File 81 - Letter from Rev. Joseph Showers to Jacob and Eliza Uffelman

[Envelope]
From 53 Lincoln Ave, Connellsville, PA
[Page 1]
Connellsville, PA 12/21/17
Mr + Mrs. J Uffelman, Waterloo, Ont
Dear Bro + Sister,
We received the paper containing the Pictures of your two boys and also of Loyd all of which had gone down at their Post of duty loyal to their country, proving their loyalty by their active Service. but, Oh how Sad. three noble young lives gone out. and you can never greet them on the Shores of this World again. never more to cross the threshold of the home this side of Eternity. but let us hope for the better. and trust that in the last great Roal [sic] call when the Soldiers of Kin Emanuel are mustered in that they Shall answer the call. Master here am O. then when the honor roal of heros [sic] are called. it Shall be heard. Well done. you were faithful on the Battle lines of Earth. your name is Emblazoned on the pages of the lambs book of life. that will be real Honor, Indeed. Yet I know full well all this will not bring back your boys to you in this life again. rest assured that you have our deepest sympathy and our prayers. We deplore your great loss. if I could restore them to you again I certainly would do it. but we are powerless. so look up to him who will deal with Every one Justly. it is a trying hour. but he Whom you have served through the long years of your Service. has said go on and lo I am With you Even unto the End.
[Page 2]
this war is a terrible thing and apparently the End is not yet. how many thousands will yet fall is difficult to determine. but no doubt many Will go down on land and sea. and many through hardships. but such is war. We are getting a taste of it to prepare us for harder things yet to come. a number of our boys have died in camp from the exposure. but that will be nothing to What is yet to come. but We must take our Share with the rest of the World. All true Americans say no peace untill Kaiser is overthrown. that is the one cry from parts of this country. We are called on from Every angle for the support of our Allies. and the response is remarkable from men, Women and children. prices are high. Sacrifices are being and Will be made to secure Victory. I do not fear but it Will come. but the delay and suspense is great. but When the people get on their knees before God as they Should. and repent of their Evil Ways the Lord Will hear them. and We shall a World of peace and plenty but my Brother the World has gone made for money, pleasure, supremacy, and a thousand and one things. once more I say look up. Every cloud has its Silver lining. some day he will make it plain. some day we’ll understand. I commend you to God and the Word of his grace. We all join in love and sympathy to you all in this the night of your sorrow. J. S. S. [Rev. Joseph S. Showers, husband of Alice Elizabeth Elsley, Eliza’s sister]