Journal (Part 2) of Eunice Mariah (May) Walker Pasco Edminston; Muscogee, Indian Territory (OK) 
Other Places Mentioned: Sherman, Grayson, TX; Denison, Grayson, TX; Strong, Gage, NE; Washington Co., KS; Bridgeport, Fairfield, CT; St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Vinita, Craig, OK.

Submitter: B. Jo Branch
Owner: Mariah Pasco Burton
Date: July 2001

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NOTE FROM SUBMITTER: Eunice Walker Pasco was the wife of Judge Gilbert W. Pasco. After the Judge's death, Eunice married Mr. Edminston. The Ben referred to in the letter is Benjamin G. Pasco, the son of Judge and Mrs. G. W. Pasco. Grandmother is Judge Pasco's mother, Marilla Pasco
The PASCO and WALKER families have been traced to Washington Co., KS and WI. There are also connections in New York, Pennsylvania and Conneticut.

Muskogee, Ind. Ter. July 21 - 1890
My Dear little boy -- We have been living here two months and were very glad to get up here with Papa. When you marry my little boy, take your wife with you -- life is too short to be separated, if you have each other as a man & wife should. You brought your little Jerry with you & you & your cat are great friends. 
We like to live here very well & we see lots of Indians "dune(?) enough" Indians as you call them, [wish ??ostens in their hats  -- Hard to read] Since coming up here you have caught your first fish. We went up town and got a nice little pole & the next day started for the pond to fish. Pop caught three & you caught one & I caught a head-ache! Every day - "Uncle Sam" has been up twice to see us & his brother Will once. While Mr. Will was here, he got a carriage and we all took a ride out to the Arkansas river -- we had a fine ride, and you got into a little boat that was there. The first time you were ever in a boat. You are getting to be such a big boy, & I am reading a story "The Flaming Feathers" & some little books - you call them "__??__ books" as they each __??__ about your __??__ etc & how to take care of your health & I hope you will always remember what I read you especially about the effects of alcohol & tobacco on the body & mind & never, never use them. God wants you to keep your body pure, as a temple for this Holy Spirit and you must never do any thing to injure it. Keep yourself as pure as you are now my child, & God will be near you. Stick His word & believe the He will help you. Keep your mind above all things low or vulgar.
When I am gone from you, never forget how much I love you, & that my greatest desire is for you to be a good & noble man!
Your Mother -- Sis.
Muskogee, Ind. Ter -- Sept - 20 - 1890.
It is nearly two months my dear Ben, since I have written a word for you. but you have been having such a nice time playing, & running around with Venna & Guilford that there has not been very much to write. You have been growing while you were playing & now you are quite a large boy & weigh 44 1/2 lobs. You have been so well since we came up here, think this climate is good for you. I want you to grow up to be a strong, well & good man, have no bad habits. Remember the little verse I taught you "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God -- "Keep your self pure in mind and body -- do nothing that you would be ashamed to tell your mother -- remember the more like God you are then, the happier you will be  on this earth, and in the life to come. Try to improve always, never go backwards & always be gentle & kind to girls & women. A child can never repay all the suffering & anxiety a mother has bourn, & they should always have a tender regard for all women. Ben, my darling son, I want to teach you to be a good & noble man & always be firm for the right where ever you are. Do not be led away by evil companions, nor "talked" into doing wrong. Say NO & stick gravely to it. Ask God to help you and he will do it. Trust in Him, put your whole trust in Him He is good, & you should be like Him.xx You have been going to Kindergarten for three weeks, & you like it very much. Mrs. Rudel is the teacher. You do not have far to go- just around the corner of the block. You are saving up your money to pay for it, & I give you ten cents a week to pay you for bring in the wood. Today you took fifteen cents and bought a little slate - folding slate - with red cloth around the edges & you are quite proud of it. You wanted one just like Leynn's, one of your little school mates, & a very portly little girl. I am reading you a book entitled "The World's wonders" - have to have a chapter every day. You are very much interested in the explorations of Baker & Livingston in Africa, amongst the "savergens" as you call them. We had quite a little excitement this morning with some mice & Jerry - I was looking in a barrel of things out in the little house & there were four mice, but Jerry caught them all & you helped him watch them -- but one under the tin wash-basin while he devoured the other, it really seemed cruel for Jerry to play with them as he did - but it seems to be cat-nature. You must never be cruel to any helpless thing. Your Father has been down to McAlister for nearly three weeks attending court= but I hope he will come home next week. You are in bed & asleep, & I must soon follow. May God Keep you my darling --

