Below is an old envelope, addressed to Adam Kable, Esq, Hinton, Mercer County, Ohio.
To Adam Kable, Esq, Hinton, Mercer County, Ohio, 1901.
The postmark date is nearly impossible to read but is probably from about 1901.
To Adam Kable, Esq, Hinton, Mercer County, Ohio, 1901.
Hinton was a hamlet with post office, located at Oregon and Erastus Durbin Roads. Their Post office operated from 1890-1904.
The return address is Chas. J. Fox, County recorder, Celina.
Adam Kable (1861-1948) was born in Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio, and was the son of Ferdinand and Catharine (Bollenbacher) Kable, both German immigrants. He was married twice, first to Maggie Miller (1861-1889), and then to Catherine Huffman (1862-1913). Both preceded him in death.
Adam lived his whole life in Liberty Township and, according to census records, was a farmer.
The envelope referred to Adam as Esq, short for Esquire, a term that was often used for an attorney. The term used to imply that the individual was licensed to practice law. However, by the early 20th century, the term esquire was used as a general courtesy title for any man in a formal setting, with no precise significance, and was usually used as a suffix to his name.
The handwriting on this envelope is beautiful and reminds me of a time when people took pride in their penmanship. My mom also had beautiful handwriting and I remember that she enjoyed practicing her handwriting. Maybe I should try that because sometimes I have a hard time reading my own handwriting.
I wonder what correspondence might have been in this old envelope, addressed in such a formal manner.
I want to thank David for sending me the photos of this envelope, in reference to Adam Kable’s Tombstone Tuesday blog post. [1]
[1] Karen’s Chatt, Tombstone Tuesday-Adam Kable, 29 Sep 2023.
