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From: "The Hartline's" <>
Subject: [INKOSCIU-L] Henry Secrist 18 Jun 1855
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 09:05:12 -0500

letter, Henry Secrist, age unknown, Ontario Collegiate Institute,
LaGrange County, Indiana to his friend, Frederick Hartline, age 27, my
great grandfather, Franklin Twp, Tuscarawas, Ohio

Frederick Hartline
Franklin Twp
Tuscarawas County, Ohio June 18th, 1855

"With a desire to know how you are prospering in life I concluded to
write something in the form of a letter. Wishing to hear from my Old
Beloved Home again and the news of the day with the various changes
which are continually going on in the world and particularly in
Tuscarawas County which would be more interesting to me than any other
news of the day.

"I am attending school at the Ontario Academy in LaGrange County and am
studying Latin and Algebra. I am reading 'Caesar's Commentaries'.
The school closes July 3rd and then a vacation of 2 months. I expect to
return again in the fall. My Object is to acquire a good education and
by so doing I am compelled to teach in the winter and with my labor and
vacations can accmulate enough to pay my way and clothe myself
respectfully. I can go to school at least 6 months out of a year. I
taught last winter and received $19 a month and board.

"The coming winter I expect higher wages. I am going to school 1 year
yet and then will be prepared to enter college at Ann Arbor, Michigan.
I don't know whether I will take a full collegiate course. It will be
owing to circumstances and to my advancement in learning. Be that as it
may, my motto is "Go On". Bright Laurels are ready for those at the
end of the race for those who conquer.

"I have difficulties and discouragement almost sinks me to rise no more
in the path of knowledge. But the most distinguished names in the
annals of history went up through tribulation and obstacles of every
kind presented themselves, yet with the ambition of a Bonaparte they
have surmounted every impediment. With such examples on Record, the
student, no matter what may be his situation in life, though he be the
son of a rich man or a poor daily laborer, yet there is always hope when
industry and perserverance once are combined in the same individual.

"Father's family are all well or was when I heard from them. Elias and
Joel are in Pennsylvania this summer. They will be out here in the
fall. Elias is earning $18 a month and Joel $15 a month. I expect to
go to hard work soon. We have taken a crop of wheat to cut at $1.50 an
acre.

"There has been only 3 days of hot weather yet and from the appearance
of things will doubtly be a cold summer. I would like to have the full
particulars of your affairs in your country, Frederick, if you can,
please. I feel particularly discouraged today. We have had a very hard
Algebra lesson today and I came out rather minus, but Study will
Accomplish the Result.

"This county has undergone a great improvement since you been out here.
I do not feel like entering the marriage state yet. Plenty of chances
but I must Decline all Offers at present until a more convenient
season. My compliments to all acquaintances young and old, great and
small, male and female. I must close for the bell will call us to study
soon. Henry Secrist

respectfully transcribed verbatim from the original

Whomever this fellow is (was), I wish him well.
Jim Hartline, Sterling Heights, Michigan

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• [INKOSCIU-L] Henry Secrist 18 Jun 1855 by "The Hartline's" <>