Minnie Rice Family Letters

This series of transcribed letters tells a compelling story of what life was like in Sweeny back in the early days. Times were hard and holding on to what you had was difficult, at least for this one family. However the letters also tell about neighbors helping neighbors and offer tidbits of information such as; who escaped the hotel fire in their night clothes, where what might have been the first airplane to land in Sweeny landed and what prompted the first oil company in Sweeny to form. It is a lengthy read but we think worth the time for those interested in what life in Sweeny was like back in the day.    

Francis S. and Minnie Rice arrived in Sweeny around 1911 and bought 20 acres of the Hurd Subdivision. Frank was an engineer and designed two bridges over the Brazos River, one bridge at Columbia and the other at Brazoria. Frank was also one of the original seven trustees of the newly formed (May 1913) Sweeny Independent School District. He resigned that position in August of 1913. Frank was killed December 2, 1913 in an accident at the Sweeny Depot when a train hit a baggage cart sending it sailing into him. At the time of his death he was employed by the County as the engineer on another bridge across the Brazos at Velasco and was being considered for two bridges across the San Bernard River.

Minnie Rice remained in Sweeny with most of her family. From 1917 through 1921 a series of letters were written by family members. Betty Bruce Hankins Mapp, granddaughter of Frank and Minnie Rice retained 21 of the letters through the years. With Charlene Finley’s help, those letters were given to the Brazoria County Historical Museum. Charlene also kept copies of the letters. Thanks to BCHM, Charlene Finley and the late Betty Bruce Hankins Mapp for providing the letters for this article.

The Museum has not scanned the letters but does have them available for research. The letters are difficult to follow and read (see example and notes below). Utilizing what the Museum has plus Charlene Finley’s copies we’ve transcribed the letters. Although we’ve corrected some spelling, not all, and added some punctuation for clarity we have attempted to keep the text as close as possible to what we read. We’ve also utilized superscript and footnotes to help with clarity and identify names where we could. A few documents and pictures are inserted between letters.

The following are Rice family members whom either wrote the letters or are mentioned in them with relationship to Minnie Rice, age at 1917, how each is referenced in the letters and where each lived during this 1917-1921 time frame;

• Minnie Rice; mother, 57 years old, referenced as mother, lived on the farm in Sweeny, made a trip back to see family in Ohio and lived with Levi and Bruce towards the end.

• Effie May Rice; oldest daughter, 34 years old, referenced as May or Sis, lived and worked as a librarian in Galveston, Note; Sweeny’s first teacher around 1911 before SISD was formed.

• Francis Edgar Rice; oldest son, 31 years old, referenced as Edgar, son or brother, lived and worked in Tulsa Oklahoma for Casing Head Gas Co. at first then in Bartlesville Oklahoma as a V. P. For Phillips Petroleum. Note; Edgar owned 20 acres of land adjacent to Minnie Rice.

• Hester Bruce Rice Hankins; daughter, 29 years old, referenced as Bruce, lived in Sweeny with her mother at first then married Levi Hankins December 1917 and lived south of Sweeny. Note; was one of two teachers first hired by SISD in 1913 but was not teaching during the timeframe of the letters.

• Abigail Rice; daughter, 26 years old, referenced as Gail, lived in Sweeny but spent some time up north and later moved to Oregon.

• Winifred Rice; youngest daughter, 17 years old, referenced as Winifred or Win by all and Peggy or Peg at times by Bruce, lived with her mother in Sweeny and made the Ohio trip with her mother.

• Paul Rice; youngest son, 15 years old, referenced as Paul, lived with his mother in Sweeny and spent some time working in Oklahoma.

• Levi Hankins; son in law, 40 years old, referenced as Levi, lived south of Sweeny

• Margaret; step granddaughter (Levi Hankins daughter by first marriage), 6 years old, referenced as Margaret or Margie.

• Betty Bruce Hankins; granddaughter (Levi and Bruce’s daughter), born in 1920, referenced as Betty Bruce or baby.

• Ida; daughter in law (married to Edgar), 29 years old, referenced as Ida, lived with Edgar in Oklahoma.

• Scott; grandson (Edgar and Ida’s son), born 1918, referenced as Scott or baby.

• Robert; grandson (Edgar and Ida’s second son), born 1920, referenced as baby in final letter.

Example Letter

 

Letter notes; Most of the letters were written on folded letter paper with the inside right hand page being the beginning, the backside being page 2 and the inside left being page 3, repeat for more pages. Often the close of the letter would be above the beginning of the letter as in this example. A few letters had writing in the margins to utilize as much paper as possible. 17 of the 21 letters were sent to Edgar, however none were from Edgar so reading only one end of a conversation makes it difficult to follow. The other 4 letters appear to be letters enclosed with a new letter to Edgar indicating that Edgar Rice is the one that kept the letters.

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Note; Clicking on a text ^[number] takes you to the footnote at end of document. Clicking on footnote [number] takes you back to the text.

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice July 2. 1917

Home July 2^nd. 17

My Dear Boy

            Your letter and the enclosed received yesterday I’m so glad there is yet another chance for a favorable decision in our case.

            Believe me dear I did not intend to delay writing so long. At first I certainly was grieved that you should take such important step in life without telling me for months afterward and as Bruce wrote I thought I would wait a little until the hurt healed before I wrote then I got into the canning business and I just haven’t any time at all it’s not because I’m putting up so much but folks come and bring their stuff and stay then they come for it and stay then because the cannery is here the club girls come here to can and Winifred is the only one that can solder so she does all that. I have only put up near 300 cans. I suppose I will get about 3 cts. a can. I was up until after midnight canning 3 nights last week. Mr. Wichman[1] helped me until midnight one night. I had 40 tin cans of beans my first experience using the capping irons. May will reach you today. I hope you are glad to see her she felt so bad about your treating us so she hardly thought you would be glad to see her (you know you didn’t ask her) I hope she has a rest while away she has been working so hard. A letter from Auntie says Grandpa is not well. He seems to have trouble using his limbs. He was all right when he left but I think the long ride with the wary of the delay was hard on him. On account of a wreck he was 12 hrs. late getting to Pitts.

            May will tell you about Paul having work it’s hard for him to settle down and stick to it but Mr. Rimmer[2] says he is doing very well he only gets $3.00 pr. week. We get up (he & I) at six and he feeds the pigs. It’s rather hard on me for the chores are hard now. Cutting husking the corn and carrying water so far for the six pigs. One pig gets into the corn field. I have had two different men fix the fence but in vain. Today I’ve been trying to fix things so the chickens can’t get in the corn or vine tomato patch.

            Mrs. Wilson is here from gal. She came Sat. A.M. She doesn’t get entertained much but seems very content,

We had a long dry spell broken last week by a fairly good rain. We are hoping for more so our corn is all right but the late corn is badly fried most places. The hotel burned a few weeks ago poor Vezey[3] escaped in their night clothes lost almost everything they had. They made up a purse of $140.00 for them. Earl[4] had moved to the Fenner[5] house just a few days previous to the fire.

            Bruce is going with the Arrington’s[6] (and Mr. Hankins) to Gal.^Galveston tomorrow just for the day. She and Mr. Hankins are going fast and furious in fact he is trying hard to win her. He has 3 children and she would have a hard life I am afraid. I know he would be kind but he is rather domineering had no education [illegible] but if she loves him I shall not object (I don’t imagine I’ll have a chance to.

            I wish Ida could come down here. It isn’t likely we will go to the beach any length of time but a party is going when Gail comes and Herman & Paul Vezey[7] are home. Its hot daytimes here but the nights are cold. Wish you could both come home. You haven’t had any vacation for two years.

Enclosed you will find notifications for two years Co. back tax. You never sent the receipts for that tax you paid last winter but I don’t suppose this is the same. I have no receipts for these years that is for Co. tax. I did not know I had to pay Co. road tax as well as township. It never rains but pours for me. Last week Mr. Willy (the land Co. agent) came down in a great rush and wanted me pay 100.00 on the land otherwise unless the land Co. Entered in it before July 1^st. the debt was outlawed they had just discovered it and the law is a new one. I borrowed 100.00 from Bra.^Brazoria Bank for one amount. Mr. Rimmer signed my note and paid it but next Oct. the same thing will occur again and I’m going to try and get in the federal loan for the rest of it and pay it all up. The int. in the federal loan is 5% and it applies on the principal.

Must stop Win is ready. I hope you can read this much love to you both

Mother                                         

Minnie Rice to Bruce, Winifred and Paul Sept. 19, 1917

She went to Gal. Wednesday A.M.

Sept 19^th. 17

Dear Girlies and Paul

            Well here I am (home at the Y.W.) from the Dr. and will not very pleasant news to tell you. He Dr. thinks it cancer and while not much developed yet the glands under my arms and up my neck will have to come out to prevent it returning. I will have to the hospital tomorrow eve. And be operated on Fri. morning. Now I expected an operation but didn’t expect such charges. When I asked him the price he said $250.00 was the usual price but if I couldn’t afford to pay that much it would be less. I said I surely couldn’t. Well he said if I could raise $100 cash he thought he might do it for that. That means get an extension for two months on that note and rake up another 50 some place. I don’t know and I’m to tired to think. I have my glasses fixed by Win was so glad for the bright sun had made me so nervous and tired it’s such a relief to have them. I had a nice trip down. Came up to the rooms and waited quite awhile before May came. She was too busy all Mon. to go out with me they “lunched” the rotary club here.

I hate to have Gail delay her trip yet I hate to have her go on Sat. morn. I figured we are to phone that we will be all right then. Guess you had better send this on to Edgar.

