Letter from Bert Hilburn dated 11 May 1974, Tulsa Okla to M/M Hadley Thomas with copies to Jewell Hopkins and Holt Monument Co. (Bert Hilburn born 21 January 1889, died 29 October 1980, he was son of Smith W. Hilburn and Cornelia Luvesta Harrell, married to Ora Alice Mahaffey, 7 February 1909, Dallas Co MO) Items in parenthesis are my notes, Ginger.

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Dear Folks:<o:p></o:p>

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Ora and I were keenly disappointed by not being able to see you in person when we were in Buffalo, Monday afternoon till Wednesday morning.  It is becoming more depressing, when we drive back to Dallas County, because our relatives and old times friends are becoming so few.  I tried without success, several times to call Jewel Hopkins on the telephone.<o:p></o:p>

Ora and her sister-in-law Etta Mahaffey and her daughter Clara Davidson, went to Mission Ridge Tuesday morning, and found you were right in your impression of the location of my sisters. Enclosed herewith, a sketch showing the location of the small headstone of my sisters.  It is difficult for me to reconcile the site, with my recollection of where they were buried.  My lifelong impression was that they were buried next to my Grandmother Harrell. (Malinda Jane Bartlett Harrell b. 1829 d. 1904) I clearly recall, when I was there some ten to fifteen years ago, the little headstone, was leaning severely.  Now it is standing squarely upright, set in a concrete base, which indicates it has in recent years been re-conditioned by some kindly person.  And a floral decoration apparently has been placed there apparently no longer than the last Christmas, and matches identical floral decorations at the graves of my grandfather and grandmother. (Andrew Wayne b. 1827 d 1890 and Malinda Jane Bartlett Harrell)<o:p></o:p>

I was told by the caretaker, that there has been trouble with vandals, and I cannot help wondering if possibly this little headstone had been moved by them and left at the present location.  Jewel Hopkins might be helpful in establishing the fact of which is the correct location.  Would appreciate your contacting her, to see what her memory is in this regard.<o:p></o:p>

Mr. Holt at the Monument Company promised to examine the headstone, to see if he can accomplish any sort of restoration of the one there, as we would not want to replace it for sentimental reasons.  I have asked him to contact you.  Also I am enclosing a check, half to apply on cemetery maintenance, and the balance for floral tribute for Grandfather and Grandmother Harrell, and my sisters.  The variety store just north of Glenn Davidson’s seemed to have a fairly large stock.<o:p></o:p>

I do hope Mr. Holt will be able to do something with the stone that is there. It did not appear to be in too bad condition. Corrosion or discoloration has made the inscription illegibile.<o:p></o:p>

On the diagram, I have tried to give the copy as we worked it out, and which we know to be correct. The original engraving was done with a chisel, I well remember being with my father at a Louisburg lumber yard, and watching the man there do the engraving, which took a comparatively short time.<o:p></o:p>

Should it transpire that you will not be going to the cemetery before Decoration Day, it will be acceptable for you to apply the amount of the check to cemetery maintenance.<o:p></o:p>

With sincere appreciation for anything you may do, and hoping we may see you sometime in the future, and with warm regards.<o:p></o:p>

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Yours truly,<o:p></o:p>

Ora and Bert Hilburn<o:p></o:p>