Silas (1816-1887) and Martha (1819-1891) Stout were farmers. Silas was born in Orange County, which is in southern Indiana, close to Louisville, Kentucky; Martha started life in Baltimore, Maryland. They were married at Lick Creek, also in Orange County, in 1841. In 1849 they moved to New London, which is in Howard County, north of Indianapolis.
All of the Stouts (as far as we know) were Quakers, who are also known as Friends. There were Friends communities all over the state of Indiana.
Silas was the 5th of 12 children born to John and Elizabeth Stout. He had four older brothers and two younger brothers, and most of the family lived in various places in Indiana. Of course in those days there were no telephones, no internet, and no cars. The only way that the family could stay in touch, without traveling, was by writing letters. These letters typically touch on topics such as everyone’s health and the current status of the crops.
Several letters from those days were placed in the family archives, and we are privileged to have them. This page contains letters from 1861 – 1887.
In those days many Quakers used what they called “plain speech”, a tradition carried down from English Friends in the 17th century. Plain speech used “thee”, “thou”, and “thy” in place of “you” and “your”, and numbers in place of the names of the months and days of the week (which were thought to be derived from pagan origins). For example, “5th Month” would mean our month of May.
Quakers did not go to “church”; instead they went to “meeting.” A local church was known as a monthly meeting, because they met for business once a month. A group of nearby monthly meetings (for example, all of the ones in the same county) was known as a quarterly meeting, since they got together once a quarter for business. A “Yearly Meeting” usually covered an entire state, and of course met annually, typically in the summer. Yearly Meetings would last for several days, with special speakers and programs for all ages.
By this time, in the latter half of the 19th century, plain speech was dying out. Friends would use it in church, and when speaking publicly or formally, or when they desired to appear especially devout.
Letters from Silas and Martha in 1861
The oldest letter we have was written by both Silas and Martha. He used one side of the paper, and she used the other. This letter is dated 5th Month 27, 1861 and was written to one of Silas’ brothers from New London. In this letter, Silas uses plain speech to address his brother (“thy”), and Martha uses it for the days of the week.
The timing of this letter, written in 1861, is of course near the beginning of the Civil War, and Silas’ comments on it are interesting.
Letter from Martha
5th Month 27th, 1861
New London Howard County Indiana
Esteemed Brother & Sister
Father is very desirous that we should write you a few lines, to let you know that he is very uneasy about you all because you don’t write, he says he was very particular to tell you to write every two weeks any how, and he has never received but one letter since he left home, he has gone over to town nearly every mail day for the last four weeks thinking he surely would get some news from some of you, but not any can he get. I try to persuade him there is nothing the matter tell him that you serve us just so when we wish; but he says you surely would not be so careless with out a cause, please answer this immediately and let us have the truth, the whole matter.
I may now inform you that we are all well and have been ever since you last heard from us, father keeps quite well and satisfied if he just could hear from you once in a while. Silvanus’ are well as common except some of the children have had colds. William are all well, father went with them the other day to Nathan Lindley’s and had a fine visit.
Silvanus, Silas and myself went with father last seventh day to Uncle Solomon Stout’s, we stayed till second day morning before we returned home, found them all well and very glad to be with us all once more. When you write please write your babe’s name, father is not certain that he knows what it is and write something about all the children. I am writing in very much of a hurry, father took a notion that we must write, so you must excuse us this time if we had thought about writing sooner we could have written a great deal more. <next sentence can’t be read>
Letter from Silas
Father understood the other day that his brother William of North Carolina deceased some months back. I have taken my seat to write a few lines though in great haste. Times in this country are said to be hard and dull though I can not notice such a change as some speak of, though there is no doubt but there is a stagnation in business on account of our national difficulties though we are endeavoring to move on with our business as though nothing had happened hoping that the difficulty may be speedily settled, and that those who are desiring the overthrow of our government may be wrought upon that they may see the evil of their ways. The sentiment out North is nearly unanimous in favor of the Union. At first there was a few who entertained the opposite side but it was soon found that there was no element for such to breathe and live in, of course it could not prosper.
