Dearest Bessie... Love Jimmie - Love Letters 1911-14 by AC Porter

Dearest Bessie… …Love Jimmie James Underhill Porter’s Letters to

Bessie Henrietta Johnson 1911-1914

Dearest Bessie… …Love Jimmie James Underhill Porter’s Letters to

Bessie Henrietta Johnson 1911-1914 with Mrs. James Porter’s Honeymoon Diary Bessie Johnson’s Autobiography and Diary A Selection of Family Letters A Brief History of the Porter and Johnson Families

Table of Contents Bessie and Jimmie, Who Were They?....................................... i The Letters 1911 ....................................................................................... 1 1912 ..................................................................................... 27 1913 ................................................................................... 121 1914 ................................................................................... 325 Bessie’s Honeymoon Diary ................................................... 389 Bessie’s Autobiography and Diary........................................ 406 Jimmie’s Letters After Their Marriage ................................. 465 Bessie and Jimmie Family Album......................................... 467 Other Voices Florence Smith Letters ..................................................... 489 Family Letters ................................................................... 493 Before and After Family History and Married Life..................................... 519 A Note on Transcribing the Letters...................................... 527 Afterword............................................................................... 528

Bessie and Jimmie – Who Were They? “Your long and very interesting letter came to hand today. You state your letter requires an answer,” he writes, in his very first letter. What did she say, at such length and with such interest? Alas, we’ll never know. In the end, it fell to her to keep the letters, or not. And, while she kept his letters to the end of her life, with a single exception, she kept none of her own. He is James Underhill Porter, Jimmie, a fruit and poultry farmer, living with his parents and brother on the Porter Ranch in Los Gatos, California. She is Bessie Henrietta Johnson, boarding with a family in Gilroy where she teaches school, but living summers and weekends with her parents and seven of her ten siblings on another fruit ranch in nearby Valley View. We see this story primarily through Jimmie’s eyes but, as with that very first demand – answer me – Bessie’s voice also rings through loud and clear. He answers her, he quotes her, he responds to her words and actions. Over 250 letters later, two distinct personalities have firmly imprinted themselves on the page. Bessie appears to have had not a moment’s doubt, at least about her own feelings, though there are certainly moments when she doubts Jimmie and his. Bessie is twenty-five years old when this correspondence opens. Her own mother had been married at fifteen. But Bessie has different ideas. We don’t have Bessie’s letters but we do have her Autobiography, written at the ripe old age of nineteen. In a chapter titled “Lovers” she lays out her views.

I have been proposed to twice, and refused both times. Once when I was seventeen years old and again when I was nineteen. There isn’t any doubt but what my second Lover thought a great deal of me, but I had no love whatever for him. I do not believe in early marriages. I think a woman, (or a man either,) for that matter are not capable of running a house until they are between twenty-five and thirty years of age. A third young man paid a little attention to me, he wrote me one love letter, but I never answered it so the whole thing fell thru. I am glad to

say that I am not against marrying, but I intend to teach for a while and if the right man comes along I will not refuse him, be it early or late. Of course it’s all very well to have intentions and, as the oldest girl in a large family, she has no romantic notions about the reality of keeping house. But the truth is, she’d probably simply never met a man who touched her heart. And then, suddenly, along comes Jimmie. The “right man.” She falls hard and fast and she never wavers. Jimmie, on the other hand, already thirty, is much less sure of his own mind. We know he’s smitten; after all, suddenly he’s writing long letters, calling her sweetheart and dear, composing poetry in her honor, and signing off with love. But there’s a vague sense that maybe he does the same with all the girls. Will he or won’t he? Of course those of us reading these letters almost a hundred years later know that he did. (If he hadn’t this writer, for one, never would have been born!) But it certainly takes him a very long time and much anguish to get to the point. Even then, we’re not yet half-way through. A long courtship is followed by an even longer engagement. Jimmie and Bessie have aspirations, particularly Jimmie. She wants to teach a little longer – three years was required to secure a lifetime credential – but she’s also impatient to live with the man she loves. She’s hardworking and frugal and saves every cent she can towards their future, but when she apparently suggests that it would be fine with her if they married in their “calico clothes,” he responds unequivocally:

…we will never be married if we have to be married in our calico clothes. I have certain ideals along those lines that I have cherished for many years and I have been sure for years that they will never change…If we were to be married in our calico clothes that would be what I will call a rank failure …I have a certain amount of the right kind of pride dear and always have… And so they work and save and wait almost another year. Meanwhile, through Jimmie’s words on the page, we are treated not only to the story of their developing love, we also get a richly drawn picture of a time and place and the people who inhabited it.

The stories of Jimmie’s and Bessie’s families are outlined at the end of this book. The following short introduction will help make sense of the letters for those who never knew them and who may know little or nothing of their background. James Underhill Porter, named for his maternal grandfather, was the eldest son of Charles Henry Porter and Elizabeth Ann Underhill Porter. In 1911, the three of them, along with Jimmie’s younger brother, William Ray (Will), and a young woman named Annie Gray, who helped about the house and farm, are living on a fruit and poultry farm in Los Gatos, California. During the course of the letters the farm transitions from “Chas. H. Porter & Sons” to “Porter Bros.” as the older Porters move toward semi-retirement. Charles Henry Porter, a Mayflower descendent, was one of seven children – six sons and a daughter – of a physician living in Duxbury, Massachusetts. His oldest brother, while still in his teens, joined with other young Porter cousins and headed to California in the mid 1840s, well before the Gold Rush, apparently seeking an outlet for his boundless energy (which his nephew certainly inherited) and spurred by a wish for challenge and adventure. More Porter brothers soon followed, but Charles Henry, fifteen years younger than his eldest brother (and perhaps with slightly less of the hell-raiser about him), didn’t head west until he was already in his late thirties and newly married. He and his bride, Elizabeth Ann Underhill, left Boston and apparently stopped long enough in Kansas to give birth to Jimmie, and then settled in Watsonville, California. They lived on a large, leased farm and had two more children, first Jennie, who died at 16, and then, four years after Jimmie, his brother Will, a prominent character in this story. By 1910 the family had left Watsonville for Gilroy (with perhaps a short return to Boston along the way). They settled on their own property where they grew fruit, sold both fresh and dried, and raised chickens, selling both chicks and eggs. In addition to the profession of farming, Jimmie learned the barber’s trade; he was licensed in California at the age of 19. He’d worked as a barber in San Francisco and Boston and returned to it briefly in San Jose during the course of this correspondence, to earn more money for his future married life. Unique in his family, Jimmie was a Christian Scientist. He writes to Bessie at one point that he studied a certain Christian Science article seven years ago, so we

know he’s followed the religion at least since his early twenties and perhaps longer. While he pointedly doesn’t try to convert Bessie – it’s against the tenets of his religion – he encourages her to take an interest in Christian Science and to read Science & Health. While Jimmie was certainly not educated past high school – and may not even have gone that far – he’s a natural writer and raconteur with a deep interest in people and their affairs. In short, he tells a great story. We do not, however, imagine him picking up a novel in his spare time (as Bessie certainly would), though we know he reads newspapers and is interested in both the national news and local events. He appears to spend most of the hours he is not working (which would be even fewer hours than it is if he weren’t willing to go entirely without sleep for days at a time) deeply engaged with other people. He is Secretary-Treasurer of the Farmer’s Union, active in his church, sings in the Glee Club, volunteers for every fundraiser and event, fond of dancing, and pays and receives visits from an endless stream of relatives, neighbors and associates whom we come to know well through his letters. Bessie Henrietta Johnson, also a Mayflower descendent, was the third child and first girl of Hiram Hugh Johnson and Sarah Elizabeth Crapo Johnson’s ten children. Like the Porters, the Crapos were also deeply rooted in Massachusetts. How Sarah’s father, Jesse, happened to make his way to California has not come down to us. Once there, however, he married Anne Lamb, recently arrived from Ireland, and they settled down on a farm in the East Bay to raise a relatively small family of five children, of which Bessie’s mother was the eldest. Hiram Hugh, the son of George and Mary Ann Johnson, was born in Calaveras County in the heart of Gold Country. According to unconfirmed family history, George made his way from Pennsylvania to California before the gold rush, apparently motivated by the same need for excitement that pushed the Porter brothers west. While he ultimately went into the hills in search of gold, he gave it up early on, started a sheep ranch, and so gave the name to the town of Sheep Ranch – today a thriving metropolis of 32 hardy souls… and about half as many of sheep. George’s son Hiram, like the Porters, eventually migrated to Santa Clara County where he also took up fruit farming. When we meet Bessie in the letters she’s twenty-five, teaching at a school in Gilroy, boarding with a family there and commuting home on weekends. Her social

life is filled with friends and a constant round of visits, dances, parties at people’s homes, and overnights. She also plays a part in the running of her parents’ large household. In the summers she and her siblings work in the surrounding fruit orchards – her preferred job is “dipping prunes.” She does all the “rubbing” for the laundry for ten people, while her mother does the boiling and hanging out. (Of her two older brothers, one died young and the other is married, but everyone else is still at home). Bessie is physically strong and, like Jimmie, seems to have an almost endless capacity for hard work. But she also likes to read, “about as much as anyone could”; she continued to be a reader throughout her life. She sings, plays the piano and organ, acts in plays and is an accomplished amateur artist. She is also active in her church and enjoys the social aspects of Sunday School, but even though she’s currently working on an outline of all the chapters of the Bible (she’s gotten as far as Exodus), one senses it’s an intellectual exercise rather than a deeply spiritual one. Her favorite writers are Shakespeare, Dickens and George Eliot. There is no question that Bessie is deeply in love. She wants to be whatever Jimmie wants her to be and she tells him so explicitly. But unlike her mother, the former fifteen-year-old bride, twenty-five-year-old Bessie has already established who she is. We sense, more than once, that the conflict between her love and her independence is creating its own struggle and, from time to time, causing her hard moments of grief and heartache. And now, let the letters tell their own story.

September 1911 …I am also rather timid of writing to an educated School Teacher so please pardon all ungrammatical phrases and misspelled words, and I will ask you not to blue-pencil this sheet…

Sept. 19, 1911, Tuesday Eve. My dearest friend, Your long and very interesting letter came to hand today. You state your letter requires an answer. In order to comply with your request I must answer at once that you may receive it before your return. Hence, pardon for a brief note, as this evening finds me very tired after an extra hard day’s toil. Well Bessie I really don't know just what to say or how to begin this note as your letter to me has been somewhat a revelation to me. But however I will endeavor to write something at least, that you may find interesting in common. I am not much of a letter writer though so don't expect too much of me. I am also rather timid of writing to an educated School Teacher so please pardon all ungrammatical phrases and misspelled

words, and I will ask you not to bluepencil this sheet. Now to continue. I was in V.V. [Valley View] today for a short visit on business and called upon your good kind mother. I had a nice little visit with her and enjoyed it very much. It seemed rather strange not to see you there as you are always at home. In fact strange as it may seem, I don't think I ever called there, that you have not been at home. Even when I went after the buck-rake and monkey wrench. You seemed to have had quite a time with your school this time. I am glad to know though that you were equal to the occasion. It seems to me that you have learned something of reading people’s faces of late. Do you still express your thoughts with your face? After you told the young lady, not V.V. but from Los Gatos, I am not surprised that she said she never

1911

thought there would be anything like that in your family. She is not any more surprised in you than I have been. After what I had been told your disposition was I have met nothing but surprises ever since. But I feel that I can still class you as I have addressed you "My Dearest Friend" without injuring your happiness or peace of mind. You need not do with this letter as I requested you. I will forgo that request on this one. That was a cute little good-bye in your letter Bessie, ditto, me for the same. Sincerely Jimmie ]^

Sept. 26, 1911, Tuesday Eve. Dear Bessie, Well here I am again and my desk is a sight. It is all topsy turvy, and I must confess not very neat. I wish you would fix it up for me some day. Just before supper I went up stairs to Mother’s room & had a nice little heart to heart talk with her. I found her in good spirits as usual and we had a lovely little talk as I often sit up a good deal later sometimes evenings, than I ought to talking to her. When we get

to talking we forget the time, like someone else I know dear. Well I brought her down into the kitchen and after hugging and kissing her a few times I came in here to grade some eggs and ponder over that letter of yours I received today. A peculiar thing was, that it was the only piece of mail left in the box. That is something I cannot remember happening for a long time. But dearie it seems strange to me that I seemed to look for that little letter of yours anxiously. I thought of the moving pictures where he goes to the box and finds the looked-for letter and his face expresses the tones of his heartstrings. I wish I could let myself slide as I seem to feel dear but something seems to hold me back. But I have come to the conclusion that I have too much depending on me to permit my mind to be so much clouded in the future as it has been in the past few weeks. I have decided to leave my case to the One great Mind, Divine Mind or God and He will decide it for me in the right way at the right time. I know absolutely Bessie that I can count on you to be true and fair to me in every way. I know way down deep in my heart that I have treated you as square as I know how. It is the way I treat everybody, and it is not my fault Dearest Bessie...

1911

but a mistake if I do not. It's now about time to answer some of your letter but I get to writing and forget that my letter is beginning to resemble a manuscript. It's rather strange that you should overhear such a conversation as you did in regard to Christian Science*. It's a subject in which I am very much interested and it will bear investigation. The question the Minister asked you I do not understand, until I do I cannot answer you. I am glad the sermon was interesting to you dear. I wonder how it could remind you of me. Enjoyed the samples of your pupils’ work, had quite a laugh over the rooster. Your horoscope of me suits my case quite well except in one particular, and that is "but I do not always keep their secrets." I have never failed to keep one’s secret yet dear and when I do not it will be first time. I just love strawberries, so please eat some for me, won't you? Now in regard to Sunday, I said some Sunday you know dear, but know how pleased you will be if we go this Sunday, and I confess Angel dear, that I am pleased beyond measure to go myself. *

Jimmie was the only Christian Scientist in his family –he was introduced to the religion by a friend, probably in his early to mid 20’s.

…Love Jimmie

Therefore I will endeavor to be at your home at 10 A.M. Sunday morning, if nothing unforeseen at present happens I'll be there. I promise you dear that nothing but business of importance will detain me. Yes if I only know how anxious you are to hear from me dear, and I often wonder if you would always love and cherish the same views of me in the future and forever as you do now. "Yes, if I only knew," would you always try to find fault with me and not succeed. You remember what you told me the other night that you tried to find some fault with me and couldn't. Would you always love me as you seem to now? Oh such questions Bessie. This has rose in your heart in but a few months, you are a changed girl from what you was then. Would this change last forever? "Would that God the gift to give us to see ourselves as other see us." Look Bessie look a little farther and see for sure if I have not some fault that you can see and find. Haven't seen me for 3 days just think & it really does seem like a year doesn't it? My dear I must close so with love and kisses I will bid you a sweet Goodnight to remain as always Sincerely Jimmie 3

1911

Pleasant Dreams. P.S. You may keep this letter till I see you Sunday because if you burned it I should want you to have done it at

once. I feel that you might want to read it over more than once as I do yours so keep it till I see you Sun., and have it with you. I will bring yours with me.

“Educated Schoolteacher” Miss Bessie Johnson at Skyland School. (abt. 1913-1914 ) The students include four of her siblings. 1-Bessie 2-Ruby 3-Anna Mae 4-Howard 5-Mildred

Dearest Bessie...

October 1911 …Oh, my dear, such statements coming from such a good, sensible girl of sound mind and reasoning as you. Do you ever think of the vastness of their meaning. Would you think the same 50 years from now as you do now or is it just a passing fancy… Oct. 3, 1911, Tues. Eve. 10 P.M. My Dear Little Bessie, Your beautiful, sweet and deeply interesting letter I received today. You feeling so sure that you were going to hear from me I am glad that I did not disappoint you. I'll never do that if I can help it dear. You need not excuse your paper for it would be just as interesting to me if you wrote on any kind of paper. I have thought several times that you put yourself to a great deal of trouble fixing up your letters so neat and attractive. I have called up the Editor of the Los Gatos Mail and he informs me that he has never known Thanksgiving to be any other day but the last Thursday in November. That would be the 30th. There is no way to tell for sure other than the above except he says to write to the President of the United States. As I understand you, you can come on Thanksgiving so I can see nothing to ...Love Jimmie

prevent you from coming. I certainly want you to be there sweetheart, you ought to know I do. Your visit to the Chinese home must have been an interesting one as your description of it was to me. I am getting along fine with the Ball and thanks for your pre-offer of aid. I may need you, I am sure you can help me, I feel that you will always be willing to help me in any way you can in anything dear, I undertake. You have answered my letter very nicely dear except "some parts of it" as you say. That's right maintain your dignity always but perhaps some day you might answer those "some parts of it" dear. You have already proved what I said I thought of you in my last letter, namely "that I could always count on you to treat me true and fair in every way" and you say you won't take a copy of my letter either as you intended to do as that would not be treating me fair. And in parting with it 5

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let me assure you that you are not parting with the tiniest part of your dearest Friend Love. You thought of enough Sunday dear. I see you are like me, you weigh everything very carefully in the scales of thought in your calmer moments of reflection. Oh dear! I here I come again to those "some parts" of my last letter angel. My, my, what a grand sweet thing to say about me. Two great thoughts let me quote them, lest you may not have kept a copy of your letter and remember them in full. 1st: "Did you ever stop to think Jimmie (that there is no man living just like you.)" 2nd: "God in his wisdom never created but one Jimmie Porter so how could my feelings and affections ever change." Oh, my dear such statements coming from such a good, sensible, girl of sound mind and reasoning as you. Do you ever think of the vastness of their meaning. Would you think the same 50 years from now as you do now or is it just a passing fancy. I am a deep thinker dear and I wonder way down in the deepest thinking spots of my heart if you are really fixed in these opinions you now seem to hold of me, or if you will wake up to your old self again, "the calm, 6

cool, and independent girl to men” you used to be, for years I am told, "and I believe it too" you were immovable. Will you wake up in the near future or in the early future years as suddenly as you have made this change that you have acknowledged to me with you letter, "so changed that at times you hardly know yourself", to use your own words. Now to answer the rest of your letter I stop my mind from drifting and thinking for it seems as though I could keep right on writing all night we have so much in common, and I'll keep on thinking for sometime yet anyway. Mr. Martin and Miss Torr∗ will be there as he has promised me he would. I sold him an Ad too in my program. Oh! The knockers are out with the hammers at last. I have rather been surprised that they have not knocked before now. But again you prove your colors Bessie, and you are certainly right and fair don't believe it in the first place as you say. Secondly, you are correct. Thirdly, I admire, love, and respect you for the stand, and firm stand you take. That's your views is it? I am glad to know them, and the rest of your views exactly coincide with mine. I ∗

Handwriting unclear – possibly “Corr”

Dearest Bessie...

1911

am glad you think I treated you royally, I try to and always will dear. Am feeling fine this week but a little shy on sleep again, but will make that up sometime. Excuse haste mistakes, scribbling and everything dear. Your Greek and Latin is too deep for me, will have to look that up when I get time. Best Luck to Bachelors Hall, that makes me smile Bessie. I have lived there a great many years I wonder if I'll live there always! (xx) Good night dear heart, Sweet dreams Sincerely Jimmie

Oct. 8, 1911, Sunday Eve

I am sorry dear now that I did not let you write to me as usual on Tues. I will not be able to leave here before Wednesday and I cannot tell at just what town I'll be in at a certain time or for how long. It depends on how I get started and how successful I am. That is in point of time I mean only. Therefore I guess that you had better write that letter so that I'll get it here by return mail; and if I am gone before it gets here why I'll get it when I come back sure. I get so much mail that it won't be noticed much anyway and if it is I do not care. So with Love and Kisses, I will kiss you Goodnight in my imagination & dreams Lovingly Jimmie

Dear Little Bessie You will have to excuse just a few brief lines tonight, as I am awfully awfully tired. After working hard nearly all day today I had to get in and stack all the trays again tonight, as it commenced to rain. I have worked very hard for the last 2 years at the heaviest kind of work and I have about made up my mind that this will have to be the last year of such hard heavy work as I am not big enough to stand it always.

P.S. I have deciphered that Latin as I called it in your last letter Bessie. You confused me slightly by misspelling the word night backwards. My! sweetheart do you really? Are you very religious Bessie? I want you sometime, in your next letter if you wish, to tell me what, and how you pray for me. Also answer the above questions. Just a few words that have come into my mind, that I will jot down for you to ponder over & then I must close, as follows – Perhaps in no

…Love Jimmie

1911

one thing is the line of demarcation between Christian Science and other religious teachings more clearly shown than in this, that in Christian Science understanding takes the place of blind belief, and the intelligent working out of one's salvation supersedes groping & helpless hope. The careful and faithful studying of the Christian Science Textbook, with the Bible, Bessie, unfolds the way of this understanding and enables the student to grasp the unerring Principle and the scientific application of this new-old religion of Christ Jesus. This differentiation of Christian Science from other modes of thought was interestingly illustrated to me while thinking of the Indians weaving their Navaho Blankets from the time of Homer who sang in his Odyssey, "Fate has wove the thread of life with pain." Down through the ages, the loom has been a favorite simile of life, in which each has woven his pattern as fate and circumstances might direct. Symbol and parable have been used as a means of teaching truth, but the vision of truth must be clear in order that the symbol may carry to the human understanding a divine message. In looking at poor human lives, how blurred the pattern, as fate and not Principle is thought to guide the 8

helpless hands. Here & there amid the unlovely patterns of material belief, the Christ-thought runs as in the dream of the poet a "thread of gold." One of the disciples said to Jesus, "Master teach us to pray" therefore I want you to teach me how you pray. Goodnight dear Lovingly Yours Jimmie ]^

Watsonville, Cal. Oct. 16, 1911, Mon. Noon Dear Bessie, Just a line in haste as I am very busy & parties are waiting for me now to go with them in 5 minutes. Please drop me a few lines so that I will get it Thursday anyway. I'll write you a little more this evening if I have a chance. I have had a very successful trip here so far and am getting along fine. The Apple Annual was a fine success. Your letter came O.K. was pleased to receive it, it was very interesting, will answer it later. Excuse haste etc. With Love, hug & a pretty kiss. Lovingly Jimmie .

Dearest Bessie...

1911

Oct. 23, 1911, Monday Eve Dear Little Bessie, I have looked up that last letter of yours and I find that you are right and that I did not answer it. So I am going to answer it briefly as my time is at somewhat of a premium this week. So you left on an earlier train to hear that Sermon on Equal Suffrage. I cannot go into a discussion of my ideas on Equal Suffrage at this time, by & by I may some time. I read yours however with interest. Your expression, "If women behaved themselves men would have to" is quite true & food for thought as well. Yes we discuss many and varied subjects t’is true. I find you quite well read on most all I have tackled you on so far though. Oh my yes I forgot that picture again. I'll try and remember it sure next time Bessie. Yes I passed Geo.∗ near the Jarvis Rd. no wonder you did not want to linger there. You have the right dope, alright. No Bessie I am not afraid to tell you anything, you are one of the few girls I know who don't gossip things. Yes I wanted to give you a few of those notices to write for me ∗

George Johnson, the 6th Johnson sibling, born August 1894.

…Love Jimmie

Sunday but we did not have time so I'll have to do them myself. Thanks to you though Bessie for I know your heart is in the night place.

From Bessie’s Scrapbook

Yes Bessie you are mistaken I have kept "Bachelors Hall" for many years for I was away from home for a good many years. I have seen life from all views and if I was asked to say which I

1911

thought was the best for a man I would still have to think before I could answer it at all. The little dog is a good one Bessie and he can have a home with me. By the way I'd rather you wouldn't put your name on the outside of your letters for many reasons.* Will tell you some of them when I see you if you want to know them. Tuesday Eve Just a line in ans. to yours of Sun. Eve. It came to hand today O.K. Was pleased to get it too. It is not surprising to me that you could find so much to write about having only seen me a few hours before. When I got home had I the time I could have sat down and written you quite a letter as I was in a happy romantic mood, and when I found myself all alone, I would have been delighted to express some of my thoughts to you by pen & paper. My conscience is still troubling me very much again from time to time Bessie. I seemed to feel somewhat easier after that eve we went to Campbell, you consoled me greatly but not quite completely. If I could only

make up my mind I'd give most anything but I confess I cannot. You have told me that I need not think of getting married, that it was not obligatory upon me to do that, but that we could just be the best of friends. But under the sunshine of continued friendship the bud swells and keeps wanting to bloom into a Love that is unexplainable and passeth understanding. At first I did nothing to cause you to love me but since that Campbell night I seemed to have lost control of myself and have done things that six minutes ago I would have never dreamed of doing. How everything will turn out at this moment I do not know. But I do know that they will turn out right however they go for Divine Mind cannot permit to go otherwise. Was sorry to hear of Ella's† illness. Hope she is better now. Must of been a shock to you. What crisis was Aug. 24 in your life? The outline of your story sounds good. I ought to be O.K. I am going to write a novel when I get time will give you outline later. Haven't got time or space now. I guess you have looked up a good

At this time Bessie is teaching in Gilroy and boarding with the Reeve family. She comes home on weekends. Jimmie’s letters go to Gilroy, but her letters go to his home.

†

Ella Johnson, the 4th Johnson sibling and 2nd girl after Bessie, born November 1888.

Dearest Bessie...

1911

deal about me Bessie, last but not least my name. My Bro.* saw Cas Aubrey† he was quite well. Poor fellow wanted to buy a ticket to the 10th but my Bro would not let him. Excuse haste and scribbling. Lovingly, Jimmie P.S. Postmaster in Watsonville is an old friend of mine, told him to send me that letter. Guess I'll get it soon. ]^

* †

William Ray Porter (Will), born January 1886 Ella Johnson’s fiancé

…Love Jimmie

1911

James Underhill Porter born August 24, 1881 Picture taken in Boston, date unknown.

Dearest Bessie...

1911

November 1911 …Your letter found me in the best of spirits as I am seldom otherwise, but it tempted me to grieve & weep when I read of your terrible weeping. You weep but know not why… Nov. 1, 1911, Wed. Noon Dear Bessie, Your beautiful letter came last eve and I should have answered it last night but I had a delegation here and it was impossible. I am very much pleased that you can come at so nice a time. You can take 3 o'clock car via Campbell and get off at the Shannon Road. If possible I'll be there to meet you, if not you can come to my home which is only a short walk, and dress and do anything else you please. I told Mother and she said it's alright to do that. Then you can go with me from here to the Hall. Your letter I say again is very beautiful and required some thought so will be compelled to defer answering it and also the W'ville letter until a later date when the demands on my time are not so imperative. I have not had but one night’s sleep again in 3 weeks and I don't see any chance ahead for another 4 or 5 days. Tonight I work on

…Love Jimmie

the programs with a committee of girls. Thurs. night I go to Moreland Local with Bros. Craig, Thomas & Woodard. Fri. night I go to Roosevelt Local Campbell with same Bros. So you see I am in for an awful deal. Never again dear. For a while anyway. Please excuse brief letter. Your letter found me in the best of spirits as I am seldom otherwise, but it tempted me to grieve & weep when I read of your terrible weeping. You weep but know not why. Please do not weep Bessie for God is Love and you are his image and likeness therefore you are the perfect child of God, reflecting only love & joy, happiness, truth, & all that is good and beautiful, for God is Good & knows no sorrow neither weeping nor pain. So cheer up girlie and be happy & cheerful for it is your divine birthright. I'll try hard to see you this week but if I don't I'll write soon. Be sure & come & I have directed you & I'll be pleased to see you and see that you

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have a good good time the best yet. Bro. Craig wants to lead the Grand March with Sister Barton and if they want you to go with Bro. Barton in the Grand March would you be willing. I know you would dear think it over & let me know. I must close with a sweet Good day and a kiss & with Love I am Sincerely Jimmie P.S. Please excuse haste etc. ]^

Nov. 8, 1911 Dear Little Bessie, Enclosed please find a letter which you can show to Ella or your Mother either if you wish. The letter I would write to you anyway as it expresses nothing but my true sentiments. Only a few of my sweet words are left out of it. I have made arrangements for you to take 3rd place in the Grand March right behind me, you to march with the Pres. of Valley View Bro Barton. Everything is lovely dear so with one of those sweet Goodbye kisses I am Sincerely Jimmie

Will try and be at the car to meet you. [Second letter enclosed in envelope follows.]

Nov. 7, 1911 1:30 A.M. Miss Bessie Johnson, Gilroy Cal Dear Friend Bessie, I have just arrived home from a conference meeting of all committees and thought I would write you just a line while my hand is in shape as I have just written letters to Sister Barton, State Pres. H.W. Wrightson & State Sec. John McKinney. You see you will be leaving there early Fri. so I will give this letter to my Bro. and he will mail it in San Jose and you will get it Thurs. Had good write-ups in all the papers. Will save you clippings. I had a nice little song-fest with Ella while you were dressing Sun. and was much impressed with the little talk we had as well. She is a true blue girl of sterling qualities and deserves much credit for her stand. Those qualities though Bessie are but the reflections of the rearing and teaching of a beautiful, true and Loving Mother. Girls like her are few, as I told her Sun. and they are a great credit to the Mothers who raise them. Few realize the many watchful hours a Loving

Dearest Bessie...

1911

Mother spends over her offspring or the great, far reaching, and solemn duties that falls upon her shoulders. In our light trip down life's pathway we are liable to forget the great debt we owe our parents, our mothers especially, and it is not too much for us at any time to give them all we have if they need it, even our very lives. Cassimir* is a self made man and it would make me extremely happy to see him regain his health. Your letter was very interesting, especially the Post Scripts I shall try to observe. Please excuse scribbling & all mistakes as I am extremely sleepy. Had a fine meeting of committees 27 present. All details are completed now for the big show. A little more than 14 couples I hope. Sincerely Your Friend Jimmie Good night, pleasant dreams ]^

Aptos Nov. 9, 1911, Thurs. Afternoon

mail at Watsonville today but found no word from you. I have been waiting expecting that I might hear from you. I am in Aptos here today and expect, nothing unforeseen happening, to be home by the end of the week. I am going to try to get over Sun. if possible but it is very uncertain as there will be lots piled up there for me when I get home. Am waiting a few minutes for some gentlemen to settle a business matter so thought I'd drop you a few lines. Expected to go back by way of Gilroy but was disappointed in that. Supposed you have all the cards you want from these towns so have not sent you any more. The post master tells me if I give him this letter at once it will go now and you'll get it tomorrow. With Love & a kiss I am Sincerely Jimmie Write Soon ]^

Dear Bessie, Just a line in haste that you might get it before you get home. I called for *

Cas/Cassimir/Casmire/Casimer Aubrey. Could not confirm the spelling of his first name.

…Love Jimmie

1911

" From Bessie’s Diary Nov. 10, 1911

Attended the first entertainment and Grand Ball at Los Gatos given by the Union Local No. 60 on Nov. 10th. It was certainly a grand success owing to the untiring efforts of my friend Jimmie Porter. He worked hard for weeks before the event. I spent the night at the home of Jimmie Porter and had a very nice time. He drove me home Sat. eve. About four hundred people attended the grand ball. Jimmie Porter, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Union Local very graciously introduced our late [i.e. ‘former’ President] Homer A. Craig to us who made a splendid address of welcome to us and explained the object of the organization to us. Miss Smith* of Los Gatos played for us and Miss Penny sang for us. Our late President Homer Craig and Mrs. Nelson Barton of V.V. [Valley View] led the grand march. Second in line were James U. Porter and Beatrice Thomas. Third in line Mr. Nelson Barton, President of the V.V. Local and Miss Bessie Johnson. We enjoyed a most delicious supper. Dancing was continued until 2 o’clock A. M.

Florence Smith, a close friend of Jimmie’s

Dearest Bessie...

1911

Nov. 14, 1911, Tues Eve Bessie, My Dear Little Friend, Your nice letter was duly received today and was pleased as usual to get it. Here it is nearly 10 o'clock and I have not written you a line as yet, and you know I told you I was going to write you a few lines by piecemeal. but I must drop you just a line so that I can give it to my Bro. to mail for me in San Jose in the morning as I must get a word to you this week sure, as you expect to see a sample of my writing or something to that effect you said in your letter I believe. Well I am coming down Sun. rain or shine and you are going to be ready to go with me rain or shine dear don't forget that. I have not made my plans definitely as yet but they will be aright have no fear. I may want you to spend the evening with me as well as the day do leave the day & evening open dear and don't make any plans for either. Please keep that much for me will you? I can't make my plans so far ahead exactly definite as I have too many varied interests at stake and can't always tell what the next day has for me to do. They are not all selfish

…Love Jimmie

interests of my own but mostly of others, some near & dear to me and some only friends and acquaintances. I have a strenuous and interesting meeting of our Local to attend Fri. eve. Think of me about 9 PM. Please excuse all mistakes etc. as it is late and I am very tired. I received two very interesting letters this week one from Los Gatos & one from New Bedford, Mass, both touching upon the same subject but of widely, widely differing contents. They are so vastly different that they are almost incomparable, except to say that one was to me as a midsummer nights dream while the other borders on the darkest tunnels of hell if there was such a thing, in brief from the sublime to the ridiculous. I'll bring them with me Sun., they may interest you, as you are of the subject of their contents. I am going down to Utters tomorrow and will call at your home and leave the eggs from our lunch there, instead of boiling them myself I wish you to do so as I will enjoy them much more I am quite sure. I'll also leave a couple for your breakfast Sat. morning also a few for your loved ones. I must close now sweetheart and again ask you to excuse me for not 17

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answering your past letters as I just cannot sit here any longer dear. Your last dose of Latin is too much for me. I confess so with a sweet good night kiss I am Lovingly Jimmie Excuse paper as I have run out of personal stationary. I guess they can afford to give me this much don't you? I disguised my handwriting on the envelope to fool those kids of yours. Think I can? [Note: "James U. Porter" is preprinted on the envelope along with the Union Local info. The address is in very different handwriting than his usual however. One wonders if “the kids” were fooled. These may be the children of the Reeve family, where she was boarding, or possibly her

students at the school in Gilroy where she was teaching.]

Nov. 25, 1911, Sat. A.M. Dear Bessie, Enclosed please find a card from Bro. Thomas which explains itself. Come down as early as you can Sun. and we can have a few minutes to say hello before you take your car. In haste Jimmie Am giving Geo. that message enclosing check for Mr. Ingraham Excuse haste

" From Bessie’s Diary Nov. 27, 1911

Went for a buggy ride with James U. and had lunch at Guadalupe.

Dearest Bessie...

December 1911 …A good fountain pen is a blessing, the nicest thing one could possess, but a poor one is awful, can’t explain it dear, just awful that’s all… Dec. 6, 1911, Wens. Eve. Dear Little Bessie, At last, thank heavens I am done at last and it is 12:15 P.M. or A.M. rather. I have been the busiest person you ever knew this week. This is the 3rd night that I have spent from 6 to 7 hours at my desk and I am not any too fully recovered my health & strength either. The work at my desk here piled up while I was sick and to make it worse I had to send out 200 post cards for the Union, and 40 sealed written notices to candidates for membership, of a whole page. I have had an extra heavy business mail this week too. So you see dear that I am somewhat up against it, don't you think? But I am game and I get there anyway some how. I have not been to San Jose yet so am still out of stationery so please excuse this before I forget too. Now in regard to that pen dear. Never get a fountain pen unless you get a good one. I have lost mine so have none at …Love Jimmie

present and am lost without it. Get a Waterman Pen they are the best made. They have them all prices you know, but just get a good standard one not a fancy handle etc., but a plain one and your money will be in the goodness of the pen. A good fountain pen is a blessing, the nicest thing one could possess, but a poor one is awful, can't explain it dear, just awful that's all. Well Bessie I will ask you to excuse a short letter again as I am almost all in and really I feel as though I had writer's cramp. If you read this you'll do well. I was very sick last week never experienced such a week. I will tell you about it when I see you. I have been wondering how you felt Mon. the 27th. That's when I first noticed I began to lose my nerve, and get weak and from then on I kept getting weaker until Wens. when I was confined to my bed. I was surprised as usual by the pleasant visits of my friends, the last of which was Sun. last when several young ladies, friends of mine in Los 19

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Gatos came out to cheer me up. They found me busily engaged with Bro. Craig looking over the State report and other of the Union's business. Bro. Craig left shortly and with songs and music & pleasant happy conversation they left me much better than they found me. I have many good friends Bessie and it always touches a soft spot in my heart when they pay me homage and are so thoughtful of me when I am ill. I am sorry that I could not have let you know how I was but I had not intended to tell you if I could have avoided it, for a little reason of my own. But some how or other you always seem to hear of me whether I want you to or not. It would be a great pleasure for to have you read to me and some day sick or well I would like to have you do so. Now Fri. evening as you know I have got to go to the Union meeting and Sat. I may have to go to San Jose & if I do I will not be able to go down your way for I won't return until the 10:30 car, anyway. Sun. I do not know what is in store for me now but I know I'll be very tired. Oh yes, my Bro has a business engagement in San Jose and says he may want me to come with him. If I possibly can I'll be down either Sat. Eve. or Sun. some time 20

before you have to go. Say Bessie I just happened to think you said you did not want to see me for some time so that you would not have to give me the letters. It seems as though you were going to get your wish, partly so anyway. You know you promised me you were going to give them to me without me having to ask you for them again. Of course I know you are true to your word, but I hardly think that you will want me to defer my coming any longer than I really have to on account of that will you? Well sweetheart it is 1:05 A.M. now and I am very tired but feel quite well again and can work both brain & brawn so don't worry about me, will you? I got that get well Kiss the big one you know so nothing else matters, I will close with a big good night one. XX Your Loving Friend James U. P.S. Best wished for a Merry Xmas & a Happy & prosperous New Year. ]^ Dec. 13, 1911, Wednesday Eve

Dear Little Bessie, Well I am up against it again Bessie,

Dearest Bessie...

1911

so will have to ask you to excuse a brief note as I do not want to disappoint you as I promised you I'd write so must write at least something anyway. I am going to Watsonville for a few days Sat. Write me a few lines so that I'll get it there Mon. A.M. Let me know what your folks decided to do about moving. Your letter was very interesting and I thought it quite a nice letter instead of the short one you said you thought it was. I have been more than busy again this week and I won't bore you telling you the many things I have had to do. But it has come to a show down now and I must get some sleep. I am sorry that I won't be here to get you the berries you wanted me to get for you. I could get you lots of nice ones as you know there are lots around here. That struck the old gentleman on the train rather funny, but you I guess could sympathize with the young people couldn't you? I am sure I could, a week is a long time sometimes you know Bessie. I am glad your father liked the razor. I was afraid it might not suit him. Yes, I quite agree with you I suppose it would seem rather strange to me if I and my sweetheart did not arrive home early in the morning from …Love Jimmie

a Farmers Union time. I still have vivid in my memory the last one. You say in your letter you suppose I and my sweetheart will do so again this time. I rarely think of myself Bessie so a request to forget myself long enough to perform that little favor you ask is not necessary. I'll do it with Lester B. for you. Excuse haste etc. Your Loving Friend Jimmie ]^

Dec. 19. 1911, Tues eve. 6:30 P.M. My Dear Little Friend, Well, Bessie here I am at home again. Just arrived. Found your letter right on top of the bunch of mail that accumulated in my absence at my desk. Not having rescinded my forward order at W'ville P.O. it was forwarded Mon. morn. before I called for it. Please excuse all mistakes and bum scrawl as my head is so full of so many things and the window keeps opening behind me and I am asked all kinds of questions so I am not altogether responsible now. Well I have read your very interesting letter over very carefully and I must explain to you in regard to your request. I am just as anxious to

1911

grant that as you are that I should, but listen; my Mother expects some guests here from the city, S.F. I mean and if they come I cannot get away. Fri. eve. is the meeting of the Local and installation of Officers so I must be there. I regard that as a duty to my fellow man. So now Bessie, the way the thing is, I'll come down Mon. eve, Xmas night and we will go to Campbell in case my Mother's guests do not come. At present it is very doubtful if they do. I sincerely hope they don't. I have to go to San Jose one day this week to do my Xmas shopping. I have not done that yet. I want to get that manicuring outfit for you you know too, as I can't get it in Los Gatos. So if it is at all within my power I'll be at your home Mon. eve and we will go to the dance. That is the very best I can say at present Bessie. I don't want you to put yourself out for me though but I cannot say for sure now. If I am not able to come I hope you won't be too disappointed as I'll come a night or so after. Bessie from what you tell me in regard to the bargain your folks have made I think they have made a home run, both in fact as well as the language of the diamond. From your description it must be a dandy sure. So many conveniences too. So don't get 22

so upset about it for if you made as many, many sacrifices for your folks as I have for mine then I think you would be justified in going a night with only 1 hrs. sleep. When you are tempted to think that you are asked to do too much for your folks, especially your Mother just stop and think of a few of the things she has done for you, and I am sure it will help you a great deal. I have a lot of horses here now and colts that must be worked, as well as the many, many other duties that are before me this week so will be very, very busy. I am writing this note to you before my Bro. arrives home for when he comes we'll go through the other mail and other details we must arrange. I hear him coming up on the porch now so must close, hoping to be able to see you Mon. eve and wishing you and yours a merry Xmas and a Happy and very Prosperous New Year and I'll say Good Night. With Love & Best Wishes Your old Friend Jimmie ]^

Dec. 27, 1911, Wednesday Dear Bessie, Well you observe the date above

Dearest Bessie...

1911

and you know why it is there. This is Sat. eve 10 P.M. I received your very interesting letter this evening and will hasten to reply so you may get it before your departure. Well I am surprised at Bill* I might say. Such a honeymoon. Well I guess I better not express myself further on paper I'll tell you when I see you. How did you sleep the next night in your bed? Yes I am sorry that you did not stay here. I could have accomplished much I am sure. I have sat at my desk here the last 2 nights till 7 hours of steady work had been put in. I am fairly well caught up on correspondence now. Last night I had to check up our bank acct. the 1st of the year going over every check issued against C.H.P.† & Sons for the year to find out the exact bal. we have on hand to begin the new year with. It was quite a job. Tomorrow I get my trial balance for 12 mos. & open the books for 1912. I have written up the minutes of our last meeting tonight and now will have to open a new dues record for *

Apparently Bessie’s brother, Marcel Johnson, born May 1891. He married Annie Paul Wetmore (known as “Sis”) on Dec. 27th. See Bessie’s diary below for her story of the wedding. It’s a mystery why Jimmie calls him “Bill”. † Charles Henry Porter, Jimmie’s father

…Love Jimmie

1912. All names of members have to be transferred to new book. So you see Bessie it seems as though my work would never end. I note what you say about your Mother and I am sorry you did not accept my invitation. It rained all day the next day here too. Am glad that Bill and Annie are so pleased with their present. Hope they will use it for a Golden Wedding 50 years hence. Between Cass and his hoss & Bill and his Annie and a few other little things your mother almost has her hands full I think. Many thanks for the very pretty cards you sent me. I'll try and get somewhere where I can get one for you. I mailed you 4 copies of the "Los Gatos Mail" thinking you would want them and have one extra one at home here I'll save for you. Saw Mr. Wetmore Fri. in town said he did not know where the couple were. Had not seen hide nor hair of them since they were married. Said he was just in and bought 6 copies of The Mail and Mrs. W. accused me of putting in the dope. Said he had offered to let them live where he is living now but as yet they have given him no answer. Said he was about broke now but did not expect to remain so. He did not tell me not to repeat what he said, but if you 23

1911

do I'd rather you would not use my name or say where you got your information. He had just got out of the dentist chair where had had all his teeth out. His mouth was bleeding fearfully. Must close now & bid you Good night. Sincerely Jimmie

P.S. Am enclosing one of my personal cards you asked me for one time. P.S. No. 2. Best wishes for New Year ]^

James Underhill Porter Abt 1913

Dearest Bessie...

1911

" From Bessie’s Diary Dec. 25, 1911 School closed for a two weeks vacation. We had a beautiful Christmas tree at school which was loaded with presents. We ended with a nice program. Christmas night I attended the Campbell dance with Jimmie Porter. Dec 27, 1911 My brother Marcel aged 20 has set sails upon the Matrimonial Sea. He was married at high noon today to a Miss Annie Paul Wetmore of Los Gatos. The old Gibson Homestead at Cupertino, the former home of the bride’s mother was the scene of the happy event. The ceremony was performed out of doors under a large pepper tree and it was raining, the same tree where the bride’s mother was married twenty years ago. They were married by Mr. Coleman of San Jose. Annie was attired in white satin. Marcel wore the conventional black. Following the ceremony an elaborate wedding dinner was served. Marcel and Annie got their share of old shoes and rice.

…Love Jimmie

1911

Marcel Johnson and Annie Paul Wetmore Johnson (“Sis”) “…set sails on the Matrimonial Sea.”

Dearest Bessie...

January 1912 …So as I have never been false to my word in my life I'll remain true to my first thought and mail you what I wrote Sun. eve, for I could not write that tonight if I was to receive a million dollars or even if my very life depended on it. Not altogether because of what you have done, don't misunderstand me dear….

Jan. 7, 1912, At Home Sunday Eve. Dear Bessie, The week ahead of me looks to be a rather strenuous one and I may not have a chance to pen an answer to your promised letter, hence my writing now. To begin with I told you I'd pen a few words of my views on "Youth" "Age" & "Decay." To begin with, "Love never loses sight of loveliness, Its halo rests upon its object. One marvels that a friend can ever seem less than beautiful. Men and women of riper years and larger lessons ought to ripen into health and immortality, instead of lapsing into care and trouble. Immortal Mind feeds the body with supernal freshness and fairness, supplying it with beautiful images of thought and destroying the woes of sense which each day bring to a nearer tomb. The sculptor turns from his marble to his model in order to perfect his conception. We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives." S.&H. [Science

&Health] Page 248.

So Bessie dear in view of my above thoughts & views please never say to me again that you will ever grow old & decrepit or that we will all be dead some day and know no more of this world as you did today. But let unselfishness, goodness, mercy, justice, health, holiness & love – the kingdom of heaven – reign within you and sin, disease, and death will diminish until they finally disappear. So now dear you will probably wonder at me now but I am not through yet but am going to drift off into a dream and as I look through the unshaded window into the twilight of the still but dreamy night I feel a bit romantic and can feel myself slipping away into a dream. Knowing that I can trust you and still have your promise to return to me any or all of my letters if I desire them I am not afraid that they will get into unkind hands who do not know me 27

1912

and would call me crazy. For a man to be so overcome with emotion is a rare thing I confess, but I am not crazy dear I assure you. So here goes. I'll have to start a new sheet, but follow on dear if you do not get tired of reading this lengthy missal. To Bessie I You rested by the Shannon Road Your rosy cheeks looked swell, You were soon to move beyond my lingering look Ah, whither I think I could tell. II You came, you went, to other lands, Perchance; in fairer skies. You say your hands have never clung to other hands Or your eyes to other eyes. III You vanished in the rumbling car too From old Los Gatos town. Oh; will you recall the eyes of blue As I recall the brown. IV So sweet are the thoughts of mediation When friends together meet But at the thought of separation Mingles bitter with the sweet.

▪▪▪

Because of You Because of you the world seems more fair, The stars shine in the skies The earth seems a paradise. And joys and life and love are everywhere. Because of You.

▪▪▪ I Humility is the seal of your soft affections, And the tenderest pledge of future bliss; The dearest tie of your young connections. Love's first snowflake was your virgin kiss. II Your sparkling silence, dumb confession Of your passions birth & your sweet childful play, Is the glowing dawn of a brighter day Then your joy, then sorrowing, was your adieu's last action When lingering lips no more must join What words can ever speak affection So thrilling and sincere as thine. III So dear of friends we love time oft bereaves Than none can ere replace The happy memory of these lines The unseen hand will trace.

▪▪▪ Excuse mistakes as I have written this as it came to me without making copy, at random. I guess you will be able to read it. I'll say goodnight now

Dearest Bessie...

1912

and finish this when I get your letter, if I have a chance. Well, it is just as I expected not a minute to myself hardly this evening. Your kind letter came to hand today and I regret to say that I am just a little disappointed with it. I note that you have done just the very thing you asked me not do to dear. Do you remember you asked me not to tear up or destroy anything I may have written to you, but to mail it to you no matter what it was, that you would be pleased to read it as long as you knew it came from me. You then added that you would do the same by me. To begin with dear I'll ask you to remember the Golden Rule. That is my motto. Perhaps you will get to know me better after you have known me longer. I think I'll bear acquaintance, and maybe you will think so too if you know me long enough. When I found you had destroyed and cut out parts of your letter my first thought was of what you said. You seemed to have forgotten I had a memory and a pretty fair one too. It serves me pretty consistently & well at most times too. Never forget that dear for nothing so bruises my tender spots as to have anybody that I like & esteem as a true friend of mine to forget their …Love Jimmie

word. You were tempted once before you know and almost wounded me, but I admired you for the way you acted finally, and you redeemed yourself with me fully then. My second thought was to destroy what I had written on Sun. eve to you, and not send it to you for it seemed fair to me, but then I reverted to my first thought again and I remember I agreed to what you said and had told you I would in the future send you anything I might write so you know first thoughts are always the true ones & the best ones as well as being the true impulses from one's own heart, so you can get somewhat of an idea how I felt when you plainly put the "P.S" one in pencil that you had cut out & destroyed those thoughts and let the second thought rule you. So as I have never been false to my word in my life I'll remain true to my first thought and mail you what I wrote Sun. eve, for I could not write that tonight if I was to receive a million dollars or even if my very life depended on it. Not altogether because of what you have done, don't misunderstand me dear, but because I can only write thoughts like those when they come to me. They are first thoughts dear. Please explain to me what you 29

1912

mean by saying "you wish you had some one to reform you this morning." Geo. brought the team home O.K. I gave him a piece of pie and a nice clean collar to fit him & sent him on his way rejoicing. Yes Fri. eve the 12th is the memorial exercises for Bro. Craig. Owing to the great love I have for his memory & the urgent requests of my friends I am going to defer my trip to Sat. morning instead of going Thurs. as I had been asked to do. I rec'd your directions O.K. and think I can find the place. But I won't be up this week as I won't be home. I am writing Lester and think we can come up the week following. Hope you are successful in reforming your new boy. Please be careful and don't leave this letter laying around anywhere as this letter is for you and you alone. Please don't abuse my confidence and show any part of it to anyone without my permission. I have sat here much longer than I should so will bid you a loving Good night and may add that I can forgive but it is hard to overcome my memory & forget. I case you will to pen me a few lines a letter to Watsonville Mon. will reach me. So Goodnight dear. Lovingly Jimmie 30

Jan 24, 1912 At my Desk 12 P.M. Wednesday Eve. Dear Bessie, Well I'll have to ask you to excuse a very brief letter as I must get some sleep soon or I fear I can't keep up forever. When I got home Sun. I found an orchestra playing in the Dining room 4 pieces. I went in, exchanged greetings, went upstairs to change my clothes, and upon returning downstairs a music teacher drove in to see me, & stayed for the evening and to dinner. I seated her in the dining room & then went on my way to feed my hens. I just got outside when Bros. Woodard & Thomas called to see me. I fixed them up and went to my hens again when some customers came to see me. Well I finally got my hens fed with my Brother's help when a committee from the Shannon Road Masquerade Ball called to see me to let me know that they had postponed it to Sat. Feb. 3. Then my friend Pratt came with his sister in his auto to spend the evening. It seems that my troubles will never cease. You can imagine what time I got to bed Sun. night. I could relate my experiences at length had I time to

Dearest Bessie...

1912

do so and then you could see why I can't get time to sleep dear. I have other things of importance to relate to you so I'll suffice to say that my sleep has been very limited since I seen you. Last night I went to a meeting of The National League for Medical Freedom. I was elected on the Committee of Arrangements for a mass meeting in Los Gatos in the near future. Will enclose you card you might be interested, but don't feel that you must fill the card out & be a member because I send it to you. I send you the card as the "Aim and Purpose" is printed on the back. I am going to the County Convention as a delegate from Union Local No. 60. to be held in San Jose Sat. Should you wish to see me and you are in San Jose call up "San Jose 34" it is where my Bro. works, A. H. Martin & Son #50 West St. John St. and leave word where I can find you about noon as they will have a recess about that time and we could have lunch together or if not could say hello anyway. I have found your books and have them safely laid away for you. So don't worry will you. I'll write to your Aunt just as soon as ever I can but not for a few days anyway as my time is entirely taken up. I had intended doing so long ago but it slipped my mind when I had …Love Jimmie

the time & I thought of it when I didn't have the time. I'll allay her fears of offending me. I am sorry she is worrying. Willie said he saw you Sunday. Told Lester he would bet him I paid his fare down to Los Gatos on the train. Lester would not take his bet. Please excuse mistakes & scribbling as I am very tired so will say Good night. Your Loving Friend Jimmie ]^

Jan 31, 1912, Wens. Eve Dear Bessie Your kind and interesting letter was received Tues. afternoon. I was very sorry to learn of your narrow escape from fire. Those stoves unless properly cared for and understood are very dangerous. Your advice in regard to sleep is much appreciated but as yet I see very little ahead of me. I have been working in the poultry until 9 or 10 o'clock every night this week so far in order to get my pens mated up for the season. The work cannot be done to any advantage in the day time. The apricot buds are beginning to swell and I have not finished the pruning yet so have to go to that in the

1912

day time. I am sorry to tell you that it will be utterly impossible to see you this week as my Brother has his old employer from Boston as a guest this week and is not home to help me with the books or correspondence. This is the busiest season of the year in Poultry you know too. My Brother is in San Jose this evening at the Vendome and if he does not come home this letter may not reach you Friday. However I'll do all I can to get it there before you go home. My Brother's old employer is on a trip around the world. I hope to enjoy one myself some day. In regard to "Medical Freedom" card I sent you, you misunderstood it. It is not to do away with anything, but only asked the right of every person to choose his or her own medical practitioner or method of healing when sick. I don't want you to do anything with the card dear I only sent it to you to briefly explain the cause I was interested in. I was rather expecting to see you at San Jose Sat. It was the last chance I'll have to get away for some time as I start the Hatchery a going tomorrow. Then I am confined for at least 3 months, except after 8 o'clock in the

evenings when I have no writing to do. I will try and make arrangements to visit with you some evening in San Jose in the near future. Perhaps the next time you come home. I have not written your Aunt yet but will do so this week sure. Had a fine convention. "The Farmers Union Herald," James U. Porter Editor & Publisher, was endorsed by the convention as the County organ of The Farmers Union. Will probably call on you to contribute some of your literary genius to its columns soon. You no doubt saw the report of the convention in the Mercury & Times. Please excuse the stationery as I am all out again. Also short letter. I am very tired and it is late so will have to close. Hope you find all your folks at home well and happy when you get there. Please don't put much credence in what Lincoln Steffens writes, wish I had time to explain to you but will defer until some other time. I noticed you left something out of the G in Good Night – Hoping you just forgot it and that have no more nightmares I am, Your Loving Friend Jimmie

Dearest Bessie...

1912

…Love Jimmie

1912

" From Bessie’s Diary Jan 3, 1912 James U. Porter spent the evening with us. Jan. 7. 1912 Papa has bought a new home about four miles above Wrights Station at Skyland. It consists of seventy acres of assorted fruit – grapes, pears, apples, cherries, peaches, apricots, olives and prunes. We have a beautiful home. It is situated at the summit of the Santa Cruz Mts. The house is a modern bungalow consisting of a large living room, 27 x 18 ft. and consists of a large fireplace and three sets of windows. The bookcase is built right into the wall. Four bedrooms and an immense sleeping porch. A kitchen, panty, bathroom, hot and cold water and a telephone. Holly berries, ferns and wild flowers are ours for the picking. We moved today. Everything is beautiful and the people lovely up here in the Mts. But Oh! how I hate to leave my friends. Will be able to come home only one night in two weeks now.* Marcel and Annie visited with us for a while after their marriage but have moved to San Rafael where they have gone to housekeeping.

From her job as a teacher in Gilroy.

Dearest Bessie...

1912

SKYLAND RANCH HOUSE AND THE JOHNSON FAMILY IN 1913 L to R: Howard (11), Ruby (15), Anna Mae (12), Mildred (8), Bessie (27), Hiram (57), Sarah (48), Ella (26) Not at home: Jesse (31), Marcel (22), George (19)

…Love Jimmie

1912

Jan. 16, 1912 Casmire Aubrey (my sister’s fiancé) died in San Jose today of bronchial pneumonia. We were all deeply grieved as he was an exceedingly kind-hearted and good young man. He was buried in the Los Gatos Cemetery.

Casmire Aubrey from Bessie’s Album

Dearest Bessie...

1912

Ella Johnson Lindsey and Richard Howard Lindsey On Their Wedding Day, September 18, 1917

…Love Jimmie

1912

Bessie’s Parents HIRAM HUGH JOHNSON and SARAH ELIZABETH CRAPO JOHNSON Probably taken about the time of their marriage in 1881 If so, Hiram would have been 25 and Sarah would have been 15

Dearest Bessie...

February 1912 …I seem to draw from the tone of your letter that you never expect to see me again, and if ever perhaps only a time or two and those at far distant intervals of perhaps months or even years…

Feb. 6, 1912, Tues Eve. Bessie, My Dear Little Friend, I rec'd your nice interesting letter O.K. today and hasten to reply so that you may have time to make your plans accordingly. I am going to answer your letter briefly as there are parts of it that call for an answer. I seem to draw from the tone of your letter that you never expect to see me again, and if ever perhaps only a time or two and those at far distant intervals of perhaps months or even years. For illustration a few phrases quoted from your letter. "I am delighted to hear that some day," note the some day, "I am going to have the pleasure of seeing you and hearing you speak again." "I can plainly see now just about how often we are going to see each other." "What I thought I knew before is being brought into realization now." "If you ever do come to my Aunt's don't forget to bring your

…Love Jimmie

music." I know the underlined If and the words "ever do come." Now what the reason is for your writing in such a tone and strain I confess I do not know, unless you doubt the sincerity of my friendship. Perhaps you can explain it to me when I see you. I have begun this letter as I did the last one I sent you which I have in my possession. The manner in which we have both started our letters has been no set one to the best of my recollection but has been many and varied. I do not remember just how I started them. So what you say "you hope I have only forgotten; but you think you know why," interested me intensely for I again don't know just what you mean. I'll take the 6:15 car from here on next Sat. eve the 10th and ill arrive at Market & Santa Clara streets at about 6:50 or 7:00 P.M. If I don't find you there on one of the corners I'll come down to 433 Autumn St. the home of

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your Aunt. If it happens that you are downtown just be there at Market & Santa Clara Sts when the car pulls in, and I'll meet you. Excuse brief letter as I have just rec'd a lecture from my Bro. on his way up to bed, that I did not get enough sleep. I trust this arrangement will be satisfactory to you and will look forward with pleasure for Sat. Eve to roll around. So good night dear Pleasant dreams. Lovingly Your Dear Friend Jimmie ]^

Feb. 14, 1912, At Home Bessie, My Dearest Friend, Your very interesting letter of many surprises was rec'd O.K. You are very thoughtful I am sure to send me the pretty Valentine & card. So the card just suits me does it? I hope you may ever find me worthy of the beautiful words. Your letters dear, from time to time afford me the greatest opportunity to write some beautiful replies had I only the time. But dear me I find myself this week blocked up fuller than ever yet. It is now past the midnight hour and I am

only just starting this letter to you, so if it isn't just what it ought to be don't blame me will you? Your trip to "Paradise" as you call it is what I try to make my everyday life. God's sacred city as you term it is what we call in Christian Science the real and eternal and everyone can live there if we so desire for we are all God's children dear. The other world of which you speak, "the world of hustle, noise & tumult," "Hatred, sorrow, and unfaithfulness seeming everywhere" to quote you again, is only the false world of error. Unreal, because it is unlike God, and is a false sense of things which fades away into its native nothingness, when the true sense of things is realized. Love moves the world dear not hate, and all things that are not of Love or Good are false & unreal because God made everything, and He saw everything that he made and behold it was very good. That seems so clear and reasonable to me dear does it to you? I prove it to be true every day. A Lady, an old and very dear friend of mine was discussing the subject of marriage with me some time ago. She is married herself, happily so, and has a family. I saw her tonight and she gave me a clipping which she said best explained her views. As it proved Dearest Bessie...

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interesting to me I thought I might be to you. So I'll enclose it to you. Kindly take care of it and return it to me after you have read it as she did not say whether I could keep it or not. We have a special meeting of the union this week at Downing Sisters Home tomorrow eve. Going to have a big time in old V.V. [Valley View] Fri. eve 23rd. If the play comes right we might go down. This is not a promise but think it over. Got proofs, they are good. Will have some made. Good night Pleasant Dreams Your Loving Little Friend Jimmie Remember me to your Mother & all at home. ]^

Feb 27, 1912, At Home Tues eve. My Dearest Little Friend, Well here I am all alone in my little office. I have quite a bunch of mail to get out this eve as well as the usual bills, deposit book, express book etc. I have decided this eve to write you a little letter in answer to the nice one you sent me, first while I am fresh and somewhat free from fatigue. I notice that my handwriting is much clearer

…Love Jimmie

and evener when I am not so tired. Well I have had two nice nights sleep since you saw me and I am feeling fine again. My Bro. went down to see a friend of his on Wilder Ave Sun. eve and tied the horse and buggy there when Myrtle & George came along and thinking it was me took the rig and had a nice ride. They sent me a card today will enclose it to you and you can return it to me some time. Will says he is going to let them think it was me. I told him he could if he wanted to. I have not written to your Aunt as yet but will try and do so this week sure. Rec'd a nice little letter from Ruby yesterday. Your suggestion of going up to Skyland Local is a good one but I fear I cannot go with you so in the meantime if you can get any new subscribers for me by all means do so. It does not matter whether they are members of Locals or not either. Any one who wishes to subscribe may do so. The more the better. The paper is founded to perpetuate the memory of Bro. Craig and to help up build the Farmers Union and to help the Farmers as a class generally. I might be able to get up there sometime but I don't know for sure. In the meantime dear don't worry about butting in, just keep the brown 41

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eyes open and don't overlook a good bet, of any kind. You have no idea what a peculiar effect your visit had upon me. You remember what you told me Sun about how you try to get one out of your mind. Well I confess I try to do the same. But Sun eve and Mon. everywhere I went I thought you were here yesterday. I went to turn my eggs, I thought Bessie was here last eve. I went to gather them and the same thought came to me, I went into my office, I went for the green feed, and I went to work on my house and still I found you there. I went to disrobe at my dresser and even found that you had been there. I found a yellow bunch of Kasher blossoms I saw you pluck from the little tree, also a little lock of your hair. I put them both in my Bible, where they will safely keep. It seemed I could not go a single place where you were not. You ought to have a deal like that to go through with. It's an

experience I never have had quite so forcibly expressed to me before. I never realized how much you were with me till you had gone. I did not seem to notice it while it was happening. I am thinking of many things dear and some day will have a long, long talk with you on some subjects that may interest you as well as myself. I will beat the train Sun. I am glad you enjoyed your weekend. You are welcome for the picture. Glad you like it. I am contemplating giving you one of Bushnells, the one you prefer. I'll give you first pick. Must cease now and push my pen in another direction, much as I would like to continue here. This has been a departure from my usual custom of "business before pleasure" so I must return to business again. Strange you did not get my letter. It will turn up somewhere. Goodnight, Lovingly Jimmie

Dearest Bessie...

March 1912 …Tues friends came to Los Gatos and we went down, that is Will & I, and spent the evening, did not get to bed till 2:30 and was up at 4:45 this morning. Had to pack & ship 600 chicks on the 8:55 train…

Mar. 7, 1912, Thursday Eve My Dearest Little Friend – Your kind letter to hand O.K. I found it very interesting, this time indeed so. Also cards came today. Many thanks for same. I'll find them very useful I am sure. Your request may not seem much to you but the fact of the matter is I never waited for a car to stop before I got off of it in my life. However your requests have not been many and have always been reasonable, so this one is granted, and will never be broken if presence of mind can prevent it. My Mother's apron is 4 ft. wide at the bottom and 3 ft. in length. You have enough to do Bessie without adding more to your duties, much as Mother would appreciate your kind thoughtfulness. Allow me to congratulate you on your entry at Kings as a student of music. I can assure you it was a great

…Love Jimmie

source of pleasure to me to learn that bit of good news you saved till the last of your letter. It was a grandstand finish you can bet. I would like to be able to see you this week but it's impossible as I have the meeting of our Local Fri. eve and Sat. eve I promised some time ago to go to Evergreen with Bro. Clark who is pres. of Saratoga Local. He is going to take me over in his machine. I'll try and see you in San Jose the next time you come down or perhaps before, who knows. The trees were fine, just what I wanted. They are all set out and growing. Many thanks. I know they will grow, look who dug them. Excuse haste & short letter. Busy as a bee again this week. I deliver 1000 baby chicks this week. Wish you could see them. Lovingly Your Friend Jimmie Sweet dreams

1912

Mar. 19, 1912, Tues Noon Bessie, My Dear Little Friend, Well it seems as if I can never get a chance to drop you a line so here goes. Sun. eve I was not well. I took sick all of a sudden, but was alright again Monday morning. We had friends to dinner too and I had to lay down for a while as it seemed as if I could not stand up longer. Yesterday I got a letter from Pres. Clark of Saratoga saying they wanted me to speak there last night. I went but came home at 12 o'clock. Am feeling fine today. I realize that I am getting to the end of my endurance and will have to get some sleep now sure. I am going to bed at 8 P.M. this eve sure. I will meet you at your Aunt's Sat. eve. I'll leave here early so as to get there about 7 o'clock, or a little before perhaps. I might call you up and you could take the 5 o'clock car and I could meet you along the way somewhere say about National Ave., as I intend to drive in you know. But if I don't call you up I'll be there as above stated, I'll see how the play comes. So please excuse haste & short

letter as I have the men waiting for me to get on the job. With Love & best wishes until I see you I am Your Loving Friend Jimmie P.S. Am enclosing envelope of your letter that went to Campbell, so you can see how it was I did not have the chance to answer it. Kindly return to me when convenient. In the letter you misspelled the word "practice", using S instead of C. ]^

Mar. 27, 1912, Wens Eve 2 A.M. Bessie My Dear Little Friend, I must drop you a line at all hazards this eve so you will get it before you go home, as I do not want to disappoint you. Since I left you Sun. it has been one continuous round. We had friends here for the blossom day and had to entertain them until a late hour Sun Eve. Then Mon. Eve I had to work in the Hatchery until 11:30, testing I had put off some I should have done Sat. and Sun eve's. Tues friends came to Los Gatos and we went down, that is Will & I, and spent the evening did not get to bed till 2:30 and was up at 4:45

Dearest Bessie...

1912

this morning. Had to pack & ship 600 chicks on the 8:55 train. Tonight a farewell reception was given to two old school chums of Will's & mine and we went down so have just returned. Am going to give this to the bookkeeper at Mr. Martin's as he passes the Shannon Rd. in the morning. Rec'd a letter from Lester. He expects to arrive at your home in the Mts. today. Says he is going to board there for a while. Has had a bad cold but is well again now. I was sorry I could not attend the Rebeckas in S.J [San Jose]. Regretted it very much. Your letter read O.K. found it very interesting. Thanks for the bouquet of

…Love Jimmie

strawberry blossoms. They were very sweet and pretty. In answer to your request that I make some of the same promise you made me Sun. will say I am glad to do so. I cheerfully make you that promise & I will never ask you to do anything for me I wouldn't do for you if I can. You will always find me ready to be fair dear. Please excuse hasty letter & poor writing as I am so tired I can hardly see to write. Good night Sweet dreams Lovingly Your Friend Jimmie ]^

1912

" From Bessie’s Diary Mar 5, 1912 Began taking music lessons at King’s Conservatory of Music. Take one lesson a week and practice two hours a day. Mar. Sat. Night Spent the week-end with my Aunt and Uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Trembley in San Jose. Spent Sat. Eve. and Sunday with them, also Jimmie Porter. Mar. 19, 1912 Read the sad news on the Mercury today of the death of an old school-chum of mine – Miss Helen Vestal, who was accidentally drowned at Carmel.

Dearest Bessie...

April 1912 …So please don't let those expressions creep into your sweet face any more, for all the Love & sweetness leaves it when you do. Then again Bessie, if I ever do get the notion into my head of getting married I'll never marry a blond anyway. A blond I could never consider seriously for a moment… Apr. 3, 1912, At My Desk 9:30 P.M. Bessie, My Dear Little Friend, Your kind and interesting letter rec'd O.K. Monday. It seems as though that ought to give me lots of time to answer but it seems as though I never will have an extra minute of leisure time to myself. I have not had a night's sleep yet this week and tonight is the only chance I am going to have to sleep some as we are going to have company this week, coming tomorrow and will be here a week, until the 10th. So I am going to ask you to excuse a very brief note dear as I must go to bed sometime. I think I know what you mean that I am not interested in and you are. I know how you found out too but you are mistaken dear as you do not understand my sentiments in the matter. You are laboring under a

…Love Jimmie

wrong impression dear in the matter. I will explain to you next time I see you. I am quite interested to know the result of your school election. Kindly let me know when you write. Your Aunt was out yesterday and got her chicks. I waited here all day Sunday for her was disappointed that she did not come but we will live through it all O.K. I guess. She said she could not help it and as we disappointed them we must not forget how good natured they were. My Bro and I have got out an awful bunch of mail. He got out most of it while I dropped these few lines to you. I am going down & catch the bookkeeper at Mr. Martin's on the 6 A.M. car and get him to drop this in for you in S.J. so you will get it Fri. sure. Your Aunt told me none of you went to the Summit dance Sat. eve. What was the matter. The trees are in full bloom and look

1912

beautiful. We have all the pruning done. Have got 650 baby chicks in our old Brooder House. Have delivered 1500 since I saw you. Did you decide on a picture. Thanks for the Easter card. Will send you one. With best Easter wishes I am Your Loving Little Friend Jimmie Good night Sweet Dreams It is just 10 o'clock took me ½ hour to write these few lines, time does fly.

I will write again this eve, just a few lines more anyway. Please excuse this brief note as circumstances will not permit a longer one. I regret very much that I will be unable to come up there this week as I told you, you know that I would have to stick close to home now for some time. You know a business will not run itself successfully. I will try and be at train to say Hello as you pass through Sun. In Haste, Lovingly Yours Jimmie Kindly remember me to all.

]^ ]^

Apr. 4, 1912, In Town at the Bank Apr. 15, 1912, At Home Mon. Eve My Dear Little Friend, Am in town. Just finished my business here and saw my company off on the train. Have not had a minute to myself and what little time I did have I used to tend to business mail. Hence my writing here. I want you to know that I rec'd both your letters and thanks for same. I am sorry to hear of Lester's illness again. I was in hope he would be better. He is my life-long friend and am sorry that you could not have had the opportunity to have been better acquainted with him as he will bear acquaintance.

Bessie My Dear Little Friend, I rec'd your letter O.K. and will start an answer now but won't promise I will finish this eve as I am so tired I can hardly see. This is our busiest season you know so I am working very hard and long hours. I have much to tell you but time and lack of sleep will not permit all. I'll do the best I can however. I notice you did not add any more to your letter even if you did not give it to me Sun. Bessie, I want to call

Dearest Bessie...

1912

your attention to the fact that I noticed that same expression on your face Sun. that you had when I drove into your yard that day with my little friend from Watsonville. You seemed very glad to see me but when I told you of my trip to V.V. you changed instantly. I never knew a person who expressed their thoughts so perceptibly upon their countenance as you do. To begin with Bessie I never go any place that I am not willing that you should know about, for I am not ashamed of any place I go or anyone that might accompany me. As I see you were and probably are now a little uneasy a little explanation would not be amiss maybe. You see John McKinney the State Sec. Treas. and H. W. Johnson the State Sales Agent were scheduled to speak at V.V. Fri. eve. I wanted to see them both bad. So Arch Cilker* was at our meeting with his machine and I asked him if he wouldn't go. He said he would if I got Hazel D. to go with him. So in order to get her, I took the Asst. Editor of "The Mail." So please don't let those expressions creep into your sweet face any more, for all the Love & sweetness *

A friend and neighboring farmer of the Porters, about Jimmie’s age, not yet married. (According to the 1920 census he did not marry “Hazel D.” but rather a woman named Jessie.)

…Love Jimmie

leaves it when you do. Then again Bessie, if I ever do get the notion into my head of getting married I'll never marry a blond anyway. A blond I could never consider seriously for a moment anyway. My brother has interrupted me several times with figures and the business mail. We had an awful bunch of it today. To please excuse mistakes and so forth. I got a letter from Lester today and he has been operated on again and is getting along nicely. Not a very serious operation this time. He enjoyed it very much up at your home and hopes to be there again. He said he was so miserable while there that he could not appreciate the nice surroundings and beauty of the place as he would have liked to. Well I can't see any more so will say goodnight and finish later. This is only Monday eve anyway. Well dear here it is Tues eve and I must finish this tonight. Last night I went to bed fairly early. Just as soon as I finished at the above line. Tonight I had to test eggs and have just finished the business mail and find it is nearing the midnight hour. I am not going any place this week at all. I have got to stick right home here as this is one of our busiest seasons just now. Now and in the fall we are extra busy. 47

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I thank you very much for your kind invitation to visit your home and regret very much that I was unable to accept it. Glad you won the election and will have a new school. You did not say anything about your plans for this week in your letter so I guess I'll have to wait another week before I see you if then, as you go home every other week. I thought maybe if you were going home next week if you were coming to San Jose for your lesson I could see your at your Aunt's as before. But the trouble is I have to make the arrangements so far ahead that the way things are shaped up here now it is very uncertain whether I can keep an engagement for sure or not, as so much depends on me now. Few people realize how much I have on my mind from day to day to carry and attend to. So if you should happen to be at your Aunt's if you call me up Fri. eve or Sat. morning I can let you know whether I can come down or not. But don't bank on it or be disappointed if I can't come. Now dear I am so sleepy I can't see pen or lines so must close & let this suffice for the new leaf you asked me to turn over. So will say Good night Sweet Dreams Sincerely Yours Jimmie 48

Apr. 22, 1912, Mon Eve. Dear Little Bessie, I have just sat down to my desk after having been at work since 5:45 this morning and it is now 9:45. I must retire at 10 so excuse this brief note. I was very sorry when I returned home Sun. to find that you had called and I missed you. I hope you will excuse me, but I had worked until 1 o'clock & became so tired and disgusted that I decided to make another effort to get another man. So it was now or never with me as I had just 2 hours from 2 to 4 as I would have to begin to feed again at 4. I left word at home where I would be so that you could easily find me. I was at Moffit's until 3:15 then went down in back of there returning at 3:45 but I missed you. I left work with Hughes but when I came back he was plowing so I did not bother him again. I don't know whether you stopped and spoke to him or not. However I missed you and am very very sorry, as it was very kind and thoughtful of you to come out of your way past here. As it is now I am not sure that I can get away next Sat. or not. I will write you later in the week and let you know

Dearest Bessie...

1912

for sure. If I am not able to write in time you can call me up from San Jose Fri. eve at 7:30 not later as I go to the Union meeting or Sat. morning, and I can let you know for sure. I succeeded in getting a man to come work Wens morning so today and tomorrow I have to work like a dog to keep things a-going. I am glad you realize "which I am sure you do" what work is and the value of earned dollars, few girls do. You are very considerate and I admire that in you as one of your many sterling qualities. I am sorry that I caused you so much anguish on that Sun 2 weeks ago, 2 Tuesdays ago I mean. I would not have done that for anything but that is a fault of mine I am too open and too abrupt. I never thought of harming your mind or peace. But I never do anything I am ashamed of so I told you. I wish I had time to tell you of all of my days and eves and how they are passed, yours are always so interesting to me, in your letters. I sometimes think mine would be to you had I time to write them. My life is an open book and I am not ashamed of a single thing I do for my one aim is to do right and to try and live the Golden Rule the best I can. I am truly sorry to hear of the anguish my statement caused you. I …Love Jimmie

knew it struck you badly the moment I said it but never like that. Well it is 10:10 & I must close & say Goodnight dear. Your Loving Friend Jimmie P.S. Excuse haste bum writing etc as I wrote this in 20 min. Drop me just a line so I may get it Fri or Sat. Just a line that's all as I know you are very busy. ]^

Apr. 25, 1912, Thurs Noon Dear Bessie, I have not been at the desk here in over 2 days so have slipped in as I have to go to town on an errand so want to mail this to you on the afternoon train. I will look for you to call me up either Fri. eve or Sat. A. M. as I stated in my letter as I am unable to say yet whether I can be in S. J. Sat. eve or not as yet. Ask for Mr. Jas. [James] Porter when you call up as it will have me answ. cause when you ask for Mr. Porter they don't know who to call. Excuse haste, paper, pencil etc. as I am laying pipe and am [pencil fades – unreadable] Rec'd your 2nd letter O.K.. You are

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very observing, let me compliment you, on all you noticed whilst the few min. you were here. Nothing seemed to have escaped your attention. In haste. Sincerely Jimmie

Sorry you did not stop at Moffit's. Thought sure you would if you had seen me if you did. That's the reason I left my itinerary with Will when I left that you might easily find me. If I did not want you to stop or see me I would not have done so. ]^

Jimmie Lying Down with the Chicks

Dearest Bessie...

May 1912 …Tell Ella I thank her a thousand times for the kind invitation and regret deeply I can't accept. Very thoughtful of her and tell her if she dares me some time again I might kiss her if I don't get cold feet at the last minute & back out as before… May 1, 1912, Wednesday Eve. To Bessie My Dear Little Friend, Well now I have finished the minutes of the Local and my other correspondence bills etc just a line to you dear before I retire. Your kind letter came to hand O.K. I'll do my best to fulfill the requests you make if I possibly can. On the first page of your letter you say you have not much to say only – "not necessary to quote further." You said a whole lot in that line and I often wonder if you realize the momentousness of those few words. You often use an expression like that to me and I do often wonder if you realize the deepness of its meaning. Please excuse me for continuing in pencil as I am awfully tired of writing with a pen. I want to see you again sometime and have a long, long talk with you as I have many things to say to you I can't write and express as I …Love Jimmie

want to, and when I am in your presence I cannot think fast enough as the time seems to fly by so. It seems to me that I only had a few minutes with you while you were here and yet I guess it was much longer was it not? I rec'd a card invitation as did my Bro. from Ella, will enclose it to you and you can return it to me. I note she is falling down in her writing. She never did write as good a hand as you do but now she seems to be going back since she quit teaching. Well I must close dear and say Goodnight as I am very tired. Went to meeting of conference comm. of Union last night. They are going to elect an Asst. Sec. Treas. for me. Time & Place of meeting is changed, 1st & 3rd Fri. now at Union Schoolhouse. Tomorrow I go to the lecture with my Bro. & Miss Smith†. Will enclose invitation we rec'd. Kindly return to me. Sat. night I have to go to Birthday †

Florence Smith

1912

party of an old friend. Sun. I retire early again as tonight. It is now 10:30 so again Say Goodnight I am Yours Truly Mr. Darby P.S. Tell Ella I thank her a thousand times for the kind invitation and regret deeply I can't accept. Very thoughtful of her and tell her if she dares me some time again I might kiss her if I don't get cold feet at the last minute & back out as before. ]^

May 5, 1912, Back at Home Dear Little Bessie, Just a line to tell you of my disappointment today. I was very tired after I finished my work this morning so after I took my bath I laid down to rest a while and fell asleep. I woke up a little after two, got up, dressed, harnessed up Daisy, picked you a pretty bouquet of roses and started for the train to meet you. When I got there I thought I had 5 minutes to spare so saw the gates going up. I drove up to the depot met a gentleman friend of mine, who asked me what I was going to do with the beautiful bouquet. I told him I was going to give

it to a friend who was coming in on the San Jose train. He said you are too late it is just gone. I says that's it whistling coming in now. He said no that's it whistling just going out down there. I looked at my watch & found it was fully 6 min. slow. Can you imagine my disappointment? That is the first time my little old watch ever went back on me. My Bro. has been carrying it and he has not wound it regularly is the cause I think. I also had your gloves with me so will enclose them in this letter. Please forgive me for not mailing them sooner but I wanted to take them to you. Well I must go feed now will write again later in the week. I suppose I will not be disappointed in looking for a letter from you tomorrow afternoon when the mailman comes. I must go feed now so must close. I wanted to have this mailed tonight so that you will get it Mon. or Tues. Goodbye Yours Truly Mr. Darby ]^

May 5, 1912, Thurs afternoon Dear Little Girl, I must write only a line to let you know that I am well and rec'd O.K.

Dearest Bessie...

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your short but interesting little letter. For some unknown reason I did not get it until yesterday although the Postmarks shows to contrary. I am very very busy this week again and last night was my first night's sleep since I saw you. I wanted to write last night but after I finished my desk work and outside work it was just 10 and I feared to start writing to you for I might forget the fleeting minutes and not get any sleep at all, and I could not stand that. You say you could have written the night before but have your own little reason why you did not. Please tell me the reason? I'll have to ask you to excuse brief note for the mail man is due and I have the men at work & must go and see how they are doing. Will write more next time sure. Good day dear, Lovingly Jimmie Dear Bessie, Just a line to read on the way. I intended writing you another letter this week but found it impossible. I have borrowed this paper & pencil from the Stable man here so excuse haste, paper etc. I am only going to write till train comes so if I stop suddenly don't be surprised. A friend of mine came & wanted Bro. & I …Love Jimmie

to go to Auto races with him today in his machine. We broke down & was towed to San Jose by a passing friend in his machine. Intended to meet you at a station along the line the one that was most convenient. Guess it would have been San Jose but for accident. So we left machine at garage & took 2 o'clock car from San Jose. So that I could meet you here, and then I can return home on the 4 P.M. Here's train. Good bye. [Dried flower head enclosed in envelope]

May 21, 1912, Tues noon Dear Little Bessie, Just a line in haste as I want to get it off on this mail. Rec'd your kind & interesting letter yesterday O.K. and will answer same a little later in the week. I have turned over a new leaf as I was compelled to, so called everything off for this week and am now to bed not later than nine every night. Sunday morning I did not know what was the matter with me I seemed to shake all over and could not control my nerves for about an hour. Then I got alright again and worked all day as

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my Bro. wanted to take a rest. I drove in town at 11 and got a haircut and came back at 12. I decided to go to bed early so when I came in from feeding my chicks, to lunch, I found several friends here one from Palo Alto, one from San Jose & 2 from Los Gatos. They visited with me during the afternoon and went at feeding time. When seated at the dinner table at 6:30 the phone rang and I answered to find that they had decided to stay in Los Gatos overnight and begged me to come in. Not wanting to disappoint them and much against my wishes I went. On Mon. morning I had a nervous attack and was not able to rise upon awakening. I seemed to be in a state of nervous collapse. As the morning wore on I grew better though unable to sleep. I was able to get up at 10 dressed myself and went to work. You see I had gone 10 days with only one nights sleep and then 4 more which made 15 days with only one nights sleep. If it had not been for the last night I would have been alright but that was too much for me to stand without sleep and work as well. I went to bed early last night and feel much better today. I'll soon be myself again after a couple more night's rest. It is with keen regret that 54

I have to tell you it will be impossible for me to come in Sat. eve. I am sorry, very sorry that I can't but dear it is impossible. You know if there was a ghost of a chance I would don't you? I'll try and drop you a line later. Must go to work now. Good day dear, Lovingly, Jimmie I am going out and get an orange blossom and put it in for you. ]^

May 30, 1912, Thurs noon Dear Little Bessie, I tried awfully hard to get a minute to write you but it seems impossible. I don't think I ever was so busy in my life. The demands on my time and vitality are simply fierce. Last week I got 3 nights sleep and this week not any yet. Tonight I go to bed come what may. Our show was a success, good crowd and good show. I sold 50 tickets and gave the chairman 4 ads for the program. Done my part I think. I also tended the box office and took reports and figured the cash for him. I was pleased to get your interesting letter Monday and never

Dearest Bessie...

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mind the so called "Social custom" dear that is as nothing to me. Whatever is a pleasure for one to do let them do it regardless of customs. Your "lecture" in the previous letter was well taken and will do my best to heed it. I don't think I'll go to picnic of Union as I am

…Love Jimmie

too busy. Wish I could. Excuse haste blots & poor writing paper etc as I am in a hurry and a little nervous. Sincerely yours Good day Jimmie ]^

1912

Bessie Johnson

Dearest Bessie...

June 1912 …I was pleased to get your interesting letter Monday and never mind the so called "Social custom" dear that is as nothing to me. Whatever is a pleasure for one to do let them do it regardless of customs… June 5, 1912, Wens Eve Bessie, My Dearest Little Friend, I was just going to write you a nice letter this evening when some friends wished me to go out with them. So I grabbed this sheet & envelope as I think this will answer better than a card. I am writing this amidst a happy crowd so if I get things mixed up in it don't worry. I rec'd your welcome & interesting letter this week a day late. But I won't kick as it was alright, I deserved it and knew the reason why. Please tell me what made you feel so badly Sat. eve? Don't forget I want to know. I have been awfully busy this week again. Bessie I can't come away from home this week dear so please excuse me. Don't think I won't see you for a long time as you know me. It's a long road that don't have a turn so don't worry. Well I must close now so Goodnight

…Love Jimmie

dear pleasant dreams. Lovingly Your Little Friend Jimmie Write Soon and please excuse scribbling etc. ]^

June 12, 1912, Wens Eve Bessie My Dear Little Girl, Have just arrived home after a hard days work and found your kind sweet and interesting letter on my desk. I have promised to go to the Christian Science Services this evening so dressed & had supper and am now writing to you. You see I expected to hear from you sooner so I must answer now so that you can get it Fri. I will mail it when I go in town this eve to church, then it will go out in the first train tomorrow morning.

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I have mislaid your Aunt's address but if I can find it I'll mail you a letter there tomorrow eve. Your letter was quite interesting and will require some thought before I answer it. I was wondering why you did not write and thought some on it. Your letter tells me of two of my thoughts. We have never had any serious misunderstandings or any rupture of any kind and I do not think you will permit any kind of gossipers to open your eyes and let in their troublesome lights. We can get along very nicely without them. They are so very kind these serpents. When they can't squabble themselves they want to make kind peace loving people cross swords for their amusement. I know though dear that you would not condemn me on anybody's say-so without giving me an opportunity to defined myself. That is all I ask. It is getting dark so I can't see to write more so will have to close. I wanted to come in to S. J. Sat. eve but our cousins are coming down from Oakland and Frank Sasher is coming up from Watsonville so I can't come either Sat. or Sun. But I might see you the first of the week. I'll try and reach you at your Aunt's. Goodnight. Lovingly Jimmie 58

June 26, 1912, Wens Afternoon "Brookside" Dear Little Bessie, Will has just decided that he will leave on his trip Friday. He will leave here at 1 P.M. Friday and will be at the road that turns up to your place about 4:30 or 5:00 P.M. He will spend the night and evening at your home and plans to leave there on his way at 9 A.M. Sat. morning. I am writing this in great haste as it is nearly time for the mail man. Will says you can meet him at the road if you have time but don't put yourself out to do so. He is coming in the buggy with Daisy "my little pet." I have a nice letter in mind and will write it tonight, and mail it tomorrow so you will get it the day after you get this one. Please excuse this brief note. We were very much disappointed that George did not come Sun. eve as Will stayed home to meet him. Lovingly Yours Jimmie Excuse Stationary blots etc. ]^

My Dearest Bessie…

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" From Bessie’s Diary April 11, 1912 Am spending this week at home as school is closed for our Easter vacation. When I woke up this morning everything was covered with snow. It looked beautiful. It snowed today, the first real snow storm I have ever seen. It has been raining, blowing and snowing ever since last Sunday. I will return to Gilroy Sun. and resume my teaching. [Bessie’s Diary ends here. The date “April 14” is written but there is no entry.]

…Love Jimmie

1912

Skyland Ranch in the Snow

My Dearest Bessie…

July 1912 … Then when he was not there whilst waiting, it seemed so cold and lonesome that I almost felt like weeping. I never had such a peculiar feeling or experience in my life before. I seemed to have no interest in my friend or my engagement with him… July 3, 1912, Wednesday Eve At Home My Dearest Little Friend Bessie, Well, dear, here is once that I am going to keep my long promised letter to you and endeavor to make good on't. I have promised you an answer to your two last letters and I just feel in a mood tonight to let my feelings go out without restraint. Discretion is the better part of valor they say so I'll make myself be as conservative as possible. I had a peculiar experience Sun. eve. When I arrived home and told Will George was coming down he decided to stay and spend the evening with him so I had to go to San Jose alone. It also looked like rain so it was as well for one of us to stay at home and look after the chicks here. However when I got in San Jose I had our engagement with our Friend at Market & Santa Clara at the Tower, under the Tower rather. When I got off the car he had not …Love Jimmie

showed up yet. Before I looked for him my first thought was of you. My mind reverted back a short time to my last visit and it seemed as though I must take that Santa Clara St. car and go down to Aunt Mary's. Then when he was not there whilst waiting, it seemed so cold and lonesome that I almost felt like weeping. I never had such a peculiar feeling or experience in my life before. I seemed to have no interest in my friend or my engagement with him. Then I strolled over to the corner, Harts corner, and in spite of me going over there to listen to the Salvation Army meeting I thought of the night I drove up there with Daisy and found you waiting in that very spot. Don't call me foolish now will you? You may understand, if you don't some day I know you will. At last he came and it seemed I had waited months but upon glancing at my watch I found it was just 8 o'clock and I had waited but 10 min. He suggested us going to the Jose Theatre. 61

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Oh my I thought. Then as the battle of thoughts went on in my poor brain he suddenly said to me, "What's the matter why don't you answer me." I excused myself saying I was just thinking that's all, but added I'd prefer to go to the Victory. I just could not go there that was all. I knew I never could have had my mind on the performance at all. On the way up to the Victory I passed "Bushnell's". Again you can imagine my thoughts can't you? I'll cease here now dear will burden you no more with my foolish thoughts, perhaps, I wonder what you'll think of them. But you know I have often told you, not often either I'll be exact, twice I have told you that there has been for some time and is a great battle going on in my brain. I have a great question to decide but as yet I have been unable to do so, as you well know. I have tried not to think about it, I have left it to a higher Mind & Hand, I have done everything I can think of to stop the awful conflict but all to no avail as yet. The battle still rages and my mind is never free. I'll give you an illustration. Yesterday afternoon one of our customers called me up from San Francisco and ordered a case of eggs. I booked the order, but thought of other 62

calls I had, one from San Jose especially, when I was sick inquiring for me, from San Jose 3451. The result was my Bro. has just asked me for the quotations on that shipment & I never shipped it. He is making out the bills and answering the correspondence whilst I write to you. So I just thot I would for once in my life let you see what I go through so you can realize that you are not alone when you have had these little trials of yours that I have read in your facial expressions in times gone by. The card you enclosed in your last letter has inspired me greatly and as I have always counted you among the few, with both pleasure and profit in the past, I shall ever continue to do so in the future. Now I have not really answered your letters but will have to close now as I am awfully tired and must get some sleep. So with a sweet Goodnight I'll wish you pleasant sweet Dreams and remain Lovingly Yours Jimmie ]^

Dearest Bessie...

1912

July 12, 1912, Friday Noon Bessie My Dearest Little Friend, Just a line in haste. I have been reflecting and thinking a great deal lately and particularly since I partially opened up a few of the deeper crevices of my heart in the last letter to you. I thought I could not quite overlook this rare opportunity to send you just a line by special messenger direct, so please pardon the early writing again. I fear you may think me over zealous. It is not my intention to be so however nor to bore you so I know you will forgive me as the offense is not a serious one to my way of thinking and I just couldn't resist it that's all. While I think of it dear please make all of my letters "confidential" unless I otherwise give you permission to show them as I did on one occasion you know. I rec'd the card and music and many thanks for same. I forgot to give you the $1 for these tickets of ours to the play the other night. I am sending it by Will. And if you remember Will and I had a bet on the hay. I bet him $5 to $1 that we would have the best crop this year we ever had & $5 to $1 that I had not sold too much hay and that we would have more hay for sale before …Love Jimmie

another season. He lost in both instances making me win $2, one of them I send to you for good luck. He will give you the $2 when you see him. $1 for tickets and $1 for your share of my winnings. Please accept it. And excuse my forgetfulness in the one instance of tickets. Hoping to hear from you soon and that if you meet Will you won't have to wait for him very long. Will close. Lovingly Jimmie ]^

July 12, 1912, Friday P. M Nearly Mail time [Scrawled in pencil on farm invoice form]

Dear Little Bessie, Please excuse my long delay in answering your beautiful letter. Will explain later. Will probably answer tonight if nothing unforeseen happens. Excuse haste etc. Mail man is coming so must mail this. Lovingly Jimmie ]^

1912

July 14, 1912, At My Desk Sunday Eve Bessie My Dearest Little Friend, Well I have got my desk just a little bit cleared of some of the stuff that keeps accumulating every day but bless me I'll do no more till I have answered partly at least the beautiful letters you have written me. It is hard for me to explain the reason for my long delay in answering your nice letters Bessie, but in my humble way I will with pen and words at my command endeavor to as best I can. You said "whatever the cause of my silence" that you must know and at once, hence my willing effort. To begin with it has always been my life custom and well formed habit not to let any personal matter or pleasure of my private life interfere with my business. So when I have many necessary things staring me in the face during my daylight working hours and when I come in and sit down to my desk and find a stack of work looking at me and begging to be attended to I really cannot bear to take the valuable time which is really not my own and gratify a personal pleasure. It seems wrong to me in my sense of justice to use my 64

time to write a personal letter "even at the cost of an aching heart string" when duty to my business in which my Mother, Father & Brother are interested in; and duty of the Office I have taken an oath & sworn to do my best in are demanding my attention. I simply cannot neglect any work I have to do for it has been my experience to note that once a man becomes neglectful in even the smallest way you never know where it will end. My Brother is younger than I am and is apt to be a bit thoughtless and once in a while as you once had the opportunity of witnessing crosses swords with me, and every time he does he gets the worst of it or comes out wrong, as he will tell you if you ever ask him. I do not mean to convey the idea to you that I am over abundantly wise, but I think well before I act, and once I act nothing but convincing evidence and facts sustaining it, will ever cause me to change my action. I spoke of my Brother because he answered the phone Fri. eve when you called up, and started to chastise me for not having answered your letter. I was tired and was forced to retire at 8 o'clock the first good nights sleep I had for months. He sometimes does not realize the seriousness of the business Dearest Bessie...

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we have in hand here and what desk work he does, he does in the day time which I cannot do. I know that I, to mortal sense, am doing more than I ought to do and several nights in the past fortnight I have sat at my desk here until I could not see the paper I was working on, but ultimate success is only a short ways off now and so it is now or never with me. So dear, if you can excuse me if you think I have treated you wrong I wish you would. In view of the above explanation I await with interest your verdict. Will has not finished telling me about the lovely time he had at your home yet. He said it enjoyed it very much. Yes I knew that I wrote my last letter on the 26th of June and that was what inspired me to write as I did. I am glad you viewed my letter as you did, in fact I thought you would as we seem to have much in common. Your advice has been weighed very thoughtfully and carefully and I appreciate it very much. I really thought I had asked too much of you and had expected too much but you lived up to my expectations. Thanks, for your valued opinion. No I cannot think that you have done or would do me any injury of any kind in word or deed, that is the reason you cannot think of one. I know you never will, …Love Jimmie

and I don't think you will every betray my confidence. Will and I rec'd your kind invitation to your party for which he wishes me to convey his thanks with mine. We cannot both accept, but I'll try and do so, will let you know about Wens. or Thurs. Mother & Father went over to Watsonville to a wedding got back tonight. Must close now as it is very late. As usual I have forgotten the time and must now close. Goodnight Lovingly Jimmie "Write Soon" ]^

July 18, 1912, Thurs P.M. Dear Little Bessie I intended writing you today noon but Lloyd Gardener came and that put me out. Mailman is nearly due here will write till he comes. Can't tell for sure whether I'll be able to come up or not Sat. eve now, but if I do I'll come on the 5:00 train with George. Will try my best to come sure. Excuse Haste & paper. After Lloyd left a friend of mine came I had not seen since a boy and had to entertain him till now. He just left. Hence my haste

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in writing this. I rec'd your letter last night. Haven't had time to digest it yet but you have misunderstood me I can plainly see. Perhaps you'll understand me better some day. I'll explain when I see you. I'd like to write it but if I wait to do that you won't get this in time. Suffice it to say that your letter moved me deeply. I am wondering if you have been very sick. You said you had just been able to be out. I don't understand if you had why you did not tell me about it in your letter. You failed to mention any details. Will try to call you up tonight as I fear you are sick or otherwise in distress. Have some difficulty in getting you and your phone don't talk up it needs new batteries or something, I can't but scarcely hear your voice. I trust you will not become so upset as your letter indicated at what I write as I can't always express myself in writing as I wish and should I read my personal letters over before I seal them perhaps I'd never mail them. Must close here comes mail man. With Love, Goodbye Lovingly Jimmie ]^

July 25, 1912, Thurs Eve. Bessie Dear Little Friend, Your nice interesting letter was rec'd Tues. It reminded me of Gilroy and the usual Tuesday message. I think it ought to continue although you ought to really write a little oftener than I considering the little time I have. I closed the deal with Lloyd Gardener and just finished hauling all the stuff and livestock tonight. I am nearly swamped at present and have got houses & chickens of all sizes scattered everywhere on the ranch temporarily till I get them straightened out. I don't think I have ever been busier in my life than at present. I have been working from 5 to 9 every day this week. I was so tired and strained from heavy lifting and overwork last night that I had to go to bed without supper as I couldn't eat. But after one good nights sleep I am fine again today and feel good tonight although a bit tired. Will is packing eggs while I write as we did not have time to pack them by daylight today. It is now nine and I will have to help him finish which will take about an hour when I'll retire as I have to rise about an hour before Dearest Bessie...

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daylight in the morning on account of all the extra stock we have. Told Mrs. Gardener I rec'd a letter from you. She inquired for you and said to tell you she Loved you as much as ever. I have been going down to V.V. every day this week. The old road looks good to me still and brings back many memories of the past that are pleasant recollections that are refreshing & inspiring. Have oceans to write about but must say Good night. Sweet Dreams Lovingly Jimmie P.S. Could write on all night I have so many things that happen I could tell you of that would be interesting to you. When Mrs. G saw the dog "Bob" she said, "Is that the same little dog you had with you just a year ago when you came with Bessie." I said Yes and she said he still loved me the same old

…Love Jimmie

way. He went with me every day. I let him run ahead of me after I cross the R.R. bridge and he always runs away down the Branham Rd. instead of turning off at the turn. He hasn't forgotten the old home. I may go to V.V. tomorrow eve. I have no one to go with and don't like to ride alone. I invited Mrs. Smith and her daughter Florence to go with me and if I am not too tired and they can or would like to go I may go. H. G. Johnson the sales agent of the Union is going to be there and I want to see him if possible. Also want to see the County Sec. Treas. Fred Milland as Sat. is the County Union Meeting you know. Excuse haste & scribbling as I must close for sure this time. Lovingly Jimmie ]^

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PORTER RANCH in Watsonville abt. late 1880s L to R: Elizabeth Porter, Charles Porter, Jimmie Porter, Will Porter, Unknown, Jennie Porter The Porters leased this ranch, they did not own it.

Dearest Bessie...

August 1912 …I can see the expression on your face as the train pulled out and also whilst I was waiting for the changing of the engines. It still lingers plain and vividly in my memory. My last look at you always remains imbedded in my memory till I see you again… Aug. 2, 1912, Friday Noon Bessie, My Dear Little Thoughtful Girl, Your very interesting and pleasing letter I rec'd on Tues. I was just a little surprised to receive those beautiful armlets but agreeably so. I knew you would think of them soon tho now, so deferred buying a pair and the ones I had were all but in. The ones you made and sent me I am much delighted and pleased with. They are just to my liking. Many, many thanks dear. I will expect some day to have you tell me a few of the messages each stitch contains. I also rec'd the card. You can imagine the thoughts the view on the back brought to my memory can't you. I can see the expression on your face as the train pulled out and also whilst I was waiting for the changing of the engines. It still lingers plain and vividly in my memory. My last look at …Love Jimmie

you always remains imbedded in my memory till I see you again. I am sorry that I could not have this letter there for you upon your return but it has been impossible. I am quietly stealing a few minutes now as I feel that I might get a line to you in this mail as if I don't you won't hear from me till next week and that would not be treating you right as, if you can find time to think of me in the midst of all the excitement and busy things in a gay festival city, I at least ought to get a few lines in answer to your cards and letters. I rec'd your letter from Salinas which was very interesting last night. Also cards the day before. I went to Valley View last Fri. night and took Miss [Florence] Smith. She was the only one able to go. I expected a delegation would go but was disappointed. I was glad I took her tho, as they enjoyed her music and she 69

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had quite a few dances. They prevailed upon us to sing and we sang them a couple of songs. Saw Mrs. Gardener's [illegible] at her home, it's a beaut. Wish I had time to tell you more of the news but must close now as my man is waiting for me to get to work. Our regular Poultry man is away on his vacation. Excuse haste & pencil. Lovingly Jimmie XX Love to all your folks not forgetting your mother. ]^

Aug. 8, 1912, Thursday Eve Dear Little Bessie, Just a line before I retire. I am awfully tired tonight so excuse a short letter and all mistakes. This week and next will be very, very busy weeks for me. We have 2 extra men working on our new big well for water. I expected to be able to get away about now but as yet cannot do so as I have so much on hand that requires my personal attention. Now I'll try and write a little more. I have been interrupted 3 times with the phone, so I guess they will let me

alone now for a while. Thanks for your correction of my spelling; I'll see that it doesn't happen again. George had a nice visit with us and we enjoyed it very much. Now it is your turn. I do hope you will practice as this is about the first real thing I asked you to do to please me. You remember what you said you would do for me. It is so easy for you to learn to. I should think it would be a pleasure to you to do it even if you were not doing it especially for me. Well dear must close now and go to bed will write more next time. Good night dear. Lovingly Jimmie Sweet Dreams ]^

Aug. 15, 1912, Thurs 1:50 P.M. Dear Little Bessie, Your interesting letter rec'd Tues O.K. The well started to cave in today noon so we had to start to curb, so did not quit till 1 P.M. I have just 10 minutes to drop you a line so as to get it in this mail. Expected to write this noon but lost my time. This is about the busiest I have ever been yet. Have not got a single trace of my little pet

Dearest Bessie...

1912

Daisy yet, but still live in hopes I'll find her. The way things look now I don't think I'll be able to come up Sat. eve but if I can I'll phone Sat. afternoon and let you know. I can't say right now whether I can go up or not. Do not come down till you hear from me as we got a phone message from Watsonville yesterday saying the folks are coming up from there to spend a few days. Willie will be happy as he is quite fond of Flossie and will be pleased to see her as we will all be. They are old childhood friends of ours as well as school day chums. They will only be here for a few days so I think all will be well for you to come about the middle of next week. You would not want to come when we have company here anyway dear as it is I have very little time and I want to be so I can have all the time I can whilst you are here. Will try and answer your letter more fully in a day or so. Will leave George's things at Darneals in the morning. With best wishes to you and all I remain Lovingly Jimmie

Aug. 23, 1912, Fri. Noon

Excuse pencil & haste

Dear Little Bessie, I have deferred answering your letter until I could tell you whether I could come up Sat. eve for sure or not. I cannot wait longer as I want you to get this Sat. afternoon anyway. I am waiting now expecting a telephone call any minute to tell me whether friends who were come from a distance to a Birthday party for me can be notified in time to postpone it to Sun eve instead of Sat. If this can be done I'll be there on the last train the one that arrives in Wrights at 8:20 P.M. I'll again accept your kind offer to meet me. I do not wish to speak of my disappointment of last Sat. as I want to forget it. Your letter best expresses my thoughts. It is not necessary to repeat them. I'll phone you when I get the message I am waiting for. I expect it any minute. I'll hold this letter, till the mail man comes, open. Excuse haste etc. Will try and write you a nice letter next time. Am pleased at your success in play & position as in all other ways always. Lovingly Jimmie

2:30 P.M. No message yet, But will

…Love Jimmie

1912

hear by tonight sure I think. ]^

Aug. 29, 1912, Thurs Noon Dear Little Bessie, Rec'd your note & card of Monday also letter Tues. Yes I remember the place at the tank. Felt very sorry about that. I am wondering whether Geo. delivered the message I gave him for you or not. You did not mention it in your letter of Tues. I told him to deliver it to you immediately upon his return home. But I have been disappointed so much & so often lately that I am not going to be surprised if I came to meet with a few more, as it might as well pour as rain.

I am going to come up to see you on Sat. eve on the 6:14 P.M. train from Los Gatos, gets into Wrights about 6:30. If it is convenient for you I would be pleased to have you meet me. If not let me know by phone. If I do not hear from you I'll be there. If anything unforeseen happens to prevent my coming between now & then I'll let you know Sat. afternoon by phone. Annie is waiting to mail this letter for me and says to ask you if you ever rec'd the card she sent you. Excuse haste and pencil. Love to all with Love to you. Lovingly Jimmie ]^

Dearest Bessie...

1912

Louis Wurz and Annie Gray Wurz Probably about the time of their marriage in September 1914 Annie lived with the Porters at least from 1910 to 1914. In the 1910 census, when she would have been 16, her relationship to the family is described as “friend”. (She was born in 1894.) [There is a letter from Annie in the “Family Letters” section.]

…Love Jimmie

1912

Bessie labeled this picture: “Love Birds, Again, with Betty”

Dearest Bessie...

September 1912 …You know I have taken off the brakes now and as you have the key to my heart I think that you are entitled to know the contents of it, and trust that you would be as pleased to know them as I am to know yours… Sept. 9. 1912 My Dearest Sweetheart Bessie, Well at last I have at least half an opportunity to answer your dear little note of Sat. afternoon. We have had a lot of company and I have been quite busy entertaining them, doing my part the best I could. I am going to write this letter in piece meal so excuse pencil and all mistakes. I'll use this stationary this time as I have never written you a letter on this new lot. [Union Local No. 60 Letterhead]

Thursday eve as you requested I went to bed early and had I not been sadly in need of sleep as well as tired I dare say I don't know when I would have gone to sleep. No matter where I go or what I do I cannot help but think of you. You have left so many little remembrances of yourself here too. But I need nothing to remind me of you for your dear sweet likeness is ever before me. My only thought and ambition is to be ever worthy of your

…Love Jimmie

true love and affection as long as I remain on this plane of existence. It was not my vaguest dream to truly realize that I could find my Ideal in this world and it is now for the first time in my life that I can say that I am truly happy. It is so hard to keep from talking about you. One cannot, but with great presence of mind, keep from revealing what is ever-present in one's mind. But I am so thankful that I seldom, in fact, never have to start the mention of your name for they are all always talking about you all the time here. Well dear I have just glanced over what I wrote before, and I must be careful not to bore you, but I think you feel the same as I do for I could read your letters by the hour. You know I have taken off the brakes now and as you have the key to my heart I think that you are entitled to know the contents of it, and trust that you would be as pleased to know them as I am to know yours.

1912

Now Angel dear, I'll just write you a bit of how I've spent my time since I saw you off on the train. I have told you of Thurs. eve., Fri. eve I went to the Local meeting. Had a nice meeting & arrived home at 11:30. Sat. worked all day in the chickens. Sat. eve went to that long postponed dance & reunion of the "Jolly Bunch." George & Myrtle were there. Said they'd had a nice time. Invited Geo. to stay all night with us, he accepted. I had to unstick a lot of trays Sun. morning, Geo. helped us. Hooked up Daisy and drove down town at 11:30 to get a haircut. Left Geo. at about 2 P.M., as he had a date with Myrtle, and came home. Upon my arrival home I found a young lady friend of ours here who came out to spend the afternoon & evening. She is studying to be a trained nurse at the O'Connor Sanitarium in San Jose. Her mother is a friend of my Mother’s. We used to know them in Watsonville. Her Mother asked my Mother if she could come out here as she has only one Sunday afternoon & evening off every 6 weeks. Then in the evening Harry Pearce & Stella Ferini and a friend of ours from S. F. came. They all left today for home. We have 5 prime pickers at work, 76

just put out 3 tons of prunes. Am waiting for the wagon to return so slipped in here to add a few more lines to my letter. I was greatly pleased and interested to hear of your success with the piano tuner. That is a nice little Christian Science demonstration*. I am sure your pure thought helped me make it so easily & quickly. I felt that you must have it tuned as soon as possible as I did not want your ear to be trained to discord, but did not think that I could accomplish it so quickly. Christian Science says That which is ours we can always have and nothing can prevent, keep, or separate us from it. So knowing that it was right and necessary for you to have your piano tuned dear, the way was quickly provided by the hand of Divine Love. It has been a terrible storm we had and it has made us a great lot of extra work. I expect to get another little letter from you dear by tomorrow as the one I got Sat. was a very nice one but not so very long. You know you have written me so many nice beautiful long letters that I think you have spoilt me dear. Must close now *

Jimmie uses the word “demonstration” frequently in his letters to express the idea of relying on right thought and Divine Love to solve every kind of problem, ranging from illness and injury to untuned pianos.

Dearest Bessie...

1912

sweetheart with my dearest Love & kisses I am Faithfully & Lovingly Yours Jimmie XXXX That O is a hug around them dear. P.S. Write soon & Often [Bessie numbered Jimmie’s letters. This letter is: “E. Lot No. 1” – “E” for ‘Engagement”. Prior to this there was “1st Lot” – the first ten letters – and then “2nd Lot,” the next 37. What happened after letter No. 10 to be worthy of creating a new number sequence is not recorded.]

Sept. 11, 1912, Wens. Eve My Dearest Baby Bessie, I have just finished reading your beautiful Tuesday message which came today instead for some unknown cause to me. I was disappointed dear as I told you in my letter I was expecting it you know. But I know it was not through any fault of yours I am sure. This will not be an answer to your letter as I am writing to ask you if it would not be possible for you to come down and go with me to a big meeting of Valley View Local on Fri. Eve. of this week Sept 13. I have just rec'd an invitation from Bro Fred Millard the Sec. Treas. of the Local and he is also …Love Jimmie

County Sec. Tres. to be sure and come and to make an extra effort to come sure. I don't want to go without you and if you could come without seriously inconveniencing yourself why do so. Telephone me this afternoon and let me know. I have not been any place except to the Jolly Bunch since I saw you and I don't want to go to V.V. this time unless you go with me sweetheart. So it's up to you. They are going to have an extra good time. I am going to church this eve and will mail this so that you will get it Thurs. or Fri. sure. Good night dear. Lovingly, Your Sweetheart forever Jimmie ]^

Sept. 17. 1912, At My Desk My Dearest Sweetheart, This is the first opportunity I have had to write to you since you left. I trust you arrived safely at home. I rec'd no message today, but was not really expecting one as I know you are very busy and will not forget that tomorrow is Tuesday. I will endeavor to answer briefly your two last letters. Your desk must suit your use very well as your writing is fine, a little

1912

extra fine I mean as it is always fine. Yes I had as good a time as I could expect at the "Jolly Bunch." No, I did not see anyone there that I liked better than my "Little Skyland Girl" and what is more never expect to so am not looking for one. She is good enough for me and in my estimation is the "bestest in the world." So don't worry or get jealous as you have on one or two occasions in the past. Just know that I love you. Glad that you have been reading a little from your "Dear Little Book."† It has proven to be such to me and I am pleased that it has started the same thought in your mind too. Now for the second letter. I am very tired tonight dear very indeed as I am working very hard these days and will have to continue to do so for some time till we get the busy season through with. Spring & fall are our busy seasons you know. Yes as long as you don't do anything worse than mix your primes you'll be alright dear sure. Glad that Geo. is going back to school. He is doing right. The high compliments and tribute you pay me dear are indeed most flattering. I only hope and pray that those will always be your opinions of me and that you

will always find me worthy of them. From your heart and your experience and the hundreds of men it has been your good fortune or misfortune to meet I wish to assure you that I am deeply sensible of the great honor you have paid me. Never fear of boring me with your letters. Glad you liked the account I gave you in my last letter of how I spent my time. Here is another one. Sat. eve went to bed at 9. Sun. rose early worked till noon. Had lunch laid down on the lounge and telephone rang. Miss Florence Smith announces that Will's girl Vera is there and wants to know if he can come down. I say no as I know he is tired and has not had his bath or share of rest. If it would be agreeable she says Vera would like to come out so I tell Will & he says bring her along of course. You "know Will don't you." They come out and we sing a few songs and then we have to go feed. Florence invites us down to dinner. Will wants to go so we go. Have a nice dinner lots of nice songs. I spent a very pleasant evening. Mr. Thomas Smith enjoyed it very much as they are not very well acquainted here‡ and the ‡

†

Science and Health

The Smith family, Thomas, his wife Annie and their daughter Florence, arrived from England in 1910. (Source: 1920 Census)

Dearest Bessie...

1912

evenings get lonesome to them. Will put Vera on the car & rode with her as far as the Shannon Rd. 10:30 car. I drove there alone and met him just about the same time as car arrived. We were in bed at 11 P.M. After a hard day's work here I am tonight. It is 9:15 so must retire in a few minutes dearie. If it is agreeable to you and your folks I would like to drive up there and bring Mr. Smith with me a week from next Sat. eve. He is a good old friend of both mine & yours and knowing how he would enjoy it. I would like to take him with me and if nothing unforeseen happens would like to bring you back with me for a day or so. That would be Sept. 28. When does your school start? Glad Ella likes her school. I noticed that you addressed your letter to trustee at Altamont with pencil. I mailed them O.K. Must close now with dearest Love & kisses I remain Lovingly Yours "Forever" Jimmie A big hug but not too hard a sweet kiss good night sweetheart – Your dear little Baby Boy. Just think dear 2 weeks ago Wens night. [They were engaged on Sept. 4th but it was a secret from everyone, including their families.]

…Love Jimmie

Sept. 23, 1912, Mon Eve My Dearest Little Baby Girl, Your lovely letter was rec'd O.K. Sat afternoon. I also rec'd the lovely box of apples and they were just fine. I found all the kisses you put in the box dear and knew they were as real as you could make them. I also found the little note from your Mother. Please convey to her my thanks and gratitude for her kind thoughtfulness, and I'll not forget her little requests. Yes I read with keen regret the news of Alvin Wither's accident and death. I will observe your kind admonition to be careful dear and will be as careful as I can. Don't forget though Angel that works both ways and you remember too that a little boy will be left all alone if anything happens to the dearest little girl in the all the world. There is only one now to me dear and I never expect to see her equal or another like her. So remember dear I am as anxious of your welfare etc etc as you are of mine so dear don't forget you be careful too, won't you? My! I am so pleased that you made such a fine play for Ella. That did work out just perfectly beautiful I am

1912

sure. That's what we call a demonstration in Christian Science, of God's boundless Love for all His children and shows how He has a place for all of them. I have been very busy this last week and have not had much time to spare for anything. I won't be able to write you a diary of my movements as I did in my last letter as I have so much other stuff to write I have not got time to write that this time dear. I rec'd a lovely letter from George last week. Here are his words on the first page, "Gee! I am glad I took your advice and came back to school." I have not answered it yet but will soon as I want to encourage Geo. and help him all I can. I take a great interest in him as I think I see in him the true qualities of a real man and a gentleman. Well dear I was agreeably amused at Mr. Smith last week. I told him I was going to write to you the week before and ask you if I might bring him with me. And he kept asking me the last 3 days of last week if I heard from you and of course I said no. Then the second time he asked me I said that I wondered if you would answer at all. He said that as sure as the sun would set you would. That you were a perfect young lady and that it would be 80

impossible for you to do anything but the very truest of right things. Then I pretended that I feared it might not possible get an answer, and he assured me with all his power that there was no room for fear of that kind. He said he would stake his all on you every time. He just thinks you are the nicest and best girl he ever seen in America. He has never been further than Bells Barn at Los Gatos towards the Mts. and of course looks forward to the trip with the greatest anticipation and pleasure, as do I as well. Excuse pencil as it is easier for me to write with when I am tired and I can write much faster. Your explaining of pencil addressed letter to trustee at A. [Altamont] is alright. Never be afraid to write to me with anything or on any kind of paper, dear. The only thing is I don't want anyone like a trustee receiving a letter from a teacher to think you would be careless or slack, because I know you are not, and I feared a pencil addressed letter might create a wrong impression of you to him that was all. Now I must go to bed dear and have not decided yet whether I'll mail this tomorrow morning or not, as tomorrow is Tues, you know and I may hear from you. We have planned to leave here on Sat. eve early. We won't Dearest Bessie...

1912

wait for supper here, but will leave here so as to get there some time between 7 & 8 o'clock Sat. eve. So if I don't get a chance to write again between now & then you will know when to look for me. Remember we are going to drive up with Daisy and the buggy, so I won't have worry about catching a train. So goodnight my loving little Sweetheart with all the love I possess I send to you, and with a sweet goodnight kiss I am Your Loving Sweetheart forever Jimmie Remember me to all & give my love to your dear Mother. ]^

Sept. 26, 1912, Thurs. noon My Dear Little Sweetheart, Just a line in haste. I am so busy I don't know hardly which way to turn. I rec'd your beautiful letter and was very pleased to get such a dear Tues. message, from my little angel. It is so very thoughtful of you to make the offers & suggestions you made in your letter. We will leave here at 4 o'clock or perhaps a little before Sat. afternoon and will arrive at your home about 7 in the evening. That's about the best we

…Love Jimmie

can do dear. All your requests & suggestions will be heeded dear and I'll even bring the empty box you wish me to. Please excuse such a brief note in ans. to such a lovely letter but I cannot help it now dear. Mr. Smith is working like everything in anticipation of his visit with me to Johnsonville as he calls your home. I told him you said I must not leave him & he was pleased he said but not surprised as he regards you as an exception to the average American Girl and the nicest & best and most thoughtful and sensible girl he has had the pleasure of meeting in America. So must close now. Love & Kiss You Good-bye, With Dearest Love I am Yours forever Jimmie - XXXXXX ]^

Sept. 30, 1912, Mon Noon 12:45 My Beloved Ideal Dear Little Bessie, It is always hard for me to find words to express my thoughts of you when I begin a letter to you. No more words of the English language, or any other, can ever express the tender Love and esteem in which I hold you,

1912

anyway. I never can forget, or get out of my mind, "at present even for a moment" the sad, though tender, sweet and loving look that was on your face upon my departure from your home last evening. It commenced to appear when you sat down to the piano to play for me and never left until your dear sweet face left my mortal vision. I sat in deepest silence as we wended our way to the foot of the hill where we hit the main road at the bridge, silently watching Daisy as she carried me safely down the lonely entwining road. I was not disturbed, as Mr. Smith was extremely nervous and said not a word as he feared for our safety. But I knew that I was safe as I know the faithful surefooted little animal I was driving. She never falls or stumbles. So my mind was behind me. No one knows the thoughts that were going on within me. I am compelled to exercise control over my feelings as society demands of a man that he not appear to succumb to his emotions. I could never explain how keenly I sympathized with you in your room. I sincerely long for the time to be shortened that we may ever be together and never have to part. We arrived safely at Mr. Smith's home at 8:40. We left "Loveland" at 6:40. His wife and daughter was 82

awaiting our arrival & made us a cup of tea and piece of pie. I left there at 9:30 & arrived home at 9:50 and in my room at 10. Found Mother about ready to retire & had a talk with her for about an hour. I then kissed her goodnight & retired. My folks all wish to thank you all for the lovely apples you so kindly gave me. Mrs. Smith & Florence also wish me to convey their thanks to you. Mr. Smith cannot express his great gratitude to you & yours. He said at the table at lunch time that he wished we were again to start this afternoon for Johnsonville. He came down to the well & told me that you were just starting for school and that he would bet that you were thinking of me. Excuse haste and bad writing as I must get back to work. I wrote part of this letter at lunch time and have finished it when I came in to pack the eggs. With dearest Love I will say Good day, Lovingly Yours Forever Jimmie ]^

Dearest Bessie...

1912

Bessie’s sister, ELLA JOHNSON with her school at Sheep Ranch, Calaveras County Hiram Johnson was born in Calaveras County. The town of Sheep Ranch was named for the ranch his parents, George and Mary Ann Johnson, started there during the Gold Rush. It’s likely that at least some of the children in this picture are Johnson relatives; the family has lived continuously in the area from the mid 1800’s down to the present day.

…Love Jimmie

1912

WILLIAM RAY, JENNIE E. and JAMES UNDERHILL PORTER, Watsonville, California, ages about 1, 2 and 5

Dearest Bessie...

1912

JAMES UNDERHILL PORTER December 18, 1897, Age 16

…Love Jimmie

1912

JAMES UNDERHILL PORTER At school in Watsonville (marked with X) Date unknown

Dearest Bessie...

October 1912 …The more I think of it the more indignant I become. You are so undeserving of such treacherous slander. Your life speaks for itself and ever will, and were she a man I should silence her slanderous tongue without delay… [Undated, hand delivered letter – “Kindness of Mr. Smith.” Bessie’s numbering suggests it goes here, though it has a ‘duplicate’ number with previous letter. ]

Oct. 10, 1912, Thurs Noon At My Desk

Dear Bessie, Owing to the weather I have changed my mind and won’t be down this eve. Because I know that Florence and Mrs. Smith won’t go & that they would be disappointed if I took you as would Mr. Smith as he would get to see nothing of you. I have thought better of my hasty judgment and thought it would be too selfish of me to take you away from them. Will explain more fully later too dear, until then believe me Lovingly Yours Jimmie Excuse haste etc Will be down in the morning between 8 & 9.

My Dearest Little Bessie Dear, Just a line in haste as per my promise. It is just 12:45 and I suppose you are on your way to the station en route to the Apple Show. My best wished for an enjoyable & pleasurable trip. This is the stationery I spoke to you of. [Monogrammed with gold initial P] How do you like it? Arrived safe and in good time from my little journey. Do not care to speak in detail as this will probably arrive at your home before you do. Ella will probably be quite angry with you dear, but don't you get angry, too, for remember you are both God's little girl and my little sweetheart, and "she" never gets angry for I know her disposition and character are too beautiful for that. You know you are absolutely innocent of any wrong doing and was attacked without provocation. So be patient

…Love Jimmie

1912

dear and right & truth will finally win the day. Will write you a nice long letter when I hear from you. With dearest love & many kisses I will say Good bye Lovingly Forever Yours Jimmie Write soon ]^

Oct. 15, 1912, At My Desk Tues Eve My Dearest Realized Dream, I have just finished reading your sweet little promised message. What a coincidence that we both started our letters with the same word "Beloved" and the first time we used it too. It is only another proof of how closely our minds run together. This has been true for a long time but I have never felt at liberty to let you know it before, because until I had entirely made up mind I did not want to do anything to make you think more of me than you did already. But I so often thought when you would say things to me that those very things were my own thots as well and the very feelings you expressed were mine as well. Now dear there is a thing I have been thinking on very greatly since I

left you this time and that is what Ella's letter contained in regard to you & I. I also observed that one came for Ruby also. I presume one came a short time back for your Mother as well. A word of warning to you will not be out of place. It is my opinion that our "friend" is trying to gain favor with every other member of your family so as to more formidably defame you. When one is so unkind & says such mean & contemptible things without the slightest foundation of facts, my motto is to leave them alone. Your decision not to write to her again is a wise one, and I sympathized with you in your embarrassment at your Mothers request Sun. eve keenly. I trust you stuck by your decision and did not write to her again. Nothing can be gained from trying to be friendly with one so unkind to you even if she is a relative by law. Her unwarranted attack on you is shameful and I resent it strongly I assure you. The more I think of it the more indignant I become. You are so undeserving of such treacherous slander. Your life speaks for itself and ever will, and were she a man I should silence her slanderous tongue without delay. No one can ever say one evil word of you within my hearing or even my knowledge for I know that Dearest Bessie...

1912

you are as good as any human being on this earth. I must retire now dear and finish this later as it is getting awfully late. I had a lot of desk work to do this evening and have worked very hard today so Goodnight with a sweet kiss dear I'll finish this later. Thurs Eve 8 P.M. My Own Little Sweetheart, Well here it is Thurs. eve & I must finish this letter so that you will get it Sat. sure. I have just finished reading one of the nicest letters you have written me. It was both sweet and very interesting. I am glad I surprised you, for it fulfills a prophecy I made many, many months ago. I told you, if you remember among other things that sometimes everything would be lovely and seem to come our way while at others the opposite would seem to be true. But the Truth is dear when we know how to think right, everything will be in our favor and be ours for the asking. For illustration dear, when you were about to move to your present home it seemed to your mortal consciousness that you were going to be far, far away from me & that it would be a mere chance if you ever saw me at all. While the Truth is to …Love Jimmie

both you and I, that we have been brought much closer together than ever before. I am sure that you are nearer & dearer to me every day. I sometimes think and wonder how you could be more so than you are but each day brings forth a new realization of what you are to me. What a lovely little kennel you sent me this time dear. You know how I love animals don't you? I wish I had a bunch like those whose pictures you sent me. There was no other message that I left except the one on the blotter dear, so don't look further. Mr. S. told me he had a word with you but said he wished he had more time. Well dear I am glad you did not go to the dance too. You see dear even if you and Ella both stayed and waited for little Jimmie you did not miss a good dance anyway did you? Now dear for once I have ans. all your dear sweet letter so now for just a little news regarding me as per your wish you expressed to me so many times. Tomorrow eve I am compelled to go to San Francisco on business. I leave on the 7 P.M. train and will return Sun. eve at about 10:30. A customer owes us between $400 & $500 and I have got to see him personally to collect the bill. I told my Bro. that I would go 89

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under one provision and that would be that I could go to S.C. [Santa Cruz] on Tues. eve on the train you mentioned & return Thurs. morning on the early train you also said I could get so as to get home early to work. So you see dear I'll have Tues. eve & night, all day Wens., and Wens. eve & night. Such good luck I never dreamed of. He did not want to go to the city and said if I would go he would take care of the poultry so I could go Tues. eve. So if you do not hear from me again meet me on the last train that leaves L.G. [Los Gatos] on Tues. eve. You can just call up the depot at S.C. some time Tues. and ask then what time the last train pulls in from L.G. I'll be on it, be sure and meet it. If you get this in time drop me a line & let me know when you leave home so if anything unforeseen happens I can phone you. Don't tell anyone I am going to go over there to see you because they will think I am crazy sure and it might cause talk you know, not even your folks. If anyone sees me over there that I know "it was only a coincidence" you know dear. But the fact of the matter really is that I must see you every chance I can sweetheart and this is a good one. I told my Bro. I wanted a days rest & thought if I could go to S.C. it would 90

do me good & "incidentally" it being the Institute week I could see you as well. It struck him as being alright & he agreed. I have told no one else and do not intend to. I told the folks I intended taking a day off next week & rest. The Frisco trip will be a rather strenuous one as I have to make the trip both ways by night, and will be very busy Sat. morning with business. Sun. morning will be the only chance I'll have to rest. So I look forward to Tues. eve with the greatest pleasure and the days and hours cannot pass quick enough for me till that time arrives. Please don't think me too severe with Annie but she has been guilty of such profligacy in assailing you when she herself is so proditory* and it aroused my ire to hear you spoken of in such a manner. I must close now dear & go to bed as I have been interrupted several times with phone etc. and it is getting very late. I have not written to Geo. yet but will do so tomorrow noon sure. I have been working very hard in the well again & now have it finished. We start on the new one on Monday. *

It’s not clear what word Jimmie meant to use here

Dearest Bessie...

1912

So with the best & truest Love that's in me I remain Your Loving little Sweetheart forever & ever Lovingly With Goodnight Kisses &

a dear sweet gentle Little hug Jimmie P.S. Write Soon.

ELLA JOHNSON Sixteen months younger than Bessie, “She had very good characteristics but was altogether too outspoken. She had good natured spells and very cranky spells.” [ Source: Bessie’s Autobiography] …Love Jimmie

1912

Oct. 17, 1912, Thursday Noon My Dearest Baby Girl, I must drop you just a line as time flies on and I have had no chance whatever to write at all. Mon. eve I worked at my desk till 1 A.M. got out 27 letters, notices & business mail that had to be attended to. Tues. night I sent out 100 post card notices. The union is going to have an Initiation & of course Little Jimmie has to bear the brunt of the work as usual. But never mind dear I resign on Jan. 1, 1913. So don't worry. I intend to serve my term out with honor that's all. We expect to have company this week at least Mother does as about this time of year she has her usual round of friends visit her. They mustn't expect me to have to entertain them too much though as I have not had a whole nights sleep since a week ago Mon. Yes I'll take that back I had one. It was Thus. Oct 10th. Excuse this brief note, will answer your lovely letter tonight. I meant to tell you to send me a card from S.C. [Santa Cruz], was just a little disappointed that I did not get one. Must close now as the men are waiting for me. Bye Bye dear for this time Lovingly Your little Baby Sweetheart Jimmie 92

]^ Oct. 19, 1912, Sat. noon

My Dearest Sweetheart, I failed to write as I promised. Please forgive me. I was called out suddenly & did not get back till late. As yet I have not had a few hours sleep since I wrote your note. Yesterday noon I had several callers on Union matters & personal business so could not write then. Last night I had to go to a big affair the Union planned. Initiated 12 new members. Nat. Pioneer Drill Team. Was slow getting started & followed with a dance. At the last minute a young lady nearly died & I was compelled to take her home after she had regained consciousness. I arrived home as did my Bro at 4 A.M. this morning. He was not able to get up and work so I had to. So you see dear I have at least some excuse for not writing. This has been another one of those busy wks in my life. I want you to get this line Sun. so must close & go to work. Excuse short line & haste etc. Will write another one of those regular letters of mine dear in a day or two. With sincerest Love & a kiss I am as always

Dearest Bessie...

1912

Your Loving Sweetheart Forever & ever Jimmie Write soon & as often as you can. ]^

Oct. 21, 1912, Mon Eve My Dearest Little Angel Girl, Bessie, Well here it is Mon. eve and as I sit down to my desk I find it filled with unanswered mail, and the minutes of last Fri. eve are not written neither is the cash made up and I took in $18 at the last meeting. But sweetheart for all that I am feeling fine and never felt better in my life. I have had two good nights sleep. Sat. even I retired at 8 & rose at 6. Sun. eve retired at 8:15 & rose at 5:30. So after reading this most beautiful, inspiring, and deeply interesting letter of yours I rec'd today I cannot touch or do a thing until I at least make some attempt at answering it. I cannot express my happiness at receiving the letter dear or most of all its contents, but suffice it to say that I am overwhelmed with pleasure & joy. Such letters as these of yours dear are a source of great inspiration to me and spur me on to greater efforts to reach

…Love Jimmie

the goal for which I am now striving, and hasten the day when we will never have to be apart. The lovely words, the prettily worded phrases, and most beautiful of all its ringing tone of Love & Truth. I am sorry I kept you waiting for a letter but I could not help it dear as last week was certainly a busy one for me sure. I would like to follow your rule dear and leave my desk at 10 but this is a time in my life to make or break me & I cannot follow any set rule now as I must do all I can, that I am called upon to do. Do not forget dear that I try to follow the rule of our Great Master & Teacher & He said that you can do all you are called upon to do without injury to yourself, or those who Love you, as long as you are Honest and are doing right. I am glad you are going to start a music class. It will be good practice for you, and also remunerative as well. I found a telephone call on my phone bill to Wrights. Annie Gray to Bessie Johnson. I caught Annie unawares and she could not very well evade me without lying so she explained to me the reason for the call. Please dear never try to surprise me again that way, for the reason that you are very much more liable to disappoint both yourself & me than to 93

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surprise me. You see I never tell Annie of my plans or movements and I might just unfortunately be away or have some engagements made that I could avoid if I knew you were coming. I would certainly be greatly grieved if you were to come and I was away or was unable to spend but little time with you. Of course I would be agreeably surprised, but grievously disappointed if the other came to be true & I missed you. Don't chance it dear tell me when you are coming & I'll be here if it takes a leg. Now I had to do some thinking to answer your question as to where I was on Thurs. eve Oct 17 at 8:15. I got Willie to help me figure it out. Last week was so busy & mixed up and went by like a flash that I can hardly remember the evenings. I hauled 7 tons of prunes Thurs., 3 loads, and did not get home from the last load till 6:20. Got team put away & in to supper about 7:00. After supper I sat at my desk from 7:45 till 9:30. Willie invited me to go to bed with him when he went at about 9:00, but I had some little more work to do so finished it. Then retired. I am always pleased to tell you where I am at any time or place, and would tell you more than I do as you 94

have told me it interests you but I have not the time dear as I have so much to write you that seems of more importance. But however any time you wish to know as in this instance I would be pleased to tell you. I had to run over the days and evening dear though very carefully to be sure to tell you correctly and I am quite sure I have as I remember the happenings of the day and Willie remembers speaking to me on his way to bed. Glad you accepted the playing engagement. Wish you success. I am glad you do not overlook an opportunity to improve your music as my dearest little darling I must frankly confess to you it really does please me to see you a good player & singer. You have the ability all you need is a little good tutelage & instruction & practice. Your measurements are very very close to those of the Ideal Woman only out a little in a couple of instances. But dear I have realized for some months and what is more I know that you approach The Ideal Woman in more ways than measurements. My Ideal Woman has always been, as I have told you before, only a dream till I met you, and my friends have insisted it to be an impossibility. Yes Will had a pleasant trip. Had Dearest Bessie...

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but little time that was the reason he did not call. Did not have her with him. Hope you can come down this Fri. eve. Mother's company did not come last week but she expects them soon. If only one comes you can come anyway. I'll phone you if anything unforeseen happens. If I don't, phone and tell me train you'll be on & I'll meet it, dear. You must not put off your lesson longer & it is time that I saw your sweet face again too. Excuse haste and paper etc. Must retire as it is late. I have done nothing to speak of but write to the little darling. So good night Angel pet. Love & Kisses Lovingly Your Sweetheart forever Jimmie Where is the enclosed line from your mother dear? Please send it. ]^

Oct. 23, 1912 Dear Little Girl, I forgot to enclose in the other envelope this paper† you sent me. Also please excuse paper etc. Lovingly Jimmie †

An Article entitled, “Engaged to be Married” – heavily annotated by Bessie.

…Love Jimmie

P.S. I still fail to find the line from your mother. ]^

Oct. 23, 1912 My Dearest Darling Girl, It is very late and I have just finished all my work at my desk for this eve and will drop you just a line to correct my mistake of Last eve. I invited you to come down next Fri. eve and while I was working out in the Orchard gathering almonds this morning I discovered that it might be this coming Sun. that you were to play at the church. I again read over your letter and sure enough it was. So dear you know you mustn't neglect your duties or go back on your word to please me. I'll just ask you to excuse my mistake and I'll patiently wait until you can get here which I hope will be the week following. Your letter of today was very interesting. I cheerfully paid 2¢ freight on it which the Post man said was due. Isn't that Bernice Utter in the picture with you dear? Many thanks for it, it is real pretty. I have read over your enclosed article by Amelia Barr carefully. Much of it is very good. I have not time to give you my entire

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opinion on it as I have other things to say. I have marked out a part, much of which meets with my approval. My ideas the ones which I at times express dear are formed after years of careful study & experience and you will find as time rolls on that they are ideas that will stand the test of time, & proof. You may be tempted to think some of them perhaps from time to time foolish and unreasonable but if you will but withhold your judgment & have patience you will find in the end that I am about right. Well, darling Angel, you have again touched the subject of "Christian Science." I cannot talk or write to you on this subject dear only to answer you, as it is against its principles to force its ideas or practices on anyone. Its teaching is founded on the entire Bible and you know dear that Book says "Seek and ye shall find, Knock and it shall be opened unto you." Yes I know what some Mothers and Fathers would say and forbid you to have anything to do with me etc. I have experienced humiliation more than once dear by being prejudged. But those same people have ever regretted their hasty & misguided judgment. They forgot the precept "Judge not, that ye be not judged." But dear the only way to do is as our 96

Master told the multitudes when they asked Him who were Christians. He answered "By their fruits ye shall know them." So it is with me dear. I am willing to be judged by my fruits & works, which is my Life, how I live it, & my character, habits etc. True Christian Scientists dear welcome a thorough investigation of themselves and their religion, for once a person investigates either it is not long till they themselves are earnest students of Christian Science. I have been advised by many friends at different times never to marry a girl who was not a Christian Scientist. But like all other things I do, I heed only the dictates of my own conscience. That's why you are mine today dear. Now little Angel girl, you are a Christian Scientist today in every way & every thing but name. Your life exemplifies it too dear. That to me is a million times better than being one in name only. The Spirit of its teaching you have already, all that is left for you to learn at present is its rudiments and how to use it in your every day life. The study of the subject though dear is a deep one and all Christian Scientists learn more of its Truth daily and increase their understanding. My knowledge of it is but slight compared Dearest Bessie...

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to some, but I try to live each day what little I do know of it. Now to follow up your letter a little further. Never be afraid to let anyone have a book based on the subject of C.S. Let them have it if they ask you for it & the result will nearly always be as in your Mother's case. I have experienced that many times. You say it will depend on me whether you become a C.S. or not. I cannot express my feelings & joy at the words which follow. Such words I don't think were ever before written. My whole Life effort will be that nothing, yes absolutely nothing, will ever be revealed either, in me, from me, or through me, to you, but good. In every thing we have yet met on common ground we have been of one mind in, and I have not the slightest doubt but that everything we ever will meet on we will still be of that same one beautiful, sweet, happy and harmonious Mind on for ever and ever. You are right to quote your "It can't help but be so." Now dear it is very late & I must

…Love Jimmie

retire. But just let me admonish you with a couple of Don'ts. Don't ever argue the Subject of C.S. with anyone. Don't ever discuss me with others when I am not present to defend myself. If they seek to discuss me with you, which they will no doubt do avoid them as no good can ever come from such discussions. I have reached that point with you dear, namely that no one can discuss you with me or tell me anything about you for I know you, I trust that you know me. So goodnight dearest Angel. With my most Dearest Love. I am happy to be your Loving Sweetheart & Ideal Forever. Jimmie XX Goodnight Hug & Kisses. P.S. Before I became interested in C.S. dear my only guide was the Golden Rule. I knew very little of the Bible and at times was very unhappy. Quite different than I am now, for I am the happiest boy in the world. ]^

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ELLA JOHNSON, BESSIE JOHNSON and MABEL HUCKEL

Dearest Bessie...

November 1912 …I want you dear to be prepared to lead the 2nd division of The Grand March with me. As I do not wish to be egotistic or conspicuous I am going to invite Bro. Thomas to lead the 1st division. He if refuses then We lead it, see… Nov. 1, 1912 Dear Little Sweetheart I have just discovered that I forgot to mail the letter I wrote the other evening. Please excuse me. I am feeling much better today. Just a little claim of cold and a little short on sleep. Will be myself again in a day or two. Excuse haste. Lovingly Your Little Boy Jimmy ]^

Nov. 1, 1912, Brookside Farm At My Desk 7 P.M. My Dearest Lover, Your Dearest little Thursday message came to hand in due time and you know how pleased I was to receive it. Its briefness is excusable for it was only brief in words, and they expressed to me as much as they could, much more perhaps than you imagine. I was pleased to know that you arrived home

…Love Jimmie

safely, but regret to hear that your cold was worse and trust you will be well again ere you receive this. No the Dentist did not hurt me dear and I have a nice new tooth now. Yes I sent George over to see you he met me at the Post Office when I went to put my horse in the barn as it was raining you know and I did not want to keep her standing out in it. I thought you would be pleased to see him. Many, many thanks for the picture. It was just what I wanted and I have fixed it with my watch now and it looks beautiful indeed. Please keep all these little secrets to yourself dear, as it would spoil their sacredness to me if they were handed back to me by any one but you. These little things are but the first faint infant footsteps of Love's long journey I am going to make with you. So don't give these beautiful little things, "Beautiful to me", to other uninterested ones to taunt me with, as it would wound my heart dear. 99

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I saw George last night as I passed by with Mrs. Lasher on our way to the Victory Theater. She enjoyed the play very much said it was the best she ever seen. It was good too. I have done my part in entertaining her now, so Willie is going to take her to Los Gatos for an evening. Then Mother will have to take care of her the rest of the time as I am too busy to do more. Please excuse short letter & haste as I am not very well this evening. Have a claim of a cold to meet, but will be alright. Have been working hard this week moving brooder houses from Lloyd Gardener's very heavy work. With dearest Love & Kisses Lovingly & Tenderly Yours Forever Jimmie ]^

Nov. 6, 1912, Wens Eve. 7 P.M. My Dear Little Baby Girl Bessie, I must write you even if it is only a few lines. I am going to church this evening so will take this along with me and mail it so that you will get it tomorrow. Time is at quite a premium with me again hence the infrequency of my letters. But I know that you are anxiously watching for a letter from me every day dear so I must write

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even, as I said, if it is only a few lines and I know you will excuse a short letter. Tell your Father that the people know how to snow under a third termer in good shape. They put it on to Roosevelt worse that they did Grant. Tell him I congratulate him anyway, on the election of Wilson. Mrs. Lasher returned home Sunday after a very pleasant visit with us. I am writing all my pen work now dear with the pen you gave me. It seemed to buck a little and does so yet at times as you can see, but I am going to stay with it as I have made up my mind to write with it no matter how it writes and as it is getting better every day I hope it will be perfect soon. I must close now dear & bid you goodnight. With my dearest Love and Kisses I am Lovingly Yours Forever. Your Little Baby Sweetheart Jimmie Write when you can. ]^

Nov. 10, 1912, At My Desk Sunday Evening My Dearest Angel, Well dear, I suppose you think way down deep in the inner crevices of

Dearest Bessie...

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your dear and loving little heart that I am just a little bit careless in not writing you oftener and more interesting letters than I do. But you are so grand and beautiful in your disposition and reasonableness that your love for me would never permit you to chastise me. Yet on Fri. I had occasion to experience some degree the feelings you must have as each day passes with no word from me. I did not hear from you from Mon. to Fri. and I cannot ever explain to you my great relief and pleasure upon receiving your welcome letter Sat. Am expecting to have two new important matters to decide this week dear that will probably mark the destiny of my Bro. & myself. Try & hold a right thought for me that I might not make a mistake. Have oceans I'd like to write you & will try my best to do it dear. Mon. Morning 7 A.M. I had just gotten fairly well started last night when several guests came and they came into my office & made a raid on me so I had to go out. I will have to ask you to excuse me finishing this with pencil as my hands are so cold I cannot write with pen. My mind is so full of business this morning that I'll just finish this and mail it to …Love Jimmie

you this morning and write again tonight & tomorrow night and ans. your letters dear. There is going to be a swell dance at the Pioneer Local Sat. night Nov. 16. If you are coming down we might go, think it over dear. You could stay the weekend here. Had my hair cut yesterday & had one curl cut out for you thought you might like it. Have 3 men working today. This will be a busy week. Dance comm.. tonight. State convention in San Jose Tues & Wens & evenings as well. Please excuse haste etc. With Love and Kisses Lovingly Your little Boy. Write when you can. Jimmie ]^

Nov. 12, 1912, Tues. Eve. At My Little Desk My Dearest Little Sweetheart, Well dear I have just finished reading your dear little Tuesday message and found it written in your usual sincere, sympathetic, and interesting vein. Now I am going to answer all of your letter before I write anything else. Yes they had a nice service at the

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church. They are all nice to me and I find them very interesting, inspiring, and uplifting in all the paths and daily experiences of my life. Each day I try to live better and make better for every one than the one just passed. Yes it is a pleasure I would not like to be deprived of dear and I assure you that it would indeed be a double pleasure to have you with me even if it is in the dim future Sweetheart, to quote you. But I never want you to attend this church because I do or any one else, no matter who it is. All Christian Scientists attend the church services because of their gratitude for the many benefits and blessings they receive, and for the Principle it represents. So dear I do not want to force my beliefs upon you, but if you think that my life and actions exemplify what you think is right & good you may investigate Christian Science, and perhaps think religiously as I do. You are as near perfect as you can be, as you are, but I hardly think you realize though dear. The only thing left dear is for you to know the reason why you are. You are more than reasonable and fair in every way, angel, and I know we can never drift apart in mind or body. Yes I rec'd your Tuesday message of last week O.K. Please excuse me for not acknowledging it. The Pen is 102

working better now as you can see and I think with more constant use it will be O.K. I am doing as I told you though I am writing with it come what may. It must write for me dear or I'll know the reason why. I have decided to do all of my writing with it. This is the sheet you made the mistake on so I'll be economical and use it as I am out of stationary and will get some more tomorrow. I was urged today to attend the session of the State Convention in San Jose, but knew if I did I'd not be here tonight & then I would again break just a little promise to my little Loved One. So I am fulfilling my promise to you dear. I had a business engagement in Los Gatos this forenoon and used that as an excuse for not going and sent Bro. Wurz in my place. I am going tomorrow morning early and won't be able to return until the last car 1 A.M. I have been appointed chairman of a comm. to give the 2nd Annual Ball of our Local in Masonic Hall, Los Gatos. Am enclosing you 5 tickets if you can sell them do so. Will guarantee them a good time as you know. This will close my tenure of office and I intend to fittingly close it under obligations to no one. I want you dear to be prepared to lead the 2nd division of The Grand March with me. As I do not wish to be Dearest Bessie...

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egotistic or conspicuous I am going to invite Bro. Thomas to lead the 1st division. He if refuses then We lead it, see. The first meeting of the committee has been held and only 3 showed up out of 5, that is 2 besides myself. The ones I depended on most failed me. So as usual all the work fell on me. I have had the printing done, engaged the Hall etc. already. But remember dear I say it will be a success. You know what that means don't you? Am sorry Little Mildred is not well will enclose just a line in ans. to her sweet little letter. You will observe the first five tickets sent out are to you dear. Must close now and go to bed as I have a big day & night ahead of me tomorrow. Lovingly Your Little Baby Sweetheart Jimmie X A Loving Goodnight Kiss. P.S. Please give my love to your mother. ]^

Nov. 19, 1912 My Dear Little Sweetheart I am going to start a letter to you

…Love Jimmie

this evening and finish it tomorrow evening. I expect to hear from you tomorrow so will be ready to answer your letter tomorrow evening. You know you told me not to wait until I heard from you so I am following your instructions. I neglected my desk work something awful last week so will have to get busy and get it done this week. After Supper 9 P.M. I have just finished writing out the minutes of the Union & some figuring with Will. I have decided to retire at 9 dear as I sat here last night till 12, so Goodnight dear, will finish later. Wens Eve. 6:15 I have just finished my work and washed and came it to the office to read the mail. The expected letter did not arrive. I found just one, a letter from Mrs. Lasher saying she had arrived home O.K. and was very much pleased with her visit. So I thought I would drop you just a few more lines till they called supper. We had a lovely day today and I felt fine because I went to bed last night at 9 and rose at 6 this morning. Sun. night I went to bed early too at the same hour. But Mon. night I spent at my desk. I certainly needed sleep 103

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dear. Supper called, will return later. Thurs 1 P.M. Just a line so I can mail this to you dear. After dinner last night I fell asleep in my chair and did not wake up till 9 and Mother begged me not to go into the office and I thought I would please her and go to bed as she has asked me many times to do. So please excuse a short note this time. Am looking for a letter from you today sure. I am rested up fine now and am feeling lovely. With Love & Kisses I am always your Loving little Sweetheart Jimmie ]^

Nov. 24, 1912, Sunday Evening My Dear Little Darling Sweetheart, This has been a very busy week for me, but I have been successful in getting about my full share of sleep. I am very glad you did not have to wait so long at the Station as you expected you would. You too dear must take the best care of yourself that you can. I did not like to hear that you returned home a pretty tired little girl. You must take care, dear and not overdo yourself, for don't forget that all the

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admonitions you give me and remember they work both ways. You know I am always doing the best I can, and loss of sleep is not a serious thing with me but I am trying and successfully too to treat myself much better in that regard. I am glad you have a nice evening dress sweetheart. You know I will always take a great and deep interest in seeing you look nice, just as nice as anybody in the world. And I hope you will always co-operate with me in realizing that pleasure. While seated at the banquet table in San Jose at the F.U. Convention Sister Barton asked me for a sheet of paper. I took from my inside pocket a bunch of papers and a letter or two, and right on top was the one I mailed to you addressed & sealed with addressed side up. She spotted it in a second and called my attention to it. She said "put a kiss on the outside for her to you." I said I would, but as you know I never write on the outside of my envelopes I only put it on in my mind and forgot since to call your attention to it. No we did not buy the land as yet dear as we want to see how we come out in the store first and have got an extension of time on our option. We start figuring on the store tomorrow. Dearest Bessie...

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We are going to put in a bid on it as it is to be sold through the probate court. This in confidential to you dear, but please excuse me, I just forgot for the moment that I have already told you that all of my letters are confidential to you and for you and your eyes only. So if you will pardon me I won't repeat that admonition to you again as I have never yet had to ask you a second time for any thing or favor. I certainly forgive you for not writing sooner for you surely was a very busy girl and needed rest and sleep badly. Must bid you goodnight now as I must go to bed as I want to have my brain good and clear tomorrow. With dearest Love I am always & forever Loyally and Lovingly Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie P.S. Tell Mildred I thank her for her little letter and will answer soon. I got the kisses and give her one for me. Love to your mother & thank her for hers. P.S. No. 2 We are to lead the grand march on Dec. 13, 1912. I had to make the effort of my life to accomplish this as I have been accused of dishonoring you, and that I thought you was not good enough to lead the Grand March …Love Jimmie

within an affair of that magnitude. I have made many sacrifices for the Union and its membership & friends, darling, and have remained loyal to its standard and for my sincerity and loyalty to be strangled and twisted into such unkindness to the One I Love, I made up my mind to vindicate your honor, if that was the way they looked upon my action after hinting and urging me to do what I did, if it took every friend I had on earth from me or even my very life. I made up my mind to show them & all mankind if necessary that you can lead the Grand March with me as beautifully and as gracefully as anyone in the world. This I'll consider my last crowning effort of the year that all may forever keep their peace, & in the future under like conditions rather than be compelled to give you the slightest inattention I'll sacrifice all for you. Please excuse me dear but I have had this in my mind for some time and I did not want to say anything till I could accomplish my purpose. You know the rule is that the Pres. leads the Grand March but in this case my Friend the Pres. has voluntarily done me this good turn. Watch me fight for him. Before our lives end we may live to see the day we will lead greater marches than this one even, who 105

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knows. God bless you dear. Good night with Love & kisses Jimmie ]^

Nov. 26, 1912, 5:50 A.M. Tues. My Dear Little Angel, I received your kind invitation last eve and please accept my sincere thanks for same. At present I cannot say that I can accept it, though. I may be able to come up on Sat. If I can I'll drop you a line on Thurs. so that you will get it Fri. The Sun. you left here I was taken very ill but healed myself towards evening. I seemed to have a claim of appendicitis and nearly fell to the ground when I got out of my buggy. Since then I have been very sick again, but seem to be fine again now and am going back to work this morning. I am sure I'll be alright now. I was only in bed one afternoon. It has put me back in my work some, but I'll catch up again. Please don't worry dear as if I am very seriously ill at any time I'll let you know. There is no use writing and telling you I am sick when the hopes for my recovery are bright. I'd rather write and tell you I am well. I would never mention this at all except that

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someone would probably tell you and then you might worry and think that I am always keeping it from you, which is not true. So please do not worry now as I feel the best I ever felt in my life this morning. The folks are going to have company over Thanksgiving and if I can possibly get away Sat. I'll do so. Again, thank you sweetheart for your kind invitation and wishing you a happy Thanksgiving including your Mother & family. I remain always Lovingly & Sincerely Your Loving Baby Boy Jimmie Love & Kisses dear Excuse Haste & pencil ]^

Nov. 28, 1912, Thanksgiving Dearest Sweetheart, I have just returned from Thanksgiving services in our Church. I have audibly expressed my gratitude for the many blessings I have received during the year. My next act, and first act, on this day will be to express to you through this means my gratitude to you for all the comfort and happiness you have been to me this latter part of the closing year. My

Dearest Bessie...

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prayer is that you may always continue to be the inspiration and comfort to me in the future years that you are now. My Bro and I have to work for the next 2 days in an endeavor to land the Store. We only have until Mon. noon in which to do it so it will be impossible for me to come up to see you this week dear. Please excuse me, as also this brief message of Thanksgiving. I want to mail this and they are waiting for me. Wishing you and yours a bounteous Thanksgiving I am Lovingly Your Little Boy Jimmie Love & Kisses .

Nov 30, 1912, Sat. Eve 10:15 My Dearest Little Priceless Jewel, As my tenure of office is fast drawing to a close I see that I am going to have quite a surplus of this nice Stationery‡ left on hand if I am not careful, so if you will excuse its use & "pencil" occasionally I'll appreciate it. As you see by the above time it is rather late as usual. I have just finished answering 2 days mail, besides sending out 21 one page notices to 34 members ‡

Union Local No. 60 envelopes and letterhead identifying James U. Porter as Sec.-Treas.

…Love Jimmie

of The Dance Committee, all written by myself, addressed, sealed, stamped & all complete. I have been on the road with my Brother for 2 days. We have both been doing a lot of mental work and are a little tired, he seemed to be more so than me so I let him off this evening to rest and I did the desk work. We have been successful in our efforts and yet are unsuccessful. We succeeded in getting a loan of $10,000.00 and everything seemed to be fixed, when the Bank wanted to have the Abstract on our home brought down to date and examined. We sent it to San Jose and the Abstract Co. could not possibly get it done under any circumstances before 1:30 P.M. Monday, which would be too late as all the bids are closed & the highest bidder awarded the Store and business at high noon. All our work and efforts seem to be for naught and we were inclined to be a little down hearted this evening, but yet it may in the end be for our best interests. We are at least very much pleased to know that the Bankers and our personal friends hold us in such high esteem for our honesty and financial integrity. I am personally very much pleased to know that the Little Angel I love has 107

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so much confidence in me, and to know that I have your cooperation & support in all I do no matter what it is. I do not forget all the beautiful, sweet, and loving promises you have made me dear from time to time, and they are a source of great pleasure and happiness to me as well as an added inspiration. Your last beautiful letter dear came to hand yesterday. The one previous just when I needed it. Will answer both later. Good night dear just 10:45 must retire will finish this later. "X A Dear little Kiss Goodnight." Sunday Eve. 7 P.M. My Dearest Little Girl, Willie and I have spent the entire day at home today laying our plans for the future in reference to improvements we have to make on the place and in reorganizing our books in readiness for the coming year. We also took stock in the Poultry Dept. Yes I remember some of what you said dear at the piano in V.V. But I don't quite understand what you mean in your letter to quote you, you say; "I was wiged to throw you down right then & there." What do you mean by the word 'wiged'? There is no such word in the English language that I know of. Is it a by-word of your own. If it is explain it to me dear. However, 108

be that as it may, whatever you mean I think it must be right. There is one other thing I want to get a little clearer understanding on in your letter. You say "kindly do not select another for you." Do you regret having followed me in the line with Bro. Nelson Barton as your escort. I hope not, for I have never nor never will place you in the company of anyone whom I even suspicion to be unworthy of your respect & confidence. I am glad to hear you tell me of the confidence you repose in me & let me repeat that I only did on the evening of Nov. 10 what I thought to be right and no more. Wednesday Eve 7:30 Well dear little Girlie whether I finish this letter or not this evening I am going to mail what I have written anyway as I presume you have been expecting a letter from me for some days. I have been very well for several days past and think I will be from now on dear. Yes, you're right, Trust "God" you cannot do better in my opinion, for you know He is All Power, and as you are good and pure in thought & deed, "Ye can ask what ye will and it shall be granted unto you," to quote his word from the Bible. Our visitor came from S.F. Wens. Dearest Bessie...

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and as there was a big dance in town and I was going down to announce "our" Ball our guest came with me. Will, her & I started out for Smiths in the surrey to sing a few songs before we went up. Our guest is a Christian Scientist and therefore Florence is interested in her too. We mentioned where we were going and invited Florence to join us as we did not intend to stay late. After thinking about it for some time she finally decided to go & we all went up with the exception of Will, who went to the movies, as he did not want to go to the dance unless he made a night of it. We left at 12 & went home. As you know by this time your father called me up Mon. and I had a nice little talk with him. He said your dear sweet Mother was with him. Oh sweetheart but those apples were lovely. Willie just came in and asked me to write a recommend for Mr. Philips who used to work for us. I have done it. Then took a lay off for a few

…Love Jimmie

minutes to eat one of your lovely apples in which Will joined me. Had a big meeting of the Dance Comm. last night. 15 attended, out of 34. All final arrangement were made. Went to a turkey Banquet and installation of the Eastern Star Mon. night. I am trying to have the Ball announced wherever I can. Tickets are going quite good. All indications point to a big success. Left my dear little pen in San Jose to have it fixed at last. I did not like to part with it, but thought it best for a little while till it is fixed. Wishing you & yours a Merry Xmas and a Happy & prosperous New Year I must close now. Good night Angel Love with dearest Love & kisses I am Yours Forever – Jimmie P.S. Hope Mildred is well again. .

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WILL and JIMMIE PORTER Showing one year’s growth on a newly planted prune tree, next to the corn field.

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Dearest Bessie...

December 1912 …you almost made me lose control of myself when you told me to get on the train & say nothing to you…I suppose I should be more manly but please excuse me dear I can't help it. When you are with me always I won't have to weep and can always try and be as manly as I can except when I am alone once in a while I confess I do weep some. I trust you can sympathize with me dear… Dec. 9, 1912, At home Mon. Eve. My Dearest Little Lover, Well I have just lit the fire in the dining room and as I came in the door from the wood shed with the wood I looked up and there was the "Evening Star." I can't keep my eyes out of that part of the sky dear and went out to have another look at her. You dear are the guiding star in my life, and as the Wise men of the East followed the Star of Bethlehem I'll follow you to the final goal of happiness, success & bliss. I'll ask you to excuse the use of pencil for this is the one you gave me today & I bought this little Japanese rice wafer tablet so that I could use the pencil. Also it is such light paper I can use a good many sheets without taking up much room and making too bulky a letter. I arrived safely at home about 1:30. …Love Jimmie

Arrived in Los Gatos at 12:30 and saw plumber for your father. He had not been down to fix the pump but was going tomorrow. Did not go today on account of rain. I saw the printer he got copy O.K. and had the job done for you. It is fine I think, and hope you will be pleased with it. He is going to mail them to you this evening as soon as they are dry so you will get them tomorrow. I am quite sure I am going to come up to your Xmas Entertainment Sat. Let me know if you can make arrangements to meet me and get me to the church on time. I am going into town tomorrow morning to ship and will see if I can get Santa Claus costume. If I can I'll grant your request & act for you if you still wish me to. Must close now & retire as I am tired dear. Will write again when I 111

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hear from you Lovingly with Love & Kisses Yours Forever Jimmie ]^

Dec. 11, 1912, Wens. eve 7:30 My Dear Little Angel, Well I must write you a few lines and everything & everybody must wait till I get through. I have just got home & my supper down & they are waiting for the program now, so I must go with them as soon as I can. Mother and Father are in S.F. and we are alone. These are the busiest days & nights for me ever, I have not had a minute for a week. Your plans are fine will try & meet that train and if I can't, and it will take a good deal to prevent me, you come direct to the Hall. All plans are finished for the Ball Special car & all. I will explain everything to you when I see you. Have oceans to tell you. Have patience with me dear for I have oceans to contend with in the last month as you will know when I see you. You mustn't feel hurt if I have not been able to come up there & if I have not written as often as I should. It would have been my heart's desire & afford me much happiness & pleasure

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if I could have accomplished both. Just remember, & never lose sight of the fact, darling, for one instant that I love you, and Love you, and you alone dear, the best & most of anyone in this whole world. Must say good night as they are all butting into the office here. I have selected my dances from your program which I enclose. As there will be dozens upon dozens there that night I will ask you to bear with me upon the small number I have chosen. Good night dear Little Love Bee with Love & Kisses till Fri. eve. Sincerely & Lovingly Yours forever Jimmie Love to all. Excuse haste etc. P.S. Am going into town tonight to mail this after I finish my other duties. ]^

Dec. 12, 1912, Thurs Noon My Dearest Little Darling, I am going to drop you a few lines in haste as I want it to go out on this mail. I arrived home a little after one on Mon. & as soon as I changed my clothes I washed my dear little buggy and horse all of nice & clean as both

Dearest Bessie...

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were a sight dear. Then I went to work in the poultry plant until eve. The evening I spent making out bills and checks and reading and ans. the mail over Sunday. As Will had an engagement downtown. Went to bed at 11 P.M. Slept fine and enjoyed it & hope you did also. Tues. I spent with Will & we got everything straightened out in the Poultry Plant after which we spread 5 large loads of droppings that had collected from the hens. Got over an acre of ground with the 5 loads. Also cleaned and dug all the old weeds etc off the summer garden raked them all up & burned them. I spent the eve. finished the minutes of the Union & bal. up the cash acc. of same and answering 7 letters for the Local. Went to bed at 10:30 and had a good sleep which I enjoyed. Miss you so much all the time. Everything I do I cannot help but think of you dear. Wens. Will & I worked ½ day raking brush in the orchard after the routine work had been finished. Rose at 5:45 breakfast at 6:30 back to Poultry work at 7 & in the orchard at 8 till noon. Afternoon I raked up all the orchard that we had prepared in the morning. You see dear we rake the …Love Jimmie

brush away from the trees by hacking it first with a small wooden rake then, with the hay rake in winnows, then with the buck rake "but not yours" out of the orchard and burned. The latter I did this morning. This orchard is ½ cleaned up now dear. Last evening I spent at home sent out post card notices to every member of the Union & one to you dear. Hope you got programs O.K. The folks came home last eve. Had a nice time and enjoyed it very much they said. I retired at 11 P.M. Yesterday I decided to grant your wish and be at your Xmas program and act as Santa Claus for you as you requested me to. I felt that I must see your efforts completed and I enjoy it so much. Hence I phoned you. Will look for you next with anxious eyes till Sat. Eve. I'll be in the train sure. I have thought of what I said to you in regard to our finances on the way up Sun eve. I feel proud of your efforts to save for our future and you deserve a deal of credit for the $100.00 you have laid aside so far. It is the first hundred just think, and all saved by "one little Girl." It is up to us both to save all we can dear because the sooner our finances are adjusted the sooner we will be together forever. We will both do the best we can & all will be well I 113

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am sure. Must close Good day dear. With Love & Kisses Your Loving Little Boy forever XXXXXXX Jimmie [Enclosed 2 newspaper articles: Union Local Elects Officers – Vice President, James U. Porter Union Local to Give Second Annual Grand Ball.]

At home Mon. noon Dec 23, 1912 My Most Precious Jewel, Now for the few lines that my little girl requested. I arrived safely at home at 3:45 found Will just starting to feed with our friend Douglas here to visit with us for the afternoon. Bro. Thomas had left a message for me to be sure and call & see him on business of great importance. After we had "only a kiss dear" finished feeding I took Douglas with me and we drove down to Bro. Thomas' home. Union troubles & a piece of hay land that was for rent at a bargain was his business with me. A scheme is on foot to use the money in our Union Treas. for purposes other than for which it was raised. He requested my 114

assistance to prevent this. Mrs. Van Denburgh, Douglas' mother is a woman of wide experience & education. A woman keen of mind & intellect whose judgment & opinion is much sought and respected. This is what she said of you. I tell you this because I love you & can trust you to receive your just dues and praise without becoming vain or conceited. You can bear praise & honor with the grace and dignity that is borne of intelligence & purity & a true Love that is enduring and everlasting. She said that you was the most interesting girl, in point of depth of character that she had met for many years. That she was very pleased to meet you & see you & to know that you was my friend. She told Douglas to go into his office and compare you with the society girls that spent the previous evening at their home & then if his opinion was the same as hers he would find that there was no chance for a comparison in common ground for in her opinion they were in no wise your equal. All of this she told Douglas & he told me. She will very likely have something to say to me when she sees me as she loves me & thinks that my Bro. & I are the best boys she knows in every way. They have invited me to dine with Dearest Bessie...

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them one evening this week and if I can spare the time I'll go up. I have received many lovely compliments of you dear which is both encouraging & inspiring, and I trust that I can have people speak well of me to you, that is people that are men and women not knockers. We all know that no matter how much we do or how good & noble we might be there are some who would give even Satan his just dues. Now there are many things I could answer in your beautiful letters had I the time but it is now 1:15 and I must return to work. This dear you can call my Xmas letter to you and I want to wish you and yours a merry Xmas and a happy & prosperous New Year. Also please convey my sincere thanks to your dear Mother & to all for the many little courtesies they have all shown me the past year & during my last visit. I can hardly write let alone speak my thoughts & feelings at our parting you almost made me lose control of myself when you told me to get on the train & say nothing to you. I did not go in & speak to the Palmer children until I regained my composure which was nearly to Los Gatos. I suppose I should be more manly but please excuse me dear I can't help it. When you are with me always I won't have to weep and can …Love Jimmie

always try and be as manly as I can except when I am alone once in a while I confess I do weep some. I trust you can sympathize with me dear. With dearest Love & kisses I am Your Loving Sweetheart forever Jimmie ]^

Sat Eve Dec 28, 1912 My Dearest Little Jewel, I am going to drop you a line in haste. The Asst Postmaster at Los Gatos who is a distant relative of mine is very sick I hear and I am going down this evening to see him. I have known him intimately from childhood and when anyone is sick whom I know if I can possibly get to them I always call & see them. I am taking a nice broiler and 20 lbs. of prunes with me. The chicken is young and nicely dressed and I think he might be able to eat some of it when it is nicely cooked by his little wife. I am sending you under separate cover a calendar. An explanation is necessary for same. A few days before Xmas Douglas came out here to see me, in fact it was last Sunday, and he asked me if it would be alright and gentlemanly to send you, Miss Smith

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and Annie a calendar. I told him yes. He sent Miss Smith one under separate cover as he knew her fairly well. Yours and Annie's he sent to me telling me to select yours from the two. I did so. I wrote on the back of yours dear and told him I did. He said it was alright to do it if I explained it to you. I have dear the best I can. You can acknowledge it as you see fit. He thinks a great deal of you for two reasons. First because it is you and the beautiful impression of your sweet character you have left upon him & second because you are my "dearest friend." That is what he thinks. You know what we know Angel. That is as much as I can let him know now.§ I rec'd your dearest Xmas letter & will ans. soon. Excuse haste etc dear. Good night. With Love & Kisses Lovingly Your Baby Boy XXXXXX Jimmie ]^

Dec 30, 1912, Mon. Eve My Dear Little Pet, You have often said to me dear that if I would only say yes you would have §

Bessie’s and Jimmie’s engagement was still a secret, even from their families.

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everything in Life to live for as it was you had nothing. I can now appreciate the full meaning of those words. As I sit down to answer your lovely letter which seems to me to be about the most beautiful I have yet received, I think that with you as mine I have everything to live for now. I have a new song I am learning entitled "The hour that gave me you."∗ The first time I heard it I thought how appropriate that was for me to sing and how I did thank God for "The hour that gave me you." I am writing awful fast dear so excuse careless writing as I have oceans to tell you and want to get in just as much as I can before 9:30 as I have set that hour for my retiring as I need the rest as I am working hard. I spent last Fri. eve with Douglas and enjoyed it very much. I went up to dinner at 6:00 and at 7:30 I went down and got Miss Smith and a friend of hers and took them up and they furnished music for a very pleasant evening. He joined me in seeing them home after which we returned to his home and I spent the night there. He ∗

First line: The vaults of time are deep, dear! But mem'ry holds to view Chorus: Olden, golden, glorious hour, the hour that gave me you!

Dearest Bessie...

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said he enjoyed the evening very much but that he would rather I would have disappointed him on this occasion than on New years day when I had promised to bring you up to spend the afternoon with him. I expected you to have 2 wks vacation when I made the promise and explained it to him so I told him I might persuade you to come down next Sunday. Couldn't you come down here on Fri. eve & stay with us till the last train Sunday? You could take your music lesson on Sat dear and you haven't forgotten my first request have you? I do want you to advance with your music dear and you were getting along so nicely when you were taking your lessons regularly Let me know by return mail please, and come if you can as I would like to see you. I left "Bird Haunt" Douglas's home early in the morning to return to mine. On my way down I thought that my little Love had thought of me on Xmas Day and just penned me a few lines so I stopped at the side door of the Post Office and asked for my mail. I was not disappointed as you know. The morning was dismal & cloudy & foggy. I started then on my journey home and read the beautiful letter on the way. It seemed to usher in a ray of sunshine within me. It seemed as if I …Love Jimmie

was almost in heaven. Everything seemed so beautiful within me, and when I realized I was crossing the little bridge, "Where we have lingered at times when the road home was too short" I looked up and behold the sun was breaking through the clouds and a real beautiful day was just dawning upon the horizon. I cannot express to you by word or pen my feelings at that moment dear. Suffice it to say I was happy. Now I must get down to business and answer some of your lovely letter darling. I know your letters are all sincere dear, whether they are written on linen, silk, or wrapping paper, it makes no difference to me, as long as you wrote them. Now dear you have again approached me on a subject that is near & dear to my heart. Now dear to begin with all that I have and all that I am I owe to Christian Science. It has saved my life, made me successful & happy, & last but not least has given me the prize of my life you. The beautiful thoughts it teaches me to hold and reflect in daily life makes you love me and me love you. I would love to explain these passages you ask me to dear but as a Christian Scientist "which I am trying to be", I cannot. I do hope you will understand me dear for I will 117

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try and make my reason to you as clear as possible. You see dear that little book was written by a divine inspiration not one’s own & so far every word of it has been proved true. So you see it is Truth dear. My advice to you is this dear, Read the "dear little Book" and understand what you can of it what you don't understand pass by as Truth until you do or can understand and prove true to your own satisfaction at a later date. It is gratifying to me dear, to see that you have overcome one human fear through reading the little Book. Just think you have been loosed from the bonds of human fear so that you really know that you can Love me & be as happy as you please and not be afraid. I am so glad dear to know that you can be as happy as you want to. I have often wished that you could be when you have told me that you was but was afraid, and was so fearful you even cried at times. The Bible says Knock and it shall be opened unto you, seek and ye shall find. Christian Scientists do not proselytize and they never explain passages from S&H for fear that they might make a mistake or let in a human hypothesis for Divine Truth. Some time dear when we are together I 118

will read with you and we can study together if you like which would be a great pleasure to me, for as I have said before you are a Christian Scientist already & a good one, but you don't know it that's all. Yes I remember very well last Xmas day & the day after. Also the time you cried. You frightened me some for I thought I had offended you or broken a confidence with you. And I remember how relieved I felt when I found none of my fears were true. It is real sweet of you dear to ask me if I was going to take Miss Smith with me it shows what sweet confidence you have in me and that you will never be unreasonably jealous of me & cause me pain & sorrow. Your last quotation from S&H [Science & Health] Page 59 "Tender words etc" is my natural motto dear and the day can't come too soon to prove it. Well dear have a little patience and we will soon be together. It is as hard for me as it is for you to wait don't forget that. I know that we are both tender hearted and you are right, we will get along lovely. I know you can't help showing your feelings the way you do and it is your open frankness & truthfulness that makes me love you more & more. You never could help showing your Love for me and you will Dearest Bessie...

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never regret it either for you will be rewarded. It is now 10:45 dear and I must close. With all the Love that I possess I am Yours Forever & ever Tenderly & Lovingly Your Baby Sweetheart Jimmie Goodnight kisses

XXXXXXXXXX Ten X and one big one to sleep on P.S. I saw the piece in the Mercury from Skyland Xmas tree. They will have me named to you next week sure. That will start the gossips here for fair. ]^

Jimmie plays Santa for Bessie’s Christmas Party at Skyland School

…Love Jimmie

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An Amateur “Studio” Portrait of James Underhill Porter Someone should have thought to iron the sheet.

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Dearest Bessie...

January 1913 …If you would like me to I would try and write a diary of my life for you. I wouldn't want to promise you when I would finish it but I would do it as fast as I could… Of course I would write facts and not write it to appear flowery or nice if I did not deserve it… Jan. 2, 1913, Thurs. eve My Dear Little Darling I want to just drop you a line in haste. You will probably think that I am working overtime writing to you but the last letter I wrote in the old year I wrote to you dear and the first one in the new year I want to be to you also. So as I have a raft of mail to get out as well as to draft resolutions & make out some extra reports for the Union I'll have to get busy. I have just received your nice little letter and was delighted to get it. Telephoned to Douglas and told him I would mail it in the morning. He is much interested to get it and is going to the office first thing after it. Of course he thinks it was sealed and is a little worried for fear he might have offended you. I told him not to worry though. He will be delighted, pleased, & happy beyond measure & will show it to his mother I'll bet. I told him

what I wrote you that you could acknowledge it as you saw fit. He told me over the phone tonight he wished he could do something to scare me off the fence for if he succeeded in scaring me off the fence and you were around there would be a lucky boy & a lucky girl in the world & he was sure they would both be happy. I am pleased at what you said in your letter, "that you never do or say anything that I might not see or hear." I have often thought that I could see you I my mind and not ever be afraid to be present unbeknownst to you and fear anything that you would be saying or doing. I have implicit confidence in you dear & would trust you with anything or with anyone whom I knew to be worthy of your presence anywhere. I know that you are honest & true in every way & in everything you do. No word of anyone would shake my confidence or change my good opinion of you or my true & deep

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seated love for you. Nothing but my very eyes would prove you false to me and then I am sure I would look for more than once in hopes that their evidence might not be true. My mind dear was made up to what I have just written some time ago and the time for any evidence or word of any human being to change it has passed. I hope dear that you can come down this week. If you can't come Fri. eve come Sat. Come if you can, & bring the pieces you learned at King's with you. I want you to play them for me & for Mrs. Van Denburgh too, love see. With sincere Love & best wishes I am Your Little Baby Boy Forever Jimmie P.S. Rec'd your card & Mildred's also Ella's many thanks. P.S. No 2. Enclosed bill paid and receipted for program. Love & Kisses Jimmie XXXXX ]^

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Jan 7, 1913 My Dear Little Sweetheart, I have just finished writing a bunch of news for the Co-Operator our Official paper besides 5 business letters for The Union. I am closing up all accounts with them. Turn my books over next week. I am just going to drop you a few lines in haste as I am very tired and must retire. Sweetheart I have a great many things of vital importance I would like to talk over with you and I would like to have you come down this next Fri. eve if you possibly can. I can't get up there at present and I should like very much to see you as I want to ask your advice on matters of vital importance to us. I am getting my work in shape for a few days rest, 2 or 3 of which I intend to spend at your home. Can arrange to go up Fri eve & leave on a Mon. Morning. Please consider my request seriously dear and see if you can't in some way manage to get here. Much has transpired since I saw you last and I cannot write what I want to tell you. I was disappointed today as it is Tues. and no message arrived from you today. My time has been fearfully taken up in the last week so please excuse short and Dearest Bessie…

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infrequent letters till I can do better. I wish you would drop me a line by return mail and I will meet you on the train you arrive on, Fri. eve. I am enjoying very good health and trust you are doing likewise. Tell Anna May and Mildred I thank them for their kind and interesting letters and will answer them when I can get a little time. Tell them to be patient as a patient waiter is no loser you know. Saw Donald in San Jose the other day. Said he was going to convey to you a big story. I don't know what he told you but I suppose he handed you a big line. I was talking to George when I saw him I am going to answer your lovely letter tomorrow eve if I possibly can dear. You have no idea how my time is taken up just now. Days and evening are much too short. Bidding you a sweet good night I must Kiss you and wish you Sweet Dreams With Love I am always Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie ]^

Jan. 8, 1913, Wens. Eve Dear Little Angel, Here I am again at my desk and it is

…Love Jimmie

very late, dear. I just received your Tues message today and it was very sweet, beautiful, interesting and pleasing to me. I thank you dear for such a nice letter. I look forward to them and they are one of the real pleasures of my life, so when I do not get them I am disappointed of course. I wrote you last night and asked you again to come down, but in this letter it seems you say you can't. Your only reason is that your folks would not like to have you come so often, and that mine would think your visits too frequent. As to yours I cannot say for them but to my home you are always welcome. You have a standing invitation and come & go when you please. If you did not know that already dear, please don't let me remind you of it again. You know I told you some time ago dear that you were always welcome, and only asked you to let me know when you were coming that I might be home. I have always heard Mother invite you to return every time upon your departure from our home. I am at present working on a "Water Plant" we are putting in. Last week I built the Engine House. This week I am digging the pipe trenches. We have also had to cull, examine and go over & catch every chicken on the 123

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ranch to get ready for the Season of 1913. We expect to finish the chicken work and Water Plant by the end of next week. Then we have to put in the hay, and then I expect to take a few days off and rest up a little before the spring work and hatching season comes on. I have a little business trip to get through as well but can make a restful pleasure trip out of that. Now dear I cannot come up there this week but I won't repeat what I have written in my previous letter of yesterday, it explains itself. You can decide that I am glad that you have so many nice things for your "Hope Box" dear. Yes we are happy now I know but do not ever think you are as happy now as I can make you, for I anticipate that the future holds in its grasp much more happiness than either of us ever dreamed would be ours 2 short years ago. Our marriage will certainly enlarge our scene of happiness and will unfold to us an enlarged happiness for which all human beings long but are seldom blessed with. That happiness is "ours" dear and will be yours & mine forever. Two things come to my mind from your last letter. You spoke of a long engagement being dangerous for the reason that a man would tire of a 124

woman before a long engagement could be realized. In my opinion if a man would get tired of his prospective wife during their engagement, what would he do after their marriage? Secondly I know that you can and will fill the place I expect of you dear in our wedded life. I am glad to hear that you are making these little things to make our home life beautiful and happy dear and I knew in time you would. We have had the coldest weather here in our history and felt it very much. We done away with our fire place and have put in a stove. We find it a great saver of wood and it furnishes an abundance more of heat. I think if you would do the same you would be much better satisfied. Must say goodnight dear. With Love & Kisses I am Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie A bunch of goodnight ones XXXXX ]^

Jan 14, 1913, Tues Morning My Dear Little Pet, I had company last night and was unable to write to you. So just a line in haste before my father goes to town to

Dearest Bessie…

1913

ship the eggs this morning. I left your home at exactly the same time as we left Los Gatos Sun. for there. Arrived here at 3:45. Just 2-1/2 hrs on the way. Had no trouble & arrived safely, but the roads up there are fierce. We had no rain here at all till 12 PM last night. Rained all the rest of the night and now at 7:30 it is slacking down a little. Tell your father that I was very much surprised to find that we had had no rain here upon my arrival as it rained quite hard all the way down to Alma. I almost cried when that accident to the picture happened for I was afraid you would be disappointed. I read your Diary almost through last night in bed. You told me I might have it and so I took it. I read some while lying in bed in your little bed & room. I watched you through the window till you were almost out of sight. I never watch you out of sight as I want a living vision of you to carry in my mind till I see you again. If you would like me to I would try and write a diary of my life for you. I wouldn't want to promise you when I would finish it but I would do it as fast as I could. You can let me know if you wish me to. I would write the Truth of it but of course I could not write every little detail as you have as I could never …Love Jimmie

finish. Neither could I make a record of all my friends & acquaintances as you know I have lived in many places and in them as here I have always lived a semi public life, so friends run into many hundreds & acquaintances into thousands. But I would just endeavor to write the principle events that's all. Of course I would write facts and not write it to appear flowery or nice if I did not deserve it. My life though dear is an open book, as is my Brother's of which we are not ashamed so don't be afraid to say yes for fear that you would be ashamed of me or disappointed to read it. With dearest Love & tenderest affection for the sweetheart of my Life I am Yours Always Lovingly Your Little Blue Eyed Boy Jimmie X A dear little kiss to the Baby Girlie Write soon and as often as you can. P. S. Please be more careful with my letters dear as you left the last one I wrote you on the table here and my Mother read it. She told Will that she read it to see if I was leading you on to love me. She asked Will if he knew I was engaged as she thought that maybe 125

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I was. He told her no & said that if I was he would be the first to know it and that I would tell him. So he of course unconsciously convinced her and she has said nothing to me about it. As luck would have it, it came out alright but in the future let this be a lesson to be more careful. I am determined that no one should know until I want them too, and when I make up my mind. I'll make it stick or die in the attempt. So don't fail me and let your end out or leave it unprotected, for you would disappoint me terribly and do me an almost, or even just about an irreparable injury. If any one asked you point blank tell them it is none of their business. Which is true. I don't ask you to lie but I do ask you and as you know I have to keep it a secret, and have your sacred promise to me that you would. So please be as careful as you know how in the future. My Mother I'll forgive for what she done even though it is not right. My Bro. if he did it I would not. Love & Kisses I am Lovingly Yours Jimmie Please keep this to yourself as my bro. told it to me in confidence and as we 126

are one I will tell you. ]^

Jan. 21, 1913, Watsonville, Cal My Dearest Little Pet, I have been very sick since I arrived here but I am lots better now, and will be O.K. I think from now on. I'll ask you to please excuse pencil etc. I had a nice trip over and arrived O.K. I decided to come here after I left Soquel as I was not feeling the best so thought I would get better care here. Every school I passed brought back fresh memories of you all the way. After leaving the Mountain School above Soquel I met 2 little girls going home and they were very interesting one of them the oldest not 8 yrs old and told me the teacher put her back from 2nd grade to high first because she had no one but her in the grade & did not want to have so many grades. She also said that there were 9 in her family and that her mother read in the paper where a lady had had 3 at one time. I thought she was the limit for a child of her years. Over here I meet many old faces of my childhood and it brings back many recollections of good times & hard ones, as the angel of fortune perchance

Dearest Bessie…

1913

to smile or frown on me in those bygone days. I went to bed at 9 last eve and rose at 9 this A.M. I am taking the very best care of myself and expect to be looking and feeling fine upon my return to you. I will leave here at about 10 AM Fri morning and will be there about 4. I am coming up by way of Skyland School and will stop and take you with me. I am anxious to get back to you again and will have to try and control myself better in the future for I know I'll not be able to see you so often for awhile yet. Must close now and will look for a letter from you tomorrow. Please excuse haste. With Love & Kisses Dear "Yours" Lovingly Jimmie ]^

Jan. 26, 1913, At Home Again My Dearest Little Baby Girl, Well I am at home again. I left Sear's at 4:40 as you know and I arrived home at 6:40. Just took me two hours. Little Daisy went fine. I found everyone well at home and everything in good condition. I felt very sorry for you when I left and it was only with

…Love Jimmie

the greatest effort that I controlled my own feelings. But of course I did not want your mother to think I was a baby. But I knew you couldn't help it dear so it's alright. This note will have to be brief dear as I have quite a bunch of mail collected since I was home. I saw so many things on my way down that reminded me so much of our beautiful and happy drive up just a week ago today. It seems to pass so quickly I can scarcely realize that my visit is at an end. I wish I could start back to you again tomorrow. But I know that is impossible, so I must brace up and settle down to my work and be as satisfied as I can under the circumstances dear. I thought that perhaps today you would delay writing to me until you hear from me and that I could not endure so I telephoned back to you. Will be looking for a letter from you abut Wends. and if I do not come up I'll answer it upon its arrival. With a sweet Goodnight I am Lovingly Your Devoted Lover Jimmie Love & Kisses Dear X A pretty goodnight one. Write soon.

