July 1, 1886.
Aphra Martin was appointed teacher in the public schools today. We had
great rejoicing here and among the Martin girls, and Eleanor has two
offers, Lexington and Princeton, Kentucky. How a gracious God provides
for the orphan children of Godly parents. Called at Wm Parksand Mrs.
Ross'. After supper Mr. Howison and Dr. Charles of Fulton called. We
went over and called on the Martins. Old Granger, colored, was buried
today.
July 2, 1886.
I saw August Kruse today, one of my tenants, and agreed on rent for
the next year, that is 1/3/ of corn and wheat and $8.00 per acre for
10 acres around house and $16.00 per acre for oat land. The agricultural
interest is greatly depressed, prices so low and short crops for 2 years.
Shirley got a letter from Eugene Gauss. I wrote Prof. Blanton of Princeton,
Ky., about Eleanor Martin. I met on the street, Mrs. Fergerson, Mrs.
John Boal, who was Harriott Hughes, whom I knew fifty years ago in Oxford,
Ohio.
July 4, 1886. Sabbath.
We had the usual church services. In afternoon they play baseball in
Dick's Field in front of us. It is a nuisance and terrible desecration
of the Sabbath -- yelling and shouting like savages.
July 5, 1886.
This day is celebrated as the 4th. We are 110 years old as a nation,
an infant in age for a nation but a giant in size of territory, population
and resources. While we are a Christian people and have elements of
moral power, we also have tremendous forces for evil in our midst and
God only can give the victory to his people and his cause. Oh, God,
give us help. Amen.
July 7, 1886.
Wheat has risin some because of damaged crops in northwest from drought.
received a letter from Louisa Morgan, her aunt is still with her. John
Morgan has to go to Kansas City to live with his cousin in the grocery
business. We all went out to Robert Parks to a picnic biven by the Ladies
Sewing Society. it was a very pleasant affair.
July 9, 1886.
The Martin girls called aafter tea and also Miss Aurelia McDearmon,
Mrs. Orme and Lucy McDearmon. received a letter from Mary Pearce and
wrote to Louisa Morgan. Went with Shirley to the swimming school in
afternoon.
July 12, 1886.
Mattie left on the early train and spends the day with George. She is
in fine health, her visits are great treats to us. She is happily situated
in Philadelphia.
July 14, 1886.
I borrowed $1500.00 today from Charles Wilson to pay a debit I owe Mr.
Ezra Overall and gave him a deed of trust on two lots, 72 and 73 in
lower bottom containing 40 acres. This is the only debt I have and this
was incurred several years ago by security debts. We had our Sunday
School picnic today in Robert Parks grove. The day very fine, cloudy
and cool. We had a delightful time, great many happy children and fine
dinner. Such things have a good social effect, bring people together
that seldom meet otherwise and the children enjoy. Our pastor enters
heartily into the children's play and in that way wins them. Postal
from Mattie at Columbus, Ohio. Sam Jones is stumping the state in favor
of prohibition. He wields a terrible battle axe, his bold, rough eloquence
will make a strong impression. It is impossible to estimate the evils
of whiskey and beer, nothing but a Divine Poser can destroy them. The
great source of evil is the saloon, shut them up and more than half
the evil will cease.
July 18, 1886. Sabbath.
Mr. Howison preached in morning on universal Human depravity, result
of Adam's fall. In afternoon he preached to the children on the robe
of Christ's righteousness. Bring forth the best robe and put it on Him.
John 15:22.
July 22, 1886.
The last few days have scorched up vegetables greatly, no clouds to
break the sun. I called at the publick School this morning where the
Teachers Institute is held, about 40 teachers in attendance under Prof.
Barton. Went to an ice cream festival at Clerk's office by Jefferson
Street Church. Called on Mrs. Alf Stonebraker.
July 25, 1886. Sabbath.
Rode out with Reverend Mr. Trimble of Mexico, Mo., to Lindenwood yesterday.
He conducted our communion service today and took dinner with us. He
is a fine preacher and very pleasant man. The drought prevails extensive
through the northwest, wes and southwest into Texas where it is terrible
in places, people have to desert their home to get water and food.
July 27, 1886.
This has been a dry, burning day, not a speck of clouds, they sky like
brass. To show the effect of good cultivation in drought I have a patch
of corn now just in tassel which plowed throughly after the last rain
whis is as green as if it had rained last week and very thick, too.
I received $96,50 rent from John Gran today for lot in bottom, he owes
me $10.00 for oat land and 1/3 of the corn growing on about 7 acres.
