January 1867

1. New Years Day. The ground covered with snow. Dick came in early and shocked us much with the news of the death of H. H. Rudd, our neighbors oldest son. Soon Mr. Wise came and confirmed the account. It seems that in getting out of bed this morning he fell in a spasm and died immediately. I went down and remained all day there. The family are greatly distressed. He has had a heart-disease for some years but has been for some time looking well. Dick left today for Tenn. He wished to try his fortune also there it seems. He may do better, but I doubt it. B. sat up tonight at Mr. Rudd’s.
2. Snow again last night; I went to Mr. R.'s again to assist in preparing the corpse for burial, Two o’clock is the hour, but the coffin was not brought in time and it is delayed till tomorrow. Very cold day.
3. Cloudy snowy day; B. and V. went to the burial; T. came by to dinner; snow falling fast, but does not lie long.
4. Still cloudy; I hardly ever knew such a long spell of bad weather; helping B. make a plaid dress.
5. Still cold but seems like clearing off; I went to Yellow Creek; few there; they took up Mrs. Richardson's and several other cases but continued them to the next conference.
6. 1st sabbath. Clear cold day; B. went to church; John and family came up. Mr. Wilder came to dinner; I went with John and Sis as far as Mr. Rudd's'; they are still in very deep grief.
7. Still cold; warped and drew in a web of flannel for Virginia.
8. Cold; very busy for I have a great deal to accomplish in a short time.
9. Still cold; a letter from M.; he is well and has spent the Christmas at his Aunt's; he has finished shelling the corn to fetch home. I went to Hale's this evening and purchased a one-horse turning-plow at $7.
10. Cold; finished and mailed a letter to Marcellus; called at Mr. Patterson’s.
11. Very busy weaving; T. and family dined here.
12. Rainy; finished the flannel.
13. 2nd. Sabbath. Cold and cloudy; B. and J. went down to John's; all well there; we were in the night getting home and found the place deserted; Virgil thinking we were not coming had gone over to Thomas's.
14. Warm, and showery; T. got the wagon this morning and went to Cedar Bluff to move Kate Reeves down. I went over there this evening; got wet and staid all night. T. and Kate arrived at night- fall.
15. Clear and cold; preparing thread for the loom.
16. Very cold; Virginia came this morning for a few moments. Warped and drew in our thread. V. went down to John's who is to go with him among B.’s subscribers and collect payment in such things as they have to share. Turning warmer.
17. Turned cold again last night; V. brought thirteen bushels of fine potatoes. It is so cold I fear they will spoil. This climate is variable verily.
18. Extremely cold.
19. Still very cold; V. went to T.'s tonight; more moderate.
20. 3rd Sabbath. The deepest snow on the ground this morning I have ever seen in this country; it is about 4 inches deep in level places.
21. Still very cold; Dick returned from Tenn. today; does not like that country.
22. Very cold; a letter tonight to B. and myself from M. he writes he is well except a cold. He had not received the last letter I wrote.
23. Still cold; very busy weaving. Dick, I learned is hired to Mr. Jones.
24. Cold; this has been a cold month so far, but is moderating today.
25. Pleasant spring-like day.
26. Cold; I finished the cloth today by close work.
27. 4th Sabbath. Very cold; Lizzie and Kate spent the day here; V. went home with them. Mr. Bankson spent the night here.
28. Still very cold; commenced wool-spinning; L. called today.
29. Cold; wrote to Marcellus. B. is preparing for her marriage on Thursday.
30. Fine warm day; I went over to T.'s this evening; Mrs. Hays there.
31. Clear fine day; there is a spring-like feeling in the air; John and V. came this morning; Lizzie also, and tonight Mr. F. Bankson and Berenice were married by Thos. He brought with him Mrsses. Pickens, Blackwell and his brother. Vivia cried like her heart would break when told that B. was going away.

February 1867

1. Showery morning; the two last days were weather-breeder, certain. The marriage-party left this morning; John and family also; Lizzie and Kate remained till night; she left Lucinda to stay tonight with me. Virgil and I will be lonely indeed. Hard rain.
2. Sun shone awhile this morning; V. went to plowing, I went to church; Parson Hood there took up the case of Mrs. Richardson; she did not attend as requested, but sent a written communication in which she said that most of the church were her enemies and that she had no fellowship for it. They excluded her. I was sorry that it had to be so but I suppose as she gave the church no satisfaction it could not have done otherwise. Such was Parson Hood's opinion. Came home in the rain.
3. 1st. sabbath. Clearing off and getting cold; Virgil went to church; Lucinda called this evening. V. went over there this evening.
4. Cold day; resumed wool-spinning. By employing myself constantly I shall not be so lonely, but it seems strange only Virgil and I.
5. Moderate; Thos. came at night and finding me alone ad V. had gone to the post-office staid all night. A letter from M. in which he says he is well and expects to be at home at the time appointed, but gets no letters from me.
6. Pleasant day; this evening Misses Reeves and Robbins came and spent the night. Miss R. had her flutina along and made music for us. Colder.
7. A cold morning. Mrs. Cumby called. The girls left this morning.
8. Inclement morning. Reading the "Pine Farm,” by Dayton, I think.
9. Rainy, turned suddenly cold and commenced snowing; piercingly cold tonight. Our potatoes are rotting badly, I find.
10. 2nd Sabbath. Intensely cold; I injured my ankle this morning but not badly; V. went to T.'s this evening.
11. Still very cold; commenced shirt-making; had a woman to wash.
12. Pleasanter; V. went to a wood-chopping at Mrs. Hays's; Mrs. Hale brought a coat for me to make this evening. My ankle troubles me some.
13. Pleasant; V. plowed the garden, and helped me sow some seeds this evening; L. called awhile; worked a little on the coat.
14. Pretty weather now; sowed cabbage seeds.
15. Fine day; went to a quilting-party at Mr. Bearden's.
16. Rainy morning; Mr. M. Hale called; my ankle swollen much tonight. I bathed it in cold water at bedtime.
17. 3rd Sabbath. Fine morning; I went over to see L. but as she was not at home I went up to Mr. Hay's.
18. Fine warm weather; resumed wool-spinning.
19. Pretty day; received a note from B. as Thos. called there in his way from Mill Creek. She is to be here on Saturday.
20. Still fine weather; Mr. Ellis Hale called.
21. Warm and very windy; I went to Hale's this evening.
22. Still warm fine weather; I hear from O. this morning by Mr. Brewer and family; she was in tolerable health. Did up washing today; ironed this evening.
23. Warm; make pastry this morning, Mr. B. and B. came this evening ; Lizzie and Kate also. K. went to Mr. Rudd's. Berenice is much pleased with her new home and kinfolks.
24. 4th Sabbath. Fine day; B. left after dinner; she is coming to stay a week or two next month as she will commence teaching soon. I went with L. over home this evening to see if all was safe.
25. Cooler; L. and Kate left early; I started a letter to O. by Mrs. Brewer, I wish I could see her. It looks strange to me that I should be left so nearly alone at the age of 51, having raised a pretty large family too. But so it is. Dyed my thread over today. The 31st anniversary of my marriage. How changed is everything. I myself am changed, too, I believe.
26. Showery; I came to stay while V. waits for the Boat; letters from M. and Mrs. Finley. M. writes that he is in good health but thinks he will hardly get home at the time appointed. Mrs. F. says all are well with her. She seems more resigned to our reverses than heretofore.
27. Warm sunshiny day; I went to T.'s this evening as Kate leaves tomorrow; Mrs. Bearden visited them also.
28. Rainy day; V. went to Mr. Bearden's and got irish-potatoes; he then took Kate to Dublin, where she took the Boat for Cedar Bluff. I wished much to plant the potatoes, but the rain prevented.

