August 7, 1884

Fahrlander Family
 

Siegelau 7th August 1883

Dear Hermann

With great longing and much joy we received your letter of the 15th of July on Saturday, 4th of August. We were very glad to hear that you arrived at your new destination well, and let us hope that the happiness you longed for may be granted you. I can well believe you when you say you find this work hard. However, with good will and some perseverance it will get better as soon as you are used to it. It is in any event harder than the business in New York. I am really happy and like it very much that you left New York, as you know I always was of the opinion that the business you worked for did not hold good prospects for your future. I f you work on a farm, on in a business that you can follow or pursue here, should you want to come back to Germany, I consider that much better. Well, you will be the better judge of that yourself.
Your sister Rosa has been married for two months now. She is well and has her hands full. I told her that she should write you soon.
On the 3rd of August we brought in our last grain. There were only very few sheaves. In 25 years we have had that small amount only in 1868. To be sure the sheaves were heavy but there were not enough of them. Oats are mediocre. The potatoes, however, are extraordinarily beautiful. One always hopes that finally better years might occur. This year the weather has been good, until july 13. After that, much rain for about three weeks, so that harvest on the land is difficult. The cattle are very expensive; also the young pigs, both of which are important to us. Hoof and mouth disease among the cattle has occurred at several places of late which is quite bothersome, and as a result cattle markets or fairs are no longer held.
I have not been as healthy this summer as I should be. Several times I had a kind of affliction affecting the face (facial roseola) but I have not needed a doctor yet. A few days in bed and a good sweating helps, but so things will get better again.
My brother Fidel is working in Triberg as a watch maker, at this time. He always is a strange character. He would not have to do that. He could have a good life in the granary-house* but he is a restless character.
I do not have much news for you. Our pastor is still here. However, it is said he would like to leave soon.
By the way, I get together with people very rarely. Mostly I like to stay home and I am not too concerned about public life at all.
The business at the Hirsch, Leidens_______ or Messmers family have leased, works out fine.
Now I do not know what else to write you. The most cordial greetings from us all, with the deepest wish for your well being. I now want to conclude and your Father sends you special greetings.

Fr. Anton Fahrlander

Write us again soon.

* The building on the farm, opposite the house, which then served as granary below and had sleeping rooms on the second floor.

Note: This letter is apparently in reply to first letter written by Dad after he arrived in Iowa.

January 25, 1881

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February 25, 1942

June 6, 1947



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