I rode with Shirley down through the bottom and then across the bridge
by my farm. I rented my bottom land to Charles Flick, the german that
lives on Carter's place adjoining mine. He is to give me 1/3 of the
crops, will sow about 25 acres in wheat, the corn on my place as well
as others in suffering seriously with the drought. Got a letter from
mary Pearce today giving sad news of John Morgan's insanity and Anna's
ill-health, some lung trouble that the doctor thinks will be fatal ultimately.
Old Mr. Klinger died suddenly yesterday, he is 75 years old, lives 4
miles in country. He has had a large flour mill in town for many years
and I have dealt with him all that time.
July 30, 1886.
Rode out with Mr. Alderson to Klinger's funeral, the family have no
religion. I got a sad letter from Lou Morgan today giving an account
of John's mental derangement, he has been showing some signs of mental
depression for a year or two. It all comes from nervous derangement,
it is a terrible blow to his father and mother. God help them. Clouds
from south gave us a good rain.
July 31, 1886.
The heat is oppressive because it is damp, the rain yesterday did not
reach the prairie below. Old Colonel Cunningham died yesterday evening,
86 years old. He had been quite active up to two months ago, his mind
was clear to the last. He came here fifty years ago. He was many years
a member of the Methodist church and I believe was christian man. He
was prominent as a lawyer and as a citizen here for many years. Our
old men are passing away rapidly. Clinton McKnight's barn, hay, corn
and harness and several horses and mules was burned up last night.
Aug. 3, 1886.
Wrote Mary Johns and Tom Johns. Got an Austin paper reporting the death
of Major Johns. They gave him a very exalted character as a man and
citizen. He was 70 years old and prominent in Texas for many years.
Received postal from Ellen Cowan.
Aug. 5, 1886.
Papers report the death of Samuel Tilden, the greatest and purest statesman
in this country. He was elected president of United States but was defrauded
out of it, by the Republican party. Naomi Barron, Daisy, Eleanor and
Aphra Martin spent the day with us. Mattie goes to Fall River.
August 8, 1886. Sabbath.
William Parks preached for us this morning on Baptism. He contends that
Baptism came down from Old Testament times, that washing or baptisms
were part of the Jewish ceremonials, cleansing or purification from
uncleanness, not immersion but sprinkling and washing. When we came
home from church we found George and Minnie here. They came up last
night to McDearmon's. They are well and the baby is very well and bright.
They went over to McDearmon's after dinner.
Aug. 10, 1886.
Letter to Shirley from Eugene Gauss. Received letter from Arthur and
Mary Johns. She sent us a likeness of Major Johns, strong resemblance
to Glover. Arthur says the hottest summer known in Texas and very dry
now, injuring the cotton crop. Called on William Parks and gave him
$25.00 the contribution of this church to him as Presbyterian Evangelist.
Rec'd card from Mattie in Hew H.
Aug, 13, 1886.
Received a letter from Lou Morgan, John is no better and has to go to
the Asylum. Anna returned home, has oseous tumor.
Aug. 14, 1886.
Received a letter from Mattie today from New Hampshire. Mr. Enoch came
today and took the home from Mrs. Durfee's hives. It is a very difficult
thing to do, the hive is badly constructed. she got 5 gallons.
Aug. 15, 1886.
We had some rain in the night and more this morning, good showers, with
one light shower two weeks ago, this is the first for 7 weeks. Heard
a sermon from Prof. Moyers in Jefferson St. Church.
Aug. 16, 1886.
This is the hottest day we have had, the mercury reached 104° in
town and in St. Louis. My wife and I called on Mrs. Ross after tea.
Aug. 18, 1886.
Thank the Lord the long desired rain came last night. We had two thunder
showers during the night, the last one at 2:30 o'cl was terrific for
the continual thunder and lightning. We received a letter from Fred
today, he has moved his house to a lot near old Mr. Leakey's near the
river. The water in his well was bad. He had trees where he is now.
He had thought of moving to Uvalde but concluded it was not safe for
his health to leave the mountains.
Aug. 21, 1886.
There was a railroad meeting at the court house at 7 o'cl p.m. to aid
in getting the right of way for a railroad from Alton by this place
to Kansas City, R. H. Parks, chariman. Colonel Hayward who represents
the railroad stated the advantages of the road to this city and county,
cheapness of freight and coal, level grade, great advantage, protectioin
of low lands below her from the river a great consideration. Dr. Johnson
came and examined Anna Pearce who is here and says she has no tumor
of any kind, perhaps some derangement of the heart.
