Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-11-28
A NEAT CHAIN.

Master Geo. f. Thompson son of the
Sheriff, received a present of hand
some watch chain few days ago from
William w. Kelly, young man who
with some companions was in jail
few months ago on charge Of vagrancy.
Young George took quite an interest in
Kelly, and the chain is token of regard
for kindness shown. The chain was
madc of horse hair by Kelly, and hand
somely mounted in gold with stone
charm Accompanying the present
was the following letter, which is
Interesting as showing what small
things will often change ones life.
Evidently Georges knife started
desire for industry, and kindness for
better existence.
Marion la, Nov. 4th 1889
Well George, | suppose you have for
gotten all about me but | am going to
write you just the same. have come to
the conclusion that rolling stone gath
ers no moss and intend to settle down,
leave off my bad habits and become
good boy once more. No intoxicating
liquors have passed my lips for over
three months, and do not intend thev
shall and | do not use profane language.
A lady asked me about that last Sun
day and told her would forget my
self sometimes and swear, she said it
was very wrong. know that, but
promised her | would try and never
utter another wrong word. and | have
stopped beating trains. After this my
fare shall be paid or will stay where |
am. think have a steady situation
here all winter, but if get time shall
60 home and spend Christmas. Well
| guess you think | have said enough
about myself so l will change the sub
ject. You must write to me George,
and send me your photo l will send
you mine as soon as | can have it
taken, that will be the first bright sunny
day that comes. Have you had any
cold weather in Wisconsin yet? you
must write and tell me all about your
self. think | behaved myself pretty
well while | was there and it can be no
harm for us to correspond. DON'T you
know, George, that Jim would not have
stopped a day if / would have went
with him. He wanted to 90 the worst
way, but when any body trusts me |
will always do what is right. Your
father treated me first rate, and hope
he was satisfied with my conduct. !
tried to do what was right and | am
sorry if he had any thing to complain
of. By the way George when is your
birth day? | haye. forgotten. some time
in February isn't it? do not send this
chain for its value, but as a novelty. |
made it myself out of horse hair. |
suppose Ray will want to cut off Macs
tail and have chain made out of it,
Tell him | will send him one if he is a
good boy. | guess have made over a
hundred fans with your knife George,
since I've had it, ever since made the
first one every body | know wants a
fan. They bring me all kinds, sha pes,
and sizes of wood. full of knots, cross
grained and every thing else. How is
Charlie getting along tell him ! would
like to hear from him. And little Billy
McGonigal, 1 suppose he is as laxative
as ever, ask him if he would Mt like to
help Billy pile up some moro wood. He
is the windiest little kid in America,
do believe. How is Matte he don't say
much but he gets there just the same l
hope your pa and ma are well and all
the little folks. Somebody used to say
to me, Mrs. Thompson looks like my
mother she is the incest woman | ever
saw, and think so to. suppose Ella
is the same Scotch laSsie always smiling
and full OF fen. Now you need nj
laugh for am awful sincere. Hoping
this will find you in good health and
spirits | beg you a kind good bye.
WILLIAM w. KELLY
Marion Linn County, Iowa.