March 12, 1886 - June 30, 1886

March 12, 1886 - June 30, 1886


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Disclaimer:The opinions on these pages are those of the writers and don't necessarily reflect my own views. More...


 

January 20, 1886.
We left home after 11:00 a.m. today, raining and sleeting, mild weather streak in St. Louis, slick as ice, miserable day.  Went to Post Dispatch office and found George out and didn't return till 3:00 p.m.  The streets in such miserable condition, couldn't get out.  Disappointed in not getting the low fare on the railroad as George had arranged for them.  The head man was absent and his assistant refused.  We went up to George's with him at 6:00 p.m.  Got dinner and then went to the Union Depot.  Had to walk a good distance through the slush and snow.  The wind turned northwest and blowing very hard, and cold.  The most unpleasant day I ever saw.  George came to the Depot with us.  Got our train checked and got into the sleeping car and off at 8:20 p.m.  Very warm and comfortable in the sleeper.

January 21, 1886.
We slept very little during the night but rested well in our berths.  Looks a little brighter out this morning, partly clear, cold, ground covered with snow.  Passed Sedalia about 5:00 a.m.  We have been passing through a level farming country all frozen over.  Looks like a good grass and stock country.  Corn stalks look small.  Passed through the line between Missouri and Kansas about 11:00 a.m.  Saw the stone wall that marks the line and then in a few minutes came to Fort Scott.  Country still very level and in some places low and wet.  We entered the Indian Territory about 3:00 p.m.  Vast level tract prairie.  Clear in afternoon.  Just a little snow in spots about 4:00 p.m. we passed Vinita, the first town in the Indian territory.  It is a scattering town with some good houses.  Most of the Indians are mixed with white blood.  The St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad crosses here.  The country gets more undulating.  We crossed the Arkansas River about Sunset today.  It is about 70 feet wide, and more timber.  About 6:00 p.m. crossed the Canadian river.  Quite a stream.

January 22, 1886.
Passed Red River, Denison and Dallas in the night.  Came to Fort Worth about 7:00 a.m. This is quite a town - great many railroads meet here.  A cold west wind met us here.  This is a country of broad prairies and big fields and very little timber, most of that scrubby -- being mesquite and live oak.  Very few people or houses to be seen.  Nothing green meets the eye this time of year, only a few mistletoe on the live oaks.  Here are seen cotton and corn fields, some cattle and sheep.  The soil looks black and some are plowing.  Great deal of gravel and rock visible.  Quite cool today.  About 1:00 p.m.  we came to Waco on the Brasos, large town, river bottoms rich.  We are now 4:00 p.m. at Taylor, large town.  It is very cold out, though not freezing.  We saw a good many live oaks this afternoon.  About 8:00 p.m. Arthur and Lizzie surprised us by coming into the car 8 miles from San Antonio.  I ought to have mentioned we got to Austin about 6:00 p.m. and Claude and Bonnie met us.  Their mother (Mary Wharton Johns( was not well and could not come out.  Of course we were delighted to see Arthur and Lizzie.  Arthur is not very well.  Sorry he is still troubled by his old complaint, Asthma.  We reached San Antonio at 11:00 p.m. and went direct to Arthur's house.  They are very comfortably fixed in a little cottage of 5 rooms and kitchen.  Arthur keeps a horse and cow.  When I looked out from the front door this morning, 23 January, it looked like Sedalia -- the houses so like that town.  Arthur has two splendid children.  The oldest, Warren, is the largest and most active child I ever saw.  His wife, Dollie, is a noble woman. The weather today is clear, little cool but fine.  We need a little fire, and an overcoat outside.  Went to Gauss and Johns office in the forenoon.  This city has a foreign look, strong Mexican features in housing and people.  Some fine mansions of Southern style - with long broad galleries or verandas.  Lizzie's children have grown a good deal, especially Blanche.  She is very tall and good looking.

Sunday, 24 January 1886.
This is a bright, beautiful day, little cool in the morning.  Went to Presbyterian Church to hear Dr. Neil.  It is a nice comfortable church, holds 500 people -- about 2/3 filled.  Dr. Neil is a good preacher, has a quiet, conversational manner, extemporaneous, no notes.  Preached on the two ways, narrow and broad way.  Saw Mrs. Tom Barbour and daughter at church.  Went with Lizzie and Henry to dinner.  They have a very good house on a good street.  The day out is splendid, so clear and pleasant and exhilirating.  The sun is a little warm but need fire indoors. Attended church again tonight.  Congregation rather small.  Came to Arthur's from church.

January 25, 1886.
Clear and cool this morning and will be delightful out.  It is very gratifying to find Arthur and Henry so much interested in church matters.  They say the church here is not doing what it ought to do because they have such inefficient officers.  Received a postal from Mary Pearce today.  Wrote Mary Pearce and my wife wrote to her mother.  Walked down to the office of Gauss & Johns in forenoon.  Things look lively.  After dinner went over to Lizzie's and walked with the boys out to the Springs.  They water comes out cold and clear, a high rock bluff near.  Have a good many wild animals, a race track and drive.  Saw a great many fine turnouts, great deal of driving here.  Saw the Government Military building in the distance.  The weather is perfect today.