March 1867

1. Cloudy and warm; March has come in "as a lamb and will go out as a lion" according to the old saying.
2. Pretty day; went to church; small congregation; Cousin Agnes came home with me.
3. 1st Sabbath. Showery; Virgil went to church, John, Virginia, and children came up. They left Vivia to stay awhile. I took her to Mrs. Campbell's this evening to divert her mind.
4. Still showery; we planted irish-potatoes this morning.
5. Great deal of rain falling today; preparing a web of cloth.
6. Still raining; tremendous rains this evening with thunder.
7. Cloudy and cool; the waters are high; our well is nearly full.
8. Still cloudy; L. came today and helped me draw in my jeans.
9. Rainy day; commenced weaving; it works very well. It is a kind of work I know but little about any way, and if it works badly I am in a quandary.
10. 2nd Sabbath. Still rainy; the river will certainly get to its top-most flood. The time has arrived for M. to come, but I am not looking much for him for I fear the freshet has torn up the railways so that he will be delayed by that means. Vivia seems to enjoy herself very well; she runs about after Virgil and helps me a good deal too.
11. Still rainy; I am getting on very well with the jeans; cold.
12. Hard ice; this is a very disagreeable spell of weather.
13. Still inclement and getting very cold.
14. Very cold; I think the fruit is all killed certainly.
15. Still cold and disagreeable; tonight Olivia, Marcellus and Joseph came; they are all in pretty good health but the boys were wet having to take the water at Yellow Creek to get their team out; it having got entangled, M. has been with them since the 2nd, the waters were so high. He is pleased with Tenn. O. is looking better.
16. Still disagreeable.
17. 3rd Sabbath. Clear and cold; the boys went to Concord; John and V. came and took Vivia home with them. T. and L. spent the night here.
18. Cold; helped L. cut a coat for T. Jane came this morning; she walked 28 miles yesterday and can hardly get about now.
19. Rainy; making pants for V. I feel a weakness of the spine. I went to Thos. this evening.
20. Still inclement; John called today; my back gets worse.
21. I never was so badly off before; I can hardly get up when down and the pain is incessant; Jane left yesterday; she wishes to get in at Hale's as cook; she can’t stay in Wills Valley any longer.
23. Clear, and pretty cold; my back no better; Berenice and Mr. B. came this evening. The waters still high. We hear bad accounts from Chattanooga; a great deal of corn destroyed by the high waters and many persons drowned. We fear our corn is lost also.
24. 4th Sabbath. Pretty day; L. came over; B., Mr. B. and the boys went to Cedar Hill; they left after dinner; O., L., and Marc. went to Mr. Rudd's, Jane called; she has got in at Hale’s as cook for $4.18 per month.
25. Pretty weather; L. helped O. fit a dress; she left after dinner; my back is getting better, I had to blister it however.
26. Cloudy; shirt-making for Marc. My back improving.
28. Clear day and windy; my back much better; I helped with the washing.
30. Fine day; had scalding and house-washing; L. sent Lucinda over to help us. M. staid with L. tonight. T. is gone to Gadsden.
31. 5th Sabbath. Inclement; Parson Russel preaches at Concord but it is too rainy for us to go.

April 1867

1. Cloudy; Virginia came up today bringing her web of Balmoral-skirts for me to weave; I resumed my jeans-weaving.
2. Still uncertain weather; commenced corn-planting; rec. letters from my sister-in-laws and her son but no corn, Sam writes that he has learnt that it did not get to Chattanooga; if so, it will be along some day; finished my jeans.
3. Clear morning; Lucinda dropping corn for the boys; we drew in the shirts today.
4. Sunshiny day; but a good deal of rain this evening; Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Hay's here this evening
5. Cool windy day; attended to washing and house-washing.
6. Fine cold day; O. and I went to Yellow Creek; few persons there; the boys finished planting their field.
7. 1st Sabbath. Fine day; O. and the boys went to church; Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Bearden, and cousin Agnes came to dinner. We all went back to hear young Mr. Kirby preach; a tolerable congregation: out.
8. Inclement; O. went to Thos. this evening.
9. Still inclement; O. came home; this is Boat day, but no corn.
10. Showery; O. went with V. to Mr. Hays's. Miss J. Patterson visited us this evening. Made Virginia's skirt; O. returned.
11. Cloudy and cool; went to see Mr. Hale who I learn, will start to market today; I thought I had sold him my cotton but he says not. This is a disappointment. M. started to see him but the Boat passed before he got there. O. unwell with a cold.
12. Clear fine day; T. dined here; it is now thought that the fruit is all killed, and potatoes are rotting in the bed. It seems that all manner of calamities befall us. The trees are now putting out for the second time. O. quite unwell with a cold.
13. Clear fine day; L. came after dinner and she and O. started to see Virginia, but soon returned, the mare O. rode having laid down in the creek for a roll and wetting her clothes. She changed and started again. The Misses Rudd spent the evening here. L. the night.
14. 2nd Sabbath. Fine day; no preaching today; O. returned this evening. Mattie sick with chills.
15. Rainy day; clearing off tonight.
16. Fine day; this evening to our joy M.’s corn arrived in good order except a waste of near 2 bushels. We are happy it is no worse. T. supped here. He is teaching on the mountain.
17. Fine spring like weather now; the boys got their corn here today. It is a lot of choice corn too. O. making willow baskets.
18. 19. Fine warm weather; it is one year since Susie died and yet, how short the time seems. Did up our washing and O. went to Mr. Patterson's this evening. James arrived with his little son Bartow. I was sorry to see him for he has come for Olivia.
20. Warm day; L. came this evening and spent the night .
21. 3rd Sabbath. Fine warm day; I went with James and Bartow down to John's. Found all well but Mattie who has had a little spell of chill. O. and V. went to Mr. Rudd’s this evening. Miss R. came home with them and spent the night.
22. Pretty morning. I wished to go home today, but will wait another day to see Tho. who went to Mill Creek. J. preparing to leave tomorrow. Hard rains this evening.
23. Cloudy but pleasant day; Jos. and Olivia left at daylight without seeing T.; the rain prevented him from coming. I feel badly, but shall be as busy as possible. Never the less I shall miss her much. She has been with me for some time, and seems natural to see her about.
24. 25. Fine warm weather. I visited Mrs. Hudgens, who is sick.
27. Still fine weather. Very busy with various things.
28. 4th Sabbath. Rainy and cool. I rode over to see L. this evening; met John on the way and he turned and went with me.
29. Hard rains last night; fine day; went with Miss J. P. to see Mrs. Battles who is again having chills. Set out cabbage plants.
30. Cool day; I fear frost tonight; a great deal of rain today.

