GIBSON COUNTY, TN - Misc - Diary of Fidelia Mayfield Nov 2, 1891 - Feb 16, 1895 =========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: John A. Scruggs ============================================================================ DIARY OF FIDELIA MAYFIELD NOV. 2, 1891 THRU FEB. 16, 1895 Monday, Nov. 2, 1891. This is a clear, cool day. Aurie, Eugene and I went to school today and had a fine time. Mr. Dougan went to Humboldt this evening and Bessie, Ralph and John came over here and spent the evening. Bessie has a bone- felon starting on her thumb. Pa and Buddie gathered corn and ploughed in wheat today. Ma and Pearl quilted on one of my quilts today. It was the first quilt I ever pieced. Tues., Nov. 3, 1891. We have had a cloudy day, but no rain yet. The pond and branches are all dry and we have to water all the stock out of the well. The water is so stirred up that we can't drink it. Aurie and I went to John Ragan's after water this afternoon. Ma has a very bad cold. Several of the scholars were absent from school today. Elsie had a chill this afternoon. Wed., Nov. 4, 1891. We went to school this morning and had a very pleasant day. Annie Coleman got sick today and went to Miss Mollie's. Mr. Dougan, Bessie, Ralph and John were here tonight. Bessie's bone-felon is worse. The well bucket has fallen in the well. Thurs., Nov. 5, 1891. This is a bright, pretty day. Bessie and her family spent the day today and are here tonight. Bessie had her thumb split to the bone this morning. It is better now. Elsie, Anna & I have fine times hunting up hickory nuts at school. We crack them with brick. Fri., Nov. 6, 1891. Aurie, Eugene and I went to school today. We had speaking this afternoon. Pearl and Ralph came to hear us. Ralph talked out loud in books, and all the school would laugh. The name of my speech was "Kissing Goodby." Pearl got acquainted with Miss Irene Ramsey. Mr. Hess came in his top buggy this morning and carried Miss Irene to Fruitland this aft. When we got back from school Bettie Ann and Alice Woods were here. They came after milk. Bessie and her family and Willie Dougan are here tonight. Sat., Nov. 7, 1891. This has been a cloudly day. Pearl and Aurie went to Bessie's to wash clothes. Eugene and I picked a little cotton. Bessie, Pearl, Aurie, Buddie, Willie and Mr. Dougan have gone over to Mr. Simpson's to hear him play on the fiddle. I guess this will be the last time they will get to hear him for he intends to move Monday. ------------------------------------ Aurie - Aurora (Mayfield) McCutchen Eugene - Eugene Mayfield Mr. Dougan - Samuel Pleasant Dougan Bessie - Letsy Elizabeth (Mayfield) Dougan Ralph and John - sons of Samuel P. Dougan and Letsy Elizabeth (Mayfield) Dougan Pa - John Nicholas Mayfield Buddie - Green Elias Mayfield Ma - Sarah Louisa ( Booth ) Mayfield Pearl - Margaret Luella ( Mayfield ) Taylor Willie Dougan - William Monroe Dougan, brother of Samuel Pleasant Dougan Page 2 Sun., Nov. 8, 1891. It rained so this morning that we didn't get to go to Sunday School. Bessie and her family and Willie spent the day here today. Buddie and Willie went to Mrs. Lou Campbells this aft. to see Mr. George and Frank. Bessie, Ralph and Mr. Dougan went home this eve. and they left John here to wean him. Mon., Nov. 9, 1891. It rained all the morning & we couldn't go to school. We went at noon but there was no one there. Aurie and I went to Bessie's this aft., then we came back and picked a little cotton. Pearl & Aurie have got all their cotton out. They make nearly 400 lbs. Tues., Nov. 10, 1891. This is a cloudy day. There were several scholars absent from school today. Anna B. and Nina Coleman didn't come. I missed them lots. Mr. Hess, Estelle and Frank Hardeson were the only ones at school yesterday. They stayed up there until ten o'clock then went home. "Aunt Lucy" came down and paid Pa $1.05 today for some beef. Pearl ironed today and Pa and Buddie planted wheat. Wed., Nov. 11, 1891. This is a fair pleasant day. We had a right full school today. Miss Irene went home last evening to see her mama, who has been from home about six weeks. Lula Ragan came to school today. I guess she won't come to school after this week. Elsie went home before school was out this eve to go to Fruitland. Thur., Nov. 12, 1891. Mr. J. D. Osier, one of Ma's old acquaintances, ( a school mate ) stayed all night here last night. He is an agent for Life Policy. He wanted Pa to join his company, but didn't get him to do so. We went to school today. Prof. Hess went up to Mr. Hessie Senter's at noon. Mrs. Sinthy B. and Miss Minnie Bradford came and sent some of the little boys after Mr. Hess. They stayed about an hour. Lula Ragan took the baby while Mrs. Sinthy went in the music room to hear Miss Irene play on the piano. We all had lots of fun with the baby. Pearl and Eugene are going 'Possum and potato hunting tonight. Buddie said he would give them 50cts for every o'pussum they catch. Fri., Nov. 13, 1891. This is a beautiful, clear day. Bessie came over here yesterday and took John home. We miss him lots. We had a fine time at school today. I expect this is Lula Ragan's last day with us. We had a spelling match this evening. Lillian Campell and Clarance Fitzgerald chose. Clarance's side beat. Sat., Nov 14, 1891. We picked a little cotton this morning. When we came to dinner Mr. Osier and Mr. J. R. Senter were here. They tried to get Pa to have his life insured but he wouldn't consent to it. After dinner I came up stairs and went to sleep and slept until just about dusk. Then I got up and made sure it was Sunday morning, but I soon found out that it was not. I have a problem in Algebra to solve tonight. I have the headache very bad. Eugene went to Fruitland this evening. --------------------------------------------- "Aunt Lucy" - an elderly negro woman Page 3 Sun., Nov. 15, 1891. Ma and Pa went to Eldad to preaching this morning. Pearl, Aurie, Eugene and I went to Sunday School. There were a good many there. Eugene went to Mr. Coleman's from Sunday School and Pearl went to Mr. Penn's. Mon., Nov. 16, 1891. This is a very rainy day. We didn't go to school today. I have been making a dress for myself. I haven't quite finished it yet. I am making it "yoke and belt." Aurie pieced on her quilt today. Ma is making a pair of pants for Eugene. Tues., Nov. 17, 1891. This is a pretty clear day. We went to school today. Some of the scholars got in late this morning and Mr. Hess "quarreled." He is going to take up school at half past eight o'clock and if any thing happens that they can't get there in time, he wants them to stay at home that day. Elsie went home at recess this afternoon. No one but Mr. Hess came to school yesterday. Wed., Nov. 18, 1891. Pa and Buddie went to town today. They got six pairs of shoes. Ma is sick. Thur., Nov. 19. We all went to school. We had a lecture at High Hill tonight. Aurie, Mattie Fitzgerald, Anna Dunlap and Mamie Campbell spoke. The music class furnished us music. Misses Minnie and Tommie Ramsey came to the lecture and played a duet for us. Mr. McFarland gave us a real nice lecture. The school sang two songs. We had a right good crowd. "Somebody" wanted the "pleasure of escorting me home" but I refused. Friday, 20. We went to school. We are having a written examination today. I had a chill this afternoon. They had a ciphering match this eve but I didn't feel like taking a part. Aurie and Warner Dunlap chose. Warner's side beat. Bessie, Ralph and John Floyd came this eve and are going to stay all night. Sat., 21. I am sick today. Bessie is over here. Ma has the Erysippelas very bad. Sun., Nov. 22, 1891. This is a real pretty day. Eugene went to Sunday School and preaching this morning. Pearl and Aurie and Eugene went to prayer meeting at Eldad this eve. Dr. Kilmer came this evening to see Ma. He pulled four teeth for Bessie. He said I had fever and gave me some medicine. Mon., 23. The ground was covered with snow this morning when we got up. Aurie is sick this morning and no one went to school from here but Eugene. He said there were only 15 scholars at school today. Tues., 24. Eugene went to school again this morn by himself. Aurie and I are better today. Ma is up. Bessie & family are here. Wed., 25. Aurie and Eugene went to school today. Mr. Dougan brought Ralph and Floyd over here today. Mr. Bledsoe's baby died yesterday and is to be buried at Oak Grove today at 11 o'clock. Bessie and Mr. Dougan intend going. Page 4 Thur., 26. We went to school today. Eugene came home at dinner to help Pa pull corn. They killed Frisk this morning for beef. Ralph and Floyd stayed here last night. Mr. Dougan took them home this evening. This is Thanksgiving day. If it had been a pretty day, we all would have spread dinner together. Lula Ragan came to school today. We had lots of fun. Buddie picked cotton this evening. He has several hired hands to help him. Fri., Nov. 27, 1891. This is a pretty day. Aurie and I went to school. Eugene stayed home this morning to help Pa pull corn. Aurie got sick and we came home from school at noon. Mrs. Jennie Campbell and two of her children spent the day here today. Mrs. Barnett and Annie came over and spent the evening. Buddie picked cotton all day. Pearl has the head-ache very bad. Sat., Nov 28. Pearl, Aurie and I picked the geese and ducks today. Pa and Eugene hauled corn till dinner, and Buddie picked cotton. Then Buddie helped Pa pull corn this evening while Eugene went to Fruitland. Sun., 29. Pearl, Eugene and I went to Sunday School this morning. We had a small crowd. Some nice little books were loaned to us to read. They belong to the Sunday School. Mon., Nov. 30. This is a very cold day. Pa and Buddie killed hogs today. Pearl and Eugene took the wagon over to Bessie's this morning and brought our big pot and tub home. Mr. Dougan came back with them to help kill the six hogs. Aurie, Eugene and I went to school. I have got lots of studying to do tonight as usual. Tues., Dec. 1, 1891. Aurie, Eugene and I went to school today. Pollie Dunlap's new piano came yesterday evening. Anna Bennett got her's this evening. They didn't study much today. I think they like them. The price was $400, but I don't think they gave that for them. Dec. 6, 1891. This is a cloudy morning. Bessie, Ralph, Floyd and Mr. Dougan came over here this morning. Aurie and Pearl went to Humboldt yesterday. Aurie got a dress, cloak and a pair of shoes for herself. Pearl got a nice black dress. They got a nice dress for me too. They stayed at Cousin Mattie Campbell's last night and came home this morn in time to go to Sunday School. We were expecting to have preaching at New Shiloh this morning, but I guess Mr. Spencer was sick, as he didn't come. We got real wet coming home from Sunday School. We stopped at Aunt Lucy's a little while. Bessie and her family spent the day here today. Dec. 7. This is a beautiful day. Aurie and I went to school. Eugene is sick. Annie Coleman was not at school today. We had a small school. Lots of the scholars are sick. As I have a great deal of studying to do tonight I will have to stop writing. ____________________________ Cousin Mattie Campbell - daughter of Polly Ann Mayfield & _________ Campbell, Mattoon, Ill Aunt Lucy - an elderly negro woman Page 5 Dec. 10, 1891. I went to school today. Aurie and Eugene are both sick. Eugene had fever last nite, but I think he is nearly well tonight. Estelle is right sick now. Elsie taught in her room yesterday and today. She likes to teach very well. There were only eight scholars in Mr. Hess's room today. We had a "fess" too. Dec. 11, 1891. This is a cloudy day. I went to school this morning but there were such few scholars we didn't have any school. Elsie, Donie Rogers, Bertha & Rosa Willerford and I were all that were there. Sickness has broken up the school. Nearly every-body has a dreadful cold. "Miss Donie Rogers says that it can't be hard study that is making all the school sick for if that was the cause she would be dead." Pearl is taking music lessons now. Several in the neighborhood met at the school house last night to decide whether to have a Christmas tree or not. They decided to have a post office. I said the last lesson in Rays 3rd part arithmetic yesterday. I guess we will review it a little next week and not take up a new book until after Christmas. Dec. 14, 1891. We all went to school today. We had a right small school. Elsie is sick. Mrs. Coleman is very sick. Dr. Kilmer staid there all night last night, she was so low. She has been speechless yesterday. Has the Pneumonia. Mattie Fitzgerald is right sick. They think she is taking the Pneumonia. Ma went to Mr. Coleman's this morning. We went to Sunday School yesterday. There was not many there. Jim Dunlap is sick and Warner is too. We played "Hide and Seek" today at school. We missed Elsie lots today. Dec. 15, 1891. It rained last nite, but cleared off today. Aurie, Eugene and I went to school today. This afternoon the Elocution class recited their recitations for next Friday night. Mr. Hess appointed Miss Irene and Estelle to decide which one spoke the best. They didn't tell anybody but him. We are going to have a concert Friday night. Only the Elocution and music classes are going to take a part. Mr. Hess is going to give the best speaker a present. Mr. Pratt Wood is here tonight. Dec. 16. Eugene and I went to school today. Ma went over to Bessie's this evening. Mrs. Coleman is a little better today. Our school is very small. We had only seventeen scholars today. We all practiced our peices for Friday night. Elsie hasn't been to school any this week. Tomorrow and Friday are review days. Dec. 18, Fri. Aurie and I went to the school house. We all practiced our recitations for tonight. Mr. Hess went to Humboldt after the Judges, Pro. Cheek and Mr. Forde, but they couldn't come. So the judges were Dr. Craig, Miss Senter and Mr. Galespie. Pollie got the prize for speaking best. Shakespeare was the prize. Mr. Campbell presented it to her. Miss Anna Chester and Elva Penn came home with us. Dec. 24, Thurs. It rained all day yesterday and the day before, but hasn't rained today. Pearl, Aurie and Pa papered Ma's room yesterday and put the carpet down. A little bird came to the window last night while Page 6 it was raining so hard and knocked. Ma raised the window and it came in. It staid with us all night and this morning flew away. Pearl, Aurie and Buddie went to Humboldt this eve. Mr. Dougan came over here this morning. Anna Bennett and Jodie H. came down here this evening. They came to the school house intending to help fix the "Post Office" but found no one there, so they came down here to see if we were going. They insisted on my going back with them so I went. We staid up there a good while and finally decided that we wouldn't have it as there was no one else coming. Mr. Dock Bennett passed by & told them it had been postponed. Anna, Estelle, Jodie & Mr. Bennett & I were the only ones there. Dec. 27, 1891. Sun. Eugene and I went to Shiloh, but there wasn't any Sunday School. We heard that Sallie Bet Hazlewood was to be buried at Eldad at one o'clock so we came home & told Pearl and Aurie. They went. Pratt Wood came yesterday and went with them. She died Saturday morn about six o'clock. Buddie went to Arkansas Saturday. Pa carried him to the train at Humboldt but they didn't get there in time for the six o'clock train & waited for the 12 o'clock. Ma and Pa went to Bessie's to spend the day. Dec. 28, 1891. Monday. Bessie came over here and Ma and Pearl went to Mrs. Barnett's with her. Pa and Eugene went to Humboldt to carry some wheat