The Dr. said I would be in the hospital a week or ten days. That a room would cost $3.00 or $3.50 a day (I suppose that includes a nurse) a private ward $2.00 and a public ward $1.50 pr. day.

I got me a pr. of black stockings 2 shirts some “needles & pins” including hair pins and tried to find your braid but failed to find as narrow as you wanted. I’m so sleepy. Love to all and everybody. Tell Paul he’ll have to pick cotton to help pay my bills. Miss Kennedy[8] says Dr. Thompson is one of the best surgeons in the United States.

Lovingly Mother

I go to hospital tomorrow P.M.

 

Bruce Rice to Edgar Rice Sept. 20, 1917

Sept. 20, 1917

Sweeny, Tex.

Dear Edgar;

            Am enclosing Mother’s letter as she requested. We got yours yesterday, but of course you have Mother’s before now, explaining why Peg didn’t go. Am sorry it put you out, dear, but this is unexpected for us all. It makes my heart ache to think mother has had it all summer and working so hard, and never told anyone. She says it hasn’t hurt much, no telling what Mother’s much may mean. We have money for present use, Gail has $300 on deposit which she is placing at May’s disposal. We can pay Gail back as we sell cotton. Have 2 bales ginned, 1 ½ in barn and more coming. We have $200 in pigs too.

            Mother seems pretty well, only thinner than ever. This ends Peg’s school I guess, Mother will have to be well taken care of when she comes home, and in the years to come. I wish we were off this farm. There is too much to see to around here. Oh laddie I wish you were closer, but we’ll pull thru. Sis will probably keep you posted how Mother gets along. My school begins next Mond. Gail was to leave Sat., meet grandpa and put him on Tex. Train. She will wait a few days.

Love to you both

Bruce

Written in the margin; Are holding cotton for better prices.

 

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice Oct. 22, 1917

Mon. Oct 22^nd. 1917

My Dear boy

Its two weeks today since I received your letter written from Ardmore enclosing a $50 check. It would seem that my sense of gratitude would have prompted an earlier acknowledgement of your letter and indeed I did intend writing right away but it turned cold. So I had to stay in bed until I went to the A. rooms for dinner on Tues. and I staid all P.M. then Wed. I went to the Dr. for a final look over and packed up and came home that night. Since coming home I have set several times to write and someone always came. I have had such a lot of company. I think his dog

O more than that have been to see me. I stood my trip home very well. Mr. Hankins and Bruce met me with the car and wasn’t I glad to get home to this dirty old barracks and all the family inside and the animals outside. Your 50 cleared up all my bills in Gal. I gave it to the Dr. on my last visit. My but I like that Dr. and I believe in him too. He says that no man can tell about these things but in my case he could almost say he would guarantee I would not have a return of the disease from something he said about another case. I think he believes in the mental attitude and ones grip on life so to speak in these cases. Well anyway I’m all healed up outside and people tell me I look better than when I went away. I am gaining every day in strength have a fine attitude could do a whole lot more work than I try to do. I churned this A.M. fixed the butter made three pumpkin pies then drove down with the childrens lunch did some shopping got some a box of sawdust at the mill then came home to dinner. Win does most of the work. I’ve made Paul one new waist and have another most done. Tried weaving stockings but had to give that up as my eyes were not strong enough. I go out doors all I can and wish I could cut down the woods which have grown up again in the yard. I found grandpa very well and so fussy he almost upset my nerves at first. He thinks Paul cannot do anything unless he is there to tell him exactly how to do it. So I go out now and he don’t bother Paul when I’m around. Paul does fairly well his lack of order and never doing the same thing in the same way isn’t good on the farm. I had him shut the 4 pigs we want to ship in the pen they are ready for market. Now waiting until Mr. Sanford[9] is ready to ship. The price has dropped and I fear want come up again.

I am counting on having enough from the hogs Bruce’s board and the cotton seed to pay the interest and the Brazoria note. My next rent will pay the taxes and the cotton will be left for the store bills. I got a new coat before I left Gal. I had to it got so cold paid $18.75 for it only it isn’t paid for yet and Win & I will have to have shoes. Win has her tomatoes yet to sell. I hardly know what to do with her when I get strong she will have time for to take music or study some.

Later

Prof.^Professor Vezey has a daughter so Mrs. Sanford (who came in to visit me this P.M.) just arrived and the Fenner’s came in today. Mr. & Mrs. Rimmer have gone to Mo. for a six weeks visit. Sweeny is booming in a way. Mr. Sallee[10] was in the other day and said he had sold more land in the last two weeks than altogether since he came back from the north. He wanted to know if I wanted to sell or if you did he asked why you didn’t go see him. He said he would have been to see you had he known when you were here. That he would go fifty miles to see you. At last the loan has been put in shape so it will go through they think. My land was appraised at 85 pr. acre yours hasn’t been appraised yet. They are going to try and get it through right away so we can get our money Jan. 1^st. Mr. McDonald[11] called while I was away and said of course they would extend the time as they settled to extend it to Jan. which means there won’t be anything done about it until then.

            Our seven little pigs are the cutest things you ever saw and how they grow. It has been so dry there is no pasture to amount to anything and today I had Paul put Daisy and Flossy down in your woods. Mr. Hankins doesn’t want to put stock in the woods until after Jan. meantime I can use it as much as I please. I am anxious to get our corn picked so we can bring the stock down there. Mr. Donovan[12] is picking his corn but hasn’t begun your field yet as he is going to sell that. Corn is $1.50 a bushel here now. Mr. Vezey has about 3 bales of cotton in the barn and is waiting until the gin starts up again which will be this week. You see he has to get the cotton out of the barn before he can put the corn in. Winiferd, Gladys Ballard[13] Paul & Mr.McKinney[14] have been playing tennis and Win says to tell you the lacing is pulling out of her racket and what can be done about it? Gail seems to be getting on fine she don’t write often but we hear from her through Aunt Effie who says she works hard but seems to stand it well and keeps her work up to the date. There is talk of Billy coming home. Don[15] has written for him to come and help in the store and then Mr. Rimmer wanted him.

            George Randall & wife[16] were here for dinner a week yesterday and George was disappointed because he didn’t see you too. He sent us a hamper of green beans and gave us a load of pumpkins and fine squash which Mr. Vezey hauled over. Win put up 19 cans of beans. I am invited over to Brigances for a few days this week. Well must stop, Is Ida at work? How is your business holding out?

My dearest love to you both and thank you dear for the money.

Mother

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice Oct. 24, 1917

Oct. 24^th. 1917

Dear Boy

            The enclosed letters read the one from May yesterday the one from Judge Rucks today. I will let you know as promptly when the final decision comes in. Everybody well including myself. Am getting on fine people tell me I look better than before I went away. Am anxious about May and am going to tell her to go right away to my Dr. I’ve been trying to find out something about the spine from that ancient Enclyelpidia Didn’t learn much but surprise that she might have to go to bed and stay there. If that inflammation develops and if she lives might be a hump back. Am going to see Dr. Eades[17] and talk with him before I write. If the R.R. Co. don’t carry this on I’ll be so glad. That is if we won’t get any more and I suppose we won’t as they will just affirm on the contrary this decision won’t they.

Mr. Vezey is hauling his cotton today he will hardly have 3 bales it is so light. We still have the pigs they have come down so I don’t know if Mr S.^Sanford is going to wait for rise or ship anyway. I must stop and send down. Win put up all the Ang.^Angleton Times about the fair and is sending them.

Much love to you both

Mother 

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice Mar. 8, 1918

March 8^th. 1918

Dear Edgar

            Your letter with the two checks was received and most welcome it is. Enclosed please find check for $26.00 hope this will reach you in time. I am also sending some other papers which will interest you. I hope you do go to Pitts.^Pittsburg and fix that mess up or rather sell the place. You know there is an old law that notice to vacate or raise of rent must be given Jan. 1^st. but as we have an arrangement with Mr. G. where by we can sell the house at any time why doesn’t that count in this case.

            I am disappointed that Ida won’t be here this month but do not blame her for going home and hope her mother will send her on for me to look after later on.

            I am writing this in a rush as I want to go to red cross Mrs. Ellison is coming for the neighbors am I in her car.

            We haven’t had any rain yet and things are so dry yet everything is growing. Levi had his men plow the corn patch and the grape arbor at Uncle Dans[18] suggestion. I am going to make a place for my little chickens there he thought the vines would keep the hawks away so I am going to sow oats there. Haven’t the alfalfee or corn ground harrowed it’s to dry. Mr V.^Vezey has my corn all in and your field just about done. He just wouldn’t put cotton without a fuss so I said to him “the only thing left for me to do is to give Edgar the same amount of ground in my cotton field and the cotton off that” and that’s what I’ll do. I will need the corn any way for I’ll have to fatten all my pigs from next falls corn. We gut “old Mirs” home at last. My she is immense. I have trouble with her keeping her shut up have to give her salts am going to get rice bran this afternoon and giver her slop. I have been so busy this week cleaning and scrubbing. Gave Win a little birthday supper had Gertrude W. Gladys Mae & Clyde[19] also Bruce & Levi for supper. We had a great time an airplane came down up by Hammonds[20] and every last guest but Bruce made a bee line for it fortunately we had things all ready so supper was easy to get but I had all the chores to do. The man spent the night in town (and vowed he was coming back) and next morn. Levi came for Win & I and Mrs. Donovan and we went to see him stand. The whole country was there. He departed very gracefully.

            Last night we had all the Millers for supper. On their way home now Bay City. I thought they (farm loan) were waiting on my money but Prof. said yesterday they weren’t ready. I have $20 back Co. tax to pay. Bruce is going to give me some

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice Mar. 31, 1918

Sweeny Texas

March 31^st. 18

Dear Son

            I will just add a little to Pauls letter to tell you I had a letter from Darby & Co. saying they had a “party who were somewhat interested in our property there and they wanted our cash terms” & I am going to say we will sell for $ 6500.00 plus his commission also tell him we have another customer (giving his name for it might be the same one) who comes first.

            I am very busy these days have so many chickens 96 pigs and Flossy has a calf but so far gives so little milk the calf takes it all. The calf is a beautiful big jersey but the wrong six.

            Must stop as I want to until that letter

Lovingly

Will send Paul anytime.

Bruce Rice to Edgar Rice Mar. 18, 1919

March 18, 1919

Sweeny, Tex.

Dear Edgar;-

          How would you like to be an oil magnate? Here’s the proposition, I suppose you have been keeping up with the West Columbia oil field news, just 12 miles away from us. Well, a bunch of Sweeny men stumbled on 90 acres of land in the middle of it and promptly secured the option (10 days) on the lease or buying of it. The lease was $13,500 for 6 months, with 20 days option on buying it, $36,000 price, the $13,500 to go on purchase price. That was all about 10 days ago. Well, they traveled from Chicago to North Texas, and finally, little by little, made up the $13,500, at 1 o’clock the night before. Then a race to Columbia to pay it by eight o’clock the next morning, for another man was waiting. Mr. Staggs the H & B claim agent is in it, and Mr. Harris the road master. But most all the rest are Sweeny men, the best in the town. The shares sold for $100 each. Well, the last of the week, Stagg telegraphed he had sold 40 a.^acres for $40,000 (which left them 50a.) The man came yesterday to look at it, and has 24 hr. option. The land right back of it sold for $1,000 an a. last Sat. and they say (?) in a month it will be $2,000. However, at a meeting last night, they decided to raise the rest of the purchase price, $23,000, so as to be sure and own it before the 20 days is up. Levi is holding $500 for you, if you want it. Mother and I both told him to hold it. It will all be sold in a couple of days, for the town and country has gone wild since the oil boom at Columbia. The land lies along the R.R. Levi says no, old survey. , and is 1 ¼ miles from the big gusher that produces 25,000 bbl a day. There are drilling within a half mile. There are about 80 derricks there now- Levi says it’s a sight.[21] We want to go over there this P.M. Levi is in this 500 and you know he is pretty careful what he invests in. Last Sund. They were offering $250 for $100 in it up town. It looks to all of us a big sure thing.

          Mother and all of us well. Was over to see her about this this A.M. Gail just home from a week at Galveston. They are all well there. Paul and donkey are planting corn today. I must stop, will write to Ida before long. Kiss the baby for me and dearest love from all of us to you and Ida. Judge Ruck wrote mother she’d get her money in about a month.

                                                                        Bruce

Paul Rice to Edgar Rice Mar. 30, 1919

Sweeny Texas

March 30, 1919

Dear Edgar.

          We received your letter yesterday and I sure am glad you can use me this summer. I will be ready to come any time you need me after the 8^th. of April.

          As you said in your letter you would be glad to hear any oil news. I will tell you all I can think of. The leading men of Sweeny have formed a company and leased land at West Columbia a gusher has come in in the land next to the Sweeny Co. that is 200 feet shallower than the other wells consequently we have reason to believe that the main pool of oil is between West Columbia and Sweeny. Gushers are coming in every day.

           Oil Cos.^Companies are leasing land around Brazoria Strattin farm and other places. Mr. Sallee is getting leases for an oil company out on the Bay City road and Mr. David Chenault[22] is leasing land all around Mr. Ballard , Mr. Donovan and Will Sweeny’s[23] place but could not get mother to lease hers and yours. Mr. Chenault is sending you a lease to try and get your place. I see that the further toward Brazoria they drill from Columbia they less oil they get so you see that oil men consider the oil pool is near Sweeny. The men who dug Dorton Stevensons artesian well two miles toward Will Sweeny said they never tested water so much like Kerosene oil before. It is just 7 miles to the nearest oil well from town.

          Now for the important news. The output at West Columbia is 27,300 barrels per day. Of this 10,000 is from the Crown Oil and Refining Co. 1000 from Humble Oil and Refining Co. 7000 from Texas Co. 1200 from Gulf Production Co. and 40 from Henika Co. A funny thing about the Columbia oil field is instead of decreasing the production is increasing in the wells that have come in.

I see in the paper that an oil company is drilling at the mouth of the San Bernard River and are finding signs of oil. One oil well at Damon Mound struck oil at 1650 feet but has to pump it. This is all I can think about oil and if you want me to I will bring a small bottle full of oil so you can make a test and find out how much gasoline is in it. If you wish me to do this say so in your next letter.

          We have milk now as Flossy has a steer calf. Our old pig has a boil on her neck as big as my fist. Dunam and Cramer have shipped about 30 car loads of spinach from her and expect to ship ten more. We have our corn planted but not our cotton. Part of your cotton is planted. We had the largest rain we ever had I believe in Texas for such a short time on Monday there is water still standing in the ditches. We are all well and as I cannot think of anything more to tell you I shall quit. Kiss the baby for me. Also please excuse the spelling and writing.

Hoping to hear from you soon I remain your loving Brother.

                                                                                                Paul Rice

The Sweeny Oil Company was formed in 1919 and purchased 90 acres of land in the Josiah H. Bell League on the Columbia side of the San Bernard River. It is unclear to us if any oil was ever discovered on the property. The final transaction of the Sweeny Oil Company was in 1972 and executed by the its officers and surviving directors; John C. Brockman, President and Director, John Augsburger Jr., J. Gray Arrington Jr., J. V. Brown, Clyde McKinney Sr., and Bobo Arrington, Directors. 

 

May Rice to Minne Rice Undated 1919

Tuesday

Y.W.C.A.

Galveston

Dearest Mother:

            It was so good to hear at last from home. I meant to answer at once but have been racing around so. I came down early for gym this morn. But it has rained so no one came and I’m going to take some time off to write. Isn’t it exciting to have so many things one can do. And Edgar seems to be getting along so well and be so joyous and busy these days. It does seem as if “He shall restore unto thee the years that the locusts have eaten” are coming. I don’t mind anything that happens much after we get our debts paid how we can all work, do you? We certainly have so many things to be most thankful for. Wasn’t it great to run across the folks at Ellington Saturday! Only I was so excited and didn’t calm down in the fifteen minutes before they left so have a most hazy impression of all the folk. I don’t believe I spoke even one word to Mrs. Ballard or Mabel (or any one else.) I did so want to go to Alvin but Viola is an excitable –up-in-the-air-daring youngster and Willie (Miss Kennedy’s niece) always has her head in the clouds and wouldn’t eat, dress or do a thing of common ever day routine if not reminded. She never remembers a thing and I just didn’t dare trust them to get a lunch & home alone. Something surely would have happened and they wouldn’t have arrived yet! We were home in time for the party and I met Winifred on my way home fairly beaming at such a wonderful adventure. Only rather worried because both Bruce and Gladys told her she was so changed they never saw such a difference etc. I hope for the better she is much less self conscious and will talk and be lite and gay ever with grown ups. She has grown so her last summer clothes are all too small and up to her knees nearly. I think her good dress is very stunning it isn’t made like even I would do it which exasperates me but everyone makes a big fuss over it. She is getting so she has a mind of her own about her clothes and likes to look nice. Don’t any one dare to tell her everyday what to put on when she is home. It is so nice to have Willie here. Sunday they went to S. School together and last nite when home and when I arrived both were studying around one table. They assuredly are opposites and I think will do each other good. Winifred will be home Friday nite with the trunk and a lot truck. I wish I could come too but I got behind buying my 7.50 hat and that dress and also I’ll have to have a new pair of good shoes now. Mrs. Crosby is away this month and Miss Kennedy tired so I feel as if I shouldn’t leave here this month to stay up at the residence alltho [illegible] is staying at it. We leave lot yesterday. I stayed Sat. nite and got up Sunday in time to wash my head before church. Then all the staff were invited to Mrs. Leagues for dinner, went auto riding to [illegible]home and lunch then it was such a grand nite the girls and I walked out to the beach and out on the sea wall watching the moonlite on the water.

Mrs. League is selling her most beautiful old home and wonderful garden & yard. She goes to New York to see the Y.W. plans to awhile for the summer and back here next winter so as to personally watch over the new building. We had such a lovely time, She is such a clean sweet modest common sense lady and we all came away loving her and feeling so badly as anyone to think of her place passing to strangers. She took Miss Stone out to her pantry to see if she wanted or would we any her kitchen furniture & utensils and Miss Stone is fairly beaming. Her beautiful grand piano and lot of other things she is saving for the new building.

Yesterday was board meeting. We are to have a new recreation secretary and an employment secretary half a day. The gov’t closed their office here so we and the Y.M. are up against it and think we can have a sec. between us. We are almost sure the War Council will let us have a truck and we have already planned for a permanent camp 13 miles down the isle just the grandest place. We can haul 15 to 20 girls at a time & all our stuff. Isn’t that great. And I can learn to run it too!!

            We still have 9 hr. day schedule and one day off but I notice I go more and do less., however I’m going to sew 2 waists for myself and some underwear & shirt for Winifred. I made her a dress one nite at the residence & half a day off. I haven’t touched it since so it has a couple more hours work. Now see if I didn’t make it well for I’ll finish it up for her to take home. I hate to sew for myself for I never can [illegible] around to tell how it fits. I think I will have my vacation the last 2 weeks June and 2 weeks in August that way I can keep my books they always get so terribly mixed up when I’m gone over the first of the month and I hate to leave Winifred here alone if I’d take all June they will all be off to conference in July and Miss Stone wants August. She can just wait until I get 2 weeks however.

            O yes do you still want a boy for the summer. Miss Kennedy’s sister-in-law broke down last summer so that the three step children & grandmother had to leave home and even the baby part of the time. She is still so that people make her want to scream even the children so Willie is down here with Miss K^Kennedy also the grandmother says she is coming down [illegible] Roy ( 14 or 15 yrs. Old who is the dearest most tho’t ful sad unloved little lad you ever knew. Even Miss K. said he is the best boy she ever knew. He is use to the farm and working his head off. Miss K. weeps whenever she thinks about him for there seems no place in this world for him. I [illegible] that [illegible] you wanted a boy. If you do he would be literally “sent from God” for I’ve been worried however you would get lazy. On what terms did you want one if only for board & keep couldn’t he get lots work half days or whole days so as to have some money for clothes? Write and let us know. Roy reminds me of Harry Sexton[24] for all the world. Tell Gail we sure do think she might write. Why don’t she take a course [illegible] and [illegible] over [illegible]. Whatever is she going to do. It will take her all the rest days of her life to pay back her debts pretty soon.

            Won’t the relatives “up Norf” go up when they hear you are actually going to visit them. Maybe you and me and the children can all live together next fall. Here’s hoping.

With much love to each of you Sis

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice Apr. 22, 1919

April 22^nd. 19

Sweeny Texas

Dear Edgar & Ida

            Ida’s letter was received today, and we were very glad to hear from her. I am going to answer both letters together for Edgars came with the rent check to (I forgot what day) I sent that, rent overdue I guess not I stopped and looked it up the last was deposited Feb. 19^th. I have heard nothing from the house and suppose you haven’t either.

            Paul was glad to hear you were going to mine so soon. He is waiting day by day for you to send for him. Poor lad he doesn’t know what is before him. He never worked hard two days in succession in his life. He has his suit that I got him in Bay City which is good enough to travel in (if it has a dammed tear in the leg of the trousers), He can get a good suit when he earns it. Make him take care of his clothes he is so careless about them. He also has 3 good pair of Kaki trousers and some summer shirts but his night shirts and his under wear are all to small for him. I will try and get him some this week. Also some low shoes. He has a big pair of heavy work shoes. I was intending sending his bedding also the pillows. If it rains before he goes - our spouting got so bad we caught very little water; its fixed now - also the wash stand; but we haven’t a bit of water in the tank. Everything is so dry I do hope it rains soon. I am glad Paul is going to have so many advantages up there he needs all the help every way he can get it. He is so very careless. Today the pigs got into the garden and destroyed all the peas that were up - all the cabbages and some of the tomato plants. He had fixed the gate so they couldn’t get in “when I asked him particularly about it after he had closed it, he is just to lazy to come to the house for wire cutters to twist the wire, so fixes it with his hands. I didn’t go and examine it and now all the garden that was of any account is ruined. I suppose I ought to be glad the other stuff wasn’t high enough for them to hurt it. Our beans are up fine stand and the corn looks well too. We hadent enough to replant it all, put some pumpkins in too. Paul can tell you the crop news when he goes; also the oil news. I wouldn’t sell out my stock, there is a great call for stock and you could get something extra on it. Your oil news probably gives the out put for the week. As a fact they are caping up the wells as they have no place to put the oil. New ones are coming in every few days. I will send some “Times” by Paul.

            I was glad to hear so much about Scott. I sure would like to see him. I saw Don’s baby the other day. She doesn’t grow much but seems well. Don says she is trying to pull herself up to things. I think your pin is here Ida. Will send it by Paul.

            I enclose a letter from May who tells me of a boy I can get. I think I will send for him. It wouldn’t pay me to leave the farm now. I will stay this summer and make a home for grandpa until Effies school is out. And a place for Win & May to spend their vacation. I will have three calves more to sell in the fall. My crops and the five pigs I have will be big then. “Ole Mirs” will soon have another family. I will sell them as soon as they are weaned and fatters her. Flossy has such a nice big calf. She is doing so well I don’t think I will have to buy any more butter.

            Now for a surprise for you. I have a new Detroit oil stove 3 burner. The stove and oven cost me $31.00. Levi came over Fri. and made a new gate to the barnyard (to keep those pigs in) and took down the old stove and moved it out. I baked in it Sat. and got along very well. I don’t like it so far as well as a good wood stove and plenty of wood, but I think grandpa and Paul do. Win was home on Sun. and stayed until last Eve. She has the light blue cashmere you gave her for xmas long ago made up with Georgette crepe and its just lovely. Then she has a new medium dark blue voile with white dots and marks on it that’s very pretty and a new P.J. We had the young folks in Sat. night and just 3 boys called for her Sun. P.M. to take her to the river, so she fell quite popular. She is a home girl and a Mothers girl yet, and not a bit spoiled but much improved. I hope it will be as good for Paul to get away from home as it has been for her.

            Well I know you wonder Edgar how I am getting along getting my business affairs settled up. I am going to write Uncle Jim when I finish this and find out how much I owe him. I haven’t tried to settle with McDonald yet. That will come next I dread it, he is so lax about answering letters. I am going to try to settle with Reynolds[25]. Levi said he would take him a check. You see I can’t close the estate until I settle with him. Well I must close, I hear Gail getting up from her P.M. siesta she is cross today, been living to high we had Levi Bruce and the boys for dinner Sun. and yesterday Gail and Win were over there. She has heard nothing from the govent.^government about a position and seems strange. I am going to get after her to do some writing when she feels better. Love to you both and a kiss for my sweetest baby

Mother

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice June 16, 1919

Sweeny June 16^th. 19

Dear Edgar

            Your letter enclosing check received today. The first mail we have had since Tue. We have been shut in by the biggest rain and most water I have ever seen. It began raining Sat A.M. before I had the milking done and except for a few minutes at a time has rained all the time since until almost noon today. Just now the sun is out and a wind is blowing. So it seems to be clearing up for good. I had to change all my clothes Sat. A.M. when I was through “cleaning”. So Sat. Eve. I put on my bathing suit took off my shoes and stocking and just wore my over shoes. I got along very well only old Daisy couldn’t get through the gate as the strong current washed it shut. So she went off I propped it open but the water came in so much worse I had to leave it shut. Fred Miller came along just before dark. He had been looking for Don who had come to town in the A. M. He located him at Starks[26] and left him there. I was afraid for him to go home as he said he swam his mule through seven foot of water coming in. So he staid until this four noon when he and Don started for home. I am uneasy about them as Leo[27] says the bridges are all out. Old Daisy came bawling at the gate about 10 30 and Levi let her in and I milked her. By that time the water was almost up to the house. We had expected the girls but didn’t dream of them coming out through the water and so were in bed and asleep when they arrived. They left their baggage on Creels[28] back porch. Fortunately it didn’t rain on them but they were wet up to knees. It was a good thing they came when they did as I don’t think they could have come out yesterday. The water was all around and under most of the house. I was so glad to have hand here he gathered up most of my young chickens and brought them also rescued the hens who couldn’t get into the hen house to roost. They stayed (most of them under the house. We had 67 chickens in the house. I feed the old cows double and they stayed on the high places in the yard all day. Spot & Mary are in the cotton field. The water just poured over the boards along the bottom of the front fence making quite a noise.

            I stopped just now as the pigs were in the yard. I took off my shoes and stockings and found they had torn a board off just next to the big gate into the cow yard and I floated a board down but won’t nail it on until I get my bathing suit on to do chores. Those pigs are the limit, last week I came in from black berrying (gal – 2 gal^gallon) and found them in the garden. They had lifted up the wire. I got that fixed.

            I got $3.10 for 3 baskets of beans sent another Fri. and would have two more if I could get them picked. Beans are a failure in this Co.^County as a crop this year. To much wet weather. I am afraid it will be bad for our corn that is in tassel as ours is. The rain will knock the pollen off. The cotton never has looked good and I don’t know what this will do to it.

            Its so nice to have the girls home we have all been busily sewing all day. Grandpa got off Wed. Eve. I got Levi to go to Houston with him. He could not get a through train that Eve. So had to stay all night and take the Sunset Limited (which is the only train that runs through to St. L.^Louis without changes now). I hope he got through safely he was pretty well.

            I will send you the check but will need it to pay Uncle Jim. I loaned Levi a little money until he sold his cotton. Your shares will find ready sale as people here thinks Col.^Columbia Oil prospects are very good. You want me to close my affairs right up and come up there and north and say the Rices are slow making up their minds. My dear boy, I haven’t been slow, I think I made up my mind quickly after receiving a letter from you suggesting I make the visit only I decided I had better wait until fall because I knew I could get more money from my stuff and because I knew Win needed a vacation and May does and they would have no place to take it. So I all going to stay until Aug. or Sep. then store my household goods and go north, and visit awhile and I will stop and see all my boys. Do you want to keep Paul and let him go to high school there? Or had he better go to some other school?

            5 people have wanted my place no 3, two of them I asked Mr. Miller[29] and Mr. Brose[30]. I think Mr. Brose will take it. He is to let me know next week. I had Levi speak to the new bank man about taking the house & 5 acres and if Mr. Brose don’t want it and this man will take it for a year, it would probably pay best to let him have it. Mr. Ballard would keep the corn field and I could let the other probably to Mr. Donovan. Another man that is good and would probably clean up your place wants it Mr. Reynolds he has two good teams and his wife one too, but we will see later. How is Paul getting on he writes me the best letters I am going to propose that he take an evening course at the Y.M.^Y.M.C.A. in spelling and writing.

            I must close and do chores now. The boy (Miss Kenedy nephew) is coming Wed. Eve. His people kept him home until he couldn’t get any thing more to do at home and are sending him when my beans are over and my garden grows to weeds.

            I am so glad to hear baby has 3 teeth I wish he wouldn’t get any more new until fall. Does he try to creep or pull himself up? Tell Paul Gail wrote the pos cript for me. I will send him a couple of towels & when I get the big washing done. Love to Ida baby Paul and your own self.

Mother

Wed. got the fence fixed O.K. all well and the water gone.

Bruce Rice to Minnie Rice Oct. 2, 1919

Oct. 2, 1919

Sweeny, Texas

Dearest Mother dear;

            Levi has been up to Angleton on court, off and on all week, but finally found time to settle down and write this check for $100. If you need any more just tell us. He is going to sell his hogs in a week or so, and will have a little more.

            I have been so lazy today, Its 3 P.M. and I’ve never finished my work yet. I went hunting a wash woman up the road this A.M., (after I got Levi and then the children off) and stopped in at Mag’ awhile, to see at close view, her beauty new hat, that just matches my brown suit. Good thing I got some pretty clothes when I married. But I do wish my hat would wear out. I’ve been tempted to send it to Peggy or Gail for the winter. You may know there is nothing new, by me writing about clothes first thing. Myra and John are quitting us, going to move, I guess. I hope so. They won’t work at all any more. The children go to school every day. School is so nice this year, the new books are much easier, and just lovely. Then the Parent Teacher Asso. are going to put tables with benches under the trees, they have a tennis court, etc. I’m Pres. Of the P. T. Asso. We have a Co.^County Red Cross Nurse now, who will hold classes, and give free medical inspection to school children. We want to have a class here. Selma is so bright and pretty, and fat, and has such pretty clothes, everyone is sitting up and noticing her. Its time. Miss Blanche[31] is a fine teacher, I think. At least Margaret has learned more in 3 weeks than in 2 months last year. She also is teaching Latin. Also dismisses her room at 3:30. (So her little sister can study it”, she told Prof. (at Mrs. Arrington’s suggestion.)

            Mrs. Seigle[32] had those goiters taken out of her neck week before last There were two, as big as your fist. She is out of the hospital now, and doing fine. They have sold their land across from Donovan to Meadors[33], and are going to move close to Houston. Won’t Mrs. Donovan like her neighbors!!! Mr. Rimmer has Aunt Eva a house almost done. It will be ready when she comes home from Mo. in Nov. Mable will be home about the 15^th. I’m just wondering if you won’t be home by the last of the month anyway. I want you to come here and stay as long as you want to I want to see you so bad, and of course to hear all about your trip and the folks. I hope Peggy got into Tech all right. Enlala Lee Martin went to Baylor. There were just 400 girls ahead of her waiting to get in (no room) so she came home. Ernest and Leroy went to A & M. and Allie Lynsey[34] went with Margaret Sanford[35] to Abilene. Sweeny is doing well, I think. Six of our young people at college this year. I was so glad to get Winifreds most interesting letter. I do hope she gets along all right.

            Joldie Sallee MacCollough has a little boy. John Chenault has another girl. They were so disappointed. We are all anxiously awaiting the last of the week, to see which Willie Gray’s[36] will be. They want a boy.

            Mrs Ausberger[37] told me they liked the place so much. She said the house was so comfortable, and so roomy. The flue in the kitchen is rusted/burned thru (they looked at it) and they want to know what to do about it. Why don’t you have a brick flue put in mother? It wouldn’t cost much more than galvanized pipe. Also Mr. Ballard wants to know what to do with your corn. Everyone is gathering now. Mr. Augsberger wants it, at $1.25 a bu. That is what everyone is paying for now.

This is all the tablet I have Please excuse mixed paper

Early corn is much cheaper, Levi and Mr. Ballard both said that price was right. Please write us about these two things at once, as they are waiting to know.

            I saw Mr. Seigle. He said you owed him $2.60 for a lamp that was his. So his bill will be-

                        About 7.50 for auctioneering

                                   2.60 lamp

                                 10.10

                                   5.00 scales

                                   5.10 you now owe him

Will pay him when we get the next rent. Mrs. D. or George have never paid anymore.

The stock are all doing fine. I make fine butter with Flossy, Roxie and Brownie, who is fresh. The chickens don’t lay much. Tell Peggy here is $2 for her old dresses. I sold them to Myra, the summer ones. I sent her old white dress and old coat to Corpus. Meant to send more of those old clothes, but forgot them.

I have 19 extra pretty little chickens. We have a new little calf, and Margie has a little kitten. Also I have a lovely new ecru georgette waist, trimmed with lots of pleats and red picoting. Also a new brown plaid shirt. I’m having trouble making it. I wanted to wear it to the club at Mrs. Tripps[38] tomorrow, but won’t get it done I know. Della Rodgers is working in Creels now, She said to tell you how much they all missed you, especially in S.S.^{Sunday School} Mrs. [illegible] Arrington sends her love every time I see her. She says she feels if you still lived there, she would go see you every day. Everyone asks about you, and wishes to be remembered to you.

I must close and finish up. Write when you can, or send a card. I’m so anxious to hear about Winifred’s school, and how Paul is getting along. What is Paul’s address? Dearest love to all the folks, and to grandpa especially. We will miss seeing him this year. When are you coming home. Oceans of love to you Mother dear, and Peggie too. Your daughter

                                                                                    Bruce

 

Bruce Rice to Minnie Rice Oct. 29, 1919

Wed. Oct. 29, 1919

Galveston, Tex.

Dearest Mother dear,

            I’m down here visiting Sis a couple of days, came last night and will go back Thurs. P.M. or Fri. A.M. I had a little music money and as Levi has been hunting etc., lately, that I’d take a jaunt too. It sure is good to see Sis. She is just fine, and much interested (and disgusted) because she gets $100 this month and spent it all for new clothes. Goodness knows, she needed them bad enuf. She got a beauty blue serge dress, tunic all braided in black, and a kind of green blue braided jersey front vest affair. I’m dying to try it on, but am still in my gown and kimono. Mrs. Wilson is making her that blue silk. And she even fixes her hair different, and much better. What cannot money do!!!!

I suspect you are on your new job this week. What ails the lady? We couldn’t make out. I hope you like it, Mother dear, but imagine you would rather be raising chickens. May said she sent on that “raining” letter I wrote her, so you would know why I haven’t written. Had nothing to tell except about the bad weather. Since then we have had a sunny week, so are all cheered up. Levi still vows he is going to sell out tho. But that is mainly because we want to put the children in a good school. Also we went in the hole this year on crops. Willie Gray isn’t sick yet. Been expecting for three weeks now. Creel says he’s sure tired shaking his head no at everyone that comes in the store. She has a cook now. She can hardly get around any more. The Parent T. Asso. had a good meeting last Fri. and everyone enthused. We have a Braz. Co. Red Cross Nurse now, and are going to have medical inspection of the school children. The Merry Wives entertain their husbands next Fri. night at Mrs. David Chenaults. They are going to have supper, then all evening’s fun.

I had Don and Minnie[39], and the Rimmer’s for dinner last Sund. We had duck (Levi went hunting Sat.) steak, rice, tomatoes, slaw, macaroni & cheese, pickles, preserves, bread etc. cake and two kinds of ice cream. Don & M. bro’t one kind with them. And we ate it all. It’s the first good meal I’ve had in months. No gardens and things are so scarce. Well that’s all the news’ so will write business.

Did you give the barometer away? If not can Levi have it, and where is it. Will pay Mr. Seigle when Mr. Ausp.^Augsbuger pays Levi, which will be as soon as he gets some checks from his Ill. bank. He (Mr.A) bo’t your corn at $1 a bu. There were about 37 bu. That is good, and it’s so wet corn is not keeping, even cribbed. I don’t think you or Edgar had a bit of cotton. Haven’t seen or heard of it. Nobody did. The wet weather and worms, ate it, bolls and all. I have never found that bill of sale. Am sending your dress pieces, and scissors. Mr. McGowan[40] is going to build the flew this week. All the cattle are well. Dorris loves Flossy one minute because she is such a good milker and swears at her the next, because she opens all the gates.

Why don’t you have your magazines change address? May never sent $1. Sent those papers on myself and will send you more as soon as delineator comes. Sent Edgars rug long ago, but, he never got it yet. If it doen’t come soon, will try and trace it. No mice in the furniture, everything seems to be keeping fine. Got aunty pkg. O.K. Do you want it back? Mrs. Ausp. seems anxious to keep the picture, and they are O.K. Levi will pay you all he owes you when he sells his hogs in a few weeks. Edwin’s case comes in the spring. Thrashers[41] moved to Houston and he is working in a drug store.

