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Pictures and Illustrations.
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Mr. Joseph Duncan. Governor of Illinois — 1834-1838.
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Duncan Home (Elm Grove), Jacksonville, Illinois.
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Preface.
Mrs. Joseph Duncan as the wife and widow of Governor Duncan is a person of interest to the student of Illinois history. She was a quiet observer and recorder of life during the formative period of the state.
Mrs. Duncan was born Elizabeth Caldwell Smith, the daughter of James R. Smith, a successful shipping merchant in New York, and Hannah Ray Caldwell. The latter was the daughter of the Reverend James Caldwell and Hannah Ogden, his wife. Both the grand parents were killed in the Revolution. Mrs. Duncan's heritage was distinctly religious and patriotic. Born in 1808 she must have heard or seen those who had suffered from the War and those who were taking part in the affairs of the young country. Her Caldwell relatives were scattered, as the children of the revolutionary martyrs had been adopted into different interesting families, and the Ogden relatives were prominent in Newark. Her father, who was born in Scotland, kept in touch with relatives there.
Mrs. Duncan's diary contains glimpses of life in the early days in New York and Jacksonville. It is unfortunately fragmentary. It begins with her school life in Newark, New Jersey, in November, 1824, and continues for three months. The last entry was written a few days before the death of her mother, Mrs. Rodgers, Feb. 20, 1825. There is a single entry in 1836, a torn leaf from nother book, presumambly now lost. From January 1, 1841, to January 13, 1848, it is fairly continuous.
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Mrs. Duncan's diary is written in a small script hand in an ordinary blank book, 8 by 10 inches. It is printed just as it was written with the exception of a few minor details of illnesses which have been omitted. The omissions are indicated by asterisks * * *. Words supplied are in square brackets [ ]. Doubtful readings are indicated by question mark [?].
The diary has been treasured in the family and with the other Duncan papers is at present deposited in the fireproof historical archives of the Davenport Public Museum, formerly the Davenport Academy of Sciences, Davenport, Iowa.
The diary is supplemented by reminiscences dictated by Mrs. Duncan in 1875 to her daughter, Mrs. Julia Duncan Kirby. These reminiscences cover the period of the wedding in Washington and the pioneer life in Illinois. It is hoped they can soon be edited and printed.
There is a collection of letters of Mrs. Duncan's written to her children in an informal style which it is hoped may some time be published.
My thanks are due to my brother, Edward K. Putnam,for advice and help, to Professor Frederick Turner, Professor Theodore Calvin Pease, Mr. Paul M. Angle for suggestions, and to Miss Georgia L. Osborne for aid.
Davenport, Iowa, April 7, 1928.
Note.
For the life of Joseph Duncan see the biography by Julia Duncan Kirby, published in the Fergus Historical Series, Chicago, 1888, and "The Life and Services of Joseph Duncan, Governor of Illinois," by Elizabeth Duncan Putnam, in the Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society, 1921. See also life of May Louisa Duncan Putnam, by Elizabeth Duncan Putnam, in Vol. X, Proceedings of the Davenport Academy of Sciences, Davenport, Iowa.
Introduction.
Personal records are of value in reconstructing the life of the pioneer days in Illinois. From the diaries and letters of the women, often monotonous with domestic details, we gain an insight into the daily life not to be found in the
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public speeches and documents of the men. For this reason the diary of Mrs. Duncan is of interest.The religious tone of the diary is due both to the spirit of the times and to the strong religious atmosphere of Mrs. Duncan's home. On both sides of her family she was descended from Presbyterians, including Huguenots and Covenanters. There are traditions of a Scotch Covenanter dying for his faith and of her grandfather, Reverend James Caldwell, an ardent patriot in the Revolution, preaching with pistols on his pulpit. Mrs. Duncan was merely carrying on the family tradition when at a roof-raising in front of their cabin in Jacksonville in the early days she arose at a rough outdoor table "to offer thanks and to ask a divine blessing on our repast * * *." She was, as Dr. Post writes, "a little, delicate, brave woman, solitary amid that company of rough, stalwart men with manners, garb and speech of plain and quite primitive type with bronzed, strongly marked, shrewd faces, the backwoodsmen political leaders of the newly emerging commonwealth." Her religion was an integral part of her entire life. She writes in 1863: "I do not believe in cutting out work on Saturday, not that I am superstitious, but it can't be finished and then I don't like my mind excited or occupied just before the Sabbath. I shall never get over some of my mother's views on these subjects."
At the time of Mrs. Duncan's birth in 1808, her father, James R. Smith lived in Pearl Street, New York City. He had come as a poor boy from Scotland but had rapidly developed into a successful shipping merchant. Her mother was Hannah Ogden of Newark, New Jersey. Both had been adopted by friends, General LaFayette taking one son to France to educate.
Mrs. Duncan, in her reminiscenses gives a vivid description of her father: He bought a great deal of property in what is now 4th and 5th Avenues. He died when I was ten years old. His dress was in the old style, dark
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blue cloth coat with brass buttons, yellow cashimere vest and pants for dress, while he wore black pants for everyday, white silk stockings and pumps with knee and shoe buckels. For everyday he wore black silk stockings, ruffled shirts and cuffs. He was so polite that although I was a child he always rose upon my entering the room and handed me to a chair. He was truly a gentleman of the old school. Although my father kept always a carriage with livery (which was green and silver) with the coat of arms, a cresent, on the panels. The carriage was lined with crimson morocco. I never remember to have seen him in it; always handing us in he preferred to walk. My mother being left a widow removed to her country seat in Newark, closing her house in Broadway to which we had removed several years previously from near the Battery."After the death of Mr. Smith, her mother married Dr. John E. B. Rodgers, a noted physician educated in Edinburgh. Elizabeth speaks of him affectionately in the diary and calls him "Father."
The early pages of the diary betray an exceedingly conscientious student at the school in Newark, keen on winning the Gold Medal but not often succeeding. The listening to sermons seems a genuine pleasure as it continues through life. She writes in a letter: "I always enjoy the society of ministers." There is regret expressed in the diary when there is but one session of Sunday School on the Sabbath. Strange words not found in the vocabulary of a school girl of today are used, sanctification, adoption, etc. Much interest is expressed in studying the cause of Noah's Flood. It was necessary for the scholars to petition for a vacation between Christmas and New Year's * * *. The funeral of the wife of the pastor is described where the chandelier and pulpit were draped in crepe.
It would have been indeed a sombre life but for the natural social instincts of a girl always fond of people and social life. There were visits to her house in New York where she "stroolled up Broadway to see the beauty and fashion which is generally displayed in that grand promenade
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from twelve to three of any fine day." ... There was news from Scotland and Washington and parties of "thirty cousins."On New Year's day "according to the custom of this city I remained at home to receive the visits of my Male Friends who generally pay the Ladies the compliment of calling to say a Happy New Year. Mother and Mrs. Rodgers being confined to their chambers I had to exert my entertaining powers without the assistance of a female Friend."
After the death of her mother in 1825, Elizabeth made her home with her sister Anna, Mrs. Matthew St. Clair Clarke, in Washington. Her husband was clerk of the House of Representatives and they were both noted entertainers. Their spacious house still stands on Lafayette Square next to St. John's Church.
The meeting with her future husband had a picturesque setting in sharp contrast to the hardships of the years that followed. A slim, young girl dressed in soft red silk and black slippers with a high comb attended a dinner at the White House. She was introduced by William T. Carroll, of Carrollton, to a tall, handsome man of thirty-four, General Duncan, at that time the only representative from the new State of Illinois. Henry Clay had a word of praise for his fellow Kentuckian. The courtship was brief and in May, 1828, there was a sumptuous wedding given by her sister. Some of the lovely French china used on that occasion has come down in the family. It was necessary for General Duncan to return to Illinois for electioneering and his young bride accompanied him. The reminiscences relate some of the trying experiences still vivid after the lapse of years.
Mrs. Duncan became an intrepid traveller, crossing the mountains time and again with her husband and after his death with her children. She recounts how she always travelled with a candle. "It once saved the lives of a whole Party in crossing the mountains (which by the way I did eight times in stage or private carriage). The driver got off the road. When he called out he wished that nervous woman whom he had scolded for carrying a candle would
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hand it out that he might see where he was. When I did he found he was within an inch of a high precipice."In 1830 General and Mrs. Duncan decided to make their; home in Jacksonville. They first built a small frame house of three rooms and in 1833 the large house, Elm Grove, which is still standing.
Mrs. Duncan was a slight, frail woman with, as an old letter describes it, "an elastic constitution." Married at twenty years of age there were sixteen exceptionally happy years of married life, mostly spent in Jacksonville, Illinois. Six of their ten children were born here.
General Duncan was elected Governor of Illinois in 1834, and from then till his death in 1844, their life was centered in Jacksonville. He made several trips east while Governor to secure money for the internal improvement schemes. His letters give interesting side lights on the customs of the day.
The hospitality of the house was unbounded. The hotels were few and poor and friends and strangers were entertained in the homes. It made life difficult for the women especially for one like Mrs. Duncan who loved the dainty refinements of life. She, however, was blessed with common sense and when domestic difficulties arose at home, wrote "I invited myself to tea with Mrs. Wilkinson." A simple but effectual expedient out of difficulties!
The last few years of Governor Duncan's life were clouded by financial reverses. He had gone security on the bond of a brother-in-law who held a government position; in Vandalia. Mr. Linn's defalcations were at first over looked by the government inspectors, a friend of theirs dropped off the bond, the amount of the security was in creased and when the government foreclosed Governor Duncan was the only solvent bondsman. There seems but little doubt that politics played an important part in this affair. Governor Duncan asked only of the government for time to sell his land at a fair value to pay this debt. His sudden death in 1844 was a calamity to his family. The best selected Illinois and Chicago lands were sacrificed, Mrs. Duncan
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waived her dower rights to his estate and all their property was swept away. All she had left was the much shrunken trust fund created by her father.Mrs. Duncan, in her diary, gives a curious detailed account of Governor Duncan's last illness showing the crudeness of medical treatment in those days. The following Sunday she went "to church with my little family of 7, the oldest 11 and the youngest 13 months. Dr. Pierson met me at the door and handed me to the pew." She went again in the afternoon.
Courageously and with deep religious faith the widow of thirty-six began her widowhood of thirty-two years. Economy was imperative but there is no murmur or complaint in her diary or letters. There are often prayers "to teach me my duty" and once an added wish "and make it pleasant." When Jenny Lind was singing in St. Louis she sold a cow to raise the $25 necessary to send her eldest daughter to hear her.
After the marriage of her two daughters and the removal of her son to Chicago, Mrs. Duncan reluctantly rented her home. She writes on March 3, 1865; "It has been a great struggle with me to give up but I believe we can do a great deal in the way of giving up if we are convinced that it is right and I am perfectly satisfied with an income of $600, that I could not begin to live out of town as my house is." The house was rented to the State of Illinois "to make an experiment of taking Idiotic children from two to six years old, to see what they could do in their behalf and I met Mr. Gillette at a company at Mr. Saunders when he proposed it. We had the offer of private individuals but I felt if I had to rent it I would rather, rent it to some one who would or could do some benevolent thing." A few days later Mrs. Duncan writes "indeed if I were not to look upward I should feel pretty bad. If I ever do keep house again it will be on a much smaller scale but I shall not trouble myself about he future, the present only is ours * * *. If only one Idiotic soul is saved it is worth the sacrifice." And again she writes "Cousin goes out in the open air everyday just
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as I do and we endeavor to have some object that is useful * * * I always did feel that something was due to society."Mrs. Duncan was a home loving woman but the record of her activities outside her house and church is no mean one. In 1841 she "attended a meeting to do something for the education of Females." She was interested in Maternal meetings and in the Abolition and Colonization Societies. She raised money for a circulating library. In 1864 she writes, "Mr. Laurie has sent the books and I can now have a Book to administer consolation to the sick and afflicted. Oh what a privilege it is to go around and do good. I shall be like Adam's Sons and Daughters and want a change in time I suppose." She was constantly visiting, the sick and poor. There is constant mention of the Temperance Society. In 1869, she writes, "The fact is a Drunken man is a nuisance * * *. People ought to cultivate lovely ways and manners more than they do. Do make your children courteous and polite."
Mrs. Duncan often speaks of the style with which a table was set and also of the quality of the food. In 1865, she writes, "Julia is ambitious and sets a table with great taste. For instance her castors are clean and pretty, then she borrowed Mrs. Jones fruit vase and fixed peaches and grapes * * * 2 glass dishes of sliced peaches. Chickens and egg bread, cheese. Her coffee is excellent. The gentlemen praise it. Then she arranged a beautiful basket of flowers on her marble table under the looking glass. She had three kinds of cake, her Almond Iced as light as any I ever ate." The same taste is shown in her ideas of dress, "Remember I like things light, rich and soft nothing stiff. If a dress would stand alone it would not please my taste."
On a visit to Chicago in 1841, she writes of her eldest daughter Mary, "You know how ambitious I feel that she should look well." The same daughter writes later in life of her mother: "She was such a dear little body with so kind and gentle a nature but her great sense of justice and her responsibility of bringing up these seven children alone
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weighed upon this dependent little woman who with such feeble health had depended upon her husband for every thing * * *. The next thing that made a great impression upon me was the loss of our property. This my mother bore more bravely than one would think and developed into a business woman."The last ten years of Mrs. Duncan's life was spent between Davenport, Iowa, and Jacksonville. There were long visits to her eldest daughter, Mrs. Charles E. Putnam, my mother. It was an interesting and busy household of ten sons and one daughter. Mrs. Duncan's letters show interest in their development and shrewd suggestions as to their education. In Jacksonville she boarded in the same house with her daughter, Mrs. Edward P. Kirby, at Mrs. Rockwell's on State Street. With her usual adaptability she made her room cosy with the old mahogany pieces of furniture and red curtains that had come out of her Pearl Street home in New York.
She enjoyed her old friends and was ever ready to make new ones. Her social interest was strong to the last. A rather delightful letter is one written in 1869: "The Judge made himself very agreeable and I was sensibly struck with the idea more than ever in my life that it helps us to digest our food to hear pleasant converse at the meal but this is such a fast age that a great many persons feel that they have not got time to eat and talk at the same time. I think that is not an improvement of the age to eat and run."
Only three of the ten children of Governor and Mrs. Duncan grew up to maturity, the low proportion not being uncommon in those days.
Mary Louisa, 1832-1903, the eldest, married Charles E. Putnam, (1825-1887), a lawyer and banker of Davenport, Iowa. They had eleven children. The eldest, Joseph Duncan Putnam (1855-1881) was noted as an entomologist and influential in the growth of the Davenport Academy of Sciences, now the Davenport Public Museum. On his account Mrs. Putnam devoted the remaining years of her life to building up the institution and another son, William
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Clement Putnam (1862-1906), left his estate as a trust fund for its endowment.Joseph Duncan (1835-1906) married Harriet Stevens and lived in Chicago.
Julia (183701896) married Edward P. Kirby, a lawyer and judge of Jacksonville. She was born, married and died in the old home, Elm Grove. With the Kirbys, a niece of Judge Kirby, Edith Ross Kirby, made her home. She married W. T. Wilson, a lawyer, and lives in Jacksonville.
Mrs. Duncan had often expressed a fear of the physical pain of death but a few weeks before her death she writes of having lost it * * *. On a lovely spring morning, May 23, 1876, after reading her Bible she peacefully and painlessly fell asleep.
Unassuming in manner, gracious and interesting in conversation, holding steadfast to the tradition of her early life in the rough frontier days as the mistress of a large hospitable mansion and as a widow with the responsibility of her children, Mrs. lived, with dignity, the life of a "gentle woman" in the truest sense of the word.
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Diary.
Monday November 15th 1824. Found me at Rose Hill after making a visit in New York of a fortnight duration. Tuesday very busily engaged making preparations for a wedding. Wednesday it took place there were about thirty Cousins assembled on the occasion which indeed was a very pretty sight as they were all as well as the Bride lively and cheerful the evening of course glided swiftly and pleasantly away. Thursday took a ride along the banks of the Raritan and was highly delighted with the romantick scenery and falls around. Satturday a very fine day took a long walk and spent an evening with the accomplished Miss C's who thought that Latin was nothing and Greek a meer song. Sunday rode to Church in a farm waggon and heard Mr. McClure preach from Hebrews which sermon I admired very much.
