Debbie, You recently asked whether anyone has a copy of Sarah Grindstaff's letter to Piety Humfleet--widow ofWilliam Humfleet and daughter of Henry Sasser and Nancy Kirby Sasser--in 1888. This is the way it was printed in Knox County, Kentucky Kinfolk 2 (no. 1): January 1, 1978, pp. 6-7 (reprinted for the Knox County Genealogical Society under the Reprint Program of Cook-McDowell Publications, Inc., 719 E. 6th Street, Ownesboro, KY 42301). Glenn [p. 6] A LETTER FROM THE PAST Contributed by Mr. Robert W. Helton, 5739 North 98th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53225 The following letter was also [in addition to another item published in the previous pages of the same issue]found in a trunk belonging to my great-grandfather, Arthur Humfleet. The letter was transcribed by his grand-daughter, Eva Humfleet McHargue and was typed by Robert W. Helton on December 10, 1977. (Note: The letter was addressed on the outside to, "Mrs. Pi ety HumfleetTuttle, Ky.") Apr. 23, 1888 Spickardsville Mo. Grundy Co. Dear Sister & Family I thought I would write you a few lines. I am still on the land amongst the living, but I don't feel that my time is very long here. I am growing old and feeble but when the Lord calls I am ready to go. I am the last of the family and I have been left here a long time to suffer and toil. But that hope I have of the rest after death sustains me through this toilsome life. I am crippled with the rheumatism so I can't hardly get around. Paris has three children two boys and a girl. The oldest is six years old. They are named Jimmy, Willie, and Betty. Paris es (sic) wife isn't very well now. Paris is plowing for corn he is going to put in about thirty acres of corn. We are doing very well. This is a good country. Wages run from 18 to 20 dollars per month. I want you to write and tell me something about brother Johns wife. Where is she and where is Berty Williams and sister Mary's girl. What became of her. And give my love to all the friends. I want some of you to write me as soon as you can. I don't know how long I will be here to receive and write letters. I would like very much to hear from you often. I feel that I am nearly alone in the world. Paris and his family are all I have [beginning of p. 7] here and sometimes I feel very lonely. And a letter from my old home would cheer me up. I will close hoping to hear from you soon. Ever remember your affectionate sister and friend. Sarah Grindstaff Special Note: Robert W. Helton adds the following regarding the above letter: "William and Piety Humfleet are found in the 1850 Knox County Census. Living with them was a Sarah Humfleet, age 40, born N.C., who is either a sister or widowed sister-in law of William in my opinion. The writer of the letter, Sarah Grindstaff, may be this Sarah. Where the word sister is used in reference to Piety in the letter, I am absolutely positive she is not a blood sister." ***************************************** Glenn E. Perry Department of Political Science Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN 47809 USA E-Mail: psperrg@scifac.indstate.edu (812)237-2505 (office) (812)234-5661 (home) ****************************************