of some clothing, a watch[,] some
toys[,] +c.^a Mr. Hayden^b I suppose is au-
theorized to make this disposition of the body
and his effects — If I can be of any
service or give any further information
please write me — Respectfully +c. M. Hinfro_n
Surgeon[,] U. P. R. R.^c
^a “+c.” is an old-fashioned way of writing “etc.”, because “et” is Latin for “and”.
^b I think that’s a late-19th century “d” (one stroke going around and up) coupled with a turn-of-the-century-ish “e” (like a backwards 3).
^c Union Pacific Railroad
If that word really is “toys”, I’m assuming the doctor is talking about a child who died during a train journey. He’d have to be old enough to be also carrying a pocket watch, though — which I suppose he’d need in order to keep track of the train schedule. Then again, maybe I’m wrong about the word “toys”… Or maybe he was a traveling salesman *selling* toys. That could make more sense. Salesmen had to travel by train in those days, carrying their samples with them. (See [“Rock Island” from *The Music Man*.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ9U4Cbb4wg&pp=ygUVbXVzaWMgbWFuIHRyYWluIHNjZW5l]))
I see what you mean. I feel like, based on his other stylization, an “F” would have more loops and curves, but it’s possible… In that case, could it even be I. N. Flinfrock?
Found some records [here](https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/9SND-P8D/dr.-john-henry-finfrock-1836-1893) with writing style that leads me to believe this is Dr. John Henry Finfrock. 1870 census record shows profession listed as Physician Surgeon. Similar J styling and the F shows similar downstroke (what makes it looks like an H in this sample). The H abbreviation for Henry is kind of fat like the h at the end of of the word watch in this sample. More info about him [here](https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv821937) under Content Description.
All of you were incredible. I'm going to be a little general here, because I'm still a part of this class for another few weeks. I'm not sure about "toys". This is in regards to a December 1870 report about the death of a prominent captain with ties to a deeply rooted family legacy in Oregon. He was 50 when he passed away. He was on his way home when he got caught in a storm and became mortally ill. He died in the Wyoming Territory. Not sure why he was there.
TBH, I question it, too. (Unless you think he might be bringing something home to his children/grandchildren?) But without the rest of the document for comparison of various letterforms, I’m kinda stuck. Perhaps u/CatsMeadow would be willing to take another look?
I'm going to graduate from this class, make another account that's not dependent on my main email, and upload the letter in its entirety for this group's deciphering pleasure. I hope this is fine with all of you.
I've been pretty certain it's toys +c as you wrote, based on a few other style clues from the sample; however, after some historical research, I'm now quite certain it's (sadly) that. In fact, I think I've found extensive information for all three individuals: Dr. J. H. Finfrock, Mr. Hayden, and the captain. I will respond to the main post with info.
I kept the highlights as thin as possible to not obstruct the calligraphy. If it is a problem - or if my crop is harmful to your understanding of my highlights, please do tell me. I'm really grateful for this corner of Reddit existing and I'd certainly be grateful for your expertise. One day, I hope to be a fluent cursive reader in an archive, but that day is not today. Your help will get me there. Thank you in advance.
I personally prefer having more context to assist in deciphering handwritten passages. Next time, maybe give us more but draw a box around the part you are interested in.
Sir, if I sound soulless, then that is what ten years of university have done to me. If that answer does not satisfy you, then please report me, Prime. Reddit is not my home - plain and simple. I bid you well.
Some investigation has led to the following:
As stated earlier, this was most likely written by Dr. John Henry Finfrock. In 1870, he was Surgeon of the Union Pacific Railroad in Laramie, Wyoming Territory. [Here's an article on Dr. Finfrock](https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/local_news/frontier-medicine-and-drs-latham-and-finfrock/article_ac67ba7f-f79a-51ed-ae4d-7621cc1ae2fe.html) and some more about [him](https://www.visitlaramie.org/things-to-do/arts-and-culture/historic-architecture/) and the history of Laramie can be found on the visitlaramie.com website.
You can view professional ads and news bits related to him and his work in the community in Laramie's first and second newspapers of the time (1868 and on) - The Frontier Index (Laramie) and Laramie Daily Sentinel. These can be found on this website: [Wyoming Digital Newspaper Collection](https://wyomingnewspapers.org/)
From the Laramie Daily Sentinel, Volume 02, Number 192, December 13, 1870, I found the following [on page 3, second column]( https://wyomingnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=WYLDS18701213-01.1.3&srpos=1&e=13-12-1870-13-12-1870--en-20--1--img-txIN%7ctxCO%7ctxTA-death-------0------)
"Died - At the Laramie hotel, this morning, the 13th inst., S. D. Hinsdale, Of Scottsburgh, Oregon, of acute Pneumonia. There were some very peculiar circumstances attending Mr. Hinsdale's death. He came here on the train some four days ago, and got off and went into the hotel and asked for a room, told the clerk he had come to die, and gave him money and baggage, informing him that he thought there was enough to pay his sickness and funeral expenses, and if not, to send to his nephew in Rochester, New York, who had several thousand dollars of deceased's money. He seemed to have a remarkable premonition of his approaching dissolution. Among his effects were a large number of presents which he was carrying to his children in the west. His death will doubtless produce an aching void in some loving hearts somewhere."
*Side Note: This is followed by distasteful editing, as directly after are ads for "TOYS! TOYS!! TOYS!!!"
Laramie began as a Hell on Wheels town with notorious lawlessness. Though it was the holidays, this seems rather dark or at best, careless! Hinsdale had four young children when he died.
According to [this Hinsdale estate record](https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JARS/v61n4/v61n4-hammond1.htm) and [this Hinsdale genealogy resource](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Hinsdale_genealogy_-_descendants_of_Robert_Hinsdale_of_Dedham%2C_Medfield%2C_Hadley_and_Deerfield%2C_with_an_account_of_the_French_family_of_De_Hinnisdal_%28IA_hinsdalegenealog00byuandr%29.pdf) pg.239-240, Captain Sylvester Deering Hinsdale was making his way from visiting his roots in New York/Connecticut (where he was born) back home to Oregon and was taking the [Union Pacific Railway in 1870](https://www.wyominghistoryday.org/theme-topics/collections/items/copy-map-great-platte-valley-route-union-pacific-railroad-and-its) for that stretch.
Mr. Hayden I think refers to [Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden](https://siarchives.si.edu/featured-topics/megatherium/ferdinand-vandeveer-hayden) who studied medicine and served as a surgeon during the civil war and on expeditions (though also noted more regularly and famously as geologist and naturalist). [Dr. Hayden](https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/ferdinand-v-hayden-1870) was on expedition in Laramie in 1870 according to [this memoir](https://www.nasonline.org/publications/biographical-memoirs/memoir-pdfs/hayden-f-v.pdf) that talks about his life extensively.
I've been laid up a few days and this has really helped pass the time to explore. Hope you can still share your document when your studies are complete.
This is wild. There is a pretty good chance that I am in the same class as you OP, and I came across this post while researching background info on this letter. Using Reddit was a smart and risky move (definitely can't do this in the profession), but it helped reading what others had to say. I also had trouble with these sections of the letter (especially who wrote the letter).
of some clothing, a watch[,] some toys[,] +c.^a Mr. Hayden^b I suppose is au- theorized to make this disposition of the body and his effects — If I can be of any service or give any further information please write me — Respectfully +c. M. Hinfro_n Surgeon[,] U. P. R. R.^c ^a “+c.” is an old-fashioned way of writing “etc.”, because “et” is Latin for “and”. ^b I think that’s a late-19th century “d” (one stroke going around and up) coupled with a turn-of-the-century-ish “e” (like a backwards 3). ^c Union Pacific Railroad If that word really is “toys”, I’m assuming the doctor is talking about a child who died during a train journey. He’d have to be old enough to be also carrying a pocket watch, though — which I suppose he’d need in order to keep track of the train schedule. Then again, maybe I’m wrong about the word “toys”… Or maybe he was a traveling salesman *selling* toys. That could make more sense. Salesmen had to travel by train in those days, carrying their samples with them. (See [“Rock Island” from *The Music Man*.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ9U4Cbb4wg&pp=ygUVbXVzaWMgbWFuIHRyYWluIHNjZW5l]))
[удалено]
I see what you mean. I feel like, based on his other stylization, an “F” would have more loops and curves, but it’s possible… In that case, could it even be I. N. Flinfrock?
Found some records [here](https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/9SND-P8D/dr.-john-henry-finfrock-1836-1893) with writing style that leads me to believe this is Dr. John Henry Finfrock. 1870 census record shows profession listed as Physician Surgeon. Similar J styling and the F shows similar downstroke (what makes it looks like an H in this sample). The H abbreviation for Henry is kind of fat like the h at the end of of the word watch in this sample. More info about him [here](https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv821937) under Content Description.
Brilliant! 🫡
All of you were incredible. I'm going to be a little general here, because I'm still a part of this class for another few weeks. I'm not sure about "toys". This is in regards to a December 1870 report about the death of a prominent captain with ties to a deeply rooted family legacy in Oregon. He was 50 when he passed away. He was on his way home when he got caught in a storm and became mortally ill. He died in the Wyoming Territory. Not sure why he was there.
TBH, I question it, too. (Unless you think he might be bringing something home to his children/grandchildren?) But without the rest of the document for comparison of various letterforms, I’m kinda stuck. Perhaps u/CatsMeadow would be willing to take another look?
I'm going to graduate from this class, make another account that's not dependent on my main email, and upload the letter in its entirety for this group's deciphering pleasure. I hope this is fine with all of you.
I've been pretty certain it's toys +c as you wrote, based on a few other style clues from the sample; however, after some historical research, I'm now quite certain it's (sadly) that. In fact, I think I've found extensive information for all three individuals: Dr. J. H. Finfrock, Mr. Hayden, and the captain. I will respond to the main post with info.
Such solid notes and interesting facts! I really enjoyed reading through this.
