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in Davenport, Iowa. This visit lengthened into a quarter of a century. There I married in 1884, Miss Wilkinson She was a graduate
with highest honors of Vassar College and a most noble and lovable woman. We travelled through Europe during the years of
1884 and 1890. Our married life was most happy during the few years alloted to us together. She died June 18th 1897. I am
living alone in St Louis, having entered into active and pressing business to keep the mind occupied. My business interests
are growing? , and they will doubtless make St Louis my permanent residence. Here you have the nutshell autobiography of my
last third of a century. I thank you very much for your kind invitation to visit you in Martinez. As I have two brothers living
on the Coast, it is possible that I may get to California some day and I will surely accept your hospitality. I appreciate
your book, magazines and pamphlets sent me I have a great receiving capacity I can take more. - Now? Mr. Muir I am no correspondent,
yet I ask you to write to me about yourself, your work, your family. I want to know you - I want you to know me. Sincerely
yours, Marcius Curtis Smith.