Saturday, December 31st, 1864

To day I paid Dr. Murchison 310 lbs. of flour for 62 lbs. of wool purchased from him last fall. Hicks ground 20 bushels of corn and 5 bushels of wheat. Weather clear & cold with a frost & freeze at night. 

Thus I close my jottings for the month of December and for the year 1864 which has just passed & gone and now numbered with the things that were. Whether the Almighty will spare me to chronicle the daily events of the incoming year is more than poor mortal man can foresee or know but trusting in his goodness I shall enter upon the pleasing task which is meaningful as a book of reference and may hereafter be profitable to those who have an interest in my affairs after I shall have shuffled off this mortal soil and been reaped to the bosom of my ancestors. 

Friday, December 30th, 1864

To day I fixed the mill when Hicks ground 10 bushels of wheat. Sam* Sharp & Nellie* [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] drove down to Mother's [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] in my buggy and spent the day there. Weather variable & cold with hard frost & freeze at night.

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

Thursday, December 29th, 1864

To day Sam* Sharp and John rode down to Stubblefield's mill to see Mr. Malone in relation to his conduct on yesterday but they were unsuccessful. Lt. Neil's Regiment & Waller's Battallion passed by the mill and camped about 3 miles below the Elkhart creek at what is known as the Pridgeon field. I was troubled a great deal by the soldiers & 4 remained for dinner. Hicks ground 8 bushels of wheat. I delivered to Cox's wagon all his flour. Weather changeable & cool.

*This Sam Sharp is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog.

Wednesday, December 28th, 1864

To day John rode out hog hunting and was arrested by Mr. Malone and his hogs taken away from him. Father [Joshua James Hall] & Mother [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] came up and spent the evening. Hicks ground 5 bushels of wheat and 6 bushels of corn. Weather clear & cold with a hard frost & freeze at night.

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

Tuesday, December 27th, 1864

To day John went out hog hunting but without success. Mother [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & John Connell [son of Mahala's sister] spent the day with us. Sam* Sharp rode my horse Rob to Crockett and back. Hicks ground 15 bushels of wheat. Weather clear & rather warm.

*This Mahala is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog. Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa, and son of Mahala.

Monday, December 26th, 1864

To day the boys rode out hog hunting and succeeded in getting one. Sam* Sharp rode down to Mother's [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and spent the day there. Mrs. Bird came up and spent the day with us. Hicks ground 5 bushels of wheat. I purchased from Smith's negroes 22 bushels of potatoes for which I paid flour. A soldier stopped with me for the night. Weather clear and rather warm for the season.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog. Mahala is his mother.

Sunday, December 25th, 1864

Today Sam* Sharp & I with the children in the little wagon, Nellie* [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] & the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] in the buggy, all drove down to Mother's [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] where we spent our Christmas. We had a fine dinner & a good eggnogg. We passed the day very pleasantly. Weather cloudy & rather warm. 

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

Saturday, December 24th, 1864

Saturday December 24th 1864. To day the boys assisted me at the mill we ground 4 bushels of wheat & 23 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy & cool with occasional showers of rain. 

Friday, December 23rd, 1864

To day the boys are at work chopping & hauling wood. I assisted Hicks in the mill where we ground 10 bushels of wheat. Capt. John Wootters left for Crockett. Weather changeable and rather warm.

Thursday, December 22nd, 1864

To day Sam* Sharp and the boys again went out hog hunting but without success. Sam however killed a fine deer. I loaned Mother* [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] 300 lbs of fine dry salt. Capt. John Wootters came out & stopped with me for the night. Hicks ground 12 bushels of wheat. Weather clear and cold, with a hard frost at night.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog. Mahala is his mother.

Wednesday, December 21st, 1864

To day Sam* Sharp and the boys went out a hog hunting but without any success. I half soled a pair of shoes for myself. Hicks ground 13 bushels of wheat & 15 bushels of corn. George Alford & Frank Ward stopped with me for the night. Weather clear & cold, with a hard frost at night.

*This Sam Sharp is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog.

Tuesday, December 20th, 1864

To day the boys went out hog hunting & succeeded in getting one. I rode up to the school house and paid Bodenhamer my war taxes, also those of Sam Sharp*. I had to advance upon Sharp's taxes or in other words loan him $256. I borrowed from T.R. Dailey $370 in old issue, which I am to pay back in new issue, with a discount of one third, or rather I am to pay him $246.⁰⁰ in new issue. Father [Joshua James Hall] came up and took Toby [Horace Oscar Hall] home with him. Hicks ground 12½ bushels of wheat & 23 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy & cold with occasional showers of rain and sleet.

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

Monday, December 19th, 1864

To day the boys went out hog hunting, but as usual without any success. I made a pair of shoes for Toby [Horace Oscar Hall]. Hicks ground 15 bushels of wheat & 23 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy & cold with a hard rain all day & night, which raised the creek pretty high & gave me a good head of water.

Sunday, December 18th, 1864

To day Mother* [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] came up to see Sam* [Samuel Houston Sharp] and remained for dinner. Weather cloudy & cool with a hard rain and very disagreeable.

