1866 :: Death of James Madison Hall

One hundred fifty years ago today . . . "I shall have shuffled off this mortal soil and been reaped to the bosom of my ancestors."

It was the 12th day of September . . . in the year was 1866 . . . and according to the information recorded on a military tombstone in the Liberty City Cemetery, this was the final day on this earth for James Madison Hall aka the author of this Journal . . .


A handwritten note on the last page of my copy of the Journal indicates that the "Liberty Gazette says J M Hall died of Cholera Sept 1866" . . . another source says he survived until November of 1866 . . . and yet another handwritten note on the last page of the Journal indicates that he did not die until September of 1867 . . .

Research will be on-going . . . with periodic postings and updates as information is revealed and compiled . . .

James Madison Hall was fond of posting a closing statement at the end of every month of the year as well as at the end of every calendar year . . . since we do not (yet) have access to his final thoughts, we will now go back to his closing notes for the month of December 1864 . . .

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.

Monday, September 10th, 1866

To day I remained at the warehouse during the forenoon. In the evening I drove up town and while there settled in full with J.D. Skinner up to this date. I also purchased a few articles for the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp]. Capt. Redman returned from his visit to the Country in a state of intoxication, and was rather quarrelsome & abusive. Hicks & Ned are at work getting fire wood. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain.

Sunday, September 9th, 1866

To day I remained at home reading. Capt. Redman is still absent on his visit. Dr. Tarleton & family are still here. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain throughout the entire day.

Saturday, September 8th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. In the evening I drove up town in my buggy with my horse Charley working in order to try him. The boys finished chopping white oak blocks. Hicks went to [still?] and upon his return he had a hard chill & fever. Capt. Redman left on his pony and rode out in the Country and remained all night. Dr. Tarleton and wife are still here. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain and a severe storm at night attended with a flood of rain.

Friday, September 7th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Hicks is engaged hauling rails for Capt. Dawson & worked for him all day. Capt. Redman is still with me also Dr. Tarleton & wife who make haste very slowly to leave. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain throughout the day and hard rain at night.

Thursday, September 6th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Ed. Jones left on the cars for Houston in order to procure some painting materials for Col. Wrigley's house. Hicks is at work hauling fire wood. Dr. Tarleton & wife are now making preparations to leave my house & may God speed them. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain.

Wednesday, September 5th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Billy Sowell is at work painting the chimneys to my house. Capt. Redman is still with me. Mr. Beard made a tongue for Jimmy's [James Wrigley Hall] little buggy. Hicks is engaged hauling wood. My relations with my boarder Mrs. Tarleton are still quite unpleasant. Weather variable and hot.

Tuesday, September 4th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Billy Sowell is still at work painting my house. Fanny had a chill & fever. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. I am sorry to record that I was compelled to have a slight altercation with my boarder, Mrs. Tarleton, in order to protect my children from insult and abuse, all of which was very unpleasant to me & which I am determined to obviate by requiring her to seek other quarters. Weather cloudy and hot with a storm attended with rain in the evening.

Monday, September 3rd, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] missed the fever. Billy Sowell commenced painting my house. Mrs. Jim Wrigley, Ida and Corinne arrived on the cars from Houston all well. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. My boarders Dr. Tarleton and wife had quite a family brawl which was very unpleasant to all who had no interest in the quarrel & yet compelled to witness it. Weather variable and hot.

Sunday, September 2nd, 1866

To day I remained at home writing up this note book. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] had a chill and fever. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Capt. Dawson and wife came up and spent the day with the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp]. Weather clear and hot.

Saturday, September 1st, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Ned Smith worked part of the day assisting Hicks to pull the corn out of the little patch. Capt. Redman is still with me & is still quite sick. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] missed the fever. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town and purchased a few articles. Dr. Tarleton & family are still with me. Weather clear and hot.

Friday, August 31st, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Billy Sowell came over on the cars from Houston in order to paint Col. Wrigley's & my house. Mr. Beard also arrived on the cars. Hicks still at work hauling white oak blocks. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me and quite sick. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] had a fever. Roberta [Downes Halyard nee Hall] again missed the fever and is now well. Weather variable and hot. Ther: 89°.Thus closes my notes for the month of August and as it also closes the summer months, I shall cease noting the state of the thermometers until next summer, should I be spared to live.

Thursday, August 30th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Capt. Dawson, Dr. Tarleton and I rode down to gum lake on a fishing excursion and had fine success. Dr. Tarleton was taken with chill and fever. Hicks still hauling white oak blocks from the woods. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Roberta [Downes Halyard nee Hall] missed her chill and fever. Weather variable and hot. Ther: 88°.

Wednesday, August 29th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] broke the tongue of his buggy. Mrs. John Wrigley arrived on the cars from Houston and reported that Col. Wrigley, Lelia & John left Galveston on Saturday the 26th inst. in route for New York. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me also Dr. Tarleton & family. Hicks made one load in the woods after white oak blocks. Roberta [Downes Halyard nee Hall] had a chill and fever. Weather variable and hot. Ther: 84°.

Tuesday, August 28th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Hicks is at work sewing and brushing in turnip seed. Ned Smith assisted Capt. Dawson in the black smith shop to mend the tonge of Jimmy's [James Wrigley Hall] little buggy which was broken. I paid Ned Smith on a/c $1.50. Mr. & Mrs. Tarleton are still boarding with me and upon the whole are the most disagreeable couple that I ever had any transactions with. Weather cloudy and hot with a strong north wind blowing. Ther: 80°.

Monday, August 27th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Ned Smith is still sick and done no work. I received by the cars my son Jimmy's [James Wrigley Hall] little buggy which I purchased when in Houston last and for which I paid $22.50 in gold. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther: 84°.

Sunday, August 26th, 1866

To day I remained at home writing up this journal. Late in the evening the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and I visited Grand Ma Gayle. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther: 82°.

Saturday, August 25th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Hicks and Ned are preparing the ground to sew turnip seed. I paid Ned two dollars on a/c. he was taken sick and lost nearly the entire day. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Dennis went to mill in the wagon. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther: 81°.

Friday, August 24th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Hicks & Ned are at work preparing the ground to sew turnip seed. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Roberta [Downes Halyard nee Hall] is still staying with grand ma Gayle as Company. Mr. Beard is still at work on the railing for little Joe's grave [Josephine Martha Hall]. Weather cloudy and hot with a hard rain & wind blowing. Ther: 82°.

Thursday, August 23rd, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Roberta [Downes Halyard nee Hall] is staying over with Grand Ma Gayle as Company for her. Hicks & Ned are at work getting wood. Mr. Beard commenced to make a railing to enclose the grave of my sweet little Angel Josephine Martha. Weather cloudy and hot with a hard rain in the evening. Ther: 86°.

Wednesday, August 22nd, 1866

To day at 7½ O'Clock A.M. I arrived at Houston and immediately took a carriage for the rail road depot and arrived in time for the train for Liberty. I arrived in Liberty at 12 O'Clock M. and found my family all well. I also found Capt. John W. Redman still living at my house. I hired Ned Smith a freedman to work for me one month for which I am to pay him 20$ he losing all lost time. Weather variable & hot. Ther : 84°.

Tuesday, August 21st, 1866

To day I am still in Galveston. I deposited with Messrs. J.C. & S.R. Smith & Co. the sum of 3000$ in gold, subject to the order of myself or Col. James Wrigley. In the evening I left Galveston on the Steamer Era No. 3 bound for Liberty, having left Col. Wrigley in Galveston. I had a pleasant trip across the bay & up Buffalo bayou, and met many old acquaintances on board of the Steamer. Weather variable & hot. Ther: 84°.

Monday, August 20th, 1866

To day I left Houston in company with Col. Wrigley on the Cars bound for Galveston, at which place we arrived about 6½ O'Clock P.M. and took rooms at the Washington Hotel. Weather variable and hot. Ther: 83°.

Thursday, August 19th, 1866

To day we were compelled to remain in Houston there being no communication between Houston & Galveston on sunday. Col. Wrigley's son John and daughter Corinne are both quite sick. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther: 88°.

Saturday, August 18th, 1866

To day I left Liberty on the cars for Houston in Company with Col. Wrigley and his family. We arrived in Houston safe and sound and put up with Mr. Perkins. I carried over with me $4000. in gold. Col. Wrigley's son John was sick all the way over. I am sorry to state that I drank too much brandy as medicine, to prevent the cholera which is now prevailing in Houston. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther: 88°.

