John Horning Letter
1832
Barbara Wentz submitted this letter and did the transcription.
She has the original. It was written by Samuel Horning to his
brother John, a few days after the death of their sister, Catharine
"Kitty" Horning Umstead.
Jonas Umstead (John B, Henry B, Johannes), was born 1767, Upper
Providence, Philadelphia Co, PA, and died 1833. He married Catharine
"Kitty" Horning April 14, 1799, at St James P E Church,
Perkiomen, PA. She was born 1774 and died August 18, 1832. Her
father: was Michael Horning and her mother was Hannah Roberts.
Jonas and Catharine are both buried at Lower Providence Presbyterian
Church Cemetery.
The John Heffelfinger mentioned is probably connected somehow
to Jacob H Heffelfinger who married Anna Umstead in 1808.
Montgomery Co. Upper Providence August 21, 1832
Dear Brother,
When I contemplate on the various scenes that are taking place
among our Relations and reflect on the affectionate regard we
ought to have for each other and the short interval of time that
will pass away before we shall be numbered with the Dead
my heart is very much affected for the loss of our dear sister
Catherine Umstead who departed this
life the 16th Day of August at 6 oclock in the evening.
Her long and tedious Illness which she bore with Christian fortitude
from the Revival that has taken place in that family I have a
belief that she is gone happy. On Saturday 27th of July John
Heffelfinger and his brother Lims [Lewis?] in company with
several others of their neighbors came to Schuylkill to fish.
But O how soon doth these Earthly enjoyments end as they
were drawing the sane [seine] through a place it caught fast
in the bottom. John Heffelfinger being the activest among them
went in to loose the sane [seine] and there drownded within three
pole of them that were with him. Yet none could save him. It
was a distressing scene for his brother and his old mother who
is yet living I was at his Funeral the next Day and a
greater collection of people I never saw on such an occasion
all of whom mourned the loss for he was a man that was very much
respected in his own neighborhood. The Cholara has visited our
neighborhood. My wife had a very severe attact of it but survived
it. My tennents wife had an atact at 9 oclock in the evening
and died next morning at 9 oclock which was only 12 hours.
Doctor R. Davis had an atact of Cholera and died in 12 hours
and was buried yesterday and there has been various other cases
in this neighborhood and where it is going to stop I know not.
We are all well at present and so is all our family so far as
I know.
My Father has his health as well as can be expected. He enjoys
himself very well. His principle home is at Jonas
Umstead. He will come and stay with us a week or so then
he will be away so he keeps going from one to the other.
I hope that these few lines will find you in good health and
spirits and I should be very much pleased to see you down here
once more. But dont Delay to Write to me and let me know
how you all are and what the world is about in that quarter for
it is very seldom I get to hear from you.
We have had a very good harvest here both of grain and hay the
Corn is very good in the neighborhood.
We have had some very fine rains lately.
No more at present but to Remain your Affectionate Brother,
Saml Horning Sen
Mr. John Horning
N.B. We are getting a new bridge over the Perkiomen Creek which
will be a great advantage to the people of this vicinity. I am
a cripple at present by a cut I gave myself on the foot But I
expect to run about in a Day or so. |
Back to Bios & Pics
Home
Last updated 19 May 2017