May 1867

1. May-Day, but an inclement one; very cool; received, a letter from my sister-in-law. She is not well from the sting of a wasp. I would like to hear from her again soon.
2. Fine day; I went over to T.'s this evening awhile. The boys plowing their first corn.
3. Pretty weather; did up the washing and ironing and planted more beans.
4. Fine weather; M. went to church. T. had to attend today at Centre. The boys sheared the sheep this evening.
5. 1st Sabbath. Fine day; the boys went to church; M. dined at Mr. Patterson’s. I went to see Mrs. Battles this evening.
12. 2nd Sabbath. Pretty, warm day; the boys went to Sabbath school. Jane, whose time is out at Hale's came today.
13. Fine day; L. came this evening ; Jane also, and spent the night.
14. Still fine weather; I went with L. to Hale's this evening; bought a few things; he was not there and I wished to see him. Jane washed for me today.
15. Fine cool day; went back to Hale's but still did not get to see him. I wish to settle up with him.
16. Still cool; we are about to lose our corn crop by the bred-worm; it has been replanted twice and they are still at work on it.
17. Fine day; planted more bunch-beans. I am much depressed in mind for it seems we are to lose this crop also.
18. Somewhat cloudy. Jane and Aaron came by on their way home. I know not when I have felt worse. She was walking and is in no situation for such a jaunt. She was unwilling to go too.
19. 3rd Sabbath. Pleasant day. L. came to stay while I went to Concord to hear Parson Hood preach. A good congregation. The Sabbath school is now fairly underway. Showery.
20. Cloudy; I prepared more cabbage-ground this morning.
23. We have set out a good many slips this week also. Sowed late cabbage. The worm is still at work on our corn.
26. 4th Sabbath. Showery. The boys went to Sabbath-school and to preaching; Virginia and family there. L. came this evening and I went with her to visit Mrs. Campbell.
27. Fine day. This evening a swarm of bees came out and settled so high that we had bad work with them, but by building a scaffold to set a hive on M. at length succeeded in hiving them. They stung us all more or less. V.’s face is badly swollen.
28. Warm. V. unwell; our bees left the hive this morning and ran away to the mountain, hated this; it was a large swarm and had given us a deal of trouble. Rain this evening.
29 30 & 31. Very warm. Had Hannah (a paid woman) to do up the washing and also the scalding and house-washing. She is a very brisk girl and gave me satisfaction.

