Letter from Benjamin Franklin Christlieb to Ervin G. Chrislip–20 Sep 1895

Pasadena, California Sept 20, 95

Ervin G. Christlip, Esq

Dear Cousin:

I have once more succeeded in getting back to California. I left Minnesota on the 4^th of this month and arrived here on the 12^th. I travelled by way of the Northern Pacific Railroad, passing through Tacoma, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Sacramento, California to Los Angeles, Cal. I stopped two days with a nephew, Joseph L. Christlieb, at Centralia, State of Washington. I stood the trip very well considering my health and strength. I brought a man with me--my nurse during my last winter's sickness, and we are keeping a bachelors quarters. We have furnished rooms rented and board ourselves. My man is a good cook especially for invalids. This town is 9 miles northeast of Los Angeles. It is a very nice place, quiet and much healthier than the larger city of Los Angeles, and for 15 cts or 30 cts for round trip one can go to Los Angeles ~illegible~ is desired every 20 minutes. They have electric cars running between the two cities every 20 minutes ~illegible~ This is a grand place and although as far South as Georgia or Northern Alabama or Mississippi I find it no warmer than Minnesota was before I left and even no warmer than it was early in December 1893 in California, so there is not much difference between winter and summer here, and green trees are to be seen all of [the time].

I thank you much for your good wishes for me and your interest in my welfare and I am glad that you approve my idea in not selling my store, but I really feel since I am here this last time that I ~illegible~ be just to have my business transferred to this country.

In regard to the family history I feel almost like reprinting it and try to have it embody the history as well as the genealogy of the W. Va. branch. You furnished all the items that I could possibly take care of or handle last winter in my condition. I find since re-examining the history that part of matter pertaining to my father and his children was left out as well as the item that I had put in the original manuscript stating that about the beginning of the present century as the doctrines of John Wesley grew in America that the W. Va. branch became followers of that eminent and good man. The latter came around as I corrected that the statement that the Virginia Ancestor had taken a Tomahawk claim and held even against an adverse claimant, as I had understood cousin James Conner, they put too much out. I have plenty of leisure here so I would not mind the labor of getting the book up but it would involve considerable expense in printing. I sent a copy of the history to the state library at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and have received a complimentary acknowledgement of receipt of the work from the librarian informing me that it would be placed in the library. I was pleased also to learn that you had arranged to leave photographs taken and will be pleased to receive one. I was also interested in your description of your weather and crops. Whenever you are at liesure to I would be pleased to hear from you and also from the Col. or any of the rest of your children if they feel disposed to write. I remain as ever with my kind regards and best wishes,

Your cousin

B.F. Christlieb

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