Nixon Journal I, part E, April 1, 1881 - July 23, 1881

Nixon Journal I, part E, April 1, 1881 - July 23, 1881

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

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Main Author: William T. Nixon
Format: Electronic
Published: Florence-Lauderdale County Public Library
Subjects:
Journals, scrapbooks, and diaries
Online Access:https://cdm15947.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/journals/id/827
format Electronic
collection Journals, Scrapbooks, and Diaries Collection
building Florence-Lauderdale County Public Library
publisher Florence-Lauderdale County Public Library
topic Journals, scrapbooks, and diaries
spellingShingle Journals, scrapbooks, and diaries
Nixon Journal I, part E, April 1, 1881 - July 23, 1881
William T. Nixon
fulltopic Journals, scrapbooks, and diaries
Lawrence County (Tenn.) ; Personal narratives
description William Thomas Nixon (b. 20 Nov 1846, d. 15 August 1915) was a prominent minister, lawyer, and court official in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee in the late nineteenth century. In 1868, at the age of twenty-two, he married English immigrant Elizabeth G. Parkes. The following year, he was elected as the representative for his district in the Tennessee State Legislature, where he served until the end of the 1870 term. That same year, he was admitted to the bar in his native Lawrence County. In 1871, he was appointed clerk and master of the chancery court of Lawrence County, a position he held for several decades. Nixon was educated at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he received a degree preparing him for the ministry in 1875. He was ordained by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on South Military Street in Lawrenceburg, where he served as the minister for a number of years. He and his father, Colonel George H. Nixon, were instrumental in bringing the first railroad to Lawrenceburg in 1883. In October 1884, Nixon co-founded the Lawrence Democrat, which survives today as the Democrat-Union, Lawrence County’s oldest continuously-operated newspaper. An avid writer, Nixon kept a regular chronicle of his day-to-day life, of which two volumes are known to have survived. The Nixon Journals are accounts of his daily activities between 1879 and 1885. He records his business transactions, news and gossip from the town, as well as major events from his family. As a minister, his journals also contain careful records of the sermons he preached, the funerals he conducted, and the marriages he officiated. The original journals are the property of the Lawrence County Public Library in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. In 2010, the Lawrence County Public Library partnered with the Digital Archive Department of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library in Florence, Alabama to digitally scan and transcribe the journals. The project was completed on Nixon’s 166th birthday, 20 November 2012.
title Nixon Journal I, part E, April 1, 1881 - July 23, 1881
titleStr Nixon Journal I, part E, April 1, 1881 - July 23, 1881
author William T. Nixon
author_facet William T. Nixon
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spelling Nixon Journal I, part E, April 1, 1881 - July 23, 1881Lawrence County (Tenn.) ; Personal narratives William Thomas Nixon (b. 20 Nov 1846, d. 15 August 1915) was a prominent minister, lawyer, and court official in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee in the late nineteenth century. In 1868, at the age of twenty-two, he married English immigrant Elizabeth G. Parkes. The following year, he was elected as the representative for his district in the Tennessee State Legislature, where he served until the end of the 1870 term. That same year, he was admitted to the bar in his native Lawrence County. In 1871, he was appointed clerk and master of the chancery court of Lawrence County, a position he held for several decades. Nixon was educated at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, where he received a degree preparing him for the ministry in 1875. He was ordained by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on South Military Street in Lawrenceburg, where he served as the minister for a number of years. He and his father, Colonel George H. Nixon, were instrumental in bringing the first railroad to Lawrenceburg in 1883. In October 1884, Nixon co-founded the Lawrence Democrat, which survives today as the Democrat-Union, Lawrence County’s oldest continuously-operated newspaper. An avid writer, Nixon kept a regular chronicle of his day-to-day life, of which two volumes are known to have survived. The Nixon Journals are accounts of his daily activities between 1879 and 1885. He records his business transactions, news and gossip from the town, as well as major events from his family. As a minister, his journals also contain careful records of the sermons he preached, the funerals he conducted, and the marriages he officiated. The original journals are the property of the Lawrence County Public Library in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. In 2010, the Lawrence County Public Library partnered with the Digital Archive Department of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library in Florence, Alabama to digitally scan and transcribe the journals. The project was completed on Nixon’s 166th birthday, 20 November 2012. William T. Nixon FLPL Lawrence County Public Library April 1, 1881 - July 23, 1881Image/TextPDFNixonmerge5.pdfPaper DocumentEnglishPart of the Lawrence County Public Library collection; Part of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library collection Contact the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library for permission to use. 196 April 1. 1881. [artwork with words “Bright Morning to Yez.”] From the looks of the above one would think that April 1st in this part of the world was or had been a day crowded with sunshine flowers and birds. It is my duty as a faithful chronicler of facts to record that this day – April 1. 1881 – has been the one in which the elements have turned to tother ēēnd foremost and we have had snow and freezing wind all day long with cold, gray clouds that have cast a gloom over nature and the soul of man. A.B. Beckham’s child was buried today at 3. P.M. E.D. Patterson and father came in from Savannah this A.M. and took dinner with us, and at 4 P.M. started for Columbia Paid Mr. Patterson $100.00 for A.G. McDougal on the Emma L. McDougal note. I gave the money to W.H. Dustin for a check. See Records at office. Owe Jake McDougal for load of wood at the house. Paid Calvin 20¢ for chopping wood at office. N.B. Simms the new post master took charge today. Saturday April 2. 1881. Frank Wolz completed division fence this eve. He has worked 2 days @ .75 $150 paid him $100 bal. .50¢ Joe Stewart hauled me 2 loads of manure from the stable where Dr. Jno. McLean keeps his horse. He charged me 75¢ for hauling the two loads. Esqr. Gilmores children are better – glad to hear it. Boulier Mr Boulier hauled me 1 load wood. pd him 50¢ owe him 25¢. Cousin Wes. in this eve. and took old Jim out with him. Weather open and fair but still quite cool, but nothing like yesterday. 197 First Sabbath in April 1881. 