Lysander Joslin Family - Index to Posts

Lysander and Lydia (Robison) Joslin are my 3rd Great Grandparents.

An Index Post is how I keep track of all of the blog posts that have been written on a family line. It helps keep me organized and allows visitors to easily find information on that family. This post will be updated as new blog posts are written on the family. Please contact me at kinexxions@gmail.com if you are researching this family or have additional information on them.

For information on Lysander's parents, siblings, and ancestors, please see Joslin Family - Index to Posts

See Robison Family - Index to Posts for information on Lydia's possible parents and siblings.

Lysander and Lydia were married in 1843 in Whitley County, Indiana and were the parents of 15 children, five of whom died young.

• Joslin Family :: Summary of Evidence May 16, 2009 [Documentation providing evidence that Lysander Joslin is the son of James and Abigail (Goodrich) Joslin and that James is the son of Jonas and Ruth (Dyer) Joslin.]
• Lysander Joslin :: 1843 Marriage to Lydia Robison  April 15, 2009 [Marriage Record]
• Lysander and Lydia Robison Joslin November 06, 2007 [Biography and Photos]
• Children of Lysander and Lydia Robison Joslin November 06, 2007
• Why did he do this? October 1, 2007 [At age 16 Lysander buys land from his father.]
• Who, What, When, Where, Why? January 31, 2008 [A Dinner with the Ancestors]
• Letter from Lysander - January 2, 1890 January 02, 2008 [sent to Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower]
• Letter from Lydia - September 15th 1894 January 04, 2008 [sent to Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower]
• Letter from Lydia - October 1895 January 05, 2008 [sent to Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower]
• Still on the Road... November 27, 2007 [Joslin Reunion in Springfield, Missouri]
• Lyndon Cemetery December 02, 2007 [burial site of Lysander & Lydia Robison Joslin, includes photos]
• I'm not in Kansas anymore! November 30, 2007 [Summary of research trip to Kansas]
• The Joslin Sisters Photograph January 13, 2008 [Photograph of Roxie Arminta Joslin Parkison, Anna Eliza Joslin Klingaman, Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower, and Mandella "Della" Joslin Quillen.]
• The Case of the $12 Box Coat July 22, 2008 [Lysander gets sued for nonpayment]
• Records from the Joslin Family Bible July 28, 2008 [images and transcription of the Lysander Joslin Bible records by Andy Joslin in 1895]
• James Joslin :: 1841 Sale of Land to Lysander April 7, 2009 [James and Abigail sell a portion of their land to 16 year old Lysander. Includes image of the land record.]
• James & Lysander Joslin :: 1844 Tax Duplicate April 8, 2009 [Whitley County Tax List. Includes images of entry for James and Lysander.]
• Lysander Joslin :: 1843 Marriage to Lydia Robison April 15, 2009 [Images of marriage record as well as the original marriage return.]
• Joslin Family :: 1850 Whitley County Federal Census April 18, 2009 [Includes cropped images of the 1850 census for James and Lysander as well as transcription of the census records.]
• Joslin Family :: 1860 Federal Census April 22, 2009 [Includes cropped images of the 1860 census for Abigail and Lysander as well as transcription of the census records.]

Children of Lysander and Lydia (Robison) Joslin:

1. Anna Eliza Joslin and William Klingaman

• The Joslin Sisters Photograph January 13, 2008 [Photograph of Roxie Arminta Joslin Parkison, Anna Eliza Joslin Klingaman, Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower, and Mandella "Della" Joslin Quillen.]
• Greetings from... Iowa May 05, 2011 [A visit to McDowell Cemetery in Jefferson County, Iowa where Anna Eliza, William and several of their children are buried.

2. Mary Jane Joslin

• Mary, Elcy, Esther, Lillian, and Elmer July 29, 2008 [gravesites in Adams Cemetery - Mary Jane was born July 20, 1846 and died March 20, 1850 in Whitley County, Indiana]

3. Elcy Ellen Joslin

• Mary, Elcy, Esther, Lillian, and Elmer July 29, 2008 [gravesites in Adams Cemetery - Elsy Ellen was born August 5, 1847 and died March 9, 1850 in Whitley County, Indiana]

4. Malissa Joslin and William Brubaker (my 2nd great-grandparents)

• see Brubaker Family - Index to Posts

5. Luther Marion Joslin and Phoebe Dorcas Elliott

6. Roxie Arminta Joslin and Jacob Henry Parkison Parkison

• Baxter Springs November 27, 2007 [burial site of Jacob and Roxie Joslin Parkison]
• The Joslin Sisters Photograph January 13, 2008 [Photograph of Roxie Arminta Joslin Parkison, Anna Eliza Joslin Klingaman, Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower, and Mandella "Della" Joslin Quillen.]

7. John Lafayette Joslin was born November 30, 1855 in Whitley County, Indiana. He reportedly died in California, date unknown.

8. Esther Joslin

• Mary, Elcy, Esther, Lillian, and Elmer July 29, 2008 [gravesites in Adams Cemetery - Esther was born September 3, 1857 and died November 5, 1858 in Whitley County, Indiana]

9. Minerva Fatima Joslin and William John Knight

• William and Minerva (Joslin) Knight January 7, 2010 [Family information and gravesite photos]
• Bert and Nellie (Knight) Sutton January 8, 2010 [Obituaries and gravesite photos]
• The Harmon Sutton Family January 9, 2010 [Obituaries and gravesite photos]

10. Andrew Hanable Joslin and Elmina Himes

11. Lillian Arvilla Joslin

• Mary, Elcy, Esther, Lillian, and Elmer July 29, 2008 [gravesites in Adams Cemetery - Lillian was born April 20, 1862 and died September 20, 1863 in Whitley County, Indiana]

12. Ida Blanch Joslin Dressler Lewis

• Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis (1863-1937) January 09, 2008 [Biography & Photos]
• Letters from Ida January 12, 2008 [The last in a series of four posts, which are linked to in this post. The letters are from Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis to Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower.]
• A Gift From a Stranger :: Dressler Family Photograph September 16, 2008 [photograph and the story of how I got it]

13. Della Joslin and James Downey Quillen

• The Joslin Sisters Photograph January 13, 2008 [Photograph of Roxie Arminta Joslin Parkison, Anna Eliza Joslin Klingaman, Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower, and Mandella "Della" Joslin Quillen.]
• Robert Quillen - An Independent Spirit July 1, 2008 [biography]
• Tombstone Tuesday :: JD and Della Quillen April 7, 2009 [Photos of their gravesite in Greeneville, South Carolina along with a brief biography.]
• Tombstone Tuesday :: Robert Quillen and His Wives April 21, 2009 [Photos of the final resting place of Robert, his first wife Donnie Cox, and his second wife Marcelle Babb.]

14. Elmer Joslin

• Mary, Elcy, Esther, Lillian, and Elmer July 29, 2008 [gravesites in Adams Cemetery - Elmer was born June 4, 1868 and died June 30, 1868 in Jefferson County, Iowa. His gravesite has not been found.]

15. Elmus Robison Joslin and Catherine "Kattie" Kelly. Elmus was a twin to Elmer.


Originally Posted on March 3, 2008 :: Last Updated on May 10, 2011

Post date adjusted December 29, 2012 so that when a search for the surname is done on the blog this post will appear first the search list.

A Gift From a Stranger :: Dressler Family Photograph

A few days ago I received a pleasant surprise, delivered to my email inbox. Normally, I don't open email messages with attachments from someone I don't know but the subject of the email enticed me and I thought it would be okay. The subject? "Four Generation Picture of John Jr., John Gilbert, Joseph and Arthur Dressler."

The email was from Marla Duncan who is a great granddaughter of Anna Ellen Dressler. Anna was a sister to John Gilbert Dressler, who was the first husband of Ida Joslin. She had found my blog post on Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis and the letters Ida had written to her sister, Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower, (May 1, 1899, November 1934, December 1934, January 1935, Fall of 1936). So, Marla isn't related to me in any way (at least, not that we know of). Even though the people in the picture aren't my ancestors (half of them are related though), I'm still excited to be able to add it to my family history documents.

Marla didn't have any information on Joseph, other than what was written on the back of the photograph. She was thrilled with the information I had posted and thought I'd enjoy having the photograph. Oh, yeah! She said, "I feel like a kid in a candy store!!" Marla has graciously given me permission to post the picture and include her name in this post. It is nice to be able to publicly acknowledge her. Thank you, Marla.

That is why I write about my family history and post it here and elsewhere on the Internet. Not just the ancestors, but about the siblings as well. If you don't put it "out there" no one is going to find it! And I firmly believe that descendants of siblings of our ancestors hold many of the clues we are missing in the search for our family history.

Four generations of Dressler men. Clockwise starting with the young man standing in the back: Joseph, John, Arthur, and John Dressler.

Written on the reverse:
Joseph Dressler son of John Dressler born at Dorrance Ks.
John Dressler son of of John & Sarah Dressler.
John Dressler - Mothers father, born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 3rd 1818. 92 I believe on this date of picture.
Arthur Dressler son of Joe & Belva Dressler, born in Dorrance Ks. Now of Mountainair, New Mexico.(In lower right corner): Gertrudes Picture

=+==+=

Joseph Gilbert Dressler, the young man standing in the center of the picture, is my 1st cousin 3 times removed. His mother, Ida Joslin, and my 2nd great grandmother, Malissa Joslin, were sisters and they were two of the 15 children of Lysander and Lydia (Robison) Joslin.

The only clue I had regarding the whereabouts of Joseph Dressler was in Ida's obituary which stated that a son, Joseph, lived in New Mexico. The letters written by Ida provided some clues as well. When the census indexes became available online it was a relatively simple task to locate him. In September 2004, a query to the webmaster of the Torrance County, New Mexico website put me in contact with a grandson of Joseph Dressler. I sent him the information I had found but never heard back from him. And then, as often happens, life got in the way of research, and I never followed up.

