Wednesday, December 31st, 1862

To day Sam* [Samuel Houston Sharp] & I cut up and salted down the porks that we killed yesterday. I paid Chester & Ann for their services in helping to kill & salt down the pork. Dr. Murchison & Mother [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] came to see Nellie* [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] who is still very sick, but they did not remain long. Mr. Pennington's time as Miller having expired he surrendered the mill keys to me and left for his home. weather clear and cool. 

Thus I close my jottings of daily events for the year 1862 now past & gone and whether God will permit me to live to keep the events around me of the incoming year is more than I can know but trusting in his mercy I shall enter upon the duty which is pleasing to me and may be profitable to my family and myself hereafter.

*This Sam and Nellie are 2nd great-grandparents to the Keeper of this family history blog. Mahala is Sam's Mother.

Tuesday, December 30th, 1862

To day I hired Chester & Ann to salt down the pork we got from Dailey on yesterday. after that was done we killed ten other hogs which weighed 1480 lbs of pork. Mrs. Bird came down to see Nellie* [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] who is still very sick so much so that Sam* [Samuel Houston Sharp] was compelled to go after Dr. Murchison but he did not come down. weather clear & cold with a strong North wind blowing and a hard frost at night.

*This Nellie and Sam are 2nd great-grandparents to the Keeper of this family history blog.

Monday, December 29th, 1862

To day I went to Crockett in my buggy and while there I purchased from Dr. Corley 25 bales of Cotton for which I paid him 17&#162 per lb. Mr. Thomas Dailey sent me 937 lbs of pork for which I had contracted some days ago at 14&#162 per lb. I employed Chester to cut it up which he did. Dr. Murchison came down to see Nellie* who is still very sick, he however returned home early. Mother* & Mrs. Bird also came down to see Nellie. Mother [Mahala] returned home but Mrs. Bird remained all night. weather clear & rather warm.

*This Nellie is a 2nd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog. Mahala is her mother-in-law.

Sunday, December 28th, 1862

To day I employed two of Mr. Leaverton's boys, one of Mr. Bird's, Chester & his wife Ann, to salt down the pork purchased from Mr. Bird on yesterday, which they did and for their services I paid them 6$. Nellie* is still quite sick. Dr. Murchison, Mrs. Bird & Mother [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] left for home. Nellie's sickness resuming a more alarming character, Dr. Murchison was again sent for but did not come, thus leaving us to manage the care as best we could. In justice to the Doctor I must here state that he was not at home when the messenger arrived there & hence he could not come. weather clear & cool.

*This Nellie is a 2nd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog. Mahala is a 3rd great-grandma, and Nellie's mother-in-law.

Saturday, December 27th, 1862

This morning I sent down after Mother [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and Mrs. Bird to attend Nellie* [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] in her sickness, and Sam* Sharp went after Dr. Murchison all of whom came to attend Nellie. I purchased from Mr. Bird 1100 lbs of pork for which I paid 15&#162 per lb. Mr. Leaverton's boys hauled another load of fodder from Mr. Renfro's weighing 1028 lbs. weather clear & cold with a hard frost at night.

*This Mahala is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog. Nellie and Sam are 2nd great-grandparents. Sam is Mahala's son.

Friday, December 26th, 1862

To day I am engaged about the mill and rode down to Father's in the evening. Mr. Leaverton's boys hauled me from Mr. Renfro's 1034 lbs of fodder. at night Nellie* was taken very sick with strong indications of her confinement. weather cloudy & warm with occasional showers of rain.

*This Nellie is a 2nd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog.

Thursday, December 25th, 1862

To day I remained at home with the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and babies and enjoyed a fine Christmas dinner with several nice egg noggs gotten up in a style as only the little woman knows how to fix them. I contracted with Mr. Thomas Dailey for 1000 lbs of pork at 14&#162. The drafting of the Militia came off in Crockett and Sam Sharp* was drawn to serve under the three months call for the protection of our coast. weather cloudy and warm with occasional showers of rain.  

*Samuel Houston Sharp is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog, and the comments made in this Journal are the only known record (as of this date) of our Sam's military experiences.

 

Wednesday, December 24th, 1862

To day I drove my horse Gladiator and buggy down to Mothers [Mahala*] and brought up a basket of glass ware. In the evening the little woman drove down to her Mothers [Mahala*] and back to try the horse and buggy. I purchased from Mr. Renfro some fodder & peas. weather cloudy, warm and showery.

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

Tuesday, December 23rd, 1862

This morning before I left my old friend Dan Dailey's my boy Bill with the little wagon & mules drove up in route for Liberty and to whom I gave $5.50 to bear his expenses on the road. I then left Dailey's and drove 15 miles to Crockett where I was compelled to unload my buggy and have the balance iron repaired before I could proceed further, after which I loaded up and left for home at the Mills, and after driving 10 miles I arrived home at the mills safe and sound and where I found all my loved and dear ones enjoying good health, and who were overjoyed to see me. My arrival however was not unexpected as my little woman had been expecting and looking for me for some days. weather cloudy and warm with showers of rain occasionally.

