mona & david

Say I got a big letter from Carrie Hill last week she want me to write Just as soon as I had time think she is getting pretty nice all at once but will write some of these days dont know just when

letter from Tech Grade John Maxwell to Thomas W Maxwell Brimson MO

postmarked Fort Leavenworth Kans. 9Am May 13 1942

Dear Folk

We I will write a letter is I have just in from work and pretty tired.

We had to work a little late to nite but will not do anything to morrow but rest. I am going to try to get three day pass and come home this weekend but don't know whether I can or not.

I went down to K.C. again last Saterday nite and stay until Sunday after noon then came back. I have got so I can go any place want to down there with out getting lost now. Was out South east part of the city last Monday afternoon and nite fishing sure had swell time it was on blue (?guessing?) River.

I have seen Jerry Terry and Dan Manvil this week. Jerry said he had been sick every since he had been out here but he will get over it soon I think. What have they done with Cecil Powers have they got him ready to go yet. I got a letter from Minerva the other day said Ruth was not going to come out as she has Job down there.

Say I got a big letter from Carrie Hill last week she want me to write Just as soon as I had time think she is getting pretty nice all at once but will write some of these days dont know just when

Well I had better close at this time

John Maxwell

Lester Roberson is out here now he said he got married Just before he came out so no body else would get his girl while he was away.

letter from Cpl John Maxwell to Minerva Maxwell postmarked Fort Leavenworth Kans. 9AM Aug 28 1942

back of picture is handwritten 'They did not to it hat whey when I was there?'

Dear Sis

Well how is the weather up there It sure has been hot out here today but the first day for a while. I got a letter from Grace To day said they were all right Vermal was going with the blaer again now. I may get a pass and come some time next week if they do not send me out I have not heard who was going but they would not say until after the first of Sept but I have a feeling It would not be me don't think they would send me any place for a while yet as I ask them to send me first and they said not for a while yet.

I saw Jacob Little today he said that Neile Little would have to come the first of Dec. as they would not let him off any longer.

Lester Roberson is out here now he said he got married Just before he came out so no body else would get his girl while he was away.

Glen Perry and Tom Greenal are supposed to be in again today.

Have you Decided to teach school yet or have got you where you can not teach but I would not worry much about it If they have for there is plenty of work that will pay more money now but may not have any bitches in it.

Well I had better close for this time.

Your Brother John

that is the only time I have been out of camp since came back but will save money that way.

letter from John Maxwell to his sister Minerva...no date...no envelope...

Dear Sis

Well I will write a little again to let you know I am all right just getting over my cold now I have b een so could not breath very good but my head has broke and run and feel pretty good now got letter from Ruth today said she would be up some time next month I will try to get a pass when she does and stay up there and look around some.

I think will be home again this week end if nothing don't happen.

We have signed the pay roll yesterday so guess I will get $54.00 this time that will help out a lot. I never have heard from the folks since came back but suppose they are pretty busy now.

I went to show last Saterday nite down to town but I did not like very good so got up and came back to camp that is the only time I have been out of camp since came back but will save money that way.

Well we are going to play ball to nite and guess I had better close and go out and play with the rest.

John Maxwell

an email from Grandma Marie...

Thanks for the pictures. I really like them love Grandma.

I did not send out many Xmas cards. Duane has been fighting a cold and did not come for Xmas

Deanna and Frank came just for the day. He works at Michaels and keeps busy. Deanna making quilts to give away. I sent her home with a lot of scraps and blocks already made, Left over from other projects.

love grandma. You should see my Tom Cat, he is 3 times as big as when he adopted me.

NWMSU Academic List with a GPA of 3.5 to 3.99

Karl Dailey of Mercer!!!!!

“To lie in the soft brown earth, with the grasses waving above one's head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday, and no tomorrow. To forget time, to forgive life, to be at peace.” - Oscar Wilde

I've always said I wanted to be cremated....but now....hmmmmm....

All the beer you can drink and all you want to eat free but don't think will go and don't like beer but there is going to be 75 girls from K.C. up.

postmarked Mar 9 1942 Fort Leavenworth Kans.

from PFC John Maxwell to Minerva Maxwell 1004 Rural St Trenton MO

Dear Sis

Well this is Sunday and is going to be a nice day the sun is shinning and I am not doing anything but setting around. We are going to have dance next Friday nite in the Mess Hall.

