Nixon Journal I, part D, November 1, 1880 - March 31, 1881

Nixon Journal I, part D, November 1, 1880 - March 31, 1881

William Thomas Nixon (b. 20 Nov 1846, d. 15 August 1915) was a prominent minister, lawyer, and court official in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee in the late nineteenth century. In 1868, at the age of twenty-two, he married English immigrant Elizabeth G. Parkes. The following year, he was elected as the rep...

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Main Author: William Thomas Nixon
Format: Electronic
Published: Florence-Lauderdale County Public Library
Subjects:
Journals, scrapbooks, and diaries
Online Access:https://cdm15947.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/journals/id/807
format Electronic
collection Journals, Scrapbooks, and Diaries Collection
building Florence-Lauderdale County Public Library
publisher Florence-Lauderdale County Public Library
topic Journals, scrapbooks, and diaries
spellingShingle Journals, scrapbooks, and diaries
Nixon Journal I, part D, November 1, 1880 - March 31, 1881
William Thomas Nixon
fulltopic Journals, scrapbooks, and diaries
Lawrence County (Tenn.); Personal narratives
description William Thomas Nixon (b. 20 Nov 1846, d. 15 August 1915) was a prominent minister, lawyer, and court official in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee in the late nineteenth century. In 1868, at the age of twenty-two, he married English immigrant Elizabeth G. Parkes. The following year, he was elected as the representative for his district in the Tennessee State Legislature, where he served until the end of the 1870 term. That same year, he was admitted to the bar in his native Lawrence County. In 1871, he was appointed clerk and master of the chancery court of Lawrence County, a position he held for several decades. Nixon was educated at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he received a degree preparing him for the ministry in 1875. He was ordained by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on South Military Street in Lawrenceburg, where he served as the minister for a number of years. He and his father, Colonel George H. Nixon, were instrumental in bringing the first railroad to Lawrenceburg in 1883. In October 1884, Nixon co-founded the Lawrence Democrat, which survives today as the Democrat-Union, Lawrence County’s oldest continuously-operated newspaper. An avid writer, Nixon kept a regular chronicle of his day-to-day life, of which two volumes are known to have survived. The Nixon Journals are accounts of his daily activities between 1879 and 1885. He records his business transactions, news and gossip from the town, as well as major events from his family. As a minister, his journals also contain careful records of the sermons he preached, the funerals he conducted, and the marriages he officiated. The original journals are the property of the Lawrence County Public Library in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. In 2010, the Lawrence County Public Library partnered with the Digital Archive Department of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library in Florence, Alabama to digitally scan and transcribe the journals. The project was completed on Nixon’s 166th birthday, 20 November 2012.
title Nixon Journal I, part D, November 1, 1880 - March 31, 1881
titleStr Nixon Journal I, part D, November 1, 1880 - March 31, 1881
author William Thomas Nixon
author_facet William Thomas Nixon
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spelling Nixon Journal I, part D, November 1, 1880 - March 31, 1881Lawrence County (Tenn.); Personal narratives William Thomas Nixon (b. 20 Nov 1846, d. 15 August 1915) was a prominent minister, lawyer, and court official in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee in the late nineteenth century. In 1868, at the age of twenty-two, he married English immigrant Elizabeth G. Parkes. The following year, he was elected as the representative for his district in the Tennessee State Legislature, where he served until the end of the 1870 term. That same year, he was admitted to the bar in his native Lawrence County. In 1871, he was appointed clerk and master of the chancery court of Lawrence County, a position he held for several decades. Nixon was educated at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he received a degree preparing him for the ministry in 1875. He was ordained by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on South Military Street in Lawrenceburg, where he served as the minister for a number of years. He and his father, Colonel George H. Nixon, were instrumental in bringing the first railroad to Lawrenceburg in 1883. In October 1884, Nixon co-founded the Lawrence Democrat, which survives today as the Democrat-Union, Lawrence County’s oldest continuously-operated newspaper. An avid writer, Nixon kept a regular chronicle of his day-to-day life, of which two volumes are known to have survived. The Nixon Journals are accounts of his daily activities between 1879 and 1885. He records his business transactions, news and gossip from the town, as well as major events from his family. As a minister, his journals also contain careful records of the sermons he preached, the funerals he conducted, and the marriages he officiated. The original journals are the property of the Lawrence County Public Library in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. In 2010, the Lawrence County Public Library partnered with the Digital Archive Department of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library in Florence, Alabama to digitally scan and transcribe the journals. The project was completed on Nixon’s 166th birthday, 20 November 2012. William Thomas Nixon FLPLLawrence County Public Library November 1, 1880 - March 31, 1881 Image/TextpdfNixonmerge4.pdfPaper documentEnglishPart of the Lawrence County Public Library collection; Part of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library collection Contact the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library for permission to use. 146 Monday Nov. 1. 1880 Worked in my office until 4 P.M. making out my Court and Bar Dockets ready for Court next Monday. Recd a letter from Bro Joe very politely thanking me for “Family Record” which I mailed him some days ago. Butchered my calf this evening-will have some nice beef. Transacted usual routine of work in my office. Day bright & sunny quite a frost last night. Politics running high. Tuesday Nov. 2nd 1880 (Election Day.) Have done nothing only work at the polls during the day. Cannot find out how the county has gone, but will enter the vote in tomorrows entry. Bot 1½ Bu. apples. Father went to Columbia today. Worked in office tonight Wednesday Nov 3. 1880 ― The returns of the election come in slowly. Buchanan carries the Co by 313. Matthews by something near 90. Wright 103. News came in that Hancock is defeated. Worked in office all day. Bro Wm. & Sis Fannie called this eve. FM Cannon gave me his due Bill for $9230 my cost in German Catholic H. Assn case which he settles for Ellers. got fruit trees from Underhill Newson & Co of Nashville who are now delivering in town. 147 Thursday Nov. 4 ` 1880. Worked in office all day until 4 P.M. and then made a cover for cistern. The news gets worse. Hawkins elected Governor; according to news of tonight. Just as I expected. These low tax (?) folk have done it. Savage Wilson & Co have worked out their problem and the result is zero. I found out today that WH Dustin voted a straight Republican ticket from Garfield down to Buchanan. He even voted for A.M Hughes against Whitthorne―according to what I learn. Friday Nov. 5 1880. Dustin & D. Took up my various due Bills with Dustin & Dunn amounting in all to $16.30 and gave one instead for that amount. Have attended in office during the day and done some work. Election news comes in slowly. Mrs Fath Paid Mrs Fath’s a/c in full this eve. Saturday Nov. 6 – 1880. Well, the agony is over and a survey of the field gives us the results: I mean in the election regard. Matthews is elected to the Senate and Buchanan to the lowerhouse. This is a triumph for the party so-called Low-taxers. Buchanan ran the Press in his interest here in the town and the reputed editor voted for Wright Wilson was defeated by over whelming odds as was pre-dicted. Hawkins goes in and the Legislature probably republican. Such a mixture! The time will come when the whole country will regret it. The results haven’t come yet. When they do then such cursing! both loud and deep from all sides. Moved office papers and books up stairs ready for Monday. Weather has turned very cold. Attended to land sale in [Holmann??] vs [Heuser??]. McGlammery sheriff of Wayne in town from Wayne. 148 1st Sabbath in Nov. 1880. 