From my 2004 conversations with the grandson of Joe I learned:

Joe and Belva had two sons and a daughter: Chester, Arthur and Lola. Chester and his wife Pearl had one son, Eugene (Gene). Arthur had two daughters and Lola married Irvin Taylor and had two sons.

Joe Dressler's real mother left him and his Dad when Joe was about three years old and he never had any contact with her again until after his Dad died. The grandchildren do not know the name of either Joe's father or mother. After Joe's father died the mother came to see Joe and he thought maybe she even came to New Mexico at least once, maybe twice. When she died Joe went to Kansas and took care of the arrangements. Joe was the only child she ever had, but he never had much contact with her. Joe just never talked about his family. Belva talked about hers a lot and her maiden name was Roe. She was Republican and Joe was a very strong Democrat. Joe was the probate judge for Torrance County for several years.

A portion of a letter from Ida to Malissa in the fall of 1936:

...I guess it made you sadder to bid your boy goodbye forever. I don't know as I will ever see Joe again although he always says he will come when he can get away from his farm. I wrote him it would be too late if he kept putting it off but I know its hard to get away from the farm. He is not well. Neither is his wife. Just working themselves to death - children all worried. Still they don't seem to know how to let up. They always say - "just one more year" - but they keep right on. The youngest boy, with his family, lives on Joes farm. He built a house for him. The other one not far away but Lolo is the one Be--- wants near her but she is a long way off. Only comes every year but she seems happy with her husband and two boys. Guess she won't have any more. I hope not. The youngest is 3 ½ - the other one 6 - going to Kindergarten. Lolo gives them a good start as she taught school several terms before she married Ervin.

=+==+=

Joseph Gilbert Dressler was born February 24, 1885 in Kansas (in Dorrance, according to the photograph) and was the son of John Gilbert and Ida Blanch (Joslin) Dressler.

Joe is listed in the household of John G. Dressler in the 1880 census (Plymouth Township, Russell County, Kansas page 72): Joseph G. Dressler, son, 15 years old, born Feb. 1885 in Kansas. His father was born in Pennsylvania and his mother was born in Indiana.

In the 1910 census, Joseph G. Dressler was found in Dorrance City, Plymouth Township, Russell County, Kansas (page 80B/3B). He is 25 years old and has been married for 6 years. His wife, Belvie L., is 25 years old, has 2 children (both living). Residing with them are their 4 year old son Arthur and daughter Lola, who is 3 years old. Also in their household was his 36 year old brother-in-law William Roe and his 21 year old cousin (female) Ollie Mackle.

In 1920, Joe and family were found in Precinct 17, Jaramillo, Torrance County, New Mexico (page 268/1A). Joseph G. Dressler, owns his home, is 35 years old and married. Also in the household were his wife Belva L., 35; son Arthur G., 14 6/12; daughter Lola L., 12; and son Chester E., 10 7/12.

They were still living in Torrance County in 1930 (Ewing Precinct 17, page 84) but by now the children were out on their own. Joe was 45 years old, he was first married at age 19. He was born in Kansas, his father was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother was born in Indiana. His occupation was listed as a general farm laborer. Listed with him was his wife Belva R., age 45.

Joseph and Belva are buried in Mountainair Cemetery, Torrance County, New Mexico. According to the tombstone picture, Joseph was born February 24, 1885 and died December 15, 1961. Belva was born March 21, 1885 and died January 9, 1967.

=+==+=

Arthur has not been found in the 1930 census. There is a record on the SSDI that shows an Arthur Dressler whose social security card was issued in New Mexico. He was born July 26, 1905 [probably Dorrance, Russell County, Kansas] and died in March 1976. His last residence was listed as Thousand Oaks, Ventura County, California. A search of the California Death Index, 1940-1997 on ancestry shows that Arthur G Dressler was born July 26, 1905 in Kansas and died March 20, 1976 in Los Angeles.

The California Marriage Index, 1960-1985 on ancestry has an entry for Arthur G Dressler, age 56, born about 1905. Married on November 11, 1961 in Los Angeles to Viola M, age 47, born about 1914. Her surname is given as Clark on one page and Hucke on another.

=+==+=

Lola Dressler and Irvin Taylor were found in the 1930 census in Township 5, Inyo County, California (page 288): He rents their home for $12.50, they own a Radio. He is 28 years old and was married at age 28. He was born in Texas and works as a laborer at a Clay Mill. His wife, Lola E., is 23 years old, was married at age 22, and was born in Kansas. No occupation is given.

The family listed just before Lola and Irvin was that of 26 year old Cyrus O. Taylor who was born in Texas. Presumably a brother of Irvin.

A search of the California Death Index, 1940-1997 on ancestry resulted in a match for Lola Elnore Taylor, born January 20, 1907 in Kansas. She died March 1, 1983 in Los Angeles. Her mother's maiden name was Roe and her father's surname was Dressler.