Frity has adopted the Ausp., and they him. He is so fat, and rides around in Mr. A.^Augsburger car as if he owned it. They think he is fine. The old yellow cat disappeared. I’m so glad you sold the house but I can’t find that deed anywhere. We spent all day Mond. Looking for it. Had the move the furniture. I looked in the letter file, the bookcase drawer, Pops trunk, and desk drawers, except one that was locked. I bro’t the letter files (with notes to this place etc.) over home to keep them. Can you imagine anywhere else they might be. I looked good. Maybe Edgar knows. I must close and go to dinner. Am sending Paul some pecans. Levi is going to send Peggie some special big ones he has saved for her. You alls letters are so good. I’m so glad Peggie is along so well. I think Paul needs someone to visit him. If grandpa gets worse pick him up and come visit with me, you two. I’d stow you away somewhere. How are Sallie, and Lois? I’m thinking of asking Lois to come and visit me a month or so this winter. Would you? Dearest love, Mother of mine. How I do miss you. But I think you are doing what is best, as you always do.

With love and kisses to Peggie-Ann, and grandpa and Aunty, Your girlie,

                                                                                                            Bruce

Bruce Rice to Edgar Rice Nov. 13, 1919

Nov, 13, 1919,

Sweeny, Tex.

My Dear Brother

            The children have carried off the pen so I will have to write this with pencil. Enclosed you will find the rec’t for the rug. It was sent weeks ago, It must be lost. Mr. Keen[42] (the agent) says there is a Bartlesville, Ark., and it might have gone there. Anyway, you can trace it, or put in a claim. I wrapped it in gunny sacks myself, good. I was sure relieved to hear you have those papers. Levi and I spent over a half a day moving furniture so we could look for them.

            About your land, you could sell now, I think. Mother just sold her stock in time. Hogs have gone down so. Old Daisy dropped dead last week. Sweeny is the same old town. Only everyone would like to sell out, I think. If we have a good year next year they will be more contented. Haven’t heard any oil news lately. The roads have been so bad you couldn’t get over there. They got a pipe hung when the derrick blew down (during the storm) and had to make a new hole.

            That was some storm, but not nearly so bad here as the other one in 1915. The water was over Churchill’s bridge (gulf) and all cattle between there and the beach were drowned. The old sand hills at the beach are gone, and some of the houses and bridge at the canal. It is a beautiful beach now they say. The water was within 3 miles of Stratton Farm. Corpus was hit hard over 1000 lives lost. If that had hit Galveston, the whole island would have gone, for the worst of the storm never did come inland. I was down to see Sis last of Oct. She is well and hearty, but lonesome. We went to Houston to hear Chicago Grand Opera Co. give Aida. It was wonderful.

            Willie Gray has another red headed girl, born last Fri. It is so cute. I am going to send you a few pecans soon. They are so plentiful this year and 15 cents a lb. How I would love to see Scott, and you and Ida. I wished we lived closer, so we could visit more. I am still enjoying the memory of that week Ida and the baby spent with me. I do think she is a wonderful mother, and Scott is such a darling.

            Land is in demand, it has stopped raining, and we are having lovely weather (but cold today). Then lots of truck is being put in, and that always looks good to buyers. We have our whole place in, or ready to plant, to cabbage and spinach. Levi says you could sell for $125 to $150. You would have to pay 5% com. Mr. Jno Ausburger is the best fellow to sell for you. He is the Co. man, very nice, and honest. Lives in mother’s house. If we have another crop failure as this last summer, land will go down. Your and mother’s cotton amounted to about $12. Her corn bro’t about $37. We went away in the hole, everyone else here too. Cotton was a complete failure, and corn rotted in the field, it has been so wet all summer.

            Otis and John Woodrum are home, and Billy is in Colo. He will be home xmas. Don[43] owns part of the garage now, and is there.

            Paul and Herman Vezey are going into the farming big next year. Prof. is still teaching. Creel has sure made good in the store this year. It’s a fine store now.

            I do hope you get the rug, and “Gluck Auf” to you brother dear. How is Paul doing? I never hear from him.

Lovingly , Bruce

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice Jan. 31, 1920

Jan 31^st. 1920

Dear Edgar

            Your letter received Sat. It certainly filled us with joy, especially your loving mother. I began right away to plan to get ready to go back with you. I want to pack up my dishes and books if I find the freight rates and not so high as to prohibit moving them. I hope to find out today. Do you want to take your books back with you? You might take papas old trunk and take 150 lbs. of them anyway. I have a mind to sell Papas book case, it’s so big and heavy unless you want it. I think I will have to cull the books to and leave a lot with Bruce. I haven’t given Vezey’s the deed yet. We have been waiting for a deed from McD. Office, but I learned that his man was out of town and if it don’t come today Herman & I are going to Ang. Tomorrow A.M. and have one fixed up there. Have you paid your tax? I paid your school tax here (enclosed tax rept.) and will ask tomorrow about the other also pay for the fines. I do hope the baby continues to have mild W.C. I just dread that disease for little children. I enclose a circular I got at the Girard fair last fall, also a letter from Win wish you would send it on to Gail. Her new address is 406 E 38^th. St. Portland Ore.

            Tell Ida I wish she was coming too. Levi is planning to take you to Col. and you will hear oil oil & oil. Also you will get some greens to eat. Bruce sends love and is going to thank you for her xmas when you come.

My heart is singing all the time at the thought of seeing you so soon.

Lovingly mother

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice Feb 17, 1920

Sweeny Texas Feb. 17

My Dear Son

            I know how anxious you are looking for word from Paul and should have written yesterday but couldn’t get it in. He came according to schedule only I went to Houston instead of Gal. and as he wasn’t intending to get off there I had to board the train and look him up. All the difference it made was that his trunk was checked through to Gal. and as it didn’t come on his train I wrote to a Y.W. woman (Miss Rars) whos is coming up Sat. to bring it with her. I was surprised to see Paul so well and the more I see of him the less I worry about him. He is rather thin but full of life and energy. He planted corn most of the fore noon and this P.M. has walked into town. It’s true he has fainted three times. The first time he ate glaze berrie pie and 2 dishes of ice cream and drank milk. He went to a Dr. who told him it was his stomach and he said he was careful awhile then he ate pie again and fainted again. Last time was a week today when he was fixing the furnace he fell and skinned his face somewhat. Of course all this caused a commotion and I don’t imagine was good for the school. There is just one thing I am and will be uneasy about until I know could it have been epilepsy. We must find out for if it is we will have to plan accordingly. I will wait until I hear from you and get Dr. Hudson’s letter. I may then write to him or to the Dr. up there. There is no use taking him to Dr. Eades but I may talk with him. He says he has no warning they just go over. As to my plans, I had intended going to B.^Bartlesville next week have my dishes all packed, but will now get a house or room and stay here awhile perhaps until the later part of April. I may get Charlie Ballard house next door am waiting until Sun. when Paul will be up from their farm to find out. Paul will be married sometime this spring and he may want that house [illegible]. We could get Mrs. Arrington’s 3 rooms (the riley store[44]) or three rooms upstairs in Mrs. Brockmans house (Arrington old house)[45] Paul went down yesterday and looked the place over.

            He had a great time getting down here. He had to pay his board the first week he was at school as he didn’t work and some other bills so didn’t have enough money to buy his ticket at St. Louis so he pawned his watch borrowed $2 from the Y.W. travelers aid and had 2 cts. left for his trip so had nothing to eat all the way down. I got him a good supper and didn’t have enough left to buy our 2 tickets so I borrowed $2 from the “Aid” in Houston. I sent it all back yesterday including the money for Paul’s watch.

We have been having lovely weather every one has been plowing and Levi planted 3 or 4 acres of corn. He didn’t make the auto sales he had on a string when you was here. They were so slow about getting the cars that John Arrington backed out and he has waited all this time on the Vezey truck and still it’s not come he has been to Ang. Twice to Bay City. They won’t sell the cars they have without the bed and hood as they want it. Our baby is doing fine and not quite so cross as she was. All the rest are well. Paul is home says for you to “write Dr. H. and ask what he was sent home for” The Dr. was absent when he got orders to come home he didn’t know anything about it until your message reached him. Must close and take up my letter. Hope your green [illegible]reached you all right. They requested [illegible] but compelled them to send the basket collect. Eggs are 2 cts.                                    Love to all

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice Sept 26, 1920

Sweeny Texas Sept 26^th.

Mon. Eve

Dear Edgar & Ida

            I’m very sleepy but thought I wouldn’t have a better chance to write you than right now, and it’s high time I was writing. Beside I want to hear from you and I know you won’t write until I do. I told Paul to send you my letter to him telling about my trip home. I hope you have it before this.

            All is excitement here this eve. Levi is going to F-Worth with a load of hogs. He leaves about ten and there has been much hurrying to and fro getting them loaded hauling water and feed to them & [illegible]. They are all extra large. 48 of them are Levi & Mr. Rimmers (part of the lot they bought this fall) the rest of the car (68) he got of Brockman Partin[46] Orr[47] etc. They wouldn’t take them at H.^Houston so he had to take them to F.W.^{Fort Worth} Bruce and I have been hurrying around to. Washing and ironing and fixing his lunch. He goes all the way on the freight train with the stock only in caboose. Well I found them all well here. Bruce astonished me the way she could work, but she is getting cumbersome it’s hard for her to go, but she is very well except lame and awkward. I found much oil excitement here Bruce said the county was wild when the big Abrams well was brought in. Levi has been talking lease to the farmers this side of R.R. and they are all going to lease to the same Co.^Company a farmers lease (or union as I understand it) so come on with your lease they are ready for you. And I am hoping you will come now Edgar when you hear of the 20000 barrel well they struck today right in the middle of the field. We haven’t heard only that it was brought in by the [illegible] Co. Mr. Smith’s well is the next expected in now. I wouldn’t sell my land just yet were I you. Levi says the bottom has dropped out of the land boom here now but I don’t know. He also says money is mighty scarce and hard to get here. I noticed it so in his case anyway. The stores are all getting on a cash basis Oct. 1^st. Charlie Ballard’s land sold for 200 an acre, and that is what Levi holds his at. I asked Levi about cleaning up your place he says he will do it, so you better write to him and make some sort of an agreement right away so as to get your wood on the market early. I found Vezeys[48] had moved in the day I got home. They and Ausbergers had just changed houses. I was over to the place the next week. Vezeys had moved their old house over and built the other half to the barn. It is the nicest little barn. Mrs. V. is going to let my furniture stay there and use a dresser and a few other pieces from the storage. I am afraid we won’t get much from our land this year. Your cotton (that was clean the rest has gone to weeds) is immense, but no cotton bolls they all rotted and dropped off on account of the wet weather. The weather has been fine for cotton since I came, but the worms are eating it now. Levi only worked two weeks at the gin they had so little cotton to gin. He felt he ought not to stay when he was the one that could be spared so he left. He still doesn’t know what to do with himself.