7 " day. In the absence of Bro Wm., who went to Nashville yesterday morning, the duty devolved on me of opening the S.S. which I did at 9:30. Before closing I had to leave for the church at the factory and left Prof Johnson to close. I rode down with Eddie Parkes and preached at 11:30 to a good and attentive congregation from II Cor. V:17. Owing to not studying the subject didn’t present the subject in as pleasing and acceptable a manner as I might Came home and found Minnie here from out home Spent the entire evening at home with wife. Minnie left at 4. as Cous Wes came in and brought word that sis Florrie had come with her babes Received news this evening of the death of [A.??] J McMackin somewhere on the NF.RR. He was a friend and I regretted to hear of his death. The new preacher “discoursed” at Methodist church to-day. Wife went and was edified. I go tonight and will write my impressions of him when I come back Uncle Wm. Busby passed this eve going out to Aunt Margaret’s. Heard the new preacher. Like him. Monday Nov. 8` 1880. Chancery Court commenced today and have done nothing other than attend to the business connected with its sitting Tuesday Nov 9 ~ F Wolz Hired Frank Wolz to work today, putting up cabbage, Turnips and potatoes. McRady Davis, Wilkes, Smithson & Hughes came in last evening and today. Have done little else than ordinary court work. Weather has again changed and is rather warmer with threatenings of rain. Bo’t some fish from Jop Neely: owe him 50¢. 149 Nov 10 – 1880. Wednesday. I find that I will have to index this Journal or diary if it does me much good in a business way. It is so hard to find any thing in it. Wolz Frank Wolz worked for me this afternoon cleaning out cistern and fixing fence. Garrett Paid Jim Garrett $5.00 on his store a/c this eve. Our chancery court is in session and it takes about all my time attending to it. I have so much to look after I forget a great deal. I fear I am not as methodical as I might be, and my memory is not half as good as it used to be. It is getting treacherous. Is it want of attention or application? Thursday Nov 11. 1880. Boulie Paid Mr. Boulie for wood in my two Due Bills one for $12.00 the other $625 He hauled me 10 cords. Court going on and not much time for outside matters. Jim McKey took dinner with me today Mr. GW Stockard down from [Wmsport??]. Friday Nov 12. 1880. Can’t say anything only attended on court all day. Bot 20 Bu. cotton seed from Jack Hays for $3.60. gave him due Bill for that am’t. Saturday Nov 13. 1880. Wolz. Paid Frank Wolz in full this eve. $4.55 Court kept me busy all day. Didn’t get home to dinner. Finished ceiling the kitchen Wolz & Knight Court adjourned this eve. 150 Nov. 14 `1880. 2nd Sabbath. This morning was cold and bracing. Prepared & went down to S.S. and heard my class. The lesson was the elevation of Joseph to prime minister of Egypt and was interesting. At 11. preached to a very small congregation from St. Luke, XXII & 38. In the evening walked out home to see mother who has been sick since Tuesday. She is having neurlagia[sic]. Cousin Wes came in with me to get some medicine for her. Hope she may soon be better. Uncle Wm. Busby and son Sammy came up from home this eve. Prof Johnson preaches for me tonight. Children came in from Mother’s this A.M. having gone out Friday evening. Bro Wm Parkes got in from Nashville last eve on hack. Monday Nov 15. 1880. Moved my office down stairs this morning over hauled matters generally, indexed book of minutes and commenced on Leffel Transcript Put in the whole day on this. Tuesday the 16 Commenced work on office business but Mother’s sickness with pneumonia caused me to suspend at 10 A.M and Lizzie & I went out there and staid[sic] all day and night. I sat up all night. Dr McClain there. Wednesday 17. Spent the day at Mother’s until 4 P.M when Lizzie & I came home. Thursday 18`. Worked in office all day and at 7 P.M walked out to Mother’s and staid[sic] until 1 Ock a.m and walked back with Celia & Laura. Friday 19 Worked in office all day. Babe had croup last night and worked with him manfully. Mother some better 151 Saturday Nov 20. 1880. My birthday, 34th My dear, good wife, surprised me this morning at our breakfast table by the presentation of a real nice china moustache cup with wish for “many returns of the day” My 34˘ birth day! Well some consider that young, but I feel like I have been here a long time. So far, my lines have been cast in rather pleasant places, or to speak nearer the mark I have seen lots of people who have had a harder lot than mine has been. My wife “helps tote” and we together are making our way down the way of life, happiest in each other’s society and I feel like half the battle is fought if she is with me. I have had some serious, sober thoughts lately. God give me strength to do and be far better than in the past. Bilter Paid Bilter $1.50 on old a/c ― owe him 50¢. Worked in office all day, Wilson helping me on Leffel Transcript. Lizzie paid Mrs Weidmer in full of her a/c. Celia walks out to Mother’s with Laura to stay all night and sit up. Sunday Nov. 21. 1880. 3rd Sab. Laura and Celia bro’t back word this morning that Mother was no better, and before I had had my breakfast I walked out there, took breakfast and staid[sic] all day. Came home at 5 P.M. and staid[sic] in doors until bed time. I sent word to factory that I couldn’t be down to preach to them owing to Mother’s sickness. Children did not go to S.S. The weather since last Sunday a week ago has been freezing. We cant get our room warm. The ground has been frozen tight since Sunday night a week ago. 152 Monday Nov. 22. 1880. Worked all day in office almost finishing up record in the Leffel case. Wrote letter to Gilmore enclosing ck for $20.00 to close a/c of $450 for shoes and balance to go for carpet and goods. Mrs Kitchens pd me her due Bill of $12.00 and $2.50 for a deed yet to be made. Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 Thursday 25 Friday 26 and Saturday 27, were spent almost entirely in my office making up the Transcript in case of Cook & Co vs Pierce etals. Had Mr. Wilson and Capt Deavenport helping me. Wednesday I rec’d the carpet from Gilmore cost 45¢ yd. Wife, Celia and Laura made it and put it down same day. Green Powell, long a peculiar and eccentric citizen of the Co. died on Friday night last. Came very near finishing up my Transcript last evening. Bro Henry came down Thursday eve and went back yesterday, Saturday, morning. Weather has changed to moderate with rain. Bro Comer came in Friday last. 4th Sunday in Nov 1880. Have positively done nothing but sit in the house all day as it has rained the blessed day through. Bro Wm. called at 10:00 and outside of this – nothing. Have enjoyed sitting around However. Dr Jno called at 4 about 5 minutes. 153 Monday Nov 29. 1880. Finished up my Transcript in case of Cook vs Pierce and at 1:00 went out home to put in father’s hands to take to Nash-ville as he and Minnie start there in the morning. Found Ma much better. Came home had dinner and went to office and commenced another transcript for Sup Ct. in case of Buchanan vs Simonton. E Martin Old man Martin gave me his note for $100.00 for rent of the Hope Mills for 1881. with J.J. Martin as security. Neglected to state that Mrs Chaffin was blessed with another daughter on Saturday night last. Weather changed again last night from warm rain to cold with N. wind. Engaged pork from Weidmer to come Wednesday. Tuesday Nov 30 1880. Father and Minnie left for Columbia this morning, Nathan driving them in Jersey. Worked all day in office. Rained at 3 P.M. reckon Father & Min caught it. Wednesday Dec 1. 1880. Weidmer Bot 68 lbs Beef from Wilsey Vick for 5¢ [word was lbs. 3.40 partially erased] paid him cash 1.50 owe him $1.90 Worked in office all day. Thursday Friday and Saturday. Dec. 2, 3 & 4 These days were almost wholly spent in my office engaged in writing up Transcripts for the Supreme Court. Capt Deavenport got sick yester-day the 3. and is now in bed at Mester’s hotel. F.M. Cannon paid me chk $90.33 on Nat Bank of Pulaski my cost in German Association case. Weather warmer and raining. Finished up Transcript in case of Buchanan vs Simonton Saturday. 154 1st Sunday in Decr. 1880. 5 '' day George and I started at 8 Oclock and walked down to the factory where I preached at 11. The creeks were up and muddy, as it rained last night nearly all night, and George & I had tight work to walk the foot ways. Came home and had dinner at 2 PM. then up to Bro Wm’s with babe and wife – home again to supper and went down to see Mrs. Turner and hear Gabard preach. I went after the sermon to hear the new M.E. preacher cold. (6 ~ Dec.) Monday ― worked all day on my transcript – Was county court day and a good many in town. Paid J.M Gibbins the $3500 due J.R. Gibbins at Ennis Texas. Tuesday Dec 7 ― 1880. Rec’d pork from Mr. Weidmer today and cut it up and salted it. The weights were 1 Hog 152 1 “ 1552 1 “ 1474 1 “ 161 ¾ 1 “ 142 7582 lbs @ 5¢ $37.92 “ This was closed by my note [??] for that am’t Jno T. Allen in town. Wednesday Dec. 8 `1880 Worked in office all day. on Transcripts. This is all the entry necessary to make. 155 “ Thursday Dec 9 “ 1880. Employed Miss Louise Burgess to help me do some of my writing on Transcript. Worked all day and Mr Wilson helped me today. Got 1 Load of wood from Boulier 75¢ I owed him 25¢ on one other load and paid him $1.00 in order on D & D. Prof Johnson went to McCain’s church in Maury this A.M. Friday Dec 10 ―1880 ― Employed myself all day on Transcript getting through with as much as possible. Mr Wilson helped me till 4 oclock. Weather quite cold. Saturday Dec 11. 