Monday I left Sommerville at Nine o'clock in the morning and after a tedious ride of seven hours I arrived at my place of destination retired early and slept too sound for dreams. Tuesday I awoke much refreshed with the slumbers of the past night but was prevented from going in school on account of not being able to get my books. Wednesday for the first time I went in, school delighted beyond measure to see my young companions once more and the pleasing alteration of the school room. I immediately followed the good example set me and began to study and recite my lessons. Keith was the first for which I got Seventeen good Marks I also recited a Geography and Arithmetick lesson which good added amounted to thirty six and five extra in the afternoon and wonderful to relate I did not get any bad ones. Thursday was appointed as a day of prayer therefore there was not any school I of course went to prayer meeting on my way I called to see my Brother who had been indisposed and was agreeably surprised in meeting with my Father
Friday for the first time was oblidged to read before the young ladies of the New Ark Institute a Journal and would have had
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to have written a Composition also but Mr. Vandoun was land enough to excuse me in the afternoon. I read with the class who were such great criticks that I made several mistakes but on account of never having read before I escaped bad marks. Saturday I awoke with a headache but thinking that it would go over I laid out a great many plans for spending the day, accordingly I came down stairs rather late, as there was not to be any school and breakfasted more heartily than I expected. Began the day with endeavoring to compose a Composition, but was oblidged to relinquish it on account of the pain in my head becoming more violent, I spent an hour or two this evening in amusing myself and the company with several tunes upon the Piano. I found that Musick is a good relief to the mind, when it becomes fatigued and languid by close application to study. O yes tis Musick that inspires the soul and leads us captive with its power. Well might Orpheus be said to have played and sang so sweetly, that he tamed wild beasts, stayed the course of rivers, and made whole woods follow him. He descended with his harp into hell to recover, from Pluto and Proserpine, his wife Eurydice, who had been killed by a serpent, when she fled from the violence of Aristaeus. Here he so charmed both the King and Queen with the sweetness of his musick, that they permitted his wife to return to life again, upon this condition that he should not look upon her till they were both arrived upon the earth: but so impatient and eager was the love of Orpheus that he could not perform the condition; therefore she was taken back into hell again. Upon this Orpheus resolved for the future to live a widower: and with his example alienated the minds of many others from the love of woman. Sunday I went to Church to hear our paster Mr. Hay his text was in first Thessalonians from the fifth Chapter seventeenth verse Pray without ceasing, in the afternoon I went to Mr. Hamilton's Church on account of it being rainy. Mr. Russel preached for him from these words but seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you which will be found in Matthew 6th 33rd. I was not as well pleased in the afternoon as morning but as comparisons are13
odious I will not say any thing more upon the subject. Monday Nothing happened in particular. Tuesday I felt uncomonly lively when I entered the school room my feelings were suddenly checked by the mournful faces of some of the young ladies I immediately inquired the cause, oh, it was only too true it was to inform me of the death of the beloved Consort of our Dear Pastor who that morning at half past Eight O clock had fell asleep in Jesus.Wednesday [Dec. 1, 1824] As I had taken so little Exercise Miss V gave me permission to walk accordingly I visited some of my friends came home and felt better fitted for studying.
Thursday. We were called to pay the last obsequies to the remains of Mrs. Hay, therefore there was not any school, We first went to the Church, which had a very solemn appearance every Chandelier and lamp were dressed Crape the Pulpit also with black clothe. A funeral Sermon was then delivered by Mr. Fisher his text was from Revelation 14, 13 after which we sung a hymn which was selected by the deceased to be sung on this solemn occasion. Dr. Hyliard from Orange, made a prayer we all proceeded from thence to the Grave Yard, She was beloved by all who knew her, She has left an affectionate husband and Son to lament her loss. In the evening Father called to see me, and I felt very much delighted to hear that my dear Mother was more comfortable.
Friday. Nothing to relate but a Dream. I dreamed that I was walking by a stream, and wishing that my good genius would supply me with some uncommon adventure to enrich the pages of my Journal. It was a beautiful spot, the cool clear water was sparkling at my feet and wild flowers were bending over it and batheing their blossoms in its crystal stream. Oh,! I thought if I could find some leaf or floweret that would tell me what I should write, presently I heard a low sweet voice and turning my head, discovered a beautiful violet that sheltered a fairy form with blue eyes and sunny hair, I, am, said this dear little spirit the flower spirit, I dwell in the rose bud, drink the dews that lies on the Snow drop, or am hushed to sleep in the deep dew bell of the Honey suckle,
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by the murmur of the bee that hums over its blossoms. You have often inhaled the fragrance of flowers without knowing it was my breath and dressed your hair with their buds and thought not that I slept in them. This was all I heard, and I awoke almost thinking that I heard the sweet voice still saying "I am the spirit of the flowers" But it was all a Dream.Sattudday. As several young Ladies were deficient in their composition, we were all oblidged to attend school it stormed so much that few however attended. I had the felicity of reading mine before very few Young Ladies.
Sunday. I awoke much delighted to find the sun shining we went to our own Church. It was as I expected Mr. Hay did not preach, Dr. Hyliard from Orange took Mr. Hay place and spoke from these words, Which hope we have, as an anchor of the soul both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the vail. Hebrew 6th 19th when I came home from Church I was not a little delighted in finding a dear Cousen who had just the week before arrived from Scotland I had not seen him for four or five years. It brought to my mind many fond and pleasing recollections, and though they were of my childhood, they will never be forgotten In the afternoon I went to church and heard our Dear Pastor Mr. Hay he expressed his gratitude to his people for their kind attention to him, in his deep affliction. His text was from, 1st Corinthians seventh Chapter twenty ninth to thirty first. His discourse was very solemn and impressive. He was wonderfully supported under his trials.
Monday 6th. We were invited out too tea but for particular reasons I staid home.
Tuesday. Arose at my usual hour, which is not very early. Notwithstanding my determination on going to bed of getting up at an earlier hour; however I got through more than I expected. In the morning heard that Mrs. Tuttle a near Neighbor was dead, and that she was to buried in the afternoon. She was a very pious and Amiable woman, therefore she must have been very much lamented by her Consort
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and friends. Another young lady was added to the New Ark Institute by the name of Miss Vanderpool. She attends to drawing and appears to be very amiable.Wednesday. Nothing worth mentioning.
Thursday. This day was appointed by the Governor of this state as a day of general thanksgiving and prayer of course therefore there was not any school; went to Mr. Hay's church and heard a sermon from the Reverend Mr. Cox of New York, which one was very appliccaple to the occasion.
Friday. Came in school at the usual time and was not a little delighted in getting through my lessons without a single error. I of course got no bad marks; in the afternoon had the supreme felicity of being presented with the gold Meddle. My Cousen came for me to spend a few days in the city and without any reluctance went, as I thought that recreation after close application would not do me an injury. Accordingly after riding a short distance conversation began thus a learned Scotchman began quising a yankee about his own country, which he appeared to know little of. He mentioned that Hackensack bridge was twenty feet longer than London bridge, and a number of things too numerous too be mentioned. I was soon permitted to be clasped in the arms of my dear Mother; after enquireing after after all my friends and conversing some hours retired with a mind contented and of course happy.
Saturday. Went with my Cousen to see some of my relations, the day of course passed pleasantly, and swiftly away.
Sunday. Went in the morning to Grace Church & heard a sermon from Mr. Wainwright was from the sixth Chapter of Matthew thirty third verse as Mother wished me to stay at home with her in the afternoon. I complied with her request.
Monday 13th. A very rainy day of course did not [think] of returning homeward but contented myself with the perusal of books by a cheerful fireside.
Tuesday being a pleasant day contrary to the wishes of my friends thought it my duty to return to school or rather
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the New Ark Institute what was my surprise when on reaching the boat found it had left me. I returned and found my Father kind enough to promise if I would tarry till afternoon he would accompany, as I had sufficient time my cousen attended me to Master Hubberd a young Gentlemen of uncommon genius who takes profiles in twenty seconds and portraits, and even cuts trees which are so natural they appear to move and with a common scissors his gallery of paintings are worthy of admiration.Wednesday 15th. Came in school and was happy to find that the young ladies appeared so glad to see me; went to church in the evening and heard Mr. Hay lecture on the 32 psalm which was peculiarly solemn.
Thursday 16th. Nothing in particular.
Friday 17th. Recited an interesting lesson in Keith of the Theorys of the Antediluvian world and the cause of Noahs flood. In the afternoon Mr. Vandoren chatechised the young ladies afterwards he explained it to us the subject upon which he spoke was adoption which was very solemn.
Saturday 18th. As some of the young ladies were deficient in composition they as usual were Saturday scholars which title in my idea is not very desirable. I fancied this day to have had a pleasant walk but was disapointed by rain.
Sunday. Thought that I would take a class but [what] was my astonishment when on opening the church door found no sign of Sunday scholars. I came home and was informed that in the winter there was only sabbath school one a day. I that Morning heard Mr. Hay preach from these words: Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Revelations 1 Chapter the latter clause of the 5th verse In the afternoon his text was from Solomon,s Song 4th & 16th.
Monday 20th. Went to the Priccilla society in the afternoon, and read for the young ladies after assisting them to finish a quilt, the name of it was religion without principle.
Tuesday. Our lesson in Keith was still more interesting than the former of Vapours Fogs mists clouds, Dew & Hoar
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Frost Rain, Snow & Hail Thunder & Lightning, Falling Stars, Ignis Fatuus Auroreborealis, & the Rainbow. The latter part I thought difficult or rather the demonstration.Wednesday 22nd getting a few bad Marks gave up all hopes of wearing the meddle in the vacation and was under the painful necessity of relinquishing my claims to the superior ones of Miss M V D who I doubted not would get it.
Thursday 23rd. Recieved an answer in the affirmative to the petition which we sent to our teacher to give us the week between Christmas and New Year.
Friday 24th. Had the pleasure of hearing the young ladies read their journals and Composition without having to tremble for my turn to come. In the evening had a Sick Headache therefore did not enjoy myself though Christmas eve and the Idea of parting with my friend and Classmate Maria.
Saturday 25th. Having no opportunity to go home I was oblidged to be patient and content myself till Monday, and spent the day much more pleasantly than I expected.
Sunday 26th. Morning heard Mr. Hay preach from Galatians 1st 11th In the afternoon from Romans 13th first clause of the 11th verse.
Monday 27th. My Brother was kind enough to accompany me into the city, to spend a week during the Holidays. I was not a little delighted to find my Mother so comfortable, and my friends so pleased to see me.
Tuesday 28th. I provided myself with some warm clothing for the winter and was very industrius in making it up.
Wednesday 29th. Strooled up Broadway to see the beauty and fashion which is generally displayed in that grand prominade from twelve till three of every fine day, spent a very pleasant sociabble evening with Aunt Wyckoff and by their persuasion was induced to stay all Night returned home the next morning about ten, and found all well.
Thursday 30th. After playing with Brother John little Cherub, I went to Aunt Welch and spent the day very agreably
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and was escorted part of the way home by a much loved Philadelphia Friend.Friday 31st. Went through the tedious process of Shopping which carried through many New Streets and had it not been that they engaged my attention and secured my admiration, time would have moved on leaden wings. Dined with Aunt Caldwell and was introduced to a New relation Miss Anna McCarty to whom I shall no doubt become more attached when better acquainted.
Saturday January 1st 1825. So many thoughts and feelings crowd upon me, on this memorable day that I scarce know how to give them uterance. In the first place, let me be thankful that I am spared to the commencement of another year with so many blessings and comforts around me and earnestly hope that I may be enabled to render myself more deserving of the favor of indulgent Heaven. According to the custom of this city I remained at home to receive the visits of my Male Friends, who generally pay the Ladies the compliment of calling to say a Happy New Year. Mother and Mrs. Rodgers being confined to their chambers, I had to exert my entertaining powers without the assistance of a female Friend. The weather is uncommonly mild and pleasant and had been so for the whole season. What is still more uncommon we have had no snow and scarcely any Frost.
Sunday 2nd. Went to Mr. Whelpley church and heard Dr. Rowen pronounce an elegant sermon his text was in the first Chapter of Job 4th & 5th verses.
Monday 3rd. Left New York and came to New Ark, as I had been so unfortunate as to leave my basket which contained my books, I therefore did not come in school in the afternoon.
Tuesday 4th. Came in school and recited my lessons as usual. A New Member was added to the Institute, whose name is Miss Margaret Vanderveer.
Wednesday 5th. Went in the evening to hear Mr. Hay who preached from these words. He that is not for me is against he that gathereth not scatereth abroad.
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Thursday 6th. Nothing in particular except I went through the tedious process of being Monitor.
Friday 7th. Was invited to Mrs. Dr. Lee tea and excepted the invitation and spent a pleasant afternoon and what made it still more interesting it was my Friend Gertrude birthday.
Saturday 8th. Rose at an earlier hour than usual amused ourselves with our Nedle, as our conversation during the week is limited we suffered our unruly member, to have free scope.
Sunday 9th. Heard Mr. Hay in the morning from Matthew 12th, 36th 37th Verses A hyms was sung very applicable to the sermon which will be found 132nd Hymn 1st Book in the afternoon the text was in 1st Peter 3 Chapter 19, 20th verses. After church I attended Sunday school as usual and was very much pleased with the examination of the scholars.
Monday 10th. In the evening went to a meeting of the Sunday school teachers, of every denomination which I thought very interesting.
Tuesday 11th. Went to Bible class which was very instructive as well as solemn.
Wednesday 12th. Expected to miss all my lessons on account of going to the Bible class the proceeding evening, but was agreably disapointed in reciting them correctly.
Friday 14th. In the afternoon we recited our chatechism and Mr. Van Doren lectured on Sanctification which was vey solemn.
Saturday 15th. Being released from school took a pleasant walk to behold once more the home of my youthful days, which brought to my mind scenes of pleasure and delight.
Sabbeth 16. Mr. Ely from Massachusetts pronounced a sermon from these words Wisdom is the principle thing, therefore get wisdom: and with all thy gettings get understanding Proverbs 4 Chapter 7th Verse. In the afternoon Mr.
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Hay Preached from these words. Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not Malichi 3rd Chapter 18 Verse.Monday 17th. Recited all my lessons correctly except Parsing and of course according to the rules of the Institute received a bad Mark.
Tuesday 18th. Nothing worth relating.
Wednesday 19th. Received an invitation from the Miss Hornblower, to spend a sociable evening accordingly excepted it and was not at all disapointed.
Thursday 20th. Was very much engaged all day with the problims which I find rather difficult.
Friday 21st. The young ladies all went to the Accadimy to hear a celebrated Oritor by name, but from their description was far from it, I cannot give my opinion of him as I was oblidged to return home before the exercises commenced.
Saturday 22nd. I intended to spend the afternoon out with some of my friends was oblidged to remain at home though not disapointed as my Brother came to see me. He had just returned from Washington and informed me that my friends were all in good health, welcome news indeed.
Sunday 23rd. Mr. Wells from New Rochelle pronounced a sermon, His text was from Matthew 6th and 6th. In the afternoon it being so cold and windy we went to the 1st Church and heard Mr. Hamilton preach from these words. I was in the spirit on the Lords day 1st Clause of the 10th Verse of the 1st Chapter of Revelation.
Monday 24th. In the morning about half past three I was suddenly awakened by the cry of fire fire! On looking out of the window I found it was near The boreal wind blew. The sight of it was awful and sublime my feelings at this time I will not attempt to describe.
Tuesday 25th. Mr. Hay being absent Bible class was defered.
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Wednesday 26th. Came in school and did not do much else except work out Problims, had an invitation from Miss Julia Halsey
Thursday 27th. Not remembering cant say what happened.
Friday 28th. According to expectation Frances Keene was presented with the gold Meddle.
Saturday 30th. A bitter cold day but as I had not been to see Mrs. General Cummings a very dear friend of my Mothers. I had permission from Mr. Van Doren to defer writing my problems till the ensueing week, and spent a pleasant day; returned home about seven and was welcomed by a letter from Cousen Hannah.
Sabbeth 30th. Mr. Hay being absent his pulpit was supplied by Mr. Judd from Bloomfield.
In the afternoon Mr. Tappan his text ....
Monday 31st. Notwithstanding I studied my Bible lessons over three or four times I got only two good Marks. Mr. Young from the Tuscaroras Indians honored the Institute with a visit and gave us several specimens of the Indian writing & related some interesting facts concerning them.
Tuesday February 1st. It snowed very hard all day with which I was not a little delighted as I anticipated many pleasant rides.
Wednesday 2nd. As we did parse we were very actively employed in writing problems in our books which we got for the occasion.
Thursday 3rd. From a particular circumstance that occurred to day I think that it never shall be forgotten as long as time continues to me the faculty of memory Mrs. Van Derveer spent the evening with Mr. Van Doren excused the warders from writing composition.
Friday 4th. We were invited by our teacher to attend the debating society and felt very much pleased the young
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ladies read their composition Miss Toler having no bad Marks gained the Meddle.Saturday 5th. Accepted an invitation from Mr. Van Doren to take a ride to Patterson accordingly went in company with Mr. J. Livingston Vandon & Miss Van Doren principals Miss Maria Van Doren Miss Margaret Van Derveer Miss Ellenor Condit and Mr. Oscar Harriss. We arrived at our place for Dining and had the pleasure of Mrs. Kinny from New Ark after getting ourselves warmed we were called to Dinner welcome Messengers to a hungry person after our repast we attempted to walk to the falls about half a Mile distance but was greatly disapointed when we found the snow so deep as to render it impractible. The Mills also were stoped it being customary for them to stop every Saturday at 4 o 'clock. We started for home about half past four. Stoped at Aquacnock to warm ourselves as we were so cold we stopped at Belville arrived home about half Eight welcomed by a cheerful fire Drank a cup of tea and feeling a little fatigued soon retired.
Sabbeth 6th. Heard Mr. Hay preach from these words. Wilt though not cry unto me from this time My Father thou art the guide of my youth Jeremiah 3rd Chapter 4th Verse in the afternoon his text was from Luke 15 Chapter from the 11th to the 15 Verse.
