The story of Asaph Perry

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ETHEL STORY LINE
Opening Marriage Business Woman Amanda Westbrook Church Mother

By the early 1890s Asaph had moved to Canton and was courting Ethel Smith. Their courtship was formal, but heartwarming. Ethel's affection for Asaph had a simple and almost childlike character, but she never lacked compassion. The two married on October 1, 1895 and had their first child, Mary Helen, in October of the following year. In March 1898, their second child, Ethel Bertie is born.

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Documents

We were lucky enough to have several letters written by both Ethel and Asaph which convey their affection for one another. These letters are listed below along with a brief contextual clue.

The first letter was written by Ethel to Asaph May 26, 1895. This letter preceded their marriage by just five months and is our best evidence of Ethel's and Asaph's courtship.

The second letter was also written by Ethel to Asaph May 29, 1900. This letter was penned five years into their relationship. It hints at the continued affection between Ethel and Asaph, while revealing some of the more mundane or simple joys and tribulations of their relationship.

Two more letters were written by Asaph to Ethel, one June 25 1898, the other was undated. We suspect the date of this second letter was also the late 1890s. In both letters, Asaph is more guarded in expressing himself than Ethel, but hints at his affection for her.