*This Mahala is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog. Sam is her first-born son, and is a 2nd great-grandpa to said Keeper.

Saturday, December 17th, 1864

To day the boys are at work hauling wood. Hicks ground 20 bushels of corn, and 3 bushels of wheat. Sam Sharp* arrived home from the Army on a 40 days furlough. He looks quite well but is sorely troubled with the itch. He lost my horse, Ratler, which is a heavy loss on me at this time particularly as another cannot be procured. Weather cloudy & warm with a hard rain at night.

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

Friday, December 16th, 1864

To day the boys are at work chopping wood. I finished the shoes I was making for little Major [James Hall Sharp]. Toby [Horace Oscar Hall] is still here. Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] came up to bring some papers and letters. Hicks ground 20 bushels of corn & 3 bushels of wheat. Weather cloudy & warm with occasional light showers of rain.

Thursday, December 15th, 1864

To day the boys are at work hauling wood. I am engaged in making little Major [James Hall Sharp] a pair of shoes. Toby [Horace Oscar Hall] came up and remained all night. My daughter Josephine [Josephine Martha Hall] attained the first anniversary of her birth day being just one year old. Weather changeable and warm.

Wednesday, December 14th, 1864

To day the boys are at work chopping wood. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] came up and spent the day and while here assisted the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] in drawing the thread into the harness and slay for her linsey. Hicks ground 18 bushels of corn. Weather clear and rather warm.

Tuesday, December 13th, 1864

To day the boys are cutting up and salting down the hogs killed on yesterday. I warped the thread for the linsey. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] came home from her visit to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and brought little Major [James Hall Sharp] home with her. Hicks ground 5 bushels of corn. Weather clear & rather warm for the season.

Monday, December 12th, 1864

To day the boys killed five hogs which only weighed 738 lbs. I helped the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] to spool thread for her linsey. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] came up from Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and spent the day. Hicks ground 5½ bushels of corn. Two soldiers stopped with me for the night. Weather clear & cold with a freeze at night.

Sunday, December 11th, 1864

To day I remained in the house around the fire. It was so cold and disagreeable that one cannot move about out of doors. Weather clear with very high wind and a hard freeze at night.

Saturday, December 10th, 1864

To day the boys went out hunting hogs but without any success. I assisted the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] to spool some thread to put in the loom to weave some linsey. Hicks ground 5 bushels of corn. I paid Mr. Parker 30 lbs of flour for some tallow I purchased from him some time since. Weather changeable & cold with freeze at night.

Friday, December 9th, 1864

To day the boys went hog hunting but without any success. Billy Stewart left for Crockett. Hicks ground 5 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy and cold with a frost and freeze at night.

Thursday, December 8th, 1864

To day the boys worked upon and finished the fences around the garden and house yard. I finished the shoes for Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall]. Billy Stewart came out from Crockett and remained with me for the night. Hicks ground 5 bushels of corn. Weather changeable & cold with a freeze at night.

Wednesday, December 7th, 1864

To day the boys are at work on the garden & house yard fence. I worked on a pair of shoes for Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall]. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] & children drove down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] in the buggy and spent the day down there. Hicks ground 13 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy & cold, with a freeze at night.

Tuesday, December 6th, 1864

To day the boys are at work on the garden & house yard fence. I worked on a pair of shoes for Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall]. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] & children drove down to Mother's [Mahala Lee Sharp Hall nee Roberts] in the buggy and spent the day down there. Hicks ground 13 bushels of corn. Mother got 19½ lbs of cotton. Two soldiers stopped with me for the night. Weather variable and rather warm for the season.

Monday, December 5th, 1864

To day the boys are fixing up the garden fence. I am at work spooling some thread. Hicks ground 5 bushels of corn. Weather variable and rather warm.

Sunday, December 4th, 1864

To day Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] came up and spent the day. In the evening she returned to Mothers [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and took Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] home with her. I am engaged writing up this note book. Weather changeable and rather warm.

Saturday, December 3rd, 1864

To day the boys are at work on the garden fence. My mouth is still quite sore although recovering. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] rode down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] came home with her. Hicks ground 10 bushels of corn. Weather changeable and cold, with a hard frost at night.

Friday, December 2nd, 1864

To day the boys are at work on the garden fence. My mouth is still quite sore, but still improving. Hicks ground 18 bushels of corn. Weather changeable and warm.

Thursday, December 1st, 1864

To day the boys are at work hauling rails. I am still confined with the sore mouth although it is still improving. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] is at work weaving jeans, and finished the piece in the loom. Hicks ground 14 bushels of corn. Weather changeable and rather warm.

Wednesday, November 30th, 1864

To day the boys are still at work hauling rails. I am still confined with the sore mouth although it is improving a little. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] finished weaving of the jeans for Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts]. Hicks ground 10 bushels of corn. Weather changeable and rather warm. Thus I close my notes of events around me for the month of November which of course are of no interest to any one but myself.