Monday 7th. Came in School with a determination if possible to escape getting bad Marks recited all my lessons correctly except Parsing for which I got one bad one Notwithstanding all my study.
Tuesday 8th. Went through the tedious process of being Monitor and felt quite wearied by Night and willing to resign my office.
Wednesday 9th. In the evening heard Mr. Matthews read a sacred Drama of his own composition which I admired very much as Cousen R did not call for me I did not go to Bible Class. Arose at a very early hour for the purpose of studying came in school as usual & did not get any bad Marks.
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Went in the evening to Mr. Hay lecture room he being so much indisposed did not preach. Dr. Ward read a sermon the text was from Romans 7th Chapter 24th Verse.
Wednesday 27th 1836.
January 1st 1841.
Saturday 2nd. Returned home & found our dear Children in fine health much colder than the day previous but the sun shone brightly & we were well wrapped up.
Sabbeth. Mr. Beecher
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the afternoon. Mr. B continued his discourse on the Revelations 13th Chap.Monday 4th. Was appointed a day of fasting & prayer for the conversion of the world the morning service was held in the Congregational Church. Mr. Post
Tuesday. Quite cloudy the children commenced their school under Miss Dodge instructions & seemed quite happy.
Wednesday 6th. Cloudy nothing occured worth mentioning.
Thursday. Still cloudy Mr. D left for Springfield did not attend prayer meeting because I was not well.
Friday. Still cloudy Mr. D unpleasant felt however in better health & of course spirits rose pretty early committed verses in the Bible before Breakfast.
Saturday 9th. Still Cloudy Mr. D did not return home as was expected after being absent three days found a beautiful piece of Poetry which is as follows.
As ever graced a parent tree,
'Twas sent from Heaven, on Earth to share
Our tender love & watchful care,
Throug days of infancy.
It dropped its tender frame;
As one by one they o'er him past,
We thought our little flower would last
And thought so till death came.
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Our flowret to sustain.
For when transplanted from on high,
It drooped its head & seemed to die
And sought its Heaven again.
Our little floweret lives again,
It's of the bright parterre above,
And oh! tis watched by Heavenly love.
Sabbeth 10th. Still cloudy had quite a fall of snow the Night Mr. Beecher the President of the Illinois College preached from Revelations 22nd Chap 17th Verse most excellent sermon would like to have him give God the credit of saving the soul. In the afternoon heard him preach again from Revelations 13th Chap a continuation of sermons commenced in relation to the prophecys. I never felt before how much the Catholicks are enslaved poor deluded creatures.
Monday 11th. Continues Cloudy but the Sleighing quite fine took Miss Adams a ride & called for other friends but was disappointed spent the evening in reading Letters to Mothers by Miss Sigourney the Book lent me by Mrs. Dr. Jones.
Tuesday 12th. The Sun made its appearance for a short took Miss A & Mrs. Dr. Jones a sleigh ride in the morning in the evening made some calls felt much relieved in health. Mr. Duncan returned from Springfield unexpectedly.
Wednesday 13th. The sun shone for a short time had the pleasure of three friends coming unexpectedly to spend had the Meat of a Bear for Dinner but cannot say that I would prefer it.
Thursday 14th. Took a ride with my Husband in the Sleigh with an unbroke colt & all the children but Anna Caldwell in their teacher Miss Dodge all seemed happy. I felt some alarm at first in the afternoon omitted female
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prayer meeting to attend in the evening & induced my dear Husband to go with us & hear Mr. Beecher Lecture from Rev. 2 Chap commencing from the 12th Verse Christ letters to the churches the meeting better attended than usual.Friday 15th. Took a delightful ride in the Sleigh to Mr. Poseys found him better returned & found my babe quite sick for a little time but administered some Oil. She soon recovered & Anna & myself spent the evening at Mrs. Clay's at the sewing Society.
Saturday 16th. Quite a stormy day. Cousin Anna Caldwell
Sabbeth 17th. One of the coldest days I ever experienced in my life the Thermometer said to be 22 degrees below Zero. Did not regret attending church for Mr. Beecher preached a very solemn sermon from Psalms 66th 18th Verse. In the afternoon he resumed his former lectures upon the Revelations & gave us a most descriptive account of the evening of St. Bartholomew the account was truly affecting.
Monday 18th. Still cold discovered my plants was frozen stiff notwithstanding my care did not venture out.
Tuesday 19th. Quite damp & snowed in the afternoon & prevented us from going to Mr. Beecher's to tea. Mr. D discharged Mr. Hussy which was a considerable trial as his Wife & Daughter was paticularly neat & that was a qualification rarely met with in the help in this country. Oh how light & trifling after all will these trials be in a death bed Lord enable me to view these things aright & give me grace to bear up under every trial however heavy it may be.
Wednesday 20. This day rather cloudy & damp feel that I shall be compelled to exert myself but it is all right.
Thursday 21st. The Sun shone out at times had a violent headache but Mr. D insisted upon my going out in a sleigh & it relieved me much but still I was not able to attend meeting in the afternoon or evening was quite disappointed.
Friday 22nd. Mr. D Took Mrs. Conn Anna Maria the
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two girls Mary & Ann Elizabeth & myself out to Mr. Poseys, found him better the sleighing very fine the day milder than it had been for some time in the afternoon Mr. Adams & wife came up in the afternoon & made us a visit in the place of a pastor as he is one of our elders his visit was pleasant & we parted about eight o'clock after closing with prayer after his departure was mortified by a discussion which took place about some dining tables but it is all right for it was calculated to humble me.Saturday 23rd. Mr. D took Susan Brown
Sabbeth 24th. Delightful day the Sun shone out in all its splendor. Mr. Beecher preached a solemn sermon from Romans 1st 16th in the afternoon from Revelations 14th Chap very interesting.
Monday 25th. Rather damp went down to town with Mrs. Ayers
Tuesday 26. Damp unpleasant day went to town called on Mrs. Long, King, & Dr. Smith wife did some shopping & returned home.
Wednesday 27th. The morning pleasant for a time afterward cloudy in the evening became very pleasant went with Miss Dodge to see Mrs. Beecher, Adams, Israel, J. P. Wilkerson. Returned home about 6 o'clock finished a pr of socks commenced another pr.
Thursday 28th. Quite unpleasant weather Mr. D returned from Springfield quite unexpectedly. Miss D not being well I declined going to prayer meeting as I expected.
Friday 29th. Very pleasant made some three or four calls Mrs. Hook, Lewis, Stephenson, Allen, in the afternoon attended the old school sewing society at Mrs. Brown.
Saturday 30th. Somewhat pleasant attended the Maternal
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paticularly interesting meeting the dear Children was asked if they would not like to educate a Heathen child & call him Edward Beecher they showed their assent by holding up their right hands.Sabbeth 31st. Mr. Beecher preached from Romans 1st Chap 16 Verse solemn sermon in the afternoon from Revelations 14th.
Monday 1st Feb. Rather pleasent.
Tuesday 2nd. Went to town in the morning found it unpleasent as the weather changed spent the afternoon at Mr. Beecher's did not feel well.
Wednesday 3. The weather cold & clear but did not feel well but rode to town to see if I would not feel better Mrs. Price & Warren & Hardin
Thursday 4th. The day quite cloudy but I felt such a desire to attend meeting that I went down with Anna & Miss Dodge & I felt fully repaid although it was Snowing quite hard when we returned. Mr. B was paticularly solemn on the same subject that he has been addressing the church for a number of Thursdays Christ letters to the Churches & that solemn time was told of when Christ would remove the Candlestick if we did not repent & do our first work & he said we might as Christians have the full assurance of hope. Oh could I feel a perfectly willingness to die & be submissive to the will of my heavenly Father & live passive in his hands how happy should I be why may I not Lord grant that I may have my Lamp trimmed & my lights burning & be waiting for the coming of the Lord oh that my house may be set in order & that I may be enabled to pray more fervently for the salvation of souls.
My Dear Husband I feel paticularly about at this time beset with many temptations & knowing how ready Saten is to put every thing in the way of Christians how watchful should we be Lord grant us grace sufficient for the day.
Friday 5th. Snowing all day wrote a letter to my Husbands Mother Darned stockings & wrote several things. Spent
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the evening in reading the lives of Gen. Jackson & Daniel Webster as comparisons are odious I will not make any.Saturday 6th. The Sun shone brightly rose at 6 o'clock. Called to see Mrs. Eams, McClure, & Mrs. Dr. Jones found the latter quite sick called for my friend Mrs. Conn & brought her home with me to Dinner. She was as agreeable as ever & went down in the evening to prayer Meeting. Mr. B was not there but a paper was read in regard to Holiness & many prayed I trust in sincerity & truth.
Sabbeth 7th. Mr. Beecher took his text again from Roman 1st 16th solemn discourse in the afternoon. He preached from Revelations the pouring out of the Vial, day pleasant.
Monday 8th. Very Cloudy & unpleasent did not go out.
Tuesday 9th. Went out in the morning on business & spent the afternoon at Mrs. Bucklin very pleasently & in the evening at the Sewing Society at Mrs. Israel, & returned home & found it snowing very cold & disagreeable.
Wednesday 10. Made a call at Mrs. Post with Mrs. Conn & found it excessively cold the sun shining notwithstanding.
Thursday 11th. As it was excessively cold the Baby not well did not attend Female prayer meeting nor the evening Lecture did some clear Starching an unusual thing for me.
Friday. A Beutiful Cold day went to town on business in the afternoon spent with Mrs. Warren at the sewing society was paticularly interested in reading the Mother's Magazine an address to Mothers & also the reformed religion in France lent us by Mr. Beecher.
Saturday 13th. Snowing quite hard in the morning
Sabbeth 14th. Mr. Beecher preached an unusually good sermon in relation to faith 12th Chap Hebrews 1st Verse in the afternoon upon the opening of the second seal how favored are we in this new country to have men of talent & education & Holy zeal to explain to us the word of God which is able to make us wise unto salvation oh that we may value duly these precious privilidges & profit by the means of grace afforded us.
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Monday 15th. Mrs. Bucklin & family, Israel & Conn spent the day with us very pleasant to meet with our friends.
Tuesday 16th. The weather very much moderated. Rode down to town after Breakfast on business in the afternoon spent with Mrs. Israel in company with Mrs. McClure Camel Miss A Seymour, Wolcott went to the sewing society at Mrs. Alexander,s.
Wednesday 17th. Another delightful day how pleasant after such very cold weather.
Thursday 18th. Felt like summer delightful day did not feel well went to prayer meeting in the afternoon & evening. Heard Mr. Beecher preach from Revelations 3 Chap 14th 15,16 Verse to the church of Laadicia quite solemn felt gratified that I had gone oh that my dear Husband could be prevailed upon to feel like going to evening Lectures.
Friday continued pleasant Miss Fairweather Miss Wolcott Miss Adams & Seymour spent the afternoon with me quite pleasant also a visit from Mr. Sturtevant.
Saturday. Miss Adams remained with us rode oat in the afternoon to the mound the weather was so fine quite sick in the evening retired early.
Sabbeth. Mr. Beecher addressed us from Ephesians 6th Chapter 4 verses Children obey your parents in the Lord a most suitable & interesting sermon one calculated to make an impression on the minds of parents & Children. I trust we may all profit by it in the afternoon the sermon was continued in Revelations 16th Chap concerning the vials the 4th vial was the one preached from he spoke very paticularly of the ambition of Napoleon as though he was the man that scorched the world with fire.
Monday 22nd. The weather continues beutiful like spring rode 5 miles with Mr. D in the afternoon went down to Cousen Sue Brown to spend the afternoon took Anna Maria Anna Caldwell, Smith, & Julia, met Mrs. Israel with her two Children & Miss Hetty came home after tea.
Tuesday 23rd. Had Mrs. Davidson Eliza Conn & Mr. & Mrs. Smith from the Grove Mr. & Mrs. Brown saw this
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day the impropriety more strongly than ever of not bringing up children aright. Lord direct me in this important task for without thine aid vain would be the attempt.Wednesday 24th. Attended the Fair of the Episcopal Church took the children found every thing arranged with taste. Returned home feeling that they would not compensate for the trouble made or said to have made 230$ in the afternoon attended the Maternal meeting the subject discussed an interesting one self denial in our children.
Thursday 25. Was appointed as a day of fasting & prayer for the Colleges went to church in the morning & heard Mr. B on Daniel pointed out his character as one of imitation was so unwell from cold that I took on Tuesday that I was unable to go down in the afternoon or evening.
Friday. The day damp & unpleasant. Went to town on business M A came up from St. Louis but as usual with any thing in life that is pleasant something of a contrary nature is connected to show us our happiness is not in this world owing to some story being told.
Saturday 27th. Went to town in the morning & spent the day with Cousin Susan as she was sick as well as her child the day rather damp although the sun shone Baby 1 year old.
Sabbeth 28. Delightful day Mr. Beecher preached 4 Chap Malicki 6th Verse a very impressive Sermon to parents. Lord grant that I may continue to feel my responsibility as a parent & direct me aright to teach them, in the afternoon the subject continued in Revelations 16 Chap.
Monday 1st March. The day extremely fine although I felt quite sick. I sent for Mrs. Davidson to spend a few days she will probibly come on Tuesday.
Tuesday 2nd. Mrs. D & her Husband & her son Henry Mr. & Mrs. Hardin all spent the day or rather eat dinner the former being compelled to start on the morrow the day pleasant but I increased my cold in my neck from sitting in the parlor where a fire had just been kindled did not go to Mrs. Hardins on account of it Mr. D & Anna went.
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Wednesday. Mrs. Poesy & her Husband spent the day with us his health much improved the weather delightful in the evening was quite sick & went to bed early.
Thursday 4th. Great change in the weather hardly felt like sitting up was greatly disappointed at not getting down to prayer meeting or church in the evening as my Husband promised to accompany me & it being also preparatory to communion.
Friday 5. Found the ground covered with snow to my surprise in the morning did not venture out taught my children in the morning as it was too inclement for them to go to school.
Saturday 6th. Very cloudy had a call from the Miss Browns felt unusually well read to the children a story.
Sabbeth 7th. Mr. Beecher preached a suitable sermon before Sacrament the text was in Malichi 4 Chap 18 Verse in the afternoon from Revelations 16th Chap from the 12th to the 16th a terrifick description of the Catholicks.
Monday 8th. The Sleighing remarkably fine & the day delightful went out to Mrs. Kutter, procured 2 Bushels of pippens.
Tuesday 9th Cloudy Wednesday 10. This day is my Birthday & I am led to enquire why it is that I have been preserved to this time. Lord forgive the sins of youth & riper years and enable me hereafter to live more to thy honor & thy glory & may my dear children be trained to love & serve the Lord grant me strength Heavenly Father to perform all my duties aright & this day would I desire to consecrate myself afresh to thee in an everlasting covenant never to be broken. Mrs. Ayers spent the afternoon with me & I took a ride in the sleigh with my Husband in the morning.
Thursday pleasant day Mrs. Conn spent it with me & I foolishly gave up my meeting in the afternoon & in the evening prepared to go down to meeting & found the Horses cutting up & remained at home. I fear I should not be able to give my body to be burned if it was necessary. Lord enable me to search myself & see what manner of spirit I am.
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Friday quite a deep Snow has fallen. Mr. D went Hunting & not feeling well remained at home in the morning mending clothes, in the afternoon rode out. Horses bawked alarmed me returned home the worse of it.
Saturday. The day Beutiful over head but sloppy underfoot received a letter from my Sister informing me of the marriage of a Cousin to a Missionary to Africa. Lord grant that they may do much good & be abundantly blessed.
Sabbeth 14. Mr. Beecher preached from Luke 12th Chap 40th Verse a very solemn & impressive sermon. Lord grant that we may be found ready when our Lord comes the death of a church member induced this sermon in the afternoon his text was from Revelations.
Monday 15. Made 6 calls quite pleasant although muddy Judge Bobbins the Temperance agent staid with us Sabbeth Night and Monday he related many interesting anecdotes in relation to it. I still however feel a degree of foolish feeling in regard to it that if I join it I shall then feel inclined to drink it when I never did.
Tuesday 16. Tolerably pleasant day Mr. D went to Springfield in the morning & after dinner James Duncan
Wednesday 17th. The day cold & misty. Called on Mrs. Henry Sturtevant Mr. D. returned unexpectedly to me in the evening how delightful are those things.
Thursday 18th. Quite a warm wind did not ride in the morning hut in the afternoon although sick went down to Prayer meeting felt myself much drawn out in prayer. Oh how
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delightful is it for Christians to meet & join their voices in praying for the blessing of God upon his people & that sinners might be brought to a knowledge of the saviour. In the evening persuaded M D to go & see Mr. Wilkerson who was sick & to my astonishment he & his Brother with Duncan Linn accompanied us to meeting the text was blessed are the poor in spirit Matthew 4th & 3rd very solemn & searching.Friday 19th. Walked over to the school house found my dear Children studying & happy was pleased with their reading & recitations, spent the afternoon with Mrs. Conn came home & felt somewhat depressed from hearing of some persons taking advantage of my Husband & they professing Christians. Dr. Reed & Scot & felt my pride wounded in regard to some things the case has gone against Mr. Linn
Saturday 20th. Went down town contrary to inclination to purchase bed cloths for Duncan Linn dislike to go to town Saturday damp & muddy.