Friday, August 17th, 1866

To day I worked at the warehouse. Col. Wrigley and family arrived on the cars from Houston. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. I received by the cars my horse Charley which I purchased when I was last in Galveston and for which I paid 250$ besides the stall and expense bills which amounted to $31.50. Weather cloudy & hot with a hard rain in the evening. Ther: 90°.

Thursday, August 16th, 1866

To day during the forenoon I worked at the warehouse. In the evening I worked on the glass border assisted by Ed. Smith. Hicks finished the wagon shed. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Ed. Jones has recovered from his illness. Weather variable and hot, with a hard thunder storm & rain. Ther : 95°.

Wednesday, August 15th, 1866

To day during the forenoon I worked at the warehouse. In the evening I worked on the border leading from the gate to the front steps with glass bottles. Ed. Smith still assisting and Hicks is at work on the wagon shed. Capt. John W. Redman returned from his visit to the Country and put up with me. Ed. Jones is still sick. Weather variable and hot. Ther : 90°.

Tuesday, August 14th, 1866

To day I worked at the warehouse. Mrs. James Wrigley left on the train for Houston. Capt. John W. Redman rode out in the Country after dinner and remained all night. Hicks is at work on the wagon shed. In the evening I commenced a border leading from the front gate to the house made with glass bottles. I was assisted by Ed. Smith. Ed. Jones is quite sick. Weather clear and hot. Ther : 92°.

Monday, August 13th, 1866

To day I worked at the warehouse. Hicks is engaged in hauling wood. I received by the rail road one Keg of lard & six canvassed hams. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] missed the chill and fever. Weather variable and hot. Ther: 90°.

Sunday, August 12th, 1866

To day I remained at home writing up this journal. Mrs. Mixon's little son departed this life and was interred at the expenses of the Corporation. Weather variable and hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther : 88°.

Saturday, August 11th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Col. Wrigley left on the cars for Houston. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Hicks finished covering in the wagon shed. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] had a chill and fever. Weather variable and hot. Ther : 92°.

Friday, August 10th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Col. Wrigley left the warehouse sick and is now confined at his home. Ed. Jones and Grand Ma Gayle arrived on the cars from Houston & Galveston and report the Cholera prevailing at the latter City. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Hicks is better and worked a little on the wagon shed. Weather variable and hot. Ther : 92°.

Thursday, August 9th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Capt. John H. Redman is still with me. Hicks is still sick and in consequence done no work. Weather clear and hot: Ther : 95°.

Wednesday, August 8th, 1866

To day I am at the warehouse with but little doing in that line of business. Capt. Redman still with me. Hicks is sick and consequently done nothing in the way of work. Weather clear & hot : Ther 93°.

Tuesday, August 7th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Dr. Tarleton & family also Capt. John W. Redman are still with me. Hicks finished covering one side of the roof of the wagon shed. Weather clear and hot. Ther : 95°.

Monday, August 6th, 1866

To day I went up town and held an election for seven trustees or alderman for the Corporation of the City of Liberty. The time of the old board having expired. At which said election I was again re-elected one of the Alderman. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. I received from Galveston by the way of Houston the little monument purchased by the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and to be erected over the grave of my sweet little babe Josephine Martha. Weather variable and hot. Ther : 96°.

Sunday, August 5th, 1866

To day in the forenoon I remained at home writing up this journal. In the evening Col. Wrigley and I attended the funeral of young Prescott Pickett, who was buried in the burial ground at Liberty. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. I am still suffering from the itch. Weather clear & hot : Ther : 94°.

Saturday, August 4th, 1866

To day in the forenoon I worked at the warehouse. In the evening I drove up town in company with Col. Wrigley to attend the meeting of the City Counsil. Ed. Jones and Grand Ma Gayle left on the [rail]cars for Houston. Capt. John W. Redmond is still with me. Prescott Pickett the son of Col. E.B. Pickett departed this life, aged about 17 years. Weather cloudy and hot. Ther : 87°.

Friday, August 3rd, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Capt. Redman is still with me. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town in the buggy after some articles. I am still afflicted with the itch. Hicks is still at work on the wagon shed. Weather cloudy & hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther : 86°.

Thursday, August 2nd, 1866

To day I worked at the warehouse. Capt. John W. Redman is still with me. Weather variable & hot. Ther : 93°. In the evening a severe thunder storm came up attended with severe & intense rain and wind from the North, which caused the thermometer to run down to 80° & stopped all kind of business.