All the beer you can drink and all you want to eat free but don't think will go and don't like beer but there is going to be 75 girls from K.C. up. I got letter from leland last week and he wants to buy my car as he has a chance to sell his pickup and he wants something to drive once a while and if you want to sell it write to hiim and let him know as it is up to you. I seen Harry brother in law the other day He said any time I wanted to go up let him know So I may be up Sunday now. I got letter from Joanna Maples this week and she wanted a picture at she and I that was taken last sumer when Uncle Hugh was up . Where is the best place to send film to have finished when taken as I want to send some just as soon as get them taken.

Well some osf the boy have got in from K.C. but was a good boy and stayed in all nite and probly will again to nite but am going down to Leavenworth this after noon and buy a clock so can get up in the morning. I may (scratched out) get to go on another train soon as they out Pretty fast anymore Well I had better close and go and eat a little as it is about noon and have not eat yet.

Your Brother

John Maxwell

Leavenworth Kans.

The little short boy that is helping me and I went to the show the other nite when I stand up and hold out my arm he can just stand under my shoulder so you can tell by that how short he is.

postmarked Mar 25 1942 Fort Leavenworth Kans.

from PFC John Maxwell to Minerva Maxwell 1004 Rural St Trenton Mo.

Dear Sis

Well it is a windy day out here and looks like it would rain I went out on rifle range to day I do not know how good did as they put me to guarding the road to keep anybody from going close to the range. I may be home Saterday and Sunday if do not go out on a troop train will try to get in some time Friday nite If don't miss the train in K.C. If do will ber in on the first train Saterday morning I got a letter from Dick Shirleys this week and one from the folks last evening and that is all I have heard from I wonder if Faye Shirley do not think she will half to hunt her another man now as she will not see Harold for a long time and he probly will do like the rest of Soldiers boy get him a South American girl. The little short boy that is helping me and I went to the show the other nite when I stand up and hold out my arm he can just stand under my shoulder so you can tell by that how short he is.

I have not heard from Jim but once since have been out here so dont suppose he wants to write Harold and Mary has not wrote since been here I wrote to them twice but am not going to write anymore.

well I guess I will go to chow to (scratched out) as it is time so guess I can finish this asfter awhile but have about run out of any thing to say now. They are going to have hambergers for supper. Well I feel better now I ate three big hambergers and pice of apple pie so think that will be enough until morning I have not taken any pictures since I brought the camera out here.

They will not let any body take pictures of the camp now so I would have to go out home place and do not go very much now as I am getting to lazy I may go down to K.C. tomorrow nite and see what time the trains come up that away so I will knkow just what time to get off Fri. nite.

Your Brother

John Maxwell

Try my best to be a good Soldier but don't know whether I ever will make one or not.

letter dated Dec 27 1941

no envelope

Well Just a line to let you know I am all right and Try my best to be a good Soldier but don't know whether I ever will make one or not. I got a letter from Elsie Shirley and one from Carance (guessing on this one!) Eldie sent a box of candy for Christmas. Don't know when I will get to come home several of the boy go a pass to go home for Christmas but didn't put in for one as it looked stormy out here and I don't want to be very far away then. THe next time you see Harry ask him what would be the best to get a train out of K.C. on Saerday after noon as I can get a bus from here to K.C. every hour. Well it is four o'clock at here the bugle blowing for retreat at four thirty it will be chore time again say if you send any packages write and tell me the day before is they some time get lost if not got right after they come, well I will be up to see you all some of the day

You Son

John Maxwell

I got the package you sent today but have not had time open it yet and don't know as will have time until in the morning as going to work all nite to nite...

postmarked Dec 23 1942 Fort Leavenworth Kans.

fromn John Maxwell to Minerva Maxwell, Brimson MO

Dear Sis

I got the package you sent today but have not had time open it yet and don't know as will have time until in the morning as going to work all nite to nite have been working all day. I went to K.C. Sunday nite Stayed all nite and Monday Betty went (a bunch of scratched out words) to Ohio last Thur and came back Friday nite she said they were going to send her to New Jersy next week sometime.

I had not heard just when they will send us out but they took 67 out yesterday and said they would be some more out before first of the year. We had about half inch of ice yesterday but the sun is shining now and look like it will all leave today.

Pat never had had his baby yet I tell him still think it is a watermellon but he does not think so. Well I had better close as supper is about ready and look like will be busy for awhile.

John

Christmas card from aunt Dona

The year has flown by so fast.

Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday season.

I'm still getting the shot in my eye every 6 weeks. It is helping as I can see things now. but still can't read out of it.