off. They got 75 cents a bushel for it. Eugene and I were invited to a little folk's party at Mr. "Fait" Dunlap's, but I couldn't get Eugene to go with me. It was Tom and Anna's party. I was sorry I couldn't go. Dec. 29, 1891. Tues. Ma and I went to Mrs. Kate Bennett's. Mr. Ben Thomas was over there. Elsie and I went up to Mr. Willis Bennett's to get Anna to come back with us & stay all night, but she & Hugh had just gone to Mr. Dock Bennett's. We saw her new piano. It is very fine & has a very sweet tone. I rode Emma Lee & Elsie rode Dan. Mattie broke aloose & came home. Elsie came home with me & we intended to leave Emma here & for me to ride behind Elsie back to her house to stay all night, but as Mattie had come home, I rode Emma back for Ma to ride home. "Shorty" came & carried Estelle to a party at Mr. Nelson's. Beckie Bennett stayed all night with Elsie too. We played "club fist" & several other little games with Beck. Dec. 30, 1891. Wednesday. Elsie brought me home on old Dan this morning. Ma and Pearl went to Mr. Penn's to spend the day. Pa & Eugene went to Humboldt to carry off some more wheat. Aurie and I were here by ourselves, but Clarence Stewart came and stayed about an hour with us. Aurie is making her a new calico dress. Dec. 31, 1891. Thurs. This is the last day of the year. Mr. Sam Wood came this morning & took dinner with us. Pearl rode Emma Lee over to Mr. Dunlap's. She was going by Mr. Joe Stalling's & I don't know whether she will stay there to that party or go on to Pollie's party. Clarence came by & invited Pearl and Aurie to party at Mr. Joe Stalling's. Mr. Joe Blankenship came over & talked to Pa a little while but didn't come in. __________________________ Buddie went to Ark. - John W. Mayfield owned land near Beebe & Garner, Arkansas, N.E. of Little Rock. The land was sold after he died. Page 7 January 1, 1892. This is the first day of the year. It rained very hard all the morning but cleared off about noon. Pearl went over to Miss Meties this evening. Clarence Stewart came & invited Pearl & Aurie to a party at Mr. Joe Stalling's. Eugene carried me over to Bessie's on Mattie. I rode behind. Mattie got scared and jumped and I slipped off, but didn't get hurt. Ben Thomas came & invited us to a party at Mr. Dunlap's. ( Pollie's party ) Pearl, Aurie and Eugene went to the party at Mr. Dunlap's. Had a pleasant time. Misses Carrie and Kittie Bledsoe and Mr. Si Arnold spent the day yesterday at Bessie's. I had lots of fun playing with Ralph and John. Eugene came after me about noon today. We staid until after dinner at Bessie's. There is going to be a Leap Year party at Mr. Gib. Stallings' tonight. The girls are all going to send word to the boys to come & carry them. This is Friday. Pa went to Humboldt this evening. I begun the Bible last year New Year, but I haven't quite read it through yet. Jan. 4, 1892. This is a beautiful day. Aurie, Eugene and I went to school today. We have had two weeks vacation and now we are ready to begin our studies with renewed energy. Pearl and Buddie went to Humboldt this evening. I guess they will take supper with Cousin Mattie. We had a right full school today. Maggie Dunlap is not going to start to school until next week. Several of the Sloan boys came to school today. Gay, Ross & Lillian Campbell spent the day yesterday. Buddie came home Saturday night. Jan 5, 1892. We went to school today. Had several new scholars. Nina C. came to school today. Bessie, Ralph and John spent the afternoon with us. The Dunlaps and Estelle & Elsie got in late this morning and Mr. Hess gave a long lecture about being late. He says all that are late hereafter must stay in at noon. Jan. 6, Wed. We went to school today and all had quite a pleasant time. Elsie was absent today. Pa and Buddie commenced getting out sills this morning for a new wheat-house. Sam came over to Pa's to get some milk. Esquire Bennett married his first couple last eve. It is supposed that we will know who they were, and so if you can't guess I won't tell you, so I will not record the names here. When we rose this morning we were a little surprised to find the ground almost covered with a beautiful white coverlid of snow. It has been snowing almost all day, but has melted almost as fast as it could fall. Pearl went up and took another music lesson this morning. I think she is progressing rapidly. Supper is ready so I will for tonight say ta-ta honey. Jan. 7, 1892. Thursday. This is a beautiful day; clear and cold. We had a pleasant time at school today. Estelle got sick and went up to Myrties today and Aurie taught her pupils. She likes teaching school tolerably well. Mr. Hess caught Charlie Bennett and Hamlet Powell idle this morning, so he called them up on the rostum and told them he didn't think they were pleased with their seats. He put Hamlet with Bettie Ann Woods, and Charlie by me as Elsie was absent again today. Bettie Ann & Alice came over here this evening after school to borrow our sausage grinder. As I have several Algebra problems to work I will stop writing. __________________________ Cy Arnold - Son of Eliza ( Johnson ) Arnold, grandson of Nimrod Johnson Page 8 This page was missing. Page 9 but that didn't interfere with our skating. Pearl, Aurie, Eugene and I went down to the branch and had lots of fun trying to skate. It would be hard to tell how many falls we all got. Chessie Dunlap came to school today. Miss Irene, Estelle, Mag, Pollie and Warner spent last night with Mr. Hess. They were late at school this morning and Prof. told us all he would have gotten there sooner, but had company last night and had to heat water this morning for them to wash their faces in. We have jolly times at school these days. I will have to go to studying for we haven't much wood up here ( upstairs ) for tonight. Jan. 17, 1892. Sunday. This is a cloudy day. We had a spelling match Friday evening. Elsie Bennett and Clate Powell chose. Clate's side beat. There was a party at Mr. Will Scruggs' Fri. night. Pearl and Aurie went over there before night. There was a nice little crowd. I think everybody there enjoyed it. Pearl and Aurie went home with Annie Coleman & stayed all night. Zach came home with them the next morning and staid all day. He and Eugene went to Fruitland that eve., then Eugene with him and staid until this morning. He came to Sunday School and Ralph Powell came home with him. Pearl and Aurie staid all night at Bessie's last night. Ma and Pa went over there this morning to spend the day. They had a party at Mr. Woods' last night but there didn't any of us go. Sam Bennett is very sick with the Pneumonia. It looks like it might snow tonight. There didn't of us but Eugene go to Sunday School this morning. He said there were not very many there. Pearl and Aurie brought Ralph Dougan home with them this morning. There are two Ralphs here now. Jan. 18. Monday. We went to school today. Ralph Powell stayed with us last night and went to school with us today. Estelle was sick and Elsie taught school in her place today. Warner went to the train to meet Miss Irene this morning but she was not there. He heard she was sick. Mattie Fitzgerald is very sick. They think she has Pneumonia. Bessie and her family spent the day here today. Mr. Dougan came over here and killed three of his hogs. We had a right full school today. Annie Coleman came today. I have a very bad cold. Jan. 19. Tuesday. Mr. Dougan and Bessie stayed over here all day today. There were only eight girls at school today. Anna Bennett and I had lots of fun. Prof. heard Johnny Woods laugh out in the other room today and called him in his room, put Bettie Ann's cloak and toboggan on him & stood him on the stage. Estelle was worse this morning and Elsie taught the little scholars again. Mr. Hess went up to Hessie Senters' again at noon. Prof. didn't lock anyone out today, although some were late. He locked Anna B. out yesterday & Warner too. Warner started home & he called him back. Jan. 25, 1892. Monday. Very clear. Pleasant. I went to school today for the first time since last Tuesday. I have been sick. Mr. Hazzlewood died last Tues. Was sitting up by the fire and fell over dead. It was about five o'clock in the morning. When Alex woke he found his father dead and his coat burnt, nearly burnt off him. Prof. turned out his Page 10 scholars and went to the funeral last Wednesday evening. Mr. Hessie Senter has taken charge of Estelle's room since she has been sick. She is not any better today. Miss Irene was sick all last week but was present today. Mattie Fitzgerald is better today. Sam Bennett has gotten well, and came to school today. We organized a Literary Society last Friday. Mr. Hess is Principal and Clayton Powell is Secertary. Mr. Pratt Wood spent the day yesterday. We went to Sunday School. Had a right good crowd. Lillie Ing and Miss Tilla Goodloe were there. They had a party at Mr. Bennett's last Wednesday night. Pearl and Aurie, Bessie & Mr. Dougan and Buddie went. Mr. Dougan came over here and killed hogs last week. They stayed two days with us. I was glad to get back to school today. Jan. 26. Tuesday. Very clear. We went to school. There were several absent today. The Sloans for instance. They had a big turkey for dinner today and stayed at home. Anna Bennett got in late and Prof. told her that we had about decided that she had gone to the dining, and several of the girls were getting very jealous. Estelle is a little better. We couldn't work our Algebra problems today, and Mr. Hess started to get bonnets and hats to put on us, but he said he didn't have enough to go around. We had a very pleasant day at school. Jan. 28, Thursday. This is a review day. Today and tomorrow we will have our monthly examinations. We had forgotten that this was the day for review and didn't take our paper, pen and ink, so we had oral examination. Pa went to Fruitland this afternoon. Feb. 4. Thursday. Cloudy. This is a pleasant day. We went to school today. Pearl went to see Mrs. Lou Campbell this evening. She is sick, but was sitting up a little. Mrs. Jennie Campbell spent the day with Myrtie today and came by the school-house and left Lillian there. Estelle is able to teach school this week. Feb. 5, 1892. Friday. We went to school. We have a right full school now. Hassie Bennett came to the school-house this afternoon, and she and Elsie went to Mr. Hockaday's. Estelle's pupils and the anti-society entertained us this aft. Bob Fitzgerald and Jim Sloane had a debate. 'Twas: Resolved that a Sheep is More Useful than a Dog. Jim had the affirmative and Bob the negative. Bob beat Jim. Bessie came over here this evening and spent the evening. Our society will meet again next Friday. Pollie, Elsie, Jim Dunlap, Ira Fitzgerald and I made out the Programs. Feb. 7. Sunday. Pearl and Aurie stayed at Bessie's last night and Bessie and her family came home with them this morning. We all went to preaching in the wagon as it was too muddy to walk. There were a good many at preaching. Feb. 8. Monday. We went to school today. Elsie was absent. They are fixing to move and she stayed home to pack up the things. Annie Coleman and Nell came home with us from preaching yesterday. Eugene and Nell went to Mrs. Tuggle's in the aft. Page 11 Feb. 9, 1892. Tuesday. Snip is dead. Buddie shot him strictly at 9 o'clock P.M. The school took a nice little march at noon and went by Salem. Aunt Sookey came nearly to the school-house today and sat down on a log and several of the girls went down there to see if she could tell their fortunes. She didn't tell any of their fortunes, only that Pollie is going to marry at eighteen. Mrs. Edington came this aft. to buy some onion cloves. Feb. 10. Wednesday. This is a clear and beautiful day. We went to school. Elsie came at noon and took her music lesson, then stayed the rest of the evening with us. Pa went to Humboldt this afternoon and sent for a new machine for us. Snip was buried this evening at 5 o'clock. We buried him in a nice box. Buddie dug the grave. Pearl went over to see Miss Metie this evening. Mrs. Kate Bennett moved yesterday. We are going to have a lecture Friday night. Mr. Forde is going to lecture. Feb. 16, 1892. Tuesday. This is Pearl's and my birthday. Pearl is twenty and I am fifteen. Miss Irene, Estelle, Pollie and Mag stayed here last night. Yesterday was Nina Coleman's birthday, she was 15 too. Mattie Ing stayed all night Saturday night with us. Pearl, Aurie, Buddie and Mattie went to Oak Grove Sunday. Eugene and I went to Sunday School. Feb. 19, 1892. Friday. It rained this morning and we didn't have a very full school today. Had a meeting of Our Society this afternoon. Aurie and Eugene spoke and I read a composition. My subject was self-confidence. Elsie came at noon. The boys helped us clear off a nice ball ground on the west side of the school-house. After we got it finished Prof. let the boys play a game with us. We had a right lively time, but of course, the boys could beat the girls. Pa and Buddie worked on the wheat-house while it was raining this morning, and soon as it quit raining they went to some other kind of work. Since Mrs. Kate Bennett has moved, Estelle stays at Mr. Willis' and comes to school. Elsie comes horse-back from home. Feb. 23. Tuesday. Hugh came last Saturday morning and stayed until Sunday morning. Mattie Ing came over here Saturday eve, and Aurie went home with her and stayed all night and came home Sunday evening. Johnnie and Dell Barnett and Mattie and Della Ing came home with her. Mr. Pratt Wood came Saturday eve and stayed all night. Bessie and family spent Saturday night with us. Our new machine came yesterday, on the 22nd of Feb. 1892. Yesterday was Washington's birthday. Clayton Powell read us a sketch of his life, George's I mean, which was very interesting. Prof. read a piece in the paper about Washington. We intended going out in the woods and spreading dinner, but it was such a damp, cool day we didn't. Miss Irene brought Ma several different kinds of Chrysanthemuns yesterday. Several of the school-boys have stopped school to work. Alice, Fanny & Wylie Prince & Charles Eddington came Saturday evening to bring Ma's soft soap home. Mrs. Eddington made some soap on the shares for Ma. Anna Bennett has a little niece. It is three days old. We went to Sunday School Sunday. _______________________ Snip - their dog. He must have been sick or very old Aunt Sookey - an elderly Negro woman Page 12 Feb. 29, 1892. Monday. Four years ago tonight Bessie was married. We had a big party tonight. Had a nice little crowd and I think all enjoyed it. Anna B. didn't get to come tonight. Mr. Hess went to a big party at Humboldt tonight. Bessie & Mr. Dougan are over here. I finished reading the Bible through this morning. Anna & Chessie Dunlap were here tonight. March 2, 1892. Wednesday. This is a clear day. We went to school. Ma went to Bessie's and Eugene went to Fruitland this evening. Mr. Hess is talking about having a party at the close of school, which is three weeks from Friday, but I don't know for certain what we will have. March 5. Saturday. Mrs. Coleman and Mrs. Mollie Scruggs spent the day with us today. It rained a little today. Eugene went to Fruitland this evening. Aurie and I pasted some pictures and poetry in scrap-books. Mollie brought a little sewing to do for the baby - Leslie on the new machine. We got a letter from Inie. We three girls got a little frightened in the parlor after dark, but the scare did not last long. Good night Sweety for this time. Ta-ta. March 6. Sunday. Pearl, Aurie, Eugene and I went to preaching at New Shiloh this morning. Had