Aug. 22, 1886. Sabbath.
I went to the Baptist Church and heard a very good sermon by Mr. William
on "the blood of Christ cleanseth us from all sin." A German
minister who lives near Waco, Texas and who is here on his way to the
Evangelical German Synod and spending the Sabbath with Sr. John's church
is to preach in our church in English tonight. He was a member of the
German Methodist Church at one time and an evangelist in St. Louis with
Moody. His name is Slembach.
Aug. 23, 1886.
Papers give particulars of the great storm in Texas extending from Galveston
to Corpus Christi on the Gulf Coast and back in the interior. San Antonio
and many other places suffered greatly -- destruction of property and
crops. Rode out to John Cunningham's with Mr. Ezra Overall. Called at
Mrs. Frayser's, and saw Mrs. Lewis and her daughters from Charleston,
West Virginia. They are appealing for aid for the sufferers from the
storm in Texas, as well as those in drought areas.
Aug. 25, 1886.
I called at William Parks this afternoon, met Mrs. Ches Birch who is
a good cornetist. He labors with the Reverend Mr. Claggett, the evangelist.
He is here resting. Anna Pearce went home this afternoon, the doctors
after a second examination say nothing the matter with her. Received
a letter from Dollie, she had suffered greatly from breaking out in
her feet and legs. The Martin Girls and Ed Parks's girls and ches Birch
came out in evening.
Aug. 28, 1886.
Ed Martin came from Minneapolis yesterday, he has settled there in business.
Jack Martin returned from Florida yesterday. Received letter from Mattie
in the mountains and lakes of Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Howison came home
last night, he is greatly improved in health but she looks badly.
Aug. 30, 1886.
Received a letter from Fred, settled in their new home, Annie quite
unwell. This drought has been very serious on their crops. They have
concluded best to connect themselves with the Methodist Church as there
is no prospect of any Presbyterian church in that region. I went out
to John Cunningham's, called on Mrs. Rector who lives in one of his
houses with her brother. I attended the young people's prayer metting
tonight, lead by Chess Birch, good meeting, fine music -- music has
wonderfrul power. I wrote to Fred today. Paid a note of $204.00 in the
Union Savings Bank which Mrs. Durfee and I endorsed for Fred.
Sept. 1, 1886.
The papers report the severest earth quake ever known in this country
last night, about 9 o'cl from Charleston, S.C., north to Washington
City and west to St. Louis. Great destruction at Charleston and the
region -- many houses thrown down and many lives lost -- many millions
in damage to property. The Lord reigns and his judgements are abroad
in the land -- will the people learn wisdom.
Sept. 3, 1886.
Circus in town today. Jane and Naomi Barron invited to spend the day
with Mrs. Watson. When they were young girls they used to be at Mrs.
Watson's together. Robert Pouri very ill today with congestive fever
or chill. Called to see him in afternoon, he was better. Called on Mr.
Ezra Overall who has been sick. Met Jack Martin, he goes to work for
Boyd and Co., St. Louis next week.
Sept. 5, 1886. Sabbath.
Eleanor Martin took dinner with us. Minnie wants to have her baby baptized
in the Episcopal Church this afternoon at 4 o'cl. This is not according
to our Presbyterian notions. We all went over to the church. He preached
a good sermon on the religious training of children. They lay little
too much stress on church ordination as administered by prelatic hands.
It is unfortunate for a man to marry out side of his own church. We
bid Eleanor Martin good-bye tonight. She goes to Lexington tomorrow.
May the Lord bless her.
Sept. 6, 1886.
George spends the day here and goes to Peoria and Chicago tonight. Received
a letter from my niece Virginia Wooldrige (Cowan) living in Manchester,
Va. Called at Mr. Howison's, she is slowly improving. He and I talked
about his call as Pastor to this church. He has served a year as stated
pastor. He prefers the pastorial relation. The church likes him and
his wife. They are very good, pious people and he is a good sound preacher.
I read a history of the Mormon Bible in the Princeton Review. Joe Smith
pretended he had a revelation from heaven in the person of an angel
telling him where certain gold plates were to be found. These he pretended
he translated. It is imitation of scripture style and language, giving
an account of two Jewish families Tihi and Laman who came to the American
continent across the Pacific Ocean 600 years before Christ. One of these
families are the ancestors of the Indians. The doctrines are the same
mainly as taught in our Bible. Polygamy was introduced some years later
by Brigham Young and the original (Joe Smith) Mormons separated from
them on that doctrine and live in Iowa. Received a postal from Tom.