Monday, December 22nd, 1862

To day I left Mr. Alderman's and drove 29 miles and stoped for the night at my old friend Dan Dailey's with whom I passed a very pleasant night, and enjoyed myself hugely on a good toddy being the first I have had since my departure from Liberty. weather changeable and very warm with every prospect of rain.

Sunday, December 21st, 1862

To day I left Carr's and after driving 29 miles over a very bad road arrived at Mr. Alderman's where I stoped for the night and from whom I purchased one pound of Tobacco. expenses of the day $3.00. weather clear and pleasant.

Saturday, December 20th, 1862

To day I left Mr. Hawkins' and drove 28 miles over a bad road, and stoped for the night at Carr's. weather clear and cool. expenses of the day 2$.

Friday, December 19th, 1862

To day I purchased from Dr. Stanwood a beautiful upright Piano Forte for the little woman for which I paid 300$. Dick Cole went down home with me and took dinner after which I packed up my buggy, bid farewell to all my particular friends and left Liberty in route for the mills to see my little woman and babies. I drove out 13 miles and stoped at Mr. Hawkins' for the night. weather clear and cool.

Thursday, December 18th, 1862

To day I went up town and purchased the celebrated horse Gladiator also a fine buggy from Dr. J.O. Shelby to go up the Country [to Houston County] to see my family for which I paid him 600$ Confederate money. weather clear & cool.

Wednesday, December 17th, 1862

To day I am still engaged assisted by Bob in packing up my furniture making very poor head way but as I have now got the most valuable part already packed up I shall leave for the up Country [Houston County] to see my family without packing any more at present. weather clear & cool with a light frost at night.

Tuesday, December 16th, 1862

To day I am busy assisted by Bob in packing up my furniture to move up the Country [to Houston County] and in getting ready to start up in person as I have despaired in ever seeing the wagons come down. weather clear and cool with a hard frost at night.

Monday, December 15th, 1862

To day I am busy preparing for a party to be given at the residence of Dr. Stanwood in honor of his daughter Sarah Eugenia having attained her full age of majority. The dinner given on the occasion was magnificent for the times, and passed off to the entire satisfaction of the guests and reflected great credit upon those who got it up. At night the guests assembled at the Court house where we had a first rate dancing party and as usual I had to act as Master of Ceremonies on the occasion. towards the small hours of morn the party closed, every thing passing off quite pleasantly. weather changeable. The wind having hauled around to the North made it quite cold.

Sunday, December 14th, 1862

To day I remained at home writing up this journal, also reading. weather cloudy and warm with occasional showers of rain.

Saturday, December 13th, 1862

To day I am still engaged in packing up my furniture, making rather poor headway however. I went to the office and settled with Mrs. Branch. Time is now hanging heavily on my hands and I am nearly worn out waiting for my wagons to come down for me [from Houston County]. weather cloudy and warm with occasional showers of rain.

Friday, December 12th, 1862

To day I am very busy packing my furniture to move up the Country [to Houston County], where I am determined to settle permanently. Charley Lund came home on the cars from Houston. he succeeded in purchasing me two pair of cotton cards at 25 cts per pair. he also got me some coffee at $1.65 per lb. weather cloudy and warm with occasional showers of rain.

Thursday, December 11th, 1862

To day I am engaged in the ware house breaking out and shipping freight by the cars to Messrs. Murphy & Sanderson at Houston. My old friend Murphy left on the cars for his house also at Houston. I went up town and there learned that my roan horse Ratler which had been stolen on Tuesday night last was left at the residence of James Rodgers on the Trinity River. I then dispatched Bob after him, who returned at night with my horse. weather cloudy and warm with occasional showers of rain.

Wednesday, December 10th, 1862

On last night the roan horse Rattler that I purchased yesterday from Mr. Wright was stolen out of my stable, and I honestly believe by the individual from whom I purchased. Mr. Murphy came over on the cars from Houston and took up quarters with me. at night Messrs. Key & Fitzgerald came down to my house and we had quite a pleasant game of whisk. weather changeable and warm, with a hard shower of rain at night.

Tuesday, December 9th, 1862

To day I traded what interest I had in and to a tract of land known as the Dobie tract to Joseph Wright for which [he] gave me a roan horse about 4 years old, which I named Rattler, and twenty five dollars in cash. I sold my interest only in said land and without any recourse on me as to little or any thing else. Charley Lund left on the cars for Houston to attend to some business for the concern. Weather changeable and pleasant.

