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 |
|