The thoughts of Aunt Ella about her nephew Charles: “A mighty fine specimen of American Youth”
Ella Mahaffie was Charles’ aunt. Born in 1869, she was about 15 years his senior and was the youngest of his father’s generation of siblings. Ella worked first in Olathe, and later in Kansas City as a school teacher and principal. She also served on the Kansas State Board of Education.
Ella was single through her life, though she lived for many years with a companion, Della Irving.
Ella wrote the letter below following Charles’ visit to Olathe, Kansas, before he left for England. (Portions of the letter about other matters are not transcribed below.)
Based on Ella and Charles’ letters about the Olathe visit, he must not have seen Ella much during his childhood, or had not seen her for many years. His Olathe visit was a time to be freshly acquainted with her. He was quite taken with her, noting so in several letters home. And as is clear below, she was very pleased with him.
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Olathe, Kansas, Oct 1, 1905
My dear Brother and Sister [George B. and Mary Mahaffie]:
Charlie left here Tuesday afternoon and I suppose by this time is “Sailing o’er the main.” I hope he is not seasick.
I went to K.C. with him. He left here at 2:25. We spent the time between trains taking the observation car ride over K.C.
I enjoyed Charlie’s visit very much indeed and I believe he enjoyed it too.
You wanted me to tell you what I thought of Charlie. I’m afraid if I should tell you all the admiration I feel for him and all the praise I heard of him you would have the swell heads so bad you would have to discard all your old hats.
Seriously, I think he is a mighty fine specimen of American youth and I don’t think England will find a better specimen intellectually, morally, or physically than your dear son. The thing I marvel at most is his utter lack of conceit. It is one thing to be successful and another to be large enough to bear success gracefully. That he surely does. I was so proud of him and I think you may safely feel that he will have the courage and strength of character to battle with the temptations that this new and large field will open up to him.
I think he has changed quite a little in looks since I saw him. He is not so tall a man as I thought he would make and looks more like his father than he did when he was a child. Mr. Breyfogle came down to call on him. He thought he looked so much like George did when he was a youth. However, he hasn’t lost his mother’s looks by any means.
The boys, Herbert, Merk and Leonard went with him one day to K.C. They took in the sights of the city during the day, were entertained at Vera Kinghlove’s [sp?] for six o’clock dinner and went to the Willis Wood Theatre in the evening.
I had all the boys here for dinner last Sunday. I presume he has written you all about his visit though. I did not find him taciturn as you said I should; true he does not talk unless he has something to say but he has plenty to talk about and whatever he says is well said and to the point.
…
Your loving sister, Ella.
