The following is a copy of a letter that has connections to many Lawrence Co. surnames. I donot know at this time where the original is located. This letter was carried to Illinois by Solomon Fender. It was written to James Toliver and his wife Elizabeth Maxwell then living in McClain Co IL. It is dated Sept 21, 1844. "Dear brother and sister, We take this opportunity to inform you that through the miracle and blessings of God, we and the friends are generally well and hope that these lines may find you enjoying good health. There has been some sickness in the country but not fatal, we canot recollect any deaths. Times are pretty hard, though the "Whigs" say better times are coming, they and the "Democrats" too, are having barbacues through the towns and the country, every day or two. Our wheat crops were very indifferent and the Fly are about to eat up what we have saved. Oats were very good. We have 20 stacks each stack containing 100 dox. (Not sure what a dox is) Corn crops are middling good. We sold this summer the rise of 400 bushels of corn. I live at the same place I did when you were here and I own 443 acres of land up and down the valley. Your mother is living sis, and enjoying good health, she says she would like to see you once more as she is old, she thnks that you might come, it is not so far. She remembers her love to you and family. There have been several weddings among your connection. Rebecca Toliver married a gentleman by the name of Sterling Williams, Isom Toliver married Miss Phebe Way, Susan Toliver married Alexander Maxwell, Charles Workman married Matthew Fielder's widow. Rebecca Isom married a gentleman by the name of Lewis Morgan, Mahala Workman is expecting to marry a gentleman by the name of Henry Rawyer, the third of next month. There were two deaths that we had forgotten and thought likely you had never heard of them. Old father Edwards died the 28th of last March, two years ago. Nathaniel Brewer died last April, two years ago. And Elizabeth Brewer and family are doing well and send her respects to you and your family. Eli Way and Thursey send their love and respects to you and family. We have nothing more of importants to write excepting we have six hearthy children, four boys and two girls, William, Isom, Robert, and Nancy and Thursey are their names. Thursey is three years old and sucks yet. We shall now bring our letters to a close by wishing to be remembered by you and all inquiring friends, so no more, but we hope to remain your affectionate brother and sister until death. Signed, Richard Hall and Mahala (Toliver) Hall...from Lawrence Con IND Nathaniel Brewer married Elizabeth Toliver, d/o of Charles Toliver and Susan Edwards. I am interested in all the surnames in the letter because of their connections to the Edwards. I am also intersted in the Workman name as that is another name in my ancestery. I am some information on many of these mentioned. Leon