3rd day This morning, bright and early, George and I started on a pedestrian tour to Shoal Mills church; an evangelical walk, an ecclesiastical “pad,” a tramp for the good of souls, dis-tributing tracks, as a matter of course, as we were afoot. We like walking, Geo & I, and especially through the woods. George cuts sticks and “boags” along, phlegmatically, and I enjoy the quietude of the solitary path through the woods – it is a rare way of communing with one’s self. Thus, after a pleasant walk we arrived at the church in time for Sabbath School. Entering the church we found Bro. Wm. “up and at it,” giving instructions to the school on the lesson. It is hard to keep Bro Wm. away from the S.S. However untoward the circum-stances which have led to the suspension of our school here in town, he will right it all after awhile. He was raised, so the speak in the S.S. After the recitation of the lesson and some remarks by Bro Wm & self I preached to a moderately good congregation from Col. IV & . I hadn’t prepared myself as I ought to have done and consequently did not present the subject as lucidly as I might have done. I am resolved not to do so any more. A rule, the soundness of which I recognize is, that “whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well,” and henceforth I shall prepare myself to do my duty by studying my subject. Geo rode back home behind Bro Wm and I “trudged” getting home at 1.00 P.M. Found Minnie & Augusta here and waiting for us. At 3. o’clock sis Gus had a kind of rigor, followed by fever and at this writing 7:00 she is feeling pretty badly, though I think it nothing serious. The day has been blustery and coolish, though warmer than yesterday. I have examined the peach blossoms and find some fruit left, and if no more frost we may possibly expect a few gummy knots that will pass for peaches. 198 April 4 " 1881. Monday. Made $3.75 in watch business today. Sis Gus not any better. Went up for Dr McClain after supper. Think she has pneu-monia. Geo Hammonds paid me $200 for A.T. Dobbins and $100.00 for himself on land notes in case of Bassham vs Jackson. Credited same on notes. Settled with J.S Haynes [??] for rent of Horne lands. After deducting payments made to me $4500 or about that and 13.25 taxes and his allowance as [comn’r??] and for improvements he owed $5.25 which he paid in case. It snowed off and on all the morning and was real cold. The wind is now from the North and quite cold. Tuesday April 5 –1881. I sat up with sister Augusta last night until after 1 oclock and feel rather badly today. Sis Gus is not any better and we had to put on a blister this eve at 4. P.M. It is now a clear case of pneumonia Fixed Dr McClain’s watch Day cloudy and dreary. Mother and Wes in from home. Put up new clothes line this morning. Wednesday April 6‘ 1881. I cashed a check for Dr Harvey [favor??] of myself for $300.00. Dr Harvey loaned the money to Bro Wm to pay to R.L. McLaren I understood from Bro Wm. Sister Augusta not much improved. She is quite weak from effects of the medicine I sat up until 1 oclock last night 199 and have felt very dull all day. H.P. Meredith was in my office during the day and said he had the balance of the money due in case of [Kenlin??] & Turpin vs R L. Meredith. He wanted to see Jim Wells Shff but he was out of town. I hoed and raked around some in flower garden. The weather somewhat warmer but wind from N.E. Thursday April 7 ― 1881. Rec’d card from Nat. Bk. Pulaski acknowledging rect of Dr Harvey’s $30000 ck. Frank Meredith paid Wells shff $630.42 on the Execution in favor of [Kenlin??] & Turpin. Quite a number of callers today to see Sis Gus who is much improved and will soon be well again I hope. Capt. Deavenport drunk again on the streets. Another case of scarlet fever at factory today. Slept all night last night- sound as a log. Quite a hard rain this eve from S.E. and still coming down. Dr McClain and Mrs Spottswood sat up until 1½ A.M. last night. Mother in from out home. Geo rode out behind cousin Wes to stay all night. Lizzie put our boy Joe in short clothes today and as he was born July 25. 1880 and this being April 8- he is now 8 months & 14 days old and a perfect treasure. He likes his daddy – and his daddy likes him. Friday April 8‘ 1881. Cold, sloppy wet and dreary and the winds and rain are never weary. Im the weather poet of this institution. I must compose me “a node to spring” soon. I say that we have had our pick and choice of weather, “done up in parcels to suit customers,” in the last three weeks. Last night, thunder and lightning 200 and this morning drizzly foggy weather. I am wishing, waiting and longing for just a few bright, shiny days to knock the scales off me. I want to go fishing too, and I’m generally out of humor. But it is all for the best if I could only think so. Kidd & M. Got a load of lumber from Kidd & Meredith’s Mill this eve 405 Feet. This was hauled by Wm Lunn with [Crescent??] team. This am’t goes on the Bill of cost in case of Leffel & Co vs K.M. Saturday April 9 " 1881. Well, another day gone and with it another week. Last night wind shifted (it’s fond of that) and all day long the wind has been from the N.W. cold as the end of an icicle. Joe Stewart hauled me 400 feet of lumber from K.M. this eve. He charges $2.50 pr day. I paid him $2.00 Bal due him 50¢ [Crescent??] team hauled me 350 feet. I settle with Dr. Harvey for this. Wm Lunn teamster. Loaned Laura McDougal 50¢ to pay for some things for Sallie, her little girl, who goes to Indiana tomorrow. She, (Sallie) has been attending to Joe for some time, and a right good hand for a little one too. Sis Gus is quite improved though weak. Kidd & Meredith’s lumber a/c is as follows for last hauling Friday 405 Ft. Saturday 400 + 350 750 " up to date 1155 " Belle Edmiston I hired Belle Edmiston this eve as nurse at $1.75 per month. She comes tomorrow 201 2nd. Sabbath in April 10˘ day 1881. Attended Sabbath School of M.E.C.S. this morning, as no school was held at C.P.Church. Truth and candor compels me to say that for callers we have “some [??]” today, as I think the town and country joined in an insurrection against us and they poured in double team. I give them all credit for neighborly sympathy but I excorate [sic] their judgement[sic]. They came in to see Sis Gus. who today is much improved. About 10:00 A.M. Sis Florrie and Noah came in from Giles to see Sis Gus. At 1 P.M. Noah and I walked out to Catholic convent and around thro’ the garden. Went up in Chapel and heard some tom-foolery by some antiquated brethren in long black coats with a red belly band. Came back by church and at 3. they started home. Florrie left her children at home. Old man Reddin died last night and will be buried at Eagle Mills tomorrow at 11. Billy Reeder came up this eve and said Bro Scott requested me to go down and preach the funeral at the cemetery at Eagle Mills – will go D.V. By request I preach at M. E. Church tonight from Matt VI & 20. 21. Belle, our new nurse, does handsomely and wife says she will willingly pay her the $1.75 for the day’s rest. The weather is somewhat moderated but still cold. We had a rip-rousing, rickrack-ing ti-tiddling, up-sousin’ down-slicking, nip napping, whick-whackin, over handed, mauling splitting, he-bucking dick nailer frost last night 202 Monday April 11’ 1881 This morning at 9:30 I started on “Reckless” for Eagle Mills at the request of Bro & Mrs Scott to preach the funeral of Old Man Thompson Reddin Arrived there at 10:30 and had to wait until near 2 P.M. before the grave was made ready I preached in the open air from XV Ch 1 Cor. sang and prayed and started home by myself at 3:30. Got dinner and then down town and helped Mr. Rose fit up his new lathe which came in last evening. It is a beauty. Wish I had one like it Paid Mrs Brink 50¢ for Knights wooden shoes. Tuesday April 12 ' 1881 Spent almost the entire day with Mr W.S. Rose, helping him fix up his lathe. We have nearly gotten the machine so it will work Fred Martin came in this evening and showed us some new tricks about it. The weather has been threatening all day with occasional rain but still warm. Hope she will get settled soon. Mother in from home today. Sis Gus much better. Mailed interrogatories in case of Howe vs Bentley to Frank Libert, Hancock, Houghton Co Mich. Wednesday April 13. 1881 The weather cold as can be for this time of year Wind directly from North and freezing. Hope it will stop soon. Paid Joe Stewart bal. I owe him on hauling. Knight Knight got his girl a pair of shoes at D. & D’s $125 It rained a furious rain last night with t &1. Sis Gus much better. 203 Thursday April 14‘ 1881. Really but little accomplished during the day. I was working with Mr. Rose’s lathe all day except some little time this morning which I spent in my office. The town is unusually dull, more so than is usual at this time of year. The weather which has been quite cold for several days holds its own fairly and tonight. promises a heavy frost. I must write down the news we hear from Bro. Leonard’s family. Lizzie has a fine girl, and they have moved into their new dwelling. Glad to hear of their prosperity. Our boy Joe grows sweeter and more sensible every day and we are so proud of him. I hear today that one of Mr Frank Simms’ chil-dren died of scarlet fever this morning and that Mrs. Bobe Beckham has it. I am sorry that our community is so afflicted, but doubtless it is all for the best. Celia Paid Celia $110 last evening which is charged on her a/c. Sister Augusta still improving. Dr McClain thinks her out of danger with careful nursing. Minnie has been a host. and she does-n’t mind Augusta’s quarrelling at all. She is as fussy as my little old squatty hen that came off with 9 chicks today, but they say that’s a sign she’s better. From the way she fusses she is a heap better. Joe Stewart hauled me 1 Load rails from K & M’s Kidd & M. mill. the number of feet I haven’t got yet. 204 Friday April 15' 1881. The wind has been on a “bust” all day and from the N.W. not really cold, but if the sun wasn’t shining it would be. Bro. Jim and Sis Kate came in from out home this A.M. having arrived from Pulaski yesterday evening. Bro Jim Geo & I walked down to Hope Pond fishing after dinner- not much luck. E. Martin. Mr. Martin hauled me a load of wood yesterday. Worked some this morning and evening on Mr Rose’s lathe. Recd pkge from Otto Young &C Chicago-Jewelling business. Amt. Bill $104 with postage 9¢. Sis Gus not so well today. Saturday April 16 ` 1881. Spent the entire morning with Bro Jim at Mr Rose’s store turning up a mandrel for my lathe. We succeeded in doing so much to my satisfaction at about 3 P.M. Maj. and Mrs Matthews came in this eve from Pulaski. The town dull and no business. Sis Gus much improved and sat up for the first time today. We are all proud she is out of danger. Weather somewhat warmer, but frost again last night Bro Jim & Sis Kate went out home this eve and will go home Monday. We were glad to see them and have them with us. Hope they will come again soon. Belle Paid Belle on wages 35¢. 205 3rd. Sabbath in April 1881, 17˘day Cousin Wes. brought Old Jim in from out home this morning and at 8:30 I mounted him and went to my church at Shoal Mills. I arrived in time for Sabbath School and recited with the Bible class taught by Bro Wm. who overtook me while on the road to factory. At 11.00 I preached to the usual congregation from 1. Cor. XV & 57. Came home and spent the entire evening with the folk at home. Quite a crowd of callers this afternoon. Mother and Bro Jim Kenney came in from home and spent an hour with Sis Gus who is much better. Mrs Deavenport called in and had some pleasant small talk. Loulie & William S. with Jennie Lou spent a very pleasant hour with us this evening. Their babe grows so fast and is plump as a gosling. I am pained to record the death of James M. Gilmore’s little boy Willie who died today at 3:30 P.M. He had scarlet fever which ended in something like typhoid fever and the little fellow was weakly any way and it all proved too much for him. God’s grace be with his parents Monday April 18' 1881. Circuit Court began today, the usual crowd in town. Paid some witness fees and recd $88.80 from Jonas Springer Admir, case of Hughes vs Springer Ex. Dock 125-126. Made some garden this morning but was interrupted by rain. Planted Beans and peas, and forked up some ground for squash and cucumber. Paid Calvin Davis 20¢ for work. Sis Gus much better. Frank Dare came in yesterday from Ohio. We buried Esqr. Gilmore's boy in the midst of a dreadful rain, but few being out and only two ladies there, Mrs Harvey & Simms- 206 Tuesday April 19 1881. Various minor duties official and otherwise discharged during the day. Was witness in two cases in Circuit Court. Made $100 fixing watch. Rec'd a new hat from Bro Jim at Pulaski this eve which I think suits me admirably. price $350 and mailed him my check for that am’t. Paid out and rec’d various am’ts at office but all recorded there. W.C. Davis came in this eve from Pulaski. Fishing party headed by Ed Stribling came in on the hack this eve. Sis Gus much improved. Mrs Mathews called. Boulier Mr Boulier hauled me 4 loads wood p’d him $1.00― Wednesday April 20/ 81. Have “fidged” around generally during the day, fixing watches and working in garden Planted my main crop of irish potatoes and had Knight to break up some of the ground and planted out some 80 or 90 cabbage plants. The weather is very warm, unseasonably so and we had a fine rain this evening. The little peaches have weathered through and we have promise of a fine crop if an untimely frost doesn’t catch them. Garrett Paid Jim Garrett $1000 on a/c. this eve. Owe him bal of $10.21 to date. 207 Thursday April 21. 1881. Started this morning before good light for Spring Hill the place of the meeting of Richland Presbytery. Had rather a showery time in the forenoon but better by the time I reached Mt. P. Found Bro Henry in Mt P. and took dinner with him at Ricketts hotel. and at 2 P.M. went up to Columbia on train and x staid[sic] all night at Henry’s. Ne?t morning, being Friday April 22. I got up in time for the early train to Spring Hill 5:30 A.M.) and got there breakfastless at 6:30. Got my breakfast and down to church where the Pres. was organized at 10:30. and the opening sermon preached by G. T. Thompson the retiring moderator. At 2. Rev. R. G. Pearson was elected moderator. Clifton was chosen as next place of meeting. Saturday 23. The impressive and solemn ceremony of the unveiling of the monument erected to the memory of father James B. Porter was witnessed. The Pres. went in procession. Addresses were made by Rev. G.C. Stockard, Jno. Walker and M.B. Mulloy. songs prayer and benediction Sunday 24. Was spent in Columbia at Bro Henry’s. Laura & I went to church and I hid out from Pearson. Heard him preach a good sermon on the friendship of Jesus. Attended service with Geo Kinney at Dr. Mitchells church in the evening. Monday Apl 25. Came down to Mt. Pleasant with Bro H. and thence home in hack where I arrived safe and sound at 7:00. P.M. and found my little family OK. I collected $1000 from Old Man Young on April 21. and rectd him for same. 208 Tuesday April 26- 1881. Was down town but little today. I commenced the cross-fence diving[sic] my garden East & West or rather the fence runs that way the garden is divided North & South. My intention now is to put all my small fruits, such as currants, goose-berries rasp-berries &c on the north side in order that they may be cultivated. I have sundry plans for the improvement of my premises, but they are mere plans and I fall so far short of my ideas in ex-ecuting that sometimes I become just a little discouraged. So far our garden looks re-markably well, as well as any one else’s with which I am acquainted. I know the reason―work, real genuine work. I suppose it takes time to accomplish things Paid Mrs Widmer $100 on wife’s butter & egg a/c. Old Bro. Johnson, who staid[sic] in town all night left for home this morning. It has rained nearly all day and Frank Wolz Wolz who commenced digging post holes had to knock off at 12:00 M. The wind is N. but not cold. The peach crop is large enough and in fine condition Wednesday April 27 ¯ 1881. 70¢ Frank Wolz worked ½ day and I paid him 50¢. I gave him $100 and told him to pay Mester 30¢ out of it leaving himself 70. Worked some in office and some in garden The weather is fine and delightful. Just the right kind for gardening. Mr. Joe Stewart hauled me a load of railing K &M. from Kidd & Meredith’s mills. Owe him for it. Must get the number of feet in this and last. Sis Gus. left for home this evening. This is the first time she has been out in over 3 weeks. 209 Thursday April 28‘ 1881. Did some job work in shop this morning on sewing machine for Mr Spence. Came home at 10 Oclock and helped work along on my new fence. Brink & Wolz worked all day on fence. They had their dinner with me. K&M Joe Stewart hauled 360 ft. lumber from Kidd & M’s mill. I paid Stewart $500 on hauling a/c. Bal. $250. K&M I failed to put down the no feet in last 3 loads. which was 1/350. 1/350. 1/360. = 1060 feet up to date and including load hauled today. Outside this not much else worth setting down. The cross-fence is such a decided and valuable improvement I am surprised that I haven’t had it done sooner. Now when I get it done all around there ― there’ll be some thing else needing to be done, I guess. Friday April 29. 1881. Made out my court docket this forenoon Brick and Brink & Wolz worked the whole day on the fence. Wolz I paid them each 50¢. & Brink had 15¢ worth sweet corn. Joe Stewart hauled me another load of lumber I paid him $4.00 Bal due him $1.00 Kidd & M Kidd & Meredith render me statement from the 8‘ to 28 April 1881 of lumber a/c. 2603 ft @ $1.00 and Rect the Bill. I must compare my own a/c with this and see if it is correct. Bro Henry came in this eve from Columbia Father & Capt P.H. Craig came in from Waynesboro this eve. Weather fine, but cooler. 210 Saturday April 30’ 1881. Fence. I’m tired! I had Brink, Wolz and Wilson all day on my fence. Paid them as follows: Brink 3 Days @ 1.25 $3.75 pd in full Wilson 1 " " “ 1.25 “ him $1.00 Bal 25 I owe Frank Wolz all but 50¢ pd him yesterday. Joe Stewart hauled me posts to am’t $1.25. Owe him this and Bal. of $1.00 makes $2.25 due him to date. Gave Knight Ezell order for Henry Welch to Dustin & D. for $100 for fixing enclosure around some graves. Have worked and tugged and managed around until I am tired indeed. Finished my garden fence all but small piece on East side. The weather continues fine and moderately clear. Nothing new or stirring in or around town. First Sabbath in May 1st Day 1881. The day has been fine indeed ― I have en-joyed it largely. First I went down to the factory in the buggy with Geo & Mary L. to attend to church service. Had part in the S.S. exercises and at 11:00 A.M. preached to a good congregation from St. Luke 1-13. Came home with Bro Wm. Sis Fannie Willie, Harry & Ed in their carriage we in buggy and after a good dinner at home the whole of us, went out to father’s and spent the evening. Drove home and took a ride around by Fritch’s and Catholic church and home. At night preached for Bro Gabard in M.E. Church from Acts II & 39. Bro Henry still with us. 211 Monday May 2. 1881. Worked in office nearly all day. I started with my fence this morning but owing to the hard rain had to suspend. Austin Paid Austin $2500 cash and his note to me for $50.00 makes $75.00 on the transfer to him by Frank Matthews in case of Myers vs Myers Chan. Ct. Outside this nothing to record only Old Ellen McK. is on the rampage ― crazy and cutting up gen-erally. K. & M. 1 Load Lumber from K & M today by Joe Stewart. Tuesday May 3rd. 1881. Wolz. Frank Wolz finished the fence this evening and our a/cs stand To Amt labor done by him 4.75 By " paid him to date 1 20 Bal due him May 3/81. $3.55 Had Boss Sowell to make out Bar Docket today while I did some other jobs. Made out a few reports. Dr Jno. Dr John B. McLean paid wife $10.00 for his board a/c, this morning. Quite a hard rain fell this evening, making the ground quite wet. Wednesday May 4 - 1881. K & M. Rec’d another load of lumber from K & M. Also recd a note from A. Kidd stating that I had rec’d 3030 feet to date. I must go back & get it up. Have done some office work during the day. Court Monday. Must work up ― no time to waste. More rain. F. Wolz Paid Frank Wolz $2.00 in an order to D. & D. Bal due him $1.55 212 Thursday May 5 1881. Worked in office until about 4 P.M. when I came home and made a flower stand for pit flowers and helped wife cut, trim and fix them up. Put out 2 rows of tomatoes with Knight’s & Lizzie’s help. K. & M. Had another load of lumber from Kidd & M. Joe Stewart Paid Joe Stewart $5.00 His a/c for Hauling is $9.75 Bal due him to date $4.75 Quite a rain from N. W. this eve at 7:30 P. M. Garden growing finely these last few warm days. The peach, apple and pear crop promises finely if an untimely frost doesn’t nip them yet. Planted out Dahlias and Tuberoses and Gladiolus tubers and bulbs Friday. May 6’ 1881. Stewart Paid Joe Stewart $200 He hauled me posts $1.00 This leaves bal due him $3.75 Had an office settlement with Carrell today in which I paid him several old claims. Another rain this evening! This thing is getting monotonous. My cow Beauty had a calf last night. Now for good rich milk. Min in town. Saturday May 7. 1881. Another rain today! Made 2$ watch biz. Moved office up stairs. Replanted squash seed. Father, Henry, Bro Wm, Laura and children came in from Columbia this evening. 213 2nd. Sabbath in May 1881.― 8th day. This has been to me a day of rest. After leisurely eating my breakfast and taking a stroll around the yards and gardens. I went down to the Methodist Church and heard the Bible class ― lesson the prodigal son. Came home and spent balance of morning with wife and babe. Had a good dinner and took me a fine sleep until 2 Oclock when I followed wife and children up to Bro Wm’s. and spent the evening with them. Laura, Henry, Loulie & Wm. S. there with lots of young ones. I just declare! how we do multiply and replenish the face of the earth. The spring weather still continues and the woods are filled with flowers birds and delighful [sic] fragrance. How the season charms me! Oh for just one good long stroll and to take it all in. Monday May 9th 1881. Our chancery court commenced this morning and as a matter of course I have done but little only wait on atty’s &c. Wolz. Frank Wolz commenced on fence back of smoke house this morning. Paid him cash $1.00 Sent two dollars ($2.00) to Dwiggins by Johnson. D’s wit. fee in case of Tays vs Heuser. D.E. Rose, Smithson, Ewing & Allen from Pulaski here & G. T. Hughes from Columbia. Another rain today! This makes 8 days, “hand gwine”, that she has rained. Belle Belle commenced nursing again today after being absent since Thursday 2 weeks ago. In making up her time I must turn back and count up. 214 Tuesday May 10th 1881. Not much done outside the ordinary routine business of the Court. F. Wolz Frank Wolz finished fence all but the bottom boards. I paid him $1.00 this leaves a balance due him to date of $1.35. Wife sent off $1000 money order for a lot of things to Ehrich Bros N. Y. this A.M. Father took dinner with us today Quite an interesting contest today in the Court over the demurrer in Rose ― Simonton case. Wednesday May 11. 1881. About all I can say is that I have worked in the Court all day and am tired. W.A. Gilmore down from Pulaski. J.M. Gilmore paid me his $50.00 notes this morning. I paid his a/c of $12.24 in full to date by allowing him Cr. on his note. Frank Wolz worked in garden ½ day. .45. Traded old Jim for D. Bentley’s mare,$4500 to boot. Pd him 25. Due B. for 20$ Thursday May 12. 1881. Mrs Fath Paid Mrs. Fath $500 on her a/c this morning Wilson made me a gate for garden this eve for which he charged me 20¢ paid him Chancery Court still in session and I am worked out. W.A. Gilmore went back to Pulaski this morning. Friday May 13. 