"COPIES OF PAPERS RECEIVED FROM MISS MARY C. BEAN PERTAINING TO JOHN JOSEPH ABERCROMBIE (RTA)" (E-mailed to me by BRENDA ABERCROMBIE LEDET) This is a transcription of a letter written by my 3-great grandmother ERNESTINE (ABERCROMBIE) FIELD to her brother, GEN. JOHN JOSEPH ABERCROMBIE, JR. ERNESTINE lived in Philly until her death in 1890 at age 96. ================================== Letter 1. Philadelphia, 17th April, '71 [1871] My dear Brother, ****** I wrote to Sarah Goodman some weeks ago, but have never received a line in answer. Now I draw the conclusion she has never rec'd. the letter, or has correspondence which occupies all her time. I love Sarah very much, she was kind and attentive when I stayed several days with her. I hope her impression of me is as favorable as mine of her. ***** Regarding the De Normandies, I have cast them from memory and interest. I know many years ago Mam told me her Uncle Abraham went to Geneva, I think that was the place, and spent all he could get possession of. I know from the Biles Family, John De Normandie, Mama's Nephew, her only Brother's Son, is now enjoying what property he could get in France, a few years ago. Caroline has one letter in her possession, but the most reliable information of the Family you could obtain would be from Capt. E. W. Willets, 209 Fourth St., opposite St. Mary's Catholic Church. His Mother was a De Normandie, and nearly related to Mama. This address he gave me when after a search he found me out and visited me. I suppose he is still in that location, as I was told he was well off and owned the house. I know he is a very pleasant and friendly gentlemanly person, and would be highly pleased to see the most distant relative of the De Normandie Family. For my part I would have turned my attention to the old Stock "Abercrombies" for an entailed estate no one can wrest from you. You should write to our Consul to search the "Kings Lyon Office" where my Father told me all the Abercrombie Papers were on record. I must conclude - or be too late for this mail - very affectionately with love to all, your ever affectionate. Ernestine. ============================================== Research on CAPT. WILLETS (WILLET): Philadelphia City Directory 1875 Edward W. Willett, 259 S. 4th. No occupation. ======================================== 1870 United States Federal Census Name: Edward Water (WILLET?) Estimated birth year: abt 1804 Age: 66 Birthplace: Pennsylvania Philadelphia Ward 5 District 15, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Race: White Gender: Male Post Office: 338 Spruce St Philad HOUSEHOLD: 1st enumeration WATER, EDWARD age 66 occ: Retired Sea Captain b. PA WATER, MARY age 51 b. PA ====================================== 1870 United States Federal Census Name: Edward Villits (WILLITS) Estimated birth year: abt 1810 Philadelphia Ward 5 Dist 15 (2nd Enum), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Gender: Male Post Office: Philadelphia HOUSEHOLD: Living in boarding house (2nd enumeration - enumerated Nov 16, 1870) WILLETS, MARY age 50 WILLETS, EDWARD age 60 ================================== 1880 US CENSUS E. W. WILLETT Male Other Information: Birth Year <1804> Birthplace PA Age 76 Occupation Sailor Captain Retired Marital Status W <Widowed> Race W <White> Head of Household Susana B. SCANLAN Relation Other Father's Birthplace PA Mother's Birthplace FRA Source Information: Census Place 24th Ward, District 11, Old Man's Home, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Family History Library Film 1255183 NA Film Number T9-1183 Page Number 143B ========================================== Philadelphia Inquirer October 10, 1883 DEATHS WILLET – On the 7th inst. EDW. W. WILLET, aged 79 years. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral this afternoon at 3 o’clock at his late residence at the Old Man’s Home, Baring and Saunders Avenue. =================================================== Jacqueline Sleeper Russell website: http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=SRCH&db=jacquelinesr