a New Year's gift and a token of esteem

                                                                                   Junius (NY) Jan 6^th 1862

                                                                       To Misses Wibirt,

  Kind friends,

  Please accept this book as a New Year’s gift and a token of esteem from your friends Henry Backman[1] and Thomas Akenhead.  If the pieces written within these covers add to your happiness enjoyment and benefit you are entirely welcome to them.  Would be happy to see you in the singing class on Saturday evenings if it pleases you to attend our school.  Please consider yourselves as members of the school.

                                                                                From your friend

                                                                                            Thomas Akenhead[2]

To Misses Carrie and Erranda[3]

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[1] Henry Backman born about 1831 in Wayne Co, NY to Abram & Catherine Backman

[2] Thomas Akenhead born July 1838 to Thomas & Florinda Akenhead in Wayne County, NY

[3] Caroline & Erranda Wibert were the daughters of George M. & Julia A. Wibert born in DeRuyter or Galen, NY in 1844 & 1846.  Carrie married Henry in 1866, Erranda married Thomas in 1865