I have to walk with a walker at all times. Arthritis in my back. What I do I have to do sitting down I do keep my hands busy. Knitting mostly but do crochet some. I'm knitting ski hoods, stocking caps, & tams for the shoe boxes next year. I made 46 for this year. Our little church filled 101 boxes they had never done it before till I moved here and it went over big when I told them. Now the youth class has challanged the adult class to buy goats for Samaratin Purse. They are ahead as they go to stores & sell drinks to raise money . Happy Holidays.

this years edition of the Dailey family xmas newsletter.....

We took a trip down south this summer, stayed at the Heartbreak Hotel down at the end of Lonely Street in Memphis, Tennessee, went to Sun Studio and Graceland and Beale Street, rode the trolley, went on the Haunted Memphis walk & saw the March of the Peabody Ducks. Kevin ate his fill of BBQ while Deb stuck with fried green tomatoes. Katie ran barefoot in the Great Smoky Mountains and fainted at Carnton Plantation. We drove through Arkansas and Kentucky, and stopped in Tupelo, Mississippi at the zoo and a mall (probably Katie's favorite stop on the whole trip!) KJ decided he'd rather stay home and pet sit, Kevin wants to go back and catch a Grizzly's game. I just want a little cabin in the mountains.

KJ ended up working the whole summer at dear old mom's barn. His major has changed from premed/biology to undecided to high school history teacher/possibly asst. coach. He is a junior at Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville.

Katie is captain of the Junior High Academic Team and plays 1st clarinet in band. She is in 8th grade.

Kevin has been at Hy-Vee 10 years, Deb at PSF 17. We celebrated our 29th anniversary with a weekend at Chateau Avalon and a Chiefs game.

Koren & Cody built an island for their kitchen and stained it to match the cabinents. Their 3 cats continue to co-exist uneasily.

Wishing a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.

Kevin, Deb, KJ, & Katie

2012

I got a letter from the folks this week said everything is all right up there...

postmarked FEB 23 1942 Fort Leavenworth Kans.

letter from PFC John Maxwell to Minerva Maxwell 1004 Rural St Trenton MO

Dear Sis

Well this is Sunday and I am just laying around don't go to work today, but will again tomorrow. I went down town last nite and seen the show I The Army Now it was pretty good show. I have not heard from Leland since the first of Feb but don't know whether he wants to write or not but don't care if he won't write I write to him.

I got a letter from the folks this week said everything is all right up there.

Iam invited to visit Centeral Park hotel next Saterday as got aquainted with to girls that live there so probly go down in the after noon they are going to meet me at the bus depot, and show the way.

Seen Charley French this morning at the kitchen working. He said Kennith Harris was comming out very soon. he has not lost his eye but was in the hostpital with it three month was able say what it Dale working at at KC or has he a job yet.

Our Corporal that got burnt is in the hospital now and information has (scratched out) in he is in bad shape one arm was burnt so bad that the skin all come off.

He got it (scratched out) going to Texas on Troop Train and could not get to Dr until next day Well I have about run down so better quite.

John Maxwell

I got weight at noon and here gain 9 lb since I came out here but probly because of the stuff I have eat is what caused it don't know what else.

postmarked FEB 15 1942 11A.M. Fort Leavenworth Kans.

letter from John Maxwell to Minerva Maxwell 1004 Rural St Trenton MO

Feb 14 1942

Dear Sis

Well I got back all right the sun was shining when I got back I have worked every day since but off now and won't work until Monday. They have given us full pack now. So some of these days we will start out a foot, don't guess I will get anybody to help me. It had rain again this morning but had quite now but it look like it will start again any time.

I got a letter from Ruth and one from Joanna Maples this week Uncle Hobart wrote one this week and wanted to know what I was doing and how I liked it. Think I will go down to Leavenworth tonite and see what there is down there after nite. Our Corporal that went out on troop train came back scalded pretty bad his face is all blistered and one hand is scalded.

I got four Valintine cards this week one from Emma Brown and Letter from here to. I think she like me pretty good anymore but you can't never tell, can they. I got weight at noon and here gain 9 lb since came out here but probly because of the stuff I have eat is what caused it don't know what else.

Well I had better close for this time.

John Maxwell

what do you think of this fancy writing

Well we are going to drill again this afternoon....

postmarked May 21 1942 Fort Leavenworth Kans.

letter from Cpl John Maxwell to Minerva Maxwell 1004 Rural St Trenton MO

Dear Sis

Well I got here at three Sunday afternoon and went to work just as soon as got here.

