23. Courtship of John Orear, Mount Sterling Kentucky - 1836. Narrated by the Principals in their letters.
John W. Orear was a son of Robert O’Rear and followed his father to Orearville, Saline County, Missouri. The following very gracious letters recount his courtship while a young man in Kentucky.
Mount Sterling, September 3rd, 1836
Miss Elizabeth:
You may be surprised on receiving a letter from me, but let me assure you I write this letter with the most honourable views. I trust I may expect your pardon should the contents not be perfectly congenial with your vies in making you a proposal. I hope I am not trespassing on a heart already bestowed on some favoured object. In making my remarks I design being plain and pointed. I have to lived to an age which in my judgement should determine my regular course through life and to do this I lack one thing, that is your consent to spend the remainder of your days with me. You now fully understand me. My home is in Mountsterling where I expect to live and die. Should you consent to crown my wishes let me assure you my aim will be to tender you agreeable. This is a matter for life, weight it well. My friend D. Hiram will hand you this letter and wait your reply which I hope will be soon as I intend starting east as soon as my brother’s health gets better and would be happy to have you in company. On reading this letter your mind may be brought to a conclusion. If it should not be favorable, be so kind as to hand this back to my friend Hiram who will again return it to me and the matter perfectly at an end.I am ever your friend,
John W. Orear-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mt. Sterling, September 6, 1836
Mr. Orear,
I received your very unexpected letter by our friend Mr. Hiram, the contents of which I read with surprise and with the most serious attention. The proposal you made me is expressed so honourably and sincere that I consider it my duty to act with decision. Having given the matter due reflection after my long acquaintance with you and the high opinion I ever have entertained with you, I am now prompted to accept your offer, believing I will not regret it. The kind invitation you gave me to accompany you in your trip Eastward, could I accept it, would be to me a source of pleasure, but the time probably is too short for me to make necessary arrangements, and you will please excuse me.Your sincere friend
Elizabeth Challen
Last Revised: 08/01/2002 13:12:00
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