January 26, 1886.
Heavy fog and wet, mild.  Cleared by 10:00 a.m. and quite warm in the sun.  Percy took me to the Alamo in his buggy and through large part of southern part of city.  Saw some fine residences and went by the U. S. Arsenal.  Spent an hour at Arthur's office.  Walked back to dinner and sun felt hot.  In afternoon had some wind.  My wife and I went around to Lizzie's after 4:00 o'clock.  Met Mrs. Lemon and her daughter.  She has been here 17 years and seems delighted with it.  Wrote a postal to Mr. Ross.  We needed no fire tonight.  After tea Henry and Lizzie came over.  Corn and oats sold here from farmer at 35 to 37½ cents per bushel and retailed by the stores at 45¢ a bushel.  Arthur pays 75¢ per 100 for corn bran and $1.25 for wheat bran. Wrote to Fred today.

January 27, 1886. San Antonio.
Clear and cool this morning, brisk west wind cool enough for some fire in the early morning.  Arthur seems to be much better.  Read Dr. Fulton's article in St. Louis Republican on the Jardine case.  He makes out a case, terrible mismanagement and injustice.  Rev. Mr. Reed, one of the jury had expressed his opinion of the guilt of Jardine in a letter to Rev. Robert before he sat in the case and made affidavit that he had prejudice against him and expressed no opinion of his case.  After his conviction he asked the Bishop for a new trial which the Bishop refused.  He speaks of the terrible fact that in the Episcopal Church there is no appeal for any condemned man.  All other civil and ecclesiastical courts have appelate courts.  I walked down to the office in the forenoon. The weather is charming, clear and bracing.  rev. Dr. Weil called in the afternoon, small man, delicate looking. Received a letter from Mary Johns at Austin.

January 28, 1886.
Clear and delightful day.  Received a postal from Mr. Howison. Our Sunday School Union meetings still going on and had been very cold again up there.  The small pos is here and causing a good deal of excitement and many exaggerated reports about it.  Really about 20 cases.  In the afternoon I took Shirley, Annie and Eugene out to the Government Hill, U. S. Military Post.  It is a beautiful place.  The grounds are beautifully laid out, very fine walks and drives.  The buildings for offices, soldiers and stores are very commodious and fine.  Quite a town of itself.  The ground is high and from the tower in the center 100 ft. high you have a grand view of the whole country and the city of San Antonio. Shirley and I wrote to John Pearce.  I met Dr. G. B. Johnson and daughter, Tillie on the street this P.M.

January 29, 1886.
Clear and cool, about 9 o'clock last night a norther began to blow and continued through the night moderately but does not amount to much this morning.  Received a letter from Fred and a postal from Mary Pearce, saying John had returned home as Tom was not able to do anything.  Received a postal from George yesterday, bragging on his boy.  It is a little windy and cool today but not unpleasant.  They have made arrangements for Mr. Moody to be here on 28th February.  I met Mr. Scruggs of St. Louis this P.M.  He has been an invalid for years, a spinal disease.  This is the third winter he has been here.  We spent afternoon at Lizzie's and met Lizzie Barbour.  Cool enough for fire tonight.  Arthur told me of their  business troubles for the last two years.  Lost a good deal of money.  this last Fall business revived greatly and they made $6,500 during month of December and trade is still fair.  They seem to have faith in the future of this place.

January 30, 1886.
Clear and beautiful, cool, some wind from southwest.  Received a letter from Mrs. Durfee today.  They are all well.  Still cold with snow on ground.  Shirley Borden left Princeton College because he could not stand the tests and really did not want to stay.

January 31, 1886.  Sunday.
Clear and beautiful morning.  Arthur and I went to the Sunday School.  The pastor, Dr. Neil attends the school.  Dr. Neil preached in morning on nature and evidences of regeneration from John 3, 11th verse, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, we speak that we do know and testify that we have seen".  Very fine sermon.  Doug Martin was at church and two other gentlemen from St. Louis.Good deal of Sabbath breaking here especially by the Mexicans and Germans.  Warm all day, no fire to night. In evening went to the Annual Bible Society meeting [at the] Methodist church [and we] heard a good sermon from Dr. Soudder, pastor of the Northern Presbyterian Church here.  Not many years ago this place where now the great mass o people are Americans and Protestants was exclusively occupied by Mexican Catholics.

[Note:  Two lines of the above from "Good deal of ..." to "...Methodist Church and we" were typed on top of each other.  This is my interpretation.  -- SDC]

February 1, 1886, San Antonio, Texas
Clear and mild, cloudy.  The first cloudy day since we came, looks like rain, warm east wind.  Saw Dr. Geo. B. Johnston.  He looks well and is as bristling and stirring as ever.  Saw a lot of Hereford calves from Missouri brought here for sale, all bulls.  Received a letter from J. E. Stonebraker reporting all well at home.  Received a letter from Fred fixing next Thursday for us to go to his place.  We spent most of the day with Lizzie.  Mr. Heard called later, after tea.  He is an old citizen, a land dealer.  No fire tonight.