I have not been any place until last nite went to the carnival then but was not much to in I won $1.00 play with the mouse then we came home would like to go to KC to the carnival this week but am is near broke.

>Got letter from Frances yesterday wanting me to come down just as soon as could I have not seen her since week ago Saterday nite.

I don't think will go down until next week.

I have got so they can't hardly wake me this week over slept Monday it hope I get caught up on sleep this afternoon.

Well we are going to drill again this afternoon but that does as good as it makes us hungry I do not eat very much the way it is I found the picture of Clarence Hobbs in the Life Magazine Sunday nite cut it out and sent it to Sadie that is the way I will look some of these days I got a letter from home today Mom said it was getting so they could work in the field now by the way things look up there they should be in the field every day as it is getting pretty late now. Well I had better close and get this over to Post office have some more to write but will waite until nite.

Your Brother

John

have yourself a merry little Dailey family christmas....

I grew up on a dairy farm, Kevin grew up on a farm, we both knew people had to work every day no matter holiday or not.

we both now have jobs where the holidays are just another day. pigs need fed, trucks need loaded.

so, we have our holidays when we can all get together.

our christmas this year was Saturday, Dec. 22.

I had the day off, Kevin had to leave and go to work, so he napped a bit in his chair after lunch, and we all understood.

my mom and dad came for a late lunch of my ham from work, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes (homemade since that's how Koren likes them!), green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, walmart bakery rolls, Koren's corn casserole, and the girls made the best deviled eggs ever! Koren also brought homemade Snickerdoodle brownies and candy.

after mom and dad left, we opened our family gifts.

Koren and Cody gave Kevin the hunting shirt he wanted, Kj American Eagle jeans "so he could get a girl" (see below!), Katie makeup and nail polish, and me a Griswold Family Christmas hoodie!

We gave Koren and Cody each cash, Katie already had her sparkly Sperrys and got an IHome, and KJ the latest editions of Madden and Smackdown vs. Raw or whatever it is. Kevin got KindleFireHD and the other hunting shirt he wanted. I got some expensive thick wool socks for my cold cold feet....one pair is handmade in IRELAND! the other handmade from recyled materials in the US. and when he gets the Kindle set up, I will download the Bigfoot smut books I've been wanting off amazon.....

years ago when money was tight we decided to just buy for our kids and set a limit of $100 per kid to be fair and we pretty much stick to it still.....KJ runs a bit short, Katie eats up his extra $.

the family joke is that Katie is convinced that KJ will get a girlfriend if he wears Buckle Jeans. he prefers Levis. so when she went Black Friday shopping with Koren, they got him American Eagle jeans. he wore them out last nite, but I went to bed before he got home, so don't know if he is in a relationship yet.....lol

and I think that Grandpa Bernard really enjoys when Katie sits next to him and makes him pose for pictures with her! she even got him to do a duckface!

the family dinner....

thanks, dad

sisters

donna's boys

Shelia's yearbook....

flooding at Mona's

Mona's grands

David

those Dailey girls...

Vicki

Well three more days until pay day I have 5 cents left but when pay day come I will have plenty to last for a while....

postmarked Fort Leavenworth Kans. Jan 29 1942

letter from John Maxwell to Minerva Maxwell, 1004 Rural st. Trenton Mo.

Jan 28 1942

Dear Sis

I wrote once this week but I will write again but this is the last piece of paper I have left they have moved me again up in the barracks with the other cooks They let me off this after noon first time since Saterday as the other boy that was helping has blowed up there will be two of us running the dish washer in the morning as the General form the distric is comming for inspection them and in is a tough one they say. Well three more days until pay day I have 5 cents left but when pay day come I will have plenty to last for a while and draw $36.00 and when the other boys pay nme I will have $31.00 So think that will last quite a while.

They have got so they work me some the funniest way you ever thought of Sunday Monday tuesday Wed. until noon and off half day and back to work again but can't tell how long I will work Thur. I am going to and get three day pass some time next mont but can't tell may not get it as they don't like to let any body go very farm from camp now but may get off Saterday and Sunday.

