At this time, A K Raff was the Muscatine City Recorder. He is writing to his cousin Frances, ("Frank") in Davenport and speaks of his uncertainty of remaining in office at the end of his term. The letter is written on City of Muscatine stationary and lists those who held office at that time. Mary Edith was doing her teaching internship in Muscatine. Information in ( ) mine.~~ On the top left of the stationary: City Officers Mayor-Robt. S. McNutt. City Recorder-A. K. Raff. City Treasurer-E. E. Davidson City Attorney-Arthur Hoffman City Engineer-J. J. Ryan. Chief of Police-W. R. Rice. Assistant Chief-James McElravy. Health Pysician-J. D. Fulliam. Sexton-M. O. Neidig. Weighmaster-J. H. Carl. City Assessor-David Vannatta. Chief of Fire Dept.-Wm. I. Neff. Police Judge-John B. Hudson. In the middle: Office of City Recorder City of Muscatine. A. K. Raff, City Recorder City Hall-Corner of Third and Sycamore Streets. On the top right side: Committee Chairmen Finance-Alderman Zel. H. Hutchinson. Streets and Alleys-Ald. F. A. Duffield. Ordinances-Alderman Zel. H. Hutchinson. Sidewalks-Alderman J. W. Riggs. Paving-Alderman John A. Bartemeier. Cemetery-Alderman Robt. Seiler. Lighting-Alderman John. A. Bartemeier Police Dept.-Alderman F. A. Duffield. Fire Dept.-Alderman Chas. Spaethe. Sewerage-Alderman John A. Bartemeier. Parks-Alderman J. J. Engel. Board of Health-Mayor Robt. S. McNutt. Muscatine, Iowa, October 23d, 1903 Dear Frank, Yours of yesterday just at hand, and glad to hear from you. Although Mary and Dennis no longer write me as they used to your postal persuades me that I still have, at least one correspondent in Davenport. Carrie (Sanders) was down here week before last and staid three or four days. She spoke of leaving Davenport soon to meet friends in Chicago and would spend the winter someplace in the south. Did not say who her friends were that she was to meet in Chicago nor where she expected to locate. Other than this we know nothing of her intentions. She is as full of "wheels" as of old. We are all well here. Phoebe is quite spry this fall tho' rather a "back number" as regards house cleaning, having done little or nothing along that line, as yet. Edith is studying hard in her training school work, and from the many good words said for her by the principals of the different schools she is doing nicely. Mrs. Lofland arrived here on a visit three or four weeks ago, and should the weather continue pleasant may remain until the first of next month. Before coming to Muscatine she stopped for a short time with Gordon Whipple in Marion, and with him spent part of a day in Cedar Rapids in looking up Cousin Beckie (Rebecca Raff Cock, wife of C. C. Cock.) They located her house all right but found no one at home. Ella had company for her to dinner last week, and she has been to the house to tea several times since. She is looking real well and is as neat and tidy as any old lady can be of seventy six summers. I read your postal to the girls at the dinner table. Edith said she would feel grateful for the coat. For myself will say that as it is mighty uncertain whether or not I hold my position longer than spring the suit and ov! ercoat may afford me a soft place to fall on if suddenly "heisted" from office. Do you see? Therefore think you had best send them. Edith suggested that I pay the express charges on this invoice of goods, so enclose a draft for that purpose, which I make payable to Dennis, thinking it will be more convenient for him to have it cashed than for you. With kind remembrances to all the friends, Keeler ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES