LENOIR COUNTY, NC - Letters- Loftin Collection Letters.
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LOFTIN LETTERS
These documents are in the possession of George E. Loftin of Kinston, NC
who graciously allowed me to copy and submit them to the Lenoir County
Archives GenWeb Project.
Wilmington, NC
April 2, 1907
Dear Cousin Elijah,
Enclosed I send you a copy of Leonard Loftin's will which is on
file in Raleigh. Now what proofs have you that we are descended from his
son Benoni? I know that grandmother was named Cynthia by her grandfather
who so named her for his wife for I have a silver cup that she gave to
me when I was married as she wished and she often told me that her
grandfather gave it to her when she was named for her grandmother. Now
her grandfather was alive when she was married but was deaf when he died
as her father was also. Now are you positive that her father was Benoni
son of Elkanna Jr.? If so and Mr. J. (or I.) C. Loftin can prove that
Elkanah Jr was the son of Elkanah Sr. it looks as if the chain is
unbroken. Gr grandfather was only 20 when grandmother was born and I've
heard her say that his father was a grandfather at 41, as she was the
eldest child that settles that. Now if Cousin Sammie is the son of John
who married Cox and that John was the son of Elkanah Sr maybe that
would settle it. Find out from him if his grandfather was John or
Elkanah. If John then that John married Cox and his mother was someone
else. Please find out also find out the names of his sisters and
brothers. Can you let me know at once as I am working hard on it.
With love,
Gertrude B. Creasy
Please get what dates you can
NOTE: Mr. and Mrs. Creasy were well known genealogists
NOTE: This letter was typed obviously on an old and in poor condition
manual typewriter and in places the characters are impossible to read. I
include it because the names of this Loftin family indicate a possible
connection to the Loftin family of Lenoir County.
ENTERPRISE PUBLISHING CO
733 Newton Claypool Building
Indianapolis, Ind
April 23, 1906
Mr. Elijah P. Loftin,
Kinston, NC
Dear Sir - Your esteemed favor of April 18 at hand. I was very glad
to hear from you. I hope you will have many more years of prosperity an
happiness.
You ask about the Northern branch of the Loftin family - the Indiana
branch. My grandfather, Joseph Loftin, was born in N. C. in 1798,
emigrated to Clumbia (sic), Tenn, thence to Indiana in 1823 and settled
just north of Indianpolis. He came from Thomasville, near Lexington,
NC. He was only at Columbia, Tenn, about a year. His brother Shadrack
settled at Columbia and his brother Thomas in Kentucky. Thomas was the
father of Mrs. Col. Johnson who owned the Indianpolis street car system
some years ago. Their son, Tom Loftin Johnson is mayor of Cleveland,
Ohio, leaving Indianapolis for Cleveland some years ago. Sim Loftin, my
cousin, here in Dallard Block thinks that my great grand-father's name
was Longfield Loftin. One of his brothers, a brother to my great
grandfather settled in Ga. I was editor of the News at Macon, Ga. In
1894 and 95. Col. W. A. Loftin now of Atlanta is of that Ga. Branch
spelling the name Lofton - wrong spelling. My grandfather Joseph had
four sons: Dr. Sample, the first Democrat selected in this county after
the war, elected county treasurer; Dr. Almon, Joseph (father of Sim)
who served as a county commissioner many years and originated the work-
house system of this section and my father, Dr. John Loftin, who never
would accept political office except the presidency of the medical
pension board at Frankfort during the time the democrats were in
national power. My grandfather liberated a lot of negroes at Columbia,
Tenn. I met a few of them, very old, when I visited Lovick Loftin (son
of Shadrack) at Columbia, Tenn. Some years ago. Whether the name is of
English or Holland Dutch orgin is a question. McMillan's International
Biography says that John Loftin (also spelled Loftingh) left Holland
with William of Orange in 1688, invented the fire engine and machine for
making thimbles and died at Buckingham, England, leaving five sons. He
might have been a Puritan who left England under the Stuart oppession
(sic) or even an Episcoplian (sic) who left England. The language
professor at the University of Virginia where I attended school in 85
and 86 thought the name was of Saxon origin meaning "tall". But the
name in Holland Dutch I think means about the same thing. I am inclined
to think the family is of Holland orgin. Wish I knew. The name is rather
rare (next few words not on my copy) Southern states have postoffice of
the name. Dr. Iverson C. Loftin of East Nashville, Tenn. is collecting
data on family history. He says, however, that he thinks the family
originally settled in Virginia. I would suggest you write him, East
Nashville, Nashville, Tenn. His sister, Mrs. Hill of Texas has been
interested in knowing whether she was eligible to the Daughters of
Revolution. I am inclined to think that Uncle "Samp" told me lineal
ancestor was a revolutionay (sic) soldier. Would like to know. Uncle
Samp had a powder horn carried over from England. Fletcher Reid Loftin,
attorney, of Lexington, NC does not know. I would like to see these
facts collected. Any information on these subjects will be appreciated.
