I've "rescued" an old letter and photograph both of which I believe belong to the TEN BROOK Family of Paris and Marshall, Illinois. The letter was written by Clara of Marshall, IL to her Cousin Nettie TEN BROOK of Paris, IL. The dates on the letter and envelope are both illegible but the enclosed photograph appears to have been taken in the 1860's and is of a young woman probably in her teens at the time. I have attempted to transcribe the letter, however, the handwriting is very difficult so excuse me in advance if my transcription isn't accurate: My Little Cousin: I received a little note from my little cousin this morning and hasten to write a scrach in return as you know it is customary with me to write scrawls. I am sorry to say Charlie can not go to P. this evening. Our hurry for the bed has subsided since Mary and Eysa have gone and Pa is using the mules so we have no way to send even if we were in a hurry. Whenever you going to Phil. I should think you would be very much business not men and company too. Do you think I never hear see one line from kin only what do you think about it? I have been looking forever with so much anxiety think my hair has turned quite grey. Pleas Dollie received an answer yet? Nettie so tiny and even some this on chances almost everyday. I should think you could come any day. Taken mile Men Bishop and birds come to the city of fashion, I want to see I invision so much. Come sooner. I have to go dinner time now and will stay up. Love and many kisses to Doll. Love to Miss Lillie. Be sure and come sooner if you have to take your furs in your hand and come. Clara Nettie – please excuse hard pencil for I have not a whit of ink in this house. Based on limited research I have found the family of Dr. John TEN BROOK & Jane C. TEN BROOK living in Paris, IL during the 1880 census including a daughter Dollie A. TEN BROOK JONES. John TEN BROOK was b. 1808 or 1809 in PA and his parents both b. in NJ. Further searching finds John TEN BROOK b. 1808 in Milton, PA to parents Andrew TEN BROOK (parents Johannes TEN BROECKE & Katie EMMONS) and Eleanor CORRY (parents Matthew CORRY + Ann BEATTY). It appears that the couple had 13 children including John. I'm wondering if Nettie TEN BROOK might have been another of John's daughters, or possibly there were other TEN BROOK Families in Paris, IL at that time and Nettie may have been a cousin to Dollie rather than a sister. Don't know if Clara's surname was also TEN BROOK or if she was a cousin related through her Mother's line instead. This is a mystery I'd like to solve so that this wonderful piece of TEN BROOK Family history can be returned to the care of family. If you are a member of this family or know someone who might be, please contact me. Thanks, Shelley