1881. Wolz. Paid Frank Wolz $1.00 owe him 80¢. Put out some sweet potatoe[sic] slips this evening Quite a hard rain fell. Court adjourned. All the atty’s went home. A good paying court. 215 Saturday May 14 ¯ 1881. Haven’t done much but rest today, not much rest either as I cut pea sticks all the morning. A Swarm of bees left me today ― goodby’e. Went fishing this evening a little while ― fisherman’s luck. Laura and children with us this evening a while. The weather is quite warm ― in fact hot. 3rd. Sabbath in May 1881. 15 - Day. This morning bright and early wife, Joe, Belle (the nurse) & I started in the buggy for church at Shoal Mills. It was the first time we had tried our new “nag” Nellie. She goes on all right. Spent the day with Loulie and Wm. S. They are fixed Just as cozy as blue birds in a box and they’ll make it all O.K. yet. I always said Stewart would make a domestic man and good hus-band; all he needed was “roping in”. It pleases me to see how well they are getting along. Loulie makes home pleasant, and when home is pleasant and agreeable you can always count on a man loving it and making the most of it if he’s got any “gizzard” in him. Old Bro. Bell preached for me today from Heb. 1 Ch 1, 2 & 3rd vss. At 2:30 P.M. I gave a short lecture on the subject of prayer. Came home at 5 P.M. and here we are. Have en-joyed the day very much. Will go again soon if they [treat??] as well. Florrie and Babes & Noah came in from Giles yesterday eve. Went back today. Children in from home where they went yesterday The S.S. at Shoal Mills is improving very much. What a change there is in that place ― Shoal Mills. Morally it is is 75 per cent better than 2 years ago. 216 Monday May 16 1881. Employed myself as follows today. I first moved my office down stairs from Court room and did 50¢ worth of watch work. Came home and brushed my m. fat peas. Planted water-melons, musk-melons and hoed around generally. Fixed holes to unlatch gates and superintended the plowing of potatoes and breaking up ground in corn patch. Stewart Bot 3 Bbls corn from P.E. Haile @$225 $6.75 Paid Joe Stewart 1.00 Bal on hauling corn .25 This makes with the $3.75 due him $4.00 due him to date. The weather changed yesterday eve and the wind has been from N.W. and quite cool all day. I heard the song of the 14 year locusts this morning I remember quite distinctly their appearances here 14 years ago. Town dull ― farmers busy. PEAS Had first mess of peas today - could have had them yes-terday Tuesday May 17 1881. Bentley Paid D.A. Bentley on my due Bill in horse swap $10.00 cash and credited same on back of due Bill Mary L. had her teeth filled today by Dr Gray from Columbia, charges $2.50 Howell Paid Howell $1.00 on subscription to Am. Agriculturist Harness Rec’d parts of harness and Bridle from W.A. Gilmore Pulaski Went fishing with children to pine bluff this eve. Henry came in from Columbia this eve. Wednesday 18‘ May 1881. Boulier Paid Mr Boulier 80¢. (Mexican Dollar) on a/c. Worked in garden and office all day. Sis Fannie called awhile this evening. The weather still continues cool. Planted Butter Beans and some kinds of pole beans. Miss Burgess sends in her a/c. $5.00 to May 18. ' inst. 217 Thursday May 19― 1881. We moved today! Out of West room into the East My old lady is a host. She can do about and “boss” a heap. Did some office work this morning and part of the evening, when Capt Deavenport & I went fishing at 5 P.M. and staid [sic] until after night ― caught nix. Weather still cool. Tommie Harmon took dinner with us today. The garden needs rain. May 20’ 1881. Friday. George & I went fishing today. ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' These are the ticks we got on us. o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o These “oughts”[sic] are the fish we caught. Not a single bite. Tired? I should say a few licks Weaver We got straw berries from the Weaver family today 85¢ worth to go on clock work balance was cash. 218 May 21. 1881 Saturday. Owing to the exertion used in getting thro’ yesterday’s fishing spree I have felt “yawny” all day. I have done some little jobs around home and the office during the day. Haile Paid P.E Haile $500 on the corn, Bal due him $1.75 My good wife has just finished her usual spring cleaning and everything smells as fresh as new calico. She had Aunt Anise to help her. They have been at it yesterday and today Laura called for a while this evening. Our boy George is kind o’ sick this eve ― hope he will be better in the morning. Uncle Wm. Busby in town this morning. 4th Sabbath in May 1881. Haven’t been outside the yard today. I have read, rested and slept all day. I dont know that I feel any better. Wife & I had a little discussion in regard to the rest contemplated in the commandment to rest on the 7 ‘day. She rather got the best of it ― as usual. She said that we are likewise commanded to keep the day holy (laying stress on holy), and to keep it holy it is necessary to do something else than eat and sleep We have had a fine rain this evening which was badly needed. Our garden will just jump now. Monday May 23. 1881. Some office work during the day and some in garden. Paid P.E. Haile Bal. due him of $1.75 on corn. Bees tried to swarm but didnt make it. Delivered up Simms Bros note of $300.00 deposited with me as collateral. 219 May 24- 1881. Tuesday. Not much done outside of some little home jobs. I hived a swarm of bees in the forenoon built a bridge at big gate leading into wood - yard, washed and polished the harness and then followed wife up to sister Fannie’s. This has oc-cupied nearly all day. Our neighbor, Spottswood, is making a sad picture in drinking too much ― wish I could influence him to quit it. More rain during the day. Weather has been quite unsettled for some days past. Rec’d letters from Col. S.E. Rose & D H Bailey in regard to business. May 25. Wednesday 1881. Another rain today! Our garden is quite satisfactory Stewart Paid Joe Stewart $1.00 on a/c hauling this eve. Capt Deavenport and Judge J.A. Simms got in from Pulaski this eve. Prof Johnson got in from Maury (McCain’s Church) this eve. Did some little work in office and on clock and hived another swarm of bees― Wife mailed a letter to Mary. Dan Bentley traded Old Jim to Will Helton this evening. Thursday May 26 1881. Wife, children & self spent the whole day out at Mother’s. Father left this morning for Nashville & Louisville. Bro Bodenhamer called and took dinner out at Mother’s on his way home from a trip thro Hardin, Wayne & this Co in company with Bro Walker. Did some minnow fishing out home. The day has been fine, and I have enjoyed it. Will build fence tomorrow. I have $300.00 in safe out home counting in a $1000 check that father put in. Our mare, Nellie, does just fine, and she looks so much better that one would hardly know her. I think I made a good trade as I value the mare at $100.00 and she is worth it. 220 May 27. 1881. Friday. The hands gathered this morning bright & early to put up the back fence next the alley, North We worked manfully, Wilson, Buck, Wolz, Alex- Simonton, colored, Knight and self and finished up at 4 P.M. The a/c against fence is as follows 15 lbs 10 D Nails @ 10¢ 1.50 Wilson’s labor 1.25 Bucks “ 1.25 Alex S. “ .60 F. Wolz “ .60 $5.20 Paid all this except F. Wolz. I owed him 80¢ on last work and I paid him today $1.00 leaving Bal due him .60¢. Loulie S. & Wm got in from Nashville this eve and brot word Bro Henry’s babe was sick of measles ― sorry to hear the little boy Tom is sick. Dr. Hunter from Nashville got in this evening. Worked some in garden and between one thing and another I am tired. Sis Fannie called this evening The fence and improvements meets my wife’s approval entirely which pays for the job. Saturday May 28‘ 1881. Made arrangements with Dustin & Dunn to settle Dr Hunter’s Bill against me of $29.04. D. & D. agree to send ck next week. Planted another bed of beans and row of peas this morning. The day has been quite sultry indeed. My old lady has most worked her fingers off this week. She is a good one. No news in the town The negro woman Viney Townsend died of consumption last night. Our neighbor (?) is sick (?) in a [??]