Muskogee Ind. Ter. Oct. 8- 1890
Dear little Ben: Today you have experienced your first sorry - "Jerry" your nice yellow cat, Jerry died! We found him sick yesterday morning & I guess he got some poison somewhere. I could do nothing to help him, & this morning he died. Poor old Jerry! He had always been so kind to you, & you thought so much of him, & am glad to say you never illtreated him -- and that is right my son, never be cruel to anything -- cat, dog, horse, or anything -- always be kind & gentle. We buried Jerry by the corner of the house & you wrote "Jerry Pasco" on a nice little board for the head of his grave. You felt badly so did I, for he was a nice cat-- & had helped you play many times-- but, who knows, he may come forth some thing brighter & better than a cat. He certainly lived a good "cat-life". You are now asleep in bed, so is "Muller" & your Father I suppose is in Texas. He started for Jefferson last week -- look for him home every day. To day we took a long ramble down by the creek, & pastured wild flowers, * you sailed your boat a little.  Always do right. Good night, my darling--

Ind. Ter. Dec. 16. 1890.
My dear little boy Ben - Several years ago today you came to Texas! We were all so glad to see you. It was one Sunday Morning about fifteen minutes past seven that you arrived. Real cold weather -- regular old Texas northern. I was so glad to feel your soft little face, and it almost seemed as though your little brother had come back to me -- dear little one -- he has escaped many sorrows; but I hope you will grow to be a brave good man, and not bring upon yourself any needless troubles and sorrows. Always do right, and trust in God. Without God we are nothing. You have been a great comfort to me these seven years, and I hope to be able to keep you as long as I live, and that we may meet after death. You have been quite sick, and I was obliged to take you from the Kindergarten. I hope you will soon __??__ that trouble brought on by that old whooping cough you had last winter. We went up town today and had your picture taken, and as you are standing with your hands holding an open book, it will look natural I know. Am glad you are fond of books, and hope you will always choose good ones. Grandmommie gave you a nice plate, cup and saucer for a birthday present, and as I had gotten you a little lantern a day or two ago, you said you would take that as a present from me.
I am very glad to say you are a good little boy, will wipe the dishes for me, or bring in wood, and help me other ways; and then you love your mother, you say more than she does you but that cannot be! I love you very much and pray to God you may love Him and be a good man -- Always do right, and have the courage to say NO. if any one ask's you to do wrong -- May you have many happy birthdays-- Good night my darling one -- May God be with you.

Xmas -- 1890.
You have been waiting so anxiously, my dear son for Christmas, and such a time as you have had selecting the presents - one for "Muller" one for Pop, one for me, one for Dankla Scott, and you had me get one for Jenny Thomas. We went to a Christmas tree at the Pres. church last night, and came home in a big rain. I had to carry the umbrella, lantern, & you part of the time, but we finally got home, and you had such a nice han'k to show "Muller" some one had put on the tree & a little box of candy & nuts. Then you filled our stockings and this morning we found what you had so carefully selected. You gave your Father such a pretty new bird that had squeaker in him, Muller a handkerchief, and your Mother a nice bottle of perfummy.
And I must tell you what you got. Uncle Sam gave you such a pretty napkin ring, I got you a little horn & some candy, and then Mr. Edminston brought you a little rooster with a "quacker" in him as you say. Pop had gotten you so many presents while you were sick, that you hardly know what to do with them all. Next Friday night the Kindergarten have a tree. You have had a much pleasanter day than many poor children, and remember by darling, that all good gifts come from God -- and always do what he wants you to. Keep yourself pure in every way -- Good night my little one. Your Mother.

