Dear Brother and Sister

Albert Jackson "Bert" STAGE, Stella's brother, my great-grandfather.
Helen Augusta (WOOD) STAGE, Stella's sister-in-law, my great-grandmother.

I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope you are the same.  I would like to see you all.  I wish you would come back.  Helen I saved up money enough to get me an album.  I will write and tell you who all give me money for it.   when

Aunt Helen and Uncle Charley

Helen L. (COLEGROVE) STAGE and her husband, Charles Emmett STAGE.

Interesting observation: I have long-maintained that aunt/uncle pairs are always identified by the blood relative first. I think about how we referred to my father's siblings when we were growing up: Aunt Grace and Uncle Walt, Uncle Eddie and Aunt Caroline, Aunt Marian and Uncle Midge, Uncle Jack and Aunt Daisy, Aunt Dot and Uncle Chet. The blood relative came first in all pairings. This applies to my kids' references to their aunts/uncles, as well. I find it curious that Helen gets top billing.

If you're cross-referencing against my aunts and uncles, yes I did omit my Uncle George Shengulet and his wife, Teresa. They were estranged from my parents for reasons that have never been clear and they never came up conversationally. Shout out to my cousin Beverly, their daughter, for reaching to establish some relationships through social media.

was out we had a good time:

Maggie HATFIELD	give	me	1 ct	25
Aunt Helen	give	me	25 cts	15
Ida	give	me	15 cts	5
Uncle Ed Edward T. "Ed" STAGE, Stella's father's brother.	"	"	5 cts	5
Elmer Elmer STAGE, b.September 27, 1869, Stella's cousin (he's 12, she's 13).	"	"	5 cts	2
Aunt Thank Thankful Francis STAGE, Ed's wife, Elmer's mother.	"	"	5 cts	2
Clara Clara Angeline (STAGE) WILLOUGHBY, Stella's sister.	give	"	2 cts	5
Kate Katherine Ann (STAGE) COONTZ.	give	"	5 cts	40
Pa John Albert STAGE, Stella's father.	give	"	40 cts	$1.00

Pa went to Circleville yesterday.  he got my album there.  it is red plush.  it holds 28 photographs and 16 small ones.  it is awful nice.  Ida got me a new calico dress.  I will send you a piece of it.  pa got me a speaking book.  I am agoing to get waid when I go down to Darbyville.  the last time i was waid I waid 95 lbs. and that was in the summer.  I think i will way more now.  Helen dont mine and pas's pictures look like to N-----s?  i want your pictures to go in my album.  i would druther see you than your picture.  I will be 14 the 11 of Febuary.  I have got 315 buttons. 

Tessie

Tessie Viola (STAGE) DARCY, Stella's niece.

we have got old Ginger yet.  She dont look like she did when she got in the ditch.  Tessie whos girl are you?  I think you are mine.  You and

Nellie.

Nellie Avis (STAGE) RUPPEL, Stella's niece, my maternal grandmother.

  Well i must close.  write soon.  From your Sister Estella to Helen and Albert STAGE.