From Former Sons and Daughters of

James A. Osborn was born in Lawrence County on March 4, 1849 to Daniel and Nancy Osborn. On February 27, 1870 he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen French, daughter, of Newton and Sarah (nee Mackrill) French. Mary was born May 11, 1850. To this union the following children were born: Rosella (b. abt. 1871) Nora (b. abt. abt. 1873); Charles (b. abt. 1875). Mary died at Texarkana, Texas on April 28, 1918. James passed away 3 months later on July 18, 1918. They are buried in the Moffett Cemetery.

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Lawrence Jacob Pence was born in Lawrence County on July 20, 1884 to Noah and Martha J. (nee Severns) Pence. On October 25, 1910 he was united in marriage to Lydia Elsie Shick, daughter of Peter William and Jane Carper (nee Whitmer) Shick. Lydia was born October 1, 1885. To this union census records show the following children were: Helen Clarice (b. abt. 1912); Eloise S. (b. abt. 1925). Lawrence died in October 1975.

In 1915, L. J. wrote another letter to the Press. He stated that the family had left Illinois for Ft. Worth, Texas on Sept 2, 1913 because L.J. was going into the Metal Weather Strip business with his brother. His daughter had had diphtheria the previous November. He ended his letter by saying that what Texas needed was some good northern farmers who would devote their time to small grains and hogs, instead of cotton.

Stave mills produce the narrow strips of wood that compose the sides of barrels.

January 18, 1917

Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Osborn, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Jones and family, and Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Seibert and family, all former residents of Sumner, Illinois, now residing at Texarkana, Texas, all satisfied and doing well, but every Saturday we are looking for the mailman to bring the Sumner Press, to get the news from Sumner and surrounding country.

Respectfully yours,

J. A. Osborn

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Hamburg, Arkansas

February 2, 1917

Dear Editor:

Through the columns of the Pink Press we take the pleasure of letting our many friends in and around old Sumner hear from us again. We so often think of our many friends and loved ones, and how often that old familiar song rebounds to our memory, and so true, “how dear to our hearts are the scenes of our childhood.” Then we think what a pleasure it would be to be there again. But there have been so many sad changes; it would hardly be home again.

Before going farther for the benefit of some who may not know will give ourselves a brief introduction.

I, being the son of N. J. Pence was born and raised in Christy Township four and one half miles southeast of Sumner. My wife was the third daughter of P. W. Shick born and raised in Lukin Township five miles south of Sumner.

We have one black-eyed girl, five years old, Helen Clarice. I am sorry to say she is getting the Arkansas brogue to perfection.

We moved from Fort Worth, Texas, to Hamburg, February 1915, and think this is a good place to live. Hamburg is a County seat of Ashley County located in the southeast part of the state. Population about 2000, with good schools, churches, water and light plant, several sawmills, one stave mill.

We have a little farm adjoining the town on the east on which we raise a goodly supply of our living. I, being engaged the last 18 months in a general merchandise store, my wife, with the help of a hired man, does the greater part of the farming, and can say she has made good, especially on sweet and Irish potatoes The latter especially, as we still have plenty in the patch to dig potatoes as we need them.

We have mild winters and a long growing season, which makes this a fine stock country in a very desirable place to live. We would be glad to have more people here from the north. Not only my wife and I, but the people here hold the latch string on the outside with the same hospitality.

Thanking the editor for giving the wanderers this pleasure of writing all our friends and giving us the privilege of hearing from so many at the same time.

Wishing you all a prosperous new year, we are,

Very respectfully yours,

L. J. Pence and family

Hayti, Missouri

January 17, 1917

Sumner Press:

Enclosed find check for $1.25 for subscription to the Sumner Press. Will say in regard to your Pink Sheet issue, I certainly enjoy reading the many letters from my old home folks.

As to myself, my home is still in southeast Missouri, Pemiscot County, the corner County, Hayti my town. Am still in the hardware and implement business enjoying a very nice trade.

I feel well, my family is well, have plenty to eat and wear.

I go home to your town once or twice a year to visit my father and mother, northeast of Sumner I love to come back where I was a boy.

I have two children married. I am also grandpa. When I think of all this, it makes it feel a little old.

Wishing you and all friends and relatives in Lawrence County, a happy and prosperous New Year.

Yours,

Frank Perkins

January 15, 1917

Dear Editor and Friends:

I am still in town farming some of the summer. I am getting used to western prairie and some Indians now. I was not used to the Redskins when I first came here. I was sent to haul wood (for a man who has a part Indian woman) from a gulch about five miles west of the nearest white man's house. Mr. Patton went along with the first load and then sent me alone. As I was loading I saw three large Indians slipping down the bluff hiding behind trees coming closer, keeping their guns pointed at me. Although I had been warned not to fear Indians if they tried to get me to pay for the wood, I was not looking for them in that style. I was told not to give them money. They came up, talked Indian, grunted, pointed at the wood, then at me, shook their heads, talked among themselves. I made out to tell them the wood was for Frank Patton. Finally they left me. About 100 yards away they turned and laughingly said in good English, “Did you say that wood was for Patton.", "I said yes." They only laughed and left. Afterwards when I became their mail carrier they told me that they had me well scared if I didn't give them money. I afterward heard that some have been held up by two and sometimes three sets of Indians on a single trip for wood. They call it an Indian trick, and be sure they enjoyed it better than I did. This country is better settled now and such tricks cannot be played here anymore.

My old home, as most of you know was on the Lawrence and Richland County line, southwest of Sumner where father and brother still live. I was an old Beulah schoolboy when C. B. Carter taught there. I am glad to see so many of our homeboys coming to the front. It makes me feel proud of home. I think the Christian influence of that locality is the cause of the advancement. I am still glad to get the Press here regularly. As my subscription is out in February I will send my renewal now.

Your old friend,

Samuel W. Perrott

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Frank wrote a letter in 1916 and his Biography is in that section.