I found this particular note in a leather accordion style folder. On the back of the note she wrote "this red billfold" was to be passed to her daughter. "It was a gift to my father from my mother before they were married in '89". The red billfold itself is a treasure. But the contents are a family historian's dream.
The contents include Isaac's 1883 Declaration of Intention to become a U.S. citizen, renouncing his allegiance to the Queen of Great Britain of whom he was a subject. Also, a Certificate of Membership in the International Order of Odd Fellows, a crisp two dollar bill (much larger than the bills we know today), a recipe for "Oil for Wounds, Cuts or Burns" in Isaac's father's handwriting in 1861, Isaac's homestead papers, deeds, Isaac and Ida's application for a marriage certificate, a personal note from Ida to Bertha, Bertha's high school graduation announcement and marriage record, greeting cards, letters, and the list goes on.
It seems I come from a long line of savers. This explains a lot!
If you are researching any of the individuals featured in my blog posts, please leave a comment. I would love to share information. Perhaps we can break down a brick wall together.
