Diary of H H Walters - 1891 Donated by and transcibed by Lori Craynor ************************************************************************ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ************************************************************************ Transcribers Note: For those of you who were wondering why George C. Walters' grave cannot be found in the Maysville cemetery, here is your answer. Some of you may find this entry disturbing. ****** Friday Jan 16, 1891 Dismissed my school the previous evening and spent the night with one of my directors, Mr. Howry. Early in the morning, I walked to Berlin and took the hack for Maysville where I was fortunate enough to catch a freight for Amity. Arrived in time for dinner. Spent the night with mother. Saturday Jan 17, 1891 Took the morning train for Maysville and went to the cemetery where arrangements had been made for removing the remains of my brother George to the cemetery at Amity. I found a number of old acquaintances at the grave waiting for my arrival. The earth had been removed from the rough box and the coffin was soon taken out and the remains inspected. The rough box and coffin were in a good state of preservation. The boards placed over the rough box were as sound as when placed there. On removing the lid of the rough box, the coffin was found intact. The wreath on the lid was there, but fell to pieces at the first jar. The lid of the coffin was removed and the coffin taken up by straps running through hooks screwed into the top edges of the coffin. The remains looked like a clothed skeleton. The clothes were well preserved. I noticed that the seams were very distinct and found the cloth firm and strong. and the inside pocket of his coat looked quite new. Not a trace of flesh remained, but all the bones were in place. There was nothing offensive about the remains. I examined the skull and to my surprise found that the ball that had caused death had passed diagonally through it. The remains were placed in a rough box prepared for them, and every piece of board taken up was removed to Amity and buried with the remains. When empty the grave had the appearance of being freshly dug. I noticed that the ________ ________ around the rough box still retained their sharp edges. Before reinterring at Amity, I again examined the remains with Edward. and found a piece of the ball that had lodged against the upper jaw bone. The object of my trip to Amity was to take charge of the removal of the remains as Edward could not leave his store. Monday Jan 19, 1891 Left Amity on the morning train going to Maysville where I found Mr. Pearson in a conveyance from Fairport. Rode up with him and walked from Fairport to my boarding place. The day was clear and the snow melted making the roads slushy. Commenced school again on the following morning. ++++++++++ Transcbibers Note: I believe this removal must have been at the request of their mother, Anna K. Ballou. Likely she wanted to be near the grave and later be buried beside her son. Not only were the two graves side by side, but they were very close together. After seeing this, I believe it was the reason and the plan for the removal. ++++++++++ Friday Feb. 13, 1891 After dismissing school, I walked down to the boarding place of Mr. E. P. Greenawalt, who ws teaching in the district adjoining mine on the south. I had been to see him the Saturday previous spending the night with him. My object was to collect money due Edward and I succeeded in getting twenty-five dollars. I spent the night with one of his directors and concluded to go down to Amity and give Edward his money. I was lucky enough to find chances to ride to Maysville where I took the train for Amity arriving in time for dinner. Edward took me to Berlin the next day in his buggy. We stopped at Fairport and took dinner with Mr. Joe Pierce, hotel keeper and an old friend. Paid our way as transients. Tuesday Feb. 24 1891 Closed my twenty-first term of school. Had several visitors, but nothing in the way of exercises outside of the usual recitations. Spent the night with Mr. Howry. Wednesday Feb. 25, 1891 Left Mr. Howry's early and walked to Berlin where I took the hack for Maysville. Was not so fortunate in catching a train and so walked to Amity on the track. Remained at Amity until the next week when I went to Stanberry by way of Gallatin. Took my trunk at McFall where it was in waiting for me. The roads had been in a bad condition and I waited at Amity until my trunk could be taken to McFall. Thursday April 16, 1891 Took the train for Gallatin on my way to Amity where I spent four weeks assisting Edward. Arrived at Amity on the evening passenger. Saturday May 16, 1891 Left Amity for Stanberry, going over land in Edward's buggy. Made the trip safely and found all well at home. Monday May 18, 1891 Took the morning train for Burlington Junction, where I consulted the school board concerning their school for the coming year. Went to Skidmore on the 10 A.M. freight and took dinner with my friend John W. Ware, an old school mate. Found him engaged in the hardware business, married, and settled down. Had a very pleasant time at his home. Also called on the school board. Returned to Burlington Junction on the evening passenger and had another consultation with members of the school board. Returned to Stanberry on the evening passenger. Saturday May 23, 1891 Returned to Amity as I had left with Edward's horse and buggy. On the day before, I had a disagreeable ride in search of the nag that was missing. Thursday May 28, 1891 Left Amity for Stanberry, coming home in a wagon. Albert came with me and returned the next day with the team. I commenced work in the post office on the next day. Saturday July 4, 1891 The office was closed from 10 A.M. until 4 P.M.. Went out to the grounds and read the Declaration of Independence. This was the first time I had been outside of the corporation since I had commenced work in the post-office. Monday Oct. 19, 1891 Laid off for four days having employed S. M. Jordan to take my place in the office for that length of time. My object was to prepare for the Civil Service Examination to be held at Kansas City, MO on the 22 following. Tuesday Oct. 20, 1891 Left for Kansas City on the evening passenger arriving at Brunswick shortly after midnight. Waited here three hours for the morning train for Kansas City where we arrived about 7 o'clock. Spent the day trying to rest but found it no easy matter to do so. Visited several places of interest. Thursday Oct. 22 1891 Was on hand promptly at 9 A.M. at the K.C. P.O. building to take my examination. Found about one hundred others there also for examination. Finished my work by noon. Elmer E. Starrett of Stanberry was with me to take the examination. We spent the afternoon riding on the street cars. Left Kansas City on the Rock Island passenger at 6 P.M. going as far as Wabash Crossing where we spent the night. Put up with Mr. Sutton. Took the train on the following morning for Stanberry. While in Kansas City, we put up at the St. James House. 1891 Another very mild winter; during the year the thermometer not having reached zero in the Western Missouri nor in Eastern Kansas. The four winters the dealers in ice found great difficulty in laying in a supply. The crops were the best ever known, as the supply of grain surpassed any previous record. After closing my school, I came home and kept a close look out for a steady job. About the first of April, I was again attacked by the "grippe" and for nearly a month was not fit for work. Thinking a change of scene would benefit me, I went to Amity and spent four weeks with Edward in the store. My intention had been to take charge of the school at Burlington Junction, MO, but having an offer of a situation in the post office, I accepted it. During the month of June, I worked free in order to learn something of my duties. On July 1st I assumed the duties of Asst. P.M. and expect to hold that position for one year at least. I have found the work very confining. For nearly four months, I was not outside of the corporation. My work keeps me employed about twelve hours a day and about six hours on Sunday. About Dec 20 I had another attack of the "grippe" and was confined to my room for nearly a week. This time the trouble was in my throat which suffocated(?) Although it is confining, I prefer my present situation to work in the school-room, and it is not at all likely that I shall ever teach again. end of file.