Recap: The last letter posted was written on Christmas Day, 1893, by my G grandmother, Ella Sanders Raff. My G grandfather, Almon Keeler Raff, was somewhere in western Iowa selling his farm implements and didn't expect to get home until mid February, if lucky. Ella was home alone in Muscatine with the three kids, the eldest, Nellie, was dying slowly of consumption. The rest of Ella's family lived in Davenport. Muscatine Feb. 8th, 1894 Dear Frank, Carrie telegraphed to you of Nellie's death, which occurred at noon today. The doctors have just finished a post mortem examination. I will tell you about that later. I have a great favor to ask of you and Monroe now. I would like to have her buried in Davenport, could he see Ma and make arrangements about the place of burial. We have not found where Keel is yet and don't know when he can get here, its being so late in the week and there being no Sunday trains, if the body can be kept until Monday it may be best to do so. I have consulted with no one but think if it can be arranged, the services will be held here in Muscatine. The people at the Dr's. are very kind and Carrie and Mrs. Dunsmore are taking charge of things at home. The body will be moved over home this evening. I can write no more at present, Please let me know soon if the arrangements can be made as I have spoken of or if you have any suggestions you think better please let me know. Love to all, Ella ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES