2011-07-29

1865 Letter Describing The Sadness In The Days After The Abraham Lincoln Assassination

Postage Stamp issued in 1866
This is the first postage stamp to depict Abraham Lincoln,
the earliest known use of this stamp is April 14th, 1866

Adams Export Company, Harpers Ferry, Virginia
April 19, 1865


My own Darling Jennie,
   Another day has past and I have no news from home. If you knew how lonesome and sad I am, I am sure you would write me a few words – or are you affected by the sad news of the Presidents’ death and like myself sad and mournful. The emblems of mourning are to be met everywhere in our town and in the country about, which presents a truly sad appearance. Never before has any calamity fallen upon any people which seems to be so justly appreciated by the popular mind. Rich and poor, men of all political views join in the demonstration of grief and today there is hardly a building where some emblem of grief is not displayed. With some, of course, the expression of sorrow is only outward but with a great majority of our citizens the grief is heartfelt. The heaviest blow which has ever fallen upon the people of the South has descended-    Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States, has been assassinated!!!

  The decease of the Chief  magistrate of the nation at any period is an event which profoundly affects the public mind, but the time, manner, and circumstances of President Lincoln’s death render it the most mentous, the most appalling, the most deplorable calamity which has ever befallen the people of the United States. The thoughtless and the vicious may affect to derive satisfaction from the sudden and tragic close of the Presidents’ career, but every reflecting person will deplore the awful event. Just as everything was happily conspiring to a restoration of tranquility, under the benignant and magnanimous policy of Mr. Lincoln, comes this terrible blow. God grant that it may not rekindle excitement or inflame papion again. That a state of war, almost fratricidal, should give rise to bitter feelings and bloody deeds in the field was to be expected, but, that the assassins’ knife and bullet should follow the great and best loved of the nation in their daily walks and reach them when they are surrounded by their friends, is an atrocity which will shock and appall every honorable man and woman in the land. The secrecy with which the assassins pursued their victims indicates there were but few accomplices in this inhuman crime. The abhorrence with which it is regarded on all sides will, it’s hoped, deter insane and malignant men from the emulation of the infamy which attaches to this infernal deed.

  The war news continues bright and cheering. Sherman is said to be in communication with Johnston with a view to the surrender of the latter. Mobile has fallen! At any other time than just at the present, the news would have been received with acclamations of joy. Though all are glad, there is none of that popular rejoicing that filled our streets with jubilant citizens during the past week. The wires flashed good news yesterday but as might have been expected it was received with indifference. At any other time the capture of Mobile with its splendid results would have elicited cheers, and thanks, and congratulations in profusion. At any other time the encouraging prospects of Sherman would have evoked the acclamations of a grateful people. As it was the tidings came to hearts oppressed with sorrow. The loyal citizens were chilled by the horror of an awful crime. They had sustained a loss which was irreparable. They  had witnessed a culmination of treason for which they were unprepared and which so thoroughly shocked their moral sense, outraged their affection for a man they revered, and violated the tenderest and holiest ties by which they were bound to a faithful public servant that they have ever since been stunned and heart stricken. The sunshine which so lately beamed upon the country has been eclipsed by dreariness and gloom. A leaden pall hangs over us. Turn which way we may the somber hues of affliction meet our eyes. Our houses, our churches, our places of business are clad in the habiliments of mourning. The flag we venerate is everywhere draped in weeds of woe. There is earnest work before us, and we feel the need of active exertion.

  We go about our duties mechanically, the animating spirit is lacking. We must shake off this nervelessness, and awake to renewed Life. We must turn our attentions to the authors of our sad calamity. We must finish the work that is left upon our hands by this unexpected visitation. This we may do. We can resume old tasks and take up newly appointed ones. We can act in the living Present. While we take fresh courage and march on, we can vitalize and inspire others. But at the same time that we perform our allotted work, we cannot divest ourselves of the burden of a great sorrow. At the same time that we welcome new victories and new evidence that the rebellion is well nigh crushed, we cannot hurrah in that unalloyed spirit of rejoicing which animated us one week ago. The happy exhilaration of that period has passed away with him with whom we shared it, and in its place will hereafter be experienced a soberer joy and a more tempered satisfaction. We shall hail with profound gratitude to the Good Giver every additional triumph that brings us nearer to the end. Yet amid all our successes, and amid the crowning glories of the consummation of Peace we shall preserve in ever freshening and ever abiding memory the virtues of the President, the father and the friend we have lost- whose funeral ceremonies take place at the Executive Mansion in Washington at 12 o’clock noon today….on the evening which commemorates the crucifixion of the Savior of mankind, on the anniversary on the day when the flag of Sumpter was hauled down and where it was afterward restored. Abraham Lincoln, the head and the hope of the nation, was inhumanly butchered by an armed emissary of treason. On this day, the anniversary of the battle of Lexington, the day upon which, four years ago, the lurid ruffians of this same infamous rebellion, which is at the bottom of all the bloody slaughter which has held high carnival throughout the land, struck down the soldiers of Massachusetts who were hastening to repress it in its incipiency, the mortal remains of the President are to be consigned to the tomb.

  It is a solemn day. It is a day of sad memories made tenfold more saddening by the heavy affliction which has befallen the nation. He whom we mourn this day, and whose dust is now to commingle with its kindred elements, was not simply a hero- he was the noblest type of purely American character, the most distinctive representative of American institutions; he was not simply a wise and patriotic ruler, but a universal friend. When we meet in our sanctuaries and gather around our firesides, to speak of his virtues, to honor his life, to bear in remembrance his goodness, and to sorrow over his loss, it is with the solemn conviction that that loss is a personal one, that it enters our own household, disturbs our own family circle, and involves our most intimate family relations. This is not so much a day for eulogy as for tears. The spontaneous outpouring of millions of loyal hearts is the highest panegyric that can be offered to departed worth. No higher encomiums could  be bestowed upon any man than the sincerity of the popular manifestations of esteem and affection which we everywhere witness. They are tributes to his rare kindliness and gentleness, to his acknowledged integrity and high moral principle, to his intimate sympathy with the people and his willingness to mould his actions in accordance with the popular will, to his clear discernment and his conceded statesmanship. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that in the realization of the loss of such a man the nation is bowed down with anguish. It is no light matter that such a bright example should thus perish by the rude hand of an assassin. It is no trifle over which we grieve in unison this day. We have lost a friend who had no private resentments, and no personal enemies. We have lost a ruler who was singularly capable of grasping the great problems given him to solve, and of meeting the great exigencies which arose at every step. We are only beginning to appreciate the inestimable value of his services. We have lost a President who, under the most trying responsibilities ever developing upon one man, and under the weightiest and mightiest cares and anxieties could yet preserve his patience, his composure, and his unfailing cheerfulness. Rising from an humble station to the pinnacle of  human power, he yet maintained his remarkable simplicity and disinterestedness of his character. Amid all the vast temptations to misuse a sovereign authority, he was at all times faithful to his trust and devoted to his duty. Amid the applause with which he was followed, the courtliness by which he was surrounded, and the grandeur with which his exalted position was invested, he never exhibited the slightest affectation, nor forgot himself.

  Let us therefore solemnize this day as befits so grave and sacred an occasion, “Hung be the heavens with black.” Let the emblems of mourning drape our country from one end to the other. Let those wear the badges of sorrow who have been the consistent friends of the late President, and the firm and true friends of the union, for which he was sacrificed, and for which he now wears the martyr’s crown. But let not Rebels disguise their real sentiments by the assumption and desecration of these outward tokens. Let them hide their wretched faces in shame and confusion of spirit, or if they unite with those true-hearted men and women who meet in the churches today to indicate their sense of the national calamity, let them pray that their rebellious spirit may be broken, and that they may be humanized and christianized!

  I  cannot pursue the subject further. I contemplate too deeply and painfully the terrible aspects of this calamity to comment upon it further and I imagine I hear you say when you have read this far that enough has been written in the gloomy style. But dear Jennie the office being closed today and having nothing to do but write, you will excuse me for stating as I feel for “from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” It is now train time and I will go to dinner and close this this evening. Yours of the 9th and 13th  have just been read, the news which they bring making me feel sadder if possible than before. You will please excuse me from writing more this time as I can hardly see the water will keep coming into my eyes every time I think of it. It’s no use trying to keep it back.
My health is still good,
Good night,
Charlie





Postage Stamp issued in 1940
Thirteenth Amendment Issue
75th anniversary of the 
13th Amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery.
Emancipation Monument; Lincoln and Kneeling Slave, 





Postage Stamp issued in 1948
85th Anniversary of  Abraham Lincoln's 





Lincoln Sesquicentennial Issue
(Set of Four issued in 1958-1959)
 
Lincoln by Gutzon Borglum
The Centenary of the founding of Cooper Union
New York City



The Centenary of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates
from a painting by Joseph Boggs Beale



Daniel Chester French Statue of Lincoln 
as drawn by Fritz Busse

There Are No Notes From The 1946 Newton Reunion

The sixteenth Newton Reunion was on Saturday August 2rd, 1946.

 For some time, we have been unable to locate the notebook that contains the minutes from the 1946 - 1963 Newton Family Reunions.
  


Sunday, August 4th, 1946
The Church at Short Tract, NY
(back row) Ben, Charlie, Nellie and Lucy  
(front row) Dewitt and  Fred



July, 1984
The Church at Short Tract, NY



Saturday, August 3rd, 1946



Sunday, August 4th, 1946
The Church at Short Tract, NY
 Ben, Dewitt, Charlie & Fred




Sunday, August 4th, 1946 
The Church at Short Tract, NY
Cedric Roof 
Husband of Nellie (Newton) Roof




Sunday, August 4th, 1946 
The Church at Short Tract, NY
(four generations) 
Emma Harrington, Frank Newton, 
Lew Newton holding his son Ronnie Newton.



July, 1984
The Church at Short Tract, NY
 Genny & Lu



Postage stamp issued in 1946
Merchant Marine Issue
Achievements of the US Merchant Marine in World War II
Liberty Ship Unloading Cargo




Postage stamp issued in 1946 
 
Veterans Of World War II Issue
Issued to honor all veterans of World War II
Honorable Discharge Emblem




Postage stamp issued in 1946
Kearny Expedition Issue
100th anniversary of the entry of 
"Capture of Santa Fe"




Motor Vehicle Use Revenue stamp issued in July 1945
Expires on June 30th, 1946





The source notebook
Does anyone know where the notebook is that contains  the minutes 
from the 1946 - 1963 Newton Family Reunions?





Christmas Seal issued in 1946

1945 - The Fifteenth Reunion of The Newton Family

Postage stamp issued in 1945

Navy Issue
Achievements in the US Navy in World War II
United States Sailors 


Postage stamp issued in 1945
Iwo Jima (Marines) Issue
Battle of Iwo Jima and honoring the achievements of the US Marines
Marines Raising American Flag on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima 


Postage stamp issued in 1945
Army Issue
Achievements of the US Army in World War II
United States Troops Passing Arch of Triumph , Paris, France


Postage stamp issued in 1945
Coast Guard Issue
Achievements of the US Coast Guard in World War II
Coast Guard Landing Craft and Supply Ship



The fifteenth Newton reunion was held at the home of Milton and Aletha Roof on Aug. 4, 1945.
It was a perfect day in every respect, and the tables were set up under the trees on the side lawn.
Here a splendid dinner was served and eaten with great relish.
To top it off, the usual watermelon was present and readily consumed.
 
August 4th, 1945 

 Following the dinner was a short business meeting.
Lucy Voss read the minutes of that year's reunion in the absence of the secretary, Wilma Hodnett Voss.
Genevieve Beardsley was the acting President in place of Harold Kellogg who was not able to attend.

$2.25 was received when the hat was passed. This is the final report:
collection                                        $ 2.25
balance from 1944                      $11.68
                                                        $13.93
1945 expenses                             $ 2.23
1945 Balance in Treasury        $11.70


August 4th, 1945


The following officers were elected for 1946:

President - Mariella Spisak
Vice President - Fred Newton
Secretary - Naomi Newton
Treasurer - Nellie Roof

The motion was made and carried that the next reunion be held where the President choose.
At this point the impatient athletes insisted that the meeting come to an end as they were anxious to get a chance at hitting that good softball; the meeting adjourned and the ballgame began.



August 4th, 1945



The game was enthusiastically umpired by Mariella Spisak.
The "Muskateers", with Charles M. Newton, Milton Roof, Fred Newton, Lloyd Voss, Lois Newton and Cedric Roof as players were rather badly beaten by the "Rinky-Dinks" whose team was made up of John Beardsley, Genevieve Beardsley, Bernard Roof, Charles Spisak, Roddy Kellogg and Naomi Newton.
The final score was 16 to 32. Do you suppose the umpire might have been prejudiced? Her husband was on the winning team, you see.

