Information from Fred Epley
Copy of a letter written by Eliza Chapman Carlon to her sister Sarah Chapman Nichols. The original in the possession of Sarah's grandson Melvin Nichols of Zumbrota, Mn. Poorly spelled and punctuated.
Menomonie Dec. 26, 1872
Dear sister and brother,
I now sit down to write a few lines to you to let you know that we are all well. I hope you are the same. I found Tom and the children all right when I got home. I told the children that maybe you was agoin to come up here this winter, so they have been looking ever since for you. So they want me to write and ask you if you haint agoin to come. Tell Vena and Warren and Merrit that the children wants to see them and talk and talk about them every day. Sarah I was thinking about you all day Christmas and wishing you was here. Sarah Dan and me went to see Father. I didn't think he lived so bad and I can't get him out of my mind. I dream of him every night, I wish I was where I could help him some.
Rob is over here , he stays over town all the time, he only comes over here when he wants a clean shirt. I have been looking for a letter from Dan but I haint got none yet. Sarah I haint got nothing to write only that we are all well. I sent you my best respects to Dick and family. So no more at present, write soon as you get this.
My love to you all, so goodby.

Eliza Carlon to Sarah Nichols
Sarah when I was there Dick was talking about his age so I will send you all of our ages so you can put them down.
Eliza Chapman was borned March the 26th, 1842 .
Daniel Chapman was borned December the 20, 1844 .
Sarah Chapman was borned December the 9, 1846 .
Dick Chapman was borned August the 23, 1849.
Martha Chapman was borned March the 5, 1851.
Robert Chapman was borned August the 1, 1853.
Francis Chapman was borned July the 14, 1857.

1. 2. Vena NICHOLS  
2. 3. Warren NICHOLS  
3. 4. Merrit NICHOLS