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P.S. By the way, have you written to Florence yet? If you haven't dear please do so. You know you told me you were going to and you forgot to tell me whether you did or not and I forgot to ask you. With Love Yours Jimmie ]^

Jan. 31, 1913, Friday A.M My Dear Little Angel The dearest little sweetheart mine, I am just going to steal a few lines to you this morning and will ask you to please excuse haste & stationery.* I have been very busy this week & therefore I have not written before. I had intended writing to you a nice letter last eve. but Stella invited Will & I down to that dinner and it gave us an opportunity to take the present so we went. As usual I could not lose sight of you but saw you sitting there in the corner of the parlor as plain as if you were really there. I have taken you almost everywhere with me and cannot seem to go any place but what you are there with me all the time. *

Letter written on a farm invoice form

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Your dear little letter came to hand last eve and I thought it never would get here I was so disappointed that your folks did not come Tuesday eve as I thought. I could at least see them if I could not see you. I'll answer your precious little letter this evening. I want to send this to you that you may get it tomorrow and the one I write tonight you will get Sunday. But of course dear I have only one letter from you for such a long time it seems ages and I have nearly worn it out since I first read it in the loft of Lasher's barn. But of course I don't blame you, you write as often as you can. I am going to place all of your letters that I have received since I last placed them on file and in order tonight. I will then number them and in my letter will let you know how many I have. This last one I put on the one I got in W'ville, I mean, "as the one I received yesterday goes with me everywhere I go till I get another." Will just be barely legible and that is all for I had to carry it so long I nearly wore it out dear, of course dear I have to keep them readable as 100 years from now I perhaps might not be able to remember what was in them exactly see! I must close now with deepest love & a million kisses I am happy to be Dearest Bessie…

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able to remain Your Loving & devoted sweetheart and Lover forever & ever. Your Own Little Baby Boy Jimmie P.S. Why did not your Mother & Father come? Write soon and as often as you can. ]^

…Love Jimmie

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SARAH ELIZABETH CRAPO JOHNSON and HIRAM HUGH JOHNSON Sarah was born in Livermore or Oakland in 1865 Hiram was born in Calaveras County in 1856 They married in 1881, when Sarah was 15. They had ten children 130

My Dearest Bessie…

February 1913 …then I drove right down to Mrs. Lords with a box of dried prunes which I gave to her. They are poor folks and she's had a large family to keep and a worthless husband. We went to see about selling what prunes we had left here and they will run 90 to 100 and the packers only offered us 1¢ per lb. straight or $20 per ton, so we decided to give them away to our friends who need them and appreciate them… Feb 2, 1913, Brookside Farm My Dear Little Sweetheart, Well at last dear I have a chance to write you the letter I promised you on Friday eve. I have so much to tell you that I hardly know where to begin. To begin with I finished plowing and putting in the hay field on Mon. Tues. I plowed up all the little pieces of land around the house and put them in including the potato patch and the garden, which we planted on Wednesday. Mon. night I went to bed early and Tues. night I waited & watched for your Mother & Father but all in vain. I was very much disappointed as I had worked hard to have things all plowed and looking nice upon their arrival. Wens. even I went to the Wens evening meeting. Thurs. we worked to …Love Jimmie

prepare our alfalfa patches for irrigating and planting. Thurs. eve Will & I went to Stella's or Mrs. Pearce's rather, took dinner with them and delivered the Punch Bowl & glasses. Enjoyed the evening and they seemed to be very much pleased with the present. Thurs. I rec'd your dear little letter with the "Forget me nots" or rather to quote you Violets true. I was pleased to get the lovely little letter and will answer it now. I'll be looking for the horsehair, dear. Did not find the promised message from Ella in your next letter. I am glad that you realize my appreciation of you as I always appreciated you far more than I ever used to express in words and more now that I can find words to express it. I am proud beyond expression to have 131

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the honor of being the first and only man to whom you have spoken the sacred words "I love you", and to know that I have the Love of such a beautiful child of God as you are. The sacred fire which has been kindled in both our hearts is not one that has flickered and gone out on different occasions, but in the case of us both, it is the first, last, and only fire of its kind that will ever be kindled in our mortal lives. Its warmth & Love will never be explained in words but can only be expressed in two of the happiest lives on earth. As the hours, days, weeks, months, and years roll by it will continue to kindle & blaze until it envelopes our whole being with its warmth & bliss carrying us to that inexpressible pinnacle of successful human lives or "heaven on earth". Yes, dear the words which you have said to me I know have never been repeated before and you can bet your whole life I prize them higher than anything else on earth except you yourself. That I think answers all of your dear little Thurs. letter dear. Fri. we pruned the berries in the morning and dug the pipe trenches in the afternoon as we did Sat. too. Fri. night much to my surprise and agreeably so I rec'd another letter from you. Many thanks 132

for your kind thoughtfulness. Fri. night I retired rather early although we had a guest here to spend the night. Mrs. Bassett the Asst. Postmaster's mother. Was glad to hear the good news of Mrs. Wetmore's recovery. Sat. night I went to a wedding anniversary in Los Gatos. Had to go although I did not feel like going. Today, Sun., I fed in the morning, washed the buggy and went to church. Had the great pleasure & surprise of meeting Mr. & Mrs. Wetmore there she looks fine and has gained from 78 pounds her weight upon getting out of bed to her present weight of 90 lbs. a gain of 12 lbs. in a little over a week. That is my answer to your "hope" that she would be alright dear. Hold the right thought for her and she cannot be otherwise sweetheart. Her practitioner is a personal friend of mine whom I have known for some time. No I am glad you did not set your hopes high on seeing me this week as I was certainly busy and the Engine men are coming tomorrow morning to finish their job so I will be very busy this next week. I just drove a guest home this eve & returned at 8 PM to find 8 more here but they went at 9:30. I am determined to write this letter to you Dearest Bessie…

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tonight if I have to sit up all night to do it. After church today I drove Florence home and then I drove right down to Mrs. Lords with a box of dried prunes which I gave to her. They are poor folks and she's had a large family to keep and a worthless husband. We went to see about selling what prunes we had left here and they will run 90 to 100 and the packers only offered us 1¢ per lb. straight or $20 per ton, so we decided to give them away to our friends who need them and appreciate them.† I met Ila on the way there & she was with Mrs. Lord's newly married daughter Lillie, as I was going right to the house I took them in and gave them a ride. Upon our arrival there they invited Ila & I to dine with them as they were just about to sit down to dinner. Ila accepted and I declined. Ila said that she would have to go up and tell her Mother so I offered to drive her up to her home & back so as not to delay the dinner. Lillie joined us and we all three drove up to Ila's home on the way back we met Marcel on a wheel.‡ I did not recognize him †

The following year prunes were back up to 6¢ a pound, but 16 years later, after the start of the Depression, the price dropped back to 1¢, less than it cost to grow them. ‡ A bicycle

…Love Jimmie

until he got almost by and did not have a chance to speak to him. I then drove them back to Mrs. Lord's and then went to Smith's at 12:45 and took Lunch with them and drove Mr. & Mrs. Smith up to visit Douglas. Florence walked. So you see dear I had a busy day. The Sermon in our church today was on "Love", and was very interesting and instructive. I must close now as I am very tired. Excuse scribbling & haste. Good night Angel Lovingly "Yours" Forever Jimmie XXXXXX Goodnight Kisses P.S. write soon & as often as you can. ]^

Feb 5, 1913, Wens. eve Dear Little Sweetheart, Well, darling I have just returned from the usual Wednesday evening meeting. I have found that all have retired very early and I cannot retire without dropping you just a line in answer to the lovely letter I received today which should have come yesterday. No dear in my last letter I never

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mentioned coming up for I could not come and the way I felt at that time I did not feel equal to it for I did not know how long your Father would be ill. However I won't be able to get up there for another week anyway as Will as been working right along for several Sundays and I want to give him a couple of Sundays off. I wonder if you could not come down this weekend and take your music lesson and spend Fri. eve, Sat. and Sun. morning with me. If you can call me up and let me know what train you will be on and I will meet you. If you can't don't call up and I will know you are not coming. Try and come if you can. I am very sorry I disappointed you with the letter you expected Monday. But I sent it in time so that you would get it Tues. dear. No dear I do not think there is any danger of you eloping with anyone. I am sure you won't desert me Sweetheart, now. Yes dear I suppose I have left some shadows of myself up around where you are daily just as you have left them here. I do wish I could have seen you with your hair in such a beautiful condition. It would give me a double pleasure to dress it for you. I agree with Mrs. Ingraham, and would probably with Mrs. Wrinch if I knew what she said. 134

Yes I have rec'd your letter telling me why your folks did not stop as you also know by this time. I hope you will understand me in my last letter as I wrote it under difficulties. I await your answer with interest. In answer to your question, "it's awful to have it that bad isn't it?" I will say dear, that I haven't got anything bad, I simply love you that's all, and do so because you have proven yourself worthy of my love in every way and I have no regrets to offer. I have faith and confidence in your love for me and I know you will never disappoint me, never. I am still on the job of recording your letters and I have got up to the 50 mark and past and I have not come to the "E lot" yet. I think I'll find I have over 100 in all. I will tell you in another letter my experience in arranging them and reading them over. I must close now and hope to hear from you soon with tenderest love & 3 million Kisses I am Your Dear Little Sweetheart Always Jimmie I know your special stationary you got in S.J. [San Jose] with me. XXXXX A few Goodnight ones.

Dearest Bessie…

1913

P.S. Write soon and as often as you can. ]^

Feb. 9, 1913, At Home Sunday Eve. My Dear Little Darling, Well here it is Sunday eve and I have not written to you yet. I intended doing so before last night especially, but I got all the cards and other trinkets I rec'd from you including the two dance programs, together and, "what do you suppose," put them all carefully and in rotation as I received them in a nice little album I bought for that purpose only. There were just 51 in all including one you sent me for little Mildred. The letters, I have finished reading and recording and I have just 105 of them or to be exact 107 counting the last two I am going to answer tonight. The little Withers Hall program I have so carefully kept in my Bible since that memorable night of Aug. 26, 1911, when you first breathed the inner secrets of your heart to me and confessed and acknowledged your love for me, I reluctantly took from its holy place it as been so long "and in my heart as well," and put it in the "Album" that I might have all the cards

…Love Jimmie

and things of that kind I love so much in one place, so I can look at them at will. You see dear these little things I did not used to tell you of but now I do not care. Then a great struggle was taking place within me, and if you knew these things I thought it would reveal the love I held for you, and until the struggle was over I did not want to do anything that would be unmanly or wrong. Those were the days that will never leave my memory. As I read over those beautiful Tues. messages you used to send me it brought back to my memory very vividly the days that are now but beautiful memories and the still more beautiful ones to come. My life with you dear I'll look upon as near perfection as human beings can make it. I want you to come down next Friday if you can and spend the weekend with me. Tell your Father I'll take him up on the wagon deal if I can arrange the financial part to suit him. Just at present I am pinched for money & if he could afford to give me a little time on part of it I'll take it. Ask him and let me know. If I came up on Friday could you come back with me Fri. night or still better if you come down Fri. on the evening train I'll meet you and drive you home Sun. eve. That is if your 135

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Dad takes me up on my proposition, as I will take an extra horse with us and bring the wagon back Mon. But be sure and come no matter what happens. I want to see you. Rec'd report from Mrs. Wetmore from the Sick Comm. of our Union Fri. night. She gained 4 more pounds making 19 to then. [blot on paper labeled: 'only a kiss dear'] Saw her at church again today and she looked fine, has gained 1 lb. more making 20 pounds to date. Ted was with her. I do not wish to write further of my grief at what you wrote in "that" letter but will tell you more when I see you. I know I told you, you could write anything to me, that's true, I remember it well. So you can. I do not want to limit you I am sure, I never did and won't begin now. But anything like that, that reflects upon someone connected with you dear that I love digs at the very vitals of my heart and I cannot help it dear that's all. Please excuse me won't you? One thing I fear most terribly is that you burnt all the letter when I only intended that you burn the post script. I hope you did not as I tried to make it plain to you but perhaps I did not as I did not really, did or not I was so overcome towards the last. I rec'd Ella's note and it relieves me 136

of a painful duty which I am pleased of not having further responsibility with. Do not mention this to her, I will answer her note. I am very sorry that Mrs. B & Nellie call on Mrs. Wetmore, as are others of my Christian Science friends, as they do not represent the principles of C.S. and make trouble wherever they go. Tonight is Feb. 9, dear just 5 months & 5 days tonight.§ Yes I was a little surprised to rec'd this next letter but was glad you bet. Glad your folks are going to sell the V.V. place think it is best for them. It will never be erased from my memory dear you can rest assured of that no matter what becomes of it. Wed. dear, I'll never make the error again. Yes the time does fly to be sure but it can't go too fast for me. 1914. Thanksgiving day I hope or Xmas. Maybe sooner. Many thanks for the violets dear. The last post card I rec'd from you was new years. Under separate cover I am sending you a Valentine card. Must say Goodnight dear so with 4 million kisses I am yours most Lovingly & Tenderly Your Little Baby Boy §

Since their engagement, September 4, 1912

Dearest Bessie…

1913

Jimmie P.S. The word "heredity" I'll explain to you when I see you. In the meantime relieve yourself of all fears of any kind in regard to it. You do not understand it I can plainly see. I thought I explained it to you in my letter, but evidently I did not thoroughly enough. If you did not burn all of that letter of mine bring it with you. Good night Love XXXXX Jimmie

know in regard to pipe etc. I am very undecided as to my future plans and will let you know later whether I'll come up next Sun. or not. I'll decide whether I'll take the job in San Jose or not tomorrow. Please excuse short note and briefness & haste as I am going to bed dear. Good night Love Lovingly & Tenderly Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie Good night Darling Baby Girl XXXXXX

]^ ]^

Feb 17, 1913 Dear Little Angel, I left your home as you know by this time at 1:30. I arrived safely at home at 5:30. Just 4 hours. I am rather tired tonight so will retire early. My trip was O.K. coming down had no trouble of any kind. I picked up some more wood on the way down. Had the pleasure of Ella's company as far as Wrights branch. She started to go as far as the mail box, but the day was so ideal and she enjoyed the ride so much she decided to go further. The wagon rode very easy as we put the springs in. Will drop your Dad a line in a day or two enclosing check and will let him

…Love Jimmie

Feb 18, 1913, Tues Eve In the Dining Room My Dear Little Loved One, I have been away from home all day today on business. Went to Los Gatos in the A.M. and San Jose this P.M. I decided to take the job I had offered me in San Jose last Sat.** Will wants to take a course in the International Correspondence Schools to finish up his education so that he **

Jimmie has decided to go back to work as a barber, to earn extra money for after their marriage. He previously worked as a barber in San Francisco and, apparently, Boston. It’s not clear when he lived in Boston but both his parents were from there.

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can take charge of any business or corporation. So he is going to run the business here until he is able to qualify. Then he is going to take a position and I am coming back then to take charge of the business here, at which time I hope to have you join me. Douglas has decided not to go this spring, hence my decision.†† He says in may go in the fall. If he does I can come back here and stay for Will while he is away. I am going to start to work in San Jose at 7:45 A.M. Thurs. morning. I am going to try and answer your last letter now also the lovely Valentine you sent me. You certainly wrote me a nice little letter for 20 min. My eye just falls on where you say you have "oceans & oceans to tell me," but when you see me dear you don't hardly tell me the oceans & oceans you promise do you? When I went upstairs to dress today noon I had the delightful pleasure of finding my suit nicely put away just where your dear little hands had put it last Sun Afternoon. Many thanks dear it was very dear of you indeed. Yes the little verse I sent you on the card is true as is all I sent wrote or ††

It’s not clear what role Douglas Van Denburgh played in this decision. Perhaps he was helping on the farm.

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say to you is true dear. The little Boy was there to meet you alright wasn't he? I am glad you did not burn all of that letter of mine dear, I did not intend to make you do any hard thing to do. Oh! here it is in your valentine, "Oceans & oceans to tell you dear," but you remember dear what you told me when you saw me. "Write soon" you say. I am doing as per your request dear. Yes I can hear the train whistle now as I heard it Sat. eve. It was certainly music to my ears dear you can bet. Am going to close now dear and go to bed & will look for a letter tomorrow when I'll ans. it and mail this to you dear. Good night dear. xxxxxxxxxxxx San Jose Feb 20, 1913 Dear Little Angel Girl, Well here I am back at my profession again & have "made good" so far after having been out of the game for nearly four years. I went down to the Wed. evening meeting last night and yesterday afternoon after going for the mail I was disappointed at not hearing a word from you. So last night on my way in to church I stopped and got the Asst. Post Master to go over to the Office and give me the mail, but sorry to say I was again Dearest Bessie…

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disappointed. I wanted to get your letter as I have worn the 20 min. one out now and as I was coming to work this morning I would not have gotten it till tonight. But now if the mail man leaves before any mail arrives today I won't get it till tomorrow. Just think and that is Fri. and no word from you since Mon. noon. I could not say too much to you over the phone you know dear as all were setting at dinner including the hired man. I will not be up this week as I have already written your Father. I sincerely hope that I will find a nice little letter from you at home when I arrive this evening. However whether it is there or not I'll mail this with what I have already written at home to you here in San Jose tomorrow morning. I leave here every evening except Sat. at 7:00 P.M. and get the 7:30 car home arriving at the Shannon Rd. at 8:45. I leave home on the 7 o'clock car and go to work at 7:45.‡‡ I start in with $70.00 per month dear with a pretty good prospect of an advance soon. $70 or $75 a month is as good to me in San Jose as $100 or $110 would be in San Francisco and then I

could not live & exist that far from you dear. Please address all your letters etc to James U. Porter #15 Post St. San Jose Cal. Delivery will be quicker here and I won't have to wait for them. At Home Thurs. Eve Feb 20, 1913 Dear Little Girlie, Well I must confess I am again disappointed this eve as on my return home I still find no message from you. However dear as I told you Sunday I'll never do anything to get even "so called" because as I explained to you I can't, so I am going to mail this first thing in the morning and I know I won't be disappointed again tomorrow eve sweetheart Will I! So goodnight dear sweetest little girl in the world. With deepest Love & 5 million kisses Lovingly & Tenderly Your own Little Boy Jimmie ]^

‡‡

It’s not clear why it takes him 45 minutes to get to work but an hour and 15 minutes to get home.

…Love Jimmie

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MR. COLES AND MR. MOAK’S BARBER SHOP at No. 15 Post Street in San Jose

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My Dearest Bessie…

1913

JIMMIE’S CALIFORNIA BARBER’S LICENSE Dated February 20, 1901 Jimmie was apparently living in San Francisco, working as a barber, during the 1906 earthquake. Below, from Bessie’s scrapbook, is his claim for his bank savings.

…Love Jimmie

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[Note: From this point forward many of Jimmie’s letters were written in the barber shop. He writes over the course of the day, in spare moments between customers, among the general noise and conversation of the shop. His letters reflect the circumstances and are often disjointed.]

Feb 22, 1913, In the Shop My Dear Little Sweetheart, Today is Washington's Birthday and as the Shops here in San Jose all decided to keep open I am at work. Everybody expects us to be closed and of course there is not much doing in the way of business, so you see how I have decided to occupy my idle moments. George was in to see me this morning and got a shave and said he was going out to Luna Park to play a game of ball. Mr. Bateman was in the shop here yesterday and I was busy so did not have the pleasure of fixing him up. I am getting along quite nicely so far dear. Well I rec'd at last at 1 o'clock this morning your long looked for and expected letter. But dear there is a whole lot of satisfaction in the fact that it is worth waiting for. I ate supper in town here and left wheel [bicycle] at the crossing and rode it from there down to the meeting of the Union at

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the Schoolhouse last night so that was the way I happened to be reading your letter at 1 o'clock in the morning. I have noted what you said dear in regard to my getting a motorcycle. Now dear there is nothing I would intentionally do to cause you grief or any other unpleasantry. However my little darling you request me not to go "against your wishes." Now dear this is perhaps only one of the many little differences of opinion that will come up in our future lives. In this case it will solve itself as it may or may not always do in the future. In this case dear I have been and investigated the question of getting a motorcycle and have partly made arrangements to get one. I thought by getting one I could save time and money and above all be able to see you much oftener than I could otherwise. But dear this wish of yours in regard to this matter I am going to respect & grant, as it entails no greater hardship on me than the temporary sacrifice of my longings to see you oftener. I don't want you to infer from what I say that I will not always respect your wishes Angel dear, because I always intend to respect them but it may not always be wise for me to grant them as I think that my seniority of years and experience should be taken into My Dearest Bessie…

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consideration dear, don't you? There may come a time when you might be tempted to go against my wishes or to question my judgment as not being within what you might then consider the better part of wisdom. If that time ever comes all I'll ask you to do is trust me till my judgment proves unwise. But dear whenever I can grant you any wish or do anything for you, you will always find me glad and willing to do it. So dear I won't get the motorcycle so don't you worry any more will you? I have written this in pieces between my work so if it don't sound connected you will know the reason why. I'll finish this tonight so that you will get it Mon. Must close for now as I am getting busy. Oh! dear I wish I were with you. Sunday Eve. Dearest, Just a line in haste as I am a little tired & sleepy. The folks have all gone to bed and Willie is taking a bath. I have just had a little nap on the couch. It is 9:30 and I'll retire in a few minutes. I returned home late last night as I had to work till 10 P.M. It is a great change and I'll have to get used to it gradually. The standing on the hard floor all day long tired my legs. I had to stay in bed this morning and rest them all I could so did not go to …Love Jimmie

church, much as I would have liked to have gone. So about 1 o'clock I hooked up Daisy and the buggy with the intention of taking a little drive in the open air. Of course my first thought turned to you sweetheart and I could hardly go as I was afraid I might meet some of my girl friends and I could not bear to have them ride with me and sit where my own little darling girl ought to be. But I needed the air and knew I must go. So I headed right for the home of the Asst. Post Master. There was no delivery of mail here yesterday on acc. of the holiday so I knew I would get a letter from you as you had promised it in your note. Also I might be able to persuade him to drive with me for his kindness and in that way I could enjoy the ride more, because almost every time I do go out in the buggy I meet some girl I know and I can't very well refuse to let them ride with me especially if I have no excuse or business errand to attend to as they would see me afterward and think I was mean or cranky not to have let them ride with me a little ways anyway. I was lucky he was home and his wife & sister-in-law were going out with their uncle for a drive and said it 143

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would be lovely if I would stay with him and keep him company. I told them he could go for a drive with me and they said that would be nice. So we went to the old V.V. home I saw the wagon bed and the dear old familiar home but Oh! how deserted it did look. You was not there to greet me. All those things tell me how I love you dear. The feeling that came over me I cannot express, but it seemed as if the world was empty then, in spite of the fact I had my cousin the Asst. Post Master with me. I got out and looked around for a moment found the bed and had to leave at once as I could not bear to stay there. I have just finished reading your letter again. I am glad that you are so thankful for my love dear and doubly glad that I love you. Yes dear I know that you are sorry I have to work so hard but I am willing to work as hard as I can for you for I want to try and see if I can shorten the time which separates us. I appreciate your great help dear more than words can express. Yes dear, help me, please help me "all you can" as you say in your letter, because I realize more & more daily that without your great help I don't know what I'd do because I seem to need it more and more in everything I 144

do, even in my very life as at present it's an awful struggle to live without you and separated from you as I am, as it is to do the hardest kind of work that I could do. So your sweet and loving help dear I thank you for from the depths of my heart and appreciate it both financially, Spiritually, morally and in every way dear. So let us both make a supreme effort together and see if we can't shorten that time down from Dec. 1914 to about June dear anyway. What say you sweetheart. Little Bob [the dog] is fine he catches the "rats" as regular as usual. Hope your entertainment came out fine. I'll mail this in San Jose in the morning dear. 10:00. So must retire. Write soon and as often as you can. With deepest Love & 6 million Kisses I am always Your Loving Little Boy Forever & ever Jimmie Remember me to all ]^

San Jose Feb 25, 1913, At Work My Dearest Little Baby Sweetheart Girl, I have just rec'd your lovely letter the loveliest, most inspiring,

Dearest Bessie…

1913

encouraging and beautiful I think you have ever written me. And you have written me many lovely letters I assure you. Perhaps this one may not be any more beautiful than the many others you have written me dear, but it just seemed so to me. It seemed to me in this letter that you let your heart and thoughts flow so freely and unfettered by any thought of fearing what you might write. Then again all the thoughtful little questions you so lovingly asked me I intensely appreciate. I am going to try and answer them all hence the start I am making towards it as I can never tell how busy I'll be and unless I write in my idle moments here I have little or no time at all. So you see dear I might not get a chance or the time to write as much as I would like to, so must do the best I can under the circumstances. I'll proceed to answer your letter now. First of all it arrived safely at 2:45 P.M. today Tues. Feb 25, 1913. It was the first piece of mail of any kind that arrived at my new address. Dear, you were right as to my being restless and dissatisfied with my condition at home but do not misunderstand my change. It is only temporary and for you. I am glad that I have a profession to fall back on at any time but I do not want …Love Jimmie

to work at it after we are married if I can help it. It is very confining and the hours are long and you and I would see but little of each other under those conditions. As soon as Will finishes his courses he intends to secure a position again. When he does I intend to return to "our" home where you and I can be together always, day & night. We can then live together, dine together, work together, sleep together, and Love together all in the beautiful sunshine & freedom of our own Lovely home. My folks will not stay there after our return from our honeymoon, I mean the first leg of the honeymoon as our life from Sept. 4 will be what it is and has been one continued honeymoon on the journey of Life. Yes dear I am glad to hear you say that I am old enough and wise enough to know what is best for me, and tell me, can I add with your permission for you too, dear? I mailed you a nice little letter yesterday for which I await an answer with interest. Your wise council to rest all I can and when waiting for customers to sit down I have followed for years dear, and will continue to do so. No dear we will never want for anything for we are both in a position to take care of ourselves in any 145

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emergency that may arise. I am glad you are always so proud of me in everything I do and it will never be my fault if I cause you to be otherwise dear. Yes the boys in the shop are all my friends even to the bootblack who is a colored boy. Yes dear you are worrying already aren't you? You say you don't see how I'll ever get up to see you any more but do not forget sweetheart that "Love" will always find a way as I have proved to you many times in the past when you have thought just this same way. Reflect dear just a moment. I work till 10 P.M. Sat. & do not work Sundays. I eat my lunch at the St. James Hotel Grill and my dinners at home. I have 1 hour for noon for Lunch from 12:30 to 1:30. I have something different to eat everyday. I could not enumerate it all for you, but it has always been my custom all my life and I shall always do so. That is one of the reasons for the maintenance of my youth and vigor. I have no work to do when I get home dear for two reasons. First when I am working at this business I can do no hard work of any kind as it spoils my touch for this work, & injures my hands. Second I work hours enough under a great nervous strain and cannot work longer than I do. I am 146

not very tired when I get home dear as, as yet I am not very busy and do not work all the time. You see dear it takes a little time in this business to secure the confidence of the customers. Again you tell me you are going to help me and that you can hardly wait. I am sure now dear that you understood me that time you spoke of helping me and the reply I made which you misunderstood at that time. I know you know that I appreciate your great help to the highest degree possible in a human being & my gratitude to you is beyond expression in words Angel. In answer to your question, "Would I enjoy your company more if you talked more?" I can only say that at present I know of no conceivable way in which you could improve your company. It is perfect to me at present as far as I can see. I have just refused an invitation to a Press Club affair in town here tonight. The Editor of the Mercury tendered it to me. I cannot go at present because you can't be with me. I should be proud beyond expression to have the pleasure of taking you to the many beautiful affairs I am invited to, but at present I'll have to be content as I am. I cannot honor & elevate someone else where you ought to be. I Dearest Bessie…

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gave the Mercury a write up today. It will probably appear tomorrow. No, I did not mean that it was your fault or that you disappointed me in not writing. I'll admit I was disappointed I could not help it but I did not blame you as I think I proved when I mailed the second letter without waiting for an answer. No dear you really do not do things that would justify me in getting even with you, for the very good and great reason that our love will never permit us to disagree, or indulge in such blind folly as "getting even" so called. Yes I know that you wouldn't do anything to grieve or hurt me in any way dear intentionally, so as you say, "let us not dwell in this subject any longer." You ask me to forgive you dear. There is nothing to forgive so I'll just kiss you instead. Will that do? What was the subject of your debate & who were on the winning side? Glad your program went off nicely dear. I wore my 3rd best suit the one I often wear up to Rosemary Heights to work dear and this week I am wearing the little Brown. I intend to alternate between the two. I have to make a nice appearance as I am in one of the nicest shops in San Jose & the trade is high class too. I wish you could "open the …Love Jimmie

contents of your heart to me" dear, let it go I won't stop you. You at least do express to me dear your real true impulses without restraint and you do not long or wish any more than I do to see or be with you always. It is hard for me to wait dear and it is only with the greatest effort that I can hold myself within restraint. So with deepest Love & tenderest affection I am Your Loving Baby Boy Jimmie 6 million Kisses dear & one of those long sweet hugs. I have something to tell you in next letter that I hope will meet with your approval. Write when you can. San Jose Feb 26, 1913 At Work Thurs. My Dear Little Lover, Your Lovely letter of yesterday was received O.K. and I have nearly answered it and will mail it this eve or tomorrow sure. In the meantime I have a little surprise for you. Every time I have returned to my profession I have threatened to have a picture taken of my physical condition at the time. So far I have never done it but this time I did and enclose to you one I have had finished. I do not intend to tell many or give any away except to 147

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you dear so keep it for yourself and to yourself. Geo. was in to see me & I happened to have it in hand and showed it to him under a promise of secrecy from him. I trust you will be pleased with it and I want to keep it for remembrance. The next time we have a chance we will have one taken together. It need not be so awful expensive you know dear.

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I want to mail this dear as I have not had a chance to finish your letter so with Love & Kisses I am Lovingly You Loving Little Boy Jimmie Write when you can. ]^

Dearest Bessie…

March 1913 …It has been my custom, as it is the custom of all old New England families to greet & part from their friends with a kiss which is regarded as an expression of real friendship which is only imparted to tried & true friends. I would regret to discontinue this courtesy with some of my friends just as much as I would regret to have to cease greeting your dear Mother & sisters whom if you will but reflect for a moment I did not kiss until they had proved themselves my friends by both time & their clean and blotless characters... [Mar. 1, 1913] Sat. Morning [Undated hand delivered letter – date is best guess.]

Dear Little Angel, Just a few lines in haste so if I quit writing suddenly don’t be surprised as I can only write till I get busy. Geo. was just in and said he was going up there tomorrow morning so I just wanted to send you a little message by him, as I have not had any time to write the last few days. I was a little late this morning getting to work on account of a car accident but came out uninjured while several others in the car were hurt. I again proved the efficacy of Christian S. as there is no accident can come to a child of God for in Divine Mind there is no accident. I have had a sad two days this last 2

…Love Jimmie

days as in them a gentleman who is a friend of mine told me his wife proved false after 6 years of marital bliss in which no unkind word had ever passed the lips of either and he said his home had been heaven. I’ll tell you the details later. Then last night upon arriving home I rec’d the news that a very dear friend in S.F. passed on a few days ago and was buried the morning of Feb. 27. This friend had once saved my life and on other occasions had restored me to health and harmony. It is hard for me to overcome my grief. With these two sad incidents it’s an effort to be outwardly cheerful, but I’ll have to be dear, for it’s my duty to my employers. I am now going to make this little pen work dear or know the reason

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why. I love it because I love the giver and it’s a great source of pleasure to use it and have it with me. I rec’d your lovely letter Thurs. and will answer later. I will also tell you the thing I said I would in my last letter. I have thought over a matter you asked me of one time in regard to an engagement present you wished to give me and you remember what I said. I have since changed my mind and will tell you all about it later. I have selected your dear little engagement ring & will get it for you with the first money I earn, with my own little hands. I know you will be very pleased to hear this but don’t forget your promise of secrecy in regard to my letters. I could not come up this Sunday as I owe Willie a day off and I am going to stay at home and take care of the work for him. Can’t you plan to come down next Fri. even and I’ll take you home Sunday morning and I can return Sun. night. I wish you could please dear. And can’t you have your music lesson ready so you can take it Sat. I’ll let you have my book to come to San Jose on so it won’t cost you anything for carfare. Please come if you can dear as I’ll look forward to seeing you with great pleasure. 150

I must close now as I have written this like a speed burner so excuse haste mistakes etc. I have turned out a few customers in the meantime. With Love to all & All the Love I possess to you I am “your” Loving Little Boy Forever & ever Jimmie XXXXXXXXX OOOO Kisses & Hugs above Write when you can. ]^ Mar. 3, 1913, Mon. Eve at the Shop My Dear Little Sweetheart, I have been quite busy today so I did not have a chance to write you so I thought I would drop you a few lines while I am waiting for my car. I rec'd your lovely little letter Sat. and did not have a chance to read it till I went to supper. I then read it hastily & so I had the pleasure of reading it again in the car on my way home. I was quite tired so it was an inspiring recreation to read it. I was just a little bit worried Sunday when I called you up for when I got home Sat. I called up Geo. at

Dearest Bessie…

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Wetmores and he said he was surprised at me letting them get such a fall on you & I. I thought that Geo. had let them get that note away from him and if he had I should have felt very bad for I had entrusted it to his care for safe delivery. I am glad that you enjoyed the picture I sent you and was pleased with it. You understand why I had it taken and I was not just sure whether you would like it or not that kind of picture I mean. Tues. Morning Good Morning Sweetheart How are you? Well dear I just got this far last night when I was seated at the little desk here when somebody stopped at the window then came and peeped in the door. And who was it but Jesse your oldest Brother. He is working in a cigar store & card playing dump just a little ways below my place of employment. He smelt of liquor and I asked him if he had been drinking. He said he had, a "little" and explained to me how it was necessary to take the "social cup". I told him he was mistaken for in my business it was incumbent upon me to be popular and well liked and that my temptations were many & great but that thru it all I was able to get by without drinking or …Love Jimmie

smoking or indulging in vice of any kind. He was forced to admit this but ended by saying that he couldn't help it as he said, "you know Jimmie it's born-in in us boys from the old man". I told him I was always under the impression that none of the boys drank and had not thought he did. He took me down & introduced me to his boss. I then hastened to the car and was off for home. Geo. missed his car Mon. morning so just after I arrived at work this morning he came in & delivered your dear little note all intact just as you had handed it to him. Many thanks dear it was beautiful. I am pleased to hear that you are coming down and will tell you of my plans in a note tomorrow as I have not decided as yet what to do Fri. eve. I found out from Geo. the "awful" thing they slipped over on me. It was on me dear, just think, your ability so far has never been questioned. It's on me all on me. Poor little me dear. And to think, you stood by & permitted it. Oh! but I do thank God for giving me such a true and honest little girl as you are dear. Let me explain. Geo. was in the kitchen at Wetmores and Ella and Annie and the bunch was in another 151

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room talking, he heard my name mentioned and sat up and took notice. Ella was telling them how she had written me a mushy love letter and signed your name to it and I had thought it was from you and answered it. He said he did not see how I could write an answer to such a letter & not know it was you who did not write it. I thought for a moment and then told him that I rec'd the letter but before I had read it half through I knew it was not from you. I told him I wrote & told you I rec'd it and told you to keep quiet so the joke is on them. All because "my" little girl "is true" to me and won't let anybody or anything harm me when awake or when asleep. I did not want to tell him that you put me wise because you told me not to tell them, dear. So I just made that little explanation of the incident, sweetheart. George asked me if I really was wise to it, and I told him if he did not think I was to ask you. So he may ask you. By the way dear, you know I had two positions taken in those pictures and am going to enclose you one of these which I think is the best, as the best is what you will always get from me dear. Must close now as it is lunch time 152

and I want to mail this. These two lovely letters to me I'll answer later. Don't expect me to write too often for I may not be able to get time. I will always write as often as I can. I am getting busier now and my time is taken up more. I'll get a little advance next month. The boss is satisfied with my work and I'll be able to make $75 or $80 per month commencing with next month. I also learned that one of the employers is a Christian Scientist. While we were out driving Sunday he said to me that he thought from my habits, manners, actions & conversation, that I was a Christian Scientist. I told him I tried to be anyway. He said he was pleased to know it as he was one also. Securing my position, and with a Christian Scientist, and the many other beautiful blessings I have bestowed upon me daily I am very grateful for and I will feel that the best way to express my gratitude is to continue to so live that I'll be a credit to the cause that helps me so and follow its commands namely "to be merciful just & pure." I read that to you one time from "The Mother Church Manual" in which you told me you found nothing to object to dear when we were driving up the mountains. Dearest Bessie…

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I have finished this last page at lunch dear so with my Love & Kisses I must kiss you bye bye for this time. Lovingly & Devotedly Jimmie

…Love Jimmie

My pen went dry last night dear hence the pencil. ]^

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Two Views of Jimmie’s “Physical Condition” at the time he left farming full time to work as a barber February 1913 The one on the left is likely the one he sent to Bessie. The one on the right no doubt came with him when they were married. Bessie apparently scratched out the part she thought was too revealing, but she kept the photo in her scrapbook.

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My Dearest Bessie…

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Mar. 5, 1913, Wed. Morning Dearest Little Girl In the World, I have decided on my plans for Fri. eve. I am going to come home on the 6:15 car from San Jose and will meet you at the train. Father will be there with the Surrey & drive us home. So come down dear and I will meet you. You can come to San Jose with me too. I would be pleased beyond measure to have you ride in with me. Other details of your visit we can arrange when you come down. I am glad to hear that your hired man Frank has such a good opinion of my youthful appearance. I am pleased that I am able to prove to some degree anyway, that the counting of years & time has no place in eternity. You remember what I told you in a letter some time ago in regard to the above. I have just had the boss speak to me in regard to Fri. eve and he says that he is going to be off on Fri. and that if we are not too busy I can get that car. So it is about a 2 to 1 shot in favor of me getting it. So if anything unforeseen happens that I can't make it I'll be home on the next one & they will meet you at the depot and take you home dear. I am answering your letter of Sat. and also the one Geo. delivered to me …Love Jimmie

Tues. morning. Many, many thanks dearie for giving me & granting me the permission I asked of you to say what is best for both of us. I shall express my gratitude by being very careful not to abuse it or make a bad decision in any way. It only brings another proof to me of your perfection as my ideal. It is alright to play for Sunday School & also teach but remember dear don't try to do too much, and then don't forget your little boy wants you to take your music lessons and have time to get them. I had a nice visit with Aunt Mary & Uncle Steve last eve. Went up on my supper time and again when I was waiting for the car. They both asked me in regards to your music and I told them you were doing the best you could. They are both anxious to see you and you must plan to visit them Sat. some time. I'll tell you more dear as to how my friend's wife proved false when I see you. Now dear, don't get impatient about that dear little ring. I told you I selected it dear & that I was going to get it with the first money I earned. Now I can't earn that in a week dear. You know I told you what I intended to pay for it. I wanted to select it dear so that I knew what I had to work for. It is a very pretty diamond set in gold. A lovely setting too. I'll explain it all 155

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to you when I see you. I thot after I selected it I would keep it to myself but I could not that is the reason I told you. I took Aunt Mary up 1½ dozen eggs this morning. She was very pleased with them. No, I don't think it queer dear that you want to give me an engagement present at all. It's because you are so different from the average girl that I love you. The reason I changed my mind dear was because I wanted to have something tangible with me all the time that you gave me, see. I am very happy now dear more & more so every day and I have lots to tell you when I see you & I do long to see you, you can bet. I have answered your letters now dear and I won't have time to write again before I see you, so I'll look for a letter from you today or tomorrow. With Love & Kisses I am your own loving little Baby Boy Jimmie Love & a kiss to your Mother, and best wishes to all. I have been looking over the spring suits dear & I have quite a good line on the one for you. It's the sweetest little thing you or I ever seen. I have not decided finally as I want to see the different ones on you 156

first. The ring will not misfit you as I have the proper means of taking your measure which I intend to do. I sent the little brown suit to the pressers today so it will be nice for next week. Your little Sweetheart Jimmie P.S. My little pen when dry so I had to finish with pencil. I enclose a card with address & Tel. no. so in case you need to call me up any time you'll have it. ]^

Mar. 10, 1913, Mon. Morning 9 A.M. My Dear Little Angel, Well I have at last finished all of my Mon. morning duties and now for just a line to you & I hope I have a chance to finish it before I get a customer. My little pen I have just filled & it is working fine. I lost the top of it, or I mean the top fell off somewhere. You may look around your home dear and keep your eyes open for it, but I think I will find it at my home somewhere. Now dear an answer to the 3 questions. 1st I arrived home safe & sound at 11:10. 2nd Went to bed at 11:30. 3rd Am well and happy and am

Dearest Bessie…

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feeling fine again. 4th You remember the subject we were discussing coming up the hill from Halls Bridge. Our subject was Christian Science, Life, Truth, & Love in which there is no place for Sin, Sickness, & Death. These three articles I am going to send you in this letter are written by the Editor in Chief which I'll number 1. The 2nd No. 2 is written by the 1st associate editor & the 3rd, or No. 3 is written by the 2nd associate editor. If you will read them over carefully dear they will help you to understand our talk and what I so feebly tried to explain to you in my little way. I always read on my way to work in the morning & evening and these are what I read this morning. They were so much along the lines of our conversation that I could not help cutting them out and sending them to you. I must close now and mail this to you as it is 10 o'clock and I want you to get it tomorrow. I will look for a dear little message from you about Wed. With all the Love that's in me to the guiding Star of my Life & Hopes I remain the happiest Little Boy in the Whole World Your Little Jimmie

…Love Jimmie

P.S. Write when you can. Rec'd cards O.K. Many thanks. ]^

Mar. 10, 1913, Mon. Afternoon Dear Little Sweetheart, When I was out to lunch today I went in and took a look at those proofs. I am not very busy this afternoon, at present at least so I thought I would start another letter to you while I have the chance as I can never tell from day to day how busy I will be. The pictures were very good dear and I think you will be pleased with them. I them I can get them to you by Sat. The sober one was fine. The laughing one was fine too with the exception of your hands and I forgot to pose them for you. You had them in the wrong position so that they appeared large & awkward which is far from the truth you know. I had to have them eliminated to some degree to accept the picture. I put in as much of them as I could. There was one thing which I could not leave out and that was the little bracelet. I have instructed the photographer how to finish them up so that they will be very good for the first time.

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I'll bet you will be "tickled to death" with them when they are done. The laughing picture certainly shows us in our true nature, "a happy loving couple", contrast only on our complexions, which even to Mortal mind is a highly favorable and conducive sign to everlasting congeniality. I hope you were able to keep this to yourself as I wanted to surprise your mother. I forgot to tell you that the Title of that picture I gave you is "Two Beggars." An appropriate name I think don't you. Will finish this and mail it when I get time sweetheart. X A good kiss for now. Thurs. Morning Dear Little Darling, I'll hastily finish this letter and mail it. I intended to yesterday. I called to see the pictures again yesterday but find that he could not possibly finish them till Sat. So I'll mail them as soon as I get them. So that if anyone happens to get the mail for you Sun. you will get them then, if not you will get them Mon. One of our principle shippers in San Francisco told us to defer shipping to him for a while as he was overstocked at present. So I have got to go 158

to San Francisco Sun. & so to be there early Mon. morning to get a new customer for our eggs. I'll return Mon. eve. I'll attend a lecture on Christian Science to which I have rec'd an invitation which I'll enclose to you for safekeeping. I am going to spend the night with Mr. & Mrs. C. B. Harvey of East Oakland, cousins of mine. I rec'd yesterday your beautiful little letter which I'll answer now. I am very much pleased that you enjoyed your weekend visit with me so much and note that you say you cannot "get over" nor "quite understand" my "beautiful kindness" to you. In answer dear, may I say that it is my earnest prayer that you never will "get over" and some day in the not far distant future will "quite fully understand" my kindness to you as it is backed by all the love which I possess & comes from the very eternal depths of my being and is poured forth to you and is "yours" without being held back from you in the slightest degree, and without the least or slightest atom of doubt or fear in "your Love" and sincerity for me. So some day dear you may "understand" and realize the deepness and Truth of my words to you months ago, when I told you that when the Dearest Bessie…

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battle in my mind had been fought out and I had made up my mind & decided, I cast my "all" with you. Nothing will ever change that verdict, dear, nothing in this word remember. Many thanks dear for the little stickers. Your kind thoughtfulness will be remembered. You can scarcely realize the great pleasure you gave me when you said before you fell into mortal slumber you held a "right thought" for my safe arrival. It did its work dear and carried me safely home. Another demonstration completed for

…Love Jimmie

you dear. Must close now dear and with gratitude to God for giving me "you" and gratitude to you for all the world you are to me. I am Lovingly Yours forever Jimmie Love & Kisses XXXX I may get a letter from you today if I do I'll answer tomorrow. ]^

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JAMES UNDERHILL PORTER and BESSIE HENRIETTA JOHNSON February 1913 The “sober” picture.

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Dearest Bessie…

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JIMMIE AND BESSIE, February 1913 “The laughing picture certainly shows us in our true nature, “a happy loving couple,” contrast only our complexions which even to Mortal mind is a highly favorable and conducive sign to everlasting congeniality.”

…Love Jimmie

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Mar 14, 1913, Friday Afternoon

Dear Little Sweetheart Baby Girl of Mine, I have just rec'd your sweet interesting little letter that I have been looking for all day. I use the word "little" in the figurative sense not literally, because the letter was quite a long one as well as having a whole lot in every word. I'll ask you to excuse the use of pencil as I am a little tired and can sit down and write on my lap while I rest at the same time. You see dear I am following your instructions dear to sit down when I can, and also to write to you when I can. I rec'd your card yesterday afternoon and got your song and sent it to you last night dear. I also got myself 3 new ones while there. I know the young lady who sells them. Her name is Miss Levy and she played and sung them for me to see if I liked them. They are very sweet and the names on them are as follows – "Take Me Back to Dreamland," "The Island of Roses & Love," "That Old girl of Mine." All pretty and I'll practice them up and sing them for you when I see you again. Douglas & Florence came and invited me to lunch today with them. 162

I accepted and we had a nice lunch together. After lunch Florence went to take her singing lesson and Douglas came down to the shop with me & got fixed up, and I fixed him up fine too dear. Florence said Mother invited her out to stay overnight at our home tonight so I'll have a chance to try over the new songs. I certainly do long for the day dear when I can have my own little darling play them for me and help me to learn to sing the new ones. I had some pleasant recollections last night when I bought that song for you. I felt like changing the words of that first verse to run something like this: Me thinks I see in fancy The days I loved so dear, When first I turned my footsteps Toward the one I love so dear. With Lively moving Daisy And the old top buggy too, With naught to guide me but that "star" And heaven's eternal blue.

Well I got there dear anyway. I can't go any further as I can't remember any more now, but I think that is sufficient, don't you dear? Sat Morning I intended to finish this letter last

Dearest Bessie…

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night but Ella & the Mr. "Madsen" & Miss Campbell called so I couldn't do it. I'll have to close now as I'll be busy in a few minutes and I want you to get this Sun. if someone goes after the mail. With Love & Kisses I am proud beyond expression to be Your Little Lover & Teacher XXXX Jimmie ]^

Mar. 17. 1913, Mon. Eve. Dear Little Sweetheart, Have just 10 minutes to wait for train and while I was in the Reading Room today I got this stationary. I am at the depot now just leaving for home. I have had a very nice trip and will look for a letter from you tomorrow when I get to the shop. I write and answer it upon receipt. I guess you have the pictures by this time and I can imagine to some degree how pleased you are with them. It is raining to beat the band here and I suppose it is there too. Must close now as it is train time. With Love in haste Jimmie Your Little Baby Boy xxxx Goodnight Kisses

…Love Jimmie

Mar. 19, 1913, San Jose Cal My Dearest Little Sweetheart, Well here I am again back at work once more, and very happy, as happy as it is possible for me to be without you. I arrived home safe and sound at 11:15 P.M. Monday night dear. I had a pleasant and successful trip. I rec'd your nice interesting letter yesterday and will answer now. I am writing with the little pen and when I get tired of standing here I'll sit down and finish with pencil on my lap which I'll ask you in advance to excuse dear. George called to see me last eve and told me Howard took him to the train. I looked at him with such a searching glance he turned and looked away. I said, George you are lying to me I know he didn't. He said, how do you know it? Don't you believe me? I said, not if you say that. He then acknowledged the truth. We went over and had a "drink" together, I stood the treat. We had an "orangeade" at Rudolphs. I then went home. I am glad that you were satisfied and pleased with the pictures. Sorry that you had to drive back up the mountains all alone. Wish I could have been with you. We have had a

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nice rain and it is raining here again today a little. The name you suggest for the smiling picture is a good one, and true too. Glad your Mother was so pleased. I'll await her letter with pleasure. Yes I was a long ways away from you Sun. night but in the loving care and hands of a loving couple, Mr. & Mrs. Charles B. Harvey. Distant Cousins. Your narrative concerning your cousins I found very interesting. I formed my opinion before they left here. I am not surprised that she was down-hearted. If she is so now what will she be in the future dear? Now should be her happiest days if she ever is going to have any. Don't you think so? I am glad that Etta has such a good opinion of my looks. I thought my pictures flattered me, did you? I am surprised that she chastised you for she had no right to. She should observe the rule given us in the Bible, namely, "First remove the mote from your own eye before attempting to remove it from another's eye." Her admonition that you will "rue" the day that you let me kiss your sister is absurd to say the least. I am glad to hear you say, to use your exact underlined words, "I would not have you other than you are for all 164

the money in the world." You know my ways and my disposition dear about as well as anybody in the world. It surely would be hard for me to change & be different from what I am. You see dear you have not as yet been with me among all my dearest friends of my life time to any large extent. All my family connections for a long ways back are enamored of love & kindness. I have been reared in an atmosphere of kindliness & love and it would be almost impossible for me to change now. Now dear in regard to your decision to follow your C. S. [Christian Science] inspiration, which as you say allows no doubt as to my love & sincerity, and goodwill to all my fellow men – which of course rightly includes the opposite sex women for both man & woman are equal before God dear. You are thinking right dear. Your thoughts are very Christian and scientific. Now you have started right dear all you have to do now is to know what you think is right and prove it, and to know that there is but one Mind and that Mind is God or Good representing everything that is good and sincere and true and that we are His image and likeness therefore we cannot be anything else but like Him Good & True. So you can rest assured Dearest Bessie…

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that your little boy will always be good and true, as sure as God is good and true and as you are good & true. Now dear, I hope you do not mean this part of your letter as broadly as it is written, to quote you, "Allowing me toss your Mother & sisters does not give me permission to kiss any other girl friends that you know of." Now Angel dear let me remind you as sweetly and tenderly as is possible with pencil & paper for me to do, that I lived 29 years before we met and in that time I have made many and lasting friendships with both sexes. My friends to me represent the best types of manhood and womanhood. My relations with them have been pure & holy. It has been my custom, as it is the custom of all old New England families to greet & part from their friends with a kiss which is regarded as an expression of real friendship which is only imparted to tried & true friends. I would regret to discontinue this courtesy with some of my friends just as much as I would regret to have to cease greeting your dear Mother & sisters whom if you will but reflect for a moment I did not kiss until they had proved themselves my friends by both time & their clean and blotless characters. They are true & lasting …Love Jimmie

friendships, at the present time, which I know will never break and I have proved to some degree, and will prove still further my true & lasting friendship for them dear. I certainly do not want to do anything to displease you dear so if you think I am not doing right I'll do as you say in this matter for I'll give up every friend and everything in the world for you sweetheart, which I now have or may have in the future. So my fate is in your hands dear it is up to you. Now a brief report on my trip to S.F. I left here Sun. morning at 8 A.M. Arrived in S.F. at 10. Went to the home of a friend who first interested me in C. S. Her husband is at present in the mining camps of Nevada. I wanted to attend the services in First Church of Christ Scientist S. F.! It is a beautiful structure just finished. She was going to the 4th Church but as I had never attended the services in the newly completed church she decided to go with me there. Met a lot of my old Scientist friends and she introduced me to some new ones. The services were lovely and beautiful and inspiring. 1,200 in the congregation. I wish you could have been with me. We will attend a service there some day. 165

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After the service at the church I had some business calls to make and told her I would leave her at her home which is a short distance from the church. She said as long as I was going to the Lecture which was to take place at 3 P.M., & you have to be there at 2 to get a seat, if it was agreeable to me she would like to accompany me on my errands as she had been confined indoors all week and would enjoy the outing. She accompanied me on my errands after which we went to the lecture which we both enjoyed. It was both interesting & instructive. Then I went to my cousins in East Oakland after seeing her home. I found them looking for me and after an evening's visit we retired. I found another cousin Annie from Boston there who is traveling around the U.S. with a wealthy lady, who was there also. Mon. evening after a very busy day filled with business I returned home. I have got to be at home Sun to attend to fixing up the garden around the house. I have got to do it now as spring has opened. Will figure on seeing you the week following. I wanted to come up this week but must fix up the garden now or not at all. Flossie Lasher is visiting at home this week and expects to return home 166

Sat. or Sun. I went to the Wed. evening meeting in the Church at Los Gatos this Wed., last night dear. I had intended mailing this yesterday but have been so busy since I got back that I have not had time. Will close now dear. With Love & Kisses I am Your Own Loving little boy forever Jimmie XXXXXXX P.S. Saw a whole lot of news in the Mercury about you this morning. Excuse Pencil scribbling etc as this was written in lunches. ]^

Mar. 21, 1913, Friday Eve. Dear Little Girl, Just a few lines while I wait for the car, as I expect that lovely promised letter tomorrow, and I'll have no more than time to read it so won't have time to write anything tomorrow as it is Sat. you know. I was delayed this eve. so only have 10 min. to write. I rec'd your little letter dear shortly after I mailed the one I wrote yesterday. I was pleased to get it. I was going to the Union tonight but as it is raining so hard now

Dearest Bessie…

1913

I guess I'll have to give it up. I don't like to miss it as I missed it last time but that was for you. Everybody is talking to beat the band and referring to me at the desk here so it is hard for me to concentrate my mind as I can when I am alone. I just wanted to get a little message to you to let you know how much I miss you and to send you my dearest, tenderest, fondest & dearest love sweetheart and kiss you about a million times in my imagination and just say goodnight. So goodnight dear Sweet dreams. your Loving little boy Jimmie XXXXXXXX ]^

Mar. 25, 1913, Tues. Morning San Jose Cal. My Dearest Little Easter Lily, I had intended to answer your beautiful letter I rec'd on Sat. yesterday but was so busy I did not have a chance. So will drop you a few lines this morning as I expect to hear from you this afternoon sure. I am sorry dear that you felt so bad at not hearing from me. But let me correct you it was Mon. Eve when I

…Love Jimmie

left the city & not Sun eve as you stated in your letter. So you see it would have made me hustle to get a letter to you by Thurs. as I would have had to have written it on Tues. and I did not have a chance, all day and when I returned home Tues. I had to devote the evening to a discussion of my trip with Will. That was the reason dear you got no letter. I can sympathize with you dear as a day does seem a week I'll admit. I am glad you found the clippings I sent you interesting dear and I want to compliment you on the extent to which you grasped their meaning. I think you will make a better student of Christian Science than I am if I don't look out. Yes the word "Love" is in all C. S. literature and the reason that your little boy is still unmarried dear is because C. S. uses the sacred word "Love" in its highest & holiest meaning and teaches us not to trifle with the sacred rights of others in the lower or debased way in which the word is commonly used by men & some woman. And, when he does marry, his home he expects to be heaven to him. I won't be disappointed will I dear? It rained so last Sun. that I could not fix the garden, but have engaged a man to work on it this coming Sun. 167

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Rec'd your postal and the dear little "Book Mark" with which I was much pleased and accept my sincere thanks. The end of your letter impressed me deeply and words cannot express my feelings. Rec'd a card from Ella which I'll enclose to you and which I'll ask you to keep to yourself & return to me when convenient. I don't approve of Ella's methods and jokes as it is not fair to you. Such things are like pouring water on a duck's back to me as my implicit confidence in you would never let me entertain a thought like that of you for even a moment dear. I do not think that it is her intention to start anything or do you an injury but such jokes are not conducive to any good and might cause harm hence I never practice them or approve of their use by others. A social matron friend of mine whose friendship and hospitality I have enjoyed for many years sent me a clipping with her last invitation, as I have not accepted one for some time without assigning a reason she thought I might be offended because she invited so few young men & bachelors at her last function that she wanted me to know I was just as welcome. She will know my real reason some day. And instead of being offended that she invited so few young men & bachelors 168

I was quite the contrary, pleased. However I won't be such a mystery to my friends so very much longer as they will know the truth of my actions and honor me just as they have in the past, and last and happiest reason my wife will never be annoyed because other women are friendly with her husband, because she will know and can know that no one can ever take her place in his heart or affections do what they may, because I can resist all temptation dear because I know as it is written in the Lord's prayer that "God leadeth us not into temptation, be delivereth from all evil." So I rest secure and know that I am and ever will be protected from all evil. No matter in what form it may appear. Kindly preserve this clipping and return to me dear. Have not heard from your Mother yet. Please give my love to all your family. With the deepest love to you & a million kisses I remain Tenderly & Lovingly Your Little Boy Jimmie Just a few x x x x x x x x until I can do better. ]^

Dearest Bessie…

1913

Mar. 26, 1913, Wednesday Afternoon My Dear Little Baby Girl, Just a line to let you know that your lovely Sun. letter came to hand yesterday afternoon and I was much pleased to hear your sentiments and explanation as you did, "speak pretty plainly" and I said "slightly misunderstand you" dear. I knew you fully trusted me and thought you did not intend to put such a ban on me, but I wanted to be sure I understood you correctly that was all. Now dear I cannot get up to your home this weekend for any length of time but if you can come down I can drive you back as we can leave about 4 o'clock arriving at your home at 9:00 when I can return & get back home at about 12. In that way I can keep a couple of engagements I have and get my garden in some kind of shape, as I have engaged a man to help me, and have a lovely visit with my little girl, and she can also kind of help me superintend the fixing of the garden as I have engaged a strong young man to help me. I have been trying to write to you all day dear but have been so busy I have not had a chance. Now if you cannot come down dear call up "San Jose 2368" Fri. eve. when you get home …Love Jimmie

from school and let me know. If you can come, you need not call up but just come & I'll meet you at the station in Los Gatos as we planned before, on the evening train Friday eve. I must close now as I have to get my supper and go to the Wed. evening meeting here in San Jose this evening. Geo. has just come in and I am going to invite him to go with me to the meeting. I'll let you know later of what he says & does. So Goodnight dear little darling with Love & kisses I am Lovingly Tenderly & Devotedly Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie ]^

Mar 27, 1913, Thursday Morning Dear Little Brown Eyed Baby Sweetheart, Just a line this beautiful morning so that you will get it upon your return home Fri. to keep you company on the way down dear. I arose early this morning as I had to call on a gentleman and make an engagement with him for tonight as I get home on the 8:15 you know and he retires early so I had to tell him to wait for me. After making the engagement with him I walked to the front gate of his

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home and while I stood there waiting for the car I observed his beautiful lawn, garden, & flowers. There were a number of violets still in bloom & the tulips were just opening their varied colored eyes to the morning sun. The large lilac bushes were just coming into bloom, as were numerous other species of flowers too numerous to mention. As I stood there absorbed with their beauty and fragrance, "dreaming", a tear of joy welled into my eye as my thoughts slowly receded from their beauty and fragrance & reverted to you. In my mind's eye I pictured the happy days the future holds in store for us when we can have a beautiful garden of our own filled with plants & flowers in their season that our "own" little hands have carefully planted & lovingly reared. We can sit among their beauty and inspiring fragrance and "know" that the same Divine Mind that governs their wonderful sweet scented beauty, governs us, except that we are the highest reflection & image of that Divine Mind, God, and have dominion over them and every other thing upon the earth, as well as the earth itself, because that is our Godgiven birthright which is plainly told us in the Bible dear. I have these experiences many 170

times dear as I plan and dream of our happy future. We have so much in common that it seems that we surely have but One Mind & One Heart. I invited Geo. to go with me to the Wed. evening meeting last night and he accepted. He went to dinner with me and waited till I finished after which I signified my intention of going to the meeting and invited him to join me, adding that he need not feel under an obligation to accept and that I would not be offended if he did not go, as we as Christian Scientists never urge anyone to accept its blessings. The Bible you know dear says, "Knock and it shall be opened unto you, seek & ye shall find." As the Bible is our guide we cannot go contrary to its teachings. He & I went and he seemed to be much more impressed with its dignity & the culture & intelligence of the people who attended. He saw the coach Mr. McGraw of the High School baseball team who he said he knew to be a nice young man and proficient in his chosen work. Must close now dear hoping to see you tomorrow night and trusting that you will have your music lesson ready for Mr. King to hear for you and that you & yours are well & happy I am forever Your Loving Little Boy Dearest Bessie…

1913

Jimmie Love & Kisses P.S. I am looking for a letter from you this afternoon dear. So this will be part of its answer to you. Visited Aunt Mary and Uncle Steve this week. They are fine. ]^

Mar. 28, 1913, Fri. Eve. Dear Little True Blue Baby Sweetheart, I had just finished reading your letter for the first time when your call for me came on the phone. The shop was full of people and of course all I could say was yes and no. I could not speak to you as my heart would have me, dear. I presume you were in much the same predicament weren't you, dear? You know I have been thinking of you getting your spring outfit, suit, etc. You see dear if you come down next Thurs. eve then you can come in town with me Fri. morning and I'll get the bosses to let me off to help you select your suit. And I'd love to too dear. You think it over dear and let me know as soon as you can and I'll get one of the bosses to change his day off

…Love Jimmie

from Fri. to Tues. so that I can get the time off necessary to be with you. You see you are my little girl now and I must take good care of you and see to it that you look as nice as anybody. I have been very busy today and all week in fact and am very tired and am going straight home and into bed at 9 dear. I am writing this after hours and the boss has just been talking to me and took some of your time so I'll have to quit now and say goodnight. So with love & kisses I will say good night till Monday when I'll answer your letter then. So with Love & Kisses I am Your Own little Boy Jimmie

x x x x x x Excuse haste etc. ]^

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172

Dearest Bessie…

April 1913 …while I was running the alfalfa through the cutter I got my hand too close and it caught my finger. Fortunately I had my heavy horsehide gloves on otherwise I would have lost my finger entirely. As it is I have a very painful wound and I wish you would help me treat it as I am not being very successful myself, because I let a hateful thought express itself when it happened, as I have always been so very careful in the past and have always cautioned everyone else to look out too, so I was completely disgusted with myself at the time…

[April 1, 1914] Mon. Morning, San Jose, Cal. [Note – Letter undated – hand delivered by Bessie’s mother – date is best guess based on content.]

My Dearest Little Pet, I started to write this with my little pen but am a little tired and sore from my hard day’s work yesterday. I worked from 8 to 5 without any noon hour, so thought I had better sit down. I am happy to say dear that I am now earning money at the rate of $85.00 per month. You see I cannot let my little girl earn more money than her little life keeper can. But she is such a little star hustler that she makes me extend myself to make as much or more than she can, without my going to the city. When I left there I was earning $140.00 per month & sometimes …Love Jimmie

150.00. But of course in a town the size of San Jose the best I’ll be able to do will be a hundred even dear. I got nearly all my garden work done dear and it looks fine too. I made all the beds over new and rearranged the stones & pruned up all the bushes, weeded out the verbinia bed & tied up the lilies and other small flowers. I was going to put in a new lawn but the water supply is so short, and it is such a big job to start one that I would not want to take a chance on having to let it die again, so I decided not to put one in this year. This is a beautiful and inspiring morning and I feel bright and encouraged dear. Was sorry of course that you could not come down, but knew of course

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you would if you could so I tried to be as content as I coul ------------------Oh My! Of all the pleasant surprises you ever heard of. Notice how I finished that last line. Didn’t have time to finish spelling the last word “could.” I looked up and lo and behold there was our dear Mother standing there [Bessie’s mother]. I was so glad to see her and kept my wits about me enough to ask her to lunch with me. I must tell you my plans right away as I have just returned from lunch and as I am very busy I might not have time to write. As Mother says, you expect an answer and that I must not disappoint, and you know I wouldn’t anyway, but I like to hear her be so thoughtful of you. She always is you know. Now dear you come down Thurs. eve sure and I’ll meet you at the depot in San Jose here. I have a pleasant little evening planned for you, and will explain all the details to you when you get here as I have not time to write. Remember I’ll meet you at the depot in San Jose. So be sure & come rain or shine and we will leave early Sun. and I’ll drive you home O.K. We will have a lovely week-end and I have several surprises in store for you in some ways & things that will please you. 174

I am going to keep on writing till somebody comes in so if close all of a sudden don’t be surprised. Was very glad to get your letter dear and am pleased beyond measure to know that we are going to have such a long visit together. I am looking forward with great pleasure to Thurs. eve and can hardly wait for it to come. I won’t write again till I see you as I won’t have time. So with Love & Kisses I remain Lovingly Your Little Boy Jimmie ]^

April 7, 1913, Mon. 5 P.M. Dear Little Jewel, Well I have been so busy today that I have not had a minute to write to you before now. So will write all I can dear and mail what I have written before I take my car. You know dear to begin with I would like to have your permission to take my little ring off so that I can have it made smaller. it is too loose for me and keeps slipping around my finger. But Oh dearie you have no idea what a pleasure it is for me to wear it. It is just what I thought it would be

Dearest Bessie…

1913

dear. It is before my eyes all the time and that was what I wanted. I am so glad I changed my mind and let you get it. I had a lonesome old ride down that mountain side dear. But I kept awake and little Daisy soon took me safely home. Mother had a nice little lunch for me of cold chicken, baked beans, raisin bread, blackberry pie and a glass of milk. I was a little bit hungry too and enjoyed it. After we sang a few songs with Mr. Pratt and his sister we went to bed. I got up early this morning and was feeling fine. I wanted to say a good many things to your Mother but I couldn't for two reasons. First the kids were right on top of us and second I did not have the time. I might add the third dear for you know it anyway. I felt much as she did and I would not want to lose my self control in anybody's presence but yours. If I would have had to stand there very much longer though I am afraid I could not have held out much longer. I may write her a nice letter dear for I would hardly want to trust myself to tell her a few things I want to. Must close now & catch my car. So good night sweetheart with my fondest love I am Your Little Baby Boy forever …Love Jimmie

Jimmie Love and Kisses X X X X X P.S. Will write when I hear from you. ]^

Apr. 9, 1913, Wednesday Afternoon My Dearest Angel Girl, I have just received your nice little letter and as there is nothing much doing just at present I'll have the coveted opportunity of answering as I told you I would in my letter of Monday. Yesterday I was buying myself a copy of Aloha Dee, that sweet Hawaiian Love song, and of course I could not resist the temptation to buy one for you dear. My first thought and impulse dear on such occasions is to share my joy and pleasure with you. I have that little song and get a great deal of pleasure out of it especially since you had your school sing it that it might bring you sweet memories of me as you told me one day dear. Now you can lay away that little old one that you wrote, "the one I sang from at the school that morning" for sweet memory's sake. It will be another little addition to our precious keepsakes. Tell your mother she need not feel

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sorry that she forgot to thank me for those eggs as she has already thanked me in many other ways. Yes, dear, and still another beautiful spring day is now drawing to a close, and we are another day nearer to that beautiful goal, for which we are both striving, sweetness. They can flit by as fast as they want to dear now. I am glad that you put in 45 min. practicing your music dear, for I do want you to be able to play nice for me all the songs so that we can sing and play them together, always. Many sweet moments can be lovingly spent in that manner. Music is very inspiring and beautiful and adds much to a home. It is my first request too dear you know. I shall await with great pleasure that rendition of the "Spring Solo." Next time you can tell him to make it "Spring Duet." What a lovely little ending to your nice little letter. Those sweet beautiful things have been singing & echoing in my ears ever since I left you dear. "I could love you some more," just think the very thing I told you, you would say months ago. You have no idea how that pleased and relieved me. My goodness dear I cannot explain to you how much I miss you, long for you, and love you. My but I was lonesome when I went home last 176

night. Now dear it will only be with the greatest effort on my part that I can live without you with me all the time for the next year and I cannot do it without your help. So once again I'll have to ask you to cooperate with me and help me to exist and live till "that day." Will you dear? Last Mon. night I mailed you your letter in the same box I dropped Ella's in. You can imagine what my thoughts were when I dropped it in. Then again I'll drop this one in again on my way to the car. Must say goodnight dear and you can rest assured that you answered your Mother's question correctly when you said, "Yes." You can bet that I'll always take the same interest in you in the future that I do now. I'll not ask you whether you will always do the same with me because I know what your answer will be before I would hear it. I have such confidence in your love that I will never doubt it for an instant dear. So with all the love that is in me I am Your Little Baby Blue Eyes – Forever Jimmie ]^

April 10, 1913, Thurs. Morning

Dearest Bessie…

1913

Dear Little Sweetheart, This is one of the most beautiful mornings I have ever seen and on my way to work I wished we wee starting out on our honeymoon. This is one of the little surprises I have planned for you this week so you can look forward to some more. With tenderest and admiring love I am always Your Loving Baby Boy Little Jimmie X A kiss X A kiss for "Our Mother"

…Love Jimmie

Will you please give it to her? ]^ April 12, 1913: No letter – Envelope contains a program for "Carl Lanzer's Grand Violin Recital and Concert" which occurred Thursday Evening, April 10, 1913 at Ford's Opera House in Los Gatos. “Miss Florence Smith, Soprano” also performed

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My Dearest Bessie…

1913

April 11, 1913, Friday Afternoon Dear Precious Angel Girl, I don't know whether you notice it or not but in starting my last two letters to you I have copied yours verbatim. Because they just suited me exactly for one reason and another thing is you will remember you told me a long, long time ago that you more than once asked God in your prayers that He might give me the power and the pleasure to love you as much as you loved me. Now I don't know dear whether that's possible or not but I do know that I love you with all my heart and soul and I am sure of it. I rec'd your lovely letter an hour or two ago. My but it was full of interesting news as well as being filled with your sweet words of love and tenderness. I will answer it now. To begin with I took my little ring over to Mr. Ryder's and he says he will have it ready for me Monday. So then I can have it never more to part with it. I am glad that my little girl is so pleased with her little ring and another of "my fairy land dream," "castles in the air," or whatever you might call them, promises are really fulfilled. Of course dear you only used to think that way of my promises and plans, others think so still but I know you don't any …Love Jimmie

more. Of course I do not think of myself dear. How can I when I have got you to think of there is no room left for myself I'll leave that to you dear. Do you want the job? X Now dear your confession. I am sorry that Ella discovered your ring. You are right you should not have worn it as I first suggested to you. The temptation was too great for you, you say. I agreed with you. But likewise the temptation was too great for me and I could not deny you an innocent pleasure. So dear in this case I am going to assume half the blame and forgive you for your half. There may be times when we make mistakes, and it is my desire and motto always to practice The Golden Rule, so I forgive you as I may at some future date ask you to forgive me. X Where the little cross [X] is on the other sheet is where I left off at the shop, and this little cross on the other side is where I had to leave off at the dining room table at home. Hence I call it home but this is no home to me. I have just retired to the quietude of my little office for I just asked them to be quiet for a few minutes that I might finish this letter to you as I was so busy in the shop today I did not have time. I was refused and invited to leave the room and go into the kitchen. I 179

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declined their invitation to the kitchen and retired to the sanctitude of my little office where I have spent many an hour & all kinds of hours, happy and unhappy. It has always been a consolation to retire here and write to you, but I did not want to build a fire and just thought they might refrain from talking 15 min. till I finished my letter to you as I cannot write when anyone is talking especially when the conversation is of business of interest to me. I am sorry dear to tell you my little petty troubles but it only makes me long for you and a home that is a home for I am sure that my wishes will be given due consideration and respect in the place we will call Our Home. Glad Mr. Price made you change your recess hour, and am glad you are going to put the time thus gained into your music. Sorry to hear of Donald's injury. Convey my sympathy to him by phone, and tell him I trust he'll be well soon. I am glad you completed our little demonstration of securing the school another year. You are a real little Christian Scientist and can make your demonstrations like a veteran. That is certainly fine & dandy. Went to the recital & concert last night with Douglas. It was a success and Florence did fine. Will enclose 180

Program. Also clipping from Los Gatos Mail of last week announcing it. Will send you clipping of report of it later. I have sent you a piece of mail every day this week. Either a card letter or music. This is the first time I ever done that in my life. I made an effort to do it once as I cannot always get the time to do so much dear. So as it is getting cold & late I'll close. With all the love I have I am Your Baby Sweetheart Boy Jimmie ]^

April 14, 1913, Monday Dearest Little Girl, I have rec'd an invitation from the Local to be in attendance Fri. eve. Also one from The Cotillion club to be at their dance at the Union Club House. If you can come down Fri. eve Father will meet you at the train in Los Gatos and you can drive him home and then drive back to the car at Cilkers Packing House where you turn off San Jose Ave. you know to go to the Union & meet me there. We can then go to the Union stay there till 9:15 & then go over to the Club House to the dance. That will be a nice evening. You can come down in your Blue Bell outfit

Dearest Bessie…

1913

& I think you will enjoy yourself. Let me know what you will do by return mail. Will write when I get your letter tomorrow. Look for my write up in the Mercury Wed. or Thurs. With Love in haste Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie ]^

April 16, 1913, Wednesday Morning My Dearest Little Treasure, Well as I expected, your sweet letter arrived yesterday afternoon. I read it with pleasure dear. I will answer it now before I drift off into unknown depths as I usually do when I sit down to write to you. I think when I start that I can finish in a few minutes but as fast as I finish one thing another presents itself and thus I drift on wholly unconscious of the fastly fleeting time, which goes on just the same and waits for no man. As I expected dear I rec'd very little encouragement from you to help me bear up and struggle on during my long wait for "that day." But I do not blame you. I realize most fully what "grit" it takes to be separated from the one you "love" after you have "discovered" it. I know you discovered it long ago but

…Love Jimmie

after both of us have discovered it, it is certainly an awful hard thing for us to live apart. And dear it takes "grit" too on my part to be separated from the best girl on this earth. And to grit, patience, love, courage, and dogged determination might be safely added. The only real reason dear that makes me wait is my intense desire to make the days, each & every one of them after "that day" the happiest of or it might be more modest to say, as happy as any girl on this earth dear. Therefore, with the firm conviction that "with God all things are possible" and that "God is Life," therefore there is no death, "God is Love," therefore there is no hate, and as God is all in all and we are His image & likeness, there is no failure, so I calmly rest assured that "we will" be successful absolutely dear. I guess dear that George Ingraham is more to be pitied than censured although he deserved the good call down you gave him as it seems to have done him good too. How is Donald getting along and did you deliver my message to him? I am glad you were pleased with the little post card, I thought it was cute. So you liked the song and have learned to play it too. That's lovely, I'll 181

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be pleased to sing it for you, at the first opportunity. Yes, I remember very, very well when I wrote those words you quoted to me. It was just when the "great battle" within me was fast drawing to a close. Yes, I'll always have the same desires. Of course I am pleased that my little girl saw fit to add that she wants to share my disappointments and sorrows as well as my joys. But dear, you know that as we are God's children & He is everything that is good, beautiful, joyful, happy and prosperous, pray tell me how can we have any disappointments or sorrows? There is not any room left for them is there, even if they did really exist, and they do not, can not, can they? You must not look upon the days from now on as sad ones dear because there will be many happy moments in them for both of us. I am glad you enjoy the little book Step-by-Step. I am not surprised that you find it more interesting than you did before as after one gets a glimpse of Christian Science thought & logic, all good literature becomes intensely interesting as does Life itself. We begin to live in a new and beautiful world dear. Yes I had the little ring made smaller and it fits quite nicely. I was very glad to get it back. 182

We had company last Sunday. I helped Willie in the morning and then went to church with the lady who was visiting us for the weekend from San Francisco. Rec'd your letter written Mon. eve this afternoon and as this is Wed. eve now I'll acknowledge receipt of it as I want to mail this this eve. I may not have a chance to write again this week as it's all I can do to pinch out the time for this one I am so busy these days. Mon. eve I went down to Smith's and got the Lesson Sermon, & last eve we had a bunch of neighbors in for the evening. Tonight I go to the church here in San Jose. Tomorrow eve Douglas, Florence, and some visitors from Frisco who are visiting our neighbors. Then Friday evening I expect you dear. And a nice pleasant evening is ahead of you. I hope you can come. I will have to close now as it is time for church and I am finishing up in the cafeteria. So Goodnight dear with Tenderest Love I am always Your Little Baby Boy Jimmie Love & a Kiss X ]^

Dearest Bessie…

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April 21, 1913, Mon. Morning Dearest Baby Darling Girl, Just a line before I go to lunch. Well after I left you yesterday dear I went right home and had a little piece of Mother's pie & then went to work with Will and worked till 7 o'clock. During the afternoon while I was running the alfalfa through the cutter I got my hand too close and it caught my finger. Fortunately I had my heavy horsehide gloves on otherwise I would have lost my finger entirely. As it is I have a very painful wound and I wish you would help me treat it as I am not being very successful myself, because I let a hateful thought express itself when it happened, as I have always been so very careful in the past and have always cautioned everyone else to look out too, so I was completely disgusted with myself at the time. Just as soon as you receive this dear do what can for me. In the meantime I'll do the best I can under the circumstances dear. I was very sick last night dear all night as my finger pained me terribly and I had an awful headache from loss of sleep and hard work so I had a very unpleasant night of it so feel very weak today and am suffering great pain from my finger. I telephoned to Aunt Mary first …Love Jimmie

thing this morning and she was very pleased to hear of your early recovery from your claim of sickness dear. I am so glad to know too dear that you have no further trouble from that other ailment you were treated for. We all have lots of little claims of error to meet dear and we always emerge from each one better and happier than when error first made its claim to reality, and vanished back into native nothingness. I hope you succeeded in getting a ride up home yesterday, and did not have to wait till they came down with George. I regretted so much not to have been able to have driven back with you dear. Must close now and mail this so that I am quite sure you will get it tomorrow. With love & kisses I am your lonesome Little Baby Boy Jimmie Write when you can. ]^

April 23, 1913, Wednesday Eve San Jose, Cal. My Dear Little Darling Girl, Just a line dear as I am very, very busy and have but little time in the

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shop and none at home. On my way home Mon. eve I met Will on his way to Douglas' home to a party he was giving. He insisted on me going so I went. Last night I had to stop off on my way home and see a gentleman in regard to changing the loan on our Home dear. This is as far as I got in the shop. I am now in the cafeteria and have just finished supper. Geo. is at my side. I'll write again tomorrow dear but I want you to get this soon. Rec'd your sweet letter today and extend to you my deepest sympathy dear. If I was not interested in C. Science I would be tempted to hate anyone who would speak so unkind to you dear. But remember dear what Jesus said under similar circumstances, "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do." Your letter found me in high Spirits and left me the same. But I had to treat myself before I could overcome the thought of injustice done you. Some day they will appreciate you as I do today & always will. This little boy & girl never can be pulled down off their high perch, if that's what he wants to call it, and be dragged to a lower level. Remember dear I'll never forget you, and as you gave me permission to say what is best for you 184

I'll never say what is otherwise. With my same true & everlasting love I am always yours Jimmie Goodnight dear. Excuse haste etc. Love & Kisses ]^

April 24, 1913, Thursday 11 A.M. My Dearest Little True Love, Well dear I'll endeavor now to write an answer to your dear sweet letter of yesterday. I wrote you a little note hastily last evening after I ate supper. Geo. was with me and went to the church services with me. I had so little time and wrote it in such great haste that I hardly know just what I said or how it sounded or whether it expressed what I wanted to express or not. My aim was to just get a word to you to relieve your anxiety and express my love and sympathy to you to alleviate to some degree at least, your wounded feelings. It would be impossible for me to express in words my wounded feelings at such unkind, unfair, & unloving treatment of a child, especially a daughter, who has

Dearest Bessie…

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been & is today a careful, saving, loving, considerate, & dutiful daughter to her parents as you are dear. It is rather hard for me to believe that parents who treat their offspring in such a manner can really love them. I often wonder dear if they do. What do you think? If God ever blesses us with such a beautiful daughter & child as you are, and she loves us and is as honest, true & devoted to us as you are to your parents, I am sure that I will never be guilty of causing her a moment's sorrow or wounded heart and I am sure you won't either will you dear? ▪▪▪ Well dear here it is Friday and I have not had a chance to write you as yet. Two beautiful letters I have here now to answer too. I have just given Geo. a message for you dear and as you know I always do the best I can but cannot always do as I would like. I was glad I was such a comfort to you last Sat. I hope I may always be so. It will not be my fault if I am not. The little piece you quoted me from your little book you laid away was very good and quite true too. I am answering your letters now dear so excuse me if I touch upon the subject again as I have to to decipher it. I'll

…Love Jimmie

not mention the subject to your folks that you request dear. Do not mention me to them either in connection with it, for I do not want them to know that it is me who is standing behind you that you may be dealt justly with. The time is not quite ripe to let them know that your little Jimmie will not let anybody wrong you in anyway no time. They will find that out in later years as will all the world dear. I am glad that you knew the report was a false one. You were right dear in regard to me giving a dance Tues. eve. The boys wanted me to help them out with a Benefit Dance here last night so I did. I cannot refuse one dear who is in distress & needs help. I went home on the 11:30 car. Geo. was going with me but was short of change and could not go. You know what I am saving for dear so I could afford to pay his way. I suppose he would have gone if I would but I did not urge him as he should save & be careful too. Thank you for your little note of sympathy dear. All your advice dear I do appreciate very much but you know you must have no fear of blood poisoning as God never made it for it is not good and all that He made is good so how could I a child of God have blood poisoning dear? 185

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I had a serious wound to Mortal Mind. My finger was nearly amputated but is almost whole & well again now. I was compelled to remove the blood today. The nail was lifted & a couple tablespoonfuls let out. I have had no pain since the 3rd day but it has been hard to work as I could not bend my finger, and it was swelled to twice its normal size. It is still bleeding a little from time to time, but I am sure it will be O.K. by tomorrow. I do not go out nights any more than I actually have to dear. The trouble is that it all comes in a bunch. Tell your our Mother that I am sorry that I could not get up to see her last Sunday. Tell her I love her as much as ever though and send her a kiss, which you can give her, and will try and come up next time sure. I am sorry that I could not have written "right away" as you wanted me to dear, but I did the best I could. So now I am going to go right home and go to bed as early as I can dear not later than ten. Frank Lasher and his chum is coming up from Watsonville tonight and is going to stay over Sunday & Sat. Must close now dear with a sweet kiss goodnight I remain always with my fondest love & tenderest affection Your Loving Baby Boy Jimmie 186

Goodnight dear XX Put these 2 one in each eye before you go to sleep. ]^

April 28, 1913, Mon. Morning My Dearest Girl, Well sweetheart I am going to start writing to you this morning and mail what I have written before I go home tonight. Tonight you know dear I go to the regular meeting of the Union. I have just rec'd the two beautiful sweet letters that you wrote me Friday, Sat. night and Sunday. I was both pleased and surprised as I did not hardly expect to hear from you till Geo. came back, as I was expecting to get a line on Sat. but as none came then I had resigned myself to await George's return & then I thought I would get your usual sweet message Tues. I am very happy this morning but your letter of Friday causes me to think some. Part of it is rather disconnected and I have to guess just exactly what you mean. I confess I can't understand it so I am going to return it to you that you might make it plainer to me. Do not destroy it but return it to me intact. I will mark out what I do not understand dear. Please explain it to

Dearest Bessie…

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me the part I have penciled off. Of course dear I know I really should not have gone up to Douglas' party but I could not refuse him. I was nearly home, just at the little bridge when Will met me, and they all expected me and were looking for me when I arrived there which of course was rather late. We played a game or two, but no kissing games, his Mother does not like it, sang some songs Florence played as did one of the other girls. We then went in to supper. Had roast chicken and trimmings ice cream etc nice supper. After which we had a few dances in his studio. He wanted some pictures and took a couple flashlights. Those present were Mr. & Mrs. Arthur W. Bassett, Florence Smith, Miss Nellie Berryman & her niece Mira Berryman. Nellie is an old friend of my Bro. & myself, her niece I have not known so long. They take great liberties with me and when we posed for our picture they wanted to make as much of a joke of it as possible so they all piled around me on the lounge. Florence on one side Mira on the other & Nellie at my feet on the floor. Mira & Florence put their arms about my neck and Nellie reached up & took hold of my hands from below. Douglas is going to send me one of the pictures …Love Jimmie

or one of each that turns out good.* You know dear it is hard for me to tell you every little detail of my life that happens, not because I do not want to but because I have not time to write it and do not always think of it all when I see you. Now dear I am just a little surprised that you would say, "If I don't get to going so much that I'll drift away from my little Brown Eyed Girl," to quote your exact words. Now Bessie I have done everything in my power to prove I love you. If there was anything more that I knew of to do I would only too gladly do it. If you know of anything I should do & don't, please excuse my ignorance, I call it ignorance for I am ignorant of what it might be, and please tell me. I beg of you to tell me dear, that I may forever prove to My Little Brown Eyed Girl that I will never drift away from her never. No time, no place, no fortune, no condition, nor no living human being can separate me from you or cause me to drift away from you. Of course sweetheart my position in life is quite different from yours, a man's position always is. I am placed in embarrassing positions very often. *

Regrettably, these potentially fascinating photos have not come down to us.

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All my girl friends think they can take the same liberties with me they always did because they do not know that I am engaged to you. But dear you know that to you I am betrothed. I have entrusted and betrothed to you, my happiness, myself, my life, my very all. I know you trust me dear and I know you Love me. It pleases me too, to hear you end by telling me I am good as gold and that you do trust me. But my little Loved one please, oh please now and forever remove that little tiny, wee bit of a "fear" that this little Jimmie boy of yours will ever drift away from you. No matter what you hear, no matter what you see, or no matter how bad circumstances may appear against me, just remember what I have written above and know that I love you dear and am forever yours. Only yesterday my dear sweet Mother came to me upstairs while I was dressing to go to church and brought in a most beautiful family heirloom she has had for years which she told me she intended to give to you on your wedding day. It is dainty, useful, sweet and beautiful dear and I know you will be delighted & pleased with it and will love it as much as she has. She is beginning to select some very pretty pieces of solid silver for us 188

too. She showed me one she already has for us. She sewed a button on my underwear and brought it up to me. Also got my duster for me for fear that I might soil my new blue suit. She was so kind and sweet as she always is I did not like to leave her & was late for church. After church I was going down to give Mr. Burdick a haircut & shave, so thought I would give Mr. Smith one too. So while I was untying Daisy Florence came out, I took her home, cut her father's hair & whiskers, went in & saw the old man Smith, we all call "Uncle" who was very sick and very low. I encouraged him, brightened his spirits and then when on. You remember the last Sun. I drove you home I went out to see Will & he introduced me to a couple of friend's of Fereni's who in turn introduced me to a young lady, who afterwards spoke to me downtown while you and I was talking to Ted Wetmore. I did not recognize her at the time if you remember and never knew who she was till she came over with a friend of hers from S.F. who was also a friend of ours. She told me she spoke to me in L.G. [Los Gatos] and that I did not know her. She is boarding at Fereni's for a month for her health. She is an invalid. They suggested that she go to Dearest Bessie…

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church with me but I would not take her. However when I came back they were all sitting on Fereni's porch & stopped me. I talked with them for a few minutes & they asked where I was going and I told them. They said is would be so nice if I would take Grace with me she could hold the horse & the ride & sun would be so good for her. I felt sorry for the poor girl but I hated to take her with me especially to Burdick's. But I thought to myself that the poor little girl might get some good out of it & I could stand whatever criticism I might get. She dresses nice and looks quite nicely so I had nothing to be ashamed of, but I did not want to exactly take her to church as that does not look right to go there with a strange young lady, in my position. Poor old Mr. Burdick has been laid up for a long time & I told Beach I'll call & fix him up.† They took him downtown before Beach came home so I did not fix him up. I had quite a talk with the young lady & she said she was an ex-teacher, a graduate of the Chico Normal, but now a stenographer. She said that she was pleased to make my acquaintance as she had heard a lot about me. She wanted to see my finger †

That is, give him a shave and a haircut.

