Tuesday, January 29th, 1861

To day Father [Joshua James Hall] & Mother [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] arrived home from their visit to Mrs. McDonalds [probably Margaret, Mahala's youngest sister]. Ellen came up in the cart and carried Roberta [Hall] & Toby [Hall] home. Bill got 2 yoke of oxen and hauled one load of wood. John is engaged in framing the upper story on the mill house. Mrs. Bird came and remained for dinner. she returned home in the evening. weather clear & warm. in fact it is a beautiful day.

*This Mahala is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog.

Monday, January 28th, 1861

To day I went to Father's [Joshua James Hall] and carried Toby, but found the old folks had not yet returned and brought him back. John & Bill commenced to frame an upper story upon the mill house. Bill ground only 5 bushels of corn. I loaned Mrs. King my balance. weather clear & pleasant with high wind from the S.W.

Sunday, January 27th, 1861

To day Frank Stewart and the boys went to hunt my oxen but returned without finding them. In the evening I carried the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp], Florence, Roberta & Toby home in the buggy. weather clear but cold with a frost at night.

Saturday, January 26th, 1861

To day I went up home and found John & Bill had gotten through pulling down the old Machine shop. Bill ground 35½ bushels of corn. Frank Stewart went to hunt my oxen but without success. I sent Dick to Crockett and by him the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] sent 13 doz. eggs. In the evening I returned to Mothers [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] where the little woman & Florence are still staying. weather clear but cold with a hard frost at night.

 *This Mahala is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog, and is also the mother-in-law as well as the step-mother of JMH.

Friday, January 25th, 1861

To day I remained at Fathers [Joshua James Hall]. I sent Dick up to the mill in the evening. nothing was done to day. weather clear but very cold with hard frost and freeze at night.

Thursday, January 24th, 1861

To day Silas Keen came to see me and presented his Father's bill for blacksmith work done last year. I was compelled to remain within doors in consequence of the severe cold and the strong north wind blowing throughout he entire day although it was clear.

Wednesday, January 23rd, 1861

To day I went up to the Mill and found John & Bill still engaged in pulling down the old Machine shop. Frank Stewart went in hunt of my oxen but returned without them. I returned to Fathers [Joshua James Hall] in the evening. weather cloudy, rainy and very cold with a hard freeze at night.