2 James Edson Stermer

   This is the story of James Edson Stermer. 
                                             

                                          
                                                           James at age six

     He was born on April 11, 1904 in Lancaster, Ohio to Alice Saum Stermer and John Ernest Stermer.  They had 6 children.  Five lived.  John Stermer decided he would make more money by working and drilling oil wells than working as a farmer.  He left for Mexico while his wife raised the children.

 

     His children followed his adventurous ways. Thanks to letters written to relatives as well as journals, many of these memories can be shared with the grandchildren and shirt-tailed relations. We start with John Stermer’s letters to his sister, Hattie Piper. Alice, his wife, attended school only through the third grade. Her skill levels in reading and writing were poor.
     We start the story with a letter.

 2 John Ernest Stermer

October 1910
Minatitlan Vera Cruz, Mexico
Mrs. Perry Weaver Lancaster O

Dear Sister and family. 

     I now find myself with time to write you a few lines saying that I arrived at camp Oct 1 after spending about one week in Mexico City.  Found everything here about as I left it, with my job open and waiting for me.  I have been feeling real well since I got back. I have gotten entirely over the affects of the operation.
     I suppose by this time you have had frost there and you will soon have winter again, but believe me “she is some hot here.”  This is the week of the Fair.  Alice said she was going down there. I sincerely hope she and you will enjoy yourselves.
     Say Sis, the thought just came to me while I am writing this.  I think this is the first letter I ever wrote to you, is it not so?  I sent you some post cards on the way down and hope you received them OK.
     Alice wrote me that “Bus” was coming home soon I judged he would be there about Fair time, so I suppose you will have everybody to look after then.
     I just completed a dry hole yesterday and was pulling casing all day today.  Am real tired, so bye.  Wishing this will find you and all the family enjoying the best of health. Sending my regards to all.  I will close and remain respectfully your brother. 
     J.E. Stermer

C/o S. Pearson & Son Minatitlan, Vera Cruz Mexico