…Love Jimmie

as she said that the men folks had told her I was a Christian Scientist and had seen my finger & said I would lose it. She was amazed when I took off my glove & showed it to her. It is nearly well dear, now. Yes it was a very pretty cat dear and the little dog looked just like Bob when he was a puppy. Must close now dear will write again later in the week. Good night Love Tenderly & Lovingly Your Loving Little Boy from Jimmie I have written this hastily & in bunches dear so excuse mistake etc. Love & Kisses Jimmie ]^

April 29, 1913, Tuesday eve My Dear Little Angel, Well I managed to write you a very lengthy letter yesterday dear, just think 16 pages. I was not very busy yesterday and so could do so although I kept at it all my spare moments and some more in the restaurant at night while dining. I am writing this to invite you to come down Friday Eve if you can and

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I'll drive you back Sun. dear. You can come to San Jose and I'll meet you at the depot as I want to go to a Christian Science Lecture at the Victory Theater here in San Jose. We can take the 9:30 car home, and you can come to San Jose whenever you want to on Sat. morning. Just kindly telephone me on receipt of this and let me know if you can come. You don't need to say much and it will only cost "us" 15¢ dear and I'll give that back to you. I have been quite busy today & had to write up articles for the papers, Times & Mercury. Coming out

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tomorrow morning, look for them. Enclosed please find a piece I clipped from the Times today about V.V. Thought it might interest you. Excuse haste etc. Love to all. Lovingly Your Own little Jimmie Tenderly & Affectionately Yours X A Kiss to You ]^

Dearest Bessie…

1913

THE PORTER FAMILY IN LOS GATOS Between 1910 and 1914 James Underhill, Elizabeth Ann Underhill, William Ray and Charles Henry (b. 1881) (b. 1849) (b. 1886) (b. 1845)

…Love Jimmie

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ELSIE ANNA ASCHMANN PORTER and WILLIAM RAY PORTER Will lived to be 95 and, as he appears in Jimmie’s letters, really was “the sweetest man who ever lived.” Elsie and Will had two daughters, June (b. 1919) and Wilma (b. 1923). Both are still living.

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Dearest Bessie…

May 1913 …Yesterday Flora Downing telephoned me & told me that if I did not take a part in the Farce that they decided to put on they were afraid the whole affair would be a failure as they needed someone to keep up their spirits. So I told her if they would all come up to my home last night and show me what they had, and if I could get it without too much work and too many rehearsals, I might take a chance… [May 2, 1913], Friday Afternoon [Undated hand delivered letter – date is best guess.]

haste Jimmie ]^

Dear Bessie, I have been so busy that I have not had a chance to write. I intended to write yesterday and the day before but was busy both dates. I went to a benefit dance last night to help out my friend that is sick. I had to go as it was impossible for me to get out of it. I had my finger operated on today, and had the surplus blood taken out and it feels much better. You was right about that dance, the date has not been sent yet. I will get a letter mailed off tonight so you can look for it Sunday. [Above is not in Jimmie’s handwriting.] Bessie, Got Geo. to write this as I did not have time. Be patient dear as I cannot always do as I want to. With love in

…Love Jimmie

May 5, 1913, Mon. Morning Dearest Baby Brown Eyes, Just a line as I promised you. As I told you I arrived safely home a little later than usual owing to late start and slower horse. It was a long lonesome drive down the mountainside alone but as I rode on I felt that I was ten times more than repaid by having the opportunity of enjoying the pleasure of having you with me on the way up. I would only too gladly do it over again any time. I am very happy this morning & hope you are the same dear. Each time I see you and each time we part I realize how very beautiful and truly lovely we are matched darling. I don’t 193

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think either one of us fully realize the great and beautiful and happy future we have ahead of us and how much more richly blessed we are than the great majority of others that we know. Geo. was in this morning and I delivered Dad’s message. I had telephoned but was not able to get an answer and while waiting for another chance Geo. came in. He wanted to get a book he had sent word for me to bring down. But his message evidently did not reach his home. The book is on the window sill back of the sewing machine. Get it as soon as you receive this and you keep it for him till he comes up. It is notes on “Sexual Hygiene” & he does not want the kids to get hold of it. I must close and mail this now, it is 9 o’clock. I hope you will get it tomorrow. I have mailed as soon as I could dear. With deepest love I am always Yours Lovingly & Devotedly Jimmie X A kiss – ]^ May 6, 1913, Tuesday Afternoon My Dear Little Sweetheart, I wrote you yesterday but as I did not mention about you coming down I

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thought I had better get a correct understanding on it. When I left you Sun. eve you know your Mother spoke of coming down so you left me with the impression that you were not, and as things have turned out now it is just as well I think dear. Yesterday Flora Downing telephoned me & told me that if I did not take a part in the Farce that they decided to put on they were afraid the whole affair would be a failure as they needed someone to keep up their spirits. So I told her if they would all come up to my home last night and show me what they had, and if I could get it without too much work and too many rehearsals, I might take a chance. So they did and I rehearsed with them last night and I have to rehearse again Thurs. night and with my other necessary business and social engagements I won’t get very much sleep this week. So as I like to be able to have all the time with you I can when you come down I thought that it would be best for you to come down the week following. The way things look to me now dear I think if we manage it right we can see each other at least every other week and every other time you come down I can drive back with you. Then I am looking forward to your Dearest Bessie…

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vacation with great pleasure as I think some pleasant times are ahead of us then. Must close now & mail this or I won’t get it mailed today. So with Love & Kisses I am your Devoted Little Sweetheart Jimmie Write ]^ May 7, 1913, Wednesday Afternoon Dearest Little Sweetheart, I have rec’d your dear little Tues. message and was glad to get it. When I returned home last night I was informed that my name was on the advertised letter list in San Jose, a letter being at the General Delivery for me. I was much surprised of course and was told that the message that the letter that was advertised came from Los Gatos. It was an unfortunate affair dear and created a very unfavorable and questionable opinion of me. I hope it does not reach your ears before this does as I do not want you to worry. Several have already accused me of corresponding through the General Delivery here in San Jose & that I neglected a day too long to call for my mail and it was advertised on me.

…Love Jimmie

Now dear I don’t care what anybody else thinks but I do hope you did not think so, even if you saw it in the Mercury, or had your attention called to it, or even if someone told you. I am sure you would not even think evil of me if you did actually see it dear. Now I’ll explain it to you dear. When you wrote your dear little Tues. message you neglected to put the street number on it and it was put in the General Delivery. So they were all joking me and the mail carrier, about the mail never being so late before, so when he went back to the Post Office he looked it up & found it and brought it to me. So I am going to mail you the envelope & I want you to return it to me dear. Now I can wish in the future dear you would put No. 15 Post St. on my letters and then you won’t be so liable to forget the number. When I first sent you my new address I wrote it thus #15 Post St. which is an abbreviation for No. You have written it so ever since I sent it to you. Now sweetheart I want you to understand that I do not intend to blame or chastise you in any way for this. It is absolutely not any fault of 195

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yours whatever. You were in a hurry dear and just forgot it, that’s all, and a few “friends?” of mine want to try and make some trouble for me. I am so glad that you were feeling so lovely that Mon. morning & that you wrote me your little message in such a mood. Glad you went to bed early dear. I don’t think Bessie that you know how much it pleases me to hear that you were reading S.&H. I am always pleased when you seek the Truth because that is the best and only way in which you can best express your gratitude to God for the many blessing He has bestowed upon you. So now good-night dear as I must catch my car. Lovingly & Tenderly Your Little Baby Boy Jimmie X Goodnight kiss P.S. Please take good care of the enclosed envelope & return it to me. ]^ May 9, 1913, Friday Morning My Dearest Little Comfort, I have just received your note of Tues. and the letter of Wed. I had rather expected to get the dear little note yesterday, but the mail facilities

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up your way are so very slow and poor it takes them forever to get it down here. I was very glad to get them, however, this morning and enjoyed them very much. I was supposed to go to Union last night to rehearse my skit. Left my wheel at the Packing House but when I got off the car it was raining so hard I could just get home without getting wet. Went to bed early and had a fine sleep. Geo. came up to the shop to meet me last night and we had a nice little chat. He is going home this afternoon. Those lovers’ spats and quarrels are such “delightful?” things dear how they must Love? Each other and enjoy them I am so glad that we are so different from the general run of Lovers dear. We are supposed to be “fools?” dear but if that’s what they call sensible I am glad we are “fools?” aren’t you dear? I’ll keep your little secret dear. Yes I suppose it was written to Myrtle I guess. George seems to think a good deal of her I think. She has persuaded him to take her to the dance at Wrights instead of the Phi Phi Sigma’s at Congress Springs. It seems to me she is keeping him away from all the girls of the better social set. But it is [up to] him for I have advised him and will say Dearest Bessie…

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no more. Geo. was just in and I have been so busy I have not had time to write anything to you so I just gave Geo. a line for you as I knew you would be looking for a word. You see I decided not to entrust any more regular letters to anyone but Uncle Sam. I am glad that you are getting along so nicely with your work and program and I know that it will all be a great success dear, and you have my love and best wishes in your work. No you are right I would not want all our rides as part of it was Sunday either dear. I am sorry that you felt so heart sick but cannot agree with you when you say you feel so utterly helpless. You were just as strong and powerful then as at any other time, only it is hard for you to realize it that’s all dear. You can & will I am sure. One thing you can remember dear I don’t ask any more than I am willing to do myself. I don’t ask you nor expect more of you than I am able and willing & glad to do for you and have you expect of me. So dear, I never expect to deviate the fraction of an atom from my word with you on anything, and I do not expect you to with me on yours. When I wrote to you day before …Love Jimmie

yesterday in answer to your note of Tues. & about the advertised letter I wrote in great haste and did not stop to read it over or anything as I had just time to make my car. So I want to further express my pleasure and gratitude at your reading of S.&H. I am so glad and grateful for your healing of the piles etc. that I cannot find words in which to express it to God or to man. But am just glad that you are well and free from all sickness and error of every kind, and always will be if you only read and study a little and learn how & why you should rightfully be so. I have been so busy dear I did not have time to write any more. Time for car. Good night Love. Love & Kisses Your Little Boy Jimmie ]^ May 13, 1913, Tues. Afternoon Dearest Little Sweetheart I have been expecting a line from you since yesterday dear. I thought Geo. might have just a line but he said you had to go away and did not have time. I am sure I’ll get a message this afternoon. But I want to send you a

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message now to invite you to come down this Friday if you can. I am going to be out a little late Thurs. eve so will want to retire early Friday night, so I think it would be better for you to get off the train at Los Gatos and I’ll be at the train there to meet you if I can and if I can’t I’ll have someone there to meet you. When you get this telephone & let me know if you are coming. Be sure to telephone not later than Thurs. eve. as I want to leave word at home telling them what to do. Excuse short note & haste as I have not had hardly a minute of my own for some days. Will write when your Tues. message arrives as soon as I get a chance. Must close now & mail this so that you will get it Wed. With dearest Love & fond affection I am yours forever Jimmie Love & Kisses ]^ May 13, 1913, Tues. Eve. At my Desk at Home Dearest Little Girl, Well I am at home. I thought I would have a chance to write you this afternoon but was so busy I did not

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have a chance. I am quite tired tonight and will have to retire soon. Annie just called me up and wanted to know if she could come to the dance. I told her yes and she is coming. Marcel is coming down Thurs. afternoon and will be there too. Well dear you did surprise me Sat. I rec’d the beautiful armlets you so kindly and thoughtfully made me and sent me. I cannot express my thanks in words but will when I see you. I did not have a chance to open them until I went to supper & then my surprise & pleasure was complete. I fixed up Uncle Steve Sat. night & he was my last customer. He told me Aunt Mary was going to Los Angeles on Sun. morning last so I went over with him and bid her goodbye. Also showed them the armlets. Mrs. Innes was there and saw them also. Aunt Mary will be gone 2 weeks, wants me to call & see Uncle Steve while she is away. The farce we were going to give will not be put on Thurs. eve for reasons I will tell you of when I see you. I have not time to explain it to you tonight. I am very much out of patience with the Farmers Union & am seriously contemplating resigning from it. Have not made up my mind yet and will not do so till I see you. I have Dearest Bessie…

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some very important business matters to talk over with you when I see you. I got your nice beautiful letter this afternoon and was very pleased to get it and to know that you are going to come down. I found it very interesting. Some people seem to know more about our business than we do ourselves it seems. Well they have got another guess coming. It would behoove them to mind their own business I think, don’t you. You did not enclose the envelope you said you would dear. Please bring it with you and the other things I have requested you in the past to return to me also dear, will you? I see you sent me the armlets by Parcels Post. This if the first Parcels Post package I have had the honor & pleasure to receive dear. I see you are very busy dear and I can sympathize with you as it seems I am that way most all the time having my hours all filed both day and night most all the time. Sweetheart that part of your letter in which you speak of the announcement of our engagement and complain of the Strenuous, severe criticism you expect to be under and receive does not sound very good to me and if you were me and I were you I don’t think you would want me to …Love Jimmie

write that way to you. Think it over and see if you would. You say, “You cannot under any circumstances let the announcement of our engagement go longer than Xmas,” and that “I will have to protect you that much anyway.” Now dear I told you some time ago as you surely know that I thought we could announce our engagement Xmas, so such an ultimatum as the first one I have quoted above it doesn’t seem to me that I deserve dear. Only just the last time I saw you if you will remember I told you I was willing to go to any length to protect you and I have always done so to the best of my power & ability and will always continue to do so forever. So to ask me “to protect you that much anyway” seems to me that I am most undeserving of and makes me wonder if you think that I have left you open to criticism in the past and unprotected. I am not afraid of the torments & criticisms of anybody and can stand anything for you and am only too glad and willing to do so as I have told you many times in the past and my mind has undergone no change that I know of. The rest of your letter was beautiful dear but I think the environment you are in caused you for a moment to forget that this little boy has never 199

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refused you at any time any-thing that you have asked. If you are always as reasonable and fair in the future as you have been in the past I never will and if I ever do it will only be for your good. I must close now as it is late and may God bless you and keep you always in the future as He has in the past and that you may never feel that you will have to issue an ultimatum of any kind to your Loving Little Boy. Jimmie Goodnight dear Love & Kisses. Will see you Friday. ]^ May 19, 1913, Mon. Morning Dearest Sweetheart, Well we came down the mountain once again all safe & sound. She‡ certainly gave me a great talk on the way down. She begged me not to ever desert you or sever my relations with you. She said that she wanted to keep in close touch with you and I as she would watch the result of our relationship with keen interest. She

said that I ought to give you some word as to whether I would marry you or not as she did not think it was possible to find a girl who would love me more than or as much as you do. She seemed to think that I was not treating you exactly right if I was not engaged to you. I did not tell her that we was but told her that I would never treat you wrong but would always do right by you in every way. So she said, “Well if you are not engaged now I know you soon will be and that you both love each other and that you will always do the right thing with dear little Bessie.” To which I said that she could trust me to always treat you absolutely right in every way and that she could always write to you at any time to prove my statement. So she seemed satisfied and pleased before we returned home. I’ll have to quit writing now dear as I am getting into a state of longing for you & miss you so much this morning that I hope I’ll get awful busy so that my mind may be eased a little anyway. With all the Love I possess I am always Your Loving Little Baby Boy Jimmie Love & a kiss.

‡

“She” is apparently Cousin Annie – see May 23rd letter. Based on letter from Cousin Annie (see Other Voices), I believe it is Cousin Annie from Massachusetts, a Crapo relation.

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Write.

Dearest Bessie…

1913

May 21, 1913, Wednesday Afternoon Dearest Baby Girl, Well I was certainly pleased to get such a clear little Tues. message, many thanks dear. I am glad to hear that your dear sweet true love can be increased, and if you will recall I told you that if it were possible that is what would take place as time passed on. I am glad that I can conduct myself to make it possible for you to love me more dear, and that will be my ambition always. Yes your last visit to my home was a very beautiful one too, and before I forget I want to thank you for so kindly helping Annie with the dishes and other little helpful favors you do while there. Also for the nice “shoe string” potatoes you fixed so nice for me. When I saw you wiping the dishes for Annie it reminded me of the old sweet times when your little boy wiped them for you, after our Sunday dinner at your old home in V.V. Sorry your alarm clock awoke you so early. What was your dreams about that time? Rec’d a letter from Lester today and he has been at the point of death for some time. Says he never thought it possible for a human being to suffer such untold misery and live. He says …Love Jimmie

that all earthly hopes have been abandoned and all human aid is done that can be done, so he has at last, as is usually the case, turned to Christian Science for help. He says he is improving. I hope they have not butchered him up to such an extent that there is nothing left of him to heal. His letter is pitiful and says he would have written if he was able as he regards us as his dearest friends. I do hope & pray that it is not too late to save him. Now dear I am going to enclose to you a statement of my receipts and expenses since I commenced to work. I have been working for 12 wks. This dear I send in confidence to you because if the average person knew I did it they would call me a fool and say I was crazy to tell you what I do with my money. But dear I try the best I know how to live the Golden Rule and I, and all I possess is just as much yours, as you said that you and yours were mine on that now memorable night of the 4th. You will observe dear that all I have spent for incidentals and pleasures has been $3 per week. I could give you the detail on that too but did not have time to copy it out of my record book. Most of it I can 201

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assure you I spent with you and in which you joined me. You will notice too as I told you before I spent a little more for your ring than I did for my own. My expenses at home you will see are nothing as I told you. I thought it would interest you to see what I do with “our” money and how I spent it. It is my aim to spend nothing for pleasure I do not share with you. Well dear I must close now as I have been writing this in pieces all day long and it is just about car time now and I want to catch the car as I am going to attend the services in Los Gatos this evening as I have not been to church there for a long time and I want to see a few old friends there so Goodnight dear Lovingly & dearly Your Little Baby Blue Eyed Boy Jimmie Love & Kisses Receipts 12 wks wages Total paid out for necessities Balance Balance cash on hand May 17 Spent for incidentals and pleasure in 12 wks

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Expenses 5.00 1st wk. Special ticket 40 rides Old suit cleaned and pressed 2.00 2nd wk. Regular monthly ticket 62 rides 5.00 New razor 2.00 rd 1.50 3 wk. Repairing watch Repairing Dia. ring for mother .50 th 4 wk. Trip to San Francisco Incidentals 3.00 Ticket 2.00 5.00 th 1.50 5 wk. Farmers Union Dues Blue suit sponged and pressed 1.00 th 5.00 6 wk. Regular monthly ticket th 7 wk. Two nightgowns 2.00 th 8 wk. Barber coat made to order 2.00 9th wk. Brown suit sponged and pressed 1.00 10th wk. Regular monthly ticket 5.00 3.00 11th wk. Shirt, collars, socks Necktie and collar buttons 1.00 th 2.50 12 wk. Straw hat & collars 49.00 Rings 65.00 Lunches & laundry at $3 per wk 36.00 20.00 Paid on irrigation Plan 170.00 ]^

221.00 170.00 51.00 15.00

May 23, 1913, Friday Afternoon

36.00

Dearest baby Girl, Your dear little letter came to hand yesterday and I was very pleased to get it. Glad to hear that you are getting

Dearest Bessie…

1913

along so nicely with your program. Yes I’ll excuse your short letters this week dear, but a line from you spells oceans to me. I have been very busy this week myself. I do not think it is a shame to fool Cousin Annie or rather not tell her all she wants to know as she is just a little bit too nosey to suit me. She wants to know too much. Well night before last Fred Milland came in and told me National Pres. Chas. S. Barrett was in town and was to speak there last night, and he wanted me to notify everyone I could. So I was anxious to go over and hear him myself but it seemed impossible to get there as I could not get off on the early car & if I could I could not drive one of my horses way over there as they are working every day and Daisy is out on pasture. So I went home Wed. eve that is to church in Los Gatos first and then telephoned to some around there who had autos & could not get a single one. Arch Cilker my last hope even failed me. So I came back to San Jose yesterday morning as usual to work and starting in telephoning to all members from here. I had made up my mind to see if I could not get a ride with Pres. Barrett’s party but they were going to tour the county & was …Love Jimmie

not coming back to San Jose so that just about sealed my doom. I was looking over the Campbell numbers when I came across the name of one of our new members who was recently taken into our Local. I called up to tell them to go if they could and the daughter answered the phone. She said she did not go whether her Father would go over or not but if I would wait a minute till she could ask him she would let me know for sure. I told her it made no particular difference that he could go if he wished to or do as he liked all I was desirous of doing was to let him know. She said wait & hold the line anyway & away she went. When she returned to the phone she said to tell me if I could meet him and show him the way he would be pleased to go. He has an auto so I thought, here’s my chance, but I’d rather not go over with them as his wife & daughter would go and I would have to appear before that whole bunch with them. But it was go with them or not at all and I’d go through most anything to hear Barrett so I went. I will tell you all the details when I see you as I must close now. Got duck pants for Carl and will send them up by Geo. Bill for them is in box 1.50. I paid for them dear and 203

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he says that he’ll pay you. With Love dearest Love I am Lovingly & Tenderly Your own Little Boy Jimmie Love & Kisses x x x x ]^ May 26, 1913, Monday Eve 7 P.M. San Jose Cal. Dear Little Sweetheart, I have been very very busy today so must drop you just a line while waiting for my car. Geo. gave me your dear little letter, big I should say, this afternoon. Was glad to get it and hear of the fine success you had for your efforts. You had better plan to come down this week if you can. Come down Friday eve and I’ll meet you at the train if I can and if I can’t I’ll have Dad meet you. I’ll try & plan something nice for you in some way, dear. Excuse haste as the customers & Barbers are talking to me about half the time and it is car time. With Love & a kiss I am always Your Baby Boy Jimmie ]^

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May 26, 1913, Tuesday Afternoon Dear Little Darling, Well it has rained here since noon to beat the band and now it is 5 o’clock and it has slacked up a little but has not stopped yet. I expected to get that dope for the papers today dear but it has not come. You mustn’t let it get too old otherwise they won’t care to publish it. I must tell you about the picnic I went to Sunday. All the families in the Shannon Road have a picnic every year and so last Sunday was the day. We all went. Dad and Mr. Fereni went over early in the morning to get things ready to cook the meat and I went over with Mother, Annie & Will in the Surrey. We went over on the Guadalupe Creek way up above the Quicksilver Mines. We had a very nice time. I enjoyed the outing very much, just suited me so it was no bore for me to go. The meat was cooked over the rocks in the creek & as Mr. Fereni is a fine cook it was fine. All had lunch together on the ground in a long row, the table cloths be spread one after another, in a long row on the ground. In the afternoon we had several freezers full of ice cream. Dearest Bessie…

1913

I did wish you could have been with us I know you would have enjoyed it immensely. Well I am again finishing up this letter at 7:15 and must catch my car soon. I have not had a chance to center my mind dear to write you a nice letter. I don’t think you can hardly realize how it is to be interrupted when one is trying to write a letter but I can assure you it is not very pleasant. But I do the very best I can dear & know you will be patient with me. So goodnight Angel Love Lovingly Yours Love & a Kiss Jimmie ]^ May 29, 1913, Thursday Morning My Dearest Baby Girl, Well dear I am sorry you could not come down this week, but as I have to work late tonight I thought it would not be worthwhile for you to come down as I would not have but a little time with you if you returned on Sat. So I’ll plan on you coming down next Friday night on your usual train and I’ll try to fix it so that we can drive back together. I am to get a half day off tomorrow

…Love Jimmie

for working overtime tonight as tomorrow is a holiday anyway. I want to help Will all I can too dear as he is working awfully hard you know and is a very faithful boy and brother. I got up at six last Sun. and helped him till 9:30 at which time we finished all the work. We then took our bath shared cleaned up and put on an old suit & went to the picnic. I came back early as I wanted Will to enjoy himself. A young fellow from S.F. was there with his new motorcycle and brought me home by way of Lone Hill & Union so that we would not have to go over that steep hill. Will came home with the folks about 6 o’clock. I had all the work well underway when he arrived. I offered to do it all but he wouldn’t let me. Well dear the next time you want me to write up a story or article for you you must get it in to me right after it happens as when the news gets old it’s no good. I had to make a big explanation of how hard it is to get mail out of there etc. to account for the long delay. I rec’d the dope you sent me yesterday afternoon and had but little time to do a good job. I found that Mr. Kimball my friend who manages the suburban news for The Mercury was ill 205

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and not on duty so I had to fix it up with the City Editor. He cut the story down to suit his space and made a poor job of it. The editor on The Times did better for me and featured the article the way I wanted it. I think that the article in The Times is a good one. He told me of course that it was a long way off and that he had few subscribers up there, but I told him I wished he would feature the story on the suburban page for me. He said he would. I told him I wanted him to send you a dozen copies for yourself & friends & also for distribution among some of your school children. He is sending them without pay with his & my compliments & says to tell you he will allow you 35¢ on every subscriber you send him whether for a month or a year just as long as they start to take the paper. The Times has 3,000 subscribers in San Jose and many in the country and is a good paper. Anything you do for them will be appreciated. I have done the best I could under the circumstances and trust you will be pleased. I am hoping the story in The Times is the biggest one you ever had written about you ‘cause it is the first one I wrote about you & Little Jimmie wrote it. Is it? 206

Well dear last Tuesday night Mr. Wurz sent for me to see him at his home. I went and he wanted to see me about my application I put in for membership in the Christian Science Church. He had a long talk with me and said that I must appear before the committee who were investigating my name last night at the church in Los Gatos. So I attended the meeting there instead of here in San Jose. I enjoyed my talk with Mr. Wurz Tues. eve very much and learned a great deal. It is a wonderful study dear. I have thought I knew a little something about it, but the knowledge and understanding I gained last night was wonderful. I can’t find words to express it. Churches as a rule are very anxious to get as many members as they can, but you can bet your life that a Christian Scientist will never ask anyone to join their church or will never accept them unless they are exemplary men, women, and citizens of their land. Of course dear this is confidential to you, as I have not been accepted yet and do not know whether I will be or not for sure. However if I am not it will be because I have not yet acquired understanding enough & am not ready or qualified for membership at this time. There is no stain or objection to Dearest Bessie…

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me on account of my habits or character or good name. They are the best judges of whether I am ready for membership or not and I am perfectly contented to abide by their judgment. May 30, 1914 Well dear I did not have time to even sign my name to this letter let alone seal & address it last night. I worked every minute after Geo. left and just had time to catch my car. Expect to be very busy this morning so will close now & mail this. Am going to spend the afternoon at home. I always decorate my little sister’s grave§ for many years past but will be unable to do so this year as I can’t get to S.F. today. She is buried in Cypress Lawn Cemetery in S.F. I think of her often and on this day she always lingers in my memory during all my waking hours. She was a beautiful girl and I loved her dearly as she did us all. Her sweet face & smile ever lingers in my memory and always appears before me when I see some girl’s brother treat her unkindly. Must close now sweetheart as these

thoughts slightly dim my eyes so goodbye dear with my fondest, dearest, truest love I am always, Lovingly & Tenderly Your Little Baby Boy Jimmie Write when you can. ]^

Jennie Porter, who was three years younger than Jimmie. She died suddenly and without warning one morning at age 16. She woke up, called out, and when Elizabeth went to her room she found her dead.

…Love Jimmie

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WILL PORTER and Friends at the Shannon Road House in Los Gatos… …demonstrating the Porter Sense of Humor. The baby is his daughter, June, and the hidden “helpers” are wife Elsie and sister-in-law Bessie. Abt. 1920

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Dearest Bessie…

June 1913 …I have got everything planned in fine shape sweetheart, much better than I expected I would be able to do a month ago as I only expected to be able to get a couple of days off. You can look forward to one of the most pleasant, pleasurable, and interesting trips of your life dear, & upon your return I think you will agree with me… June 2, 1913, Monday Morning My Own Dear Little Bessie, At last I am relieved of the awful burden of error I have carried with me since I received that letter Saturday, which you wrote me Thurs., partly in school and partly at home. I knew I must answer it in some way today but it seemed impossible for me to do so. So last night I decided to leave it to the One Divine Mind to protect me from a seeming sense of inharmony & guide me in the right, in this, as I have been guided for years in the past in all matters pertaining to my life and action. So I have rec’d this morning already the cute little phone card and the two beautiful letters which you wrote Sat. & Sun. I cannot ever express to you how happy & relieved I was to receive them. These words in

…Love Jimmie

your letter of Sunday completely healed my heart. Let me copy them exactly. “If I said anything in ‘that’ letter Sweetheart that did not sound just right – please forgive me and always remember that my heart is in the right place, buried deep down along side of yours darling and that some day I will be the True little Christian Scientist that you wish me to be.” I copied the above from your letter and underlined it first as you did dear. Now dear after reading that letter of yours of Sat. I tried to know that your heart was in the right place and have succeeded in it I think. My dearest little girl did not have the right thought about her little boy when she wrote that letter, but let error creep into her mind and try to tell her that her little boy did not want her to come down to see him, and that

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she was not always welcome at his home as he had told her. Thank God dear it got no further than your mind, and that your true and loving heart is left untouched and unchanged in its right place. So dear I do forgive you and forgive you with all my heart, for I know that you would not knowingly say or do anything wrong to me. I am happy now dear, but I could hardly work on Sat. and spent yesterday in deep thought & Study. I shall look forward to Friday with great pleasure and will try my very best to be at the train to meet you. If I can’t make it someone will be there to meet you and I will be home on the 8:15 as usual. I am glad to hear that Ella has landed the Burrell School alright and I hope that she will be pleased with it and that she will be well liked and successful as you are dear. Give her my congratulations. I am glad you have got so far along in your little Book. Be patient dear and you will understand it in due time. Remember it took you about 14 years to learn to be a teacher, and you cannot expect to learn to be a Christian Scientist in a day, week or a year. Sorry you lost the rose leaves but never put them in a bag even for a day, 210

they always spoil if you do. I am sorry that the piles have returned to annoy you further and I’ll treat you tonight dear. The error will be uncovered and the seeming discord & disease corrected and the error will leave you better than it found you dear, in understanding I mean. Well dear I think I have answered all of your dear sweet letters that you wrote & I rec’d today. I want to thank you for the lovely picture “Home Views” which you fixed up so pretty and sent me. The pictures were good all of them and especially the one in which the Baby Girl appeared. Mother thought they were fine too. Must close now and mail this so that you will get it tomorrow. With dearest love and all the kisses I possess I am always as ever Tenderly & Lovingly Jimmie Your Lonely Little Boy is waiting to see you dear. Do not make any engagements for to return at a specific time dear as I do not know at present what my plans will be. ]^

Dearest Bessie…

1913

June 3, 1913, Tuesday Evening Dearest Sweetheart, I have just returned from telephoning to you dear. I took my supper time to do it in as much I wanted to be sure of getting you. Then I can hear you much better over at the Main Office in one of the booths. I certainly was surprised to get such a sweet Tues. message dear you can bet. I am now in the Post Office dear and have just 5 min. I want you to have this to read on the way down. I hope you know dear I love you and love you with all my heart & soul. You know it dear I know you do but you sweet little thing you are like me I guess you like to hear me tell you so don’t you? I know you love me too but I’ll admit too it is sweet to hear you say so. No dear I’ll never never leave you and will always Love you so Goodnight & God bless you dear with Love & Kisses Lovingly with all my heart I am your Little Jimmie ]^ June 9, 1913, Monday Noon Dearest Darling Girl, Just a line that I promised you, just

…Love Jimmie

to tell you that I love you & miss you today, if I have time for nothing more. I have been very busy this morning and have just had time now to get at this letter, so just as soon as it is mail time I’ll send it no matter how much I have written at the time so please excuse me if I quit writing all of a sudden. I am feeling fine today even if I am just a little bit short of sleep dear. I am still reflecting on the sweet quiet little afternoon we spent together yesterday. It has been constantly in my mind ever since. Every time I see you I think it is impossible for us to love each other more than we already do but each time something presents itself and some other thing or way is pointed out to us to teach us how to love each other more. And to think too that our friendship & love extends over a period of more than two years and never yet has a cross or unkind word passed the lips of either of us to mar the perfect serenity or harmony of our long extended & happy courtship. So with Love & tenderest affection I will remain forever Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie Write P.S. Did you get that last little note I 211

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wrote you in Post Office. I knocked the seal off of it as I put it into the slip. Could not get it back out again so had to let it go without one. ]^ June 11, 1913, Wed. Noon My Dearest Little Pet, Just a few lines in haste as I want to be sure that you don’t make any permanent arrangements in the next two weeks. You know you told me that you had no more duties or possible engagements ahead of you from now on for sometime. I’ll tell you dear Will and I have not been able as yet to decide for sure which week we want to take first for ourselves. So as it stands now I do not know for sure whether you and I can be together next week or the week after. When you were here we had thoughts that Will would probably take the first week but now we are not sure. All it is is I do not want you to make any promises to keep any engagements for the next two weeks dear because if I could not plan to have you with me when the opportunity presented itself I would be really disappointed beyond words. So don’t be surprised if I phone to you that I

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will be up there Sun. I was thinking that I might drive up Sunday morning and we could drive over to Santa Cruz and see Lester Monday and come back Tuesday and go to San Francisco Wed. It is kind of hard to complete the plans dear so that is the reason that I want you to be ready when I do get them in shape. So dear don’t be surprised when you hear from me and be ready. I told my folks that we are expected to go to the city and they made no kick at all but seemed to think it alright. So with deepest love & Kisses I am Your Little Boy Jimmie P.S. I’ll get a letter from you this afternoon sure and will ans. tomorrow if possible. ]^ June 12, 1913, Thurs. Morning My Dearest Angel Love, I rec’d your dear letter which you wrote yesterday afternoon and was pleased to get it. That fellow on the car dear meant no good & I should consider that he all but insulted you and meant no good. You did exactly right and he got treated as he deserved. I am glad that you arrived home

Dearest Bessie…

1913

safely and found all well, but am sorry that you had to walk so far Angel. But never mind dear you know I would gladly do as much for you don’t you? Well dear I have made arrangements that are satisfactory to us and I am going to leave home with my little horse and buggy early Sunday morning about 8 o’clock and will arrive at Halls Bridge about 11 o’clock. I wonder if my little girl will be there to meet me? I figure to leave Monday from your home and we can drive over to Santa Cruz and see Lester returning Tues. Wed. morning I want to leave for San Francisco and return back home Friday as I want to let Will get away Sat. and as we expect company at home over Sat. and Sun one of us must be there to help entertain and make things pleasant & interesting. I have got everything planned in fine shape sweetheart, much better than I expected I would be able to do a month ago as I only expected to be able to get a couple of days off. You can look forward to one of the most pleasant, pleasurable, and interesting trips of your life dear, & upon your return I think you will agree with me. I was placing your letters away this morning dear and I found that No. 142

…Love Jimmie

was missing.** Now dear at first I was very much vexed to think that you would take anything from me that way without my consent and permission, it is not right. But I know it was your earnest desire to secure it & destroy it that it might not cause me another heartache or moment of sadness. But inasmuch as it had caused us both the same heartache and sadness I had planned to share this pleasure with you and that we would destroy it together. But if you have destroyed it already I cannot share that pleasure with you. Knowing that it was your only desire to do me good in taking it from me as you did, after I showed you the place in which I had secreted them I’ll forgive you dear but do not ever again take anything from me without my knowledge for it is not a right way to do. I do not want to do it to you and I do not want you to do it to me. So my dearest little darling angel girl, with just that loving admonition from me we will forever let that letter, its contents, and the circumstances surrounding it drop. I am very happy today living in loving anticipation of the many **

At this point Jimmie had written her 131 letters.

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beautiful, happy days that are ahead of us. I can hardly wait for Sunday morning to come that I may again be with you in your loving care and company. I am going to telephone to you this evening to just let you know briefly of my plans so as to give you all the time I possibly can to contemplate them in and get your dear little self ready. Must close now as I am finishing this up in the cafeteria and it is time for me to return to work. Give my love to all. Tenderly & Lovingly Your Little Blue Eyed Boy Forever Jimmie Love & Kisses P.S. I’ll enclose to you the receipt for our rings with their numbers & identification marks which I entrust to you for safe keeping. Please do not mislay it or lose it dear will you? Enclosure: Receipt from Geo. W. Ryder & Son Jeweler and Opticians American Watches and Diamonds a Specialty San Jose, California, 4/12/1913 Mr. J. U. Porter Mar 24, 1913 Dia Ring ¼ 1/16 (144) Ladies Mounting Dia Ring ¼ (153) Gents Mtg Paid in Full 214

]^ June 20, 1913 My Dear Little Girl, George asked me if we were married while away in the city when he saw me get off the train and I said yes just for fun and the train pulled out so quick I did not have time to take it back. I am enclosing a note to him which I’ll ask you to please hand him. I have to wait until 5:10 for car home so am writing just this line to tell you that I love you and am beginning to miss you already and to correct my statement to George. With Love & Kisses Lovingly Yours Jimmie Write ]^ June 23, 1913, At Home Dearest Little Bessie, Well it is certainly been some time since I have written you a letter from home. I have been very, very busy since my return hence not a letter from me to you till now. I am answering the business mail and have just finished so now a few lines to my little

Dearest Bessie…

1913

sweetheart so far away. I am too tired and sleepy to write at night so that is the reason I am writing now. The mail man is due in 15 min. so if I suddenly stop you will know the reason. It keeps me quite busy to take care of everything and I have to be careful not to overdo myself as I am not in condition for heavy work at the present time my muscles are in an unexercised condition owing to light work, not requiring muscular exercise. Mr. Lanzer the great musician whom you have heard me speak of and who Florence plays for & sings at his concerts is at present at his disposal several open dates. I was speaking with Florence yesterday at Church and she said she thought he would be willing to play for you in the mountains somewhere if I would recommend you to him. I asked her if she thought he would play up there for you if I asked him. The reason I thought of this you spoke of wanting to do something for the boys and in this way you could without time & labor on your part or burdening yourself with extra cares. Think it over and let me know what you think. Our company did not arrive as yet & expect to hear or see something of them by tonight sure. Will let you …Love Jimmie

know later. Expected that you might come down by Wed. May make it yet. Expect a letter from you today sure. Must close now with all the love that I possess & a million kisses to be delivered on the installment plan I am always Your Own Loving Little Blue Eyed Baby Boy Jimmie I wonder if you miss me now as much as I miss you. I feel it in my very bones that you do, because I know our Love is honors even dear. Good Day Lovingly “Truth” The more I have thought of that play the more wonderful it seems to me. We’ll see another one some day won’t we dear? ]^ June 28, 1913, Sat. Morning Dearest Sweetheart, Well we got all of our work done last night and much more than we expected to. I was very tired as was Will and we went to bed at 9 o’clock. I am convinced if we were to be

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together 100 years it would be just as hard for us to part even for a few days as it was to us yesterday. We cannot weary of each other for we love each other, that is the secret of our happy lives together. I slept late this morning and came down with Mother. I asked why she permitted Annie to tell such a confounded lies about me in saying that she had to take boxes of cigarettes away from me to keep me from smoking them all up at once. She said that she did not like to always be calling Annie down and that you would know better anyway. But that did not satisfy me and I told her never again in her presence to permit anyone no matter who it was or how unimportant the matter might be to tell an untruth about me. Then I came downstairs and asked Annie why she told such a barefaced lie for and as usual she began to crawfish about it in all manner of ways. I asked her if ever she could recall in her life an instance where I had said an unkind word about her to anyone. She said no & felt sorry but that did not heal the wrong she might have done. I know dear that you know me

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better than to think that I was ever such a slave as she implied at any time in my life. The only thing that I regret is that I did not at once take you down to her and have her acknowledge the truth to you, but I was swayed from such a course of action by my promise not to reveal what you told me & not to implicate you in those matters of which you were speaking. I did not tell Annie that you told me this or who did so she evidently thinks that Mother told me. Now if there is anything in the world I can do to prove my innocence of this accusation if there is any doubt in your mind let me know and I will do it. I am sorry to think that Annie is so untruthful and unkind. I have always known that she was untruthful but never though she would be so unkind. Excuse haste and scribbling etc as I have written this in great haste as I want to send it to town this morning. With all my love and devoted affection I am Yours forever Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie ]^

Dearest Bessie…

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ELLA AND BESSIE at the “Beach” Probably taken at Santa Cruz

…Love Jimmie

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BESSIE and JIMMIE During their Engagement

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Dearest Bessie…

July 1913 …I have been thinking a good deal about what you told me in regard to the consideration and treatment you receive at home there and want to suggest to you that if you wish to devote the rest of your vacation to music and preparing the many little things that you want to work on you can come down to my home and take your lesson from Kings once a week and then take another lesson from Florence once a week as well and in that way you can advance very rapidly… July 1, 1913, At Work Tuesday My Dear Little Bessie, I rec’d your lovely letter Monday morning O.K. I got it on the mail man’s first trip out, and it was the first letter I received upon my return. I have been extra busy since I started yesterday morning and have not had a chance to write to you at all. Everybody is glad to see me and they all give me a chance to get busy again and make a bunch of money. We will need it too dear you can bet. Say just rec’d your letter you wrote Sun. eve and I am delighted with it, will drop a line to Florence right now and will then see her personally tomorrow night when I attend church in Los Gatos. I was delayed here last night and

…Love Jimmie

missed my car so had to take the 9:30, got home at 10:15. Will wants me to come home early tonight as I have to go over books and matters of business with him. I am very, very busy and hope you will excuse short letters and delay in writing. Will probably call you up tonight or tomorrow as you said you wanted to cut the cots for me & they are almost ready. Glad you fixed date and quite sure it will be O.K. will let you know for sure later as soon as I can. With Love & Kisses I am always Lovingly Yours Jimmie “Remember,” Dear, “There is no failure in Divine Mind” and whenever you start you cannot be aught but successful.

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P.S. I am so glad that my little girl was able to heal her throat without making a mockery of God’s great healing paper, by putting material medicine above Him, who has given us the grandest birthright we can know, “Dominion over all the Earth and everything that creepeth upon it.” Can He do more for us? All we have to do is to know it and prove it. I am glad you can in any degree dear. So with tender Love & Affection I am Yours Jimmie ]^ July 15, 1913, At Lunch – Sat. Dearest Girlie, Just a line to let you know that I love you and just could not get a chance or time to answer your beautiful letters. I thank you for them and appreciate them fully. I am glad that you are meeting with such fine success in “our” benefit affair. “Ours” to us but “yours” to the public. Remember dear that it is the One Divine Mind that is guiding you and you cannot make a mistake or a failure in anything you say or do. I am sorry that I cannot write you oftener and answer more fully the beautiful letters you write me, but at

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this time I cannot do it. I will explain more fully when I see you. With sincere Love & Kisses I am Always Yours in Love Jimmie ]^ July 11, 1913, Fri. Afternoon San Jose, Cal My Dearest Little Faithful Darling Baby Girl, Well I have not very much news to write as you know but I thought that I would have a few lines up there for you to greet you upon your return. I will not see you tonight dear will I? I wonder if you think I am hard to please in music. It is not that dear, though, and I want to thank you for your patience and for doing the best you can. I got the articles through for The Times O.K. but in the Mercury Mr. Kimball did to have time to send it in as he was too busy but will do so today and it will appear in tomorrow’s issue. I am glad that you enjoyed your visit at my home and want to thank you for the help you gave us. In doing this dear you can consider that you have done that much more for us both,

Dearest Bessie…

1913

you and I. This has been the hottest day of the year 88° in the shop here and 110° at the cigar store on the corner. I’ll be glad when I am through tonight although I am feeling quite good today as I had 6 hrs sleep last night as you know. Now hold the right thought for our concert and it will surely be a success and no one will disappoint us and all will be well. With sincere Love I’ll remain always Your little Boy Jimmie Write ]^ July 14, 1913 San Jose, Cal My Dear Little Life-Mate, I looked for a letter from you this morning on the first mail but none came. I was thinking that someone would be going to go down to the station on Sunday and if it was mailed then I would get it this morning on the first mail. I was right but Geo. did not mail it but brought it to me in person this morning. Many thanks dear. I told him to stop in Los Gatos and get 100 programs and take them to you.

…Love Jimmie

I’ll be at the Summit early around 6 o’clock. Better have a dainty bite of some kind for your talent and Baby Boy to eat as we will have to leave early and will need just a bite of something. I’ll have a couple more articles in the San Jose papers on Wed. Yes I intend to keep track of everything I spend dear on this and get it all back. While it is for you and your welfare it is not right for me to be out of pocket on it you are right. I had to miss my car on Sat. night as I could not finish the customer I was working on in time to get it. Took the 11:30 instead. Left the shop at 10:45 walked down First St. looking in the windows had an ice cream soda and then came by the Nickel Dance had about 20 minutes more to kill so was with one of the barbers and we went in. I danced 3 dances then ran and got my car home. When Geo. was in this morning the boys was kidding him and they thought they were having lots of fun with me. So they got Geo. to promise he would not give me away, but I don’t care if he does for I don’t care if the whole world knows what I do that way for I am not ashamed of what I do or where I go and I know my little girl is not either. 221

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My! But wasn’t that awful about the mailman dear. It is a wonder to me that many many others are not injured or killed on those mountain roads. It is very dangerous. I have had many close calls and narrow escapes. But remember dear that your little boy is protected, and encompassed by Divine Love, under God’s everlasting wings and cannot be hurt in any way. Then too I have a pure and holy little girl who is holding a right thought for her little boy as she does not even leave her post of duty, at the door of thought, until her little baby boy has safely wound his way down over the long and dangerous road to home, & safely tucks himself in bed. Then and not until then, does she let herself slowly slip off in sweet and peaceful mortal slumber. I often thank God for the lovely and beautiful way in which He keeps us and guides us in the “straight and narrow way,” which is the way of Life, Truth and Love. If it was not that I knew this Loving protection, and that it is a pleasure as well as a duty to be at your side as much as I can, and that I love to be with you, and know that I can be protected from all harm, in coming and going to see you, or with you, & in everything I do, there are many times in the past I would not 222

dare to start. I thank God every day for all the beautiful blessings that He showers upon me every day for I believe in giving thanks and honor where honor is due. Well dear here I am in the Post Office and 5 min. to take car. I have written this hastily all day as I had the chance, and have just written whatever came into my mind when I picked up my pencil so if this letter seems a bit rambily please excuse it. Will see you Thurs. eve with Love & Kisses I am Lovingly and Tenderly Yours in Love Jimmie ]^ July 32, 1913, Wed. Morning My Dearest Little Faithful, As you know I did not have a chance to write yesterday so will start in now and write as much as I can till mail time this afternoon and will then mail what I have written. I did feel sorry to let you go to the train alone and leave me so suddenly but I could not help it dear. I did the best I could. I have looked up the suit matter for you and have made out a little slip to

Dearest Bessie…

1913

take their measure with.* Follow the directions, write down their name and measurements as you take them for Shirt, Pants and size of caps and Stockings. Let them select color but I can’t promise the color they select will be the exact thing as the season is far gone but I’ll get the nearest thing they got to it. They will be good. I am also able to get a discount I am not sure of the amount exactly yet but will be able to get them Mitts, Balls, Bats, Mask and all the necessary accessories for the game to make the outfit complete if they will give you the money they have which will make the total amount about $40. Your balance is 34.20 so they will only have to produce $5.80 and they had $8 at one time you said. I have been thinking a good deal about what you told me in regard to the consideration and treatment you receive at home there and want to suggest to you that if you wish to devote the rest of your vacation to music and preparing the many little things that you want to work on you can come down to my home and take your lesson from Kings once a week and then take another lesson from

Florence once a week as well and in that way you can advance very rapidly. You can think it over between now and the first of the month and let me know later. Also tell the trustees that you want to open the school up as early as possible as you want to take a little trip as soon as school closes next spring and that you want to go before the weather gets too hot. So tell them that if they can accommodate you you will appreciate it very much. We must get started by the 1st of June and I think we can do it if we play the game right. It is not necessary to let them or anyone else know our secret and it would be very unwise and ill advised to do so. In taking the measure of the kids be sure and take them large enough as they are growing you know. Well sweetheart I must close now. Had a nice sleep last night and feel fine today. Write soon. Return measurements to me as soon as possible & I will be able to get suits sooner. With dearest love & Kisses I am always Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie x A little pretty Kiss X A great big Loving Kiss

Baseball uniforms and equipment, for the boys at Bessie’s school.

…Love Jimmie

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Another View of the House at Skyland with some of the Johnson Children

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Dearest Bessie…

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July 25, 1913, San Jose, Cal My Dearest, As today is Friday and this will be the last opportunity I’ll have to write to you this week I am going to drop a note even if it is only a few lines. I rec’d your little letter yesterday telling me of your safe arrival home of which I was glad to hear. I am glad you was so fortunate as to get a ride home and not have to wait. That is but another example of the loving care under which my little girl lives and is protected by at all times. I do not fear for your safety and welfare when you are away from me for I know that even though you are away from me, you are not alone for God is with you always, and you are His image and likeness, such being the case no harm or danger of any kind can ever come to you or befall you dear. I have not used my little pen for quite a while except to address letters with so thought I would give the dear little pen a job today penning a letter to you. I sent you the little birthday remembrance yesterday that I thought had already reached you. Slipped the little explanation in it. I also had a little card that I thought was very dear and pretty. Did not know which to …Love Jimmie

send the other day so this morning I sent it also. I guess you can find room for it in your little album. We went down to Downing sisters last night and practiced for the quartet. Did fine. It will be good. Wish you could be there to hear us. I’ll fix it so you can sometime anyway. It did not take them long to get you right back in to the washtub as soon as you arrived home did it? They seem to have plenty of time and room for you to work but little or no time for your comfort or pleasure, or music. I am sorry that your Mother had such an unpleasant dream of me, but dreams are only mortal dear and are not true so please don’t worry. Don’t worry either about me not getting sleep enough as we do not get our strength or life from mortal slumber as God is our life and we are His image and likeness. I’ll get rest enough so don’t worry. Must close now with Love & kisses to you and please give one to your Mother and my love to all, that is what you can spare dear. Lovingly & Tenderly Jimmie Your Little Baby Boy

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July 25, 1913 Dear Little Pet, Just discovered that I did not mail my little surprise and birthday remembrance to you. I intended it should be there to greet you on your return home, but better late than never dear so will let it go to you anyway as long as I have got it. With Love & best wishes I am Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie Love & a million Kisses Rec’d your little message of your safe return will write tomorrow. ]^ July 30, 1913, San Jose Dearest Sweetheart, I received your lovely letter of Sunday eve yesterday afternoon and was pleased to get it. It too brought back sweet memories of the past and I enjoyed it very much. It brought back vividly to my memory the lovely Tuesday messages I used to get from Gilroy. In those days I was very busy and working very hard on the ranch and they were a great inspiration to me as well as a source of restful pleasure.

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Yes the past has been very happy, full of happy days and happy hours. But it seems rather sad to hear you say they are gone, all gone forever. While the past has been a happy one since we met, I have no desire to live it over again, for I look upon the future to be just as happy, and if it is possible happier. Just as my little birthday message said to you, "Keep your face always turned towards the sunshine (future) and the shadows will be and fall behind you." I never turn back the pages of time dear to regret that the past is gone for I know the future will be just as bright for "God is Love" and in His home is happiness, peace, love, harmony, life & everything that is good so we being his children our home will be but a reflection of His home. I have been very busy dear and have not had an opportunity to write till today and have gotten this far when you sweet letter came enclosing order for which accept my thanks. It came just in time as I have to meet a note on Water Plant and get my ticket for month tomorrow. We were successful Monday night and did very well. I am going to church here in San Jose tonight. Am sorry that you are looking for a letter from me so soon dear, not sorry that Dearest Bessie…

1913

you are looking for a letter but sorry that you will have to be disappointed. I wrote Friday you know and missed my car Sat. night so did not get home till 12:30 was tired and so rested Sunday. Went to church in the morning. Annie was late to go to Sunday School so went to church with me. I came straight home after Church and read and rested till 3:00 PM then went down to Downings sang the songs over. Chedzey came out on the 1:00 o'clock car and went down with Bill & I. He had dinner with us. I walked to the 8:30 car with him then returned home and retired. Went home early last night took my tools home with me & gave Will and Mr. Fereni a haircut & shave, and retired at 9:30. Isn't that keeping

…Love Jimmie

pretty good hours dear? I always go to bed dear whenever I can. I have told you that and I want you to know that I never stay out of bed just for fun. I always have something important to stay up for. Outside of business or some important matter there is only one other reason that will keep me out of bed dear and that is you or something for you. I am always ready to do anything I can for you. I must close now & mail this so that you will get it to-morrow dear sure. So with deepest Love & Affection I am Your Baby Sweetheart Jimmie Love & Kisses ]^

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Flyer for a Resort at Skyland Ranch “…might well be called the Garden of Allah…”

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Dearest Bessie…

August 1913 …The girl I love is a brunette of very fine character, and very affectionate and passionate disposition. When Loving or expressing her love for me she loves violently with both arms using muscles "which are very strong", freely. She is true, can be trusted on any & all occasions. She will never love but once and will never leave the man she loves for she will never see another… Aug. 1, 1913, Friday Forenoon Dearest Sweetheart, As I date this letter I note that it is just 3 more days and it will be 11 months since that memorable day and evening of September 4, 1912. Just think only one more month and a whole year has flitted by. I am sorry dear that it has been impossible for me to write oftener and longer letters at present, but I have done the best I could. You see I am busy all day and when I don't get a chance to write you during the day I cannot write at all hardly. It is late when I get home and as I have not gotten home Mon. or Wed. nights of this week the other nights I am compelled to devote to the management of my Brother's and my business. He has me read over the mail and help him answer it, then we go

…Love Jimmie

over the books and discuss the different matters in connection with the business. By the time this is done it is high time to go to bed as I am never able to get any more sleep than I need you know. Then again dear I fully realize that it is going to be only by the most diligent and Herculean efforts that we will be able to bring to a realization our dreams and plans for the coming year. But it had to be this year or could not take place until 1916 as it would be impossible for it to take place on the year of the fair 1915.† So dear it must take place this coming year, and as I have often said that if I cannot fulfill my plans and dreams of my life it †

1915 was the year of the Panama Pacific International Exposition, or World’s Fair, in San Francisco. It is unclear why Jimmie considered it impossible to get married in that year.

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can never happen, hence the setting of my heart to the task. So far so good, and if I am able to keep up the pace for the coming year the task will be easy, and success and happiness that knows no bounds will be ours. So dear I am convinced and know I can do my part, so it seems if you do yours we cannot fail. I started this letter this morning in the hope that I would be able to answer your lovely letters in full, but time will not permit so when it is time to mail it I'll have to mail what I have written dear. Don't worry about the length of your new dress dear, it is all ready. You never had a regular evening dress before and do not understand it, that's all. After you have worn it to a ball and learn how they are worn and handled you will know then, as I do now, that it is the correct length as the lady whom I instructed to have it properly attended to is a Christian Scientist and I am sure she would keep her word with me. In regard to our room dear I'll think that over and let you know later. I must close now dear and mail this. With sincerest Love to my little Sweetheart and kind regards to all I am Lovingly & fondly Your little Baby 230

Sweetheart forever. Jimmie P.S. I think if I remember correctly that I sent you 5 million kisses in my last letter that I sent them by the million in. So in this one I want you to always have some coming so I send you 6 million kisses in this letter. ]^ August 5, 1913, San Jose, Cal Dear Little Sweetheart, I am just going to drop you a few lines now as I intend to telephone you this evening as I guess you have changed your mind about coming down the first of this week as you stated in your letter that I rec'd Monday forenoon in which you enclosed the measurements etc. I have expected to get that telephone call ever since Monday therefore I have not written before now. I am going to call you up to-night to see what that matter is that you did not do as you intended. In the meantime I'll just mail you this letter so that you will get it before Friday or by that time anyway. I also rec'd your answer to my letter of Friday this morning. You did not even mention the fact that you were not

Dearest Bessie…

1913

coming down nor did you assign a reason why. The principle reason why I did not drive up there was because as I told you when you were here I have had my buggy in the paint shop getting it painted. I could not use the surrey as I did not want to take it away from Mother as she goes out for a drive every Sun. afternoon as you know, and I do not want to deprive her of that pleasure or privilege. I am glad to hear you say the things you do in your letter & while I have not got the time to answer all as I would like to I'll just go over them briefly. Yes you told me if you remember that if I would say that word and telling me what the word was you would be the happiest girl in the world and I would be the one who would make you so. Your experience has been much the same as mine. I am glad that you no longer have to wonder, dream, or despair, and that you are not like the majority of other girls, that after they get a fellow cinched and get his promise, everything is over with them and they can do as they please and treat him any way that happens to suit their fancy. I am glad to hear you say that you will be what I want you to be. I am sure you will never regret it. I am glad to hear you recall to your mind & relate …Love Jimmie

the things I do for you. It is evidence to me that you do always appreciate what I do and all my efforts be they ever so humble, and that I am appreciated. I am anxious to see what my little girl has for me, for I love all she does and all things she does for me. Yes that's true, you can always know you love one when you can do anything for him or her as the case may be or give them any-thing you got with great pleasure. But the saddest and most disappointing thing for me would be that I could not do those things without being taken advantage of. Everybody says that a fellow has got to treat a girl almost "like a dog", that's the expression they use, other wise she will take advantage of him. So far you have never done that yet in a single instance that I know of. I cannot even treat my dog in a mean way of any kind, and if I could not have and enjoy that great pleasure of giving & doing things for the one I love with all my heart & [soul]. Yes dear you are right in Christian Science there is no failure, that is the Truth. Now do not forget that God's work is always done and it is up to us mortals each and every one of us to prove it. Now I approve of everything you 231

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say except that we will never be married if we have to be married in our calico clothes. I have certain ideals along those lines that I have cherished for many years and I have been sure for years that they will never change. If we were to be married in our calico clothes that would be what I will call a rank failure, in my opinion. Then I have a certain amount of the right kind of pride dear and always have had it and always will have it and I would never stand up to go through the one event of my life arrayed in calico. I made up my mind years ago and told you about 2 years ago that if I could not be married right, according to my conception of right I would not be at all. I thought you understood that and knew it. Have you forgotten the description of the wedding and the honeymoon I gave you at that time? I don't think you have dear. I cannot at any time for any reason whatsoever lower my ideals I have cherished and carried with me all my life. I told you I was going to accomplish what I have set out to do, and I intend to do it. I have never failed yet in any thing I have attempted to do and I do not expect in this instance. I fact I know I won't. Must close now and mail this with dearest love and 7 million Kisses I am 232

always Your Baby Boy Lover & Sweetheart Jimmie ]^ Aug. 13, 1913, On my Lunch Time San Jose Cal. Dearest Sweetheart, I have been busy so will drop you just a few lines on my lunch time. I trust that you will have had a nice journey home without any untoward incidents. I have enjoyed your visit at my home very much and I trust it was as much of a source of pleasure for you to be there as it was for me to have you there. I have thought of my dream again today twice. I can see your beautiful eyes still looking up at me with such implicit confidence and trust. I know it will always be so too in real life. Say dear if you can get me 6 of those small evergreen trees say about 7 or 8 ft. high without too much trouble I would appreciate it. You could tie them up together you know and ship them by express when you come down Tuesday. Also if you could borrow that bunting from your trustees I could use it and take good care of it and would return it to them safely. I guess

Dearest Bessie…

1913

you could bring that along with you if it was not too big a bundle and too heavy. I am going to enclose to you a couple of tickets. I don't know whether I gave you any or not but am under the impression that I did. I know you can sell one to Mr. Leche as I fixed his razor up for him in fine shape and made no charge. Tell him

it's to help me out and I think you'll make it. Things are looking good for the dance and I am sure I cannot fail. Must close with dearest love & kisses I am always Your dear little Baby Boy Jimmie ]^

Bessie Feeding the Chickens at Los Gatos Ranch

…Love Jimmie

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Aug. 14, 1913, Thursday Afternoon My Dear Little Sweetheart, Just before it was time for me to go to lunch Ella & Mother drove up in front of the shop. I was very busy but went out & spoke to them and invited them to lunch with me. They went down, put up Prince in the stable and came back to the shop. Ella gave me your note when I first went out to the buggy. I slipped it into my barber coat pocket did not have time to read it and when they came back I forgot to slip it into my pocket and take it with me. We all went to lunch and Ella kept hinting about the dance and wondering if it would be possible to go. Finally Mother came right out and in so many words told me that Ella was very anxious to go with you and I. I asked Ella if this was true, (although I knew it was all the time), but I told her it was not her saying so. She then came right out and asked me and said that she was going to buy an evening dress, but that she would not buy it if she could not go with us. I was still unmoved and would not understand but had nothing but a deaf ear for her solicitations. The subject of the bond election came up and your Mother assured me that if the votes of herself, your Dad and you could accomplish it 234

the bonds would be carried. But Ella said nothing. Hence my determination not to be the means of giving Ella a good time when she did not even offer to turn her hand over and simply mark a ballot for you let alone making any sacrifice of any kind for you. On the way up 1st Street your Mother seemed anxious that we take Ella so I got to thinking it over and decided to give Ella a good straight forward lecture the first time I get a chance. I could not refuse your Mother as I could see it was her wish & desire. So I told Ella if she would tell you what she told me namely, (that she asked me if she could go to the dance with you & I), and to tell you that I said if she could arrange the matter satisfactorily with you, that whatever arrangements she could make with you would be agreeable and satisfactory to me. I then returned to the shop and have just read your letter as she said you told her to get an answer. The answer to your letter is practically written above. You like me find it very very hard to mete out vengeance, but such a thoughtless & ungrateful person must sometimes be sat down on and radically woken up. So this time Ella can come. She can come down on Wed. afternoon, while you come as Dearest Bessie…

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have already arranged on Tuesday. Your Mother informed me that your dress does not fit well. If it doesn't bring it with you and I'll see that it does. Do not mention anything I have said to Ella and let her tell you what I told her. I told her to tell you to write and let me know what you decided to do as we had already made our plans and could not and would not if I could change them without consulting you. I don't know just what they think of me but I am right and do not purpose to have anybody make a sucker out of you or me either. With all my love & best wishes I am Your Baby Sweetheart Jimmie Love & Kisses ]^ Aug. 16, 1913, Saturday Morning Dearest Sweetheart, Just a line to let you know that I love you and complied with your wish last night & went to bed early & did not go to Pioneer. Saw Jewel on the car this morning and she sold 5 tickets over at Pioneer. About 10 went over from Union. I got a bit of good news for you

…Love Jimmie

dear. A friend of mine came in to see me yesterday and I am going to tell you a secret dear of what happened. He is a Teacher of music Vocal & Piano. I'll enclose you one of his cards. We got to talking about music & singing etc. and the outcome was that I decided to have my voice examined. I tried to see what it was and what I had. He said, my voice would good if cultivated and that I was a Lyric Tenor or a High Baritone whichever I might choose to sing. I decided to try and take my first lesson on Mon. night. I thought at first I would take lessons for a while and not tell my little sweetheart and surprise her but I do not want to even keep that from you dear. I tried but couldn't. So I am going to try and you can see what I can do. I'll need an accompanist so you'll have to hurry & get so that can play for me. I cam going to try and learn to sing the classics as well as the ballads and popular songs. Now dear I want to keep this a secret and I will not sing again in public until I have made a decided improvement. I must close now but I just wanted to tell you this little secret and get a line to you as this is the last chance that I will have before you come down. With Love & Kisses & Excuse haste & pencil and I am always, 235

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Your Baby Sweetheart Jimmie Write Soon

Enclosed: Business Card: D.C. Power, Teacher, Vocal and Piano San Jose, 121 North 14th Street. San Francisco, Pine and Joyce Streets

Jimmie, Will and “Dad” (Charles Henry) Porter working in the orchard

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Aug. 22, 1913, Friday Morning Dear Little Sweetheart, My Dearest Treasure, It may seem rather foolish to you dear for me to sit down and write to you after I have just left you this morning, but I was so tired and sleepy last night that I over slept this morning & did not have a chance to hardly speak to you without missing my car. As it was I just barely got it and that was all. On the way into work on the car this morning I got to thinking how much I have got to be thankful for and how thankful I ought to be dear. To begin with I am thankful that I met you, I am thankful for your wonderful love, I am thankful for the high esteem in which you hold me, I am thankful for the many things which you have done for me during the last few days, for the beautiful picture which you so lovingly & tastefully had taken and made for me, for the countless loving little kindnesses you do for me always, for the fact that we have so much in common and are always of one mind, that you are a little Christian Science School Teacher, guided governed, and controlled by Love, that you are ever thoughtful of me and send me so many beautiful interesting and encouraging …Love Jimmie

letters, that you are the exemplification of the highest type of true womanhood and can successfully resist the temptations and designing and wily socalled friends of mine, that you are physically strong and beautiful and blessed with good health, that you take such an interest in your music for me, that you are mentally far the superior of the average girl, thankful for the trust that you place in me and for the trust I can always place in you, thankful for the pure and holy gift which God has given me, and I am thankful for the many happy days we have spent together in the past and the many happy days we will have in the future. It is impossible for me to write all the things that passed through my mind, dear, but those are just a few of them. I have been trying to finish this letter all day long so I must bring it to a close now as it is my supper time and I won't have a chance to finish as I am going to eat after I get through work tonight. So with Love & Kisses I'll say Goodnight dear, remaining as always, Your Blue Eyed Baby Boy Jimmie Forever Yours Write ]^

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JIMMIE PORTER Bessie labeled this photo: “Roach School in Watsonville My Husband at the Pump Six Years Old”

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Dearest Bessie…

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August 27, 1913, Wed. Morning Dear Darling, Well Sweetheart I am going to start writing his letter to you that I promised, and everything else will have to wait until I finish it. To begin with dear I will tell you what I have done since you left. Fri. night I got off the car at the packing house and went to that birthday party given at Nina Forth's for Uncle Smith, Aunt Lily's husband you know. Got home about 11 o'clock and found Sam Lasher there from Watsonville and Mrs. Dean an old friend of Mother's. I had to sit up and talk till 12:30. Mrs. Dean gave me a very pretty handkerchief and table cover for a birthday present. They are both made by her own hands and worked in Spanish work. Sat. they phoned in to me and told me that Kittie, Mrs. Frary's sister and a young lady by the name of Miss Helen West, a brunette, who is a cousin of theirs, was going away, and Mr. & Mrs. Frary & Mr. & Mrs. Wagner were going to give them a farewell party and that I must come out on the 10:30 car Sat. night. Well Will was up against it for the men did not show up and he could not get a man to help him out so Frary said he would come. I had not been down to Frary for 6 months and I …Love Jimmie

knew if I did not go they would be offended so I decided to go. They held the party back to wait for me, so they were all waiting when I got there. Will went too. We spent a couple hours in music and dancing & then they cooked a big chicken supper. By the time they got it cooked and we finished eating it, it was after 3 o'clock. Then Miss West, who is a school teacher, was staying with Mrs. Frary's Aunty, who is also her aunt, up on Glen Ridge so Mrs. Frary asked me if I would be kind enough to drive her up there as Will had the buggy with him. I couldn't refuse very well so drove her up. It was 3:30 when I got back so I decided to give up the idea of going to bed at all as I thought Will would be tired and was not feeling very well anyway so thought I would help him feed. So we sat and talked for ½ an hour then drove home. By the time we drove out and got our horse put away, our clothes changed it was 5 o'clock and time to commence feeding. Got through at 7:00 had breakfast then went down and groomed my little horse put the harness on her and cleared up my buggy. Took a walk through the orchard went back to the house & had a nice long talk with Mrs. Dean. She 239

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has known me from a baby 2-1/2 years old. Then went into the parlor and took a long look at the sweet face I love so dearly and who so kindly and thoughtfully had it reproduced for me that I might have it to look at and enjoy in her absence. I then went upstairs & shaved took my bath & went to church. Spent the afternoon at home working, studying, and practicing on my music lesson. Then helped Will feed and in between time I helped Annie a little with the dinner. After dinner I sat down to the desk in the dining room as all were outside to figure up the dance & mail out checks for all bills. Just as I was finishing up the last one & about to start to bed in rolled Automobile and buggies and a gang landed on me with my overalls & undershirt on and unloaded freezers of ice cream & cakes etc. I had 4 birthday cakes, beauties. They told me they had come to give me a birthday surprise party. Well I was in for it till 1:00 A.M. Then Mon. night the Union and my wheel was broke down so I had to walk down to the meeting & home again. Last night I took my lesson & had it too in spite of all & I had a sense of cold to meet and heal too. Took the 9:30 car home last night and went to 240

bed at 11:00. Am feeling pretty good today dear. Florence said she felt sorry for me and that I knew and had so many friends. It is nice to have lots of friends dear and be liked by everybody but it seems to me that they really expect too much of a fellow sometimes. But for both of our sakes dear I want to maintain my popularity & friendships because it won't be such an awful long time until I can always have a good excuse that I have to stay at home and take care of my little brown eyed girl. Oh yes, Mrs. Lord's husband passed on Friday night and I called at her home to extend my sympathy and a cheering word to her and the children. Also offered my services or my rigs if she needed them. Called after church. Well sweetheart I must close now and mail this so that you will get it tomorrow. Excuse haste and pencil scribbling as I have written this in great haste. With my tender love and sincere Affection I am Your Baby Sweetheart Forever Jimmie Love & Kisses to you dear and kindly remember me to Ella. ]^

Dearest Bessie…

1913

Aug. 26, 1913, San Jose Cal. Dearest Sweetheart, I simply have not had a minute to myself since you left, scarcely. I must write not and let everything else go even if it is only a few lines. Last night was the meeting night of the Union you know and I had to write 3 reports for the papers and 3 letters to State officers so have been struggling all day to finish them & write you as well. I will write you a nice letter tomorrow dear as I have only a few minutes to finish this as this is my lesson night you know. I rec'd your 2 letters and card today. Many thanks for them as I was glad to get them. Also a card from your Mother. Will write to her tomorrow too if I have a chance. I hope you enjoy the Mt. Hermon trip and that it will be successful and of advantage to you. Am writing this at supper dear. So excuse haste & pencil. Uncle Steve was just in and I fixed him up fine. He invited me to his new home. Must close now with Love & Kisses Your Loving little Boy Jimmie Have had many surprises that I did not expect to have to contend with. Will explain later. …Love Jimmie

With Love Your Baby Sweetheart Jimmie ]^

Aug. 28, 1913, Thursday Morning Dearest Little Pet, Just a line in haste this morning as I want to mail it early dear. First I want to tell you something I have wanted to get off my mind for some time. I want to tell you dear that I have thought over the accident to your beautiful little dress and I have come to the conclusion that I am as much to blame for that as you are. When we came to the stairs you were carrying that bottle for me and you should not have carried it up those stairs as you needed both of your hands to care for your dress dear. I should have been more thoughtful; but stopped to fix the doors back and you went on up before I thought. I am sorry dear that it happened and now realize that I was fully half to blame. You spoke in your letter of Sat. of trying "Mental Practice". Now dear do not forget that you have no right to practice Mentally or otherwise on your Mother without her consent. That is what Christian Scientists call mental mal-practice. You have no right to

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treat anyone in any way without their full knowledge and consent. Another thing dear Christian Science is not plain mental practice as you say, it is Devine Meta-physics, it is to know mentally our relations to God, our true state of being, which reflected physically is health, holiness, happiness, a perfect body & a perfect mind. The thought to use in your Mother's case, or rather a good thought to use, is that as there is but one Life and that Life is God and we are His image and likeness and that God is the same "yesterday, today and forever, never changing and change-less, therefore there is no such thing as 'change of life' for as God is Love and Love is God, and as God never changes Life can never change and we being the imagine & likeness of God can never change, therefore the so-called mortal thought of 'change of life' is only a mortal dream, and once it is brought to the light of the True 'sense of being' it fades into its native nothingness, as all other mortal illusions and leaves the sufferer free from pain and sickness of every kind. Now dear I am going to try very hard to get up to your home on Sunday will leave home at about 8 o/clock and will be at Hall's Bridge about 11. I'll be looking for your smiling face dear as I 242

always look and know that I won't be disappointed. I want you to drive back down with me as I do not want to have to ride both ways alone. I'll come early so as to make a nice visit at your home before we leave. Will telephone on Sunday morning before I leave. I might be able to leave earlier than eight o'clock and if I can I will. I must say Good morning now dear with sincerest Love and best wishes I am always Your Loving Sweetheart Little Jimmie Love Kisses and a sweet little hug your lonesome little blue eyed baby Boy. P.S. Rec'd your card, directed and letter from Mt. Hermon yesterday. Thank you dear. X A kiss for your Loving thoughtfulness. ]^

Aug. 29, 1913, Friday Afternoon Dear Little Sweetheart, Just a line to greet you when you return home dear. It has been fearfully hot here. I have just sweltered here for the last 3 days from the heat, it has been terrible. You can thank your lucky stars you are up in the beautiful

Dearest Bessie…

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woods dear. I am so glad that you are to start school so much earlier this year. I knew they would let you if you expressed that desire to them. I received the fine nice cards you sent yesterday and am looking for a letter today but it has not come yet. I told you in my last letter to Mt. Hermon that I was going to try and come up Sunday if nothing unforeseen happened. Will telephone before I start Sunday morning. Will bring the bunting with me dear. You wondered what I was doing on Tues. night. I was taking my second lesson dear. Will not take another until a week from Tues, as I will not have time to practice this Sunday, So I decided to skip a week. There is lots of work on the lessons and they are very difficult to get. Require lots of study and practice dear. Hope you enjoyed the Institute and gained a lot of useful knowledge from it. Must close now as I have to write a special Article for the Co-Operator and, as it requires a lot of thought time and study, I'll only write a little every day, as I can. I remain with Love & Kisses Your Loving Baby Boy Jimmie X A Greeting Kiss upon your return home.

…Love Jimmie

– Note – Sweetheart I have told you most all of the fortune Mrs. Dean told me. I tell only you as she does not wish it told to anyone. I an not a believer in such things but she is. No death appears at any time. She wanted to throw the cards for me and tell it to me so I let her. I'll tell you the rest of detail and explain further to you when I see you. Until then Lovingly Jimmie X A Kiss My Fortune As Told by my Mother's old Friend Mrs. Josephine Dean Wish No. I I wish that I can marry little Bessie and that we can always be successful and happy. Result – Cards turned perfect. Queen of Spades up and the wish I expressed is sure to come true. Wish No. II I wish that we can be successful financially. Result – Cards again turned perfect with the 10 of diamonds up, which is the highest money card in the deck. Other cards signified that we would be very wealthy before I am 40 yrs. old. 243

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Wish No. III I wish that nothing will ever happen to mar our happiness. Result – Cards turned not exactly perfect but absolutely true. Cards denote two strong characters faithful and true. No separation appears cards run straight without a break or disharmony of any kind even in a single instance. Wish No. IV I wish that we both will always Love each other. Result – Cards turning perfect to binding hearts. Which expressed as cannot fail to come true. The girl I love is a brunette of very fine character, and very affectionate and passionate disposition. When Loving or expressing her love for me she loves violently with both arms using muscles "which are very strong", freely. She is true, can be trusted on any & all occasions. She will never love but once and will never leave the man she

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loves for she will never see another. Result of Egg Test I have found the woman that I love. Our lives will be as one. Our wedded life will be a long and happy one. We have will two children a boy & a girl. Resemblance will be perfect. Both children will prove blessings. Will have no more than two. Both husband and wife will love them for they will be welcomed into the world and come with both parents knowledge & consent. An oil well will figure in my fortune. Much money will be mine. Abundance of material wealth. Comment by Mrs. Dean The best fortune I have told for many years is yours Jimmie. You have been honest with me and did not try to fool me or the cards. My lips are sealed. ]^

Dearest Bessie…

September 1913 …Well they just looked at me like a pack of wolves. I could just tell what they were thinking. My, we caught him now they thought. Won't this be food for scandal for us. So after I danced the first dance with Florence I went over to where they were seated. They commenced right away to pass it to me. So Marcel says we will keep it up our sleeves Jimmie and I says "but Annie hasn't got any," just a little slam she had it coming to her you know. So I danced the next one with Annie…

Sept. 3, 1913, Wednesday Afternoon Dearest Little True Love, I am sorry that I did not have time to have written you a few lines yesterday but I never left my chair except to go to lunch all day. I was very very tired you know too dear, and I was quite right if I had "taken the bull by the horns" as the saying goes and firmly declared I would not go to that party as I knew I had a big day before me and needed a little rest and sleep. I lasted until 10 min. after 6 P.M. at which time an acute attack of ptomaine poisoning developed and I had to quit and go home. When I got about a mile out on my way I had to force my way out through the crowd on the car and was just about to make

…Love Jimmie

the lower step on the platform when I vomited incessantly for about a half hour. I felt slightly relieved when I reached Shannon Road and had finished up my vomiting and gagging. I was so weak I was scarcely able to reach home. When I arrived I lay down on the lounge and after refusing all material aids I asked Annie to take off my shoes which she did. It seemed just before I reached home the poisoning had in some way settled in my foot causing intense pain, that together with the pain in my head and stomach almost put me in a helpless condition to help myself. I realized tho that I had to do something for myself at once as I could not await the arrival of a practitioner. So I treated myself as best I could with

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what understanding I have of Christian Science, as I was not able to read from the dear little Book. I can remember of starting to treat myself for a few minutes after which I remember no more, some would probably call it lapsing into unconsciousness, but I think I fell asleep, for I did not awake till 10 o'clock. I then got up and found I felt much better the pain having left my head and stomach but was severe in my foot and I could not walk on it hardly to get up to my room. I managed to get there by holding to the banister on the way up. I then treated myself again and in about a half hour fell asleep. I woke up 2 or 3 times during the night but each time I silently knew the Truth as taught us in Christian Science and after a little while fell asleep each time. When I got up this morning I felt much better except my foot. I took Science and Health with me and read it on the car going to work and also at lunch time and am now at this time, 5:30, perfect again. I am using my supper time to finish my letter to you as I have not had time in the store today. I have no regrets to make & am not sorry for anything for every error successfully met and overcome makes us stronger and better men and women and leave us with an 246

increased understanding of God and man. I am not sorry either that we went to the party for I had an opportunity to see you resist the caress of another man. It always inspires me to feel so happy that I love you as I do. There may be some girls in the world as good as you are dear, few your equal, but I am sure none to surpass you. I have sent you today the wax and seal I promised you under separate cover. I trust you will be pleased with them. Again expressing my love for you with all my heart as best I can in words. I am always your little Baby Boy Sweetheart Jimmie Love & Kisses Excuse haste & pencil as always. ]^

Sept. 4, 1913, Thursday Evening My Dear Little Wife to be, Just one year ago tonight dear just think. Just one year ago tonight sweetheart marked an epoch in our lives. How well do I remember. It seems to me like yesterday. I can remember very distinctly every little detail your wonderful loving eyes, your throbbing heart, your soulful

Dearest Bessie…

1913

face, the expectant look, the loving kiss, the golden words once spoken, the first, the last, as they were never uttered before to anyone and never will be again. I have tried all day to finish my "code" letter to you that I felt inspired to write today but was unable to do so. I have it finished but not in shape to send to you. Will send it tomorrow. I am feeling fine today. Went to church in San Jose last night, went home on early car. Am going home early tonight and will retire before 10. I just simply could not let this day go by without sending you my love & affection as this day is a sacred one to me. Nine Months from today we will be united forever & ever never more to part. I wish it was today. But I know it is all for the best otherwise it would not be so. Rec'd your letter, thanks, was glad to get it. You can blame Ella as I knew you would. I knew she would be the means of defeating you. It's a shame. She will regret it. Don't never ask me to do her a favor again. I am sorry but I have decided to stick to my original decision. I will not give way again. Must close as I want to get a bite before I go home. With all my heart & soul I am yours forever & ever. Jimmie …Love Jimmie

Love & Kisses ]^ [The next letter, “E. Lot No 108”, is in code. The "key" is enclosed in the following letter. Bessie wrote out the decoded message and kept it in the original envelope]

It was on a somber evening in September As I recall it now And long I am sure I will remember That sweet girl's loving brow. Our destiny we then did seal and naught has happened to sever They still love each other with the sweet zeal And they always will. Forever. I write these lines on September Fourth Nineteen Thirteen And a year has past. Neer one to come When next I write June Fourth Nineteen Fourteen We will then be together and live as one.

Dedicated in loving Remembrance of the first Anniversary of the engagement of James U. Porter and Bessie H. Johnson. Sept. 4, 1913

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Coded Letter – Poem written September 4, 1913 to celebrate the one year anniversary of their engagement

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Dearest Bessie…

1913

Sept 5, 1913. Friday Afternoon One Day After Dearest Baby Girl, I am going to write you just a few lines dear as this will be the last chance I'll have till next Monday or Tues. I finished up my little code message of Love to you which I had intended sending to you yesterday. I am going to enclose the key to the code in this letter with which you can decipher it. It is only intended to be used when you wish to send me a message through whose hands you are suspicious that it may be betrayed or molested. Sometimes it may come in handy on a card too. I have not had very much time dear to write today so please excuse a short letter. With Love & Kisses I must close for tonight. Want to go home early and have not ate yet so I want to have time to eat when I get through work. Tenderly & Lovingly Your Sweetheart baby Boy Jimmie X A Goodnight Kiss ]^

Sept. 8. 1913, Monday Afternoon Dear Sweetheart, One of the boys is away on his

…Love Jimmie

vacation this week so I may not have time to write you much of a letter today. You remember I told you when we were talking that I expected I would have to go to Mrs. Jensen's party. She is entertaining the Fidi Amici club members on next Thurs. night. She insists on my coming and as I told you I did not think it wise to decline. I accepted her invitation, but a rather peculiar situation has arisen. Many of the Union Dist. girls members of the club have no sweethearts to take them. Will is going to take Hazel in the buggy and they have arranged to have Alice Comer, Emma Baumgartner, Jewel Roy and Grace Mansfield go in our surrey. Will, Hazel and the whole bunch are then going to meet me at Shannon Road and want me to drive the surrey for the girls. I got to thinking the matter over and while I think it would be alright for me to do so, as does Will, I have decided to get your consent and approval before I go. They are going to finish plans at the meeting tonight. I will tell them I'll go if nothing unforeseen happens. If you do not think it is right for me to go dear with them and do not want me to go just telephone me Thurs.; morning, and I won't go. 249

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I am living for you dear and for your happiness and I don't want anything that would worry you or make you unhappy. If you agree with me and think it would be alright to go don't telephone and I'll know it's alright with you and that you are happy. But write immediately upon the receipt of this letter as I will want to hear from you too. The reason I say don't telephone if you have no objection and approve is to save the expense of telephoning, as you know our nickels and dimes all count for so much now. Well I was surprised today to have the bridegroom & bride walk in on me. Etta & Matz made me a call. They were married last Wed. went to Oakland came to San Jose Sat. night, and left for Oakland again today. he is looking for a job. Will take most anything to get work. I almost got him a good job but my friend has already secured a satisfactory man. They are going to see if he can get work in Oakland. If he fails they are going back to the ranch. I had Mr. Ernest N. Conant the Treasurer of Santa Clara Co. in my chair when he came in to bid me goodbye. He said, "That is one way of getting married. Is that your way Jimmie?" Can you imagine my answer 250

dear? I sometimes think that you may have been slightly vexed at my set, or at least seemingly set ideals dear, but you will see the wisdom of them in the future. I have certain ideals, below which I will not fall. I would certainly hate to be in their shoes. Wait until the awakening comes. My what an awful awakening it will be. If they both truly loved each other why could they not have waited until he at least had steady employment, at least the prospect and means of a livelihood. Such folly I can't understand it, can you? I invited them to lunch with me and told them if they would return at 12:30 I would be pleased to have them for my guest. I waited till 12:35 and they did not return and I went. Upon my return they said they had gone through to St. James Park and coming back had lost their way. They got to the shop at 12:40 but I had gone. Lost their way in San Jose can you beat it? I must thank you for the beautiful letter I rec'd this morning. I enjoyed every word of it dear. The "bird series" is starting off fine. Went to church yesterday. The service was beautiful and inspiring as well as very instructive. The subject was "Man". Must close now dear and mail this. Glad you liked the little Seal & wax. Dearest Bessie…

1913

The first job you did was fine. Goodnight Love. With Love & Kisses Lovingly & Tenderly Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie ]^

Mad and Etta’s Wedding Picture Original is 1” x 1 1/4 “

…Love Jimmie

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Sept. 11, 1913, 6:30 PM Dearest True Love, Just a line. Have been so busy today have not had a minute. Am in the P.I. car Due in 10 min. Could not go on car without thanking you for your approval of my trip tonight to Jensen Party. I can go now and be as happy as is possible without you. I know I am doing nothing but what meets with your approval and that your happiness will not be disturbed otherwise you would have phoned. Thank you dear for your kind consideration. You will always find me worthy of your every kindness and confidence. With dearest love and my most tender Love and affection I am Your Little Truth Jimmie Love & Kisses Car comes Will write tomorrow ]^

Sept. 12, 1913, Friday Morning My Dear Little Life-Mate, Well dear I am going to start writing very early this morning so I will be sure to at least get somewhat of a letter written before mail time this

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afternoon. I had the busiest day yesterday I have had for a long time on a weekday. I took in as much money as I have on a Saturday almost. In fact I have been extra busy all of this week. You see one of the boys is away on his vacation this week and we were unable to get a man in his place so we have to run it one man short this week hence the extra work we have to do. I am pretty tired this morning and will be glad when the day is over as I am going to go right home and be in bed by nine. We went to Mrs. Jensen's party last night. We had a nice time as Mrs. Jensen is one of the best hostesses in Los Gatos. She is a fine entertainer and knows how to entertain. Much to my disappointment and displeasure the plans they had made for our trip down there were changed and instead of going in my rigs, Will drove through by Hoelers and picked up Alice Comer then to Hazel's and she was not ready so he went on down to Kay's and left the buggy there and came back in the machine with Jewel and her chum and they stopped and got Hazel & Alice and then all drove up to the packing house where they picked me up. Jewel & her chum occupied the front seat & Hazel, Will & Alice the toneau seat while I seated myself in the Dearest Bessie…

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chair seat in the back. It all turned out alright in the end but I like to be independent & go in my own conveyance. We all came back together as far as Hazel's where we set Will and Hazel off and the other four of us went on to Roy's. We then broke up & Alice and I drove the buggy back to Hazel's picked up Will and drove through by Alice's dropped her off and arrived home at exactly 4 A.M. Now I'll tell you a little of what the party was. They have two spacious dining rooms and an auto-piano of the latest make. When we arrived they had already started dancing. We were rec'd by the hostess and shown to the dressing rooms. We then danced 4 or 5 dances when grape juice was served. Then a few more dances, some songs when the cornucopias was served & cakes. Then the ring game was played a canvas being stretched across the folding doors. The boys were placed in one room the girls in the other. The hostess provided the boys with rings. The lights were extinguished in the girls room the girls then held one hand over the canvas the boys selecting a hand placed the ring on the finger. Then the lights were turns on the canvas removed and each boy searched out the hand that had his ring on. The …Love Jimmie

girl was his partner for the next dance and for the second serving of cornucopias. Many other games were played and a grab box was also placed in the middle of the room. I got a broom holder to start housekeeping with. Will & Hazel each got a tiny package of Millers Food. What do you know about that? I have just rec'd your nice letter which you wrote Thurs. eve. Thank you dear, I was very glad to get it dear. You seem to have your time figured down to a nicety. Your hours are certainly pretty well filled up dear. But you know dear you get a mighty good salary for your labors, and you have not got much longer to do it, so with your mind so filled with truth & love, that errors cannot enter for there is no room for it, your task will be an easy one. Etta & Mads had their wedding picture taken while here in San Jose & asked me to get them for them. When I do I'll have the fellow print a few extra ones for you and I. I rec'd a letter from them telling me where to send them. I'll enclose it to you. Please return it to me. It is such a brilliant piece of work I thought you might like to see it. I did not know he left the tip for me and will explain to him when I 253

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write that I do not accept tips from my friends. I only want what I earn from them, and their friendship and respect. I will not be able to see you this Sunday dear as Will wants to go away for the day, and then too I'll have to spend the day quietly at home and rest and read and sleep. My Teacher gave me my first song this week and it is a nice one. It is a rather old one and perhaps you have heard it before but the words and music are very pretty and I think strikingly appropriate for me to sing to you dear heart. Here they are. I Sometime between long shadows on the grass Little truant waves of sunlight pass My eyes grow dim with tenderness, the while, Thinking I see thee, Thinking I see thee smile. II And sometimes in the twilight gloom, apart, The tall trees whisper, whisper heart to heart, From my fond lips the eater answers fall, Thinking I hear thee, Thinking I hear thee call.

Those are the works dear and the music I'll sing to you when I see you. I have been struggling to write this all day and must now quit and mail it. I have not had time to eat supper yet and it is now 10 minutes to 7. Will eat when I get through dear.

