The following letter was written by 26 year-old Susan “Sue” (Slater) Wertz (1835-1918), the orphaned daughter of William and Elizabeth Slater. She was married to Christian Stoner Wertz (1834-1915) in January 1857 in Wayne county, Ohio, where the couple were enumerated in the 1860 US Census with their two little boys, Harry (b. December 1857) and John (b. October 1859).
Sue’s husband, Christian, had an older brother named Henry M. Wertz (1833-1880) who was married to Sophia S. Fluke (1841-1922). Henry’s wife is the “Sophie” mentioned in the letter. The two couples evidently relocated from Ohio to Missouri together in the fall of 1860. Henry and Sophie’s oldest child was also named “Harry” (b. 1856) which adds to the confusion on names. Christian’s parents were John H. Wertz (1794-1856) and Priscilla Hemperly (1808-1872). The “grandma” mentioned frequently in the letter was 52 year-old Priscilla, a widow living in Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio, in 1861.
Sue has addressed her letter to an unnamed sister whom I believe to have been either her sister-in-law, Martha M. Wertz (1844-1861)—who died in August 1861—or Martha’s younger sister, Sarah Florence Wertz (1845-1923).
We learn from the letter that Christian and his brother Henry soon discovered their political views made them unwelcome neighbors in Missouri on the eve of the Civil War. Henry moved his family on to Fairfield township, Jefferson county, Iowa, where he lived out his days. Christian, however, returned to his boyhood home in Sugar Creek township, Wayne county, Ohio, where he took care of his mother and raised a large family.
I have not learned when the Wertz families left Macon City but it was not long before Federal authorities established a presence in the town due to its strategically located railroad facilities. A military prison was established there early in the war and a garrison posted that remained throughout the war. The 1st Iowa Infantry was one of the first regiments to occupy the town.
Transcription
Macon City, Missouri
January 20, 1861
Dearest Sister,
I received your thrice welcome letter a short time since and was much pleased to hear from you and to learn that you was all well and in the midst of enjoyment this cold weather!
Sister, do not think it is wilful neglect or want of thought which has caused my seeming inattention toward you since my stay in Missouri. I trust a reasonable apology will be sufficient atonement for the delay.
My time being wholly engrossed during the week, my only time of conversing with my absent friends is Sabbath evening. I make it a point to write one or two each time, and thought proper to write the eldest first so sister, your turn has just come. Do not take offense, I pray you, for I know you have been eagerly expecting a letter from me, yet I don’t think I have altogether forfeited my promise. I shall not have much news of interest to write you this time, having written to Mary Lib 1 so recently, and my acquaintances in the place being somewhat limited. The best news I have [is] that we all enjoy good health, but was we permitted to converse personally, I would say a great deal which I cannot through this silent medium. And little Harry keeps talking to me all the while, wishing me to let him write to his Aunties.
Sophie & self attended the Methodist Sewing Society a short time since where I formed several very pleasant acquaintances. The [Methodist] minister and his lady—Mr. [Michael T.] and Mrs. [Prudence J.] Klepper especially—with whom I was so much pleased. 2 They was very anxious we should join the society but we thought we would defer it until a more convenient season. Mrs. Klepper gave us a pressing invitation to attend the next Society. They would like very much to leave here if he could get the money he has invested. He is a Republican and they are very scarce here—only a few in the place—and the Southerners talked of making them leave the State.
There has been considerable excitement here about secession of late. Some of the Southern chaps went to the trouble to get notices printed and fastened them on the doors occupied by Republicans at night, requesting them to leave the Honorable State of Missouri by the 4th of March next, after which there was another meeting held denouncing this protestation. I wish we was only ready to leave which I hope may not be long for I don’t feel as though I could ever content myself here. Harry would like to sell and return to Ohio. All the Northerners would like to sell and leave if they could but enough of this for I am not well enough posted about political matters to say much on the subject. Christian reads the papers about every spare moment. I presume he could give more information in that line, so I will resign.
How are you progressing in your studies? and how is your school a prospering? Do you intend having an examination or exhibition at the close of the term? If so, put you best foot foremost. Be studious, apply your mind closely, and you will reap the benefit in after years. Be kind to your teacher and obey his commands. Obtain a good education which you will never regret for it will teach you to make a respectable appearance in society. Be kind to your kindred of Mothers. Do everything possibly in your power which will add to her comfort and you will receive a rich reward in after life. I know you will, dear sister, you you have a heart brim full of kindness. I know I shall ever think of her with heartfelt gratitude.
Little Harry talks a great deal about his grandma and Aunties and tells what he is a going to do when he goes home! He has a great time a telling his Aunt Sophie how his grandma does what she does & has. He wonders if she won’t bake him a “pie-pie.” He often wants to go home. I don’t believe I have told you all and will hasten to close as I want to say a few words to Martha for fear of getting one of those sour looks. Best love & a kiss to mother, sister and brother. Tell Harrison & Carrie I intend writing to them next Sabbath, nothing preventing, although they did not think worthwhile to ask me to write them or else forgot to, but I judge of the latter.
Christian wanted I should write to them in this but I do not have time. I intend writing to [ son] and Caroline Wertz & Mr. Palmer as soon as I can find them. I had a letter from mother and one from Reed’s last week which yet remains unanswered. My [illegible due to crease on page] kind regards to Mr. Palmer (The Docter). Tell him to play my favorite & that I often see him in imagination. Tell May Lib I am looking anxiously for an answer to my letter but fear I shall be obliged to look in vain, although she might surprise me. Best respects to Mrs. Ilginfails when you see her, to Fanny, and all the neighbors, and don’t forget to write soon & often, for I know you have more time than I have & the children annoy me so when I do write. Your letters will always be greeted with a hearty welcome. Good night. Your loving sister, — Sue S. Wertz
1 Mary Elizabeth Wertz (1837-1912) married Dr. James Madison Palmer (1839-1904).
2 The Methodist minister was undoubtedly Rev. Michael Tivis Klepper (1822-1885)—a native of East Tennessee—and his wife, Prudence Jane Roll (1831-1912) who shows up in the Missouri Methodist Records as early as 1851 where he was appointed in 1852 to the Wyandotte and Delaware Indian Mission in Kansas Territory. From 1856-59, the Kleppers resided in Greencastle, Indiana, while Michael attended Asbury University. They then returned to Missouri and in the fall of 1860 was appointed to Macon City. The Kleppers left Missouri to go to Montebello, Hancock county, Illinois during the Civil War. The Kleppers returned to Missouri after the war and Michael served sporadically in the Missouri Conference until 1882 when he was superannuated. They are buried in Cameron, Clinton county, Missouri.
Spared & Shared 23 