a very good sermon. I took a long nap this evening, and then got up and read several chapters in "Jessie A Pilgrim" to Mama. Buddie went off somewhere after supper. March 7. Monday. We went to school today. Ma went to see Mrs. Nelson and spent the day. Bessie and John came over here. Eugene went to Fruitland this evening. I finished reading "Jessie A Pilgrim" through to Ma tonight. It is a very interesting little book. Mattie Fitzgerald came to school today. This is the first time she has been in a long time. She has been sick. She started in a cart, but the cart broke down. She had to walk the rest of the way. Willie took the horse back home and didn't come to school at all. Ma brought some rose cuttings home with her this evening and Pearl, Aurie and I helped her set them out. March 12, 1892. This is Pa's birthday. He is fifty-eight years old. Eugene went to mill at Fruitland this morn. Pearl and I went to preaching at Eldad. Ma and Eugene went over to Mrs. Powell's this eve, and Eugene stayed all night. Pearl & Annie C. went to Mr. Dunlap's Tuesday night. March 16, 1892. This is Buddie's birthday. He is twenty-two years old. We went to school today, but had only a very few scholars. None of the Dunlaps were there. Estelle came, but got sick and had to go up to Myrtie's before school. Anna and I had lots of fun. We went to school yesterday, but there was no one there but Mr. Hess so we didn't have any school. The ground was covered with snow yesterday, but it nearly all melted off today. It began to snow after we got home from school this evening and covered the ground directly. I think it is still snowing. Elsie hasn't been to school this week. Ma and Pa went to preaching at Eldad Sunday in Buddie's buggy and Aurie and I went horseback. Pearl went to Sunday School and Mr. Wallace Wade came up there and took her on to Oak Grove. Hamlet Powell came home with Eugene from Sunday School and stayed all day. Page 13 Pearl and Aurie went over to Bessie's Sunday eve and brought Ralph home with them. It was cold Monday evening. They didn't carry him home and he is here yet. School will be out in one more week, and won't I be glad! March 17, 1892. Thursday. When we got up this morning the ground was covered with snow. It was about a foot deep. It snowed hard until about dinner. I don't guess there was any school today. Willie Dougan spent the eve with us. March 18, 1892. Friday. The snow was so deep that there was no school today. Pearl rode up to the school house on Laura to take her music lesson, but there was no one there. Buddie and Eugene went rabbit hunting and caught three rabbits. Buddie went to Fruitland last night and got lots of mail, so Pa sat up and read his Memphis Appeal Avalance nearly all day. Buddie has subscribed for the "Home and Farm" this year. I read in that a little today. I read a good deal today. Buddie went to Humboldt after flour this evening. Mr. Dock Bennett's house got burned down last night about nine o'clock. They didn't get anything saved, not even the children's clothes. The children had gone to bed. I don't know how it caught. Pearl, Aurie and I made us some "shoulder braces" this evening. Ralph is here yet. We have so much fun with him. I know we will miss him when he goes home. March 24. Thursday. This is a pleasant day. All the snow is gone. We went to school. Tomorrow is the last day. I guess we will have a long vacation. Anna nor Elsie neither have been to school this week. I have had a lonesome time. Anna Belle Harper stayed here last night. Annie and Sudie Coleman spent Tuesday night with us, as it rained so hard that evening. Bessie and family came over Sunday evening. They took Ralph home. We miss him lots. Nina Coleman was at school today. This is the first time she has been this week. Pearl and Anna Belle went to Mr. Bob Barnett's tonight. Annie C. and Aurie went to see Mrs. Mollie Scruggs. Buddie has gone somewhere, I don't know where. Today and tomorrow are review days. We are having oral examination. March 25, 1892. Friday. School is out. Ha! Ha! Anna was not there today. We had a few speeches this aft. The boys and girls played ball together today. Sula Dunlap and Jack Campbell and Warner Dunlap came today. Anna Belle, Jodie and Josh came this evening. Eugene didnt go to school today. Buddie got back about noon. Eugene is plowing with a two horse plow. Oh my! Anna & Dee are partners. March 28, 1892. Monday. Ma has gone up to Inie's to stay a week or two. We miss her so much. Bro. Jesse came yesterday eve and she went home with him this morn. Ella and Minnie Barnett spent the evening with us. Pearl and Aurie did a big washing today. I picked a dead sheep this afternoon. Eugene and Buddie plowed, and Pa harrowed today. We are very lonesome without Mama here. _______________________ Bro Jesse - Jessie Sykes married Eoline Mayfield Page 14 March 29. Pa planted some corn today. Pearl went to Bessie's. Aurie and I ironed. Buddie and Eugene plowed. March 30. Wed. Pa planted corn again today. Pearl went over to Mrs. Metie Stallings' this evening, and Aurie and I went to Bessie's. Had a fine time, and got us some fishing poles and brush brooms. Emma Lee has a pretty little colt. It is iron-gray. We set a hen today. We have fifteen little chicks. March 31. Thursday. Mr. Sam Wood came today. Eugene went to Fruitland. Aurie and I went to Mrs. Barnett's. Ella, Minnie, Aurie and I went fishing. Aurie and Minnie each caught a fish, but Ella and I caught none. Minnie and Ella came home with us. Pa sent on for some fine corn and it came today. Cousin Sam Woods' little boy ( Sidney ) got killed in February. He was in a cart and the horse got scared and ran away. He died in a few hours. ( Texas ) April 1st 1892. Friday. This has been a raining evening. I took my second music lesson today. Ella and Minnie went home tolerably early this morning to set out tomato plants. Buddie raked the dead weeds off the strawberry patch this evening. Nora Darling ran away and broke the rake this morning, but Buddie mended it. We finished getting the wheat out of the side room. I read a good deal. April 5. This is a clear, pretty day. It rained harder yesterday and last night than it has before this year. Buddie went to Trenton yesterday and it rained so he didn't get back last night. I took my third music lesson yesterday. We went to preaching Sunday. Prof. Hess carried Miss Mattie Preston. Alex. Hazlewood and his bride were at preaching. April 8. Friday. We got a letter from Ma today. Pearl and Aurie washed clothes. Pearl and I went to Mr. Penn's Wednesday. The next morning it was raining so we didn't get to come home until Thursday evening. Corrie went off to school and I got sorta homesick. We came by to see Mrs. Lou C. as we came home. Eugene went to Fruitland. May Bennett came home this eve to stay until Monday. April 10. Sunday. Ma has come home. Pa went after her yesterday and brought her back today. Pearl and Aurie went to Eldad. Buddie went to Oak Grove, I reckon. Mr. Joe Stallings, Miss Metie, May ( the baby ) and Miss Powell came over and spent the evening with us. Ma and Pa went over to Bessie's tonight. Pearl and I went to Eldad yesterday. We went by and took dinner with Callie, Lillie and Nina Coleman. I had a very pleasant time. Nina is as good and pleasant as ever. We have about twenty little chicks. April 11. Monday. Pa came home this morning and sent Buddie, in the buggy, after Ma as it was raining. Ralph came home with them. Pa and Buddie done some fencing. __________________________- Cousin Sam Woods - Son of Eudora ( Booth ) Woods, grandson of Samuel Booth Page 15 April 12. Tuesday. Pa and Buddie are building a new hen-house. Mr. Ted Price came. He is a book agent. Some negro women came to get a dress cut. Miss Estelle Powell came over and got Pearl to go with her to see Mrs. Powell. I started a quilt. Aurie and Pearl went home with Miss Estie and got to see Nannie and Jinnie Marshal. It is raining now. It looks like we are going to have another rainy day. I took another music lesson. April 15, 1892. Friday. Mr. Dougan came over and carried Ralph home. We caught all the hens and put them in the new hen-house. Eugene broke up part of the "truck patch". Miss Estie Powell came over and got Pearl to go to Mr. Jim B. Stallings' with her. Aurie and Buddie went to Humboldt to hear Mr. Ing preach tonight. I pieced a little on my new quilt. We made some molasses candy. April 18. Monday. We set out strawerries all day. Bessie and family and Ella, Gertie and Lena Blankenship spent yesterday with us. Buddie and Aurie went to preaching at Humboldt. They took dinner at Cousin Mattie's and stayed until night meeting. April 22. Friday. Pearl and I went to Cousin Mattie's Wednesday and attended the meeting. We came back this morning. The meeting broke last evening. Mr. Inge is a good preacher I think. Aurie and Buddie went last night. Pearl stayed at Cousin Sam's last night. Pa and Buddie had a log rolling this aft. Ma and Eugene went to Bessie's. Eugene brought Ralph home with him. Blacksy has a pretty little calf. We haven't named him yet. Well ta ta for tonight. April 25. Monday. We set out strawberry slips. Bessie, Ralph and John came tonight. We went to Sunday School yesterday. Ada, Ida and Alice Bledsoe and Gene Blankenship came yesterday eve. Mr. Dougan has gone to Mr. Borrams'. Ma set out some carrots this eve. Prof. Hess wants the Society to meet next Thursday night. There is going to be two sermons and dinner on the ground next Sunday at Shiloh. April 28. Thurs. Buddie and Eugene made over sixty crates. Aurie and I filled ten crates with boxes. It rained this evening. Ma sewed on her dress. April 30. The last day of April. Aurie and I re-planted corn. Pearl went to see Estelle last night. Annie Coleman came over here last evening and Eugene went home with her and stayed the night. Mr. Robertson ( Bud ) took supper here and went with Buddie to Edison. Bessie, Ralph and John came over. Pa went to Humboldt yesterday and got him a new hat. A brown one. May 6. Friday. We ( Pearl, Aurie and I ) picked strawberries at Mr. Cromars'. Aurie and I stayed at Mr. Coleman's the other night. Mrs. More of Humboldt is visiting Annie C. She is very lively. Pearl and Aurie went to Bessie's. Misses Lena Shelton and Annie Arnold are visiting Bessie and Pearl and Aurie have gone over there. Hassie Barnett and Ella Barnett came over and stayed until after supper. Lee Craig came and he and Buddie walked home with the girls. _____________________________ Cousin Sam - Think this was Sam Waddell, son of America Jane Mayfield and Seth Q. Waddell Lena Shelton - daughter of Mollie ( Dougan ) Shelton, granddaughter of John Dougan Annie Arnold - daughter of Eliza ( Johnson ) Arnold, granddaughter of Nimrod Johnson Page 16 May 10. Tuesday. Pearl, Buddie, Aurie and I picked strawberries at Mr. Cromar's. I got 25 quarts. Pearl and Aurie went to Bessie's to see Miss Ellen White. Ma sheared sheep. I read a little in "Heroines of History". Excuse writing. My pen is very bad. Mrs. Nancy Turner died Saturday morning. Was buried at Eldad Sunday. Pa went to preaching Sat. evening and brought Brother Hearn home with him. We had communion Sunday. Elsie and Anna were at preaching. Pearl and Aurie carried Ralph home this eve. May 16, 1892. Monday. Aurie is sick. She came home from the berry patch Saturday sick. Has been sick every since. Buddie, Pearl, Eugene and I picked strawberries. I got 30 quarts. Bessie, John, Lena Shelton and Miss Ellen White stayed Sat. night. We went to Sunday School. Messrs. Tom Bradford and Wat McClary came to see the girls. Jim Coleman came last night. Mr. Dougan & Ralph went to Obion Co. Sat. to see Mr. D's father. He is sick. May 29, 1892. Sun. Ma and Pa stayed all night at Bessie's last night. They came over this morning and spent the day here. Aurie, Eugene and I went to Sunday School. Hugh came home with Eugene. Jim Coleman is here tonight. We had another party last Friday night week ago, the 20th of May. Dr. Inman is going to give us a lecture next Fri. night. Prof. Hess wants the "Society" to meet tomorrow night and practice a little. Clarence Steward came twice last Friday and invited Pearl and Aurie to a strawberry Supper at Mr. Knox's. He begged Ma to let them go, but she would not. June 7. Tuesday. Brother Inman lectured at High Hill last Friday night. His subject was education. It was a splendid lecture. Anna and Elsie Bennett recited. Cousins Julia and Vic came Saturday. We went to Preaching at New Shiloh Sun. Gay and Rose Campbell came home with us and spent the day. The rest of that family went to Mr. Fitzgerald's. Pearl went with Cousins to Humboldt yesterday to visit the kin. They came back this morning and went to Bessie's. Aurie and I hoed corn. Ma made soap. A dark cloud came over this aft. and it thundered and lightened, but didn't rain until nearly dark. The wind was very strong. June 15, 1892. Wed. Pearl, Aurie and Buddie have gone to a Phantom party tonight at Mr. Will Scruggs'. Pearl, Aurie and I hoed the truck patches. Pa plowed the peas in the orchard. Buddie and Eugene broke up ground. They are not through planting corn yet, but have some ready to lay-by. It is nearly ten o'clock, so I must retire. July 8, 1892. Anna Bennett and Willie May Adams had a pound party at Mr. Hessie Senters Tuesday night June 28th. I went and enjoyed it very much. I went home with Anna Bennett and stayed all night. Elsie, Anna and Willie May had escorts home. Clayton Powell, Jim Dunlap and Tom Ing went with them. I rode in the surrey with Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. Tom Ing is from La. Pollie, Mag and Tom spent the next day with Anna and Willie May. Elsie and I returned to our homes next morning. Willie May came with me as far as Myrtie's, then Pollie, Mag and tom came along and she rode to Mr. Bennett's with them. Miss Prudie came on with me to the school house _________________________ Cousins Julia and Vic - daughters of Joseph Green Mayfield Mr. Dougan's father - John Dougan Page 17 and I came from there by myself. Willie May lives in Humboldt, and is a little kin to Anna. Mrs. Ruth Bennett has a little boy. May Bennett returned from Brownsville some time ago. Mr. Dougan was kicked by Ella, his horse, last Tuesday, July 5th. It made a long gash just above his left eye. Mr. Blankenship came over here and told Pa to go after the Doctor. He got Dr. Kilmer. Ma stayed over there that night. Buddie has been off working at the thresher, but it rained and he came home yesterday. This has been a rainy day. Ma went over to see how Mr. Dougan was this eve. Eugene went to Mill. Ralph and John are over here. We got a letter from Inie July 9th. Sat. Aurie and I went to Bessie's to get some apples for Sunday. Bessie and Mr. Dougan went to Humboldt to see Dr. Kilmer and then go on to Cousin Mattie's. Mr. Dougan's eye is better. Ralph and John are with us. Mr. Will Scruggs came to see Pa about the thresher. It rained this morning and this evening. Blacksy ( our cow ) got out with her calf yesterday, and Eugene hunted her up today. July 11. Monday. Pa, Buddie, Aurie, Eugene and I hoed corn in the "Mill-field." Eugene went to Mr. McHaneys' to get a bushel of peas. Pa, Aurie and I went to Eldad Sunday. Pearl, Ralph and Eugene went to Sunday School. Bessie and family spent the day here. This has been a warm, clear day, but very muddy after so much rain. Mr. Dougan came after lumber. July 12, 1892. Tuesday. Mr. Dougan and Archie Dougan came over to help Pa haul wheat, but it was too wet to stack. Buddie went off to thresh wheat at noon. Aurie and