June 1867

1. Cloudy; went with M. to Yellow Creek; few there; Major M. Thornton was there and wishes the case of Mrs. Richardson to be reconsidered. He spoke at length on the subject, but the church will take no action on it unless the first overture is made by her. Thomas spent the evening here. I had not seen him for several weeks; he is so confined with his school.
2. 1st Sabbath. A great deal of rain this morning, but the boys went to Sabbath school and V. to church afterwards. But few persons out. V. went over to Thomas's this evening.
5. Warm; we think that we lost another swarm of bees today, and one passed over the field from this direction.
6. Fine day; Mr. Patterson, Mr. Battles helped the boys cut wheat. It is much better than we thought it was.
9. 2nd Sabbath. Fine day. The boys went to Sabbath school; this evening I went with M. to see Miss P., who has a bad hand.
10. Clear. I went to Hale's this morning; invited to a quilting party at Mr. Battles.
11. Warm day. Dry weather. Our boys cutting wheat; I went to the party, not many there, and did not finish the quilt. Several ladies called here on their return.
12. Fine time for harvesting. The boys finished today.
13. Very warm. I went to Mr. Rudd’s this evening to go huckleberrying with the girls, but they had given me out and left.
14. Very warm. Rain tonight.
15. A good deal of rain this morning; got cabbage-plants of Mrs. Hudgens and set out; also M. set out more slips.
16. 3rd Sabbath. Very warm. The boys went to Sabbath school. L. came and I went to Concord to hear Parson Hood. Miss Hay’s called.
17. Cloudy. Hannah washed for me today.
18. Warm and cloudy. L. came today and I helped on Thomas's coat. Judson not well. Teething, I think.
19. & 20. Still warm. L. sent for me, as Judson is right sick. I rode over there after dinner; he is better and I found him standing at the cradle rocking Mrs. Whitton' s baby, but the little fellow looks pale and thin.
21. Very warm. The longest day of the year, but the days do not seem long. I have so much occupation.
23. 4th Sabbath. Warm. The boys went to Sabbath school. This evening I went with M. to Cedar Hill to hear Mr. Brindly preach and witnessed their church-meeting or conference--a new thing with the Methodist’s. It was much like the Baptist monthly conference. Called at Mr. P’s. Miss P.’s hand is getting better, but it is still a bad hand.
24. Warm and dry; we need rain now very much. One day passes with me as another. I seldom work much before dinner, the vegetables of which we have plenty, are to gather, but after dinner the long afternoon is mine.
26. We had a fine season today for which we were glad.
27. Somewhat cloudy, but as I had rain water I did up our washing. The boys cutting oats. Received a letter from O. She was well. Their wheat she writes was good, oats also. She was going to come the next day trading. Mag. is going to Tenn. to spend the summer. The relations all well.
29. Warm with thunder-clouds passing; the boys finished hauling their wheat this evening.
30. 5th Sabbath. Warm. Clouds passing this afternoon , the boys went to Sabbath school and M. to Prayer-meeting this evening.

July 1867

1. & 2. Warm. We would like to have rain now.
3. Very warm. Wrote to O. V. came with Mattie. She and Marcellus also wrote to O. We rode over to see L. this evening.
4. Warm with a light shower this evening. Mrs. Milhollen visited us. V. went home this evening. She has her new teeth in and looks much better. Mattie also looks well.
5. Warm. I went to Church. Parson Hood preached. Mr. Thornton came with him and wished the church to reconsider Mrs. Richardson's case, but the church held out that the first overture must come from her. So, nothing was done. Mr. Wilder joined the Church. Pretty shower this afternoon.
7. 1st Sabbath. Very warm. The boys went to Sabbath school and to church. L. came to dinner. A good congregation today.
8., 9. & 10. Getting very dry. Mr. Hudgens here this evening. Laid by the corn crop.
11. Warm and dry. Mr. H. here working on the thresher. Cousin Agnes spent the day here.
12. Very warm. A good rain about 12:00. Heard that while V. was here they had the misfortune to get their kitchen burnt. I fear the loss was considerable for they keep a good deal in it. I am thankful it was not worse for their houses are close together.
13. A good deal of rain today. The crop is clean and can grow.
14. 2nd Sabbath. Still cloudy. The boys went to Sabbath, and singing society; quite unwell tonight.
15. Rainy morning; still unwell. I had intended going to John's, but cannot now.
16. 17. Still cloudy; showery weather.
18. Warm day. Had Hannah to wash. Heard of the murder of Dr. Witt, by Rice Puckett.
19. Still very warm; L. came over this morning to let us know that Judge Standifer has sued Thomas, as adm. of the estate for what it owes him. T. has no money to satisfy his demand, so Dublin or T.’s place must be sold.
20. Clear and dry.
21. 3rd Sabbath. Very warm. The boys and L. went to Concord. Mr. B.’s family there; Mattie had a chill, they said. Mr. B. and B.. went to Thomas tonight. Quite unwell tonight.
22. Warm and getting dry. Mr. B. went to Centre. B. returned here after dinner, they left. I am threatened with flux.
23. Warm, but taking an early start, I went to John’s. Found Mattie sick -- having had a chill this morning. Percy had one yesterday. Vivia looks thin, V. herself had them last week. They lost a good deal by the fire as the house was on fire all over when they waked and they kept a good deal in it.
24. Still clear and getting very dry; we would be so glad for some rain; I am still unwell, though better this evening.
25. Still warm. L. came today. The boys threshing wheat, they have four hands helping them; fine rains today.
26. Warm. Another good rain today; the boys finished the wheat; we have 48 and 1/2 bushels. Enough and some to spare.
27. Showery; I went to Hale’s this evening.
28. 4th Sabbath. Very warm. M. came and I went to Cedar Hill. No preacher, they had prayer meeting.
29. Warm and cloudy.
30. Fine day; had Caroline (Dick’s wife) to wash and scour.
31. Very warm and getting dry.