Ration Stamp issued 1942 - 1945
"T Ration" for use by truckers



The day finally ended as all good things must come to an end, and we departed for our several homes happy and contented and looking forward to another such day next year.
Secretary, Naomi Newton



Revenue stamp issued in July 1944
Expires on June 30th, 1945
Motor Vehicle Use Revenue



Members Present at the 1945 Reunion:

Grandma Harrington
Ella Slade
Bessie Newton
Charles Newton
Naomi Newton
Lois Newton
Milton Roof
Aletha Roof
Bernard Roof
Faith Roof
Lloyd Voss
Lucy Voss



Ration Stamp issued 1942 - 1945
"B Ration" issued to workers in the military industry, 
entitling their holder up to 
8 gallons of gasoline per week.



John Beardsley
Genevieve Beardsley
Linda Beardsley
Dale John Beardsley
Charles Spisak
Mariella Spisak
Charleen Spisak
David Spisak
Cedric Roof
Nellie Roof
Roddy Kellogg
Fred Newton

Visitors:

Flo Peck
Mrs. Hesse (Endicott)



Ration Stamp issued 1942 - 1945



Marriages:

Lois Newton and Earl Bouton Jan. 26, 1946


Births:

to Harold & Dorothy Kellogg, Gary Richard Kellogg, Sept 15, 1945

to Mr. & Mrs. Richard Snell, Lawrence Richard, Jan. 4, 1946


Naomi Newton, Secretary





Christmas Seal issued in 1945

1944 - The Fourteenth Reunion of The Newton Family

   The fourteenth annual reunion of the Newton families was held at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Voss of Short Tract, N.Y. on August 5th, 1944; and back to our former custom of gathering in the day time.
Dinner; and a dinner that still proved we have wonderful cooks for wives, or did a man lend a helping hand? was enjoyed by both young and old what a picture we made eating visiting on the Voss lawn. 


Postage stamp issued in 1944
Motion Picture, 50th Anniversary
Motion Picture Showing for Armed Forces in South Pacific



True to our usual routine a watermelon quenched our thirst and provided seeds to aim at the "few flies" pestering us. After dinner a business meeting was held, after we all quieted down under protest. 


Postage stamp issued in 1944
Completion of the 1st transcontinental railroad, 75th anniversary.



The following officers were chosen:

President- Harold Kellogg
Vice President- Genevieve Beardsley
Secretary- Wilma Hodnett Voss
Treasurer- Nellie Roof

Milton Roof was acting President in place of Russell Kellogg who was unable to attend.
Genevieve Vos Beardsley, our efficient little secretary read the minutes of the 1943 Reunion.
The financial report was given by Nellie Roof. 
The 1945 Reunion is to be held at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Milton Roof of Short tract, N.Y. 


Postage stamp issued in 1944
Steamship Issue
1st steamship to cross the Atlantic, 125th anniversary.



The usual ball game was played, young and old, girls and boys joined the fun and; the ladies while visiting, swapping recipes and watching the youngsters wrote a chain letter that was read aloud.
As usual we all had to leave for our homes and various duties; but with much a happy feeling. Later we could review our day spent with relatives and friends at the home of Lucy and Lloyd and take a new slant on life.
We did have fun, especially when Grandma Harrington bid against herself; it was difficult where to cry "Sold to _ _ _ _ _ _ 



Postage stamp issued in 1944
Telegraph Issue
1st message transmitted by telegraph, centennial.
Telegraph Wires and Morse's First Transmitted words 
"What Hath God Wrought"



Treasures Report:

Balance from last year  $5.83
Collection (1944)            $5.90
Expenses                         $1.96
Balance in Treasury      $9.77
Auction Income              $1.91
Total Balance                $11.68 


Revenue stamp issued in July 1943
Expires on June 30th, 1944
Motor Vehicle Use Revenue



Those present at the 1944 Reunion:

Grandma Harrington
Nellie Roof
Cedric Roof
Joe Watson
Milton Roof
Aletha Roof
Bernard Roof
Faith Roof
Lloyd Voss
Lucy Voss
George Voss
Wilma Voss
Elwyn Voss
John Beardsley
Genevieve Beardsley
Linda A. Beardsley



Gasoline Ration Stamp issued 1942 - 1945
"A Ration" the lowest priority of gasoline rationing, 
entitled the car owner to 3 to 4 gallons of 
gasoline per week.