Pearl went to Mr. Blankenship's to get some tomatoes. Bessie is packing tomatoes for Mrs. Syntha Bradford. John and Ralph are here. July 13. Wed. Pa and Eugene worked in the stawberries. We washed clothes. Planted beets. Aurie and I hunted up 11 geese, and Pearl helped us pick them. Bessie came and took the children home. Pearl and Aurie went home with her. Very warm. July 14. Thursday. It rained nearly all the morning. Clarence Steward and another boy came this morning to get some water for the rest of the thresher men. They are threshing wheat right over here in the field for Mr. Bennett. Pearl and Aurie came home after dinner. Buddie got back also. Went to Fruitland after some oil. Eugene and I hoed weeds out of the strawberry middles. Pearl and Aurie went by to see Nannie and Jinnie Marshal as they came on home. There was a party at Mr. Andrew McLary's last night. We cooked some molasses candy. Buddie told us lots of news. July 15. Friday. Buddie helped hoe corn until noon and them went off to thresh wheat again. Pa loaned Clarence his overcoat the other day, and he brought it back this evening. It rained, Jean Blankenship stopped until the shower was over. We got wet. July 16. Sat. Buddie has gotten home. Clarence S. and Mr. McLamore are here tonight. About half a dozen boys came and serenaded us about ten o'clock. They played on the harp and fiddle. It was just splendid. Eleven o'clock, so I must retire. ___________________ Archie Dougan - brother of Samuel P. Dougan Page 18 July 18. Monday. Bessie and family spent the day here yesterday. I went home with her and stayed all night. Uncle Sam Wood stayed all night here. He was sick this morning. Mr. Dougan helped Pa haul wheat. Bessie spent the day. Pearl went to Fruitland this morn and to Mr. Penns' this aft. July 19. Uncle Sam Wood went home this morning. We hoed strawberries. It rained a little this evening. July 20. Wed. Pa and Eugene plowed. Pearl, Aurie and I hoed. Ma went to Bessie's. This has been a very warm day. We hoed some in the new-gound, and finished the middles of Pa's strawberries. Aurie helped me make my new lawn dress. Didn't quite finish it. July 21. Bessie came over here. A hen hatched under the bee hives. The bees stung them very badly, and I put Pa's pants and a cloth over my head and got them away. Two chicks died. There are 5 left. Only three chickens out of the seven are living now. July 22. Fri. Ma and Pearl went to Mrs. Barnett's. Annie came home with them. Lonzy helped Pa plow today. We hoed cotton until dinner. Pa plowed strawberries. I sewed a little. Ta Ta. July 23. Sat. Pa went to help Mr. Dougan haul wheat, and Ma went over there with him. Pearl went to Fruitland. Old Jersey has the prettiest little yellow calf. She liked to have hooked Aurie and me this evening. Buddie has gotten home again. We gathered our second mess of roasting-ears this aft. for Sunday. We finished hoeing Pearl's and Aurie's cotton this morning, and I guess we are through hoeing. July 26. Tuesday. Ma and Aurie went to Mr. Coleman's yesterday and spent the day. Pearl and I washed clothes. Today Ma and I went to Humboldt. Pearl and Aurie ironed. I got a wire brush, dress, a pair of shoes, Cuticura Soap, and several other things. School will start next Monday. Oh, how I dread it. 'Twill be so hot. July 27. Wed. Pearl, Aurie and I hoed a little new-ground corn. Didn't take us long. Mr. Dougan came over here and said Bessie had the "Palpitation" of the heart. Ma went over there. She came home and brought the children, and went back this afternoon to stay all night. The week goes by so very fast. Aurie and I carried Aunt Lucy's irons home. Aunt "Sookey" was real merry and talked to us lots. July 29. Friday. Ma got back this morn. Bessie is better. Ma went to Mrs. Campbell's to see Mrs. Braidy and Thomas. Mrs. Lou Campell was over there. Ma went to Bessie's to stay tonight. The thresher came tonight. _________________- Uncle Sam Wood - Page 19 July 31. Sun. We, Eugene and I, went to Sunday School. Pearl and Aurie went to Obion yesterday afternoon on the five o'clock train. Bessie and family and Willie Dougan stayed here last night. Pa had his wheat threshed Friday. He make about one hundred and fifty-four bushels. They got through directly after dinner, then went to Mr. Dougan's. Pearl and Aurie went over there to help Bessie cook. Clarence Steward came Friday night, but as Pearl and Aurie were not here, he didn't stay long. He said he was going to "Business College" at Humboldt before long. August 1, 1892. Monday. We had a big rain this morning. Buddie went off to thresh wheat this afternoon, but they didn't thresh so he came home. Eugene went to Mr. Dougan's to get a turning plow, and they went off to plow, but found 'twas entirely too wet. I pieced on a quilt that I intend to give to Buddie. August 2nd. Tuesday. Mr. McKee came after his well auger. Mr. Bill Simmons came to buy some sheep, but he and Pa couldn't make the trade. Buddie went to Humboldt and got some coal-oil. Eugene hoed corn. It is still too wet to plough. Good night. August 3rd. Wed. Pearl and Aurie came home this morning on the ten o'clock train. They enjoyed their visit greatly. Mr. Shelton gave them a party last night. Mr. Dougan cut Pa's grass. Ma went to see Bessie this aft. She is sick. Ralph and John came home with her. August 4th. Thursday. Buddie came home from working at the thresher. He is through for this year. Aurie went to Bessie's. August 5. Friday. Aurie, Buddie and Pearl have gone to a party at Mr. George Bennett's. Buddie helped work the road in front of our house. We washed clothes. Pearl and Aurie sewed on Ma's two dresses. Gene Blankenship took dinner here. Pa laid-by some corn. August 7. Sunday. All of us went to preaching at New Shiloh today but Buddie. Bessie and family spent the day. Aurie and I went home with her and brought some cider home. August 9. Pearl and Ma went to Mr. Joe Stalling's in the evening; had a pleasant trip of course. That was yesterday. Today Pearl & Aurie made my pink calico dress round yoke. It looks just lovely. We hoed in the garden this morning. It is raining now. We milked in the rain and Old Jersey wouldn't stand good. Bill was contrary also. I milked this morning as usual. August 10. Wed. Buddie finished plowing and cut some clover with Mr. Dougan's mower. Eugene went to the Humboldt mill with a sack of wheat. We are glad to get flour again, as we had been out some time. Pearl and Aurie have gone to Mrs. Barnett's to stay the night. I worked the buttonholes and sewed the buttons on my new dress. Ma helped Pa turn broomcorn down late this eve, so I had the supper to get and the cows to milk too, and I'll tell you it kept me busy. It is cloudy and sprinkled a little while ago. Good night. Page 20 August 12. Friday. Buddie went to get toll wheat and hasn't returned yet. Pa got some of the wheat close around. Estelle, Elsie and Anna came and stayed awhile. Shortly after they left Ella and Minnie Barnett came and stayed until about sundown. We did a big ironing. Pa, Ma and Pearl washed wool. Pa carried Mr. Dougan's wagon home and Ma went to see Bessie. The pigeons can fly a little. August 13. Sat. We got all the wheat out of the dining room. Aurie and I scoured the front and back halls, Ma's room, Buddie's room, the dining room and closet by noon. Annie Coleman came and spent the evening, so I had to scour the kitchen by myself. Pa and Eugene hauled hay and we helped unload everytime. Buddie cut clover. As I want to rise soon in the morn, I will quit. August 15. Monday. First day of school. I went. Eugene has to haul hay. Aurie will not go until next week. All went to preaching yesterday. Pearl went home with Annie Coleman. Annie came home with her today. She and Aurie went to Bessie's. Mr. Coleman gave them a fine watermelon to bring home with them. Buddie went to preaching with us tonight. Ma, Pa and Eugene didn't go. 34 scholars today. August 17. Wed. All went to preaching but Buddie. Pearl went home with Miss Mary Tharp. Aurie went with Annie. Prof. Hess has graded his school. I am in the sixth and seventh grades. We have to get five new books, and can't do much until we get them. So I went to preaching instead of school. Brother Norton preached an excellent sermon. We didn't go to preaching tonight. August 18. Thurs. Ma and I wanted to go to preaching, but it rained about the time we started to get ready. Mr. Dougan came over and brought us some mutton. We ate the watermelon that Mr. Coleman gave us. Sent Bessie part of it. Buddie went to Humboldt. August 23. Tuesday. Pa and Buddie helped Mr. Dougan plow. Ma spent the day with Bessie. Pearl and Aurie washed clothes. I went to school. Elsie is sick. It is thundering and lightening a great deal now. We had a little shower just now. I have not got my new books yet. Hassie and Ella Barnett came and stayed a short while. Sam Scruggs married last Saturday. His bride lived in Carroll Co. The sheriff's daughter. Meeting is going on at Center. Pearl and Aurie went yesterday. They went to Oak Grove Sunday. Aug. 24. Wed. Eugene and I went school. This was Eugene's first day this session. Bettie Ann Woods sent us an invitation to come up to their house and eat watermelon. So, Prof., Pollie, Mag, Elsie, Anna B., Nina and I went. We cut two fine watermelons and had just as much watermelon as we wanted for once. 'Twas certainly a treat. Buddie and Pa helped Mr. Dougan plow. Ma spent the day with Bessie. Pearl and Aurie went to preaching at Center. They heard an excellent sermon. It rained a right smart this aft. Page 21 Aug. 26. Friday. Eugene and I went to school. Mrs. Mollie Scruggs and Annie Coleman came this aft. Aurie and Annie came to the school house. May Bennett and a friend of her's came also. We had a spelling match. The school sang two songs. Then Mr. Sam Sheaf sang us two German songs. We couldn't understand the words, but 'twas real entertaining to hear him sing. He came at noon and sang some for us then. Pearl went home with Annie and is going to stay with her tomorrow while her father and mother go to Trenton. Buddie went to Trenton today. Buddie and Aurie have gone to preaching at Center. We all ( but Buddie ) went in the wagon last night. Buddie went in his buggy and took his girl. Aug. 27. Sat. Pa went to town to get our new books, but they had just sold out, so we were disappointed. Annie and Pearl came by in a wagon with Mr. George Coleman. They went home with him and are going to see Aunt Malissi too. Aug. 29. Mon. Pa went to Trenton with a load of wheat and got our new books. I have five. Eugene went to school. I stayed home and helped Aurie wash. Ma scoured her room and the side room. Aurie and I washed off the upstairs floor. Buddie went to Humboldt. Sept. 4. Sunday. The Presbytary began at New Shiloh last Wednesday night. Pearl didn't get home until Friday. Prof. dismissed school Fri. evening. Miss Mollie Hoover came home with Pearl that eve. Eugene went with them to preaching that night at High Hill. All the rest of us went to Center, but there was no preaching there. We were greatly disappointed. Mr. Hoover came yesterday morning and is here now. Sept. 5. Monday. Aurie started to school. Mr. Edd Nelson died last night about twelve o'clock. Was buried at Zion at four o'clock this aft. Prof. dismissed school at noon. Pearl, Aurie and Buddie went to the funeral ( burial, I mean ). Miss Mollie and her Pa went home this morn. We had several new scholars. Mattie Fitzgerald's cousin having died, they sent to school after Mattie. Sept. 7, 1892. Wed. Pa went to the Political Convention at Humboldt. Bessie, Ralph and John spent the day. Buddie went off yesterday, and hasn't returned yet. Tom Ing came to school again today and Prof. Hess told him there was no room for vistors, so he went home. Andrew Bennett stayed with Jim Dunlap last night, and Mr. Hess gave them a big lecture about it, and said he didn't want to hear of any more visiting in school. Myrtie's baby has the croup and is very sick. Miss Irene came to school this morning. The piano got there at noon. She will begin her music class tomorrow. I must go to studying. Sept. 9. Friday. We went to school. Have a right full school. Several of us girls and Miss Irene also, went to see Betty Ann Woods at noon. She is sick, has been having chills. The Society convened this _________________________ Aunt Malissi - Melissa, wife of Joseph Green Mayfield, who was the son of Elias Mayfield Gibson County, Tenn. Marriages show "Joseph G. Mayfield to Rebecca Bowman - 13 Oct. 1850." Page 22 aft. No one was prepared, so a new Programme was made out for next Friday. Anna Bennett is Vice President and I am Secretary. Buddie came home and brought Cuz. Ina with him. Aurie and I were in the orchard getting apples and Ella Barnett came over and chatted with us a little while. Sept.12. Monday. We went to school. Pa went after Inie Saturday and did not get here with her until today. May was sick, the reason they couldn't come yesterday. We were very glad to see Inie, 'twas the first I had seen her for over a year. All of the children are well except May. Pearl and Ina went to see Annie Coleman this afternoon. She said she was going to Dyersburg tomorrow. 'Tis raining now. Bessie and her children came, but I, being at school, did not get to see them. Pearl took her music lesson. Nina came to school today for the first time in a week. Callie Wallsmith's baby died last Monday night. I must study some more. Good night. Sept. 16. Friday. Hassie Barnett spent the day at school with us. Andrew Barnett and I each read a piece this morning at the opening exercises. Mrs. Sue and Willie Dunlap and Mrs. Jennie Campbell and Cousin Mattie and Cousin John Campbell all spent the day here. Pa and Buddie killed a mutton. Yesterday Pa and Buddie went to Uncle Sam Wood who was very low. He died about five o'clock. Pa and Buddie helped dress him. Buddie has gone back again today to his burial. Sept. 17. Sat. Brother Jessie came. Pearl and Ina went to Gibson to let Dr. Parker know how May was, but did not get to see him. Buddie hasn't come back yet. Bessie spent the day here. Rowdy came and as Snip is dead, he has no partner. Sept. 18. Sunday. Inie and her family, Julian excepted, went home this morn. Julian is staying here to go to school. Buddie carried Cousin Ina home this afternoon. We all went to Sunday School. Sept. 20. Tuesday. Yesterday was Julian's first day in school. He is sick and didn't go today. "Estelle & Shorty" are going to marry tomorrow. Elsie went home at noon today and won't come to school anymore this week. Mr. Dougan has bought Mr. Steve Oliver's part of the sorghum mill and he and Pa started it this morning. They are making Mr. Wood's molasses. Jean Blankenship is going to run Pa's part. Eugene went to Fruitland. Sept. 21, 1892. Wednesday. Mr. Tribble and Estelle Bennett married this afternoon at four o'clock. Prof. shortened our recesses and playtime and got through in time to go. Aurie came home at noon, and she and _____________________- Cousin Ina - daughter of Joseph Green and Melissa Mayfield Inie - Eoline Mayfield married Jessie Sykes May and Julian - children of Eoline and Jessie Sykes Cousin Mattie and Cousin John Campbell - Mattie, daughter of Polly Ann Mayfield & _________ Campbell of Mattoon, Ill., married John Campbell, her cousin and they lived in Humboldt. Page 23 Pearl went and rode horseback. Brother Norton said the ceremony. They took a Bridal Tour. Started on the 5 o'clock train. Elsie went with them. They were going to Union City, Burkley, Ky., Cairo, Ill., and to Memphis. Elsie won't go to Memphis. Sept. 22. Thurs. Julian is able to be up. Eugene went to Gibson, after he got back from school, to get a tonic from Dr. Parker for Julian. He wasn't there. Eugene did not get back until nearly nine o'clock. Aurie had a chill just now. Gay Campbell and Bob Powell read this morning in the opening exercises. Gay's piece was about Politeness. Bob Powell read a very funny piece "Uncle Simon's Bream." Oct. 2, 1892. Sunday. A beautiful day. We went to preaching at New Shiloh. Ma and Pa took Julian to Dr. Parker's and haven't come back yet. It is now bed-time, and all are asleep but me. Buddie has gone off somewhere, so Pearl, Aurie, Eugene and me are here by ourselves. I have been reading in Pilgrim's Progress. It is very interesting indeed. Aurie and I were sick all the week and didn't go to school any. We went to Dr. Kilmer Saturday before last and got some medicine to stop our chills. I went back yesterday and got me some more. Hugh Bennett came home with Eugene from preaching and spent the day. Thirteen negroes were baptized in John Ragan's pond this aft. Buddie, Eugene and Hugh went. Aurie and I went to Bessie's and borrowed some flour. Mr. Blankenship, Lena, Ella, "Girdy" and Warner picked peas here Friday and Saturday. Ta ta. Select Paragraphs "By the going up of the fire we are taught to ascend to Heaven, by fervent and hot desires; and by the sun sending his heat, beams and sweet influences downwards, we are taught that the Saviour of the world, though high, reacheth down with His grace and love to us below." "The cock's crowing shows that the day is coming on. Let then the crowing of the cock put thee in mind of that last and terrible day of judgment." "The rainbow is caused by the sun, to show that the covenant of God's grace is confirmed to us in Christ." "God the Father saves us by His grace; God the Son by His righteousness and blood and death and life; and God the Holy Ghost by His illumination, by His renovation, and by His preservation." Isa. 7:15 "Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil and choose the good." "Fun, bright and sparkling, pure and sweet, is a very wholesome element in life, but the wise lover of the good and true will shun all triffling with graver facts of existance." "Worrying about things we can't help, is as foolish as throwing stones at the sun when its shining doesn't suit us." Page 24 "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Oct. 9, 1892. Sunday. Ma and Pa spent the day with Cousin Mattie Campbell. Julian and I went to Sunday School. Pearl and Aurie went to Dr. Parker's with Julian, but he wasn't at home. Oct. 14. Friday. We all went to the fair Wednesday. Annie Coleman came home with us from school Tuesday evening and went with us to the Fair. Ma and Pearl went yesterday. Julian spent the day at Bessie's. Oct. 15. Sat. Pa went to see Mrs. Wood about what she owes him. She paid him sixteen dollars. Buddie went to Humboldt this afternoon. Buddie and Eugene hauled corn until noon. Andrew Bennett and Bob and Hamlet Powell came and got Eugene to go grape hunting with them. Brother Jesse came. Julian and I got up some walnuts. Pearl and Aurie picked cotton. Oct. 16. Sunday. Brother Julian carried Julian home this morning. Oh! how we miss him. Eugene and I went to Sunday School. I came back in the hack with Mr. Penn's folks. I got acquainted with Miss Mattie Butler. Pearl, Aurie and Buddie went to Oak Grove. Elmer and Johnnie Barnett and Dick Nelson came over to see Eugene this afternoon. Eugene's little dog got his leg badly cut by the mower about a week ago. Its leg never would have grown back together, so they cut it off tonight. He is "peart." Oct. 19. Wed. Eugene went to school today. He stayed at home all last week to pull corn. Pearl has quit taking music lessons. New desks came yesterday for Mr. Center's room. Mr. Bennett and a colored man put some os them up today. They didn't get through. We will have new recitation benches. "Lonzy" helped haul corn. Oct. 20. Thursday. We went to school. Mr. Penn came and got some of the desks for their school-house, and took all the recitation benches. There were 4. We were disappointed aout not getting some of them. Oct. 22. Sat. Buddie went off this morning. Pa plowed. Eugene stripped sorghum. Pearl and Aurie picked their cotton. Ma and I cooked some for Sunday. Eugene went to Fruitland. Yesterday was Columbus Day. Our school celebrated it. About eleven o'clock the Patrons of the school came. We all went down to the church and marched to the school house. Then gave three cheers for the "Red, White & Blue" flag. Had five flags. The song "America" was sung by the school. James Dunlap recited. Mag Dunlap sang. I read a piece about "Columbus." Pollie, Mag Dunlap and Anna & Elsie Bennett sang "Uncle Sam." Annie Coleman recited. Elsie read a piece. Chessie Dunlap recited. Prof. called on some of the old men to make us a speech, but Esq. Dunlap said that he would have to mark that off his programme. Mag, Anna and Aurie had a dialogue. Anna represented Italy, Mag America and Aurie Spain. School sang Yankee Doodle. Moses Roseinbloom gave us a speech in German. We couldn't understand a word of it. Prof. Hess then read it to us in English. Pollie, Mag, Anna and Elsie sang "Home, Sweet Home." School sang "Dixie." Then we all went to Page 25. a nice place close to the church and spread dinner. Some said that was the best thing we had. All went back to the school house and Miss Irene, Pollie, Mag, Anna & Elsie sang several songs, then all company left. The girls challenged the boys for a game of ball, but no one there had a ball. We played "Base" and "Fox in the Wall." The boys went and got us some grapes. We found several good grape vine swings and Oh! the fun we did have! We all went to the school house and sang several songs, and so closed a day long to be remembered by me. Ta! Ta! Oct. 23, '92. Sunday. We went to Sunday School. Ma and Pa went to Bessie's. Cousin Sam Waddill and family came and Eugene went after Ma and Pa. They stayed a very short while. 'Twas four o'clock when they got here. Oct. 28. They are making molasses here today. Bessie's little girl is two days old. Ma is staying with Bessie. Elsie was absent from school today on account of sickness. Oct. 30, 1892. Sunday. We all went to Sunday School. Aurie and Pearl went to Dr. Kilmer's to get some medicine for chills. Aurie had a chill last night. Ma and Pa went to Bessie's. Anna and Chessie Dunlap, Mamie Campbell and Mattie Fitzgerald came. They didn't come in, just stopped and talked a few minutes and got some Chrysanthemums. Oct. 31. Tuesday. We had a good rain last night. It rained some yesterday afternoon. Elsie is better, but not able to be in school yet. I guess Aurie had a chill tonight. She is right sick. They are running the sorghum mill in the night awhile tonight, trying to get through. We miss Ma "awfully." Nov. 2. Aurie was not able to go to school today. I missed two words in the spelling lesson and had to stay in. Pearl went to Bessie's this afternoon and Ma came home. They finished making Pa's molasses by noon, and are making for some darkey now. Nov. 7. Monday. Eugene and I went to school. Aurie had another chill tonight. Tomorrow is Election Day and there will be no school. Ralph fell down and struck his head against the dining-room door and raised a bump on his forehead. Ma came home yesterday morning and stayed until this morning. We have selected several dialogues for our concert. Nov. 10. Thursday. Eugene and I went to school. Aurie is having another chill. Ma stayed with us last night, but went to Bessie's again this afternoon and took Ralph with her. It snowed yesterday evening, but it wouldn't lay on the ground. We came home from school while it was snowing very fast. I believe they were the largest flakes I ever saw. We are preparing for a big concert Christmas. I am going to act an old lady, won't I get there though! They have heard from nearly all the states, and Cleveland is ahead. Hurrah for Cleveland! We had a freeze last night, but the Chrysanthemums are not hurt. _____________________ Bessie's little girl - Sarah Vesta Dougan, born October 26, 1892. Cousin Sam Waddill - son of America Jane Mayfield and Seth Q. Waddill ( Waddell ) Page 26 Nov. 11. Cleveland is eleced. Halleujah! Yes, Hurrah for Cleveland. Pearl and Aurie went to Humboldt this evening and had a fess. Got some more chill medicine. Ma did not come home today. Mag Dunlap has decided to act the old lady in the concert and let me be the girl. Everybody is happy and excited over the election. We got 3 lamp chimneys today. Aura got a calico dress red and black. The chrysanthemums are nearly gone up now. They are so pretty. Nov. 12. Sat. I saw my little niece today for the 1st time. I went to Bessie's after Ma. Ma and I went to Eldad. Pearl and Aurie picked cotton. Eugene went to Fruitland. Good night. Nov. 13. Pa, Pearl and Aurie went to Eldad. Eugene and I went to Sunday School. Ma went to Bessie's, but did not stay long. Mr. Dougan came over here after a letter that Eugene brought from Fruitland. This has been a beautiful day. Aurie is having another chill now. Nov. 16. Wednesday. Pa dug potatoes. Mr. Dougan came over and helped him this afternoon. I got up some more of the 'goober-peas' when I got back from school. Aurie has another chill. Prof. Hess got hold of a letter that Annie had written to someone. He also got hold of the verse "Leaves may wither, trees may die, Some may forget thee, but never will I," that Bob had written to Elsie. A wasp stung Anna twice in time of school and Elsie got some tobacco from Mr. Center to put on the stings. Nov. 18. Friday. Aurie went to school today. It was the first time she had been for over a week. We practiced our dialogues for the concert. Pearl went to Bessie's this afternoon. Ira Fitzgerald came home with Eugene from school to get some sage. Nov. 20. Sunday. Pearl, Eugene and I went to Sunday School. There were but few present. Aurie and Pearl went to Dr. Kilmer's. Aurie missed her chill last night. Dr. Kilmer is going off soon to have his ears treated. He can't hear good. This has been a beautiful day. Nov. 21. Monday. We went to school. Ma and Pearl picked cotton this afternoon. Mrs. Simpson came over and stayed a short while. She is going to live on Mrs. Barnett's place next year. Nov. 22. Tuesday. Buddie got back this eve. He has been gone two weeks. Pearl has gone to stay all night with Mrs. Myrtie Senter tonight. Willie, Charlie and Myrtie Simpson came over. Ma gave them a Rooster. Pa sold six hogs last Friday. He sold them on foot at four cents a pound gross. They weighed seventeen hundred and forty two ( 1742 ) pounds. They drove them to Fruitland and weighed them on the new "Fair Bank" scales. Nov. 23. Wednesday. We all went to school. Pearl came by the school house and stayed a little while. Buddie went to Trenton. The stars are falling tonight. _______________________ Aura - Aurora Mayfield ( Aurie ) "goober peas" - peanuts Page 27 Nov. 24, 1892. Thursday. This is Thanksgiving day. Mr. Hess and nearly all the scholars saw the stars falling last night. Mr. Craig, a boy that is hired at Mr. John Wallsmiths, came to school today to visit. He left at noon. Buddie and Minnie married tonight at eight o'clock. Mr. Robertson came and took supper here and took Buddie over to Mrs. Barnett's. Pearl, Aurie, Eugene and I went. Mr. Dougan was there. Esq. Prewett said the ceremony. Mr. Bob Barnett's folks, except Hassie, were there. Howard Bennett, Mr. Newt Bledsoe and Mr. & Mrs. Nelson were present. Dec. 7, 1892. Wednesday. We all decided to stay at the school house last night and practice for our concert. When it was nearly night it began to sprinkle, so we all went home. Nina Coleman came home with me. Buddie and Minnie came and moved Monday, Dec. 5. Pearl went to Mrs. Chatham's yesterday and got her "Blazer" cut. Dec. 11. Sunday. Pearl and Aurie went to Eldad. Eugene and I went to Sunday School. Friday I stayed at home and sewed on my dress until noon, then I went to school. Mr. Hess and the large boys were putting the curtains. The seventh and eighth grade girls stayed in the music room. We had a jolly time. Aurie and Ma went to Humboldt Saturday morning. Bessie came and helped me paint some flowers for the yoke of my new dress. Dec. 20. Tuesday. It snowed a little last night. Pa and Eugene drove four hogs down to Humboldt this morning and sold them for fifty-two and a half dollars. They weighed ten hundred and fifty pounds gross. Pearl and Aurie are making Ma a dress. I am making a dress for myself. Prof. Hess is going to marry Miss Mattie Preston tomorrow afternoon at four o'clock. Mrs. Campbell came over here this eve to get two of us girls to stay with her children while she is gone. I expect Pearl and I will go. Pa bought an overcoat and vest for himself and a suit for Eugene for only Eight dollars and a half. Eugene's is a lovely black suit. We practiced for the concert last Thursday night. Pearl went and helped us all get ready for our pieces. We came home in the rain. Friday was a bad day, and we put the concert off until Monday night. Monday was a very rainy day also, so we all met and decided to put it off until Thursday night. Dec. 23, 1892. Mr. Hess married on the 21st of Dec. Pearl and I went to Mrs. Campbell's and stayed with the children while she went to Mrs. Hess'es. Prof. had a big supper that night. Mrs. Campbell bought some cake, candy, oranges and bananas home with her. She gave Pearl and I a very fine, large orange. We have not eaten it yet. Messers Right and Preston came home with Mr. Campbell and stayed all night. Aunt Belle Oliver ( a colored woman ) came and stayed until Mr. and Mrs. Campbell got back. They came about half past nine. We enjoyed the visit very much. We had our concert last night, 22 of Dec. Thursday. We made two dollars and sixty cents. That lacks about six dollars of paying expenses. We had chairs for reserved seats. Got about a half dozen from nearly every house in the neighborhood. We had to sit on benches most of the time while our chairs were gone. Mr. Hess and most of the large girls and boys met at the school-house and took the curtains and stage down. ( We had to raise the stage for the concert. ) Eugene and Aurie went in the wagon after our's and Mr. Dougan's chairs this ____________________ Buddie and Minnie - Green Elias Mayfield and Minnie Barnett Page 28 eve. Then Pearl and Aurie rode in the wagon on over to Bessie's to stay all night. Eugene drove the wagon back by himself. Pa is sick, has been in bed most all day. I have been sewing. Dec. 24. Saturday. Bessie and family came home with Pearl and Aurie this morning. Mr. Dougan went on to Humboldt and Eugene went with him. Pearl and Aurie went to Fruitland. They went to a pound party at Mr. Wallsmiths. Bessie made Ralph a coat. Dec. 28, 1892. Wed. Sunday was Christmas day. Willie Dougan spent the day. Eugene and I went home with Bessie and stayed all night. Had lots of fun. Next morning the ground was covered with snow and it was very cold. The wind was in the North. There was a party at Mr. Willis Bennett's that night, but it was so cold didn't any of us go. We heard since there were only two girls there. ( Anna & Elsie ). Aurie, Eugene and I went to a party at Mr. Hardison's last night, enjoyed it very much. Pearl and Aurie went to see Buddie and Inie this morning on the ten o'clock train. Pa went to Fruitland with them. Pa went to Humboldt this afternoon. Altie and Fannie Prince came. May Bennett came home last Friday to spend a week. She was at the party the other night. She is going back to Dixon next week. Dec. 29 Thursday. It was beautifully clear this morning, but it is very cloudy now and looks like we might have another snow. I have no news at all. I had a trip planned off to go to see Anna and Chessie Dunlap, but was disappointed. Pa needed Eugene, and said it was too cold for me to ride. Dec. 31, 1892. Saturday. This is a very rainy day. Frank Campbell came to see if he could sell Pa a cart. Thursday night, Ma was sewing on Eugene's coat, Pa was shelling peas and I was reading aloud, when we heard some one holler, Eugene went to the door and it was Ira Fitzgerald came after Eugene and me to take us to a party at Mr. J. E. Campbell's. We went and enjoyed it. We walked home. They were to have a party at Mr. Fitzgerald's last night but it rained so I don't expect anyone got there. This is the last day of this year. Bid farewell to 1892. Going by! Going by! Page 29 1893 January 1. Sunday. This is New Year's day. It was very cloudy, and snowed a little this morning, but a very pretty afternoon. Eugene and I went to Sunday School. This was preaching day, but the preacher did not come. Mr. Journaman led in prayer. Pearl and Aurie got back about seven o'clock. Minnie came with them on the train. Jan. 2. Monday. Aurie, Eugene and I went to school. It seemed a very long day to me. We had fifty-one scholars. Pollie and Elsie sit together now, so I am left without a desk-mate. Ma and Pearl washed. Pearl went to Bessie's this afternoon. Bessie and family came home with her in the wagon. Mrs. Jennie Campbell sent Pearl and me a nice box of cake, candies and an orange. It was excellent. We appreciated it very highly. Jan. 4. Wednesday. Aurie had another chill last tonight. Pa went to Humboldt and got a bottle of "Golden Medical Discovery" to stop Aurie's chills. Miss Effie Galespy, Pollie and Anna Bennett came at noon to see if Pearl could take music lessons. Pa wasn't at home, so they didn't find out. Several of the large boys were playing rudely with Gus Coleman and put his elbow joint out of place. This has been a real warm day, beside the weather we've been having. Jan. 7. Saturday. There was a party at Mr. Fitzgerald's last night. Mr. Hess was opposed to our having it. He told us last Monday if we wouldn't have any more parties, he would help us get up a big party and supper on the fourteenth of February. He said he expected some of the girls would go without beaux, and there were lots of the boys that the girls wouldn't go with if they were to write them notes. So just to show him, every one got a partner. Andrew took Pollie, Bob took Mag, Sam Bennett and Chessie and Hassie went together. Ira Fitzgerald carried Anna Dunlap and Mamie Campbell, Anna and Jim, Elsie and Clarance Tribble, and Clayton Powell went with me. He was my first beaux. Eugene went horse-back. There was a very large crowd. Pearl and I went to Eldad horse-back this evening. Eugene carried Mr. Dougan's balances home this morning. Pa killed a hog yesterday that weighed three hundred and seventy-one ( 371 ) pounds. Aurie had another chill tonight. They wouldn't let her go to the party last night on account of her chills. Ma finished cooking down the lard. She made seven or eight gallons off of one hog. Jan. 14. Saturday. We went to school. Pa went to Humboldt; bought some domestic and medicine for Aurie. Buddie and Inie and her baby Floyd came yesterday. Bessie and her three babies spent the day here today. Buddie, Minnie and Ella came and spent the day also. Ella has gone back home. Buddie and Eugene went with her. Buddie and Minnie are going to stay all night. Pa has hired "Dee Balantine." He has been working for us ever since Last Tuesday. It has turned very cold. The wind is in the North. Page 30 Jan. 17. Tuesday. Buddie, Minnie, Inie and the baby all went home this morning. Pa and Buddie went to Humboldt yesterday. Pa got two calico dresses for Inie and one for Ma. Inie cut hers out and Pearl and Aurie helped her sew on them. They sewed until after one o'clock last night but did not quite finish them. Mr. Dougan came over this eve to get Pa to help him kill a beef in the morning. Willie Dougan came last Sunday. It is very cloudy. We miss Inie so much. Goodnight. Jan. 20, 1893. Friday. This is the coldest day of the season. It is three degrees below zero. A snow about four inches deep came last Tuesday night. It hasn't melted any hardly yet. Warner Dunlap brought a sleigh and we had a jolly time coasting down "Old High Hill." But it got broken. Some of the boys went up to Mr. Woods' and got his sleigh. A crowd of us girls got on it, and some of the smaller boys were pulling it. I guess it was going too fast for them, so they turned it loose and got out of the way and it ran out of the road and went crash! against a large stump. No one was hurt ( much ), but that ended our coasting. When we returned from school Mr. J. E. Campbell and Ross were here. Mrs. Jennie Campbell sent Ma a three pound can of grapes. Mr. Will Scruggs had been here to see Pa. He brought us two copies of "The Baptist and Reflector." It is a splendid paper. Pa went to Mr. Dougan's this morning and helped him kill a beef. He brought a quarter and a half home with him. We had a ciphering match this afternoon. Chessie Dunlap and Bob Powell chose. Robert's side beat. I was on the victorious side. Dee Balantine went to Mill at Fruitland this morning. Jan. 22, 1893. Sunday. Pearl, Aurie, Eugene and I went to Sunday School. Eugene went home with Sam Bennett. He got his hat burned. Sam and Harry and Willie and Clarance Fitzgerald came home with him. We popped corn and cooked some pop corn candy, and got a few "Pea-nuts" and had a very pleasant time. Pearl and Aurie went to Bessie's. Mr. Willis Bennett is right sick. Mrs. Jennie Hazlewood is very low with pneumonia. Jan. 24. Tuesday. We went to school. Had two new scholars yesterday. After Mr. Hess got through with his lessons this afternoon, he sent the girls to the music room to practice singing. We sung until we got tired, then got us something to eat. And hadn't finished eating before he rung the bell for us, then he said for all the girls that had been eating instead of singing as he told them, to stay in after school. I believe Elsie, Annie and Mag were the only ones that didn't have to stay in. But he didn't keep us in but a few minutes. Prof. got hold of Bob Fitzgerald's diary and read some of it to the school. He got Clayton's a while back and read it to the school. Pearl finished Ma's "City Pavement" quilt. We made out a Program Friday week, and one for the moon light nights in February. Jan. 25. Wednesday. Mr. Coleman visited our school this afternoon. Then the music class went in the music room to play some for him, and the rest of the school was left in Mr. Senter's charge. They wanted to have a spelling match so Andrew Bennett and Mattie Fitzgerald chose. About the Page 31 This page is missing Page 32 Feb. 8. Wednesday. Messrs. Lasitor & Coleman called in and stayed a few minutes. Pearl has gone over to Mrs. Barnett's to stay all night tonight. Pearl took her music lesson. Miss Effie has 13 pupils. Feb. 9. Thursday. This is examination day. We are having a tough time. I think it is the hardest review we have had, but perhaps I haven't studied like I should. Mrs. Mattie Hess has gone to Memphis to hear Sam Jones preach. Feb. 13. Monday. It snowed last Friday afternoon. The ground was covered. The sun shone bight Saturday and melted it nearly all away. Pa went to Humboldt Saturday. He got the 5 gallon coal-oil can filled with oil, a tea-kettle, and two Bridles. Aurie and Eugene went to Eldad Sunday. Pearl and I went to Sunday School. We went to school today. Miss Florence Mobley spent the day at school. She came to Fruitland yesterday and is going to stay until after the party. She recited three pieces for us. She wants to get an Elocution class. Pearl and Miss Effie went home with Annie Coleman tonight. Mrs. Uzzell came and wanted to get a setting of goose eggs. Feb. 14. This is the night of the "Grand School Party." Pearl, Aurie and Eugene have gone. Pearl and Annie C. went to Mrs. J. E. Campbell's from school. James O'Conner carried Aurie, and Eugene went horse-back. As I had such an awful cold, I didn't go. It is raining very hard, and thundering and lightning. We haven't received our examination papers yet. I am very anxious to know what percent I got. Nina Coleman came to school today for the first time lately. Well I guess I'd better study a little bit. Feb. 15. It rained so Aurie had to stay all night last night. Ta. Ta. Feb. 16, 1893. This is Pearl's and my birthday. She is twenty-one and I am "Sweet sixteen." Pearl is five feet and 4 1/2 inches in height and weighs 123 pounds. I am 5 ft. and 3 in. high and weigh 110 pounds. Aurie and Eugene rode Heck to school this morning, as it was raining and muddy, and turned him loose. Pa took the saddle off. Pearl baked us a nice cake a while ago. She has gone to take her music lesson now. I was not able to go to school yesterday, nor today. Yesterday was the first day I've missed since Christmas. Pa went to Fruitland yesterday afternoon and got some strawberrie-box timber. Feb. 19. Sunday. Ma and Pa went to Bessie's. Pearl and Aurie went to Oak Grove. Pa and Ma took care of Bessie's children while she and Mr. Dougan went to Oak Grove. The Preacher came home with them. Pearl and Aurie took dinner there. Eugene and I went to Sunday School. Mrs. Mattie Bennett is very sick. Mrs. Kate Bennett is sick also. We received our examinations papers Friday. Mine was a good deal better than I expected. I wrote to Cousin Ella this eve. Page 33 Feb. 22. This is Washington's birthday. We went to see Mrs. Mattie Bennett Monday eve. Miss Florence Mobley began her Elocution class yesterday. She has four scholars: Miss Effie Galespie, Clayton Powell, Anna and Andrew Bennett. Prof. said that I was the best one among the girls on deportment last month, and Robert Powell was the best among the boys. He is going to have it put in the paper about who is best next month. We celebrated Washington's birthday. The 7th and 8th grades decorated the school-room with holly and a little cedar. The first thing was a song by the school. Then Clayton Powell read a sketch of Washington's life. Hugh Bennett and Miss Effie played a duet. Washington's Rules of Conduct were repeated by the larger pupils. Miss Florence Mobley recited, and Pearl recited "Woman's Right." This closed our celebration. Feb. 23. Thursday. The "Washington Irving Literary Society" gave an entertainment. We first had a song by the school. Then Anna Bennett recited. Four boys were appointed to get up a school paper, but they neglected doing it, so Prof. made each one read a piece as a punishment. James Dunlap read "Betsey and I are Out," next music. Recitation by Miss Mobley. Music. Robert Fitzgerald read a piece next. Music. I read a piece, "The Story of a Pin" was the name of it. James O'Conner recited. Music. Aurie recited "The Early Owl." Miss Maggie Dunlap sang a solo. Elsie recited "Derius Green." Miss Mobley recited another piece. Then the school sang "Dixie." Mr. Hess was asked to repeat some of the exercises we had the day before, so he called on Pearl to recite "Womans Rights" again, and she did so. This closed our little entertainment. We had a right large crowd. A good many of the Enterprise School were there. Feb. 25. Saturday. Buddie and Minnie came down today. Buddie came over here this afternoon and stayed until bed-time. Bessie and family came tonight. Bessie got a letter from Cousin Kate and her little girls' picture came with it. Mr. Easlie Blakemore came to see Pearl. Willie Dougan came also. Feb. 26. Sunday. Buddie and Minnie came by here and stayed a little while. Buddie carried his pig, that Pa had promised him, home with him. Bessie and family left. Willie went to spend the day with them. Eugene and I went to Sunday School. A Negro was killed at Fruitland last night, by jumping off a freight train. He stole a ride from Humboldt, the train didn't stop when it got to Fruitland, so he jumped off and struck his head against a post and knocked part of his brains out. He was not found until this morning. Pearl and Aurie went to Cousin Mattie's. Cousin Sam and Cousin Nannie were there. They enjoyed the trip very much. _____________________ Cousin Kate - daughter of Erasmus Presley Booth of Valley Mills, Texas. She married Alexander McNeill; daughters Eula and Elizabeth. Cousin Mattie - Campbell Cousin Sam and Cousin Nannie - Samuel Davidson Waddell and wife Nannie ( Piercy or Pierce ) ( Sam - son of Seth Quee Waddell and America Jane Mayfield ) Page 34 Feb. 27. Monday. We went to school. About noon Mattie Woods came to the school- house after Prof. Hess, Mr. Center, Alice and John Woods, stating that Mr. Jack Woods had been thrown from a mule and was nearly killed. They all went immediately, and found him unconscious. The back of his head struck the root of a tree. He suffered a great deal with his head, they said. That negro that was killed at Fruitland Saturday night was buried at Fruitland today. Ma has gone to Mrs. Blankenship's. Ralph is over here now. Good night. Feb. 28. Tuesday. Mr. Woods is some better. Pearl, Aurie, Eugene and I went to an entertainment at Enterprise tonight. It was real good. Aurie and I rode Emma Lee, and Pearl and Eugene rode Heck there. But the girth of the new saddle broke and we couldn't fix it, so Eugene had to ride that saddle and I rode behind him, and Pearl and Aurie rode Heck home. Mr. Hess and a good many of his pupils were there. March 1. Bessie came over. Mr. Dougan heard that his Pa was at the point of death so he went to see him this morning. Ma went home with Bessie. Pearl and Miss Effie Galespie have gone to Mr. Penn's. Eugene is going to Bessie's directly. March 3. We went to school. Had a spelling match this afternoon. Hamlet Powell and Mamie Campbell chose. Mamie's side beat. We have one goose laying. Altie Prince came after molasses and stayed until after dinner. Mrs. Blankenship has a little boy. Eugene has gone to Bessie's. It rained this afternoon, but has quit and turned real cold. March 7. Tuesday. Mr. Dougan has returned from his Old home Sunday evening. His Pa was not much better. Polly and Mag stayed at Mr. Fitzgerald's last night and Prof. gave them a big lecture this morning for visiting during the week. He says if they want to visit go on Friday nights, but not on any of the study nights. Miss Effie, Miss Florence Mobley, Annie Coleman and Anna Bennett came home with us from school. We had early supper and then went out in the yard and got up a game of "Hide." And played base a little too. We had some Walnuts. About dark we all went in the parlor. Miss Effie played on the organ. Miss Florence played a little too. Anna B. recited and Florence recited several pieces, but the funniest was "Fishing on Sunday." Miss Anna Belle Harper came this afternoon. Warner and Clate came about 9 o'clock. Half past twelve. Bed time. Good night. Mar. 8. Wednesday. Anna, Florence and Annie left early this morning, and Prof. hasn't found out that they came, yet. We are beginning to prepare for our concert. Miss Anna Belle and Pearl have gone to Bessie's to stay the night. March 11. Saturday. Aurie, Pollie, Mag and Miss Lou Stallings and Hassie B. went home with Annie Coleman from school Fri. Robert Fitzgerald, Clayton Powell and Warner Dunlap went over there after supper. Anna Belle and Jodie were there also. Frank Hardison spent the night with Eugene. Ma and Pa went to see Mr. Woods. He is