ALANSON WOOD MOORE DIARIES, Franklin Parish Louisiana

Submitted by: Barbara Tuttle

Nov. 1999




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Diary beginning February 1, 1901 thru July 26, 1901



1st February, 1901, Saturday

L.A. Thompson and I went out to 3rd justice court to try the 

case of A. Landauer vs. Friday McCall. The plan of prescription 

filed by defendant, tried and sustained. Appeal to Dist. court.



2nd February, 1901, Sunday

Pleasant day. We now skip to the 9th. At an early hour this A.M. 

A.J. Ensminger aged about 67 years died. Had been in bad health 

several months. He was born in this Parish. Nearly the "Oakley church" 

on Deer creek while that part of the country was in Catahoula Parish, 

but for the past 25 years he had lived on the place where he died, in the 

Holly Grove neighborhood.

He was a man who had done a great deal of hard work, spent his life on a 

farm. A member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Methodist church, tho 

of this last order at times, he was not a very exemplary member. He was very 

kind hearted and generous nature: a true friend to the needy and the 

orphants(sic), abundant in charitable deeds and hospitality: on the 10 

Sunday he was buried, on his home place, by his Masonic brethren according 

to the rules and usage's of the order.

I would like very much to have attended the burial services but did not 

get word of his death till too late to get there.



11th, 12th & 13th February, 1901

Very cold and disagreeable days-too much so for outdoor work or travel.



14th, 15th, 16th & 17th February, 1901

Very pleasant spring like days. The latter being Sunday, A.D.O. Moore, 

wife and two children, in a buggy, started across the creek. Near the east 

end of the levee, the horse that was drawing the buggy, became frightened 

at some object ahead and backed the buggy with its load off the levee into 

the water which was about four feet deep; broke the shafts. lamed the horse 

and wet the whole crew.



18th February, 1901, Monday

District court held one day. John Reems and W.R. Osborne were indicted at 

last term for the crime of selling liquor without a license to do so. The 

former was tried and the latter entered a plea of guilty and each was fined 

$500.00 and costs of prosecution and in default of paying fine and costs to 

be imprisoned in the Parish jail, but not to be hired out, for a period of four

months. W.R. Osborne paid his fine and costs $521.00; John Reems preferred the 

imprisonment, and so to the prison he went.



19th February, 1901, Tuesday

Pleasant day. Nothing of any importance transpired today; Dewey, second son 

of A.D.O. and M.V. Moore taken with a severe case of croup; relief was obtained 

by blistering neck under chin-severe remedy for a little fellow! Lucy is complaining 

with pain in left side in the region of the spleen. Mrs. Sophronia West at our house 

for shrubbery cuttings.



20th February, 1901, Wednesday

Went to Mr. Stubs saw mill and paid in bill for 30 fence posts, size 3 x 5 inches x 7ft. 

Dr. Ramat my house and prescribed for Flossie, who had been sick for about 13 days. 

Went to see Jno. M. King who has been in bed about a week or so with some kidney and 

bladder trouble. 

This is a very bright day, but a cold, northeast wind. Business very dull. 

Foundation of the Catholic church laid today. Nick Meyer and Hilson Killiam the builders.

		

21st February, 1901, Thursday

A pleasant day but a little cool. Nolan and myself went to E.M. King's and in the 

evening, killed a hog, a nice Guernsey sow. Nolan wanted to stay all night and come 

home next morning with his Uncle Mac. I left him and came on home with half of the hog 

just killed. On the way home I met Allen Thomas and wagon with a coffin. Upon enquiry 

he told me it was for Mr. Thos. E. Jones who was dead in bed about daylight this morning. 

Thought he was plowing yesterday. Ate  his supper and retired at his usual bedtime in 

apparent good health. When his son, Robert, came in to make fire he found him dead, 

but yet warm with irons in his back also warm. He had evidently been up during the 

night and prepared those irons himself and no one about the house knew anything 

about it. It will be remembered that on the 30th day of April 1899, Mrs. Missouri 

Jones-wife of said T.E. Jones at dark, died suddenly, walking across the room to 

light the lamp-difference in their deaths-1 year-9 mos-21 ds.



22nd February, 1901, Friday

When I got up this morning the weather cold, cloudy and raining and continued to 

rain all day and getting colder. Toward evening and night turned to sleet during 

the night snow to a depth of about 3 inches fell and pretty cold.



23rd February, 1901, Saturday

The ground covered with snow. Went out to Mac King's after Nolan and found him in 

bed with a chill and after this the fever to 105 1/4. returned home for Lucy to go 

out there but she was not able to make the trip, the weather is too cold and I 

returned and staid there all night.



24th February, 1901, Sunday

Brought Nolan home. Snow pretty much all gone. Etta King came out to town this evening.

Mrs. Nannie E. Osborne, wife of W.R. Osborne, died this P.M. about 3 o'clock, 

left an infant of 4 or 5 weeks old and seven other children aged from 2 to 15 years. 

She was not over 35 years of age. Always healthy and well cared for. Ever of a 

cheerful and pleasant disposition. A good woman is gone from the community and 

the tender care of a fond mother from 8 dependent children, 3 boys and 5 girls. 

Mrs. Osborne was daughter of Mr. G.W. Griffing who is now in his 73 year.



25th February, 1901, Monday

Received a note from Mr. W.R. Osborne this morning about 10 o'clock to attend 

the burial of his wife and perform the funeral services at 2 o'clock P.M. Left 

home about 11 o'clock. Arriving at his house eleven miles away at 11:55 o'clock. 

The day is cold and cloudy. Not many out, but more than I expected considering 

the cloudy and cold day and muddy roads. Funeral services held at the 

"Osborne old homestead", and that is the 4th funeral I have conducted in that 

house. The services were short, but solemn and affecting. The burial was at 

4 o'clock P.M. at the "Bend cemetery".

Would have remained at Mr. R.M. Ward's for the night, but was fearful of a 

rainy day tomorrow. I did not like to come on home that evening-was tired and 

the road muddy but mustered up courage and started. Leaving Mr. Ward's at 5 and 

got home at 7.



26th February, 1901, Tuesday

To my surprise this morning was clear and pleasant. From the appearance of 

the clouds yesterday eve would expected rain today. 

Mr. Wilson, son of W.P. Wilson, formerly of this place, came in to look 

after some land his father owned lying on Bayou Macon and Tensas river 

where the former enters the latter; he also claims that his father owned 

some land on said bayou some 4 or 5 miles above its entrance into Tensas river. 

And is a part or near the place known as "Bendema place"; in this piece he 

claims there are about 365 acres but don't know how his father acquired it; 

but thinks he inherited it from his father, Frank Wilson.



27th February, 1901, Wednesday

Pleasant day but a little cloudy. Removed a chiney tree out of the garden 

and set it out in the lot for shade for the calves in the summertime.

Last night 5 unknown persons claiming to be "white caps" from Tensas Parish 

went to Jesse D. Neilson's place and shot into the house where some negroes 

were living and gave them orders to leave in three days or something worse 

would happen to them; the negroes knew who they were, but were told if they 

let it be known who they were, they would kill them. And the negroes were 

afraid to tell. The same parties or others on similar business went to two 

new houses on Mr. John's place near Ash slough bridge on the prairie road 

occupied by negroes. Ordered them to leave and the report is broke out the 

glass in the windows. These negroes did leave and came up to negro-ville 

about midnight. The place is just being opened. No fencing done yet. Logs 

not taken off the ground.

Neilson's-place visited-is likewise a new place, just being opened, but 

further advanced than John's place.

Such conduct is to be detested and every effort should be used to ascertain 

the guilty party or parties. And when ascertained strict justice should be 

meted out to them. Such conduct is far reaching in its effects. The 

perpetrators thereof surely do not have the good of the country and well 

order of society at heart.



28th February, 1901, Thursday

This is the last day in February. Cloudy and warm and a little windy. 

In the afternoon Noland and I rode horseback to Mr. J.E. Russell's to 

get some sweet potatoes. Going through the woods; out back of the upper 

end of Mac King's field-some 400 yards from it, met Mac. We then went on 

to Mr. Russell's crossing the brake at the Desha old field. Got the 

potatoes and came home-getting there about dark. Thundered a good deal 

this eve. A dark cloud rose in the west and rained some a little after dark.

The post office moved the Franklin Sun office in the new post office building 

at the corner of Prairie street and Moore avenue and is now in charge of 

Mrs. Lizzie Thompson, the newly appointed post-mistress.

		---------------February 1901 is ended--------------



March 1901



1st March, 1901, Friday

Friday-day opened under a dark cloud though calm; no bright sun rays to 

cheer animal or vegetable life. I received a telegram from W.G. McCoy of 

Gilbert to attend the funeral of his mama at 3 o'clock P.M.

After 12 o'clock the day is beautiful-bright and pleasant.

Several people in town from different parts of the Parish.

E.M. King brought me 12 bbls. corn.



2nd March, 1901, Saturday

Mr. A. Landauer paid my taxes for me $15.36 This is a pleasant day the 

sun shines brightly.

Quite a number of people in town today. Considerable stirring around today.



3rd March, 1901, Sunday

Remained at home. Rev. A.S.J. Neill preached this A.M. and also at 7:30 P.M. 

A good deal of talking and laughing among the children and young people, 

at night in the church before services began. Such conduct in the house of 

God is not productive of good, but portends evil. At 4:30 P.M. Rev. Dr. Davidson, 

an Episcopal minister, held services at the Baptist church.



4th March, 1901, Monday

Quite a pleasant morning. Spent most of the day in the Recorder's office examining 

the records. Tracing title to the land claimed by the heirs of W.P. Wilson. 

I find he entered some land near the mouth of Bayon Macon in 1856. 

I also find, it was sold to the State for the taxes due by W.B. McDonald; but 

nowhere can it be found that W.B. McDonald ever owned it. Hence the sale is a 

nullity. Gracie King came back this eve to attend school, she has been absent two weeks, 

being sick. About sunset, a dark cloud rose in the west-threatened heavy rain and wind, 

but we had very little of either-tho the weather turned colder, a little rain during 

the night.



5th March, 1901, Tuesday

Pretty cold all day; turning colder toward night. High N.W. wind. Drew up Power of 

Attorney for Mrs. Annie Ward to her husband, D.Webster Ward. Jno. V. Munn brought me 

1300 lbs. of cotton seed hulls and one sack meal for which I paid him $5.00.

Some of the citizens met at the court house at 4:30 P.M. to adopt some course to 

prevent a repetition of the conduct as recorded under date 27th February. And it 

was concluded to call a general meeting of the citizens of Parish to convene at 

the court house next Monday for further consideration.

E.M. King stayed at my house tonight.

Flossie came home from school with a chill.

	

6th March, 1901, Wednesday

Very cold this morning-ice and frost. Cold all day. Quarterly conference convened 

today at the church but I knew nothing of it till it was over. Heard the bell but didn't 

know what it was for till afterwards.

A very bright, pretty day but cold. Peach trees all in full bloom. 

Fearful the cold spell will injure them.



7th March, 1901, Thursday

Still cold and clear. Nothing worthy of note transpired today.



8th March, 1901, Friday

Cloudy in the morning, rained a little bit in the evening. The sun did not shine out all day.



9th March, 1901, Friday

Cloudy and warm. Noticed some little flies among the blossoms on the peach trees. 

It is thought that a fly deposits eggs on the blossom of the peach and out of the 

egg comes a white threadlike worm which destroys the peach in the blossom. I have 

examined many blossoms and found at its base a little worm no larger than a No. 60 

thread in there and the little peach destroyed.

In a few days after the fly comes, can be seen suspended from the twigs by a single 

thread of spider's web, a little worm 1/2 inch long. These worms cane be seen by 

the hundreds. They have already done their damages to the peach crop and are getting 

away.

Lura and her baby came to my house today; the first time she had been there since 

she had married that old lying scalawag, Laprade.

Pennebaker girls went home.



10th March, 1901, Sunday

Alternate cloudy and sunshine but a constant brisk northwest wind and cold.

 

11th March, 1901, Monday

A very pretty pleasant day. A big mass meeting held at the court house

presided over by Dr. W.W. Lee chairman and E.D. Walter and W.J. Sherouse secretaries. 

Object and purposes of the meeting explained by W.P. Power and S.A. Thompson. 

W.J. Cordell moved-which motion was duly seconded-that the chairs appoint a 

committee of thirteen from the Parish at large and one from each Ward-on 

resolutions-on that committee were appointed-S.A. Thompson, A.D.O. Moore, 

W.J. Cordell, T.B. Gilbert,Sr., E.J. Shipp, W.E. Huggins, R.M. Ward, 

P.T. Pennebaker, R.M. Baskin, T.J. Howington, S.I. Pippins, H.H. Buie.

Todays gatherine together of the people is a fair representation of the 

intelligent and wealth of the people of the Parish. Upon motion of 

S.H. Cordell the meeting took a recess till the committee on resolutions 

were ready to report. The object and purpose of the meeting was to have a 

public expression, condemnatory of this lawless conduct of the five persons 

incognito who visited the places of Frank Johns and J.D. Neilson on Tuesday 

night the 26th Feby. Ordered the negroes to leave said places and broke the 

glass in the windows in house on Johns' places and threatened to kill the 

negroes if they told who they were. For copy of resolution see Franklin Sun and 

scrap book.



12th March, 1901, Tuesday

Cloudy and a little windy. How quiet everything is after the general rally yesterday! 

Commenced to build new fence-south string-on my patch.



13th March, 1901, Wednesday

Finished my fence, kept Noland and Fred home from school to help me on the fence. 

They rendered me good service in holding the plank to the post while I nailed it; 

and sometimes I'd hold and let them nail. Got through the job in one-half hour before 

sundown. We were a tired set when we got done.

The old gentleman-Mr. Russell-who lives on the "Desha old field" came to my house 

and told me I had a young cow at his house with a young calf and he would keep her 

in his lot until tomorrow.



14th March, 1901, Thursday

Nolan and I went to Mr. Russell's and got the young cow and her calf and drove them home. 

We had very little trouble with her. At the lower end of Duck Robinson's field, she gave 

us a little trouble; and near the depot she went into the pool near the R.R. and we could 

not get her until Nolan rode in and drove her out. The water was about breast deep to 

his horse and the bottom is a little boggy. Aunt Sally Fife dined at my house today. 

She is an old lady and has been in this Parish fifty years to my knowledge and I don't 

know how much longer. Yet she is spry and active. This is a very bright clear day, 

but pretty high wind from the northwest.



15th March, 1901, Friday

A clear bright day but a high and cold northwest wind. Nolan had a chill and after that 

a fever yesterday. This should have been noted under the 14th. 

I thought of planting potatoes but it turned too cold and I did not.

The big safe was put in the Recorder's part of the Clerk's office on the 12th Inst. 

through an opening made in the court house wall by removing the window and today 

C.E. Dixon and Miles Barfield are fixing the opening with bricks and mortar.



16th March, 1901, Saturday

Nothing out of the ordinary transpired today. Some people about and in town from the 

country. Mr. Thompson of Collinston, whose dwelling, with its contents, recently burned 

there. And he and his family came down here, and today moved into one of Mr. R.M. Steches(?) 

houses-formerly owned and occupied by Isaac Fife, but more familiarly known as "Bud Fife".

Nolan had a light chill and fever today. Dr. Cicero Guice came by and called in and reported 

that Mr. Joe Bryan was at his house-quite sick. He is about 67 or 68 years of age, 

born in Harrisonburg, but spent the greater part of his life in Franklin Parish.



17th March, 1901, Sunday

Pleasant day-very spring like. Rev. J.A. Snyder filled his regular monthly appointment here. 

I did not attend. Called to see Bro. Riggs who is at Mrs. Buie's who is suffering from a 

boil on his right knee cap. In the afternoon, went to Dr. Cicero Guice's to see 

Mr. Joe Bryan whom I found very feeble and apparently suffering a great deal. 

The immediate trouble with him is "indigestion". For ten days or two weeks has been 

"malted milk" and "beef tea". He vomits occasionally and emits a black something which 

has a very unpleasant stench. He has no fever but constant pain in stomach and bowels 

and gradually wasting away.

			

18th March, 1901, Monday

A regular jury term of the 8th district convened, and there were the largest 

attendances of witnesses, criminals, jurors and spectators that I have seen here, 

on a similar occasion for several years. But business moves off slowly, there is a 

want of regularity, system and order in dispatching the business, by the officers in 

the court house. No jury case tried today. Several confessions of minor offenses.



19th March, 1909, Tuesday

A little cloudy in the morning; about 10 o'clock commenced to rain and continued 

without intermission till about 3 P.M. and a part of the time hard rain and heavy 

thundering. The case of the State vs. A.W. Eddins and three negro men was fixed 

for trial today. The charge is "murder" of an old negro man named Steve McGee. 

When the case was called, the Clerk announced the papers are missing. That of last 

evening he put them in the bunch of papers in criminal cases and put the bunch in 

the iron safe. But upon examination the papers of this case could not be found.

 

20th March, 1901, Wednesday

Allen W. Eddins, Eph Smith and a negro named not remembered came into court and 

withdrew their plea of "not guilty" to the charge of murder preferred against 

them by the Grand Jury and now entered the plea of guilty of manslaughter 

whereupon the judge-D.N. Thompson-proceeded to pass sentence upon them as 

follows viz. Allrn W. Eddins and Eph Smith to be confined at hard labor in 

the State penitentiary in Baton Rouge, La. and pay a fine of one dollar and 

costs of the prosecution. And that the other negro be confined at hard labor 

in the State penitentiary at Baton Rouge, La. for five years and pay a fine 

of one dollar and costs of the prosecution. How true is the proverb of Solomen! 

"The way of the transgressors is hard". Allen W. Eddins, in violation of the 

local option law, was selling liquor by the retail; had sold some to the old 

negro Steve McGee. News came to Eddins that the old negro had told that he 

would tell it, to prevent the circulation of the report that he was selling 

liquor by retail; and Eddins and the two participating criminals thought and 

conspired to give the old negro a flogging. They, themselves, had too much 

liquor under their shirts and the flogging was a little severer than they, 

at first, had intended and death ensued. Instead of covering up the crime of 

violating the local option, a crime of a more heinous character was brought 

to light.

Court adjourned till Monday the 25th Inst. Grand Jury still in session.

Very cold northwest wind today. Petit jury for this week discharged.

W.E. Baskin with his magic lantern showing the battle of Santiago, war 

vessels and other scenics of the American-Spanish war. Came in and exhibited 

at the court house at 8 o'clock this P.M. It was pronounced a success.



21st March, 1901, Thursday

I rode up by John Munn's saw mill around to his field to the right-into the road 

south of Alvin Moore's-down that road to near the Abell bayou-turned to the right 

near the bayou back of the Willis' place to town. The object of the trip was 

looking for a cow and calf said to have been seen last at the Birkin place, 

but I did not see her. But I saw improvements on the route, some of which I 

had not so much as heard before. I see a new and commodious dwelling on the 

place known as the "Posey place". Some new planks and rails on the fence and 

all the fields plowed. I next saw at a negro Bob Jackson's place considerable 

land cleared and fenced but no plowing done. I next saw that the fence on the 

Birkin place had recently been reset. New rails at the bottom. A new house and 

the most of the place plowed and a negro and mule plowing. This place has not 

been occupied and not cultivated for a good many years. I see no improvement 

or sign of thrift about Mrs. Charlotte Guice's place. At Marvin's saw mill 

where there used to be an old field of ten or twelve acres, I see it is 

enlarged to fifty or sixty acres, all recently cleaned, except the old field 

part and a fence put around the whole and a good deal of plowing done.

There has been done and is now being done considerable clearing at the Fay place. 

Not yet fenced , but a new house is built. As from evidence and improvements we 

see that there is some thrift in that part of the country and a bright future it 

is beginning to dawn.

Pleasant-moved my back yard and lot gate out of the ditch on a higher knoll. 

And I plowed a few rows in my patch. The ground, not being cultivated last year, 

it was hard and tough to plow.



22nd March, 1901, Friday

Went to Mrs. Bettie H. Hansbrough to get her to give her consent to the 

emancipation of her son, Percy Hansbrough, but found her in bed with a chill 

and she seemed to be pretty sick and suffering from pains in the side and back. 

Did not get her signature. Got home about dark and several people were there on 

their way to the school house to an entertainment given by the school children. 

After they got there it commenced to rain and about midnight sent to the livery 

stable for hacks and trams to bring them home. My children came in about one o'clock A.M.



23rd March, 1901, Saturday

Clear day-not a great many people about town. Nothing of importance transpired today.



24th March, 1901, Sunday

Rev. J.M. Henry, P.E., on this Monroe circuit M.E. church South preached here today 

and administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Reasonably good sized congregation 

was in attendance.

In the afternoon, Lonzo and I went to Dr. C.L. Guice's to see Joe Bryan who is quite 

low and is not expected to recover. He is getting old and the chances to recover are 

against him. He can eat nothing or very little and what he eats does not digest and 

after some days is vomited up in the same state it was taken into his stomach.

Dr. W.W. Lee of Gilbert came up this morning to see him.

Dr. C.L. Guice and myself, or rather I accompanied him to Mr. Nolan's-on Billy Robinson's 

place-to his daughter Addie who was suffering with sore throat. The Dr. Lanced her tonsils 

which bled freely and seemed to give her some relief.

Mr. Christmas of Rosedale, Miss. came in this eve to see me in reference to some land 

owned by Mrs. M.A. Flower known as the Dorsey place.



25th March, 1901, Monday

Court convened today according to the adjournment on the 20th Inst. From the number of 

jurors and witnesses in the criminal cases, in attendance on the court, one would think 

court would last all the week, be kept busy and try every case on the docket, but not a 

case was tried  at 11:30 A.M., the jury was discharged. An old negro man-Gilbert Ross-under 

charge of murder was prevailed upon to plead guilty of manslaughter, which he did and was 

sentenced to five years in the penitentiary. He is in extremely feeble health-don't look 

like he'll live out two months of his sentence. Court adjourned sine die and the judge 

boarded the evening train and went home.



26th March, 1901, Tuesday

Started this morning at a little after sunrise in company with Mr. Charles T. Christmas 

by buggy to Granville Wilson's. Thence by horseback 

to the Dorsey place.

Mr. Christmas, son-in-law of Mrs. M.A.Flower of New Orleans, who is owner of the Dorsey land. 

I found Mr. Christmas very much of a gentleman.

Today is a very pleasant day. The sheriff started this eve to the penitentiary, with six 

convicts sentenced there at this term of court.



27th & 28th March, 1901, Wednesday & Thursday

Plowed in the garden and little patch. On the morning of the 28th, Mrs. Jessie Chennault, 

daughter of Dr.W.W. Lee, died of consumption.



29th March, 1901, Friday

Mrs. Mary Pennebaker and son Ed. L---- came to our house, getting there about sunset.



30th March, 1901, Saturday

The Confederate veterans had a meeting today.Not many attended. Not many of the Confederate 

soldiers now living. It has been about 36 years since the Confederate war closed, hence there 

are not many left to tell the tale of personal experiences.



31st March, 1901, Sunday

Pleasant day. Went to see Joe Bryan and found him weaker and much thinner in flesh than 

when I saw him one week ago. He is an old Confederate soldier and he was true to the cause he 

espoused. He is and ever has been a true man.



1st April, 1901, Monday

A very cloudy day-rained a part of the day and cold. Fire is pleasant all day. 

I planted some pole beans.

The report came to Tom today that last Saturday night Frank Barber was shot by some 

unknown person and eleven buck shot entered his body. Whether any one of the eleven 

is considered serious, I know not.



2nd April, 1901, Tuesday

Morning cloudy and cold but later the sun came out and turned warmer. In the afternoon, 

the wind rose and blew a brisk breeze from the northwest. Gracie King came back to go 

to school.



3rd April, 1901, Wednesday

Dr. Cicero Holloman moved from L.A. Thompson's law office to Dr. Guice's old drug store 

on Prairie street. A calm pleasant day. Gave Ned Bradley of the Beacon News Publishing Co. 

of Rayville, an order for 100 official size envelopes with my card printed on the left 

hand top corner for which he said he would charge $1.00. Miss Nellie Buie was at our 

house today.



4th April, 1901, Thursday

Drew up power attorney from Green Greenberry, an old blind negro, to his son Ben Greenberry. 

This power attorney was drawn at the request of Ben, to supply the one given in 1886, 

which is lost or mislaid.

In the evening, I harrowed the little patch in the southeast corner of my lot, and then replowed it 

going six times in each row with harrow and six times with the plow. Making twelve times 

going over each row; twenty one in order.



5th April, 1901, Friday

Planted 14 rows of Irish potatoes, 6 rows of popcorn and one row of sweet potatoes in the little 

patch I harrowed and plowed yesterday. I then planted some butter beans bush beans and 

some sweet corn sent me 

from agricultural department in my garden and harrowed and replowed 4 rows in the garden. 

The school board has a meeting today. 

I knew this was the regular time for the meeting of the board but did not think of it.

Mac King came out for Gracie. For a while this evening the wind blew hard from the 

west and southwest.

The little negro boy, Kelly, at Charlie Moore's, found a little black pig in a mud 

hole not able to get out. It's evident that somebody had hit and stunned it 

and threw it in there. Its was bleeding and was chilled. 

Flossie went home with Gracie.



6th April, 1901, Saturday

The little pig Lucy and the negro Kelly got out of the mud hole yesterday, 

died this morning.Gracie and Flossie came home this evening from Mac King's.

H.H. Slaughter got a nice new buggy out of the depot this eve. I assisted him 

in adjusting the harness to his horse. It is reported that two or three nights ago, 

four men took a man by the name of Lanaham out in the woods, in the Lamar neighborhood, 

and dealt foully with him, by tying a rope around his neck and swinging him up to extort 

from him a confession that he either shot Frank Barker or knew who did shoot him. 

He was pulled up three times and let down, the third and last time liked to have proved 

fatal, that it was with difficulty that he was resuscitated, life was so near extinct. 

But no confession could they get. His answer, all the time, was that he knew nothing 

about it. Only that he was shot from ambush. He was with Frank Barker, but knew nothing 

more. See report of the shooting under the date of April 1st.

Today Lanaham came to town and reported his foul treatment. His neck showed evident 

signs of having been in close contact with a rope.

The sheriff's posse went in search of the would-be hangmen and captured one of the 

accused parties and put him in jail; a young Mr. Goss.



7th April, 1901, Sunday

A very pleasant day. The Methodist church was decorated with garlands of flowers and 

green bunches of ivy and violets. The pastor, Rev. Neill, preached a sermon suitable 

for the occasion, but I didn't think he did full justice to the subject. A large and 

attentive audience in attendance.

Jas. M. King and daughter to my house for dinner. They and my daughter Flossie took 

the 4 o'clock P.M. train for Natchez.



8th April, 1901, Monday

Not much of importance, out of the usual routine of business transpired today. 

The day rather cold. Kept fire in the office most of the day. Jno.S. Murphy spent 

some time with me, likewise Mr. E.C. Dunham. The former talking about his wife's case 

vs.C.L. Berry, the latter about making his account as tutor to the minor, E.A. King.

Lura came to my house from the Willie Guices.



9th April, 1901, Tuesday

Still cold and cloudy today. Jno.M. King, Amy and Flossie came in from Natchez. Rained 

about night and the most of the night. A cold winter like rain. Plowed a little in the garden.



10th April, 1901, Wednesday

Still cold. Hitched Jewel to the buggy to take the children to school but she acted so 

badly and broke one of the shafts and the children had to walk to school.

Miss Bessie Banner came to my house this eve to go before the school examiners tomorrow.

Joseph Bryan, a citizen of this Parish for the past 50 years or more, died this morning 

about 10 o'clock at Dr. C.L. Guice's where he had been confined to his bed for a month 

or more. He was born in Harrisonburg, La. in 1833 and had spent his life there and here, 

except about three years in Ark. and four in the army 1861-1865. Was a prisoner of war 

18 months. Dr. Guice asked me to go with the cortege to the grave at the Matthews place 

in Boeuf prairie tomorrow, which I promised him to do so far as I now know.

Circumstances are such that I cannot go to the grave and so informed him early this morning.

The day is cloudy and raining and cold. Fire in my office. The corpse and cortege started 

to the grave about 8:30o'clock a distance of 20 miles.

The community of examiners for the examination of "white" applicants for certificates 

to teach the public schools, or to get the public school funds, are in session today. 

Quite a number of applicants are and will be before the committee; it will be in 

session tomorrow also.



12th April, 1901, Friday

Rained during the past night. I awoke at 4 this morning and it was still raining 

and a brisk wind from the east. The rain, the wind, the clouds all resembled a 

drizzly, wintry day. Forty four years ago today, the ground was covered in snow 

4 inches deep. Corn was up and had been worked out and some cotton was coming up. 

The snow disappeared during the day; the temperature was mild and no damage 

to vegetation resulted from the snow. I was then living on Sicily Island, the 

day being Sunday, I went to church at Oakley. It's cold enough to have fire 

in my office.

About 10 & 11 o'clock the (wind) became pretty hard. Made my office tremble, 

but the evening was calm and the sun shining.



13th April, 1901, Saturday

The day opened cloudy and rather cold and in fact all this month up to now has 

been cold & windy & wet, but no hard beating rains have fallen. Cold enough to 

keep vegetation from growing.

In the evening, it moderated, turned warmer. I drove up to Mr. J.S. Murphy's 

to let him know court was postponed one week on account of sickness of Judge Thompson.



14th April, 1901, Sunday

A very pleasant day. Sunshine bright and warm. I go this evening to Elam Sta.

then to E.J. Shipp's. From Elam Sta. to E.J. Shipp's on a mule with Carl Shipp 

and Marvin Spann, found Mrs. Shipp gone to Frank Short's, but came in about sundown.



15th April, 1901, Monday

On horseback to C.W. Hedrick's, to Aaron Robert's, to Jno. Adair's, to John 

Spann's for dinner. After dinner to Winfield Shaw, Col'd., through Spanns field 

to Geo. Scott's, Col'd., out at a big gate, through the woods to back of W.B. Bates'

 field to Bates house. Against all these parties, I had claims of E.J. Shipp for 

collection. Bates gave his note, then I met Rob't. Lee Webster, Col'd., who gave 

confession judg't. After going to Shipp and being convinced that he owed the debt, 

Geo. Scott gave confession judg't. After going to Shipp ad ascertaining that he 

likewise owed the debt. I found the roads west of Brushy bayou muddy and watery. 

The people are quite busy in their fields some corn up and the cotton being planted. 

Building a Baptist church n the Copland or Shipp old field across the lane in front 

of George Yates store. To E.J. Shipp's for the night.



16th April, 1901, Tuesday

Prepared citation and a copy of citation to be signed F.J. Hubert, J.P. and 

served on Winfield Shaw in the suit of E.J. Shipp vs. Winfield Shaw. In the 

buggy then with Carl Shipp and off for Elam Sta., after having some talk with 

Andrew Jackson Shipp about a debt Shipp claimed against him and Mrs. Allen about 

matters in general, boarded the train for home. Invited Geo. Potts home for dinner 

upon getting to the house, found the house door locked and barred and nobody there, 

we got no dinner. But went to Jno. King's got a cup of coffee and some cakes. 

H.J. Lea came home from Natchez wither he had gone Sunday eve.	



17th April, 1901, Wednesday

This morning a little cool, cloudy and thundering before sunrise. Lucy hired a 

negro man to do some work in the garden, set out some cabbage plants. 

About 10 o'clock began to rain slowly till about 2 o'clock from there till 

near night a heavy downpour of rain, the heaviest of the season up to this date. 

And a cold wintry like day. All the children brought from the schoolhouse in hacks and buggies.



18th April, 1901, Thursday

This morning required big fires and overcoats. Cloudy, but no rain. Sun shone 

out about 4 o'clock but it's still cold. Richards & Co. Unique Show came in 

this eve and had an entertainment, erecting their tent on the vacant lot in 

front of N.A. Wigger's dwelling. The ground wasn't wet and cold from yesterday's 

rain; but the attendance was pretty good. Estimated about 300 persons in the tent. 

It was a fraud and failure like all other traveling shows.

A casket went to Gilbert this eve for the burial of S.T. Yancey of that place 

who died yesterday eve.



19th April, 1901, Friday

Everything white with frost this morning, but bright and clear and cold. 

Had to have fire in the house. Evening moderated. Flossie went home with 

Eva & Mosie Guice to spend the night with them. The committee for the examination 

of colored school teachers in session today.



20th April, 1901, Saturday

A very bright sun shining today. A very blue sky overhead. Herman Wiggers paid 

me for G.W. Brown S/D on N.O. $10.65 and $185.00 and $12.50.



21st April, 1901, Sunday

A cool day but a bright one. Rev. J.A. Snyder preached at the Baptist church 

on the subject of. "The duty of Christian people paying tithes". After the sermon, 

the Sacrament was distributed to a few communicants. The elements of bread and 

wine were handed around by C.E. Dixon. I suppose he a deacon of the church. 

Mr. S.M. Lowery, aged about 70 years, in company with Mrs. Washburn, going 

home in his buggy towards town, became suddenly quite sick along the road near 

Goodman twins' house and came near falling out of the buggy but was helped into 

Goodman twins' house where he lay for sometime till Dr. Ramage could get there 

and give him relief, and was afterwards carried home. Considering his age and 

feeble condition of health, his days here cannot be many.



22nd April, 1901, Monday

A term of the district court commenced. No civil business transacted today. 

The preliminary examination of the two Baramores, Ed Barker and Percy Goss 

for the attempted murder of J.L. Lanaham by hanging him to extort from him 

who it was that shot Frank Barker of the night of the 30 March last.

This preliminary excited more interest among the people than usual on such 

trials. The accused parties were represented by Jeff. B. Snyder of Tallulah, 

Madison Parish and C.L. Berry and L.A. Thompson, Dist. Atty. for the state. 

Trial began at 2 o'clock P.M. and judgment rendered binding over to await the 

action of the Grand Jury. Ed Barker, Rube Baramore, & Percy Goss, under 

$400.00 bond each, at 4 o'clock P.M. Wednesday the 24th, Dave Baramore was 

discharged, he having proved an alibi.

The consensus of opinion is that the discharged one is equally guilty with 

the others.

The burden of the evidence on the part of the accused parties seemed to be 

to establish the fact that Lanaham set the trap and decoyed Frank Barker 

in it to secure his assassination on the night of the 30th of March, and 

therefore they were justified in treating him foully as he was treated on 

the night of the 4th of April, but even if he had decoyed him into the clutches 

of the assassins and they had accomplished the job, still they were not justified 

in vindicating the law in a mob-like and lawless manner.



23rd April, 1901, Tuesday

Pleasant day. A good many people in town.



24th April, 1901, Wednesday

Still more summer is coming.

	

25th April, 1901, Thursday

Summer is coming.



26th April, 1901, Friday

District court adjourned, sine die. Masquerade ball given at the Masonic Temple, 

beginning at 8 o'clock P.M. The proceeds to go to public school or to pay salaries 

of the teachers. Realized $104.00 net.



27th April, 1901, Saturday

Joe Vetch and his family were coming to town in a two horse vehicle of some kind. 

Six miles from here the horses got frightened at something and ran, threw Mrs. Vetch 

out of the buggy, skinned her face considerably. Some part of rigging broke, the 

horses got loose and ran off and could not be found. He got John Duncan's team and 

buggy and came on to town.



28th April, 1901, Sunday

Lura started to Shreveport to meet the old vagabond scamp Laprade. In the evening, 

Lucy and I went out to Mac King's after Nolan where he went with Willie and Gracie King 

Saturday eve.



29th April, 1901, Monday

Put in a day plowing and harrowing in the garden. Got in a pretty good day's work. 

Was good tired at night. Nolan and Fred went to Ash Slough not far from the negro 

church and got a dishpan full of mayhaws.



30th April, 1901, Tuesday

Made application for pension for John T. Alexander for service rendered in the 

Confederate army. The little boys, Nolan and Fred, gathered a good quantity of 

mayhaws. This ends the month of April.



May 1901



1st May, 1901, Wednesday

Warm day. Sheared my sheep, 7 sheared, 4 lambs not sheared. After school, 

Nolan, Fred, Flossie and Gracie King gathered 7 gallons mayhaws.



2nd May, 1901, Thursday

Planted cucumbers. Mary and Maud Moore, Dolphus and Dewey, the negro boys, 

Kelly and Jess and Lucy and myself went to the mayhaw slough to get mayhaws. 

We did not get many. Went to the wrong place. Got back home by 12 o'clock 

M. Late in the evening Nolan, Fred and myself went back. We found H.H. Slaughter 

and his two grandsons there. We got but few. We went too late. J.W. Willis, Att'y. 

from Rayville in town.

Fifty years ago I made my first trip to this mayhaw slough in company with about 

eight or ten persons, the names of some I have forgotten and some I remember. 

But now they are all gone, the greater part of them to eternity.



3rd May, 1901, Friday

Planted some cucumbers. Not much doing.



4th May, 1901, Saturday

Confederate veterans had a meeting in town today I wrote a long letter to 

Mrs. Theresa J. Freeman of St. Louis about some property here formerly owned 

by her husband, Wm. T. Freeman, about the fork of the Little Big brake. 

Mrs. Etta King came out and got Gracie, her daughter, and carried her home.



5th May, 1901, Sunday

Judge Elam, Att'y., at Vidalia cout today to look after some of his property. 

L.A. Thompson started to Harrisonburg to attend court there next week.



6th May, 1901, Monday

Spent the morning till 12 M. in the Recorder's office trying to find the 

record of a deed to land from King G. Holstein to Mrs. Theresa J. Freeman 

or to her in her maiden name, "Eldridge", but failed to find it.

Wrote a long letter to Miss Rosa Anne Griffing at Duncansby, Miss., daughter 

and only heir of Monroe H. Griffing, dec'd., in reference to some land of hers, 

but which is claimed by J.L. Newcomer.



7the May, 1901, Tuesday

In looking over some of my old papers, I found an article written by Dr. W.M. 

Guice on the subject of "Faith" on December 31, 1882, and also an article of my 

own, on the same subject, written about the same time. He wrote his article on 

"Thoughts' as he styles it and sent it to me and asked me to write on the same subject. 

I was certainly glad to find these articles: and to preserve them for future reference. 

I transcribed them in a book of sermons I am preparing. Rev. Neill was in my office 

this evening and I read them both to him.



8th May, 1901, Wednesday

Nothing out of the ordinary took place today. Our town has but few visitors 

from the country. Everybody busy in their crops. Bishop D. Dessin preached 

here tonight.



9th May, 1901, Thursday

Plowed the ground well in my Irish potato patch. If they don't give a good 

yield it will not be because the ground is not loose and well fertilized. 

Fred remained at home today from school, sick. M.P. Darley and W.B. Grayson 

staid at Mrs. M.E. Buie's tonight.



10th May, 1901, Friday

Got a suit of clothes at Mr. A. Landauer's. They were nice and good. Jim King 

and wife and J.L. Ross and wife were in town today. There is a good deal of talk 

about marriages to take place at the prairie church next Sunday.



11th May, 1901, Saturday

Our town was aroused about 4 o'clock this morning by the ringing of the Methodist 

church bell. Upon getting up and looking, discovered that fire was burning a house 

somewhere. Hastily put on my pants, shoes and coat and went down and found 

Mr. A. Landauer's store house was burning. His warehouse next caught on fire 

and both were consumed. Nothing saved out of the store which he had recently 

replenished with a full stock. Most of the contents of the warehouse was saved. 

The origin of the fire not known, but supposed to be the work of an incendiary. 

Charley Elam was up at 3 o'clock but saw no fire. Soon after this he ordered 

his negro servant to get his horse. The negro went out in obedience to the 

order and gave alarm of the fire. Elam sent the negro to ring the church 

bell and he himself went to the burning house. He reports that when he got 

there, the fire was entirely on the inside and could be seen only through 

the windows at the rear end of the house, to which there were no blinds 

but iron bars only. In that part of the store were the two iron safes, 

a large one and a small one. The door of the small one was found open 

when the fire subsided. Sam Casparie, a clerk in the store, when he got 

there, he opened the front door to get out what he could. The house was 

so full of smoke, which rushed to the door as soon as it opened, that he 

could not and did not go in. The last business house of ante-bellum days 

of our little town is now vanished away in smoke and thin air. The 

father-in-law of Mr. A. Landauer about the year of 1858 or 1859. The name of

the carpenter who built this house is named "Williams". I don't remember his 

Christian name. The name of the owner of the mill when the lumber was sawed is, 

or was, W.J. West. The mill is located on Pine Bayou about a half mile north of 

Ash Slough bridge on the prairie road.

Cloudy and a little rain this morning. Rain is getting to be much needed.



12th May, 1901, Sunday

The largest concourse of people assembled at Boeuf prairie church today than have 

been there for a good many years. The occasion that attracted so many people today 

was the marriage of two couples viz Debb Ross and Miss Emma Burn and Willie Sullivan 

and Miss Olive Garcin.

As usual, a nice and an abundant dinner was spread for all and some to spare. My wife 

and daughter, Mrs. Lucy and Flossie, were there. Winnsboro was well represented. 

Rained a little about one o'clock. I remained at home all day.



13th May, 1901, Monday

Thundering early in the morning, scattering clouds indication of rain, but none 

fell today.

We think we are beginning to need rain very badly. It's true the ground is getting 

dry, but vegetation shows no sign of wilting or suffering. While on my way to dinner, 

was met by Wm. Ozas and told that John Williams died last night. Was to be buried 

at the "Thomas Graveyard" this evening and family wanted me to attend. While we 

were talking, Henry Walker rode and confirmed Ozas' statement. I went home, 

got dinner, hitched up my buggy and off we went. About one and one half miles 

before getting to the grave, met up with the corpse and cortege. Services and burial 

was about 6 1/2 o'clock in the presence of a large gathering of people. 

Then, in company with Rev. Neill, to James M. King's for the night.



14th May, 1901, Tuesday

Came home. The roads dry and dusty. Mr. W.I. Wade reported quite sick from a relapse of a 

case of measles. There are a good many cases of measles in and around town. 

The first real warm day we've had.



15th May, 1901, Wednesday

H.J. Lea and myself went to the last residence of Tillman Crockett, a negro man 

on the Jas. Cordell place, and he as administrator of his est. sold the property 

and I, as att'y. for the widow, Mahala Crockett, bid it in on her widow's homestead 

claim as follows to wit:

1 Bay horse-------------------------------$60.00

1 Bay mare--------------------------------$40.00

---------------------------------------

						     $100.00

1 Bay mare Mollie------------------------$50.00

1 Ditto jennet---------------------------$20.00

----------------------------------------

						    $70.00

1 2 yr old calf-------------------------$10.00

1 cow and calf--------------------------$20.00

----------------------------------------

						    $30.00

8 Hogs-------------------------------------$30.00

1 Wagon-----------------------------------$25.00

----------------------------------------

							$55.00

2 Plows------------------------------------$13.00

1 Old plow--------------------------------$2.00

----------------------------------------

							$15.00

1 Harrow----------------------------------$5.00

3 Pr. gears and lines---------------------$7.50

----------------------------------------

							$12.50

150 Bbls. corn more or less---------------$75.0										------------------------

Total----------$357.50

This over, back to S.H. Cordell's for dinner. After dinner H.J. Lea came home. 

I went to W.B. Diamond to have transcript completed in the case of A. Landauer 

vs. Friday McCall, which was tried before Diamond, J.P. on 1st Feb'y. last. 

Also filed a suit against Perry Ward for Mr. Landauer on a note of $24,000.00, 

8 % interest, since 12 Nov. '96. On the road home, about one o'clock P.M. 

met Jno. Munn at Mrs. Hasbrough's with load of lumber for Mr. Cordell.



16th May, 1901, Thursday

Got, by express, T.H. Lowery, Natchez, one, blue linen clothes for myself 

and a linen coat and two pairs pants for Nolan, price of all seven dollars. 

There are several cases of measles in town and vicinity.

Cloudy today. Would be glad to have a little rain.



17th May, 1901, Friday

Had a little shower rain about 5 or 6 o'clock P.M. Considerably cloudy and 

thundering. This is the evening for the "Operetta" at the school house by the 

school children. The threatened aspect of the clouds at the time of day above 

stated, made the prospects of success at the school house, look very gloomy. 

But later the rain held up and there was a good attendance at the children's 

performance which was well done. Everybody pleased. The net proceeds to be 

applied to the liquidation of indebtedness to the teachers' salary, and there 

was realized about eighty dollars after all expense was paid.



18th May, 1901, Saturday

Hot day. Filed suit for divorce in the case of Miles Moore vs. Mary Eaton, 

his wife, cause "adultery". Got mirror and put it in position at the "dresser". 

It's a good and true one. Not as many people about town as usual on Saturday.



19th May, 1901, Sunday

Filled my appointment today as preacher at "Lone Cedar". A very good congregation: 

and I think the time there was profitably spent. Some impressions for good was made 

by the service; but it will soon be lost unless the service is kept up. The 

intellectual and spiritual field is like that of corn and cotton, requires 

close cultivation. Took dinner at Caleb Tarver's. On my way home, a very dark 

and threatening cloud came up but no rain fell. Nolan and Fred had (been) to 

Sissie Guice's, but not returned at dark. I went after the boys and found them 

there, had not started home, was afraid it would rain. I brought them home after 

dark. Nolan seemed to be hurt that I had to go after them, but Fred did not seem 

to care how much I was troubled about it.



20th May, 1901, Monday

Plowed and hoed over my Irish potato patch before breakfast. After breakfast, 

plowed a little in the garden. 

Mr. E.J. Kiper came to my house wanting to pass deed between him and Cap't. 

Power for twenty acres land he had bought from him.

Soon Mr. D.B. Stephens came. On our way to my office, it commenced to rain and 

rained slowly and gently till about 1 1/2 o'clock P.M. A good season in the ground.

Mr. W.I. Wade, who had been sick for two or three weeks, died this eve about 

4 o'clock. Mr. Wade came here about eighteen months ago, set up a blacksmith 

and wagon shop and was also merchandising and was doing well at both branches 

of business. He took the measles about three weeks ago and had about recovered 

of that, but got up and at his store a day or two too soon and relapsed.

That family has had a good deal of trouble and affliction during their stay here. 

Last fall two of the children died in a few days of each other and the house has 

not been clear of sickness long at a time since they have been here.

W.T. Moore bought a jackass from J.L. Newcomer today and the delivery was made, 

price $250.00. Sun shone out clear this eve, but the day has been cool, very cool.



21st May, 1901, Tuesday

The morning cool enough for fire in the house. Flossie, Gracie King and Nolan 

sick, unable to go to school. At Nick Myers, I united in marriage Rob't. R. Killian 

and Miss Mary Scott, daughter of Rev. F. Scott of the Free Methodist church. It was 

a runaway couple. In the evening, the girl's father came to town furiously mad. 

Was going to tear up the whole business. Talked like he was going to sue the clerk 

for issuing the license without his consent. Expressed a desire to kill Killian 

and his daughter Mary. The funeral of Mr. W.I. Wade took place this eve at 4 o'clock. 

I conducted the services at his house in the presence of 30 or 40 people, 

finished at the grave at 6 o'clock. Everything was serious and solemn.



22nd May, 1901, Wednesday

Warm Day. Attended the burial of an infant of Mr. & Mrs. Stegall at the grave here.

This evening Mr. J.W. Edwards called at my office to sell me a set, 10 volumes, 

of the messages, proclamation and vetos of the Presidents of the U.S. from 

1789 to 1898. It is a valuable work  I wanted very much, but I did not feel 

able to buy it. The price is $35.00.

Mac King sent Willie in this eve for Gracie to go home, that her mama was sick. 

Complained of rising in head.



23rd May, 1901, Thursday

In the afternoon, Mrs. Lucy drove out to Mr. Mac King's. She heard that Mrs. King 

was sick and wanted to know her condition; but upon getting out there found her not 

so ailing as at first she heard.

In the eve later came home and brought with her, Eva, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. King 

and a lot of nice honey Mr. King had taken (from) a tree.

I remained in the house and yard all morning making a martin box and putting a bottom 

in the rocking chair.



24th May, 1901, Friday

Cloudy at sunrise and remained so most of the day. About 2 o'clock and 30 minutes, 

Mr. Christianson, partner of W.J. Starts, before his death, in the sawmill at the 

tank on Big creek called to see me in reference to his interest in the property and 

how to get the amt. The estate of W.J. Starts was owing him. Mrs. L. Allen had 

administered and the property was advertised for sale to take place 1st June.

About 4 o'clock a very dark and threatening cloud came up out of the west with 

heavy thundering. Its general appearance but not much wind. I started home but 

stopped out of the rain in the gallery of the store formerly occupied by Louis Lowentritt 

and remained there more than an hour. While there and during a hard rain, two horses 

hitched to a wagon came running down Prairie street with all their might and speed. 

Nothing was hurt.



25th May, 1901, Saturday

Thick cloudy till after one o'clock P.M. and a little cool. A good many people in 

town today. Late in the evening a cold brisk wind came up from the north and had to 

(have) fire in the house. Two quilts on the bed were comfortable.



26th May, 1901, Sunday

Morning cold and cloudy. Fire and winter clothing were quite an addition to comfort. 

Wind still cold and from the north and northeast. Fire pleasant all day and the 

wind blew until late in the evening, when it lulled, but still it continued cold. 

Went to Oak Grove, according to appointment previously made, at 3 o'clock P.M. and 

preached to a good congregation of attentive listeners. Nolan and Freddie went with me. 

Miss Eva Daws, who has been writing in the clerk's office for three or four months, 

left for her home at or near Columbia, on this morning's train.



27th May, 1901, Monday

Morning cool but moderated later on in the day. Court opened today, 

the trial of the case of Mrs. Belle Murphy & husband vs. C.L. Berry consumed 

the whole day. Plaintiff is suing to recover a price of land she bought at 

Sheriff's sale. After this sale, Berry bought same land at private sale from a 

third person. Some of the old Confederate soldiers started to the Confederate 

re-union at Memphis, Tenn.



28th May, 1901, Tuesday

Court adjourned sine die. No business before the court. There are four cases of measles 

at Willie Guice's and five more subjects liable to take it.

The disease has been prevalent in this neighborhood for some time. It has recently made 

its appearance in the prairie neighborhood.



29th May, 1901, Wednesday

Weather getting warm. Mr, John F. Alexander started to Mississippi to recuperate his health. 

He proposes going to Wilkinson County.



			30th May, 1901, Thursday

	E.M. King sold a beef to Guice & Robinson and assisted to bring it to town and took 

dinner at my house. After dinner, I went with him to look for a cow and a calf at Ed Brown's. 

We went there, to the Hardman old field, over to Adam Brown's, across Ash slough to 

Pres Hampton place, over to the Johnson place, down through the Hampton old field, 

on to the Desha old field, but found no cow or cows we were looking for, and on to 

his house for the night. Very cloudy all the evening, towards night heavy thundering. 

A little after night and during the night the hardest rain of the season and more 

water fell than at any time this year. When we crossed the brake this evening, there 

was no water, but a little mud; the next morning the water was girth deep to our horses. 

Vivid lightening and loud peals of thunder during the rain.



31st May, 1901, Friday

He and I went to the Desha old field, but found no cows except a red & white pided cow 

and a red beef. So much water on the ground & in the sloughs, I came home, the back 

road from the Townsend old field to the three mile board on the Columbia road.

Mr. J.S. Murphy at my house for dinner. Cleared off about 10 A.M. but clouded again 

about 3 P.M. and considerable thunder.

There is no rainfall today. This is the last of May 1901.



1st June, 1901, Saturday

It is reported that there was a heavy fall of hail at Gilbert yesterday, doing much 

damage to the corn and cotton crops and the gardens.

Rather dull Saturday in town today. Some measles in the neighborhood today.



2nd June, 1901, Sunday

Children's day at the Sunday school. I don't think display and performance of the 

children were of the best order. The Pastor's address was not, by any means, what 

it ought to have been. The attendance was not very good. Form, fashion & style, 

without the spirit of Christ, will not attract the masses of the people. The 

human mind is ever wanting something new. The spirit of Christ always supplies 

that want.

At 4:30 P.M., the Rev. Mr. Davidson of the Episcopal order, had service at the 

Baptist church. Very few in attendance there.



3rd June, 1901, Monday

Hard rain about 5 A.M. In the eve, bright and pleasant.



4th June, 1901, Tuesday

No rain today, but everything wet enough. Cap't. W.P. Power has not returned 

from U.C.V. re-union at Memphis. His wife is getting uneasy about him. All 

others who went from here have returned.



5th June, 1901, Wednesday

Mrs. Power employed T.P. Duncan to go and look for Cap't. Power and bring him home. 

Duncan started yesterday morning. Hellen Abell's little daughter quite sick. 

Winnsboro high school closed the session of 1900-1901 today. There are ten graduates.

Diplomas will be given tomorrow night. After that, will record their names in the diary. 

Rain today. We are now having an abundance of rain. Farmers are crying out "enough"!



6th June 1901, Thursday

Commencement exercises of the Winnsboro high school at the Methodist church, 

beginning at 8 P.M.

Addresses by the graduating class in the following order, viz. Carlotta Lea; 

M. Douglas Buie; Mamie M. Bonner; L. Fred Robinson; Louise Kenton; Willis Berry; 

Evelyn M. Guice; A.F. Osborne; Cora E. King; Henry J. Lea, Jr. Public address by 

Rev. J.M. Henry, P.E. Address to the class and presentation of diplomas by 

Prof. D.B. Showalter of Monroe high school. The house was packed.

Mrs. M.E. Buie, teacher at Oak Grove, taken quite sick on the road to school, 

not able to get out of the buggy at the school house, but was helped out. 

After a while was taken over to Phil Robinson's and in the evening brought 

home by D.R. King, and she was quite sick that night.



7th June, 1901, Friday

Match game of baseball here between the Gilbert and Winnsboro boys, the latter 

being the winners by a score of 38 to 22.

Misses Nellie and Lucy Buie at my house today.

Mrs. Hellen Abell's baby quite sick. Mrs. M.E. Buie quite sick.



8th June, 1901, Saturday

Mrs. M.E. Buie not much better. Mrs. Hellen Abell's baby no better.

	

9th June, 1901, Sunday

Mrs. M.E. Buie reported a little better, but Mrs. Abell's baby no better. 

Mrs. Lucy Moore, at the request of Mrs. M.E. Buie, took her horse and buggy 

and went and got Mrs. Sallie Fife to come and stay with her and wait on Mrs. M.E. Buie.

I filled my appointment this P.M. at 4 o'clock at Oak Grove. About 40 or 50 

persons in attendance. It is noticeable not many old people go to church, mostly 

the young. Bob caught my young mare, Ruby, on the Petit old field and rode out to 

Willie Guice's. There are now four cases of measles at his house, all of a mild type. 

News came in a day or two ago that Cap't. W.P. Power got off the train at Colliston, 

last Tuesday, 4th Inst., put up at the hotel, ate his supper, was showed to his room 

and went to bed. A Lady from Ark. also got off the same train and occupied an 

adjoining room to Cap't Power. About 1 o'clock A.M., she heard him get up, dress 

himself and go out, but did not hear him come back. Quite a number from Winnsboro 

went up on this morning's train to look for him, and a friend from the neighborhood 

of Colliston had been looking for him in the adjacent woods for a day or two. 

And at 11 o'clock he was found by some of W.H. Adams' crowd, some three miles 

south of Colliston and about 300 yards from the N.O. & N.W. railroad in a thick 

cane brake and lying at the root of a tree almost unconscious and perfectly helpless, 

hatless and shoeless and had been the victim of the merciless mosquitos, for the 

past four days without food or water. His mind was evidently deranged, else he 

would have made his way to the railroad, before he became helpless, for he was 

in hearing distance of the passing trains. A work train was near this place four 

or five days; and one of the workmen said he heard some hollering in the direction 

of where Cap't. Power was found, Thursday or Friday, before he was found on Sunday, 

but thought it was someone in the woods hunting and paid no more attention to it. 

But there is one strange thing connected with his lonely woods life four those four 

days viz., he did not lose or break his watch nor chain, but he kept it wound up and 

running and had the correct time, was carried to Colliston, a suit of new clothes 

was put on him, a toddy and something to eat was given him and brought him home on the 

evening train.

A sad experience for Cap't. W.P. Power but I hope it will be a profitable one.



10th June, 1901. Monday

Circuit court held a very short term, had only one case before it.The argument 

concluded at 11 o'clock. It took recess until 1 o'clock P.M. Convened, read the 

decretal part of their opinion. Judge E.C. Montgomery took the 2 o'clock freight 

for Rayville. Judge Claiborne took the 4 o'clock train for Natchez. It was a physical 

impossibility for the judges to have examined the record of the case, the brief 

pro and con, the authorities referred to and familiarize themselves with the salient 

facts in the case sufficiently to have rendered a decision founded upon the law and 

facts of the case.

At 7 o'clock, Mrs. Abell's baby died. It had been sick two weeks and two days. The 

seat of its disease was in its head. It was buried at 7 P.M.



11th June, 1901, Tuesday

A very warm day. Nolan, Freddie and myself went to Mac King's. Got dinner and there 

leaving Freddie took Willie King, went to Desha old field and 80 or 100 head cattle 

to Mac's, and marked one calf and branded two yearlings for me and several for Mac, 

and the Nolan, Freddie and myself came home, getting there a little after dark.

Mrs. M.E. Buie is reported not doing so well this eve.



12th June, 1901, Wednesday

Got a horse from Charlie Moore and my two boys and myself started to Mac King's 

to get a cow and calf we put in his pasture yesterday eve, but a little beyond the 

Ash slough bridge, met Mac and Willie driving the cow and calf in. At home I marked 

and branded four calves.

John Spann, of Holly Grove, dined with me today. J.W. Womble, the tax assessor, 

came in at my house and took my assessment and likewise that of Mac King's also.



13th June, 1901, Thursday

This is a very warm day. Assisted H.J. Lea a little this morning abstracting the 

place known as the Eden place.



14th June, 1901, Friday

Not much going about town nor doing in any line of business. Hot and everybody 

trying to keep cool.



15th June, 1901, Saturday

Mrs. M.E. Buie started to Rayville this morning. 

In the evening I started Mrs. Sallie Fife, who had been at Mrs. Buie's for the 

past week, home to Mr. Ike Wiggins. Extremely warm.



16th June, 1901, Sunday

Filled my appointment at Lone Cedar. Very good congregation. To Zack Herling's 

for dinner. Today is the hottest of the season.



17th June, 1901, Monday

District court convened. Today is fixed for the preliminary of J.L. Lanaham 

charged with being implicated with the shooting of Frank Barker of 30 March and 

for the final trial of Baramore. Ed Barker and Percy Goss found guilty of 

assaulting J.L. Lamaham on a preliminary had before Judge Thompson on the 

22nd & 23rd, April, but neither trial nor preliminary was had today, but 

entered into a compromise to this effect, all the proceedings to be stayed 

against all the above named parties on the condition that Frank Barker is to 

leave the country and not return again.



18th June, 1901, Tuesday

It is reported that Frank Barker boarded the cars this morning and left, 

to what point I know not.



19th June, 1901, Wednesday

Very hot weather and rain is beginning to be needed on the crops. Dull days about town.



20th June, 1901, Thursday

Tried one case, a divorce case, negro, today. Miles Moore vs. Mary Eaton. Jos. Barker 

of Pollock, selling a new patent churn. It's a good invention. 

Cap't. W.P. Power took a relapse, is not doing so well, has not been to his office 

since his return. Court adjourned till September.

Lucy, Flossie, Nolan and Fred went blackberry hunting, gathered a good (amount). 

Nolan ate too many plums, was quite sick, till he vomited quite freely. 

Wants no more plums.

	

21st, June, 1901, Friday

Was at home all day. Did a little work towards preparing to build me a 

well house. Extremely hot and dry. E.M. King brought me 5 bbls. corn.



22nd, June, 1901, Saturday

A good many people in town today. Very hot and sultry.



23rd June, 1901, Sunday

At home all day. Too hot to stir out.



24th June, 1901, Monday

Worked around the house most of the day. Tore away the table at the pump 

and built a new one.



25th June, 1901, Tuesday

Put the matting on the floor in the north room. Mr. J.E. Russell and his wife 

dined with us today. Mr. Russell is about 79 years old and Mrs. Russell is 

about 12 years younger, and still they do their own work.

About 2 o'clock a good rain fell. Wet the ground and water ran in the ditches. 

The rain seemed to be not extensive. Did not reach to Ash slough bridge 2 1/2 miles.



26th June, 1901, Wednesday

Misses Nellie and Lucy Buie at our house for dinner today. At 8:30 P.M. 

Cora E. King and Wm. G. Buie were married at the Methodist church. Rev. J.M. Henry, 

P.E. officiating clergy. After Rev. S.J. Davis preached a sermon of some thought but 

delivered in a rather dry style. Large congregation, house packed. Hot, hot, hot. 

Fans were in motion and babies were crying.



27th June, 1901, Thursday

District Conference of the Monroe District convened at the Methodist church at 

9 A.M. Rev. J.M. Henry, P.E. in the chair. Preaching at 8 P.M. by Rev. J.R. Moore. 

A fine preacher he is. Rev. R.A. Davis at my house.



28th June, 1901, Friday

Conference opened at 9 A.M. Rev. J.M. Henry in the chair. Preaching opened at 

11 by S.S. Bogan and at 8 P.M. by Rev. D.C. Barr. Bro. Hausey at my house for 

dinner and for the night.



29th June, 1901, Saturday

Conference opened at 9 A.M. Preaching at 11 by Rev. S.H. Whatley. Revs. J.R. Moore, 

S.J. Davis, D.C. Barr, J. Reily, delegate, left for home this morning. Rev. Harvel 

preached at 8 P.M. Conference closed.



30th June, 1901, Sunday

Excursion on N.O. & N.W. from Natchez to Monroe. Leaving Natchez at 7 A.M. 

Arriving at Monroe at 1 P.M. Leaving Monroe at 11 P.M. Arriving at Natchez 

when I can get there. Rev. R.A. Davis preached at 11 A.M., text "He shall be great" 

Luke 1:32. It was a good sermon, a good congregation.

Harvel preached at night again, good congregation, ministry closed.



1st July, 1901, Monday

Extremely hot. Police Jury in session. Good rain about 4 P.M. Gave Ned Bradley 

of the Beacon News at Rayville, an order for 500 letter sheets with my card 

printed on each.



2nd July, 1901, Tuesday

Remained at home until about 4 P.M. Fred has fever today. Police Jury got through 

and adjourned sine die. This night is the hottest of the season. Rod and Anna and 

Raymond started to Harrisonburg this morning.



3rd July, 1901, Wednesday		

Good rain fell about 4:30 P.M. Prior to this the day was extremely hot and sultry.



4th July, 1901, Thursday

This is Independence Day. The pride of the heart of every true American. Barbecue 

at Liddieville in the "Ogden neighborhood". It was a success. 27 carcasses barbecued. 

Sheep, beeves and hogs. 20 barrels of  "baker's bread". Two ice cream stands where i

ce cream, lemonade and soda pop were sold. Two pumps supplied the drinking water. 

There were about 350 people in attendance. Everything went agreeably and pleasantly. 

Nothing to mar the pleasure of the day except the hot weather. The trees and undergrowth 

so thick all around that but little air could circulate to cool the sweltering people. 

Dinner for all and to spare of cakes, pies, custards and such edibles. Much praise is 

due to the "getters up" and managers of the entertainment. We must not forget the music. 

For it was faultless. It was rendered by the choir, which was taught and instructed 

and lead by Mr. D.C. Chapman, of whom it can be said, "He certainly understands the 

business and is equal to the emergency". Dinner over, as many as could get in the 

church, were entertained by a 35 minutes lecture on the occasion and the importance 

of training the mind from infancy, by Rev. A.W. Moore, which was followed by a 

20 minutes lecture on literature by Rev. A.S.J. Neill. The crowd dispersed to 

their respective homes.



5th July, 1901, Friday

No change in the hot weather. Everything dull in the business circles about town.



6th July, 1901, Saturday

Good many people in town: the property of the succession of W.I. Wade consisting 

mostly of merchandise in store, was offered for sale by W.H. Adams Shipp, but no 

bid offered.

Mrs. M.E. Buie at home from a three weeks visit to her daughter, Mrs. Comfort Riggs 

of Monroe; her right arm is paralyzed. Her general nervous system is letting down. 

She is about 62 years of age, and will possibly, not recover her lost vitality. 

Preaching in town by Rev. Neill and Davidson.



8th July, 1901, Monday

John W. Carroway up on some business. Dined at my house.



9th July, 1901, Tuesday

Mrs. Tempie McClendon came up today to consult about suing for divorce and 

related some of her husband's, Kenner McClendon, conduct toward her. 

It is simply shocking.



10th July, 1901, Wednesday

Flossie's birthday. 15 years old. I left home 9:20 and got to Jno. Carroway's 

about 2:30 P.M. A very, long hot and dusty road.

After dinner, walked up to his sister, Lou's. She lives by her lone self.



11th July, 1901, Thursday

Went to the mouth of Turkey creek to see Mrs. Lula Sheppard about a debt she 

owed John I. Adams & Co. of $54.02. Did not see her but saw her husband, Frank Sheppard, 

who said they were not able to do anything for it but would pay it this fall. 

From appearances of things about the place it don't seem that they will ever be able 

to pay it.

Left there 10:30 and came up to Lee Kincaid's; Frequently stopping under shade of trees 

to let my horse cool off a little. 

Ira Bigelow was there, J.P. Bratan and Willie Kincaid came in. They pretty soon left, 

saying they were going to cut a bee tree. At 4:30, I left, got home about dark. 

Some of the corn in the prairie has been without rain till rain cannot bring it out. 

The yield will be very light this year in that section. As much so as it was in 1896 

and that was the driest year on record for the past generation. I see the grass dead 

and dying some places in the prairie. Ditches and ponds dry.



12th July, 1901, Friday

Town dull, but little business doing. Rec'd. from Ned Bradley of Rayville, 500 note heads, 

price $1.50.

Remained at home all the evening. It is said that the thermometer registered 102 1/2 at 

Landis' today.



13th July, 1901, Saturday

Very hot. Remained at home all day. Bob went to his Uncle John's this eve.

It is reported that Tom Wiggers, with two smaller brothers, Horace Shelton and 

Frank Steele, were in the creek batheing, when they discovered a white boy , 

15 or 17 years old, naked, in the swamp. Had the appearance of been badly whipped, 

his skin cut and bleeding. They also saw two men whom they did not know, looking 

for the naked boy. Mrs. Hellen Abell was going home from Chas. Shelton's, and saw 

a man whom she did not know, sitting by the road and when she got near him, he asked 

if she had seen a naked boy. She answered in the negative and went on home. When she 

got there, her son, Tom Wiggers, related to her what the boys had discovered while 

at the creek.



15th July, 1901, Monday

Nolan, Fred and myself rode out to J.D. Neilson's places, through the woods to 

the Landauer field, over to the Desha field, on to E.M. King's, thence home about dark. 

Mrs. Buie gradually getting weaker.



16th July, 1901, Tuesday

Mrs. Tempie McClendon at my house today. About 3 P.M. a good rain fell. Mrs. Buie is 

no better, but sinking. Nolan and I went to Florence. Was met there by A.S. Hopkins 

with whom we went to his house for the night. It's a pleasant place to stop at.



17th July, 1901, Wednesday

Barbecue at Florence. 250 or 300 people were there. I made a speech to the audience 

in a beautiful grove. I never had better attention. Being out of doors naturally 

expected a good deal of walking around and talking by the people. But there was 

the least of that I ever saw at an out of doors gather of the people of so large 

a crowd.

Speaking over, dinner was announced. A long table abundantly supplied with everything 

tempting and inviting to the most fastidious taste. After everybody had feasted to 

heart's content, there was yet many basketfulls left. Peace and harmony and the spirit of 

good will prevailed in the entire audience. The people lingered around the place like they 

felt loathe to leave it.

In the evening, I spent a pleasant (time) with Bro.J.F. Marshall, a local Methodist 

preacher and a very intellectual and entertaining gentleman. At night, back to my 

friends, A.L. Hopkins. His sister, Mrs. Holstein, was there. She is a widow of 

Mr. Robert Holstein with whom I been acquainted for more than forty years.



18th July, 1901, Thursday

After bidding the family goodbye and thanking them for kindness to me and my little 

boy Nolan, Mr. Hopkins carried us in his buggy to the depot at Florence. We boarded 

the train and came home. Found Mrs. Buie still sinking and that her sister, 

Mrs. Nannie A. McCord, there. A very dark and threatening cloud in the N., N.W. and W.

Mrs. Clarence Turner got a new two horse buggy.



19th July, 1901, Friday

No rain today. Mrs. Etta King and three of her children at my house tonight. 

Mrs. Buie still sinking. Her temperature stood all day at 103 1/2: she can neither 

see nor speak, nor has she for three or four days.



20th July, 1901, Saturday

Mrs. Sallie S. Earle said to Mrs. Lucy this morning, that Mrs. Buie's temperature is 

104 1/2 and Dr. Ramage said it would go as high as 106.

It is reported here this morning that the negroes, who are living on J.D. Neilson's 

place, went to Wm. A. Tarver's last night after dark pretending to get some buttermilk 

or clabber and after sitting there awhile, left: Tarver and his boys were going 

"coon hunting" but did not go, and pretty soon the negroes came back and finding 

Tarver still at the house, they went away without stating why they came back

There is some mischief of a very serious nature agitating the minds of the negroes 

against the white people. Unless it is checked some it cumulates disastrous. 

The two races cannot live harmoniously together in the enjoyment of equal political 

liberty, one must direct, the other must obey.

At 5 P.M. Mrs. Buie's temperature is said to be 105. Cloudy and threatening rain 

but none fell.

Miss Willie Shipp of Monroe came in this eve.

Mrs. Mollie Eleanor Buie died at 11:05 o'clock P.M. Mrs. Anna King and 

Mrs. Lucy Moore remained at the house the rest of the night.



21st July, 1901, Sunday

Went to my appointment at Lone Cedar, but found quite a small crowd, not exceeding 

20 persons. Two weeks ago, I suggested to a member of that community to call in my 

appointment for this time, that I wanted to be at another place; he objected, 

stating the people were expecting to have dinner there and a large attendance 

of people. I had a short service and dismissed but left no appointment for a 

future day. Came home for dinner. About 5 o'clock P.M. conducted the funeral 

services for Mrs. M.E. Buie at her late home in the presence of quite a large 

gathering of people.

A considerable rain and wind came up and hindered the services and between six 

and seven o'clock she was laid away in the grave.



22nd July, 1901, Monday

Left home about 8 A.M. to go to "Egypt" about 14 miles away in Richland Parish 

to assist Bro. S.H. Whatley in a protracted meeting at that place. I got there 

about 11 A.M. having made the trip in three hours. Bro. Whatley and a small 

congregation were there; at his request I preached the best I could. I had 

ordinary liberty and the undivided attention of all present. We then went to 

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholl's for dinner and spent the evening there. I knew 

Mrs. Nicholls more than forty years ago when her first husband, S.W. Greenwell, 

was living, having often been to her house, but not with her for over twenty years. 

She was so changed, by time and trouble, had I unexpectedly away(?) from her home. 

She met (me) with tearful eyes, so glad, she said to meet me.

I preached again at night, to a crowded house of attentive listeners to a liberty 

and satisfaction to myself. Back to Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls for the night. They are 

both members of the Methodist church.



23rd July, 1901, Tuesday

After breakfast the family gathered on the front gallery, I read one of the Psalms 

and had prayers. The to the church and preached again to a larger congregation than 

yesterday morning, though not as large as last night.

During the service, I felt more of the power of the Holy Ghost than at the previous 

services.

At the conclusion had a short "experience meeting" when two brothers, besides 

Bro. Whatley and myself, talked a little and a general good feeling in the 

entire congregation.

To Bro. Bell's for dinner. Rain in the evening prevented church at night. 

Remained there all night.



24th July, 1901, Wednesday

After breakfast had prayers and we went home. Bro. Whatley to Rayville and I to Winnsboro.

It rained pretty hard on me the last three miles, getting home in the with a little fever.



25th July, 1901, Thursday

Hard rain from early morn till 12 o'clock and densely cloudy all day. 

Remained at home till late in the evening and then went to my office.



26th July, 1901, Friday

Morning cloudy and threatened rain. Flossie, Nolan, Freddie and myself went 

on the train to Baskin station where there was a barbecue. Winnsboro was well 

represented. It is estimated 300 people were there. There was an abundance of 

dinner for all, and it was well prepared.

Lemonade was made by the barrel and freely distributed to all. Peace and harmony 

and good will to all universally prevailed. The only thing, I thought, out of the 

usual on such occasions was, there was no public speaking, nor other amusement of 

a public nature.

It is a good thing for the people to come together, occasionally, and for the time, 

cast off the daily routine of thought and mental worry and care. They go home 

refreshed and invigorated in mind and spirit, and as a natural result feel more 

physical vitality. Old acquaintances are renewed. Verifying the announcement of 

the ancient prophet, "as iron sharpeneth iron so doth the countenance of man that 

of his friend".



27th July, 1901, Saturday

A bright, warm day. A good many people coming to town. Everybody has had enough 

rain and their crops are much ruined.

Farmers institute holding a session in town. D.N. Barrow and Hon. E.T. Sellers of 

Union Parish are in attendance. The meeting was called to order by L.A. Thompson 

when Jno. F. Frezavant was elected Chairman and J.H. Richardson Secretary. 

Cap't. W.P. Power made a few remarks of welcome. When Prof. Barry occupied the 

floor, on the subject of "farming" until the noon hour. The evening was occupied 

discussing various topics.

Nolan had high fever today. Sissie and 5 of her children spent the day at my house.

Mr. E.C. Drew of Monroe came to my office to get me to sign as "Notary Public" a 

power of attorney from Randall D. Permenter to him to abstract the lands of 

J.W. Permenter, who was an uncle of R.D. Permenter. Anywhere found in Louisiana 

and Arkansas. And said R.D. Permenter executed power attorney to E.C. Drew and 

A.W. Moore to abstract the lands of said J.W. Permenter found in Franklin Parish 

and reclaimed there from tax sales.

This is an extremely close and hot evening. No air circulating.

A negro man from the Hewitt place, in Richland Parish, brought a wagon load of 

watermelons in town today, but found poor sale for them.



28th July, 1901, Sunday

I remained at home all day. Shower of rain fell several times during the day. 

Nolan had a light chill and a little fever followed. A little boy, Roy Nesbitt, 

8 or 10 years, whose mother is dead and father gone, lives with his uncle R.P. Johnston, 

a partner in the lumber business of Steele & Johnston, complains that he is badly treated. 

Ran off this morning about 3 o'clock; but he was found at Geo. Barfield's by 

Frank Steele and brought back about 4 o'clock P.M., but refused to go to 

Johnston's who had to take him by force. I did not learn the trouble.

Charlie L. Moore was brought home this evening between 6 & 7 o'clock as drunk 

as drunk can be.

Three days ago Herman Wiggers and Charlie Moore bought the livery business, horses & 

vehicles of J.H. Knight and embarked in that business, look out!



29th July, 1901, Monday

Pleasant day till toward night it got sultry hot. Mrs. Hellen Abell, Mrs. Ann Taliaferro, 

Mrs. Elvira Scott and Mrs. Sarah Wylie were visitors at my house today. J. Chris Misner's 

step-son, a grandson of Uncle Alex Burn, aged about 15 years, died today, did not learn of 

what disease.



30th July, 1901, Tuesday

Mrs. Lucy Moore and Mrs. Sarah Wylie drove out to Mr. Thompson's. He is in bed with 

fever and so was one of his children; this one was in the bed three weeks.

He has had a good deal of sickness in his family this year.

Mr. J.S. Murphy was in my office, speaking in high praise of a cooking-by-steam invention 

for which he is agent. Willie Duncan, who has been quite sick with "slow fever" is 

reported to be a little better.



31st July, 1901, Wednesday

Mr. J.S. Murphey brought one of his steam cookers to my house, but Mrs. Lucy was not at home; 

had gone with Mrs. Wylie to her place to get some peaches. Did not try the cooker.

Mrs. Tempie McClendon came up to my house. Her and her husband, Kenner McClendon, are 

not getting on as agreeable as husband and wife should. Nolan and Freddie and Wes Ensminger 

pulled my buggy to Mr. Neilson's shop to have one of the shafts mended that was broken. 

I called in and had a pleasant half-hours talk with Cap't. W.P. Power.

With today, July 1901 ends. The day is cloudy but little rain.



1st August, 1901, Thursday

Mr. Farmer, his wife and daughter, Mittie Jane, who had married Walter P. Martin, 

came to my office to consult me about getting a divorce for Mittie from Martin. 

Stating she married him in May 1899 and then three months or so afterwards she 

heard he had a living wife in Mississippi, and later heard he had a living wife in 

Texas. He straightly denied these reports, and became very abusive to her and neglected 

in supplying the necessities of life. J.C. Adams, Deputy Sheriff, arrested and committed 

to jail 3 negro men about nightfall.



		

2nd August, 1901, Friday

Very hot and business dull. Very few people in town from the country. Mrs. Sarah Wylie 

and her son Nick at our house today.



3rd August, 1901, Saturday

A good many people in town, but not much doing. Nolan, Freddie and myself left home 

at 5:20 P.M. and went to Jas. M. King's, eleven miles, and got there at deep dusk, 

and remained there that night. Very warm evening.



4th August, 1901, Sunday

Rev. Scott, F.M., preached at Big Creek. Geo. King and Amy, his sister, went out there 

to church. The two boys and myself remained at Mr. King's till 5:10 P.M. when we started 

home, getting there at deep dusk.

Alfred Turner, Col'd., preacher, held service at "Morning Star" 1/2 miles from King's, 

last night and today. Quite a gathering of negroes were present there. Very warm day.



5th August, 1901, Monday

Nothing transpired today worthy of note. In the evening, I went to see Mr. Whit Thompson, 

who had been in bed sick of "slow fever" for the past two weeks; had some fever but not 

so high as it had been and was resting totally well.



6th August, 1901, Tuesday

Nothing out of the ordinary about town F.P.Short's son, Orin Augustus of Holly Grove, 

died today. Sent to J.D. Neilson's for a burial casket.



7th August, 1901, Wednesday

The little boy, Augustus, was buried here today. Three graves, side by side, father, 

son and grandson, all named "Augustus Short".

Went to "Egypt" in Richland Parish to a barbecue. It is supposed there were between 

5 and 600 people present on the ground. Everything was going smoothly and nicely and 

would have ended harmoniously, but for a difficulty between Joe Nicholls and a Mr. Watson, 

which resulted in the death of the former. It was thought by some it originated by 

emptying of a box of not too well done meat on the table by Watson and which was thrown 

off by Nicholls, at which Watson took offense. But this "box of meat" transaction was 

simply "the torch touched to the well charged fuse". Bad blood had existed between them 

for some time previous. The statements of "eye witnesses" are conflicting. Some say that 

Nicholls made the first two shots, others that Nicholls did not make a shot. Whether 

he fired a shot or not, Watson was not hit.

There were four other shots said to have been made by Watson, and all took effect on 

Nicholls body, two in the breast and one in the wrist. Either one of the first three 

was said to be sufficient to produce death.

The prophecies of the Bible are fulfilling day by day; the period in the world's history 

at which the prophecy was proclaimed, has no effect upon its fulfillment. It is forever, 

one "eternal" now with God.

As soon as the waters of the flood assuaged and Noah and the inmates of the Ark, came out, 

God made this startling announcement, when at a time, judging from a human standpoint, 

there was no occasion for it to wit: "who so sheddeth man's blood shall his blood be shed". 

Genesis 9, Ch. 6 V.- . It will be remembered that about 25 years ago, Joe Nicholls, 

without justification, shot and killed Mr. Griffin in his own house in the presence 

of his family.

Nicholls was not killed in his house, but was in the presence of his wife and family.

Miss Mary Buie, of Boeuf prairie, one of the purest and best women I ever knew, died 

at M.P. Bailey's at 9:30 this morning.

I got home from the barbecue at dark and found messages for me to attend Miss Mary's 

funeral tomorrow.



8th August, 1901, Thursday

Left home at 6 o'clock this morning. Got to M.P. Dailey's, 20 miles away, about 12 M. 

Found in waiting a large crowd of relatives and friends of the deceased; these last 

can be counted by the score. After a few minutes rest, for I was a little weary from 

the trip, conducted the services at the house. The service was not to my own satisfaction. 

I did not have the liberty in speaking I usually have on such occasions. The cause 

I could not tell. There was a grand and good subject before me. But I could not hold 

it as I wanted to. 

The cortege then moved out to the grave at China Grove.

A very beautiful place, the prairie about three miles away. There were assembled quite 

a large crown of friends who were not at the house.

This occasioned another talk from me I had not contemplated making.

The service and the burial over between 4 & 5 o'clock. I went home with Lee Kincaid 

and his wife and there spent the night.



9th August, 1901, Friday

Got home about 10 o'clock A.M. Learned that Mr. Whit Thompson was no better, but 

thought to be worse.

Found some mail matters waiting my attention. In the evening went to my office and 

answered some correspondence. Mr. E.C. Ames came in, made some inquiry on some points 

of law.

Some of the boys about town gave a negro boy a sound flogging this eve. It seems he 

got a horse and buggy out of the livery stable and did not return it as he promised to do.



10th August, 1901, Saturday

Not much today.



11th August, 1901, Sunday

Lucy, Nolan and myself went to church at the prairie. Large congregation, abundance of 

dinner for all. It was estimated that $125.00 could not furnish such a dinner. 

Rev. W.H. Hatfield preached morning and evening. After evening service, we started home 

and got beyond Pine prairie and saw a very dark and threatening cloud rising before us; 

and being in thick and large timber, turned and went back to Jas. M. King's and there 

found Geo. Ross and family and John Masin and family waiting for the storm to pass. 

It rained but little there neither did the wind blow much. We remained there all night. 

The rest went home. The crowd who left the church ahead of us were caught in a hard rain 

and got drenching wet.



12th August, 1901, Monday

We came home and found everything all right. About 11:30 o'clock John Carraway and his 

wife Laura came to my house and his horse had lockjaw and seemed to be very bad off. 

After working with it till near night by the application of cold water to its head and 

spine, it recovered sufficient to eat grass about 5:30 P.M.

John and his wife got a horse from the livery stable and started home leaving their horse 

with me. Mr. Thompson is quite low. Not expected to recover.



13th August, 1901, Tuesday

This is a very warm day, toward night it got very sultry hot.



14th August, 1901, Wednesday

Mr. Whit Thompson died at 2:00 o'clock A.M. and was carried off on the 9:35 train to 

Collinston for burial. An older brother and his son, Dr. Lee Thompson, came in yesterday 

eve. The former accompanied the remains, the latter stayed over with the family, of whom 

there are two sick, but one is improving. Mr. P.W. Hair came in from near Jena, 

Catahoula Parish, expecting to meet his son, Henry, of Vernon Parish, who dispatched 

his father last Monday that was arrested and to meet here today. But Henry did not get 

in this eve. A heavy rain fell this eve. The cloud rose in the northwest.



15th August, 1901, Thursday

Jno. Carraway came up today to get his horse he left at my house last Monday.

Unusually windy today, out of the north, and generally cloudy. A telegram was received 

at the Post Office and the depot today from New Orleans, that a cyclone would visit this 

section within the next 24 hours. Some people seem to be a little agitated from the 

telegram.



16th August, 1901, Friday

Morning opened clear. With Jno. V. Munn, went to his house to get his wife to sign 

an appearance bond with H.H. Hair charged with larceny. Then to W.A. Tarver's to 

get his wife's signature on the bond also; which he promised so faithfully she would 

do and seemed to regret she was not with him in town this morning.

But when we got there she declined to sign it and the presumption is that he told her 

not to do it before we got there.

In the eve about 5 o'clock a very dark and threatening cloud came up out of the north 

and northeast but not much rain fell. Some wind and thunder.



17th August, 1901, Saturday

Not much doing.



18th August, 1901, Sunday

My appointment at Lone Cedar, I did not attend. Sick and had fever in the eve. 

Nolan at Willie King's. Freddie at Willie Guice's. Bob came home from a visit to 

his Aunt Margaret Nixon's at Okaloosa in the western part of Ouachita Parish.



19th August, 1901, Monday

At home all day sick. Allen and Guice Tarver brought me a load of boards. Lucy went 

after Nolan and brought home some nice peaches. Threaten to rain but none fell.



20th August, 1901, Tuesday

Heavy rain early this morning. Lucy is peeling and putting up peaches. Mrs. Comfort 

Riggs and her two children came in this morning.

Tarver boys hauled me a load of boards.. I told them to bring no more till further orders. 

There were two many saps. A sap pine board is not fit to cover a house. I wanted the boards 

to recover my house. In two piles contain(ing) 564, there are 284 saps and 284 heart boards.



21st August, 1901, Wednesday

Got Flossie a saddle horse. Proud she was! Quite cloudy today.



22nd August, 1901, Thursday

Had the boys and helped to remove the weeds from a square in the garden to plant turnips. 

The A.M. was cloudy, the P.M. was bright, sunshiny. Mr. J.H. Knight told me he was going 

to move to Florence between the 1 and 10 Sept. He could buy no property here and thought 

that a good place for business, was going there to merchandise.



23rd August, 1901, Friday

Informed the Tarver boys that I did not want the sap boards but paid them for the 

heart boards-808 for $3.25. I considered this a high price.



24th August, 1901, Saturday

John Carraway came in and I gave him a check for $26.70 being his wife's interest 

in the amount paid by T.B. Gilbert, Jr. for his interest in land.

While making this settlement with him John Branin stepped in and said Mr. J.A. Morris 

died last night, was to be buried this eve and wanted to attend funeral. I made ready 

and got off by 11 1/2 o'clock getting to C.H. Snyder's and remained there until the 

cortege came on about 3 o'clock. to the grave at the bend, about 6 o'clock P.M. Grave 

not finished when we got there, caused a delay of about 1 1/2 hours. There were present 

11 white men, 3 negro men and 1 negro woman.

Then to John Martin's at the "Cordell Old Place" for the night. About dark a 

Mr. Singleton from East Baton Rouge called for the night.



25th August, 1901, Sunday

Mr. Singleton left early after breakfast towards Delhi. I remained there until 

4 1/2 P.M. getting home about dusk. Freddie had a fever today. Found messages at 

home that Mr. Johnson, father of Mrs. R.M. Steele, who is quite low at her house 

with rheumatism. Wanted me to go talk to him, pray and sing with him and preach a 

sermon, as he wanted to hear one more time before he died.



26th August, 1901, Monday

Frank Steele came to my house early this morning and said: it would suit the family 

better for me to go and see his grandpa at 8 1/2 A.M. than later. I went to the house, 

found the old gentleman lying on his back on the bed, not able to move and the pain 

too great for anyone to attempt to move him. There were only two or three present 

besides the family. After talking with him for a few minutes, he asked us to sing, 

"Jesus, lover of my soul". This done he asked us to sing, "A charge to keep I have".

He seemed to enjoy both songs, I then read a part of the 41st Psalm, a part of the 

11th chapter of Matthew and had prayers. This over, I and those present sang, 

"Children of the heavenly King". Then from the 28th verse of the chapter in Matthew 

I read. I preached a sermon of 30 or 40 minutes. I spoke freely and all seemed to 

appreciate it. After a closing prayer, had some further talk with Mr. Johnson in 

which he said he was not afraid to die. I bid them all farewell and left; feeling 

I had done my duty. About 3 o'clock P.M. clouded up, thunder in the north and rained 

a little.

This evening, Wesley Ensminger, a boy of 10 years, was walking on his stilts near my 

office and called to Harry Scott, a boy of 12 years, to know where Ransom Kenton, 

another boy, was; Harry replied he didn't know, but you come and let us go over to 

the barbecue pit. Wes replied, "Papa won't let me". Harry said, "go anyhow". Wes said, 

"he'll whip me". Harry said, "I wouldn't care for that".

These are the seeds that brings ruin and disgrace to the boy and trouble and sorrow to 

the parents hearts, often his gray hairs in shame to the grave.



27th August, 1901, Tuesday

Morning cloudy and rained a little, early. Wm. Newsome came in my office and paid me 

$5.00 Mr. Jesse Stout, Jr. also came in and consulted me about the authority of a 

Police Juror to order a new road opened in his Ward and assign him to work it, without 

complying with the formalities of the law, and independent of an ordinance of the 

Police Jury. I told him he had no such authority.

At the barbecue ground at 9 or 10 o'clock P.M. it is reported that Allen Buie treated 

his younger brother, Malcolm, unkindly by beating him till all others present interfered 

and made him quit. Drunkenness.



28th August, 1901, Wednesday

Barbecue day. By 9 A.M. people began coming in and continued to swell to 1400 or 

1500 people. An abundant supply of meats, light breads, cakes, pies, custards and 

such like viands for all. Also of fresh water with ice, but, to the disappointment of 

almost everyone, no lemonade, ice cream, milk shake or soda water, was to be had; neither 

were there any seats prepared, and the only resting place was either a buggy or on the 

ground. But for the occasion, a beautiful shady grove was selected, where all the company, 

table, pit and horses, were out of the hot sunshine. The writer hereof had been spoken to 

deliver an address on the occasion. But as there was no "rostrum" near prepared nor other 

arrangements made, he declined to do so.

The morning was occupied by the "tournament". The knights being, Allen Buie, Lucius Elam, 

A.F. Osborne, Claude Scott and Nate Washburn. They all did poor lancing, the highest number 

of rings taken by any, at three runs, was six.

The afternoon was occupied by a match game of "baseball" between the Winnsboro and Delhi 

teams, the latter won by 12 to 7.

All passed off quiet and peaceable. The night was spent by a "ball" at the Masonic Temple 

and the music was supplied by a string band from Natchez at the cost of $50.00.



29th August, 1901, Thursday

How quiet everything is about town today; there is always a calm after a storm, 

yesterday was the busy, bustling day. Rev. Mr. Newman and Miss Garrett of Meridian, 

Miss. and Mrs. Judith Sayers of Mangham, in town today holding religious services at 

the Methodist church and advocating the doctrine of entire sanctification. Having known 

Mrs. Sayers for a long number of years, and comparing her habits of life now with what 

it was some years back, I'm forced to conclude that the change with her is real and 

genuine and if I was an infidel or atheist, I would confess the power that wrought the 

change in her is divine.



30th August, 1901, Friday

Nothing out of the ordinary today. The religious meeting going on at the church; three 

times each day. Small attendance in the day, big turnout at night.



31st August, 1901, Saturday

A still, bright, warm day. Holiness meeting going on.



1st September, 1901, Sunday

Large turnout at the church, both morning and night.



2nd September, 1901, Monday

Jury term of the District court began today. The grand jury impaneled.

The church tonight, crowded, much manifestation of the Divine Spirit at the night service, 

some old time shouting.



3rd September, 1901, Tuesday

Holiness meeting closed with tonight's service. The meeting has done more good for this 

community than any religious meeting that's been here since 1893 and much have been 

accomplished had it been continued a few days longer. But the preacher's physical 

strength gave down. He had been engaged, almost constantly, for three months.

Mrs. Hickingbottam died this eve. So also did Sam Meredith.



4th September, 1901, Wednesday

I went to Magnolia church to attend the funeral of Mrs. Hickingbottam but was too late; 

as I got there the grave was just filled and the people were leaving. The stench was so great, 

she could not be kept longer out of the grave. Had no service.

On my way home, was hailed at Kenton chapel about 11 1/2 o'clock and asked to wait and attend 

the funeral services of Sam Meredith.

About 3 P.M., the corpse was carried in the church, I preached the funeral sermon and about 4 

the body was laid away to rest.

Came on home and conducted a prayer meeting at the church at 8 P.M. Had good attendance, 

good attention, good meeting.



5th September, 1901, Thursday

Grand jury made final report and were discharged. Court through and the judge went to Natchez.

Mrs. Lucy Wiggers gave birth to a daughter about 11 P.M.-all right. Lucy stayed with her all 

night.



6th September, 1901, Friday

Everything very quiet about town. All the jurors gone, no court. Steele and Johnson 

started their gin today and ginned a few bales cotton.

Mr. S.M. Lowery quite low of Bright's disease and is not expected to recover. His 

death is looked for at any time.

Leon Czolgisz, an Italian, at an entertainment for President McKinley, at Buffalo, 

N.Y., shot the President twice, once in the abdomen and once in  the breast, with 

intent to kill him. Would have shot again but was knocked down by a by-stander and 

dragged off to prison. Czolgisz said he was an "anarchist" and intended to kill 

the president and thought he was doing his duty in doing so. That he recently heard a 

lecture by Miss Emma Goldman which fired his soul and delivered his zeal to perpetuate 

the act he intended to accomplish in the President.



7th September, 1901, Saturday

A good many people in town today. Mr.S.M. Lowery is reported to be resting pretty well.

Got one cord of wood from Adam Brown's boy. The day is hot and everything very dry. 

Have had no rain in 4 weeks. The physicians in attendance on McKinley, cut into and 

examined his intestines to ascertain if they were punctured by the bullet, finding they 

were not, their fears of blood poison, in part, vanished. It is also ascertained that the 

bullet in the breast did not enter the interior of the body, but hit a bone and glanced 

around under the cuticle and McKinley, himself, removed it from the skin with his own fingers. 

It seems that the bullet broke the skin at its exit, but did not have force to go through. 

The bullet that entered the abdomen is thought to be lodged in the muscles of the back. 

At the time of the shooting, and since, the President has been very composed and patient.



8th September, 1901, Sunday

A very quiet day about town. I don't think a gun was fired in hearing of town today. This is not a usual thing. 

The report of guns is often heard here on Sunday.



9th September, 1901, Monday

District court in session. H.H. Russell, Atty. of Monroe in attendance. Geo. King dined at my house. 

Amy. his sister, came in this eve from Oak Ridge where she had been visiting. It is reported that 

President McKinley is dead. The report needs confirmation.



10th September, 1901, Tuesday

Court adjourned. It is reported that McKinley is not dead but resting very well.

Mrs. Tempie McClendon and Mrs. Wilson, from Sicily Island, in town today shopping.

Mrs. Kate Ensminger took swamp fever, been having chills for two or three days. Weather warm 

and very dry.



11th September, 1901, Wednesday

Was not at my office today. Doing little jobs around home. John Duncan, who had been sick 

pretty much all of the year, died about 9 or 10 o'clock P.M. at J.P. Bratton's.



			12th September, 1901, Thursday

	Was peeling pears at home when Max Boyle came and told me John Duncan was to be buried 

at Oak Grove school house about 12 M. and the family wanted me to attend and preach his 

funeral. I got on my horse and rode down to the place getting there at 11:40 A.M. Found 

some men there and grave finished. I asked if the corpse would be carried in the house 

that I thought that the most appropriate places for the services. Some time after the 

corpse came and was taken directly to the grave. I made a short talk, read the burial 

services and the grave was filled. I thought that those present manifested a very great 

indifference regarding the occasion which ought to be one of solemnity and seriousness.



13th September, 1901, Friday

I was sitting in my office alone and about 1 P.M. T.J. Howington, Jr. drove to the door 

and said that Mr. Summeral requested me to attend the burial of his daughter, 5 years old, 

at Coot church tomorrow at 9 o'clock. I am so often called upon to perform such service, 

I pray God for grace to keep me humble and help me to perform these services in a right and 

proper spirit. It's cloudy and raining a little today.



14th September, 1901, Saturday

Did not go to Coot to the burial of J.P. Summeral's child. Rained all day. Remained at home. 

About 3 o'clock P.M. John Minor came to my house in the rain and requested that I attend the 

funeral of Mrs. Mary Jane Russell, wife of James E. Russell, who died this A.M. at 4 o'clock.

It is also reported that President McKinley died this A.M. at 2:15 A.M. o'clock. Question-did 

the bullet of the anarchist or the knife of the surgeon kill the President?

Without the use of the knife he may have recovered without the bullet, the knife would not 

have been applied.

He received the wound on Friday eve, the 5th, and died Saturday morn, the 14th Inst., 8 days 

and a few hours.



15th September, 1901, Sunday

Cloudy and rain a little in the morning. Left home, horseback, about 10 o'clock to attend 

the funeral of Mrs. Mary Jane Russell, aged 74 years, consort of James E. Russell, 

aged 81 years. They have lived together nearly 57 years, a very unusual occurrence for a 

couple to live so long together. The burial was at the Ogden cemetery about 4 o'clock P.M. 

50 or 60 persons attended. On my way home, stopped at Doc Robinson's and took supper. 

His father B.F. Robinson, was there. I got home about 10 P.M. The night was dark and the 

road muddy.



16th September, 1901, Monday

J.H. Knight started two wagons loaded with his household plunder to Florence where he 

will make his home in the future. Heavy rain fell about 3 o'clock P.M. E.M. King and 

three of his children and two of Mr. Steele's children at my house during the rain. 

The high school opened this morning.

For a week or more, I've had an itching on both feet. They had turned very red, but 

were not sore. This eve, I consulted Dr. Guice about it, after he examined my foot, 

gave a prescription, which I had filled at the drugstore and applied as he directed. 

Mamie Brashear's youngest child is quite sick of fever. Dr. Guice's baby has the 

erysipelas on the left side of its face, covering the eye. 



17th September, 1901, Tuesday

Cloudy and rain in the morning and it turned considerably cooler. Fire and heavy 

clothing comfortable. Very dull day in business circles. A crowd from here gone to 

Big Lake in the swamp on a fishing expedition.



18th September, 1901, Wednesday

Cold, north wind all day. W.T. Ogden brought his daughter, Carrie Barneville, to my house to board 

there and attend the school here. Prayer meeting at the Methodist church at 8 P.M. There were only 7 in attendance. 

I made a little talk, made one prayer and went home. There was spirit of devotion in the little service.



19th September, 1901, Thursday

Almost frost this morning. Had two quilts on my bed last night. The sun rose clear and bright. 

Our school dismissed today for the respect to the burial of President Wm. McKinley, which 

is reported to take place in Canton, Ohio. Both my feet are inflamed, and considerably swollen, but not much painful.



20th September, 1901, Friday

Remained at home all day nursing my feet.



21ng September, 1901, Saturday

At home all day nursing my feet. Bro. Honeycutt called in to see me about assisting him with 

a meeting at Gilbert to begin Tuesday night the 24th Inst. In the eve, Mr. Loften, whom I had 

never met before called in to engage me to celebrate the marriage between himself and 

Mr. Ben Robinson's daughter tomorrow eve at 4 o'clock. Jas. A. Baker also called in to see 

me about a meeting at Gilbert.



22nd September, 1901, Sunday

My feet appear better this morn. Went to Gilbert to my appointment. The congregation did 

not gather at the Methodist church till 11 1/2 o'clock and then there were not many people 

in attendance. About as small a congregation as I ever met there. I preached the best 

I could, all things considered, the late assembling of the people, the small congregation 

and my sore foot. To Shad Lee's for dinner. After dinner, came by Ben Robinson's to 

celebrate the marriage above spoken of, but got there too late. J.M. King, J.P. had 

officiated and the attendants had gone.

As I got to the cemetery here, the casket and the remains of Mrs. Mattie Fitches, nee Ross, 

blind baby had just been lowered in the grave.



23rd September, 1901, Monday

My foot is not so well as it was yesterday morning. Suppose the travel yesterday irritated 

it. At home all day nursing it. Bro. Honeycutt called in to see me about attempting to 

carry on his meeting knowing that Bro. Guy was expected to begin his on the 26th Inst. 

The conclusion was to let his go by.



24th September, 1901, Tuesday

At my office today this first time since last Wednesday. We are now having bright, 

pleasant weather. Cotton picking is in full blush and has been for two weeks. 

Mrs. Hope Moore is reported to be quite sick.



25th September, 1901, Wednesday

Pleasant day. Steve Scott and Miss Ruth Cochran were married at the "Earle House" at 

5 o'clock P.M. The matter was hurried up a little, her brother opposed the marriage.



26th September, 1901, Thursday

My feet have not gotten well yet, tho a good deal better. They do not pain me but a 

constant itching. The swelling is nearly gone. Showed a little indication of rain this 

P.M. Roads are getting dusty, a little rain would be beneficial. Kate Ensminger has had 

symptoms of dropsy; but Lucy was (over) to see her this eve and reports her much better.



27th September, 1901, Friday

Cloudy this morning. Applied "acid iron mercurial" to my feet yesterday eve and likewise 

this morning. The lotion hurt considerably, and indication that the disease is checked.



28th September, 1901, Saturday

Was at home. In the eve, Bro. H.H. Slaughter was talking at my gate and arranging to go 

to Gilbert tomorrow. When Drew Sullivan came up and asked me to attend the funeral of 

Mrs. Josephine Mock at Oak Grove school house at 10 o'clock A.M. tomorrow. This disbanded 

all arrangements for the Gilbert trip.



29th September, 1901, Sunday

Attended the funeral of Mrs. Mock at the appointed place. Very good attendance of people 

on the occasion and much feeling of grief was manifested by the immediate family and 

others as well. After the burial, went over to Mr. J.A. Sullivan's for dinner, 

Mr. Drew Sullivan, his wife and two children, Misses Anna and Mary Neilson, took dinner 

there. All remained there, pleasantly, until late in the eve, when we all went to our 

respective homes.



30th September, 1901, Monday

Mr. J.M. Dillard's child, 3 or 4 years old, was buried at the cemetery here. 

This ends the month of September.



1st October, 1901, Tuesday

Went to Gilbert to attend the meeting under the Revs. R.M. Guy, a Baptist holiness 

preacher, Newman, a Methodist holiness preacher, and Waltman,Methodist Protestant 

holiness preacher. Put up at Dr. J.A. McNair's. Guy preached at night and used some 

very plain and strong language. A crowded house.



2nd October, 1901, Wednesday

Rev. Waltman preached this morning, a good sermon. I dined at Rev. Honeycutt's. 

Lewis Slaughter and his wife also dined there. In the evening, Guy preached and also 

at night, big crowds of people in the night services.

To S.L. Richardson's after service for the rest of the night.

I notice Gilbert is improving steadily on. New houses are being built.	



3rd October, 1901, Thursday	

Came home. From the effects of the medicine prescribed by Dr. McNair for my feet, 

they are burning and rendering me uncomfortable.

After supper, Mrs. Deland and Alonzo called in to see me and chatted an hour or more.



4th October, 1901, Friday

It is very remarkable how dull all branches of business is; usually at this season, 

business begins to revive from its summer slumber. Very few people come to town. 

My feet are better in the morning, about 12 M., they begin to swell, by night were 

considerably swollen.



5th October, 1901, Saturday

Same routine of dull business. John Carraway, assisting another man whose name I 

have not learned, came to town with a drove of 25 or 30 horses of Texas stock.



6th October, 1901, Sunday

Preaching today by Rev. A.S.J. Neill, Methodist preacher, on this circuit. This is 

3rd year. I don't think he is very spiritual in his preaching. Hence, the church is 

not nourished and groweth up to -------.

John M. King and his wife called in this eve and sat an hour or two. Was glad to have 

them call in.

The Episcopal minister held service at the Baptist church at 4:30 P.M. He is not an 

enthusiastic nor entertaining preacher. Speaks in a low tone of voice and so very 

rapid it's hard to distinguish his words.



7th October, 1901, Monday

Police Jury in session, but adjourned at 3 o'clock, to meet at 12 M. the 1st Monday 

in January, 1902.

They made a donation of $125.00 to the charity hospital at Natchez, Miss.

Jesse S. Gilbert and Zeb York in town with a drove of new, gentle horses but made no 

sale today.



8th October, 1901, Tuesday

Nothing out of the ordinary transpired today. J.S. Gilbert and Zeb York left 

with their horses, going south.

A blind man came in this evening, asking alms. Had a certificate fully 

explaining cause of blindness, but some of our citizens refused to contribute, 

tho, having the ability to do so. Much appearance of rain. A little fell, enough 

to lay the dust.



9th October, 1901, Wednesday

Went to Mac King's this morning to assist in getting up some beef cattle. Mr. Kennedy 

from Monroe is buying and wants all he can get. I went out there in my buggy. He was 

hauling in hay. I rode out in the field till he loaded his wagon. Came back to the 

house and took a light chill. Had the fever all night. Laura Robinson is quite sick 

of pneumonia.

It is reported that a Mr. Moore, in the prairie, got one of his legs cut off below 

the knee at the gin.



10th October, 1901, Thursday

Feeling badly this morning; not able to assist in pinning cattle. Came home.

Louis Mayer overtook me on the road and told me a good deal about his sickness. Was 

in bed four months, but is now up but not able to do much; had to hire his crop made 

and gathered.



11th October, 1901, Friday

Weather not so cool as it was a day or two ago. Rev. D.A. Davis of Waterproof came in 

this morning to assist Rev. Neill in a protracted meeting at Magnolia to begin tomorrow. 



12th October, 1901, Saturday

Mr. Moore, who got his foot caught in the gin saw at Ft. Necessity last Wednesday, had 

Drs. Berry and Ramage cut it off above the knee, died Thursday. I understand he leaves 

a widow and three children.

About 3 o'clock A.M., Mr. Johnson, the father of Mrs. R.M. Steele, dies at her house. 

He had been confined to his bed there two months or more with rheumatism. During that time, 

he neither walked nor sat up nor changed his position in bed. What frail creatures we mortals 

are!

The weather is not raining this morning, but alternate sunshine and cloudy.

Guice Tarver came to my house about dark and wanted me to go to his father's, C.A. Tarver, 

to bury his sister. It's too late, can't go.



13th October, 1901, Sunday

Went to C.A. Tarver's, held a short funeral service at his house. Went to Chris Newton's for 

dinner and at "Lone Cedar" school house held funeral services in the church in the presence of, 

I suppose, 150 persons and buried his daughter, Fanny Reagan, at 4 o'clock P.M. Had quite an 

impressive service. The day is rather cool, N.W. wind all day.

	

14th October, 1901, Monday

About 11 o'clock, buried Mr. and Mrs. Tarver's infant daughter, about 15 or 18 months old. 

Services were held in the parlor at the Earle hotel. Remained at home the rest of the day, 

nursing my feet, which had swollen considerably.





The diary is discontinuous for about seven years. The notebooks in which A.W. Moore's thoughts 

and observations were recorded may have been lost .