John P. Eaker letters to his son Victor from New Mexico and Colorado, 1890-1916

34 holograph letters, 26 of them to Victor Eaker from his father John, five to Victor from his half-sister Helen, and two from his half-sister Mary. John describes his life in New Mexico and Colorado, the jobs he holds, and cost of living, the People's Party and secret societies, dispenses advice on pursuing an education and getting along with family members, asks Victor to come west and describes mining life, wages of different professions, and shares his ideas for the future. A few of the letters are also addressed to Victor's younger brother Charlie. The letters from Victor's half-sisters describe John's death in 1914, and discuss other family matters. Accompanied by photographs of John going prospecting in 1913, Victor's half-sister Mary, and two other photographs of one of his half-sisters; Victor's membership card to the North Carolina Teachers' Assembly, and a letter from Victor's teacher congratulating him on his high marks in history, dated 1894 May 2.