better. All this happened Friday Page 35 evening. Saturday morning. Sudie Coleman brought Aurie home on a horse this morn. Aurie and I made strawberry boxes. Pearl and I went in the buggy to Eldad. We carried the books, "Four Reasons Why I am a Baptist"and "Final Punishment for the Impenitent" or ( "Future Punishment of the Finally Impenitent" ) I believe it is. Pearl asked Brother Hearn to offer them to the church, and he did so next day. Sunday. Mch. 12, 1893. Pa is fifty-nine years old today. Aurie and Eugene, Pa and Ma went to Eldad. Ten of the books have been sold. Ma and Pa took dinner at Mr. Coleman's and spent the afternoon. Annie Barnett and Mr. Lee Craig married at two o'clock this aft. Bessie and Mr. Dougan came over. March 16. Thursday. Miss Florence Mobley came down here, and Pearl went with her to Enterprise to get a recitation book from Miss Mattie Butler. Pearl went to Bessie's. Mr. Dougan is sick. Ralph came home with Pearl to stay until Saturday. Mr. Anderson finished the well-shelter this aft. We are practicing for the concert every day. Mch. 17. Friday. Jodie Harper came this afternoon to practice "Dark Deeds." We practiced all the afternoon. They are coming to have a play, "The Destrict Skule," in Humboldt tonight. Miss Effie didn't come today. Mch. 18. Saturday. It snowed a little last night, but not enough to cover the ground. Ralph is here. Mch. 21. Tuesday. Ma went to Bessie's and Bessie and Ma went to Mrs. McGee's. Mr. Dougan is still sick. We practiced the dialogue "Dr. Cure-all" today. I had to act the fat lady, so I put on cloaks and stuffed in every possible way to make me look large. And let me tell you, I looked large too. When we got through with the piece, Prof. wanted me to slip around and come up the big road and see if the boys would know who I was. So I put a veil on and went through the woods and got into the big road and came up the hill. Some of the little children were very much frightened. They thought I was a crazy woman. Ha! Ha! Mch. 22. Wednesday. When Prof. got ready to dismiss school this afternoon, he told the seventh and eighth grades to remain in. He wanted to see them privately. We did so, and Lo and Behold he just wanted to tell us he would give us a party at his house tomorrow night. Ta! Ta! Mch. 24. Friday. Last night the seventh and eighth grade girls went home with Pollie and Mag to go to the party. Miss Effie and Florence went home with Prof. Hess. Annie, Anna and Aurie went home with Pollie, and Elsie and I went with Mag. It commenced raining very hard directly after we got there and didn't slack until it was too late to go to the party. Jim went to Mr. Lafayette Dunlap's and stayed the night. We were very much disappointed about missing the party. We all rode to school this morning in the wagon. Mr. Watson is going to give a lecture at High Hill tonight and also play on the violin I expect. Hamlet P. came home with Eugene and stayed a little while and then Eugene went home with him to stay all night. Pearl stayed at Mrs. Barnett's last night. Ralph and John have gone home. Page 36 Mch. 26. Sunday. Prof. Watson gave a splendid lecture Friday night. He also gave us some fine music on the violin. Anna and Elsie Bennett recited. Eugene spent the night with Hamlet Powell and didn't go to the lecture. Mch. 29. Wednesday. Hamlet Powell came home with Eugene from Sunday School and spent the night that night. Mr. Dougan, Bessie and family, and Willie Dougan spent the day Sunday. Prof. gave us our written examination on Grammar and Arithmetic today. We are very busy practicing for the concert. Pearl and Miss Florence went to Enterprise this morning. Mr. Anderson came today and finished up a wash-stand. Mch. 31. Friday. They commenced building the stage yesterday. Prof. dismissed school at noon to let the stage by built. Annie Coleman came home with Aurie and they went to Humboldt horse-back. Pearl and Miss Effie went in the buggy. They all got a dress apiece for the close of school. They got a pair of Sunday Shoes for me. Warner Dunlap came and carried Pearl and Annie to his house. Miss Florence, Bob Fitzgerald, Clayton Powell and Mr. Jim Bennett were over there. They have got the stage finished. Sat. April 1. Pearl went to town to get her new dress made. Aurie is making hers. She didn't have quite enough trimming, so she and Eugene went to Humboldt this aft. and got some more. Apr. 5. Wednesday. We met at the school house last night to practice for the concert. Mr. and Mrs. Edington, Mr. Ezelle and Mr. Josh Harper and James O'Conner were the "spectators." Miss Gay Johnson from Texas came last Sunday. She is visiting relatives and is going to stay until September. She spent the day at school yesterday. As several of the girls wanted to go to town and Prof. had to over-look the eighth grade papers, we didn't have any school until the afternoon. We practiced for the secondary concert all the afternoon. Annie Coleman was absent. Bessie came over yesterday and today and helped us sew. They got a good deal of sewing done on my pink dress. Eugene has the tooth-ache. Apr. 8. Saturday. We practiced for the secondary concert Thursday night and for the primary concert last night. We came this afternoon to practice. Misses Gay Johnson and Fannie Thomas were here. Apr. 9. We had a Commencement sermon preached by Bro. Smith of Brownsville. After Sunday School was over, all the school went to the school-house and marched to the Church. Had printed programs. Had a sermon tonight too. Sallie Bet McLeary came home with us. Willie Dougan, Nell Coleman and Mrs. Newt Bledsoe all came. We all weighed. I weighed 112 pounds. Apr. 10. Monday. We had the primary concert tonight. The house was crowded. Page 37 Apr. 11. Tuesday. At ten o'clock this morning the Graduates read their essays. Aurie read first. Her subject was "Success or Failure." Warner Dunlap read next. Subject "Our Commencement." Then came Annie Coleman, whose subject was "Getting On." Clayton Powell read next; his subject was: "My Boat is Launched; Where shall it Anchor?" And the last was Pollie Dunlap's, the subject of which was "The Aim of Life." Superintendent Baker presented each of them with a Diploma. There was a bouquet on the table for each of the graduates. After this we proposed to have a re-union of all the pupils that had ever been to High Hill. Only a few were present. Estelle was appointed to read an appropriate essay, but she was absent and Prof. sent after it and got Elsie to read it. Then we sang "Far Away." This closed our exercises. Mrs. Kate Bennett, Miss Mary O'Conner and her little cousin, and Sudie Coleman came home with us. We had the secondary concert tonight. There was a very large crowd. Some one said there couldn't much over half of them get in the house. One of the tires came off of Mr. Penn's vehicle and Mrs. Lou Campbell, Mrs. Penn and Jessie and Ella Penn stayed all night with us. We had a free concert both nights. Ta! Ta! Apr. 16. Sunday. We went to Sunday School. Annie Coleman came home with us. We all went to the graveyard at old Shiloh this afternoon. We got some cedar and other shrubbery for Miss Lucie Smith in Caliphornia. Prof. W. S. Hess and Wife came to the graveyard. We spent a very pleasant evening. We have been sorta lonesome since Tuesday. It has been very rainy weather. Pearl and Aurie went to Mrs. Mollie Scruggs'. Apr. 18. Tuesday. Pearl and Aurie went to Cousin Mattie's yesterday afternoon to stay all night. Mrs. Uzzell came over to tell Pa that one of his sheep was hurt down there by her house. Hamlet Powell came and got a gallon of molasses. There is going to be a party at Mr. Harper's tonight, but I don't expect any of us will go. This is a beautiful day. Apr. 19. Wednesday. Aurie and Eugene went to the party last night. Apr. 23. Sunday. Miss Della and Ed Wallsmith came yesterday evening. They went to Sunday School with us. Pa and Ma went to Bessie's a little while and Bessie and family came home with them and spent the day. Willie Dougan came. Apr. 24. Monday. We got one crate of strawberries. Apr. 27. Thursday. We got four cases of strawberries today. It rained so yesterday we couldn't pick. Apr. 28. Pearl, Aurie and I went to Humboldt last night to hear the graduating Essays. Pearl stayed all night at Cousin Sam Waddill's and Aurie and I stayed with Cousin Mattie. There were eight graduates, seven girls and one boy. The Essays were splendid. They were read in the Opera House. All the girls were dressed in white. They all received flowers. Miss Lockey Hinson played on the violin. Prof. Henderson presented their Diplomas. Page 38 Apr. 29. We shipped ten cases of strawberries today. I picked 42 quarts. I stayed at Bessie's last night. She came home with me this morning, and helped us pick strawberries. May 9. Tuesday. Inie and her children ( Bernard excepted ) and Buddie and Minnie came last Tuesday, May 2. We all picked strawberries Wednesday. Buddie went back Thursday. Pa went to Trenton Tuesday and swapped the Lounge and bought a bureau. He gave eight dollars for it. Misses Lena Shelton and Emma Williamson came to Bessie's Wednesday. I picked 51 qts. Cousin Vick Mayfield and Jimmie Patterson came Saturday eve. Inie went home with Bessie and stayed all night. Pearl went to Eldad after Bro. Hearn, but he did not get there. Sunday, Cousin Vick went with us all to Eldad. It was communion day. Pa subscribed for the "Baptist and Reflector." They had preaching at New Shiloh at eleven o'clock and in the afternoon too. We didn't go to either service. Mr. Dougan went to his father's sale Friday and came back Sunday afternoon. Miss Ellen White and Ollie Johnson came to Mr. Dougan's Sunday. Our bees swarmed and Pearl, Aurie and Jimmie went to get Mr. Dougan to help Pa hive them. May 12. Friday. Aurie and Inie went to Humboldt yesterday and spent some of their strawberry money. Mrs. Jennie Campbell came and invited us to a strawberry supper. Aurie, Jimmie, Eugene and I all walked over there. We carried some flowers. There was a large crowd, and I think all enjoyed it. It rained and Aurie and I stayed all night. May 13. Sat. Buddie, Bro. Jessie and Benard came yesterday. They took Inie and all the children home this morning. Ella went home with Minnie to stay a week. Pearl and Jim went to Humboldt. May 14. Cousin Vick went with us to Sunday School. Elsie came home with me. Misses Lena Shelton and Alice Bledsoe were here when we returned. This was decoration day at the Old Shiloh graveyard. All of us young folks went in the wagon, and Jimmie Patterson drove for us. Each one decorated the graves of their near relatives, and a few, the graves of very special friends. Lena Shelton stayed all night with us. Mr. Peyton Cozart came. All of us, except Cousin Vick, went in the parlor. Heck, the horse Mr. Cozart rode, broke loose, so he got "Emma Lee" to ride home. May 16. Tuesday. Jimmie Patterson had a chill. We picked strawberries. Cousin John Campbell brought Cousin Mattie and Girtie to see us. He went back and left them to spend the night. Jimmie Patterson, Girtie and I went to the strawberry patch and gathered strawberries for supper. Anna and Hugh Bennett came while we were gone. We had a party tonight. Mr. Campbell brought Mamie and Gay to spent all night. Had a very large ________________________- Lena Shelton - daughter of John and Mary Ann ( Molly Dougan ) Shelton Emma Williamson - daughter of Thomas & Lucy ( Roland ) Williamson, granddau. of H. Eleanor/Dougan Vick Mayfield - Victoria, daughter of Joseph Green Mayfield, married R. J. Dennis Mr. Dougan's father - John Dougan, who died March 21, 1893 Cousin John Campbell, Cousin Mattie - Mattie was daughter of Polly Ann Mayfield and _____ Campbell, who lived at Mattoon, Ill. Mattie married her cousin John and they lived in Gibson County, Tenn. Think Girtie was their adopted daughter Jimmie Patterson - James C. Patterson, born Sept. 18, 1875, son of C. J. Patterson and Mary E. Gentry, daughter of John B. Gentry & Letsy Mayfield Ollie Johnson - child of Jeremiah Johnson, grandchild of Nimrod Johnson ( I think ) Page 39 crowd. A number of strangers were here. We had three games of snap, and the younger set played "slap-out" and "Cross-question" in the dining room. Most of them seemed to enjoy themselves. May 17, 1893. Wednesday. Anna Bennett, Lena Shelton, Marion and Gay Campbell, Girtie and I, all went to the train with Cousin Vick, Jimmie, Pearl and Aurie. They started to Eaton at 9 o'clock on a Local. We got to Fruitland a good while before the train came. We all weighed. Anna B. and I each weighed 105 pounds. When we returned from Fruitland, Ross and Zach Campbell were here. They had come after Mamie and Gay. Anna and Hugh decided to stay all day. Anna and I went a piece of the way home with Lena. About one o'clock Mr. Bennett came after Anna and Hugh. He needed Hugh to plow. Cousin John Campbell came after Cousin Mattie and Girtie late this afternoon. May 18. Thursday. Lena Shelton and I baked a cake to carry to the pound party tomorrow night at Mr. Fitzgerald's. We picked strawberries. Misses Nannie and Maggie Marshal came this afternoon. Bessie stayed all the afternoon to sew on the machine. Anne Balantine's baby died yesterday. Dee Balantine went over there last night and hasn't got back yet. May 20. Saturday. Lena Shelton, Eugene and I went to a pound supper at Mr. Fitzgerald's last night. There was not a very large crowd. I had a very pleasant time. Lena went home this morning. Miss Ellen, Ollie, Bessie and I picked strawberries. Ma had been sick two or three days and I have my hands full. I had to churn three times this afternoon. I think that did right well for anyone who dislikes to churn as much as I do. May 22. Monday. Bessie came over this afternoon. Ella Barnett came and brought some cabbage plants that Buddie sent Ma. Ella has been and stayed a week with Buddie and Minnie. She got back Saturday. Miss Ellen and Ollie went home yesterday. Bessie went to the train with them and called on Estelle. I hoed the corn in the truck-patch today. June 5. Monday. Pearl and Aurie got home last Monday, May 29. They enjoyed their trip vastly. I had a very hard chill Sunday. Another one Tuesday. I stopped them with quinine. Pa and Mr. Dougan robbed the bees last Saturday's week ago. Bessie and family Saturday night and Sunday with us. We all went to preaching twice on Sunday. Messrs. Tom Bradford, Willie Dougan and Wat McLeary called. June 16, 1893. Friday. Buddie and Minnie came last Sunday. Buddie has cut Messrs. Dougan's and Blankenship's wheat, and is cutting Pa's now. Pearl, Aurie and I went to Bessie's last Sunday and went with them in the wagon to Oak Grove. It was "Children's Day." The church was decorated with flowers. They had a good many appropriate recitations and then the Preacher made a very interesting little talk to the children on the word "Watch." Buddie, Minnie and Ella spent the night with us last night. Aurie went to Humboldt with Annie Coleman yesterday morning and went to see Mattie Ing in the afternoon. Page 40 Mrs. Mollie Scruggs and Lesley, Annye Howell and Annie Coleman spent the day with us last Saturday. Ma spent the day at Mrs. Hesses about a week ago. Pearl and Minnie have gone to Humboldt. June 18. Sunday. Bessie and family spent the day here. Cousin Sam Waddell and Cousin Nannie, Bettie and Bertha came in the afternoon and stayed about two hours. Ma and Pa went to Mr. John Hazlewood's to see Mrs. Wood. Willie Dougan came. June 25, 1893. Sunday. Pearl, Aurie and I went to Cousin Mattie Campbell's and we all went on the train to Jackson to hear Sam Jones