We had a very backward and wet season here, and our crop of fruit will be but light on account of the late frosts. Our corn looks very well, the best is a waist high. We had about three weeks of dry weather, till this week we have a good season. The prospect for wheat is not as good as some other years, many fields are light, some very good. Harvesting will commence in about one week. The army worms are doing considerable damage in places; they have not hurt us any. Wheat is worth 90 cents. No. 1 white Corn in this neighborhood is worth 25 cts. Write soon if convenient, tell about thy times.
Silas Stout
No more this time. Our best love to all.
Martha Stout
William’s letter to John about all of his troubles
Below at left is the last part of a letter from Silas’ brother William to another brother, John. The text of the whole letter is printed at right. At the end of the letter is the instruction to pass it on to others in the family, which is how it eventually came to Silas. These “round robin” letters were used to make sure that all of the family were kept informed about what was going on. This letter was written in 1863.
8 mo, 22nd, 1863
Howard County, Ind.
John and Jane Stout
Respected brother and sister,
This is the first time since I returned home, that I have attempted to write a letter owing to the condition of my head, and general physical health, which appears slowly, but gradually to improve. The balance of the family are all tolerably well excepting cold. Our connection are all tolerably well or were the last I heard from them, which was First day last. The neighborhood is in the enjoyment of good health, excepting Nancy J. Patton who it was thought last evening would not survive many hours. I do much desire this may come to hand and you all in the enjoyment of good health, and all of our relations as well as the neighborhood in general, which is one of Heaven’s best gifts, yet while in the enjoyment of it seldom feel its inestimable value.
We have a singular kind of a winter. Yesterday was a week and this day week: we had continued snow which fell to the depth of about 8 or 9 in. but now the snow is gone: went off with a kind of light rain and fog.
Milton and Lydia are going to school at New London. Elmina and Mary Ellen at the district a half mile. We got home nearly as soon as we expected and I may safely, but found many matters poorly cared for and but little work done. One barrel of cider drank out ???. I would be truly glad to know what J. Bosley and J.E. Hall have done for me, or are likely to do for me, or whether anything at all or not, for I have put my word out for about what they are now owing to be paid in a few weeks. I am not able to perform any labor yet of any consequence and not likely that I will very soon.
Henry Chavez is working for me by the month. And I will inform thee John that I am nearly out of money and I desire thee may inform those two men really of my condition and destitution.
We got one coat of plaster put on 2 rooms our house and are wintering in them tolerably comfortably. Silas sold my hogs before we got home, and Ellis the mules also. Wheat is worth about $1.00 per bu. We shall look some for Jonathan or father at the land sale. William is tired so I have this letter to finish.I have had a pretty hard time since we got home things were very much scattered and torn to pieces but we were very thankful to find all well. William is not swelled very much now except his feet and legs in the day. He has had a very bad cold and cough and has spit some blood, he had made two pare of shoes and mended some. The girls both come home with us and Abigail is with us and Sarah is going to school and is boarding at Uncle Nathans. He is still lingering along but more possibly Aunt is a little better this winter.
We have 10 acres of corn in the field yet. Dave was so snifling he did not do much but ??? and run about. I have not got up with my work yet. We have killed six hogs and have five more to kill.
Last seventh day was quarterly meeting and we had two ??? preachers here. Nancy Patton is dead. Please give our love to all of our relatives and reserve a good portion for yourselves. So no more.
William S. Stout
Please write soon and let all my brothers sisters and father see this letter.
Martha Stout’s letter, including the story of Little Eli’s toe
The next letter is written by Martha Stout to a “Brother and family” in 1866. It contains news about various family members and neighbors. Its most remarkable feature is the story of Little Eli’s toe. She wrote this letter at the age of 46.
Eli: a neighbor boy
Lute: the nickname given to Lewis, her youngest child, who was about 5 years old when this letter was written.
Silvanus: Silas’ older brother.
Iram: Silas’ older brother.
New London, Indiana
5th Month 10th, 1866
Dear Brother and family,
Silas wants me to write to you, but I do not know that I can write anything that will at all interest you. In the first place I can inform you that we are all well; friends and neighbors generally so. Silas arrived home last sixth day a little before sunset, Mira and Silvanus and Abbie met him at Kokomo. I went to Silvanus’ yesterday, they are all well except Mary, she is still poorly, has a hard cough, I feel very uneasy about her, fear if she don’t soon get better she will go like her mother and sisters did. She seems a good deal discourage but was livelier than I expected to find her, she thinks its cold, she has taken. She is using doctor Halls Balsam and thinks it helps her, her cough appears loose, but she is very hoarse nearly all the time she is up and about the most of the time and can work a little, went out to meeting last first day. I do hope she will soon be well again, but I think it will require great care if she does and she is aware of that, she trys to take as good care of herself as she can, Abbie is very kind to her is always trying to hunt up something good for her to eat, she got her some fish when she went to Kokomo.