Monday, December 8th, 1862

To day the remains of my old friend Francis L. Barziza was buried at Liberty by the Masons. The procession was large and the ceremonies were well performed by C.L. Cleveland the Master of the lodge. I am loafing around town generally, with [nothing] really to do. weather clear & cool.

Sunday, December 7th, 1862

To day I remained at home writing up this journal. I also wrote to my little woman. Charley Lund came down and spent the most of the day with me. weather clear & cold with a hard frost at night.

Saturday, December 6th, 1862

To day I learned from Mr. Barziza that my old friend Frank L. Barziza departed this life on last Thursday after a lingering illness of some time with consumption. His remains will be interred at Liberty with Masonic honor. alas poor Frank may God have mercy upon him. I am loafing around town & done nothing in the way of packing up my furniture owing to the continued sickness of Bob. weather clear & cold with a frost at night.

Friday, December 5th, 1862

To day I done nothing in the way of packing up my furniture in consequence of the continued sickness of Bob. I went up town and loafed around the stores. weather clear but cold with a strong North wind blowing and a severe frost at night.

Thursday, December 4th, 1862

To day I done nothing but set around the fire at home in consequence of the rain & cold. it rained all day and was exceedingly cold, with a hard North wind blowing.

Wednesday, December 3rd, 1862

To day I am still engaged in packing up my furniture to move up the Country [to Houston County], but in consequence of the sickness of Bob I done but little. In the evening I went up town and there learned that the train of cars from Houston had run off the track doing serious injury to several of the passengers. weather cloudy and rainy making it very disagreeable and a strong North wind blowing rendering it quite cold.

Tuesday, December 2nd, 1862

To day I am very busy packing up my furniture, assisted by Bob, preparitory to my removal up the Country to my Mill [in Houston County] where I contemplate settling. weather cloudy, cold and rainy, making it exceedingly disagreeable and preventing me from doing much towards packing up.

Monday, December 1st, 1862

To day I went up town and settled in full with Mr. De Blanc for the things purchased at his auction sale. at night I visited a ball given in the Court house by the members of Capt. Black's Company now stationed in Liberty. weather cloudy and cold with occasional showers of rain.

Sunday, November 30th, 1862

To day I went up town and made out all the bills for the goods sold at Auction for Mr. De Blanc, and thus closed my labors in that particular. I visited Captain Peacock and while there took dinner with him, after which I returned home and spent the evening in writing letters. weather changeable & warm, with a light shower of rain at night. Thus closes the jottings for the month of November.

Saturday, November 29th, 1862

To day Mr. Allen's wagon left Liberty in route for Crockett, by which I sent forward some of my furniture. I was then engaged in selling off at Auction some more of the goods of Mr. De Blanc, some brought a large price & some sold reasonable enough. weather clear & warm for the season.

Friday, November 28th, 1862

To day I am engaged in making out the bills for the goods sold at Auction on yesterday. Mr. Allen came down from Houston County with his wagon & team, and by whom I expect to send forward some of my furniture to the mills at which place my family is now living and where I expect to settle. The old gentleman remained with me all night. weather clear & cool.

Thursday, November 27th, 1862

To day I am still engaged in selling off the goods of Mr. De Blanc, which kept me busy all day. Some of the articles sold very dear & some sold very reasonably. weather clear & cold with a hard frost at night.

Wednesday, November 26th, 1862

To day I am still engaged in selling off the goods of Mr. De Blanc at auction. I sold but little in consequence of a general spree among the soldiers stationed here in Liberty, they being all drunk and refusing to obey the order of their officers, put the whole town into commotion and broke up the sale. weather clear and cold, with a hard and severe frost at night.

Tuesday, November 25th, 1862

To day I commenced selling off at auction the stock of goods belonging to Joseph E. De Blanc. I only charged him 2½ per cent, for my trouble in crying off the goods, but having nothing to do, prefered to do that, rather than loaf around town. weather clear & cool. 

Monday, November 24th, 1862

To day I am busy writing. Mr. & Mrs. Parkins came over on the cars from Houston. At night the ladies of Liberty gave a grand tableau representation at the Court house, the proceeds of which are to be disbursed for the benefit of the soldiers in the Southern Army. At the exhibition I had to act as scene manager, Master of Ceremonies, take my part in the various tableaux and in fact was a perfect Major Domo of the affair. The house although very large was crowded, there not being less than three hundred persons present. The receipts being about one hundred and sixty-five dollars. The Tableaux were received with great eclat and every thing passing off to the entire satisfaction of the audience as well as all the parties concerned. weather clear & rather cool.

Sunday, November 23rd, 1862

To day I remained at home writing letters. Charley Lund came down & we spent a very pleasant time together. weather clear but rather cool.

