COPY OF A LETTER FROM REV. J. F. MIXON TO HIS PARENTS

AT OXFORD, GEORGIA

(ORIGINAL STILL IN POSSESSION OF A MIXON FAMILY)

Thomasville, GA

May 3, 1871

Dear Father and Mother:

I wrote you shortly after getting here - letting you know how we all were - also inclosing Carr's note. I write again to let you know that we are still well. Georgia has had a pretty severe attack of her old complaint - but is up again. She is looking rather frail; but seems generally to enjoy pretty fair health. Ruth is fat and quite well - except occasionly at night she has still attacks of coughing. My own health was never better - I am getting fat and strong. Very busy all the week - and off on Saturday and Sunday trying to do some good and at the same time build up our school. It is not paying much now - barely a support - owing the say to the late beginning - people had pretty well made their arrangements before we began. But the prospects for the future are flattering. So people talk and so I think. I am laboring to that end. I like this country, It is a fine section. I am pleased with the people. They are social, pleasant. By the way I am about to find some kinfolks. I led prayer meeting the other evening - after adjournment a lady sought an introduction. She told me she never saw me before but knew I was a Mixon from my striking resemblance to her kindred of the same name. She is a widow Remington - her maiden name was Sharpe and is related to the Mixons very closely. She favors Ellen very much and if you should hear her talk and not see her perhaps you would think it was Ellen. We tried to run out matters - but I don't know enough of my ancestry to fit the links together. She says they came from South Carolina. I told her you came from North Carolina. She says her family of Mixons were rich. I said that didn't suit on my side very well - that I know none of the family in that doleful fix. She said they married rich. I was out again. She speaks of Joyce Mixon, or the Joyces, or Archibald Mixon as among her ancestors. Says they all had queer antiquated names. I told her I would write to you and see if you could help trace the connexion. She says she knows we are kin, and as she is a very nice lady, indeed, we call her cousin Ellen. More of this perhaps hereafter. I think of you often - would be very glad to learn of your health occasionly, Ruth still speaks of you and wants to see Grandma and Grandpa.

Yours affectionately,

s/ Fletcher

The envelope containing this letter was postmarked May 3rd and was addressed to:

Mr. Elijah Mixon

Oxford, GA

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