Jabez Rich is still a lingering; poor man, has spasms quite often, he surely can’t last much longer, his case is all the bad sickness that I know of in the neighborhood.
Little Eli’s toe came off the night after Silas left home they found it in the bed next morning they took it and buried it, but Eli wanted them to put it on again, he nearly went into fits about it, he said it would kill him if they did not put it on again, but they got him reconciled about it and the wound went right to healing, has got so he walks again, will soon be able to go to school, the doctor did not want it put on at first, but Nathan & Abigail thought if it would heal it would be of so much use to him about walking, Luty says poor Eli, has but nine toes now and everybody else has ten, I wish you all could have seen Luty when he would go over to see Eli, he thought it was the awfullest thing that ever happened anyone, he was willing to give hm all his playthings and carried him apples nearly every day while his father was gone; he would always have something to tell me about the bloody rag that Eli had to have on his foot when he would come back.
We have very dry cool weather. The boys planted one field of corn while Silas was gone, have planted one since he came home. Silvanus was planting yesterday, Abbie out helping, she is a great hand to work, oh how much I hope they will continue to live like they now do, so very distressing to think of Iram’s situation, do write and let us know how he bears it; won’t Mattie have to come home to help the little girls. I really think she ought to. Tell Jonathan & Hannah to write before long it is so comforting to to us to get a letter from any of you.
Jane, I must tell thee I like my apron very much, thee must be sure to come when John does and tell Martha Ann & Hannah to come along and bring all the children that you can with you. Thomas Rich just came along, he says he don’t think Jabez can live this week out, I must quit writing and go there, they are scarce of company, I have not been for some time. Oh how sad I feel when I think our dear father is no more it now being the time of year when we were looking for him to come out here. I trust he is far better off than he ever was while in this sinful world, sometime when I think about him I can hardly realize that he has gone forever from our midst; our dear children have no grandfather nor grandmother now to call their own.
I must tell you I got a letter while Silas was gone from my dear aged aunt that lives near Baltimore, she writes to me frequently. Silas says tell you we have the best looking wheat he saw any where. Silas & the boys are very busy indeed they have Nathan helping them today. Silas & the children all join in love to you all write soon very soon.
Martha Stout
(Upside down on edge of page) Silas’ little chestnut trees are all alive yet they are a great curiosity to the people here.
Letters written on the occasion of the death of Silas’ father
The first letter (below) was written by Silas’ younger brother, John, who lived in Paoli, Indiana. Paoli is the seat of Orange County, which is where Silas was born and where his father (also named John) was living. John wrote the letter to tell Silas about the last days of their father.
The account of John Stout’s death is more detailed than what we would write. But in those days it was apparently common to write about people’s last days in some detail, as we have several of those accounts in our archives.
The second letter is Silas’ reply to John to acknowledge the receipt of the news and tell him how he had handled it.
Paoli Orange Co., Ia.
3rd mo. 31st, 1866
Dear Relations,
I seat myself for the purpose of writing a few lines to you. In the first place I will inform you that Father gradually declined after you left here, continued in about the same disposition of mind that he was often praying to the Father and calling on him to have mercy, and soliciting him not to forsake him in last troubles on this earth, but ever be with him to bear up his poor shattered mind, to the last moment of his life; and I am happy to think that his prayers were granted him, and after his long suffering career, he quietly breathed his last yesterday morning a few minutes before 8 o’clock, that was on the same day of the week about the same hour in the morning that you left him, was buried today about 2 o’clock; his mind continued sound and strong up to within about 12 hours of his last, when he was struck with death, then he suffered intensely for a few hours, then quietly fell into a deep sleep as it were, and remained in that condition for about 8 hours, then he without a struggle stopped breathing.
It was quite a satisfaction to me to see him go off so easy, as he had after remarked, that if he could only die in that way he would not mind it. He seemed to dread the idea of strangling to death with matter in his breast and throat.