1880 Miss Louise finished up her part of Transcript this morning for which I paid her $2 25/100 She seemed quite proud and I was pleased to pay her. She makes a beautiful record. Got some “Revenue” from Hood today paid him $1.95 in store at Dustins and cash $1 25/100 Bal due him 80¢. Finished up Transcript in case of Butler vs Robison & Gordon and am no[sic] quite worn out. Cannon is talking about trading for Davis place and wants to know if I can wait on the $50000 note I have against him transferred to me by Bro Henry. I told him to go ahead and make his trade with Davis. 2nd Sabbath in Dec. 1880. Attended our Sabbath S. as usual this morning and at 11:00 A.M preached to a slim con-gregation from the Ch. of St. Jno and vs. the reply of Jesus to those who sought him after the distribution of the loaves and fishes. Preached again at night. After the morning sermon the children & I walked out to see Mother and came back at 3½ P.M. She has improved a great deal. 156 (Nashville) Monday Dec 13 1880. Started on Monday Dec. 13. with Johnnie Busby in my buggy for Mt. Pleasant. Ac-cording to contract John was to do the driving and he had his hands full, for I believe that old Jim is the laziest horse I ever saw. Once in a while John would say “I don’t think we’ll make it – git up here old Jim” We made it there Just in time. I went on to Nashville arriving at 7 o’clock. staid [sic] at commercial hotel. Tuesday 14 [4 is written over a 3] was put in making my purchases. Saw Cousin Annie, Leonard and children. Wednesday 15. was used up in a manner similar to Tuesday: was almost completely fagged out. Came down to Columbia and slept with Geo Kinney at Laura’s. Henry gone to Louisville. At 7:20 Thursday Dec 16` 1880 Started for home on the Mt Pleasant R.R. raining great pitch forks. Started from Mt. P. in my buggy and arrived at home at 5 P.M. being from 9 o’clock until that time getting here – roads dreadful bad My Expenses first and last $119.00 Friday Dec 17. 1880. Weidmer. Paid Mr Weidmer $20.00 on what I am due him, leaving balance of $26. and some cents Brown Simms Paid Brown Simms $22.47 on a/c. today Our babe has been quite fretful all day with cold and teething. Saturday Dec 18 1880 ― Attended to general office business up to 4 P.M. and spent balance of evening at home with my wife and sick babe. Prof Johnson went to Pulaski this evening 157 3rd Sabbath in Dec. 1880. 19” day. Went immediately from home this morning to the church at factory where I preached at 10:30 to a good congregation from Rom. XIV:10-12 vss. Took dinner with sister Bettie Davis, visited Billy S. & Loulie and then home. At 4 the weather changed and quite a snow fell. Bro Wm. called this eve and said he was to start for Nashville in the morning. Cousin Wes took dinner with us. BroWm$2000 Gave Bro. Wm. check for $2000 to take up my due Bill for that am’t given him sometime since for borrowed money to pay Jno T. Allen. Monday Dec 20. 1880. Circuit Court met this morning. Ford. Paid [??] Richardson $300 of the $570 due from Ford for Taxes. Am to pay Balance. Settled with A.T. Dobbins [??] $10000 on his land note. Jonas Springer paid me $100.00 on costs in my Court. The weather has been quite cold all day, the snow still on the ground. Sent for freight at Wales Station. Tuesday Dec. 21. 1880. Recd my Christmas goods by Horner’s wagon this morning, charges $1.40. paid him cash. Worked in office. Miss Burgess Paid Miss Burgess $850 in full of her music a/c to date in ck on Giles Nat Bk. Wednesday Dec. 22. 1880 ― Paid Tom Busby $600 for 4 bbls corn. Wes in and said he killed hogs Monday. Went Bill Reeder’s security for appearance at next term of Court. Traded my cost in case of Dawe vs Dawe Cir Ct $1.00 for $0.50¢. Bot 75 lbs Beef from Howell @ 5¢ 3.75 Paid him cash $1.30 Bal due him $245 158 Thursday Dec. 23. 1880. Circuit Court adjourned this morning. George & I borrowed Capt Murphy’s gun and went “on the pad” out home hunting. We had good luck killing 16 doves and a “molly [har??]”. Cooked two on a spit before the fire for “mither”. Came home at 1:30. It snowed smartly while we were out hunting, and it was quite a fatiguing piece of work to tramp the fields. George’s game bag got rather heavy before we got home. Weidmer Paid Mrs.Weidmer $10.00 and credited same on back of my due bill which she had with her. Wife busy with mince meat, plum pudding and good things for the holidays. She is a rare good hand at fixing goodies and making things go pleasantly all round. Mester Made a trade with George Mester for one half Lot the 2 acre lot immediatley[sic] East of me. The trade is as follows: I am to assume to pay Dr. Harvey [Exr.??] the amount Mester owes him, say somewhere in the neighborhood of $17500 and am to pay Mester balance to make up $225.00 as that is what I am to give for the lot. In addition Mester is to fur-nish posts to run the cross fence and help put it up and the rails now on the lot belong to me, that is the rails on the West side and half way on N. & S. Ends. Bro Wm. got in from Nashville Friday Dec 24 ` 1880 Ford Paid [Sief?] Richardson $100 more on Mr Ford’s Mester taxes. I find that Mester owes Dr Harvey the sum of $212.27. this am’t I am to assume to pay Dr H. and he gives me 6 & 12 mos to pay it in for the lot. Christmas is being celebrated in the usual heathenish style ― lots of bush-head whiskey drank. Our children are full of old Santa Claus. 159 [Drawing at the top of the page reads: Christmas 1880. The names of those in his household are printed in and around the numbers, left to right: Lizzie, Celia, Tom, Knight, George, Mary, Joe.] Saturday December 25th This morning wife children and self were rather late getting up, as we sat up rather late last night. The children were in our room with mouth and eyes open, feasting on the well filled stockings and packages hanging around our chimney place. They were happy as kings, as old Santa Claus had answered their letters and brought all they wished for. George got his knife, drum etc. and Mary her necklace. At 11. Oclock we all went up to Bro Wm’s and partook of a most elegant dinner, Loulie & Wm Stewart there. The boys had fun fast and furious with toys, drums, fire crackers and a general din. Have enjoyed the day some-whatly, but not like I used to. No, no! I have looked over the entry of last Christmas, and find we were out at Wood Lawn, and from the entry find we have spent pretty much the same Christmas as then, only I said in that en-try that “George & I went down to father Parkes’ and had some talk with him & Mary” He is not here now. He has passed over the river, and this is our first Christmas since our marriage that we have spent without wishing the old people a Merry Christmas. So runs the world away. Where will we all be next Christmas and how situated. 160 4" Sabbath in Dec. 1880. Attended a sparsely attended S.S. this A.M. and at 11:30. preached to a slim congre-gation from Matt: II 1 to 20 vs. ― The birth of Christ. Came home and spent the en-tire evening with wife and children. No service tonight. Monday Dec 27- 1880. George’s birthday ― 9 yrs. old today. Austin Loaned P.G. Austin $5000 to pay W.C. Davis from furnace. He left with me a note of $300.00 on Simms Bros for col-lateral. Esq. A. O Williams in office to file a bill for settlement the Robison, Gordon Mill business. S.A. McMackin in from Wayland Springs this eve and called in to see us. Noah & Florrie with children came in this eve Tuesday Dec. 28. 1880. Employed myself in my office until our dinner hour, 4 P.M. when after dining with Mrs Sue Chaffin for a guest, I commenced preparing myself for the marriage service at our church at 6:30. At near 7:00 P.M. I united in wedlock in the C.P. Church Luther A. Johnson and Jennie L. Deavenport. The attendants were John L Simms, Mr. Johnson from Athens, Luther’s cousin, Dr Jno McLean and Paris Simms. with Misses Mary [Tom??] Bentley, [Mannie??] Deavenport, [Marrie??] Matthews and Belle Rose, in the order named. The church was beautifully and tastefully decorated and the cer-emony employed was that requiring the use of the ring. They were married under the horse-shoe from the center of which was suspended the mono-gram JD (J.D.) I went over to Mr N.B. Simm’s residence but didn’t wait for supper. I wish them a long life of happiness & usefulness Wife wanted to go but could not. The weather changed last night and the thermometer was 161 marked at 4˚ below zero this morning. Last night was exceedingly cold. Closed the trade with Mester today and gave Harvey my notes for $106.13[??] each in 6 & 12 mos and took Mester & wife’s deed. Wednesday Dec. 29 1880. Worked in office until 4 P.M. Dinner at 4. and that’s about all. Thursday Dec 30 ` 1880. Did some office work during the day & at 5 PM. walked out home and saw the folk awhile and walked back at 7:30. Friday Dec 31. 