In the letter, mentioned above, from the fall of 1936 we find that Lola has two boys: the youngest is 3 ½ and the other one was 6 years old.

A check on WorldConnect found Lola Dressler born January 20, 1907 in Kansas and died March 1, 1983 in Los Angeles, California. She married Samuel Irvin Taylor. He was born May 4, 1901 in Edwards County, Texas and died April 18, 1975 in Kern County, California. His parents were Arris Samuel Taylor and Laura Clazona Roberts. No sources were given.

=+==+=

Chester Dressler was located in the 1930 census in Ewing Precinct 17, Torrance County, New Mexico (page 84). He was 20 years old, was married at age 19, born in Kansas, and was a general farm laborer. His wife, Pearl, was 20 years old and born in Oklahoma.

The SSDI shows that Chester was born June 6, 1910 and died in April 1983. His last residence and last benefit was listed as Mountainair, Torrance County, New Mexico. His social security card was issued in New Mexico. Chester lived on the family farm and it was his son with whom I made a brief contact back in 2004.

=+==+=

Letter from Ida (Fall of 1936)

Letter to Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower from her sister, Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis. A copy of this letter was made by Irwin Joslin from my grandmother's files. The location of the original is not known. I received a copy of the transcribed letter in November 2007 from George and Lorene Joslin. This is the transcription that was done by Irwin Joslin. You will probably notice that he "cleaned up" her spelling, which makes it easier to read, but perhaps loses some of the "flavor" of her previous letters.

For more information on Ida and her family see Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis (1863-1937)

Other posts in this series:

• The first letter from Ida (May 1, 1899)
• Letter from Ida (November 1934)
• Letter from Ida (December 1934)
• Letter from Ida (January 1935)

This is the last letter from Ida. She passed away on March 8, 1937 "of pneumonia which followed influenza" but, more likely the cause was that "Mrs. Lewis died of shock when told of her husband's death last Friday by a friend who visited her at the hospital." Ida and her husband had both spent the previous three weeks in the hospital. [1]

Joe is Ida's son Joseph Dressler who lived in New Mexico. Belva is Joe's wife. Lolo is their daughter, Lola. She was a teacher from 1926-1929 at Ewing School in Torrance County, New Mexico. Lola married Irvin Taylor. Just yesterday I found them in the 1930 census living in Inyo County, California. From the California Death Index, I learned that Lola died March 1, 1983 in Los Angeles. Though Joe and Belva Dressler apparently had health issues (mentioned in the previous letters), they both lived into the 1960s.

Malissa passed away September 30th, just about 7 months after Ida. Their sister, Roxie Parkison, died on March 5, 1941 and their other sister, Della Quillen, mentioned in the other letters, died on February 7, 1943.

No date, probably the fall of 1936. Sounds like it was an election year.
==+==+==+==+==+==+==

My dear dear sister, So glad to get your letter, but it makes me sad for I know the end is near for us buy why should we be sad. It is only the passing on to a new life but I can’t help being lonely for my loved ones. I just ask God to give me grace to carry on until He comes. I’m feeling much better. I went to church yesterday. Friends brought me home. Heard a wonderful sermon. Our new pastor is a young man from Louisville, Ky. and he is a marvelous man. Just preaches the old, old fashioned religion of Jesus and Him crucified for us. It gives me new strength to hear such encouraging words - the old, old story ever new.

This is such a beautiful day. I long to be out but can’t go alone. I get all the news of both sides - Roosevelt - Landon - Smith governor to be of Missouri. The radio gives me everything and it helps to pass away many otherwise lonely hours. I guess it made you sadder to bid your boy goodbye forever. I don’t know as I will ever see Joe again although he always says he will come when he can get away from his farm. I wrote him it would be too late if he kept putting it off but I know its hard to get away from the farm. He is not well. Neither is his wife. Just working themselves to death - children all worried. Still they don’t seem to know how to let up. They always say - “just one more year” - but they keep right on.

The youngest boy, with his family, lives on Joes farm. He built a house for him. The other one not far away but Lolo is the one Belva wants near her but she is a long way off. Only comes every year but she seems happy with her husband and two boys. Guess she won't have any more. I hope not. The youngest is 3 ½ - the other one 6 - going to Kindergarten. Lolo gives them a good start as she taught school several terms before she married Ervin. I wonder why Roxie don’t write. I’m afraid she is very poorly and she is so alone - has three daughters and not one near her. It don’t seem right - and she is so lonely. I wish I had something pleasant to write you. But seems I can’t. But everything comes from my heart and I feel very near to you when I’m writing. Oh how I wish you could sit on my porch in the sunshine and we could have a visit - and it would help us. But if I was able physically I would drop in on you. But that will never be so lets keep in close touch by writing and in that way we can help one another.

