1850: G. F. Libbey to J. A. Libbey

The identity of these cousins could not be learned by searching census records. Their names appear to be G. F. Libbey and J. A. Libbey but perhaps I have transcribed them inaccurately. It is also possible their names appear in public records as Libby or Libbie.

Ruddells Mills is a Bourbon county village that was once home to grist and wool mills. It sits where Hinkston Creek and Stoner Creek join to form the South Fork of the Licking River and at the junction of KY 1893 and KY 1940 about five miles north of Paris. It was founded by Isaac Ruddell in 1776, briefly moved north to Ruddell’s Station, returning following the Revolutionary War. A Ruddells Mills post office operated from 1820 until 1906. The name is also variously spelled Ruddels Mills, Ruddels Mill, and Ruddles Mill.

Stampless Letter

TRANSCRIPTION
Addressed to J.A. Libbey, Esq., Cook, Erie County, Pennsylvania

Ruddles Mills, [Bourbon County] Kentucky
September 15th 1850

Dear Cousin,

I once more take up my pen to communicate with you. We are all in good health & the country is now nearly clear of fever & entirely so of cholera. William David has had seven cases of fever in his family but they are all now able to go about. Michael is still weak but able to ride on horseback. Wilson David & Daniel Shawhan are now the only persons sick with fever in this vicinity & neither of them are considered dangerous.

Dr. Preston is doing nearly all the business in this vicinity & you can form some idea of the amount of practice he has when I tell you that he has so completely ridden down two good horses that he was compelled to buy a third one. The only wonder is how he can stand it himself.

I would be very glad to see you here this fall if you can come. There is now a good vacancy for a school at Reuddel’s Mills & several others in the country but I fear you got too much disheartened last year to come again. However, I think you could do well here.

Corn is pretty good in this neighborhood but very poor all around us. It is now too hard to roast.

Elizabeth sends her best respects to you all & says she would be very happy to see you & Margaret here. Mr. Leonard & Michael send their respects to you. John David has sent for his son-in-law to come & see him & he will help him buy a small farm now for sale which joins his.

Give my best respects to all who may enquire & do not fail to write.

Yours &c., — G. F. Libbey

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