            I want to go to Bay City before Oct 1^st. I am going to do something perhaps you won’t approve of. I am going to borrow Pauls 475.00 to pay McDonald. I will pay him interest on it. I have no other money available just now, Vezeys intend to give me what I asked for but they haven’t sold the car load of corn they intend to pick and sell right away their mother told me. I am anxious to get the deal settled up. I expect to see Mr. D. Chenault tomorrow about the land loan I don’t think my town lots are included but will have to find out.

            Bruce tells me to tell you a lot of land from Cedar Lane on towards the gulf is leased at $10 pr. acre and a test well is soon to be put down. Also that a well is either soon to be drilled or is being drilled (I forgot which) at San Bernardo. Also that the land is leased from Col.^Columbia down to the flag pond. Mr. McD said he bought 800 acres between here and Col. And was going to put a test well down.

            Well its time I was closing. Levi is gone and all are in bed but me. I’m going to Vezeys tomorrow and get out the furniture they want and some books I want. I began teaching my old S.S. class last Sun. It is small now but I hope it will soon be as large as it used to be. Chester Ballard[49] is home, and is out of the navy but has passed his examinations for 3^rd. mate and will soon go back to his ship as a navigator. Well I wonder if you had any more vacations than you worked. All I knew of you since I left was a postal from Ida. She said you had won 3 games of tennis and was going to play the next Sat. How did you come out, did you go to Springfield and what are you doing now, and how much did you make on your plans, and how much gas is “the plant” making now. And Ida did you get any sewing done. I wanted to tell you I made a cover for Pauls bed and Emily gave him a cushion and I covered it with the same. Things in Joplin don’t cost much more than half what they do in B. Have you folks heard from Paul. I had one postal in which he said they had tomatoes boiled cabbage and cucumbers for dinner that day. I was rather worried about that O but he got big and fat and looked so fine and well. He seemed strong too at least he could walk a long ways. He visited the lead and I think mines around Jones. We both got so fat at Jones they are up high and the air was so good there Ida I can’t wear my expensive new stays at all they are too small I am too fat and the steels jibe into me. I suppose May is in Y. now and Win is back at school she had two offers to go into banks one the bank in Y. where she deposited her Y.W. Caf. money and the other from cousin Carth Smith who is opening a new banks in Newtin Falls. Well I must stop. To write you makes me homesick to see you all. How are the precious babies? Does Scott begin to talk any more yet? Has he forgotten “DamnO” does he ride and ride on his Riddie car yet and is Bobbie as good and sweet all the time? Did you get any more pictures?

                                                                        With much love and do write soon mother

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice Oct.13, 1920

Oct 13^th. 1920 Thurs AM

My Dear Son

            I was glad indeed to get your letter yesterday and hear that all was well with you and the family. This is a bright beautiful fall day, but the wind is blowing and it’s clouding up now. We have had very little rain since I came back and the cotton has been making but it’s not a very good quality they say and is therefore unsalable. I wonder if the hard times have struck B. Your letter didn’t sound like it. I was just thinking the other day if prices dropped as they are here how much your salary would by and how much farther you could make it go. Here there is no sale for corn, cotton or anything. Corn is 75 & 80 cts. and no one wants it. I don’t know what to do with mine. Levi just came in and wants to know what about cleaning your place. He thinks he could get it done now as cotton picking is about over and the stores are going on a cash basis so the poor folks will have to work and wood is $ 5 or 6. But if you want it done you will have to send the money as they will to be paid every Sat. and Levi hasn’t a cent. He has to depend on the egg money even for gas. You never saw such poor folks. I feel sorry for them. Levi took a car load of hogs to Ft. Worth week before last. Instead of getting $2000 for his share of them he only got 1600 and every cent of that had to go on payment for them (they were part of the stock he and Mr. Rimmer & Don got from Bowan[50]). He has another load to ship in about a week and that goes for his car. Poor Bruce has a hard time squeezing a little out for her baby clothes but she has most of the necessary things which we are making. You ask me where I will be xmas, I expect I’ll be here for that is the day Bruce says the little stranger is due to arrive, but if “she” don’t come a month sooner I miss my guess. She has been wishing you all could come and spend xmas with us. I wish I could spend xmas with you. I think by that time Scott would say “Damno” oftener. Does he try to talk any more? In deed I did want to go back from Joplin. I asked about the route and fare at each depot but it was such a [illegible] expensive trip, I concluded, but not until we were taking the train the day we left that I couldn’t afford it. As for us staying until you left you said you were coming back Thurs. eve. and when you didn’t come then I didn’t think likely you would come the next day. I did leave as soon as we could because it left just about as much time as we wanted to visit and because Ida did want to get some sewing done when you were gone and she wasn’t getting it done while we were there.

            The week Levi was in Ft. Worth (he left here Mon. Eve. and didn’t get back until Sat. Eve. his hogs didn’t reach F/W. until Fri. A M) I did some gadding. I went to Bay City Sat. and settled up with the bank and drew out all of Pauls money and Fri. A.M. I went to Houston. Saw McD and made another effort to close up with the money I had on hand, but it vain so I still owe him $51.00 which I must pay before I get my release. I am going to H. again Nov. 6^th. (as a girls reserve leader to attend a [illegible] Y.W.C.A. meeting) and would like to settle it up then. I thought Vezeys would be ready to make that payment before then but I doubt it. Mr. V. told me yesterday they were trying to sell a car of corn. They are making sorgum syrup now have 421 gal. made Tues Eve. And will make all week. I will get what they agreed to give me all right but not in time to get things fixed, so I won’t have to pay taxes on the land loan int. in Dec. I fear so I wonder if you could loan me $50 Nov. 1^st. I will return it when they pay me. I went to see the land loan bank and they gave me the papers for the transfer so I have that all fixed. It’s going to keep me humping to get Pauls 476 for him by next [illegible] but I’m sure I can. I had such a nice letter from Paul which I guess I will send on and you send it on to May. I haven’t heard from any of my family for some time, except this card and you. Gail wrote for some bed cloths and also sent Bruce a beautiful emb. yellow veil smock she had made for her. I am sending some little old bibs I made for the babies also a pillow slip for Scotts pillow. Let Levi know right away about the clearing as he will probably go over to Columbia to work a little while and he wants to know. Creel is moving Mrs. Arrington’s stove (Riley’s old store) over to Columbia he had to buy a building. He is going to [illegible] [illegible]] place here and Mrs. Arrington and his clerk are going to run his store here. Of course Willie Gray is going to and the only place they have to live is a tiny little room behind the store and she with her two babies is going to work in the store. Creel says it’s the only thing he can do. He can’t collect here and his jobbers threaten to close him out. My you and Ida have so much to thank the Lord for. Do you know my son you should go every holy day [illegible] ‘his happy people” to his house to worship him in “spirit and in truth” He has been good to you and to me too that. I have such a noble son and a man child that can do things. I am so proud of you and you are so good to me.

            It’s funny how I ramble along in my letters. I never told you that the girls reserves sent me to Gal. and that trip to Houston was a side issue. I took the St car to Gal. and attended the meeting of the G.R. directors and came home that night. They paid $5 of my expense I had a lovely time Those sec. (there are 3 of the old ones there yet) were so glad to see me. Will be so glad of the childrens pictures but I have a big task here at home in looking after the girls. They gave a box supper last week and the boys from Col. Came over and bought the boxes and went off with them, didn’t eat with the girls at all much to every ones amusement. Poor lads I guess they were hungry for some homemade goodies. We are going to have a vesper service some Sat. Eve, and would you be so kind as to loan and send me that red book that has that pretty hymn with music from “Lucia” the [illegible]. Please send it soon the day you get this if you can.

