Josephine P. "Josie" Stout

Notes:

From Emma Ruth Shomaker

Lurana Stout (1831-1900) was widow of Union soldier David Stout, and lived in the log house. Josie was studying at Watauga Academy in Butler, Tennessee. She has BEAUTIFUL handwriting. I notice some captalizations that we don't use now, and wonder if the German background of the Stouts (Staudt of weste4rn Germany) is a reason. I've transcribed it as written as closely as possible.


Miss (corrected to Mrs.) Lurana Stout
Shell creek
(Carter Co.) E.Tenn.

Butler, Tenn
Oct. 1st, 1883

DearAunt,
Papa was here the other day and said you wanted me to write to you. Well, now I will begin:-
First I am getting on nicely at school. I like my Teachers very much and especially my Music Teacher. O! she is the sweetest thing you ever saw.
Miss Ellis and myself room together, and you bet we have a fine time. Maggie is the jolliest girl out of Jail.
We have a very good Boarding house. But I wish to Grannies you would send me something nice to eat.
My dresses fit all right, and I was very glad to get them. And very well pleased with them. I wish you would have me a flannel skirt made and some chemise's and some drawers.
I want you to come over Christmas, as I will try to show off in general then. We are going to give a Musical entertainment, and I expect to play a piece or two.
And next time you write me, send me a stamp, and with a good long letter and tell me what kind of a time Ma and Pa head when they was over at the Depot.
And when Pa comes over you tell him that Miss Selma wants me to take singing Lessons; the price per month is $1.00 one dollar.
I want to take v ery bad.
Well I will close.
Write soon and a long letter.
Lovingly your Niece,
Josie Stout