Sabbeth. Mr. Beecher preached. I thought not as well as usual it might be my feelings was not right the Text was in. In the afternoon he continued his subject in Revelations.
Monday 22nd. Another new girl by the way of help expect trouble Susan Brown spent the day with me & the weather unpleasent.
Tuesday 23. Thought as the day looked pleasent & having an Extra hand I would attempt to clean commenced in the third story & providential it was for I had no sooner got seated to direct when my Husband came up & told me that there was a great fight below one of my domesticks & a neighbor Mrs. Hussy had had literally fought how shameful to be said that servants would dare to fight in the house of a christian.
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I felt like enquiring why is it thus Lord enable us to pray for these poor ignorant creatures & grant that there eyes may be opened to see the errors of their ways & convert them to thee invited myself to drink tea Mrs. J.Wilkenson.
Wednesday 24th. Found it cloudy & raining when I got up but the afternoon became pretty clear fulfilled my engagement spent a pleasent afternoon.
Thursday 25. The day exceedingly warm went to prayer meeting in the afternoon. Anna Maria also accompanied me & we took tea with Mrs. Barton as well as Mrs. Ayers & went with them to meeting & heard Mr. Beecher upon the same words as before Blessed are the poor in spirit & felt so sick in meeting that I did not enjoy it as much as usual.
Friday continued warm felt badly but Mr. D & myself walked over to the school house to hear the children as it was their examination day they will now have a week's holiday.
Saturday continues warm notwithstanding we had a storm yesterday afternoon but the rain I think is not over the baby walks all over being 13 months old was oblidged to go down town as usual for scrubbing Brushes to clean house
Sabbeth 28. The day exceeding disagreable & damp went to church in the morning & heard Mr. Beecher from Proverbs 10 & 9th. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom the afternoon feeling so badly I remained at home but felt sick & was not aroused to any exertion till evening when I reflected that it my duty to instruct my dear children which I did.
Monday 29th. Still very disagreeable & cold but went down town to attend a meeting to do something for the education of Females
Tuesday 30. Rather unpleasant staid at home in the morning & pieced for the first time a Quilt of Blue Muslin in the evening went to Mrs. J. P. Wilkensons to the sewing society.
Wednesday 31. Another cloudy disagreeable day but the hope that it soon will be pleasanter cheers the heart.
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Thursday 1st April. Quite pleasant. Went to prayer meeting in the afternoon & evening heard Mr. Beecher from these words blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted Mr. D went with me unexpectedly felt rather better in health.
Friday 2nd. Very cold & disagreable my mouth being so sore with ulcers I thought I would amuse myself with working in the front yard but I found I took cold. Went to Mrs. Dr. Adams in the afternoon & drank tea met Mrs. Lockwood Wilkenson spent a pleasant evening returned home at nine.
Saturday 3rd. The morning being cold I did not go out till afternoon. Planted Rose Bushes a present from Dr. Jones planted out a day or two before 2 Rose Bushes of Mrs. Wilkenson & also a geranium from Mrs. O. Wilkensons.
Sabbeth. Mr. Beecher preached from Prov 29th 25th Verse an excellent sermon in the afternoon. I had such a violent sick headache that I could not attend regretted it much as I dislike to lose any of the sermons on Revelations as they are particularly interesting.
Monday 5th. Regretted much that I did not feel well enough to attend Monthly Concert for I think it one of the most interesting meetings we have Mr. James Duncan arrived.
Tuesday 6th. Rather cold called on Mrs. Turner, Beecher, in behalf of the education society on my way to Mr. Sturtevants where we was invited to meet Mrs. Gillett & C. Sturtevants family felt badly of course at the remembrance of former times.
Wednesday called at Mrs. Ayers & did business in town in behalf of the same object.
Thursday. Rather pleasant day. Had Miss Hulda Sturtevant & Miss Long from the Monticello institution to dine after which Miss Dodge & myself went to old Mrs. Bartons in the evening. Went to hear Mr. Beecher on the subject of mourning blessed are they that mourn very profitable lecture. Felt quite sick when I returned home 1/2 past 9 o'clock.
Friday 9th. The weather a little warmer & damp from Showers. Dined at Mrs. O. Wilkerson in company with Mrs.
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Brown, Milburn, Israel, Camel, Paice, Dodge. The weather changed & in returning home in the afternoon took cold felt unusually stupid in the evening retired early spent a pleasant day.Saturday 10. Cold & disagreable. Caroline D & myself amused ourselves by fixing the upper story of my dear Husband's office & sought Newspapers till we was chilled through eat dinner with the family an unusual thing these days snowed quite hard something unusual for this season of the year.
Sabbeth 11th. Mr. Beecher continued from Prov 29th Chap 25 Verse an excellent sermon. The weather cold & unpleasant in the afternoon although rainy. I went accompanied by my dear Husband & heard Mr. B from Revelations 17th a most excellent & interesting sermon.
Monday 12th. The weather very fine seemed to cheer our spirits although two of our domesticks left us yesterday one without even letting me know that she was going providence always seems to provide for I had more strength than usual given me & washed up a number of things became quite solicitous about Mary Louise. She I fear has scrofula intend consulting a Physician one of my domestics has chills so we have one instead of four it seems quite calm & peaceful like Sabbeth morning consulted the Dr. in the afternoon & he thinks that Mary has not got the symptoms of Scrofula.
Tuesday 13th. Rather cold but clear. Went to Mrs. Browns to tea not feeling well did not attend the sewing society.
Wednesday 14th. Felt still more unwell. Mrs. Brown spent the day with me a number of Ladies called to see me did not go out gave E. Hagaty a dose of Tarter emetick having had a chill the Dr. recommended Medicine to me but I defered it as I intended having company.
Thursday 15th. Rather cold & windy feel rather better but in the afternoon the weather seemed so unpleasant that I concluded not to go to prayer meeting either afternoon or evening. Miss Dodge walked down.
Friday 16th. Felt very unwell if I had not been going to have company I should not have made the least exertion but
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taken medicine. Mr. & Mrs. Bucklin Mrs. Raffleja & Mr. Tucker her Father drank tea with us, felt badly & took a pill before retiring Brother J & family arived.Saturday. Quite rainy & warm I suppose we shall probibly have warm weather the trees are beginning to look green.
Sabbath. Mr. Patterson preached in the morning.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Mrs. Chickering
Thursday 22nd. The day pleasant rode down to town with Mrs. Chickering who looks badly Fanny Bowers & Mr. C who looks nice had no paticular Coachman could not therefore go to meeting took home Aunt Jane D.
Friday 23. Mrs. C husband & Fanny left & we are alone once more except Miss Dodge who is very little or no trouble in a family.
The weather quite warm children have bad colds Tulips in bloom did considerable shopping.
Saturday. Went to Maternal meeting Dr. Adams lectured on Joseph the children pretty generally contributed towards the Heathen children.
Sabbeth. Psalms in the afternoon in the 18th of Revelations.
Monday 26th. Jo seemed quite sick from cold the Dr. gave him an emetick the evening before & to day oil the fever rose & at night he took Calomel rested better the end of the night felt uneasy about him.
Tuesday 27. Still feel uneasy about Jo the Dr. gave him Oil & we repeated the dose at 12 o'clock he seems better this afternoon.
Wednesday. Mr. D went to Springfield & Anna scalded her foot & screamed so violently as to alarm me very much laid down nearly all day rode in the afternoon & felt better but did not rest went to see Mrs. Chinn.
Thursday 29. Raining quite hard cold & unpleasent was prevented from going to meeting in the afternoon & evening.
Friday 30th. Rather unpleasent Mr. D returned in the evening with Miss Mary Ulrich.
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Saturday 30th. A pleasant day rode on Horseback twice around the lot on Ann Elizabeth's pony which her Father had purchased at Springfield on account of her studying her lessons so well. Mary Louise rode 8 miles for the first time being 8 yrs & 7 months old.Sabbeth. Mr. Allen an agent for the Abolitionist preached from Corinthians 13th Chap 13th Verse in the afternoon Mr. Beecher preached from Revelations 10th.
Monday 3rd. Spent the day at Brother James but the weather was truly cold & unpleasent.
Tuesday. Still cold & cloudy remained at home & wrote to sister.
Wednesday. Rode down to town & in the evening Brother James & his wife drank tea with me being the evening before his departure for the East had a most violent sick Headache & retired after an early tea.
Thursday 6th. Felt quite sick but as my Husband offered to make calls with me determined to exert myself & went down to town saw the pretty Mrs. Clarke Miss Dwight the sweet singer saw Brother James take leave of his family for Washington could truly sympathise with them not able to attend meeting on account of weather.
Friday 7. The weather continues cold enough for fire laid down but did not sleep this afternoon.
Thursday 13th. Went to prayer meeting the weather getting warmer.
Friday 14th. Went to church in the morning & heard Mr. Beecher felt fatigued & did not attend in the evening.
Saturday 15. Went to see Cousin Ann Finly & Robert & his wife who we understood had arrived.
Sabbeth 16th. Heard Mr. Bergen Jr. deliver a lecture upon Tracts or distribution of Sunday school Books.
Monday 17th. Cousins Sue Brown & Ann Finly & Brother spent the day with us the first warm day.
Tuesday 18th. The weather so warm as to enable me to change my clothes but us usual I took a little cold feel badly at the idea of Mr. D starting for Oquawka went shopping which I dislike much.
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Wednesday. Took my usual ride of a mile on Horseback felt badly owing to not resting well & changing my clothes the weather quite warm the flowers & every thing in nature looking beautiful.
Thursday. Went to prayer meeting in the afternoon very few present Mrs. Goudy Seymour.
Friday & Saturday. Made calls.
Sabbeth. A Methodist preached for us a lengthy sermon his text was in 1st Samuel 12 Chap 34th Verse. In the afternoon Mr. Beecher preached a paticularly interesting sermon in Revelations 19 Chap the finishing of his course of lectures looked much like a violent storm.
Monday. Mrs. James Duncan & Mrs. Conn put in a Blue Muslin Quilt for me did not feel well.
Tuesday 25th. Mrs. Conn & Mrs. D still assisted me.
Wednesday 26. Attended an interesting maternal meeting.
Thursday 27. Mrs. Israel assisted me till afternoon found after I got down it was too warm went in the evening & heard a Missionary nothing paticularly interesting felt disappointed at not hearing Mr. Beecher very warm.
Friday 28. Very warm felt the heat more than usual Mrs. Bucklin & Brothers spent the evening with us.
Saturday. Went down to town to shop in the morning & felt quite uncomfortable & resolved as usual that I would not go down to shop on Saturday again as it consumed so much time.
Sabbeth 30th. Mr. Beecher preached for us from in the afternoon not as interesting as usual or the heat was more overcoming than I ever felt it in church.
Monday 31. Truly warm & sultry all the morning felt it more because compelled to go to town.
Tuesday 1st of June. Anna Maria left home for Mr. Bones & brought down Mrs. Chickering from the Grove Susan Brown & Husband & Cousin Ann Finly & Amy Duncan spent the day with us felt warm.
Wednesday 2nd. Went to town in the morning & found
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it very warm while there but comfortable at home. Mr. Chickering arrived to dinner & Mr. Gallagher also dined with us.Thursday 3rd. Still warmer than the day previous went to town in the morning returned pretty soon. Miss Dwight & Wolcott called on us & Ann Duncan spent the day went to meeting accompanied by Mr. & Mrs. Chickering, Miss Dodge & Anna Maria. Mr. Beecher preached blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy an excellent sermon so suitable to any one afflicted with bad temper.
Friday 4th. The weather still continues very warm though a fine air has been stiring all day had my fill of strawberries for the first time though I had eaten them twice before.
Saturday 5. Went down to the Mound the air pleasant. Cousin Ann Finly came up & accompanied Mr. D & Anna Maria to the Springs looked like rain in the evening.
Sabbeth 6. Mr. Beecher preached in the morning from Romans & in the afternoon from Revelations the last day of Judgment very interesting very exceeding warm.
Monday. A fine Air rode to town to shop but it is still warm. Mr. D left for Springfield accompanied with Mr. Chickering & Martha remained with me spent a pleasent day.
Tuesday 8th. An exceedingly warm day suffered with the Heat & a violent Headache from going without Coffee eat Garden Strawberries twice, very fine picked from the garden at Mr. Chenille. Our Neighbors went to Mrs. Clay to drink tea & in the evening felt so much better as to go to the colonization society.
Wednesday 9. Still warm. Martha & myself rode down town spent a delightful day at home by ourselves eat Strawberries & went to Mrs. Ayers to tea. Cousin Robert Finly took Ann Maria to see her Sister the morning quite warm but in the evening seemed cooler.
Thursday. Continued very warm & I had a violent headache all day from going without Coffee for Breakfast prevented my going to meeting in the afternoon and evening.
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Friday. Spent the day at Cousin Susan Brown & in the afternoon Mr. Duncan & Mr. Chickering returned from Springfield & came down for us how kind is providence to preserve us both to meet after sepperation so often in health & happiness the day is warmer than ever.
Saturday. The weather is pleasenter a fine westerly wind round around the place three times on Horseback felt unusually well eat Strawberries.
Sabbeth. Went to church in the morning although quite cloudy heard Mr. Beecher not as interesting as usual. In the afternoon went to the Episcopal Church & heard Mr. Ayers an excellent sermon felt a delightful air in church which was quite refreshing.
Monday 14th. Mrs. Brown
Tuesday 15. Cousin Robert & wife spent the day with me & Cousin Ann Finley reminded me of old times how I would like to have her remain & make me a visit but it would not do to ask for it as her sister Susan lives in the same town & of course has higher claims on her. Went in the afternoon to Mrs. Conn & in the evening to Mrs. Warren & felt quite fatigued retired 1/2 past ten can truly say that I did not relish the party the noise confused & bewildered me.
Wednesday 16th. Mr. D went to Springfield unexpectedly & our relatives started for the East. I went down early in order to see them start & felt badly on account of not sleeping the night before with a face ache which continued with a Headache all day. Mrs. Conn spent the day with me & Anna spent the day with Cousin Susan by way of consoling for the departure of her friends.
Thursday 17th. Quite sultry & unpleasent rained in the afternoon rested better last night but still had a dreadful pain in the face & head amused myself with writing to sister Jeanet & journal & darning Black Stockings.
Friday. Mr. Duncan & Mr. Chickering returned felt better though not entirely relieved of face ache.
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Saturday 19. Had raspberries for dinner very fine & currants very sultry all morning. Made calls around the Hill with Mrs. J. Duncan & Chickering. My face continues to ache a fine air sprung up in the afternoon.
Sabbeth 20th. Heard Mr. Beecher in the morning & in the afternoon as it was so warm embraced the opportunity of going to hear Mr. Ayers was pleased with him. Spoke to Martha Chickering in regard to her spiritual concerns for I feel as though all of our lives are uncertain both being in a situation from which life is felt to be uncertain although God has delivered me in Eight troubles & I feel as though I ought to be willing to trust him for the 9th. She seemed to feel solemn & said she intended to be confirmed the first opportunity she had there being at present no Episcopal Clergyman in Alton.
Monday 21st. Went to Mrs. Israel with Mr. Bowers family who all came in on Saturday Robert Canfield
Tuesday 22nd. Mr. Duncan had a party got up for the Springs Martha & myself spent the day delightfully at home. Mrs. James Duncan came up & made me Jelly of Currants which was very fine in the evening. Mrs. J. Duncan & Mrs. Israel staid to see Julia Bowers play the old man & several other pieces. She would certainly do for the stage.
Wednesday 23. Mrs. Bowers & her husband returned home Martha bore it as well as could be expected.
Thursday 24. Mr. Chickering his wife Julia Bowers & Mary Childs all took their departure for Alton. I felt reluctant to part with her but felt that it was important that she should be settled & rather urged her departure the morning rather cloudy. Went down to meeting in the evening with my Husband & he seemed pleased.
Friday 25th. For the first time in 6 months we eat breakfast & dinner alone. In the evening Mr. Morris the gentleman who is to deliver the lecture on the Orphan assylum accompanied by Dr. Wilkenson who is the Brother in law came to remain a week with us very agreeable gentleman the latter a widower.
Saturday 26 Sabbeth 27th. Mr. D went to hear Mr. Foot
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but as it was so excessively warm I went to our own church & heard Mr. Beecher finish his subject was as follow to him that knoweth to do his duty & doeth it not to him it is sin. Mr. & D went down in the evening & heard Mr. Foot in the Congregational church & was much pleased.Monday 28. Sister Margaret assisted me in preserving Raspberries as well as Currants feel quite pleased that that Job is finished before Commencement for that will of course be a busy day.
Tuesday 29. Drank tea with Mrs. Ayers & met some friends of Dr. Reed's & Mr. & Mrs. Foot who seem quite pleasant.
