Elizabeth Miller and the hope of a cure

I previously wrote a blog post called Mary Anna Faught: One Tough Lady, about my 2nd great grandmother Mary Anna (Faught) McKenzie. In that blog post, I outlined the life of Mary Anna. Since then I have come across more information that helps to tell the story of Mary Anna's mother Elizabeth (Miller) Faught.

In my previous post, I mentioned that I was under the assumption that Elizabeth (Miller) Faught passed away sometime between the date the 1870 census was taken, on July 7, 1870, and then when the 1880 census was taken on July 15, 1880. My assumption was based on the fact that she was included on the 1870 census, but not the 1880 census. In the same year, her daughter, Mary Anna was living with her grandparents in Long Rapids, Alpena, Michigan. However, at that time, I did not have definitive proof of Elizabeth's death.

Recently I attended a McKenzie Family reunion, and while I was there I was given two letters written by members of my Faught family. One of these letters was written by Elizabeth (Miller) Faught to her husband George Faught.

The letter was written on Tuesday, October 18th, 1870. The letter was sent from Lakeport, St. Clair, Michigan. The letter itself is very fragile and seems to have been unfolded, read and refolded many times over the years, as it is now held together with tape at the creases. The letter is beautifully written and definitely pulls at the heartstrings.

Scanned images of the letter written by Elizabeth (Miller) Faught to her husband George

Because the letter is difficult to read, I have transcribed it into the document below.

Open

Lakeport is an unincorporated community on the shore of Lake Huron. It appears as if Elizabeth and her daughter, Mary Anna Faught, who is now 9 months old are living with Elizabeth's parents Phillip and Sarah Miller. I was able to find Phillip and Sarah living in Burtchville, St. Clair, Michigan near the Lakeport post office. Elizabeth's husband George still seems to be living and working as a farmer in Bridgehampton, Sanilac, Michigan, about 50 miles north of Lakeport.

Reading the letter from Elizabeth, it appears that Elizabeth was very ill. The letter does not clearly state what the cause of the illness was, however, she hints towards an issue affecting her mouth and causing her great pain and discomfort.

I am some better in strength but my mouth is not any better yet and I feel it never will. The doctor is quite discouraged with it.
It is affecting my head very much. For the past week I am most distracted with pain.

Elizabeth speaks of a letter she received from William and Sarah (Miller) Faught, her brother-in-law and sister, living in Alpena, Michigan.

Also we received one from William in Alpena stating their sorrow of my illness. They say if I had went a year ago the mineral water would have cured me and they think it might help me yet as it is doing miracles in the shape of cures of all kinds. She says again that there is a doctor there his like is not known. The doctor provides and if he does not cure then he will not charge them anything.

Here, Elizabeth speaks of "mineral water" in Alpena. She is referring to what was commonly referred to as the Magnetic or Mineral Springs of Alpena.

As stated in the book by the name of The Alpena Magnetic Spring: Its History, Analysis, Wonderful Curative Powers, Etc., with Testimonials of Well-known Citizens who Have Tested It; Together with Some Facts about Alpena, Michigan

"The curative power of its waters are unsurpassed by those of any other waters in the world. These waters flow out of the rock in an immense volume, clear and sparkling, from a depth of 900 feet below the surface."

It is claimed to have curative powers in cases of "Rheumatism, Paralysis, Dyspepsia, General Prostration resulting from overwork, too close application to business, want of exercise, etc. and other ills that demand rejuvenating effects."

There are several very interesting first-hand accounts of the "curative powers" of the Magnetic well in Alpena in this book, if you should find the time to explore.

The Doctor that Elizabeth heard about was most likely, one Dr. Wm. J. Roe, late of Chatham, Ontario. The book goes on to describe him and his medical practice in high regard.

1Image taken from Google Books

Elizabeth goes on in her letter to plead with her husband to come to her so that they can travel to Alpena to find a cure for her illness by using the mineral water.

They want you to come and fetch me and they will spare no pains to make us comfortable. They say they has plenty of everything and their house is large so as we need not pay any rent. They say you can get lots of work. There is a great demand for men, they are going in the woods just as quick as he gets his logs down. They are twelve miles above the mill and he is waiting of rain. Father thinks the best thing you can do is to go up there. I feel quite encouraged since I got her letter. Thinking probably, you would go.
Oh, George if you knew my feelings for the past week you would do anything rather than have me so. I have been so melancholy that I could not bear as speak to anybody. This has cheered me up a little to think there is another hope of being cured is almost insufferable. Now dear husband make up your mind quickly for the sake of your suffering wife and your dear little babe who before long whilst undoubtedly be left an orphan. If I do not get help.

She goes on in her letter, giving him instructions on how he should handle matters at home before coming to get her.

O, George if there is one hope why not grasp it there is nothing to keep us here when everything ?burnt?. So you can dispose of what livestock you have up there for something and if you can sell the safe for ten dollars take it but do not take any less . The stove if you could sell for fifteen or so might sell that but do not give them away for you cannot sell when for something worthwhile. I want you should bring it down. She might have something for the care of me. Bring the bedding and dishes and all the things you cannot sell. You can sell the cow here for thirty dollars and that with what you can sell up there will take us up comfortable.

Elizabeth closes her letter with one final plea

Now George do not listen anything for it is hard for me to think of dying and leaving you. If you know I love you very dearly. I have no more to say. I leave all to your decision. Be quick dear husband for it is getting late in the season. Good bye dear George from your ever loving wife Lizzie.
Write as soon as you can.

As I stated, this letter was written on October 18, 1870. The second letter that I was given was written by William Faught to his brother George Faught on August 21, 1871. He addresses the letter "to you dear brother and sister George and Lizzie Faught". William writes in his letter about his life in Alpena and his logging work. William seems to be again asking George and Lizzie to come to visit them. He writes:

There is 3 boats running here from there and I think you might all come up and pay us a visit now. Give our best respects to all inquiring friends. If you come up I will give you a great excursion on Thunderbay.

It appears that Elizabeth never made it to Alpena to visit the mineral springs and get her chance at a cure because, on the homestead records for her husband George Faught, their daughter Mary Anna (Faught) McKenzie states that her mother passed away in 1871 and that her father never remarried.

This letter that I found, written by my 3rd great grandmother, Elizabeth (Miller) Faught, filled in some gaps in the story of her life. However, most of all, it allowed me a glimpse into who she was and the heartbreaking events that she endured during the last few years of her life. I can't even imagine being a new wife, a new mom, with a baby less than a year old and having to face the fact that she wasn't going to live to see her grow up. I can understand why she was grasping at any chance she could for a cure. My heart goes out to her, as well as, my appreciation for her allowing me to share her story through the letter she left behind.