Saturday, November 22nd, 1862

To day I went up town and assisted the ladies in erecting a stage upon which to represent some tableaux which exhibition is for the benefit of the suffering soldiers in our army in the way of purchasing clothing, shoes etc. The County Court passed upon and allowed the account of Sam H. Sharp as assessor & collector and discharged him from further liability upon his official bond as such. weather clear and pleasant with considerable frost at night.

Friday, November 21st, 1862

To day I am busy writing up the papers preparitory for a settlement with the County Court of Sam Sharp's* affairs as Assessor & Collector. The Court entered into the settlement, but not having time to complete it adjourned over until tomorrow. In the evening I went up town & soon returned home. weather clear & cool, with frost at night. [*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this blog]

 

Thursday, November 20th, 1862

To day I went up town and thence down to the office at the river there I settled in full with Mr. Patillo for the work he done on my house. Mrs. Raschall & Mrs. Bitterman called on me for the purpose of getting me to intercede with Col. Gillespie to procure the discharge of Mr. Bitterman from the service. this I done of course for the accommadation [sic] of the ladies, but I can't say with what success. weather clear & cool.

Wednesday, November 19th, 1862

To day I went up town and there learned that Sam Sharp had camped last night at Grand Cane, thus driving 23 miles in two days rather slow work that for a mule team. I am now really doing nothing and nothing to do really. weather cloudy and disagreeable with a strong north wind blowing, making it quite cold.

Tuesday, November 18th, 1862

To day I went up town and attended the auction sale of the goods belonging to Joseph Richardson, & while there purchased a few articles for which I paid the cash. weather cloudy and warm with occasional showers of rain.

Monday, November 17th, 1862

To day Sam Sharp with the little wagon and mules and Masoline riding my horse Rat left Liberty after bidding us all good bye in route for the mill, to which point I am now moving my furniture with a view of settling up the Country permanently [i.e., Houston County]. I attended a mass meeting at the Court house for the purpose of furnishing labor to obstruct the navigation of the river and against the advance of the enemy's gun boats, but I regret to say that no definite action was taken and the Government steamer Col. Stell was compelled to leave without the hands for which she came, thus making two grand failures to arouse the people to a sense of their danger. weather cloudy, warm and occasional showers of rain.

Sunday, November 16th, 1862

To day Sam Sharp and I are very busy packing up some articles for him to take up the Country [i.e., to Houston County], and in loading the little wagon. The steamer Col. Stell arrived from the mouth of the river, not having as yet commenced any defencive [sic] works for the want of labor, which appears to be hard to be obtained. weather cloudy & warm, with showers throughout the day and a very hard rain at night.

Saturday, November 15th, 1862

To day I am busy making out my accounts current with the government as Provost Marshal and forwarded the same to Brig. Genl. H.P. Bee at San Antonio, Texas together with all my original vouchers. In the evening I went up town and attended the vendue of Joseph Richardsons effects, which were auctioned off by Charley Lund, purchasing a few articles. I regret to say that I got slightly tight while up town. weather cloudy & warm with occasional showers of rain.

Friday, November 14th, 1862

To day I went up town and remained there pretty much the whole day expecting to attend a mass meeting of the people called for the purpose of devising ways & means to obstruct the mouth of the Trinity River in order to prevent the gun boats of our enemy ascending the same but from the luke warmness of the people no meeting was holden and every body appeared to be resigned to their fate if the enemy should come and take the village which does not at all seem improbable. weather changeable & cool.

Thursday, November 13th, 1862

To day I am still busy in the office and finished making out my rolls as Enrolling officer, and sent the same to Head quarters together with my resignation of the same. At night I attended a dancing party given in the Empire Saloon given in honor of the returned soldiers from Virginia. weather cloudy & cold, & very unpleasant with light showers of rain.

Wednesday, November 12th, 1862

 
To day I am still busy in making out the Muster roll of Conscripts, conscripted by me since I have held the office of enrolling officer for Liberty County, and also in arranging all the papers belonging to said office preparitory to my resignation. The Government steamer Col. Stell arrived here from Lynchburg in quest of negro men to assist in erecting fortifications at the mouth of the Trinity River and in sinking obstructions in said river to prevent the gun boats of our enemy from ascending the same. weather cold, cloudy & rainy with a strong north wind blowing.

Tuesday, November 11th, 1862

To day I am busily engaged in fixing up my papers in the Conscript office and in putting the office in good trim for my successor whomsoever he may be. weather cold with a strong north wind blowing and a very hard rain at night.

Monday, November 10th, 1862

To day I am again very busy in the conscript office enrolling soldiers for the army of the Confederate States, & so continued until the army Surgeon Mr. G. Fergason left. The boys finished digging & housing the potatoes. weather cloudy and warm with strong prospects of rain.

Sunday, November 9th, 1862

In the forenoon I am engaged in the conscript office & in the evening I remained home with Sam, writing up this journal and some letters to my little woman & dear ones at home [in Houston County]. weather clear and pleasant.