. 221 5’ Sab. in May 1881. 29’ day. This morning Geo & I went down to church at Shoal Mills to S.S. and at 11:00 A.M. I preached to a good con-gregation from St Jno XVI & 22 vs. Immediatly[sic] after the sermon I met Bro. Reeder with Bros. Stewart & Scott & Cooley to look into some charges of an immoral nature against Bro Reeder. Bro.R. acknowledged he had given cause for the rumors, that it was wrong and gave promise of reform. Heard a sermon a yard long on missions from Bro Gabard at M. E. Church tonight. Monday & Tuesday May 30 & 31.were spent in the usual hum drum way and as my book was down at my office I made no entry. Wednesday June 1. 1881. Rec’d a letter from Bro Henry this eve saying his little boy Tom has sore throat, measles and pneumonia and cannot recover. This sad news to us, as he was such a bright little fellow and we think so much of him. Did some office work today copying Bill and also some watch work. Set out one row of celery this eve. Had a soft gentle rain this morning. 222 ― In Memoriam ― LITTLE TOM, INFANT SON OF HENRY AND LAURA NIXON, BORN IN COLUMBIA TENN. AND DIED THERE THURSDAY, JUNE 2. 1881 AGED 9 MONTHS He was a bright, sunny-tempered babe, and one of more than ordinary promise and intelligence One of HIS jewels ― the Master had need of him for his crown, so, the angels came and took him This page is dedicated to his memory as an Affectionate Memorial by his uncle W.T. Nixon. Lawrenceburg Tennessee, June 4th 1881. 223 Saturday June 4- 1881. On the opposite page will be found a memorial page which explains itself. On Thursday June 2nd I started for Columbia in the hack, having received a letter from Bro Henry that little Tom was much worse. On arriving in Mt. Pleasant I rec’d a letter from Bro Henry that the little fellow had “passed over the river and was resting under the shade of the trees.” He died on Thursday morning at 3.00 A.M. Mr. White the conductor of the train from Mt P. kindly ran me into Columbia 25 ms. ahead of time and I went immediately over to Henry’s where I found them much stricken on account of their loss. Father and Bro. Wm. Parkes were there, all much exhaus-ted with watching. At 3. P.M. we all started for the cemetery where Dr. Beckett of the Protestant Epis-copal church read the burial service of that church and we left him there to await the summons that shall bring him forth to “newness of life” On Friday, June 3rd. Laura, Henry, their babe Loulie, Bro Wm. & self came home, father coming with us as far as Mt. Pleasant. We met Bro Wm’s barouche at the widow Stone’s place and it was much easier for Laura & babe. Laura looks bad and is nearly sick. 224 First Sab. in June 1881 This morning at 8:00 A.M. Bro. Wm. Willie Tom. Ed & self started in carriage for factory to S.S. Had an interesting and profitable lesson and at 11:00 I preached to my usual congregation from Rev. Came home and have spent the entire evening at home. I omitted to state in former entry that Capt. Craig and daughter from Wayne came in Friday last and are here now. Lizzie & I gathered a mess of beans for Sis. Kate this evening. Mary L. & I start there in the morning (D.V.) These quiet Sabbath evenings are much enjoyed by me. Monday June 6' 1881. Started this A.M. for Pulaski in my buggy with Mary Lizzie who goes up to spend a few days with Aunt Kate & Uncle Jim Kenney. We stopped and took dinner with Noah & Florrie and arrived in P. at 4:30. There was quite a jolly crowd Went up this morning in the mail hack, Mesdames Spottswood and Dillahunty, Misses Louise Burgess, Alice Spaulding, Belle Gaither, Anna Spottswood & Marcella Raspberry. Mary, Kate & I attended the “musicale” at Martin- College at night, but owing to “confusion of tongues”and the various voices like the "voice of many waters”, I couldn’t hear the exercises and so Bro. Jim & I went home and while he was “entertaining” me I slept. Left M. rather wanting to come back with me. Miss Burgess Paid Miss Louise $13.00 on her music a/c. some balance yet due her. Got goods from Gilmore & McLaurine. 1 Lawn Dress for wife, 1 pr. shoes, Dress & corset for Celia lace & stockings for Joe. I owe them a balance on them of $6.65. All the Bill is $11.65. I paid cash $5.00 225 Tuesday June 7 - 1881. Came home from Pulaski today, starting at 8:30 and arrived at 3:00 P.M. I am worn out with bumping myself over rocks and roots. Put out some pickling cabbage this evening. Rec’d a card from Ehrich Bros N.Y. stating wife’s goods were shipped by Adam’s Exp. May 27. We had a slight shower this evening. Wednesday June 8 ˘ 1881. Worked some in office and a good chance in the garden and beside this ― nothing. Knight Paid Knight cash 50¢. We had another small shower this evening. Day has been quite warm. Our boy Joe grows and is such a treasure. He is smart and quite interesting. He can say “daddy”. Cousin Wes. has just come in from out home and says Sis Laura is quite sick. Wrote Bro Henry a letter to come. Thursday June 9 - 1881. A heavy washing rain fell last night, after we had gotten to bed, accompanied with quick and vivid flashes of lightning. Joe Stewart Paid Joe Stewart another dollar $1.00 on his a/c which reduces it now to a balance of $2.00 due him. Geo & I started fishing this but found the creek too muddy. Dr. Jno. McLean & Bass Sowell came in from Pulaski this eve; they report Mary Lizzie all O.K. Sis Laura much improved. 226 Friday June 10’ 1881 Have spent the entire day at my office, but not much done. Heard from Sis Laura. She is better. Bro. Henry got in from Columbia this eve. Bro. Wm. left for E. Tenn this A.M. Other than this, nothing. The rain washed my garden some. Painted on sign for Garrett & Simms this evening. 2nd. Sabbath in June 12. day 1881. I made no record yesterday because outside the fact that Geo & I caught a fine mess of fish nothing occurred of any moment. This morning Geo & I went to S.S. and at 11 I preached by request in Methodist church. Spent this entire eve-ning at home and heard Andrew Hall preach tonight. Sis Gus, Min & Wes in from out home. Monday, June 13. 1881. Spent the forenoon in the office and shading Garrett & Simm’s sign. At 1:30 wife Joe, Geo & I drove out home and spent the entire evening. HOT DAY This has been the hottest day of the season, the mercury marking 90˚. Our babe was sick last night and has been fretful all day, but is better this eve we think ― teething we judge. Sister Laura much improved and glad to see us. 227 Tuesday June 14 - 1881. Bro. Henry & I went a-fishing today, starting at 8: [Sketch of a [Sketch of a man’s head] Anticipating man’s head] Before Taking How we are going to “lay’em in”. [Sketches of fish hooks] [Sketch of a [Sketch of a man’s head] “Petered”― man’s head] After taking How we didn’t [Sketch of a fish tail] lay ’em in. and after wading and worrying on our “pleas-ure exertion” till 4 P.M. we came home just fagged. Outside of this no other happenings only. Mary Lizzie got in from Pulaski this and glad to be at home again. She is highly pleased with her trip. Celia & sister went out to their fathers and spent the day today coming back at 7. P.M. Mrs Spottswood & Miss Alice came in with Mary. Wednesday June 15 - 1881. About all I have done today was to fin-ish up Garrett & Simms sign. The old town is remarkably dull, all the farmers busy. Miss Gusta stays all night with us. Mrs Porter’s daughter’s child died yesterday at Shoal Mills with scarlet fever., will be buried tomorrow at 9 O’clock. The weather is somewhat moderated but still warm. Capt Craig and daughter Miss Mollie went home yesterday morning. 228 Thursday June 16˘ 1881. Spent the “front part” of the day in attending to the burial of Miss Porter’s child ― I say Miss because the child was the illegitimate daughter of J.M.S. I did what I would have done by the child of a millionaire ― my duty as a min-ister in its burial. After the burial went over to Catholic Church and heard a sermon in English by an Irish priest from Pulaski. The day was given up to the feast of Corpus Christi or rather sacrament. This eve at 2:30 Geo & I went fishing with some success. After supper went after Dr McClain to see our boy Joe who has been somewhat ailing for a day or two but Dr. says it is nothing serious. Friday June 17 ` 1881. Price Mr Price brought me a load of clover hay this evening which he said was worth $5.00 He has been using my mowing machine to cut with at 60¢ per acre. He said he had cut 7½ acres with it. He wants to cut his wheat with the machine. Did $100 worth watch work in office Dr McClain came again this A.M. to see baby Joe. He thinks him much better & so do we ― in fact we know he is. The weather is 91˚ in the shade. Hot. 229 Saturday June 18. 1881. Attended at office during the forenoon and spent the whole evening at home reading History England. The day has been oppressively warm. Thought we would have a rain at 4. but a little thunder was all. Our babe Joe is much improved and seems quite well this evening. Wife was much disappointed when the hack came in and did not bring her package from Pulaski. Sunday June 19’ 1881. Conducted the S.S. exercises at Shoal Mills this A.M., Bro. Wm. being still absent. At 10:30 I preached to not quite my usual congregation from 2. Cor. XII 7. 8. 9 vss. Am to give a letter of dismission to Bros Coaley & Reeder their wives and C’s daughter. Came home and spent the entire evening at home. We had a nice little shower this afternoon. Monday June 20- 1881. Outside of one business transaction I have nothing to record. I paid Judge R. H. Rose $7.85 of Gibbs cost in case of Sowell vs Scott. This was paid on transfer of the cost by Thos Dunn to Jonas Springer Adm’r. See Rec’t on Ex. Dock. page 16. The day has been remarkably warm. The sun has shined with a hot coppery glow all day. Bro Henry in town this morning. Geo. went out home to stay all night with him. I go to Wayland Springs in the morning (D.V.) to sell some land. 230 Thursday June 23rd 1881. The reason of this lapse in dates is that on Tuesday 21. I started for Wayland Springs to sell land on 22. Staid [sic] all night on Tues-day night with R. L. McLaren and his good wife. Wednesday 22. sold the lands in the 3 cases in Chancery Ct. Dr Edwards bo’t the Stewart place for $1505.00. Remained at Esqr. McLaren’s Wed. night and this morning started for home at 6.00 and arrived at 12:00 M. Celia Paid Celia $3.00 in cash this eve. Charged. The pkg’s from Ehrich Bros. came in this eve. Wife much pleased. Did some little fishing while at Wayland Springs and Dr. E. & I got caught in a storm. The wind was on a regular “tear” June 24th. 1881: my wife’s 33rd. birthday. ― FRIDAY. ― My good wife completes to day her thirty third year. I wished her “many happy returns of the same.” Others lavish presents on birth days, and really I ought to have given my “old goody” some little something but there was nothing only “tawdry” stuff and things in the town and I’ve got no use for that. If I had a bushel of diamonds she should have them all and welcome, for a birth-day present. She has been a good wife and a pleasant home companion that would make any man happy. Nothing else to record. We had a little shower this eve. About 60 cabbage plants put out this eve. Hived a swarm of bees this evening ~ 231 Saturday June 25, 1881. Wife & I have been planning an addition to the West side of our house we are very much “worried” over the best and most convenient way to do. Worked at various kinds of work in the garden. A large comet is now visible in N.E. heavens at 3:00 A.M. The garden grows finely since last rains. 4th Sabbath in June 1881, 26 - day. I attended S.S. at Methodist Church this morning taking Geo. along with me. Heard the infant class and gave them some instruction for next Sabbath. I was prevailed on to preach at 11 O’clock and used Proverbs, V Ch. 15, 16, 17 & 18 verses, as a text. After dinner wife children & I went up to Bro Wms. and spent the afternoon in conversa-tion and sacred music. We canvassed church and Sunday school matters considerably. We con-cluded to meet again at the call of the president, Mrs Fannie Parkes, and see if something can’t be done to ameliorate the heathenism in Lawrence burg. We must have a S.S. and I say preaching too ; I’m willing to preach for $2500 per year and then not collect it. But our children are running wild and we must bestir ourselves. 232 Monday, June 27. 1881. Worked on watches until near noon and also did some office work. At 5 P.M put out 3 rows of late cabbages. Cousin Cora and father came in this eve at 8:30 P.M in Mt. Pleasant Hack. The hack was late this evening on a/c of the rain. We had quite a hard rain this evening. Cousin Cora doesn’t look as well as she ought to. Father looks well as usual. Tuesday June 28‘ 1881. There is so little transpiring now that it is almost useless to make an entry in the book. The days are oppressively hot and uncomfortable. I wipe the perspiration off continually. Put out some more cabbage plants this eve and replanted when celery is missed. Bro Wm & family went down to Shoal Mills today to a dining at W.A.Stewart's, his birthday I think. Two Comets are now visible in the northern heavens, one at nightfall and the other at 3 A.M. Our boy Joe grows so much and is so cute we are quite pleased to play with him all the time. He is begin-ning to make a few steps. Brown Simms & wife got in from Pulaski this eve. 233 Wednesday June 29‘ 1881. This morning I paid some store a/cs in town as follows: Mrs Fath On Mrs. Fath’s a/c. $5.00 Garrett " Garrett & Simms a/c. 10.00 Wolz. Hired Frank Wolz to hoe out little garden to day. With Bal due him before & todays work I owed him this eve. Bal. 60. For today 90. 1.50 He got slips 20. & Cash this eve 50. 70 Bal due him. .80 Went out home and spent the day at WoodLawn with the folk out there ― all of us The day has been exceedingly warm. Stewart Got 45¢ worth mutton from Joe Stewart. Heard Bro. Mayberry, from Wayland Springs Circuit preach tonight from the text “We love him because he first loved us.” A good discourse and of the kind much needed in this community. Thursday June 30` 1881. D & D Took up my several due Bills (about 12) given to Dustin & Dunn at various times and gave them one instead covering the whole $127.90. Jno. T. Allen came in from Marcella Falls this Eve., attending land sale. He paid me Bal. due me on my Bill of cost in Butler vs Robinson & Gordon. Allen Paid Allen $5000 on his fee in Sherrill vs Stewart. Gave my wife $20.00 gold this eve. We had a hard rain this evening. Cousin Cora, Siss Gus. & Min came in this eve and are with us all night as the rain prevented them from going home. No mail tonight. 234 Friday July 1. 