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Goodnight Sweetheart Your Loving Little Husband to be Jimmie Love & Kisses ]^

Sept. 14, 1913, Sunday Evening At Home at my Desk in the Dining Room My Dearest Darling, I cannot let this beautiful Sunday pass without writing you a letter. I have spent the entire day at home with the exception of having attended church this morning. I am at home here this evening all alone. Mother, Father, and Annie went over to Cilkers to spend the evening. Will stayed home with me for a while, we got out some mail etc at the desk and he helped me practice for a little while and then after urging me to go with him as the rest did he left & went over to Cilkers too. Hence I am now all alone. I take lots of comfort and pleasure in being alone here, for I have time to reflect and think, and now it seems as though to me you were right here with me. I can see you sitting right behind me where you always sit and many a

Dearest Bessie…

1913

happy hour we have spent here together. I have been thinking of you all day today dear. I do like to sit here and write to you and pour out my real true thoughts to you. Few can realize I guess to some extent at least how beautiful it is to sit down quietly alone where you won't be interrupted or disturbed and write to the one you love. It seems to beautiful, lovely, and comforting to have one real, true, girl, who is a real, companion, chum, Lover, sweetheart, and some day in the not far off distant future my wife to be to whom I can pour out my thoughts and the deeper things of my life and soul. I do not like to be on the go all the time dear that is the reason I did not go tonight. I have been thinking a great deal about my asking your approval of my going to Mrs. Jensen's party. You did not hesitate in the least or say one word of any kind of admonishment or warning to me. For this I am deeply grateful dear. It assures me that I have your full confidence & love and that you do not fear to trust me anywhere. That is all the more the reason I care so little to go any place without you, for I cannot enjoy any pleasure fully unless you are able to share it with me. I have read a little of my new C. S. Journal for September, this afternoon, …Love Jimmie

and also slept for 2 hours. Let me quote to you a little poem I read called Love's Sufficiency I Love fills thy every need; I doubting heart, look up, And lips rejoice, that we may drink From Truth's unemptied cup. II Love fills thy every need; Bid lurking fear go hence, And of the Father's bounty take In trust and confidence. III Love fills thy every need; Can God be more than all? And will He leave thee comfortless Who sees the sparrow fall? IV I rest thee then, in Love; Sad heart, forget thy fears. In all God's realm of Truth & joy There is no place for tears.

So now dear excuse my romantic flights and sentimentalism for I just felt like loving you tonight and see that I could not really put my arms right around you and press my lips to yours & draw you and press you close to my heart I have done the next best thing. 255

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With Love & Kisses I am Your Loving Sweetheart Jimmie Goodnight dear XX ]^

Sept. 16, 1913, Tuesday Afternoon Dearest Little Pet, Well dear I just had time this afternoon to get as far as the heading of this letter. It has been very very hot here today and I have been busy all day working just as fast and as hard as I could. I have first been out and taken my lesson and am now in the InterUrban waiting room waiting for the 9:30 car and it is now 9 o'clock. I received your lovely Tues. message today and thank you for it. I enjoyed it very much dear. I see the "bird series" is not yet ended. I think the bird is a Bird of Paradise is it not? I also note that you have got the little seal to working fine now. This one is the best one yet. The light is poor here dear so excuse the bum scribbling. I would like very much to see you this week end dear and I think that perhaps you had better come down on Sat. & then I can drive you back Sunday. I think

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that would be the best way to work it this time don't you. Guess you still have a lesson ready and some little shopping to do won't you? If you deiced to come you can always drop me a line by return mail and I'll get it either Friday afternoon or Sat. morning and you can also call me up when you get in town. I wish I had more time to write as I have oceans to tell you. Frank Martin is to be married I think on Oct. 1. Jennie McKinley is to be married on Nov. 5, and Elsa Pappe was married last Sun. morning. I am getting along quite nicely with my lessons and will have the song ready to sing to you when you come down sweetheart. I will try and write you another little letter tomorrow dear and tell you a little more to the many things I have to say to you. I have something awfully dear to tell you and will write and tell it to you tomorrow. Went home last night on the 7:30 car and after giving the two little Fereni kids a haircut each and practicing my music for half an hour I retired at 9:30. I also retired early on Sunday even as you know by this time. I am now going to take the 9:30 car and will be in bed before 10:30. Oh say dear you cannot imagine how delicious those pears are now. I Dearest Bessie…

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am on the last box and they are simply wonderful. Mother is overjoyed with them as am I. I think of you 3 times a day when I eat one, not saying of course dear how many other times I think of you. I would be ashamed to tell you the number of other times. Must close now Angel Love and say Good night with Love & Kisses I am always Your own little Baby Jimmie X A great big goodnight kiss baby girl. ]^

Sept. 18, 1913, Thursday Morning My Dearest Darling Girl, I must write just a few lines again this morning dear. I have just received that beautiful, long, loving and intensely interesting letter you "rambled off" on Tuesday eve. My you cannot imagine how much I enjoyed that letter dear. I devoured every word of it and if I am not disturbed I'll answer as much of it as I can. I want to mail this letter early today so that you will get it tomorrow. Well I went to the meeting in the little church in Los Gatos last night and they had a lovely and very interesting service there. After the service I

…Love Jimmie

walked down to Bogart's Hall with Florence as she wanted to hear the Glee Club practice and I wanted to meet Will as we were going to go home on the 10:30 car together. There were about 20 voices present and they are getting along fine. Will, Florence, and I loving music the way we do enjoyed it very much. They quit at 9:30 we then went down stairs and we were all three figuring on going up to Smith's to see Florence home and wait there for the car and incidentally practice a little. While we were standing there talking we heard the strains of an orchestra across the street in that little Odd Fellows Hall where we went to that dance that time and saw Myrtle. A couple of young fellow friends of Will's came along and said the Red Men were holding a little social over there. Will said he guessed he would go down the street with them, so Florence and I thought we would just go up and take a peep at them as I was a little anxious to see what kind of crow they were able to muster together. We got up to the door and found there were about 15 couples there. A friend of mine Jack Purviance was on the door and invited me to come in. I told him no I was going to take the 10:30 car home and did not 257

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feel like throwing up a half for a couple of dances. He said now Jimmie we always go to your dances and then you'll come up here and won't even dance one dance at ours. He says now to show you my heart is in the right place, it is now 9:45 and you got ¾ of an hour so just be a good fellow give me a quarter and I am splitting the difference with you and dance a couple of dances with us. Well I thought it best to do it so told Florence that if we stayed she would have to walk up home alone as I was going to take that car at 10:30. She said that would be alright so we went in. It seems every time I go to that Hall I am surprised. You know the last time we went we were surprised to see Myrtle there. So who do you suppose I saw when we got inside the Hall. Marcel, Annie, The Baby, Mr. & Mrs. Miller and Carl. Can you beat it? Well they just looked at me like a pack of wolves. I could just tell what they were thinking. My, we caught him now they thought. Won't this be food for scandal for us. So after I danced the first dance with Florence I went over to where they were seated. They commenced right away to pass it to me. So Marcel says we will keep it up our sleeves Jimmie and I says "but 258

Annie hasn't got any," just a little slam she had it coming to her you know. So I danced the next one with Annie, the next with Jack Purviance's wife, the next with Florence, the next was a waltz & I had it with Mrs. Miller. We just got started when I heard the car come in. Looked out the window & told her to excuse me which she did, ran across the floor to where Florence was dancing said good night to her, grabbed my hat and ran for the car. Got there a few min. before it left. Will was on it and we got home and went to bed before 11 o'clock. I had to stop and get one of my little girl's pears to eat before I retired. I observed that I only had 3 of the Bartlett ones left. Those big green ones are not yet ripe. I wonder if they ever will get ripe dear? What kind are they anyway? I am glad you enjoyed my Sun. letter so much dear. Yes it may seem strange but I had those same thoughts pass through my mind that you did. The days when you went back to Gilroy and thought and grieved in the dark – alone. I dispelled them from my memory though as I did not want to express any sorrowful thoughts in that letter. It had most vividly come to my memory the night I left you in the parlor to retire on the couch. Every Dearest Bessie…

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night on my way to bed I take one good long, loving, look at the sweet reproduction of the face I love which you so lovingly gave me. That was quite a little experience you had with the rattler dear. But remember do not fear them for they cannot hurt you. As long as your thoughts are good remember the Words of Jesus as near as I can recall them, "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, what ye shall drink and if you keep my commandments ye shall pick up vipers, and if you eat any deadly thing it shall not hurt you." Remember dear you are fully protected by God's loving care, and beneath His protecting wings no harm can ever come to you nor where you go nor where you are, it is impossible for you to go or be in a place where He is not. So do not fear them dear or any thing but know that God is with you, and will protect you from all harm at all times. His work is done He is always ready to protect you & guide you rightly. It is just for you to know it you come into your divine birthright of freedom from all error of every kind at once. Excuse the sermon dear, as I have not been disturbed I have rambled on. Dear, of course it is right for you to go to Hummel's, and what is further …Love Jimmie

you need never think you have to first ask my permission to do things of that kind. Whatever you think is best to do, you do and where you think it is best for you to go, you go, and it matters not to me what you do or whose company you are in, as long as it is good company, and I know you would not be in any other, you do as you think best and right and no matter what you do or where you go it will go it will always meet with my approval. Just do and go as you think best dear and I'll never question it, because I know it will be nothing more or less than right. That's the confidence I have in you. So do not regret or feel sorry for what you have done for you have nothing to feel sorry for not no regrets to make. I know you did what you thought best dear and it is right I am sure. Of course I like to have you tell me what you do and where you go, not because I fear you will not do what is right or that you will be untrue to me in any way, but because I love you and want to know where you are and where you are going, because I love to hear about you, that's all dear. I trust you fully now, always have and always will forever and ever, I will not say till you prove false, for I never would believe it, or even listen to it from a 259

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single living soul. Nothing, nor anybody's word of any kind would change me or my love for you. Nothing but my own very eyes and even then I fear I should stand aghast and hesitate to believe even them. That's how I feel now dear and that's how I shall always feel, so you need have nothing to fear from anybody's tongue or any conniving conspiracy of so-called "friends". Yes, I see that the first of June comes on a Monday next year. This year it would have come just right, but never mind we can fix that up satisfactorily in some way. Love knows no defeat in anything dear. Tonight Will is going to meet me at the Packing house and we are going to drive down together. He has got through with Hazel I guess for all time. He intended to take her down there but he will not take her there or anywhere else from this on. I will explain it to you when I see you dear. I must close now dear. I was not very busy today so hence this long letter. Please excuse such a book dear but I could write on and on forever I guess had I the time. With dearest Love and sincerest affection I will remain, Your Loving Little Blue Eyed Sweetheart Jimmie 260

Love & Kisses to you Dear X Just a little kiss for Mother please give it to her will you dearie? ]^

Sept. 17. 1913, Wednesday Morning My Dear Little Truth, I am going to start early on this promised letter dear so that I'll be sure and get some written anyway. I have been very busy again this morning and the forenoon is nearly gone. Just was in the cigar store on the corner to get a lottery ticket, (I only buy a 25¢ ticket about once a month), and the mercury reads 105 and it is only 10:45 now. Another scorcher ahead of your little boy dear. Well what do you think dear I bought the day before yesterday the first article for our honeymoon outfit. The first article of equipment that will to go make the trip the most memorable and pleasurable one of our lives. I wonder if you could guess what it is. I bought an "Ansco Camera No. 5". It is the best make of camera to be obtained. It has a high class "Optimo Lens" and Patent Shutter, will take all kinds of pictures and is so condensed that it will fit in the pocket

Dearest Bessie…

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of a coat. I got it through a friend and secured a big discount off the retail price. I am going to take the first picture in this camera and it is to be of you. I expect to do this Sunday. If I can get a catalogue when I go to lunch I'll send you a picture of it. All the members of Union Local have been invited to a Lawn party tomorrow night at the home of Bro. Roy, I will have to go as president of the local as Ed Howes has not yet returned. It will not be a very late affair though, I don't think. Now to answer you letter of Wed. eve the 10th. By the way dear please date your letters as it makes it easer for me to keep track of them as the postmark dates sometimes become obliterated for carrying them a little too long in my inside pocket close to the left side. Yes dear I'll excuse a short letter any time when you are in need of rest and sleep. No dear you can tell me all you want to about your school work and it will not bore me. That is what you supposedly selected for your life work and it is a good vocation. Also anything that you are interested in I am also especially in such an important a thing as that. Yes I was rather surprised to see Mads and Etta drop in on me so suddenly. I asked them if they were …Love Jimmie

going to call on you folks and they said no. It is not queer though I hardly think they had any time or money to spare. You say, "They have waited six years for their wedding day." I cannot agree with you dear. You then explain further, "Ever since she was 12 yrs and he was 18." To my way of thinking a girl is not of marriageable age till she is 18, and a boy not till he is 21. So according to my way of thinking she did not wait a day and he waited 3 years. Boys and girls I think have at least got to get out of the cradle before they can commence to count the time till their wedding day as "waiting". You may think I am inclined to be a bit radical, but I cannot help it dear. I try to look at things from a practical, common sense point of view. I always have and always will. That answers all of your letter of Wed. dear. It is now 3 o'clock and the mercury at the cigar store in the shade is 112º and 88º here in the shop. Now to answer your little Tues. message of yesterday. I feel that I am already fully repaid for my thoughtfulness dear, but I hardly think you fully realize how far and deep my thoughtfulness of you goes. You are very broad minded and fair dear and want me to have recreation and pleasure and do not expect me to go about long faced and 261

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sorrowful because I cannot be with you now always, or have every wish gratified at the present time. Yes dear, that was one on me alright to put Fri. eve instead of Thurs. eve.‡ I know who I was thinking of sweetheart do you? It's all off with Willie & Hazel will tell you about when I see you. Time is getting late & I'll have to hurry. Yes, it's much nicer to go in the buggy that's why I arranged it that way, but it was not my fault they changed it themselves. I am stopping a few minutes now waiting for that kiss and hug. Think I better wait or go on? Guess I'll go on now. I am so glad to hear that you have not forgotten the "Little Book" and still read it. I too, have a daily prayer. You know what you said one of yours was in this letter. Mine is that God may so open up and enlarge your understanding of Science, so that if I am ever on the verge of death or the grave you can rescue me and restore me to health, happiness, and harmony, that I might always be with you dear, and that is my prayer, that your understanding of Science will be large enough to meet our every need. ‡

Jimmie put the wrong day of the week on a letter. It’s been corrected in this version just in case any readers are sitting around with a 1913 calendar looking for typist’s errors.

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Mrs. Eddy says – "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need." The passage you quoted me from S.&H. is found on page 454 – lines 1 to 3. If you care to dear you can look on Page 283, lines 21 to 28, also Page 404 lines 3 to 16, also Page 406 lines 28 to line 5 the next page. Those all come before the one you quoted and bear upon the same subject. I love to read and study that "Little Book" for it teaches what Life really is. When I am not able to read it dear will you read it for me? That is a foolish question though for I remember well when you were telling me the nice things you were going to do for me among them if you remember you said you were going to read a few pages from the "Little Book" daily to me. Do you remember dear, when you said it? I seldom mention Christian Science to you dear in my letters for the same reason that you feared to mention your school to me namely for fear that I would bore you. Then again it is against our principles to urge or attempt to urge or force anyone against their will to do anything. Just think dear can you imagine God's image and likeness with a cigar, cigarette or tobacco of any kind in his mouth, could you imagine him even for a Dearest Bessie…

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second drunk? What is it then that smokes, gets drunk, chews, dissipates, suffers, sins and dies? It is plainly answered in S.&H. see if you can tell me what it is. Could you imagine ever seeing me drunk? Nobody in this world has yet. One can little imagine the wonderful uplift it is to know our divine birthright. How glad and thankful I am for the little knowledge and understanding I have. My heart overflows with gratitude with the unfolding of each day. I have oceans of beautiful demonstrations I make daily and oceans of blessings I receive, but time and space will not permit me to

…Love Jimmie

relate them all. I am going to the Wed. evening meeting in Los Gatos this evening so as to go up to the Glee Club a few minutes where Will is a member. I'll take the 10:30 car home. Must close now as I am finishing this on my supper time in the same place I wrote last night so as to take a rest where it is cool. With Love and most tender affection I am Your Loving Sweetheart Jimmie Love & Kisses ]^

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Will, Jimmie, Bessie and Florence all sing in the Glee Club Bessie, now Mrs. James Porter, is an Alto

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Dearest Bessie…

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Sept. 22, 1913, Monday Morning Dear Little Sweetheart, You know dear, I promised my little brown eyed beauty that I would write her a few lines today to let her know of my safe arrival home. I got home dear at 7:40. Father put my horse away and I went upstairs got my razor and camera, pumped up my wheel, took a look at Lester's new wheel, and rode down to the packing house and left my wheel at Lint's there. I get off there and ride down to the School-house tonight. Ed Howes is back but they do not know whether he will be at the meeting tonight or not. My! dear but I did have a beautiful drive down this morning. Just breaking the dawn of a beautiful September day when I left you, I descended the hill to find, as you told me I would, a cold icy fog bank at Halls bridge. Then gradually ascending the beautiful incline I found myself again just above the barn at the base of the Summit. I was compelled to get out of the buggy as I told you I expected I would and just as I had doffed my coats & was just out of the buggy with everything about ready when, long came an Auto with 2 gentlemen & 3 girls. With one bound I …Love Jimmie

sprang into the buggy let them pass by then made a second and successful attempt. My! but this is a sudden jump from the sublime to the ridiculous isn't it. Let me return to the sublime. When I reached the summit it was 6:10 and the sun was just peeking up over the mts. It was beautiful and inspiring dear. The fresh morning air was so bracing and invigorating too. Did not have a chance to finish letter so a few more lines now while I am waiting for my steak. I want you to help me make a perfect demonstration on the pictures dear. Just know that even though it is your little baby's first effort with his new camera it must be perfect, that is not a failure. They may not be absolute perfection from a photographer's point of view in every detail but they must reflect perfection as the Mind that guided the Baby hand that took them. Also yours too. Will send you a set when they are printed. I am rather sore, that is, my little muscles are kind of sore dear from hugging you so much yesterday, Also your kisses were big ones too. I think we were a little out of practice honey don't you? Must close. Excuse haste. Loving & Tenderly Good night Angel Jimmie Love & Kisses Write 265

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“I am rather sore, that is, my little muscles are kind of sore dear from hugging you so much yesterday, Also your kisses were big ones too.”

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Dearest Bessie…

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POSTCARD

Sept. 23, 1913, Tuesday Eve. Dear Bessie, Made demonstration last night. 2nd and 4th Tues. hereafter. Rec'd pictures tonight. All good. Also camera proves test, and is found to be perfection in every way, thus completing our demonstration. Have been very busy today. Wrote 3 articles for press. Will appear tomorrow. All well. Will write tomorrow. With Love Jimmie ]^

Sept. 24, 1913, Wed. Afternoon My Precious little Sweetheart, I have just rec'd your nice little letter & enjoyed your little message very much. I see the bird series still continues dear. Thanks for the C.S. lecture. I'll read it dear. Did you? I failed to find the clipping called Partners that you said was also enclosed. Thanks for the little card of the Wrights Rifle range. I have wanted one of those for a long time. Well I got the pictures last night and they are fine. I mailed them to you today. I sent you one of each as it

…Love Jimmie

was my first attempt and I wanted you to have every one because every one was a success. The last one I took was the best one. Isn't it fine? That was a lovely little demonstration dear, proving the camera & lens to be perfect as well as all the pictures. You will see by the paper what the Union did for me and that it is up to you to pay your bet. You mustn't bet against the baby, dear, because you know his word has never failed you yet, and what's more never will. Of course I know it was only a good natured bet on our part, and that you did not doubt my word. But, baby dear, let's made this just a sweet little lesson that we, neither of us, ever bet against each other again. It is just such little things as that, that sometimes starts a chord of disharmony to sound itself. We'll always bet on each other to a finish dear, not against each other, never. I have been very busy today and have written this in pieces a line or two at a time. I went home early last night and after practicing for an hour I [illegible] some books that I had loaned out and which were returned to me. I have among others a book of poems written by Mrs. Eddy. I thought I would read a few minutes before I retired, and the first was I read was so 267

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beautiful and appropriate that I want to quote it to you dear. My! but it was so sweet and inspiring to me I thought it might be to you. All her writings just seem wonderful to me. So here it is dear – I was sitting alone by the window reading it. "I am sitting alone" I am sitting alone where the shadows fall In somber groups of vesper call, When tear-dews of night seem the loving rose, Her bosom to fill with mortal woes. I am waiting alone for the bridal hour Of nymph and naiad from woodland bower; Till vestal pearls that on leaflets lay, Ravished with beauty the eye of day. I am watching alone o'er the starlit glow, O'er the silver moon and ocean flow; And sketching in light the heaven of my youth Its starry hopes and its wave of truth. I'm dreaming alone of its changeful sky – What rainbows of rapture floated by! Of a mother's love, that no words could speak When parting the ringlets to kiss my cheek. I'm thinking alone of a fair young bride, The light of a home of love and pride; How the glance of her husband's watchful eye Turned to his star of idolatry. I'm picturing alone a glad young face Upturned to his mother's in playful grace; And the unsealed fountains of grief & joy That gushed at the birth of that beautiful boy.

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I'm weeping alone that the vision is fled, I find myself ready to go to my bed, And wishing, months will be made short from above, My vision made real and our hearts all Love.

You can imagine my thoughts when I read that can't you dear? With Love & Kisses I must close Lovingly tenderly Your Baby Boy – Jimmie ]^

Sept. 26, 1913, Friday Dear Little Baby Love, I rec'd you lovely letter yesterday dear and as usual it was a welcome and appreciated message. I enjoyed all the answers to my previous letters and than you for your kind consideration. Sweetheart will it be possible for you to get your evening dress fixed up in good shape and bring it down with you when you come down next Friday eve? I am not sure but I think that I may want to take you to a little dance on your visit down here next week and it I do I would like to have you wear that dress. Please do so if you can? I am not exactly sure about it now so will not tell you details but be ready in case I would like to have you go. Dearest Bessie…

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I rec'd a couple of cards from Geo. and on of them he gives me his address, and I have written him a letter which may do him some good. I will answer your letter dear when I have time so please excuse a short letter. The weather is beautiful down here now dear and this morning felt quite fallish. As the fall and winter approaches it brings with it to many many happy recollections of the last two, and I feel the desire to be with you much more keenly and it is only with my understanding of Science & that used to the utmost that I can prevent it from disturbing my happiness and harmonious consciousness. So with deepest Love & Kisses I must close dear Your Little Baby Jimmie ]^

Monday Evening Sept. 29, 1913 Dearest Little Sweetheart, I have just been down and taken my music lesson and am now in the waiting room at Market and Santa Clara Sts. waiting for my car. I was late getting down to the studio and

…Love Jimmie

hence late getting back to here. It is 9:15 and the car leaves at 9:30 so I have not very much time. I have been very busy all day today and have not had time to write so thought I would just drop you a few lines and write tomorrow if I can. You'll remember dear what I told you a long time ago, over a year I am sure that you mustn't be chagrined if I do not always write like I do at times, as I always write when ever I can. I am enclosing you a carbon copy of my report for 2nd 12 weeks I have worked here. The original I gave to Will so you can see it is not a specially gotten up one, but is a true and exact record of my receipts and disbursements for the 12 wks. I don't know whether these interest you very much or not but I told you some time ago I would send them so here it is. I rec'd your lovely letter of Sat. and enjoyed it much. I was looking for it and was not disappointed. I am now looking forward to receiving your Tues. message some time tomorrow. I wonder if you were able to get your dress fixed up in good shape. I would like to take you to a little dance very much but as it comes on Friday night I have not fully made up my mind as yet. It is the Fidi Amici Cotillion Club dance at the We and Our Neighbors 269

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Club House. Will write you all the news tomorrow dear. So good night Love with love & Kisses I am Your Little Loving Baby Boy Jimmie ]^

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Dearest Bessie…

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Statement Balance on hand May 19, 1913. Rec'd for 12 wks ending Aug. 23, 1913. " from All Source " 20, 1913. Total receipts

15.00 252.35 20.00 287.35

Paid Barbers Union Fine & Dues Repairing Shoes 1.00 Meat for Sunday 1.15 Subscription to C.S. Sentinel 1 yr. May 20 Paid on Pumping Plant 2 Barber Coats 4.00, 3 pictures 2.25 Tennis Shoes 1.25 Brown Suit Cleaned & Pressed 1.00 Vacation expenses, 2 weeks -Ticket for June 5.00 Shirts & collars 2.00 Paper, Stationary etc. 1.50 Underwear 1.00 Candy 1.00 Picture for Bessie 1.00 Repairing and Grinding Clippers 2 pr. Ticket for July 5.00 Church Dues 1.50 Painting Buggy 12.00 Shirt, collars & tie 2.00 Music Lesson 2.00. Chamois for buggy 50¢ Refreshments fro home 2.00 Irrigation fund 1.00 Brown Suit cleaned and pressed 1.00 Farmers Union Dues 2.25 Lunches & Dinners 12 wks @ 4.00 per wk. Laundry 12 wks @ 75¢ per wk -Saved for Xmas present for Will July 31, Paid on Pumping Plant 2 Dictionary's @ 1.00 each Balance on hand Aug 25/13 Total spent for incidentals, Pleasure and various little things etc.

19.00 2.15 2.00 30.00 6.25 2.25 23.50 7.00 2.00 2.00 1.00 6.50 14.00 2.50 3.00 3.25 48.00 9.00 2.50 50.00 2.00 25.00

…Love Jimmie

23.95 287.35

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JAMES UNDERHILLL PORTER Posed “Reading by a Window”

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Dearest Bessie…

October 1913 …I am perfectly stunned at your letter of Oct. 8 in which you

"pour out the sadness of your heart" as you call it. Then you say I "made 4 engagements with Florence from the church till I left the house," I don't know where you got such a wrong idea as the fact is I suggested one and made none… Oct. 1, 1913 Postcard in code. Deciphered it reads:

Dearest Sweetheart, Am sorry love I did not have the time to write the letter I promised you today, will write tomorrow sure, with love & kisses, Your little lover ]^

Oct. 1, 1913, Wed. Afternoon Dear Little Pet, I thought I was going to have a chance to write you a nice long letter today, but if things keep up the way they have been coming I won’t get very far. It is now 3 o'clock and this is my first chance today. I got your nice little Tuesday message O.K. yesterday afternoon. I also rec'd the two cards which you sent me this morning. I am very glad that you are going to have …Love Jimmie

your dress done dear, as I have decided to go to the dance and I want you to look your very prettiest. Will expects to take his new sweetheart and a sensation will be exploded in Union next Friday night. You will be surprised when I tell you all about it when I see you. Now dear I'll have Father meet you at the train, you can drive him right home and then drive right down to the packing house & meet me and we will drive down to the Club House without delay as I want to get home before 12 o'clock sure and be in bed, as you know it is Fri. night dear. You will have to be all ready as you get off the train as I don't think you will have time to dress at my home. You see if the train gets in at 7:20 it takes 20 minutes to get home, that's 20 min. to 8. Then it takes about 15 minutes to get from home to the packing house. You see that will only leave you 20

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min. to spare as I get to the packing house at 8:15. So make your plans accordingly dear. We will have a nice little time I am sure and I think you will enjoy it very much. So you know what my plans are now dear and it's now up to you. I have been looking up the railroad maps and timetables this week and have commenced to map out our plans and get ready to make out and complete our itinerary.* There are several ways to make the trip and it requires some thought and study so that we can start out intelligently and by following the itinerary we decide upon we will not have any confusion or trouble after we start. I have been figuring on starting from San Francisco then to Los Angeles, then through Texas to New Orleans, then up through the southern states of Alabama the Carolina's etc to Washington D.C. then to Baltimore Maryland then to Penn. Philadelphia & New York. Boston & New York City will be our headquarters for several weeks. Then returning via Albany N.Y. to Buffalo and see the Niagara falls, then through Canada to Detroit Mich. then to Chicago then to Omaha Neb. then through the Grand Canyon of the *

For their honeymoon.

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Colorado to Salt Lake City etc. You can just think on this dear some & then we can talk it over. Must close as I am at supper and only have a half hour, and I want to go to church in Los Gatos tonight. I am taking Chedzey with me as he wants to go to the Glee Club after church. He is interested in singing you know. Goodnight love with Love & Kisses will see you Fri. Eve Your Loving little Boy Jimmie Excuse haste etc. ]^

Oct. 6, 1913, Monday noon Dear Little Sweetheart, Well here it is afternoon now and I have just had a chance to start a few lines to you dear. I went home after I left you yesterday. Just before we sat down to dinner the telephone rang and Will answered it and it was Mrs. Cilker. She invited us all over to have an ice cream and salad feed with her and Florence as they were there alone. The folks all accepted and got so peeved because I wouldn't go that I finally had to go with them. I got home through before 12 and had quite a good little much needed sleep. I am

Dearest Bessie…

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going to go home early tonight dear. Tomorrow night I am going to the quarterly meeting of the church. I was much pleased and overjoyed yesterday dear when you told me that you would like to see me elected to the position of First Reader. It is the highest and most exalted position with in the gift of the church and carries with a great responsibility. If it is your wish to see me fill that great office dear I'll endeavor to prepare myself for it, & and you car make the demonstration dear. There is no meeting of the Union this week as there were 5 Tuesdays in last month, and you know the night is now changed. I have been all the afternoon trying to get this written dear and must now close as it is supper time. Excuse haste and scribbling. With Love & Kisses Lovingly & Fondly Jimmie ]^

Oct. 7, 1913, Tuesday Afternoon My Little Pet. Dear Little Bessie, Well I was quite agreeably surprised to receive your nice tiny little message this morning. It was so

…Love Jimmie

sweet and nice of you dear. I'll bet you looked awful sweet that morning with your nice rosy cheeks and pretty blue dress dear. I thought you looked so very pretty in it and it was becoming too. I have some other pretty colors that you'll look good in too dear. I have two other combinations of colors that will become you very much. But I think that the combination of blue is your best color. If I could dear you know I would not always dress you in the same color. I thought that blue was a color you could wear well & would become you very much that is the reason I dressed you in that first dear. I was just thinking dear I'll be so glad when I can see those pretty rosy cheeks every morning. I am now for the first time in my life wishing for the days, weeks, and months to hurry up and pass so that the day may hurry up and come when we can always be together never more to part. I'll close now dear so that you will get this tomorrow and I'll answer all the letters I have not answered before as well as the one I am looking forward to tomorrow. So goodnight Baby dear. With Love & Kisses too will close with devoted & passionate love Your Baby Boy Jimmie ]^

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Oct. 8, 1913, Wednesday Morning My Dearest Little Comfort, Well I have just received your beautiful lovely and intensely interesting letter this morning. I read it with eager eyes and much joy and pleasure. Thank you dear. I am feeling in the very best of spirits and good health this morning, very much refreshed and happy after having two good nights sleep. Monday night I went to bed at a little after 9 and rose at 6:30. Last night I attended my first quarterly meeting of the members of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Los Gatos of which I became a member three months ago. I returned home on the 10:30 car and found that Will and Annie had both retired, so I too retired at once. I got 7 good hours sleep. I wish I could tell you of the beautiful experience I had last night at that meeting, but it is against the rules and laws to divulge a single word or thing that takes place there. I have had the honor and pleasure of attending many meetings of various kinds, in the years gone by, dear, and have been the presiding officer on many occasions, but I can say this much without fear of breaking any law I am bound by honor to obey, that it

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was the most harmonious, peaceful, and happy gathering I have ever attended. It was a revelation to me. I was so beautiful to me to see a body of men & women demonstrate that there is but one mind, proving it to be true before one's face and eyes, this bringing to earth the reign of harmony, (heaven) and bringing into reality the Truth of the words of the Lords Prayer, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," or in the words of Mrs. Eddy "as in heaven so on earth, God is omnipotent supreme". This is as far as I got yesterday dear, and here it is noon today and I have not yet had a moment. There are a great many things that I would like to write & say but it is rather hard under these conditions writing as to do to collect one’s thoughts. So please excuse a disconnected letter, if you find them so, for I'll guess you can appreciate the reasons dear. I went to church here in San Jose last night with Mr. Moak my employer & enjoyed it very much as they had a very interesting meeting. I took the 9:30 car home and retired at little after 10:00, 10:30 it was, Will and Annie had gone up to Douglas' to spend the evening. I called them up and they were just leaving there when I went to bed. I was asleep when they came Dearest Bessie…

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home so did not hear them. I enjoyed another good nights sleep and am feeling just tip top now and looking as bright as a brass new dollar. My! how sweet of you to notice I needed a new pair of armlets and make them for me. I have not told Will yet that you are going to make him a pair and he will not know it till you give them to him unless you have already told him. I have just read over yours of Sept. 30, the last one you wrote in that month in which you tell me of the successful finish of your dress which I was so glad to hear of. I hope you did not forget to express my gratitude to your Mother and deliver the message etc. I sent her by you. I have not heard from George as yet and perhaps I never will, but of course (Ish-cabibble) I cannot help it if he is offended, he has no reason to be. I was pleased to hear of the nice compliments the ladies paid you. Of course it is nice to hear that others think and say nice things about you, but it is still nicer to know that you can gracefully receive this praise without become self-conscious or conceited. The greatest thing in the world, (and one that I have always practiced), is to

…Love Jimmie

be able to hear praise and many compliments without becoming conscious of one's own charming personality or in the slang of the day "getting swelled up or that swelled head". As far as I know you have always born the laudits and praise of others with becoming modesty & I know you always will. No, you are right, "Union Society" could not have said anything nice about you, but "Union Society" is very fickle you know, and they are now talking very different from what they did. Well I have succeeded in answering your letter of Sept. 30. Will try and answer the other two I have tomorrow. It is now 7 o'clock and I must go eat and get my car. I am going home early after practicing on my music for about 3/4 of an hour I'll retire again at 9. With Love & Kisses I'll say goodnight Love Your Baby Sweetheart Jimmie I might get a letter tomorrow. I am going to send you one. ]^

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Bessie and Mr. Fred Moak, one of Jimmie’s bosses at the barbershop Taken October 19, 1913, when Jimmie invited Mr. Moak to drive with him to Skyland.

“Harry [Coles, the co-owner of the barber shop] has been joshing him and says why did I let that old buck stand up with such a pretty girl.”

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Dearest Bessie…

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Oct. 9, 1913, Friday Afternoon My Dear Little Sweetheart, Now for the letter I promised my little girl I would write her today. I have been busy all day long. Went to lunch at 1 o'clock ½ hour late. This is the first idle moment I have had and it is now 5 P.M. I'll write all I can between now and the time I go home. There was one thing I intended to do Sunday dear that I forgot. I wanted to give you a box of candy but it slipped my mind so I sent it to you yesterday by parcels post. I guess you will enjoy it that much more anyway. It may seem better than it really is to receive it up there so far away from the city. I have just glanced over your little note of Monday and I find that I have answered it in the letter before the last one. Now for your last letter of Oct. 6. Yes I'll excuse the paper dear always. Any stationary you use will be alright with me at any time. Your quarterly report that you say you started on Sept 8, I'll look forward to with interest. You know you promised me one once before when I told you I was going to send you mine. Why can't you say from my list if I spent foolishly or not? You see dear I thinking you will be able to realize that a young man of my position in life …Love Jimmie

cannot get along on an allowance of much less than $2 per week for every little incidental that comes up. Now just for fun let's see where a little of it went too. I very seldom miss putting a quarter in the box at church. Then I use about 50¢ worth of stamps a month and about 10 or 15¢ worth of gum a week, 25¢ for a lottery ticket, some stationery every 3 mos. That's between $9 & $10 dear accounted for of the $28.95. So you can see can't you dear that I cannot spend anything for what I should not or what you would really call foolishly. I am now at supper and it is 7:10. I did not have time to go before. I am so glad to hear you say that I can map out the plans for our journey and wherever I go you will be perfectly happy and contented. It shows me that you really do believe me when I tell you that you will not be home sick, dissatisfied, or discontented on our honeymoon trip with me. I shall not be amused however by your ignorance or excitement because I do not look upon you as ignorant in any wayt, but as a perfect child of God, manifesting the highest intelligence, and you are my beloved sweetheart. Yes dear I too think that is awful for a child of 13 years to behave as Ida did. No good ever comes of such 273

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actions. I must close now and bid you a sweet Goodnight I am sorry I have not more time to write dear. With a kiss & a hug Lovingly Your Baby Boy Jimmie ]^

Oct 13, 1913, Monday 5 P.M. My Dearest Sweetheart, Well I have tried all day to write you a letter but have not been able to do so, for want of time dear. I started this letter as you see in the store at 5 o'clock. I have just returned from my lesson and am seated at the desk of a friend of mine in that cigar store on the corner. I started with my little pen here but I see that I can write much faster with the pencil so have returned to it, and will ask you to excuse it as I know you will. I am perfectly stunned at your letter of Oct. 8 in which you "pour out the sadness of your heart" as you call it. Then you say I "made 4 engagements with Florence from the church till I left the house," I don't know where you got such a wrong idea as the fact is "I suggested one and made none. Yes I am sorry you could not have

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saved that look of disappointment I had on my face when you did not have one lesson prepared in 6 wks, perhaps it was on my face. I'll be honest I'll confess I felt it. You do not have to "make me realize in some way what strenuous days you have" I know already and can fully realize them. But to think that you are "disheartened and on the verge of giving up" and the ridiculous proposition you make is really more than I can understand. Oh! dear, just think dear just think what you have to be grateful for can't you? You have everything a girl could wish to be happy and yet, and yet, you say you are filled with sadness. Just think it, and for what? Oh I wish I had time to answer your letter as I would like but I have only 7 min. left. Will write more fully tomorrow time permitting. I have never criticized you dear or found fault with you because you could not play well and beautiful. I do not expect it in a day or a year. But I do expect you to try that's all. Couldn't you bring your music with you and at least play your lesson for me. But you did not even bring it at all. And you say "I have never given you one sweet look of approval," Is that true? Now dear just forget that sadness and remember you are my Dearest Bessie…

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sweetheart forever and that I love you. Know that you are the happy and free little child of God manifesting all intelligence and that time has no place in God's creation & that you can learn to play just as other girls have. Remember what Gloria Gilwen said to Joe Congden in Glad Tidings and I think you will be intensely happy. Car coming am in Post Office. Goodnight Love With all the love I possess Your Jimmie ]^

Oct. 14, 1913, Tuesday Morning My Dearest Treasure, I am going to start writing this letter this morning dear as I promised you I would in my hasty message of last night. I will not ask you to come down to see me this week as it probably takes up too much of your time that you might devote to better advantage. So you can get all the little things that you have to do all straightened out and from this on never have to miss an opportunity when you are down here to take a music lesson. You will probably not be able to get down more than once in 3 weeks on an average this winter so you

…Love Jimmie

will not have many more lessons to prepare. Now dear, let me tell you what I expect. I do not expect to see you a wonderful player in a few months time, but I do expect that you will be able to play well enough to be able to play an accompaniment for me, for my songs. You might not be able to play them right off at first sight but with a little practice on them you will be able to play 2 or 3 of them and later on them all. It really makes me feel bad when I am asked to sing in your presence and have to look to someone else to play for me. I can stand it now, but after we are married were you to take no interest in music and could not play for me on occasions when we were entertaining friends etc I would regret it very much. It makes it so easy to entertain when we can play and sing together. I know you like music and that is the reason it was my first request of you I ever made. I made it because I thought it would make you happy as well as myself. You said previous to that on several occasions that you would do anything for me and I thought a long time before I asked you, and when I did you seemed to be so willing and ready to do it for me and did. And how fine you did progress for 273

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quite a long time. I remember very vividly the time I met you at Aunt Mary's the first time I met them. You asked me if I would like to hear you play the little flower song. I think you can remember my reply. You played it for me, and don't you remember dear how pleased and happy I was? I was astounded by the nice way in which you played it and the great strides you were making. But in the last year or so you have gradually given many other things the right of way and the music was sadly neglected. Once it was months that you did not take a lesson and when I went up to Mr. Heings with you he was astonished and surprised to see you, he had not see you for so long, he said he thought you had forsaken him. Now this time it will be more than 2 months between your lessons. Is that necessary? Can't you find 1 hour a day and say 2 on Sat. and 2 on Sun. that would be 9 hours a week. There is only one way though to do it dear and that is as I do, set your time and do it and let nothing stand in your way or prevent you. Your letter dear which you wrote in that moment of imaginary "sadness" is so different from the way I have acted toward you that I am sure you never hardly really could have meant 276

half of it I am sure. Just for example to think that you "cannot find a way to make me realize that a teacher has something more do to than draw her salary." Do you really think that I have been so stupid in the past that I cannot realize no more common sense than that, dear? Then again do you really and truly mean that you "will sacrifice all" and "devote all of your money and the next 2 years of your time to the study of music"? Is that sensible or necessary? Do you want to do it? Now dear it is my opinion that you just let error talk to you till it made you believe you had a great sadness which error itself filled you with and even made you feel a sense of jealousy and other saddening and painful thoughts. Now in reality you were still beautiful,. loving, happy and healthful little child of God. You has a fine position, a good salary, a good Mother, good health, prosperity, a boy who tries to be as good as he knows how to be, and loves you with all his heart and soul. What more could you wish or ask to be happy dear? What more can I do, or what have I done? Now Bessie dear please get your "Little Book" open it and let it open where it will and see if the right words will not meet your eyes and help you Dearest Bessie…

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to know what you are now, always was, and ever will be, the perfect child of God, that you can never be separated from Him even for a moment, that you can't be aught else but happy, that there is nothing you can wish for that you cannot have. Remember the words of Jesus, "If ye believe me and keep my commandments ye can ask what ye will and it shall be granted unto you." That you reflect all – intelligence and that you can and will learn to play nothing can prevent you or keep you from it. Lay out your time dear, and have your lesson every other week, except this winter when perhaps you will have to skip to the 3rd week once in a while, on account of a storm, when you cannot get down. Now dear, I would like to see you very much as weeks seem like months to me between the times I see you. So if nothing unforeseen happens to prevent I'll be up to see you Sunday. I am going to leave home at 7:45 sure and will be at Hall's Bridge at 11. It is such a long and lonesome drive alone dear that I have decided to invite Mr. Moak to go with me. For two reasons – 1st because I know he will enjoy it so much as he, like me, is confined from daylight till dark and he has no Auto or horse like Mr. Coles has so he cannot …Love Jimmie

get out much on Sundays only on the cars. 2nd because he has been very good and kind to me, and in doing so has been the same indirectly to you. If you wish to meet me at the bridge you may dear but I think it would be better to meet us further up nearer your home, because Daisy would not be able to pull the 3 of us up that grade and we would have to walk too far perhaps. But do as you think best. I rec'd your nice little message you wrote Sat. and I was very much pleased at the difference in tone from your previous letter. I am looking forward to my Tues. message this afternoon and I know that it will be beautiful and that you will regret what you wrote me I am sure. So I am going to forgive you dear & when you have read this letter I know you will rejoice with me & know that these little experiences serve only to increase our understanding of God and man, & bring us still closer together it that be possible. I am going to the Union tonight dear. I had a nice sleep Sat night 8 hrs Sunday night 9 hrs & last night 8 hrs so feel fine today. Will write again tomorrow time permitting. Must close Love & Kisses Your Ever loving little boy Jimmie 273

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Oct. 15, 1913, Wednesday Afternoon Dearest Sweetheart, Well as I expected the beautiful letter I predicted came to hand yesterday afternoon and I am sure you can realize to some degree at least how pleased I was get it. I enjoyed it very much and was so glad to know, (as I already had concluded), that you really did not mean more than half of what you wrote. The hand painted birds are very pretty dear and I appreciate them. Before I forget it dear, it is always well to read over a letter before you send it as some times it sounds very different when read over than when written. I am so busy I seldom have time to do so any more but I always do so when I can. I am enclosing you one of Mads and Etta's wedding pictures. How would you like to have a wedding picture like that? I don't know whether they have any others or not but if I understood them correctly they did not. Dear I am now at supper and it is 7:15 and I am going to church in Los Gatos tonight so you see I only have a few minutes. I sent Mother a birthday card the other day to Wrights so that

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she would get it upon arriving at your home as Oct. 13 is her birthday. She was born Oct. 13, 1849, in South Boston Mass. I must say goodnight dear and please excuse short letter & haste as I had to write stories for the papers today & was very busy as well. With Love & Kisses I am Your Loving Little Baby Boy Jimmie X A little Goodnight Kiss. If nothing happens to prevent I'll be up Sunday as I told you in my letter of yesterday. ]^

Oct 17, 1913, Friday Afternoon Dear Little Sweetheart, I was very much pleased when you called me up last night as I intended to have called you up when I went to supper but as I had to go down and look at some Pullets that were for sale I did not have time, so decided to call you up when I got through work at seven. I had just returned to the store when you called dear, and as I had ridden rather hastily back I was a little out of breath. There was lots of things I would liked to have said but you know how it is in the store here when everyone is listening dear, then too I

Dearest Bessie…

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did not want to run up too much of a bill on you as time is surely money when one is talking over the telephone. I expect to get the letter you wrote me this afternoon and I am looking forward to it with pleasure. I am expecting Will down this afternoon to get a couple of hundred pullets we are dickering for, so he may call me up at any minute so will ask you to excuse a hasty stop and a short letter dear. I am very much pleased with the 2 pairs of beautiful armlets you made me and Will was delighted with his too. Accept my thanks dear until you are better paid. Will also wishes me to thank you for him too. I have not tried them on yet so do not know whether they fit perfectly or not but I think they will. I have been down and saw Will and I think he will be able to close his deal satisfactory alright. Upon my return I have found your very dear and lovely letter awaiting me. You cannot imagine my great happiness upon reading it dear. I could not go on and finish this letter till I had read it through dear. Words cannot express my gratitude to you dear for your words of honesty and truth. We all make mistakes dear and do and say things that we afterward are sorry for …Love Jimmie

& regret, but they are few and far between who are willing to acknowledge them and retract them. As I told you in a previous letter I knew that you could not possibly really mean more than half of what you wrote and that Love would surely show you your error. Yes I will certainly stand by you to a cinder, and it would take mountains to even move me slightly backward from you, but please be careful dear in the future and don't let error have your ear or mind even for a moment. When you are tempted to entertain a wrong thought, or by error of any kind Think of Mrs. Eddy's words – "When error of any kind tempts you cling steadfastly to God and His idea." "Stand porter at the door of thought that sin, disease, death or error of any kind may not enter therein." "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need." And now comes to my memory a little motto that hangs over my bed. Child of the infinite one Born for eternal day, Made in the image of God To traverse the heavenly way, As a fountain that never fails Thy spirit and life are free, And all that belongs to God Rightly belongs to thee.

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And I'll end dear, by adding and asking you not to forget that you belong to me. So I'll close now dear and see you Sunday. Lovingly & Tenderly your ever loving and faithful little boy Jimmie Thank you again for your lovely letter. P.S. I have not put seals on some of the last letters I have sent you of late because I have had to mail them hastily out of the shop and it was too much trouble to pack the seal and wax with me. please send me in your next letter code letters for B Q X and Z. In haste Lovingly Jimmie ]^

Oct 20, 1913, Monday Morning My Dearest Little True Love, Neither of us suggested when we would write to each other again, but I thought of it when I was leaving and knew that you would not forget to send me a little Tues. message, even if it is only a few lines dear. Now I do not want you to think that I expect you to always write me great long letters

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because I know just how busy my little girl is and I do not ever expect more of her that she can do. So dear when you are busy and tired I'll always appreciate to the fullest a few lines, just as much as if you wrote a great long letter. I thought that you would like to know of our safe arrival home, so I am going to try to finish these few lines before I go to lunch. We arrived in Los Gatos at 10:05. Fred called up his wife and told her when he would be home. Had a hard time to get her as a large fire was raging in San Jose, which we could plainly see from Almaden. Thought it was in Los Gatos first, then we thought it was in Campbell but when Fred telephoned he learned the fire was there and that that was what was delaying him in getting his number. After he phoned he got back in the buggy and rode to Shannon Road with me. We both had to know the Truth about the fire and know that it was not our shop that was burning and that nothing we owned or belonged to us could be destroyed in any way or taken from us. Our work was complete and successful. When I arrived in San Jose this morning I found the store all safe and sound & the fire was a very large one having destroyed Castle Poros, and Haven & Dearest Bessie…

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Co.'s packing houses causing a damage of $150,000. I did enjoy my little visit with you so much yesterday dear. How beautifully Love takes care of us at all times. And after arriving home ahead of them, to think that even more time was provided for us that you might play for me too. I enjoyed the way you played the accompaniment for me. The little "Giving Song" brought fresh to memory happy recollections of the past. I am so glad to know that my little girl does realize that I fully appreciate all she does, and I know now that she will never neglect her little boys music again. There is one little thing I intended to tell you yesterday dear but I was so nearly overcome with emotion that it slipped my mind. I'll just tell it to you now & then we will consider that incident forever closed & will neither of us mention if again. When you come down we will burn that letter & also the other one memories of which we do not want to carry with us. What I intended to tell you dear was this: -- That it is not my disposition to constantly nag or urge any one to do anything for me. I ask them nice and remind them once, so as to be fair lest they have forgotten, then I wait patiently and say nothing. …Love Jimmie

Because I do this, don't never deceive yourself by thinking I have forgotten, or will forget because I seldom do. I guess you know dear by your experience of the past that the above is very true. I have just read over your letter of Wed. eve. There is really nothing to be answered in it except to add and repeat what I have already said that it is just beautiful that's all. More I could not ask. More I could not expect. I'll just gently ask Angel dear, that you do not ever forget even for a moment the very beautiful and inspiring words you have written in it and the renewed promises it contains. Yes dear I was only too happy to forgive you because you were worthy of all the forgiveness I could bestow. I have never yet said or written an unkind word to you or done an unkind thing, within my recollection, and it is my sincerest heartfelt hope that I never will. But should I at any time, in a moment of mortal frenzy of any kind, so far forget the Truth of Being, and fail to reflect the beautiful qualities of God, whose image we are, that I should say, write, or do any thing for which I should feel repentant or ashamed I hope you will forgive me dear in the same loving spirit in which I did you. You know dear at best we are only human and we 273

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are all liable to make mistakes once in a while. I always try to do the best I can dear, but I am a long ways from perfect. I try to improve myself as much as I can each day. Say, dear before I close let me make a little proposition to you. Think if over and let me know what your opinion is when you come down. I think I could put my quartet together and Florence to play for us, and we could give you a fine concert of singing and instrumental music of a good quality. We could do this for you if you could furnish transportation and a little food, Would you like to give a concert for the benefit of the church? Do you think it would be wise to follow Jesus' example and "return good for evil"? Do you think you could get Donald to take us up and back? There would be 5 of us. Think it over dear. Must close dear with all my love and kisses Lovingly & Tenderly Your Baby Boy Jimmie ]^

Oct. 22, 1913, Tuesday Morning Dearest Darling Bessie, I intended to write you a few lines yesterday but did not get a chance. I

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guess you will be kind of surprised when the Humel kids bring you up those pictures. I'll tell you how it happened. Mr. Humel came in for a haircut and shave & I was busy so he got in Mr. Coles' chair. He called me over when I was at leisure and asked me if I had any messages I would like to have him take up to you. I happened to have those pictures which I was going to send you anyway, so as he had asked me I decided to give him that pleasure. He said many nice things about you to Harry & I. He said you was the best teacher they ever had up there and other nice things. He told us this in confidence and asked us not to tell you so just keep it to yourself please. Mr. Coles or rather Harry as I always call him said that I was a fool that I did not marry you right away, and Mr. Humel said that I would have to get on the good side of him and the other Trustees first. Harry was a boosting for you to beat the band and old Humel said he did not want to lose you. We had quite a little time about it, but they got no satisfaction out of me neither of them. I am going to drop Ella a few lines & send her the picture I took of her. All of the pictures Fred took with his camera were good. The ones I took with mine were good. The shop and Dearest Bessie…

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church. The others, the one of you & I & Fred & you, & Ella were a little over exposed, caused by Fred misjudging the bulb on my camera. He was not used to it. The one he took with my camera of the Home was no good at all. He forgot to set the focus and left it at 6 ft. instead of moving it up to the 100 ft. mark. However it does not matter as the one he took with his camera is fine. We only took the two to be safe, in case one was bad. Don't tell Ella anything about the pictures Fred took as he wants to surprise her. I rec'd your dear little Tues. message yesterday & I was tickled to death to get it. I told you I would you know dear. Fred has just told me he was going to send Ella the pictures he took some day this week. He has told me that he is going to give me a set for you and that I can give them to you, dear, see. He said he would send them to you but thinks I have allowed him liberty enough when I took his picture with you. Harry has been joshing him and says why did I let that old buck stand up with such a pretty girl. So just be patient dear when Ella gets her pictures and you will get yours when you come down. Fred says he did not know that Ella was feeling Ruby's leg when he took the picture …Love Jimmie

and he tried every way to move her arm & hand back but he could not do it. Don't tell Ella this or Fred either as I told him I would josh Ella about it but not as strong as I have put it to you. I'll just ask her what she was trying to do with her hand that's all or something to that effect. Well I must close now dear & will see you Fri. eve at home. Want you to be sure and go to bed early so that you can ride down with me Sat. morning. Will not be able to write again this week. Love & Kisses forever & ever Your True Loving little Baby Boy Jimmie ]^

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Bessie’s sisters, Ruby (14) and Ella (24) Johnson at Skyland, Oct. 19, 1913 Photo taken by Fred Moak, one of Jimmie’s two bosses at the barbershop.

“Fred said he did not know Ella was feeling Ruby’s leg when he took the picture and he tried every way to move her arm & hand back but he could not do it… I told him I would josh Ella about it but not as strong as I have put it to you. I’ll just ask her what she was trying to do with her hand that’s all or something to that effect.” 284

Dearest Bessie…

1913

Oct. 23, 1913, Thursday Afternoon My Dearest Little Queen of Hearts, I rec'd your very dear letter of Tues. eve a little while ago. I read it with great interest, as it has been quite a little while since I heard you compare the present with the past, I too remember that first letter from you and remember it well too. I'll not attempt to answer that beautiful little message now, more than to acknowledge receipt of it & thank you for it dear. I just thought I would send you this little line to read on the way down. I have a little drawing from the pen of Eleanor Shorer, one of the greatest newspaper cartoonists and drawers of heart interest pictures of the day. I clipped it from one of the great dailies and am going to enclose it to you. It expresses what I have known for years, perfectly. How true this is. I thought

…Love Jimmie

of it last night as I listened to that beautiful band render the popular ballads of the day and the classics from the masters. It always fills me with awe and I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I can express my soul in music best. Some day I will sing for you as my heart and soul feels for you dear. I have often wanted to, but have never had the chance. I think of you often when I am practicing that song "Absent" of mine, & I think how true those words are to me. I enjoyed the concert last night very much and my only regret was that you were not there with me to hear it. Will tell you all about it when I see you dear. With my deepest affection & Love. I am Always Your loving Little Sweetheart Jimmie XXX XXX ]^

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“Music has ever been love’s language the world over and through all ages…” “I have a little drawing from the pen of Eleanor Shorer, one of the greatest newspaper

cartoonists and drawers of heart interest pictures of the day. I clipped it from one of the great dailies and am going to enclose it to you… I can express my soul in music best. Some day I will sing for you as my heart and soul feels for you dear.”

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Dearest Bessie…

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Oct. 27, 1913, Monday Afternoon My Dearest Little Wife to be, I cannot find words to express my feelings to you today dear, so I am using a salutation that is most sacred to me, and one I have never used before in my life, but once, and that was to you. I love you dear, and realize how much you love me. I miss you today and want to be with you and I guess that is the reason I feel as I do. I am a little better today but not well. I went up to Smiths after I left you at the train and Florence was not home so I drove back to the Store. I saw her and told her that I would not try to practice as I did not feel well enough. I then drove home put my little pony away and went into the house and lay on the lounge till supper was ready then ate a little. They asked me to treat Punk the big dog so I worked on his case for about an hour after they had promised me they would give him no medicine of any kind not even whiskey. I went to bed dear at 8:30. Geo. was in to see me today and I had quite a talk with him. He seemed to be quite reasonable and I still have some hope for him. I must close now dear and I have been trying to pencil these few lines all day so must mail it now so he will get …Love Jimmie

it tomorrow. With Love sincerely I am Your Loving & Affectionate Husband to Be Jimmie XXX Love & Kisses ]^

Oct. 30, 1913, Thursday Afternoon Dear Little Pet, I have been very sick dear but am O.K. again now. I intended to write to you yesterday but was so busy I did not have a chance. My condition became alarming on Monday afternoon and I soon began to realize that my understanding was not sufficient to meet my case so I decided to go to a practitioner for treatment. I went and was given a treatment with the result that I am again in good health. I was not able to meet the error for my dog either, dear, and he has passed on. I miss him dreadfully as he always met me every night no matter what time I returned. I canceled every engagement that I had for this week, dear and have been home every night except last night & I attended church in San Jose and took the 9:30 car home, retiring before 10:30. I rec'd the nice letter you wrote me on Tues. and enjoyed it very much.

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I'll not attempt to answer it dear as I have not the time. We have having a good week this week and my time is limited. I have been trying all day to write this in piecemeal. Must close now dear, and in closing let me say that I feel to be overflowing with gratitude to God for the wonderful proofs of His Love & care for all His children, and it inspires me to strive to gain a better understanding o him and His immutable and perfect law which governs man and the universe so perfectly harmonious. With Love & Kisses I am Your Loving Little Sweetheart Jimmie ]^

Oct. 31, 1913, Friday Evening My Dear Little Patient Darling, I am sorry dear that I have not had time to write you a nice long letter this week but it has been impossible. I have had a fine week this week in the way of business and have had to work hard although I was not in a very good

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physical condition to do it, but knowing that my seeming discord and sickness was no part of God's perfect creation, therefore it could be no part of me or have any reality in my consciousness, but was only a false belief which had to be met & overcome with the Truth. As soon as this was done I was free. I am writing this on my supper time while I am waiting for my meal to be cooked and served. I did not have time to go to eat before 7 so I am now dining before I take my car. I had two urgent invitations to go out tonight but declined with a vengeance. One to the masquerade at the Club House & one to Louis Wurz's Party. I have stuck by my resolve to stay at home and I am going to do so. Must close now dear and kiss you goodnight & I hope you did not worry & was not too much disappointed at not hearing from me oftener this week. With Love & Kisses I am your loving little darling Boy Jimmie ]^

Dearest Bessie…

November 1913 …Then again Florence is the only girl who knows what I am to you. I am not embarrassed in any way either, that is the reason I am so much in her company. There are lots of others I could get to play for me, but to be frank with you they constantly fall in love with me which embarrasses me greatly and hinders my work in music…

Nov. 3, 1913, Monday Morning My Dear Little Darling Baby, Darling Baby, Well sweetheart I am going to start in nice and early this morning and write you a nice little letter, the nicest I naturally can, which I know you certainly deserve. I am feeling fine this morning and quite happy. We have had quite a nice little rain and things are beginning to look quite prosperous for the coming year. The year 1914 dear, certainly will be an eventful & happy one for us won’t it. I look forward to it with such great pleasure and anticipation. Just a week from today will be 2 years since your little Jimmie was chairman of the First Grand Entertainment & Ball given under the auspices of the Farmers union in Masonic Hall. Nov. 11, 1911. Do you remember that date dear? When I looked up at the

…Love Jimmie

calendar I thought of it. That was a lovely sweet letter you wrote me last Tuesday. You again spoke of my little brother Will’s greeting to me on that Sunday morning. It seems to impress you so deeply dear, while to me it is but a passing occurrence as it happens every day. I am glad you are so deeply impressed by the little incident and am sorry you did not hear him before. We have always been that way to each other all our lives. We love each other dear, and always did and always will. You will see a good many things such as that dear, when you get to know more about our private life and the way we live. That is why it hurts me so when any one says an unkind thing to me, for I am not used to it, or to roughness of any kind, and I never will be. I told Will about what you said as

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you know & he said, “Why, didn’t Bessie ever overhear us talking privately before” ! and I said I guess you hadn’t or such things as that would be common to you. My brother and I dear understand each other, and we know how to value each other’s affection and respect. I am glad and very much pleased to hear that you have practiced your lesson every day last week. You will never regret your efforts dear and I’ll always appreciate, value and encourage you in the future as I have in the past. Yesterday afternoon Will and I drove over to Santa Clara and visited Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Dow. Mrs. Dow was formerly Miss Ada Cilker. She has been married 5 years, & has no children. She has invited me to her home dozens of times but something has always come up to prevent me from going. We took dinner with them and enjoyed our visit very much. I have some interesting things to tell you when I see you. I received your nice little letter of Thurs. eve Sat. and was glad to get it as usual, although I was not quite sure it was coming as I did not know whether you would get time or not. I hope you enjoyed your Halloween party at the School, and I do wish I could have been with you. 290

I am glad you cut the article out of the Co-operator and am glad that you like to read nice things about me. I wish I had saved all the things that have been written about me in the years gone by. They would make interesting reading for you. I have been in a sort of semi-public life for a good many years dear and I have grown weary of it, and it is now my earnest desire to quit it all dear, and live a quiet home life with you. It seems so beautiful to me to think of it dear. I think our desire is mutual too dear, because I think we are both at the age of realization when a lovely home appeals to us more than anything else in life. I sometimes have visions of us sitting in our little dining room spending a happy evening in reading and conversation and writing and the many happy little diversions we will enjoy. I could write on forever dear but I want to mail this so you will get it tomorrow so I must close. I am expecting you down this week with a nice little lesson all prepared, and a sweet smile and happy face, and I am looking forward with pleasure to hearing you play some of your old pieces as well as your present lesson. I would be pleased dear if you would bring them with you. Dearest Bessie…

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With Love & Kisses I am as always Your Loving Little Boy Sweetheart Jimmie ]^ Nov. 5, 1913, Wed. Eve 7:15 PM Dearest Angel, Just a little line for you to read on the way down dear. I have been so busy all day that I have not had a chance to write you a few lines. One man off sick, hence I did not have a minute. Took my lesson last night & did fine my teacher said. I am not going to Church tonight but am going to Los Gatos to sing in the Glee Club. They meet tonight this week instead of tomorrow night on account of a show that is going to be in town. I rec’d your sweet Tues. message and regret that I have not got time to answer it more fully. Will and I have succeeded in securing the place we spoke of when you were down. We will now have a chance to make all the expenses of our wedding back next year. It will be a hard job for Will as we will not be here to help him at all on it. But we will make up for it when we do come back dear, won’t we?

…Love Jimmie

I am going to have another good week this week and things are coming my way a little better. I must close now and catch my car dear so goodnight & sweet dreams with love and kisses I am Always Your Little Lover Jimmie XX Goodnight Love ]^ Nov. 6, 1913, Thursday Evening Dearest Little Darling, I mailed you a card in cipher early this afternoon dear, and just got to thinking you may not be able to read it, and would perhaps get it on your way to the depot and might worry thinking it might be a message of importance but it’s not. It is only a little message of love telling you I rec’d your lovely letter and card and that I was glad that you were coming down etc. So I guess this will reach you at the same time & relieve your suspense & not worry you. So with Love & Kisses I will await patiently the coming of tomorrow eve. Lovingly & Tenderly Jimmie Excuse Haste & etc. 291

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]^ Nov. 10, 1913, Monday Evening 7:15 PM Dearest Little Angel, Well I have expected all day that I would have a chance to just drop you a few lines, but I have had the best Monday I have had for many a day & did not have a minute. I ate supper early tonight as I wanted to be in condition to practice at the Glee Club so here I am in the office of the cigar store on the corner writing to you. Please excuse haste as I have only ten minutes left to write in. I was just looking over some of my music & I came across the piece I liked very much because every time I sing it at the Club practice I can’t help but think of you. Here is one line of the words: The thought of you so good so true does fill my eyes with tears. That line always brings you so forcibly to my memory and vision. Wait till you hear Dr. Anthony sing the solo and us in the chorus. I miss you so much dear, you seem divine to me and a part of me that it is awful hard to be parted from. It is raining here tonight and it makes me long for you all the more. I must close now dear with devoted

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love & kisses I am as always Your Loving Baby Boy Jimmie Goodnight love. ]^ Nov. 11, 1913, At Work Tues. Afternoon My Darling Little Girl, Well as I promised in my little note last night I will try and write you a nice little letter this afternoon. I was much pleased to receive your dear little Tues. message this morning and was glad to hear from you. After I left you at the train Sunday I decided I would drive home over the Roberts Road and go past Smiths and deliver the message that little Gracie asked me to give to her Mother. You know I told Mother to deliver it for me but I thought it would only delay me for a few minutes to do it myself, and as it was quite a long one I thought I better do it. I was glad I did as the Mother is very sick as you know and she felt much brightened and cheered to hear from her daughter. Mother, Dad, and Annie turned onto Santa Cruz Ave. right ahead of me and met Florence on her way to work. They stopped and spoke to her a

Dearest Bessie…

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minute and when she started on she was very much surprised to bump suddenly into me. We passed the compliments of the day & she said she was late & would have to hurry on to work so I offered her a ride and she accepted. I drove to the bakery which was only a couple of blocks, left her there and hurried on to the house, delivered my message and hurried home. Now dear, I seldom have time to explain every little detailed move I make, and the hundreds of little kindnesses and things I do daily, in my letters to you. But I have explained the above just to show you what a mountain was made of a molehill in this instance. I am glad to hear you say you know your little boy and know he is misjudged and that you dislike it, but please do not let it hurt you dear, because they do not hurt me. They instantly bring to my mind Mrs. Eddy’s words in S. & H. – “Evil thought and aims reach no further and do no more harm than one’s belief permits, like silly moths they singe their own wings, destroying themselves, and imparting unlimited good to those whom they would fain to injure.” I am glad to know that I am true blue dear, but it is no more than I …Love Jimmie

expect of you and it was not a surprise to me. I only ask you to trust me fully, till I prove false, and in the words of Ella Wheeler Wilcox: When your love begins to wane, Spare me from the cruel pain, Of all speech that tells me so, Spare me words for I shall know.

I am not very inquisitive dear, but who told you about my wonderful ride? I shall await with interest your letter which I’ll expect to receive tomorrow. You say in closing that you do not care as long as I do not fool you, whether others are fooled or not. I want you to always know that your little boy does not fool anybody, never has, nor does he ever intend to. Remember that dear. I have never fooled you nor anyone else in my life and I never will. It is they themselves that form their own opinions & fool themselves, is it not? I cannot help what others think, or the false opinions which they form concerning me or anyone else, neither can I help it when they wake up and find they were mistaken in their judgments and opinions and find that they have fooled themselves. Just remember dear that I am not just honest & true to you alone,

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but I am honest and true in all I do with everyone with whom I come in contact. I will not have time to finish this dear but will mail it as it is. Car is coming. Lovingly. Love & Kisses Jimmie ]^ Nov. 13, 1913, Thursday Morning My Dearest Little Loved One, Dear Little Bessie, Well dear I have not had a minute since I hastily mailed that unfinished letter Tues. evening at the Post Office. Monday night I went to the Glee Club, and slipped up to the Smiths and hastily cut his hair and trimmed his beard for him. I did not get out of the club till 9:00 and took the car at 10:20 in front of Smith’s home so you see I had little time to lose. Tuesday night I went to the meeting of the union and everything turned out to my full satisfaction. You will see by the paper that Thomas and I were still in full control of the fund. I had to write the articles for the Times & Mercury yesterday so had no time to write my little angel girl. There was a large attendance and

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the school was packed, in anticipation of a great fight, but I made another beautiful, peaceable demonstration of the power of Divine Love & all was worked out without a semblance of anger or passion. Last night I left the shop a little early at 10 of seven and went out to Prof. Power’s Studio and took my singing lesson. I had it fine dear and the Prof. complimented me very highly. I knew I had it good and could see that I was reciting it in good tone and enunciation. I finished my last recital on the first song he gave me, “Absent,” and he pronounced my rendition of it perfect as far as my voice was cultured to render it. I have carefully wrapped the original copy of it up and I am going to send it to you today dear. You may keep it and you can always remember it as the first song that your little boy was really taught to sing. Previous to this what little singing I knew I learned myself. So dear I’ll give to my own little pet the first song I really was taught to sing. I have another copy of the song at the music study which also belongs to me, so when you get time you can learn to play the accompaniment so that you can play it for me when I sing it. I just received your dear lovely Dearest Bessie…

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letter of Nov. 6 there is not much to answer in it, especially now since I have had such a lovely visit with you last week. I gave your regards to Mr. Moak and he thanks you and returns his to you. He says to tell Ella he is learning a new process of taking & making pictures this week and will make her some “good” ones the next time he takes some for her. Just as if the others weren’t good dear. He likes to josh us don’t he? Then again Florence is the only girl who knows what I am to you. I am not embarrassed in any way either, that is the reason I am so much in her company. There are lots of others I could get to play for me, but to be frank with you they constantly fall in love with me which embarrasses me greatly and hinders my work in music. Yet dear, if my association with her causes you any mental anguish or suffering or worry I’ll give it up for you, and do the best I can in some other way and maybe I’ll come across some young man or gentleman friend as I know of no other girl I would care to have play for me or help me with my music. So it is up to you dear, say the word if you want to and think it best. And now dear I have just finished reading your nice big letter you wrote …Love Jimmie

me on Tues. eve. I was very glad to hear from you and am not surprised at Ella & Donald. Yes we truly need all we can get together as I certainly did not get but very little returns out of the orchard this year. It was enough to make most anybody give up the ship dear, but I live in hope dear always, and know that love will find a way for us. Did not have time to finish dear but will mail this much. Will answer your letter of today tomorrow. Goodnight Love Love & Kisses Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie ]^ Nov. 14, 1913, Friday Afternoon Dearest Little Sweetheart, Now I am going to try and answer that beautiful letter I received from you yesterday. I have been busy all morning and did not have a chance to write at all as yet. To begin with I want to compliment you on the nice way in which the letter was written. Your handwriting (which is always good), was exceptionally fine and well written, and the paper was neatness

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personified. You were glad to hear of my good day Monday and your first question is – Won’t we dear? Yes we certainly will, Love, you can rest assured. But remember God is our supply, and as God is infinite our supply is infinite and unlimited. Our needs will all be met if we only know the Truth and live and prove it. That is our privilege and pleasure. Now in regards to Ella we might as well put our foot down first as last. To begin with I don’t propose to have her or anyone else make a good fellow, sucker, rum (or anything you’re a mind to call it), out of me or you either. Remember dear, you told me in a letter a long, long time ago, to always remember that you are mine. I do, and I am not going to permit anyone to use us for their own selfish ends. Now nor never, that’s all. In the second place there is to be no dance, it is only a concert. Again I expect to have other guests at my home besides you and the house will be full. And last but not least I am not going to put myself out but very little at any time when she treats you as she does and acts as unkindly towards you after all I have done for her in the past. I’ll quit now before I get stung. So that is settled as far as I am concerned. 296

Now as to Donald, I have formed my opinion of him some time ago, but as no one asked me for it since I formed it I have kept it to myself. He meant he saw me at Hunts Bakery (now Kyle’s) and not the cannery as I was not within several blocks of there. I thought I saw him pass but was not sure at the time. Ella’s methods, ideas, and aims, and Donald’s too, are so widely divergent from ours that it is worse than useless to ever try to reconcile them. So let them mind their own business and we will mind ours. I am afraid that Don would be given but little consideration if it wasn’t for his money. Think it over dear. It was Florence who was with me as you know by now. I have given up all my girlfriends but her. She is the only one left with which I have anything to do with. My relations with her are as a brother and are honest. Your conclusion was correct. You could reach no other dear, and you knew as you should know that I am on the square. I am glad to see you prove your confidence in me & each time you do so in the future as in the past you will be rewarded and not fooled. We will have the concert dear, rain or shine, and if I am not able to meet you at the train I’ll have Florence meet Dearest Bessie…

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you and give you your ticket and I’ll meet you after it is over. If Florence is able to go you and her could sit together and be company for each other. However I can’t arrange those details now dear but you know I’ll do the best I can to make things pleasant

and agreeable to you. So must close now & mail this. With Love & Kisses I am as always Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie ]

Florence Smith (L) and Bessie Johnson (R) In front of the Christian Science Church in Los Gatos “…It was Florence who was with me as you know by now. I have given up all my girlfriends but her. She is the only one left with which I have anything to do with. My relations with her are as a brother and are honest…”

…Love Jimmie

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Nov. 17, 1913, Monday Noon My Own Dearest Sweetheart, Well I was certainly agreeably surprised this morning when I received your dear little message you so lovingly wrote on Sat. noon. Yes, I too thought of that coincidence in regard to the song. I was pleased to know that our thoughts run so closely in the same channels now as they always have done in the past. Tuesday Morning Well, Angel dear, the above was as far as I got, on yesterday. The foreman went home to lunch as usual yesterday but instead of returning he telephoned that he would like to stay at home for the afternoon and evening and he did so therefore I had no chance to write further. Last night I went to the Glee Club to practice. Mr. Bogart has decided to sing my little song, “Absent” by Metcalf for one of his solos. I have had a chance to sing a solo as Mr. Frary has two but I will not sing in public till I can sing good. There are many of my friends who do not know that I can sing at all or even think so. There are many who are greatly surprised that I could qualify for the Glee Club. So you see dear my reason for not taking a solo at this time. …Love Jimmie

Now dear I want to tell you about my plans for Friday eve. We are going to have a dress rehearsal on Thurs. eve at 7 o’clock, be through at 9:00. Retire at 9:30, so as to be in condition for Fri. eve. Will leave San Jose on 6:20 car arrive in Gatos at 7:00. Will meet you at train dear, if I possibly can as I have to dress and be on the stage at 8:00. Al Barshow and Florence Smith are to be our guests and I’ll leave you in their company in the audience when I go on the stage. After the show you and your little baby boy will wind their little way to our little home dear as I will have a big day ahead of me. I am sorry dear I have not the time to answer your dear little letters more fully but Mr. Moak has been off all this afternoon so I have had little time to write. I received your nice little Tues. message dear and was glad to get it and always excuse my little girl from writing a long letter when she is busy. I will try to write tomorrow morning dear if I can, but if I don’t get it written in the morning it will not reach you before you leave Fri. So with Love & Kisses I am your Loving little Baby Boy Jimmie Excuse haste & brevity ]^

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James Underhill Porter and Al Barshow in a cornfield

…Love Jimmie

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Nov. 19, 1913, Wed. Morning My Ever True and Loving Little Darling Girl, Now to answer your loving and interesting little letters that I have not had time to answer before. The introduction to this letter was inspired from the beautiful letter I received from you this morning, which you wrote on Mon. eve. Yes I can imagine what a nice letter you rec’d from Cousin Annie as I know that she is a good letter writer and what is more she likes to write them and always has a large correspondence to attend to and keep up, but as I say it is a pleasure to her to do it. Needham is a suburb of Boston dear and is a quaint old town and very interesting as is all New England. Boston has hundreds of beautiful suburbs and is noted for its pretty and beautiful car rides. You can ride 15 or 12 miles there for a nickel dear. We will see them and I’ll take you over many of them on our honeymoon. I am very familiar with all that country around there, dear & it makes me long for the time to come when we can be there together whenever I hear the name of one of the towns mentioned. Yes, dear, you always have taught your children at school with love, and 300

that is the very reason you get so much love in return. She is quite right. You have always been a Sweet & true little Christian Scientist unconsciously. Another helpful thing to remember when you look upon the many little ones before is to know that there is only One Mind, (tho to mortal mind there seems to be many) and that One Divine Mind, (of which we are the reflection and likeness) rules and governs all with Love, Peace and Harmony, “which passeth (human) understanding.” That finished answering your dear little letter of Thurs. eve of last week dear. Now comes your dear and welcome little letter which you wrote Sat. for which I was very grateful. I was delightfully pleased and encouraged to get it dear, and I see I have answered it in my letter of last eve. And now comes your letter “At School” Monday. That is right dear I am glad you spent Sunday eve in giving your advice and assistance to the committee. I am not selfish and cheerfully could forgo the Tues. message & patiently wait till my little girl gets the time to write me. I was amply repaid for my patience this morning dear upon the arrival of the morning mail. I only hope the committee will appreciate my little Dearest Bessie…

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Treasure’s invaluable advice and good council. Now dear comes the lovely encouraging and inspiring letter of this morning, which is by the way No. 195. Now do not worry about getting that song for me by this weekend dear. There is no hurry. We will get it together, as an accompanist has to practice with her soloist to know how he sings a song, then she can follow him better. I spoke to Mr. Moak in regard to the picture and of course he will take it if we can arrange a chance for him and I think we can some way. I am sure glad to hear of the fine record made by the team and I sincerely hope their good luck will continue. I am just a “little” surprised dear that you would want to see me President of Union Local. There are some things that a man has got to do and accept from a sense of duty to his fellow men and the community at large, but let us not forget the lesson I have learned and that is when one seeks, accepts, or takes a high office for his or her own self-aggrandizement, or for any other motive other than a motive of good or to do good, would be making a great mistake. So I have decided as usual dear to let Love decide it for me and trust Him and as Mrs. …Love Jimmie

Eddy says in her interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer, “God leadeth us not into temptation,” I cannot help but be led aright. So if my friends nominate and elect me I’ll do the right thing, whether I accept or reject it. At present I have quite a little demonstration before me dear and want your help. It was so late when I joined the glee Club that I have had only ¼ the practice the others have had, and on some of the songs in the first of the program I have only sung with the Club twice as it is nearly 8:30 when I get there and they have already gone over them before I come. So dear, I have got to sing in perfect harmony true to note and tone. A discord spoils it all. A solo is different & not so difficult, as you have only to follow your notes on the piano or orchestra accompaniment but this is different I have to sing 2nd tenor against the other 3 sets of voices as do the others who sing 2nd tenor with me, and of course the 1st and 2nd basses and 1st tenors have to do likewise but it is rather difficult as no flat or sharp notes can be sounded, all must be true to tone. With this all I was taken with a severe sense of cold last Thurs., which handicapped me some, but I have met that myself. The thought of “nothing 301

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is impossible with God” or His image & likeness, and that I can and will sing in perfect tone. I went home early last night & had a good night’s sleep. Tonight I am going to attend the services in Los Gatos and go up to Smith’s afterward and practice and get the 10:20 car home. I am going to spend ½ an hour of my noon hour in St. James Park practicing over my songs, committing them to memory as much as possible. Yes dear we will be careful to respect and think of others and not be selfish. I cannot express to you how much I appreciate and love your beautiful words of confidence to me in regard to Florence, and let me repeat as true as God is my judge, and by all that is holy, that what I have told you is true. I believe in giving everyone their just dues dear and I’ll say of Florence that she is a pure, good, innocent, honest girl, far above the average American girl of today. She don’t know how to be dishonest or crooked, and is far too innocent and retiring even for her own good, as many times supposed friends of hers take advantage of her and make a tool out of her because she is good and willing sometimes and other times because she is not bold or brazen enough to push herself forward. 302

I cannot be selfish enough to always have her help me and especially as much as she has done and is doing for me with my music, without contributing in the ways that I can to her happiness even tho they be small ones, and treating as I would my own sister. I cannot be more than that to her but I can observe the Golden Rule. Thank you dear for your loving confidence. It is well placed and fully appreciated and I’ll prove it to you every day I live, always. We have had a lot of rain dear but I think it will be clear on Friday. I am enclosing you an official program and wish to call your attention to the Song “Absent,” and the one Mr. Bogart has written & composed for his sister to sing entitled, “Love Me Today.” You can kind of get an idea of what a nice treat we have in store for you and I’ll wish I was on the other side of the footlights when Mr. Bogart and his sister Adeline are singing their solos. So with Love & Kisses I’ll close & see you Fri. eve. With all the Love I possess I am yours and prize you above anything else in the world. Lovingly & Tenderly Your Baby Sweetheart Jimmie

Dearest Bessie…

December 1913 …We had a lovely supper. Chicken, cauliflower, potatoes, gravy, bread & butter, tomato pickle to go with the chicken and the loveliest squash pie to top off with. I wished that you could have been there to enjoy it with us…

Dec 1, 1913, Monday Morning My Dearest Little Girlie, Well dear, I’ll write as much as I can till mail time so if I quit very suddenly don’t be disappointed love, will you? After I left you on the train yesterday I drove Geo. around to Myrtle’s. We stopped at the gate a few minutes and were talking when she came out. Geo. got out and went to the gate to greet her and I remained seated in the buggy. She invited me in but I declined, as I had promised Will I would come home and work on the books with him, so after chatting a few minutes I drove home. I saw Florence in the Bakery on my way back but did not stop. When I got to the Railroad crossing at the Bank corner I met a young lady whom I have known for many years. She was walking on her way to visit my cousin

…Love Jimmie

Arthur Bassett and his wife. She got in and rode across the bridge with me. I stopped at Al Barshow’s and got my wheel and arrived home at about 4:30. I went right to work on the books and worked till dinner time. After dinner Will and I continued to work till a little before 11 o’clock. I recognized your figures where you had entered the Ledger page in the Journal for the month of Feb. If you can recall how much you & Will did that evening you can get some idea how much we did when I tell you we did 9 times as much. We got the books all down to date Dec. 1, 1913. Everything is entered and brought down to date. Now we have to figure up the balances, and work out a few detailed statements of facts and figures which we like to know and keep for reference. I thot dear many times of you as we were working and I thot too that my

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little darling sweetheart at this same time next year would keep our books for us almost entirely, so that when we come in, in the evenings, our work on our books will not be too long, but will only take a few minutes. Will close now dear with love and

best wishes. Lovingly & Tenderly Your Little Boy Jimmie Love & Kisses ]^

Bessie’s brother, George Johnson, and his friend Tom Armstrong George, born in 1894, was 17 to 19 during the time of these letters. George never married and died just short of his 80th birthday

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Dearest Bessie…

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Dec 3, 1913, Wednesday A.M Dear Little Sweetheart, I intended to write you a few [lines] yesterday but I did not get the time. I got tickets and bids for the Ball yesterday & sent out about 100, and also sent out notices for a meeting of the Comm. at Bro. Thomas’ home for Sun. at 1 o’clock. Monday night I went out and took my lesson and the teacher had quite a talk with me in regard to missing my lessons as I have done. He told me that if I could not take my lessons regular and not miss then he would drop me from his list. In fact he said he had decided to do so. He said I had a very good voice and could be a good singer, a credit to him as a teacher and professor and a credit to myself, but that as all his pupils and students were successful artists he could not have one that wasn’t. He said that I could be, but that there was only one way for me to do it and that was to take a lesson every week rain or shine & to practice and work hard and diligently. I told him I was sorry that he had decided to abandon me but I thought that his principles were right & I could see plainly from his point of view. He has many pupils apply to him for his services but he will only take the ones …Love Jimmie

who he knows can make good and will work. I don’t blame him for I would not monkey with a student if I was him either. He wants the best and is a successful teacher, so that when he gives a recital he has a packed house and his pupils are a credit and pleasure to him, their friends, and to themselves. I didn’t blame him dear for the stand he took and admire him for it, for he places principle, success, and honesty above money, and has the courage of his convictions to tell a man the truth as he thinks it. I then told him dear that as I had started to take lessons and had become interested I rather regretted to give it up, but would quit as I did not care to take lessons from an inferior teacher and thanked him for what he had done for me. He told me that I had the makings of a very good voice and was a good conscientious young fellow but could not do much without I attended regularly to my lessons, studies and practice. I then asked him if he would be willing to give me another chance as I had never yet failed to bring to a successful conclusion anything I ever tackled. I told him there was 2 handicaps I would have to overcome. One was lack of time in which to 305

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practice and the other was the expense. His price is $2.50 per lesson you know and he had already cut it to $2.00 for me. He said he was anxious to do all he could for me but that his time was very valuable to him & he could not cut his prices but if I would promise him that I would work hard and do my part as he done his he would give me a chance and would let me have the lessons for $1.50 under promise I would keep it surely to myself and not let it get out of the studio. So remember if you are ever asked in the future what David C. Power charges for lessons it is $2.50, & keep his offer to me to yourself. I promised him dear and I want you to help me make the demonstration will you? So hereafter I take my lesson every Monday eve. I am going to accomplish my purpose which I set out to do – namely – to sing well enough so that I can sing most any ordinary range songs creditably. I went in and saw our dear little present we have got for Will. It is the dearest little thing you ever saw dear. It is the second time our names have been engraved in gold together. The first time my little girl had them engraved on her bracelet. The second time her little boy had them put on the watch, our gift to his brother. On the 306

outside of a smooth gold case Will’s initials are engraved thus [drawing: WPR] and on the inside of the back of the case is this inscription [drawing: From J.U.P and B.H.J. Xmas, 13]. And a lovely little chain to go with it. Will will be just delighted I know. Monday night I also went to the meeting of the Barbers Union & caught the 9:30 car home. Last night I went to the Annual Meeting of the Church in Los Gatos. Got home a little late, 11:35. I am not going to the Wed. evening meeting tonight I am going home. Grandma was here today and I gave her the coat and umbrella & had quite a talk with her. She said she was going to meet your mother at Conklins. I am hoping that she will call and see me. I am going to get a little remembrance for Mother, Dad, and Annie, and will put on them, as you have on yours, from you & I. Do you think I ought to give you some money with which to buy more for your folks or it is enough as we now stand? It is on my folks end as I am only going to get very little remembrances for my folks and outside of Will’s. But you know why I got Will’s for him dear. He deserved it, he is doing so much for us. It will encourage him so too. I got your little message yesterday Dearest Bessie…

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dear and was glad to get it and hear of your safe arrival home. I will send the music dear so that you will get it Friday. We must make time for you to play for me at least an hour next time you come down sure. I love to have you play for me but it seems as though we can never get the time. I must close now and mail this dear. With Love & Kisses I am as

…Love Jimmie

always Your Loving Little Baby Boy Jimmie P.S. I am enclosing Don’s letter dear and I don’t think it is worthwhile to waste time on it as we decided. ]^

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Anna Mae Johnson as a young girl, around the time of the letters, and later as a young woman. Anna Mae was born in 1901, the 8th Johnson child. She had one son, Darrell Kirchner. He married Hazel Belletti and they had three daughters, Linda, Joan and Carol. Anna Mae lived to be 96. She made the best Gravenstein applesauce in the world.