preach. Bessie, Mr. Dougan and Eugene got on the train at Fruitland. We all went down on the 9 o'clock excursion. The train was crowded. They couldn't near all get on so they had to wait for the ten o'clock. Sam Jones preached at 11 o'clock in the morning and Rev. Stuart at three in the afternoon. The text of the latter was: "Who can find a Virtous Woman, for her price is far above Rubies." The sermon was excellent. We came back on the five o'clock train. Bessie, Mr. Dougan and Eugene stayed until after the night sermon. Pearl stayed at Cousin Mattie's and Aurie and I came home. *Ma took Aurie down there this morning to stay a while with Cousin Mattie too. Ma and Aurie went to town Friday. Aurie had several teeth pulled and stayed down there to have some plugged, and to have several upper teeth put in. Ralph and John stayed here from Saturday night until this morning. I went home with them. Mr. Dougan had his wheat thrashed this morning. He made 70 1/2 bushels. Myrtie Ragan ( colered ) has come to get a dress cut. July 1, 1893. Saturday. Pearl and Aurie have been staying at Cousin Mattie's all the week. Ma went after Aurie Friday. Aurie went back after Pearl this afternoon. July 2. Sunday. Bro. Spencer preached at New Shiloh this morning. Misses Elva and Jessie Penn came home with us. They intended to have preaching at 3 o'clock in the afternoon but a cloud came over and prevented it. Mr. and Mrs. Penn went to Mr. J. (?) E. Campbell's and came by here after the girls late in the afternoon. July 3. Monday. We had a splendid rain this morning. It came in a good time, for we were needing rain very bad. Pa finished hauling his wheat this morning before the rain. He got it all stacked so the rain wouldn't hurt it. Mr. W. S. Hess came and got a half bushel of peas this morn. A colered man came and bought two sheep for a barbecue they are going to have at Humboldt tomorrow. Pa has gone to Fruitland to get some work done on a plow. July 7. Friday. Yesterday was the hottest day we've had this season. Mattie ( a horse ) got very hot plowing last evening and they took her out and watered her, then went back to work. It wasn't long before she dropped down to the plow. She never got up any more, but died this morning. They ____________________ Cousin Sam Waddell - son of Seth Waddell and America Jane Mayfield Cousin Nannie, Bettie and Bertha - Nannie Piercy ( or Pierce ) wife of Samuel Davidson Waddell. Bettie ( Elizabeth ) and Bertha, their daughters * - This must be Monday , June 26 Page 41 supposed she drank too much water while she was so hot was the cause of her death. We all hated so much to give Mattie up. She was such a good little horse. She left a little colt about two months old. Pa gave it to Aurie. She gives it milk out of a bottle and put it in the pasture. They haven't got enough horses for Pa, Eugene and Dee Balantine all to work, so Dee left this morning. I stayed all night with Anna B. last night. Willie May Adams was there; she came Wednesday. We made some ice cream for supper. It was just splendid. Pearl has gone to Mrs. Mollie Scruggs' tonight to stay all night and to be at the party. Mr. Dick Wade carried Pearl to the Gibson Wells last Tuesday, on the Fourth of July. There were a good many there. Pearl enjoyed it greatly. July 9. Sunday. Pearl went to Eldad after Bro. Hearn. He came and spent the night with us. We all got to go to Eldad today. It rained when we were on our way home. Pa, Ma, Eugene and I stopped at Mr. Nimmo's and stayed till after dinner, but we started home as soon as it looked like we could get there before the rain. But we didn't quite make it. There came a very hard shower when we got a little this side of Mr. Hockaday's. We stopped under a big tree, but got a little wet anyway. July 14. Friday. Ma started over to spend the day, Wednesday, with Mrs. Bennett, but Myrtie told her she wasn't at home, so she went on and spent the day with Mrs. Mollie Scruggs. They went to Fruitland in the afternoon and called on Mrs. Ruth Bennett, Mrs. Sudie Michel and Estelle. Ma got a letter from Miss Coe. Bessie spent the day with us yesterday. Ma was sick in bed. Cousin Mattie, Girtie and Cousin John Campbell came by here this morn going to Bessie's to spend the day. They wanted Ma to go too, so she did. They called in here a little while this afternoon. We had a very good rain. Adieu for tonight. July 21, 1893. Friday. Pa took Pearl to Milan yesterday intending to see her on the two o'clock train bound for Chicago, but the train that she should have gone on went down at eleven, so Pa left Pearl at the Hotel to take the 3:45 train next morning. Ma has been having smothering spells. She couldn't get a full breath. She had a very bad spell Monday night. If it hadn't been for some whiskey that was here, I don't know how she would have gotten along. Pearl took her to Humboldt Tuesday to see Dr. Presston. He said her heart was affected. He gave her some medicine and she is a great deal better. July 22. Saturday. We recieved a postal from Miss Coe this afternoon stating that she met Pearl at 6:45 Friday eve. Pearl has gone to Chicago to take a kindergarden course and also to attend the World's Fair. Miss Coe is her teacher. July 29. Saturday. I have been going to school two weeks. It started 17 of July. We got two letters from Pearl Wednesday. Ma is improving. Eugene is sorter sick. They are having a S. S. Convention at Eldad today and tomorrow. Had dinner on the ground today. Aurie and I went and carried dinner. Page 42 Aug. 4, 1893. Friday. We got a letter from Pearl this morning. All are well. Aurie and I went to Eldad in the wagon with Bessie and Mr. Dougan last Sunday. They had dinner on the ground. John was taken sick. Bro. Hughes wanted to come in the wagon to our house. Mr. Dougan waited a while after preaching broke and he wouldn't come on to the wagon, so wanted to hurry home with John and came on without Bro. Huges. Mr. Mat Hunt brought him down here Monday afternoon. He wanted to give a lecture at the school-house and went up to see Mr. Hess Tuesday afternoon, and Prof. told him he might deliver his lecture Wed. morning early. He asked the pupils to each bring a dime. The next morning he got Ma and Pa to go up and hear him. Mrs. Prudie Goodloe, Grace Johnson, Pollie and Warner Dunlap and Mrs. Eddington and Mrs. Prince were there. The lecture was very entertaining. Mrs. Prudie Goodloe came Tuesday afternoon and stayed a short while. Aurie carried Bro. Hughes to Fruitland Wednesday afternoon. I suppose he took the 5 o'clock train for Trenton. Ta. Ta. Aug. 11, 1893. Friday. Bessie and Mr. Dougan and the children spent the day here. Ma is a little better. Pa got his back strained somehow the other day. ( I guess. ) He can't hardly get about. Aurie has been canning peaches. Bessie got some today to put up. The school agreed to have a Fruit Festival today, so each pupil, as well as teachers, brought some kind of fruit. Recess in the morning was set for the time. Prof. appointed several of the boys to select a shady place out of doors, carry benches out there and cut and spread the fruit. After that was done, the big bell was rung for all to come and join in the feast. We all went at once of course, and found watermelons, cantaloupes, peaches and tomatoes nicely sprread on benches. It was most excellent. Aug. 25. Friday. We had another Fruit Festival last Friday. Saturday. August 26. Pearl got home from Chicago today. Pa met her at Milan this morning. They got here about noon. She stayed in Chicago about 5 weeks, and took a kindergraten course, and attended the World's Fair too. Pearl brought Aurie a beautiful little purse, and me a paper-folder and pen staff with a little magnifying glass in it. I appreciate it so much. She gave Ma and Pa and Bessie and Inie each a drinking glass and gave Buddie a very small clothes brush that she saw made. Inie, Floyd, Buddie and Minnie came today. They got here a while before Pearl did. I went with Elsie to Estelle's yesterday afternoon, and we went to Center in the "Missionary Wagon" last night. "Elsie" and Clarance Tribble brought me home in the buggy this morn. Aug. 27. Sunday. Bessie and family spent the day with us. Inie, Buddie and Minnie left here tonight about 11 o'clock. They had rather travel by moonlight than in the daytime in the dust and sun. I believe it is dustier now than I ever saw it before. If we don't have rain soon the crops will be cut short. Aurie and I went to Center in the wagon with Bessie and Mr. Dougan last night. Pearl and Aurie went to Center today. Page 43 Aug. 29. Tuesday. Pearl has gone with Miss Effie to stay all night with Annie Coleman tonight. Pearl and Aurie went to Humboldt yesterday and got each one of us a new calico dress for the big meeting. Sept. 2, 1893. Saturday. Protracted meeting begans at New Shiloh tonight. Bro. Thorn is going to hold the meeting. Pearl, Aurie and Cousin Julia went tonight. Mr. Paton Cozart went with Pearl. Cousin Julia has been in Humboldt nearly a week. Cousin Sam Hail brought her out here yesterday. We had prayer meeting Thursday night. Sept. 3. Had a splendid sermon today. The house was crowded. We have a choir, and use both the organ and piano. Sept. 6. Wednesday. Cousin Julia went home this morning and Aurie went with her to stay about two weeks. We are having a splendid meeting. Sept. 8. Friday. Nina Coleman came home with me last night. Eugene, Andrew Bennett and several others Professed Religion last night. We didn't have any school this afternoon. Nina came back home with me to stay until Sunday. Corrie Penn came home with me also. Mr. Andrew Hockada and his mother came too. Fourteen joined the church today. Tonight is the last night of the meeting. It rained so we didn't get to go. Mrs. Hess, Mrs. Braidy, Mrs. Lou Campbell, Mrs. Leathy McRee and Miss Sallie May Campbell spent the day with us last Wednesday. Sept. 9. Saturday. We had a good season of rain last night. Every thing looks so refreshed after the rain. We have had such a long dry spell. Mr. Andrew Hockaday went home about 11 o'clock. He left Mrs. Hockaday here to stay until Sunday. I carried Corrie Penn home on old Heck this afternoon. Mr. Penn said he went to preaching last night. There were twenty there besides the preachers. I think that did well for such a bad night. Sept. 10. Sunday. Pearl, Nina and I went to Eldad in the buggy. Eugene rode horse-back. There were not many there. The Association began at Old Gibson today. Camp Meeting began at Rights Chapel today also. Mr. Andrew Hockaday came after his mother this morning and carried her home. Sept. 15. Friday. Mr. Wilson carried Pearl to Camp-meeting last night. Miss Effie has been attending the Camp-meeting this week. We are having review yesterday and today. The society convened this afternoon. This has been a very warm day. There were more than twenty Professions during the meeting at New Shiloh. Bro. Thorn is an excellent preacher. Sept. 20, 1893. Wednesday. Esq. Dunlap and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Bennett, Mrs. J. E. Campbell, Miss Florence Penn and Miss Lula Ing started for the World's Fair today on the 2 o'clock train. They started from Humboldt. Page 44 Sept. 23. Saturday. Elsie came here from school last evening and said Mrs. Chatham asked her to go and sit up with Telee and she didn't want to sit by herself, so she asked me to accompany her. Ma and Pa were afraid for me to go for the fever is contageous. When we got to Estelle's, Mrs. Bennett said she didn't like the idea of our going either, and she would go in our stead. So she sat up with Telee, and Eslie and I studied awhile and then retired. We awoke this morning and found it raining very hard. It continued raining until noon. We expected Aurie to come from Eaton on the ten o'clock train, but I guess the rain prevented it. Mrs. Bennett, Estelle and Elsie intended spending the day with us, but the rain prevented that also. Estelle and Elsie brought me home in the buggy and stayed awhile. Bessie came yesterday afternoon. Pa and Eugene went to Jackson this morning to carry wool. They started before day. Pearl had company last night to sit till ten. Sept. 29, 1893. Friday. No school today. Eugene and I picked peas. A man who sells Bibles took dinner here. Ma got a small Bible for Aurie. Ma got Eugene and I each a Testament. Cousin John Mayfield brought Aurie home Monday. Pearl went to Cousin Nannie's Tuesday. Cousin Sam Waddill has gone to the World's Fair. Aurie went after Pearl this afternoon. I forgot to state a while ago that the Colporteur, who was here today, gave Pa the book of John. It has very large print. Pearl, Eugene and I went to Prayer meeting tonight. Mr. George Campbell conducted the services. Mr. and Mrs. Willis Bennett and Mrs. Jenny Campbell returned from the World's Fair today. Mr. Walter Hess has a fine son. He has named it James Presston Hess. Oct. 1. Sunday. Ma, Pa and Eugene went to McRee's School-house to preaching today. Ma and Pa took dinner at Mrs. Lethe McRee's. Pearl, Aurie and I went to Sunday School. Oct. 3. Tuesday. Pearl and Aurie have gone to Bessie's to stay all night. Mr. Dougan is away from home making molasses. Oct. 8. Sunday. Ma and Pa went to see Inie and Buddie last Friday. Eugene went Saturday. They all came back tonight about dark. Bernard came with them to go to school. Cousin Sam Waddill and family spent the day with us. Aurie and I went to Eldad. Bro. Thompson of Nashville preached. Pearl and Aurie went to hear him yesterday. Mr. Archie Thompson and his wife spent the night with us last night. Bessie and Mr. Dougan have been staying with us during Ma and Pa's absence. Johny Henry Johnson came with Sam home from the sorghum mill Friday night as his son - he is 16 years of age and perhaps he will stay with him until he is 21. Bod Demming died very suddenly Wednesday morning while out feeding his Ma's little chickens. The Dr. from Trenton pronounced his trouble "heart-disease." _____________________ Cousin John Mayfield - son of Jesse Green Mayfield and America Jane Mayfield. He died with pneumonia soon after he married. Cousin Nannie - wife of Samuel Davidson Waddell Page 45 Oct. 14. Aurie went to Bessie's and carried the butter for Sam to carry to Humboldt. Pa went to Fruitland for the mail and got a parcel of clothes for Bernard sent from Jackson by his father. Pearl churned the butter in 7 minutes this evening. Wat McLeary called Sunday night. We picked two big wagon loads of peas. The kids made their regular attendance at school this week. Aurie made her a new red apron. Ma has one of Pa's socks completed and started on the other. None of us went to prayer meeting tonight. This has been a rainy day and the wind is blowing furiously tonight. Good-night. October 20. Last Saturday was a nice clear day and we all got out and picked peas like turks. We picked a wagon level full of peas. Mr. Bob Barnett paid us a short call just as we were getting ready to start home. He wanted to cut some of Pa's pea hay on the halves. Pa consented to let him cut some as he insisted so and didn't save much of his own. Well, he had a hand out there cutting all day Monday and Tuesday too - but Pa and Sam each had their mowers in there helping him that day. Well, Mr. Barnett's mower got broken down late that evening so that ended his cutting dido's. Pa has commenced to break up his wheat land. Sam came over today and raked up some hay. Ma and Pa went Sunday morning to see the Dr. and from there they went up to Mr. Jim Campbell's and stayed until after dinner, then came down and stayed awhile at Cousin Mattie's. They starte