Saturday, November 8th, 1862

To day I am busily engaged in the conscript office reconscripting those heretofore discharged by reason of disability. Sam H. Sharp* with the little wagon & mules arrived from the mill [in Houston County] having left there on Wednesday last, taking just 4 days to come down. He left my little woman and babies well. The boys still at work housing the potatoes. weather clear and cool, with a hard frost at night. [*Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog . . . and "the little woman" is his sister . . . as well as the wife of the writer of this Journal . . . ]

 

Friday, November 7th, 1862

This morning I went up town and moved my office down to the river where I can be more comfortable. In the afternoon I took my gun and went out hunting and succeeded in killing two nice turkeys and one duck which was as much as I could conveniently carry home. The boys are at work digging & housing potatoes. weather clear & cool, with a frost at night.

Thursday, November 6th, 1862

To day I am engaged with the boys at the ware house in getting out freight and removing the same to the Cars. In the afternoon I went up town and there found Dr. Stanwood and several others on a big spree. The wind still blowing from the north making it quite cold but clear, with a hard frost at night.

Wednesday, November 5th, 1862

To day I am loafing around my office having nothing to do. The boys are still engaged in digging & housing potatoes. Charley Lund and E.P. White rode down and took dinner with me. weather clear & cold, with a strong North wind blowing producing a hard freeze at night, which is not comfortable in this southern climate.

Tuesday, November 4th, 1862

To day I rode my horse Rat down to my friend Richard Cole's in company with a party of gentlemen for the express purpose of going out ducking which we did and had pretty fair success I having bagged fifteen. We returned to Cole's for dinner and I confess that I sat down to a splendid one, the time passing off very agreeably & pleasantly. We all returned home in the evening. Mr. A.B. Trowell left on the cars in route to Waul's legion in Mississippi & by whom I sent a letter to Captain Wrigley, notifying him of my intention to remove from Liberty up to my mill [i.e., to Houston County], where my family has been for the past five months. The boys are now busily engaged in digging potatoes. In the evening after Tea, I visited Charley Lunds and spent a pleasant time with him & his family. I then returned to my solitary abode to cogitate upon the past. weather clear & pleasant.

Monday, November 3rd, 1862

To day I am engaged in my office, doing but little however as there is but little to do. The boys finished hauling corn. weather clear & pleasant until night when it hauled around to the north making it quite cool, and a considerable frost.

Sunday, November 2nd, 1862

To day I remained at home writing and reading. In the evening several gentlemen called in to see me which made the time pass very pleasantly. weather clear & pleasant.

Saturday, November 1st, 1862

To day I very busy with the boys at work in the ware house getting Frank Hitchcock's things hauled to the cars in time for the train in which we succeeded and Frank also left on the cars for Houston. Bob hauling corn. weather clear & pleasant. 

Friday, October 31st, 1862

To day Frank Hitchcock came over from Houston on the cars and deposited with me $15,500 to purchase cotton with up the Country [i.e., Houston County]. I am busy assisting Frank in getting his things out of the Warehouse to be shipped over to Houston. The boys are still hauling corn. weather clear and pleasant. Thus I close the jottings for the month of October.

Thursday, October 30th, 1862

To day I am busily engaged in the Warehouse weighing Cotton and delivering freight. I dined out with Charley Lund and eat something that did not agree with me in consequence of which I had a severe attack of Cholera Morbus at night and spent a very disagreeable night of it being up and down continually until near daylight when I became some easier and had a pleasant nap. The boys are still hauling corn. weather clear and cool.

Wednesday, October 29th, 1862

To day I am busy in the Provost Marshal's office. Dr. Stanwood returned home on the cars from Houston with his fair bride. The boys are still engaged hauling corn. weather clear & cool.

Tuesday, October 28th, 1862

To day I am busy in the office. My friend Frank Hitchcock left on the cars for Houston but before doing so he presented me with a pair of fine blocks for the use of the mill. The boys are busy hauling corn. weather clear & very cool.

Monday, October 27th, 1862

To day Sam Sharp* riding my horse Hawk and Bill with the mules and little wagon pretty well loaded left Liberty (after bidding us all good bye) for the mill up the Country [i.e., Houston County]. To which place I have now fully concluded to remove and settle down I hope permanently with my little woman and babies. weather clear and cold with a frost at night.  

[*Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog]

 

Sunday, October 26th, 1862

To day Capt. Peacock and Charley Lund came down to the house but in consequence of the cold we were all compelled to remain in doors, snugly seated by a comfortable fire. weather clear with a hard frost at night.

Saturday, October 25th, 1862

To day it was so exceedingly cold that we all remained by the fire at home except my friend David Wakelee, who left on the cars for the City of Houston. The boys still hauling corn. weather clear, with another freeze at night.