Wednesday 30th. Commencement day a very warm oppressive day did not of course attend but Mr. D did regretted that I could not attend the Education society in the evening had an address by Judge Robbins invited all the strangers for next day.
Thursday 1st July. Attended the anual meeting of the E. society at the Female academy & elected officers had the strangers in the evening & Col. & Mrs. Mather
Friday 2nd. Invited Mrs. Brown & Duncan family to tea only Mrs. B. Henry Canfield & Ann Duncan came.
Sabbeth 4th of July. Mr. Beecher preached 2 excelent sermons never felt more drowsy & he alluded very beautifully at the sacramental board to the Disciples sleeping that the Saviour remarked the spirit was willing but the flesh was weak.
Monday 5th. Not knowing it was the celebration of the 4th sallied down town in pursuit of some Eggs for to make cake for company when to my astonishment the soldiers made their appearance & in order to get rid of them we rode all the way out to Mr. Hardin's & was pursued. It frightened me so much that when I returned to town & found our Horses had not run I felt quite faint & was sick all day. Mrs. Conn was kind enough to come up with me my Husband having gone to the Mineral Spring with Mary. In the evening Mrs.
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Canfield who had spent near a week with me returned with Brother James family & all drank tea.Tuesday 6th. Dined at Mrs. James Duncan in company with Mr. & Mrs. J. P. Wilkenson & Luse Canfield Mrs. Conn & Israel.
Wednesday 7. Had Mr. & Mrs. Todd McKee Warren Brown & Duncan for Tea had Raspberries in abundance cool & fresh.
Thursday 8th. Delightful weather felt much better in health. Went to Female prayer meeting enjoyed it much called at the door of eleven families & invited them for tea the following evening was not able to attend the evening meeting as my Husband could not go with me.
Friday 9th. Was disappointed in having only five or six persons come after inviting so many. A number of persons was complaining & the Episcopalians had a meeting.
Saturday 10. Quite a rainy morning felt unusually debilitated the weather being rather close & warm.
Sabbeth 11. Went to our own church & heard Mr. Post Brother preach from 1st Corinthians 12th Chap 31st Verse tolerable sermon. The day more oppressive & sultry than any I ever felt did not go out in the afternoon in the evening walked around the enclosure.
Monday 12. Still as warm as ever the Air making us all feel a Nauseau at the stomach especially the Baby.
Tuesday 13th. Rode out at 5 o'clock in the morning had commenced the day before the weather still continuing warm so much so as to make me pull of flannel next to my skin rode out in the evening called on Lathrop & Camel had a shower several times.
Wednesday 14th. The air felt much pleasenter & cooler after the shower in the night as it was so damp in the morning. Did not ride before Breakfast. Brought up Miss H. Israel to spend the day. It became quite warm in the middle of the day returned some calls in the evening.
Thursday 15. Quite cool early in the morning rose at 4 o'clock but could not accomplish as much as I would owing to taking cold * * * felt better towards evening although
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my House was in great confusion with Whitewashers. I shall feel quite thankful to get settled again. Did not feel able to attend prayer meeting either in the afternoon & Mr. D could not go in the evening with me had a visit from Eliza Conn & Mrs. Brothers slept badly.Friday. Did not feel well owing to my loss of rest was invited to Mrs. Israel's to tea the weather much cooler & of course more pleasent called on Mrs. Ringgold on my way to Mrs. Israel's & spent a pleasent evening my Husband. Took 5 of the children to get Blackberries but when they returned with them I could not eat many for they was not ripe. Did not sleep well it stormed.
Saturday 17. Quite a Thunder Storm rained very hard felt somewhat sultry all day, had Raspberries a saucer full.
Sabbeth 18. A very warm sultry day went to hear Mr. B in the morning. His sermon was solemn & impressive. His text was in Hebrews 10th Chap 26 & 27 Verses he read also a tract to show how dreadful to renew them again to repentance if they have sinned wilfully. In the afternoon feeling worried about my Husband going to Washington I did not return to our own church but went to the Episcopal church & heard Mr. Ayers from Ephesians Redeem the time because the are evil an excellent sermon but after all I cannot admire forms Thunder violent.
Monday 19. Invited some friends to tea on Tuesday. Cousin Susans child being so ill did not make much preparation for them.
Tuesday 20. The child still continues ill feel quite uncertain this morning the weather quite warm feel quite well considering. I was up so much in the Night with Heartburn & cramp in my stomach back & legs great excitement in town concerning the Robery of the branch of the Illinois Bank Saten appears to be walking up and down in the earth, very busy, still continue to have Raspberries saucer full at a time. Susan Babe died, & we of course went to town to see her & in the midst of it saw the whole town excited about the bank business. My Husband enquired & found Mr. Town had confessed his guilt & acknowledged that he was the man, the next
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morning he confessed to his wife what he had done, & she went from one fainting fit into another & returned to her Mother's house at the Morgan House which by the way is kept by her Brother William Scot. What a heart rending scene it must be to her aged Mother & his sister who will probibly convey the intelligence to his parents did not of course have company. Returned home about bed time & found Mrs. Bowers Falconer & Thayer from Philadelphia & Mrs. Thayer little son & daughter the little girl quite pretty.Wednesday 21st. The weather rather warm did not ride which I missed much as I feel rather uncomfortable owing to cramp & Heartburn.
Thursday 22. Mrs. Bowers concluded to return as the ladies had concluded they must return in the stage to Springfield feeling anxious about Mr. Thayer as he had not been well. The day was warm we spent it very pleasantly talked over scenes of younger years & in the evening after Mrs. Bowers returned we went down to town & called on Mrs. King found she had a fine Baby, called for Miss Adams found her out.
Friday 23. The morning sultry & warm the people crowded into town to see a man hung by the name of Gardener who shot a man it was supposed when drink no doubt many felt disappointed when they found his execution was put off until November. Mrs. Thayer & Falconer started in the stage although it was drissling a little & I felt very sorry to part with them for they was agreeable but I felt the fatigue & excitement of the company was too much for me & it was on the whole fortunate for me to be alone once more Lord grant that I may give all diligence if I have never done it before to make my calling & election sure for I feel as though time is short & life is uncertain felt more unwell than usual * * *the Heartburn was so violent & wrote my journal for several days. Mr. James Duncan & family went to the Springs Mrs. Wilkenson & Israel ours did not go owing to the appearance of rain had a few Raspberries probibly the last forgot to mention that I received letters from both my Sisters the day before feel quite drowsy & shall try to retire once more fell asleep & did not wake until 6 o'clock in the morning.
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Saturday 24. Arose at 6 o'clock rode to town & out to Leeches on the Mound road & although I suffered with the heat felt better than usual went to town with Mr. D after tea & called on Mrs. Conn found her out.
Sabbeth 25. Went to church in the morning & heard Mr. Beecher thought him more lengthy than usual for I was quite sick & obliged to come out before church was out did not go in the afternoon.
Monday 26. Went to town in the evening & brought up Amy Duncan she remained till Wednesday afternoon Mrs. Conn spent Tuesday.
Thursday 28. Mrs. Linn came up & drank tea with us also Mrs. Hardin. & Smith accidentally dropt in took Mrs. L down & saw her two children which she calls twins.
Friday 30. Had a Picnick about 50 persons went to the Mineral Springs the day pleasent Mrs. Conn & Susan Brown & her Husband dined with me had Beans Tomatoes Potatoes Beets & apples from our own garden, made into sauce.
Saturday. The day pleasent determined to let all company go as my health was suffering from the want of riding any distance finished reading Mrs. Sigourney scotches, rode to Leeches in the morning. In the afternoon not feeling well did not dress & had a call from Mr. & Mrs. January Mrs. Barton Mrs. Linn & Brother James family.
Sabbeth 1st August. Went to church with 5 of our dear children fear that it will be some time before I can go again will depend however upon my feelings as I am truly uncomfortable from cramp * * * Mr. Beecher alluded to his not preaching for us much longer his text was in Luke.
Monday. Election day went to town quite early & shopped expect my relations to morrow to spend the day rode nearly to Leeches the weather delightful.
Tuesday 3rd. My relations came spent a pleasent day with the exception of the heat rode down to town on business & felt thankful that I was not compelled to live in town did not sleep well.
Wednesday 4th. Had determined to ride to the mound
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as I was not compelled to go to town but did not feel able to ride much farther than Frenches spent the evening very pleasently at Mrs. Wilkinsons with my relations & Mrs. January & Husband.Thursday 5. Quite a pleasent day felt tolerably well went to town on business & rode nearly to Leeches in the evening vent to prayer meeting & heard Mr. Beecher from these words, Seek first the Kingdom of heaven & his righteousness & all these things shall be added unto you was solemn & impressive to me from the fact that my dear Mother just before her death called me to her bedside calling me Lissy & repeating those same words. Lord grant that thy professing children may be more zealous in thy cause & more deeply interested in the salvation of souls we lament that we are so cold & negligent in thy service, took Ellen home to get cured of the Itch.
Friday 6th. Rode to town & afterward to French in the afternoon did not feel well but spent the afternoon with Cousin Susan. Mr. D left us at Tea time & went to Mrs. Israel's to tea to meet his Sister stopt for him & brought him home took cold the night before with sleeping with the window on a crack. * * *
Saturday 7th. The morning quite chilly & damp rained soon after breakfast * * * have not felt so unwell since winter took Lime water & Blackberry cordial & feel better at Night & was in hopes to sleep but alas I had no sooner got warm in bed than than the Heartburn attacked me with re-doubled force & I was compelled to rise out of bed read wrote & walked was invited to Mr. Hardin's but did not go on account of indisposition Anna also sick rained very hard.
Sabbeth 8th. Still felt unwell remained at home & slept in the morning. In the afternoon read concerning the Nestorians or the lost tribe a young lady Miss H. sent me a present. Cannot Say that I felt much interested in it a young gentleman from Washington Hanson Weightman came here & spent the afternoon & evening.
Monday 9th. Sister Polly Ann came up to spend some time with us & her two children the day pleasant.
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Tuesday 10th. Mr. & Mrs. January spent the day Miss Adams felt remarkably well. Mrs. Linn sick fatigued myself too much during the day & walked up stairs in the evening to see Mrs. Linn in the evening & felt quite unwell in the morning so much so that I told Mrs. Bowers to tell the Dr. not to be from home fortunately I was not sick for he was with a friend of mine all day. Mrs. Bowers returned & Mrs. Conn spent the day with me.
Wednesday. Mrs. Linn came down stairs contrary to all expectations & was quite relieved. That day as well as Thursday when I believe nothing particular occured was excessively warm.
Saturday. Mrs. Bowers sent in George to know if we would come out & spend the day on Tuesday. Mrs. Linn & James Duncan's family consented.
Sabbeth. The day excessively Hot did not go to church. Mr. D remained at home with me & I spent the day quite pleasently considering I was so much oppressed with heat. Mr. & Mrs. Linn went to the Episcopal.
Monday. Arose quite early rode out to Mrs. Hardins invited them to tea. Mrs. January Brother & Wiswall & James Duncan & his wife Mr. & Mrs. Daviss from Alton all seemed to enjoy themselves very much had the finest kind of Cantelopes & Watermelons.
Tuesday 17th. The morning very pleasent the air peculiarly delightful because somewhat cooler.
Wednesday. Very much occupied in getting my parlor carpet as well as the spare & little room put down felt quite uncomfortable the day oppressively warm.
Thursday 19th. The day more oppressive than I ever felt it to be & of course very uncomfortable. Mrs. Linn returned invited some friends.
Friday. Felt better than I expected considering I had quite a sick Headache the night before. My friends generally came to tea had a pleasant evening fine Melons & retired early without experiencing any inconvenience.
Saturday. The day still continues oppressive felt unwilling
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willing to do any thing but put up a few things after company after dinner a breese struck up & feel a little more comfortable.Sabbeth. The day pleasenter for there being rain. Saturday Night did not go to church as I was too much cramped.
Monday 23rd. This day delightful felt more comfortable till evening eat fruit abundantly Caroline & Ann Dunean
Tuesday. The weather still continues pleasent felt in considerable pain. Mrs. Linn quite sick rode down to town got Mrs. James Duncan to stay with her. Anna also was sick & one of our girls had taken a notion to sew for herself so we had a large family with few to do the work left every thing undone we could do without.
Wednesday 25. Mrs. Linn better made me delightful Plum preserves from our garden the yellow gage though some call it Chickasaw plum.
Thursday 26. Finished a pr. of socks for Sister Polly Ann the day not quite so cool my babe better after having had a spell of vomiting from teething for several days partook freely of Water & Cantelopes.
Friday 27th. The day quite cool Mrs. Clay & Conn & Cousin Sue Brown spent the afternoon with me felt very badly owing to my loss of sleep the night before. * * *
Saturday 28. Felt badly owing to my being disturbed in the Night with the crying of children hope I shall be enabled to bear my trials with fortitude whatever they may be Lord grant that I may keep under my evil passions & bear with those around. Could not accompany Sister Polly Ann to tea at Cousin Susans for my state of health is such as to make me truly uncomfortable at this time indeed I feel quite an indisposition to see any company.
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Sabbeth 29th. Quite a pleasent day but the weather remarkable dry. Mr. D & Ann & Mrs. Linn all remained at home to take Medicine.
Monday 30. Felt unusually well although the weather has turned warm Mrs. Ayers drank tea with me Sister & her children drank tea at Brother James.
Tuesday 31st. The weather continues warmer than I ever felt it at this season of the year but I have felt tolerably well during the day until the Night when I was so overcome with the Heat that I felt compelled to sit up & took cold. Mr. D sister & children left for Brother James to start in the morning for Springfield felt sorry to have her start this warm weather but my situation seem to demand quiet & having had such a constant routine of company I felt anxious to be alone once more with my family. Lord grant I may improve the time knowing that my days may be very few & evil suffer much from Heartburn.
Wednesday 1st Sept. The day as warm as ever felt quite uncomfortable & lame from taking cold & loosing my rest the Night before was foolishly worried about my Husband moving his office in the House for the sake of accomodating a Scoctch man who is to instruct our children. Oh how trifling will all these things appear on a dying bed Lord keep me or I; fall I feel insufficient to bear up even under trifles as some would call them. Mr. Gallaher sent for us to attend a protracted meeting by Charles Thayer but of course we could not attend owing to my daily expectation of being confined. Oh how much faith is needed I know not who is to Nurse me but the Lord will provide.
Thursday 2nd. Went to town & brought up Brother James & his wife spent a pleasent day on account of it raining which cooled the air slept badly.
Friday 3rd. The morning most delightful arose at five notwithstanding I did not sleep well. Went to town invited Mrs. Conn & Miss Adams they could not come so I brought up Caroline & Susan Jane Israel to spend the day. In the evening got quite a fright with Ann Elizabeth falling off the Horse.
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She was galloping her Horse running a race with her sister May when in turning around the circle the tree caught her by the Neck & pitched her back and she fell. The Lord preserved her & she was saved but I suffered a while from great anxiety. The middle of the day quite warm but the evening cooler. Lord make me gratefull for the life of my child.
Saturday 4th. The day remarkably warm Susan Jane Israel & Caroline Duncan spent with me had delightful Melons felt not as smart as usual.
Sabbeth 5th. Still continues quite warm. A poor Englishman staying at Mr. Husseys died & was buried the same evening it would seem revolting to the feelings but it may be a case of necessity Lord grant that this death may be sanctified to us all & may we not go so heedless & unconcerned reallizing death for every body but ourselves & may I for one be more importunate at the throne of grace for myself and others. The day very warm & I sat with too few clothes in the draft & I think took cold slept miserably all Night ...
Monday. The weather some cooler but felt exceeding unwell & full of pain so much so as to keep my dear Husband at home. Slept badly the Night warm.
Tuesday 7th. The day warmer than usual was remarkably sick for me rode down to town & brought up Brother James & his wife. Felt much better at Night am in hopes to sleep better. Had a letter from Sister Jeanet. Slept badly was cramped.
Wednesday 8. Quite a memorable day had been with one girl several days but this morning although I felt so sick * * * that I felt compelled to get up & assist my Husband to make my bed the only woman we had complaining so much as to lie in bed. The Doctor came & recommended Paragorick but I dieted & kept quiet Caroline Duncan & Ellen Mcclusky came & put up my Bed & window curtains for me in the afternoon I felt somewhat relieved my girl came back late in the afternoon.
Thursday. Felt quite sick Mrs. Israel & Adams sent me word that they was coming to see me so I sent for them enjoyed
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the day more than I expected. As I did not feel well Sue Brown came up. Also the day the warmest I ever felt turned cool that Night had a refreshing shower.Friday. Mrs. Conn Spent the day with me * * * the weather so cool as to have a little fire.
Saturday 11th. The morning rather cool * * * sent for the Doctor & he prepared for me some chalk mixture but I had taken a number of things & of course was temporarily relieved bad Night.
Sabbeth 12th. * * * Lord grant I may be relieved in the evening felt still worse bad Night.
Monday morning some better though every feeling of a return Sister Margaret & Brother James & Caroline came up to spend the day. Attempted to clean the Nursery & completed it felt my mind relieved feel quite cramped & uncomfortable.
