[This letter was sent to me by Tom Robert Shaw. Washington Dey (married to Weighty Bishop)
was the son of William Henry Dey (married to Elizabeth Bunn) who was the son of James Issac Dey
and his first wife Mary Perrine. The letter seems typical of the mode of operation of E.M. in
securing data.]
Edward Merton Dey
16 December 1898.
Mr. Washington Dey
My Dear Cousin;
I wish to thank you very heartily for your letter of the 13th giving so much information
regarding your line of the family. The records you furnish are very completed indeedm
and very creditable in every way. Your honored father led a energetic, useful life and in the
end nobly gave himself to his country. It is such records as this that will make the history
of the Dey family one to be proud of if it is ever gotten into shape. I may say here that
ours is an honest sturdy race, and there is very little that we need to hide.
I suppose none of your children are married, the eldest being 22 years old and the next 19 years.
Please say as to this. The Deys are given to marrying young, and marrying often, and having
large familiies, - all of which is a just cause for pride.
You do not say anything about your brothers and sisters, except to give the date of birth; perhaps
you are now in seach of their family records. I should like to get the records for each one of
them, just as I have for yourself. If you will give me the address of each one (if all are living) I will write, and save your the trouble,
if you wish.
I enclose with this letter a form of family record which you will note I have filled out. Your
will note one or two blanks. What was the maiden name of your wife's mother Nancy? You will note
the spelling of your grandmother;s name was Perrine, which I suppose is pronounced P R I N E. The
Dey family married a greatmany of the Perrine family.
Hope you will do all that you can to help in hunting up facts about your brothers and sisters.Mp>
Have sent copy of your letter to your cousing R.A. Dey of Fink, Pa. who has helped me a
great deal; also to your uncle Mr. Seymour Green of TItusville, who also has kindly written me.
With kind regards and best wishes,
Very sincerely,
Your cousin,
E.M. Dey
Equitable Bulding
St. Louis, Missouri
Spring Hill, Ia.