Rock Falls Illinois March 12, 1873

Samuel Preston
My Dear Uncle
Yours of the 10th was received yesterday (11th). I acknowledge the receipt of draft in the amount of $228.00 also the post office order of $20.00 which I gave to father.

The bond you spoke of was given to father to take care of and as we cannot find it among the papers at the house, we think it was in a book at the mill, in which he kept such papers - which was destroyed in the fire. Thank you very much for sending the money so promptly. I had an invitation to go into Chicago to make some purchases. Now the money has come I can avail myself of the opportunity.

All join me in sending love to all.

Your affectionate neice
Ellen Few Smith

This letter was written by Ellen Few Smith (or Few-Smith), whose parents were Howard Few Smith and his wife Ellen Maria Preston. It is written to Samuel Preston, of Carroll County, Illinois, who was her uncle, and acknowledges the receipt of $228.00 plus $20.00 for the destruction of the mill her father owned at Como, Whiteside County, Illinois. How Samuel Preston was involved is unclear, but his note on the back of the page indicates Ellen Few Smith was given the land in 1869. (Her mother, Ellen Maria Preston Few Smith, died July 18, 1851). Perhaps Samuel Preston also had a financial interest in it, or was named on the insurance policy.. Later the same year, on June 26, 1873 Ellen Few Smith married Ira Bardwell Donaldson. I am looking for any information on the Few Smith family. Howard Few Smith’s parents were Joseph and Anna (Lehman) Few-Smith. Please look at the extensive notes I have for them on my family tree and contact Alice Horner if you have information. Downing family tree