February 2, 1886.
Very cool and warm this morning.  Met Doug Martin at the lumber yard.  he says business is fine.  He complains of his eyes.  received a letter from Mrs. Glenday today.  All well and plenty of snow and cold there.  Keeping up the religious meetings with some interest.  Cleared off in the afternoon and wind blowing from northeast.  Mrs. Lewis Weller now from Winchester, Va., called in afternoon.  She knew Mr. Alderson's folks.  Now at 4:00 p.m. a dry norther is blowing and cooling.

February 3, 1886.
Clear and colder this morning.  Need fire, little skim of ice on the standing water.  It is pleasant and cool out.  Yesterday you sought the shady side of the street, today, the sunny side.  I am writing Eleanor Martin.  The papers this morning report a terrible cold snow storm north and down in Indian Nation, 6 or 8 inches deep.  I met a Mr. Campbell in Arthur's office from Mobile, Alabama originally, knows Mary and Claude.  In afternoon we walked down through Commerce Street, good many large business houses.  Street very narrow.  Arthur and I went to prayer meeting this evening.  Reverend Mr. French of San Marcos led it, young man, a native of this city.  Christ was High Priest.  Very few persons present. -- bad sign.  Cool enough for fire tonight.

February 4, 1886.
Clear and cool this morning, little thin ice on the water.  After the sun gets up fairly well, very pleasant out, delightful.  Wrote to John S. Stonebreaker, Mary Johns and Mrs. Durfee.  Received a postal from Mr. Howison.  The papers report most unprecedented snow storm in the nation.  Arkansas and Tennessee snow 20 inches deep and drifted so badly that railroads and other roads impassable.  Saw Percy this A.M.  We will leave this evening for Fred's.  Came to the Depot and took the cars for Uvalde at 7:00 p.m.

February 5, 1886.  Uvalde, Texas
We reached here last night at 12:30 a.m.  Fred was waiting for us.  We go out in a hack at 9:00 a.m. today.  The office of the West Texas Newspaper was burning up just as we entered the town.  Leakey.  We reached here at Fred's at 5:00 this evening.  We had a delightful trip today.  The day bright and the air very cool and exhilarating and the scenery beautiful  The first twenty miles broad beautiful prairie with mountains in the distance ahead of us.  The balance of the route was through the canyon between the mountains and along the Rio Frio River.  It is the most beautiful river I ever saw.  It is rapid, clear as crystal running through white rock.  We saw scenery of mountains, valley, water and trees that were perfectly enchanting.  We found Annie and her children in fine health.  They have a very comfortable house in this little village surrounded by mountains.

February 6, 1886, Leakey.
Clear and brisk and cool.  How beautiful the scenery around Fred's.  Mountains and the groves of live oaks, evergreen.  The Rio Frio is about 200 yds from his house.  It is a beautiful rapid stream, bottom and sides all rock, white gravel and boulders.  Fred has a very comfortable little home on the edge of the village.  The soil looks good and produces good oats, corn and cotton.  Good cattle range.  We passed through Dr. Geo. B. Johnston's ranch yesterday in coming here.  The river runs through his ranch.  As the day advanced it was quite warm.  Shirley is delighted as he can ride Annie's pony.  The flocks of white goats look very pretty, off on the prairie.  The clusters of live oak look pretty.  This country with its mountains, valleys, rocks and streams is very much what I imagine Palestine is.  Crowds of men on horses are passing by, going to a horse race below the town.  Mostly cattle men with high wide brim hats, rough clothes, leather leggings and long whips.  The town is a little village -- rough crude houses.  The live oaks give it a picturesque appearance.

February 7, 1886.  Sunday.
Clear, bright morning, little cooler.  As you look out either way the mountains are in view. Fred and Annie are decidedly religious and are doing a good work in the Sunday School and other ways to promote religion against much ignorance and opposition.  We went to church in the school house at 11 a.m.  The school house is a frame building 40 ft by 30 ft without ceiling or plastering.  A Campbellite preacher preached a sermon.  He seemed to be a plain earnest man.  He undertook to say what the duty of a preacher is.  He should preach the word, should understand it himself and preach it in the proper manner or spirit.  It is a great thing in a new country like this to have gospel preached even by rough uncultured men.  God owns it and good is done by weak instruments.  The Sunday School met at half past 2 o'clock.  Quite a number of people.  Many women, young people and children present.  Fred had a call out and I conducted the service.  The lesson was Three Hebrews, children enter the fiery furnace.  The Sunday School is doing good.  Annie and the organ is a power in it.  Very warm today.  Mr. Burdette called on us in the afternoon.

February 8, 1886.
Clear in the morning.  Fred was away all night and returned to dinner.  The commissioners court is in session and he is one of them.  Annie gave music lessons today to two young ladies on piano.  Very warm during day and cloudy.  I walked to the village and into the courthouse, a frame farmlike house not plastered or ceiled.  I stepped into a store and saw old Mr. Barda an old Texas settler.  Came here from Tennessee in 1836.  Tonight we received a letter from Eleanor Martin.  Papers from Arthur.

February 9, 1886.
Clear and warm this morning.  Shirley and I climbed to the highest mountain.  It is about 600 feet high.  It was difficult on account of the loose rocks and thick brush which are thorney.  The view of this valley from the top is beautiful and we saw other mountains and valleys beyond.  Now at 10:00 Fred is called to see the same patient 20 miles off, a little boy with meningiti[s.] I walked with the children to the river and gathered some watercress.  At night we attended a prayer meeting at the house of Mr. Leakey, good many present.  Two Baptist preachers, Cox and Pyle.  They insisted on my leading the meeting.  I made remarks on the first verse of the 12th Chap. of Hebrews on running the Christian race.  Fred returned from Robertson's at 0 o'clock.  Then had to go to Smith's.

February 10, 1886.
Clear and cooler, a norther blowing.  When the sun gets up here it soon gets warm.  I walked with the children to the river and got some watercress which we had for dinner.  Wrote to Light Cunningham at the Penintentary at Ruck [probably Rusk], Texas.  also a long letter to George enclosing a note to Dr. Farris and postal to Arthur.  At 3 o'clock Fred started on another 20 mile trip to stay all night at Robertson's.  Shirley and I took a good stroll out south among the cedars and live oaks.  There are some fine views.  In the evening, the mail came and got Republican, Cosmos and Evangelist.  It is quite a treat to get the St. Louis papers out here.  My wife, the children and I walked to the river in the afternoon.  It is so clear and bright looking, rushing on the rocks.

February 11, 1886, Leakey.
Clear and cool this morning, windy, what they call a dry norther.  Some fire needed.  Fred did not get back to dinner.  The wind has increased greatly, the strongest I have seen in Texas, not cold but very unpleasant.  Several ladies called.  Fred came about 4 o'clock and then made a call nearby.  In the evening Annie and I went to a Sunday School teacher and prayer meeting.  I led in the absence of Fred.  "Handwriting on the Wall."

February 12, 1886.
Clear and cool in morning, ice on the water but when the sun gets up, quite warm and pleasant.  Mr. Johnson from the Nueces Canyon is here today, was introduced to Judge Hunter, an old settler and leading man in this community.  They say there is about 10,000 acres good land in this canyon and only a small part in cultivation.  Saw Mr. York.  Fred had a chill and ate not dinner.  He had to go nine miles to see a patient.  He came back at eight o'clock very unwell.  Chilly, took medicine. He has been overworked, practice and commissioners court at the same time.  Sleeping from home in cold beds.  Annie went to the Temperance council.  she does a great deal at home and out too.  We got a letter tonight from Mrs. Durfee and a note from Arthur and papers.

February 13, 1886.
Clear and cool in the morning but soon gets warm in the sun.  Wrote letter to Lou Morgan and Mr. Howison.  Fred is lying by today taking medicine.  This is the hottest day I have felt, a good deal of wind occasionally, I am in my coat sleeves.  Shirley little out of sorts today with his stomach.  I suppose the mercury is up to 80° in the shade.  Hot as it is I do not perspire.  We walked out to the mountain west.  You have beautiful views as you change your position.

February 14, 1886. Sunday
Clear and mild.  A man came for Fred about one o'clock in the night to see a sick woman, a Mrs. Jones in the dry Frio.  He was too unwell to go until after breakfast.  Rev. Mr. Fisher, a very young Methodist, preached a missionary sermon in the morning, a good young preacher.  Sunday School in the afternoon.  Burial of Mrs. Prusty's little girl just before the Sunday School.  Rev. Mr. Martin who was providentially present officiated at the grave.  The Sunday School was well attended by young and old.  The lesson "Belshazar's Feast". Very hot day, like a July day in Missouri.  About seven o'clock in the evening the north wind began to blow and it got cold fast.  Reverend Martin preached at night, a good sermon on Romans I: " I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.  It is the power of God to Salvation to everyone that believes".

February 15, 1886.
We had a hard norther during the night and cold this morning, clear.  Fred did not return yet.  Another call for him to go seven miles.  This climate is subject to very sudden and extreme changes.  Shirley and I walked out southwest.  What beautiful views from some of the knolls.  Saw a Mr. Harris who lives 6 miles above here.  Fred came home about 4:00 p.m.  The woman, Mrs. Jones, is deranged.  J. B. Johnson called a few minutes.  Fred went off again 3 miles to see a patient.  Annie and I walked to church.  Mr. Martin preached.  Received letters from Mrs. Glenday, Julia Frayser, J. E. Stonebraker, Mattie and a postal from Mr. Howison.  All well.  Fred returned about 8:00 p.m.