Tuesday, November 29th, 1864

To day the boys are at work hauling rails. I rode over to Mr. Keen's & to Mr. Dailey's in relation to the supplying the families of soldiers with subsistance for the next year. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] called by as they returned from a visit to Mrs. Bird's. Hicks ground 2½ bushels of wheat and 16½ bushels of corn. Weather cloudy and warm with a light shower of rain.

Monday, November 28th, 1864

To day the boys are at work hauling rails. I rode around to see the families of soldiers and take an account of what they require for their next year's supply. Hicks ground 4½ bushels of wheat & 12½ bushels of corn. Weather changeable, warm and very windy.
  

Sunday, November 27th, 1864

To day I remained in the house writing up this note book. my mouth is still sore though some little better. Weather changeable and warm.

Saturday, November 26th, 1864

To day the boys are at work splitting rails. I am still confined to the house with the sore mouth. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] came up and spent the evening. Hicks ground 17 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy, windy and rather warm. 

Friday, November 25th, 1864

To day the boys are at work splitting rails. I am still confined with the sore mouth. Toby [Horace Oscar Hall] came up after Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] who went home with him. I received my new jeans pants they being made of the cloth that I wove for myself. Hicks ground 3 bushels of wheat & 20 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy & cold with misting rain.

Thursday, November 24th, 1864

To day the boys are at work splitting rails. I am still confined with the sore mouth. Hicks is engaged making an axle tree for my little wagon. Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] is still here. Col. Miller camped at the mills for the night, on his way to the wheat region. Weather cloudy and cold, with a rain at night.

Wednesday, November 23rd, 1864

To day the boys are engaged chopping wood. I am still confined with the sore mouth. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] rode down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] after some cloth. Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] came home with her. Hicks ground 23 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy & cold with hard freeze and frost at night.

Tuesday, November 22nd, 1864

To day the boys are at work hauling wood. I am still sick with the sore mouth. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] still down at Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts]. Hicks ground 1½ bushels of wheat and 29 bushels of corn. clear & very cold with hard frost and freeze at night.

Monday, November 21st, 1864

To day the boys are at work hauling wood. I am still confined with my sore mouth. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] rode down to Mothers [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & remained there. Hicks ground 5 bushels of wheat and 10 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy and very cold, with hard frost and freeze and plenty of ice at night.

Sunday, November 20th, 1864

To day Lieut. Allen stopped on his way to Houston. I got from him 1 qt of whiskey. I am still confined with the sore mouth. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] drove my buggy down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and there spent the day. Weather changeable and cold, with a hard freeze at night.

Saturday, November 19th, 1864

To day the boys are still at work splitting rails. I am still sick with the sore mouth and confined to my room. Hicks ground 2 bushels of wheat & 21½ bushels of corn. Weather cloudy and cold with drizzling rain.

Friday, November 18th,1864

To day I left Crockett for home after getting my detail as a miller. upon my return home I found Josephine [Josephine Martha Hall] with a fever. John rode up to Prewitt's tan yard and succeeded in getting my shoes. I am still sick with the sore mouth. Hicks ground 2 bushels of wheat & 18 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy & cold with drizzling rain throughout the entire day. 

Thursday, November 17th, 1864

To day the boys are at work splitting rails. I rode my horse Rob to Crockett and stopped with Mr. Downes for the night. Hicks ground 10½ bushels of corn. I am still sick with the sore mouth. Weather cloudy and cool with occasional showers of rain.

Wednesday, November 16th, 1864

To day the boys are at work splitting rails. I am still sick. The little woman's [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] finger is still improving. Little Major [James Hall Sharp] had an attack of Cholera Morbus. Hicks ground 13 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy and cool, with light showers of rain throughout the day.

Tuesday, November 15th, 1864

To day the boys are at work hauling wood. Father [Joshua James Hall], Genl. Hodges and his nephew with Mr. Strain came up to lease some land from me but I declined the contract they offered. I am confined to the house with rheumatism. The little woman's [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] finger is improving although it is still quite sore. Hicks ground 11 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy with a light shower of rain.

Monday, November 14th, 1864

To day the boys are at work hauling wood. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp], Pet [Florence Mahala Hall] & I drove down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] in her buggy and spent the day. I loaned my little wagon & mules to Mr. Keen to go to Barn's prairie after pecans. Hicks ground 20 bushels of corn & 2½ bushels of wheat. Mother got 19 lbs of cotton which makes a bale of 500 lbs and 5 lbs towards another. cloudy with occasional showers of rain.

Sunday, November 13th, 1864

To day I remained at home quite sick. I let the boys ride the mules over the river after some of my oxen that had ran away. They returned at night with the oxen. Weather changeable & rather warm.

Saturday, November 12th, 1864

To day Bill is engaged cutting up and salting down the beef & hog that I had killed on yesterday. Hicks, John & I are at work putting in the new ink, bushing, &c. in the mill. we succeeded in getting the mill started and ground 20 bushels of corn & 1½ bushels of wheat. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] is sick. Weather clear & rather warm, but cold at night with a light frost.

 

Friday, November 11th, 1864

To day I sent Bill to Mr. Keen's to have the mill ink upset. I sent John after a beef who succeeded in getting one. I assisted Hicks to repair the forebay floor. Billy Stewart left for Crockett. Father [Joshua James Hall] came up and got his share of leather upon settlement I owe him 60 lbs of dry hides. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] rode down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and spent the day. Weather clear & warm but rather cold at night. 

Thursday, November 10th, 1864

To day the boys are at work repairing the mill fore bay. In the evening Billy Stewart came out from Crockett with his little wagon and brought a negro woman by the name of America & her child by the name of Claudine out, both of whom he left with me. Billy and I rode down as far as Father's [Joshua James Hall] hunting but without any success. Weather clear & cold, with a frost and freeze at night.

Wednesday, November 9th, 1864

To day the boys returned from Barns prairie, having gathered 2 bushels of pecans. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] came up & spent the day and remained all night. Hicks ground 5 bushels of corn. Mr. Keen came over & remained for dinner. at night a soldier belonging to Steele's Regt. stopped with me. Weather cloudy & cold with a frost & freeze at night.

Tuesday, November 8th, 1864

To day I let the boys go to Barn's prairie to gather some pecans. Hicks is at work repairing the mill fore bay after doing which he ground 5 bushels of corn. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] wove 2 yds of jeans. I worked in the shop and made two pairs of ?temples?. Weather cloudy & cold with a light sprinkling shower of rain.

Monday, November 7th, 1864

To day Bill is at work splitting rails and John hauling pine. Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] is still sick. The little woman [Margaret Hall nee Sharp] wove 1½ yds of jeans. Hicks ground ? bushels of wheat and 7 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy & warm, with a very high wind blowing from the South.

Sunday, November 6th, 1864

To day I am engaged writing up this note book. Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] is still sick, all the rest have recovered. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] came up & spent the day. Weather variable & cool.

Saturday, November 5th, 1864

To day the boys are at work in the mill. Dr. Murchison came to see the sick. Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] & little Major [James Hall Sharp] are still quite sick. Wolf was also taken with fever. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & Mrs. Bird came up to see the sick. I wove one yard on the jeans, Hicks ground 9½ bushels of corn. Weather variable cold & very windy.

Friday, November 4th, 1864

To day the boys are still hauling wood. I sent John to Prewitt's tan yard after my shoes but did not get them. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] has recovered from her illness, but Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] & little Major [James Hall Sharp] are still sick. Wolf was also taken with fever. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & Mrs. Bird came up to see the sick. I wove one yard on the jeans. Hicks ground 9½ bushels of corn. Weather variable cold & very windy.

Thursday, November 3rd, 1864

To day the boys are at work chopping & hauling wood. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire], Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] & little Major [James Hall Sharp] are still sick. Jim [James Wrigley Hall] is still down at Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts]. I wove a little on the jeans to try my hand. Wash Leaverton came up from Mothers and brought me $2½ sent by her to pay for the making of shoes. Hicks ground 16 bushels of corn. Weather variable & cold with a hard frost & freeze at night.

Wednesday, November 2nd, 1864

To day the boys are at work chopping & hauling wood. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] left for home and took Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] with her. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire], Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] and little Major [James Hall Sharp] are still sick. I took the thread out of the loom and put it in again having missed one sley eye. Hicks ground 23 bushels of corn. Mother got 19 lbs of cotton. Weather cloudy, rainy and cold.

Tuesday, November 1st, 1864

To day Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] came up to see Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire], Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] and Little Major [James Hall Sharp] who are still sick. The boys done no work in consequence of the rain. It rained all day and Mother was compelled to remain all night. Weather rather cold.

Monday, October 31st, 1864

To day the boys are at work saving what few potatoes we made. Dr. Murchison came to see the sick that is Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] and the little Major [James Hall Sharp] - Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] & Jim [James Wrigley Hall] are still sick. Mr. Keen came over and remained for dinner and then rode down to Mothers [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts]. Aunt Leaverton came over to see the children. I went over to see Wash Leaverton who is quite sick. Thus I close my notes for the month of October. Weather cloudy and warm.

Sunday, October 30th, 1864

Today Lieut. Allen left for the wheat region. Nellie* & Major [James Hall Sharp] are still sick. Florence [Florence Mahala Hall] was taken with the fever and Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] has the erysipelas in the right arm. I sent John up to Dr. Murchison after some medicine for the little Major. Mother** came up to see the sick but did not remain long. Weather cloudy and cool.


*Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire, my 2nd great-grandma 
**Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts, my 3rd great-grandma

 

Saturday, October 29th, 1864

To day the boys are at work fixing up a fence around the cotton house. Dr. Murchison came to see Nellie* and the little Major [James Hall Sharp] who are still sick. Mother** came up and took Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] & Toby [Horace Oscar Hall] home with her. Hicks ground 3 bushels of corn. Lieut. Allen stopped with me for the night on his way up the Country. Weather cloudy and warm.


*Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire, my 2nd great-grandma
**Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts, my 3rd great-grandma

 

 

Friday, October 28th, 1864

To day we again gathered pecans until about 1 o'clk. P.M. when we all left for home. We returned by Mr. Keen's and there his party left us. The rest arrived home about dark and found Nellie* and the little Major [James Hall Sharp] quite sick. Hicks ground 2 bushels of corn yesterday & two bushels more to-day. Weather clear and rather cold.


*Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire, my 2nd great-grandma 

Thursday, October 27th, 1864

To day the whole crowd stated in yesterday's notes commenced gathering pecans & succeeded in picking up about 5 bushels. No remarks on the days work. we again camped for the night on the bank of the river. Weather clear, but it turned off rather cold for comfort. 

Wednesday, October 26th, 1864

To day the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] & Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] in the buggy, Toby [Horace Oscar Hall], Bill, Wolf, Charlotte, Kate, Jemima, little Jo [Josephine Martha Hall] & myself left home in the little wagon bound for Barnes prairie in order to gather pecans. We drove to the Trinity River and camped on the bank for the night. Mr. & Mrs. Keen, Mrs. Moreland with Taylor & Charity were of the party. John & Hicks are at work storing the cotton. The latter ground 2 bushels of corn. Weather changeable and rather warm.

Tuesday, October 25th, 1864

To day the boys are engaged hauling fire wood. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] rode down to Hall's Bluff and spent the day with Mrs. Stubblefield. I am at work drawing the thread through the harness. Bert [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] came home with the little woman. Hicks ground 1 bushel of corn. Weather variable and warm.

Monday, October 24th, 1864

To day the boys finished sowing barley. Mr. and Mrs. Keen came over and spent the day. The old lady warped and beamed a piece of jeans for the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp]. I finished my bridle. Hicks ground 2 bushels of corn. Weather changeable & warm.

Sunday, October 23rd, 1864

To day the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] & Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] went out after chinquepins with very good success. I am still unwell. Weather cloudy and rather cold.

Saturday, October 22nd, 1864

To day the boys are at work sowing barley. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] rode down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and brought Pet [Florence Mahala Hall] home with her. I am at work making a bridle. Hicks ground 2 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy & warm.

Friday, October 21st, 1864

To day the boys are at work sowing Rye in the little field. Mrs. Bird spent the day with us. In the evening Father [Joshua James Hall], Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts], Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] & Toby [Horace Oscar Hall] came up on a visit. I made three surcingles for Mother, Florence [Florence Mahala Hall] went home with Mother and remained all night. Hicks ground 2 bushels of corn. Weather variable & cold, with a hard frost and freeze at night.

Thursday, October 20th, 1864

To day Bill is at work plowing the little field. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] came up and spent the day. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] rode home with her but did not remain long. I am better and work on a bridle. John had another chill and fever. Hicks ground one bushel of corn. Weather changeable and cold.

Wednesday, October 19th, 1864

To day I sent the boys out after a beef, they succeeded in Killing a very fine one. I am still sick, but slowly improving. Hicks ground one bushel of corn. My daughter Florence [Florence Mahala Hall] attained the fourth anniversary of her birth day. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] and the little Major [James Hall Sharp] are both quite sick. Weather cloudy and rather cool.

Tuesday, October 18th, 1864

To day Bill is still plowing in the little field. John is still sick. I am much improved. Florence [Florence Mahala Hall] & I drove down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] in the buggy after some honey. Hicks ground 2 bushels of corn. At night a gentleman and lady stopped with us. Weather cloudy & cool with a light drizzling rain.

Monday, October 17th, 1864

To day Bill is still plowing the little field. John is sick with chill & fever. I am still confined but improving. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] rode down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and spent the day. Hicks ground one bushel of corn. Weather changeable and rather cool.

Sunday, October 16th, 1864

To day Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] and the children went out and gathered some chinquapins. I am still sick although much better. Weather cloudy and cool.

Tuesday, October 15th, 1864

To day the boys are still plowing the field to sow Rye. Billy Stewart left for Crockett. In the evening I sent John to Crockett with the wagon to bring out a negro woman from Billy Stewart. He returned late at night without the woman but brought me a pair of ducks & present from Billy Stewart. I am much better. Two soldiers stopped for dinner. Weather cloudy and cool.

Thursday, October 14th, 1864

To day the boys are preparing the little field to sow Rye. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and Mrs. Downes rode over to Mrs. Beazley's and spent the day. Billy Stewart & I went fishing with fine success. In the evening I rode down to Father's [Joshua James Hall] with him and was then taken quite sick. we returned home, & Stewart remained with me for the night. Hicks ground 3 bushels of corn. Lieut. Allen & a soldier stopped with me. Weather variable & rather warm.

Thursday, October 13th, 1864

To day Father [Joshua James Hall] & Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] came up and purchased from Mr. Day ten pounds of wool. I also purchased from him 12 lbs of wool, after which he left. Bill arrived from the tan yard with the leather. I am quite sick. Hicks ground 6 bushels of corn. Mrs. Beazley and Mrs. Downes came over and spent the day. Mrs. Downes remained all night. Billy Stewart came out from Crockett and remained all night. Weather variable and rather cool. 

Wednesday, October 12th, 1864

To day after getting some leather from Mr. Prewitt, for which we had to leave the little wagon & Tubbs as it was not ready for delivery & will not be until to morrow, Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & I left in the buggy for home where we arrived about sun down, too late for Mother to go home therefore she remained all night. John is at work hauling wood. Hicks ground 11 bushels of corn. At night Mr. Day remained with me. Weather clear & hot.

Tuesday, October 11th, 1864

To day Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & I drove in the buggy up to the tan yard in order to get some leather, and have some shoes made. Tubbs with the little wagon & mules drove up with us hauling 18 beef hides. We were compelled to stop with Mr. Prewitt for the night. John is at work digging potatoes. Hicks ground 3 bushels of corn. Weather clear & very hot for the season of the year.

Monday, October 10th, 1864

To day the boys are at work thrashing out barley. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] came up and spent the night. Bill is engaged filling up the little wagon to go to Prewitt's tan yard. Martin came up with his wagon loaded with beef hides to be taken to the tan yard. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] still down at Mothers. Weather clear & cool.

Sunday, October 9th, 1864

To day, Father [Joshua James Hall], Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts], Mrs. Bird, Capt. Stubblefield and his wife with Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] all came up and spent the day. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] rode down to Mother's and remained all night. Weather clear and cool.

Saturday, October 8th, 1864

To day the boys are at work thrashing out barley. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] drove my John mule and the buggy and I rode hawk to Crockett and back in order to fix up and send forward Sam Sharp's [Samuel Houston Sharp] clothing. I received from Mr. Downes in Crockett five pair of shoes and 3 balls of cotton thread. Hicks ground 4 bushels of corn. My son James [James Wrigley Hall] attained his second year. Weather clear & cool with frost at night.

Friday, October 7th, 1864

To day the boys finished thrashing out the rye. Three soldiers of Brown's Regiment (all officers) stopped for dinner. Hicks ground 7 bushels of corn. Weather clear and cool.

Thursday, October 6th, 1864

To day John is at work hauling for Mr. Keen. Bill is engaged threshing out Rye. I finished weaving out my girths and surcingles. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] came up and spent the evening with the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp]. Weather clear and warm.

Wednesday, October 5th, 1864

To day the boys are still hauling cotton and made one load, which finished all that I had at Mrs. Beazley's. The soldiers left that stopped here last night. I am engaged and wove out my girths. Hicks ground 2 bushels of corn. Weather clear & cool with a light frost at night.

Tuesday, October 4th, 1864

To day the boys are still at work hauling seed cotton from Mrs. Beazley's and made two more loads. I again rode up to the war tax assr. to correct my inventory. Mr. K. Murchison came by and from him I purchased 62 pounds of wool for which I am to pay him 310 lbs of flour. Father [Joshua James Hall] came up & remained for dinner. Three soldiers stopped for supper and 2 others came & staid for the night. Hicks ground 6 bushels of corn. Weather clear & cold with a frost at night being the earliest frost I ever remember to have seen during my residence in Texas.

Monday, October 3rd, 1864

To day the boys are at work hauling seed cotton from Mrs. Beazley's and made two loads. I made Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] a bridle & then rode up to the War tax Assessor & rendered a list of my property. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] & children came home in the evening from Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and Burt came up with her. Hicks ground 9½ bushels of corn. Mr. Ezell who stopped with me last night left early in the morning. Weather changeable & rather cool.

Sunday, October 2nd, 1864

To day the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and children drove down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] in the buggy, where they remained for the night. I went down with them, but did not remain long. Weather changeable and warm.

Saturday, October 1st, 1864

To day Bill drove the mules & little wagon to Crockett & back having carried a bale of cotton, which I let Mr. Collins have. I received from him 15 lbs of coffee. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] rode down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and spent the day. In the evening Wash Leaverton came home with her, and remained for supper. He has just returned from the army on a furlough after an absence of 2½ years. Capt. Peacock left in the morning in route for Liberty. I made Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] a bridle rein. Hicks ground 12 bushels of corn. Weather variable and rather warm.

Friday, September 30th, 1864

To day John is engaged in hauling wood. Bill is at work setting out eschalots in the garden. I am engaged in making surcingles and made one for Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & one for Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall]. Capt. Peacock arrived & stopped with me for the night on his way to Liberty from Parker's bluff at which place he has been confined for some time with chill & fever. Weather cloudy & warm with a hard rain & storm at night blowing down the shade trees around the house. Ther: 86°. Thus I close my notes for the month of September and also the noting of the standing of the thermometer until next summer when I will again give it, if I am permitted to live so long.

Thursday, September 29th, 1864

To day I sent Bill with the little wagon & mules and one bale of cotton to Crockett. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] (who missed her fever) and Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] left for Crockett and returned home at night with the little wagon, they having sold the bale of cotton for 47 lbs of coffee. Hicks ground 1 bushel of corn. I worked in the shop. John returned from Mr. Keen's with the wagon late at night. Weather cloudy & warm. Ther: 86° with a hard rain & storm at night.