1880. The last entry for 1880! A whole year’s record and so little accomplished. Out of wood at office and consequently no office work done. The children walked out home this morning and Lizzie and I followed at 11:00. Stayed until near 2:30 and walked back again. Mr. Ripply and Mr. Andrew Linam were in town today trying to make a trade on his Linam’s interest in the land sold to Mrs. Chambers. Some hitch and no trade made. The weather has been extremely cold for last two or three days ― no such thing as keeping warm day or night. Florrie and babes look well. Joe cutting 2 more upper teeth. He loves oranges, and sits and sucks at a piece like some old body. Well, I hope to start into the New Year right side up with care. Wife & I have been talking and revolving the idea of buying the old place — Mr Parkes ― and moving down there. We have concluded to do so if the price isn’t too much. 162 [Drawing about midway down the page reads: January 1st 1881.] Saturday, Jan. 1st. 1881. So the year has come and gone, with it have occurred many changes, some of them sad some delightful. Was up this morning betimes and down to my office and gave it a thorough cleaning up as it was New Year. Father got in last night Minnie remained in Columbia. Howell. Paid Howell $100 on my beef due Bill. and loaned Capt Deavenport 50¢. 163 1st. Sabbath in January 1881. 2nd day. This being my regular appointment at Shoal Mills I went down – walked as wife and children took the horse and buggy and went out to Wood Lawn. I had quite a pleasant walk, as the day has been bright and sunshiny. Preached at 10:30 to a good con-gregation from Eccle. VII & 10, visited Miss Thompson who is sick and walked home in company with Tommie Parkes and Crockett Horner. Knight had bro’t the buggy back from out home and I got in and went out to dinner. Spent the evening with the family. Bade Noah, Florrie & children goodbye, as they go home in the morning and then home. At 7:30 heard Bro Gabard at Methodist Church on “the deceitfulness of sin”. Weather still cold. Monday Jan’y 3rd. 1881. “First Monday” brought the usual crowd to town, selling buying and trading mules, horses, &c. Wrote a mortgage for John Gilbert to Jonas Springer on one bay mule named John. to secure a note of $2635 given by Gilbert to Springer this date due in 60 days. Attended to various office du-ties, but not much money made. Weather moder-ating. Sis Gus in to see us today – walked back – she enjoyed our turkey stuffed with oysters. Tuesday Jan’y 4 1881. Did some office during the day but all is entered of record there. Mr. G.T. Hughes came in from Columbia this evening, called here to investigate and settle an unmitigated slander against a good woman. Ford Paid [Sief] Richardson $200 in co claims on Mr Ford’s taxes. Got a load of wood from Boulier for office Made out Bill for a lot of Jeweler’s tools and will send off tomorrow. Made Rev. Report to Co Judge. Father went to Pulaski yesterday. Sanders Paid Geo. Sanders 75¢ Bal due on corn. 164 Wednesday January 5. 1881. Made out my Bill for watch maker’s tools & material, got P.O. order for $30.00 and mailed to W.B. Clapp, Young & Co 149 & 151 State Street Chicago Ills. Rec’d $52.00 from Jonas Springer the B/C in case of Gilbert vs Springer. Hughes went back this morning. Rose Paid W.S. Rose’s a/c in full $130 Weather warmer with rain and thawing. The frost coming out of ground makes mud everywhere. roads are next to impassable. Laura McD. moved to house opposite C.P. Church. Thursday January 6 ‘ 1881. Not much done today as it has rained nearly all day. Went to prayer meeting to-night at Meth. Church. Only the pastor, Mr. Harvey Dr Harvey Bro Wm & self there. Mailed Execution to Maury Co to Jno. Hildreth vs Aaron McManus. $29.55 Friday Jan. 7 – 1881. Bot 1 Hog from J.M. Gilmore this evening weighing 210 lbs @ 5¢ $10.50 paid him cash. Knight & I cut it up and salted it. Have done but little office work during the day. Our babe very fretful as he is cutting teeth. Weather colder & freezing. Children started to school yesterday. Saturday Jan 8. 1881. Schade Paid Jno Schade $100 on a/c for last year. Boulier “ Mr Boulier $100 on wood a/c. 2 ld’s at office Weidmer “ Mrs Weidmer $100 “ Eggs & Buttr[sic] a/c. Maj. Bate & Willie Simonton finished up transcript in Simonton vs Buchanan which they design carrying to Sup Ct. to apply for writ of supercedeas[sic] 165 2nd. Sab. in January 1881. 9th day. Children & I went to S.S. this morning, muddy as it was. Slim attendance. The decorations (?) which were arranged for Prof Johnson’s wedding had not been removed from the church and I refused to preach No service tonight. I intended to preach from St Peter X : 4 this A.M. Our babe is better today than yesterday and is quite gleeful. He now has four teeth. We think him quite a smart child, and he does love for the children, Geo & Mary & Sallie, to play out in the yard and “boo” at him through the window. The old man Weidmer is in a peck of fixes about going away. He is undeci-ded what to do. Celia wants to stay as does her sister Mary. Gave out prayer [??] for next Thursday night. At this writing. 530 P.M the rain is falling from north and freezing as it falls. Monday & Tuesday Jan’y 10 " & 11. 1881. Not much of consequence done yesterday or Monday. Maj. Bate left for Nashville this A.M. with Transcript in Simonton vs Buchanan. Tuesday – today a like entry can be made. Was in office all day but not much done. Did some little office work. Wrote Transfer from W.H. Sykes & Co to Clayton for Judgement[sic] vs Clayton in Henderson Co. J.H. McKey in town from Wayland Springs advertised Crescent Mills today. Wednesday & Thursday Jan 12. & 13./81 Not much to record for Wednesday. Today Messrs Hardin & Montague from Wayne had a motion case in my office. Tried to have a prayer meeting to night but failed as the church was locked up. Dr Harvey, H.P. Harvey & Capt. Murphy came and self & children went down. Weather mod-erating. Cousin Wes. to stay with us tonight. Hardin & Father took dinner with us today 166 January 14‘ 1881. Friday Really not one thing done by way of work today. Tommie Harmon called in to see me this eve. He is drumming for the house of Gray, Kirkman & Fall, hardware Nashville. I “beat” him out of his pocket knife and I now have it in my pocket. beat or no beat. Did something I ought not to have done today i.e. went Bobe Beckham’s security for $9250. for Nashville firm. Bill Love still drunk. During the night the weather changed from warm to cold in a “Jiffy” and this morning my shirt-tail like to have frozen while Knight was making a fire. Cousin Wes. left on hack for Mt. Pleasant the first trip for new hack. Gilmore J.M. Gilmore presented his a/c for $9.25 this eve. Garrett Bob Nelson brot me an order from Garrett on me for $130 which I accepted payable in the fixing of Nelson’s watch. Saturday Jan’y 15’ 1881. Jno T. Allen came down to attend to motion for [Recr??] in Wms vs Rob. & Gor. Dr Spottswood Paid Dr Spottswood $650 on his a/c this eve $650 Schade “ Jno Schade 1.00 on his a/c. Bal .10¢ Knight “ Knight 25¢ on wages 25_ Rec’d from Dan’l L Kelley on Bill costs $4.15 Bo’t load of hay from Jno. Busby this eve- Feel badly today, think have taken cold. Horner in from Mt. Pleasant on first return trip of new hack – Babe better. Learn that old Billy Johnson in 1st Dist died last Monday. 167 3rd. Sabbath in January 1881. 16- day Rode down to Factory at 9:30 in time for S.S. there, and at 10:30 preached to the usual congrega-tion from St. Luke XIV from 7’ to 11’ inclusive. They are talking of buying the organ at our church here in town for use at C.P. Church down at factory. I urged them to do so. They sing well and some of them understand music. I have gotten my consent to resign the pastorate of church here in town, and devote my time to church down at factory. Took my dinner with Loulie & Wm. today and want no more Jokes about being “uppy”. Tried to fix their clock, (Sunday Job.) and think maybe will run. Tommie Harmon took dinner at my house today. Called in to see [Mit??] Thompson’s sick sister and took some flowers out of pitt for her. Monday Jan’y 17. ` 1881. Went with Capt Deavenport out to Wm. Tripp’s to attend sale of personal effects of Cynthia & Green Powell which took place there today, P.G. Austin the auctioneer. Bot 1 counterpane for $200. Every thing went extravagantly high. W.J. Whitthorne from Columbia in town. Rained a cold Eastern rain from 11 to 1.O’clock. Father left for Mt. Pleasant today and Bro Wm for Pulaski to be present at meeting of Directors of N&FRR. Tommie Harmon left for Pulaski this A.M. D.A. Bentley has been arrested for passing coun-terfeit money – do not believe one word of it. The roads are almost impas-sable owing to freezes and thaws. Ford Got 1 Load of wood from Mr Ford .75¢ Mrs Ford & Judy left for Ohio this A.M. on Mt P. hack. 168 Tuesday & Wedn’dy 18’ & 19’ 1881 . Knight Yesterday Knight went to factory and got Bill of goods amounting to Did some mending & fixing on watches and beside this nothing of importance. E.P. Chaffin, who has been in Brooklyn N.Y. navy yard for 12 months, returned yester-day eve; is on his way to Pensacola Fla. Dodd. Today, Wed’y. received 1 Hog 123 lbs from old man Dodd on Deavenport lands sold him. 123lbs @ 6¢ (extra cent allowed him) $7.38 Cut up and salted the shoulders & hams. Fixed Dr Neals’ watch $1.00 The weather continues muddy―very. D.A. Bentley was acquitted yesterday of the charge of passing counterfeit money. Dave Burns was put in Jail yesterday on account of being a dangerous lunatic. Minnie & Wes came in from Columbia & Mt. P. on hack yesterday eve. Minnie has been gone since before Christ-mas. Father Michael Graff left for Ohio Monday. Dr Harvey went to Nashville to put Buchanan right on senatorial question – right means he must vote for Whitthorne. Thursday & Friday. Jan 20-21 Nothing to record on yesterday. Howell Paid Howell 1.00 Bal in full of his a/c. Let Mr. Johnson have Swennie’s watch charges on same $2.25 Sent out and got wild goose from Avey this eve, will have it for dinner tomorrow. 169 Saturday January 22. 1881. Geo. & I started early this morning with “Joe Spottswood” (pointer dog) for a bird-hunt. We walked all day, nearly, and killed―nothing. Got some sweet cream and tea cakes out at Mother’s. Mrs Spottswood came in this eve from her pleas-ure “exertion”― [Marrie??] & Anna with her. Weather cold and ground frozen. 4 `Sab. in Jan’y 1881. 23rd day. Preached my last sermon to the congregation at L.burg today from Nehemiah X & 39. The cir-cumstances that have produced this result are various, but chief are that the church has failed to pay me anything and have gotten so very lethargic in all spiritual matters that I felt it to be an injustice to both them and myself to continue longer in this manner. I may write out the full story, or rather history at some time. Suffice it to say that the eldership is rotten & Bro Wm Simonton with the exception of Bro Wm. Parkes ^ One has been drunk for weeks and had to be taken to the country to sober up and get rid of the “deliram[sic] tremers[sic]”, the other one is a frequenter and cons-tant attendant and hanger-on at saloons and drinking shops and plays cards with the young men of the town. These are serious facts but I am an eye witness to the truth of them. One other of the elders never comes to church, though blameless otherwise. Had wild goose for dinner, and as there was no service tonight Lizzie & I went up to Bro. Wm’s and spent an hour and a half after supper. The weather is clear and cold. Clear for the first time in several weeks. 170 Monday & Tuesday Jany 24 & 25. 1881. On these two days nothing of any particular importance occurred. W.R. Love, our Co. Register is still drunk. This makes something like 6 weeks he has been drinking. Wrote to Kate on Tuesday. Wednesday 26. Jan’y 1881. Got 10 Bu. Cotton seed from Kilpatrick @ 20¢ $2.00 W.R. Love Paid W.R. Love 50¢ in order to Garrett & Simms. This is an old bal. on lumber got from him for use of High School music room. Paid Mester 25¢ for a piece of Walnut plank. Mary sick and didn’t attend school today Mrs Weidmer Wife paid Mrs. Weidmer her egg & butter a/c today all but .43¢ meat I forgot to say that I hung my meat on yesterday. Weather warmer and threatening rain. Thursday Jan. 27. 1881. Tools Rec’d Tools and Bill from Otto Young & Co. Chicago by Hack last evening. Am’t of Bill $49.88. Cr. by cash $30.00 and Discount $1.23 31.23 Leaves Bal. @ g o d $18.65 Rec’d letter from Jno T. Wilkes asking for corrections in Butler-Robinson Transcript, Recd Trans. by Hack. Celia went to party at Cook’s. She will shake her foot. Friday Jan. 28 – 1881. Capt. Deavenport & I made corrections in the B-R. Transcript. Paid E. Wilson 50¢ for table for W.T. Beckham tools. Bot 80 lbs Lard @ 9¢ from W.T. Beckham, paid him $100 cash and due Bill. Worked getting ready for work on clocks & watches Sis Fannie called this eve. Weather cool & clear. 171 Saturday Jan’y 29. 1881. Paid W.T. Beckham Bal. in full of my due bill. $620 Not much done during the day. Father heard the application for rec’r in Sherrill vs Stewart. Weather cool and fair. Rev. T.J. Duncan from Columbia came in with Rev. C.S. Gabard and will preach tomorrow 5th Sabbath in January, 1881 30 ` day. This being the 5th Sab. and an “off” Sunday I have had quite a good time. In the morning attended our S.S. where we had quite an interesting lesson, and the exercises lasted until I just had time to run home after my sweet wife to go to church. Rev. Mr. Duncan preached a good sermon on dancing to a good large congregation. I admire his frank way of putting matters. This being Bro Wm Parkes’ 50” birth-day we received an invitation to dine at his hospital resi-dence. The table was well and elegantly filled. and Loulie S, Wm S. and babe, wife & I children with the family were there. When shall we gather all there again? At 3. PM. the Sunday schools and quite a congregation gathered in the church to hear a S.S. talk from Bro. Duncan. He spoke well and effectively: Text Zach. IV and 10. Tonight I heard Bro D. again on Intemperance and the liquor traffic. His preaching is effective on account of his earnestness. Mr Ford took supper with us. The day has been hazy but pleasant. Altogether the day has been pleasantly and I trust prof-itably spent. 172 Monday January 31. 1881 Attended in office all day and although quite a number of men in town not much done. F.M. Cannon, has purchased the [??] place, commonly known as the Haynes place from W.C. Davis at $1275.00 cash and Davis pays all costs. Rainey [sic] somewhat. Paid [??] Ezell, colored, 50¢ for hauling load of wood ato[letter a was marked out] office. Wife and I go down to hear Duncan again Tonight Feb’y 1st 1881. Tuesday. Paid Wm. Tripp the $2.00 for counterpane purchased at sale. Quite an excitement was stirred in town this eve. by a fracas betwen[sic] W.P.H. Turner and Prof LA. Johnson. Johnson knocked him down for calling him a “d―d liar”, and did just right. Johnson wanted Turner to pay his school Bill and he tried to curse it out but met with the wrong sort of a man. There is something due to a man’s manhood and character, preacher though he may be. I repeat it Luther did just right-he ought to have hit him harder. Wednesday Feby 2nd 1881. More Turner fracas. This time Bob Gaither & Mack Turner got into it. Bib tried to whip him but did not succeed owing to interference. Have worked on watches all day. Not much doing in the way of business. The new daily mail line from here to Mt. Pleasant goes into operation, or rather went into operation yesterday. 173 Thursday and Friday Feb’y 3 & 4“ 1881. I make no entry of any importance in these two days, only to say that Bro Wm left for Mt. P. Columbia & Nahsville on Thursday morning. We had a good prayer meeting on Thursday eve. Saturday Feby 5` 1881. Made my land sales in several cases today and did quite an amount of office work. I also have the satisfaction of recording the fact that I paid some debts, which are as fol-lows: J.M. Gilmore’s a/c in full $9.25 P.W. Spottswood on his a/c. 350 or 375. Jas Henderson “ “ “ $3.50 Celia Weidmer “ her wages. 1.30 I collected my Bill of cost in McManus case against R.H. Harvey Exr. $27.15 Dr. Harvey sold his Galloway land for a horse and cash $3500 of which last amount I got $20.00 for costs. Father came in from Columbia on the hack this from attendance on R.R. meeting. Our community is exercised over the presence of scarlet fever in the family of Sief Richardson. His two children have it. It is a dreadful disease. Did some work in watch shop today. Saturday night and I am tired! 174 First Sabbath in Febr’ary 1881 6th day. The community thought it best, owing to the presence of scarlet fever, to have no meeting of the Sabbath schools today. At 9 O’clock I went with Mary Lizzie to Shoal Mills. Lizzie and I thought it best to send the children away from town for a few days and so George is out at father’s and Mary L. with Wm. & Loulie Stewart. I preached today at the factory from Ec. XI. 1. Cast thy bread upon the waters for &c. Took dinner with Wm & Loulie and home at 1 oclock and spent the entire evening with my good wife Pray God we may escape the fell and dreadful disease of scarlet fever in our family and town. Sief Richardson’s child died with the fever this morning at 6 oclock. I pity the parents. First Monday in Febr’y 7` day 1881. Rainey [sic] and sloppy but the usual crowd in town as on first Mondays. Jno Beckham tried to make sale of a wagon and some other things today, but as I paid no attention do not know how the matter turned out. L.N. Hagan borrowed $225.00 from Jonas Springer today and made him mortgage on his place He paid me $216.25 of this am’t on his note for same land. Charged him $2.00 for writing mortgage. Tried to do some watch work but so many office didn’t make much speed. [Green??] [Gower??] in town trying to sell patent stove back. The weather is exceedingly dis-agreeable. Dr Harvey & I made calculation of interest on Weidmer matter. Bilter Paid Bilter 70¢ in full of his a/c to date. 175 Tuesday Feby 8 1881. Bro. Wm. came in tonight on hack from Pulaski Did some little office and shop work Made settlement with W.H. Dustin of the [??] McDonnold matter which is entered at office. Wednesday Feby 9 ― 1881. More rain, more wind and more mud. Ever since last Sunday night the rain & wind has run riot. Not much doing in office. Tom Dunn came in on hack from Mt P. on return from Louisville. Some more new cases of scarlet fever rumored. Thursday Feby 10 - 1881. The morning dawned fair and bright, something quite unusual for some months as this has been a severe winter. E. Martin Bot a load of wood from Mr. E. Martin 75¢ pd him .65 Bal. due him 10¢. This was for office. Sis Fannie called and spent the afternoon. No office work of any consequence. Did some en-graving on silver plate this afternoon Friday Feb’y 11 ` 1881. Col. S.E. Rose came in from Pulaski last evening and was in the office during the day. Uncle Wm. Busby came in & stays with us tonight. Fred Martin took dinner with us today. Wrote a letter to Elizabeth Wesson, wife’s cousin in “Old England.” Some office business done but as it is a matter of record will make no men-tion here. 176 Saturday February 12th. 1881. Made a sale of the Crescent Cotton Mills and lands was made to-day to Dr R. H Harvey Ex’r of L.[Mino??] Bentley for $15.000.00 about 3/5 “ of its worth. Last night the elements joined in a burst of general “tear-loosed-ness”, the wind went on a high, and this morning dawned with a fierce effort at snow. The sun peeped through the rifts of storm clouds and seemed to smile in derision at the place where about 75 loads used to repose in my wood yard, but the place that once knew them now knows them no more except about 4 loads and the ground frozen. Loaned Deavenport 50¢ this evening. Busby Paid Uncle Wm Busby on my note $1000 in silver and credited same on the back. Mary L. came back from factory this A.M. 2nd Sabbath in Feb’y 1881. 13`day. This morning attended Sabbath School at the C.P. Church and quite an interesting time we had, too, with Bro. Wm as teacher of the whole school Took my dinner at 12 M. and then walked out home to bring George home. He has been out there a week today. Came home at 2:30 Father got in from Nashville last evening All the “children” at home now. 177 Monday, February 14“ (St. Valentine’s day) 1881 The morning opened fair, cold and windy, but about 12 oclock turned into rather warmer. Done about smartly in the watch business laying in $3.00- Haynes. Solon Haynes paid me $20.00 on rent of Horne place. Horner moved into town today occupying the old Bentley hotel. Mary & George went out home with cousin Wes to stay awhile until danger of scarlet fever is decreased. Wrote note for Weidmer and wife to sign of $300. and Tom Dunn & I are to secure $108.00 and deduct same from his two girls wages who are now doing service with us. A.W. Bentley was arrested Sat. evening last on a charge of counterfeiting. Tuesday & Wednesday 15 & 16 -1881. Wd’y, Wm Reeder’s child died at Shoal Mills of scarlet fever. Thursday 17- Feb’y 1881. E. Martin Mr. Martin hauled me 4 loads of wood today @ 75 $3.00 I paid him $200 Bal due him 1.00 I also owe him on Bal. of wood a/c office .10 Mr Price hauled me loads on a contract of 5 cords @ 150 Min in town this morning. Capt D. paid me the 50¢ he borrowed. Mrs. Spottswood planted some garden this eve radish, and lettuce. Will watch how they turn out. 178 Friday Feby 18` 1881. Not much done in my office during the day as it commenced to rain at about 8 oclock and has made a day of it since. Garden Before it commenced raining this morning I forked up three beds and sowed 1 paper of Lettuce seed, 1 paper of Radish and a bed of spinach. This is our first gardening for this year Gilmore Loaned Esqr. J.M. Gilmore $50.00 this eve and took his note 1/0. I think him an honest, earnest conscientious man, desiring to make a clean living and I like to do a favor for such a one. Otto Young & Co Rec’d some more material from Otto Young & Co Chicago to amt of $5.54 Bill ordered previously 49.82 $55.36 By cash sent them 31.23 Bal due them 24.13 Saturday Feb`y 19` 1881. Employed myself in the watch-fixing business pretty well all day. Filed one Bill in case of Wm. Simonton etals vs S.E Rose etals. Rec’d $5050 from S.A. Carrell in Bailey vs Smith etals. Paid Henry [Reunnebaum??] for a/c Geo Mester on the door frames for Capt Deavenports office $200. Capt D. told me he had paid him $150 leaving bal due him $0.50¢ on door frames. Hired [Reunnebaum??] to do balance of work at $150 per day. The children came in from out home this eve. Old lady Speers, Billy Reeder’s mother-in-law at Shoal Mills was buried today. Turned quite cold last night and snowed some today. Our boy grows and is so funny. 179 3rd. Sabbath in Feb’y 1881. 20" day. Well I have gone through with quite a day of labor. Quite early I mounted old Jim and went to church at Shoal Mills, arriving in time to open the Sunday School. I heard the lesson of Bible Class and closed the school and there devoted about twenty minutes to singing exercise. Preached at 11 Oclock from 2. Cor. 2:16. to a very good congregation. Took dinner with Old Bro Neely and at 1 O’clock I lectured on the subject “When did we get our Bible?” The church was crowded and all seemed instructed and edified. Home at 4 Oclock. Had Min, Sis Gus and Bro Gabard to supper with us. I really felt so exhausted that I have concluded not to at-tend service tonight. Wife went to church today and Mary had the job of attending to Joe. He (Joe) is a rat-ling babe and it takes a good hand to keep him amused. The day has been cloudy and fair by turns Monday Feby 21. 1881. Spent the morning at factory fitting chuck to my lathe and then broke neck off after I got it home. E Martin Paid Mr. E. Martin the Bal of $100 due him on wood a/c. Sis Gus & Min went home this eve. Weather fair. Bro Gabard and self went and prayed with the Miss Thompson who is sick at factory. She is a consumptive and will not last long. 180 Tuesday Feby 22. 1881. Spent the entire day in superintending the putting in of door casings in the new office to be occupied by myself & Capt D. Have paid out for same so far. To Geo Mester for frames. 2.00 " Wilson & [Reumbaum??] for work 1.50 " " " " Transom .50 " Geo Mester for lumber to stop old door .35 " Negro Will for removing old brick .20 " J.M Gilmore for nails .10 " " " " 1 broken hammer .35 Gave Norris machinist at Crowson Mills the broken mandrel for lathe to make new one. Rec’d from Willis McDonnold thro’ F.M. Cannon on his second note $107.00. Corrected a mistake of $1000 on the pay-ments on his first note. Loaned Judge Rose $250 out of McDonnold money. Wednesday Feb’y 23rd 1881. The following expenditures were made for the new office: [Reumebaum??] & Wilson, fixing door frame Walter Thomas waiting on brick-mason .30 Mr [Marr??], brick mason ½ day’s work Copied Bill during day and fixed some watches the watch money turned over to the Treasurer “which that’s my old woman” She’s got the big end of the law on me in this watch fixing bus-iness. JJ Pennington of Henryville in town. Weather fair and somewhat warmer. Ada Neal sick. 181 Thursday Feby 24 `1881. The following expenditures for office today―I mean the new office: Paid [Runnebaum??] & Wilson for stripping door face .50 “ Mr. Marr for brick work & plastering 2.25 “ Mr. Ford for 1 load sand .25 Miss Burgess Paid Miss Louise Burgess for Mary’s music 5.25 Have been quite busy all day. Capt D. still down at Chennby. Garden Planted row of early peas. The weather is rather warmer than it has been, wind from the south. Went to prayer meeting tonight. Friday Feb’y 25 – 1881. Columbia This morning bright and early George and I mounted Horner’s hack and started for Columbia. We had the brightest day of the season and arrived at Mt Pleasant at 1:30. Went on train to C. and arrived at 3. P.M. Down town and transacted some business which is as follows. Bot 1 Bbl Flour ([Kuhn??]) 1 Bbl Potatoes. (E.[N??].Gamble) Sundries, seeds &c. to am’t of $5.75. Saw Laura, Henry and children. Father Bro. Wm. and all of us staid[sic] with Henry. Saturday Feby 26 – 1881. Started home this morning with quite a crowd of the stock holders of N.&F.RR. [Cam??] down to Mt. Pleasant with Father Henry & Bro. Wm. Took deck passage on Horner’s hack at 12. M. and after some rain Geo & I arrived this eve at 6 P.M. Found all o.k. with Sis Gus with my “old goody” Noah Hancock in from Giles. 182 4" Sabbath in Febr’y 27 - 1881. Owing to rain and mud no Sabbath school at either church. Went down town and got me one of Benson’s porous plasters and put it on my back, and have nursed my rheumatism in the house all day with the exception of going with wife to Bro Wm’s to see Bettie & Billy Gilmore who came in from Pulaski last week. Bro Noah, Min & Wes. came in and Wes. took dinner with us. Sis Gus minded Joe while Lizzie & I went to Bro Wms. The wind has shifted and is now in the North and blowing quite cold. I have neuralgia and rheumatism so that I can hardly rest. Our boy Joe grows finer and more interesting each day it seems to me. Monday Feb’y 28 ` 1881. Price. Paid Mr. Price $2.00 on wood a/c. Bal due him according to Ed. his boy is $1.00 Cannon Bot. 3 Bbls corn from Mr Cannon @$200 $6.00 Got this on a credit. Worked some on my lathe. Wind still from the North and quite cold. Tomorrow is the first day of what should be spring. Garrett Paid Garrell[sic] $3.00 in full of a/c for 1880. Brown & Paris Simms started for Washington City this A.M. Tuesday Mch 1. 1881. Wife, Joe Sis Gus and Knight went out home this A.M. and staid[sic] all day. Employed myself in the office. Took dinner by myself. Bro Comer in town. Weather fine. Had Howell to put out my fruit trees Widmer today. Paid Widmer $20.00. Wrote out the agreement between himself & Harvey. T. Dunn also paid Widmer $20.00 This all comes out of 183 Mary’s & Celia’s wages. Widmer & wife signed the agreement. The amt was $399.75 this date. payable annually every year for 4 years. I am glad the old gentleman has his matters finally adjusted. Dr H. & myself both calculated the amt yet due and made it same. My ailment―rheumatism―is no better. Wednesday & Thursday. Mch 2. 