Submitted by Jan J.
Barnes
© 2003
Clarence Smart was the son of James Marion Smart and Nina Belcher. He was born 11 Aug 1890 and died 14 July 1914, hit by a train while working for the L & N RR at Mallory Station close to Franklin, TN. This collection of letters was given to his sister, Lela Smart Johnson, and following her death given to her son, Guilford Martin Johnson. Thanks to his children, Larry, Jim, Patsy, and Jerry for allowing us to post this collection.
Aug. 26, 1912
Cottontown, Tenn.
Mr. Clarence Smart
Dear Friend,
As I am thinking of you this morning I shall write you a few lines. How
ae you by now? I am sleepy. I went to preaching at Walnut Grove
yesterday & last night, had a nice time only I was a little disappointed
because there is not going to be night services. There will be two
sermons in the afternoon, beginning at 1:30 so I won't get to attend regular.
How is the meeting progressing at Chestnut Grove? I haven't heard
from it yet.
How did you enjoy yourself at the fair Sat.? Fine of course. I intended going Fri. but every thing seemed to go wrong to keep me from going so I went to school instead but had the blues all day.
I saw two of your girls yesterday. They were Esma & Callie & they sure looked good as they always do.
As it is most school time I must close but will do better next time when I hope I shall have more time. I could write an hour if I had time but I must close.
Sincerly yours,
Floy Latimer
Cottontown, Tennessee
October 7, 1912
Mr. Clarence Smart
My dear Friend,
You do not know how happy I am now
that you are a Christian. Something seemed to tell me yesterday afternoon
that you would be blest & my prayer would be answered but I didn't hear
the good news until you came into the altar last night & O you don't
know how glad I was. I knew that you were in earnest by your actions
yesterday morning. You cannot imagine how happy I am to think one soul
has been saved & I am still praying for my dear school-mates & all
those dear mourners.
I am getting on nicely with my school work & so is my teacher. We
intended having a Spelling Bee Wed. night but if the meeting doesn't close
we will not have it & I had much rather go to preaching than to a Spelling
Bee.
Your true friend,
Floy Latimer
Floy Latimer married John Wilkinson on May 15, 1920 (Sumner County Marriage Index.) She was a prominent teacher in Portland for over 40 years. John Wilkinson was one of the owners of the Wilkinson and Wiseman Funeral home. "Miss Floy" died at age 101.
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