Wednesday, September 28th, 1864

To day the boys are engaged picking peas. John is still up at Mr. Keen's with the wagon. Father [Joshua James Hall] & Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] came up to see the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] who is still sick with the fever. Three soldiers of Brown's Regiment stopped for dinner and three of the same command stopped for the night. I am at work weaving a pair of suspenders for myself. Weather variable & hot. Ther: 90°.

Tuesday, September 27th, 1864

To day John went up to Mr. Keen's with the wagon to do some hauling for him. I rode my mule John up to Prewitt's tan yard & back a distance of 36 miles in order to get some leather but was unsuccessful. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] is still sick with the fever. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] came up and spent the day and took Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] home with her. Mother got 22½ lbs of cotton. Weather changeable & hot. Ther: 90°.

Monday, September 26th, 1864

To day the boys are engaged in killing a beef. I rode up to Mrs. Birds and assisted Emily to beam and draw in a piece of jeans. Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] came home with me from Mrs. Birds. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] still has fever. Hicks ground 2 bushels of corn. Weather variable and warm. Ther: 88°.

Sunday, September 25th, 1864

To day Aunt Leaverton came up and spent the day. I am engaged in writing up this note book. In the evening I rode down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] where I found Mr. & Mrs. Keen also Mrs. Bird who has been staying there some time. Fanny came down to Mother's shortly after I got there. Weather changeable & warm. Ther: 86°.

Saturday, September 24th, 1864

To day John is engaged hauling rails from the King house. I finished weaving the bridle reins. Toby [Horace Oscar Hall] came up after Burt [Roberta Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and she rode home with him. Hicks ground 12 bushels of corn. Weather variable & hot with a light sprinkle of rain in the evening. Ther: 90°.

Friday, September 23rd, 1864

To day I sent the boys after some timber to make a wagon bed. I am engaged in weaving and finished the surcingles. I then warped and beamed and drew in a set of bridle reins, and commenced weaving them. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] & Pet [Florence Mahala Hall] are both better. Jemima was taken with another congestive chill. Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] still here. Hicks ground 2 bushels of corn. Weather variable, windy and very hot. Ther: 94°.

Thursday, September 22nd, 1864

To day the boys finished pulling and hauling corn having made two loads which constitutes the whole crop being about 108 bushels. I am engaged weaving the surcingles out for the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp]. Pet [Florence Mahala Hall] and the little woman are both sick, the former with an attack of the flux and the latter with fever. Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] still here. Hicks ground 2 bushels of corn. Weather clear & hot. Ther: 96°.

Wednesday, September 21st, 1864

To day the boys are still at work pulling corn and hauled in two loads. Roberta [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] is still here. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] rode up to Mrs. Birds after Emily who came down and put the thread in the loom to weave the surcingles, after which the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] wove about one yard. I am at work around the house. Hicks ground 4 bushels of corn. Weather variable and warm. Ther: 84°.

Tuesday, September 20th, 1864

To day the boys are still at work pulling corn and hauled one load in. Roberta [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] is still here. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] rode down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] in the wagon after some thread to weave surcingles. I am engaged working around the house. Hicks ground 2 bushels of corn. Weather variable and warm. Ther: 84°.

Monday, September 19th, 1864

To day the boys are at work pulling corn, and hauling it in. They made one load with the wagon. Roberta [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] came up from Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] to remain some days. Mr. Morgan stopped in for breakfast. he has just returned from the Saline and succeeded in obtaining for me 20 pounds of wool, for which I paid him 3½$ per pound. he left for home. Hicks ground 2 bushels of corn. Weather clear & warm. Ther: 84°.

Sunday, September 18th, 1864

To day the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp], children and I drove down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] in the buggy and spent the day with her. Weather variable and warm. Thermometer standing at 84°.

Saturday, September 17th, 1864

To day John is still hauling rails from the King house. Capt. Peacock left for Parker's bluff. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] rode down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] after some clothing for Sam Sharp [Samuel Houston Sharp]. I took down & built up a new back & ja?? to the chimney also laid a new hearth. Mrs. Keen came over & remained for dinner . . . [part missing]

 

Friday, September 16th, 1864

To day John is still at work hauling rails from the King house. Bill still repairing the fence. Capt. Peacock remained with me all day. Hicks ground 8 bushels of corn. Weather variable & warm. Ther: 82°.

Thursday, September 15th, 1864

To day the boys are at work planting turnip seeds & repairing the fence around the mill field. John is engaged in hauling rails from the King house. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp], children and myself drove down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] in the buggy & spent the day. upon our return we found Capt. Peacock who had just arrived from Liberty on his way to the Saline. Hicks ground 3 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy with showers of rain. Ther: 76°.

Wednesday, September 14th, 1864

To day the boys are engaged in picking peas. I am at work soldering some old tin vessels for the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp]. Weather cloudy and rainy with a hard wind blowing which prostiated the garden fence in many places. it also blew one of the house doors too and in its passage struck little Josephine [Josephine Martha Hall] in the head inflicting a severe bruise. It rained nearly all night. Ther: before the rain 88°.

