Saturday, January 26th, 1861

To day I went up home and found John & Bill had gotten through pulling down the old Machine shop. Bill ground 35½ bushels of corn. Frank Stewart went to hunt my oxen but without success. I sent Dick to Crockett and by him the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] sent 13 doz. eggs. In the evening I returned to Mothers [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] where the little woman & Florence are still staying. weather clear but cold with a hard frost at night.

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

Wednesday, January 23rd, 1861

To day I went up to the Mill and found John & Bill still engaged in pulling down the old Machine shop. Frank Stewart went in hunt of my oxen but returned without them. I returned to Fathers [Joshua James Hall] in the evening. weather cloudy, rainy and very cold with a hard freeze at night.

Saturday, January 19th, 1861

To day we are still at work pulling down the old shop. weather changable & rather cold.

Thursday, January 17th, 1861

To day I went to Leaverton's gin to see about some cotton. We succeeded in taking down the upper story of the old Machine shop. I let the widow Hall (Charley) have one bushel of meal on a credit for $1.50. weather cloudy with occasional showers of rain and very cold.

Wednesday, January 16th, 1861

To day John Harwell & Bill are engaged in taking down the old Machine shop and succeeded in taking off the roof & the rafters. In the evening Billy Stewart came up and he and Mr. Hepperla left together for Crockett. I sent Bill for my horse, he having jumped out of the stable last night and ran off down to Fathers. Bill returned at night with him. weather clear & rather cool.

Saturday, May 12th, 1860

To day I returned home with John Harwell, who came out to see the mill & Machine shop. The hands finished chopping the cotton. weather warm & clear.