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Dearest Bessie…

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Dec 6. 1913, Saturday Morning Dearest Little Sweetheart, It is cloudy and foggy this morning and it does not look as though there would be many early trade so I’ll take a chance on starting a letter to you dear and write as much as I can, till time to mail it so that you will get it Sunday. I do not want you to worry at all dear in regard to me ever smoking or drinking intoxicating liquors. As I told you, I do not care for them and as you do not want me to at all, I have decided never again to indulge in either and nothing will ever change this decision. You have been inclined to believe in the past that liquor was alright to use for medicinal purposes. I have not been of that opinion of many years as it is against the principles of C.S. which as you know are my principles and which I try to live up to as far as I understand them. I do not want you to ever permit whiskey or any liquor to be given me when you have my welfare in your hands. In support of this view and opinion which I have held for years I’ll enclose you a clipping which I clipped from the Mercury which will give you an idea of what the greatest Doctors in the country now are thinking of it. Mrs. Eddy lived and thought so far …Love Jimmie

in advance of the times in which she lived that people are just beginning to awaken to the truth of her statements now. So dear you need never worry about me in this respect. I thought the matter over some time ago and my decision which I made then never to smoke or use liquor again for any reason or purpose whatsoever was final. I will be glad when my clothes and myself will not have to be saturated with smoke as they are now especially on Saturdays. You can get some idea of what it is to be in a small place like this shop is with 10 or 15 men smoking to beat the band, in my chair as well as in the shop. It [is] just simply saturated with tobacco smoke so I can’t help it at present if I smell of it pretty strongly sometimes. I rec’d your little note and statement and will answer more fully later. I will have to close now and mail this as I am now out to lunch. Excuse haste & short letter as I was very busy yesterday & this morning. I wrote a couple of articles for the Mercury and Times yesterday for the Glee Club. They asked me to serve as their press correspondent and elected me. So with Love & fondest affection and a nice little bunch of kisses I will close & remain 309

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Your Loving Little Sweetheart Boy Jimmie ]^ Dec 8, 1913, Monday Morning Dearest Little Sweetheart, Just a year ago today dear you and I led the Grand March at the Second Annual Grand Ball of Union Local No. 60. How time does fly dear. I am going to write you a few lines this morning so that you will get it tomorrow. Will write you a nice letter later dear. If you can I would be pleased to have you come down this Friday eve and Dad will meet you. We can’t tell what Xmas will bring forth so we will have to have a little Xmas joy and visit together then we will be sure of it. My folks expected a bunch of company either Xmas or Thanksgiving and as they did not show up on Thanksgiving they may on Xmas, and as is my custom in past years to give part of my time to my home and family, I feel that I should help them entertain whoever our guests might be. So if you can come down dear we can have a little visit together and talk it over. I wish you would see Leche if you can or call him up and tell him I said to

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give you that money he owes me as I want to use it Xmas. I’ll drop him a line today to tell him to give it to you. I want to tell you too dear that I have thought the matter of the Presidency of Union Local over very carefully and have decided that if I am elected I will decline as I think it is best for both of us. I would like to please you dear to see me elected to such high offices etc. but I do not want to sacrifice you in any way to please the multitude. This decision is final. I am writing this at lunch so must close and between this afternoon and tomorrow forenoon I expect to find time to write you a nice letter. I have been very busy dear for the past week and will have to ask you to excuse short letters & haste. Lovingly & Tenderly Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie A kiss dear bye bye Love XXXXXXXXX I forgot to enclose clipping in last letter will put it in next one. ]^

Dearest Bessie…

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Dec 9, 1913, Tuesday Afternoon Dearest Little Treasure, Well dear it seems as though I never could get a few minutes to answer the last three nice letters which you wrote me, but will make a start now and go as far as I can. The first letter I have to answer is the dear little note you wrote me at school before you came down dear. It did not arrive till after you did but I appreciated it just the same and thank you for it dear. Next is your little note of a week ago Monday written at school. Sorry you had such a cold drive home but was glad to hear of your safe arrival. Next is your letter of Mon. eve which I rec’d Wed. I answered that partly in my letter I wrote Sat. morning, in regard to tobacco smoke. Sorry to hear of Donald’s sad plight. Mother and Father rec’d your nice letter which you wrote them and were much pleased with it. You can always depend on my word dear, never fear. I too wish the next 6 mos. to speed away as rapidly as possible. Our wedding day cannot come too soon. Glad you got the little thanksgiving booklet I sent you and to hear you thought so much of the little remembrance. I wish I was better situated financially I would do more …Love Jimmie

for you, but unless I have some exceptional good luck in some unforeseen way at present my Xmas this year will have to be a very quiet & economical one. I will not forget my little sweetheart though altogether. I’ll remember her. Now the next letter your little note and statement I received last Friday. I was glad to hear that you are always so willing to do anything I ask you to, and all you can to help me. I know you always will be that way too. I have read the statements over very carefully (as I do everything) as you directed. The $4.00 for “Music Lesson” I presume is what you receive but I do not see where you have paid out anything dear, to Mr. King in the past 3 mos. I want to compliment you dear on the nice way in which you have compiled these. It is very fine and I appreciate it very much. If you had of started life years ago like you are living now dear with your little boy how nice it would have been wouldn’t it? But there is no use holding any regrets of the past of “what might have been.” We have a great big grand future ahead of us to work out successfully & we have no time to waste on regrets of the past. Must close now dear as I have to catch car for Union tonight. Sorry I 311

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could not have finished this sooner. Thanks for the Tues. message rec’d today. Will answer tomorrow. Excuse haste. Goodnight Love. With Love and a bushel of kisses I am Your Little Loving Boy Jimmie Find enclosed clipping I forgot to put in before. ]^ Dec 15, 1913, Monday Morning Dearest Little Sweetheart, I have been as busy as a bee all day dear and it is now 6:30 and I have just got a chance to write you the promised letter. But it was not an absolute promise I was to write whenever I had time. I’ll write what I can tonight and finish it early in the morning so that you will get it Wed. Well last night I finished up all the feeding & cleaned up the buckets in the feed room and left everything in good shape for Will. Then I went on & took a walk over the orchard and took a look at all the pruning Will has done. He has the orchard more than half done and it looks fine. He is a good workman and does thoroughly

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everything he does. Then I went into the house and practiced for an hour. Then we had a fine supper and Mother informed me that you did not eat anything before you left. Why didn’t you? You know it is my custom never to eat but 2 meals on Sunday but you mustn’t think that you have to do it because I do. I have always sat down in the past and had a little lunch with you but did not do it last Sunday & now I am sorry that I didn’t. I did not feel like eating and never thought but what that you would have ate something. Please excuse me dear? We had a lovely supper. Chicken, cauliflower, potatoes, gravy, bread & butter, tomato pickle to go with the chicken and the loveliest squash pie to top off with. I wished that you could have been there to enjoy it with us. Tuesday Morning Now to write as much as I have time to before mail time dear. I want to mail this so that you will get it tomorrow sure. Well after I enjoyed that lovely supper Will and I thought we would call on our old friend Mr. Beedle for an hour or so. So we went over there and returned home a little after 9. We had not been over there for months and Dearest Bessie…

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while I do not care much for the company of the women, Mr. Beedle himself has been a very very good friend to Will and myself and I enjoy a talk with him from time to time and learn much good from my conversations with him. I wish to report that I went to bed at 10 and rose at 6;45. Total 8¾ hrs sleep. Last night I took my lesson, had it fine, attended the meeting of the Barbers Union and caught 9:30 car home. Found Will & Mother up had a little talk with them and retired before 11:00. Rose at 6:45. total 7¾ hours sleep. Tonight I go straight home and will retire at 9:30. So you see dear the little boy is keeping good hours. I just got a letter from the Sec. of the Glee Club and he informs me that the club will hold no more meetings or rehearsals till after the holidays as both Xmas & New Years comes on our regular meeting nights. So you see more sleep is in store for me. I am looking for a little Tues. message this afternoon dear and will then answer your two last letters as well as the little message. I must close now with Love & Kisses and wishing you and yours a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year I am Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie …Love Jimmie

Lovingly & Tenderly Yours ]^ Dec. 17, 1913, Wednesday Afternoon My Dearest Little Girlie, Well dear I am going to answer your last 3 letters now. The 2 I’ve received last week and the one I am going to receive today as I did not get a Tuesday message yesterday. I can hardly expect it as you would have to write it immediately upon your return home Sun. First comes your letter of a week ago Sun. eve & yes I suppose you was disappointed when you read the first part of my letter. But that was a nice little demonstration and I did not have to give it up dear. No dear, you are mistaken, it was not that, “it takes a great deal of grit, patience and energy to accomplish a lesson,” to the contrary, far from it, it is a pleasure and enjoyment to me, and should be to you as well. With me it was a question of finance. I could not afford to pay the $2.50 every week, that was the real reason I was missing lessons, but I did not want to appear as pleading poverty to the Prof. I do not experience any difficulty in getting the lessons, and judging from the way you spoke, and

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what you said Mr. King said to you, I guess you are not finding it a displeasure or a task to get yours either. I do not think in the future you will say, “Even returning at 5 or 6 o’clock as I do every night I find it hard to get my lesson.” I do not want you to misunderstand what I wrote in my letter to you. You must look at it from a different point of view dear. Do not look upon your lesson as hard or as a burden. Make it a pleasure instead. Again neither you nor I nor anyone else can progress in music by taking a lesson any old time. It must be regular. I know you see this because you expressed the wish to me that you could take a lesson every week. But I have met my problem now and will go right on. So will you. I was so glad to hear you express that wish that you could take a lesson every week instead of every other week as now. It was but a short time ago dear that you could not get one in 2 months, (that is you thought you couldn’t). Now you get one “fine” & “good” every 2 weeks, and wish that you could take one every week. I am much pleased and satisfied with what you are now doing and I trust that you will be also dear. I thank you that you are going to help me with my demonstration dear and I know that 314

we will be successful. Now comes your letter of Tues. eve dear. Yes I fully appreciate your mother’s kindness in looking out for you, but always remember the Truth is, dear, that God is always looking out for us and when he is looking out for us we can go where & when we will and do so without harm of any kind coming to us as long as we are going where a duty calls us and are doing right. We need no one nor nothing else to guide us. Your mother has not learnt this true sense of life yet and it is right for you to accept her good offices in whatever she attempts to do for you as long as it does not take you away or separate you from God and me. Some day she will know the Truth and think in harmony as we do. You can love her now as you have loved her in the past and love her always, as do I. No, you are not queer in wanting to share your joys with me dear, it is because you love me. I feel the same way too, and I think you have noticed it and know it by this time, don’t you? Please tell me why you did not finish this letter last Tues. eve, I promise I won’t laugh at you? No I did not worry about getting you a Xmas present. I just got it that’s all. I am glad you appreciate me and all I do dear & I know you always will. Dearest Bessie…

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It is just beautiful to me as I have told you before to have someone I can do things for without being taken advantage of or unappreciated. Your little message came to hand today and I was glad to hear of your safe arrival home. No I know that my little girl will never wish for more than I can fulfill, so I do not worry. Your present wish will soon be gratified and it cannot come too soon to suit me. I will do as you say with the Xmas letter, & hope that I will have time to write one to you. I am enclosing cards to Anna May & also a clipping from my Sentinel of this week that I thought was very dear & food for thought. So Goodnight dear with love & kisses I am your loving Little Boy forever Jimmie I went home early last night practiced an hour & retired. Rose at 6:20 this morning & practiced a little, ate breakfast with Will & father & had plenty of time to get to car. They eat now before they go out to work as it is too dark to begin before. Annie gets up earlier, at 5:45, & has breakfast at 6:30. So I eat too to save her extra work. Lovingly Jimmie …Love Jimmie

Excuse haste ]^ Dec. 20, 1913, Saturday Morning Dearest Little Sweetheart, Good Morning Love. I would like to see you this morning. I have been trying to get a chance to write you for the past two days but have been so busy I was unable to find time to do so. I am going to write as much as I have time to this morning dear so if it is not very much please do not be disappointed as this is Sat. morning you know. First of all dear I was able to secure from Security State Bank the calendar I promised you for your School. I will call it my little Xmas remembrance to your School. I sent it to you by parcel post yesterday. I guess by following the directions printed on it you will be able to operate it. I wrote on it, “do not open until Xmas,” but if you want you can open it when you wish. I rec’d your beautiful letter which you wrote on Thursday morning & I was very much pleased to get it because I can fully realize how little time you must have just now to write with the manifold duties you have before you. I appreciate dear your very kind thoughtfulness of me in always

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writing to me so consistently. You always have and I think you always will dear. Now to answer that lovely letter if I can have the time. It seems to me that you should have received a letter from me Wed. because I wrote it Mon. I think. Also mailed another to you Wed. with cards for Anna May. I am glad the pupils are so much pleased with that calendar which you have they will be much more pleased with this new one. You can still keep the old one though as the new one only shows one day at a time each day. You can appoint a different pupil each day to turn it as I presume they will all want to have the honor and the pleasure. You know how kids are don’t you? I was much interested in your story of Mrs. Black. Also much pleased to hear you say that “something” which they cannot understand is your knowledge of Christian Science which you use so successfully. Do not let those expressions of mental sorrow and tears affect you dear, because you know in Science there is and can be no separation. Tell them when it is time to, that no matter how far away you may be from them you are still with them “in Spirit & in Truth.” If you have to leave them it is because God 316

wants you to, and as God is all power and supply, He will supply their need in some other way as he does yours. Just read a few lines from the chapter on “Footsteps of Truth” dear in S.&H. It will help you to make your demonstration dear. I am glad dear to hear you say, to quote you, “I know, dear, your Little Girl is teaching by Christian Science.” You will always find that you will be rewarded for it much more abundantly than you ever dream can be possible. The lady you spoke of may be a whole lot better than the people give her credit for being. You have been instrumental in at least bringing some sunshine to her life. You reflected Love to her and in turn she reflects love to you, thus proving the words of the Lords Prayer, as interpreted in S.&H., “And Love is reflected in Love.” How easy it is dear to live and prove the words of the Bible when we understand how to do so, isn’t it? I also see you have completed your demonstration with the Trustees and can arrange your vacation to suit yourself, giving you the added pleasure and privilege of attending the exercises at your sister’s School. You should feel very thankful for all these beautiful blessings dear, and I know you do, as do I. Dearest Bessie…

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By the way dear, I must give you my report for the balance of this week as to my hours of sleep. Wed. eve I went to Church in Los Gatos as I had some collections to make. Florence & her Mother and Aunt Lilly were there but I did not speak to them as I left immediately after the services. Did my business & caught the 10:30 car home & retired at once. Thurs. eve I took regular early car home, practiced an hour and retired. Last night the same. Tonight I’ll catch the 10:30 car from here and retire at 11:15. Tomorrow I am going to work at home all day as Will has so much to do he can’t get away with it and I can’t afford to hire any more now. With Love & Kisses I must close dear to remain always Your Loving Little Darling Boy Jimmie X Please give my love and a kiss to all of your family at home there now, and tell them I wish them all a Merry Xmas & a happy and prosperous New Year, and that I am sorry I cannot visit them oftener. X Please give this extra kiss to your Mother on the quiet. Lovingly Jimmie

…Love Jimmie

P.S. I just want to remind you dear of the way in which I met the manifestation of sorrow & tears the day we drove into Wetmore’s yard, and to remind you of what the results were. Do you recollect dear? You can do the same dear and maybe better than I can. Do not let mortal sorrow or tears affect your calm conscience of God’s perfect love for God’s never created them therefore they are not real. ]^ Dec 22, 1913, Monday Evening Dear Little Sweetheart, Just a line to let you know that Mother has received word that we are to have our expected company for Xmas and they may stay over Sat. and Sun. but are not sure. I suppose you expected to come down but if they stay over I think it would be best not to as you know how little time I have and when there is no one there and we have the whole thing to ourselves we have little enough time together anyway. I’ll call you up on Friday morning some time and let you know for sure. You will be at home I guess won’t you, as you do not teach this week? Will is

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going to Frisco for a couple of days this week. He is going with Douglas and he pays all his expenses, otherwise he would not go. Big rain we had, the Los Gatos creek is running clear to San Jose. Excuse Haste. With Love & Best wishes I am Tenderly & Lovingly Your Little Baby Boy Jimmie P.S. Am very, very busy these days. Holiday Season you know dear. Love & Kisses for a sweet little Xmas. I wish I could be with you. This is the last one we spend alone dear. So cheer up. ]^ Dec. 26, 1913. Friday Morning Dearest Darling Treasure, Good Morning Dear, Christmas day is over, the calendar says so, but to me it is not. It means more than a day to me, and so this will be my Xmas letter to you, and just an acknowledgment of the wonderful letter which you wrote me. It would be impossible for me to answer it as I would wish to, because I could never find words that would sufficiently express my gratitude and great pleasure at receiving such a beautifully and sincerely penned letter

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as that was. It was the most beautiful letter I ever in my life received, (or that I can ever hope to receive) unless a more beautiful and inspiring one can come from your hand. If you could have been where you could have seen me read that letter I don’t know what you would have thought, for I was moved alternately from tears of joy to smiles of happiness. I never in all my life was so deeply moved by emotion or so deeply touched to the very bottom and uttermost depths of my heart strings before. Before I had read many pages into that wonderful letter I was so overcome by my emotions and my eyes became so filled and dimmed, I completely lost my composure and was compelled to cease reading indefinitely until I had regained it, sufficiently to continue. Suffice it to say dear that the above but feebly describes my gratitude and thanks to you for that great message of Love, and you can rest assured that you are fully repaid for all the sacrifices you may have made to write it to me and the many hours it consumed of your valuable time. Now dear, I am going to make the subject of this letter “Wedlock.” Mrs. Eddy wrote a piece with that above title many, many years ago. It is found in her book, “Miscellaneous Writings,” Dearest Bessie…

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a book which I once had in my C.S. library & owned but which I gave to a friend in need of it a few years ago and have not gotten another one. I read and studied this article 7 years ago and then decided to make the principles (or rather the principles expressed in this article) mine should I ever marry. I will quote just a few of them as I have not the time to quote it all neither is your understanding of Christian Science sufficient to grasp more at present. Mrs. Eddy wrote this about 30 years ago dear as follows. “It was about the year 1875 that Science & Health first crossed words with free love, and the latter fell “hors de combat,” but the whole war of sensuality was not then ended. Science & Health, the book that cast the first stone, is still at work, down deep in human consciousness, laying the axe at the root of error. I have taken the precaution to write briefly on marriage showing its relation to Christian Science. It is seen in C.S. that the gospel of marriage is not without the law, and the solemn vow of fidelity, ‘until death do us part,’ this verity in human economy can neither be observed or throttled. Until time matures human growth, marriages and progeny will continue unprohibited in C.S. When asked by a wife or a husband important prohibited questions concerning their happiness, the substance of my reply is: God will guide you. Be faithful over home relations; they lead to higher joys; obey the Golden Rule for human life, and it will spare you much bitterness. It is pleasanter to do

…Love Jimmie

right than wrong; it makes one ruler over one’s self and hallows home – which is woman’s world. Please your husband and he will be apt to please you; preserve affection on both sides. The cause of temperance receives a strong impulse from the cause of C.S.: temperance and truth are allies, and their cause prospers in proportion to the spirit of Love that nerves the struggle. People will differ as to the means to promise the means of temperance that is, abstinence from intoxicating beverages. Whatever intoxicates a man, stultifies and causes him to degenerate physically and morally. Strong drink is unquestionably an evil, & evil cannot be used temperately; its slightest use is abuse; hence the only temperance is total abstinence. Drunkenness is sensuality let loose, in whatever form it is made manifest. All partnerships are formed on agreements to certain compacts: each part voluntary surrenders independent action to act as a whole and per agreement. This fact should be duly considered when by the marriage contract two are made one, and, according to the divine precept, ‘they twain shall be one flesh.’ Oneness in Spirit is Science compatible with home & heaven. Rights that are bargained away by the contractors must not be taken except by mutual consent. Human nature has bestowed on a wife the right to become a mother; but the wife esteems not this privilege, by mutual consent, exalted and increased affections, she may win a higher. Science touches the conjugal question on the basis of a bill of rights. Can the bill of conjugal rights be fairly stated by a magistrate or a minister? Mutual interests and affections are the spirit of these rights, and they should be consulted, augmented, and allowed to rise

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to the spiritual altitude whence they can choose only good. A third person is not a party to the compact of the two hearts. Let other people’s marriage relations alone, two persons only should be found within their precincts. The nuptial vow is never annulled so long as the animus of the contract is preserved intact.”

There dear, you can study these words and see if I have ever been false to the principles they contain, or if in my life or relations with you have I have failed to practice or exemplify their teachings. You will find as Science is unfolded to you why I am “so different” from the majority of men, and why you always loved me and always will. And now let me close by quoting you a little “verse” written my Mrs. Eddy in the same book and which she called, “Mother’s New Year Gift to the Little Children and to the Big Children.” To the Little Children Father Mother God, Loving me, -Guard me when I sleep; Guide my little feet Up to Thee. To the Big Children Father-Mother good, lovingly

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Thee I see, -Patient, meek In the way there hast, -Be it slow or fast, Up to Thee.

I have struggled dear all day to get this written and must now close. It is 6:45, and I have to eat supper when I get through. I rec’d our lovely letter today. Thank you dear, will answer it later. Also rec’d the many pretty cards from all your dear little children which I appreciate so much. My pen went dry so had to finish with pencil. Please excuse it. With all my love dear I am Your own Little Sweetheart Jimmie Love & Kisses dear and I could write much more even volumes had I the time. Wish all a happy New Year for me. Spent my noon hour dear in order to write this to you as I had to because tomorrow is Sat. & would not have time then. ]^ Dec. 29, 1913, Monday Evening My Dear Little Lover, I have tried all day to get a chance

Dearest Bessie…

1913

to write to you dear but have been unable to get the time, so I am going to write as much as I have time to and will mail you what I have written before I go home tonight. I rec’d your dear letter today which you wrote me Sunday eve. I was pleased and so surprised to get it as I did not expect to get a letter for you before the time for the Tues. message. I am glad that you are coming down Fri. and I will expect to see you when I return home Fri. eve. If you come earlier in the day it will be that much better for you. I’ll have Dad meet you at the regular train unless you decide on some other plan. If you do you must let me know in time so that I can let Dad know before I leave home on Fri. morning. You will no doubt be surprised to learn that I spent Sunday in San Francisco. I was surprised myself. I had an opportunity to see the world’s greatest aviator fly at the Fair Ground in S.F. so suddenly decided to take advantage of it and went. I am glad I did so as I saw a very wonderful man to some of the most wonderful stunts it is possible to conceive of in one’s wildest imagination let alone see it with one’s very eyes. The trip did not cost me practically anything otherwise I would not have gone. I will enclose a …Love Jimmie

brief clipping from this morning’s paper which will give you some idea of what he and the other aviators did and what I saw. I will tell you all about it dear when I see you. Yes I suppose you will have lots to tell me when I see you. I am glad you enjoyed my little Xmas letter. I did the best I could dear with the time at my command. Well dear I must close now and say Goodnight with Love and million kisses I am Your Loving Little Baby Boy Jimmie P.S. If you do the washing dear I think you ought to see to it that Ruby helps you some and do not work too hard yourself. I am very very much opposed to you doing that big washing in the primitive way in which you are compelled to do it. You are injuring yourself dear when you do it and you know when you injure yourself now you injure me, so be careful love. Lovingly in haste Jimmie ]^

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Mildred Johnson as a baby, young child and young woman. Mildred, the last Johnson child, was born in 1905. She married and had two sons, Ronald and Lyndall, and eight grandchildren. She had a “button box” which her great niece loved to play with and, also a delight, a cuckoo clock. She lived to be 85.

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Dearest Bessie…

1913

Dec. 30, 1913. Tuesday Morning Dearest Sweetheart, Well I went home early last night dear, and practiced a while, had a nice little talk with the folks, telling them all about my little trip. Worked for about a half hour on the books with Will and it was very interesting too, to see what we were able to accomplish in the past year even in the face of the most unfavorable conditions and no crop in the orchard. I was surprised to see what we had been able to do and so will you be when I see you and tell you about it. Next year you will be with me dear and can help us balance up our books on Jan. 1, 1915 or rather we close them and balance them on Dec. 31, 1914. I had a nice little heart to heart talk with Will and we figured out our plans for 1914 as we do every year together. I’ll tell you dear it took some grit, nerve, patience, and fortitude to accomplish what we have this year. It seems now we have an almost insurmountable mountain to climb over the next 5 months, and in fact the year. But with my understanding of Science and knowing as the Bible tells us that “with God all things are possible,” I resign myself to the task with a happy heart ready to do my

…Love Jimmie

very best, and being guided by God, Divine Mind, I cannot fail to accomplish what is before me to do. I have many little things to talk over with you dear and as usual your visit will be all too short the time for your departure coming all too soon. Now to answer your letters of last week, which I did not have time to answer them. Your letter of the 22nd comes first. Well dear I had to pay 2¢ excess postage on that, but I was pleased to do so. As you know by now, I was pleased with your Xmas letter and the reason I read it you guessed absolutely to a T, so it is not necessary for me to tell you. I could not tell you better than you have told yourself. It shows, doesn’t it, dear, how well you know me, my thots, my character, and my ways? I am sorry dear that you did not get my little Monday message it must have gone astray. I was sorry to hear that you Mother was ill again and trust that she is better by now. You didn’t say in your last letter. I am glad you went right on with your Xmas tree and made such a nice little demonstration dear, as your understanding increases dear you will find the demonstration of the Truth of being more positive and sure and will know the reason why. Don’t forget to 323

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express your gratitude to God either audibly or mentally dear for each blessing received. That answers your two letters of last week dear & the one of yesterday which was partly answered yesterday is finished today. It is not evening dear & I must close. I take my lesson again tonight. With Love & Kisses I am

Lovingly & Tenderly Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie A Happy New Year dear and what is to be the happiest of your life. It will be if I can make it so. ]^

Sarah Elizabeth Crapo Johnson Bessie’s mother, in her beautiful flowered hat. Date unknown

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Dearest Bessie…

January 1914 …It is about a half days work now to prune the new vines, tie them up for next years crop, repair the wire, which the wind has broken, straighten up the posts, and set out new vines where the old ones have died out. The life of a loganberry vine is 4 years, a raspberry vine the same, blackberry vines live longer…

Jan. 5, 1914, Monday Morning

Dear Little True Love, Good morning Love. I know you are well and happy this beautiful morning, as am I. This is the first letter I write in 1914, and the last one in 1913 was to you. I thought of writing you on Jan. 1 but knew you would not have time to receive it before you came down so I did not write it. I was afraid I would be called upon to write some letter or other and wanted to write the first letter in 1914 to you as I did the last one in 1913. I went to church yesterday morning after I left you on the train and straight home from church. Gave Will a haircut and shave also the two boys Lester and Walter who help Will feed. While I was working on them Tom Smith came out and I gave him a beard trim & hair cut too. I told him

the reason I no longer called at his home. He said he did not intend that I should be offended but I am not decided just at present whether I shall ever call there again or not.* Will and I drove down to Harpers Poultry Plant, arranged some business with him, looked over his birds and also went to Ralph Bohnett’s Plant and got back home at 5:30. Went up and looked over our Brooder Houses together, made our plans for raising chicks for the coming season. Then we went in the house and read the papers till dinner was ready. After dinner Will and I figured out the dates of hatching & setting the incubators in the Hatchery. Then I read the Farm papers for a half hour, practiced for an hour and went to bed and had a great *

Tom Smith is Florence Smith’s father. The nature of this dispute and its resolution, if any, is never reported in the letters.

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big sleep. Got up feeling fine and refreshed this morning. I did not mention that I would write you this morning dear, but I thought I would write if only a few lines as I know you like to hear from the baby as soon as possible. I must close now dear and mail this so that you will get it tomorrow sure. With Love and kisses I am always Your loving little baby Boy Tenderly &Lovingly Jimmie P.S. Geo. was in to see me this morning and had lunch with me. Was over to Los Gatos yesterday & went to the Theatre last night here in town. Stayed all night at Lathrop’s last night and took the 9:10 car in this morning. He was granted 11 points at the H.S. this A.M. & transferred to Palo Alto. P.S. No 2. I sent card to little Pearl Sears today dear. ]^ Jan. 7, 1914, At Home Wednesday Eve.

Dear Little Sweetheart, I guess you will be surprised to see the heading above. It looks like old times doesn’t it dear? I decided on last Monday to take a day of and stay home 326

Tuesday and fix up my garden. I took my lesson on Monday night as usual and while I had quite a sense of soreness in my throat I was able to demonstrate over it to the extent of being able to get my lesson fine and received quite a compliment from the Prof. I came straight home from the Studio on the 9:30 car and retired at 10:15. When I awoke the next morning I had a terrible claim of fever and a sore throat that was the limit. I could scarcely breathe. I got up at my usual hour, knew The Truth about myself as best I could and came down stairs as I had a boy engaged to help me and he could not go to work until I instructed him what to do. I went out and got him started, came in and ate a little breakfast and I certainly had some job getting it down. After I ate I went out and worked a little during the forenoon as I had 12 lovely rose slips a friend gave me in San Jose on Mon. and I wanted to get them set out. At noon I ate a little bite of lunch and laid down on the couch and fell asleep. When I woke up the clock struck 3. I had been reading my “little book” and found it by my side. I felt better somewhat and after reading for about a half hour I got up and went out and worked with the boy until 5:30. Dearest Bessie...

1914

We got all of the rose slips planted and all of the weeds cut off around the front garden bed where the lawn was. Also all the rose bushes pruned in fine shape & tied up nice to stakes. Also the climbing roses on the porch pruned as well. We also spaded out all of those flag lilies around the lawn bed. Then we cleaned up all the grass prunings, trash etc. and wheeled it away in the barrow. Then I came in the house and laid down till dinner time. Had dinner at 6:30. I felt a little better but decided I could not go to work as I did not feel like it as I coughed so much and my throat was so sore I thought it would be disagreeable of the customers if I did. I had Will telephone to San Jose and tell them I would be unable to come to work today, so you see dear how it is I am home here tonight. They had the quarterly meeting of the Church last night and Mr. Wurz called me up and told me to be sure and come so I felt it was my duty to go and went. The meeting proved very beneficial to healing me and was out at 9:10 and I was home at 9:30 and retired at 9:45. I felt as though I wanted to be as near you as I could so I slept in the little feather bed you slept in when you was here. I slept peacefully and restfully after saying my little prayer …Love Jimmie

alone, in which my last though was of God and you, perfection and his perfect child. I slept for 9 hours arising at 6:45 as I again had the boy coming to help me. I had laid out his work the night before and the chuck of his spade awakened me. I got out there at 7 and hoed off the grass in front of the two beds on the side of the house that faces the barn. I felt much better and came in to breakfast. Then I treated myself and read again for about 15 minutes. Then went out and worked a little while in the garden. It commenced to rain to beat the band and I quit and went over and spent the rest of the forenoon in a visit with my old friend Beedle across the road. Came home to lunch and ate pretty well. Rested a little while and read some. Then went out and worked in the garden again. I got a lovely border of the flag lilies set out all around the edge of the lawn bed, and the bed all spaded up. I will not set the lawn out till next year when we will be home to take care of it love. I’ll start a lot of new rose bushes and they will live for a couple of months while we are gone whether they are watered or not, but a lawn is quite a job to start and requires constant watchful care. I helped Will with the engine, 327

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caught all the toads, water dogs† and frogs out of the well. We turned the engine on and pumped the well all out nice & clean in the morning. It filled up again and we turned her on again & filled the tanks with fine fresh water. I had the two boys who help Will help me catch up all the hens that were running loose and we clipped their wings and put them in yards. There were 47. I also helped Will clean out from under the old brooder house tonight & dig up some of the yard to sow, so as to have them nicely sweetened before the young chicks must be turned into them this spring. I did not go to church tonight dear but have devoted the evening to writing a nice letter to you. I am much better tonight and will resume work again in the morning. Do not worry dear as I think this is the final struggle of error with my throat. It quite often is the case that it makes an awful struggle to be recognized as real before it vanishes into its native nothingness forever. Well darling I am getting tired now and it is 9:10 and I must retire. I am going to again sleep in your little bed dear, as I seem to feel I am nearer to you when I am there. I am looking †

forward with great pleasure to my little Tues. message I will get tomorrow morning, and maybe another little letter in the afternoon. I’ll mail this in San Jose the first thing in the morning more when I get in San Jose. I’ll put my little seal on it there. So with Love and Kisses I am affectionately, Lovingly, and faithfully, Yours Forever Jimmie Your little blue eyed baby Boy X a little good night Kiss This is Ella’s paper dear ]^ Jan. 9, 1914, Friday Evening

My Dearest Little Darling, Angel, Sweetheart, Treasure, I started this letter to you yesterday but the heading was as far as I got. I have so much to tell you I don’t know where to begin. This is Saturday morning so I’ll do the best I can. Your letter of Dec. 29 is at hand and I was glad to hear that you received so many beautiful Xmas presents. Annie was kind to you. They will all learn some day dear how good you are and have been to them. I’ll be very careful dear and not get

A water dog is a kind of salamander

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Dearest Bessie...

1914

hurt so don’t worry. Your little clipping of “Jim & I” was very cute. Rec’d your nice little Tues. message when I returned to work Thurs. and was glad to get it dear and to know that you arrived home safely and enjoyed the little bite the baby fixed for you. Yes our oranges are fine and will be still better when my little sweetheart is there to remind me when it is time to water them. Yesterday I rec’d your lovely letter of Jan. 7. Yes, 2 years ago these holidays just past seemed to be sad ones for you dear as to your mortal sense of things you seemed to be leaving your little boy and going a long way from him.‡ But if you only knew the Truth then as you do now, you would know that God would never let you go anywhere but in the right place for you to be, and so it has proved instead of going farther from me you have been brought closer to me, and the many beautiful drives your residence up there has made possible has proved to be a blessing. I remember how bad you felt at that time and how you wept and grieved, all because my little girl did not know that she never could be separated from ‡

That is, when the Johnsons moved to Skyland at Wrights, up in the Santa Cruz mountains.

…Love Jimmie

God or the boy she loved. I think that my little angel knows better now, don’t she? Yes our minds surely do run together dear, that’s true & in all ways too. It is a shame that you have to teach and take on sickness. Some day higher & more beautiful thoughts will be taught in the schools and sin, sickness and death will be a thing of the past. You need not be ashamed because you asked me for something to put in your Trousseau, but it would not have been necessary as I had already planned to have one thing from me in it. I knew why you asked me so do not worry, I have nothing to forgive you for dear, had I, I gladly would. Yes those teachers are nice young ladies. I used to ride down on the car with them every morning last year. Yes I wished you would have helped me with my lesson. I hope you will be able to next time and also not forget the “little surprise” in music which you had in store for me. I sent you the song you asked me to dear. Now I have ans. all your letter dear and would like to have sooner but did not have the time. Went to Glee Club meeting Thurs. night and Mr. Bogart picked out such a beautiful song that I told him to bring 329

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me his picture and I would write him up and feature the story with his picture so he was not a grouch like Ed Huves and brought it to me in his Auto yesterday afternoon and it appeared with the story in the Mercury this morning. I rec’d a compliment from the city editor who said it would not be necessary to change a single word in the article and it was published just as your little boy wrote it. Oh just you wait till you hear us sing this song to you dear. It is entitled, “Our Wedding Morning” and it is one of the most beautiful pieces of music in both words and music I ever heard. I am in good health again love and am going to do the work for Will tomorrow morning and let him lay and rest. You have no idea the immense amount of work he has to do both mentally and physically and the great strain he is under to it all going there at home, and the long, long, long hours he has to put in. He told me confidentially last night that he almost fainted and lost consciousness last night at 5:30 & had to hold on to a building to keep from falling. I must get home and take some of the work, care and responsibility off of him as soon as I can. It is too much for one person to undertake. Must close with Love & Kisses I am 330

always your true & Loving little Boy Jimmie ]^ Jan 12, 1914, Monday Morning

My Dearest Little Sweetheart, I am going to drop you just a few lines this morning to let you know that I am quite well and as usual had quite a longing for you and to see you yesterday and this morning. As I told you in my last letter I got up early yesterday morning and helped the boy feed. Will came out before we had finished and helped us finish up. I worked about an hour and a half in the forenoon in our flower garden. I pruned that pretty Kasher tree by the kitchen window and spaded up the bed by the dining room window and relaid the rock border. In the afternoon I had one of the boys help me & I pruned all the old wood & vines out of the berries. It was a big job and a rather unpleasant one as the vines grow so big and long they get all tangled up and are very hard to prune. It is about a half days work now to prune the new vines, tie them up for next years crop, repair the wire, which the wind has broken, straighten

Dearest Bessie...

1914

up the posts, and set out new vines where the old ones have died out. The life of a loganberry vine is 4 years, a raspberry vine the same, blackberry vines live longer. Then at 4 o'clock I fed all the poultry with the help of the boy, as Will had to drive to several different poultry plants to inspect and investigate a new brooder system as ours has become obsolete for our uses now and we are compelled to remodel and make ready for the raising of our chicks for next year. We are going to raise about 2000 for ourselves as we want to be ready to meet the demands of our business for next year. It's 1915 you know dear. Just think we already have the entire out-put of our Poultry Plant for 1914 sold. We stand in a fair way now dear to make some good money. That is the reason why your little boy is putting all his money into the business and backing it up to the limit. After I had finished the Poultry work dear I went in the house and laid down and rested till dinner time. In the morning I had gave Mr. Ferini a hair cut & shave and Bert Ferini a haircut also, so just before we were ready to sit down to dinner Mrs. Ferini sent me over a big platter of macaroni & cheese & a pan of rise biscuits. My! …Love Jimmie

but they were both fine. We had chicken, cauliflower, potatoes, bread & butter, tea etc. and I certainly did eat a fine dinner, after which Will and I planned our new brooder houses & talked over what he had seen. I then went upstairs and took my bath and retired at 9:30. Got up this morning feeling fine and here I am at work. Must close now dear. I am still sleeping in your little bed but will have to move when you come down. It is raining here again today but the weather will be fine for my little girlie to come down on Friday. So with Love & kisses I'll bye, bye, for this time your loving little sweetheart boy Jimmie Love to all. ]^ Jan 13, 1914, Tuesday Afternoon

Dearest Darling Girl, I have just finished reading your nice Tues. message. It is now almost three years since you first started writing them. Aren't you growing tired of it by now? Silly of me to ask the question isn't it? But I guess I like to hear you write or talk to me and that is the reason I ask such foolish questions. Your Tuesday message

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proved very interesting as usual and I'll answer it right away, love. I am quite well again and I see you have my itinerary down so now you know just where I am going & what I have to do each evening. I am sorry to hear that you were not well, but glad to hear that you were alright again. Wednesday morning, Jan 14, 1914 That was all I had time to write yesterday dear. My! but it is certainly raining here. The creeks are all at Flood Tide. I was quite agreeably surprised this morning to find your beautiful letter, which you wrote yesterday, on my stand when I came to work this morning. I'll ans. it right away. So you used part of your rainy day to write to the little boy.§ Real sweet of you dear. Yes it certainly is raining some this year, but never mind it is raining dollars for us all. Yes you need not feel bad that you had to lose a day & I didn't think you will ever get to the school today either but a day or two will not make very much difference to us, but we will have to get started just as soon as we can for we have got to be back in time to help §

Bessie was now teaching at Skyland school near her home in the mountains. Heavy rain made the roads impassable and school was cancelled. If she didn’t teach, she wasn’t paid.

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Will with the cots especially if we have a huge crop which I think we will. No, listen dear, I do wish that you would not credit God the giver of all good, "that he might spare you from taking cold or pneumonia, which would mean a long sick spell." Remember God never created aught, but good, and He could not let you get or spare you from any disease of any kind even if you wanted him to. He is all power, all good, all Life, All Love and everything that is good and pure, and you being His image & likeness, can go any where any duty calls you either in rain or sunshine, day or night, warm or cold, or in any condition imaginable without harm of injury of any kind coming to you. By the way, love, I see in Sunday's Mercury that you were elected "Chairman of the Missionary Committee of the Skyland Church." I trust that this report is not true, and hope that unless your whole heart and soul is in the work that you have accepted, you will not allow your name to be publicly used in connection with it in its work. Please do not misunderstand me, dear, I am not offended at any religious belief you might embrace except the Roman Catholic. I do not want to dictate to you what church you should go to or Dearest Bessie...

1914

what religion you might embrace, but it is exceedingly distasteful to me to see anyone swayed or influenced for any other motive than the dictates of their own conscience. Whatever you do, will never change my love for you, and while it is much better that we would be of one mind in everything, even though we are not in religion I shall love you forever. With all my soul and all my love I am always your loving true & faithful husband to be Jimmie Love and Kisses. ]^ Jan 19, 1914, Monday Morning

My Dearest Darling Girl, Dear Little Sweetheart, Good morning Angel Love. I guess my little girl is just taking in School now as it is a little after nine. My! it rained all night last night again. I was told this morning as I myself slept so soundly I did not hear it. Well after I left you yesterday dear I went home and ate a piece of pie, read the social notes and my what a bunch of dope from Skyland. Then Dad hooked up the horse for Will and I and we got ready and drove to Ellison's at

…Love Jimmie

Campbell. We bought a big new 500 egg "Pioneer Incubator." Now our Hatchery is all fixed up for the year 1914. We make a clear profit of 6¢ a chick for every one we hatch and deliver dear. So you see if we get out 10,000, $600 is made & and it is done in just three months. After we got home, Will had to start right in feeding, and I put the horse away and fed them all. Then I went up and pruned that big red rose bush by the orange tree and hitching post. I worked for an hour and a half on it. It needed pruning very badly as it made a big growth last year and I had to take out two big wheelbarrow loads out of it. Then I tied it up nicely and it looks fine and will have some nice roses on it this year. I have got to stake up several small rose bushes, transplant my Easter lilies and amaryllis, spade up the other 4 beds around the house, hoe out the weeds & reset the rock border, prune the fire bush, next to the rose bush I pruned yesterday & also the moss rose next to that and spade up around them. Then "our" garden dear, will be in pretty good shape and we will have a real good little start towards what we hope the garden of our ideals will be. I practiced for about 1½ or 2 hrs. I retired at 9:30 and had a fine sleep. 333

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Your beautiful letter which you wrote Wednesday came to hand Friday and I was very glad to get it. I too will be glad when the planning we have to do to see each other is over. I was sorry dear to let you make that trip yesterday but it was not wise for me to do otherwise. I know I would gladly make any sacrifice for you and I know you will gladly do the same for me. It seems to be your turn now dear and I think if you will look back at my actions, and what I have been to you, and done in the past, it may make your seemingly present hardships easier. I could not go to bed last night till I knew you were safe at home. I knew that you were fully protected and that God and my loving thoughts were with you, and that you would be safely quitted home, but I just wanted to speak to you and hear from your voice from home before I retired. Well I have finished answering your last letter and it is No. 214. What is the number of my last one dear? It is a beautiful day to-day & I suppose it is up there too. I certainly feel encouraged to go on with my work for we have so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to. I must close now dear and mail this so with all my love I am as always 334

Your Loving little Baby Boy Love & kisses Jimmie ]^ Jan 20, 1914, Tuesday Afternoon San Jose, Cal

My Dearest Little Faithful, Considerate, Devoted, True, and Loving Sweetheart, I have just received your beautiful little Tues. message. I was very pleased to hear from you and looked forward to it with pleasure. I am going to answer it right away as I now have the time and opportunity. I can't always tell when I will have the time and as I always make it my custom to devote all the time I can to you and it is my spontaneous hearts desire and pleasure to do so the task is easy when I have the time. I am sorry that you was delayed on your trip up and wish to complement you on the nice demonstration you made, of God's protecting care. I was helping you too dear the best I could. You can always remember that I am holding a right and loving thought for you always. I am glad you took dinner with your friend it helped to brighten your journey.

Dearest Bessie...

1914

Wednesday Morn. Good-morning dear. The first page was as far as I got yesterday afternoon so am going to write all I have time to till mail time as I want to mail this in time for you to get it tomorrow sure. It seems to be necessary for me to answer the rest of your dear letter by beginning at the back or end of it. Your P.S. No 2. Was glad to hear the baby was well on Mon. morn. I guess you was able to get to school yesterday. Your P.S. No 2. Of course I forgive the baby for the way she acted Sunday morning. I know now the real reason for it. Now dear there is one thing that you have done more or less in the past that you must not do in the future, and that is keep anything back from me. You say "you will not burden me any more in the future with any of your troubles." Will that be treating me right dear? Didn't you ask me in a recent letter to let you share my troubles as well as my joys? My dear little darling, there is nothing you have that I would not want to share with you, so please let me have the same pleasure and privilege that you asked me to give you, and let me share your troubles too, won't you dear? You know dear, troubles are error, and error must be uncovered before it can …Love Jimmie

be corrected and destroyed. Then too dear if you can't come to me, (the little boy who loves you the best of all the earth), who can you go to dear? Please do change your mind Love? Yes, you are right dear in a certain sense, and to a certain degree, that it is not right to find fault with others, but you can't be a true little scientist and keep your troubles back from me, because I can many times help you to right them, and if you hide the errors from me, errors of any kind, they cannot be uncovered, corrected and destroyed, and you will be doing me a great injustice as well as yourself dear. We of course must and should be thankful for the countless blessings we receive daily, and we have little cause for complaint t’is true. So their decision is final never to take you to the train again to come see me. That is alright dear, never mind, such tactics will never gain them any good or prevent us from seeing each other whenever we want to. I have kept a close account of the times I have saw you to your home, the times you have got up there without their assistance, and the number of times they have taken you, also the number of times they have taken you when they would have had to have gone to Wrights anyway. I find the times they 335

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have made the trip for you and you alone out-numbered by the trips I have made myself, and far out-numbered by the strategy and thoughtfulness and consideration you have used in getting back to your home without causing them to drive after you. It is only just since I have been working here the long hours that I do, with the added responsibilities that I have placed upon me that I have been unable to drive you back. The uncertainty of the roads has been a factor too in my not going up with you. Last winter I went up many times rain or shine as you know dear. You know all these facts, dear, I know and I know that you fully appreciate all I do and have done, but it only goes to show how utterly selfish, unkind and ungrateful your folks are to you after all you have done and are still doing for them. That is about the only thing you ever ask them to do for you, and if they drove you every time for the rest of the remaining time, (which would not be necessary or possible as you know) there would be only 7 times left. So dear, I heartily agree with you that, "under no circumstances," do you ever ask them to drive you to the train again, for to come to see me, or for any purpose. This decision of mine is final. 336

I too "set my foot down." Remember, if you change your decision which is mine also in this case and it comes to my ears you will offend me greatly. It is mighty little you have ever asked of your folks (sisters and brothers included), and still less I have asked of them, and if they can't do just the little favor of driving you to the station once or twice a month without worrying you to death about it (as I know they do), they need not do it at all, and don't you ask them again to take you on your life. I must close now dear and will try and write again tomorrow. So with all the love that is within me I give to you and always let me share your troubles as well as your joys I am, Sincerely, Lovingly, & Tenderly Your little Confident & Comfort, Always, Jimmie Love and kisses xxxxx Write ]^ Jan 24, 1914, Saturday A.M. San Jose Cal

Dear Little Sweetheart, I am sorry that I did not have time to write yesterday but we were so busy

Dearest Bessie...

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here in the store that I did not even have time to write a story for the papers on the dance, so no report will appear unless I put it in today, and I have not decided as yet. I rec'd the nice letter you wrote me on Tues. and was very pleased to get it. I know as I told you dear that you would never grow weary of writing to me. I am very pleased to hear of the courageous stand you took in regard to the church there. That is right dear, always obey the highest dictates of your own conscience, and even though some may seem to be indignant now, in the end they will love you more. I had much the same problem to meet you know dear, so I can appreciate your position fully. So you kept the little ticket the baby bought you for a souvenir. Glad that you enjoyed the sweets. Glad you have finished your old book and got a new one. I am pleased at the advance you are making. Keep the good work up dear. So they are going to have a new school at Wrights are they. I would rather you would not speak lightly or even jestingly about me "ditching" you, that you'll have a job waiting for you if I do etc etc. I may be odd dear but it kind of hurts me to have you jest like that, about our relations to each other. …Love Jimmie

It is too sacred a matter to jest about. I decided to quit taking music lessons from Prof. Power as he is to be in S.F. most of the time and I had to wait too long for him sometimes. I am now a Student of Andrew Bogart. I think I will do just as well with him. I have taken my first Lesson Thursday. Sunday Jan. 25, At Home Well dear I am sorry but I did not have time to finish or mail your letter on Sat. I am going to continue with pencil so I can write faster so please excuse it. I was very, very, busy on Sat. and missed the early car home so had to go on the last one. First time I have missed for a long time now. I got home just before it commenced to pour good and hard. It rained all night and is still pouring. It has poured all day and it looks as if it is good for the entire night. I was very tired although I went to bed early on Friday night. I did not get up until 9:30 this morning, and after breakfast I went out on the ranch and took a shovel and drained all the standing water off the trees & hayfield. I did not go to church as I over slept and could not make it. I looked over the hens, the Hatchery and other details of the business & came in had lunch & shaved Will, Dad, Mr. Ferini, 337

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and that fellow Sam Showers who said he would not take you away from me, and that you was his girl. You remember that foolish fellow, don't you? The poor fellow needed a shave so I gave him one. Then I laid down and slept for 2 hours. Got up at 3:30 and went upstairs took a nice hot bath and changed my clothes, came down and we had a nice dinner. Mother had a guest who came in the afternoon and spent the afternoon & took dinner, and I expect will stay all night and I'll have to sleep with Will I guess. He wants me to come back and sleep with him anyway as he likes to have me with him. He asked me 2 or 3 times if I had deserted him. He said he knew he would have to be away from me soon but he said he did not want to be separated from me till he had to be. So I guess I'll return again. Monday Morning, Jan 26, 1914 Good morning dear. I am sorry that I have not been able to get this letter off to you before now, but it was just impossible. I carried it home with me Sat. night, so as to finish it as I knew I would be so busy this morning I would not have time. I rec'd your lovely letter Sat. and was so glad to get it. I enjoy them so much & look 338

forward to them so, that I feel ashamed that I have not been able to write before now. I do the best I can dear and I can do no more, so please excuse me. Mother asked me to sing for them so I did and retired at 9:30 & I certainly felt fine this morning. I must close now dear so as to get this off in the mail this morning. So with Love and fondest affection I am always Your Loving little Baby Boy Jimmie Write. Love and kisses. Will answer your letter tomorrow. ]^ Jan 28, 1914, Wednesday Morning

My Dearest Treasure, Dear Little Sweetheart, I received your most beautiful Tuesday message on the very first mail bright and early yesterday morning dear, and I certainly was glad to get it and my heart overflowed with gratitude as I read it. I am absolutely satisfied dear at the present time that you are all that I could ask for. You meet all the requirements of my ideal in a girl. You meet my every wish. I find you always loyal, always true,

Dearest Bessie...

1914

always the same, always desirous of making me happy and fulfilling my every wish. I can ask for nothing more other than, that you will always be for me as you are now. You are the dearest, sweetest, most loyal, and true girl to me that I have ever known, or ever expect to know. My prayer is that you always will be as you are now, I could ask for nothing more love. The "Judges decision" which you quoted to me is a good one for any girl to ponder on. All the numbers meet with my fullest approval, but the one that arrests my attention is the last one No. 4. – 4. "To whom you can help him find happiness in his chosen ways, though, they may differ from yours." Most girls dear would have left this one out entirely as very few of them ever expect to put themselves out but very little for a fellow. Yes it has been awful stormy and has rained a whole lot, but yesterday & today has been fine and the roads down here have become fine again. They dry up quick you know as there is so much gravel down here. Yes dear I try to be the best I can to you and I am so glad you appreciate so fully everything I do. Yes I think I remember the loving pats you speak of and when I gave them to you, but I little thought they would make such a …Love Jimmie

lasting impressing and linger so long in your memory love. I love to pet you and love you and also love to have you pet and love me. My! dear but you deserve a lot of praise for not missing a day of school last week. It is a grand record. Oh! we must get married just as soon as we can and get on our way. I bought a lovely suitcase for you today got a bargain on it. It is a $16.00 one, solid leather. I also bought me two shirts and one suit of underwear for my hope box. The creek through the poultry yards was full to its limit, but the gates all worked fine and no damage of any kind was done. In the stormiest day the hens, under Will's skillful care laid the high water mark of the season so far, I mean they laid the largest number of eggs. I am taking good care of myself dear. Went to bed at 9:30 again Mon. night as I am taking my music lesson in the day time now. Went to the Union meeting last night so did not get to bed till 12 o'clock. In your letter of Sat. you said that you would try and get a few small evergreen trees. I wish you would dear. Now is the time to plant them. I do wish you could get me a slip of that beautiful red climbing rose, down on that house on the way up to your home 339

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near the cross-roads. You remember we got a beautiful bouquet of them one day last spring. You & I. I remember too how much I enjoyed gathering them with you. Do you remember the little kiss when I helped you out of the buggy. I must close now and mail this dear so hoping to see you Sunday I am Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie Love and Kisses till I see you. ]^ Jan 30, 1914, San Jose Cal.

Dear Little Sweetheart, I am going to write you a little letter this beautiful lovely morning. I have no letter to answer except the little note of warning which I rec'd yesterday. What ever got it into your head dear that I would drive up that old creek road. I know better than to attempt anything like that. The road around the other way would be bad enough, I am sure. I am writing with my little pen this morning just because I like to write with it when I have the time and can. I am awfully sorry to hear that you can't come down as I was figuring on driving you back. The R.R. officials

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think that the slide will be repaired so that the evening train will again be put on next week. If nothing unforeseen I will try and have the same arrangements made again next week so that I can drive you back. I was sorry that I could not have said more to you last night dear, but the shop was full and I was in the middle of a shave, and all I said would be heard by all, so that was the reason I did not say much of anything. I was too disappointed for words too. I'll go to church tomorrow and spend the rest of the day in my, or rather "our" garden, dear, (Sunday I mean) not tomorrow. Mr. Conant the Treas. of Santa Clara Coop. gave me a lot of nice slips, also a rare specimen of acacia tree, all rooted fine. I have a lot of bulbs which have to be reset too. I'll enjoy it all the more from now on love, because I am fixing it for you too. I hope you won't be quite so filled with sadness the next time I take you out to see it, as you was last time. I know you won't be. My two beautiful suits for my hope box will be done by the next time you come down so you can see them. I'll try them on so you can see how they look. I wonder if you will like them. The time is fast approaching now dear when we will be united in the bonds of Dearest Bessie...

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life and love forever. Less than 4 months now are left. I rather expect a line from you this afternoon. Must close now and mail this so you will get it tomorrow. With Love and kisses I am Tenderly & Lovingly Your Little Baby Boy Jimmie ]^ Jan 30, 1914, Friday Evening

Dearest Little Lover, My Dear Little Pet, As I expected your dear little letter came to hand this afternoon, and I was just so glad to get it dear, and so sorry to hear that I worried you so, that I have resolved never again to keep you in such suspense waiting for a line from me. I told you in my last letter that I felt ashamed to have not written to you before I did, after I received your Tues. message. But sweetheart I didn't think you hardly realize what little time I have. You know the earliest hour that I can get home at any time is 8:30 and it is so hard to write there as that is the only time I have to arrange the matters of details of our business and talk over the work ahead to be done from day to day. Hence if I

…Love Jimmie

don't get a chance to write in the shop here I find it hard to write otherwise. Then again I do not have the time now in the store here that I had when I first came to work here. I am much busier now than then and some days I do not have a minute for anything. But I have resolved that I will not have a lapse of more than two days again dear, even if I only send you a card. Some day dear, you will realize more fully than you do now the great struggle and sacrifices I have had to make the past year to accomplish what we are going to do this year. I am now very seriously considering retiring my position at the earliest possible date. It has rained so long that all the work is now going to come at once, so I must get home to get it done, as it is impossible for Will to do it alone. He cannot neglect the chickens any more, and now some of them are sick from the fact that he has not had time to put their yards in the proper order. Please help me know the Truth about them and treat them dear. We have treated them successfully before & we will again. Where all is perfection there can be no imperfection. Saturday Morning

I did not have time to finish this last night dear so must finish this

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morning and mail it. I went home early last night and retired at 9:30. I had a good nights sleep and feel fine this morning. It is a beautiful day here and I did look wistfully up the old Shannon Rd. when I got off the car but no little sweetheart was there and no little Bob [the dog] came running to meet me. It was a beautiful clear moon-light evening too. I missed you very much dear. Hope to surely see you next week dear. Must close. Love and kisses

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Your Faithful Little Boy Jimmie P.S. You should not worry so dear when you did not hear from me, but I am not going to give you a chance in the future. I'll mail you a few lines if I don't have time to write a full letter. I sympathize with you and will tell you of my reasons when you come. ]^

Dearest Bessie...

February 1914 …They laid 424 eggs yesterday thereby netting us $11.82 clear net profit for the day. Arch Cilker was here at the granary when Will figured up and his eyes did certainly stick out some. Please keep all this dope to yourself and do not tell your folks as they may think we will be getting to be millionaires… Feb 2, 1914, Monday Noon Dear Little Sweetheart I have a few minutes so will try and write you just a few lines to let you know that I am fine. I got my early car home on Sat. night and had a fine sleep. Took it easy Sunday and retired at 9:30 I just feel fine. I rec'd your beautiful letter on Sat. did not have time to read it till I went to supper, dear. Monday Afternoon. Did not have time to finish this letter this morning love, so sent you a card hastily while I was out to lunch. Was sorry that you could not have come down dear, it was such ideal weather too. But it is all for the best as I served my notice of resignation Sat. night to take effect in 30 days or sooner. I have just completed my demonstration and found a good man who is very agreeable to my employers so I'll work this week out and this will

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be my last one. I hope dear, that I never will have to work at my profession during our married life as it is not very pleasant, as the hours are so long, we should be separated from each other for many hours at a time. I set out all my plants yesterday. I guess I have answered everything in your last letter dear so must close. Will try and write you a longer letter tomorrow. By the way sweetheart I bought the suitcase for you as you told me that you did not have one didn't you? Love & kisses with fondest affection & Love. Ever Your Loving little Baby Boy Jimmie ]^ Feb 9, 1914

Dear Little Sweetheart, Well dear, here I am at home again.

My Dearest Bessie...

1914

I arrived in Los Gatos at 11:40 and hunted the town over for some colored stationery but could find none so got the most suitable thing they had for you. Then I found they were entirely out of regular red baby ribbon so I got the next size. The baby ribbon is 15¢ a bolt & that is 25¢ but he let me have it for 20¢ which he said was less than cost. I got it at Criders and if it does not suit you, you can get your money back. Also if 2 bolts is too much you can return one and get your money. I mailed it all to you before I left town. Invitation cards & envelopes 25¢, Ribbon 40¢ & postage 7¢, 3¢ change coming to you dear.** Then I came home and had a bit of lunch, changed my clothes and hung up my suits (because I haven't got any little baby to hang them up for me), went down to the Hatchery, filled and cleaned the lamps, (so Will could prune) registered the machines, then helped Annie pack all the eggs and clean them. Then I went to work in the garden and worked till 6:15. Annie helped me for a while. Planted all the slips the baby gave me, and spaded up a couple of beds & fixed them, also planted another row of those flag lilies

across the end of the big front bed where we planted the ferns, but about 3 ft. from the house & not in line with or near the ferns. Got our printed stationery as you see while I was in town and am using it so the baby can see it. Will also enclose one of our new Bill heads and one of the old ones. I am much pleased with it and think it is nice. ]^

These materials were for the engagement party invitations, which Bessie was making herself.

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Dearest Bessie...

1914

Bessie’s Handmade Engagement Announcement A red paper heart is tied to a white paper heart with red ribbon. The announcement is hand painted in bright colors.

…Love Jimmie

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Feb 10, 1914, Tues. Morning

Dear Little Baby girl, Got my date wrong in haste. Good morning dear. Got up at 5:30 called Annie and as she failed to get up I have to wait for breakfast. Harper the Poultry man came in last night so I had to quit writing to you. I have my horses all fed, curried, groomed, barn cleaned out, and hay forked down for the day and have helped Will turn the eggs. We made very satisfactory arrangements with Harper last night, and our demonstration with the hens is being rapidly completed. They laid 424 eggs yesterday thereby netting us $11.82 clear net profit for the day. Arch Cilker was here at the granary when Will figured up and his eyes did certainly stick out some. Please keep all this dope to yourself and do not tell your folks as they may think we will be getting to be millionaires. They do not know the immense obligations we have to meet. Things are beginning to look bright and prosperous right away dear. It seems so easy for me to realize God's abundant supply for his children. Prosperity and harmony seems to respond to every-thing I touch. I am very much encouraged and happy this morning dear. Must close now and go

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to work. With dearest love & kisses I am Your Loving little Sweetheart, Jimmie I miss you dear. Looked at your sweet face this morning when I got up. Was hanging on the wall you know. New Stationery and Envelopes: PORTER BROTHERS Fruit and Poultry Farm, 106 Shannon Road, Los Gatos, California

Previous stationery was printed: Chas. H. Porter & Sons

]^ Feb. 12, 1914, Thursday Morning After Breakfast

Dear Little Baby Love, Good Morning dear. That little salutation to your nice little note sounded so good to me that I am going to use it myself this morning. I was very tired last night so did not write. I had a hard job yesterday and it was late the night before, when I got home from the Union. I did not go to church last night but went to bed at 9. I thought I would write a few lines this morning and mail it by the school boys

Dearest Bessie...

1914

so that you may get it this afternoon†† or tomorrow morning sure. I got the two hay patches put in here at the house and the potato patch plowed and harrowed and am now putting in the hay up in our leased place. Expect to have that done this week. Also have the orange trees plowed & harrowed. Must close now dear will write a nice letter later. Cleaned my teeth with the little tube of paste you gave me. Every time I see anything that you gave me I always wish you were with me. Must close before my sentimental and loving inclinations run away with and forget to stop writing. Fondly and Lovingly Your Little Boy Love Jimmie ]^ Feb. 13, 1914, Friday Morning After Breakfast

Dear Little Sweetheart, Just a line in haste before I go to work. I had a severe headache yesterday all afternoon and was not ††

The envelopes are postmarked on the front and stamped “delivered” with another date on the back. Letters mailed in the morning are often delivered the same day.

…Love Jimmie

able to meet it till I came home in the evening. The thought of the great change in work is hard to overcome, as I have to meet the material thoughts of others too, who think it is impossible to change from such lines of work without dire distress. I was able to overcome the headache entirely in 15 min. when I laid down quietly on the lounge in the dining room, and when supper was ready I got up and ate a good meal. I did not go to the Glee Club, retired again at 9. Feel fine this morning. Will finish putting in the leased place to-morrow, then will be at home again. As it is now I leave early in the morning and do not return till night. It is awfully hard work the very hardest kind but I have to get it done, so must do it. Don't worry dear I'll be all through to-morrow. I got your lovely letter and was glad to get it. I enjoyed reading it and after looking over the paper and reading the Farmers Union news I went to bed. Glad to hear that you have got along so nicely with your engagement plans. Glad you were so pleased with the ribbon and paper. The hearts must be pretty dear. Must close now & go to work, will write a nice letter now soon. Love and Kisses 347

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Your Own Little Boy Jimmie ]^ Feb. 16, 1914, Friday Evening At Home

My Own Dear Girlie, Well you can hardly imagine my great surprise when I had finished eating dinner tonight, Mother told me that there was a lot of mail come for me to-day. I found your beautiful valentine, and valentine letter and I want to thank you dear, very, very, much. Certainly I'll excuse the perfume, with pleasure. The fragrance is not all-together distasteful to me. I forgot to get you a nice little valentine when I left San Jose. So Annie very kindly volunteered to make one for me, so she did and so I sent it yesterday to you dear. I think she did very nicely for the first time, don't you? I hope dear, that you will be pleased with it as it is the best I could do under the circumstances. You know one can never get some one else to buy a valentine for you. I was much pleased with your valentine and letter too, dear. You are almost tempted to make a God of me, aren't you? Be careful dear, lest you do, because you can have only one God

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you know. Well I got along fine up at the other place to-day. Almost finished all I have to plow. Will came up and sowed for me. He likes to sow and sows fine too, so I like to have him sow too. Dad came with him & they brought the seed on the spring wagon, and while Will was sowing, Dad took the horse off the spring and hooked her on to the bob sled and gulched about half of the wood that was pruned out of the orchard down and loaded it onto the big wagon and I hauled it down to-night when I came down. I harrowed all I had plowed this afternoon. Will finish it all tomorrow. Am getting along fine now and do not feel tired at all to-night. It is 8:55 and I have got to go down to the barn and feed and water my horses. I feed them grain and water them the last thing before I go to bed. I want to retire a few minutes after nine so must say Good night Love Sweetly and Lovingly Your own Little Boy Jimmie X Goodnightie P.S. Can you tell the little pen I've been using?

Dearest Bessie...

1914

Bessie and her students at Skyland School

…Love Jimmie

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Feb. 16, 1914, Monday Morning After Breakfast

Dearest Little Sweetheart, I will have to ask you to excuse a few lines in haste again this morning as I did not have time to write last night or yesterday. I finished up putting in the leased place Saturday all but 2 hours harrowing. Yesterday A.M. I took my music lesson at 9:30 went to church, and returned home at 1:00. I had a piece of Mother's nice mince pie and as it looked like rain I hooked up my team and went up and finished the harrowing. Was glad I did as it started to rain last night and is drissily and damp this morning so I would have been stuck had I not have done it. Will has finished all the pruning so he can now devote all his time to his Poultry Department. I start to clean up the wood and brush today if it don't rain too hard. It is a big job as the grass has got up so high now. It should have been done before, but am not kicking as I am getting along fine. Am enclosing a clipping I took from the Los Gatos mail which may interest you. So with Love and kisses I must close will write again soon. Lovingly and affectionately Your Little Boy Jimmie.

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]^ Feb. 17, 1914, Tuesday Evening After Dinner

Dear Little Sweetheart, I have just finished reading your lovely Tues. message and will answer at once. I have had a very busy day today doing rather hard and somewhat strenuous work and my hands are a little stiff as I am not yet accustomed to the hard and heavy work, so am going to write hastily with pencil and will ask you to excuse it as it is now just 7:45 and I have some other mail to answer and attend to and wish to retire as usual at 9. How does that sound dear? That's no josh either. I was glad to get your dear little letter and to know you were so pleased with the little valentine I sent you. Yes we had a pretty good little time at Union last Tues. night. I was rather hoarse the next day as I was the auctioneer you know. I sure did do some selling love. I raised $17.00 on what baskets they had for the piano fund. I was pleased at the illustration you used of the "Oak and the Vine." Very good dear, a very good symbol indeed. The Oak symbolizes a true and loving nature, great strength of mind and

Dearest Bessie...

1914

character, steadfastness, firmly rooted to resist all the storms and tempests of temptation, always ready and fully capable of carrying and bearing up the dear little vine to its heart and bosom, lifting it up from the cold damp earth and bearing it up to sunshine and beauty. Remember dear, please remember that the vine of its own accord will never leave the Oak, it will never be torn from its bosom of its own free will. It cannot dear, that's purely and plainly logical, "unless" someone else, be they male or female, stretches forth their hand tears it down. The Oak, then, poor Oak is then (although just as powerful and strong and true and loving as ever), is powerless to resist. Let your motto then always be "listen to no one" but the dictates of "your own conscience" and what the "Oak is to the Vine," lest by word or otherwise some designing or jealous person tears the loving clinging little Vine from her happy lifelong home closely enfolded in the loving arms, to the bosom of the beautiful Oak. Yes dear 12 more weeks, that's all. A few more days and it will be 2 yrs since you painted & penciled the almond blossoms for me. They are now in full bloom as they was then. Glad you went to the party and had a …Love Jimmie

nice time. Sorry I could not have been with you. Say dear, it may be possible that we will have a house full of company this week and if we do it would make your visit rather unpleasant. I'll phone you and let you know either Thurs, eve or Fri., morning. If they all come I guess it would be better for you not to come down. It makes it rather bad as I had been looking forward to your coming with pleasure & it might not be possible for you to come down the week following and leave all the work for your mother. But cheer up dear they may not come and we will be all hunky dory then. I hope to be able to arrange things satisfactory to all concerned. Must close as it is getting late. With dearest Love & many kisses I am always Your Loving little Boy X Goodnightie Jimmie. ]^

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Jimmie and Bessie at Skyland School 1914

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Dearest Bessie...

1914

Feb 20, 1914, Friday Evening At Home

My Dearest Little Bessie, I was very much disappointed that you could not get down this week as I had so much to discuss with you. I succeeded in arranging everything satisfactory, (as I told you I thought I would,) to all concerned. I had planned to drive you to San Jose with me and some other pleasures which I hardly think you would have anticipated and which I am sure you would have enjoyed. I don't think you were able to get to school to-day, as it has been the stormiest day of the entire winter. My! but how it did storm, blow and rain. No damage done though with the exception of one water gate which was torn loose from its foundation, but can be repaired as soon as the water recedes. I do not work out in the rain on rainy days dear, as I plan to have plenty of indoor jobs for rainy days. I have been working the last couple of days getting the Brooder [it appears that one two-sided page has been thrown away here, and the top of the next page is cut off]

mind, as it is getting late, "nearly 11 o'clock", and I am kind of tired, and

…Love Jimmie

might say something I'd be sorry for. I am sorry that there was such a delay in between my letters this week but as I expected you down I did not write after Tues. evening as you would not have gotten it in time. Must close now and say good-night dear. Will write again in a day [this is the backside of the page that is cut off so more is missing here]

P.S. I have given you all I have to give, I love you with all my heart, I have done for you all that in my power lies. Perhaps my friends are right, they say I do too much for you, make too much of you and will regret it. I know now they are not right, are they dear, because you are different from any other girl I ever knew. Good night sweetheart. I love you dearly. Your Little Jimmie ]^ Feb. 22, 1914, Sunday Evening At Home

My Dearest Treasure, Dear Little Bessie, I have not heard from you since last Thursday, seems quite a long time to me dear. I am not kicking though as I know you are busy, and too the trains

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are washed out and perhaps the mails did not come through. Last week I broke all records I never left my home a single evening from Sunday to Sunday, including this evening. When it is "not necessary" I do not go out just for the fun of being out. I do not think I would want to work another year through as I did last year. I was severely criticized because I never went to bed but people little knew the great struggle I was making to accomplish when I had set out to do, and little did they know the money I was making. But I have done with it now and I do not intend to stay up nights for merely social engagements. I have not been out but one night since I returned home and that was the F. U. meeting. I have lots of work to get accomplished and do before that eventful date arrives and I need all my rest, time and strength for my business. As I have told you too I long for a nice quiet home life and I love to be in my home all the time if that were possible. I see by the paper to-day that you went to Bert Ingraham's birthday party. You did not tell me about that, if the report is true and you did go you had a good reason for doing so and I trust your evening was a pleasant one to you, dear. I must close now and retire dear as 354

I have to get up early in the morning. It has rained here again all day to-day. My! such a lot of rain it is awful. With Love and best wishes to all and tenderest love & affection to you dear with a little bunch of goodnight kisses I am Your Little Baby Boy Jimmie ]^ Feb. 24, 1914, Tuesday Night 11 P.M.

My Dearest Sweetheart, Hello dear, you here! just thought I would kiss you to wake you up before I went to bed. I have just returned from the F.U. Meeting and as I have lots to do in the morning I'll not have a minute after breakfast to write in, so as I want to mail this to you tomorrow morning by the boys when they go to school I'll have to write to-night before I go to bed. I did not receive your letter of Sat. until today. There was no delivery of mail yesterday as it was a holiday. Dad went in town this morning to ship and got the mail so I had it at lunch time. I attended to the picture matter at once. The lady who bought out Carruthers Studio happens to be a friend of mine so she made the picture

Dearest Bessie...

1914

and sent it to me this afternoon and I'll get it tomorrow she says. How's that for quick work, dear? I got the list of things you are to send me, I'll be glad to attend to for you. Will leave home here at 1 P.M. and will be there at 5 P.M. Saturday. I have a couple of new songs. If you know a person up there who can play accompaniments on the piano, good, and invite them I'll try and sing them for you. A little program arranged is very appropriate at an affair of this kind. A few songs, pianoforte solos etc. I'll bring your picture with me also mine dear. I thought some of writing the story of the party in advance but cannot do it as I want to write the truth and I cannot to that in advance, but will write it for you Sunday. It won't take me long. A friend of mine in San Jose just had one and his was very much like ours is going to be. A little story like that I can write up in a very short time, and you cannot get it in before a week from Sunday anyway. You can copy it and give it to Ella and let her send it in Mon., or not later than Tues. and you will have a better chance of getting a prominent place for the pictures and story by getting it in early. I have not rec'd your Tues. message yet. I expect to get it tomorrow, sure. …Love Jimmie

I did not thing that you would be able to make it to school Friday. You did well to get in all the rest of the days. It sure did rain here too. The hardest ever yet. Must close now dear as it is 12 o'clock. First night I have been out or up late for ten days. How's that for a record. I am very anxious to see you dear as it seems like a year since I saw you. Will write again this week if I have time. With much love and kisses I am always Your Little Baby Jimmie X Good night dear ]^

[Note; On February 26, Florence Smith wrote to Bessie – that letter and two others from Florence are included in their own section in this book.]

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Finally, they tell the world they’re engaged, seventeen months after it happens.

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Dearest Bessie...

March 1914 … Sunday evening just as the sun was setting I stood out at the farther end of the yards in the hay field and looked over the beautiful crop & the fine promising orchard and as usual when my eye or mind beholds anything beautiful that I enjoy I always wish that you were at my side to enjoy it too… March 2, 1914, Monday Evening At the table

My Dearest Little Treasure, Well here I am at the table in the dining room. My Mother is seated at her usual place and your Mother is seated opposite me, as you see dear I have two Mothers in my home tonight. This is the first time in my life that such a thing has happened. I am taking good care of your Mother. We did not get to Los Gatos in time to get the 11 o’clock car so I brought her home with me and she had a nice little rest and lunch and then Dad drove her to the car. She took the 1:48 and returned in the 5:20 She had plenty of time to do all her errands and waited 20 min. for the car. I met her and drove her up the road. She is feeling fine tonight and seems very happy. I have put my little sweater on her and she and I have been out to the brooder house and to the

…Love Jimmie

hatchery. She said she is not used to having anyone wait on her, but I promised her I would take good care of her and am keeping my promise. I am going to give her this little message to give to you upon her return. I got out for a minute to get a slip from that beautiful rose on the way down and while I was down there the horse turned a little to the side and caught the frame of our little picture and cracked it. I felt terrible at the time but after I got home and examined it I found that the picture and frame included were of little or no value. The picture is a “cromo” not an oil painting at all. Just a cheap imitation. The frame is only a common piece of wood crudely whittled out with a pocket knife and not carved. So dear do not feel sad or disappointed as we have not lost anything, and then too I can glue it together and it will not be noticed. So don’t cry, baby dear, will you? 357

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I must close now and put our “pet” to bed. Dad is talking to her a blue streak but I think she is tired. So with dearest love and kisses and fondest affection I am Your little baby boy Jimmie Goodnight dearie. Sweet dreams. ]^ Mar. 9, 1914, Monday Evening

Dearest Little Sweetheart, Well dear, after I left you yesterday I went to church and after the services I did not stop to talk very much to anybody but came right home. I hooked the cultivator on behind the buggy and took it down to Al Barshow’s to have it fixed so I’ll have it ready when I want it. I then came back, put my horse away, changed my clothes and got out the disc harrow and took it all apart and fixed it up in good shape, got the horses out and hooked onto it & cut all the ridges down where I had plowed. It took me 2 hours to fix it up and 2 hours to do the work so I did not finish till 6 o’clock. Took care of the horses, had dinner & went to bed at 9 o’clock. Got up this morning at 4:45 and

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have been plowing all day. I certainly am busy now dear. The ground is drying out fast and I have to get all the brush off and get it done as fast as I can. I have just finished moving a yard of hens with one of the Ferini boys, and have answered a bunch of mail. It is now 9:45 dear and I must go to bed. Hope you will excuse a short letter as I am pretty tired tonight as I have been plowing in hard rocky ground today. I finished plowing that hard ground in back of the hen houses where my little pet started to take the lemonade to me when I called you and the little baby came tramping across the plowed ground to her little boy. How glad I’ll be when we can always be together. Goodnight sweetheart. Excuse pencil & scribbling as my little hands are a little stiff tonight. Love & Kisses Sincerely & Lovingly Your Little boy Jimmie ]^ March 13, 1914, Fri. Morning 6 A.M.

Dearest Little Darling Girl, Good morning dear, I suppose you will soon be getting up now and out of your little bed. I have just finished my

Dearest Bessie...

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morning’s work and various chores so while I am waiting for my little breakfast I’ll just drop my little Angel a few lines to let her know the little boy loves her and has been unable to find time in which to write her the letter his heart wishes him to. I have been very, very busy dear as the ground is drying out fast and I have to keep on the job early & late to keep up with the work. I’ll finish all the ground on the home place here today that is ready to plow and tomorrow I’ll go up on the leased place. I have got all that brush to clean up there yet so will have to put her on the high for some time to come. But sweetheart we have the finest prospects this year that we have ever had in our lives. Will was up yesterday and looked over the leased place and there is a fine crop of cots set there for keeps. I will have a big job thinning them, and will have to do it in about two weeks. We will surely have to get away by the 1st of May and back July 1st as it will be utterly impossible for Will to handle them alone, and we cannot afford to let any of them go to waste or spoil. The home place here has got the most beautiful bloom on it that I have ever seen in the history of the place and dame fortune and God seems to be smiling on us bounteously in all we do …Love Jimmie

dear. So you see I can afford to work hard with such fine material prospects and then last but by no means least I am going to get you. You dear as you said long ago will be all, yes, all mine forever, & I’ll be yours. Have lots to tell you will write tonight. Rec’d your lovely letter yesterday which you wrote Tues. eve. With Love & Kisses I am Your own Little Boy Jimmie P.S. Be sure and keep the paper I bought Sun morning as I can get not a single extra copy as the Manager told the Los Gatos agent that for some “unknown reason” the entire issue of Sunday morning had been sold or ordered. That’s going some isn’t it. They ought to publish a store oftener about Bessie & Jimmie. It would help their circulation. I only have the copy I subscribe for. ]^ Mar. 15, 1914, Sunday Evening

My Dearest Little Darling Girl, Well Angel I guess you are beginning to think that I have almost forgotten you, but far from it dear. I was so tired Friday evening that I laid

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down on the lounge a few minutes to read and fell asleep. Last night the Dunham family paid us a farewell visit before their departure from this valley, so I spent the evening with them. We have received orders through them for several thousand chicks & they have proved very good friends of ours so I was pleased to entertain them and sorry to see them go, although I did not come downstairs till 9:00, as I was resting. I had been working up on the hills on the Leased place all day Sat. This was my day on today so I worked all day except 3 hrs. Went to church and returned at 12:30. Met Mr. Pratt downtown and he asked me to take a little ride with him in his machine. I told him to call at the ranch at 2:00 and I would let him know. Mrs. Smith, Florence’s mother, is rather lame and I offered to drive her home from church. Florence rode with us also. It was an immaculate day today and Florence said she would accept a visit with mother. So I told her she might ride out with me but would have to walk back. She came, and I fed and watered my horses and little chicks, registered the incubators and cleaned and filled the 9 lamps, and was having a bite of lunch when Pratt came. He was 360

anxious for me to go so I went. Had no time to even sing a song with Florence but she enjoyed her visit with mother & left a little note on my dresser thanking me for bringing her out. Mr. Pratt, if nothing unforeseen happens, will drive you and I up to your home next Sun. in his machine. Will let us know for sure Sat. night. He wants to see Ella & just josh her and tell her I got this confirmed old batch with money I want her to see before she sees the young fellows. I was delighted and pleased to get your beautiful letter Sat. night and I sure did rest and enjoy reading it, so much. It was so thoughtful and self sacrificing of you to write it dear. It is 8:30 & I must retire as I have to get up at 4:30 tomorrow A.M. Got to get the team going early as the ground is drying out fast. So will say Good night love with Love & Kisses I am Your little Baby Boy Jimmie X nightie P.S. Excuse haste, scribbling and pencil.

short

letter,

Dearest Bessie...

1914

Mar. 17, 1914, Tues. Eve

Mar. 24, 1914, Sunday Evening

Dearest Little Pet, It is 8:30 and as I am very tired I must retire. I’ll ask you to please excuse me for not writing very much in the past week but I have not had the time. The ground is drying out so fast this hot weather that I can hardly keep up with it. Am plowing on both places daily, here in the morning and in the hills in the afternoon. You know I have 30 acres to plow dear and only one team to do it with. Am getting out of bed at 4:30 these mornings. Have lots to tell you when I see you. Sorry I have not had time to write it. Rec’d your dear little Tues mess. tonight. Was very glad to get it. Thanks dear. Love & Kisses Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie

Dear Little Darling Girl, Just a few lines love as I am very tired and sleepy. I partly promised the baby I would write so that you will get it Tues. I went to church after I left you dear and they had a beautiful service, the subject of the lesson Sermon being “Matter.” The Church is going to give a lecture a week from Tues. the 31st. Am enclosing you an invitation. While I know that circumstances will not permit you attending I am sending you the invitation because it is the first lecture given under the auspices of the Church of which I am a member, (since I was accepted to membership) not the first lecture given by the Church. I stopped into Al Barshow’s on my way home and got a copy of the Mercury. It was partially destroyed but I took it anyway. I also stopped at Mrs. Fales and she gave me a good one she had saved, will send it to you so you can send it to Aunt Phoebe. She said her daughter Maud Fales had met you at Thomson’s in the Mts. there and liked you very much, and told her that you was a very nice young lady and was spoken of very highly. She congratulated me and complimented me upon my choice of a life partner.

P.S. Don’t worry I am taking good care of myself. Sorry you did not get Mercurys. There are none to be had of that issue. ]^

…Love Jimmie

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She is a very nice lady. I want to thank you again for the beautiful present you so kindly and thoughtfully bought me. How strange dear isn’t it that you should get me the very thing I was wishing for? When I got home I ran the plow all the afternoon. The ground is still drying out fast and I’ll be on the job again at 4:00 in the morning, as I have a big pile of brush to burn at the roadside that is in my way. Many of our neighbors are stuck higher than a kite for fair with their plowing and cannot plow at all. Some called & were surprised to find us working. Mr. Fales cannot plow at all, ground too hard and dry. Schofield & Jennings are plowing with 4 horses on a disc plow. Cilkers have had to quit. But the Porter Bros. are still there and will finish in a few days if nothing unforeseen happens. Must close dear with love & kisses I am always Your Little Pet Jimmie “I want to be loved dear” ]^

Mar. 26, 1914, Thursday Morning Dear Little Angel, Please excuse me dear for not writing sooner, but I went to the Glee Club Mon. night & Tues, night I had to work in the Hatchery & help Will as he helped me out on the leased place instead of doing his work. I went up there yesterday morning and finished it by 10 o’clock and now I am on the last stretch at home here. Did a pretty hard days work yesterday and so last night I made up my mind to get a good nights sleep. After dinner I laid down on the lounge for a little while and then went right to bed. I had the grain for the horses all mixed & measured out and Annie slipped down & gave it to them. I did not let anything keep me out of bed last night as I needed the rest & sleep badly. I knew I could get up a little earlier this morning & write a few lines to my little baby girl, and she would get it just as if I had written it last night. Excuse haste & short letter dear will write again soon. With sincerest Love & kisses I am Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie Rec’d your little Tues., message O.K. And I guess you did mine.

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Dearest Bessie...

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]^ Mar. 27, 1914, Friday Evening

Dear Little Sweetheart, Well here it is Friday evening again dear. Just a week ago tonight at this time I was just enjoying the great pleasure of actually realizing the great anticipated pleasure of meeting and seeing my own dear little girl. It is now just about 8 P.M. I finished all of our plowing today dear. Hooray, raise the flag. I surely was glad to finish too. Would have finished a day sooner as I told you I would, but had to stop and get the brush out of the way. That is a fine job done dear you can bet. Oh! I am so glad you returned that letter you forgot to return me before you left. I intended to ask you for it before but did not miss it till after I wrote you Sun. and wrote in such haste the other morning that it slipped my mind. Glad that you enjoyed the orange and pie so much. Yes, I always regret so much that you cannot go to church with me. I do love so much to have you with me at church & feel so proud of you. Yes, am sending you paper under separate cover tomorrow for your Aunt Phoebe. I am awfully sorry that you cannot come down as you

…Love Jimmie

planned on Thursday eve. Do not worry about the outcome of the election for you know God governs all and naught but the right man can be elected. His work is perfect and you being is image & likeness must reflect perfection too, so all you have to do is think right, and you can then “ask what ye will and it shall be granted unto you.” Was a little surprised to hear of Sara B’s engagement. She was engaged once before and it broke off. I think she was never really engaged or she could not have done it, do you? Must close now dear & retire as it is 8:45. Good night love with dearest Love & fondest affection I am always Your Little Baby Boy Jimmie ]^ Mar. 30, 1914, Monday Evening

Dear Little Sweetheart, Well dear I had just got my things ready to write you a nice little letter when in walked Al Barshow. It always seems I have something to do when he comes so I have listened to him for an hour, when the telephone rang and Mrs. Staus who is one of the Committee in charge of the Lecture

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tomorrow night asked me to hand out literature on the door. Of course I could not refuse so will have to be there at 7:30. It is now 8:45 and I am rather tired and so here I am stealing a few minutes away from the dining room write to the baby. All I could find here in the office is the little telephone pencil so please excuse scribbling & haste. It was my intention to have written you Sunday eve, but Will had to go to the city on the 11 o’clock car Sat. so I had my hands full and was so tired last night that when I finished my work in the Hatchery I went to bed. We have had another fine rain here. We climbed through an awful bunch of work today. Had to pull the radish and mustard out of the hayfield. It was a big job. Towards evening I started to renovate and fix a new brooder house for our next lot of chicks. As soon as the weather clears I will be as busy as a bee in the orchard again. Sunday evening just as the sun was

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setting I stood out at the farther end of the yards in the hay field and looked over the beautiful crop & the fine promising orchard and as usual when my eye or mind beholds anything beautiful that I enjoy I always wish that you were at my side to enjoy it too. I contented myself with the thought that God has been so good to us that I ought to be ashamed to still wish for more. But I cannot help it dear. I know He will forgive me, for I cannot help but wish for you. I should never be fully happy in the future until we are together always. I hope you can come down as soon as you can. If your duty seems to be there Friday, I guess I’ll have to spare you. With Love & sincerest affection I am Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie Love & Kisses. Nightie dear. ]^

Dearest Bessie...

April 1914 …I saw her to her carriage and told her I was too overflowing with gratitude for words & that I could not understand why everyone was so good & kind to me. She said, “I can tell you the reason Mr. Porter, perhaps it is because you are so good and kind to them. Remember the Golden Rule you know.” So dearest, thus ended one of the most beautiful demonstrations of my life…

April 5, 1914, Sunday Evening 12:30 PM

Dear Little Sweetheart, In compliance with my promise dear I am going to write you the news I have for you. After I left you at the depot which I hated to do I went at once to the Dentist’s office. I found him waiting for me & anxious I should come, as he misunderstood me and expected me to come at 10:30 instead of 10:45. I then began to prepare myself for the demonstrations I had to make. I succeeded in having 4 teeth cleaned and filled and he said two of them were very dangerously close to the nerve. I experienced no difficulty or pain and gained unsolicited the compliment from the Dr. that I was a very good patient. Having successfully completed this

…Love Jimmie

demonstration I was encouraged more for the next one which was infinitely more important. My first work was to destroy all fear within myself and know that God was guiding my every move & action and that I could not do aught but right, and if I wanted to be married in that dear Little Church and it was right for us to be married there (and I really thought it was), nothing could prevent us from doing so. So I then thought and meditated for a few minutes and happened to think of my friend Mrs. R. Spreckels, who is the matron of the St. Luke Guild, of the Parish House which you saw in the back, and a very prominent and wealthy member of the church. I then went down to the little restaurant where you waited for me so long that rainy night, patiently, and without complaint, and called her on the 365

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phone. Her maid answered and after I had given her my name which she communicated to Mrs. Spreckels, she came to the phone. I told her it had been my desire for a long time to have my wedding ceremony performed by Dr. R. Marshall Harrison in her church. As he had now gone far away I asked her if she could suggest any way in which I could meet Dr. Fletcher Cook the new curate or pastor. She said it would be a great privilege and pleasure to her to introduce me to him at the vesper services at 5:15 P.M. and if I would be there and meet her at the church entrance she would take me into the Rectory & present me to him. I accepted her kind offer. I then thanked God for His beautiful and perfect guidance, went to my buggy and drove by Smiths. It was late as I spent 2-1/2 hours in the dental chair & must hurry home. I found Florence and a girlfriend there and both were glad to ride out home with me which they did. I helped Will get a lot of chicks ready for shipment, we came up to the house, sang a few songs, and the girls then left and walked home. While I was shaving Douglas came and it was then 4:30, so I accepted his invitation to ride in town with him. 366

He had Miss Temple with him. When I got in town I went directly to the Little church and had only been there a few minutes when Mrs. Spreckels arrived in her carriage. I assisted her in alighting, tied her horse & accepted her escort into the Rector’s study. We were seated there several minutes before the Rector came. I had a chance to reflect a few minutes and knew that God was there “enriching me and mine and all” for “in Him we live and more and have our being.” I thanked Him for the beautiful & many blessing He had bestowed upon me, and knew that what I most desired and what was nearest and dearest to my heart was mine then & here as God’s work is always done and if I could only lose all sense of mortal fear, I could “ask what ye will and it shall be granted unto you.” I did to the best of my ability as I did want to make that demonstration awfully bad as it seemed so right to me for 2 reasons. First, it was my first idea & plan which I told to you, second because I knew it would please the dearest girl in all the world, (my own little sweetheart), to see me carry it out. I was suddenly awakened from these wondrous and beautiful thoughts by the entrance of the Doctor. Mrs. Spreckels who had been sitting there Dearest Bessie...

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looking at me rose, as did I, & introduced me to Dr. Fletcher Cook. I told him how I had been born & raised in his church, of my friendship for Dr. Harrison the old Rector, and how I was at present interested in a church in which they did not hold weddings. He spoke to me most beautifully I wish I could tell you all he said. He said it was his great pleasure & Christian duty to make you & I one & happy, & that I could have his services and the free use of the church whenever I wanted it. Excuse this tear dimmed scribbled sheet dear as I am overcome with joy, happiness & gratitude to God the great giver of all good & you. He said as his time was so limited he would be able to see me some night the latter part of this week and have a long heart to heart talk with me & arrange all details. He then showed me to Mrs. Spreckels’ pew as she had instructed him to do & I remained for the services. His sermon was on “Heaven” and he spoke as beautiful a sermon as I ever heard preached and as near Christian Science as I would almost believe he was Christian Scientist. I wish I had time to tell you what he said or that I could write it to you. Mrs. Spreckels then said after the services that, as I knew, she was the …Love Jimmie

matron of the Guild & that her and the young people would only be too glad to decorate the church any way that I wanted it, if I would only let her. I saw her to her carriage and told her I was too overflowing with gratitude for words & that I could not understand why everyone was so good & kind to me. She said, “I can tell you the reason Mr. Porter, perhaps it is because you are so good and kind to them. Remember the Golden Rule you know.” So dearest, thus ended one of the most beautiful demonstrations of my life. I took the 6:25 car home, had dinner & Will and I went to Union and practiced the Play. We were unavoidably delayed & detained hence my late arrival home. Florence Smith wanted to me tell you that she wanted to speak to you today awfully bad and that she loved you. Jewel Roy wants me to tell you when I write tonight as I told her I was going to, that she was only joshing & that when you come down for the Play she will have a heart to heart talk with you & tell you the truth, that what she said Fri. night was only joshing. Peculiar joshing but forgive her dear, I have & I do hope she will be more truthful and ladylike in the future. I must close now dear as it is 2:30 367

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A.M. & please dear Oh please excuse me for being up so late as I have only done it for you & will not do it again. I could not sleep till I had written this to you & kept my promise as I had such good news to write you. You can go right ahead now with your plans and have the little girls if you wish them. And also if you have any other plans you can present them to me before you consummate them & I will always try my best to guide you right. But don’t close any plans or deals without consulting me as we are one you know and always will be. I have decided to write a letter to Charles Palmer & his father and endeavor to regain those letters which Charles confiscated. I cannot let that pass by without an effort on my part as you have been wronged dear. With Love & Kisses I am Fondly Affectionately & Lovingly Yours Jimmie P.S. I will give you permission if you wish to, to read this letter or parts of it your Mother.

April 6, 1914

Dear Little Darling, Just a line to let you know that I have written to Charles Palmer and also to his Father tonight. I am enclosing you copies of their letters which I wrote them, If Charles makes amends to you as I have asked him to do not humiliate him before anyone or say anything to anyone about it. Forgive him dear as I will do if he rights the wrong he has done you. If he doesn’t I shall prosecute him to the full extent of the law. The evidence I have and witnesses I can obtain is sufficient to convict him. Excuse haste dear as it is 9 o’clock and I must retire as I am sleepy & tired. Good night dear Love & Kisses Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie P.S. Am looking for my Tues. message tomorrow. ]^

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Dearest Bessie...

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Skyland School Last Day Ceremonies Crowning the Queen 1914

…Love Jimmie

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April 8, 1914, Wed. Morning 6 A.M.

My Beloved Little Angel, Just a line this morning to let you know that I received your nice little Tues. message and was glad to learn of your safe arrival home, also to tell you that Nellie Beedle came over yesterday and said that her folks wished her to invite you and I to dinner at their home. She said she was going to write you hence my warning to you to be very careful with her. Be careful what you write if you do. I think it best to just refer her to me. I can forgive but I do not easily forget, and so I admonish you to be careful with her lest she get you into unpleasant trouble. Excuse haste and briefness. With Love & Kisses I am Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie “Write” ]^ Apr. 8, 1914, Wed. Evening 8 P.M.