Elaine Kellogg
Roddy Kellogg
David Kellogg
Sharon Kellogg
Harold Kellogg
Dorothy Kellogg
Barbara Kellogg
Fred Newton
DeWitt Newton
Ella Slade

Visitors:

Mr. & Mrs. Poland
Ronald James
Flo Peck
Clare Luckey
Norris Luckey
Tom Voss



Gasoline Ration Stamp issued 1942 - 1945
"T Ration" for use by truckers



Births:

Dale John Beardsley, April 23, 1945

Stephen Douglas Greene, May 13, 1945

Kenneth's baby, Van Newton, March 1945

Ronald Russell Voss, November 17, 1944

Darryl Darwin Sisto, October 26, 1944

Lewis Newton's son, Ronald Oliver, May 12, 1945





Wilma Hodnett Voss, Secretary





Christmas Seal issued in 1944

2011-07-28

1943 - The Thirteenth Reunion of The Newton Family

Postage stamp issue of 1943
Four Freedoms Issue
Liberty Holding the Torch of Freedom and Enlightenment 
Freedom of Speech
 Freedom of Religion
 Freedom from Want
 Freedom from Fear 



   The Thirteenth reunion of the Newton family was held at the home of Russel Kellogg in Short Tract, N.Y. where Cedric and Nellie Roof were then living.
Tables were set up in two rooms of the house to make room for the gang (the children eating in the kitchen, with the exception of a few grown-ups).
It was again held at night
We all enjoyed a good supper, although the usual cakes and such luxuries were few.



Postage stamp issue of 1943
Allied Nations Issue
Allegory of Victory



The meeting was called by our President, George Voss, and the offices for next year are as follows:

President- Russell Kellogg
Vice President- Milton Roof
Secretary- Genevieve Voss Beardsley
Treasurer- Nellie Roof


Revenue stamp issued in July 1942
Expires on June 30th, 1943
Motor Vehicle Use Revenue


After the meeting, some left overs of cool-aid and canned milk were auctioneered-off by Milton Roof. Russell Kellogg and his son, Roddy were highest bidders, so what they received cost them $.35 (Russell paying the bill).
Water-melon was cut and each received a generous helping before leaving for their respective homes.
A good time was had by all present. 
The next reunion is to be held the 1st Saturday in August, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Voss in short Tract, N.Y.
Genevieve Beardsley, Secretary



Gasoline Ration Stamp issued 1942 - 1945
"A Ration" the lowest priority of gasoline rationing, 
entitled the car owner to 3 to 4 gallons of 
gasoline per week.



Treasure's Report:

Balance from last year         $4.45
Collection (1943)                   +3.80
                                                     8.25
Paid out: 
watermellon
napkins
coffee
milk
cool aide                                  -2.77
Balance in Treasury              5.48
                                                      .35 Russell
                                                 $5.83



Documentary Revenue stamp issued in 1943



Those present at the 1943 Newton Reunion:

Grandma Harrington
Nellie Roof
Cedric Roof
Wilma Watson
Milton Roof
Aletha Roof
Bernard Roof
Faith Roof



Stock Transfer Revenue stamp issued in 1943 
 
George M. Bibb



Lloyd Voss
Lucy Voss
George Voss
Wilma Voss
John Beardsley
Genevieve Beardsley
Charlie Newton
Bessie Newton



Ration Stamp issued 1942 - 1945



Russell Kellogg
Elaine Kellogg
Roddy Kellogg
David Kellogg
Sharon Kellogg
Robert Kellogg
Catherine Kellogg
Bonny Kellogg
Ella Slade

Visitors:

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Poland
Shirley Chase

Members  25
Visitors       3
Total           28


Ration Stamp issued 1942 - 1945



Births:

Born to Mr. & Mrs. John Beardsley, a daughter, Linda Ann, March 15th, 1944

Born to Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Newton, a daughter, Sandra, January 1944



Genevieve Beardsley, Secretary





Christmas Seal issued in 1943