Johanna Christina Wilken
Johanna was born on March 9, 1839, married to Gerhardt Ludwig Thaden on October 22, 1859, moved to Rock County, Minnesota in 1870 and lived there until they moved on to Tacoma, Washington in 1891.
Johanna and Gerhardt had six sons and three daughters. One of the sons, Martin, must have taken a job to help the family.
A few years ago, I found a letter Johanna wrote to Martin dated March 2, 1888. It is said that this is the first time this boy was away from home at his first job.
Beaver Creek, Minn.
March 2, 1888
Dear Martin. (At this time, Martin was 22 years old.)
Oh, you don't know how glad every one of us felt, as we received your letter. Oh, how thankful and glad we felt and wish you would not wait so long again. Please write soon, how you feel and all news you know. We are all well and healthy, but it is so cold weather today, yes so extremely cold freezing [wind, the] whole day so sharp.
So, Martin, please be careful not be out in the snowstorms. Oh, how glad we would feel, if you could stay home with us. Mother like to know if you have to stay alone out there on Mr. Campbell's place or live you with them folks together[?]
News from there please write to us very soon and you may find out if there is somebody who wants to buy a farm here in Rock County. Should be there in your vicinity neighborhood change for trade. [Unintelligible\ for stock or some else! Please wait not so long to write your circumstances and all news you know.
We are all well and healthy our hope from you the same. Good bye, good bye!
Your parents, brothers & sisters
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