John is better at the asylum. Wrote Mary Pearce.
Sept. 9, 1886.
Martin girls had a letter from Eleanor yesterday, she got to Lexington
safely, is pleased with the President, Prof. Blanton and others so far.
Got a letter from Ellen Cowan today, one from Mattie in Maine. She is
now in Fall River, Mass. I received the August number of the Texas Review
edited by G. R. Johns and S. G. Sneed, Austin, Texas. It had a likeness
of old Major Johns who died July 30th and a sketch of his life. He has
been a very prominent man in Texas for 50 years, active in military
affairs, member of Texas Congress, Comptroller of State three terms
and agent, an honorable, honest, faithful man and officer.
Sept. 11, 1886.
I went up to Wentzville today, found Mary and all the family well, John
has been troubled with boils on his neck. Walked over the corn field
with Tom, it is very fine corn, the best I have seen. They made a poor
crop of wheat. Mary is very much dissatisfied with the way they get
along and wants to change and go to some town and try to do something.
It is hard to tell what to do with them. Tom is no account and Anna
too. May the Lord help them.
Sept. 12, 1886. Sabbath.
Reverend Mr. Wilson of Arkansas preached for us today. He is an old
college friend of Dr. Irwin. He was born in India, his father being
a missionary there. He has brought two daughters to Lindenwood. He gave
us a fine sermon on the parable of the wheat and tares.
Sept. 15, 1886.
Letters from Eleanor Martin very discouraging, no art scholars and she
is greatly troubled. I wrote to Dr. Layburn about her. Mr. Joel Carr
of Wentzville called just after dinner to tell me that Mary Pearce had
told him that she didn't want the place and he sold it to Dierker. I
sold him my interest in the Pearce land for $400.00. Now, Mary and her
folks are adrift again. I wish they had held on there. It is hard to
tell what to do with them. Tom is so utterly no account and Mary and
her girls very inefficient. The Lord direct. Letter from Mattie to Fall
River, Mary Johns at Clarksville and Mary Pearce. Hauling brick bats
an mortar for my walk.
Sept. 17, 1886.
Tom Pearce came at noon, they are troubled about what to do, he wants
to go to Texas -- a wild goose chase. He goes up to Mechanicsville to
see Dunlap, his brother-in-law and to look for a good farm to rent.
Daisy and Aphra anc Jule came over with a letter from Eleanor saying
she had a good class and all bright.
Sept. 20, 1886.
This is to be a grand week in St. Louis aside from the Exposition, the
Grand Conclave of Knights Templars from the whole United States is there,
grand procession day and night. The largest band of music that ever
gathered before in any place, thousands of instruments.
Sept. 23, 1886.
Presbytery in session most of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Addison Smith with
us. He preaches tonight. Dr. Brandt went to St. Louis in evening. The
County Fair and races begin today here. The children are all very much
excited over it, tonight a great parade. Everey business house closed.
Sept. 27, 1886
Tom Pearce came about 2 o'cl, had been up to see the Hoffman land. He
went up to Lincoln County last week and found a farm for rent near Judge
Martin's, he and Mary will go to see it Thursday. Received a letter
from Lou Morgan, John is no better yet.
Notes:
Tom and Mary Pearce were JJJ's daughter & her husband. John Pearce
was their son.
Lou Morgan was JJJ's daughter, nee Louisa Johns.
Mrs. Glenday was Mary Thom, married to James Glenday, brother of JJJ's
mother-in-law, Anne Glenday Durfee. She lived with JJJ in her later
years, and was probably living with them at this time. She was born
in Scotland.
Mrs. Mary Rice and Lou Patton were JJJ's cousins, on his mother's side
(Jones/Walker).
Fred Johns was JJJ's son, Annie (Meyers) was his wife.
Notes:
- I suspect that the Eugene Gauss that is sending letters to Shirley
(JJJ's son) is the son of Charles Henry Gauss and Charlotte Elizabeth
Johns (JJJ's daughter). He was close in age to Shirley.
- Arthur and Glover were JJJ's sons.
- Mary Johns was JJJ's sister-in-law.
- Lou Morgan was JJJ's daughter from his first marriage to Catherine
Woodruff.
- Mattie was JJJ's daughter
- Mrs. Durfee was JJJ's mother-in-law.
- Fred was JJJ's son. Annie (Meyers) was his wife.
- Dollie was Laura Tutt, the wife of JJJ's son, Arthur.
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