Tuesday, February 24th, 1863

To day the boys are still splitting & hauling rails for the cow pen. I went down to the Brown house as it is familiarly called and gathered all the nails & other materials and had them hauled home. Frank Stewart came up to see us but returned to Mothers [Mahala* Lee Sharp Hall nee Roberts] in the evening. weather changeable & cold with a hard rain at night.

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

Friday, January 17th, 1862

Last night the Ware house was broken open and things were scattered around in rich profusion. The Steamer Ruthven arrived in the morning with some considerable freight. I was engaged in mending and nailing up the boxes & trunks broken open by the burglars. But little business doing. weather cloudy and rainy throughout the entire day.

Friday, March 1st, 1861

To day I and Bill are at work on the mill house. I returned to Father [Joshua James Hall] 29 lbs. of nails borrowed from him some time since. I loaned to Frank Stewart one of my mules to ride to Crockett to attend to some important business concerning himself. weather clear & rather warm.

Friday, February 8th, 1861

To day I went to Crockett and instituted suit against Mr. Bracken. returned home in the evening bringing 20 lbs. 4d nails. Father [Joshua James Hall] came up in the evening. Still at work on the mill house. weather cloudy & cool with every prospect of rain.