Tuesday, February 3rd, 1863

To day Sam* Sharp rode my horse Rob to Crockett and back in order to collect some money from Capt. Odell but he failed in his mission. he however purchased me a good iron wedge. I had the garden plowed up for the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] to commence her gardening. Hicks at work on the house fence. I ground 5½ bushels of corn. weather cloudy, cold, dark and gloomy with strong indications of rain.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog.

Saturday, January 21st, 1860

To day negro Dan went to town and by whom I received two first rate iron wedges for rail splitting. still occupied in clearing [land?]. [some?] hopes of getting through in time to [plant?] a crop out back. I am doing as well as I could expect under the circumstances that surround me.