Levi Kinsel Essay

Lauryn Thompson
Mr. Blas
Honors U.S. History and Geography, Per.-4
15 October 2014
In my Honors U.S. History and Geography class, my teacher, Mr. Blas, purchased a treasure chest at an estate sale. Inside of the box were letters from Levi Kinsel, who was a U.S. sailor during the World War Two. While he was traveling, he regularly sent letters to his wife, Rose Kinsel, in San Diego. My peers and I transcribed the historical documents. We also input data such a word counts, important words and pictures of the letter along with it’s envelope into an online database. The letters were then put in chronological order. Based on the evidence from the letters, Levi Kinsel was a companion, dedicated and considerate of others.
According to dictionary.com, the definition of companion is “a person who is frequently in the company of, associates with, or accompanies another.” Throughout the letters, Levi showed that he is a companion by associating with his wife and others in his writing. Kinsel showed this personality trait on August 11, 1945 when he asked, “How are you and Sandy boy? I would sure like to be there.” In this letter, he showed that he was concerned with people in San Diego. He knew that he could not physically be with them so he associated with them by asking how they are in his letters. On August 28, 1945, Levi Kinsel said, “Well I have been busy but have written you letters you should have before now. I sent two packages a week ago sent them first class so you should have them by now.” Even though he claims to be a busy man, he still made time to accompany his wife. He showed that he is companionable by mailing her the fastest way possible.
According to google.com, the definition of dedicated is “the quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose." Levi Kinsel showed that he was dedicated to speaking with his wife in each letter. When he did not have much to say, did not feel good or was simply tired, he still wrote to her. Levi Kinsel showed dedication on March 7th, 1939. He said, “I have a pretty sore on my finger on my right hand now I was sharpening the butcher knife and I cut it and it got infected I have been going to the sick bay everyday for a week and it does not seem to be getting better.” Although he was injured, he still made it a priority to write to Rose and mail off the letter. He also showed dedication on March 30th, 1939. He said, “I received your letter yesterday and that maybe I better answer it. I will send that stuff to you in a few days…” Levi responded to Rose’s letter one day after he received it although he had a very busy schedule with patrolling the base. On top of that, he sent her another package quickly.
According to google.com, the definition of considerate is “careful not to cause inconvenience or hurt to others.” Levi Kinsel showed that he is considerate by treating his wife with respect and asking how things were in San Diego. On April 25, 1939, he told his wife, “I hope you are feeling better.” Although we do not know what was wrong with her, this shows that he was considerate of her feelings and her well being. On January 29, 1941, he asked, “Is Sam doing okay?” This shows that he not only cared about himself or his wife, but the other people in San Diego as well. Although he talked about his life frequently, he often put people before himself which shows that he was very considerate of others.
There are many personality traits that are illustrated by the evidence in Levi Kinsel’s letters. Some of them are dedicated, companionably, and considerate. He showed that he was a caring person who was dedicated to speaking to his wife and associated himself with not only Rose, but the other people he left in San Diego.