Friday, October 24th, 1862

To day my friends Frank Hitchcock and David Wakelee came over from Houston on the cars and took up quarters at my residence. Sam Sharp busy packing up for his trip up the country. The boys still hauling corn. weather clear, with a strong wind blowing from the North making it very cold. At night a freeze being the first ice of the season.

Thursday, October 23rd, 1862

To day I am busy in the office of the Provost Marshal. The boys are engaged in hauling corn from E.A. Booth's for Capt. James Wrigley, making one load per day. weather clear & hot.

Wednesday, October 22nd, 1862

To day I am busy in the office and tried Mr. R.O.W. McManer for treason against the Government, the evidence not being sufficient he was discharged. Mrs. Beale* & Sam* are still busy in packing up things to go up the Country. R.T. Byrne from Houston came over on the cars and remained with me for the night. In the evening we all visited Capt. Peacock and had a nice little card party. The boys finished the wagon bed for Capt. Wrigley. weather clear & pleasant. [*Mrs. Beale is 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this blog . . . Sam is 2nd great-grandpa.]

Tuesday, October 21st, 1862

To day I am busy in the Provost Marshal's office. Mrs. Beale* and Sam Sharp* are busy packing up things for Sam to take up to the mill [i.e., in Houston County]. The boys are still at work in making a wagon body for Capt. James Wrigley to haul corn in. weather clear & pleasant. [*She is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this blog . . . and he is a 2nd great-grandpa . . . ]

 

Monday, October 20th, 1862

To day I went up to the office, done but little in the same however. Sam Sharp busy in the warehouse. The boys are busy in making a wagon bed to haul corn. weather clear & pleasant.

Sunday, October 19th, 1862

To day my pet daughter Fawn attained her second year. I remained at home reading & writing. In the evening I visited Mrs. Beale* and found her & the family all well. weather clear & pleasant. [*Mrs. Beale is Elizabeth Lemaire Beale nee Waring . . . and the Mother of the Nellie who is married to Sam Sharp . . . and she is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog . . .]

Saturday, October 18th, 1862

To day I went up to the office, but done nothing but loaf around town [i.e., Liberty] to see my friends and acquaintances after my protracted visit up the Country [to Houston County]. weather clear & pleasant.

Friday, October 17th, 1862

To day we left our camp at Partlows and drove 15 miles and arrived at Liberty where I found all my friends and acquaintances well, but business perfectly dead. The Yankees in possession of Galveston and Capt. Black's Cavalry Company stationed at Liberty to guard and protect the Rail Road bridge over the Trinity River. expenses of the day $1.50. weather clear & cool.

Thursday, October 16th, 1862

To day we left our camp at the cross roads and drove 29 miles and camped at Partlows, having stopped at Smithfield and purchased from Mr. Carr 50 lbs. bacon for which I paid 10$. we also stoped at Grand Cane, where I purchased some fodder from Mr. Smith and paid him 50 cts. for it. weather clear & cool.

Wednesday, October 15th, 1862

To day we left our camp at Marsh's & drove 26 miles and camped for the night at the crossroads, having passed through the town of Livingston. No incidents by the road side to record. Expenses 75 cts. weather clear & rather cool.

Tuesday, October 14th, 1862

To day we left our camp at white rock and drove 29 miles and camped at Marsh's, having passed through the town of Sumpter, where I found the District Court in session. I also met Geo. F. Moore with whom I had a full understanding in relation to some lands held in common between us. weather clear & very cool.

Monday, October 13th, 1862

To day I left Fathers on hawk, with Bill, the mules & little wagon in route for Liberty. after bidding my little woman and babies good bye also the rest of the family, we traveled to Crockett, where I was detained some time and from thence to the white rock creek where we camped for the night, having traveled 23½ miles in all. expenses of the day $8. weather clear but rather cool.

Sunday, October 12th, 1862

To day I am busy fixing up my things preparitory to my trip to Liberty. William Leaverton returned from Crockett. Dr. Murchison visited the little woman, who is doing very well, although she has some slight fever. weather clear & cold, with another frost at night.

Saturday, October 11th, 1862

To day William Leaverton rode my horse hawk to Crockett. I remained about the house. The little woman is still improving. weather clear & very cold in consequence of a strong North wind blowing. at night there was a frost, being the first of the season.

Friday, October 10th, 1862

To day I remained at home. William Leaverton rode over to Mr. Richardson's in order to arrange the matter of dispute existing between him & Father in relation to a certain iron pot of his that Father had borrowed and which was accidentally broken while at the saline. I make this note in order to refresh my mind should a law suit grow out of the difference I being a witness to the whole transaction. James Beasley came over and remained nearly all day. William returned without affecting any compromise with Richardson. The little woman still improving. weather cloudy, with occasional showers of rain. The wind blowing fresh out of the North, rendering it very cold indeed so much so as to require fires for comfort.