I have not been to a show since last Saterday after noon and probly will not until Saterday nite and it take longer to feed now as the is more to feed well I had better go to bed now as 5 oclock will be here before long

Your Soldier brother

John Maxwell

I have not heard from any boyd up there for so long that I suppose they have foregot where I live anymore...

postmarked Fort Leavenworth Kans. March 16 1942

letter from PFC John Maxwell to Minerva Maxwell, 1004 Rural St. Trenton MO

Jan 25 1942

Dear Sis

Well guess I still can write but can't think of anything to say as there is not much going on out here I went to KC yesterday and stayed all day There was a girl from Trenton rode down on teh bus last Sunday that teaches school in north K.C. She live in Trenton and taught high school there for several year

I am getting lazy working one day and off one don't know what to do when not working so think I will go up to the kitchen and play around as the corparal said come up and work what I wanted to next Saterday if pay day that will be a big day as every body will throw a party don't know yet whether I will go down to K.C. and clebrate the Sergant wedding or not as Saterday is my day to work and wont get off until late, when is dale going back to work again when he get back I will go down and see him some nite after work and say until the next day and take in the sights well looks like well have to quite visiting as have one more sheet of paper to write on.

So I will have to go up to the P.X. and get a tablet I got a letter from Leland and Eva this week They were wondering what wat the matter as I had not wrote to them since the first time I was up there the first time.

WEll I had better close for this time

You little Soldier Boy Brother

John

Mar 17 1942

Dear Sis

Well it is raining again and I am just sleeping. Well we had the party Friday nite but I didn't think much at it as I had to help clean up after it was over. it was over about one oclock but took until four to get it cleaned up so put in two day in one.

I have not heard from any body up there for so long that I suppose they have foregot where I live anymore. but what do I care as will not remember them in my eill.

I may try to come up next Sunday but don't know yet as it maybe stormy and can't make it and I was going to see Harry brother in law and see if he wanted to go up.

I have not been to s show since came back from Texas. So I must be loosing my grip or getting old I do not know which probly a little bit of both. What did you think of the Pillow SLip I sent you Saterday I thought it was pretty. I sent moim one with U.S. ARMY wrote on it it was gold color.

I have not felt very good the last three or four day my legs feel like they are going to give away all time I don't knwo just what it is but think I walked on them to much. friday and friday nite I just walked on them 24 hour up at the kitchen then I just heard there was a snow storm comming to nite in northwest Mo. it is snow a little here now, well I had better close and go to chow as it is four oclock and I do not miss my eats very much.

John Maxwell

Ft Leavenworth Kans.

Say I have met another girl in K.C. that had got me fooled I do not know just what to think about the deal....

postmarked Fort Leavenworth Kans. Nov 19 1942

letter from Corp. John Maxwell to Miss Minerva Maxwell, Brimson MO

Oct. 19, 42

Dear Sis

WEll I will write a few lines to let you know I am a right and things are going all right so far I look to go out about any time now but can't tell just what will happen I had planed on comming home this week end but don't guess I will get to now.

So can't tell just when I will get to come home but I all will think as you untill get back Say I have met another girl in K.C. that had got me fooled I do not know just what to think about the deal she has a swell home in K.C. Kans. and work for Uncle Sam getting $1.95 (not sure....maybe that is a 6? or it is $.95? will include a picture....)a hour SHe seems to be a very nice girl but I can not see any futcher in any body now I told her that you were comming down and se want to meet you She just called and said that she was comming up to nite.

I suppose Dale will be going across soon think we will be there to as there is one boy going this from this barracks and think we will be right behind him I wish you could come out this week end so I could have some body to talk to as I have the blues and getting discussed with this place and the way thing go here they have us to work every day now while they learn these new boy how to do the work so they can take our place well I had better close but will try and write again soon.

lots of love

John

on a lighter note....

Cathie & Keith

My best friend got married yesterday so I will not have any body to run around with for a while....

postmarked July 2 1942 Leavenworth Kans

letter from Cpl. John Maxwell to Minerva Maxwell 1004 Rural St. Trenton MO

Dear Sis

did you get the deed back to the car I found it in my pocket when I got out here so I sent it back the next day. They are not going to let me have a furlong this month so it get so can't trust any body word any more I may get one next month and probly will have more money there as I am not going to spend any this month.

My best friend got married yesterday so I will not have any body to run around with for a while as he was the best pal I ever had do anything to help me out and I would do the same for him I got a letter from the folk yesterday said everybody was a right up there this is going to be one month July that I will save some money and I will stay in camp and work.

I may try and come up next week sometime if can get pass but can't tell waht they will do any more as they do not keep there word very good around here any more.

Well I had better close for this time.

