On January 8, 1884 Chester Beers (widowed nine years) married Ida M. Taggart. Chester and Ida’s daughter Clara Janet was born September 11, 1887. Chester, Ida, and Clara lived on the 183-acre family farm that Chester inherited. Chester had attended … Continue reading
In the summer of 1879 Emma Austin traveled from Eldred, New York, to live with her brothers Ell and Lon Austin, who lived and worked in Solomon, Kansas. The hope was that the drier climate could cure her TB. Edith … Continue reading
Chester wrote Emma (Emogene) the same day he wrote to Aida. This is the last known letter Chester wrote to Emma. Emma, sick with TB, was planning to go to Kansas where her brothers were working as ranchers. She planned … Continue reading
In this last letter to Emma’s sister Ida (Aida), Chester mentions Emma has talked about Aida going West, something Emma was considering. It was hoped the drier weather would help her get over TB. Their Austin brothers Ell and Lon … Continue reading
Walton, New York, August 17, 1878 Friend Ida, Yours of the 5th is at home to which I shall write a line or two. I don’t know whether I can come to Sullivan or not if I do I can … Continue reading
1878 Austin Update Emma Austin contracted tuberculosis (known as consumption). Emma must have written Chester that her brothers Lon (and Ell) left for the West to find work. At some point they settled near Solomon, Kansas. It was hoped that … Continue reading
Walton, N.Y., to Miss Ida A. Austin, 103 Christopher St., N.Y.C., January 25, 1878 My Dear Ida, Yours of recent date has been rec’d—contents noted. And now as the tenth week of school is done and I am at home, … Continue reading
Walton, New York, to Aida Austin, December 16, 1877 My Dear Aida, A note from Emma the other day stated that if I would only write once more you would answer No. 2. So you see I am bound and … Continue reading
Walton, October 21, 1877 to Miss Aida Austin, 103 Christopher St., N.Y. My Dear Aida, Not seeing you last summer when I made my visit to Eldred and being somewhat disappointed I shall have to commence a correspondence with your … Continue reading
Walton, New York, Sept. 23, 1877 Friend Emma, Your letter of the 11th came to home Sept. 17th, being too late for the party—by several days—but don’t think I should have attended had it come in time, for this reason … Continue reading