Wednesday, August 1st, 1866

To day I was compelled to go up town in order to try Nat Holley for an assault & battery committed upon the person of Wm. Thomas. after hearing the evidence I found him guilty & entered a fine of 10$ & costs. Capt. John W. Redman is still here. Hicks is at work building a wagon shed. Weather vaiable and hot. Ther : 90°.

Tuesday, July 31st, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Dr. C.L. Tarleton, wife and child [Annie Woodall McMulin nee Tarleton] came to my house to stop until he could make arrangements to keep house. Capt. John W. Redman also came to my house and put up with me, he having arrived on the cars from Sour Lake. I sent my wagon up town after their baggage. Weather variable and hot. Ther : 94°.thus closes my notes for July.

Monday, July 30th, 1866

To day I worked at the warehouse. Dr. Tarleton, wife and child came over on the train from Houston, having determined to make Liberty their home. They put up at the hotel. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] missed the fever. Weather variable and hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther: 92°.

Sunday, July 29th, 1866

To day I went to the warehouse and spent the forenoon reading. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] had another fever. Weather clear and very hot. Ther: 97° being one degree higher than on yesterday. At night a thunder storm came up, attended with rain, which cooled the air a little.

Saturday, July 28th, 1866

To day I drove up town in Company with Dr. Tarleton and introduced him to the Citizens of the place, after which he left on the train for Houston. I spent the evening at the warehouse. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] had a fever. Weather clear and very hot. Ther: 96° being the hottest day of the summer so far.

Friday, July 27th, 1866

To day we all left Houston on the Texas & N. Orleans Rail road in route for Liberty, and arrived home about 12 O'Clock M. Dr. Tarleton came over with me upon a tour of inspection. Col. Wrigley and family I found all well. I also found the steamer Col. Stell lying at the wharf but she left in the evening for Galveston. Weather variable and hot. Ther : 92°.

Thursday, July 26th, 1866

To day we all left Galveston in route for home, and arrived in Houston about 10½ O'Clock A.M. and put up at the Eldorado Hotel. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] went out shopping and purchased a few articles. Weather variable and very hot. Ther : 92°.

Wednesday, July 25th, 1866

To day we are still in Galveston and stopping at Capt. Peacock's. In the evening I purchased a match horse for Rob for which I paid 250$. I drove out to the beach with Capt. Peacock in order to try my new horse Charley. The transport Clinton arrived in port with several cases of cholera on board. Weather variable & hot. Ther: 91°.

 

Tuesday, July 24th, 1866

To day we left the hotel, and moved our quarters to the residence of Capt. Peacock who agreed to board my family during their stay in the Island City. I hired a hack and went with the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and children down the beach. we had quite a pleasant drive. The little woman purchased a nice little Italian marble monument to be placed over the grave of my sweet little babe Josephine. Weather clear & hot. Ther: 91°.

Monday, July 23rd, 1866

To day we all left Houston by the Rail Road and had a pleasant run to Galveston, at which place we arrived all safe at 7 O'Clock P.M. and took rooms at the Washington Hotel except Mrs. Buckley who put up with Maj. Bollings family. Expenses of the day 24$ in specie. Weather clear and hot. Ther : 90°.

Sunday, July 22nd, 1866

To day we are all still in Houston and still at Mrs. Perkins. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] visited church and in the evening went around to see Mrs. Ruthven. I spent the day quite pleasantly. Weather clear & very hot. Ther: 91°.

Saturday, July 21st, 1866

To day I drove up town in Company with Col. Wrigley to attend a meeting of the board of aldermen for the City of Liberty, and while there was re-elected Mayor of said City for the ensuing year after which I returned home and drove in the buggy to the Rail Road depot with the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp], Roberta [Downes Halyard nee Hall], Florence [Hall], Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] and negro woman Louisa and all their baggage, when we all left on the [rail]cars for Houston. Mrs. Buckley also went along with us. we arrived in Houston about 4 O'clk and put up with Mrs. Perkins. Expenses of the day 20$ specie. Weather changeable and hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther : 90°

Friday, July 20th, 1866

To day Col. Wrigley and Grand Ma Gayle arrived on the [rail]cars from Houston all well. I worked a little at the warehouse. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] is fixing up her clothing to visit Houston & Galveston. Weather variable and hot, with occasional showers of rain. Ther : 90°.