Muskogee, Ind. Terr. July 23 - 1891.
My Dear little Ben: Is it possible it has been so long since I wrote in here? Well let me see, will have to think back a little. I well remember New Years day, you had not been well for a few days, and on New Years you were broken out with the measles -- and such a red, swollen little face you had. You were real sick some time, but finally came out all right, and in a little while after that, what should get hold of you but the chickenpox. How the chickies did bite you! Guess you wont have anything next winter. Of course you could not go to school for some time, but Mrs. Riddell came down to see you, and brought you an orange, some lemons & some candy. Before you got well your Father came up from McAlister where he had been attending court with the inflammatory rheumatism, & he was very sick all winter. It was very hard work to take care of him, and I was nearly worn out but like a great many other things it came to an end. at least the lifting etc., for he is not entirely well yet. We thought for a while he was going to leave us, but for some reason God did not take him, I guess He wants him to take care of his little boy. Well, your school is out & you spend most of the time in play, although I try and have you read a little every day. It is very hot and dry right now, and all, a great many of our pretty flowers are drying up and water is getting very scarce too. You seem to enjoy the Territory very much, but sometimes I wish I could live some where else.
Remember my dear boy to love God and obey him. Keep your heart, mind and body pure like God. Always be careful and gentle with women and girls, and whatever happens, don't forget your 
Mother
who loves you so much.   [NOTE: typed as written]

Muskogee. Ind. Ter. Dec. 25. 1891.
Dear Ben-- The day came cold & bleak, but Santa did not forget to come, brought you some books, handkerchiefs & Venna gave you some candy, nuts etc. We had a fine tender turkey, and as I went to Mr. Bolanden's funeral, Grandmama got dinner & made some nice chocolate, which I very much appreciated as I was so cold. You gave me a nice little toy castor[?] -- O! I forgot to say we went to "The Mission" to see the Xmas tree, and you received a little toy watch. I have not written any thing in here about the little birthday party you and Venna celebrated together. Your birthday  the 16, Dec -- hers the 17 -- so we had a little party at Mrs. Edminston's, with about 30 little girls & boys -- who brought presents in the shape of cards, little books, handkerchiefs, neckties etc-- You had a fine time playing and then we served a fine supper -- turkey - bread, pickles, lents[?], cake, candy, oranges, __??__ etc --

Feb. 14, 1892.
My dear little boy, I have had so much trouble and sorrow, I have not felt like writing. Venna gave you a little valentine, & you gave her one, as well as your Father, "Muller" & my self. Be a good boy, and always love your Mother.

Muskogee. Ind. Ter. May 7- 1893.
My darling boy - You see I have not written to you in a long time; but you are old enough now to understand why I have not felt much like writing. You passed all last summer in play, and having a pleasant time. 'its true we had some trouble and sorrow, but a child can soon dry his tears, and be ready for sport. Of course you read and I read a great deal to you -- Some of Dicken's stories, of which you are very fond. Now I am reading you Little Dorrit, and we are quite interested. A few days before last Christmas I went up to Strong, Neb-- to visit Uncle Charlie Frank & Aunt Hortie. Staid until about the first of March. At first you wrote me such nice little letters, and I was so glad to get them. Then you got tired of it, and wrote me that you loved me and would not forget me, and for me not to feel bad, but you were tired of writing. You were glad to see me when I came home, as I was glad to see you. My darling boy, always be a good true man. Ask God to help you to do right. Be temperate in all things. Never drink whiskey, nor use tobacco. My greatest desire is that you may be a good man, and follow the teachings of the great Master Jesus. That you may be like him. Do not forget your Mother, darling.