August 1867

1. One of the boys had intended going to the Galesville mill, but it looked too much like rain. Miss E. Patterson visited me.
2. Still very cloudy. Virgil started to mill this morning. Mr. P. sat awhile here this morning. This evening a light shower; my brother-in-law J. Espy and wife arrived. They left all well, and all the rest. It is 5 years since I saw Jane, but she looks quite natural.
3. Warm. M. went with his uncle!e and aunt to church. Cousin Agnes came home with them. A quiet meeting today.
4. 1st Sabbath. Very warm. L. came back with J. Espy and wife, who stayed with her last night. T. preaches at the Iron Works, and baptizes Mr. Wilder this morning and at Yellow Creek this evening. We all went except M. I went over to see a sick infant at Mr. Bemans. It is in a dying state.
5. Still very warm. I went to see Mrs. C. again. I think she is mending. John, V. and children came back with brother J. this morning. They, brother J. and wife, went to Thomas’s tonight. Helped make the coffin for Mr. Beman’s child. It died last evening.
6. Dry and warm. I went to see Mrs. C. again.
7. Still warm and getting so dry. O! for a welcome rain. L. spent the night here, as they are intending to go home tomorrow.
8. Cloudy. Brother Joe and wife left early. L. also. Mrs. Rudd came and I went with her to see Mrs. C. She is much better. Light shower this evening.
9. Still dry and hot. Clouds passing this evening and light rain.
10. Very warm. M. sowed turnip-seeds in the garden. T. came after his buggy this evening as L. goes to church with him tomorrow.
11. 2nd Sabbath. Still dry and hot. M. went to Sabbath school. J. went to Mr. Rudd’s this evening. We need rain badly.
12. Clear and hot. We put in soak for starch, also set up a dye pot; L. called this morning; had peach pie for dinner, which is a great rarity. Fruit of all kinds being rare.
15. Still dry and hot. Caroline washed for me today.
18. 3rd Sabbath. Dry and hot. L. came and I went to Concord. J. T. came home with us.
19. Still warm. Preaching at Concord. M. went too
20. Cloudy. M. went to John’s; L. came this evening and I went with her to Mr. Battle’s; rain this evening. V. unwell.
21. Light rain falling this morning; I think V. had a chill as he has quite a high fever now. I went to Mr. Battle’s and got a dose of calomel for him. I have had no sickness for many years and am out of medicine. M. returned this evening. V. has another boy.
22. Warm and the rain all gone. V.’s medicine did well, but he has high fever again this evening.
23. Still warm. V. has suffered a great deal today. Had a chill this morning; gave him another dose of calomel tonight. There is a good deal of this fever getting about now; more sickness in this vicinity now than has been known for 12 years.
24. Dry and hot. V. seems better, has no fever of consequence now.
25. 4th Sabbath. Still dry and hot. L. came over and went to Cedar Hill. Virgil doing very well. Sis. Rudd, who has been sick for some time, is getting worse, they say.
26. Warm. V. better. Has no fever at all. I went this evening and saw Sis. Rudd; she is very low, but has her mind perfectly and knows everyone that comes in. I came home, but was soon sent for to return. She died tonight about 10:00. Thus, has left us a fine girl, the pride of her family, who it seems are peculiarly unfortunate. Sat up all night.
27. Still dry. Warm. V. continues to improve. M. helping at the grave yard. He sat up tonight at Mr. Rudd’s.
28. A hard rain today. They buried Miss Rudd about 12:00.
30. V. still improving. M. worked on the road. Mr. Whitt dined here.
31. Pretty day; went to Yellow Creek; today Mrs. Richardson came forward and through her father made suitable acknowledgements to the church and was restored. This was very satisfactory to all, for had not her father interfered, it would in all probability have been a bad business to the Church. Thomas came to dinner.

