Two letters from Mary L. Noonan to Cornelia E. Boardman written from Milwaukee in 1869 and 1873. Noonan’s sister Sarah Annettte Tombling is married to Cornelia’s first cousin, John Taylor Boardman.

The first letter notes relief at receipt of a letter from Cornelia informing them that she is well. Mary thanks her for a box she sent and “the old man and woman” who may be servants. She tells Cornelia of her husband’s (Josiah A. Noonan) recent attack of Cholera and his trouble with a mill which was “quite a loss to Mr. Noonan, although he had insurance of thirteen thousand five hundred upon the property.” A final bit of gossip reports the elopement of a local couple in consequence of their parents withholding consent to their union.

The second letter, written on mourning stationery, notes receipt of a letter from Miss Tyler informing them that Cornelia and Julie are at Cleveland and will soon travel to Milwaukee. Notes that Mr. Noonan is delayed in Philadelphia due to rain and that Fred has recently returned from a trip to Omaha.