Thursday, July 19th, 1866

I spent nearly the whole of to day at the warehouse. Capt. Dawson came up and took dinner with me. I paid Dr. Coleman his medical bill for his attention to my sweet little babe [Josephine Martha Hall]. Mrs. Beale* [Elizabeth Lemaire Beale nee Waring] and Mrs. Buckley spent the day with the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp]. Weather variable and hot, with a shower of rain in the evening. Ther: 89°

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

 

Wednesday, July 18th, 1866

To day I drove up town in my buggy and while the[re] paid the funeral expenses of my sweet little angel Josephine Martha, which amounted to 55$ in gold. I then drove to the warehouse but did not remain long, being in no condition to attend to business. My little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] is still suffering great agony for our sad bereavement. Edward Jones arrived on the [rail]cars from Houston and brough[t] me a large piece of ice, which is quite refreshing this hot weather. Mrs. Buckley came over and spent the evening with the little woman giving her all the Consolation in her power. Weather variable and hot. Ther: 90°.

Tuesday, July 17th, 1866

To day my poor wife [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] is indeed a sorrow stricken and almost heart broken woman, for the loss of our sweet little angel Josephine Martha. I performed the last sad rite for her little remains and had them interred in the burial ground at Liberty there to remain until her God shall call her again to meet him in the great day of accounts. My sweet little babe, may she rest peacefully in the bosom of her God, and may this sad bereavement be for our future good. Edward Jones left on the [rail]cars for Houston. Weather Cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther: 86°

Monday, July 16th, 1866

To day about dawn, I arrived in Houston and immediately left in an omnibus for the depot of the Texas and New Orleans Rail Road. we left the depot on the train at 9 O'Clock A.M. for Liberty. I arrived home at 4 O'Clock P.M. just in time to witness the death throes of my sweet little daughter Josephine Martha, who departed this life at 5½ O'Clock, and now reposes sweetly upon the bosom of her Savior. She died at the tender age of two years seven months and one day. The neighbors generally came in and bestowed upon my stricken family such consolation as they could under our heavy trial. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther: 90°.

Sunday, July 15th, 1866

To day I left Galveston on the Steamer Era No. 3 in route for Liberty, having left Col. Wrigley in Galveston. We had a pleasant run across the bay and up the bayou. Weather cloudy & warm, with occasional showers of rain. Expenses 6$. Ther 88°.

Saturday, July 14th, 1866

To day Col. Wrigley & I are still in Galveston. I finished purchasing what articles I needed at home [in Liberty County]. We then attended to business generally. Weather cloudy and hot with rain throughout the entire day. Ther : 86°.

Friday, July 13th, 1866

To day Col. Wrigley and I are still in Galveston and still stopping at the Washington Hotel. I purchased several articles for home. In the evening I drove out on the beach in company with Dr. Stanwood, who told me of all his domestic difficulties. I also attended a party at Dr. Stanwood's residence at night in company with Col. Wrigley which passed off pleasantly. Weather cloudy & hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther : 88°.

Thursday, July 12th, 1866

To day we left the mouth of the Trinity River and after a boisterous run across the bay, we arrived at Galveston, at which place I found Col. Wrigley. We put up at the Washington Hotel. Weather cloudy & hot. Ther : 86°.

Wednesday, July 11th, 1866

To day we left Pipkin's place, and after a hard and boisterous run, we succeeded in reaching the mouth of the [Trinity] river, a distance of 12 miles, where we came to Anchor for the night, and had magnificient exercise fighting mosquitoes the whole night. Weather cloudy and warm with rain throughout the day. Ther : 86°.

Tuesday, July 10th, 1866

To day after bidding all the loved ones at home good bye, I left Liberty on the steamer Royal Arch in route for Galveston. we run down as far as walnut bluff and there got aground where we remained two hours. after getting off we run down to Pipkins place and there tied up for the night. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther: 88°.

Monday, July 9th, 1866

To day I am very busy at the warehouse discharging the Steamer Royal Arch and in making out freight bills. Clay Stone's little daughter Lena was buried. There was 3 deaths in town from small pox. Weather variable & hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther : 90°.