Thursday, October 9th, 1862

To day I went in company with William Leaverton in the buggy up to the mill to divide some toll corn. we were compelled to return in a very hard rain getting pretty well soaked, in consequence of which I was compelled to change my clothing. weather cloudy, warm & rainy nearly all day.

Wednesday, October 8th, 1862

To day at 7 o'clock a.m. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] was delivered of a male child weighing 11 lbs. 1 oz. which I named "James Wrigley" in honor of my old friend James Wrigley. There was no white persons present at the birth except Mother* [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & myself. Dr. Murchison for whom I sent arrived too late to be of any service. The little woman and baby are doing very well. In consequence of the birth of this my first Son I took a big egg nogg which was not bad by the way. weather cloudy and warm. it commenced raining about 8 o'clock a.m. & rained throughout the day. 

*The person he refers to as "Mother" is Mahala Lee Sharp Hall nee Roberts . . . who is actually his step-mother . . . as well as his mother-in-law . . . aka the mother of "the little woman" . . . and Mahala is also the 3rd great-grandma of the Keeper of this family history blog.

 

Tuesday, October 7th, 1862

To day in consequence of my having divided and deeded away Father's interest in the lands that we held in common I made a new will disposing of my property differently from what my prior one done. to this last will Nellie Sharp & William P. Leaverton are witnesses. I remained about the house all day reading. weather changeable & hot.

Monday, October 6th, 1862

To day I finished copying the old field notes. In the evening William Leaverton and I rode up to the mill and divided the toll corn with Mr. Pennington. The little woman has entirely recovered from her attack of neuralgia. weather changeable and hot.

Sunday, October 5th, 1862

Today I took Laura & Roberta in the buggy, and drove to church, where I heard a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Moore. we then returned to Father's where I found Mr. Keen with whom I passed several social hours. The little woman is much better. weather changeable & hot.

Saturday, October 4th, 1862

To day I had a settlement with Father and divided with him the lands that we held in common. I made the deed to Mother [Mahala] for the same. The little woman [Margaret] is still quite sick. I am busy taking a copy of the old field notes, taken in 1838, of my Trinity lands. weather changeable & hot.

Friday, October 3rd, 1862

To day Bill returned from Crockett with my mail matter. William Leaverton rode across the Trinity River to Mr. Broady's to get some shoes for the little woman & Nellie. he returned with 3 pair. The little woman is quite sick with the neuralgia in the face. weather changeable & hot.

Thursday, October 2nd, 1862

To day I sent Bill to Crockett on Hawk to mail some letters and to get my mail matter. Father went out and drove up a beef which he killed. I loafed around the house generally getting very tired of my protracted stay up the Country. But as I am with the little woman and my pet Fawn I pass the time very agreeably. weather changeable & hot looking more like rain than yesterday.

Wednesday, October 1st, 1862

To day I rode my horse Rob in company with William Leaverton nearly all over the neighbourhood in search of cotton, but without any success. we returned to Father's in time for dinner. In the evening William rode up to the mill and sold some sheet iron to Mr. Horn. he returned home late in the evening. weather changeable and hot with prospects of rain.

Tuesday, September 30th, 1862

To day I received from Charley Beasley 5 bales of Cotton weighing 565, 536, 538, 538 & 501 lbs. for which I paid him ? cash. Wm. Leaverton started for Navarro but had to return in consequence of the high stage of the Trinity River. weather changeable and warm with strong prospects of rain. Thus I close the jottings for the month of September.

Monday, September 29th, 1862

To day I went in company with Wm. Leaverton up to John Smiths in hunt of cotton but returned without purchasing any. In the evening we went up to the mill & while there received from J.H. Leaverton 113 Bushels of corn. weather clear & rather hot.

Sunday, September 28th, 1862

To day I went in Company with the little woman, Nellie*, Laura & Roberta fishing. we had fine success having caught over 100. Mr. & Mrs. Bird spent the day at Fathers. weather clear & hot. [*This Nellie is a 2nd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog.]

 

Saturday, September 27th, 1862

To day I sold to D.L. Burton seven beeves belonging to the little woman for $140. Charley Beasley came over to Father's & from him I contracted to purchase some cotton. William Leaverton with the boys assisted D.L. Burton in driving his beeves out to Mustang Prairie, at which place they arrived safe & returned in the evening. weather clear & rather hot.

Friday, September 26th, 1862

To day I went up to the mills in the buggy in company with William Leaverton & while there measured out eight bushels of corn. The boys are busy driving up beeves to put into a drove. late in the evening we returned to Fathers. weather clear & hot.