3. 1881. Rec’d Bill of Flour from Depot Mills Columbia $7.50 Jake McDougal hauled 4 loads of wood 4.50 Went to church but had to come back on account of rheumatism – had wife to rub me with St Jacob’s oil. [??] Thursday ― 3. Paid E.B. Wilson $1.50 on fees in Bassham vs Jackson “ Jake McDougal on wood a/c 2.25. Bal. $2.25 Sent shoes back to Embry & [Frierson??]. Paid Mr. Oliver for chairs 22 lbs flour 44¢ cash 50. .94 This over-pays him 4¢ for his work. Did some work in office and some on lathe. Weather quite cold and trying to snow. Bentley & wife back from Columbia Bro Comer in office and sat awhile. Saturday Mch 5. 1881. Made no record yesterday as nothing of [moment??] transpired. I might note that Harry Parkes has been sick this week with something like scarlet fever is better this evening. David Rose came in on Wed-nesday last from a protracted visit―before Christmas. Was busy in office today. Sold land in case of Holmann vs Heuser. Bill Love, Capt Deavenport and Jim Stewart all drunk. Weather still cold with wind from the North. Geo went out to Mother’s this evening. 184 First Sabbath in March, 6” day, 1881. Went down to factory to S.S. this morning and heard the Bible class, and at 11 O’clock preached from Gal. VI: 9:10 Went to see the Miss Thompson who is sick with consumption. I prayed with and for her and encouraged and consoled her as well as I could, and came home to dinner at near 1 O’clock. Sis Gus Min & Wes in to church this A.M. Spent the evening with wife and children. Went down to hear Bro. Gabard tonight on the subject of prayer. Came home and George read a Chapter in the Bible and we had family prayer. I beseeched the Divine Being to watch over and guide my dear children into lives of purity and holiness through faith in the blessed Jesus. Harry Parkes is quite sick and Bro Wm. thought he was dying last night but he is better this evening. Weather quite cold but clear. Monday March 7 – 1881. Cook Paid Henry Cook on W.W. Vick order and a/c. $3.00 There is a balance due on all of .62 Paid Jake McDougal on wood a/c. .75.Bal due 1.50 Sent off Bills to Maury, Giles, & Warren postage 72¢ in case of Simonton vs Rose. Quite a crowd in town and many drunk. This whiskey business is ruining the country. Reese Johnson’s babe died at Shoal Mills last night and was buried today. Ed Parkes was taken with this disease called scarlet fever. Harry is better. Sammy & Uncle Wm. Busby took dinner with us. Tuesday Mch 8` 1881. Garden Worked in my garden nearly all day. I prepared my hot beds and sowed early York Cab-bage, Tomatoes and Celery. Prepared another bed for onion sets and Celia, wife Knight & I put out the buttons. Afterwards sowed bed of curled cress for early table salad. Went down town 185 at 5 PM. in time enough to see Paris Simms knock Bill Love down and cuff him with his boot. As usual Bill was drunk. Dodd Old man Dodd paid me a Ten Dollar Bill on the piece of land he bought from Deavenport estate. I must not forget to see to the old man’s matters at next court, and have the sale confirmed to him The day has been clear and cloudy by turns and has turned off quite cold. Wednesday Mch 9. 1881. Employed myself all day in office copying a Bill—long one—in case of Simonton vs Rose. Prof. Johnson wanted me to teach his school, but had too much to do. He has sore throat. Paid Price the $1.00 balance of his wood a/c in full. Garden Sowed two rows of parsnip this evening. Weather cold with wind from North. Thursday Mch 10 1881. Finished copying Bill, painted a sign board each for Jimmie Henderson and Horner first coat, fixed a watch and worked some in garden. This is about the day’s proceedings. Bro True was in town this morning wanting to sell 20 odd Bales of cotton. Bro Comer here also. The day has been fine and more spring like than usual. All the sick at Sis Fannies are better. Friday Mch 11. 1880[sic]. Gardened until about 1 Oclock and then went to office. Ordered a Drill chuck from F.A. [Hull??] & Co Danbury Conn. Planted peas, onions, Carrots, summer turnips and helped the children “do up” their little gardens. Looks like rain. Brown Simms came in this eve. Jake Paid Jake 75¢ on his wood a/c. 186 Saturday M'ch 12 - 1881. Worked some in office during the day and as it was Saturday “circulated” some. Did some watch fixing to am’t of 50¢. E. Martin. Paid E. Martin $2.00 on his post hauling a/c. 4[2??] posts @ 6¢ $2.40. Owe him 40¢. The day has been quite blustery - in fact a real March day. I was informed by Mr. Dunn & Dustin that Mr. Dus tin had been removed as post master at this place. I wonder if the votes Buchanan gave for Maynard accounts for Jno Simms going in as his successor? Min in and stays all night with us. Recd [??] from Giles in case of Simonton vs Rose. executed. 2nd. Sabbath in March, 13` day 1881. We had no Sabbath school at our church this morning, as Bro Wm’s family has had the “Contagion” and he doubtless thought it best not to come down. So, Geo, Minnie Mary L. and self went down to Methodist Church to S.S. and I heard the Bible class. Afterwards came home and spent the entire evening with “der family”. Minnie, Geo, Mary L & self went out to W.S. Rose’s this eve for a few minutes. The weather has been quite fair & spring like today and reminds me of spring gentle Annie. No preaching in town during the day—I think when the long summer days come they will want somebody to say something in a sermonizing way. 187 Monday March 14- 1881. Have been busy all day—I like it. I first put another coat of paint on Jimmie Henderson’s sign. Wrote out some notices for J.M. Sykes and also a petition for release as W.R. Love’s security on his of-ficial Bond as Register. Made a compromise of my cost in the case of R.G. Wisdom vs W.W. Neal, taking Mrs Susan Wall’s note for $2500 due 15” Nov. 1881. Made $225 fixing a watch bro’t in by J.M. Sykes. Day cloudy but warm. Wrote out the answer of Mrs. Linam in case of C.B. Davis vs A.F. Wiley etals. I garnisheed Mrs Linam and she answers thereunder. Tuesday March 15 ` 1881. Have put in the day on odd jobs here and there hardly worth mentioning, but at any rate I have been busy. My old cow “Lilly” got down in the ditch this morning and have had quite a time doing for her with hot lard and eggs. She can’t get up now but is better. Feel sorry for her little calf. paid Jno Schade $5.25 on my shoes. Bal due .25 Mother came in and stays all night with us. Put in one row of salsify late this evening. Bass Sowell, who has been in Giles for last three weeks waiting on his Bro-in-law Marks who is dying of consumption, came in last eve. Wednesday Mch 16- 1881 The day has been rainey[sic] and muddy. Old “Lil” departed this life at 2 Oclock today and left her little calf to Mary Lizzie. Worked on clock and watch all day in office. No one in town as it is too bad to stir around much. Deavenport and Love still drunk. 188 Thursday Mch 17 – 1881. I am out done with Deavenport & Love who have now been drunk for nearly three weeks. I do not see how they stand it. Mother went home this evening. I like to have her with us; she is the only mother I have and I think a great deal of her. E. Martin Paid E. Martin 25¢. Bal due him on posts .15¢. Worked in watches today some, and then hung a gate at home. Wrote to T.S. Marr in regard to his purchasing Tenn. money. It is a settled thing that Brown Simms goes in as post master. W.H. Sykes & Co. got a Gin from Hope Mills, which according to statement of Sykes, Gibbs, Norris and others is not worth much. Dustins telephone works finely. Friday Mch 18" 1881. Cook, Avey On the order of Jno. T. Allen and by virtue of and Ford the transfer of R. Avey to H. Cook in case of R. Avey vs Thomas Ford & wife, I paid Cook the first $2500 instalment[sic] of the $7500 compromised judge-ment against Ford & wife. I will take a transfer from Cook tomorrow. I paid the money to Lizzie Cook’s daughter. Paid Jake McD. 25¢. Bal due 25¢. I am sorry to record the death of A.F. Horner at Dan Kelley’s on [Knob??] creek today at 2 Oclock from pneumonia. He was an energetic, stirring man and was making a good citizen. His place will be difficult to fill as there are so many loafers and dead beats that an energetic man is sadly missed. He was my friend and I his. Requiescat in pace. Tommie Harmon came in from Florence Ala this eve on a business trip for the house in Nash’lle he represents. He looks well. Our babe complaining 189 Saturday Mch 19- 1881. Made some Chancery sales today in cases of K&T. vs R.L. Metals— Simonton vs Brandon ― no not B. but Buchanan. G.H. Nixon Paid Jo.P. Kidd taxes for myself and GH. Nixon. My Taxes. own was $19.36 Fathers was 36.50. Took Rects. This am’t must be charged up on father’s a/c. at safe. A.F. Horner was buried today at 6 P.M in the town cemetery. He died at Dan. Kelley’s. Bro Gabard read the burial service of the M.E.C.S. and I offerred[sic] the usual prayer. The weather has turned quite cold since morning and is now blowing “great guns” Anna, Esqr. Gilmore’s daughter is sick with scarlet fever— so-called. Hope it will die out soon 3rd. Sabbath in March, 1881.