I intended to go to NC when I left Charlottesville but was called home
because of other business. Our branch of family intermarried with
Kents, Lambeths, and West. I believe my father told me once that Gen.
Roger A. Pryor formerly of Virginia was about a second cousin. My father
& his brothers are all dead. His half brother Frank lives at Augusta,
Ind. The male descendants in Ind are few. Simeon is in Ballard
Building, Indianpolis, son of Joseph, myself son of Dr. John and Frank
Loftin a half uncle who has one boy (Sim is an old bachelor and Mel
Loftin only son of Sample who lives now at Olney, Ills. I am married
have two daughters, no sons living. The Northern branch are all
Democrats - I was the first newspaperman in American to nominate Mr.
Bryan for president - are nearly all members of the Christian or
Disciples Church and all the men are Masons.
I have been a newspaper man nearly all my life. Have been editor,
Frankfort Crescent, Hunting, Ind. Democrat, Knoxville (Tenn) Sentinel,
Macon (Ga) news, political news editor Indianpolis Sentinel, private
secretary in Washington to David Turpie, last Democratic senator from
Indiana. Have been press agent and advertising manager to independent
(non-Bell) telephone system of Indiana until sale to foreign capitalist
recently, was press agent Indianapolis carnival of 1902, was offered
press agency today for National editorial convention which meet here
June 12 and 13 but could not take it - to buys. Am District manager
Grumiaux News and Subscription Agency of LeRoy, New York, having in
charge Southern Indiana, Kentucy (sic), Southern Ills and part of
Missouri. Am also interested in this Enterprise Publishing company
business dealing with newspapers. Ordinarily I dictate correspondence
but am writing this myself because it is of personal nature. My work on
typewriter is now very poor. If my plans go right I expect through a
colonization enterprise I am interested in near Mobile, Alabama, to get
down there one of these days and spend most of my life there in
magazines and book work. The former editor of "Madame" R. E. Rinehart is
a second cousin of mine. His mother was a daughter of Dr. Almen Loftin
(now deceased) of this city. The Editor of "Madame" recently to write a
book at home. He is doing that now. He was formerly on the New York
Sun. I expect him in the office in a few minutes. I cannot take the
place of press agent National Editorial convention here. I shall try to
turn it over to him. It is very seldom I ever write for a magazine like
"Madame" but I have probably written more industrial stuff than any
other man in the state. I did the coal article for them. I have
reported three or four conventions of miner and operators in
Indianapolis for the Indianapolis press. Pardon this poorly written
letter. I hope to hear from you at length, particularly as to whether
the family of English or Holland orgin. I wrote the first editoral in
the Sentinel taking the side of the Boers in South Africa and I shall
not be at all offended if it turns out Holland Dutch. Possible I have
given you some points of interest. Also will be glad to hear from you
again soon. I believe all the Loftins are of the same stock.
Very truly yours
Fred T. Loftin
733 Newton Claypool Bldg
Indianapolis
LETTER FROM CLARENCE TO AUNTIE
My thanks to Carol Pridgen Martoccia for the Pridgen connection and Dr.
