0160----1887 Mary + Colin Keating Dodge City/Cimarron KS letter

0160----1887 MARY + COLIN KEATING DODGE CITY/CIMARRON KS LETTER Interesting letter from Mary E. Keating to her cousin in Leonardsburg, Delaware County Ohio. Four page letter dated Jan 2, 1887 describes her new claim near Dodge City KS. She mentions her husband Colin who appears to be working in another close by town. The couple later moved to Cimarron, Gray County KS, where Colin Keating became a fairly well known resident, most notably as a County Commissioner of Gray County. (Please view various news clips below concerning the couple's whereabouts during this time.) Finally they later moved to Thayer Kansas in Neosho County to live out their later years.  Mary Keating was born and raised in Ohio with the maiden name "Porter." The letter mentions several other relatives such as cousin Lucy, Uncle Israel, Aunt Cordelia and Aunt Louise. She tells an interesting story about being covered in snow at home, forcing her to dig herself out with a shovel and hatchet. This snow story was retold and printed in a 1908 issue of the "The Jacksonian" as a front page entitled "As a Woman Remembers Dodge City in the Wild and Wooly Days."  (check out the newspaper page) Research is NOT included with the item listed for sale. The letter is in good condition and beginning to separate at the mailing folds.  The printing is quite light but well written and easily read. Also, the original stamp is not present. Dodge City, Kansas Jan 2nd 1887 Dear Cousin Helen A most pleasant surprise was your picture which came this morning. A New Years and birthday present as tomorrow makes me just thirty seven years old.  I will place it in the album just opposite Lucy's.  Some time you shall have Colin's and mine too but we like other people on the frontier can not at present indulge in many expenses not necessary hoping in a few years to make up for sacrifices.  Unlike many on the frontier we have had no real hardships to undergo, always plenty of the necessaries of life.  The most unpleasant part is holding down our claim which is twenty five miles northwest of this city. I (page 2) am performing that part of it while Colin works in a lumber yard here.  If he could be there we both would enjoy our house.  We have our house here at which he lodges and which I occupy when I visit him but neither seems like half a home.  Are on the eve we hope of selling eastern property when he will give up his place here and join me at our homestead.  Property is increasing very rapidly in value and so we wish to hold on to what we have here and sell that at a distance.  Our preemption claim which is proved up is thirteen miles south of this place and our tree claim 15 miles NW of our homestead. The country is lovely and I have never longed for Iowa, I think of the two would choose Ohio.  The west seems to possess a certain fascination which charms and an exception is the person whom once under it's influence frees himself.  So much excitement (page 3)  here, business ever booming.  Never saw I such rapid and constant improvement as is going on in this very city, recently made one of the second class.  The water works are nearly completed which with water so far below the surface as here is the most noted improvement.  The business blocks in the burnt district are elegant surpassed by none in the west. Some are completed and others in course of construction.  Everything seems to point towards this place as the city between Kansas City and Denver.  The A.T. + Santa Fe RR is at present the only through all this vast country.   I hope you may some time be permitted to visit us.  I know your health would be thereby benefitted as its reputation for health is one of the great advertisements of this region.  Certain am I my health was never  as good as it has been here and my eyes are getting better slowly but I think surely. The latest cure I have tried for them is the same our Savior in ministering (page 4) to the blind man.  I apply it after I have retired and nothing has so benefitted my eyes.  Our home on the claim is a cave 10 by 15 ft a window in the north end and one opposite in the door.  Unlike many we have a floor and when  the room is plastered our future kitchen I would not exchange for a frame. Tis very warm and I think cozy and home like.  Steps lead to the outside door which is similar to a cellar door.  I was snowed under though about four weeks ago but the shovel and hatchet were at hand so I cut a hole in the sod between the two doors shoveled the snow enough to make an opening large enough to for me to crawl through from which I emerged and had to laugh to see the mountain of snow I had been trying to lift.  Colin engaged one of our neighbors to come to my rescue under such circumstances but they had not imagined there had been snow enough to capture me.  The morning I came here one week ago last Wednesday I saw an antelope no further from our horses than yours is from Uncle Israel's.  A huge jack rabbit too bounded before me.  I expect to return on next Tuesday, as my eyes are improving think I shall be able to write oftener than hitherto.  Tell Aunt Cornelia my (cont'd back on page 1) next letters are to be written to her and Aunt Louise.  When I showed your picture to Colin he said "How neat she looks!"  He dislikes much gaudiness in dress but greatly admires rich and neat attire.  Some day hope to both be able to visit you. Owe Lucy a letter to which I shall reply.  Write when you can.  Remember me to friends.  Your cousin, Mary E. Keating, Box 303. (added note)  top of page 3 Colin says to give you his love and to tell you that he likes your style and that you  are a girl after his own heart. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *