The following is a letter addressed to Thomas Mummey, Roxbury, Morgan, Ohio. Transcribed from the original by Kenneth K. Everett, June 19, 2002.

Avon Ill January 2^nd 1876

We are all well at present and I hope you are all the Same. enclosed is a picture of our Baby it is for mother. She wanted to know his name he has not got all his name. all he has got is Carlile. we want him to pick some other name but he cant take time yet he is six years old last July, he is going to school and is reading in the first reader. The weather has Bin warm all winter the grass is as green as april it is a Bad winter for Blacksmiths there is no work to amount to any thing and no money for what is done There is Big talk of building a narrow gague rail road Threw avon this spring if it is Built it will make some work next Summer but I don’t go much on railroad Stock The hog colerd has killed more than half of the hogs and pigs in all this part of The state we are luckey for we had But one and it died in the Summer we have to Buy Beef and it costs Ten cents per lb corn 25 - Wheat and oats 30 - butter 30. eggs 18 pork when we can get it 12 ½ Beans 2.00 flour is 3.75 per 100 chickens 2.00 per dozen

I will write a few lines to Philenia in a few days and Direct it to McConnelsville. I will send some money in it to have the Hereld if it is printed yet I can hear a great many things Threw it that is going on that you would not write to me I would take it all the time if I was able write to me as soon as you can and tell me all that has happened that can think that would interest me and how you are getting along and what you are all doing

I write this for all of you to read if you can and and I think all of you can think of enough to give me a good square history of Times & Things in general

Give my respects to all enquireing friends if I have any such. Write soon

J Mummey To his father & mother and Sisters