The following letter was written by William Cessford (1822-1908) a native of Scotland, who was employed as the Master Mechanic for the St. Louis & Chicago Railroad in 1857. His parents were James Cessford and Cecelia Beattie. In the 1870 US Census, he was still enumerated in Bloomington, Illinois—where this letter was penned in 1857. His occupation in that census was “Car Carpenter.” At age 78, he was still enumerated in Bloomington as a “carpenter.”

Despite his prospects for success herein stated, William outlived his money. He died on the McLean County poor farm. He’s buried in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Bloomington. His obituary claims he worked for more than 50 years as a pattern maker for the Chicago and Alton shops.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Bloomington, Illinois
May 21st 1857

Dear Uncle,

I received a letter from Uncle George the other day stating that grandmother is died. Please write me of she had her senses until the last, &c.

I have removed my residence from Laporte and am now engaged with the St. Louis & Chicago Railroad as their Master Mechanic. I like the place well so far. The road is nearly 300 miles long. There is three shops on it. The main shops are at Bloomington, one at Alton, the other at Joliet. we keep in all in our departments about 500 men. I have the full charge of all the Locomotive & Car departments on the road. I am engaged for the first year at $2000 with the understanding to have $2500 next which is a great advance over what I had been getting although they offered me $1500 to stay in Laporte.

My father is still in Laporte but expect him here soon. I am coming East soon & will give you a call if possible. The Schenectady Loco-works are making two engines for us and will have to make some arrangements about them before they leave the shop.

This is a fine farming country although new. In the City ofBloomington there has been over 300 houses built within the last two years and every 12 or 15 miles on the line of the road, villages of from 200 to 3,000 inhabitants have spring up during that time. Land varies in price according to improvements. Unimproved land averages about $15 per acre. Over improved about $25. The greater part of the winter wheat in middle & Northern Illinois & the Northern part of Indiana is winter killed. The farmers have mostly sowed spring wheat in place of it which is doing well although late. Farmers are now busy planting corn which is unusually late although I presume earlier than with you. I have tonight for supper lettuce and radishes and have pie plant [rhubarb] pies some time ago.

John is still on my place in Iowa. He is getting along pretty well although I have not received anything from the place yet, but expect to this fall. He has now got two span of horses and a hired man. So far I have made about $2500 improvements counting stock and implements which soon had ought to bring me some return.

Give my love to Margret & all the folks. I remain your affectionate nephew, — Wm. Cessford