1859-1887, Excerpts of Letters from Christian Frautschi to his family in Switzerland (handcopied by Bertha Frautschi, after 1947)

University of Wisconsin-Madison. Max Kade Institute. Frautschi Letters (MKI/Frautschi3)

Electronic version: http://frautschi-letters.mki.wisc.edu/let/C185987/Christian185987.html

7/15/1982
Excerpts of letters that father wrote to Switzerland. Sounds just like him.
-Note by Bertha Frautschi

6 February, 1859

From a work place in Geneva, Switzerland. Much beloved parents and brothers. For
me it would be pleasant if Father would come to me in Geneva with a [?] for my master. I send to all of you heartfelt greetings, also to the Turbach teacher. Always thinking of you, your son
and brother, Chr. Fr.

1873
On the 23rd of May my little family was increased with a son. My beloved wife and children are [?] well. Emil is always saying "I am a Swiss boy". In October of last year I had the opportunity
to purchase a beautiful 12 year old business house for $3,5000, toward which my father-in-law contributed some $100, so that I have no heavy burden of debt over me.

1876
On Friday before Christmas I left Madison with my Emil to visit my parents-in-law, for I had not been with them since the time my marriage six years ago. I found them well. They have built a tremendouslly large farm for 9 horses and many other animals. My dear children were sick a few weeks ago, Bertha especially. I would have been inconsolable if she had died.

Dec. 28, 1879
Dear Brother J. Peter has not written to me for a year. And Brother J. Jacob not since August. I hope that they are all well. And brother Gottlieb _ what is he doing? Emil and Adolph attend the English day school and the German Sunday school. When will we see each other again? Strike up hymn 69 Jubelteune.
[Bertha added note ­ she looked up this hymn and found it is headed "Shall we meet on that Shore?]

4 January, 1881
The grace and peace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ _ as greeting and New Year wish. If we in spirit put ourself back in our childhood days when we dwelt in our parental home in the affectionate family circle (brotherly circle), it quickly disappears. But we are drawn to the place of our dear unforgettable parents. O, true God, teach us to reflect, that we must die. I so much want one more time during my lifetime to see my brothers; if it is not his will, may the Lord keep us that we may all meet in eternity.

13 August, 1883
Heartily beloved Brother Johannes _ I was sad ???? to hear that you were physically stricken. How do things stand with you now? Trust in the help of the Almighty! I am united with you in the Fournitte (?). Your wife Katherine must have a golden heart. Her words were inspired by her trust in God. The devotion with which she waits on you with love and soul is heart warming. May God give you a peaceful heart and bodily healing. I have spoken with a very good doctor. For your rheumatism he recommended purified turpentine oil, to be taken on sugar or in water. Every morning after every attack 8 drops, more or less. Perhaps for a year, perhaps less long, perhaps longer.

29 August, 1887
I recently went on a visit to Brother J. Jacob. I found him and his family moderately well. Financially he surpasses his brothers by a wide margin. He had good fortune in the purchase of a building site.

12 Dec., 1887
We have a deeply care-filled year behind us. The doctor was often in our house. But our prayers were heard. Irving was near death. In our neighborhood it was the children who were afflicted with this sickness, and two of them died.
Hearty greetings, with wishes for a year rich in blessings. May God grant it.
Chr. Fr.