Sam thinks Landon will make a good President and he will cast his first vote for a Republican President. [2]

Tuesday - 10:00 a.m.
A cool dreary morning - going to rain. How did the flowers look I sent you? I’m feeling fair this A.M. Hubby has gone to Kansas for the day - working. No word from sisters this A.M. - Charity drive is on - they will be at my door today but I’ve nothing for them - I know too much about them - its a lark for the swells to get out in the expensive cars, new coats of fur that cost hundreds of dollars and tell us what we ought to do, etc. Well, we have several millionaires here - they are the ones to give. Election here will be terrible - probably bloodshed. Its a bitter fight and we think a close run. 300 registered here from empty houses - Democrats. The police is trying to run them down. Well, we hope

[The rest of the letter is missing. . . . ]

[1] Obituary of Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis published on March 8, 1937 in the Columbia City Post, Whitley County, Indiana.
[2] Alfred Mossman Landon was governor of Kansas 1933-1937. A Republican, he was defeated in his bid for the Presidency in 1936 by Franklin D. Roosevelt. (Wikipedia)

Letter from Ida (January 1935)

Letter to Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower from her sister, Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis. A copy of this letter was made by Irwin Joslin from my grandmother's files. The location of the original is not known. I received a copy in November 2007 from George and Lorene Joslin. This is the transcription done by Irwin Joslin. You'll probably notice that he "cleaned up" her spelling, which makes it easier to read, but perhaps loses some of the "flavor" of her previous letters.

For more information on Ida and her family see Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis (1863-1937)

Other posts in this series:

• The first letter from Ida (May 1, 1899)
• Letter from Ida (November 1934)
• Letter from Ida (December 1934)

Joe is Ida's son, Joseph Dressler. Belva is his wife. Sam is Ida's husband, Sam Lewis. Babe is the youngest child of Roxie Joslin Parkison, Gladys Parkison Elder, who lived in Cardin, Oklahoma in 1930 but moved to San Diego, California.

Not dated - possibly written in January 1935. In the previous letter, which I think was written in December 1934, Ida mentioned that she had written three letters to Roxie. And she mentions that here also.

==+==+==+==+==+==+==

Dear Sister, the new year has just began and because you are lonely I’ll write you. Always so glad to hear from you but first I must pick a bone with you. One letter was addressed to Kansas City, Mo. - no street number. It came after Christmas. Then one came today addressed to Wabash, Kansas City, MO. - no street number. They have a hard time locating me and for a wonder they looked me up instead of returning it to you. So no harm done but its a wonder they went to that much trouble as they are very important here in their own imagination.

This is beautiful weather - snow all gone - some ice remains and nasty and muddy a few days before Christmas. I started out and fell off the stone steps on the concrete walk - skinned my knee up pretty bad but, oh was I lucky. I might have broken bones. I’m all right now and rally happy that I was so lucky but I haven’t been out of the house. My legs are not what they used to be and so many have had awful bad falls and are in the hospital - its terrible here. Now the day before Christmas my little girl friend came and brought mince meat she made and made a nice fat mince pie and I believe I’ll make up the rest this afternoon. Sam will be glad to get it for his supper tonight. His cousin wrote us they would send us a chick when they could get to town - roads terrible.

Did I tell you they have taken Belva (Joe's wife) 160 mile from home to a hot springs. A woman doctor (I hate them). Maybe they will finish her money. Joe is awfully worried. He can write often when he is in trouble. I’m sure they are giving her the wrong treatment but I won’t say a word that might discourage him. They will have to fight it out alone as I have always had to do. Sam is so strong and well - fat, ragged, and sassy. I’m glad he is. How quick they will gobble him up when I’m gone so I’m just holding on - just sticking around and he actually seems to want me but the time is coming when one must walk alone but it won’t be for long as we are both getting near the end. I know Della will be awfully glad to hear from you and if you addressed it right she will answer you if she is at all able. Let me know for even though her children are with her she to is lonely, a great sufferer and a shut in. I believe Roxie is bed ridden or gone as she never answers. I have written three times. They didn’t come back so the children might get them. Babe is or was in San Diego, California. She is the one I would expect to write me but not a word has come. And, of course, I can’t help but worry as I can’t rely on the old “saw” that no news is good news.

Well, the cat has come in for its supper - the golden sun is sinking in the West - the mince pie is still to be baked, so I’ll quit. I love to hear from you so don’t wait so long for the end is near for both of us but I do mourn for my loved ones these Christmas and holiday times that had meant so much to me but they are happy their suffering is over.

John 11th at Lazarus’ grave - Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life - He that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall be live and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die”. Comforting words to me.

Now I hope this will be a Happy New Year to you and me both. Perhaps it is best we don’t know what is in store for us in the future. Goodbye sister dear - I might send you some more candy when

[the rest of the letter is missing. . . ]

Letter from Ida (December 1934)

Letter to Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower from her sister, Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis. A copy of this letter was made by Irwin Joslin from my grandmother's files. The location of the original is not known. I received a copy in November 2007 from George and Lorene Joslin.

