Monday, February 2nd, 1863

To day the boys are still at work at and finished the garden fence. Sam* [Samuel Houston Sharp] finished the loom for Mother [Mahala* Lee Sharp Hall nee Roberts]. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] sent for and had her spinning wheel brought home. The boys commenced the house fence. I sent Mr. Pennington down to Mr. Beasleys after my glue kettle who succeeding in getting it and brought it home. I ground 1½ bushels of corn. Roberta [Hall] still here. weather clear and pleasant.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog. Mahala is his mother and is also the mother of Margaret aka the little woman which makes Mahala the mother-in-law as well as the step-mother of JMH.

Sunday, February 1st, 1863

To day I am engaged in writing up this journal. Father [Joshua James Hall], Mother [Mahala* Lee Sharp Hall nee Roberts and Mrs. Bird all came up to the house to see Nellie* [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] and the little Major [James Hall Sharp] who are doing very well. Father & Mrs. Bird left early. Mother remained until late in the evening and then went home. Roberta [Hall] is still here. weather clear and rather cool.

*Nellie is a 2nd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog. Mahala is her mother-in-law, and is also the step-mother as well as mother-in-law of JMH.

Saturday, January 31st, 1863

To day Sam* Sharp drove my horse (Gladiator) & buggy to Crockett and back and while there he sold my old homestead in Crockett to Wm. F. Johnston for the sum of $2000. cash. The boys are still at work on the garden fence. I ground 36½ bushels of corn. weather clear & pleasant but with some indications of rain. Thus I close the jottings for the month of January.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog. He is also the step-brother as well as the brother-in-law of JMH.

Friday, January 30th, 1863

To day Sam Sharp* is at work making the loom. The boys are still at work on the garden fence. I ground 19 bushels of corn. Mother [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] left for home in company with Father [Joshua James Hall] who came up after her leaving Roberta here. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] rode Hawk up to Mrs. Beasley's and while there purchased a spinning wheel for which she paid 7$ cash. I wrote D. Richardson a letter directed to Austin in relation to the old "Argus" office which said office I sold to said Richardson for $1023.05 and gave him 12 months time on it dating from the 4th of October last & drawing 10% interest after maturity. weather clear & cool with indications of rain.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog. Mahala is his mother, as well as the step-mother and the mother-in-law of JMH.

 

Thursday, January 29th, 1863

To day Sam* Sharp is still at work making the loom. The boys are still at work on the garden fence. I ground 12 bushels of corn. I also paid Mr. Renfro 39$ for the fodder & peas purchased from him some time since. I also purchased from Mr. Pennington six hogs for which I paid him 3$ per head to be allowed in our settlement. Mother [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & Toby left for home, she however returned in the evening. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] and the Major [James Hall Sharp] doing well. weather clear & cool, with a frost at night.

*Sam and Nellie are 2nd great-grandparents to the Keeper of this family history blog. Mahala is Sam's mother, as well as the mother-in-law and step-mother of JMH.

Wednesday, January 28th, 1863

To day Sam* Sharp rode my horse Ratler to Crockett and back. The boys are still at work on the garden fence. I ground 18½ bushels of corn. Mother [Mahala* Lee Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & the children are still here. Nellie* [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] and the Major [James Hall Sharp] are doing very well. weather clear & cold with a frost at night.

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

Tuesday, January 27th, 1863

To day the boys are still at work on the garden fence and getting on rather slowly. Sam* Sharp still at work making the loom. I ground 39½ bushels of corn and sold four bushels of meal in exchange for tallow. I also contracted with Mr. Pennington for his hogs & loaned him 2 bushels of meal. weather clear & cold with a hard freeze & frost at night.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog. He is also the step-brother as well as the brother-in-law of JMH.