― 20 " day. This morning George and I prepared ourselves with over-coats, for the day has been cold, and wended our way to Shoal Mills, walking as we preferred it. We got there in time to say our lesson, stopping for a tew minutes at Loulie’s to see her, Wm. and baby. At 10:30 I preached to my usual con-gregation from 1 Thess. V: 9 & 10. Old sister Davis shouted. It was the wrong place in the sermon to shout but she “went off” regardless. I am always willing right or wrong place. Came home to a good dinner and have spent the entire evening with wife and Joe. Joe is fretful and feels badly on account of his teeth we think. Bro Gabard married a couple at Mester’s hotel today at noon The wind has been cold and fierce all day. Went down to hear Bro. G. at church tonight. Lizzie mailed letter to sis Mattie. 190 Monday Mch 21. 1881. Looked over my record at office to get the run of the Court business. did some watch work and mending. Garrett Paid Jim Garrett $1000 on a/c. Bal. about $11.50 A.O. Williams in town from Marcella Falls. Cornell from Summertown in the burg. W.H. Dustin left for Nashville this a.m. The day has been cloudy and rainey[sic]. Geo. went out to WoodLawn this morrning. Our baby is sick with cold and teething. Tuesday March 22. 1881. Snow Spring time poetry was “Kilt intirely” last night by a fine sized snow storm and the ground was white as Santa Claus beard this morning. The wind has been from N.W and cold – quite cold – all day. Finished the lettering on Jas. Henderson’s sign today and a cold job it was too. Boulier Paid Mr Boulier 35¢ bal. in full of his wood a/c. Recd of W.G. Myers the full amt of his first land note $95.50. Twenty Dollars of which was in gold and I gave it to wife to “put by”. Outside of a first class row between T.L. Bentley & Wm Winn, in which a few “dornicks” were flung, nothing new in the burg. Paid Scinda Thomas 25¢ for Knight in order to D&D. Chgd same in Knight’s a/c. The babe better, but his teeth hurt him & make him fretful. 191 Wednesday Mch 23. 1881. Roper Paid W.A. Holloway atty in fact of Elizabeth Roper $26.25. part of her share in Bassham estate: took rect. Paid E. Martin 90¢ for rails for fence. Made $200 at watch business. Paid Jake McDougal in full. The day has been bright and sunny but cold. No news of importance in town, only John Schade leaves for Pulaski soon ― in the morning. His son John has been there a week or more a typo in the Herald office. Minnie in town this A.M. and got the bundle father sent down from Nashville. Garrett Gave J.W. Garrett a check on Giles Nat. Bank for $56.60 this morning; he handing me that much cash. Babe much better. Thursday Mch 24- 1881. Have put in the entire day fixing up my fencing. I turned our cow lot into my garden and fixed up the side fence between cow lot and Mester lot the best I could. Hired Howell ½ day Wilson Paid E.B. Wilson Bal. of $200 for fees in Bassham vs Jackson. Mrs McIntosh and daughter came in from Pulaski this eve. Weather finer with no danger of frost tonight My good old lady loves to be around while I am working as much as she can for at-tending to Joe, and I love to have her around. We have been married a good long time, but I have never tired of her society, and today had rather sit down and talk with her than any body in the world ― she is a woman of sense is the reason I Judge. Too tired for prayer meeting. 192 Friday, Mch 25 1881 Our babe Joe is Eight months old today. He is a fine boy and loves his daddy. Howell, Knight & I put in the best part of the day gardening. Planted salsify, Irish potatoes, bedded sweet potatoes, set salsify roots for seed, sowed beets and radish. This took us until 3 o’clock when Geo & I went fishing and caught mama a “small string of small perch” Paid Howell $100 for this day’s & yesterday’s work. Esqr. [Wm’s??] informs me that Marcella Falls Co. has or intends going into liquidation He said it was to keep from being annoyed by certain parties. Weidmer Paid Mrs Weidmer 50¢. Bal due her 20¢. Williams Gave A.O. Williams order to D&D for $500 A.O. amt I owe Marcella Falls Co. for while [Luisey??]. Weather still continues warm. Saturday Mch 26 1881. Last night after we had gotten to bed an equinoctial storm set in with the usual ac-companiements [sic] of thunder and lightning and ended in a heavy hail storm. This morning finds the wind N.W. and cold as December. Made some money watch fixing which was duly turned over to the Banker (my wife). E. Martin Mr Martin got 15¢ in order to Sief Richardson this eve. Sent P.O. order to Phila with W.S. Rose for book. on watch repairing. W.H. Dustin came in from Nashville this eve. Got pr. shoes for Geo at Simms bros. 193 Fourth Sabbath in March 27 – day 1881. Last night gave us a fine large frost – in fact the ground was quite frozen. Do not think it killed the fruit. This morning bright and early wife, Joe & George harnessed old Jim to the buggy and went out home to spend the day— Mary L. has been there for some time. We enjoyed ourselves immensely, especially about the dinner hour, as mother tried herself on the “spread”, and I just ate! Walked about the place down to the mill with Wes and back home at 4 P.M. Home! Indeed there is no place like it. I sometimes suffer from the thought of some future providence which will change the status of my present happy, blessed home. Its quietness is found nowhere else in this busy, moving world. Its blessed evening hours of ease and comfort cannot be found away from its hallowed hearthstone. My wife’s face is the sunshine that illumines it and her presence makes it holy pure & peaceful. Our children, under her christianly, womanly pure influence cannot, under God’s providence reach anything else but honored womanhood and manhood. May Our Father spare us in his tender mercy to live many years of usefulness and give us grace for the training of those whose lives and characters he has committed to us; and may we strive, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, to live such lives as they shall love and reverence the memory of when our “Life’s labor song is sung And the ebon arch is sprung Oe’r the shady couch of death so still.” 194 Monday, March 28" 1881. Spent the day in and around my office transacting some business connected with same. J.H. McKey Esq, in from Wayland Spr’gs to attend to some of his cases. Wrote a mortgage from A.W. Bentley & wife to Dr Harvey on 12 acres of ground north of town, Dr H. paying Charles Knapp $105.25 and loaning B & wife $20.00 outside. The intention of all the parties was to place Dr H. in Knapp’s place. so far as security was concerned. Paid W.T. Rose $1.25 the am’t he advanced for me on Book ordered. Bo’t $400 Tennessee money, new issue, from Judge Simms for $100. Will take all he has at that and so told him. W.H. Hagan Trustee informed me he had paid the am’t of my last Rev. [Rept??] to County. in his settlement with Simms Judge. Weather fine and spring-like with wind South. Tuesday Mch 29˘ 1881. To-day was put in in the office at odd jobs. No money made none paid out. More cases of scarlet fever in town – Crocket & Tom Horner. The wind shifted during the night and this morning was quite cold. At this time 6:30 P.M. it has turned itself into a regular Nor’Wes-tern “Blizzard” with sleet snow and ice. I ground out some machine poetry on the situation thusly The winter came back with a terrible vim And caught him a hold of a peach tree limb, and danced and shouted with awful screeches “I guess I’ve got yer sweet little peaches 2nd verse, I’ll wrap them up in a sheet of ice I’ll smear ‘em frost – they’ll be so nice 195 So round the trees the old Dickens ran And left nary a peach for wife to can. 3rd verse. We [the words “If we” are written over] can’t have our soft, sweet peaches Because the winter has pulled their little red breeches So we’ll have to eat garden truck and taters And wife she can can big red tomatoes 4 ~ verse In place of the peaches, by gum. Wednesday Mc’h 30˘ 1881. Last night was a “whizzer”! This morning the ground was covered with snow and the wind has blowed blue blizzards all day and as cold as kraut Paid Joe Stewart $325 for 40 large & 14 small posts. Besides this nothing of importance done Want to do some fencing tomorrow. Jackie Ann Thompson, the young lady who has been sick so long at Shoal Mills died last night at 2. O’clock. She was ready. Out of wood at office — and almost at home. Hope this weather will change. Thursday Mch 31. 1881. Bobe Beckham’s child died today – scarlet fever. E. Martin Paid Calvin Davis for E. Martin 75¢ for load of wood at office. Frank Wolz worked for me today putting up fence. I made an arbor for grape vines. Mrs’s Dustin & Dunn called this eve as did Loulie S. & Wm. Weather still cold and wind just “sizzing” from N.W. Mr. Dunn got back from Nashville this eve where he has been looking after tax business. Celia got pr. Shoes at D&D’s 1.50 chrg’d to a/c. Mailed postal to Hughes. Co. Finance committee examined my books this eve. http://server15947.contentdm.oclc.org/u?/journals,807

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