Love

John

still have a bad cold keeps me busy blowing my nose...

postmarked Jan 12 1942 Fort Leavenworth Kans.

from John Maxwell to Miss Minerva Maxwell 1004 Rural St. Trenton MO

Jan 11 1942

Dear Sis

Well Guess I still can write a little but can't think of anything to say as still have a bad cold keeps me busy blowing my nose I think they are going to change my working hours and I probly won't get to come home anymore. I will work 24 hours and be off that long so that is not going to giv e time to come home say very long and they are not going to give any three day passes any more but it is going to make my easier than it was and that what I am looking for about the only way to get home now is for me to write and tell you what time I will be up and come after me and bring me back they have given me the rest of my clothing now I got my first pay Saterday 16.03 that is more than I thought would get.

I went down to Leavenworth yesterday could not see anything in that town that was very good looking there but up at the post there is a lot of officers daughters and some are good looking I a lot of truble getting home last Sunday when got to Camron we had to wait two hours for the bus and did not get here until nine oclock I set by a girl that live in K.C. all of the way She wanted me to come down and see her every once in a whle but I don't think I will be able to make it as I don't think much of the women any way well thing will go to the show this afternoon as Charlie McCarthy and Burgess (can't read?) Magee and Moly play in a lot of laughs and look like it would be a good picture well thing I will write a letter to Ruth this morning while I am passing away the time.

Your Little Soldier Brother

John Maxwell

I am sending you a fountain pen but I have wrote this letter with it so it is second hand now but it writes swell I hope you like it....

from Cpl. John Maxwell to Minerva Maxwell, Brimson, MO.

postmarked Oct 12 1942 Fort Leavenworth Kans.

on Army and Navy Young Men's Christian Association stationary

Oct 12, 42

Deare Sis

Well I suppose you think I am died as have not wrote but I left last tue. and just got back went to Salt Lake City Utah It sure was a swell trip We went thru the Royal Gorge and Pike Peak and the Tennessee Pass I went threw the camp where Norman Gibbon was and stayed about half hour but did not get out and look around. We sayed about 7 hours in Pueblo Colo. got breakfast and dinner there and looked the town over I sent you at folder at the sights from the top at the mountains that was 10,000 ft high but dont' know whether you have it yet or not. Have you heard where Dale is at I have not seen him since last Monday nite I was going to K.C. then and did not talk very long.

Well I have met my dream girl she is about the prettyiest girl I ever saw and about the nicest girl there is in K.C.

I wish you could see her I think you would think the same thing I will bring a picture of her when I come up and show it to you. I am sending you a fountain pen but I have wrote this letter with it so it is second hand now but it writes swell I hope yo ulike it it I is a little late for your birthday but I was not here then well I had better close and get a hair cut as I am going to K.C. to morrow nite I was down and seen Smiley Brunette last nite on the stage he sure was good. Well write and tell me how the pen works.

Your Brother

John

Shawn's Christmas Party

"well I had better close for this time but will write again next year or in 1950 when I get back."

yeppers....another John Maxwell quote!

"Seem like every week gets shorter, getting so I do not think about how many day there is in a week as I work most of them anyway. " John Maxwell, Feb. 19 1942

I am getting a kick out of Uncle John! he was quite the character...

Well week from Saterday is pay day again and every body will celebrate I suppose.

postmarked Fort Leavenworth Kans. 9AM Feb 20 1942

letter from John Maxwell to Minerva Maxwell of 1004 Rural St., Trenton, Mo.

Feb. 19 1942

Dear Sis

>Well, I will write and Let you know how I am I Still able to do dishes and tool around. Seem like every week gets shorter, getting so I do not think about how many day there is in a week as I work most of them anyway. They have another man to help me now. We torment him about walking on his knees he is about four feet tall and about that big around but he is a good worker.

Well week from Saterday is pay day again and every body will celebrate I suppose. I think the will have a big party in the kitchen one of the nites as the conorel was up and ask how long it would take to move the tables out at one side don't know just when it will take play just yet.