February 16, 1886.
Clear and cool this morning - ice like a pane of glass this morning.  Pleasant out.  Fred went off to see Mrs. Jones, expects to be gone all day and night.  Mr. & Mrs. J. B. Johnson came to dinner.  Mr. Harris came in too.  After dinner Mr. Johnson took Shirley and me in his buggy up the west branch of the canyon, about 4 miles.  Crossed the bed of the river, now mostly dry, rocks, rocks, acres of rocks where the water flows in the rainy season.  Some good farm lands in the valley.  Saw an old man with his little wagons and teams and family originally from Pike County, Missouri, 35 years ago, wandering around like so many of that class, looking for a better country - a rolling stone gathers no moss. This man Johnson is a young lawyer, shrewd, some intelligence, not much education, great talker -- married old Mr. Leakey's daughter.  Annie and I went to the Tuesday evening prayer meeting at Mr. Burdette's.  I led the meeting, only two men present, mostly women and children.  On returning home found Fred back.  The woman was better of her crazy spell.  Fred seems to be much better in health.

February 17, 1886.
Clear and cool.  Ice ¼ inch thick this morning.  Before we finished breakfast a call for Fred to go 20 miles to see a sick child.  We are trying to make arrangements to go to Uvalde to-morrow but so hard to get a hack, it is uncertain.  Wrote to Eleanor martin this forenoon.  In walking out this morning I noticed a bush with sharp leaves, called Agarita that bears a good berry like currants.  Very pleasant out today.  Wrote a postal to Mattie.  Received letter from Minnie and Mary Pearce and John and large lot or Republicans from Arthur and Cosmos and Evangelist, St Louis.  We failed to get a conveyance to to to Uvalde Tomorrow.  Fred returned 40 miles to supper.

February 18, 1886.
Clear and cool this morning.  Ice ½ inch thick this morning.  How cool it gets here after night compared with the day.  Fred is about home today.  South wind and some clouds south.  It hasn't rained here for 6 months yet I find some moisture 2 or 3 inches below the surface.  It rises from below, stands droughts well.  Heavy dews and fogs in Summer helps.  I rode about two miles south of Fred's through a good deal of bushes and trees.  some good land but very difficult to clear.  So much grubbing necessary.  Cost $20.00 an acre to get it into cultivation.  Some beautiful view.  Tonight we attended the Sunday School prayer meeting at the school house.  Fred conducts it, praying, singing and explanation of the lesson: - rebuilding the Temple by order of Cyrus.  Fred speaks well.  We have everything ready to leave in the morning.

February 19, 1886.
Clear and pleasant.  We all arose early to get off - but disappointed.  The hack did not get back and the spring wagon had no harness, none to be had so we have settled down for another day.  These things are Providential.  My wife, Shirley and I concluded to go to the top of a mountain about a mile off.  It is about 500 feet high and very rocky.  We toiled up it slowly and on top found large rocks.  It was warm, but the air is good that we feel no weariness.  The views from it are beautiful, especially south over the valley.  The Frio River, groves of live oak and cedars, stretches of open prairies and all surrounded by mountains.  How wonderful are works of God in nature.  These mountains and valleys show signs that at some time or period in dim past, some gulf or ocean covered them. Fred has been about home several days.  Mr. Hughes called and took supper.  He keeps Fred's goats.  They went to the Temperance Council.  We expect a hack tomorrow to take us to Uvalde.

February 20, 1886.
Little cloudy this morning, early.  We left Leakey this morning early in an open spring wagon with Mr. Boles and his wife.  The seats had no backs and we were crowded and in an unpleasant east wind blowing in our faces. We enjoyed the scenery and returning over the same road we came.  The scene of the "shut it" the mouth of the canyon is grand, the mountains, rocks and the river.  About twelve o'clock we stopped at a Mr. Recherz's a German.  She made us a pot of coffee and they were very kind.  Fred practiced in their family.  The cloudiness increased as the day advanced.  We reached Uvalde before eight o'clock very tired.  Stopped at a boarding house near the depot.  We gets no sleep, had headache.  Went to the depot at two o'clock a.m. and waited for the train.

February 21, 1886.  San Antonio, Texas
We reached here this morning at 7:30 a.m. in rain.  It commenced raining last night at twelve o'clock.  Got to Arthur's before breakfast - found them well.  Now at noon it is still pouring down rain, a great blessing for the country as it hasn't rained for six months.  We are quite unwell.  I have some headache today and my wife has a sick headache. The rough ride yesterday and loss of sleep was too much for us.  We received a letter from Mrs. Durfee and a postal from Mr. Howison Friday night at Leakey.  I suffered a good deal all the afternoon and evening from headache and a sore throat from cold.  Took a pill.

February 22, 1886.
Cloudy and warm.  I feel very well this morning after a good night's sleep.  It is very muddy.  We moved over to Lizzie's this morning.  I walked down to the lumber yard before noon.  Met Dr. Percy Johns on street.  Shirley got a letter from his grandma.  The sun shone some this afternoon, warm.  The religious meetings preparatory to Moody's visit are going on every night, led by Mr. Brown.  I went with Henry to the meeting tonight.  He discussed the tests of discipleship, cross bearing, unwillingness to give up the dearest friends, property and pleasures for Christ.

February 23, 1886.
Cloudy and warm.  Wrote to Fred.  Walked to the office in the forenoon.  It commenced raining about 11:00 a.m.  I has continued to rain, heavily most of the day.  These rains give joy to these Texas people as they insure good pastures and good crops.

February 24.  San Antonio.
Cloudy and rain this forenoon.  My wife was troubled with sick stomach yesterday evening and during the night and this morning.  Wrote to J. E. Stonebraker, and my wife to Mattie today.  Walked down to the office in the afternoon and to Post Office.

February 25, 1886.
Cloudy still.  It shows some signs of clearing in forenoon.  Wind in the west and a little cooler.  No fire today.  Don't feel very well today, head out of sorts.  Walked down to the office with Shirley.  In afternoon, cloudy but little cooler and signs of clearing.  Shirley received an account of the persons who joined the church since we left home.  most of them children of the Sabbath School.  The Lord is mindful of his covenant.  Though very little, the wind dried the streets a good deal.  I walked over to Arthur's in the afternoon and had a romp with Warren.  Received a letter from Mattie this evening.  Mr. Borden going to Florida.  We went to the meeting tonight.  Mr. Brown spoke on the several passages in the 2d and 3d chapters in revelations on whosoever overcometh shall have great rewards.

February 26, 1886.
Cloudy and cooler.  Soon began to rain.  It makes it very disagreeable walking on the streets but rain is a great blessing to this country.  Continued to drizzle all day and warm.  Jane wrote her mother and I wrote to Mary Johns.  I saw by the papers that Dr. Coates killed old Mr. Keith in St. Louis yesterday.  A bad sort.

February 27, 1886.
Cloudy this morning and some rain last night but by 10:00 this forenoon, clear and springlike, warm and beautiful.  It feels like June with us.  I wrote to Mr. J. E. Stonebraker today and sent a letter to be read to the Childrens Missionary Society 1st sabbath in next month.  I am reading a history of the Mexican war in 1845 and 1846 by E. D. Mansfield of Cincinnati, Ohio.  The war was evidently forced on Mexico by United States on very slight pretexts.  It was not only to get Texas but the large territory of California, New Mexico and others on Pacific Coast.  It reads like a romance.  The achievement of Taylor and Scott with very small armies, moving with such rapidity and conquering and taking every important city and stronghold in Mexico.  The result was that the United States wrested from Mexico nearly as much territory as all the other United States together.  what tremendous results have followed since, large states organized, millions of gold and silver dug out of the mines and two railroads from ocean to ocean.  Another story of conquest and ambition.  The Lord over rules all for the advancement of his cause.  A railroad is now pushing to city of Mexico and poor Catholic, ignorant Mexico is open to American Protestant enterprised evangelization.

February 28, 1886.  Sunday.
Partly clear, mild.  We went to Presbyterian Church at 8:00 to hear Mr. Moody, for Christians only - house full.  Mr. Moody and Sanky have a good deal in their personel to recommend them.  Large strong honest looking men and great earnestness of manner.  Sanky's singing is most impressive and touching.  He sings the gospel with power.  Every word is sounded with unction and sweetness.  Mr. Moody is a great burly man full of earnestness and power.  He took a few verses in the 25th chapter of Exodus - where the people were to bring gold, silver and every other thing they had to give to build the Tabernacle - the subject:  everybody has a work to do for Christ, and even the very weakest can do a great deal of work by God's help.  fully illustrated by Bible facts and facts in the history of the church.  The effects of the sermon was to stimulate Christian people to work for Christ.  At 11:00 a.m., the Rev. Mr. Howard of Austin preached in Presbyterian Church on the Angels in Heaven rejoice over the sinner that repenteth.  Fine sermon, many good illustrations.  At 3:00 p.m. Mr. Moody preached to women in Presbyterian Church and at night he preached to men in the same place.  Great crowd and a powerful sermon on "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap".  All forms of sins bring a harvest of sorrow even to the Christian in this world-instance, David and Jacob, a Divine Law.  Forty-two persons stood up to be prayed for.  In after meeting he explained the plan of salvation.  Pressed a decision on the sinners with great earnestness and four persons stood up and said they had determined to confess Christ.  We took dinner and supper at Arthur's today.  Had some headache this evening and night.

March 1, 1886.
Cloudy and mild this morning.  received a letter from Annie.  Moody meeting at Turner Hall at 3:30 p.m., great crowd.  Mr. Moody preached on the Bible, answered objection of skeptics, The Savior and the Apostles, making a great many quotations from all the Books of the old Testament.  Bad men try to discredit the Bible because it condemns their wickedness.  The weakness of the church arises from the ignorance of the Bible.  The Bible ought to be studied.  Preachers ought to preach expository sermons more.  Take a Book and explain it all before leaving it, too much preaching from texts, Sunday School lesson papers wrong, children ought to use their Bibles more, - Dr. Bonner of Scotland's plan.  Attended the meeting at the Hall tonight, great crowd.  Moody preached on great Supper and the excuses sinners make.  He striped [sic] the sinner of every ground for excuse.  He is a mighty preacher.  The whole Bible is at his tongue's end.

March 2, 1886.
Raining this morning.  Mr. Moody has a meeting at 11:00 a.m. today.  Received a letter from Eleanor Martin and Mary Johns.  Attended a Moody meeting at 11:00 a.m. at Methodist Church to answer questions on church work.  How can Christians learn to talk with inquirer?  Go and do it by the help of God and learn that way.  What are fairs and suppers?  Abominable and wrong.  How about renting pews?  Free seats much the best, if not half the seats free, alternate ones.  What importance attached to singing?  Very great, good gospel hymns effect great good, reach hears that sermons do not.  The effect two good old hymns, "There is a fountain filled with blood, The Blood" and "Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove".  Have good choir of singers near the pulpit.  Preach the Gospel.  Hear Moody preach at 3:00 p.m on the Holy Spirit, Christ when he left this earth sent the Holy Spirit to carry on his work.  He gives power to his people.  He gives them liberty, peace and joy.  So many Christians have no power.  If they ask God he will fill them.  Peter had power when he preached on Pentecost.  Years after that, Peter and John preached with so much power that 5,000 men converted.  The woman of Samaria came to draw water, not the Savior and she was so filled with the Holy Sprit that she ran through the town crying that Messiah was come.  If we are filled with the Holy Ghost we have power to do great things for God.  The greatest power on earth is a Christian filled with the Holy Ghost. Elijah had the key to Heaven.  When he prayed it rained not for 3 years.  When he prayed for rain, it came.  His description of Elijah and Elisha was powerful.  Elisha followed Elijah.  The waters of the Jordan parted at his word.  When Elijah went up he asked Elisha what he wanted and Elisha said he wanted a double portion of his spirit.  As he ascended, he threw his mantle to Elisha and he crossed Jordan.  The water separated and did many more miracles than Elijah had done.  It was a great sermon.  Rained most of the day and heavily in afternoon.  they are taking steps to organize a Young Men's Christian Association here, which is much needed.  Mr. Moody closed his meeting tonight, and goes to Dallas.

March 3, 1886.
Cloudy and cooler today.  Called at Percy's office in forenoon.  Very muddy.  Heavy rain in afternoon with some thunder and lightning.  Arthur came over after supper and sat with us.

March 4., 1886.
Cloudy and very heavy rain during the night.  My wife sick during the night, sick stomach and vomited.  Cooler.  I have read in Scribner for 1874 accounts of San Antonio and Austin.  Cleared by ten o'clock in the morning and cool wind though sun is warm  In afternoon my wife, Lizzie, Eugene and Shirley and I went to Government Hill.  Delightful weather and fine views.

March 5, 1886.
My wife, Shirley and I went to San Pedro Springs in the morning.  In summer it must be a very attractve spot with its groves, clear bright waters and rocky bluffs back of it.  Received Letter from Mattie, E. C. Cunningham and Lou Morgan.  Lizzie and her Mother went out in the afternoon to make calls.  I saw John Rice on the street.  Had a long talk with Henry and Lizzie about management of children and what best to do with B.  Henry thinks San Antonio is going to be a city of considerable size and large trade.

March 6, 1886.
Cloudy and threatening this morning.  Rained a little in the forenoon.  Called at Arthur's and went to Dr. Neil's, he was absent.  Went up to the lumber yard.  Got Cosmos and New York Observer.  Talked with a horse trader formerly from Pike County, Mo.  He thinks the prospects for cattle and horses fine this spring and that San Antonio will be a flourishing place.  Had a long talk with Arthur about their business matters.  He thinks them encouraging for the future.  They passed through a very trying ordeal last year.  Still cloudy and threatening at noon.  Walked to the office this afternoon.  Saw in Republican that Judge King and wife had got appointment in Washington City and Mrs. Quesenberry and son burned up in their house at Fulton.  Raining some now.

March 7, 1886 Sunday.
Cloudy and cool, rain last night.  Attended church in the morning.  Dr. Neil preached from John I, Behold the lamb of God.  Andrew and John, Nathaniel and Peter followed Christ.  Took dinner with Arthur.  Percy called in afternoon.  Church at night.  Dr. Neil preached Matthew 12.  They are whole, need not a physician but they that are sick, do.