Francis R. Hodges who assisted in transcribing this letter and
identifying the people. Clarence was Clarence Hodges, son of James
Richard Hodges and his wife, Eady Ann Sara Pridgen. Auntie was Sarah
Catherine Hodges who married Elijah Perry Loftin. Clarence had a
brother, Carl, and three sisters, Lizzie, Effie and Irene (probably Rena
in the letter) one of whom appears to be the sister who went to Texas
and was teaching music. Aunt Mary was most likely Mary Hodges Potter
(1836 - 1897), sister of Simon Hodges and half sister of Clarence's
father and Catherine Sarah Hodges Loftin. Mary lived in Greene County
and had a daughter Nina among others.
LaGrange, NC
Thursday Sept 7/93
Dear Auntie,
Will you please pardon me for not having written before this
for I know that you would have appreciated a letter from me, and I wish
to assure you that the delay hasn't been because I didn't want to write
but while I have wanted to write for some time I have been putting it
off for first one cause, and then another, my time having been pretty
well taken up with the duties of my work here.
But hope this will be duly received and appreciated as though I
had written regularly. Mr. Tommy Sutton (of Bucklesberry) was in a few
minutes ago for his mail, and was asking after the family, sayed that
his brother Mr. William (who lives near you) was at his house yesterday
and was saying that you were a little uneasy at not having heard from
any of us recently, so I thought I would write this am. I usually hear
from some of the family twice a week but haven't heard since last Friday
which letter was written Monday of last week. I don't suppose anything
serious has happened to them (I hope not) for they could have wired me
if such had been the case. They might have misdirected their letter for
there are only twenty two LaGrange's in the U. S. I hope to hear from
them tonight or tomorrow. I have written them thrice since Thursday but
I couldn't possibly hope to hear from either of them for it takes four
or five days to get a letter from here there. I hope that you and also
myself will get a letter from the dear loved one's ere this week has
closed. I will have to ask you to excuse me as I will have to get to
work on my mail for it is now only about 20 minutes to train time, and I
will finish this PM, "bye bye"
Well, I have my mail all up and as the train is some 40
minutes late, I thought I would write a little more. It was an hour or
more late yesterday morning, caused from the condition of the Bridge at
Newbern, the train not being able to get-over, but all the mail Express,
passengers & c having to be transferred. The damage to the bridge was
caused by a boat running against it while trying to pass through the
draw. It was damaged considerably I suppose as I heard last evening that
it would take 3 or 4 days to get it repaired so that the train's could
cross.
Went up to Aunt Marie's Sat. night last arrived about ten.
All had retired, but I hollowed them up, found all well at Aunt Marie's
but Jimmie & Heber (cousin Nina's) sons are (or were) quite ill with
typpoid malaria fever. They were taken last Tuesday or Wednesday. Heber
while at school. Jimmie carried him home and took the horse & buggy
back to Hookerton, came home learned his lessons for next day and awoke
during the night - called his mother, and told her that he was sick. I
went down to see them Sunday evening awhile. I hope they are better ere
this but they were quite sick then and by the way Aunt Mary told me that
Felix had been sick hadn't heard a word of it; hope he wasn't sick much
or long and that he is better and as well as usual ere this, was sorry
that it was so that you & Uncle Elijah couldn't go to Morehead and be
with Mary on the trip. She sayed that she enjoyed it very much indeed
and glad to know that she did. I wanted to have gone but couldn't as Mr.
Stanton was away on business. The train has blown so "bye bye" until
the afternoon.
I have just gotton back from dinner at which meal I did justice to my
appetite for you know I love peas and dearly fond of them. I am manu ??
(Martin Potter) he was the man who sayed that pea's were the most
holesome food he ever partook of. I can say that I am especially fond
of them and where I am well and enjoy good health like I have been
blessed with this summer, I can eat where I get something that I
especially like. I am enjoying as good health as I ever did in my life
can eat whatever I want - as much of it - and at any time and it doesn't
hurt me, therefore, I say that I am well. I have been thinking that I
would get off for a few days recreation when the office changed hands
and we will turn over to Mr. Sutton in a day or two and get to see all
of my aunts & uncles, but don't fuss. I guess as Kirby wants me to stay
with him a month and it is now beginning to be the busy season with the
merchants. I will have to enter upon my duties as clerk (helping Mr.
Stauton). As soon as the month with Kirby is out so you see I won't get
any time off this summer. I have made arrangements to work for
Mr.Stauton until Jan but don't know yet what I will do after then. I
hope to be able to get employment somewhere around in this or adjoining
state so that I can carry out my plans as I now have it mapped out but
if I can't I shall do my best at whatever I can get that is honest work
for honorable work is no disgrace when ever you may find it. "Whatsoever
thy hands findeth to do, do it with all they might", so we are commanded
by Divine authority. Conseqauently not being able to get off this
summer, I don't know when I can get to see you. I want to try and get
off to Conference which convens in Oct between 3rd and 4th Sunday's I
believe at Washington. I was a delegate just five years ago when the
conference met with the church at Old Ford Eight miles from Washington
if I can get off three perhaps I can get to see you then during my off
from the Store. I don't much expect that it will be so that I can get
off from Mr. Stauton always has so much work besides tending to (or
staying" in the store that you never know when he can excuse you. I
have been with him now nearly twenty two months and I have been off for
a day of recreation 5 days during the time. Perhaps you would not
object to hearing (through me if not directly from them) of the wellfare
or projects of the dear loved ones.
Papa writes me (and I think so from the sound of the letter from the
rest of the dear family) that the prospects for their future are
brighter than when they first arrived in (the Lone Star State) Texas.
Buddie is now at work in the Post O. Sissie Rena was to have left last
Friday for Wolf City ? (which I think is in Hunt Co) to teach music
there. She has taken her a class on her own terms?? (so to speak) she
hope's to get some of the young ladies of the school as she has a
boarding place and music now convenient for them during school hours
just a cross the street from the school building. I do hope she may get
a good class one that will pay her. Sister expects to teach this winter
beging the first of Nov about 8 miles north of Farmerville. Papa is
helping Mammis with the duties of the house she is keeping boarding
house and doing exceedingly well being straingers in the place. They
have a nice ten roomed house conveniently located to the business
portion of the town. The lot contains a nice orchard, a large barnyard,
good barn & stables and in fact I must think that they are right
pleasantly situated from the tone of their letters and it is a work
which Mammis has always sayed she would like & that if she ever went to
a town where she could she was going to try it. She had Six regular
boarders three Table boarders (young men clearks) besides her transieth
workers (with the expectation of two or three more table boarders this
month) when she last wrote me and I think her charges will justify her
in her work and the great good that I hope will come out of it is that
such work, which she has always desired to do may be one of the means by
which she may be restored to health. The change of climate, change of
surroundings and her work which I hope is and which she says is pleasant
will all tend, I think to do her good for she has not been sick since
the first month after their arrival in Texas. She was sick a few day's
soon after they arrived perhaps a month & a half and none since. I am so
glad that it is as well with them as it is. The Postmaster saught
Buddie's services his reason to papa for wanting him made Papa feel
good. Sayed he I have been watching him since he has been here and I
have never seen him loafing and that is the reason I want him. Buddie
made $32.50 copping cotton after school was over, he received a Dollar
per day & his board. Pretty good wages for a boy his age and size. I
think my prayers for them is that they may do well in whatever they
undertake. My they do their duty ever faithfully and leave the results
with Him who has promised to never leave nor foresake us for I know that
if we will do our duty He will do His and He will give unto us that
which will be best for us. Though it may seem to us in our weak human
nature to be differrent. "He leadeth me" and may He continue to lead me
as long as there is life in this mortal body and when my life work is
accompolished to His own good purpose, may I be remembered among the
readeemed who shall sing praises to His name in the sweet "bye & bye".
"May the Lord be with us all till we meet again" is my prayer. Will
you please mam excuse all mistakes for I have been writing all the
afternoon and have not time to say all that I wished to have sayed
knowing that you will look over the mistakes
I am
Ever your Loving nephew
Clarence