Tuesday 4th. The day very pleasent attempted to ride to town & felt better afterward although I suffered much at the time got a fright with Jo thinking he would fall out of the window it came down upon him.
Wednesday 15. The weather still pleasent.
Thursday 16th. The day cool felt badly however rode with My dear Husband around the front lot in his new Barouche with a Horse that had never been put in Harness before till one hour before the Old Bay was put with him the carriage was very easy but I felt exceedingly cramped & therefore could not judge well went to bed expecting to be sick.
Friday 17th. The day quite gloomy but felt in good spirits although not well, finished a letter to my Sister H employed my time reading & making Flannel garments & Darning my Husband's socks.
Saturday 18th. Felt quite unwell & cramped from having lost so much of my rest during the previous Night Mr. I. Brown & Mr. Polk dined with us & I felt so cramped that I could scarcely sit at dinner table. Just as we sat down Mrs. Conn came up & I was much pleased to see her was exceedingly
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cramped. The most of the afternoon Caroline & Mrs. Conn returned home felt thankful that I did not feel as nervous as usual or I could not have spared them both Lord grant me strength sufficient for my day for my hour of trial is near at hand but thou canst sustain me under every difficulty thou who has brought me through 8 troubles and able to bring me through the 9th to morrow is the sabbeth. Oh that I may spend it profitably to my soul Lord direct me & grant that the reading of thy Holy word may be blessed to me prepare me Heavenly Father for whatever is before me if I live may I live in Christ if I die may I be thine Lord forgive whatever thou hast seen amiss in me & if my unworthy & unprofitable life is spared may I spend my time & talents more in thy service than I ever yet have done forgive my unfaithfulness to all.Sabbeth. The day very pleasent but as usual these days felt quite unwell. Mr. D remained at home with me felt considerably exercised in mind not knowing how long life may be spared for our days are short & uncertain. Slept better at Night although I felt so unwell all day read H. Moore private devotions & Phillips works concerning Abrahams Faith oh that I could feel as he did.
Monday 20th. Had something of a Thunder Storm & felt some foolish fears for an hour had an uncomfortable Night.
Tuesday 21st. The day cloudy & rainy quite like the Equinoxial Storm shall feel anxious from this day forth, slept up stairs in my old room & was in hopes to have had one good nights rest hut so it was I slept worse than usual although my room was so comfortable.
Wednesday 22nd. The day still cloudy but not any rain of any consequence felt very uncomfortable & cramped. Received a letter from my dear Sister & wrote one to Sister Jeanet.
Thursday 23rd. Quite cloudy felt as usual quite unwell.
Friday 24. Mrs. Conn came up & spent the day with me felt quite smart in the evening got alarmed because they was
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all out of the way & was taken with pain in my head & back & could not sleep till near morning had the most violent Headache. All day sent for the Doctor took an Assephoetada pill & felt so smart that in the evening sent for Mrs. Conn as it looked like a Storm finished a sock felt lighter & more comfortable than I had done for some time.Sabbeth morning. Felt rather nervous & debilitated from having had such an attack of Headache. Mr. D brought me up stairs in the afternoon read Phillips devotional guide felt much comforted in mind went out in the yard afterward & the air seem to invigorate me felt much better than I had for some time.
Monday 27th. The day looked gloomy & turned out quite rainy. Sent for Mrs. Conn but her not being well prevented her from coming. Susan Jane Israel spent the day with me cramped much as usual slept rather better than usual.
Tuesday 28th. The weather looked dubious all day cramped as usual all day finished another pr. of socks & washed them read & felt in good spirits felt them a little damped towards evening when Mr. D told me the Coachman was going to leave on Saturday for I felt some confidence in sending for a Physician all calculated however to make me put my trust & confidence in God. Lord grant me faith & fortitude to bear up under trials of every kind for we never know what we may have to endure.
Wednesday was very uncomfortable during the night had a chill in the morning just as I was going to get up was taken sick & sent for the Doctor & my friend Mrs. Conn & Clay was with me all day & the Doctor all Night which was very kind. Oh how I am blessed with kind friends all pain went over.
Thursday 30th. Feel better of some things but am still much cramped the day not altogether clear.
Friday 1st Oct. The most Stormy day I ever saw in my life I never saw the East wind beat in at such a rate expected it would have stormed all Night but it did not it cleared up beautifully by 12 o'clock at Night.
Saturday 2 October. Quite a pleasent morning but the weather changed in the course of the day in the afternoon.
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Two young ladies called I was just finishing a pr of socks one of which I knit in 4 hours & a half. In the evening received a letter from Mrs. Chickering her health is improving has an idea of visiting us.
Sabbeth 3rd. Felt distressed to think I had to keep my dear Husband home from church again but the Lord is able to bless the reading of his Holy Word to our souls & can sanctify the Sabbeth to us at home. Lord bless this Sabbeth to us & may it be a spiritual birth day to thousands.
Monday 4th. Looked much like rain in the morning sent for Mr. & Mrs. James Duncan to spend the day with me & Mr. D went to town on business & in the afternoon I let both the girls go thinking that it would accomodate them. Mr. D complained much of his back & was unable to carry me up stairs. The two girls carried me up & I had no sooner got undressed than I was taken in pain & had them regularly all Night but they went off in the morning I slept at day light & got a nap in the morning sent for the Doctor & he took a nap.
Tuesday 5th. The day beautiful & bright felt like walking out in the air. Mr. D much engaged in business.
Wednesday. The day Was pleasant. Mrs. Clay went in the country & the Doctor to Lindville. I felt more unwell than usual had pain at Night Doctor slept here.
Thursday. Went down stairs as usual but felt considerable pain & at Night particularly. Mrs. Conn slept here.
Friday 8th. The day pleasant. Mrs. C spent the day with me & returned at Night as well as the Doctor & his wife came to see me in the morning walked over the yard.
Saturday 9th. Felt badly all day in the afternoon walked in the yard. Carolina went home & as soon as she was gone I was taken worse. Mrs. Conn came up although not expecting to stay I let the family all retire to rest & suffered till twelve o'clock. When the Doctor was sent for I was quite anxious for daylight when it came I felt badly enough & did not call any one up in the Night.
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Sabbeth 10th. The day broke but no ease for me but God ever kind put his supporting arm around & I was strenthened to bear pain for my sufferings was great. I proposed prayers Dr. Jones read the 103 Psalm I thought I never heard anything so soothing my pains all ceased. At the time & about 1/2 ten our dear little Marion was born I did feel great thankfulness but the moment I was moved up to the head of the bed I felt great pain & exhaustion but my physician being a judicious one gave me Laudanum & after the shock was over I felt much relieved. My mind was much & happily exercised during the first two weeks. The third week I had too much company for comfort. Mr. Duncan Mother Sister & Ben Moore all came up & it was pleasant to meet but still it was too fatiguing.
The fourth week Mr. D proposed to go to Washington City. So on Sabbeth the day the baby was 4 weeks old I went to church & had her christened it was communion & I felt so exhausted that I was quite sick & took cold also * * * but I told Mr. D he had better go.
Tuesday 9th of November. Mr. D started for Washington & I think to no purpose but at any rate his mind will be easier. Ann Duncan staid one Night.
Wednesday 10. Very rainy & gloomy Ellen cut the children Merino dresses.
Thursday the same quite gloomy all alone wrote both days to my dear Husband.
Friday 12th. Went to Mrs. Sue Brown rode a little way.
Saturday 13th. Took a good ride Mrs. Conn spent the day with me.
Sabbeth 14th. Ellen came & remained with my babe & I went to church as well as Anna Maria & heard an excellent Sermon.
Sabbeth 21. Mr. Sturtevant preached from Genesis 18 Chap 17, 18, 19, Verses a solemn appeal to all heads of families Anna Maria was sick did not go to church morning.
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Monday 22. E. Quaton went home but providence provided for me I was not left alone. The weather cold & severe went down street & took cold as usual.
Sabbeth 29th. Mr. Williams preached for us from Hebrew liked him quite well & hope he may indeed prove a pastor to us like his appearance.
Monday 29 Tuesday Wednesday 1st. Went down town & looked out for a sewing woman & a woman to help with the washing to let Catherine sew a week consider Domesticks at present as my greatest trial will try & bear patiently with them.
Thursday the woman came according to appointment much pleased with her mantua making Mrs. Thompson.
Friday. Stormy day feel as though the world would be a blank without my Husband hope he may return soon the weather thus far has not been cold.
Sabbeth 19 Dec. Felt deeply impressed with the funeral sermon of our lamented friend J. P. Wilkenson Mr. Sturtevant preached from Eclesiastes. Whatever thine hands find to do, do it with all thy might Lord grant that this dispensation of thy providence may be blessed to one & all of us, oh that I may live nearer to God & prepare for death.
Sabbeth 26th. Went to church twice. The day being clear & cold. Heard Mr. Williams from Job 9 Chap & 2nd Verse in the afternoon it was from Acts 16th 31st Verse a solemn serman wished that all my impenitent [?] friends could have heard.
Wednesday. Attended the Maternal meeting & felt much more interested than usual. Refused to pray until I thought I could talk to friends why not pray before them Lord subdue toy pride.
Thursday 30th. Rather an unpleasant day out owing to the weather being damp but could not have rode out conveniently as I felt badly from loss of rest from the Night before. With my eldest daughter who I feared was taking the measles had a pleasent visit from our Pastor Mr. Williams who united in prayer with us what an unspeakable gift is religion
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what consolation the christian has when nothing else would console him he conversed with the children. Oh how great are my responsibilitys as a parent to think how many am I training either for heaven or Hell Lord grant me grace to bring them up in thy fear & make them to walk in wisdoms ways — weaned Ellen Marion.Friday 31st. A remarkably pleasent day but felt uncommonly sick but my spirits kept up with the idea when my babe was weaned my health would be better. Caroline & Ann Duncan spent the day with me.
Saturday January 1st 1842. Commenced this day I trust with a sincere desire to Love & Serve God. Oh that I may feel properly exercised & may I be enabled to spend my days as for eternity knowing that we shall soon have to render up our account with God whether it be good or evil. Regretted that my dear Husband was not at home as I had hoped received a letter giving me hopes of his return this month.
Sabbeth 2nd. Mr. Sturtevant preached for us in our own church from 2 Corinthians 2nd & 14th. For the love of Christ constraineth us Mr. Williams followed with some excellent remarks suitable to the communion & oh Heavenly Father grant that we may feel continually that we have renewed our covenant engagement to be the Lords & that we are bought with a price & are therefore not our own may we therefore glorify thee in our body & spirits which are thine.
Sabbeth afternoon. Mr. Williams addressed us from these Revelations 2nd Chap 14 & 15th Verses very solemn the appeal to Sinners & Christians.
Monday 3rd. Was appointed as a day of fasting Humiliation & prayer I was not able to fast but hope the day was blessed our publick exercises was instructive. Mr. Post preached in our Church from Acts 9 Chap & 6th Verse Lord what wilt thou have me to do oh grant that we may enquire paticularly what God would have us do & may we be willing to do in the afternoon returned to church although it was very cold & felt compensated by the remarks which was made by Mr. Williams 4 good prayers.
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Tuesday. Spent the day at Brother James with Ann Elizabeth & Joseph talked over matters & came to the conclusion that it was better to have all the friends invited to witness the ceremony.
Sabbeth. Mr. Williams preached from Ezekiel in the afternoon from Romans 7th Chap & 9th Verse.
Monday 11th. Sister Margaret came up & made Caroline wedding plum Cake.
Wednesday 12th. Went down to Brother James & assisted in sitting the Supper Table & in the evening saw them married by Mr. Todd. The ceremony was short & impressive enjoyed myself beyond expectation.
Thursday 13th. Felt disappointed as is usual on those occasions having lost something & thought moreover if people have not got the means they should never entertain on a large scale the Bride went to the Grove.
Sabbeth 16th. Mr. Lourie preached for us from ... in the afternoon he preached from.* * *
Monday 17th. The day being pleasent took a ride to the mound. Brother James wife & Mrs. J. P. Wilkenson dined with me. Visited poor Mrs. Jones whom I found just living.
Tuesday 18th. Not quite so pleasent rode to Leech's & drank tea with Mrs. Clay.
Thursday 20th. Received a letter from Mr. D no hopes yet of his return home was all alone. Miss E. Brown having gone to Miss Ayers. The morning rainy but it cleared up in the afternoon. Miss E. Brown returned home to the country could not but remark how few after all are perfectly agreable companions went to evening prayer meeting for the first time.
Friday. Called for Mrs. Dr. Jones to ride but it was too cold eat dinner at Brother James & spent the afternoon at Mrs. Ayers. Met Mr. Williams our Pastor found him as usual quite interesting in conversation how pleasent is it to meet with one who has known your old acquaintances.
Saturday 22nd. The day very pleasant though cold took a walk around the place with May Hues, received a letter
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from Mrs. Chickering a dear friend attended a Church meeting concluded to call Mr. Williams.Sabbeth 23rd. Felt rather unwell from taking cold Mr. Williams preached for us from John 3rd Chap & 3rd Verse in the afternoon from 2nd Corinthians 5th Chap 17th. Verse very solemn & impressive Sermon oh that we could reallize how important it is for us to know of a certainty whether we have been born again Lord enable us to give all dilligence to make our calling & election sure, we feel oh our Father as though we come short of all our duties make us this year to feel under greater obligations to do more for the church to which we belong Lord grant me a spirit of prayer in its behalf if I am not able to contribute at this time.
Monday 24. Spent the day with Cousin Susan felt rather nervous & found her child broken out with the measles can hardly see how my children can escape & have it also in our enclosure Ann Elizabeth was with me at the time.
Tuesday did not feel well my cold affected me.
Wednesday sent for the Dr. to see if he would give me Medicine but he prescribed Cough Mixture
Thursday 27th. The day looked fine but my cold prevented my going out heard.
Friday 28. Sabbeth 31st. Went in the morning to hear Mr. Williams from 2nd Corinthians 6th Chap 17th Verse. Felt so unwell in the afternoon that I did not think it prudent to venture out never experienced so violent a cold in my life the weather warmer too than I ever felt it at this season of the year had the 2nd death to take place at a Neighbors of ours with Measles made me feel somewhat uneasy for fear some of our dear children should take it I know that God knows best & desire I hope to be submissive let come what will.
Monday 31st. The children are not well the Dr. attended them.
Tuesday 1st Feb. Jo was quite sick from cold the Dr. gave him Calomel & Tartar took a ride on Horseback.
Wednesday very warm never felt such weather.
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Thursday. Received the joyful intelligence that my dear Husband was to return home in 10 or 11 days was not able to attend prayer meeting.
Friday. The doctor made his farewell visit saying that our dear children & myself he hoped would be well when Mr. D returned on the morning. I retired quite early & got into a sound sleep when I was awoke about 11 o'clock with some one calling me by my name & I opened my eyes but was so surprised that I could not speak. I did not know but I might be dreaming when I awoke entirely I found it was really him who I had longed to see.
Saturday 5th. The day clear but very sloppy felt better than I expected from so much excitement & looking at a variety of things.
Sabbeth 6th. Mr. Williams preached for us from Isaiah in the afternoon from 2 Corinthians 4th Chap & 5th Verse & accepted our call which we was much pleased believing that he will be useful among us as a pastor he also in the morning read the covenant which we assented too our old one having been mislaid.
Thursday 10th. This day our dear Marion was four months old she does not yet sit alone owing to her having so much cold all the children have had more cold than usual this winter felt quite pleased that they did not have measles had a few days of cold weather since Mr. D return felt rather dyspeptick owing I suppose to my not riding more in the open air the weather so damp & changeable that it would hardly admit of it called upon Mrs. January & Plant & invited our Minister Mr. Williams to tea.
Friday 11th. The day changeable looked much like rain felt quite Dyspeptick Friday Night quite sick.
Saturday 12th. Quite rainy arose with quite a headache but felt better as the day advanced feel very dependant on my food. Feel happy this afternoon to be writing to my friend Mrs. Jenning with my Husband beside me could not help contrasting this Saturday with the one two weeks before the weather too warm to be healthy the weather changed at night.
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Sabbeth 13th. The day pretty cold but clear. Mr. Williams preached in the morning from Acts 17th 11th Verse. In the afternoon Mr. Lowry preached in regard to Abraham offering up Isach.
In the evening my dear Husband accompanied me to the Bible class which was well conducted.
Monday 14th. Made a call on Mrs. I. & invited her & Miss Hetty & Miss Adams to spend the day on Tuesday which they did with the exception of Miss Hetty who was engaged with her class meetings. It snowed on Tuesday & was unpleasant.
Wednesday 16. Dined at Mrs. Browns in company with Mrs. J. Duncan the day intensely cold did not venture to pr meeting at Night.
Thursday. It was so unpleasant that we could not go to prayer meeting commenced to get in Ice.
Friday 18. The weather much moderated snowing quite hard was taken quite sick in the afternoon & Saturday and Sunday was prevented from going to church which made me feel miserable never had such a cold Monday also.
Tuesday 22. Washingtons Birthday felt a little better & rode down to town & saw quite a procession going to church a new society by the name of the Washingtonians who appear to do a great deal of good. My Husband also appears much engaged about it. It was also his Birth day being 48 years of age.