September 1867

1. 1st Sabbath. Warm. V. still improving; I went to Church; few there. The morning was so unlikely. L. came home with us. T. going to preach at the Iron works. Rain this evening.
2. & 3. Warm and rainy.
4. Cloudy morning. John came up today. T. went to Centre.
5. Rainy. Caroline came to wash, but as it was raining I did not let her begin. A good deal of rain today. Heard of the death of Mr. Dejarnette this evening of flux.
6. Cloudy, but cleared off this morning. I and M. attended the burial. A good many there. Thus has passed away a good man and esteemed citizen. T. came over this evening.
7. Pretty day. Dyeing thread for dresses.
8. 2nd Sabbath. Fine clear morning. The boys went to Sabbath school. I attended the burial of Mrs. Hollis at Yellow Creek this evening.
9. Cloudy. Caroline washed here today. So I was prevented from attending the meeting at Yellow Creek this evening; which began last night. V. unwell.
10. Rainy morning. M. went to preaching, small congregation.
11. Still cloudy. Bad time for saving fodder. M. went to church tonight. Jane came this evening. She has a fine boy child. They will not have day-service again as it is a busy time.
12. Variable. V. had a chill this evening. M. went to church tonight. They have good attendance at night and some little interest displayed.
13. Very warm. I went over to church today as Jane stayed with V. -- no preacher came. T. left this morning for Mill Creek taking Lucinda to see her mother. L. came home with me. V., who took calomel last night was very sick today. Moon eclipsed tonight.
14. Clear and warm. V. had a chill this morning and high fever all day. He is taking Ayer’s ague-cure. L. here this evening.
15. 3rd Sabbath. Cloudy. V. very feeble. M. went to Sabbath school.
16. Dry. Jane came early this morning on her way to Hale’s where she is to cook while she stays here. V. getting better now.
17. 18. 19. and 20. Warm. V. is improving. Jane came by this evening on her way home. Her husband having sent orders for her to return. She will have a hard time carrying her baby so far. Besides she was doing well to work. T. came home this evening, but did not bring Lucinda, her Mother would not let her return.
21. Very warm. M. went with Mr. Mackey to a Presbyterian Camp Meeting on Spring Creek.
22. 4th Sabbath. Warm with a shower this evening.
23. Cloudy. M. returned this morning. Busy now picking cotton.
24. Fine day. Went to see Virginia. She is not doing well. Looks worse than I ever. She has a fine child, which is doing well. The other children still have chills.
29. 5th Sabbath. Very warm. Preaching commenced at Cedar Hill. The boys attended. T. and Parson Hood came to dinner. L. here tonight.
30. The warmest weather yet. Went to church. Few there, and but one preacher. The turnout at night is better.