Sunday, July 8th, 1866

To day I remained at home reading. Henry C. Stone's little daughter Lena Stone died very suddenly with congestion of the brain. The Steamer Royal Arch arrived from Galveston. Weather clear & hot. Ther: 93°.

Saturday, July 7th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Col. Wrigley arrived on the cars from Beaumont and left again on the cars for Houston. Hicks is at work making an axletree for the little wagon. Weather variable & hot with a shower of rain. Ther. 88°.

Friday, July 6th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Hicks still hauling lumber from the flat boats. Col. Wrigley left on the train for Beaumont. The hands finished shingling in the wood shop. Florence [aka Pet aka Fawn aka Florence Mahala Hall] missed the fever. Weather variable and hot with showers of rain. Ther: 86°.

Thursday, July 5th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Florence [Hall] still has fever. Col. Wrigley and hands are still at work on the wood shop. Hicks still hauling lumber from the flat boats. At night I loaned my horse and buggy to Ed. Jones to attend a wedding up town between Mr. Thompson & Miss Beacher. Weather cloudy & hot with occasional showers of rain. Ther : 88°.

Wednesday, July 4th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Hicks still hauling lumber from the flat boats. Florence [aka Pet aka Fawn aka Florence Mahala Hall] had fever all day, indeed the fever has not cooled off of her since she contracted it. Col. Wrigley and the hands are still at work on the wood shop. I rode up town on the wagon to attend a meeting of the City Council. Weather variable and hot. Ther : 90°.

Tuesday, July 3rd, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. The steamer Royal Arch left for Galveston. Pet [Florence Mahala Hall] had another fever. Hicks still hauling lumber from the flat boats. Col. Wrigley and the hands are at work on the wagon shop. Weather variable and hot with a light rain in the evening. Ther : 86°

Monday, July 2nd, 1866

To day I am very busy at the Ware house unloading and loading the Royal Arch and several wagons. Roberta [Downes Halyard nee Hall] is much better. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] & Pet [Florence Mahala Hall] had another fever. Hicks is engaged hauling freight & lumber from the flat boats. Weather variable and cool with a hard rain. Ther : 80°.

Sunday, July 1st, 1866

To day I remained at home writing up this journal. Roberta [Downes Halyard nee Hall], Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] and Pet [Florence Mahala Hall] are all sick with fevers. Fanny having missed the fever. The Str. Royal Arch arrived from Galveston. Weather variable and warm. Ther : 82°

Saturday, June 30th, 1866

To day I am at work at the warehouse. Roberta [Downes Halyard nee Hall], Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall], Fanny and Pet [Florence Mahala Hall] are all sick with fevers. Mr. Gordon, Mr. Angell and Grand Ma Gayle all left on the cars for Houston. Col. Wrigley with the hands commenced to build a shop for wagon work. Weather clear and warm. Ther : 82°. Thus I close my notes for the month of June.

Friday, June 29th, 1866

To day I am at work are the warehouse. Roberta [Downes Halyard nee Hall], Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] and Fanny all had another fever. Mr. Angell is still with me. Col. Wrigley with the hands finished the salt shed. Weather clear and warm. Ther : 82°.

Thursday, June 28th, 1866

To day I am much better after a night's sweet repose and am now ready and able to enter upon my business matters. Col. Wrigley with the hands are at work on the salt shed. Mr. Angell is still with me. Roberta [Downes Halyard nee Hall], Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] and Fanny are all sick with fever. Weather clear & warm. Ther: 80°.

Wednesday, June 27th, 1866

To day I done but little work. I am however loafing around generally for want of sleep and rest from my dissipation last night. Mr. Angell is still with me. Hicks is at work on the salt shed. Roberta [Downes Halyard nee Hall] & Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] both had fever. Weather variable and hot with a shower of rain in the evening. Ther : 92°.

Tuesday, June 26th, 1866

To day I attended a meeting of the City Council at which we passed several sanitary ordinances in order to protect the citizens of Liberty against the small pox which disease is now prevalent in the City. In the evening George Gordon and Henry P. Angell came over from West Liberty having walked nearly the entire distance, and being pretty well broken down. Mr. Gordon stopped with Col. Wrigley and Mr. Angell put up with me. At night I attended a party at Col. Wrigley's residence which was quite a gay affair. We danced until about 3 O'clock in the morn. Every thing passing off to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. The hands are still at work on the salt shed. Weather variable and hot. Ther : 92°.