This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --------------604A751204679BF62C372866 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I'm going to start posting some of the smaller archive files to the list before they go up on the Archive webpages. This will give you a sneak peek and will also let you know the kind of things we're looking for. This letter and the obit to follow were submitted by Dorothy Rinehart Taylor of West Monroe. Thanks Dorothy! Peggy --------------604A751204679BF62C372866 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; name="sumpter.txt" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Disposition: inline; filename="sumpter.txt" Misc: Sumpter David Rinehart letter, 1900, Lincoln Parish, LA Submitted by: Dorothy Rinehart Taylor, 111 Racove Drive, West Monroe, LA 71291 USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for personal use only. This is a copy of a letter written by Sumpter David Rinehart in 1900 to his sister Johannah Randall in South Carolina. Ruston, La. Feb. 12, 1900 Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Randall & family Johnston, South Carolina Dear Brother and Sister and Children It has been a long time since we have wrote to each other and as I am alone this Sunday eve and my mind is fastened on the old home folks..I can think of nothing better than to talk with them through the mail. Many hours have I spent in thinking of you all and wondering whether or not will ever meet again on earth. I sometimes think; that I well sell out and come home to spend the remainder of my short days and when I die to be laid near my Mother, but then the thought of my children comes up and I can't leave them. I have but 2 (children) living and three dead in this State and only one (child) there - so I have to conclude to spend my short days here. I am now nearly 55 years old - I can't expect many more years at best but by the help of God I expect to spend that time in his service. I reckon you know that I have sold out my farm and store in the country and have moved to Ruston. I bought a house and lot of 5 and a half acres of land. Ruston is a growing town with 2 railroads running through it. It has a population of 3 thousand and is growing rapidly; 2 fine schools and about 7 hundred students besides other industries which makes it a thriving town. I think the property I have will be very valuable in a short time. We already have 3 churches all with a large membership; 3 good Sunday Schools. I am a teacher in the Methodist S.S. Our school numbers about 175. Debbie and her husband has bought land on Cane River about 75 miles from us. Charlie is living about 6 miles from us - both doing very well. As for myself I reckon I have as much as I deserve. I am not pressed in any way whatever. Old Uncle West is looking very old. He has a rite young wife and one baby he thinks that is all the baby there is, he pets it mightily. Tobe the little Negro Aunt Shady Ann raised is married and has one child. You must write to me and tell me all the news about all the family. It does me good to get a letter from home folks. Me and Kate is all alone, wish I had some of folks to live with us - a girl especially to help Kate. I will close, give my love to all - a portion for yourselves. I remain as ever - your only brother. S. D. Rinehart. --------------604A751204679BF62C372866--