March 8, 1886.
Cloudy.  We expect to go to Austin this P.M. at 3:00.  Called on Dr. Neil at the church this A.M.  Had a long talk about San Antonio and church matters.  Spoke very highly of Arthur and wants him to be a deacon and Henry Gauss an elder.  Called with Henry on Mr. Stevenson, an elder.  Arthur and Dollie dined with us at Lizzie's.  We left there at 3:00 p.m.  We have had a delightful visit and painful to part with them.  It is a great gratification to find our children comfortable and useful in society and the church.  Arthur and Eugene came with us to the depot.  Passed over a level prairie country with chapparal for some miles and then more rolling with groves of live oaks and then some farms.  Some cotton fields, ranges of hills and low mountains on both sides of us.  Great deal of good scenery, cedars and moss covered trees and rock s.  We came to large farms, plowing some green fields of wheat or oats.  Came to New Braunfels.  A small stream there.  Cloudy and fresh breeze.  Crossed the Guadalupe River just this side of New Braunfels at about 5:00 p.m. Between New Braunfels and San Marcos passed a great many fine looking farms or plantations, cotton fields, thickly settled country.  San Marcos is a pretty little town surrounded on the north and west by hills and has a large spring.  Great many moss covered trees.  Crossed a stream called Blanco.  we got to Austin at 8:00 p.m. and Bonnie met us.  They have a very pleasant boarding house, Mrs. Everetts.

March 9, 1886  Austin, Texas
Had a cold norther during the night and quite cold this morning and continued all day, a strong north wind.  Shirley went with Claude to his office in the morning and after his court was over we walked up to the new Capitol now in progress of erection.  The foundation is complete and the first story under way.  It is a vast structure and they use Texas granite.  It is a high fine sight with grand views of country around.  This is a beautiful city, with fine commanding heights and fine views.  We were invited to dine at Major Johns'.  He lives in a splendid house on the hill.  Major Johns and I are third cousins, his grandfather and mine were brothers.  He is a very pleasant old gentleman.  We rode in his carriage with Mary all over the city in afternoon.  We saw a great many public and private buildings, University, Asylum, churches and hotels, - fine wide streets.  Met Dr. Smoot a few minutes.  We have spent a delightful day.

March 10, 1886 Austin Texas
Clear and frosty.  We bid our friends goodbye at 10:00 a.m. and are now comfortably seated in the sleeper.  We had a very pleasant visit at Austin.  We passed along the bank of the Colorado river a little ways and for some miles through a brushy, rocky country.  Now at 2:00 p.m. Clear and bright.  We passed a good many large cotton fields below Waco and some fine country this side of Waco.  Passed Fort Worth and Dallas after night.

March 11, 1886.
Cloudy, cold east wind in the southern part of Indian Nation.  Passed some broken hilly rocky country.  Some little towns in the nation.  No green grass yet.  Plenty of water seen.  Crossed the Canadian River about 11:00 a.m., good deal timber land and red soil.  Cool, damp and cloudy day.  The sleeper crowded last night with families from far West.  Crossed the Arkansas River just before noon, about 50 feet wide.  Passed Muskogee.  It has large brick school building.  It is raining at 12:30.  Wide prairies here.  Passed through Missouri during the night and reached St. Louis in the morning about 8 o'clock.

March 12, 1886.
Reached home (St. Charles) to dinner and found all well.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Names of persons in Uvalde, acquaintances of Fred:  Reverend Mr. Jacobs, Eugene Archer, J. H. Clark, F. A. Piper, Judge McCormack, Uncle Joe Brown, Dr. Birmingham, Henry Patterson.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

St. Charles to St. Louis $ 1.75
Street car tickets .40
Tickets for three from St. Louis to San Antonio & return and two sleeping car berths. 107.00
Telegram to A. C. Johns .50
Checks for bundles .30
Expenses on cars for meals 2.40
Stamps and postals .30
Sundries .50
Sundries .80
Washing clothes 1.25
Jan. 31 Church collection 1.25
Feb. 4 Washing 1.35
Feb. 5 Expenses from San Antonio to Uvalde 7.65
  Hotel bill 2.50
  Received from Fred on his insurance account 15.00
  Washing clothes .70
  Sundries .50
Feb. 20 Hack to Uvalde .50
  Hotel 1.00
Tickets to San Antonio $  7.45
Hack and trunk 1.75
Taking trunk to Lizzie's .25
Feb. 24 Haircutting .50
Mar. 1 Whip for Shirley .50
  Bustle .50
  Sundries .50
Mar. 2 Street car .50
Mar. 4 Car fare .50
Mar. 5 Sundries .50
  Washing clothes 2.00
Mar. 8 Sundries .70
  Trunks .50
  Provisions and book 1.00
  Trunks .50
  Sleeper 13.00
  Present for Arthur 25.00

 

 


Source: Location of handwritten original unknown.  Transcription and excerption by Florence Johns in 1960s.  Transcribed to softcopy by Susan D. Chambless, 2000.


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Last modified:Sunday, 09-Nov-2003 16:36:40 MST