I don’t think that I ever saw any one expire with less rattling and obstruction in his throat than he did. It is such a consolation to have so much evidence before me that he was prepared to meet his God in the realms of bliss, for a final disposition of his eternal welfare, holding out, as he did to the last to the faith and principles of religion as held forth by the Society to which he belonged, never doubting, but often expressing his opinion that such was the true principles of the Christian religion, seemed to have a great concern for the welfare of his children, nothing but love for the whole human family, often talking of the pride and vanity of the people in this life as being dangerous to the young and rising generation and generally when favored with the opportunity exhorting them against such things and advising them to keep out of bad company, telling them that such things were the ruination of many a promising young person.
Thus ends the account of my dearest father, and happy am I to believe that he was ready to render up his account with joy and not with grief.
“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord; and the prayer and desire of my heart, are that I may be prepared
when he sees meet to call me, to meet him in the regions of eternal blessedness, where there are joy and peace forevermore, and Oh: Father it is the cravings of my soul that the family circle of my dear, departed father may be found unbroken when the Son cometh to make up his jewels, but that all may be found there, children and grandchildren, among that happy throng which surround him, giving praise and adoration forever.
Father was interred in Friends burying ground at Beech Grove, the 31st 3 mo 1866, by the side of my dear Mother, whose remains were there deposited 4 mo. 4th, 1846, nearly 20 years since; father’s remains being laid on the north side of mother’s, (as there having been a vacancy left, and it not yet having been filled.)
4th mo. 16th 1866
New London Howard Co Ia
Respected Brother
Thy letter of 31st of last month came duly to hand bringing to our anxious ears (as we had been looking for several days) the sad, though not unexpected, intelligence of the decease of our dear Father. The account thou gave, was quite satisfactory and comforting to my mind. I have no doubt but the change is a happy and glorious one to him, oh, consoling thought! blessed consideration; what an inducement for us, who are spared awhile longer, to look well to our standing that our election may be sure.
I made out a notice and forwarded to Friends Review last week. I endeavored to write out an account, giving an understanding of the case as well as I could, but I did it in a hurry, and was not very well satisfied myself with what I wrote, but as the editor publishes what he pleases, I thought perhaps he could get some ideas and perhaps would give something that would be satisfactory.
We are all well today, Albert and Lewis have had two chills apiece lately. There are several having an attack of the chills this spring, with that exception as far as I hear, health is good.
We have a very dry time here and some of the time cool. Vegetation comes on slowly. Wheat is injured much worse than I thought when I was down there, so fields look tolerably well, others look like they could not make so much.
No more now
Silas Stout
Family, crops, and money updates from Silas and Martha to John, 1868
This letter was started by Silas to thank his brother for some money that had been sent, and to update him on the condition of the family and the farm crops. He finished his letter, found that there was space remaining on the paper, and asked Martha to fill it with a letter of her own.
Martha’s letter refers to “our little Cincinnati charge.” Her name was May Fletcher, and she appears to have been adopted (perhaps unofficially?) by Silas and Martha. She was nevertheless part of the family, and appears on the family record document and in Silas’ will. (Both of these documents can be seen on this site.)
We can only guess how May became part of the family; that story has not been handed down to us, and I don’t remember hearing about her from my grandmother. But the fact that she appears at all, and stays with them long enough to appear in Silas’ will, says that the family took her in and cared for her. My great-grandfather Lewis (“Luty” was Martha’s nickname for him) was the youngest child, so he would naturally have been closest to May.
New London Ind. 11 mo. 9, 1868
John Stout, Esteemed Brother,
I take my rest this morning to answer thy very acceptable letter. I received the letter and money ($12.60) a few days ago. It was a satisfaction to hear from you again. I acknowledge we have been careless about writing for a time past; more so than usual but there are so many things requiring attention, many duties devolving upon us, that we are too apt to neglect some of them.
I have the satisfaction of informing thee that we are all well except some colds, hoping this may find thee and family in the enjoyment of good health, a great blessing, one that is to be much prized. Our relatives are all well as far as I know. Health in the neighborhood is good, very little sickness.