Wednesday. Was not well rode down to town & felt disappointed that I did not know about the Maternal meeting the children also came home too late for the catechetical lecture 25 Friday Still had Cold.
Sabbeth 20th. Felt too sick to go to Church Anna Maria remained home with me all day.
Wednesday 23. The children attended catechetical Lecture for the first time & was pleased I felt truly rejoiced that the day has come when my children could be instructed in the chatechism. I trust it may be blessed to them. This day or the day before is my dear Husbands birth day 48 years of age how rapidly does time fly.
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Thursday 24th. Went to prayer meeting & felt sorry that old Mrs. Barton was so feeble felt.
Sabbeth 27th. Mr. Lowrie preached from 2nd Corinthians 6th Chap 1st Verse. In the afternoon preached a Missionary Sermon from Mark 16th Chap in the evening attended Bible Class from 2nd Galatians very interesting.
Monday 28 Feb. Mr. D left for St. Louis.
Wednesday 2 March. It was this Wednesday that the children went to chatechetical lecture instead of the former one.
Saturday 5th. Went to church & heard a sermon from Mr. Beecher.
Sabbeth 6 March. Mr. Gallaher preached about the Saviour being tempted by the Devil. Had communion in the afternoon. Mr. Beecher preached from Mr. D returned from St. Louis & afterward Mr. Lowrie was ordained & in the evening it was truly solemn the remarks that was made concerning Mr. Lowrie going to the Nestorians. He seem to think it was a Christian priviledge to go abroad in foreign lands the farewell was affecting.
Monday 7 March. I reflected considerably about the trials of the Missionarys & asked myself whether I would be willing to let my children go to the heathen & I could not but say I felt reluctant after some time. Mr. Lowrie came in to Mrs. Ayers & after being introduced to the gentleman which was rather unexpected I told him I was afraid I would not be willing to let my children or son go from me & he immediately turned round & said would you not rather let him go than die he touched a tender cord. I view it as providential & I trust I shall ever remember that remark through life & oh Lord grant that I may be willing nay more than willing to give my dear children all to God to do with as he sees fit.
Thursday 10 March. My Birth day this day I am 34 oh how unprofitably has my life been spent Lord grant that the future time may be spent more to thy glory & to the advancement of thy kingdom.
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Friday. Raw cold day occupied in the morning with domestic affairs in the evening went to town with the intention of going to Mr. Poesys but found it too cold.
Saturday 12. Snowed quite hard for a few hours did not go to town.
Sabbeth. Mr. Beecher preached in the morning & Mr. Sturtevant in the afternoon.
Monday. Went to Mr. Poesys they gave me three Rose Bushes & some fruit Tree the weather pleasant.
Wednesday 16th. Went to prayer meeting.
Sabbeth. Mr. Beecher preached in the morning from * * * in the afternoon Mr. Sturtevant.
Tuesday 22, Called on a number of Springfield ladies & felt no inclination or sympathy with their gaity how changed are my feelings in regard to company I feel it quite irksome to entertain.
31st March. Felt badly had Mr. & Mrs. Williams Dr. & Mrs. Jones Mr. & Mrs. Edwards Baldwin wife & child Mrs. Rees & Ayers Mrs. Edwards staid all Night felt quite sick.
Friday 1st April. Rather chilly.
10th August. My Babe Marion died felt resigned for God ordered every thing in such a way as to make me feel submissive.
30th November. Had another infant given me the Lord took care of me & brought me through my difficulties beyond my expectation was confined to the house from that time untill March went out but a few times owing to the Inflamatory Rheumatism which I took from riding three days in the cold.
Sabbeth April 9th 1843. Went to Church for the first time in months oh how I felt the Goodness of God in sparing me & permitting me to hear the Gospel preached once more regretted much that I have never been able to have my Babe christened will endeavor to do so the first opportunity my mind this winter has been in a truly melancholy state feel sometimes as if Saten was tempting me to give up my hope but if I know my heart I still desire to be a Christian.
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Tuesday 18th April, determined to take a high stand in the strength of God & do what I can for the advancement of the redeemers kingdom Lord enable me to improve every moment of time then perform all my duties as far as my strength lies for my family. Lord teach me my duty & make it pleasent, the weather at this time unfavorable to exercise but God knows what is best therefore I will endeavor to keep up in his strength find the Mothers Magazine profitable in regard to my children was much pleased in reading the life of Miss Mary Jane Graham.
In looking over my journal I find some not inserted. 30th April. Mr. McGee preached a preparatory lecture before communion from those words Simon son of Jonas Lovest thou me excellent discourse. Mr. Gallaher preached from Corinthians. Mr. Sturtevant the 8th of May preached in the morning in the afternoon preached Mr. Williams installation very solemn. 11th May Wednesday Mr. Gallaher preached in the evening Thursday afternoon evening Friday afternoon evening Saturday afternoon evening Sabbeth three times Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday morning had communion never felt more solemn on the Sabbeth than on that occasion. My dear Babe Marion continuing sick. I did not go until evening Mr. Sturtevant preached a solemn sermon felt peculiar interest during these protracted meetings. Oh that God would sanctify them to my soul that we may be enabled to keep our resolutions to love & serve thee for thou oh Lord hast in an especial manner blessed us for three I trust out of my family have been brought out of Nature's darkness into thy most marvelous light a young lady by the name of May Hughes & our Coachman & his wife by we name of king the former interested me much because she
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was going amongst irreligious friends & indeed parents she remained long enough to be examined by the session of the church & was baptized in that interesting juncture. Brother James called & took her to her parents still continued to have meetings on the Night of the 23rd of May. My babe still continuing sick I awoke in great distress wondering why it was the Lord saw fit to affict me. I made up my mind that I must have family worship during my dear Husbands absence the Lord continue to direct me & lead me in the way I should go 25th Maternal Meeting I trust these meeting of Mothers may be a great help to us in bringing up our dear children aright & that the prayers of Mothers in behalf of their souls may be blessed. Oh could we reallize more our responsibilities as parents we would pray more fervently than we do for the conversion of our children went to prayer meeting afterward which was an interesting one Mrs. Israel seemed melted. Lord enable us all to feel deeply for impenitent sinners may we he willing to labor continually to bring souls to Christ may our chief Happiness consist in serving the Lord may we never again grow so dead & cold in thy service on Sabbeth evening which the 22nd Mr. Williams desired that those who professed to love God to say that we would every day converse with an important sinner now I promised without due reflection for I would like of course to perform this duty as I have opportunity.Thursday. My Babe continues better the Lord has indeed dealt kindly with me & mine I hope it may be spared yet & prove a blessing to us forbid that we should idolize our children went to preaching in the evening & heard Mr. Williams from John 8th Chap & 31st Verse an interesting sermon for professors.
Friday 27th. My Babe still better my dear Husband returned after an absence of nearly five weeks. The Lord I trust did answer prayer my Husband had only been home a few days when my dear babe was taken worse 4th of June she was taken with puking.
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Sabbeth. None of us left for church she was so ill we thought the Lord would take her to himself & I felt afraid I did not feel that resignation to the divine will.
Sabbeth 12th. Mr. Williams preached from Lamentation 3 Chap 39th Verse In the afternoon from John 3 Chap & 18th Verse 2 excellent discourses in the morning I felt paticularly as I felt myself afflicted oh how good & kind is God how forbearing his tender mercies are over all his works.
Christmas was a day not to be forgotten. My ever dear Husband went to St. Louis quite unwell that day being unpleasant weather I had determined to go to the society in the afternoon.
Dec. 1843. My dear Cousin being compelled to go to St. Louis to get her teeth fixed thought it a good opportunity to go to New Orleans especially as Mr. D was so urgent I deemed it a great trial he remarked as he often did let her go & make her visit she will be more contented in future. How little did I think what these words meant. It did indeed seem providential on Christmas day during her absence. He said in the morning before he arose I must go to St. Louis to day I expostulated with him & remarked Mr. D you are not well enough. Oh yes I am as he had been oblidged from Cold to stay from Church the day before & the weather so unpleasant I could not bear the thought he remarked what was true I never was willing he feared the river being closed so after Breakfast he set off in the Stage & all the way I consoled myself was that he would so soon return. On 29th Anna returned to my surprise & the 2nd of January my ever dear Husband returned. I felt when he did as though I had great cause of thankfulness & I trust did pray to my Father in heaven he however was far from being well. He had increased
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his cold & I think has brought home with him the seeds of a disease which terminated his life.Wednesday we rode down town together the last time I presume.
Thursday. Was quite an unpleasent day.
Friday 5th of January. Mr. Duncan complained so much of his throat that he got up in the Night & thought he would take his favorite Medicine Gaithers Pills 2 Grains Rhubarb Ditto Aloes Ditto Blue Mass in the morning he arose & although it was unpleasent weather & he so unwell went down to his Mill which by the way I was opposed to while up in the Night he exclaimed Elizabeth. Do you hear that dreadful noise I said yes but do not go out of the room without putting on your Clothes as you have so much cold but he went into the Childrens room which was next & found them sleeping quietly & we could not account for it I never mentioned it again as I felt afraid of affecting him.
Saturday. He felt so much better at Dinner time as to eat quite heartily of Turkey but one hour only elapsed before he came in exclaiming. My dear Wife I am taking my Death Chill oh can I ever forget that look. Those words my dear Husband what can I do for you I tried to persuade him to retire no he would take the old Kentucky plan of lying down in front of the fire & he lay there until 6 o'clock when I took the Candle after preparing his room & accompanied him up. Remarking to him by way of cheering him up dont fall back on me how little idea I had that it was the last time we should go up together after much persuasion & intreaty. I sent for the Dr. alas he said Dr. I am afraid I shall be like some Man who never was sick but once in his life & then died the Dr. remarked I can tell better to morrow as your disease has not developed itself.
Sabbeth 7th of Jan. Being Communion Sabbeth & Mr. D so much better apparently free of fever I was persuaded by the Docter to go to Church the text was — never did I have such anxious feelings I could scarcely wait until Church was out when I returned I found he had lain down. I went up to his bed & asked him how he did & he
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said no better but Smith has taken care of me in your absence. So I made him some Toast & Tea & read several prayers from Henry concerning the Sacrament & the New York Observer in the afternoon he set up & our dear Babe Catherine Clay walked a few steps for the first time which pleased him much. The Doctor called in the evening & told Mr. D if that pain continued he must take pills. When I took them to the bed at bed time he declined taking them but told me to put Candle & Matches by his bed he took them in the Night.Monday 8th Jan. He got up in the morning after Breakfast & I went down to town to get my Babe a pr of Shoes. Mr. Bockwell requested leave to ride up which he did in our Sleigh. Met the Dr. & told him how Mr. D was. He said he would be up after the opperation of Mr. D. medicine. Do not recollect wether he came or not.
Tuesday 9th. He said he felt he must die for he felt no relief. I sent immediately for the Dr. & Mrs. Conn saying Mr. D. Mrs. Conn will I hope be able to cheer you up as she does me but alas it was too late I sat down & read John 14th Chap & felt much affected he then said Mrs. Conn read more of the promises to me which she did repeating them in the Course of the evening. Dr. Pierson called in & offered his services to sit up but Mr. D appeared quite easy having dosed all evening & thanked the Dr. & told him King our Coachman he thought would be able to attend him. I fear that Night to Our human sight was lost never to be regained he suffered agony all Night & when I went in the morning quite early I sent over for Dr. Pierson & for Dr. Jones & they bled him. 1 Quart & his colour which had forsook the cheek seemed to come back passed a more comfortable day. Dr. Pierson sat up with him that Night & had a most pleasant conversation with him on the state of his mind he was leached that evening his Brother Duncan came up & went home at Night.
Thursday. Being no better Dr. Stall Adams was called in consultation & Brown the Lawyer who married a Cousin of mine was sent for to draw up the Will I had feelings then which could not describe was Blistered that evening & William Scot set up.
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Friday. Being no better it was concluded upon by Dr. Jones to send for Dr. Todd
Saturday 13th Jan. Dr. Todd arrived I went to apprise Mr. D of it My dear Wife Dr. Todd can do no better than any one else friends continually called to offer their services & all the Message he would send them was I would be pleased to see them but I would prefer their prayers. In the morning of Saturday I went in quite early & Mr. Duncan remarked with a sweet expression of countenance. I have just washed my mouth & am ready to kiss you after doing so I knelt down by the Bed & prayed the Lord if consistant with his holy & blessed will that he might be restored to health if not that he might be prepared for whatever change awaited him & if spared that we might unitedly spend our time & talents & all in his service & live to his honor & glory. He said after I rose I accord with you.
Sabbeth 14th. I went in quite early & Dr. Todd came in soon after I remarked Dr. you are so big and fat you can feel for Mr. D. Yes Madam he replied the Gov. talks more encourageingly he speaks of living last Night he talked of nothing but dying. The Dr. remarked Mrs. Duncan I want you, to put your Husbands pills in Medicine for him Mr. James Duncan offering to do it he said I always like my Wife to administer my Medicine well. I said Dr. you have done one good thing & that is you are willing to let me wait on my Husband. I set alone with him for several hours the only time I was permitted to do so, while eating my dinner in the Nursery. Dr. Todd came in Mrs. Duncan said he do you know whether the Gov. has made his will. I remarked I do not know whether it is finished but I presume he has for Mr. James Duncan came into me yesterday & asked me for my pencil to take down notes for the Will if he has not I advise you to see about it & get it finished. I called Mr. Brown out & asked who was the Executor & have it off his mind accordingly when they went down to tea I asked Mr.
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Duncan if I could have Dr. Pierson for an Executor. Certainly My dear Wife & I will have it done immediately. It was done I felt as if a third person could always settle difficultys did any arise moreover that Mr. James Duncan my Husband Brother was quick tempered & in order to keep on good terms the best way I heard My Husband say was to have as little business transactions with relations as possible. If I was prejudiced or my motive was not pure I hope the Lord will forgive me my dear Husband sat up in his chair signed the Will & after my brushing his hair he did it himself.Monday 15 Jan. A day ever to be remembered by me the last remedys was used to no purpose I combed his dear head for the last time & bathed off that sweet face with warm Cologne & water. Dr. Pierson said he I die at peace with all the world. I wish to have the Sacrament administered to me. I wish to commune with your Church. I bear malice to no one. Dont leave me Dr. till I die to Dr. Jones he said the same the Doctor remarked Gov. I have a lecture at three o'clock leave that to day I will Gov. he said to Dr. Todd he said I understand you do not belong to any Church lay aside your business till you find the pearl of great price what avail is every thing in comparison with the interest of the soul & much more which memory fails me to Jo Cooly. He told the importance of salvation through a crucified redeemer to Alberta a Coloured Boy who had lived in the family. A number of years is not your soul of as much importance as General Washington. In the afternoon Dr. Todd announced to him he must die in this way. Gov. if you have any thing paticular to say to your family now is the time he said with a view I have no doubt of finding out the exact time when they thought he would die will not to morrow do he said he thought not when will my funeral take place the Doctor told him he did not know. His Mother he embraced most affectionately & other friends Anna & the children assembled around the bed. I said Mr. D have you not a word for Anna he then said Anna I go but a little while before you Love God supremely & that will lead to a Holy life. I charge you point these dear children upwards to the skies to that saviour
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who died for them teach them to speak the truth. Mary my eldest daughter said pretty much the same. Jo my son Smith my Boy addressing them each by turns & embracing them. Mr. Post the Congregational Clergyman accidentally came in & asked him if he should pray with him. Oh yes also if Jesus was not precious ever precious he repeated three times the last words he was heard to say. Other remarks such as Jesus can make a dying bed feel soft as downy pillows are yes, yes, or Father in heaven grant that I may live the life of the righteous that my last end might be like his. I felt keenly though it was mixed with so much mercy the prayers of Gods people did prevail for I was enabled to wet his lips for the last time & he pressed my hand till his eyes was fixed in death. I sat by the bed & took his hand & watched him till the breath left the body that benevolent countenance was beautiful in death. Oh Lord prepare me & my little ones to meet him & join in singing praises to the Lamb that was slain to redeem us to God. By his blood may we be washed sanctified & clothed in the robe of righteousness. I thank God that as yet I have not felt disposed to murmer afflictive as it is.Tuesday 16. Felt distressed indeed but did not realize that I was a widow.
Wednesday 17th. The funeral took place at the church. Mr. Sturtevant having been appointed to preach the funeral sermon kind friends were ready to offer me consolation. Among the number was Mr. Eddy a Clergyman appointed by the foreign board of Missions to preach to us he was a great favorite of my Husband. On that subject & was the first to enlighten his mind in regard to foreign missions. He mentioned to me I suppose you have not called your family this morning. I said no sir. He prayed most fervently for me & repeated those new promises to me. I had not thought of them. Mr. James Duncan & family Mrs. Conn & Avers & Brown accompanied me to the funeral. I then for the first time reallized my loss thou. Oh Lord didst support me & enable to follow my dearest earthly comfort to the grave. The Sun set most beutifully as we finished consigning the beloved
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remains of him I loved. Dear Mrs. Clay staid with me several Nights Mrs. John P. Wilkenson Miss E. Adams Miss Conn & Pierson & Jane Duncan & Mrs. Bowers.Sabbeth 21st. Dr. Pierson met me at the Church door & handed me to the pew with my little family of 7 the oldest 11 & youngest 13 months. Mr. Eddy preached from Colossians 3rd Chap 2nd Verse. * * * In the afternoon went to the Congregational Church & heard Mr. Post from.