1881. Another month entered in, another gone. Attended at office during the day but not much done. Finished Bass Sowell’s sign. The weather has turned so much cooler that thick clothing is comfortable. The girls, Cora, Min & Sis Gus left for home this eve. Hear that Mother is somewhat sick. Put out some more cabbage plants this eve. Saturday July 2.1881. Worked in the garden, pulling grass & weeds nearly all day. Fixed a watch 50¢. # Bro Henry got in from Columbia this eve and bro’t wife 1 parasol, 1 pr. kid gloves, & 1 Fan. $10.00 Besides this nothing of interest First Sabbath in July (3rd) 1881. Took my “foot in my hand” this morning at 8:30. and walked down to the factory to S.S. & preaching Bro. Wm. and boys overtook me at the dam. Had a good S.S. At 10:30. I preached to my usual congregation, and also to a squad of Campbellites from “over the hill” headed by Bro. Bradley, Text Gal VI & 4th. “Let every man prove his own work & c. Came home with Bro. Wm. and after 5. P.M. wife Joe & I took a ride up military road to Arey’s place and back enjoying the cool of the evening finely At 7 P.M. heard a sermon from a Pennsylvania man called Willison, lately come into the community who, I have a suspicion, is a fraud. Hope I do him an injustice. Text “Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. 235 Monday July 4 ` 1881. This being a national holiday I thought I would enjoy it and be patriotic so did nothing only went fishing with Geo & Knight in the evening. Geo. caught a whaling big trout but he got away from him. Went up after supper and had some music at Bro Wm’s. Cousin Cora went with me & Minnie Father & Henry went to Columbia this A.M at 5. Tuesday July 5.th Beside mailing a letter to the American and doing some watch work nothing of im-portance to record. Cousin Cora & Min went home this morning. Paid Old man Leaman $10.00 in 3 cases on his ad. Bills Pres. Garfield was shot by a would-be assassin in Washington city on the morning of the 1st. Haven’t read the particulars Wednesday July 6` 1881. Some immigrants from Ill. came in yes-terday evening. Father got in from Columbia this evening. Weather extremely hot. No news in town. McKey up from W. Springs. Thursday & Friday 7. & 8` July. Nothing of any moment to record only I copied the mort-gage from N. & F. RR. to L.& N.RR. Paid Joe Stewart $100 on a/c. Stewart Saturday 9` July /81. Nothing to record only its hot Cora and the girls in this eve. Got a letter from Miss Louise Burgess― says she’s coming back to take music class. 236 2nd Sabbath in July 1881. 10` day. This morning I attended S.S. at Methodist Church with the children. At 11. wife and I heard a real good, practical sermon preached by Prof. Duffy of Summertown, from “Come unto me all ye &c” His thoughts were good, close cut and practical. Spent the entire eve-ning at home. At 4:30 heard Prof. Duffy again from “verily, verily I say unto you unless a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Another good practical dis-course. The day has been extremely hot and no signs of rain. Monday July 11. 1881. Spent the morning in office helping father get ready for mailing the mortgage in R.R. matters. Went fishing in the evening. Made $1.20 w[a]tch. Caught a good mess of fish. Mary. L. George and Ed Parkes went along. Heard Prof Duffy lecture at 7:30 on Astronomy― real good thing it was. Tuesday July 12. 1881. Knight Knight took up goods at Esq. Gilmore’s to am’t of $2.35 see his a/c this date. Also pd him 50¢ cash. Griffin Paid H D. Griffin $1500 in Bassham vs White. Leamon Paid Jacob Leamon $500 in Sherrill vs Stewart. The weather is extremely hot. We cant get a fresh breath of air. No news in the town. Made $1.25 on watch business. 237 Wednesday July 13‘ 1881. Employed myself during the day in work on old watches of various kinds. Cousin Cora and Minnie walked in from home this eve. and stay all night with us. I omitted to mention that there was a lawn party out home last night to which all the young folk in town went. Celia & Sister walked out home this morning and staid [sic] all day. Some signs of rain, but none yet. Thursday July 14¯ 1881. Wilson Paid E.B. Wilson on Transcript in Butler vs Robinson $4.70. Paid W.G. Tidwell $2.62 A.J. Tidwells fees in case of Smith vs Alsup. Wife and children spent the day out at father’s. Worked in my office at watch work pretty nearly all day as I didn’t go out home. We had a slight shower of rain this eve, but not enough to do any good. The girls go to Giles tomorrow. Friday July 15, 1881. Celia Paid Celia .60¢ cash to pay Mrs Fath. Outside of attending in office nothing done. Rec’d a letter from Mrs Sarah Ford Sunbury Ohio, this eve. Saturday July 16` 1881. Attended to office matters until afternoon and spent the evening at home. At 5 P.M. Geo. Ed. Parkes, Shilo Cannon and myself went to the creek bathing. Had a good wash preparatory to clean clothes tomorrow. 238 3rd Sabbath in July 1881. (17’ day) Augusta, Minnie Cousin Wes or all played me a scurry trick. They promised to have my horse back home today so that I wouldn’t be troubled about going to the factory, But after sending Knight out no horse came, and this morning, hot, dusty and sunshiny as it was I had to take it afoot down the road with heavy clothes on and the thermometer making for the nineties. I was in a poor plight to preach or do anything else when I got to the church with dust and sweat mixed up all over me and my sunday shirt just literally wilted. I was waspish. Opened the S.S. heard the Bible class and at 11 Oclock preached to a moderate congregation from the XXI Job. 9 vs. After dinner with Old Bro Neeley and at 1:30 walked through the dust and heat again up to Sykes fac-tory where I preached again upon the sub-ject of the atonement to a good congregation after which I dedicated the new church just erected there, named Belleview with appropriate ceremonies. Bro Wm was out in his carriage and I rode home with him and thankful he came. The S.S. at C.P. Church was reorganized this morning with 26. members. I will preach there next Sabbath (D.V.) Heard Bro Gabard tonight. 239 Monday, July 18. 1881. Did office work until about 3. P.M. when I went with Capt. D. Fishing. Mester Lot ($175.00) I sent my check on Giles National Bank this A.M. favor Jno. S. Wilkes for $175.00 to pay for the lot of one acre above me on Pulaski street. The way the matter came about is this: Mester, Geo. owed Fritch & Blettner Cin. Ohio a debt and Col Wilkes became atto to collect it and filed a Bill against Mester. I proposed to take the lot above me at $175.00 and pay the debt Wilkes agreeing to receive that amount in payment of the debt which is near $192.00 I enclosed the ck to Jno T. Allen and asked him to arrange the matter for me. I now own the 2 acres which has cost for the first lot $212. and the other $175.00 makes. $387.00 I gave $375.00 for the lot of 2 acres my house stands on. Capt Deavenport wrote out the deed from Mester & wife to me today and they will sign as soon as he comes home from Pulaski. Tuesday July 19. 1881. Worked on old watches all day and did some office work beside. Bro Wm. & Sis Fannie called awhile after supper. We enjoy their visits. Wednesday, July 20 ¯ 1881. Ordered a lot of stuff from Otto Young & Co Chicago and sent them money order to cover old a/c. $2.35. Boulier Paid Boulier $2.30 in full of his wood a/c to date He is to haul me 20 cords and has hauled some two or three loads of it. Nothing doing in town. 240 Thursday July 21. 1881. Rec’d a letter from Col Wilkes in reference to the purchase of Mester lot. He informs me that his understanding was I was to pay all costs. This is wrong; I am only to assume my own costs. Wrote him Lizzie & I went up to Bro Wm’s after supper for an hour. Ben. Pickard came in on the hack this eve. Friday July 22. 1881. Attended in my office until noon and then went with Capt Deavenport & Dustin down to Eagle Mills fishing― had no luck worth speaking of. Got back about dark wet and tired. Fish are getting very scare [sic] in Shoal Creek. The weather is almost unbearably warm. Saturday July 23rd 1881. So little transpires in the town that it is almost a waste of paper to record it. Did some office work this A.M. Bro Henry & Mr. Beach came in from Mt. Pleasant this eve. Made some money on watch work. # Quarterly conference M.E.C.S. Sowell preached to day. Can’t go tonight. http://server15947.contentdm.oclc.org/u?/journals,827

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