 W-MCP1-3a.043 TO MR. MCQUESTEN from Annie L. Cantrell
Aug 30 1929 [apparent date]1
To: [Hamilton]
From: Taftsville, Vt. [Vermont]
Mr. McQuesten,2
Dear Sir,
I am arranging my belongings in readiness for my departure from this world in order to save trouble for those I may leave behind me who will have to dispose of my things. Among some papers, I came across the enclosed photographs and this letter.3 Dr. C.B. [Calvin Brooks] McQuesten and I were close friends for many years from the time I was a young girl. but we finally drifted apart. I do not like to destroy these pictures. Possibly they [sic] may be members of his brother's family who would like to have them. I am seventy-eight years of age. He was thirteen years older than I, so perhaps he has passed beyond the vail [sic].
Yours Truly
A.[Annie] L. Cantrell
1 Although the year initially appeared to be 1909 with a very small "0," the content of the letter indicates that this is probably a very small, tightly written "2." In the letter, Annie mentions that she is 78 and that Calvin Brooks was thirteen years older than she and had he still been alive at the time this letter was written, Calvin Brooks would have been 91 and approaching his 92nd birthday. However, he had in fact died on February 19, 1912 in Hamilton at the age of 74.
2 Possibly either Thomas Baker McQuesten or his brother Rev. Calvin McQuesten. Although we do not have any indication of the address to which this letter was sent it is most likely that it was sent to Whitehern, which was well established as the residence of the McQuesten family. Ms. Cantrell may not have known to whom she was writing, and was simply hoping to reach members of Calvin Brooks' family.
3 No other letter was found enclosed with this one although three pictures of Dr. Calvin Brooks McQuesten were included. |
