Dear Helen: -
    I suppose you will be surprised to hear from me but as I have your adress I am going to write  

Your mother

Mary Elizabeth (GANOUNG) WOOD.

gave it to me   She got your letter Saturday   She staid here Saturday night and Sunday.  We were all glad to hear you got there all safe   How do you like your new home?  I hope you will like it there.  Your mother has moved up to Kellytown in the shop of somewhere there by

Louie KNOLTONs

Louis B. (Burdett or Bennett) KNOWLTON. In 1880 census, he's "Lew" and living at home (also listed as "maimed, crippled, bedridden"). In 1900 he's a merchant grocer in Tioga Co. In 1910, he's a mail carrier in Tioga Co.

  Maybe you know it but though prehaps you had'nt heard from her yet.  I am all alone tonight  

Loutie

Lucy "Loutie" THETGE.

has gone to church and

Ma

Lura THETGE.

is staying with Mrs. NORTONs baby.  I saw

the babys

Tessie Viola (STAGE) DARCY b. October 14, 1888.

picture your ma had   I think there are quite good.  There was some of the girls laid off in the

stripping room

Cigar factory.

this week   Goldie CAMPBELL, Rose NEWHART, Clara REYNOLDS and Hattie STONE    I didn't happen to be one of the unlucky ones.  They are holding revival meetings at the babtist church   There has quite a good many converted and babtized Nellie MONK for one    How can she give up her dancing.  How is the baby.  I hope she keeps well.  I was down to

Ella

Ella merits a reference in all three letters from Louie to Helen, and that reference is a single name. Louie uses surnames everywhere Helen might have a doubt. Helen is ~21. Louie is ~20.

Working theory: Ella Lanigan. She writes to Helen in 1890.

one evening this week.  I cant think of much news to write but I suppose you will get all of this news in the paper.  This is not much of a letter but prehaps it is better than none.

    Will close hoping I will hear from you soon.  My love to all. from Louie.