Bridgeport, Conn. Nov 29, 1896.  570 State St.
My dear Ben, no longer a little boy, but now taller than his Mother. I have not written in this little book for a long time. The years have passed, and they have been far from happy. So I have not felt like recording the passing events. Last September we came up here -- broke up house-keeping in Muskogee Ind. Terr. Grandmama went up to Aunt Hortie's at Washington, Kansas. Pop staid at Muskogee, where he still is. I did not want to come, but everybody seemed to think it best we should, so finally consented. You are going to school, and taking lessons in mechanical drafting. Uncle Charlie is very kind to pay all your expenses, and I hope you will make much progress. We have taken one trip to N. Y. [New York] which you enjoyed very much, as it was your first trip on a steamer. Then you have taken some nice trolley rides, and have been around & over the city considerably. You have joined the YMCA gymnasium, and you say you are learning to swim, and you seem to enjoy it very much. Uncle Fuller was here when we first came, and I was so glad to see him; it had been so many long years since we last met. He is now at Washington [D.C.], studying law. I do not know how long we will stay here, but hope by spring we will have a home of our own. Thanksgiving day Mr. Hellinger, cousin Teilliars/Leillian??? and her children were here to dinner, and we enjoyed quite a lively afternoon--- Always be a good boy, and do no wrong.

St. Louis, Mo. 1903--
January 1st Thursday:
My dear, dear son Ben:
You can see by the date your Mother has not written in this journal for a long, long time. Today, the first day of 1903, will make another entry. You know we have been living in St. Louis for five years and I have been at work in the office of the Womack Lbr. Co. and Mr. & Mrs. Neimeyer have been our good, kind friends, and you must always be very grateful. You are now nineteen years old, and can understand some of the sorrow I have passed through. The death of your dear father, whom I have always and do love, at Wagoner, Ind. Terr. March 25= 1898 -- nearly four years ago. He lies in the National Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Ind. Terr. We did not know he was sick until we received word he was dying. O! my dear son I cannot tell you how my heart ached, and what a terrible sorrow it was. Only God knows. You are fatherlee and almost motherlee, as I have to be away from you all day. May God in his mercy and love keep you. Keep you from harm and help you to always do right. Trust in him always and know he will always help you. I cannot record many events since my last writing, for have had so much of sorrow, and comparatively so few pleasures do not care to write them. I am truly thankful to God that I have been able to get along with the work, and keep ourselves comfortably and wish all in this great city were as comfortable as we are. You have been going to High School and this year you graduate-- and then you will have to step out into the arena, and the struggle for life. I pray God to help and keep you.-- Tonight you have gone to a ball, and have to go way down to the South side for the young lady you are going to take. Hope you will enjoy the evening and get home safe and sound. I haven't any "funny" little things to write about you, as I did in the first of this journal. Life has been rather a serious matter to both of us. I'm really glad I have you for my comfort, and hope I can keep you as long as I am on earth-- and after I've left you forgive any hasty words or actions -- for I have always loved you -- and always will -- May you have a Happy new year, and very many of them -- God bless you. Good night -- your Mother X

Friday, Vinita, I.T. Dec. 16, '04
My darling boy --
My baby is twentyone years old today, and I am away from him. He in St. Louis, and I here, in the Indian Territory. O! my son, if you only knew how my heart yearns for you -- and how I wish I could be with you -- my darlingX. How many times my heart has been so sad and hurt and how I have longed to press you to my heart, and know that you loved me. Ben, my son, it is almost impossible to make any record of events, and I can only ask you and God to forgive me for leaving you -- but I thought we would all be happier and Mr. E. would be kind and loving. I love you, my darling, and hope time will deal gently with you -- and that you may be happy and prosperous --- My darling boy X

Monday -- Vinita, I.T. Jan 2nd - '05
You and Brownlee Fisher have been with me a day or two - but tonight you go back to St. Lo. It seems to me my life is going with you - my darling - and I can hardly let you go. I have enjoyed your visit so much and am so thankful for it. I cannot write now -- Good bye, my darling -- Mother