Pontotoc County, Mississippi
Genealogy and History

SPENCER WILDER TO WASHINGTON WILDER

25 DECEMBER 1852

     The letter was contributed to this site by Joyce Serna, great great granddaughter of Washington Frank WIlder. This letter was written December 25, 1852 by Joyce's great great uncle, Spencer Wilder to his brother Washington Wilder. Spencer told Washington to write to him at Cedargrove PO in Pontotoc County. Washington lived in Arkansas at the time. Mentioned in the letter are William and Leander Wilder, brothers of Spencer and Washington. Joyce's copy of the letter is barely legible, so she has transcribed it here. The original letter is believed to be in the possession of some of the descendants of Spencer Wilder.

Pontotoc Co Miss
Dec 25, 1852

Dear Brother and family.

     I seat myself to draft you a few lines which leave us in good health and getting along very well. We made good crops this year. Corn is selling at from 30 to 40 cts per bushel. Meat is selling at 5 cts per pound. Flour 6 dollars barrel. Washington, I have bin looking for you all the fall. I want you to come and bring that boy. I want to see him and give him them boots. I have bin trying all the year to sell out. If I could sell I would move to Ark. I think would like your country fine. I think I will be back thear to see you again between this and next Christmas. Write to me soon. Williams and Leanders familys is well. Direct your letters to Cedargrove P O Pontotoc Co. Miss.

S. B. Wilder to W. F. Wilder

     The 1850 Pontotoc County census shows Washington, age 27, living in the household of another brother, Reason H. Wilder, age 30. Also on the 1850 census is Wm. P Wilder, age 25. This is William Pinckney Wilder who is mentioned in the letter.

     The 1860 Pontotoc County census shows Spencer B Wilder, age 26, and his household and also shows Wm. P and his family, which includes these Wilder brothers' mother Anna P. Holland Wilder.

     The brothers Reason and Washington are listed on the 1860 census in Clark County, Arkansas.

     Joyce is descended from Washington Frank Wilder through his son Reason Russel Wilder, then Reason's son Jesse Arlando and Jesse's daughter Ruby Jean, who is Joyce's mother.

Submitted by: Joyce Serna