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Original handwritten letter dated May 16, 1898, from Martinton, Illinois, signed “C. H. Edison” and accompanied by its mailing envelope and a separate short note.
The writer is identified as Cyrus Holmes Edison, a farmer and resident of the Martinton area. The letter appears to have been written to F. O. Chapman, probably Frank O. Chapman of Kankakee, Illinois.
Written less than a month after the United States declared war against Spain, the letter includes a candid reference to possible military service:
“When are you going to war. I am not going until I am compelled to.”
The Spanish–American War began in April 1898. This statement provides a personal civilian reaction to recruiting and military service during the opening weeks of the conflict.
EARLY BICYCLE CONTENT
The letter also discusses the possible sale of an older bicycle:
“My hired man is most crazy to buy the old bike.”
Bicycling experienced enormous popularity during the 1890s, and the informal use of the word “bike” makes this an appealing piece of late-19th-century cycling history.
Other subjects include hired agricultural labor, rainy weather, corn planting, Martha’s health and family news.
The separate handwritten note reads:
“Tell aunt the new boy is a buster.”
CYRUS HOLMES EDISON
The signature was previously interpreted as “C. H. Edson,” but closer examination shows that it reads “C. H. Edison.”
The writer is believed to be Cyrus Holmes Edison, born about 1863–64 and associated with Martinton, Illinois. Cyrus was the son of Absalom Oscar Edison, an early Iroquois County settler, farmer, stock raiser and wagon-shop operator.
A 1938 Illinois newspaper account identified Absalom Oscar Edison as a cousin of the celebrated inventor Thomas Alva Edison. On that reported relationship, Cyrus Holmes Edison was a member of Thomas Edison’s extended family—apparently the inventor’s first cousin once removed.
The letter was not written by Thomas Alva Edison, and no direct correspondence with the inventor is claimed. Its interest lies in the probable writer’s documented place within the extended Edison family, together with its Spanish–American War and early bicycle content.
n engaging original 1898 Illinois letter offering several collecting interests: Edison family genealogy, Spanish–American War sentiment, bicycle history, agricultural life and local Iroquois County history.
The original letter, short note and envelope shown are included. Newspaper, genealogical and other research images are provided for historical context only and are not included with the purchase.
ITEM SPECIFICS
