Tuesday, January 17th, 1860

This day I sent negro boy Joe to Crockett for three axes purchased from Genl. COLLINS. I then went in company with Mr. VARNADORE to the site selected for the erection of my house, and from there to LEAVERTON's gin for the purpose of examining some 10 or 11 bales of cotton that I agreed to take from Mrs. PEACOCK in liquidation of a debt due by her to me for the sum of [400$?] but found the cotton so bad and trashy that I refused to take it. Joe returned from Crockett with the axes, and Mrs. J.J. HALL [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] returned from her visit to Mrs. MATTHEWS having failed with her intention of purchasing the negro boy. I burnt brush in my orchard ? clearing in the evening and thus close the incidents of this day.

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

 

Monday, January 16th, 1860

This day commenced to improve the farm with one hand and with the ulterior object of permanently locating a homestead. Thus launching my barque upon an agricultural life with rather poor prospects for success but meeting the smiles and approbation of my dear little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and with a stout heart and a determination to succeed. Mr. Sam* SHARP, Geo. BORDER, and John VARNADORE visited the house and took supper. Mr. VARNADORE remained all night and with whom I contracted to build me a good and substantial residence at a cost of $2000. Mrs. J. J. HALL [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] also left on a visit to Mrs. MATTHEWS with a view of purchasing a negro man for me. Thus I close the principal incidents of the day.

This image is from an article about

J.M. Hall and his Journal

as featured in the digital magazine,

Shades of the Departed.

barque: Poetic, any boat, esp a small sailing vessel

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