April 13, 1918 - Will Sherwood, Concerned Parent, Heads to Texas For Son's Peace of Mind

William Richard Sherwood; George's father

 

Spring Brook Farm

April 13, 1918

10:55 A.M.

Dearest Little Brother,
            Not having had any word from Texas since your letter of last Sunday and Monday in which you mention being overworked, sick * (stopped for telegram and Liberty Loan) and worried about the check.  Papa decided to leave for Texas, unless we heard from you, as he and all of us feared you were sick and we wanted the check question settled before you had to move.  Not having had any word, we feared you might have gone, so sent the telegram to you at 2 o’clock hoping to get an answer before midnight as he decided to take that train.  We were to telegraph him at Chicago any word received, but your telegram did not reach us until just after I started this letter (see above).  As he had left Chicago an hour or half an hour before that I guess probably he will be there before this letter gets there unless we should decide to try to stop him at St. Louis which hardly seems a good idea as he would be half way there or nearly so by that time.
            My, we have been having strenuous times this last week.  First the check and your telegram and letters.  Then our first telegram and the long distance from Bangor of Grandma Atwater’s death.  Mama intended to take the early morning and Herman and I took her over in the car so as to “see the pretty lights” as the train pulled out.  The train had just pulled out as we reached the corner at Berg & Waters.  So home we came and did better the next time as we got there about twenty minutes before the eleven o’clock came.
           Papa got so worried that he decided at last to go to Texas and we telegraphed in hopes of an answer before he should have to start but they are pretty slow sometimes, even with “fast day messages.” 

Got his things ready and packed and mama’s things ready so that if we received word for him to come that she could go too. Mama was to come back on the midnight, so Papa asked Herman if he would go to Elroy to get her so that she could go down that far with him, which we did, but we did not see Daddy as he took the fast train which left before we got there. 

            Reached home safely and slept, arose, did chores and had breakfast. Herman is dragging the oat field and we are writing.

Just as we received your telegram this morning Mr. Street came about the Liberty Loan.  Our allotment was $100 and Papa’s and Mama’s $150.  Mama paid the initial installment and of course Daddy can subscribe for more when he comes back if he wishes, which I expect he will.

It is time for the carrier so I must close.  Everybody well here. Hope Daddy reaches you safely. Love to you both from all and always our prayers.  Mizpah*. Susan.

*The Lord watch between you and me while we are apart one from the other.

Family photo, likely around George's HS Graduation

Susan, Will, George, Ella Jane