Well think I will go down to KC week from Saat, and go to show down there. I have not been to but one show since come back but probly will go to Sat. nite after I get off work that will be about 7:30 I never have seen Charley French since he came out last Tue. don't know whether he is still here as they come in and out pretty fast you don't get to see anybody very long what have the done with Vermals clasifaction or has he herd yet well I had better close for this time but will write again next year or in 1950 when I get back

Your Bro

John Maxwell

I have written the folks two letter since I came back but have failed to receive any answers....

from Cpl. Lawrence D.Brown to his girlfriend Miss Minerva Maxwell of Brimson, Missouri

postmarked Albuquerque N. MEX. JUL 24 7 PM 1945

Tuesday afternoon

July 23, 1945

Dear Minerva

I have written the folks two letter since I came back but have failed to receive any answers. I guess I will half to raise heck with Fern & get her on the beam I know she has lots of work to do but she doesn't work any longer hrs than I do & I can find time to write one letter a day. I wanted her to write & tell me how the folks acted when she told them we are going to be married. If I don't hear in a few day I will write them a letter & tell them.

You haven't said a word about it in any of the letters I have received now just what have you planned to do. We change shifts next week I will go on days so if you can come out the first or 2nd week in Aug. it owuld suit me fine I don't want you to put if off to long because there is a good chance I might not be here much longer.

We are back on 8 hr. shifts but we might go back to 12 hrs anytime.

Tomorrow is my day off so I can go in town & get my radio out of the repair shp & then go to the show. I also have some washing to do but will get up early in the morning & do that I turned in a pr. of khaki pants the 13th day of June for exchange & didn't get the back till last week & then I had to take a pr. that was too long & have them altered.

I guess it was OK this one time for Clarence & you to go to the show but I don't think it should happen to often. I don't want people running to me & telling me thinkgs that probably isn't half truth. Just so you didn't park along the way I won't be mad. Ha.Ha. Ha. Clarence just didn't want to go to the show before or he was to busy spending his time at the lake was the reason he hadent been to a show. If that Model T will run to Brimson there isn't anything to keep it from going to Trenton.

I have known for quite some time the Chev. needed a new set of rings & the valve ground. I think it will really be in good shape when you have that done. I would suggest that you have the radiator cleaned out with steam right before it is worked over & it will run much cooler.

It is almost time for me to get ready to go to work so will close.

All My Love

Dale

So I probly won't have time to do much else now for a few days so I will stay in very close and be a good boy.

postmarked Fort Leavenworth Kans. 5PM MAR 2 1942

March 1 1942

Dear Sis

Well, I will write a little more as did not have much room to write on a card but I am back home now and plenty of time so I will try and tell you where we have been. left last Friday for Wictacha Falls Texas as cook on troop train it sure was a nice place and a swell trip. It was the Funniest weather down there I ever been in. Would freeze you but would not freeze ice It come down a few drops of snow and they thought that was bad we told some of the girls down there if they would come out we would show them what snow looked like. We came back to KC and went over to the Service Club and took a bath and shaved the went up and see the Memorial town and seen all of the old war things and papers and picture of the last war.

If you ever go to K.C. you want to go down and see them. They are just across from the Union Depot up on the hill.

I won't go to work again until Morning and probly will work several day strait as the boy that was helping is going to get a pass. So I probly won't have time to do much else now for a few days so I will stay in very close and be a good boy.

Your Brother

John Maxwell

I took my laundry in town & then went to the show G.I. Joe which is about Ernie Pyle covering the war in Europe..

postmarked Albuquerque N. Mex. July 19 7 PM 1945

from Cpl. Lawrence D. Brown to Miss Minerva Maxwell, Brimson Missouri

Thursday afternoon

July 19, 1945

Dear Minerva

I sure have been a lazy boy since I came back in fact all I wantto do is sleep. Yesterday was my day off & I had several thing planned but didn't get much done.

I took my laundry in town & then went to the show G.I. Joe which is about Ernie Pyle covering the war in Europe. It was really a good show & I think very true to life. Part of the story was sad & there was some humorous positive it too. If some of these civilians see it maybe they will realize what some of the boys has to go through with & the condition under which they live. I have had it easy compared to some of the boys but I have worked many a day out in rain or snow.

While I was in town I looked at some rings in the store windows & it looked like to me they have just about anything a person wants & at any price a person wants to pay. I believe that this is just as good a place to buy them as Trenton in fact they have 3 times the number of stores as in Trenton. I will just let things ride till you get here & choose what you want & I believe you will be more satisfied.

I checked up on the allotment deal & it was just like I told you. It won't effect the folks allotment at all the only thing they will take $5.00 more out of my pay & send you %50.00 per month. I will have $5000.00 insurance made out to you & that will cost me $3.50 so instead of drawing $40.00 per month like I do now I will only get $32.00. If any more money is taken out of my pay I sure won't draw much but in the long run I think we can save more.

