A letter written by Ephraim Hoover to William Provo on May 23, 1850 describes his journey from Indiana, beginning on March 28th and ending in Polk County, Iowa on April 17th. Ephraim emphasizes the richness of the land in Iowa and his purchase of "80 acres of deeded land" with the intent to buy more and plant corn. Informing them that he lives on the North River, approximately "7 or 8 miles from Fort Desmoins," Ephraim comments on the abundance of natural resources, including the "good timber," fish and game, and corn. He goes on to explain the recent sale of two horses "for $175.00" and the birth of a colt to his Bay mare. Ephraim asks about another relative named "Henry" and his plan to move to Texas, and then closes out the letter by giving his address and requesting a letter from his family in return.
This letter is a primary source; an original document written by someone who experienced the event first-hand. This source can help the reader make connections between the past and the present by providing background knowledge of the subject and the time period, in this case the nineteenth-century American West. Studying primary sources can inspire questions and lead to unique interpretations based on the students' own thinking, knowledge, and experience. Looking at the details of primary sources, like this letter, encourages students to reflect on their own understanding of the past as it relates to the present and further develop their critical thinking and analysis skills in the process.