Tuesday, September 13th, 1864

To day the boys are engaged in killing a beef. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] rode down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] to carry some clothing to be sent to Frank Stewart. Josephine [Josephine Martha Hall] had a fever. Hicks ground 3 bushels of corn. Weather changeable and hot. Ther: 91°.

Monday, September 12th, 1864

To day the boys are engaged picking peas. I rode down with the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] after some muscadines and succeeded in getting a basket full. John arrived with the wagon from Huntsville all safe and sound. Mr. Morgan's wagon arrived when he left in route for the saline. I sent by him 20$ specie to purchase some wool if possible for the little woman. Weather clear & hot. Ther: 90°.

Sunday, September 11th, 1864

To day I left Mrs. Wyser's in company with Mr. Silas Morgan and rode 41 miles and arrived home. I found the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and children all well. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] was also at home having come up on Friday last. I also found Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] upon a visit. Mr. Morgan stopped with me for the night on his way to the saline after salt. Weather changeable and hot. Ther: 95°.

Saturday, September 10th, 1864

To day we left our camp at Nelson's creek and drove to Huntsville, where I exchanged at the Penitentiary my four bales of cotton which weighed 1958 lbs for 198½ yards of osnaburgs and 144 yards of cotton Jeans after which we left Huntsville in route for Home with the wagons and drove 8 miles where the wagons camped at Nelson's creek for the night. I however rode to the river 13 miles and stopped with Mrs. Wyser for the night for which I paid her 10$. Mr. White and myself having parted company at Huntsville. Weather changeable & hot. Ther: 94°.

Friday, September 9th, 1864

To day I left Brown's and rode about ten miles, when I over took my wagon, shortly after I fell in company with Mr. White we then traveled together and drove as far as Nelson's creek where we camped for the night having crossed the Trinity river at Wyser's for which I paid 10$. Weather clear and hot. Ther: 90°.

Thursday, September 8th, 1864

To day the boys are still at work on the house to save peas in. I let Mr. Keen have ½ bushel of meal. After dinner I left home on my horse Rob in route for Huntsville and rode 25 miles and stopped with Mr. Brown for the night and for which I paid him 20$. Weather clear & hot. Ther: 90°.

Wednesday, September 7th, 1864

To day John left for Huntsville, with the wagon, three yoke of oxen and five bales of cotton. The boys are at work putting up a house to save some peas in. In the evening the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp], Pet [Florence Mahala Hall] and I drove down to Mother's [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] in the buggy and spent the evening. Hicks ground 1 bushel of corn. Weather cloudy with occasional showers of rain. Ther: 80°. At night Lieut. Allen and his comrad stopped with me.

Tuesday, September 6th, 1864

To day the boys are engaged in hunting up my oxen. I remained at home writing up this note book. Roberta [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] left for home in company with Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall]. Mr. Turner & servant stopped with me for the night. Hicks ground one bushel of corn. Weather variable & warm with a light shower of rain. Ther: 88°.

Monday, September 5th, 1864

To day the boys are engaged in hunting up my oxen. Mrs. Bird left for home early in the morning and I loaned her a beef hide. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] rode down to Hall's bluff to see Mrs. Stubblefield and spend the day with her. Roberta [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] is still here. Hicks ground 2 bushels of corn after finishing the forebay floor. Weather clear & hot. Ther: 95°.

Sunday, September 4th, 1864

To day the boys went out and drove up some of my oxen. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] & Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] came up & spent the day. They brought Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] home and Roberta [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] on a visit. Billy Stewart's wagon left for Crockett & I sent him 30 lbs flour. Mrs. Bird stopped in on her way from church very sick and remained all night. Weather clear & hot. Ther: 95°.

Saturday, September 3rd, 1864

To day the boys are still at work on the mill forebay floor. John & I took the little wagon and drove up to the King house and tore down the little smoke house and brought the lumber home to fix the floor of the forebay. Capt. Stubblefield and Mr. Reagan came up from Hall's bluff and went fishing in the mill pond but with rather poor success. Billy Stewart's wagon came out from Crockett and by it I received from him 43½ lbs. of Sugar. Fannie missed her fever. Weather clear & hot. Ther: 93°.

Friday, September 2nd, 1864

To day we are still at work on the forebay floor of the mill. John is engaged in hunting a beef & succeeded in getting one late in the evening. Fannie is sick with fever. Weather clear and hot. Ther: 94°.

Thursday, September 1st, 1864

To day I am at work in the mill forebay and we succeeded in stopping the hole we found yesterday in the head spiling. we however had to respile the whole head of the mill. John is engaged hauling the things back home from the King house. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] & children came down in the evening thus completing our removal to the mill place. Nellie* [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] & Toby [Horace Oscar Hall] came up in the evening but did not stop long. Hicks ground since I quit noting the daily grinding of the mill 50 bushels of corn. Weather clear & hot. Ther: 96° being the hottest day of the summer, if I may properly call the first fall day summer.

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