Dear Little Sweetheart, Well dear I’ll just write ½ hour to you as I want to retire at 8:30. I am very tired tonight as I have been very busy all day & have just got through. I

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ran the riding harrow from 6:30 till 9:00 and then with Will’s help I fixed up the berry patch in fine shape. It rained this afternoon so I worked in the chickens all the afternoon. They are getting along fine. We have the other two brooder houses all full now and the plant is running full blast. I received your dear little letter dear and was glad to get it as I was thinking of you all day & I enjoyed reading it just now & it rested me very much. I did not go to church tonight as I went to the quarterly meeting last night, and then drove Mrs. Cilker home as she called me up and asked me if I would do so as she did not want Florence to wait around town for her or drive back down alone. Left there at 9:30 and got to the Union Club House at 10 o’clock. They had already gone through one rehearsal, so went through another one and returned home as Geo. Wurz had gotten Jewel and also took her home. I am sorry dear that your letter came too late to prevent me from writing to Chas. Palmer and his Father. But I’ll tell you dear I have done right and I do not propose at any time to have anyone wrong you and get away with it. I have as I told them sufficient evidence and witnesses to convict him and I certainly am not going to let him Dearest Bessie...

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commit such a flagrant wrong act and get away with it without me even uttering a protect. And I have made up my mind to clean up another bunch and that is Jewel and Hazel D. and her father. This idea of people thinking because I am a good fellow that can say or do anything they want to has got to come to an end. When my honor and character is attacked I’ll resent and rebuke the maligners soundly and justly. And just so with Chas. Palmer. Being as flagrantly guilty as he is with absolutely no chance for a doubt, I intend to at least make an attempt at having him make amends of some kind, or suffer the consequences of his shameful act. I have gotten to the end of my rope of letting people wrong either you or I, by word or deed. I never have let anyone wrong you and I never will as long as there is breath or life in my body to prevent it. That’s me dear and you might as well know it now as any time. I shall await a reasonable length of time to hear some word from Charles just as I said I would and if none is forthcoming I’ll simply place the case in the hands of a friend of mine who is a high Postal authority who will see to it that Charles makes much more severe amends than he could ever …Love Jimmie

make to me. As far as the witnesses are concerned they will be summoned before the U.S. Federal Court where they will have to tell the truth & that is all that is necessary. Excuse me dear if I seem severe but these things have come to the point where some people have got to be taught to respect the rights of others and the rudiments of the Golden Rule. 15 min. over time dearest. Must close. Goodnight Love. Love & Kisses Your Loving and Faithful Little Husband to be Jimmie X Goodnight ]^ April 10, 1914

Dear Little Sweetheart, Am enclosing you copy of letter I have just written Mr. Palmer in answer to his. I think this will close the incident. Yes dear you told me all the circumstances and that he took the letter. If you had not made it so plain to me I would not have written them, but never mind, it’s true and nothing but Truth can prevail you know. I have consulted with authorities and find that I am in no danger of trouble. Keep this all to yourself. I will do

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nothing further because if I do I have to let the matter out of my hands and I cannot save Charles then. Excuse haste. Lovingly with Love & Kisses Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie Please return letters to me. Copies I mean. ]^ April 12, 1914, Sunday Evening 8:30 P.M.

My Dear Little Sweetheart, Well dear I’ll be able to keep my promise but that is all. I have just finished my work and am ready for bed. I have worked hard all day and not even able to go to church on Easter Sunday. I was very glad to get your beautiful letters and will answer them as soon as I can, also much pleased to get your phone message this morning. That completes another beautiful demonstration and I know they have treated you honorably and honestly. I had the goods on them dead open and shut, but I would have regretted most painfully to have to had to be forced to resort to use them, as I do not want to and will not injure anyone if I can help

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it. I only want to be honest, honorable and fair. I am enclosing you a clipping I have just clipped from the S.F. Chronicle which may interest you as this is the man who according to manmade law will unite us in the eyes of so called society as one. Also a picture of the dear little church in which I told you some years ago I expected I would be married if I ever did marry. Also the brief opinion of what the Bishop thinks of Dr. Cook. I have reserved a nice seat for you at the concert. Slipped in town at 2 P.M. today and had my picture taken with the Club. Will write story tomorrow and it will appear with picture about Wednesday I think in the Mercury. Watch for it. Goodnight dear, with Love & Kisses always Your faithful true & trusting little Boy Jimmie ]^ April 16, 1914, Thurs. Morning 6 A.M.

Dear Little Sweetheart, This has been a very busy week for me dear hence the infrequency of my letters. I stayed at home last night and went to bed early as I have to go to the

Dearest Bessie...

1914

last rehearsal tonight and will retire before 10:00 as we have to sing a long program tomorrow night and we want to have our voices rested as much as possible. I am so busy and have so much to finish up here before we leave that at present I have but little time to take it easy. I am glad that you are so happy and trust that you always will be. I can realize fully how things are with you & we will have a nice long little talk together when you come down. I am very, very glad dear, too that the time is so near at hand when we can be together at all times. It will be a great blessing to us both I am sure. I’ll meet you at the train tomorrow night and will be very glad to see you. Wrote a nice story for the newspapers night before last and it will appear today with picture of 20 members of the club. The opening of the New Union clubhouse will be a week from Friday 24th. You can slip down and see the Play in which the little boy is interested. Goodbye dear Lovingly & Tenderly Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie ]^ April 20, 1914, At My Desk

…Love Jimmie

Dear Little Sweetheart, Well dear I arrived home safe and sound at 11 A.M. I stopped in town and selected and ordered the wedding invitations and will get a proof of them tomorrow. They will be done and ready when you come down. I found them very expensive and so I decided to order a smaller amount. I ordered 225. So we will have to be careful with them. I have to send out a bunch of notices to the members of the Piano Fund Comm. Annie is writing some for me too. I use carbon copy and write 3 at a time so as to save time. Went up and finished cutting and raking the hay this afternoon. On the way up a young stallion which was in the Ellis pasture jumped over the fence and landed on Daisy & Flora’s backs. We had Birdie hitched to the spring wagon & was leading the other two behind the wagon. Daisy jumped on the top of the wagon and was nearly ruined. They thought at first her legs were broken, but I knew the Truth about her and aside from being badly cut & bruised she will recover. Must close now dear as it is 8:30 and I have a half hour’s work yet before I retire. I am very glad and happy now as the time draws near when we will no longer have to part. 373

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So good night love with Love & best wishes, and a sweet bunch of Good night kisses I am Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie ]^ April 22, 1914, Wed. Morning

Dear Little Sweetheart, Just a line to let you know I did not get my little Tues. message yesterday and missed it very much. Also to extend an urgent invitation to your dear mother from mine to be sure and come with you so that she can see the play and enjoy a pleasant evening as Mother says she most surely deserves it. Mother says to tell her it will be no trouble at all and she can sleep with you and that she will be most pleased to have her. I am getting along fine with our work dear and will meet you on time Fri eve. Excuse Haste. With dearest Love and kisses I am Your Dear Little Life Mate Jimmie ]^

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April 28, 1914, Tuesday Evening 11:30

Dear Little Sweetheart, I did not write to you last night as I intended to because my folks surprised me by presenting me with our lovely wedding gifts they have selected for us to have. Mother and father gave us a lovely Solid silver carved and engraved “Tea Service,” consisting of the following articles. Large Tea pot, cream pitcher, spoon holder, sugar bowl, butter dish, and cake dish. Will gave us two beautiful large spoons for serving, ½ dozen large forks, ½ doz. small forks, ½ doz. large spoons, ½ doz. small spoons. All solid silver and beautifully engraved. They gave us a lot more other things which I’ll not mention tonight as I have just returned from a meeting of the Glee Club. The sec. telephoned me today & requested me to be present tonight as business of great importance was to come up and it was to be the last meeting till I return from our trip, honeymoon I mean dear. Am cold so excuse scribbling. Am overjoyed at the way the folks have treated us and it shows what the power of Love will do. I am happy dear and grateful to God beyond words dear. We will have to have an organist so I engaged Florence. She had the Dearest Bessie...

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“Bride” and “Wedding” Marches all practiced up as she expected we would ask her. I have asked her if she would play an accompaniment for me for your program. She has taken it under advisement and if she does so at all it will only be with your fullest consent and approval. She would have to get a whole day off to do so. I wish she would as she plays a beautiful accompaniment on the organ too, and if she plays for me I’ll sing you two beautiful songs, “At Dawning” by Cadman and “The Stein Song” from the Prince of Pilsen. The music to both is exquisite and beautiful and the words express my love and thoughts of you. Will send you some more names tomorrow as I must go to bed now love. Good night dear Angel. With Love & Kisses I am always Your Little Loving Boy Jimmie Write just a few lines frequently. ]^ Apr. 29, 1914, Wednesday Eve.

Dear Little Sweetheart, I have had a bunch of business mail to get out and also a letter to Ella

…Love Jimmie

besides looking up addresses for my list I am enclosing you. I have about 50 more names yet so I have ordered another 100 invitations engraved. Will send them to you Sat. dear. I rec’d your dear little Tues. message last night and was glad to hear from you. Went to the Union last night and Mrs. Burdick was very proud of her invitation as she was the only one in Union who had one. She sure told everybody too. I explained how it was, as I had just rec’d your letter. Excuse short letter dear as I must retire. Will write again tomorrow night. I simply had to miss church tonight. This I do not intend to do any more. I have never done it till lately and must cease now. Only 17 more days dear. With deepest Love & Kisses I am Your Little Sweetheart Jimmie P.S. If I give you any names twice dear just cross them off. Be sure and keep a complete & correct List of those you send out. Lovingly Jimmie XXX ]^

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April 30, 1914

Dear Little Baby Girl, Well I was just a little disappointed today when the promised letter you said I was going to get failed to arrive. But I am sure it will come tomorrow sure. I am having quite a time getting all the addresses together. I want you to bring all the lists you have mailed out with you dear when you come down we will go over them all for a final time. I’ll get the other bunch of them tomorrow and send them to you Sat. Tell your Mother she can get the

boiled ham & whatever else she wants to. I’ll reimburse you for some of the postage stamps you are compelled to buy now. I am working very long hours dear and must retire early tonight so excuse short letter. Elsie’s address is Mr. & Mrs. W. Aschmann, 5416 Cal. St. San Francisco, Cal. Must close dear will write again soon. Good night. With Love & Kisses I am Your Loving Little Boy Jimmie ]^

Monogrammed Tea Set and Butter Dish A wedding gift from Charles and Elizabeth Porter

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Dearest Bessie...

May 1914 … these letters have been a source of great pleasure to me as well as a comfort and I have loved to and enjoyed writing them…

May 3, 1914, Sunday Morning 8:30 A.M.

Dearest Little Sweetheart, Good morning Angel Love, I wonder if you are up yet and what you are doing this morning. I intended to write you this letter last night but was so exhausted I could not do it. I got Annie to copy some more on my list and read your lovely letter and then retired at 9:45. Elsie came down so I done all the late chicken work beside my own chores and let Will go to the Fidi Amici Maypole dance. I am on today so I got up at 5:30 and have been working ever since. I just ate breakfast. Had 5 boiled eggs, 2 large dishes of German fried potatoes, 3 slices toast, cup of coffee and a bowl of porridge. All was cooked fine and to my liking and I enjoyed it very much and feel fine. I sent you another 100 bids‡‡ so you ‡‡

The handwriting is clear… but the meaning is not.

…Love Jimmie

can have one for every member of your family if they desire one. I do not like to be stingy dear never am in fact and of course I would not want to be in this case especially at this time. I am enclosing some more names and want to always be sure and check them up with your previous lists so that I won’t get the same one down twice. I lost my original list which was compiled in my leisure moments so this one was compiled in haste and in bunches. But we will make the best of it dear and get there just the same. I was compelled to promise about a week ago that I would attend a party given by Louis Wurz. He postponed it several times so I went Friday night. Will, Florence & I went. Had a nice time and they entertained us royally but I’ll sure be glad when I can have you with me. We went Friday night and Florence stayed all night. We practiced over my songs and I have got them fine, but Florence does not know for sure whether she can get up there or not so have your eye open for 377

another accompanist. I told Florence what you said and it made her awful happy. I will write again soon dear. Must close now. So with Love & Kisses I am Your Loving little Husband soon to be Jimmie Two weeks from today we will wake up in San Luis Obispo. Two weeks from today we will awake on the dawn of the first day of our married life. Just think Love.

“It is true” We will have realized our beautiful dream. Now let us always be careful and leave no stone unturned to make the reality as beautiful as the dream. It is possible and can be done. ]^

May 3, 1914, Sunday Evening Dear Little Sweetheart, Well while I have the chance I’ll just start a few lines to you as next week will be another sleepless week. I have given up the idea of trying to get any sleep dear, till after our wedding as it is just utterly impossible. I have 378

stood it for years though so don’t worry as I won’t have to stand it very much longer now. I went to church this morning and they wanted me to attend a lecture in Palo Alto and then attend services at the Odd Fellows Home, as our church has made arrangements to hold services there every Sunday evening. I was compelled of course to decline them all. Will has taken Elsie to the depot and I have just finished my work. It is now 8:30 and I’ll retire at nine. I have a bunch of mail to get out so will say good night dear and write more later. Tues. Morning 6:00 A.M. Went to a meeting of the piano committee last night so could not write. Will write tonight dear. Am enclosing more addresses I have had Florence and Marion get for me. Please mail them out. I have a package for you here from little Ralph Dunham. Lovingly Jimmie Excuse Haste ]^

Dearest Bessie...

1914

Skyland School 8th Grade Graduating Class 1914 Bessie and the Trustees stand behind the graduates

…Love Jimmie

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May 5, 1914, Tuesday Eve

Dear Little Sweetheart, I have just finished reading your nice little Tues. message. I was glad to get it and instead of 12 more days it is only 11 now. My dear I hope you will excuse such short letters now but I have just so much to do that I cannot get to it all. I had so much ahead of me today that I didn’t know what to do. I was raking a lot of hay when I broke my rake. I felt so bad to have to lose that time and make another trip that I sat down and cried, then thought how foolish I was, got up and loved my little horse, had a talk with Bob, smiled and went on. We sold our prunes yesterday, 6¢ basis dear. That will bring us over $140.00 per ton dried for ours. We have a pretty fair little crop too. They

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are looking better now. The cots are fine. Am going to see Dr. Fletcher Cook tomorrow night when I go to church & make arrangements for us to rehearse our wedding ceremony on Friday night when you come down. We will not come home until afterwards. I was awfully glad to get my little rest message on Sat. night dear, thanks. We will need two ushers dear and I thought Geo. & Marcel would like to do that for us. If they do not want to I have several friends of mine who are very anxious to. I must go to bed now dear as it is getting late again and I need sleep badly. So good night with dearest Love & Kisses I am your own little Baby Love Jimmie ]^

Dearest Bessie...

1914

Bessie did not save her letters to Jimmie This is the only one that survives.

…Love Jimmie

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Page 2 of Bessie’s last letter before their marriage.

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Dearest Bessie...

1914

Page 3 of Bessie’s Letter

…Love Jimmie

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May 14, 1914 Dearest Little Sweetheart, Good morning dear. Well dearie this is the last opportunity I’ll have to write you and address you as Miss Bessie H. Johnson, although I can always address you as I have above. I have not much occasion to write except that I cannot let this last opportunity pass by, and not accept it, as these letters have been a source of great pleasure to me as well as a comfort and I have loved to and

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enjoyed writing them. These few lines can serve as a greeting to you and you can enjoy reading them on your way down. I hope you will find as much pleasure in reading them as I have in writing them. We had a lovely drive down and all enjoyed it very much. Will be looking for you with anxious eyes on 2:40 train. Till then I’ll remain Your Loving Little Sweetheart Jimmie Love & Kisses ]^

Dearest Bessie...

1914

Wedding of Bessie Henrietta Johnson to James Underhill Porter May 16, 1914 From L to R, standing: Sarah Elizabeth Crapo Johnson, Hiram Hugh Johnson, Ella Johnson, William Ray Porter, Elizabeth Ann Underhill Porter, Charles Henry Porter, Annie Gray [later Wurz] Flower Girls: Marion Webb, Minna Hummel, Marie Fidel, Mildred Johnson

…Love Jimmie

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Mr. and Mrs. James Underhill Porter

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Married Life Two days later, on May 16, 1914, James Underhill Porter and Bessie Henrietta Johnson were married at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Los Gatos, California. A Wedding Dinner and Reception followed at the Porter Ranch on Shannon Road. At 8:00 PM they left for San Jose where they went to a show, had supper, and then boarded the 11:45 Overland train and “Retired at 12:00.” Their honeymoon took them all around the United States. They returned to California on June 28th. The fortune that Mrs. Josephine Dean told Jimmie was accurate in some respects and inaccurate in others. [See letter of August 29, 1913] Bessie and Jimmie were remarkably happy and remained devoted to each other throughout their marriage. They had three children, all boys: James Underhill Porter, Jr. (1916), William Ray Porter (1917, named after Jimmie’s brother), and Albert Charles Porter (1924, named after Bessie’s uncle, Albert Crapo, and Charles Henry Porter). Sadly, they had a short marriage, only sixteen years. In the late 1920s Jimmie began to suffer from pernicious anemia, a disease that was then incurable. He died in January 1931, at age 49. During the last couple years of his illness, Bessie returned to teaching to help support the family. Before that, they had been highly successful ranchers, moving from place to place (including a few years at the Skyland Ranch which they bought from Bessie’s father), and finally settling on a prune ranch in San Martin, near Gilroy. Jimmie, whose energy never seemed to wane until his final illness, also bought a grocery and feed store and formed a real estate company, both in San Jose. After Jimmie’s death Bessie moved back to San Jose and continued teaching until her retirement. Towards the end of her life she moved to Santa Cruz, near to her sisters. She never remarried. She died in 1956, at age 70. (Jimmie’s brother, Will, lived to be 95, and Bessie’s sister, Anna Mae lived to be 96; she was the last member of her generation when she died in 1997.) Jimmie Jr. died as a young man, but Bill (88) and Al (81) are alive today, All three boys had children and there are now grandchildren and great grandchildren, carrying on the Porter name.

…Love Jimmie

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Honeymoon Diary This Diary appears to be compiled from notes after the fact. It is contained in a small notebook and written neatly in the same pen throughout. The first several pages of the notebook contain the expense accounts and then the story of the trip starts on the next page.

May 16, 1914 Rose at 6:30 morning of May 16th. Prepared for wedding. Married at noon in Church in Los Gatos by Rev. Cook. Wedding Dinner at our ranch on Shannon Road. Reception. Left home at 8 o’clock P.M. Went to show in San Jose. Had supper and then took 11:45 Overland train. Retired at 12:00. Sunday May 17 Rose at 7 o’clock. Woke up passing three Barley fields south of Salinas. First stop San Luis Obispo. Saw ocean at Surf; rode along the water’s edge for miles. Spent morning writing letters home. One to Mother Johnson, Mother Porter and family and one to Wagners. Mailed letters at 3:30 in L.A. Passed through some beautiful orange groves about 4 o’clock. Had dinner in diner. Played cards until 9 o’clock. Retired in Beaumont, Calif. May 18th Rose at 7 o’clock on the Mojave Desert. Saw sand, sage brush, Cactus trees and Mexicans. Got off at Tucson, Arizona. Saw all the Adobe houses etc. Got coffee, mailed cards, and enjoyed nice breakfast. Boys treated us to Cherries. Jimmie sang songs with College boys. Retired at El Paso – a very large city of Texas. May 19th Rose at 8 o’clock, in Alpine Texas. Saw River Bridge 321 feet high and 2180 feet long. Not allowed to play cards, even for fun, in the State of Texas, nor buy, nor sell drinks. Stopped at Del Rio and got 10 hot Tamales and cornucopias. Stopped at Spofford, Texas the largest state in the Union. Very warm. 708 miles from New Orleans.

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Mrs. James U. Porter on her Honeymoon On a muddy street in the State of Texas, where no card playing is allowed!

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Honeymoon

May 20th Spent night at Houston, Texas. Our first stop. May 21st Left Houston at 7 o’clock. Arrived in New Orleans about 7 o’clock. Was 13 hours on the way. Passed old negro plantations. Saw beautiful pond lilies and flowers. Saw sugar cane growing, rice and corn fields. May 22nd Rose at 12 o’clock. Took trip on sight-seeing bus. Refer to Cook’s guide for 4 o’clock trip. Saw: Experimental Station. Horticultural Hall. Coliseum Park. Churches. Orphan Asylum. Jimmie bought 3 napkin rings for our table. May 23rd See Cook’s Historical Guide. Visited old slave market. French quarters. Cathedral, etc. Arrived in Biloxi, Miss at 6 o’clock. May 24th 1914 Spent day at Biloxi, Miss. It was Sunday so we visited the Christian Science Church. Sermon was on “Soul and Body.” Jimmie took a swim afterwards. In the afternoon we sat on the grass and I read to Jimmie from Science and Health. Spent quiet eve. May 25th Rose at 7:30. Hired launch in the afternoon and crossed the Miss. Sound to Deer Island. Jimmie and I fished. He caught a crab. I caught two fish and a crab. Visited Deer Island. Two families lived there and raised cattle, wild hogs, goats, etc. Spent evening in our room writing letters, making up our accounts and diaries and of course making love, like all brides and grooms.

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Jimmie, relaxing on their honeymoon

May 26th Got up early. Jimmie and I took a swim in the Mississippi River. Left Biloxi, Miss. at eleven o’clock enroute to Atlanta, Georgia. On the way saw rail-fences, cotton-fields, pine tree forests, log-cabins, Alabama River, Draw Bridge, etc. Arrived in Atlanta 11:35. Retired 12:45. Heat in the South was intense. May 27th Went sight seeing in Atlanta. In the evening went to the C.S. serv. which were held in a large Auditorium. Retired at 10:30. May 28th Rose at 6 o’clock. Re-arranged our suitcases. Had breakfast, shopped, and answered mail. Left Atlanta, Ga. at 2:45. Moved watch up one hour. Passed cotton mill. Saw prisoners working in peach orchards and grain fields. Slept on train.

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Mr. and Mrs. Porter, in their new swimsuits, which cost $1.00 each May 29th Arrived in Washington D.C. Got a nice room with Mrs. N. Smith’s home on 6th and F. St. for .75 a day. Cleaned up and went up to town and had a swell dinner of Boston Baked beans and our first real cups of coffee since we left the South. No trains allowed to run thru the Capital. Went in tunnel.

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Visited the Botanical Gardens. Saw real banana trees with bananas growing on them. All kinds of flowers. Coffee plants, Allspice, native Plants, Lovely fountain with 3 statues, Faith, Hope and Charity, Peace Oak tree which took $900 to transplant. Then visited the Capitol, a very beautiful building. Visited House of Representatives in session. A strong debate was on about closing Days of Anti-trust legislation. Then visited all parts of the Capitol including the national Statuary hall in which is located Statues of all the noted men in history which have been connected with the U.S. gov. They are placed in rows around the walls. Next we visited the Rotunda in which many famous paintings are located. Next we visited the Senate which was in session. Discussions for the appropriations of Battleships was taking place. Next we visited the President’s room upon the invitation of Mr. Greekmur, who upon learning we were from California extended us this special invitation and privilege. Finding no opportunity to get a souvenir we wrote our autographs on one of Jimmie’s cars on the President’s table. Next we walked to the portico, the scene of the inauguration of all the Presidents. Then we had dinner. After dinner we visited the Congressional Library. The most beautiful building in the world. So beautiful that words cannot describe it. We then wound our way homeward. Tired, weary, but happy after spending one of the most interesting days of our lives. May 30th Spent the day at Arlington, Va. to attend the memorial service. Saw thousands of Soldier’s Graves. Heard Pres. Wilson and Champ Clark speak. Thunder storm. Visited the old time home of Robert E. Lee overlooking the Potomac River. Saw tomb of the Unknown dead. In the evening we visited the Library again. Sunday May 31st We were very tired so did not get up until 9:30. Visited the Christian Science Church. Found the Church very large, beautiful and crowded. The Sermon was on: Ancient and Modern Necromancy, Alias Mesmerism. In the P.M. we visited the New 394

Honeymoon

National Museum. Saw every animal known to Mankind stuffed. Also millions of other specimens including the Grand collection of the Smithsonian Institution obtained under the directions of Theodore Roosevelt. June 1st Want back to the museum to finish up. Want to the top of Washington’s monument, where we had a wonderful view of the City and surrounding country. In the P.M. we took the train to Alexandria. There we visited the Christ Church which Washington and Lee attended. Sat in both pews. It was a quaint old church with members buried on the grounds. One of epitaphs of 1731 was on one tomb stone. Next we visited Carlyle’s home. The oldest house in America. Took souvenirs from the walls which seemed to be the customs. Visited the Indian dungeons where Indians were prisoners in time of war. Later took the train to Mt. Vernon and went into George Washington’s house. Had a drink from his hand pumped well. You get a weird feeling among the ancient relics. Went into each room, carriage house, smoke house, and winded our way to the new and beautiful tomb where George and Martha Washington are buried. 32 bodies of his immediate family are buried there. The Family Vault was locked and the key cast into the Potomac River. A guard is kept at the tomb day and night. The tomb is surrounded by beautiful ivy and climbing vines. Some of the trees that grow around it were given him by Kings and Queens. Later we took the Steamer back to Washington. It took over an hour to make the trip. Saw Fort Washington which guards the entrance to the Potomac. June 2nd. On June 2nd we visited U.S. Army, Medical Museum, White-house, U.S. Treasury, State War and Navy building. Visited Department of the State where we saw the original draft of the Declaration of Independence written by Jefferson. Later we visited the U.S. Treasury. A guide took us there. Saw vaults No. I and No II in which was stored $170,000,000 in silver and $9,000,000 in gold. Saw reserve Vault in which is stored $360,000,000. Next went into the Cashier’s room in which General Grant held his first Inaugural Ball. $3,000,000 is exchanged daily, old money for new.

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Next we visited Divisions of National Bank where they have $870,000,000 of Security to secure circulation of the National Banks in the U.S. Then we visited the Bureau of engraving and printing where they make all the currency, postal stamps, etc. of the U.S. gov. Saw all these in the process of making. Then we came to the Corcoran Art Gallery where we saw many beautiful and priceless statues and paintings. We next went to the Continental Hall, built by the G.A.R.* Auditorium. Also visited the Lincoln Museum. Went into the house and room where Lincoln died. Saw the last rail he split on the railroad. We took a car to the Zoological Gardens. Packed our suitcases and got ready to retire, after a hard, but very interesting day.

Bessie on the White House Steps *

Grand Army of the Republic [i.e. Union Army in the Civil War]

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June 3rd 1914 Rose at 7 o’clock. Finished packing – went to Terminal Station and took train for New York., Arrived in New York at 7 P.M. Went under the New York bay just before we arrived. Got rooms at the Latham Hotel for $2.50 a day. June 4th Had real thunderstorm. It rained nearly all day. So we rested up. In the P.M. we went to the Proctor’s 5th Ave. Theater. Saw the “Shriner’s Daughter.” In the evening we wrote letters of acknowledgement for hundreds of beautiful wedding gifts we rec’d. June 5th Took Auto Bus ride out on the Riverside Drive to 135th Ave. Saw all the beautiful homes owned by millionaires. Had my first ride back on the underground railroads – both local and express. Saw overhead railroads also. June 6th Went to town and saw Wall St. Visited Trinity Church. Then went out to Bronx Park. Saw Botanical gardens, flowers and plants. Had supper and spent the night walking up Broad-Way or the “Great White Way.” People just come to life at midnight. Took in the Play – “Seven Keys to Baldpate.” In the early morning hours we watched the Big Printing Presses printing the “New York Herald.” 5,000 copies every minute for hours. Sunday June 7th Attended the Christian Science Church – Sermon, “God the only Cause and Creator.” In the afternoon we took the trip around New York (it is built on an island you know) in a yacht, built for tourists. June 8th. We spent the day the Aquarium and Stock exchange.

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June 9th Left New York at 8:20. Arrived in Boston at 2:25. Took 3:15 train to Gloucester. Arrived at 4:28. Cousins Annie and Will were at the train to meet us. Aunt Phoebe and my cousins are lovely Jolly people. We had a grand visit with them. After dinner they took us out into the country to an old-time dance. Had lots of fun. June 10th Went to 10 lb. Island in the launch. On the Island is the Hatchery is where Cousin Will works. Gathered shells. June 11th. Spent the morning visiting. In the P.M. took car ride around the Cape. Went to Rock Port. In the evening we all went to a show. June 12th Visited their school in the A.M. June 13th Took 1:20 train for Boston. Our cousins presented us with many beautiful gifts. Called on Mr. Brown – a brother to the one who was our good neighbor in Skyland. They took us sightseeing in their lovely new car. We saw the house Jimmie lived in when he lived in Boston. Also the Barber Shop he owned before they moved to California†. Saw the school his mother attended. Spent night at Brunswick Hotel. June 14th Spent the day visiting the Browns. They took us sight-seeing.

†

It remains a family mystery as to when Jimmie lived in Boston but clearly both he and Will worked there at some point. In the 1900 census Charles Henry, Elizabeth, William and Jennie (who died in 1910) are living in Watsonville while Jimmie is with his Underhill relations in Oregon. In the 1910 census all four are living on Shannon Road in Los Gatos. At some point before the move to Los Gatos they may have all returned to Boston, or the boys may have gone there on their own.

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June 15th Visited with Dana Small and his wife – old friends of Jimmie. Also visited; State House and Post Office. Poorer parts of the City. North and South Church. Visited Will’s old time Boss, Wasson and Co. In the evening went to Needham to Cousin Annie Johnson’s‡ home.

‡

Annie Johnson is a Crapo, and is related to Bessie on her mother’s side, not her father’s.. She is Aunt Phoebe Crapo Lobo’s daughter; she married a man named Johnson.

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Jimmie with Bessie’s Aunt Phoebe Crapo and her daughter Cousin Annie Johnson Bessie sent this picture to Aunt Phoebe, who wrote: “I think the pictures good and Jimmie is hugging us so tight…”

June 16th Went from Needham to Harvard. Attended the Graduation exercises. Saw graduates from the year 1864 to 1914. Had a musical evening.

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June 17th Left Boston and went to New Bedford. Arrived at Aunt Emma’s§ at 10:30. Wonderful welcome. They had a big dinner for us and presented me with a beautiful bouquet of carnations and Bridal Roses, Box of Chocolates, 2 sideboard covers, doilies, ½ dozen silver tea spoons, 2 pillow cases, one card tray and pictures.

The Crapo Family house in New Bedford, Mass.

June 18th Cousin Jesse Crapo** took us all thru the town of New Bedford. Took car to Fair Haven. Visited the beautiful home of Henry H. Rogers, the Standard Oil Magnate. Had dinner at Cousin Nina and Jesse’s home. Visited Cousin Grace’s home and Uncle §

Probably Emma McCrary Crapo, wife to Bessie’s grandfather Jesse Crapos’s brother, Albert Allen Crapo. Likely Emma and Albert Crapo’s son – although there were a lot of Jesse Crapo’s in the family.

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Allen’s Fish Market. Had family reunion in the evening with all the Crapo family. All relatives of my Grandmother and Grandfather Crapo of San Jose.††

Albert Allen Crapo’s (very patriotic) Fish Market on Purchase Street in New Bedford, Mass

June 19th Left New Bedford on the 7:30 train. Went to Plymouth. First went to the statue that was erected in memory of the landing of the Pilgrims. Saw names inscribed of all the men and women who came over on the Mayflower. Saw rock with 1620 on it where they landed. We stopped off at Duxbury and visited Jimmie’s old home, where his grandparents on his father’s side lived. A very beautiful old homestead with 12 rooms in the house. Spent night at Cousin Gene Clark’s home.

††

Grandfather Crapo was Jesse Crapo; Grandmother Crapo was Ann Lamb Crapo, originally from Ireland, who married into the family.

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Sat. June 20th Visited Mt. Hope Cemetery. Took train for Chicago at 4:45. Slept on the train.

The Underhill Family Monument at Mt. Hope Cemetery James Underhill was Jimmie’s grandfather and Elizabeth was his grandmother. Catherine was James’s second wife. Nimrod died in the Civil War, and Edwin died from smallpox. James Jr. is probably not actually buried here as he moved to Oregon and had a large family there.

June 21st Woke up in Buffalo, New York. Had breakfast in the diner. Saw Lake Erie which was clear and beautiful The train stopped so we could all see Niagara Falls. Jimmie bought me a Souvenir Hat Pin of the Falls. It was made from the rocks beneath the Falls. Went under the St. Lawrence River in a tube into Detroit, Michigan. Had a

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terrific thunderstorm. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Roy Denny (my 8th grade teacher) met us at the train. June 22nd Visited the Stock yards. See guide book for all the interesting things we saw. Visited Marshall Fields big store. The largest store in the world. At dinner with the Denny family on the shores of lake Michigan. Heat was terrible in Chicago, so we were glad to leave. June 23rd Took train out of Chicago at 10:30 for St. Louis. Saw my first coal mines. From there we went to Kansas City. June 24th Arrived at Kansas City at 7:30 the next morning. Visited the house where Jimmie was born.‡‡ He bought me a Kimono here as my beautiful wedding Kimono was stolen from the Hotel. Took train for Denver, Colorado at 12:30. Passed over and rode along the Missouri River. Stopped at Colorado Springs. June 25th Stayed on train until we arrived in Oakland California making only one stop of a few hours in Utah. June 28th Arrived home safe and sound after a very Wonderful Wedding Trip. The Accounts Bessie kept a detailed account of everything they spent. The total cost of the trip was $218.30. This included wedding day expenses such as $10.00 to the minister, 20¢ for the show in San Jose, and 40¢ for “Bananas, cherries and gum.” One recurring expense was “ice cream and sodas.” They spent $2.00 on bathing suits. And James ‡‡

Among the family mysteries is how Jimmie came to be born in Kansas. His son, Bill, speculates that when the family was on the way from Boston to California, “Maybe the train broke down, or the buggy broke, or they ran out of money.” Clearly they did not stay in Kansas for long.

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needed a pair of “Low cut white shoes” ($1.00) and a suit of underwear (50¢). In New York they bought 26 post cards, and in Chicago 7 pennants. The Niagara Falls Hat Pin cost 65¢. They paid their train fares as they went. The sleeper from Denver to Oakland, for two, was $4.50.

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Bessie’s Life

Bessie Johnson at 18 Just before she started her Autobiography Bessie’s Life

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Life and Diary of Bessie Johnson Introduction Beginning in 1906, Bessie wrote an autobiography. The very first paragraph surprises us – we learn that her given name was Isabel; Bessie is a nickname, “which I like best.” In Chapter XIX she tells us, “In all of these chapters I am writing in the tense I would if I was old and gray and writing my past life.” Her style is anything but “old and gray.” In short sketches we get a full picture of her life at the turn of the last century, of California and its landscape, of her family and friends. When Bessie finished the autobiography, in 1907, she began to keep a diary, “of only the days in which something unusual happens.” On one occasion she summarizes an entire year in one brief entry. The first mention of James Porter is on July 11, 1911, when he’s included in a list of guests at her birthday party. Obviously it’s doubtful he would have come to her party if he didn’t know her. They’d probaby met at one of the various parties, dances, club meetings and other events they both attended, though it’s conceivable he tagged along to her party with mutual friends. In any event, this is the first time that she finds him worthy of mention, and then it’s simply as a single name in a long list of party goers. From there, things progressed rapidly. On July 29th “Jimmie Porter” (no longer “James”) comes to spend the evening at her home; he comes again on August 2nd; and on August 5th he and his brother Will “and friends” (who don’t even get their names listed any more) come by in the afternoon. She probably saw him at the Union dance on August 10th, where she danced until 3:00 A.M. (though she doesn’t mention him – perhaps she’s starting to be cautious about what she writes). On August 26th he’s her date for the Grand Ball held at Wither’s Hall which, initially, doesn’t even rate a mention in her diary. The diary skips from Aug 13th to Sept. 18th – when she reports that she’s back in Gilroy opening the new school year. She then backtracks, however, and adds an entry for August 26th, reporting only she “had the time of my life” at the ball. We learn later, from Jimmie’s letters, that it was

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that night, a mere six weeks after her birthday party and his first mention in her diary, that Bessie told Jimmie she loved him: “The little Withers Hall program I have so carefully kept in my Bible since that memorable night of Aug. 26, 1911, when you first breathed the inner secrets of your heart to me and confessed and acknowledged your love for me…” [Letter of Feb. 9, 1913] There are no more diary entries until November, when she writes that she went to another Grand Ball with Jimmie, and spent the night at his house. In the next entry she goes for a buggy ride with “James U.” By this time their correspondence has taken off, though he asks her not to put her name on the outside of her letters. She is teaching in Gilroy and he writes her there, so her family, presumably, is not aware of how often he writes; they both go to great lengths to find hiding places for their letters. The diary continues through the beginning of 1912 but then ends abruptly. It’s clear from the beginning that the autobiography and diary are written in a voice probably intended to be shared with others, or at least with little concern about whether others might read it. Her last entries regarding Jimmie read as if she expected her mother and/or sisters to read the diary; the voice is stilted and unnatural, very unlike her previous style. Later Jimmie himself contributes to the masquerade, writing a “fake” letter specifically designed for Bessie to read out loud to her mother and sister Ella. (“The letter I would write to you anyway,” he claims as justification, “only a few of my sweet words are left out of it.” [See Nov. 8., 1911]) A Note on the Lists Bessie loved making lists. She lists her friends, her teachers, her favorite songs, places she’s visited, her family members, all in nicely ordered and numbered lists. A few chapters of her autobiography are simply lists. As these detract somewhat for the average reader, (although they may be of great interest to some because of all the names mentioned), I’ve extracted the lists and inserted them for reference purposes as an appendix.

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Bessie’s Autobiography Chapter I Baby-Hood I Bessie Johnson was born at Livermore July 21, 1887 [should be 1886 – see Chapter VIII] on Lizzie Street. I weighed eight pounds when I was born. Lizzie Street was named after an old ugly woman, who wore dresses up to her knees and frightened the children. I had dark blue eyes and dark hair, but when I was eighteen months old my eyes changed to brown. My right name is Isabel Johnson but they called me Bessie for short, which I like best. I started school when I was seven, mama would not let her children go to school too young. I wrote with my left hand until the trustees made me stop it. I not only wrote with my left hand but I began at the wrong end of the slate, as {I see mama and baby, ybab dna amam ees I}. I started to school at the little Hester in the willows near San Jose. Then I went to a school which was held in a house with folding doors to divide the rooms. From here I went to the Gardner District school. When I was eight years old I had my picture taken with the school. I had on a red plaid dress which was bought in Sacramento. My teachers’ names were Miss Purington and Miss Smeed.

Chapter II A Trip to Sacramento When I was six or seven years old Papa was elected Assemblyman of Sacramento, so I had a good show to visit the capitol. My mother, little brother and I made several visits to Sacramento accompanied by Mrs. Slaught and her two children Alice and Azel. On one of our trips we left San Jose about four o’clock in the afternoon. We played Hide-and-Seek in the cars and made fun of a Chinaman. We arrived at our destination late in the evening.

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Papa had a cute little negro as his page. A school-house stood next to our boarding house. At nine o’clock all the children assembled in the yard to take exercises, they used dumb bells. One poor lame girl sat on a bench watching them.

The capitol is a large beautiful building. We ate lunch under the refreshing trees in the park at the capital. All at once when they were eating they missed me. They hunted the grounds over but no Bessie could they find. All at once Mrs. Slaught and Alice went to the gate and looked up and down the road to see if they could see anything of me, sure enough I was coming. I had been to our boarding-house to get a nice bag of French candy which I knew was under our bed. A shaded walk leads to the capital. The capital contains a library which is filled with books of every description. In one corner is a statue of Queen Isabel and Columbus, which represents the time when Queen Isabel says she will pawn all her jewels to buy Columbus some ships. A large dome is situated on the top of the 412

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building. The capital contains sacks and sacks of gold. One of the men told mama and I if we could lift one of the sacks we could take it home. We ate at the restaurant part of the time. We went to San Francisco from here which I do not remember much about. We also made a visit to Folsom, it was papa’s duty to inspect the prisons. I will describe what we saw in the next chapter.

Chapter III A Trip to Folsom (1892) From Sacramento we went over to Folsom in a hired buggy. The first thing we saw was a power-house which was surrounded by water. In connection to the power-house they have worked continuously on the dam and canal. They have great floods at Folsom in the winter time that pass over the dam to a depth of twenty feet. There has been laid in the dam, canal wall and power-house over 188,000 cubic feet of stone. 16,000 barrels of cement have been used. The length of the dam is 218 feet. Charles Aull was the Warden of Folsom State Prison when we were there. The crimes that the prisoners or convicts were put in prison are – burglary, arson, murder, assault, larceny, buying stolen property, counterfeiting, forgery and manslaughter and perjury. Age of the prisoners were from sixteen up. The cells of which there are two hundred are covered by an iron roof. The prison consists of three stories, the first is occupied by the armory, the second is used for sleeping rooms and the third for guns, from which you can see the whole surrounding country. The convicts do all the work around the prison. My! But the convicts have to work hard, but I suppose they deserve it. We also saw the tall houses surrounded by gardens. Policemen are stationed at the top and walk around the buildings continually. If one attempts to escape he is captured, if he will not come back he is shot down. When we ate our dinner two negroes waited on us they behaved themselves so well that they were allowed to come out of prison and wait on the tables. The tallest one picked mama and I a bouquet of violets before we left. The convicts march likes so many school children when they go to work. The convicts are well taken care of.

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Chapter IV San Jose Teachers, Classmates and Schools When I was about seven or eight years old I started school at the Little Hester in San Jose which I attended until the Gardner district school was built. I went to a good many different schools in San Jose – the Little Hester, Gardner, Empire, Washington, Lincoln and the San Jose High School. But in spite of all the good times I had and all I learnt at the town school I never enjoyed myself as much as I did when I attended the country school. Goldie Martin a sweet girl of twelve years was my chum when I went to Washington Grammar school. We used to sew doll rags together and eat our lunch every noon in a comfortable hammock on her front porch. The teachers that I had were: Miss Smeed, Miss Purington, Miss Smith, Miss Walters, Miss Kelley, Miss O’Hara, Mrs. Bennett, Miss Minnie Rohrback, Mrs. M. Griffith, Miss Hale, Miss Kate Divine, Miss Carmichael, Mr. G. S. Wells, Miss Gallimore, Miss Sullivan, Miss Gillespie, and Miss Fenton the music teacher. My favorite teachers were Miss Kelley and Miss A. Ramer, Miss Kelley thought a great deal of me and always hugged me if I wrote good in my copy book. If she met me on the street she threw kisses at me. Of course in this chapter I am not naming my high school teachers or friends or telling anything of my High School life, that I will do in another chapter. My friends in San Jose are: [see appendix]. I lived on San Fernando St., Willis Ave, Sixth St., Eleventh St., Pamona Ave., San Borne Ave and a few other streets in San Jose. One night we were flooded out on San Fernando St. When papa woke up in the morning he saw water everywhere. As he opened the kitchen door the water rushed in at a terrific rate, most of our chickens were drowned. Papa cut a hole in the roof and we all climbed onto it by means of a ladder. He threw us down to a man in the next yard, who took us into his house. On my tenth birthday I attended a lawn party at Miss French’s house. When I was twelve I had a birthday party in St. James Park. We started early in the morning and got home about six o’clock in the evening. Besides our family a few of the neighbor’s children were invited, Grandma came in the afternoon. The presents I got were a wooden card plate with painted pansies on it, a comb for my hair, a flower vase and a doll.

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My Sunday School teachers of San Jose were: Miss French of Palm St. Sunday School and Miss Darby of Cottage Grove.

Chapter V Nine Months at Madrone We left San Jose for Madrone in September 1896. I stood at the window looking out on the side street. After a few minutes three or four children came along. “Aren’t you going to school Bessie,” they asked. “No,” I answered, “We are going to move to Madrone.” School had just opened but we were not thinking of school, we were looking forward to our long drive which was eighteen miles. We stared early in the morning and ate our dinner under a tree which stood in the middle of the road. We got there about half past four in the afternoon. Just before we got to the house where we were to live the glorious sun was sinking to its gorgeous couch of red and white clouds, and the blue sky was beautiful over head. The next day we started the tedious job of fixing up. Sometimes we enjoyed ourselves feeding pigs, all we had to do was yell, “Whoo-ee, Whoo-ee” and the pigs would come running to see if we had a pumpkin for them. Sometimes we would watch the miners on the hill. One of the miners whose name was Harry always gave us bread and brown sugar. When he left he made mama a present of a salt shaker and a sugar bowl. On Saturday we would either go wading and fill our pockets with “polly-wog” or else four of us would get on an old horse named “Ned” and ride all over the Hills. Sometimes I would go to Morgan Hill for provisions Our school-house had but one large room, no entries nor no hallway, a library stood in the corner and an old bench in another corner with the lunch baskets on. There were four rows of seats. The teacher’s desk stood in the center and brown organ out of tune right opposite it. There were about thirty-five children and one teacher Miss Beaulieu. She had black eyes, black hair and was quite tall and of dark complexion. In front of the school house is a railroad track and on the other side orchards and rolling hills. In the summer time a band of soldiers, pack mules and officers go by. We always went out to see them pass. Sometimes Gypsies would go by or camp near by then we would not go out to see them. Bessie’s Life

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But if you had passed along the road in 1897 you would not have seen this little old school-house for it has been moved away and a fine large school building has been built in its place. It has three large rooms. In place of the organ is a piano. The school-house has 1896 in Gold letters on it. All kinds of wild flowers grow in the yard. Our favorite game was marbles. We had some very nice entertainments while I was there. The friends I got acquainted with while I was there was: [see appendix] One Saturday our teacher came down and went up on the Hills to hunt ferns and wild flowers with us. Many a Saturday we went blackberry hunting or else we picked wild flowers for school. We had to speak pieces twice a week or else we got whipped. Our teacher went home in San Jose every Friday night. From Madrone we went to San Jose on Eleventh St.

Chapter VI Mother Mother was born in 1865, in East Oakland near Fruitvale. My mother’s maiden name was Sarah Elizabeth Crapo. It seems to me that the tenderest word of all is that which contains a depth of sweetness never fathomed by human thought and that is mother. This life, in its different changes takes from us and restores to us many things. Fortunes are lost and regained, health is forfeited and restored, tears are wept and dried, beauty fades and blooms. But there is one thing which life gives to us only once, and which once lost, is never restored – a mother. Mother is the sweetest, tenderest and deepest word of all language. We ought to love and reverence our mothers every minute of our lives. When we were young our mothers literally enveloped us with love. (Which hundreds of times I’m afraid we forget what she has sacrificed.) Although I love my mother with untold love many, many times I forget and do small things which perhaps cause her heart to ache (but this is not often). My mother very seldom thought of herself, she was married when but a child of sixteen [she was fifteen and eight months] and always put her thoughts in her children and she had ten of them. Mama is now just forty years old. She had four sisters and one brother. Mama was always an industrious woman. She always did her own sewing, baking, and 416

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washing in order to help support the family. Which I think is doing more for her husband than a great many wives do.

Chapter VII Father The ruins of the Rock House in Calaveras near Yosemite where papa (H. H. Johnson) was born and raised can be seen today. He had twin sisters, a brother and two or three half-brothers. He was born in 1857. Papa and mama had very little schooling during their lives but they read books and books until they became quite learned, especially papa. In 1881 he married Miss Sarah Elizabeth Crapo. Between the years 1881-1906 fives boys and five girls were born to them. One son of which died in 1885. In 1895 papa was elected Assemblyman of Santa Clara County at Sacramento. Thus he was given the title Honorable H.H. Papa was always an industrious and hard working man, never failing to support his large family. In 1894 he bought a pretty little cottage in San Jose. We lived here for a long time and then he sold out and we moved to a place on Sixth Street. Then we lived on Willis St. and then went to Madrone and back to San Jose. In 1989 we moved to Valley View (or Robertsville) where we rented 20 acres of land partly vineyard and partly grain fields. In 1903 he bought 10 acres joining to the 200 acres we rented. Part of it was a vineyard. Here we intend to make our home for years to come. Papa has a few bad habits, sorry to say, but as a whole he was a smart industrious man. There was not a thing about fruit he did not understand. He also was a good farmer. He is 49 years of age at the time I am writing this short sketch of his life.

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Chapter VIII My Sisters and Brothers In speaking of my sisters and brothers I will have only a few words to say about each one. I had at the time that I am writing four sisters and five brothers. One of my brothers having passed away from us when I was but a small child. Thank God! that none of us, out of such a large family, were born cripples. My oldest brother [Jesse] is now twenty four years old, and is married and has three children, two boys and a girl. He was never a very industrious boy but would rather go around and have a good time, but after he married he settled down to business. He was married at the age of seventeen. Next came my brother Grover Cleveland, who was named after the President of the U.S. and died at the age of four years. Of course mama says he was too good to live. I came next, so was the first daughter, I am writing this chapter on Tuesday July 17, 1906 and yesterday was Mama’s and Papa’s Silver Wedding and next Saturday, July 21, I will be just twenty years old. Next came my sister Ella (who very seldom spoke a kind word). She is now seventeen years old. She had very good characteristics but was altogether too out spoken. She had good natured spells and very cranky spells. She is now a Low Senior of the San Jose High School. Marcel, the fifth child is a strapping, quick-tempered youth of fifteen, very different from my eldest brother. He understands all about farm work and is Papa’s right hand man. He is in the High Freshman class. Next comes George, who is now twelve years old and perhaps the beauty of the Johnson family, with his large brown eyes and curly hair. He is in the sixth grade at the grammar school. He is a bright little fellow, but likes to play better than work. Then comes Ruby and Anna Mae, two bright little girls with blue eyes and dark curly hair, Ruby is now six and Anna Mae five years old. Anna Mae was always her Bessie’s girl (as she called it). Ruby was a very healthy child and Ella’s favorite. Then came dear little Howard who is now three years old and the best hearted youngster in the house. He has very large blue eyes. Last but not least comes darling Mellie [Mildred], whom I named after Lucinda Melcena Burns, a neighbor of ours and

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also a No. 1 magazine writer. She is a tiny little blue-eyed child of eighteen months and very fond of Mama. 1. Jesse Albert Francis Johnson 2. Grover Cleveland Johnson 3. Bessie Johnson 4. Ellen [Ella] D. Johnson 5. Marcel Joseph Johnson 6. George Kress Johnson 7. Ruby Frances Johnson 8. Anna Mae Johnson 9. Howard Hiram 10. Mellie [Mildred] Johnson 1. Grover Cleveland

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born May 18, 1882 born Dec 1885 born July 21, 1886 born Nov. 1, 1888 born May 1, 1891 born Aug. 3, 1894 born Oct. 6, 1899 born May 3, 1901 born Dec. 20, 1902 born Feb 2, 1905 Died June 8, 1889

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Chapter IX Interesting Valley View We left Cottage Grove Dec. 16, 1899 for V.V. or Robertsville. We went five miles to the Branham Rd. We did not get tired of the road, it seemed long, but it was new. As we drove into the driveway of the Branham Ranch, nuts were lying thick under the trees. It seems as though we had arrived at the land of “Nowhere.” “Nowhere,” pure and simple in every sense of the word. My first look was at an old-fashioned farm house fifty years old. Out houses where ever you looked. Barns, sheep-house, Blacksmith, Granary, one barn with seventeen stalls, shed for large wagons, buggy shed, milk house, woodshed, chicken and a large winery which we hadn’t any use for.

Possibly the Valley View Home These pictures are pasted into the diary in the middle of this chapter. The house may be the new house they later built at Valley View. (See Diary entry for September 1907)

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Bushes, trees and flowers surround the house. A lilac bush stands in front of the house. A wooden broken down lounge stands on the porch. Pretty green vines ladened with juicy grapes in the summer time catch your eyes from the fence. Three apple trees stand in the vineyard. Two tanks are generally full of refreshing water which comes from a well about 300 feet deep, the deepest well in the neighborhood. The grain fields are full of oak trees. The house has eleven rooms in it. A pretty bush of yellow roses covers the porch which looks likes long artificial wreaths. Marcel, Ella and I made $36.55 cutting apricots and peaches the first summer we were here. We got $2.00 and $2.50 a ton for prunes. I like to dip prunes. My job was to spread them after a tray was full. For five or six summers we worked for Mr. Evans at Campbells. Almost every summer I made an average of $30 or more. The people I got acquainted with were [see appendix]. One of my closest friends at Valley View is Miss. L. M. Burns. She is a friend I shall never forget if I live to be as old as the characters mentioned in the beginning of the Bible. She has helped me in every way, in home life as well as in school life. She is a blue-eyed woman with a happy-rosy face. She has love and sympathy for children therefore makes a fine teacher. Her grace of movement makes her one of the most promising women to be found. She paints, draws and writes stories beautifully. She is one of the most popular writers for the Youth’s Companion of 1903. She won a prize for making a pencil drawing of her nephew, Burns Whaley, when she was but thirteen years old. She was also a graduate from the Normal. She was my teacher for two or three years. I was pianist for four years at the grammar school and also at the Sunday School. My algebra, she would sit from a half hour to two or three hours explaining them to me until I understood them. If we had a party or a picnic and she was not there, there seemed something lacking. When she finally married a man from Siskiyou by the name of Mr. R. R. Denny, I could hardly give her up. But I am happy once more, for she is living in San Jose now only five miles from us, and I can go in and see her whenever I get homesick. Her sister Dora E. Burns was also a kind woman and liked nothing better than teaching her Sunday School pupils to speak and sing. She was among the first to start a Sunday School at Valley View. She was my first music teacher and gave me lessons for 25¢ a lesson. On my fifteenth birthday she (38) gave me a present of chocolate cake, with it a card which read, 422

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To Bessie, With best wishes for a great many happy returns of the day. From the Baker, Dora E. Burns. She was also a good writer and painter. She always prepared a fine and pleasing program on every special day. Mama says words could not tell what the Burns have done for us and I agree with her. Dora is now teaching down in Utah at a Boarding School. Three members of the family passed away while we have been living out here, Joe, Margaret and Mrs. Burns, the dear old soul. Other friends at Valley View were: [see appendix]

Mrs. R.R. Denny, Mr. Denny, their daughter Roberta and Mrs. James U. Porter Mrs. Denny is the former Miss Burns, Bessie’s beloved teacher. By the time of Bessie’s marriage the Dennys had moved to Chicago and Bessie and Jimmie visited them while on their honeymoon.

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Chapter X Relatives [This chapter is a list. See appendix.]

Chapter XI List of Places Visited [This chapter is a list. See appendix.]

Chapter XII High School I started to High School when I was sixteen. History, Algebra and English were my strongest subjects. My first lot of books cost me $6.10. Tuition Wheel Oil Pad Lock Wire Punctures Graphite Social

36.00 25.00 .25 .25 .50 1.10 .10 .10 69.35 .65 $70.00 Cost of 1st year at H.S.

I made $63 of it during the school term at the V.V. School doing the janitor work at $7 per month. During my first year at H.S. I had the following teachers.

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Class Teacher.........................Miss Post Algebra ..................................Prof. E.E. Brounell Latin.......................................Miss Schellenberger History ..................................Miss Keefe English ...................................Prof. Rattan I received an invitation at a Reception at the Hotel Vendome Nov. 7, 1902. Also was invited to a reception at the First and Second Pres. Church. Subjects I Completed. 16 points Algebra Algebra Geometry History History History English English English Latin Drawing Drawing

Physiology History C.G. English Zoology

The Teachers I had were [see appendix] My Friends at H.S. were [see appendix] I knew a great many more H.S. pupils but not well enough to call them friends. I rode to H.S. twelve miles a day on my wheel. Most of the time I had my sister for company and five or six others who went from Valley View. I graduated from S.J.H.S. Feb 7, 1907. Our graduating class consisted of 34 members. The exercises were held at the State Normal School. The girls all dressed in white and the boys in black. My dress was cream colored Cassimere. The waist was short sleeves, it had sixteen tucks across the front, four rows of lace and fancy work and designs. The skirt was tucked. Our class colors were purple and white. Our pins were diamond shaped with 07 in raised letters in the center surrounded by eight pearls. They cost $3.00. Our pictures were put in the H.S. paper, the Bell. For the Bell I wrote the following stories.

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1. 2. 3. 4

Paul Discoveries his Mistake The Pipe Dream The Lesson Taught Jack’s Mother-in-Law

Our class officers were 1. President – Robert Fleming 2. Vice President – Herbert Waterman 3. Secretary – Edna Abraham 4. Treasurer – Ignatius Peckham This is only a short sketch of the H.S. days, but I think I have covered almost all the chief events, except our H.S. was destroyed by the earthquake and we were compelled to finish at the Lincoln. This is what they said about me in the High School Souvenir Bell. Bessie Johnson thinks a whole lot of our class, at least we think she does, since she lets us add her name and picture to our list of class mates. That she is a great literary genius no one can doubt, both poetry and prose being in her line. She makes the works of Scott and Wordsworth look sickly along side hers. Never known to so much as think of a masculine individual in her life. We give her up in despair and conclude by advising that if anyone wishes to know Bessie intimately get busy and enter into the field of literature. My graduation presents were: A gold stickpin with three pearls from Miss Keefe. A bouquet of yellow flowers A white silk belt with a gold buckle and four streamers A postal card Album A religious book Cream colored hair ribbon and a pair of pants [underwear] – Ha! Ha! My favorite H.S. teachers were Miss Keefe and Miss Humphrey. I enjoyed my H.S. work very very much but I was very happy to finish and felt quite happy to receive my diploma and yet I felt sorry my H.S. years were over.

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Chapter XIII A Summer Outing at the Seaside and Salinas For some months of the year we are very satisfied to meet with our friends indoors, but during the summer our mood changes. It was my delight to sleep out of doors. In the summer of 1902 about eleven o’clock Monday morning we started for Santa Cruz. We took along a keg of pickles, jars of fruit, box of crackers, ham, sack of apples, eggs, jar of syrup, bread, tents, clothing, money, chairs etc and plenty of interesting books and papers. The first place we went thru was Los Gatos. The principal places of interests were: El Monte Hotel, Los Gatos Cemetery, Hotel Lyndon and from the road we got a fine view of the home where the priests are trained situated almost on the top of the mountains which surround Los Gatos on the southeast. Next we came to Live Oak park and Alma. A little above here the grade being steep for we were now making out way to the summit, all but mama and papa got out to gather flowers and ferns and pick blackberries. The next place of interest was Hotel De Red Wood’s, a large handsome building situated far back in the center of Red-Wood trees. From here we could see what looked like a dense fog in the distance. Papa aroused our curiosity by saying he thought it was the ocean. The first night we camped about six miles from Capitola. The next morning we passed through Soquel, which we did not enjoy very much as a large paper-mill stands by the road side surrounded by barrels of old dirty rags. At last we reached Capitola. We went four miles on to Santa Cruz. We just had time to fix up camp before dark. Wednesday we fished on the wharf, went wading and read till noon. After dinner we went for a drive around the water’s edge. Here we saw the Cliff-house, Garfield’s Park and visited the museum, where we read the Mercury stating the death of Abraham Lincoln, On our way back we watched the divers. Thursday. We started for Salinas at 9:30 o’clock. We saw a tame fox at Aptos. Next we came to Watsonville. Here we saw Notre Dame Academy, Catholic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, China Town and a little beyond Moss Landing. About six o’clock we reached Salinas. Here we stayed until Saturday visiting relatives.

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Friday. We had a party, after which we took a drive about Spreckels Sugar Factory. Saturday. About 3 o’clock we started for home and camped at San Juan overnight. Here we saw the oldest Catholic Church on the Pacific Coast. Named: Esta Mission. Fue Comenzada. Dia 24 Junio 1791 church. [“This mission was begun June 24, 1791.”] Sunday. We passed thru Sergeant Station, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Martin, Rucker, Madrone, and Eden Vale. About four o’clock we reached home, tired but happy after our week’s outing, and glad to see our friends the Burns again.

Chapter XIV A Day at the New Almaden Mines and Hacienda One Sunday Miss L. M. Burns (who is now Mrs. R. R. Denny) and I drove to Hacienda to get a view and take notes for the Mercury. New Almaden has without exception the daintiest and most picturesque row of old houses of any town about. Even historic Monterey can boast of nothing that in actual prettiness compares with it. The houses are built low, Spanish. Some are adobe, some frame houses washed over the pale ochre. There are latticed entrances, and cool porches screened with vines. There are pretty black-eyed children sitting soberly on the doorsteps. The buildings of the reduction works are vast and unlovely, but cool inside, in spite of the fact that five out of the seven furnaces are running night and day, Sundays and Holidays, with an inside temperature of 400 degrees. They use twenty cords of wood a day. We were first taken to the locked room, where the Mercury is received. A dipper was plunged into the big iron pot and swung up with one hand, filled with quicksilver. “Lift it,” we were told. One doesn’t get over the surprise of that familiar trick. With both hands one can lift it an inch or two. One cask of wrought iron contains $48 of Mercury and could easily be hidden in the folds of an overcoat, but its weight is just less by seven than a hundred pounds. The Mercury itself weighs seventy-six and one-half pounds. Next we went to peep

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into a furnace. On our way up the stairs we paused to watch the cars on the incline, one loaded with ore coming down the hill and the other empty and going up. The loaded one pulls the empty one up. It takes thirty-six hrs. for ore to go thru the furnace. The new Almaden is still the largest quicksilver mine in the U.S. Two or three years ago they began sinking a shaft under the reduction works to reclaim Mercury that escaped when defective furnaces were used. The shaft was sunk through dirt and gravel forty-seven feet to bedrock. The mine has been worked for fifty-six years since 1846. Before the Spaniards, the Indians worked it for the vermillion there is in the cinnabar. We climbed to the hill by the old road. 86 miles of tunnel is in the earth by the mines. On a little shelf of earth up by the church a sweet-faced lady pointed out the bay. It was hazy and dim, but before a rain, she says, it is so clear one can count boats upon its bosom. The panorama was well worth climbing the hill to see. San Jose in its cloak of trees the valley farms and roads mapped out. The white dome of Mt. Hamilton, so distinct through the upper air that one could almost reach and pluck it off.

Chapter XV Intimate Friends Alice Slaught is an intimate friend of mine. She lives in San Jose. We got acquainted with each other when we were seven years old. Many days and nights we spent together. We camped out a few weeks together at Alma. We also spent a week at Sacramento together. Our parents are also intimate Friends. I was born July 21, 1887 [should be 1886] and Alice was born Aug 22, 1887. We both attended the Gardner School. Alice is now married to a man by the name of Amos Simpson, and lives on Sherman Street. The following is a letter I received from a little Friend in San Francisco. [There is a space on the page but nothing there. Possibly the letter was pasted in and

fell out. There are many things pasted into the autobiography/diary, including pieces

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of fabric from of Bessie’s dresses, her hair, photos, newspaper articles, and other mementos.] Miss Dora Burns was also an intimate friend. See Chap. IX. Mrs. R. R. Denny another intimate friend. Also see Chap. IX. She now lives on First St. up above Blacks store in San Jose. Miss Lorena Flagg is another who works in a real estate in San Jose and lives in Willows. We went to the V.V. school together. Miss Jessie Luchsinger, H.S. Friends and lives on 150 McKee Rd., S. J. Cal. Miss Dora Tooze my first intimate friend is a nurse in San Francisco. Address 3700 California St. Children’s Hospital, My other friends I have named in other chapters.

Alice Slaught, later Alice Simpson

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Chapter XVI Three Weeks in Historic Monterey and Pacific Grove July 1903, we left for Monterey. We took all our provisions in a big wagon and we ourselves rode in a surrey. The first night we pitched our tents in a creek two miles the other side of Gilroy. The next day we got as far as Salinas where we stayed until Sunday visiting relatives. Sunday we had a beautiful drive to Pacific Grove, on our way we crossed the mammoth Salinas Bridge, where we found four lovely Ostrich feathers. We saw acres and acres of ferns and wild flowers. About four o’clock we reached Monterey, as it was getting late we went on to Pacific Grove and pitched our tents inside of the “Pacific Grove Camping Grounds.” When we got up the next morning we could hardly see for the dense fog. I gathered about 500 shells to take home, at the beach, besides crabs and mosses. An Wednesday we all went down to the light house and was taken up to the top by a kind lady who showed us the enormous lamp, whose light guides the people in the stormy wintertime. When we came out of the Light house we got a fine view of the sand hills and gardens. After lunch we hired a donkey which proved to be a “stubborn old thing,” and a tiny cart and horse and went for a ride. Thursday we went on the “Seventeen mile drive.” We started at Pacific Grove and rode along the edge of the water for seventeen miles. On our way we passed a little red-wood cabin, built in the rocks. No one seemed to live there except an old hen her brood of little chickens. Not far from the cabin we saw the timber of a wrecked vessel which had been wrecked years ago. Then we came to Pebble Beach. I bought a shell box at the curio store for 35¢ with a red pincushion on the cover. We came out at Monterey and saw all the hold historic buildings, “Custom House” and the Statue and lake where Father _________ [sic] first landed. Then we went down on the wharf to watch the “Gipsy” steamer unladed. Her we bought an immense salmon and went back to camp. Friday we cleaned and salted 150 lbs of Salmon and packed it in barrels for the winter. While we were at Pacific Grove we went to Monterey to see the

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“Automobile” races. We passed thru the “Hotel Del Monte” grounds and viewed the Hotel. The races were very exciting, and there were Automobiles in every direction. After resting a few days we took a trip to the “Carmel” where we fished. We left for home three weeks from the time we left. We arrived about six in the evening – tired but happy, and with a great deal of knowledge about History Monterey and Refreshing but foggy Pacific Grove.

Chapter XVII Amusements I liked nothing better than playing over and over again on the organ the old familiar Hymns and Songs. I was pianist for the Sunday School for four years and played for the Grammar School for four years also. During the eight years that we lived out here in V.V. I played for a great many choruses, solos, trios and Duets at Entertainments. Most of my music I learnt by myself. I took a few lessons from Miss Dora E. Burns. My favorite Hymns were: [see appendix]. Altogether I have about forty favorite pieces, of course I know hundreds of songs but not favorite ones. I like an Organ better than a piano for home Music. I also enjoyed helping papa milk. I was the only child that could milk. I loved Pets, but sorry to say I never had time to care for very many of them. I had pet chickens, rabbits, cats, dogs, cows, etc. My favorite flowers were pansies, roses, violets, china lilies and wild flowers and ferns. I enjoyed reading about as much as anyone could. I loved to read stories of all kind except History stories, these I did not care much for. Dickens, Shakespeare and George Eliot were my favorite writers. I enjoyed a good novel if I was tired of my studies and house work. I also enjoyed reading the Bible. I am now making an outline of the chapters. I am now working on Chap. XXXVI of Exodus. It was my job to take care of my own room, clean and fill five lamps, take care of the dining room, wash the dishes every morning and every other night. For three

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or four years I did the washing (that is the rubbing for the ten of us) every Saturday. Mama did the rinsing, boiling and hanging out. Since I have been living out here we have had some very interesting Entertainment at the High School and the valley View School-House. I always took part in those given at the Valley View School-House and sang solos, sang in Choruses, duets, trios, quartets and played, spoke and took part in plays and Dialogues,

Chapter XVIII How I Earn’t My Money Well, I made $250 doing the Janitor work at the Valley View School. My sister helped me but I gave her music lessons for 25¢ a lesson. Every summer I made between $30 and $40 picking prunes, cutting peaches and apricots and picking tomatoes. Of course this just about kept me in clothes and I think I earnt my board helping mama.

Chapter XIX Lovers In all of these chapters I am writing in the tense I would if I was old and gray and writing my past life. But all of these things are true to the time in which I am writing. I am now twenty years old. I have been proposed to twice, and refused both times. Once when I was Seventeen years old and again when I was nineteen. There isn’t any doubt but what my second Lover thought a great deal of me, but I had no love whatever for him. I do not believe in early marriages. I think a woman, (or a man either,) for that matter are not capable of running a house until they are between twenty-five and thirty years of age. A third young man paid a little attention to me, he wrote me one love letter, but I never answered it so the whole thing fell thru. [See Diary Appendix for text of this letter.] I am glad to say that I am not against marrying, but I intend to teach for a while and if the right man comes along I will not refuse him, be it early or late.

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Chapter XX Sunday School Work I attend Sunday School every chance I get. We live six miles from the churches in San Jose, but we have a nice S.S. of our own out here every Sunday. It is held in the Assembly Hall of the Grammar School. The Superintendent, Mr. Ray Sharples, comes home from College Park. I think it is very kind of him to take so much interest in us. I play for S.S. and Mary Armstrong plays for Church. I am outlining the different chapters in the Bible, I am now working on the Book of Exodus. I was elected delegate to the County S.S. Convention twice. Once a year we unite with the Grammar school and have a picnic. I recently took part in two plays given for the benefit of the Minister, Mr. Pierce, of San Jose. One of the plays was entitled, “Almost A Mormon,” the other “Two to a Quarrel.” When Miss Burns was our teacher, she gave prizes for the highest standing in the intermediate class. I won about four prizes. I am writing this Chapter on Mar. 17, 1907, Sunday. We are holding Sunday School in the afternoon but in the Summer time we will hold church in the evenings again.

Chapter XXI Terrific Earthquake April the 18th 1906, I was lying awake in my bed, reciting my history, when all of a sudden my bed began to sway a little, but it kept a getting worse and worse until finally I jumped up and ran for dear life, just in time to feel a brick whiz by the rim of each ear. Just as papa and I came out the back door we heard the Earthquake strike San Jose with one terrific blow. Words cannot describe the damage which was done to San Jose and San Francisco. Almost one-half of San Francisco perished, all the fine buildings were shaken down like so much paper. It will take years to repair it. All during this winter the poor homeless people suffered with the rain and cold. Thousands spent the

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winter in tents. In San Jose, Hotel Vendome was ruined, the top of the Post-office was demolished, about 20 people were killed and 90 out at Agnews. The San Jose High School was completely destroyed and we were obliged to seek shelter with the Lincoln School pupils on Orchard St. We held School in the mornings and the Grammar pupils in the afternoon. A great fire broke out in San Francisco, and thousands of people along with their homes were burnt to death. My Uncle took I, my sister and brother up to view the ruins in his automobile. Oh!! such ruins!!! Buildings were down so bad, that after you got off the boat at the pier you could see for miles all over the City. People’s bones and animal bones were scattered all over the streets. It lasted thirty seconds, I am going to put a lot of pictures I this book which will explain everything better. “God” grant we will not have another terrific earthquake for years to come.

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Chapter XXII Trip to Oakland Last June I spent two weeks in Oakland with my cousins. And I had the time of my life. I have about thirty cousins there. I stayed with Mary Ann. Oakland is a grand place. I was there on the Fourth of July. In the morning Kit Costa and I went down town and viewed all the important buildings. The Oakland High School is a handsome brick building. The Franklin is a new grammar school which has been put up since the earthquake. We spent an hour or so at Lake Merritt, the band played out on the water, all the old familiar songs. In the evening Mary Ann and I went out to Idora Park.* And such a time as we did have. First we took a trip around the world. We jumped into an automobile and entered a dark cave. We first saw a big sign which read: “Hold onto Your Hats” & “Keep Your Limbs Inside.” We visited Italy, Venice, France, Alps and all places of any importance, while the “auto” went at full speed. The Gardens at Idora Park are simply wonderful, the trees are all illuminated with electric lights. One of the finest Operas of Oakland is situated on the grounds. The largest and most unique skating rink in the world is out at Idora Park. We watched them skate for almost an hour. We arrived home about 12:30 o’clock. Idora Park is half way out to Berkeley. Kit and Mary Ann treated me to candy and Ice-cream soda almost every time we went up town. They couldn’t have given me a better time. Kit took me out to Sixteenth station where we watched the eastern trains going and coming. We took a trip out to Berkeley. I never had such a ride in my life, unless it was going from the pier in S.F. out to the Beach. Berkeley is without a doubt one of

Idora Park was a 17-acre amusement park in North Oakland between Telegraph and Shattuck Avenues and 56th and 58th Streets. It was torn down in 1929 and replaced with housing. A freeway now runs through the southern corner of the site

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the greenest and most refreshing and picturesque places to be found for miles and miles around. The buildings are almost all made of brick and covered with green vines. We saw many beds of beautiful flowers, but the most beautiful of all was a bed of waterlilies. All of the University buildings are on the same ground. The most unique of all is the New Amphitheater which has recently been built upon the hill to the right. It was modeled after the old Greek theaters. It is made in the form of a circle and holds thousands of people. Berkeley contains many beautiful residences. Young Harry Lange (Mary Ann’s son, who has a fine job on the railroad) took us out for a row on the bay in a boat which he and his brother-in-law constructed together. One Sunday we spent the whole day over in San Francisco, and such a time as I did have – I will never forget it. We crossed the bay on a boat named the Piedmont. On our way over we passed Goat Island and got a fine view of the school, which trains boys for the navy. A Light-house and Fog Signal station are also situated on Goat Island. Just before the boat lands you get a fine view of Nob Hill, Telegraph Hill at the entrance of the harbor and Russian Hill We took the car on Mission St. to go out to the Beach. We rode twenty-two miles and therefore got a splendid view of the ruins. The Aronson building, St. Francis Hotel and the Call and Examiner buildings were a total wreck. We rode along Ellis St. and also Van Ness Ave where we saw the ruins of St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Bishop’s house. Almost all the nice residences on Ellis Street were saved. The Girls’ High School on O’Farrell St. is a handsome red building. Finally we turned into Oak St., and rode right along the edge of Golden Gate park, that is the Pan Handle, which is one mass of Pine-trees. We stopped a few minutes at the Chain of Lake depot, where we got a fine view of Strawberry Hill. Just before we got to Seal-Rock Hotel we saw an old-fashioned Dutch Windmill. After eating a delicious lunch on the Beach, we walked up to the Cliff-house and saw the seals. Then we went into Sutro baths, which is one of the Largest and most handsomest decorated buildings in the state. After watching them bathe, this is what Bessie’s Life

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we saw: Largest dead seal, named Ben Butler, which was 125 years old when it died and weighed 2000 pounds. It came ashore in 1895. Indian Curios of all sizes and shapes. Adult Female Walrus with large tusks which weighed 2,700 pounds. Polar Bear from the Arctic region 3 yrs. Old, Skull of a man-eating Shark, costume of Girls in the Hula-Hula dance, Sea Tarantula, Carved Mother-of-Pearl, mummies, mummified remains of a Royal princess and priestess, remains of an Egyptian lady who walked the streets of Thebes in the time of Moses 3,000 years ago, birds eggs of all kinds, War implements, Bead work, and a Scene in a tea-house, which is said to be the prettiest village in Tokyo and famous for cherries, and last of all the Thoroughbred Durham Cow which weighed 4,180 pounds. After we came out of the baths we took the car to the Chutes. First we visited the Zoo and saw Alligators, Largest living Python, Panther from S. America, Horse Beauty, a horse with a mane 8 ft. long and a tail 18 ft. Died 1899. Sulton the Lion from Africa, Tigers, Wallace the largest and Handsomest Lion in the world, Elephants, giant Bear, Camel, Llamas, Zebra and last of al the Monkey House. Of course we rode on the chutes and the Scenic railroad, which were the most thrilling rides I have ever had. After that we went over to Golden Gate Park and heard the band play. We went through the Conservatory and saw ferns from Peru, Mangifera, Pitcher Plant with the lids to them, Orchids, Palms, Austrian tree Palm forty feet high. Then we saw a statue of Garfield, Children’s play grounds, temporary buildings for the poor people who lost their homes in the earthquake, Statue of Thomas Starr King, U.S. Grant with Hat and guns, Museum, Goethe, Schiller, Buffalo and last of all we visited the Aviary where we saw White Peacocks, Eagles and all kind of birds. Tired and Hungry we cross the Bay over to Oakland. After resting a few days and calling on my different cousins I started home. I intended to go to Altamont but I took sick and struck out for home. (Homesickness I guess.) W~Y From this on I will keep a diary of my life of only the days in which something unusual happens.

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Bessie’s Diary Mar. 15, 1907 Received word today that Lorena Flagg was united in marriage to Lloyd Gardner. Both old friends of ours in Valley View. They are residing on Jackson St., San Jose Cal. Mar. 21, 1907 Went to Campbells today to see the ruins, the great storm we have just had, has done. Four acres were washed away by the Los Gatos Creek, and houses were torn down in order to be saved. We have had the largest storm in twenty years or more, that is more rain fell this yr. than it has for twenty years. A man opposite our place was drowned in the Guadalupe Creek. The bridge on the Almaden Rd. was destroyed. Fri. Mar. 29, 1907 Went to a party at Bernard Sears place. It was given for the pleasure of five young men which he brought home with him from the Military Academy where he is attending school. The evening was spent in games, dancing, and music. We had a nice supper and at two o’clock in the morning we departed for several homes. Sat. Mar, 30th 1907 Spent the day with a H.S. Girl, who lives out near Alum Rock. Had a fine ride on the cars. Day spent in music, conversation and hay ride. Got home at eight o’clock. Sun. Mar 31st, 1907 Easter Sunday. Mr. Pierce preached at the V.V.S.S. Mar. Spent the day at Mrs. Kermode’s out near College Park. Also Dr. and Mrs. Hunt.

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April 7. 1907 Entered the State Normal School [i.e. Teacher’s College] today. I am taking five subjects, Psychology, Pedagogy, Music, Primary Methods and Platform work. As teachers I have, Miss English, Miss Rowell, Miss Pane and Miss Fisher. May 18, 1907 Went to Evergreen to a Surprise Party on my brother. He is 25 years old today. Besides my brother’s family and our family, Mr. and Mrs. Hogue and three children were present. June 1907 Rev. Henry Pearce died. He was our faithful minister for almost a year. June 17, 1907 The Normal school closed today and I have finished on term’s work. I have found all my teachers just lovely. I got five C’s which is the highest mark they give. June 25, 1907 Went over to visit Mrs. Lloyd Gardner (nee Lorena Flagg). June 27, 1907 My sister, Ella, graduated today from the San Jose High S. June 28, 1907 Spent the day at Mr. and Mrs. Ellison’s place at Campbell. Grandma and Uncle Albert [Crapo] came out in their auto. July 4, 1907 Had company all day. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison from Campbells came over. Went in to see the fireworks in the evening. The first of August I made $10.60 cutting cots and peaches at John Gurkorich’s place. We have been picking prunes at Mr. Gardner’s place ever since.

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Sept. 6, 1907 Went into town with Mr. and Mrs. Kermode. And saw Ingomar.

Bessie labeled this picture “First car I rode in, a Reo” Anna Gray (later Wurz) is on the horse. Uncle Al and Grandma Crapo are in the front seat.

Aug. 31, 1907 The young people of V.V. have established an entertainment a club. Mr. Bernard Sears has been chosen President and I was chosen Secretary. Sept. 1907 We have almost completed a lovely new home. It has seven rooms and a front and back porch.

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Bessie’s Uncle Al Crapo, Sarah Johnson’s brother Bessie was very fond of Uncle Al and named her third son after him.

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Little Notes from Sept. to Feb. Getting along fine at the Normal. I have been there almost a year. I find it very interesting all but arithmetic in volumes and solids. I am taking Grammar, Arithmetic, Music, Physical Culture, Physics and Drawing and you ought to see me in my “Gym” suit. Lorena and Lloyd Gardner have a little son. We are living in our new house and find it simply grand. My room is blue and red. The room is papered in blue and red. Our new fire place is the most comfortable thing in the house. It is made of red brick which gives it a very cozy appearance. The dining room is 16 x 30. Xmas we had a family reunion or a house warming. We had a big dinner and then a Xmas tree. The two most beautiful presents I got were a red sweater and a blue silk waist. Nov. 1, 1907 It is just three days since we moved into our new home. Dec. 1907 Uncle Sam was laid to rest. Feb 14, 1908 The V.V. Literary Club met at our place and we had a Valentine box. Feb 15, 1908 Went to Louise Biel’s house in San Jose to a Class Reunion Party of the S.J.H.S. ’07 class. Feb. 22, 1908 I have a bad cold. Uncle Jim has been down from Salinas to pay us a visit. Apr. 11, 1908 Our literary club went on an outing to Congress Springs. We had a special car and left at 9:15, returning at 5:00. This month I started my first teaching. I am teaching the Kindergarten class.

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Sunday April 12, 1908 Nothing unusual. Jan. 1, 1909 I have just returned from Altamont. I left home Dec. 23rd. I had a very pleasant time. In the evening we sang and played cards. On Christmas day Alice Norton and Leslie Norton from S.F. came up and brought some presents. On Sunday I called on the Trustee, Mr. Sherman. We spent a very pleasant afternoon. I played the Organ and sang for them. I rec’d a book of Whittier poems for Xmas, a Calendar and blotter from Mary Ann, handkerchief from Kit, handkerchief and postal from Minnie Martin, scent bag from Dora B, knit lace and postals from cousins and aunt in Altamont, postals from Aunt Phoebe and my sister-in-law. Gloves from Mama, collar, handkerchiefs, and belt from sister Ella. Work bag and handkerchief from Mrs. Ellison. Jan. 1, 1909 Rec’d word that D. K. Pitman’s wife died Dec. 31, ’08. She will be buried Jan. 2, ’09. Mar 22, 1909, Monday Today the women teachers of the State Normal School entertained the graduates with a dinner. After lunch they made speeches on the subject of women’s rights. Mar. 26, 1909 “Hurrah,” today I marched up on the platform at the San Jose State Normal and received my teacher’s diploma. This is a day never to be forgotten by me. I am now free from riding a bicycle twelve miles a day. But even so I shall not say one word against my dear old wheel as it has rendered me untold service. But thank “God.” I have lived to be a teacher. My chum Jessie Luchsinger made me a present of a beautiful underskirt all embroidery. Mama gave me two combs. Mar. 26, 1909 Evening Mama and papa gave my chum and I a graduating party today. We had a grand time. We spend the first part of the evening playing games and in conversation. Miss Minnie Luchsinger rendered many beautiful piano solos, on our new piano which we 444

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got for Xmas. Richard Kermode and Jessie sang some songs together. We had a delicious supper consisting of sandwiches, salad, candy, nuts, four kinds of cake, oranges and ice cream. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Johnson and family, Mr. and Mrs. Kermode, Misses Jessie and Minnie Luchsinger, Mary and Margaret Armstrong, Elsa Blum and Belle Burdick, Messers Richard Kermode, Beach Burdick and Lewis Armstrong. May 9, 1909 Uncle Albert and Grandma came out and took Ella and I to Oakland in the Automobile. We had a lovely time. We had dinner and supper with Mary Ann. Kit and Tony came over and ate with us. We arrived home at 10:30. May 19, 1909 I went to San Jose to visit the San Jose Training School. My pupils were all glad to see me. I saw the last rehearsal of the annual May Fete which always takes place in May. May 20, 1909 My sister Ella rec’d her school in Red Bluff. June 1, 1909 to March 20, 1910 During this time I received a fine school in Milton, Calaveras County. It was thirty miles from Stockton. I had fourteen pupils. Got acquainted with many fine people among them Mr. and Mrs. Bunds and daughter Genevieve and son Ralph. Mrs. Willis and two daughters Minnie and Hazel. Minnie took a great liking to me and we have been great friends ever since and are still corresponding. However before I had been there long I became ill and was obliged to return home, much to my disappointment. I finally decided to put in a substitute and take a year’s rest.

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Bessie with the Luchsinger Family, after her marriage Bessie, Jessie, Minnie, Anna and Mother Luchsinger

Mar. 13, 1910 Went buggy riding with Mr. Evans in the afternoon and had a very pleasant time. Mar. 20, 1910 I am writing a long letter to my sister Ella today who is still teaching in Red Bluff and am sending her some Easter postals. This summer we were honored by a visit of three weeks duration of two cousins in Oakland – Grace and Jennie Lange. Never had a better time in my life as my sister Ella was home and Cassimir Aubrey of Campbells was boarding here. My brother Marcel is working for my uncle at Los Altos.

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Bessie at Milton School in Calaveras County (Note the rifle – Clearly she can look after herself)

Mar. 21, 1910 I went to San Jose today and had dinner with one of my old friends, Mrs. Amos Simpson. We spent a very pleasant day together. She has the sweetest little boy. He is four months old, weighs sixteen lbs and has been named Oran after Alice’s brother. Mar. 28, 1910, Spent the afternoon visiting Mrs. Minnie Alexander (nee Minnie Martin). She is a bride of but four months, lives at Edenvale and has a cozy little home of four rooms.

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Things of Interest Which Happened in the year 1910-1911 Mar. 7, 1910 Received the good news this morning that I had been elected the teacher of the Sunnybrook School [in Gilroy] which would open for the fall term Sept. 5. On the morning I arrived school was held in a farm house, the district having voted bonds which did not pass so we could not have a new school-house. We used apple boxes for desks and the painted doors for blackboard. It was a struggle for a year. Of course after the first month we had black-boards, desks etc and things went a little smooth. The children were lovely. The names were as follows: Joe Costa, Ning Fu Lee, Hong Fu Lee, Takayama, Hiama, Chacco, Joe Asaka, Addie Sawyer, Edna Sawyer, Everett Sawyer, Mabel Souza, Mike Johnnie, George Souza, Bennie Fernandez, Marcella Fernandez, Florence Reeve, Elise Reeve, Loree Sperber, Tony Pinentel, Willie Fertado, Masawa, Sabro. The people of Sunnybrook District were very kind to me. I boarded with the J. Reeve family who could not of treated me better, they treated me as their own daughter. Mrs. Reeve was a no. 1 Cook. On a Sunday Evening I had the pleasure of attending church in Gilroy. I came home every Friday night and went back Sundays on the 4:30 train. I learnt quite a little during my term's work on the manners and customs of the Japanese. In the evening I held a school from 7:00 until 8:30 consisting of the parents of some of my students. During the term I received many beautiful presents – a gold ring with four pearls and two rubies, gold jewel case lined with blue silk, silk handkerchiefs, two beautiful tea sets, perfume, books, ties, boxes of candy, silver soap case, bracelets, pictures., handbags, etc. We had three lovely programs which are recorded in my scrap-book. Altogether we had a very successful year and was reelected again for the year 1911-1912. Other events of interest were – 1 – Barn dance at Wetmore 2 – Parties at Millers 448

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3 – Party at our house 4 – Dances at Club house. Eastern Relatives Arrive Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Crapo, mama’s first cousins, arrived from new Bedford, Mass. in Dec. They were accompanied by Tom Robson. They are now residing in S.F. Ed. Crapo is dancing master in the Maple Hall dancing academy at Polk and Cal. Sts. We had lots of good times together. Members of the Family, June 20, 1911 1 – Jesse A. Johnson, Employed at S.A. in San Jose as Baggage Master. 2 – Bessie – teacher at Sunnybrook Grammar School at Gilroy. 3 – Ella – Teacher at Sheep Ranch, Calaveras. 4 – Marcel – Working for Sears [a local farmer, not the department store] 5 – George – in 2nd yr. of High S. 6 – Ruby in 5th grade V.V. School 7 – Anna Mae – 4th grade V.V. School 8 – Howard – 1st grade V.V. School 9 – Mildred at Home.

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Cousin Ed Crapo, the Dancing Master

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Cousin Ed Crapo, “Husband of Fannie”, fully dressed

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June 20, 1911 Anna Wetmore of Union was over and spent the afternoon, and we attended the graduation exercises at the Valley View School. Friday Night June 23, 1911 We attended the Farmer’s Union meeting. A fine program was rendered. I expected to dance but got stung. Ted and Annie Wetmore came over and went with us. Sunday, June 25, 1911 Mr. and Mrs. Daubenspeck of Calaveras and son Alvin came over to spend the day with us, also Mr. and Mrs. Miller and son Carl and Annie and Ted Wetmore. We had a lovely dinner and supper. The day was passed with card playing, conversation, music and games. Mrs. Daubenspeck played the piano, a chorus of us sang, Mr. Miller and I played the piano and violin. Ted is a lovely boy of seventeen summers who calls me “Smiles.” He is fine company and Jolly as can be. We have fine times together. He has given me lots of cherries this summer and other favors. July 4, 1911 A large number of Valley View and Union friends attended the patriotic exercises given at Los Gatos. My sister and I stayed overnight with Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Moffitt† and had a delightful time. Among the party were: Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Moffitt, Bessie and Ella Johnson, Annie Wetmore, Ted Wetmore, Will Gibson, Grace Cooper, George Johnson, Marcel Johnson, Laurence Bulmore, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, Carl Miller, Mr. Dryden, Clara Dryden, Four Dryden Children. Mr. and Mrs. Gifford, William Gifford, Mr. and Mrs. Grant and son, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Cecil Walker, Ralph Evans, Mrs. Rowland Moffitt, Mr. W.B. Evans. We ate our lunch on the creek. Visited our old friend Dora E. Burns in the morning. Talked over old times. After dinner we attended the exercises which were exceedingly good for a public place. Some very noted men and women spoke. In the

†

Hugh and Nora, age 24 in the 1910 census, living in Redwood Township, a few census pages from the Porters.

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evening we attended the Ball at Masonic Hall in Los Gatos and danced until two o’clock in the morning. They served supper and talk about your slop – we certainly had it handed to us. The meat was the remains of the Fireman’s barbecue which was held in the afternoon and the bread was hard as a rock. We went with Ted Wetmore and Will Gibson. We stayed all night at Moffitts and arrived home the next day at noon. Sunday July 9, 1911 Had company – Annie and Ted Wetmore and Grace Cooper. Wednesday July 12, 1911 Mama and Ella have gone to Wetmore’s at Union for a box of apricots. I am to get supper for the men folks and the little ones. I am always glad when Ma beats it for then I have everything in my own hands and can cook to suit myself. July 21, 1911 My Union friends succeeded in giving me a delightful birthday reception at the old Branham Place. The room was beautifully decorated in china lanterns, crepe paper, flags and greens. We danced until daylight. At midnight we all went home and enjoyed a midnight birthday dinner which consisted of salads, coffee, lemonade, sandwiches, all kinds of cake, fruit and candies. Those who enjoyed the occasion and wished me many happy returns of the day were: Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Moffitt, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Gardner, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dowton, Mr. and Mrs. William Gifford, Mrs. M. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Asa Miller, Maud Smith, Annie Wetmore, Bessie Johnson, Ella Johnson, Grace Blake, Alma Dryden, Ruby, Anna Mae and Mildred Johnson, Messrs James Porter, Ted Wetmore, Mr. Mansfield, Mr. Scott, Mr. Main, George Johnson, Marcel Johnson, Howard Johnson, Cliff Johnson, Robert Johnson, Arthur Blake, Dick Halbert, Hugh McNitt, William Gifford and Carl Miler. Among the pretty presents I rec’d were: Writing paper, cup and saucer, photographs, postals, plaid silk waist, box of candy, center piece, collar and silk handkerchief.