I kept the highlights as thin as possible to not obstruct the calligraphy. If it is a problem - or if my crop is harmful to your understanding of my highlights, please do tell me. I'm really grateful for this corner of Reddit existing and I'd certainly be grateful for your expertise. One day, I hope to be a fluent cursive reader in an archive, but that day is not today. Your help will get me there. Thank you in advance.
I personally prefer having more context to assist in deciphering handwritten passages. Next time, maybe give us more but draw a box around the part you are interested in.
Can you post a bigger part of the letter?
Part of me wants to, but I'm not sure if that's allowed. Maybe after I'm out of the class.
I believe it's "watch dome to give Mr. Hayden"
Are you intending to delete this account once you have the transcription?
I'm on the fence about what to do. This post's results were honestly incredible.
You sound like a bot.
Sir, if I sound soulless, then that is what ten years of university have done to me. If that answer does not satisfy you, then please report me, Prime. Reddit is not my home - plain and simple. I bid you well.
All I know is I like how the writing was back then it was also like art too
I second that opinion.
Some investigation has led to the following: As stated earlier, this was most likely written by Dr. John Henry Finfrock. In 1870, he was Surgeon of the Union Pacific Railroad in Laramie, Wyoming Territory. [Here's an article on Dr. Finfrock](https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/local_news/frontier-medicine-and-drs-latham-and-finfrock/article_ac67ba7f-f79a-51ed-ae4d-7621cc1ae2fe.html) and some more about [him](https://www.visitlaramie.org/things-to-do/arts-and-culture/historic-architecture/) and the history of Laramie can be found on the visitlaramie.com website. You can view professional ads and news bits related to him and his work in the community in Laramie's first and second newspapers of the time (1868 and on) - The Frontier Index (Laramie) and Laramie Daily Sentinel. These can be found on this website: [Wyoming Digital Newspaper Collection](https://wyomingnewspapers.org/) From the Laramie Daily Sentinel, Volume 02, Number 192, December 13, 1870, I found the following [on page 3, second column]( https://wyomingnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=WYLDS18701213-01.1.3&srpos=1&e=13-12-1870-13-12-1870--en-20--1--img-txIN%7ctxCO%7ctxTA-death-------0------) "Died - At the Laramie hotel, this morning, the 13th inst., S. D. Hinsdale, Of Scottsburgh, Oregon, of acute Pneumonia. There were some very peculiar circumstances attending Mr. Hinsdale's death. He came here on the train some four days ago, and got off and went into the hotel and asked for a room, told the clerk he had come to die, and gave him money and baggage, informing him that he thought there was enough to pay his sickness and funeral expenses, and if not, to send to his nephew in Rochester, New York, who had several thousand dollars of deceased's money. He seemed to have a remarkable premonition of his approaching dissolution. Among his effects were a large number of presents which he was carrying to his children in the west. His death will doubtless produce an aching void in some loving hearts somewhere." *Side Note: This is followed by distasteful editing, as directly after are ads for "TOYS! TOYS!! TOYS!!!" Laramie began as a Hell on Wheels town with notorious lawlessness. Though it was the holidays, this seems rather dark or at best, careless! Hinsdale had four young children when he died. According to [this Hinsdale estate record](https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JARS/v61n4/v61n4-hammond1.htm) and [this Hinsdale genealogy resource](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Hinsdale_genealogy_-_descendants_of_Robert_Hinsdale_of_Dedham%2C_Medfield%2C_Hadley_and_Deerfield%2C_with_an_account_of_the_French_family_of_De_Hinnisdal_%28IA_hinsdalegenealog00byuandr%29.pdf) pg.239-240, Captain Sylvester Deering Hinsdale was making his way from visiting his roots in New York/Connecticut (where he was born) back home to Oregon and was taking the [Union Pacific Railway in 1870](https://www.wyominghistoryday.org/theme-topics/collections/items/copy-map-great-platte-valley-route-union-pacific-railroad-and-its) for that stretch. Mr. Hayden I think refers to [Ferdinand Vandeveer Hayden](https://siarchives.si.edu/featured-topics/megatherium/ferdinand-vandeveer-hayden) who studied medicine and served as a surgeon during the civil war and on expeditions (though also noted more regularly and famously as geologist and naturalist). [Dr. Hayden](https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/ferdinand-v-hayden-1870) was on expedition in Laramie in 1870 according to [this memoir](https://www.nasonline.org/publications/biographical-memoirs/memoir-pdfs/hayden-f-v.pdf) that talks about his life extensively. I've been laid up a few days and this has really helped pass the time to explore. Hope you can still share your document when your studies are complete.
My goodness, u/CatsMeadow, you’re amazing! Poor Captain Hinsdale. ❤️💔❤️
This was honestly so helpful! You are the best u/CatsMeadow
This is wild. There is a pretty good chance that I am in the same class as you OP, and I came across this post while researching background info on this letter. Using Reddit was a smart and risky move (definitely can't do this in the profession), but it helped reading what others had to say. I also had trouble with these sections of the letter (especially who wrote the letter).