Newton, Cache Co., Utah, _______, 189

Lucys George got home from Evanston but she did not go to meet him = but they had Party at home and dance in Meeting house to welcome him home  Jennie has gone to Elira to learn dressmaking =  I hope she will do so  I have a man stayuing with me for The winter who does our chores and relieves me from being out in the cold.  Irvin George and Jessie go to School and are doing well  Susie talks for all and Naomi makes work for all and has a rash (chicken pox maybe)  In health I feel bttter in pocket no better for I refuse Cr in the Store and we do little business = and financially times are no better with me as a result  I do not feel very lively in spirit at times = Christene Myrinda and Susie are not getting but are f-a-t

I have joined with some 1others and shall try this winter and spring to open and work a mine 2close to Newton = in the hopes that it will get me out of the hole = which all my labor at the other occupations has failed to do = we have good prospects and hopes

Bro. Rigby is here and I have been visiting with him several times

I have had to buy me a Secondhand pair of Bobsleds on time=

My best wishes to Nahum self-Birdie children and all of the family and may you be blessed and prosper

1 will & Fred & others                            With love
2 over the mountains west                     your Father
                                                                  J H Barker

dont tell about my mining venture
Some people like to laugh too soon