For more information on Ida and her family see Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis (1863-1937)

Other posts in this series:

• The first letter from Ida
• Letter from Ida (November 1934)

Sam is Ida's Husband. Joe is Ida's son, Joseph Dressler, and Belva is Joe's wife. They lived in New Mexico. Lolo (actually Lola) is the daughter of Joe and Belva. Della and Roxie are Ida's sisters Della Quillen and Roxie Parkison, they lived in South Carolina and Oklahoma, respectively.

The letter is not dated but Ida makes reference to it being after Christmas. She also states that Malissa is 85 ½ years old. Malissa was born June 24, 1849 so I'm guessing that this letter was written the last week of December 1934. The first paragraph of this one might make a bit more sense if we knew what Malissa had written to Ida...

==+==+==+==+==

Sunday afternoon.

Dear Sister, this is an awfully cold day, snow a little this a m but has turned bitter cold. I could not venture out to church this a m but Sam went to represent the family. They are going to have a big time thare to nite. Three churches combining with a speaker from Forin misonery but I'll not go out. And you want me to die and leave my dear Sam alone now isent that funney but you were always that way so I don't mind it but its strange how some people want others to die when thay are not in any bodys way. Well I never felt that way in my life about any one when those I love and I know love me. I want them to live on to be with me to help and comfort me and maby I can help them in a way to bare thare burden. I suppose thare are some that are waiting for you to pass out but as for me I hope you may live on as long as you enjoy life and can write to me. I like to git your letters even thou you are 85 ½ years old but I know it can't be long and if I should out live you I will be very very sad. I'm ready when my dear Savior calls me so let us not worry about thoes things as that is our Lords Business and he will take us home when he is ready.

Well a letter came from Joe & Belva that made me heart sick. While Joe and son Chester (his wife stayed with Belva) was at the Hospital 160 miles from home the man (Mexican) they left in charge, he had been employed by Joe, stole all thare clothing, the beautiful cloaths I sent them and lovely keep sakes, two suits of Chesters, shoes, shirts, all of Joes cloaths, 3 new comforts, all thair meat canned, fruit, etc. Just cleaned them out. Took Joes Truckto pack them away in but brought it back. Stock tied up in Barn. He has about one hundred head cows, mules, horses etc. Joe had just written how desolate and bad off with Belva so bad off but now he surley has something to worry him. I hate to think of the thief wearing all those lovely shirts, suits, flanel pajamas etc. that I might have kept for Sam as he could have worn them all, both 6 ft weigh 200 lbs, but Belva says it might have been worse but at that it made her worse. She is quite bad off. I doubt if she recovers and I want her to live. She is young. Joe loves her and needs her. She wants to live, asks me to Pray for her. You see someone has need of me and I'll try to help in my small way.

A letter came from Lolo. She seems happy with her 2 little Boys and her husband. I'll send you thair Pictures, just snap shots, but please return when you ans [answer] me. I haven't a word from Della or the girls since before Christmas but I'm sure if she gets your letter she will ans [answer] if she is able. I'm worried about Roxie. I'm sure she is gone or something has happened as she never treated me this way before and some one gets her mail. Three letters have never came back. Well write me as soon. Sam don't feel very good this afternoon. Guess he eats to much. It's 5 pm and getting dark. I wonder if you still have that church certific of Mothers.

Lovingly from sister Ida, no I'm not mad I just think you are funny! So will I be at 85.

Letter from Ida (November 1934)

Letter to Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower from her sister, Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis. A copy of this letter was made by Irwin Joslin from my grandmother's files. The location of the original is not known. I received a copy in November 2007 from George and Lorene Joslin.

Malissa was living in Columbia City, Indiana. Ida lived in Kansas City, Missouri with her second husband, Sam Lewis. Joe is Ida's son, Joseph Dressler who would have been living in Torrance County, New Mexico. Della is Ida's sister, Della Quillen, who lived in South Carolina.

Spelling has been transcribed as it was written though punctuation and paragraphs have been added to make it easier to read. Ida's handwriting is atrocious and she used hardly any punctuation, which makes the letters somewhat difficult to decipher. Bad writing and all, I'm very grateful to have these few letters that have survived.

For more information on Ida and her family see Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis (1863-1937)

Other posts in this series: The first letter from Ida

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Envelope attached.
Return address: Mrs. S T Lewis, 2711 Wabash, K City Mo
Sent to: Mrs Lissa Bower, 201 East Market St, Columbia City, Indiana
Postmarked: November 9, 1934

Sister dear, its such a beautiful morning, sunshiney, crisp, lovely. I would like to take a long ride out in the woods. They say they are beautiful. The leaves are going fast. So are we. But the new life is more beautiful. I'm very much better. This new treatment, 4 tablets a day, is helping my general health. Of course, I'm still suffering pain in my swollen joints. My wrist is the worst but I don't suffer as bad as I did.

