Thursday, February 1st, 1866

 
To day I am so sorely afflicted with a cough and cold as to render me entirely unfit for business. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and Mrs. Wrigley drove up town to purchase a few articles. Hicks is still at work on the school house for Col. Wrigley. Albert worked in the garden setting out onions. Mrs. Massie still here sewing for the little woman. Frank [Stewart] and Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] are no better. Weather variable and cool.

Wednesday, November 8th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. The steamer Sunflower arrived from Galveston with a bbl onions, Bbl potatoes and some fruit for the children on board for me. We loaded her with 350 bales of Cotton & 52 beef hides. Jimmy had a chill and fever. Fannie is still improving. Frank Stewart is still quite sick. Hicks made one load with the big wagon to the public square. Weather clear and pleasant.

Monday, February 23rd, 1863

To day the boys are splitting and hauling rails to put up a cow pen. Sam* [Samuel Houston Sharp] went to Mr. Lacy's after some seed potatoes and succeeded in getting 1½ bushels, which was the best he could do. I finished the reel & reeled some cotton thread for the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp]. I also ground 1½ bushels of corn. In the evening I assisted the little woman in planting out some button onions in the garden. weather changeable & rather cool.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog. He is also the brother-in-law as well as step-brother to JMH.