The following is a copy of a letter from William to his brother August addressing August’s dilemma concerning remarriage - to his first wife's younger sister.  The original was hand written, in German.

Ellinwood, Kansas, January 22, 1892

Dear Brother,

Your letter of the 18th received and although you have given me a weighty assignment asking for advice, I will give you briefly my opinion.

Dear Brother, speaking from my heart, I do not believe you could make a better choice for a wife and a better mother for your children than Mary; still I must agree with Sister Anna that you should still wait awhile before marrying.

You know well how much we treasured your blessed wife and how much you thought of her.  Would it not seem as though you had already forgotten her? Very natural would be the excuse that since it is your blessed wife’s sister, and because Mary has joined hands with Sister Anna to care for your children in place of their mother, she could really out of sincere love of them really become their mother by marriage.

Still, would it not be better if you would continue the present arrangement for the children and allow management of your household to continue through Sister Anna and Mary for a while?  Also, I would call your attention to this fact, namely, have you thoroughly considered the sacrifice Mary would make?  And you must recall, also, that you are about 20 years older than Mary.

In regard to the situation of the attitude of the church, I would not if I were in your place be agitated.  I do know, however, how extremely hard it would be for you to withdraw from a church of which you have been a member so long and upon whose advice and inspiration you had depended upon.  There are certain questions of teaching which I would search the Scriptures for again since the Lutherans hold so rigidly to the Scriptures.

How is it possible for the Lutheran pastors to permit people who have separated from wife or husband to marry again under certain circumstances, and yet will not grant permission in comparable circumstances that might fall in the same category?  The Catholic church is very strict in this regard, yet gives permission under special circumstances.  I would certainly not belittle the Lutheran church, yet, I am certain they do not hold our salvation entirely in their hands.

As to our family, we are all well with the exception of Clara who still has a throat trouble, but it is not dangerous.

I hope this will find you all in good health and I will close with greetings to you all.

Your Brother,

William