We have our rugs secured, floors polished, screens out, old vines taken down, etc. Still thare is a lot of work to do yet but Sam can do most of it when he is not busy. I got beautiful lace curtains for my living room this fall. Our house needs redasking [?] its stucco and painting but it will have to do this year. Living is surely high. Sam pays more for everything he needs for his work and works for less. The union have cut thair price so he must keep below them to get the work but he keeps going. He's strong and healthy and I'm awfully thankful.

My Joe is not strong & never quite well. The Dresslers are not strong. His father has been dead a great many years so are nearly all of their folks. Joes wife has never quite recovered from her gall bladder operation. Was going to be xrayed for another operation (maby). Joe was running for a Political job. Haven't herd how he came out. I hope he was defeated. He is to clean and decent to mix with the class that is now running the country. Conditions are tearable but its not only here its every where. Our Bible teacher said last Sunday Saten was runing the country now. It surely looks that way.

Well, I've got rested and will try it again. I'm making ice box rools [rolls ?] besides lots of other work but so thankful I can. Haven't herd from Roxie for a long time. I think its wonderful you keep so well. My dearest friend passed on to that other home, aged 82 years. She was a mother to me. Another dear friend died 4 weeks after she buried her husband and I miss her so but after his death she couldn't make the grad [grade?], just layed down and quit, no children, just those old folks alone. She was 60, he was 70. And so it goes. Had a beautiful home and were very happy after 35 years of married bliss.

Dear sister Della says the Lord is coming in the clouds. So be it. I'm ready to live so am ready to die for the Lord sayed who so ever will may come and that included me. I'm tire of writing, my wrist pains, ans [answer] when you can. It seems to me you have a easy life as you are nearing the setting sun, and I'm glad you have, but of course you must be lonely too.

Lovingly yours, Ida
2711 Wabash

Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis (1863-1937)

Before posting more letters from Ida, I thought perhaps a little background information might be helpful.

Ida Blanch Joslin, the 11th child of Lysander and Lydia Robison Joslin, was born on July 11, 1863 in Whitley County, Indiana. She was three years old when the family moved to Jefferson County, Iowa. In August 1868 they returned to Whitley County then in 1877, Lysander and Lydia moved to Barton County, Kansas taking with them their four youngest children: 17 year old Andrew; Ida, 13; Della, 10; and Elmus, age 8.

Now, a bit of a mystery develops. Among those listed in the household of Lysander in the 1880 federal census for Cheyenne township, Barton County, Kansas was a one year old son, Charles Joslin. It is not likely that Charles is actually a son of Lysander and Lydia as Lydia would have been about 54 years old when Charles was born. It is more likely that Charles was a son of their daughter Ida, who would have been about 15 years old when he was born. Charles lived with Lysander and Lydia. He is listed in the 1885 and 1895 Kansas state census records with them. There is a transcription of "Father's Bible" which lists all of the children and their dates of birth. Charles is not among those listed. We (Joslin researchers) had not had any success in locating Charles until recently.

In December I decided to check the World War I Draft Registration Cards on ancestry.com and found the record for Charley Sylvester Joslin. Dated September 12, 1918, his permanent home address was given as the National Military Home in Kansas. He was 39 years old, born March 4th 1879. But what was most interesting was the name of his nearest relative: Mrs. S. T. Lewis. The name of Ida's second husband was Sam Lewis. In the 1930 census for the National Military Home, Delaware Township, Leavenworth, Kansas (page 136) is a Charley S. Joslin, male, white, 51, single, born Kansas, parents born Indiana, no occupation, veteran of Sp [Spanish-American War].

Another researcher then found a record of burial for Charley in the Leavenworth National Cemetery, he died April 25, 1934. Next step will be to see if we can get a copy of his death record and/or obituary. I also found a military pension card for a Charley S. Joslin. The card shows he served in Co. "I" 17 Reg't U.S. Inf., Enlisted Sept. 27, 1902, Discharged Sept. 26, 1905. The dates of service don't coincide with the Spanish-American War so I'm not sure if it is worth spending $75 for a copy of his record to satisfy my curiosity to find out if this is "our" Charley.

Okay, now, back to Ida. On July 20, 1882 Ida was married to John G. Dressler at Oden, Barton County, Kansas. John was about 15 years older than Ida. In December 1883 their daughter Elnora was born, followed on February 24, 1885 by the birth of their son, Joseph. The 1900 census shows John Dressler living with his second wife. They had been married 3 years, so we know that John and Ida were divorced before 1897. Joseph was living with his father in Russell County, Kansas and Elnora was with her mother living in a boarding house on McGee Street in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ida has not been located in the 1910 census yet. But we know from the draft registration card of Charles Joslin that she was married to Sam Lewis prior to September 1918. In 1920, Sam and Ida were living on East 9th Street Kansas City, Missouri and in 1930 they were living on Wabash Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

We haven't discovered when Elnora Dressler died. She has a marker with no dates next to that of her mother and Sam Lewis in Mt. Washington Cemetery, Kansas City.

