I am attaching a photo that was smuggled out of Walter that is the last time anyone heard from my Grandfather's sister and her family. The photo is of Jacob and Ann Elizabeth Brethauer Kister and their extended family. The reference to brother-in-law Giesick's children refers to Elizabeth Brethauer Giesick, wife of Conrad Giesick of Walter and sister to John Brethauer and Ann Elizabeth Brethauer Kister. Elizabeth Giesick died in 1914 in Greeley, Colorado. She was my Grandfather's only sibling who came to America. There is no saluation or date on the letter. It reflects the frustration and beginnings of desparation when letters did not get through and money did not get through. The picture is the last thing they had from this family.

"Did you write to me or don't you want to write anymore. Be so good and let me know if you are still alive. Write back fast so we know how it is going with you. Write what your work is and how everything else is. By us it is well. It costs 60-70 ruble for sugar and meat and we don't have any money to buy. If my brother John doesn't want to write, be so kind to write us as soon as you can so that we know if you are still alive. To close, greet everybody and write brother-in-law Giesick's children to see if they are still alive."

All our love,

Jacob and Annie Elizabeth Kister.

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contributed by Lauren Brantner lrbrant@concentric.net