This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: CULVER: Byron, Anson and Orange Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Vk.2ADE/1755 Message Board Post: I have transcribed a series of letters to Master Byron Culver [b. 1876], Poplar Ridge, Cayuga Co., New York from Byron Culver [b. 1824], Cedar Falls, Iowa. Thought you might find them interesting. The younger Byron was the grandson of elder Byron's first cousin Anson. Elder Byron is likely the namesake for Byron [b. 1876]. The elder Byron, son of Orange Culver and Betsey Edwards, was probably born in Cayuga County and later moved to Orleans County, New York, with his parents, before heading to Iowa as a man. To the best of my knowledge, neither Byron has any living direct descendants. Transcriptions follow: The first letter in 1883 is printed. The 1886, 1887, and 1888 Letters are in beautiful flowing script. Last one dated about 6 months before Byron of Iowa's death at the age of 64. Master Byron was between 7 and 12 years old. Cedar Falls, Iowa Dec 18th 1883 Master Byron I think you will remember that I was at our house last winter. I didnot see you but a short time in the morning before you went to school. I think you told me you would write to me if I would write to you. I now write to you and send you a Christmas present which you can get your father to change to silver if you want to put it in your bank. Your Friend, Byron Culver Cedar Falls, Iowa February 22, 1886 Master Byron Culver Poplar Ridge, N.Y. I received your letter some time ago, and it is time it should be answered. I was glad to hear that you are all well in Cayuga. We have had very cold weather a part of the winter, and a good deal of snow. It is now quite warm, and the snow is melting. I suppose you are still going to school. I think you write pretty well for a boy of your age, and your spelling is very correct. That is as it should be. It looks bad to see a letter with half of the words incorrectly spelled. If you was out here, I could take you out to my farm and show you lots of cows, calves and spotted pigs. The farmers in this country keep more cows and hogs than they do in your country. You say you take care of the sheep. I suppose you look after your own pretty well. I hope you will not lose any of them. I think you told me you lost one last year. Each of you boys, I suppose have certain chores to do. It is a good thing for boys to have something to do. If they are kept busy when they are boys, it will be easy for them to work when they get to be men. Tell your Grandpa, that I will write to him soon. Respects to your father, mother, brothers, and sister, and accept the same yourself. Write again Yours truly Byron Culver Cedar Falls, Iowa December 4, 1887 Cousin Byron, Your letter of Nov. 2 has been received. I was glad to hear from you again. I think you improve in writing, and you are very correct in spelling. I do not see that you have made a single mistake. You do well for a boy of your age. In your next letter, write me the year, month, and day in which you were born. If you had as large corn fields as we have in this country, you would get tired of husking. Many farmers have over one hundred acres of corn. If you keep your sheep you will have a good flock in a few years. Wool is so low, that you cannot get rich very fast. Learn while you are a boy, to keep what money you get, and not spend it for things you do not need. And if you continue to do so, when you get to be a man you will have plenty to live on, if you should live to be old. Tell your grandfather that I would be glad to get a letter from him. I shall hope to hear from you again. I will close with kind regards to your grandfather, your father, brothers, sister, and yourself. Yours truly, Byron Culver Cedar Falls, Iowa March 11. 1888 Cousin Byron, Yours of Feb. 1st has been received. I was glad to hear from you again. I suppose your winter school has closed or will close soon. I think the sugar making season is about to commence. When I was a boy, when school closed in the Spring, I had to go to the woods and help make sugar. It was a pleasant change after going to school all winter. We used frequently to boil sap all night. We used to get some of the neighbors boys to go with us which shortened up the night very much. We always had a good time. We used to make what sugar we wanted to eat, and was careful to have plenty of eggs to boil. I can look back to those days, and realize they were happy days. But I did not fully know it then. But as years roll on, and we arrive to manhood, the battle of life begins. And the success of that battle depends upon how well we have qualified ourselves in youth. The boy who has made the best use of his time at school, has been obedient to his parents, industrious, and t! rue to every trust will be very sure of success. On the other hand, the boy who has been idle in school, untruthful, and disobedient, is most sure to come to ruin, and disgrace. The weather here is quite Springlike. I send you a book with this, which I hope you will receive, and that it will please you. Tell your Grand Father that I should be pleased to hear from him. I would like to hear if you get the book. Respects to yourself and all the friends in which my wife joins. Yours truly, Byron Culver