Thursday, September 25th, 1862

To day Joe went with 2 yoke of oxen after my little wagon & returned with it in the evening. The boys with Father went in hunt of a beef with poor success. I amused myself picking cotton. weather changeable & rather hot.

Wednesday, September 24th, 1862

To day Father and the boys went out in hunt of a beef. Wm. Leaverton returned from the Saline, having left my little wagon on the road. I amused myself picking cotton. weather cloudy and rather hot with prospects of rain.

Tuesday, September 23rd, 1862

To day I loaned my little wagon to Father, and Wm. Leaverton started with it up to the saline after the pots left there. I amused myself picking cotton. weather changeable and hot.

Monday, September 22nd, 1862

To day I went in the buggy in company with William Leaverton up to the mill. while there I fed my hogs & we returned to Fathers. In the evening I amused myself picking cotton. weather clear & hot.

Sunday, September 21st, 1862

To day Aunt Leaverton came down to Mothers [Mahala] and spent the day. Mother has entirely recovered. I remained at home reading. weather clear & pleasant.

Saturday, September 20th, 1862

To day I sent Bill with the little wagon up to Dr. Murchison after Father's wagon. In the evening I amused myself in picking cotton. Mother is much better. weather clear & pleasant.

Friday, September 19th, 1862

To day William Leaverton rode hawk to Crockett to attend a barbacue given to Sibley's soldiers. he returned in the evening. I amused myself fishing and had excellent success. Mother is slightly indisposed. Nellie has entirely recovered from her indisposition. weather clear & pleasant.

Thursday, September 18th, 1862

To day I remained at Fathers, mending up all the old bridles & martingals. The hands finished gathering corn out of the Red (?) land field. weather clear & hot.

Wednesday, September 17th, 1862

To day I rode my horse Rob down to the bluff to see Capt. Stubblefield and while there purchased a few articles from him for the little woman. William Leaverton rode Hawk to Crockett. we both returned to Fathers in the evening, and the rest of the day I picked cotton. weather clear & rather hot.

Tuesday, September 16th, 1862

To day I went up to the mill in the buggy in company with William Leaverton to feed my hogs. we returned to Fathers and in the evening I amused myself picking cotton. weather clear & hot.

Monday, September 15th, 1862

To day I went up to the mill in the buggy in company with William Leaverton, and while there had a final settlement with Mr. Pennington. I turned my toll corn over to William Leaverton. we then returned to Father's. weather changeable and hot.

Sunday, September 14th, 1862

To day I went fishing with some little success. The balance of the day I spent loafing around the house. weather changeable with occasional showers of rain.

Saturday, September 13th, 1862

To day I went in Company with William Leaverton in the buggy up to the mill and while there hunted up some more of my tools. we then returned to Father's in time for dinner. weather changeable & hot, with occasional showers of rain.

Friday, September 12th, 1862

To day I drove Hawk & Rob in the little wagon in Company with Wm. Leaverton & Bill, and after a great deal of difficulty with Rob succeeded in arriving at the mill. I gathered some of my tools up and had a partial settlement with Mr. Pennington in relation to toll corn. In the evening we returned to Father's and I picked cotton by way of amusement. weather changeable & warm.

Thursday, September 11th, 1862

To day I remained around the house and in the evening went out with the children and picked cotton. we succeeded in picking 95 lbs. weather changeable & hot with a very hard rain at night.

Wednesday, September 10th, 1862

To day I went to Crockett in company with Mrs. Wrigley in the buggy. Lelia & Bob riding on horse back, they being in route for Liberty. I returned to Father's in the evening after having seen Mrs. Wrigley safely started on her journey. expenses at Crockett to Mrs. Wrigley 5$. incidentals 7$. weather changeable and hot.

Tuesday, September 9th, 1862

To day I rode Rob in company with William Leaverton up to the mill, and from there to Mrs. Birds in order to purchase some cotton but without any success. we returned to Father's in the evening. weather changeable and hot.

Monday, September 8th, 1862

To day I remained at Father's where I am now boarding. I sent Bill and Bob to the shop and had the mules & 2 horses shod. Joe returned from the Saline with my little wagon. Nellie* is still quite sick, so much so as to require the aid of Dr. Murchison who visited her. weather changeable & hot with every indication of rain. [*This Nellie is a 2nd great-grandma to the Keeper of this blog.]

Sunday, September 7th, 1862

To day I rode down to the bluff with Lelia, Roberta & Laura, we returned by the bottom route which was very pleasant & shady. Nellie was taken sick and remained so all day. In Crockett Mr. Craft was killed by Mr. Edwards but it produced no excitement whatsoever. weather changeable and very warm.

Saturday, September 6th, 1862

To day I sent to town for Mrs. Wrigley, who came out in the evening. I remained at Fathers all day. I loaned him my little wagon to go to the saline. weather changeable & hot but showery.