thomas JACKSON

[12] This is most likely Mary MENARY (1833-) wife of Henry CALVERT (1833-1882) and sister of William MENARY, the deceased husband of Mary (JACKSON) MENARY.

[13] Mary MENARY 1872-1946), daughter of William MENARY (1838-1874) & Mary JACKSON (1844-1921)

[14] “sally” Sarah JACKSON – sister of Sir Thomas JACKSON & wife of Eliezer GILMORE. She lived next door to Urker at Liscalgot.

[15] Rev. Dr..Lewis George MILLS (1823-May 28, 1885) Rector of Creggan Church

[16] Mr. DRYSDALE minister at Freeduff Presbyterian Church.

[17] Robert Boyd BROWNE (1845-1927) – he emigrated to Idaho and worked in silver mining there, amongst other ventures. In 1880 he was shown in the census to be at the Brownesburg Mining Camp, Alturas, Idaho. He worked as a mining engineer. He was a cousin of Sir Thomas JACKSON and a son of Daniel Gunn BROWNE & Margaret JACKSON.

 

 

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