You & Fern talk it over & decide when you can come out & then write & let me know. I am working from 4:30p.m. till midnight for this week & next then I go on the grave yard for two week from 12:ooA.M. to 8:AM. I think the best way for you to come out here is by train. The RockIsland will be the best to come on but I will write you more because there is a few more thin I want to find out about the schedule so will write more about this in the next letter.

I didn't half to stand the parade after all because my name was on the list but some of the fellows didn't show up so the 1st Sgt. came through the barracks looking for more men so I seem him before he got to ours so I went out the back door in a run.

I sure have felt a lot better after this last trip than I did when I came back the first time. My stomach has been in a lot better shape & I have been able to eat good. The food in the mess hall has been pretty good to.

Another B-29 crashed last Sat. & killed 13 men one officer is still alive but in a serious condition. The plane crashed just 2 or 3 miles from the field.

This about all the news for now so will close.

All My Love

Dale

ok, so I was looking for WWII pics of Uncle John and Uncle Dale in the Brimson History 1985-1986 book and found this....

is it any wonder I never get anything done? but this is just too damn cute!!!!

Oh, No! Not A Goat!

(pictures: Dale Brown and his Goat, Norma Fay Brown with Uncle Dale's Goat)>

When we were growing up, generally one gift at Christmas for each one was the common practice. Our older brother Harry did have a tricycle, but we three younger ones did not have one. Neither did we have bicycles. We did have a sled.

Most children created their own entertainment by playing games, the boys rolled hoops with a paddle, rode stick horses, and played marble games. The girls played hosue with their dolls, dressed up in adult clothing, high heels included, and put on programs. No one had time to be bored.

Dad had a swing made for us using wire cable and a board for the seat. It was fastened to a huge limb of an elm tree in our back yard. If someone pushed you, you could really go high. Many friends and neighbor children enjoyed our swing along with us.

When Dale Brown was 8 or 9 he asked our mother if he could buy a goat. Milton Etter offered to sell the goat, harness and cart for 50 cents. I listened to the conversation and he was told what a nuisance it would be, probably climb up on the chicken house and just be a miserable pest. After a lot of begging, Mother finally said, "All right." I thought that goat would probably bother the clothes on the line at wash day. Since I did a lot of the washing on the wash board, I began to be alarmed.

Well, the goat turned out to be a nice pet. Dale hauled ice, chicken feed, and groceries for different ladies of the town. Needless to say, he always attracted an audience of children that joined to go along. The goat did real well pulling his load, but when he got tired, he just laid down no matter where, and would not budge for a while. One day I remember, I looked out down the street a little ways when we lived on Hannah Street, there the goat took a notion to rest in the middle of the street. The boys that were following along visited and after a while Dale encouraged Old Billy to get on with their delivery. He and the boys around town had much enjoyment playing with the goat.

After a period of time, Dale sold the goat to Jack Herrin for his nephews Don and Ralf Graham. The last he remembers the goat was in the possession of Samp Hughs' sons.

by Mable Clark

i am spending a rainy saturday morning reading WWII letters to my great aunt minerva

from her boyfriend and brother....

thank goodness for my bifocals and magnifying glass!

Elaine Graham

Princeton Post Telegraph

December 13 2012

Obituaries

ELAINE GRAHAM

Cainsville, Mo.

Elaine Graham, 95, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, at Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany, Mo.

Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 7 at First Baptist Church in Cainsville, Mo., under the direction of Bethany Memorial Chapel of Bethany. Burial was in Zoar Cemetery near Cainsville.

Mrs. Graham, daughter of Harley and Cora (Stanley) Maple, was born near Brimson in Harrison County, Mo., on Oct. 15, 1917. She grew up in the Akron community and graduated from Cainsville High School. She married Jack Graham on June 19, 1937. They actively participated in their church and community, and were engaged in farming until Mr. Graham's death on Jan. 27, 1990. They enjoyed winters in Texas for 15 years, but her family was her greatest joy.

She accepted Christ at an early age and placed her membership in Cainsville First Baptist Church, and remained a faithful member until her death.

Survivors include her children, Phillip Graham (and wife, Daniela) and JoAnn Johnson (and husband, Philip); six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great granchildren; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Bondurant; and cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Stanley Maple; three sisters, Ilene Thomas, Kathleen Clegg, and Janna Bondurant, and a granddaughter, Sara Johnson.

Memorial gifts to Cainsville First Baptist Church or Zoar Cemetery may be left in care of the funeral home.

Kimber & Santa.....