This undated card from Esther Hull (daughter or daughter-in-law of Martha Wilks Hull, sister to Rebecca Wilks White) to her Aunt Rebecca is a fitting beginning to these images of Wilks family correspondence. “To send you all the love that is in Trenton”, says it all.

The postcards document a close, affectionate, multi-generational connection maintained for decades between the family members remaining in Iowa and the family members in Texas.

(The family correspondence was made available by Donald White, great grandson of Rebecca Wilks White).

Hello Mother, how are you. I am well and hope you got your card. Was glad to hear from you, Mother. Bob said that Bunt (?) and her little family was getting along all right so answer soon. Re to my Dear Mother.

(Re being the nickname of a daughter or daughter-in-law of Martha Wilks Hull, who, given the post mark, is visiting in Texas.)

Hello Aunt beba, how are you by this time? I am well and hope you are the same. Tell Aunt Martha hello for me. I was glad to hear from you. Answer soon. From Winnie, by by.

(Winnie Wilks, age 14, to her aunt, Rebecca Wilks White, who appears to be visiting in Iowa.)

This cache of letters and postcards date from a period long removed from the moment in 1866 when the family was split by the move of Thomas & Margaret and their younger children to Texas. In 1912, the daughters of Thomas and Margaret Wilks ranged in age from Eliza at 81 to Rebecca at 63.

Dear Auntie, with this card I am sending a good many Happy Birthday greetings. From Esther to Aunt Becca.

Martha Wilks married Peter Hull in 1863. At best, Esther would have been a toddler when her Aunt Becca moved to Texas. She might not have yet been born. But the warmth of her feelings for her Aunt are evident.

Dear Aunt, just a card to wish you a Merry Xmas. I haven’t forgotten that I owe you a letter. Will write to you soon. Mae and family are here now to spend Christmas. Hope this will find you all well. Everybody as well as common here. As ever, Nannie.

(Nannie Courtney, daughter of Malinda Wilks Courtney, sister to Rebecca Wilks White, to her aunt.)

Dear Auntie, just a card to let you know that we are still among the living. All well as common. Hope you are the same. Aunt Becca, why can’t you come up and stay with us this summer? I think every day I will write you a letter. As ever, Nannie.

Hello Aunt Becky, we will go to OK on Friday if it does not rain. We may get Mr. Dyer’s (?) hack as it is handier and if you can go, come tomorrow. If you can’t we shall know by you not coming. Sook.

Dear Aunt, will send you a card to see if you owe me a letter or I owe you.  We haven't heard from you for so long.  I forgot who did write last.  Everybody well as common here and hope this will find you the same.  We are going to iron this morning so it is time I was busy so write soon. Nan.

Hello Aunt Becca.  How are you and are you still baking?  We are all well.  I feel lots better than I did for a while after I came over here.  Hope to see you all before very long.  As ever, Bessie.

(Bessie is possibly Elizabeth Hull, daughter of Martha Wilks Hull.)

Dear Aunt, I received your letter and was glad you haven't had the influenza.  Father is not very strong yet.  I had it but was only in a week.  Am feeling pretty well.  Well, write and tell me if old Santa Clause came your way or not.  Ma is feeling pretty well.  We are washing today.  Got it ready to hang out.  Write soon, Esther Hull.

Dear Aunt Becca, just a few lines to remember your birthday and as Mother is sick she could not write you so I will for her. We got your letter.  We are all well except for her and she has the grip.  Has been in bed about a week.  Well, hope this finds you well.  Will try to write you a letter later. Esther Hull.

Dear Aunt Becca, just a line to tell you the sad news. Mother passed away 7:30 o’clock tonight. She died so easy, Auntie. Just quit breathing. We will put her away Sunday. Write to me, Aunt Becca. Esther.

(Announcement of the death of Martha Wilks Hull.)

Dear Auntie, just a card wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. How are you? I will write you a letter soon in answer to your most welcome one. With love, Esther & all.

Dear Aunt, How are you these fine days?  It looks here like we are going to have summer now.  Have a little garden planted, but not much.  I suppose you have it to eat already.  Write me a letter, haven't heard from you in a long time. Esther.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

From Julia Wilks Little to sister, Rebecca Wilks White.

Dear Sister, wishing you the happiest birthday of your life and hope you may live to see many more. From your sister, Malinda.

(From Malinda Wilks Courtney to Rebecca Wilks White.)

Hello Aunt Becca. Come over and take dinner with us Thanksgiving Day and I will have fried chicken and a sweet potato pie. Hoping you a happy time in your meeting Xmas.

Dear Aunt, just a card to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We are all pretty well except had colds. Hope you are well. The ground is white with snow. From Eva to Aunt Becca.

A fitting end, the affection shines through as brightly as if it had been written yesterday.