October 1867

1. Still warm. M. went to church. Small interest seems to be taken in it. Preparing thread for the loom.
2. and 3. Still very warm. Went to church. Parson Russel there today. A right lively meeting. Mrs. Bearden came home with me and we went to see Mrs. Campbell.
5. Cooler and cloudy. Went to Yellow Creek. Parsons Hood and Crow there as T. has gone to an Association. Cousin Agnes came home with me to dinner.
6. 1st Sabbath. Pleasant. The boys went to Church. The preachers came to dinner. I went to see the sick at Mr. Battles; Mr. Rudd and daughter called.
7. V. swapped our mule for a mare today with Wade Hampton. Still pleasant;
started letter to Aunt Maria and Margaret.
8. Fine weather. Mr. Hale sent his evaporator today and commenced making our syrup; there a 5 hands and 4 horses to board and they take half the syrup. L. came to assist me while they are here.
9. Fine Indian-summer weather. They finished our syrup today; a fine article too, tho’ we get but 18 gallons. T. came to dinner and L. went home this evening. She helped me draw in my cloth. Rain tonight.
10. Very cool. I went to Mr. Hay’s this morning and bought a sley. Mr. H. quite sick, They are going to remove to Tenn.
11. Still cool. Caroline came and washed for me. The syrup makers left this morning. They made several crops here. M went to mill today.
12. Very cool. I went and helped L. quilt today. Mrs. Hays, Mrs. Bearden, and Mrs. Whitton assisted. M. returned this evening bringing B. with him. She has had chills and looks badly.
13. 2nd Sabbath. Fine cool day. M. went to Sabbath school, B. and I over to see L. this evening, and spent the night there.
14. Fine day. J. T. came up this morning; his family now well. L. came home with B. this morning. Corn-gathering.
15. and 16. Warm and dry. B. went this evening down to John’s.
17. Still dry. Mrs. Campbell called this morning. Miss I. Patterson this evening. B. returned. The family at John’s still have chills. Virginia in a low state of health.
18. Fine weather, for getting in crops; Parson Livingston, Mr. Bankson dined here on this way to the Association. Went with B. this evening. Getting dye stuffs.
19. Still pleasant. Mr. A. Bankson came here tonight.
20. 3rd Sabbath. Fine Indian-summer day. The boys went to Sabbath school. We looked for Sis today, but she came not. I fear some of them are sick. B. and V. went with A. Bankson to Cousin Agnes’s this evening. M. went to Patterson’s.

December 1867

1. I have suffered a long time to elapse since writing in my diary. Virginia came and spent nearly a week. They are getting better of the chills. O. came on the 12th November and stayed till last Tuesday. Her husband came on Saturday; she took Vivia home with her. B. left on the 15th November, so I am alone again. Mr. Trippe died on the 19th November after a short illness. Miss M. Mackey and Mr. L Hale were married lately. Miss Sue Hale was to have married at the same time, but her intended from some cause, did not arrive. I received a letter lately from Aunt Maria. She writes her cancer is much worse and is eating fast. I am much grieved to hear it. Mr. Finley is in this country now; has spent two nights with us. I have been indeed very busy, but am getting over the press now. B. helped me a good deal and O. helped me also. She is in pretty good health now and looks better than she has for years. They are preparing to keep house. My birthday and a cold one. We have not had rain enough yet to raise the waters any.
8. 2nd Sabbath. Very cold day. L. and her sister Margaret, Mr. Allen dined here; Mr. M. and M. went off this evening.
9. Cold day. Making pants for M.
11. Still cold. Cut and commenced a coat for Virgil. Received a letter lately from Aunt Maria. She writes that her cancer gets worse and is eating very fast. I fear she will not last long. She wishes to see M. very much and also desires me to come to see her, but there is no chance for that.
12. 13. and 14. Changeable weather. Mr. Finley left this week. I finished the coat this evening. Mr. B. and B. came tonight.
13. 3rd Sabbath. Extremely cold. The boys and Mr. B. went to Concord.
16. A bitter morning. B. left this morning taking her things as she expects soon to commence house-keeping. Cut and commenced a coat for Marcellus. Jane came today.
17. Warmer. Jane washed for me today. M. went to the sale at Mr. Trippe’s. Property mostly bought by the heirs.
18. Cloudy. V. started to Wills Valley to assist in getting the hogs over which this neighborhood has bought of Mr. Larner. Jane went back today.
19. Cold. This morning M. started to Georgia as he wished to be in Rome tomorrow. T. did not come to stay with me tonight as I expected, so I ran down and got Mary Brewer. It is the first time I have ever been left alone.
20. Still cold. Very busy on the coat. Mary stayed with me again tonight.
21. A good deal warmer. Mrs. Campbell called this evening. Mrs. Brewer stayed with me tonight.
22. 4th Sabbath. Showery and warm. Mrs. Campbell stayed with me tonight.
23. Pleasant. The boys returned this evening. M. brought a letter from O. They are all well and Vivia is well satisfied to stay.
24. Warm, but they are hog killing at Mackey’s. Our boys decided to keep their part until colder weather.
25. Christmas Day. A very warm one too, Virgil went after Berenice. Very dull one too, for no one is passing.
26. Still warm. V. and B. arrived in time for dinner.
27. Warm. Invited to dinner at Thomas’s, but did not go. B. went.
28. Light showers this morning. I went with B. down to John’s. They have moved to Mr. Trippe’s place. The girls are going to live with their sister, Mrs. Ellis. John and Virginia came home with us.
29. 5th Sabbath. Cold. John and Virginia left this evening.