The only clue we had regarding the whereabouts of Joseph Dressler was in Ida's obituary which stated that a son, Joseph, lived in New Mexico. Once the census indexes became available online it was a relatively simple task to locate him. To make a long story short, in September 2004, I made contact with a grandson of Joseph Dressler. Joe had married Belva Roe about 1904 in Kansas and had three children (Arthur born 1905, Lola born 1907, and Chester born 1910) before moving to Torrance County, New Mexico sometime between 1910 and 1920. Joe didn't have any contact with his mother until after his father passed away. He did visit her several times and took care of settling her estate.

I sent the information that I had on John and Ida to Joseph's grandson along with some of the information on Lysander and Lydia. I also included some blank family group sheets, hoping he'd fill them out with the missing information, but alas, I never heard from him and having gotten off onto other things, never followed up.

Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis passed away on March 4, 1937 in Kansas City "of pneumonia which followed influenza. Mrs. Lewis and her husband were stricken with illness some weeks ago and were taken to the hospital. Mr. Lewis passed away four weeks ago. Mrs. Lewis died of shock when told of her husband's death last Friday by a friend who visited her at the hospital." She was 73 years old.

The letters from Ida being posted were written to her sister, Malissa Joslin Brubaker Bower, who passed away at the age of 88 on September 30, 1937 - just six months after Ida's death. The other two sisters mentioned in the letters were Roxie Parkison, who died March 5, 1941 aged 87 in Ottawa County, Oklahoma and Della Quillen who died February 7, 1943 in Darlington County, South Carolina, age 76.



Ida Blanch Joslin Dressler Lewis and her husband Sam Lewis



Caption on back of the photo:
back yard under the Peach Trees the building is out in the ally
an old Garage of neighbor it spoiles the Picture he is an old ___

Upside down text was written by Malissa:
Sister Ida Lewis & hubby Sam Lewis Kansas City MO

The first letter from Ida

The letters that Malissa received from her sister, Ida Joslin Dressler Lewis, were apparently in the possession of my grandmother in the summer of 1969 when she was visited by her 2nd cousin, Irwin Joslin, who is the grandson of Luther Joslin. Irwin made copies of the letters at that time. Good thing, because the originals were not in with the box of grandma's papers that I have. I received copies of these letters in November of last year when I went to the Joslin Reunion in Springfield, Missouri.

There is no date on this letter but Ida mentions that it is Father's birthday, May 1st. And, since Father was going to live with "Nerve" (his daughter, Minerva Knight) I think it must be 1899. His wife, Lydia, passed away on January 25th that year and according to his obituary, Lysander was living at the home of his daughter Mrs. Knight in Keighly, Butler County when he passed away on May 14, 1899 - just 13 days after this letter was written, if my assumptions are correct.

Other people mentioned are Romey, Malissa's son. I'm guessing here but the sickness referred to was probably a result of his service in Cuba during the Spanish-American War where he contracted malaria. Elnora is Ida's 16 year old daughter. In the 1900 federal census Ida and Elnora were listed as boarders and living in the 8th ward of Kansas City, Missouri.

Nerve is Minerva Knight and Dellie is Mandella Quillen, both daughters of Lysander and Lydia. Merl and Nellie are children of Minerva and William Knight. Nellie's husband was Bert Sutton, whom she married in 1897.

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[probably May 1, 1899]

Dear Sister & Family

I will reply to your letter, has romey got home? I do hope his sickness was not severe and that he is now at home. I can relize your trouble and suspence knowing he was sick and you where you could do notheing for him. I guess we all have our troubles in one way or anoter. Elnore is trying hard to make up for lost time although she has not gotten strong yet. Do you hear from Nerve - of course I don't - haven't a word from any one only Dellie & she knows nothing about them. This is Fathers birthday May 1st. They tell me Nerve will take father to town with her (I don't know which town). Merl goes on the road with his Father & Nellie & her husband will farm the place at Keighly. I don't believe father finds it as pleasent as he expected to.

I will send you a picture of our first home in K. C. the little one in front is Elnora the one with a hat on is me. Will also send the Band of Mercy program. 20,000 children were gathered together. It was a beautiful sight.

Sister you speak of us going to Chicago. I think (by what I hear) it would be the rong place for us. This is a beautiful place. Just the town for working people. So many factorys and great stores. One can always find employment. Of course thare is crime & vice but that is in the slums. We know nothing about that part of town only what we read in our daily papers.

I want Elnora to finish her education here than she will stand a better chance to get a school. She is quite a favorite with the teacher & principle man if she only holds out. The kerchief you sent me is lovely. I think so much of it. Many thanks & the tea tray is quite unique. I will get Elnora to write. I'm layed off for a few days and am glad of it. Will make Elnora a calico dress. Thare is so much I can find to do when I get home. She is not strong enough to work and some times I like a chance to stay at home a few days. We get along nicely & I have the Doctors bill nearly paid. Come soon. Love to all.

Lovingly your sister Ida.
501 E 12th
K C Mo