                                                            Much love to Ida and the babies and your own self Mother

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice Jan 4, 1921

Jan 4^th. 1921

My Dear Son

            Across the miles between us I send you a “Happy New Year” and all blessings that make for happiness, but I am rather late telling you. I have been trying to write for so long and this P.M. I am all alone for Levi took Hester and Betty Bruce up to Rimmers. It’s a lovely day but rather a long ride for the first outing. I do hope baby won’t have colic while they are gone she has it so much. There is never a night that I’m not up 3 or 4 hours either between her eleven and two nursing or from two until five sometimes she has it twice she is pretty good daytimes but if she has colic it always last from one nursing to another. Bruce is real week. She can’t walk right yet and I think it will be some time before she does. Betty Bruce wore her white ribbon bound blanket that came from you and Ida and a tiny cap that Sallie Robie sent her. She is a very pretty baby with lots of dark hair and Levi is as proud as can be of his “doll”. The Children all like her to especially Margaret who is just wrapped up in her. We had a very nice xmas that didn’t seem like xmas at all Levi and the children were at Mamma Rimmers for dinner and she sent our turkey dinner to us. Bruce dressed and came out of her room Fri. before xmas. Now she doesn’t lie down. Aunt Effie sent me a nice bath robe which has been a [illegible] to me at night when I’m up with baby and Bruce gave me a pair of felt slippers. Levi was much amused when as he was departing for Bay City Bruce told him to get me those slippers and I gave him money to get to get her a pair. Paul sent me a lovely silver thimble and Aunt Weltha[51] hanker chief and Aunt Sarah and Emily their [illegible] and [illegible] [illegible], and last but not least my ten from you which I very much appreciate and thank you for. I am going to add enough to it to get me a new dress. It’s so hard for me to keep money here. They haven’t any and I can’t bear to see Bruce do without things. Levi is getting out cord wood now has about 2 car loads cut. He expects to make about $80 a car. It’s nice ash wood. The prospect for winter crops is not very good. They only get about ½ stand on spinach & then they say it’s no price. People are very much excited over the oil business they are putting up a derrick on Will Sweenys place just after you cross that low place by old Susan Lemons house then they are drilling at San Bernard the Stratten farm and will soon begin at Old Ocean so Sweeny will have a derrick on all four sides.

            About your place, I’ve rented the pasture at 2.00 a month Jan. 1^st. Enclosed this months. I don’t believe you can sell that until it’s cleared. When Levi wired you a Mexican wanted to clear it for 10 an acre and then he said he would rent it for 10 an acre. There was a little cotton on it this year but it’s starved. If I had the money I would buy it at your price have it cleared and sell it and make something, but I know you are selling it to get money to build so as I haven’t the cash I can’t buy it. I think Levi wanted a good bit for clearing it but that was what Mr. Rimmer paid Charlie Ballard. But Mr. R’s wood is three times as far from the R.R. as yours. Levi says there is not a great lot of wood there and its liable to go down to 7.00 pr.cord now and cost 2.00 to have it cut. Well I don’t know what is best, but I do know you won’t lose anything by waiting until the test is made for oil and may gain a lot. No I haven’t had a cent for my place yet but expect to close up the matter next week now that I have the money. I don’t know how much money they will give me. They have only sold 100 bu. of their corn. I think have sold mine foe 1.00 a bu. Bruce is home their car wouldn’t go the other side of the Arringtons and after sitting in the car awhile she got a ride back to A. and later home. I expect now to visit you all early in Feb. Just think of it, I’m going to see you and Paul then on to Y. I may move my furniture if it doesn’t coast too much what about your books? I wish you could come down before I leave write and tell me about your xmas. I did want to send some things especially a set of building blocks for Scott.

Love to Ida and kisses for the babies. Gail sent us such a wonderful [illegible]

	Note; two of the men identified, John Chenault and Leo Donovan, in this picture are also mentioned in the letters.

Minnie Rice to Edgar Rice Nov. 21, 1921

Sweeny Texas Nov. 21^st.

Dear Edgar

            I was so glad to get your letter. I couldn’t imagine why you didn’t write. I was really a little worried and wondered if it could be you were taking typhoid fever. I was glad to hear such good news of the babies and the rest of you. I surely would love to hear Scott talk and see the baby. I am looking forward to stopping there when I go north. I had quite a shock last night, a telegram from Paul saying “I have enlisted in the Navy start at once” I sent a night letter to Dr. Hudson telling him of the wire and also that he could not enlist without my consent to tell him and his officers that he could not go under any conditions and if he had gone to get him back if he needed your assistance to call on you also to keep me informed. Today I received the enclosed letter from Paul. I wrote this P.M. telling him I just couldn’t let him go giving my reasons. I had a letter from him early in the week such a good and satisfactoring letter only that he was worried because he thought I was sick. Don’t remember of even mentioning such a thing. I have had a very sore mouth and upset stomach but don’t think I was unwise enough to mention it. He was so worried after he got my letter he sent a telegram saying mother are you sick. I replied, for I thought he was worried saying “am well letter following”. I had a letter ready to mail but didn’t get it off until Wed. I think the boy is restless and homesick and if the Lord forgives me for not providing a home for my children this time he won’t have to again. Now won’t you write him a good letter. Don’t scold him but tell him the best way for him to care for his mother is to get through school. I have tried not to neglect him but write as often as I could. And he has been good about writing, for him. I suppose it’s just a boys “following the band” for in Pitts. They recruit with fine speeches, a street organ and sometimes a good singer going to popular street corners and holding forth. Very attractive to boys. I am afraid he will be disconcerted if we make him stay at home is the trouble. It may be he has spent so much money he is getting scared about it. He sent me his picture and it’s so good.

            Well things are going as usual here. This has been an extra busy week. We had a girl clean house a day a wash woman a day and butchered one sow day. Levi was invited to go to the coast fishing with the Ballard family whose Miss. relations are visiting them so he cut up the hog and left Wed. A.M. so I tried out the laver made sausage. Even cut up the head myself and made scrapple. Salted the meat and fried one ham down. Bruce tended to the frying. I felt quite proud of myself and was very tired last night. Wish you could have some of our good things. But it’s all we have to eat about. Levi got a lot of apples this week. He is going to H. with another car load of hogs Tues. They are down to $10 a cwt, and they fear they will drop to 8.00. Levi was talking of going to Col. to work again tonight. He has Charlie Ballards man now (he and his wife live down the lane) so he can leave. He has a little spinach and is planning for more. Arr. Just finished plowing the 25 a. across the road to sow to spinach and they have a lot in. If Levi would only hustle like they do he might make something.

            Well honey I must close. I want to write to Gail and Win. I think I will probably have so much to do I won’t get a chance to write many letters very soon now. I tell Bruce instead of being sick at xmas it’s going to be thanksgiving. She is well but can’t be on her feet much. When you send me that money just send the int. it’s all I need. I hadn’t even enough to send those telegrams neither had Levi so as he knew the operator he sent them for him and “charged them”. They are drilling at San Bernardo now and Levi has his leases about finished. Wish your Co. would come down and drill on them. My love to Ida and kiss the babies for me and do write to your little brother.

With much love to your own dear self Mother

I forgot to tell you Levi came home with some of the finest big red fish I ever saw he caught 21 in two hours one was about 30 inches long.

 

End of Letters

As indicated she would by the letters, it is known Minnie Rice did move to Oklahoma sometime after the last letter. She died around 1950. 

 

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[1] H. A. Herman Wichmann, neighbor

[2] Emmet and Louise Rimmer

[3] William E. and Mary Vezey

[4] Edward Earl Vezey, teacher at Sweeny and later A&M, Called Professor

[5] Rosell and America Fenner, lived on block 18 town site of Sweeny, had artesian well on lot 2 which was piped to other lots, house possible Dr. Laughlin’s office in later years.

[6] Likely T. J. and Angelina Arrington

[7] Herman and Paul Vezey, Sons of William E. and Mary Vezey and brothers of Edward Earl

[8] Miss Kennedy worked with May Rice at Galveston Y.W.C.A.

[9] L. S. Sanford, co-owner of “The Garden Valley Land Co.” and apparently involved with shipping.

[10] J. P. Sallee, Real Estate Agent

[11] R. D. McDonald, founder of “Bernard River Land Development Co.” , platted Sweeny

[12] Thomas E. Donovan, neighbor

[13] Daughter of William D and Ida Ballard, neighbor

[14] Could be W. D. McKinney, neighbor or John McKinney

[15] Likely is Don Rimmer, son of Emmet

[16] George and Evelyn May Randall, lived south of Sweeny near Levi and Bruce Hankins

[17] Dr. Paul Eades, Sweeny’s first doctor

[18] Brother of Minnie Rice

[19] Likely Clyde McKinney

[20] W. C. “Will” and Lydia Hammond

[21] Read more about the Columbia oil boom here and here

[22] David Chenault, farmer and bank cashier

[23] William Sweeny, grandson of John Sweeny Sr., lived on 200 acres at Blacks Ferry and ran the ferry for years, Sweeny’s first Postmaster

[24] Nephew of Minnie Rice

[25] James W Reynolds, owner “Reynolds Store” on Main St.

[26] George and Marietta Stark

[27] Leo, very likely Leo Donovan son of Thomas and Winifred Donovan

[28] J. C, “Creel” Brockman Jr. and Willie Gray,neighbors

[29] Clifford Miller

[30] William Brose

[31] Blanche Augsburger, daughter of John and Kathryn Augsbuger, taught school at Sweeny for a very short time, married in the Rice house, went back to Illinois.

[32] Estella Seigle, a teacher at Sweeny

[33] E. F. “Lige” and Alice Meador

[34] Allie Lindsay, daughter of Dick and Laura Lindsay

[35] Daughter of L. S. and Lou Sanford

[36] Willie Gray Brockman

[37] John and Catherine Augsburger, rented the Rice house for awhile

[38] Debra Tripp

[39] Don and Minnie Rimmer

[40] Joseph McGowan

[41] John and Asilee Thrash

[42] George Keene, Rail Road Agent

[43] Don Rimmer, part owner “Sweeny Garage”

[44] L. A. Riley Store on Main Street

[45] J. G. and Mary Arrington sell their house to J. C. Brockman Sr. and Molly.

[46] M. J. Parten, farm south of Sweeny near Levi and Bruce Hankins

[47] Could be anyone of several Orrs

[48] Herman and Fannie Vezey bought Minnie Rice’s property

[49] Chester Ballard son of W. D. and Ida Ballard

[50] Olin G. Bowen

[51] Sister of Minnie Rice