Papers of the Benjamin Franklin Yancey Family

Barbara Jenkins to Harriet Anna Yancey, December 19, 1940

Entertainment | Hard times | Health, illness and death | Holidays, birthdays and celebrations | Legal matters | Place--Esmont, VA | Place--New Jersey | Place--New York | Place--Pennsylvania | Place--Richmond, VA | Published literature and the press

Barbara Jenkins tells her friend Harriet Yancey about all the illnesses and deaths in Richmond, Virginia. Harriet recently left Plainfield, New Jersey and returned to Esmont, Virginia after the death of the woman she worked for.

Dec. 19. 1940

My dear Mrs. Yancey

It looked good to me to hear from you though I was indebted to you.

I received a letter from you before you left Plainfield inviting me to your home you know I would love to come always to your home.

I was suffering with my head at the time I was waiting to see if I would get better before I write

Both of us can't leave home so good now since Mrs Rosa died Susie told me to go & she stay

But since I have that high blood pressure I do not like to go any where with out her, people that have it

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seem like they are taken with stroke of apoplexy & go so quick.

After I waited a while I did not know how long you were going to stay so I decided that I did not know which end you were and I was doubtful whether you were continuing with the same people after the madam died.

You said you wrote after you got home Esmont but I never got but the one you wrote before leaving Plainfield. I am glad you all had a pleasant trip I guess you miss your madam so very much.

Tell me about how you are getting along.

I read quite often about Roger in our colored paper.

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Who got Marys home & her personel property. I suppose her sister & her nieces. She might have left something to church or charity if she made a will I expect.

When Xmas comes it is always something missing in the home long as E.T. been dead I miss him so much. Rev. Taylor & Mr. ?Juhans? all right. Rev. Taylor they were visiting N.Y., Phila. Atlantic City visiting their children. and the Worlds Fair this summer.

I did not get any where this summer just short trips for a day.

We have lost so many of our neighbors right a round us. The lady next door that you met with her baby husband went out one morning to work apparently

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feeling all right, fell at his work they rushed him to the hospital did not live the day through She hurried to the hospital but he never gained consciousness.

left her with three small children nothing to go upon.

We had six deaths right in the neighborhood all in a few months time one was mother & son.

We have not had any snow yet. Love to all your family I know the children all worked up for xmas. Take care of yourself and get all the rest you can. Susie send love she still at her post of duty.

Yours lovingly,
Barbara Jenkins

Published by: Virginia Center for Digital History

Source copy consulted: Papers of the Benjamin Franklin Yancey Family (MSS 11599), Alderman Library, University of Virginia

Text and images (c) copyright 2001, by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia

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