We have had very pretty weather some time, dry, rain some needed; and yesterday it commenced raining and continued through the night, and still raining today. I had expected to have written to thee some time ago, but was waiting on Silvanus. If I had known there was any money coming to us here, we might have arranged it and saved the trouble of sending, as I have some here for thee and the rest. I have got it about ready now, and would send with this, but Silvanus is making arrangements to pay Lafayette, and has written to him; we though we could send all under one trouble, if by check, one would do both, we will send pretty soon.
Crops have turned out on the farm pretty light; on account of the failure of the wheat last year, we did not get much sowed. I sowed ten acres, about 2/3 of it with weevil proof, which was tolerably good, making about 15 bushels per acre, the balance of the ten acres was not so good; it was light; the weevil proof I sold at $2.20 per bushel for seed. We had about 9 acres sowed in flax, though on account of the wet spring it was got in late, and turned out very light.
There were but few apples in the orchard, we have not realized but about $4.00 for them; all the crop has been disposed of, except the corn; there are some 16 or 17 acres of that; though our corn crop is this county is tolerably light; a great deal of it was late, and the frost killed the fodder before it was matured, and the consequence is, a great deal of it is soft and shrunk.
The amount on hands will be 18 or 19 dollars a piece. It will be some time before we can dispose of the corn, and then the tax will be to pay out it.
Silas says I have this letter to finish he wants to go to Lizzie’s this afternoon, we will be very busy now for awhile setting up her business the sale notes are now due.
Our quarterly meeting school is getting along finely the children like to go and I think they are learning. Silas and I went to yearly meeting but did not see any of you there, I thought it was the best yearly meeting I ever attended in my life.
Our little Cincinnati charge is getting along very well, she is such an affectionate little girl, I fear we will spoil her, we all think so much of her, she was just three & a half years old when we took her, she and Luty has some gay times, what one does the other wants to do.
Mira will be married next week if nothing prevents; they will stay with us this winter. Jimmy Newlins have another little boy, and Nathan Hobsons, another little girl, all doing well. No more this time.
Write soon. We remain in love,
Silas Stout
Martha Stout
Our last letters from Silas and Martha, 1887
Again Silas and Martha combined their writing efforts on a single sheet of paper. This one was written in January of 1887, about a month before Silas’ death. Of course the health reports in the letter are not too good.
The first part is from Martha; Silas fills in at the end.
New London Howard County Ind.
1st Month 26 – 1887
Dear Sister, thy welcome letter came in due time, I was so glad to see thy writing once more, and thank thee for telling so much about you all, I think thy grandchildren have nice names, I hope that I will get to see them sometime.
Silas is poorly a good deal of the time is feeling some better to day went out to meeting, he suffers more than he did one year ago, The rest of our folks all well but Hannah; she stays very poorly, has a hard cough, but keeps in good spirits; thinks she will go to Michigan in the spring for her health.
Sister we have just twelve grandchildren Edwin 4, two boys and two girls, Mira one; boy, Elma three boys, Albert one boy and one girl, Charlie one girl and Lewis one girl, I wish thee could see them.
Penninah Hollingsworth died last night funeral at twelve tomorrow, she had bone erysipelas. Charlie is in Florida printing a paper. Silas will finish.
Fifth day morning the 27th
Martha has been writing, and has left some space for me to fill. We are as well as usual this morning. I am not clear of pain hardly any of the time;
in my back mostly, though it affects me through my body; I am not satisfied what causes it, whether my kidneys, rheumatism or neuralgia. It keeps me so weak. I am drinking the water from the Artesian well they dug at Kokomo.
We had not heard of Aunt Hannah’s death, but was expecting to hear it. I think a little strange none of them sent us word. Charles is at Melbourne, in Brevard County Florida, he is there setting up a paper for a colony of Ohio people who have settled there. Emma is at Mountain Home, Alabama, teaching school. We don’t recollect how old Milton is, we think he can get work if he is here. Albert don’t hire much. Joe wants to hire one for the season but we cannot say anything certain about it until we know something about his work and his ability to work; let him come out and we will try and do the best we can for him.
We have had some pretty cold weather this winter and considerable snow. 24° below zero the coldest. Peach buds are killed. Snow melted off last week.
We want to come down on a visit, but can’t tell now when it will be. I will have to close and fix to go to the funeral.
In love we remain as ever,
Silas & Martha Stout
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