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July 15, 1911

[Note, the date of this entry is before the previous entry.] Had hay ride in evening at Giffords up above Los Gatos. Those who joined our party were Johnsons, Millers, Wetmores, Bernard Sears, Dick Halbert, Hugh and his wife. Got home at 5 o’clock in the morning. Bernard stayed until eleven. July 16, 1911 Went to Kulish’s and helped cook dinner for Mary Ban’s Wedding. Dressed the bride’s hair. They are Slavonian people so we had a lot of fun. Uncle Al, Grandma‡ and Ted came over. Sunday, July 23, 1911 Cliff Johnson [a cousin] of San Francisco spent the weekend with us and attended my birthday party. July 25, 1911 Mildred and I spent the day at Grants in the drier [i.e. fruit drier]. Had our dinner at Mrs. Moffitts and supper at Wetmore. Annie and Ted came home with me. July 28, 1911 Annie Wetmore visited us at home. Sunday, July 29, 1911 Jimmy Porter and Harry Meller came over to spend the eve. We sang and had music until one o’clock. Wed. Aug. 2, 1911 Jimmy Porter, Harry Meller, Millers and Wetmores came over to spend the evening. We had a dandy time including music, dancing and conversation. Aug. 3, 1911 Mrs. Moffitt and Maude Smith spent the day. ‡

Grandma Crapo, Uncle Al’s mother with whom he lived, Bessie’s maternal grandmother.

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Aug 4, 1911 Cassimir Aubrey (my sister’s fiance) came from Arizona. [Note: Bessie spells “Cassimir” in different ways in different entries.] Ted brought him over to spend the eve. Berenice Utter and Lulie Utter were also over. And two girls from Pacific Grove. Aug. 5, 1911 Went to Mr. Evans for a box of peaches and took Berenice and Anna Mae with me. Sun. Aug. 5, 1911 Cousin Cliff from San Francisco came down to spend the weekend. Sunday Aug 5, 1911 [Bessie repeats the date] Jimmy Porter, Will Porter and friends came over for a little while in the afternoon. Aug. 10, 1911 Cassimir, Ella, Marcel and I went over to Union to spend the eve and attend the farmer’s Educational and Co-operative Union Meeting. Had a grand time and danced until 3 o’clock in the morning. Aug. 11, 1911 Annie Wetmore and Rita Scalso came over the day after the dance to spend the afternoon. Aug. 13, 1911 Cassimir and Hugh McNit were over and spent the evening. Sept. 18, 1911 Opened up School today at Sunnybrook in Gilroy. The same school I had last year. We have opened up school in a tent owing to the fact that we are unable to purchase any land. A large platform has been erected and a canvas in the shape of a tent has been stretched across it. It is very comfortable and consists of thirty seats with all other necessary school articles and materials. It is pitched in an ideal romantic spot Bessie’s Life

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surrounded by beautiful nut trees. The American Flag proudly floats over its Summit and the pupils are progressing rapidly under my instruction. Aug. 26, 1911 [Again, Bessie makes an entry for a previous date] Attended the Grand Ball at Wither’s Hall in Valley View. Went with Jimmie Porter of Los Gatos and had the time of my life. It was given to raise money for a fund which they had started for a Hall. Nov. 10, 1911 Attended the first entertainment and Grand Ball at Los Gatos given by the Union Local No. 60 on Nov. 10th. It was certainly a grand success owing to the untiring efforts of my friend Jimmie Porter. He worked hard for weeks before the event. I spent the night at the home of Jimmie Porter and had a very nice time. He drove me home Sat. eve. About four hundred people attended the grand ball. Jimmie Porter, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Union Local very graciously introduced our late [i.e. ‘former’ President] Homer A. Craig to us who made a splendid address of welcome to us and explained the object of the organization to us. Miss Smith [Florence Smith] of Los Gatos played for us and Miss Penny sang for us. Our late President Homer Craig and Mrs. Nelson Barton of V.V. [Valley View] led the grand march. Second in line were James U. Porter and Beatrice Thomas. Third in line Mr. Nelson Barton, President of the V.V. Local and Miss Bessie Johnson. We enjoyed a most delicious supper. Dancing was continued until 2 o’clock A. M. Nov. 27, 1911 Went for a buggy ride with James U. and had lunch at Guadalupe. D ec. 25, 1911 School closed for a two weeks vacation. We had a beautiful Christmas tree at school which was loaded with presents. We ended with a nice program. Christmas night I attended the Campbell dance with Jimmie Porter.

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Dec 27, 1911 My brother Marcel aged 20 has set sails upon the Matrimonial Sea. He was married at high noon today to a Miss Annie Paul Wetmore of Los Gatos. The old Gibson Homestead at Cupertino, the former home of the bride’s mother, was the scene of the happy event. The ceremony was performed out of doors under a large pepper tree and it was raining, the same tree where the bride’s mother was married twenty years ago. They were married by Mr. Coleman of San Jose. Annie was attired in white satin. Marcel wore the conventional black. Following the ceremony an elaborate wedding dinner was served. Marcel and Annie got their share of old shoes and rice. Jan 3, 1912 James U. Porter spent the evening with us. Jan. 7. 1912 Papa has bought a new home about four miles above Wrights Station at Skyland. It consists of seventy acres of assorted fruit – grapes, pears, apples, cherries, peaches, apricots, olives and prunes. We have a beautiful home. It is situated at the summit of the Santa Cruz Mts. The house is a modern bungalow consisting of a large living room, 27 x 18 ft. and consists of a large fireplace and three sets of windows. The bookcase is built right into the wall. Four bedrooms and an immense sleeping porch. A kitchen, panty, bathroom, hot and cold water and a telephone. Holly berries, ferns and wild flowers are ours for the picking. We moved today. Everything is beautiful and the people lovely up here in the Mts. But Oh! how I hate to leave my friends. Will be able to come home only one night in two weeks now. Marcel and Annie visited with us for a while after their marriage but have moved to San Rafael where they have gone to housekeeping. Jan. 16, 1912 Casmire Aubrey (my sister’s fiance) died in San Jose today of bronchial pneumonia. We were all deeply grieved as he was an exceedingly kind-hearted and good young man. He was buried in the Los Gatos Cemetery.

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Mar 5, 1912 Began taking music lessons at King’s Conservatory of Music. Take one lesson a week and practice two hours a day. Mar. Sat. Night Spent the week-end with my Aunt and Uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Trembley in San Jose. Spent Sat. Eve. and Sunday with them, also Jimmie Porter. Mar. 19, 1912 Read the sad news on the Mercury today of the death of an old school-chum of mine – Miss Helen Vestal, who was accidentally drowned at Carmel. April 11, 1912 Am spending this week at home as school is closed for our Easter vacation. When I woke up this morning everything was covered with snow. It looked beautiful. It snowed today, the first real snow storm I have ever seen. It has been raining, blowing and snowing ever since last Sunday. I will return to Gilroy Sun. and resume my teaching. [Bessie’s Diary ends here. The date “April 14” is written but there is no entry.]

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Appendices to Diary Love Letter and Lists The Love Letter Bessie saved her “one love letter” and here it is: Robertsville, Cal, Feb 23, 1903 My Dear Bessie: There has been something in my heart which I have longed to tell you of but have never dared. I can no longer, however hold back my feelings. I must tell you, for worst or best. Bessie, I love you as none other could. It would break my heart to know that you did not return that love. Your answer is to make my life one of bliss or misery. Do tell me that you love me, Bessie! You don’t know how happy you would make me feel. I have not known you very long but a love for you has sprung up within my heart, that were I to know you do not care for me, my life would not be worth living. With you by my side I could defy the world. Bessie, I adore you. How many nights have I lain awake thinking of my loved one. I shall be patiently waiting for your decision. Answer at your first opportunity for I am very anxious to know my fate. Your most ardent Lover, Joe Catania (per interpreter). Apparently Joe did not speak, or at least write, English. The interpreter has beautiful handwriting, the best of any writer in this book!

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The Lists Chapter IX – Other Friends at Valley View Mrs. Withers Grace Withers Mrs. Mayne Mrs. Pearl Mayne Mrs. Armstrong Mary Armstrong Margaret Armstrong Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Fox Grace Fox Mis Rose Patterson Miss Mabel Patterson Grace Blake Eddie Blake Mr. and Mrs. Blake Gladys and Arthur Blake Mr. and Mrs. Greenwalt Viola, Ethel and Erma Greenwalt Minnie Martin Mr. and Mrs. Flagg – Mr. is dead now Lorena Flagg Mr. and Mrs. Von Dorsten June Von Dorsten Georgia Bouner Edna Fox Mr. and Mrs. Church Fred and Frank Church

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Dell Church Mr. and Mrs. Gardner Miss Louise Dudley Flora Dudley Lloyd Gardner Mr. and Mrs. Ellison Nanette and Muriel Ellison May Coburn – Mrs. Whitmorger Albert Colburn Mr. and Mrs. Allen Mr. and Mrs. Coburn Bertie Coburn Mrs. MacKintosh Mr. and Mrs. Burdick Beach and Belle Burdick Gertie Welch Hazel Parr Eva Parr Mr. and Mrs. Kermode Richard Kermode – or “Dick” Louie Kermode Mr. and Mrs. Dick Mr. and Mrs. Blum Lily and Ivy Dick Myrtle Fair

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Chapter X – Relatives Mellie Johnson...... sister ............... Campbells Anna May ............. sister ............... Campbells Ruby...................... sister ............... Campbells Ella ........................ sister ............... Campbells Howard ................. Brother........... Campbells George................... Brother........... Campbells Marcel ................... Brother........... Campbells Grover C................ Brother........... Campbells Jesse J..................... Brother........... Evergreen Mrs. Sarah Johnson Mother .......... Campbells Mr. H. H Johnson . Father............. Campbells Uncles James L. Johnson....... Salinas Abe Johnson.............. Calaveras Co. Lev Johnson .............. Calaveras Co. Sam Howard ............. Calaveras Co. Albert Crapo ............. San Jose 1160 S. 8th St Johnnie Campbell .........San Jose Will Campbell .......... Salinas George Avery............ Calaveras Aunts Mrs. Mamie Campbell.........Altamont Mrs. Kate Campbell .............Salinas Mrs. Bertie Johnson.............Salinas Georgia Johnson ..................Calaveras Mrs. George Avery ..............Calaveras Sister-in-Law Mrs. Mabel Johnson ............Evergreen Nieces Mabel E. Johnson.................Evergreen Nephews Jesse Johnson........................Evergreen Arthur Johnson....................Evergreen

Bessie’s Life

Grandma Crapo....................San Jose Cousins Beckie Campbell ............................... Salinas Alice Campbell ................................ Salinas Annie Campbell ............................... Salinas Katie Campbell ................................ Salinas Albert Campbell .............................. Salinas Bertie Campbell ............................... Salinas Willie Campbell ............................... Salinas Charlie Campbell ............................. Salinas Mabel Campbell ...........................Altamont Etta Campbell ...............................Altamont Andrew Lee Campbell..................Altamont Mrs. Mary Trembley ...................... San Jose Mr. Steve Trembley........................ San Jose Flora Howard................................Calaveras Harry Howard...............................Calaveras George Howard.............................Calaveras Morton Avery ..............................Calaveras Hattie Avery ................................Calaveras Belle Avery ..................................Calaveras Maud Avery .................................Calaveras Georgie Avery ..............................Calaveras George Dewey [Avery] ................Calaveras Helen Avery .................................Calaveras Mary Avery ..................................Calaveras Ruth Avery ..................................Calaveras Jennie Lange .................................. Oakland Grace Lange .................................. Oakland Ernest Lange ................................. Oakland Mrs. Harry Lange .......................... Oakland Mr. Tony Costa ............................. Oakland Mrs. Tony Costa ............................ Oakland Harry Costa ................................... Oakland Bessie Aspern ................................ Oakland Tessie Aspern ................................ Oakland Mamie Smith ................................. Oakland Mr. Smith ...................................... Oakland

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Eddie Smith ...................................Oakland Uncle Abe’s and Uncle Lev’s Children Sophia Lange

Kittie Lange to Mr. Tony Costa Bessie Aspern to Frank Miller Tessie Aspern

Marriages Beckie Campbell to Sydney Dowton Alice Campbell to Carlson Katie Campbell to Mr. Harvey James L. Johnson to bertie Singleton Johnnie Campbell to Mamie Crapo Will Campbell to Kate Crapo Flora Howard to Mr. Now Morton Avery Hattie Avery to Professor Hancock Maud Avery Belle Avery Georgia Avery

Deaths Grover Cleveland Johnson Johnnie Campbell Georgia Johnson Mabel E. Johnson Grandpa Crapo Grandpa Johnson Grandma Johnson Grace Howard Sophie Lange

Chapter XI List of Places Visited Pacific Grove Santa Cruz Capitola Carmel by the Sea Madrone Morgan Hill Gilroy Eden Vale Moss Landing Salinas Los gatos Campbell San Jose San Francisco Oakland Berkeley Idora park

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Sacramento Congress Springs Saratoga Evergreen Flsom Santa Clara Livermore San Juan Haciena & Almaden Mines Alum Rock Monterey Guadalupe Valley view Stockton Milton Altamont

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Chapter XII High School Teachers Miss Schellenberger Miss C. Farley Prof. Rattan Miss L. Ripley Mr. Gleason G.S. Wells John J. Ryan Miss G.E. Dibble Mary Meyrick Miss Corey Miss Argues Prof. Dornberger Prof. A. Herre Miss Humphrey Miss H. Post Miss A Keefe Prof. Cary Miss Ramer Mrs. M. Pillot Prof. R. D. Hunt Prof. E.E. Brownel Friends Hazel Siguard Bertha Smith Vida Bradt Lelia Leaman Marion Darby

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Dora Tooze Jessie Luchsinger Laura Stone Leslie Wigmore Ignaius Peckham Frank Hain Georgia Bonar Burns Whaley Jeanette Colley Vivian Hatch Libbie Wheeler Edna Abraham Hazel Barre Meta Beverson Louise Biel Sadie Boomhower Esma Boone Gordan Cadma Andrew Hill Frank Hill Irma Evert Robert Fleming Muriel Harmon Gladys Hayward Walter Herbert Walter Hunt Leola Lyth

Alice McLellan Herbert Waterman Lenora Boomhower Margaret Roberts Ada Sears Clara Stock Grace Withers Grace Blake Else Blum George Murphy Grace Kinney Bessie Bozarth Bellie Lawson May Miler Mary Armstrong Margaret Armstrong May Donallen Maud Donallen

I knew a great many more H.S. pupils but not well enough to call them friends.

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Chapter XVII Amusements Favorite Hymns [First 5 of 21]

Lead Kindly Light Here Am I The Sweet Olden Story I’ve Found a Friend All Hail the Power [There are more musical lists but they are not reproduced here!]

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Jimmie to Bessie after their marriage

Jimmie’s Letters to Mrs. James U. Porter Tues Eve. At Home Oct. 17, 1922 Dear little Baby, Just a line as it is now 10:30. I have to conduct a funeral service tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock and have just finished preparing the reading etc. Got Bob Pugh to watch water for me all day tomorrow. Will finish corn in the morning. Little J. Jr. was glad to go to bed, but wanted his little bed. Went to box but did not find promised card. Guess it will come tomorrow. Love & a goodnight kiss my thots are ever with you. Your loving Husband but just the little baby boy Jimmie P.S. The end of my funeral reading made me long to look up at you across the table, it was this: “In our day dreams we recall that for which the poet Tennyson expressed the heart’s desire – the touch of a

Mr. Porter to Mrs. Porter

vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that is still.” [Mailed to Mrs. Bessie H. Porter at 14 Elm St., Santa Cruz, Cal.]

Apr. 23, 1923 Dear Little Bessie, My Dear Little Sweetheart, Just a few lines to let you know how I am. Monday afternoon I came back home just a few minutes after you left here and decided to go up with you, but after I came in and started to dress I changed my mind. I went out and picked up around the place a little and got my plow ready to plow that little piece of orchard back of the tank here. Tues. Morning I got up early and loaded up all of Hird’s foxes and took them over to him, also took Will’s plow home. In the afternoon I came back and plowed the little piece of orchard. While at Will’s I saw Bob or Toodles rather, he had gone home the next day after he ran away from here. Some demonstration wasn’t it.

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Wed. I got up early and was going to send all my stuff here odds and ends down to the Big Ranch. Van came up but it just poured down rain all day, so he went back and I went to town, about noon, he took me in before he went back. Wed, morning we caught up all this mixed lot of chickens and I sold them. Just kept 14 of the black pullets. I got my car and went to Los Gatos and had supper with Tom Smith and read at the church. Had a nice talk with Mrs. McKinney and she officially informed me that I was elected to introduce the lecturer on May 10. It seems that you and I area blessed with all kinds of honors. Came home last night and went to bed alone after the service. Gee but I miss you and the little boys. Wish you had of gone last week when I was away. Have been home all day today working around but it has rained most of the time. So have finished your letter this afternoon. I intended to get it done before the mail man came, but I put in a complaint to the Highway Commission in regard to this crossing and they came out and so I missed the mail man. They are going to fix this crossing right away. I’ll run in and mail this right away as I have to go in anyway. Must close 466

now with Love and Kisses to my dear little partner and Loving sweetheart and my dear little boys, I am always Your Loving little Boy Jimmie P.S. Just got the mail but no letter. What’s the matter dear? [Letter sent to Mrs. James U. Porter at Wrights c/o Mr. Richard Lindsay – Ella’s husband – but then forwarded back to Monterey Rd., San Jose.]

Mr. Porter to Mrs. Porter

Porter Family Album

Bessie and Jimmie with their New Essex, and their New Baby, at Skyland 1916

Family Album

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James Underhill Porter, Jr. 1916

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Family Album

Jimmie and Bessie with their first two sons, James Underhill Porter, Jr, and William Ray Porter abt. 1919 Family Album

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Bill (b. 1917), Bessie, Jimmie Jr., Jimmie Sr., abt. 1920

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Family Album

Bill Porter taking good care of Teddy and Dolly in the Buggy

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James Underhill Porter, Jr., James Underhill Porter, William Ray Porter Formal names for formal dress, about 1921-22

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Family Album

Jimmie Jr. and Bill at the San Martin Ranch Cleaning Prune Boxes Family Album

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Jimmie Jr. and Bessie A Successful Fishing Trip

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Family Album

Jimmies Jr. and Sr. and Bill with smaller fish, but a lot of them

Dad got a new car and the boys got new bikes Family Album

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Bessie with her three sons, Bill, Jimmie Jr. and Albert Charles (b. 1924)

LOTS of pictures were taken with cars

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Family Album

Al Porter getting ready to do some work on the Ranch

Family Album

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Real Estate The Porter’s House in Edenvale. Bill remembers it as having a ballroom. They didn’t live there very long.

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Family Album

Porter’s Grocery and Feed Store in San Jose “Under New Management” Baby in buggy to right of picture is Jimmie Jr. Car is Jimmie Sr.’s new Essex

Family Album

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The San Martin Ranch House and the Fruit Drying Area

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Family Album

Bessie with Ranch Hands in San Martin

Family Album

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Al with his kitten (He still loves cats.)

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Family Album

Al and Teddy

Family Album

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A Sunday Picnic at the Ranch in San Martin

Jimmie, President of the San Martin P.T.A. (and the only man in the bunch!)

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Family Album

James Underhill Porter

Family Album

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Bessie after she returned to teaching. Her youngest son, Al, is the one with the dog on the lower right. (He still likes dogs, too, and he still likes to wear overalls.)

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Family Album

Five Generations Back: Sarah Crapo Johnson and Bessie Henrietta Johnson Porter Front: Grandma Crapo (Anne Lamb Crapo) holding James Edgar Porter, and William Ray Porter, father of the baby Grandma Crapo lived to be 97-years-old and, as far as anyone could tell, didn’t enjoy a single day of it.

Family Album

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James Underhill Porter

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Family Album

Florence Smith to Bessie

Florence Smith’s Letters 308 Santa Cruz Ave Los Gatos Feb. 26, 1914 My dear Bessie, James was at our house last evening and he told me how soon your engagement would be publicly announced. I don’t know whether I ought to wait until then or not before sending my love and congratulations, I am not a very conventional girl at any time,& in this case I only know what I have waited so long, & so often longed to write to you that I can’t wait any longer. Nevertheless I feel at a loss for words to express how sincerely I hope that my friendship with James has never caused you any distress. I often wished there was something I could say that would really carry conviction with it, because I always had your happiness at heart & had I thought it was possible for me to cause you any real loss, I would have acted differently; sometimes tho’ a thought that is without foundation can be as distressing as the real thing. However all’s well that ends well & I felt that until the time came when you could be Florence Smith

with James altogether, it was better for him to have a Christian Science girl friend than any other, because “the only possible action of Truth is the production of Harmony.” If my music or anything else ever caused you the slightest pain I am sorry, & would not have had it so willingly. It was some consolation to me to know that your confidence in James was well founded and justifiable. There are some circumstances in which words are not very convincing, but I would not write to you at all unless I could be sincere & practice the golden rule. I am truly glad to know that you are going to be so happy, to me the chief cause for congratulation is the fact that you will be placing yourself in the hands of a man whose trust is in God, for “to those leaning on the Sustaining Infinite” each new day is an opportunity for more happiness until time gives place to Eternity. With very best wishes Believe me, always Sincerely & Lovingly Your true friend Florence

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308 Santa Cruz Ave Los Gatos Mar. 5, 1914 My dear Bessie, I don’t feel that you will have any time at present to enter into a correspondence with me, but I just want to tell you how much joy and satisfaction your letter gave me. I thank you for the honor you do me & an grateful for your confidence. My ideals on all matters of this kind are very high & I know that in process of time you will have no cause to regret the privilege you give me, or that I shall use it an any way less than the purest and best. I know, or at least I think I know, how I should feel in your place, & I love you for your sweet unselfishness. Every least good thought has its reward, & we grow stronger in overcoming. It hasn’t been a path of unruffled bliss for me, I told James it would be best for him not to call me his “little sister”, since some people seemed to regard it as a joke, & would like to suggest even now that I have been more or less “fooled”. I don’t mind that tho’ as long as you feel alright about it.

Florence Smith

I am delighted to have been first to send my congratulations, as I don’t think (outside of the immediate family) there is anyone who is more happy at the prospect & anxious for your mutual happiness. While it was not exactly my problem, it was necessarily often a subject of prayer to me, because I don’t lightly jeopardise either my own or anyone else’s welfare, & tho’ I could not at all times feel cognizant of the Divine plan, I worked for the attainment of what seemed to me the best for all concerned. And so dear I want you always to feel that you have a friend in me, & in saying you would not have blamed me if I had fallen in love with James, you express the thought which made me feel that it might be hard for you to give me the benefit of the doubt, & I feel so glad that you can do so. Some people would scarcely believe that you & I could have anything more than a sham love for each other, but personally I know positively that another person’s gain is not my loss, there is enough of good for all of us. Anyone in James’ position, I mean with his popularity is more or less subject to criticism, but I know that you are Divinely protected from every phase of evil, for we have the precious promise “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night nor for 491

the arrow that flieth by day.” We know that envy & jealousy are nothing & any attempt at cheap wit can have no effect upon those who dwell “Under the Shadow of the Almighty.” Yours faithfully & lovingly In haste Florence ]^

Los Gatos May 2 My dear Bessie, I just felt like dropping you a line today. I think of you lovingly every day which seems just now the better way, than to encroach upon your precious time otherwise. You seem so up in the clouds to me, so far away; but everywhere the little wheels & big wheels are working for the final accomplishment. I am so glad I have my little part in this great event & am happy & honored to be of service to you in playing the wedding march. I know I should not have been called upon unless I was capable of expressing, (not of myself but through the activity of Love) perfection and Harmony. I mean to play something sweet and impressive while the guests are arriving & at 12 o’clock merge

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smoothly into Lohengrins “Here comes the bride.” I guess I shall be just dying to slip into the vestry & be one of the first to kiss the bride, but the organ will keep me busy until you are on your way to Brookside*, perhaps I won’t see you at all, oh dear & then what a long time you will seem to be away. Jimmie spoke of my coming up to play his accompaniments next week & my eyes opened wide with delight at the prospect of such a lovely outing but there seemed so many little things to consider that I haven’t yet been able to come to a decision s to what is right for me to do. I said we would see what you thought on Friday, perhaps you can find someone else. I stayed at Brookside last night we were all out to a party at the Wurz ranch. Very many thanks for the nice letter you sent me. I was not conscious of expecting an answer to mine, but the nature of it was such that as time went on and I began to be filled with a vague fear that I might have offended you, & was therefore both happy and relieved to hear from you. I was glad when Jimmie told me I might see you Friday as I never have a chance since that afternoon train was taken off. *

106 Shannon Rd., the Porter home.

Florence Smith

Must stop now am wishing I could mail a few invitations or so something to relieve you, but “as thy days so shall they strength be.” With lots of love Excuse bad writing Very sincerely Florence

Florence Smith

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Family Letters

Family Letters Among Bessie’s possession, was a small orange box of letters she had labeled, “All letters in this box pertain to our marriage.” The contents of the box are a hodgepodge, ranging from one sentence notes accepting or declining the wedding invitation, to long rich letters from Aunt Phoebe in Massachusetts, letters from Bessie’s mother, sisters and brothers, and of course Florence Smith’s letters which deserve, and have been given, their own section in this book. After hearing so much about people, through Jimmie’s eyes in his letters and Bessie’s in her diary, it’s interesting to hear even a few words from their own hands. The following selection includes all the letters from family members. I start with Aunt Phoebe because her letter has the earliest date.

Aunt Phoebe New Bedford Sept. 20th 1912 My Dearest Bessie, My Darling Girl, Was so pleased to get letters and cards from you and the best of all is to know that you don’t forget me. I am so glad to hear that you have got a school right at home where you can be home every night. How glad I am for your mother too. I know how she feels about it. I wish Ella could get one nearer home. I am alone now all day with only my pet – Billy. Annie [Phoebe’s daughter] & Will [Annie’s second husband, William Sofford] went

home the 14th of Sept, as usual, and to tell you that I was lonesome would be no name for it. I just could not stand it, so I went to Rochester for a week, where Louis [her son] & Mabel have been all summer & had a lovely time, only eat all time and crochet. The yard full of all kinds of fruit but no prunes. They don’t know here but I found a package of them in my grip when I got home. Louie bought them and put them in. We are very fond of them. We pay 25 cts. for two lbs. here. I have eaten them all up, they are dried, they come from away somewhere. I made one of those bags for Annie while I was there. It is a beauty. I shall

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give it to her for birthday, Oct. 15th. I had a birthday Sept. 10th. She sent me money for a shawl like the one I made you. Mine is silver gray, I shall knit it this winter. I also had 2 volumes of the Crapo Genealogy.* Mr. Crapo, H.H. Crapo, wrote it and sent it to me. It is very interesting, in it I found who your Grandma was, it says Jesse F. Crapo married Anne Lamb. I never knew what her name was before. My age and the date of my marriage was there, so I wrote and told him if I lived to be so old that I forgot my name & age I have only to look at that book to know it. Dear Bessie Uncle Joseph is dreadful miserable, he has got work in the Fish Market again where he was before. He has to go up & down in the car, the trouble is his feet now. I expect every day will be the last, it is so hard to stand all day at the sink, that he gets almost paralyzed. The landlady says we can stay here as neither one of us are able to move. [illegible] tacks & curtains [illegible] is more than he can do, if Louis was here he would do it all, but if he stays out there this winter I guess he will have to stay here. I have not seen Ed &

Fannie† for some time. I got into a car one day and Annie says look around Mama, there is Ed & Fannie. I looked and I saw his smiling face, he waved his hand and raised his hat to me. I heard he was away for a week on business. I must get up to see my brother Al some, he is all I have got now. Uncle Joseph is gone all day until 8:00 in the eve and I am so lonesome I wish I was downtown farther. If you hear that I have knit and crochet myself to death this winter you need not wonder. The days are so long and lonesome. Annie wants us to store our goods & come with her this minute, but I hate to give up my home, suppose I will have to some day, well if I only gain the Home over yonder, I will be satisfied. Remember me to Mr. Porter. I am glad you had such a good time at his home and more than pleased to hear that he has no bad habits – so glad for you my dear girl, for there are so many young men these days that have so many bad habits. Annie has a very good husband, also a good son. Willson’s [Annie’s son] cough has come on again. Now Bessie dear I will close for this †

Certain Comeovers, Henry Howland Crapo, New Bedford, Mass 1912

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Cousin Ed Crapo and his wife, who later moved to San Francisco where Ed was a dancing master – See Bessie’s Diary.

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time. Uncle Joseph has got a card for you & when he gets home I will direct it. My love to your Mother and Ella and all the children, & my boy Al [possibly Bessie’s Uncle Al Crapo –(there are many Al Crapos)] when you see him. Write again. I close with best love from Aunt Phoebe to her darling Bessie. God bless you ever, Aunt Phoebe, 72 Sycamore St., NB. ]^

New Bedford, May 29th, 1913 My dearest Bessie, I haven’t heard from you in so long a while I got a card saying the prunes were on the way and they arrived yesterday the 28th and I cooked some for supper and boy they were delicious. I thank you so much dear Bessie for all of your trouble and expense you were so kind but dear don’t send any more now for we are in great trouble and I fear I will have to break up my home. Your Uncle Joseph is very sick, has the Dr. every day and the minister called to see him yesterday. They say it is heart trouble but I think it is Bright’s kidney disease, his feet are so bloated and he suffers so much, cannot eat anything. The Dr. says he may live a month. Annie has come home to

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stay with me. I had another of those shocks of the nerves and heart. And this is a house of too much trouble. I am good for nothing. Tomorrow is the 30th, Memorial Day, and a bad day for us, Louis has decorated all of the graves today. I shall not see them until I am carried there. You said you would write and tell me why you had not written before. I hope it comes soon. How are all of the folks, give my love to all of them. Uncle Joseph is dozing now and quiet, so I will not wake him but I know he would send his love to his Bessie if he was conscious. Willson came to see us twice. I cannot write any more this time, my heart aches so I don’t know what I am doing. Only think 48 years together, how can I live without him, if I could only go with him I would be happy, but God knows what is best for me. Annie sends her love to you. She is my stand by and my comfort a dear good girl. Goodnight Bessie dear and thank you for the prunes they are lovely and so are you and how is Mr. Porter. Write soon won’t you dear and love to all from dear Aunt Phoebe. 72 Sycamore St. ]^

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Gloucester, Jan. 25th 1914 Sunday Afternoon Dear Bessie, Your long nice letter received and will answer it today as I have not been very well for the last week. Thought I had better write while I could, have had these pains in my stomach again and Annie has been up two nights with me. I vomited this time so hard. The weather here is something awful, 15 degrees below zero. All I could do was to hug the stove day and night. I have a fire in my room all the time and hot water heater at my feet to keep from freezing. Got a letter from Dora, she says it is lovely there. Perpetual sunshine and can pick all the fruit you want. Annie wishes she was there, the name of the place is El Cajon, San Diego. Willson’s ship, the New Jersey, arrived in Boston from Mexico. He will have a month off soon & then won’t it be lively here. He has brought us all something from Mexico, a lace collar for his mother. I am glad you had such a happy Xmas with your people. Ours was very sad. Willson wrote this was the first Xmas without dear Grandpa and it was a sad one. You must be a very busy girl Bessie dear, don’t do too much and get 496

sick. Wish you could bring Uncle Al with you. I am passing the days when able to work in knitting and crochet. Am making a lace collar for Annie now, Irish Crochet, so she can have it when she leaves off the mourning. If I am not here she will have the collar and lots of my work. The people here say they never saw such work as I do. Wish I knew what you wanted of my work most of anything. You have the Bag and Shawl, I don’t want you to forget me when I am gone. What can I make you. Give my love to Uncle Al. Tell him I have never forgotten him, give my love to all of your people, also to Mr. Porter. Annie has put your picture and his on the piano. I will close now, am not feeling just right and will say good bye with lots of love and kisses. I’m your loving old Auntie Phoebe 99 Washington St. Gloucester, Mass Annie sends love. ]^

Gloucester, Mar 15th 1914 Sunday Afternoon My Dearest Darling Bessie, Your dear letter came yesterday. I

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was telling Annie that I never had been so long without a letter from Bessie before. I supposed you were so busy you could not find time to write. But never mind dear. Will see you soon now & will talk better than we can write. My last letter to you I told you I must close as I was so tired. Well that night I had another of those shocks. I suppose that was what made me feel so weak. I had only three of them in the month of Feb. It was a hard month for me. It is hard work for me to smile & I guess it will be hard work for you to read it. Thanks for the announcement card and napkin. Annie wants so to move, Her tenement is so small, no dining room, has to eat in the kitchen. Came here when Willson was a baby. She and Willson alone then, they have outgrown the place, but can’t find a house for love or money. Now Mr. Sofford and myself are here and she needs more room. This is an old city & they don’t build here like they do in N. Bedford. Dear old N. Bedford how I wish I was there, 8 months last Friday since my dear one died and the time is so long. I hope to go to N.B. next summer but don’t know. It is no use to plan and now dearest Bessie I shall expect to Family Letters

hear from you often after you start. I cannot write to you because I shall not know where you stop but you write to me all the way along won’t you. Shall you come here first or go to Chicago first. I thought that was Jimmie’s home and you would go there first. I don’t know what made me think so.

Uncle Joseph Lobo & Aunt Phoebe

Willson is home for a month, will be going back soon and I shall miss

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him so much. He has made the house so lively since he has been here. I don’t do much but knit. I am so lazy and Annie won’t let me do anything but knit. She says I have done work enough in my life and must rest now. I shall look for the San Jose paper. I have my N. Bedford paper come to G. I have nice letters from little Myrtle Crapo, the little girl that lives with Uncle Allen. She don’t forget Aunt Phoebe the little darling. Give my love to your mother & the children. Are you going to stay at home or live by yourselves. You did not let me know. You know I am interested in your welfare for you are one of my girls. I have quite a number of them and now I shall have another boy added to my number, Jimmie. I love them all and ask God to bless them very one every day. Have nothing more to write, will tell you all when I see you. Wish I had some of those prunes. O how good they did taste to your Uncle Josie, so glad he had some of them. Annie and all the family send love to you and all the family and write soon and write on your way. You will know where to find us. Will you go to N.B. first. Annie wants us to go to N.B. for Memorial Day but don’t know as she can. Write often would you. 498

Good by with lots of love to you and all the family, from your old Auntie. Love to my boy Jimmie. Aunt Phoebe 99 Washington St. Gloucester Mass ]^

Gloucester, April 5th, 1914 Sunday Afternoon My Dearest Bessie, Your dear letter received and will answer today. I am not going to write much as I expect to see you soon and talk better than I can write. I tremble so that I do not write very good. I have not been out in so long. Annie wants me to take a car down downtown tomorrow if nothing happens I shall try. If you come here from Boston first, before going to N.B., I may go to N.B with you if I am real smart, but it’s no use to plan for anything. Annie is down sick about once or twice a month and she says of course it will happen just when Bessie is here. Let us hope not, but we can’t help it if it does happen so. Emma Crapo is full of trouble, she has moved and her mother has had a

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shock & is helpless and she has to be there most of the time. She wrote me just a card. This seems to be a bad year. How much Uncle Joseph wanted you to come last year, he loved you just so much as I do. He was so good and kind to all of my people. Such beautiful letters as I have had since he passed away, saying that he was more like father and mother to all of the young people. Now I am good for nothing, all broke up. I would like to go to N.B. for Memorial Day, but don’t know as I can. Have sent an order for flowers for the cemetery. We are so far way we have to depend on someone there to do for us. Addie, the girl I brought up is coming April 18th to stay a few days with me. We can’t find a tenement and so will have to stay here and eat in the kitchen. You will excuse it won’t you darling Bessie. I know you will for you are good and true and Jimmie will get one of the best girls for a wife that there is in the U.S. When you see me you will see an old lady with white hair and wrinkled face but with a heart as young as ever and full of love for everyone, not forgetting Bessie and Jimmie. I have aged so much this last year. The last Family Letters

year has been a terrible one for me. Albert said he knew me as soon as I opened the door because I looked so much like his father – we looked very much alike. Annie sends love, she is on the couch, never very strong at any time. Mr. Sofford is so anxious to see you he can hardly wait but he has to be over to the station every day and Sunday on 10 lb. Island in the G. harbor so he is home only nights, works for the Government. Willson has gone and we miss him so much. Will close now with love to you, all the whole family, give this card to Ella please. Write often won’t you and all the way along so I will know when to expect you. Good bye darling Girlie With best love from Aunt Phoebe 99 Wash St. Gloucester, Mass ]^

Gloucester, April 24, 1914 Friday Evening My Dear Bessie, My Darling Girl, Just a line to tell you we do not forget you although we are all broke

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up over the war.‡ Annie is nearly wild, she don’t eat or sleep, I don’t know what we shall do with her. Her only child, our boy Willson, is in the midst of it – he is on board the U.S.S. New Jersey so when you see the New Jersey in the paper you may know our dearest Willson is there. She started to clean house but has dropped everything. I don’t know how many papers a day she reads. I don’t read any of the war news it is terrible for us just now. When we were looking forward to having such a nice time with you. I am not feeling very well today. She is so afraid she will be sick while you are here but if she is we will have to make the best of it. I told her you don’t seem a stranger to me it seems as if I knew you anyway. I do love you I am sure of that. I got a letter from your Aunt Emma. She has moved and settled and is all ready for you. I wish we were moved but will have to stay in this small place this summer now. Everyone that sees Jimmie’s picture admires him very much. You are both on top of the piano where everyone can see you. ‡

Austrian Archduke Ferdinand was not assassinated until two months later, on June 28th, but what came to be known as the First World War was already brewing.

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I had a nice visit Sunday with Addie, my other girl, Sat. night she and Annie went downtown and she came home with a pint of ice cream all for Aunt Phoebe, she knows what Aunt Phoebe loves. We had prunes today and we thought of you and the nice ones you sent us. Dear Uncle Joseph how he did love them. Will close now with love to all and when you find out about what time you will reach here please let us know. Good night dearest Bessie. From Aunt Phoebe. Write soon won’t you. ]^

Gloucester, Sept 7th, 1914 Monday Labor Day My Dear Dear Children Bessie & Jimmie, Your dear letter, card & pictures all received with much pleasure while I was at N.B. and will answer them now. Was at N.B. 4 weeks and Annie and Will was there two weeks. They came down after me. I had a very pleasant visit, every one was very kind to me and made it as pleasant as they could. O did it not seem like home, how I did miss the dear old home and the dear one who had always been with

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me so many years. I had many heartaches & sorrowful hours but tried to keep it to myself & not trouble others with my Grief. I spent 3 weeks with Uncle Manuel [her brother-in-law] & one week with a cousin. Uncle Allen was moving, they have moved down on the same street of his market, so it will be nearer to his work. Got a nice house and Minnie will live upstairs. They are not settled yet. I know you must both be very busy but hope you won’t work yourselves to death & leave it all for some one else to have the good of it. We think the pictures good & Jimmie is hugging us so tight. Next Thursday the 10th is my birthday, will be 71 years old. Went to see my rich cousin while in N.B. He is 84 years old. Will goes to the Island tomorrow. He has had a long vacation. Annie is on the couch today to spend her Labor Day. Yesterday we went over to Camp to W. Gloucester, the folks upstairs invited us over to their Camp. Had a pleasant time & the menfolks got some berries. We have not had a very pleasant summer this summer. I think it will be better weather this month of Sept, than all of the summer months have been.

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Jimmie says he thinks of me in my rocking chair with my untiring knitting, well I am still at it. Have got two of those collars done to go to Essex but fear I will have to give it up on account of my eyes. Annie wore hers while in N.B. and it took my body, eyes. Have you worn yours yet. Wish you could see the ones Willson sent her from Mexico. The dear boy is in Cuba now, I wish he could come home. We long to see him so much. It is a very pleasant day today & there is a big parade in Boston. I have no news that will interest you people, only that we love you so much. I owe Ella a letter. Will & Annie both send love, they say there is nothing for them to write as I have written all there is to write and that ain’t much. Give our love to all of the folks & Uncle Al when you see him, and don’t forget us will you dear and write when you can. With lots of love and kisses to you both from Aunt Phoebe and Annie & Will [Aunt Phoebe Crapo Lobo (b. 1843) was the sister of Bessie’s grandfather, Jesse Crapo.]

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Cousin Annie [Note: Cousin Annie’s writing is awkward, and she loves short sentences. It doesn’t all make sense. It is not mistyped.]

100 Bradford Street Needham Feb 1st, 1914 My dear Cousin Bessie: I cannot make it seem possible that its over two months since I received your letter. I seem to be writing so much all the time and have [illegible]. I have to write ever seen too, sister, brother. Will, keeps one busy as you well know, but I just love to write you as I love to get yours. I wrote cousin [illegible] Porter lately and I guess she thought I had struck her off my list. Oh! dear how I would love to be at Brookside [the Porter Ranch in Lost Gatos] this very minute. How often do you get down there this winter and does Jimmie drive up the Mt. as he did in, I forget, it was winter when we met or in May. Monday Feb 2nd I had to leave this yesterday and get the 11:50 car from Somerville. We were going over to dinner at two, got home at 10:30 last night. Yesterday was a perfect day, also today, sun

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glorious. It is beautiful out here where we live, semi-rural, so many true green all winter, Evergreen, Pine, Hemlock etc, and it will be dandy in summer. We expect three young ladies out from city tonight to dinner and spend evening. They are intending to go to San Francisco or up to Portland or Seattle to try and get work and stay awhile. They want to talk to me about how to go, rates, etc. One of them has been in Broker’s office, expert telegrapher, until I talk with the others I’m not sure what their line is. I only wish they would take me as a chaperone. I am so glad the fire did not reach you and how lovely for you to have had such a successful year. I do hope to again get up on that top notch, on that beautiful range of Mts. I expect the many rains of the winter the ranchers like. How you are not washed off the top. It will make abundant fruit will it not. Better than the dry winter of last, for I think there was not much rain, rather it than the frost, would you not? Are the boys (Will and Jamie [she means Jimmie]) getting on with the singing. Nice to have such a good

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instructor. And now about your long vacation you speak of. What must I think of that. Only one thing. Can it be? I hope so. Truly. No reason why either of you should wait longer and perhaps a _____ east. [the line is in the original – she appears to omit the word ‘honeymoon’] Is that it? Won’t it be great. Now you tell me all about it. For I am terribly interested. Believe me. How do you think Mr. & Mrs. Porter are this winter. I do hope they are well. I do wish Mrs. P. would get over her lameness. Is Jamie as interested in Christian Science as ever. My sister wrote me that Will had been up in Oakland and looked nice. Do you think Will has a nice girl. Such a nice boy. He certainly ought to have. I don’t suppose you get any time to do fancy work. Genie and I belong to an Embroidery Club. Meets every Tuesday. Come to lunch. Now for rest of season. We are going to sew for the one we meet with. They meet with Genie tomorrow. They are our friends from Jamaica Plan. Genie has joined an Auction Bridge Whist Club out here (ladies were after us to join Woman’s Club, and the many others, but we had to refuse.) They met here last week. I made the prizes, two guest towels with Family Letters

hemstitched ends and tatting in [illegible] prize a white linen emb. bag. They were out of ordinary prizes, they have had cut glass and such kinds so much. Another interruption, will finish later, if not too late. Tuesday P.M. Feb 3rd If I keep at it I’ll finish in time, “a little bit added” etc. Ladies just one. We have had such a pleasant day and the day was most pleasant to stay indoors and sew. One would almost expect to see Robin this weather. I had a letter from my friends in San F. today telling me that there is danger of the Cliff House being washed away. A good part of sea wall is gone and there is no beach left. Too bad just new too when S.F. wants to be in her Sunday best for 1915. [For the World’s Fair.] Now dear Bessie, I’ll not try to write more but finish and send it on its journey to the top of Santa Cruz Mts. Wish I could be sent along for two cents. My kindest regards to your Mother and Father and all the little Johnson's at the top. I hope you won’t be as long as I’ve been in answering this. Dearest love to you and “dear boy” from Cousin Annie ]^

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100 Bradford Street Needham, Mass March 2nd, 1914 My dear Cousin Bessie, Yes, you are the first one to tell me the good news, in letter received about one hour ago and I cannot wait even one day to answer it. “Am I pleased” well I guess I am, just as pleased as can be, for I do think Jamie is going to have one of the “best ever.” I truly mean it. I know you are a dear girl and will make him a good wife and I think also that you are getting a good husband, one who will love you dearly, so I congratulate you both, and would kiss you both if I was near, to prove what I here say. I will write to Jamie also. I wish I was near to help you get ready as I do know how many stitches must be taken at this time. How I wish I was there to be at the wedding. But I will see you soon after. What a glorious trip you will have. How soon will you start after the wedding. How I look forward now to every detail. Do let me know how the announcement party came off. Hope the roads were in good shape for Jamie to drive up the Mt. Of course I am awful curious where you are to live. I expect of course at Brookside, won’t it be lovely. 504

You will be very busy now with your class graduation exercises, and all you have to do besides to get ready but it is well worth all the trouble, isn’t it dear. Only be careful. And don’t overdo and get worn out. The storms have been bad out there, I have read of them. Southern Calif. Seems to get hit hard every time, last year it was the freeze that hit them good and hard. I know for I was in Los Angeles then. Which is the worse I wonder, to freeze or to drown. I did feel anxious for you all on top of the Mt. but glad nothing serious happened to you. I am busy. Have been in Chelsea visiting nearly two weeks my friends keep me busy. Would keep me going about all the time. Wed. eve I go to Ladies Night at Masons with Bert & Genie. Thursday aft. we have tickets for matinee to see “The Girl of the Golden West.” I’ll call her “Bessie of Santa Cruz Mtns.” Well dear, I’ll make this short. Been having some snow since Jan. B. & G. have had great tramp in snow also on snow shoes. Now write me when a little leisure. And tell me all the news. My dearest love to you in this the dreamt dream of your life. Cousin Annie

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Cousin Minnie 1790 Purchase St. New Bedford, Mass Jan 22, 1914 Dear Cousin Bessie, I must now try and answer your nice letter received so long go. I was more than pleased with that sweet calendar that you sent me for Xmas. That was my favorite color. It is very becoming to me, is yellow. I never had one so dainty as that, and such a nice shape to fill in on the wall. I thank you very much, everybody admires it and I tell them who made it. I suppose you had a great many presents. I had a few this year as I did not do much. Having the baby put me back some. The things I had were all useful. I had money and a nice dress from my husband. My mother gave me two nice corset covers. I had a number of aprons, both white and gingham, gloves and handkerchiefs. I had a nice Christmas tree for the

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children and we all had a good time. I suppose you had a great time with your pupils. You must write and tell me about it. I did not mean to be so long in answering, it is hard for me to get started. Aunt Phoebe’s Christmas was a sad one this year. She more than misses her home. Mother says she will write soon. She had a letter from Ed and Fannie. They are in Kansas City. We are having fine weather. More like spring. Well dear I must get supper. Wish you were here with us. We all send our love and hope you are all well. Please answer soon for I love to hear from you. From Cousin Minnie [Minnie (b. 1879) was Albert Allen Crapo’s daughter. AA Crapo was the brother of Bessie’s grandfather, Jesse Crapo.]

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Aunt Emma New Bedford April 8th, 1914 Dear Bessie, I am going to write you just a few lines just to let you know how pleased we all are to think you are coming east. I have had so much to do I have not had time for anything thought I must write a line. I want you to write & tell me just when you will be here so we will be ready for you. When are you to be married. Will you be married and start right away. Are you coming right through to New Bedford or are you going to stop in Boston. I hope you don’t, I want you to come right through. Write me if you do & what train you are on & I will have someone there to meet you. I wish you all the good luck that can come to you both. I hope you like all of the people & like New Bedford too & not be disappointed in any of us as we will give you as good a time as we can. It is

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coming summer now & good weather & all of the parks open next month with Clam Bakes and Dancing every evening. Do you like moving picture shows, there are a lot of them here & there is a lot of nice places around here you can go to in the summer. Do you like the water, we have plenty of it around here. I suppose you will laugh at our fruit, we have here nothing to compare with what you have there. Well I won’t write any more now for you will soon see for yourself. Now you be sure & tell me how you are coming & we will be at the depot to meet you. I will close now with love & good luck to you both, hoping to see you soon I remain as ever, Aunt Emma 52 North Ash St. New Bedford, Mass [Aunt Emma (b. 1860) is Uncle Albert Allen Crapo’s (b. 1846) wife. They had five children.]

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“Mother” Sarah Johnson [Undated, no envelope]

Dear Jimmie, I am feeling pretty well again tonight. You know what I said about feeling well for Sat. you will know what I mean. Please tell Ella I have two letters for her, will send them down by Bessie, one is from Annie and one from Wilda. Also tell her I had a phone from Cousin Mary Ann. She is coming Friday on the 11:00 train. I am going to meet her. We will all go and vote for the new School house in the afternoon. Lovingly, Mother ]^

Wrights, May 19, 1914

in the kitchen peeling potatoes, Mary Ann is on the front porch reading a novel, Ella just came home, it is just 4 o’clock. It was 12 o’clock Sat. night when we got home, came slow as the horses were tired. We all felt fine the next day. Well I am glad you are having such a fine time, of course I knew you would, you must remember me to everybody back there. Tell Jimmie you are to come and see us as soon as you come back. I may come down to see you. I suppose you know about what time you will get back. Well if I don’t seem to have much to say this time will write again in a few days. You both have a good time and be happy and don’t get homesick. From your Loving Mother S.J. ]^

My Dears Bessie & Jimmie, Received your letter last evening, was glad to hear from you. It found us all well. I did not sent a letter to Atlantic, I was afraid you would beat the letter there. Rubie and Anna May are still at Ellison’s, expect a letter from them tonight. I miss them dreadfully. Annie and Charlie came last night, so we are having quite a time. Annie is

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May 23, 1914 My Dear Bessie & Jimmie: Will answer both your letters in one as I am very busy, it is 11 o’clock, am sitting by the stove watching dinner and writing. Ella is going to take Annie to the 2:40 and bring the girls home. It was too wet for the

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Ellisons to drive up so they are coming in on the 11:00 train and wait at Webb’s for Ella. Well it seems funny to think of you wearing thin white dresses, it is raining here today, we have a fire in the fireplace, it rained all last night. We have just been having lots of fun playing cards, cooking and eating is all we do. Mary Ann is good company. She likes Annie very much. We are sorry Annie is going. She is also, would not go but promised Mrs. Grant & Stephens she would spend a few days with them and wants to keep her word. Well Little Son, I was glad to get your letter and will always be glad to hear from you, am so glad you are so happy, hope you will always be so. I always knew you two were suited for one another. I can’t forget how nice you all looked that day, even Daddy looked nice. There was a little piece in the Valley View notes about you, will send it to you to read but would like to have it back. Say, those pictures have not been sent to Ella yet, for the Mercury. She has the piece written and is waiting for them. We have a nice dinner about ready, wish you were here to help eat it. Mary Ann taught me how to make raisin bread, it is fine, will teach you 508

when you come back. We are doing some fancy cooking this week. Charles has gone for the mail, there may be a letter for me. Lovingly, Mother, write soon. [Added letter in same envelope] Dear Bessie and Jimmie, It seems hard to wait now to see you as the time is drawing near. Yes, Jennie & Ella will be here, they are coming home tomorrow. I hope you will leave at 7:00 because we will be watching at 11:00. Will be very glad to have the peaches. Say Jimmie, the barn is full of good new oat hay for his horses. Bessie will you please bring me 25 cts worth of tomatoes, 25 cts worth of summer squash the kind we used to raise and 10 cts worth of lettuce. Must close now, Rubie is going to mail this and I am busy cooking. Am feeling pretty well this week. With love Mother ]^

Wrights, May 28th, 1914 My Dears Bessie and Jimmie: I suppose you will be in Mass. by the time this letter reaches you. We are all well, hoping this will find you both the same. My old tooth has been

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bothering me a lot lately have made up my mind to go and have them all fixed. I can have 4 new ones put in front in a bridge as long as I have 2 good ones for them to work with, one on each side,. Did you notice Mary Ann’s, how nice they were, Dr. Broad fixed hers. Write me the Dentist’s name that fixed Jimmie’s teeth. Was it Dr. Castle? Marry A. is going home tomorrow, that is she is going to Mother’s and stay till Sunday. She has been with us 2 weeks. I will miss her. She is playing the piano now, is a nice player. We have to vote the Bonds over again, the last election was illegal, the doors must be kept open from nine till six. Had a letter from George yesterday, he wants to come home to stay. Daddy is thinking of getting a good span of horses, then there would be lots for George to do here. I know it will be best to have him home. The weather has cleared here now and it is just grand. We had quite a rain, cracked all of the cherries, of course there was not much to lose. Had a letter from Aunt Rett [see below]. Will send it to you. Also had a card from Uncle Jim [Hiram’s brother], he has been sick or would have been here for your wedding. Wish you would write him a nice letter also write to Mary Ann and Kit. Family Letters

Your pictures came last Sat. they are just lovely, everything will be in the Mercury Sunday the 31st. Am sending you a little piece out of the paper. Got all of our letters the one from New Orleans came yesterday Betty [the dog] got well of the snake bite. Mary Ann and the children went for a walk yesterday up where Ellisons camped. They saw Betty after something in the stump of a tree. They went and looked, it was then a small rattler had bit the dog before they could get her away, but it did not hurt her much. They called Dad and he killed it. P.S. I am going to turn over a new leaf and quit writing all over the paper like this you know. You said I would do it. I can hear Jimmie’s Ha Ha now. Lovingly, Mother. [Mailed to Mrs. James U. Porter, 99 Wash St., Gloucester, Mass, % Phoebe Lobo]

]^ [May 31, 1914]

My Dear Bessie & Jimmie: Ella got a letter from you today saying to send our letters to New York. I have written you 3 letters already and sent them on to Mass. so you well get 509

them when you get to Aunt Phoebe’s. Your picture looks just like you. Am glad you are having such a good time. Your pictures came out in the paper today and a very nice little piece. We are all well, hope you are the same. Did you read about that awful wreck where so many were drowned. It makes one feel a little queer to read such things as that, when they have Dear ones gone. We have had 3 hot days, we all feel it very much. I think one always does the first hot weather. Well we are alone again. It seems good. I am just going to rest and rest – have been so tired. There is not much to write about. I have been telling you things right along in the other letters. Let me know when you get all of them. How long are you going to be gone, do you know yet? Will close now hoping to hear from you soon again. Lovingly Mother P.S. Little Annie May wrote to you in my other letters, she is not here today. Ida wanted her to stay with her this afternoon. Her folks and Bell’s have gone to Wrights to a big picnic and rifle shoot they are having. Had a dance last eve you know. They do every year for the opening of the season. Mother 510

]^ [Envelope dated Aug. 24, 1914]

Dear Bessie & Jimmie, Received your letter today was glad to hear from you. The children have a letter written to go to you so thought I would write one also in answer to yours. If I keep well and nothing happens will be in San Jose Thursday. Meet me at the Garden City Bank corner between 1:30 and 2 o’clock. I am going to Dr. Chandler, Charlie’s old friend. He is Dr. Goodridge’s Dentist and she will want me to go to him, so Muriel said when she was here. I am not going to make any date, Rice said I could get waited on by someone. You see I might be sick, if I should will telephone to you Thursday morning, if I go you will not hear from me again. Ella & Jennie say they did not even see Will’s watch fob when they were down. Ella said she saw it the day of the wedding. Jennie is going home Thursday, her Mother wrote and said she must. She has been here five weeks. Am putting up peaches, got 16 qts. up, am going to can tomorrow & Monday. Will close now hoping to see you Thurs, with love, Mother.

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George Johnson P[alo] A[lto] Calif. Sept. 26, 1914 Dear Folks, Really I appreciate that nice long letter very much! Just to surprise you, I am going to plan on coming out a week from tonight (Sat). I do not know what Myrtle’s plans are for that evening but I’ll bring her along if she has not made other arrangements. Please let me know if this suits you folks alright. I never got home tonight until 8:30. have had supper, shaved, and now am going to bed because I am tired. Was in one place since 11:30 this morning with tire trouble. Wilson is getting stung proper on his tires, and I guess he thought I was certainly an ornery cuss the way I handed it to him tonight.

I received a long letter from Ella the other day, and from the way she spoke things are going fine in the mountains. Suppose you have most of your prunes in now. I’ll bring you some dog sausage when I come down. You see it is rather dangerous for them to sit in the middle of the road “picking fleas” when I am sore. Get that? He was a large collie, but he may pull through alright if they doctor him up. Twentyfive hundred pounds was just about enough for him, so if he does pull through it will teach him a lesson. Please let me know if you will be home Sat. eve. Brother, George Regards to William. GJ

Anna Mae Johnson Wrights, Cal Aug 21, 1914 Dearest B + J, Have nothing else to do so I am

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writing to you. We have been picking prunes nearly all this week except this afternoon we have been picking for ourselves and for Mr. Brown and Mr.

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Wolpern. There is no company left up here except Jennie now. She has been picking prunes with us also. Ella and Jennie and Mildred are going to Santa Cruz Sunday. Ruby and I would like to go but mama won’t let us. I guess our school will start about the middle of September. They are chopping down all those big trees in the back of the schoolhouse, so they can move the schoolhouse there. We have not been going to Prayer meeting nor Christian Endeavor lately as we have been so busy in the fruit.

We are going to clean over the hill tomorrow (Sat). When are you folks coming up? We would like to have you come up as soon as possible. It is getting rather late so I had better close. With love & kisses Your Loving sister Anna May P.S. Write Soon [Note: Anna Mae’s “official spelling” was M-AE but she and her mother both spell the name with a Y in their letters.]

Mildred Johnson Wrights, Cal July 21, 1914 Dearest Bessie and Jimmie, Your welcome letter was received today. We were all very glad to hear from you. We expect you to stay all night when you come up Saturday. Mama and Papa are planning to come down to Los Gatos about Friday. If they go for sure they are going to come out to your place, and have dinner with you.

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Ella and Jennie are coming home Thursday. Ella sent us some pictures they had taken. Mama is feeling fine today. Mary Ann sent Mama some smelling salts so when she has headaches she smells that stuff and her headaches go right away. We are going to have ice cream Thursday night. We are going to invite Harlan and Lloyd Brown, and Donald to help us eat it. The fish man is going to bring it to us.

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Well I will close, your loving sister, M.J. XXXXXX Write Soon We are crazy to see you. P.S. [From Sarah] We are not coming down Friday will wait and go next week being you are coming up Sat. Thought we would get to see you again soon. Mother ]^

Wrights Aug. 21, 1914 My dearest Jimmie and Bessie, Thought I would write to you and see why you don’t answer my card. But I guess that you are too busy. We were picking prunes over at Mr. Brown’s the other day and we made about 6 dollars and 40¢. There was us 3 girls and Ella and Jennie that picked. We all picked over at Mr. Wolpern’s today, and we made 5 dollars and 60 cents. Ella, Jennie and I are going to Santa Cruz Sunday if everything goes alright. I guess that we will go and spend some of the money we made picking prunes. I guess that we will have some fun. We

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are going on the train. Anna May and Ruby can’t go because they were down to Campbell this summer and I haven’t been any place. You and Jimmie ought to be up here now if you want some peaches. Kings are ripe now. We went and got some the other day. Mama said that she is going to put up peaches in the morning. How are you getting along down there. Mama wants to know when you are coming up to see us. We are all pretty well up here. I don’t know when our school is going to start but I guess that it will start some time in September. The Wolperns said that they were going to move back again. Mr. Wolpern came up the other day and told us. He went back this morning. Mr. Wolpern wants to get up here before school starts because he wants Arthur to go to school. I pity the teachers. I guess I have told you all the news so I will close. Your loving sister Mellie. Write a postal. With Love and Kisses. M.D.J.

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Ella Johnson Wrights, Cal. Aug. 21, 1914 My dears Bessie and Jimmie, I think that I owe you folks a note of apology. Am sorry that Annie telephoned you we were going down again but you know it wasn’t my fault. We had already been down twice but you fellows gave us such a good time guess the girls couldn’t stay away. Jennie didn’t have any money to go back with so Annie and I went to Mrs. Grants and we all went to the Pioneer Dance. There were eleven of us in a three-seater and we had lots of fun. I came home Sunday night and Annie went back Sunday afternoon. There is nobody up here now but Jennie. We are going over to Santa Cruz Sunday, Jennie, Mildred and I. All of us have been picking prunes

for Brown and Goldsmith. Made five dollars yesterday before noon and five sixty this morning. We cleaned up Brown’s at noon and had to quit and this morning we filled all of Goldsmith’s boxes and had to quit. Ask Jimmie if he can’t give us a job that will last. We’re some speedburners all right. Poor Charles only picked eight boxes this morning. Ruby wants you to answer her letter and she wants Jimmie to send her the picture taken the day of the picnic of all you people in the wagon. She’ll pay for it when you come up. Mother wants an answer to her card as soon as possible. Hope we didn’t bother you folks too much when we were there. Be sure to come up soon. Give my love to all, As ever, Ella

Ruby Johnson Wrights, Cal July 21, 1914 My Dear Bessie & Jimmie, Received the letter today and was

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glad to hear from you. Mama says you have to stay all night Sat. when you come. Mama says that was a foolish question to ask if she wanted a box of peaches, of course she

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does and will be glad to have them. They will be lovely. Donald is still here and we have been having great times since Ella has been away. He has been up here twice. He went to Davenport Sunday but got back about half past seven, he telephoned up and said if Anna May, Mildred and I would go to C.E. [Christian Endeavor] he would come home with us so we went with Lloyd and Harlan, and Don came home with us. George Ingraham of course followed us home, but likewise we ditched him. It was very easy done. Adele’s birthday is Sat. and we were going down but we are going to postpone it to Tuesday or Wednesday. Mrs. Grandeman feels very bad about Charlie§, she dresses in black now, whenever she goes out. I suppose you will have volumes & volumes to tell us Sat. Ella and Jennie will be here for Sat. they are coming Thursday. We have been over to Adam’s playing with Helen and the kids. Going to have ice cream Thursday night. Lloyd, Harlan & Don

are coming up. Our teacher is Miss Sanders, she is little like Mrs. Fidel, she gives all kinds of music lessons, I guess we will take from her as Mrs. Green isn’t here any more. Well this will be all until Sat, so I will close now hoping to see you soon. From your loving sister Ruby. Excuse writing as I am in a hurry. R. How is Buck? I got a letter from him once. A.M.J. got a card from Lester.

Charlie was one of Bessie’s graduating 8th graders in the 1914 class at Skyland School. He died shortly after graduation. There’s no information in the letters about how he died.

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Howard Johnson [Envelope dated July 23, 1914] Dear Bessie and Jimmie, I write to you to tell you that I have 6 little ducks and 3 big ones. The little baby ducks are awfully cute. I have 2 little pigeons and 11 big ones. Write soon yours, Howard Johnson

Anna Gray [later Wurz] San Jose, Cal Sept. 17, 1914 Dear Jimmy, Bessie & Will, I arrived home safe the other day and found everything the same. Your mother has wrote you today & I am writing myself. I wanted to tell you that I am going to get married the first of next week to Louis. He asked me some time ago but I couldn’t make up my mind then & I didn’t say & tell anyone because I wasn’t sure what I would do. I suppose you all will be surprised to hear of it and I know I will have to

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take care and do different & I will. Louis is coming Saturday & then we will make the arrangements together. I will let you know about it later as I would like to be married in Los Gatos by a minister, but a quiet and private wedding. I would like to have you there. I can get my $50.00 any time for I don’t really need it. Please don’t say anything about it & I can get it some time when I come to see you. I hope this letter will find you all well as usual & please excuse pen as it is an old one we found & will have to buy some new ones.

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Well I must close as I have a lot to do & wrote two letters also, just now. We all send Our Love With Love From Annie

P.S. We are all settled & the pictures are up and all the dishes also so your mother won’t have much to do now.

Elsie Aschmann [later Porter] San Francisco, Cal Aug. 19, 1914 My dear Bessie, I want to thank you for sending Mama and I the jars of fruit. You were so good and thoughtful to remember us. We haven’t opened them yet but know they will be fine. Maybe some day we will be able to gather the berries together and help each other put them up. I surely feel happy when I think of the days to come, and I

know that we will have some happy times together. Au revoir now Bessie. Give Bill [Will Porter] a kiss for me. I certainly did hate to have him go Sunday night but was glad to have him for the little while. With love to you and Jim I am Lovingly, Elsie [Elsie Aschmann married Jimmie’s brother, William Ray Porter.]

Henrietta Avery Stockton, May 20, 1914 Dear Sarah and Family, Have been trying to write to you for a week and congratulate you on your new son-in-law – tried to get down to the wedding but could not make it. Hattie & her husband were Family Letters

going to San Jose and had asked me to go so I wrote and asked them to go so I could go to the wedding – but there was a very important case in court and John could not leave. I would like to hear all about the wedding – am going to send Bessie a little present when she comes back. 517

How are you all, anyway, would like to see you awful well. Helen is going to take the examination the 15th of June in Calaveras Co. She did think of going to Salinas but changed her mind. Hope she gets through for I am sure she is tired going to school. George he got tired and quit the High School and went to work for $40,00 a month in a big manufacturing co. where they make harvesters. He is in the shipping department. Mary is working in a grocery store as cashier,

she likes it very much and will have 2 days the 30th and expects to go to Redmond for Sat. and Sun. How is Jim, was he up to the wedding? Miss McShea is still with us, has been very busy, has not been home to sleep for 6 weeks. Well Sarah will have to close as it is nearly 11 o’clock. My kids went after cherries and have not got home yet. Write when you have time. Yours Ret

The Avery Family Abt. 1900 – Henrietta was Hiram Johnson’s Sister Hattie (21) Maude (17) Morton (23) In front of him: Mary (11) Belle (18) Georgie (15) George (60), George Dewey (3) Henrietta (43), Ruth Henrietta (4 mos.) Helen (5)

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Before and After Family History and Married Life

Family History Well over a year into their courtship, Jimmie, in a letter dated March 19, 1913, admonishes Bessie with these honeyed words: "Now Angel dear," he begins, "Let me remind you as sweetly and tenderly as possible... It has been my custom, as it is the custom of all Old New England families, to greet and part from their friends with a kiss." We have no record of Bessie's reply; most likely she let it drop, at least for then. But if she'd been of a mind to she might have whispered, even more sweetly and tenderly, "Look here, my Angel Love..." and then she could have drawn a line right back to Mayflower passenger Resolved White, and replied, "You're not any older or more New England-y than I am, my dear... and I wish you'd stop kissing all those women!" Thirty-five million living Americans can trace their families back to that famous ship of childhood-Thanksgiving school lessons, and Jimmie and Bessie were both among the Mayflower descendents of their day. Although over half the Mayflower passengers died in the first dreadful winter, the half that lived to eat the next summer's harvest set about having lots and lots of babies, as if they already knew the size of the country they were being called on to populate.

Porters and Underhills Charles Henry and his twin brother William Ray, born in 1845, were the fifth and sixth children of John and Ann Thomas Porter's seven children. Ann took her time having children, seven in twenty years. The eldest, John Thomas Porter, already fifteen when Charles was born, soon left the family home in Duxbury, Massachusetts and set out with a couple of his teenage Porter cousins for California. The boys left no record of what they had in mind to do when they got there but we know, from the records they generated once they arrived, that they quickly set about raising hell and making money. We also have no idea whether Charles even remembered his older brother – he would have been a toddler when John T. left home – or whether John T. returned often, or at all, to Duxbury to visit his "Old New England" relations. So while Charles was growing up in Duxbury and taking up farming, and his twin William was becoming a doctor like their father, their brother John T., his

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cousins and soon the older Porter brothers who quickly followed John T. west, were leaving their marks all around Monterey Bay. John T., for instance was president of the Pajaro Valley Bank, served a four-year term as sheriff of Santa Cruz County, was a director of the Loma Prieta Lumber Company, in which he apparently invested $80,000, president of the John T. Porter Company, and led the Board of Directors of the Watsonville Lumber and Milling Company. He had a large farm in Watsonville, where he grew sugar beets, and was part owner of a sugar beet factory.* Meanwhile, in the 1870 census, Charles is 24-years-old, farming and living with his widowed mother in Duxbury. His twin brother, already a physician, and his widowed sister are also members of the household. In the 1880 census neither Charles nor William are living with Ann and, given their common names, we can’t track them with any certainty. We do know, however, that on November 24th of that year, Charles Henry Porter and Elizabeth Ann Underhill married in Boston. So who was Elizabeth and where did she come from? In the formal family portrait that has come down to us, she appears as the most "genteel" of the four Porter/Johnson parents, with her elegant upswept hair and calm face. But she was, in fact, a complete upstart, the first of her family to be born in the United States. Her parents, James and Elizabeth Rudd Underhill, came from Devon England sometime between the birth of their third son, in 1841, and the birth of Elizabeth in 1849. If there were other children in that seven-year gap who didn't survive, we have no record of them. About James and Elizabeth Rudd Underhill we know very little. They were married in the gorgeously picturesque Tawstock Church in Devon, apparently six weeks after the birth of their first son. We really have no idea if that's true; it's easy for old records to err, or more to the point, their readers to err. Elizabeth had a sister named Sarah who also came to the United States, but we don't know when. Sarah ended up raising four children in Downieville, California where she lived with her husband, Solomon Wood, an English miner 23 years her senior. All four of their children were born in California and Sarah and Solomon both died in San Francisco. Was Elizabeth Underhill Porter in touch with her Aunt Sarah, who lived so close? We don't know. Arguing against it is the fact that her own mother, the first *

Mrs. Spreckels, whom Jimmie asked for help so he could be married in the Episcopal Church, was likely a member of the Spreckels sugar family, and may have had long connections to the Porter family. When the Spreckels family wanted to build a factory in Watsonville and expand the town over the top of what was then Chinatown, they made a deal with Jimmie's Uncle John to move the Chinese residents onto his land.

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Elizabeth, died in Boston a month after her only daughter's third birthday, of "inflammation of the bowels." So perhaps Elizabeth lost touch with the Rudd side of the family. Eighteen months after Elizabeth’s death James married a Nova Scotian, Catherine Trotter. We have a letter from Elizabeth to her brother, James, in Oregon, written after their father's death, in which she refers to Catherine as "my mother" and speaks of her fondly and with great concern. As for James Underhill, Jimmie's grandfather, we only know that he is listed in the 1860 census as "Teamster," but by 1870 he's risen to the profession of "Gent." Unfortunately, his rise in the world didn't help him, in 1875, when he encountered some mishap with a streetcar. Whether he was run over by it or simply kicked by one of the horses pulling it is not clear from the surviving records, but we know that he sustained injuries from which he soon died. Now back to the Porter newlyweds. Shortly after their marriage in November 1880, Charles and Elizabeth headed west in time for Elizabeth to give birth, nine months later to the day, to James Underhill Porter in Wyandotte County, Kansas. By the time their second child, Jennie, was born eighteen months later, they were settled in Watsonville, California, on a leased ranch. Whether or not Charles had known any of his brothers well before he arrived in California, he was certainly taken immediately into the fold of their large and growing families. Jimmie, Jennie and his brother Will, born in 1886, were raised among their many cousins. We meet some of them tangentially in Jimmie’s letters as postmasters and assistant postmasters and people to visit in San Francisco or Watsonville or Santa Cruz. We have no idea why Jimmie was born in Kansas. We do know that he was raised in Watsonville and went to school there. The 1900 census shows him living with his Underhill cousins on their ranch in Oregon. But he was in San Francisco during the 1906 earthquake – we have records of his claim for his savings deposit, apparently lost when the bank was destroyed, neatly titled in Bessie’s hand, “All that was left out of the earthquake in 1906.” At some time he became a licensed barber in California and he worked as a barber during much of the time he was writing the letters to Bessie. Also at that time he was in business with his brother Will on the family farm in San Jose. They had a fruit growing and processing enterprise as well as a poultry farm that produced chicks and eggs for sale. That’s Jimmie’s story up to the time of this book; now for Bessie’s.

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Crapos and Johnsons Perhaps Jimmie’s greatest claim to genetic fame is that his many-multiplegreat grandparents, John and Mary Porter, testified both for and against the accused at the Salem Witch Trials. Bessie’s story is much more exciting, with a shipwreck and French toads on one side of the family, and a secret coded map showing the way to hidden gold on the other. ‘Crapo’ is an Americanization of the word ‘crapaud’ (hardly more beautiful is it?), which means “toad” in French. It was not meant to be beautiful, or even polite. Apparently our English-American ancestors called our French-American ancestors ‘Jean Crapaud,’ or ‘Johnnie CRAY-po’ in American English, for the same reason the English have been known to call the French ‘Frogs’ – it’s an insult and it’s meant to be. So, according to family lore†, the first Crapo in Bessie’s family line, was a young man by the name of Pierre, later Peter. To be very brief, since this may be complete hogwash, Pierre/Peter arrived in America sometime before 1680, the sole survivor of a French ship from Bordeaux, wrecked off the rocky coast of Massachusetts. Once pulled from the treacherous sea, he was taken in by the Coombs family, but not given their name. Rather he was stuck forever with the moniker of “Pierre Toad” or, lucky him, Peter Crapo. Young Peter grew up in Massachusetts and eventually married Penelope White, the granddaughter of Resolved White. Resolved’s claim to genetic fame is that he was the older brother of Peregrine White, a child actually born on the Mayflower. (One has to wonder if young Resolved was jealous that his brother got an even better name.) We need to keep in mind, by the way, when tracing these 300+ year old family trees, that a single slip – a foundling taken in and raised as one of the family (and not forever stuck with the name ‘Toad’), a little afternoon’s dalliance with the milkman while hubby’s off plowing the back forty, or maybe just a few transposed lines in a Family Bible – and the entire family tree disconnects. So these stories

†

Our primary reference for this is H.H. Crapo’s “Certain Comeovers”, New Bedford, 1912. When H.H. sent a copy to Aunt Phoebe she wrote, thanking him, and remarked that if she ever got too old to remember her age or even her name, she would now be able to look them up in his book and so remind herself.

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should be taken as the stories of families, people who lived with each other and shared each other’s lives, whether or not they shared each other’s genes. Peter and Penelope Crapo no doubt “made love, like all brides and grooms.” As a result they had ten children and, 150 years later, they had a lot of descendents. Jesse Crapo, Peter and Penelope’s third great grandson and Bessie’s grandfather, was one of five children born to Joseph Crapo and Sarah Sisson Crapo, a family firmly settled in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Although Jesse’s next oldest brother, William, married four times, finding women from as far away as Michigan and Oregon, the rest of the family never got farther from Dartmouth than New Bedford. Jesse was too late for the gold rush, he wasn’t born until 1841, but somehow he decided to come to California and so he did. Perhaps he was avoiding being called to fight in the Civil War. In any event, by 1865 he was in San Francisco, marrying an Irish woman of his own age who would outlive him by 45 years. He and the former Anne Lamb had four children, the eldest of whom was Bessie’s mother, Sarah. One thing we do know about Jesse is that he was not fleeing his family in Massachusetts. They stayed close down through the generations, long after his death, with children and grandchildren writing fond letters to relations they’d never met face to face, while other members of the family traveled back and forth across the continent just to visit. As for Anne Lamb, all we know about her is what she brought from Ireland, an accent that stuck with her over the next 70 years, abiding ill humor and the most amazing chin. She passed on the chin generously, largely to unfortunate granddaughters; grandson’s got it too but it wasn’t quite so striking on a man’s face. Fortunately she appears to have kept the better part of her ill humor to herself. One of Anne’s granddaughters asked her mother, Sarah Johnson, one day, ‘Do all women get that crabby when they’re old?” Sarah replied, “It’s got nothing to do with old, she’s been like that ever since I’ve known her,” which, of course, was all of Sarah’s life. So now for Bessie’s father’s side of the family and the hidden gold. This story isn’t even based on a published book, it’s based on a school essay written by a student in Calaveras County. Here’s how it goes. George Kress Johnson, Bessie’s grandfather,

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left Pennsylvania with the army, to go fight the Mexican War‡. After that little skirmish, George and his friends, still looking for adventure, turned their horse’s heads for California. There, they met up with an old friend or acquaintance from Texas and, for reasons not entirely clear, this man entrusted to them a map showing where they could find a secret gold mine in the California Sierras. Of course George and his friends headed up to the mountains right away. The story then gets a little confused, but we know George didn’t strike it rich. As for the map, we know it existed because other people saw it, or they think they saw it, or there was some sort of piece of paper, kind of rough looking, but at some point it got lost. George, in any event, didn’t seem too concerned. His next move, in another sequence we can’t really track, was to tell his friend that he had to go back home to “get his bride.” That bride was Mary Ann, Bessie’s grandmother. The story gets even more confused now because we know that Mary Ann was married, at a very young age, possibly as young as 15, to Abram Howard in Butler County, Ohio. She and Mr. Howard had two children, Samuel Johnson and Abram J. Howard, seven years apart. Then she married George Johnson. We don’t know what happened to Abram Howard senior, but Mary Ann arrived in California with Abram junior, the younger of the brothers, but not Samuel. Mary Ann appears to have been “Mary Ann Johnson Howard Johnson,” but there’s no evidence she was related to George, though they had the same last name. The Johnsons took up farming rather than mining, raising sheep rather than gold. The town of Sheep Ranch, where Bessie’s sister Ella later taught school, was named after their endeavor, but the Johnson’s themselves didn’t stay there too long; they apparently moved over the next ridge, almost a literal stone’s throw from where the descendents of Mary Ann’s sons by Mr. Howard run a sheep ranch today. George and Mary Ann had five more children, including Bessie’s father, Hiram Hugh. The other Howard son, Samuel, eventually joined the family in Calaveras after he was grown; we don’t know where he was in the meantime. George and Mary Ann both died in their early fifties, before Bessie was born. But their children did their part to populate California, particularly Hiram and his twin sisters, Georgie and Henrietta. Georgie died at 23, but managed to have four ‡

Full disclosure: The U.S. government has no record of his military service, which doesn’t mean he didn’t serve, but it certainly doesn’t help our story line.

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children before she passed on, having been married just two weeks after her 14th birthday. Henrietta married George Avery and gave birth to twelve children of whom nine lived. Henrietta’s eldest son’s daughter, Marcelle Avery, is now in her mid-90s and still living in Calaveras County in the town of Avery, which was named for George Avery’s family. Now all we have to do is have Hiram Johnson meet Sarah Crapo and our story is on its way. Old census records help us out there, too. In 1880, we find 14-year-old Sarah living with her parents on a farm in Murray Township, Alameda County. The Crapos are listed at the top of page 13. And there’s Hiram, at the top of page 14, working as a laborer on a neighboring farm. Did he walk by her house and admire her chin? (She was actually very beautiful, we have a picture of her at that time to prove it.) Or was he attracted by her cheerful demeanor, such a contrast to her mother’s reputation? We’ll never know. But we do know that a year later, the 15year-old Sarah was a bride and, ten months after that, a mother, of the first of her ten children. Bessie was her third child and the first girl.

Married Life After Jimmie and Bessie were married, they moved into the Shannon Road house where Jimmie had lived with his parents. He speaks in his letters of working on a “leased place” that apparently abutted the Porter Ranch, and possibly his parents lived there. Or they may have moved into San Jose. The letter from Annie Gray, with the news of her engagement and pending marriage to Louis Wurz, that greeted Bessie and Jimmie when they got home from their honeymoon, is addressed to the two of them and to Will. So presumably Will stayed put on Shannon Road. This arrangement probably didn’t last too long; Will was soon married himself, to Elsie Aschmann. In November, 1912, Jimmie writes to Bessie that he and Will are negotiating to buy a store. Their prospects look good and they’re successful in securing a $10,000 loan, but it falls through at the last minute. Shortly after his marriage, Jimmie and Will were successful in buying a general store on Keyes Street in San Jose. They were

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operating that, and continuing to farm on Shannon Road, when their first son, James Underhill Porter, Junior, was born in 1916. Jimmie and Bessie then bought, from Bessie’s parents, the Skyland Ranch at Wrights Station in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They raised and sold fruit there and it was there, in August 1917, that their second son, William Ray Porter was born, and named after his Uncle Will. At some point they sold that ranch and built a new house in Campbell, a suburb of San Jose near Los Gatos. Their next step was to sell the house in Campbell and buy an estate in Edenvale, a suburb south of San Jose. To some extent they seemed to be tracing backwards some of Bessie’s many childhood moves; in her autobiography she lists all the places she’s lived, Campbell and Edenvale among them. Their son Bill tells of the home on the Edenvale estate as having had a grand ballroom and other amenities quite out of the ordinary. Two pictures we have of the house, one with the Porter family posing proudly on the front steps, shows it to be, indeed, quite something. It was about this time that Jimmie formally took up the real estate business, though clearly, with all the trading he’d been doing, he was already informally engaged in it. He became the president and general manager of Chapman & Porter Co., Realtors and General Brokers, located on South First Street in San Jose. To use the terms Realtor or Broker today requires a state license and we assume that was the case at that time as well. In the early 1920’s Jimmie made what would be his final real estate deal. He sold the Edenvale estate and then, for $99,000, bought a 144-acre ranch at San Martin (mar-TEEN), a wide spot on Highway 101 between San Jose and Gilroy. Highway 101, then and now, is the main highway along the California Coast. In addition to the highway, the main line of the Southern Pacific Railroad passed through San Martin, so it was a choice spot to purchase a producing ranch. The ranch was mostly mature prune trees but also produced peaches, apricots and pears. It had a complete prune processing plant that took the fruit from the trees to sacks of dried fruit ready for sale. Not satisfied with the houses on the property, and there were several, Jimmie had a new house built. And there, in the front bedroom, their third son, Albert Charles, was born in October 1924. Jimmie managed the ranch successfully in addition to tending to his real estate business. Photographs from that time show Bessie smiling broadly, in her fruitstained “calico clothes,” while she works in every aspect of processing fruit. After all, 526

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she grew up to the business and, as Ella tells us in one of her letters, the Johnson girls were “speed-burners” in the fruit orchards. In off times, Jimmie also was a fruit buyer for the Richmond Chase Cannery in San Jose. He would negotiate a flat price per ton with other growers in Santa Clara County and arrange for delivery to the cannery. He bought a new Buick every year to get himself around to his various activities. Jimmie bought his last Buick in 1928. In early 1929 he became ill with pernicious anemia. The disease causes general weakness, shortness of breath, heart problems and, most sadly, neurological problems. Today, it is easily controlled with Vitamin B12 shots and patients can expect a normal life span, but then no amount of liver consumed could overcome the body’s inability to absorb B-12 through the stomach. By late 1929 Jimmie was under the care of an in-home nurse and in 1930 he was moved to a sanitarium on Alum Rock Avenue in East San Jose where, in January 1931, he passed away. Meanwhile Bessie, who was under severe financial pressures, returned to teaching. In the fall of 1929 she was appointed principal of the two-room Rucker School between San Martin and Gilroy. Although he was only four when school started, she put Albert in the first grade to ease the pressure on Jimmie’s nurse. Albert started his second pass through first grade the next year, when he was five. Just as Jimmie died the Depression hit and the price of prunes plummeted. Without his management the ranch was not successful. In 1932, Bessie was hit with a final blow when Rucker was integrated with the Gilroy school system and she lost her job. She was forced to go through bankruptcy though she was able to negotiate the condition that she could stay in the house at the ranch for as long as she wanted. But, in effect, everything she and Jimmie had worked so hard for was gone. Bessie was out of work for a year before she got a job with the Grammar School District in Campbell, a small town between San Jose and Los Gatos. She and Albert, who was allowed to go to school in Campbell though they lived in San Martin, commuted in the 1928 Buick for two years. Finally it became too much for Bessie and she moved from the ranch to San Jose in the fall of 1935. She stayed at Campbell until she retired in 1956 at the age of 70. Shortly after WWII the principal at Campbell gave her what she called her dream job. Campbell had started an annex school for children at the Santa Clara County Hospital and Bessie was put in charge of it. She and one other teacher kept Before and After

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their patients “up to snuff” as she put it so they could return to their regular classes after their illnesses. Sadly, Bessie had a short retirement. In the fall of 1956 she had a series of strokes and passed away two days after Christmas. Jimmie Junior had died in 1945 and his ashes were put with his father as Bessie wished. The three of them now rest together in the Mausoleum at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose.

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A Note on the Transcription Jimmie’s letters were typed from the originals which were saved in their envelopes and which are in excellent condition, as are the other family letters and Bessie’s diaries. For the most part, Jimmie wrote in pencil on small plain stationary. Occasionally he used pen and ink. The envelopes are addressed in pen and ink. In order to make it easier on the reader, I did not attempt to reproduce the letters exactly as they are written. Following is a brief summary of the most common changes I chose to make, and a few that I didn’t.

Paragraphs: Jimmie almost never used paragraphs; a ten page letter is one long string of text. I chose to break the text into paragraphs. Spelling: A number of words are misspelled, some consistently. I kept a few single misspellings where they have the force of “made up” words and add interest, otherwise I corrected them. I also modernized the spelling of some words. For example, he consistently hyphenated words we now write as one word, for example, to-day, my-self, to-gether, any-way.

Capitalization: Jimmie would often capitalize a word not normally capitalized to give it the force of a proper noun; I kept these capitalizations. Commas: The letters written from home tended to have a lot of commas, while the letters written from the barber shop tended to have almost none. I added commas as necessary to help with readability.

Grammar: I have not corrected grammar except on occasion where the thought is so convoluted as to be difficult to decipher. There are very few instances of this. (Many of the letters were written in the barber shop where he was faced with constant interruptions.) I occasionally inserted words for clarity where I believe it was a simple error to omit them. Similarly I omitted words that are repeated for no reason and I have made some obvious substitutions such as “it” for “is” and so on.

Names: I did the best I could with proper names. Jimmie had good handwriting and the letters are easy to read, but certain letters look the same. This isn’t a problem with normal text but sometimes names are difficult to make out. If a name was difficult, I tried to do some research to see if I could find the person in old records to confirm the spelling.

Afterword Because I spent a kabillion hours typing these letters, I get the last word… and this is it. A few years ago I was visiting my parents in California and as I was about to leave for the airport, my father handed me a small black bag. “What’s this?” I asked. “Oh…” he said, in that Pop way of his [Allison, Laurie, Mariya and Bud know exactly what I’m talking about], “It’s some family things… you’re the family historian… you hang onto it…” The “family things” turned out to be the letters and diaries in this book. When I first started reading them (I finished the diary on the plane home, reading it twice through… stunned), I knew these were treasures. And I knew I wanted to both preserve them forever, and share them, with my sisters, my daughter, my nephew, my cousins. I started by photocopying each letter. After about five or ten I knew it was a waste of time. They were hard to copy, and harder to read once copied. It would work to preserve them, but no one but me would ever read them. By then I’d talked to Pop and he admitted even he hadn’t read every single letter. So, I decided to type them. Which has taken much much longer than I ever imagined it would. But now it is done. And I just want to say to my father, and to my Uncle Bill, who did not throw away these letters when they cleaned out my grandmother’s house after she died: Thank you. Thank you for saving them. And thank you, Pop, for giving them to me. With this book, it’s my great joy to give them back to you. Typing the letters, and proofreading them multiple times because I’m a terrible typist, forced me to read them at a speed that almost matched the time, on a calendar basis, it took Jimmie to write them. And so, in some respects, I lived this story in real time. I found it’s the story not only of my grandparents and our family, but of

California and the Santa Clara Valley, a hundred years ago. And it’s a fascinating story. Gettting to learn it through my keyboard has been one of the great pleasures of my life. My grandfather died seventy-five years ago; there are very few people living who remember him. Because he was sick for the last two years of his life and in a nursing home at the end my father, who was six when he died, barely remembers him. But my Uncle Bill was thirteen when his father died, and Uncle Bill, I hope this book will make you think of all those great stories you never told us so you can tell them to us now. My grandmother died almost fifty years ago, and though I was barely seven, I remember her well. She was a perfect grandmother. She absolutely adored us and always made me feel like the center of the universe whenever I was with her. OK guys…I know…everyone in the family made me feel like the center of the universe… I was really spoiled! But hey! Look how happy I am now! I remember sitting with my Grandma Bay, (the nickname by which she was known to all, but she acquired it after the events of this book so it’s not used here), on the lawn swing in the back yard of our house in Santa Cruz, where she would read books to me, book after book after book, for as long as I wanted to sit there. I remember she had all sorts of cutesy ceramic figurines, gifts from a lifetime of students, no doubt, which to little girl were the most beautiful possessions in the world. I remember her house in San Jose and the ceramic ducks on the back lawn – little ducklings following the mother duck…yes, yes, but little kids LOVE this stuff… and that beautiful colored-portrait of her as a young woman, so elegant, hanging on the wall; I could stand and look at it forever. And upstairs, after she moved into our Santa Cruz house, she had a petrified wood collection in what used to be Allison’s and my bedroom. I would stare at it, picking up piece after piece, and try to imagine how trees turned into rocks. I also remember that she gave big soft hugs in a way that made you want to get them, not in that way that your little face is smashed into some relative’s bosom so you can’t breathe and you’re waiting for it to end. And her kisses weren’t wet and sloppy, either, they were nice and dry. If I have a regret now it’s that, of my endless Johnson relatives, whom I saw at every holiday, annual family reunions, and all sorts of times in between, the only

ones from my grandmother’s generation whom I really remember as individuals are Aunt Anna Mae and Aunt Mildred. We visited with them often, so I got to know them, but the others are just one big holiday-event-family-reunion-blur. And no wonder, there were so many of them. I never really knew who was ours and who married in, and who all those hundred plus people, having a ball in the park, eating, playing horseshoes, running around, talking talking talking, who they were to me. If my grandmother had been there as I got older, I might have been able to connect her to her brothers and sisters, but she wasn’t and I didn’t. Like all kids, I’d just run off with my sisters and cousins and ignore the grown-ups. How I wish now that I could put more memories with some of the people in the letters and diary, whom I met but I don’t remember. OK, that’s all, that’s enough, it’s all I want to say. And again, thank you Pop, thank you so so much! This has been the greatest gift!! Mary Jo Porter November 2005 Seattle, Washington

The End