This is the oldest letter in the collection. Simon’s wife was Lois Knowles Young. The couple had 11 children, born in Corinna between 1816 and 1834. Later they moved to Illinois.
Lois was a sister to John Knowles, an ancestor to Brian Knowles and Linda Knowles Smith. A sister to Lois, Elizabeth, married Rev. Benjamin Winchester. Simon and Lois are writing to her brother-in-law, Benjamin, and sister Elizabeth Knowles Winchester, ancestors of Mim King, Linda Dorman, Carl Smith and Jane Quimby.
We are not sure why this letter was included in the collection. Perhaps it had been retained for many years in the family and was added in as Levi’s papers were assembled for the collection by John Howard Winchester, grandson of Benjamin and Elizabeth. He was responsible for the return of Levi’s book collection and other personal effects to Corinna.
In the letter Simon says that those who are prosperous there will not return to Corinna. It is interesting reading and shows how they did not waste paper in letter writing. They describe daily life, the prices of food, using pigs for meat, making pickles, and talk about some relationships among people who were known in Corinna at the time.
Object ID 2.9
Lois is writing to her brother-in-law, Benjamin , and sister Elizabeth Knowles Winchester, ancestors of Mim King, Linda Dorman, Carl Smith and Jane Quimby.
I retract my statement about Lois writing the letter and now believe Simon wrote it. Interesting that he is listed as Simon, Esq. in sale of Corinna property to son Lewis for $600 5/22/1837. Lewis dies 11/30/1837.
Simon sells same property to Henry Hill for $100 9/28/1838. Wonder if Lewis death is related to loss of buildings.?
In letter Simon is encouraging Rev. Benjamin Winchester to come to IL as pastors are compensated more liberally. Simon adds that if John could see the IL farm land he would never stay in ME. I assume that would be his son John Winchester who stayed, married Levi’s sister and became my 3rd great grandfather.
Carl, what an extremely interesting letter. Hard to read in places but will worth having. In the last part it states “your loving brother, Simon Young.??? Interesting to learn that Justice Ordway was listed. Had to laugh as back than 101 pounds was considered fat, lol. There is also another article written by a Quimby about the Winchester family. That is buried in the library paperwork. How much do you know about Simon Young? I found him listed as Simon Young Esquire as post master in the Corinna Center 1842-1857. The appointment date was April 20, 1835. Years ago (1986) when I research the Young family in the card file at the Town Office I found Simon and Lois Young. Their children were: Lewis, Harrison, Henry Warren, Loisa, Daniel, Amanda, Lois, Mary S, Simon Jr, Sarah and James. Any idea show the parents were and were buried. I almost think I saw the stones at the Morses Corner Cemetery but not sure. Thank you for sharing those wonderful letters.
Not sure if Simon is referring to Benjamin as brother in faith or family. They married sisters Lois and Elizabeth Knowles. Perhaps Simon received an appointment in 1835. but he removed to IL in 1837. He did perform marriages 1831-34 as did Benj Winchester, David Stewart and Paul Fisher. I assume the Quimby article is Maynard Quimby’s biography of Levi Stewart his great uncle. My record shows Simon d. 2/16/1876 Buena Vista, WI and Lois 5/26/1845 Durand, IL. Think Simon must have been with son and neither of them buried in Corinna.
Simon death record: Lived in Winnebago, IL but was in Plover visiting his daughter, Lois Precourt at the time of his death from a fall. Indications that the Plover, WI burial is with (2nd) wife Mary Frye Young, 1795-1892.