The handwriting in this letter is exquisite! I love that 89 years ago, my relatives were chasing their ancestors. From my time reading these letters, and referencing all the work my Cousin Alan (1st 1x removed) has done on Ancestry.com - it seems I have a LOT of cousins out there. It is a shame to know so few of them, and yet, just as George (below) had trouble keeping up with life's demands and correspondence back in 1926, it seems we face the same challenges today, despite all the technology we have at our fingertips. No matter the century, time is the one thing that we never have to spare.
Back to George - I don't know much about him, yet. Fortunately, there are a ton of clues in here that I can share with my cousin, perhaps he has some ideas and some more letters will share their stories.
There are so many places to research in this letter so I'm breaking it into a two-part post. More tomorrow...
G.H. Vince
Mountcastle VA
Nov 23 1926
Dear Cousin Alice
I am sorry I have kept you waiting so long for a letter some how I seem to always have a little more to do than I can get over in a day and when evening comes I am ready for bed or have a meeting to attend. I am secretary of the Masonic Lodge at Providence Forge a little town three miles from here. Secretary Treasurer of a Tomatoe Cannery postmaster and Store keeper at this place so don't you think I can keep out of mischief.
Now as to the name you have found it must be my grandfather as my Fathers name was John Vince. I don't remember even hearing what Grandfathers christian name was but that is most likely it as he owned Lexden Mill years ago. I am more interested in mothers side of the house her name was Annie Coates and she came from Braintree Essex so if you happen to run across anything about her in your search for the Vince family let me know. I have written my brother several times about my uncle James Vince but he always omits any reference to it in his letters. I would have liked to learn all about your trip to England must drop in and see you some time I suppose. My contribution to this Vince family are Colin Ivan aged 15 years Rosa Lucile aged 10 years Helen Bernice aged 7 years and Nina Arnett aged 5 years. They are all doing well and keeping there dad hard up feeding and clothing them.
How are things around Salt Lake City business is pretty dull round here. Is Magna Mill still running. I do wish I could come out and see the dear old state again but it seems a long way off just now. Now please forgive me for keeping you waiting for a letter so long I often think of you but I am doing something else instead of answering your letters. With the best of love to all of you.
I remain
Your Cousin
George