Feb. 22. Attended Female prayer meeting for the first time & found it solemn & impressive. My dear friends remembered me most kindly at the throne of grace.
Dec. 1st. Mr. Jenny preached in the place of our Minister who is at present missionating from Job 21st Chap 15th Verse solemn discourse. In the afternoon our dear children attended their monthly Concert how pleasant to see children raising their might to evangilize the world. One might almost feel like thy servant of old now lettest thy servant depart in peace for we have seen thy salvation.
Thursday 5th Dec. Attended Female prayer Meeting & found it good to be there. Felt paticularly in regard to the youth of the Female Accademy.
Sabbeth morning Dec 8th. Mr. Jenny preached from Phillipians 4 Chap 4th Verse. In the afternoon Job 21st Chap 15 Verse continuation of last Sabbeth sermon my feelings seem much freshened. One reason I suppose the season of the year brings back to my mind the recollections of the past. Oh lord sanctify to me all my trials the loss of my youngest also which took place on the 1st day of Nov was a sore trial. The one that resembled most my dear dear Husband she was ill 3 weeks all to one day & great was her sufferings so much so mat I was willing to see her released from this body of death. How much are we tried in order to make us feel & yet how slow we are to learn the will of God Lord give me a tender conscience give me patience fortitude & make me submissive
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to thy will & know no will but thine. Lord forbid that I should ever murmer or repine.Again called to another trial to part with another dear Boy. One that also resembled his dear Father when very ill & full of pain he would be quieted by singing a Hym to him. His Disease was most painful Dysentery & I felt sometimes as if I could not endure it any longer to see his sufferings. The thought would come however to me to learn submission to his will. I know I felt rebellious to take away one that bore the image of his Father. God is good he knew I needed just such a trial to make me humble. Grant that it may be fully sanctified to me. Went to the Methodist Church & heard Mr. Milburn preach from Eclesiastes. For there is no work or device or knowledge in the cold grave wither we are hastening.
Monday 2nd Nov. 1846. Still cold & gloomy felt so in view of the departure of my cousin she having been in my family for 12 years Christmas Disappointed in not having her whom we loved not return to us.
March 30th 1846. Left home for Washington City to visit my friends after an absence of 12 years arrived at Naples in time to take the osprey for St. Louis but we was detained taking in freight until we arrived at William Scot got to the Mouth of the River Thursday Night & was truly ill. Borrowed Caster Oil & did not get relieved until Friday afternoon. Sabbeth spent it pleasantly at the Gait House Louisville. Went to Pitsburg & arrived at Washington City on Saturday week from the time we started. Felt sorry that I was obliged to get there Saturday Night as the Sabbeth would not be kept as we would wish. Enjoyed my visit very much had but one thing or two to mar my enjoyment. How often do we seek for Happiness in this life when it is vain. I did not enjoy the society of my oldest Sister as much as I wished for. she was compelled to go into the country owing to her health. I found her mind debilitated by her body & life had seemed to lose it charms for her & she could not exert herself to be with company. Oh how changed from the last time. I met her soon after my arrival home. I learned the intelligence of Dear
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Sister Jeanets death. Oh how thankful did I feel & how was I led to notice the providence of God respecting this event to think (how good God was in putting it into the hearts of kind friends, Mr. Kibby to assist me, in getting means) to go to Washington. 12 years had elapsed since I had visited my friends. Many changes had taken place. I had been smitten a Widow. Oh how painful is it to write this word & yet God has not permitted me to feel friendless God has been to me more than 10 Husbands he has been my refuge in time of trouble. Cannot my Dear children trust that God who has so wonderfully supported their feeble parent though he slay me, yet, will I trust him. My Sister Anna remarked to me Lizzy you must endeavor to reach Washington before Saturday Night for we seem so tempted to break the sabbeth. I felt reproved that I had not taken a more decided stand to keep in my room & there communed with my Maker. I believe my visit would have been even a happier one. My eldestVisited Newark that home of my childhood & spent my time delightfully & visited Westpoint & heard most exquisite Mustek & if it was not for the severe time of sick Headache I should have been too happy. How necessary has it appeared for me to be continually afflicted in body. I hope it may serve to weaken my affections to earth & that I may be enabled to fix my thoughts more on high Visited Sister Julia
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morn was awoke with the sound of the Bells that I used to hear in childhood. How many tender recollections of the scenes of my youth oh that I had been willing to curb the passion of youth for I felt how useless had I been compared with what I might have been how many souls had departed this life amongst them my beloved Brother my only one & now that I have an only son God grant that I may bring him up in the fear of God. Found a number of my old friends dead. Did not remain in New York only to pass through to go to West Point. Returned to Washington & found my Sister truly glad to see me oh that I could have remained longer.Returned or rather left Washington 9th June 1846 met Mr. & Mrs. Ayers & let them know that I had left my Baggage. Another trouble is not life full of trouble & is there not much care & vexation. I took this better than I expected but found that it is not so necessary to travel with such a quantity of clothes a lesson that I hope all my children will learn. For man wants but little here below nor wants that little long. Mr. & Mrs. Ayers seem to think that there was not any remedy for a time but at length they thought of Adams Express Line which gave me great relief. A gentleman sitting next to us said he would return to Washington the next day so he took a few lines to My Brother in law M St Clair Clarke. Met my nephew George Augustus in the Street at Cumberland sent the caps to Dear Sister Jeanet. Drank Tea at Frostberg crossed the Mountains in the stage beautiful Moonlight Night. Breakfasted in Union town arrived at Pitsburg Wednesday. Went down the Monongahela to Brownsville in the Consul at 11 o'clock arrived at 5 o'clock Thursday Morn at 11 o'clock started in the Wisconsin arrived in Cincinatti 1/2 past 6 o'clock. Saturday mom Left Cincinatti in the Ben Franklin Saturday arrived at Louisville at 1/2 past 10 o'clock spent the Sabbeth. Heard Dr. Breckenridge good Preacher stopt at the Louisville house not as good as the Gait. Met an old acquaintance Mr. Frederick King who accompanied us to church met his Mother at Pitsburg & also the Beutiful Bride Alice Freys of Georgetown near Washington
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City. Saw a Boat by the name of Tom Corwin going over the Falls came on Board of the Diadem Monday 10 o'clock for St. Louis but did not start until 3 o'clock owing to our having to go through the Locks Wednesday Felt quite sick probably the Heat Thursday morn arrived at St. Louis 10 o'clock. Left the Tom Corwin 6 hours behind. Walked up 5 squares in a mistake arrived at lenth at Mr. Scot the family being friends hailed us with pleasure arrived home 1st July after a late ride at 2 o'clock. Found all well & truly happy to see us. Cousin Mamie who introduced the Servant Martino which appeared ludicrous to us who bad so recently been in City Society Joseph Julia & dear little Hannah whose Eyes beamed with intelligence. Our Cousin left us for a visit to her friends East she married quite unexpectedly & never returned so one prop after another has been taken to remind me that I must not put my dependence upon Man whose breath is in his Nostrils. Although this event seemed undesirable at the time still I think that it was for my good.Left Elm Grove March 26th. Clear cold day left home with rather a sad heart but felt it to be a duty as my Physician Dr. Jones advised it. Went in company with Mrs. Crocker Sarah Allen & some Jacksonville friends as far as St. Louis Had a pleasant ride in the carr arrived at Naples or rather in view of the town for it was inundated at 11 o'clock we went in a Plat Boat to a Boat house & eat our Dinner. We was quite fatigued by Night for we had no place to lay down some of the gentlemen proposed after tea that we should go to another place across the water so we went & got ourselves safely landed in Bed. When we heard the Puffing of Steam & a cry of a Boat a hoe so we jumped up & dressed in a hurry & was soon landed on the Prairie State. A beautiful Boat & fine accomodations arived at St. Louis Tuesday afternoon 27 at 4 O'clock & set off in the Melodian arrived Cincinatti Saturday morning. Went up after Breakfast to Mrs. Brown where we was received with great Hospitality rained in the afternoon invited the Handys in the evening Sabbeth morn Mr. Thomas Brown got a Hack & took his Mother Miss Alien to Dr. Rice church fine sermon.
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2nd April Monday. Set off from Cincinatti accompanied by Dr. Hall a pleasant Physician who was introduced to us by Miss Brown of Cincinatti. When we left Cincinatti May Louisa was taken quite sick so he prescribed for her. We took an Extra at Wheeling & crossed the Mountains & it was a delightful journey except rather rough. We slept sound the first Night after getting across the Mountains met my Nephew & his wife quite unexpectedly at Breakfast time. Arrived at Washington.
Found my dear Sister & family in good health just about moving from their comfortable home to rent their house & go to Boarding how full of trouble is life I was of course much disappointed at not being able to be with her all the time but I was shewn
Jany 1st 1848.
New Years day Was awakened by the Servant saying to us all a Happy New Year & felt more than usual paticularly desirous that the day should be spent profitably & pleasantly by myself & children many feelings were awakened in my Bosom & I remembered that this time 4 years ago how anxious I felt for my Husbands return so that the children might hang up their stockings & we felt paticularly anxious to make a Christmas Tree. How plainly have I been shewn that this is not our home & that we are not to feel settled but to feel as pilgrims in this vale of Tears. Spent the morning pleasantly making calls with a favorite cousin who was in a few days to be Married. The afternoon spent with all my children but the oldest who was invited to Mr. Gallahers in the country read a Tract concerning Mr. & Mrs. Bethune & Graham old acquaintances of my Mother. How pleasant the reflection that our friends were servants of Jesus Christ followers
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of the Lamb. Oh that we like Elisha might have a double portion of this spirit & might be as useful in our day & generation.Sabbeth 2nd. Heard our Minister Mr. Eddy who preached unusually well his Test was in * * * Had communion quite solemn though very little said. In the afternoon the same Text * * * calculated to make us contented with our Lot all is ours even death. I never seem to realize so fully that death was so important for even our Happiness to rid us of this Mortal Life. Monday Did not awake in a Heavenly frame of mind but felt tempted of Saten oh how he tempts us to go astray was shewn how incapable of myself to resist temptation to Sin. Went to Church at the Congregational & heard Mr. Sturtevant from Isaiah 62nd Chap 10th Verse. There again felt how imperfect is the church below felt disappointed that there was not more Christians assembled & unitedness of feeling. Dined with Mrs. Eddy as our church did not keep it as a fast called for Cousin Hannah but sent for her afterwards as she was unprepared. Spent the evening pleasantly retired about 11 o'clock felt how much there is to call forth our sympathies in this life & no Happiness even in anticipation with alloy for Cousin H was afraid that Mr. Mckirby was sick.
Tuesday 3rd. The morning Beautiful calculated to dispel all gloomy forboding but from taking cold in church as usual I did not feel well. Was disappointed in not getting down in my carriage as I could have gone shopping with Cousin H but disappointmnt is common to us all Mr. Dayton took me to town in his meat wagon & I accomplished some things that I intended.
Wednesday 5. Beautiful morning for the Bride went down at Eight o'clock was prevented from attending Prayer meeting having had no way to go.
Thursday, beautiful day walked to Mr. Clay.
Friday. Mrs. Conn to spend day.
Saturday. Spent the morning writing Letters to Sister & Cousin Anna & afternoon in mending felt much comfort
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from my children who were all obedient & pleasant. Snowed hard for the first time this Winter.Sabbeth 9th Jan. The morning cold Julia not well. Heard Mr. Eddy in the Sabbeth school room from John 14 Chap 19 Verse. Because I live ye shall live also.
Tuesday 11th. Pleasently warm went to the Tea enjoyed the conversation with Dr. Adams & James of Alton. Wednesday felt badly from being excited about the death of Coolys
Sabbeth 16th. Did not feel well but went to church. Did not enjoy the preaching as much as usual but ascribed it to my feelings.
Tuesday 20th. Went to Mrs. Buckleys to the Sewing Soc & enjoyed much the religious conversation of friends & my heart was warmed to hear the conversion & joining of Dr. Hardin a son of my friends to a Sister. Church one reclaimed & converted to God blessed change for that Parent. 19th Wednesday Never enjoyed a day of Fasting and prayer more there seem to be a feeling of deep [?] all seem solemn I felt as if I never should let the world take such deep hold of my affections. Oh Lord enable me to consecrate myself & my children more to thee take from us what thou wilt but take not thy Holy spirit grant that I may be prepared for whatever trial awaits me. Heard the covenant read & took
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those vows upon me thought that I never discovered my children more thoughtless on the subject of religion.Sabbeth 23rd. Mr. Eddy read the 2nd Acts concerning the day of Penticost. Felt enlightened in regard to revivals. He seem to desire that his people should bring all under the influence of the Gospel that we could for the mind he said must be instructed & God will be off. The Text was an impressive one John 4 Chap 35-36-37-38 & continued in the afternoon. Oh that we may as Christians be ready for this great work & be strengthened to perform our duty to our children & Neighbors.
Monday. Felt anxiety relating to temporal affairs being undecided as to which would be very best way of disposing of my farm so as to enable me to live within my income & still have means to give away to Benevolent Objects. Lord direct me & enable me to do what is best for the interest of the redeemers kingdom shew me my duty & give me that peace of mind which the world cannot give.
Tuesday 27th. Cloudy was prevented from attending Sewing Soc at Mrs. Eams & regretted it more on account of the, deprivation of meeting with Christian friends.
Wednesday 26th. Another cloudy day felt quite sick from getting up the night before with A Caldwell retired very early had another disappointment did not get to prayer meeting in the afternoon nor church at Night.
Thursday 27th. The sun rose Beautiful felt better in health & spirits feel anxious that my dear children should seek the Saviour. 13th January Mr. Eddy preached from 17 Jeremiah Chap 9th Verse very solemn & instructive sermon to the young & old. In the afternoon Mr. Williams preached from Jeremiah 4 Chap 14th Verse meetings was better attended than usual Monday evening. Dr. Jones conducted the meeting and proposed that we should have a meeting the next evening we all attended Wednesday Ditto Thursday & Saturday May Louisa.
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A Brief Synopsis of the Life of a Pioneer Woman.
Mrs. Duncan was descended from the Caldwells, French Huguenots who moved to Scotland and by way of Ireland to Virginia, and from the Ogdens, who were early settlers in New Jersey. Mr. Smith, her father, was of a Covenanter family in Kirkcudbright, Scotland.
1808 —
March 28 — Elizabeth Caldwell Smith, born in Pearl Street, near the Battery, New York. Daughter of James R. Smith, merchant, and his wife, Hannah Ray Caldwell.
1815 —
(?) — Family moved to house on Broadway.
1817 —
June 4 — James R. Smith, her father, died. Mrs. Smith closed her house on Broadway and "removed to her country seat at Walnut Hill, Newark, N. J., now in the heart of the city, then a large place."
1818-20 —
(?) — Elizabeth attended school in Chambersburgh, Pa., for two years, staying with her sister, Anna, Mrs. Matthew St. Clair Clarke.
1820 —
— Mrs. Smith married to Dr. John R. B. Rodgers, a physician.
1821 —
(?) — Elizabeth returned to Newark and went to a day school.
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1822 —
(?) — Attended Mrs. Esther Smith's English Boarding School, corner of Hudson and Greenwich streets, opposite St. John's Park, New York (?)
1824 —
— Elizabeth boarded at Newark Institute, Livingston Van Doren, Principal. Diary begins Nov. 15th.
1825 —
Feb. 20 — Mrs. Hannah Caldwell Rodgers died at home of her stepson, Dr. Kerney Rodgers, Courtlandt street, New York. For several years she had been an invalid. Elizabeth went to Washington, D. C., to live with her sister, Mrs. Matthews St. Claire Clarke.
1825 —
(?) — Elizabeth attended school in Washington, Monsieur Bonfils and "studied French, logic, music and dancing."
1828 —
— Attended dinner at White House and met General Joseph Duncan, only representative from Illinois.
1828 —
May 13 — Married Joseph Duncan.
May 27 — Started for Illinois. In fall returned to Washington.
1829 —
April 8 — James Caldwell Duncan born in Washington.
May 26 — Congressman Duncan left for Illinois.
July — Visited Kentucky.
1830 —
May 18 — Henry St. Clair Duncan born in Washington.
August — Second journey to Illinois. Located in Jacksonville.
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Nov. (?) — Mr. Duncan returned to Washington, leaving Mrs. Duncan and children in Jacksonville, Winter of "the deep snow."Dec. 3 — Mrs. Duncan, united with First Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville.
1831 —
Spring? — Mr. Duncan returned to Illinois.
June 18 — Mr. Duncan appointed Major General of Militia in Blackhawk War.
Nov. — Family returned with him to "Washington. Oldest son, James Caldwell, died on the journey at Wheeling, West Virginia, Nov. 23rd.
1832 —
— Cholera in Washington.
Sept. 23 — Mary Louisa Duncan, born at Greencastle, Pa.
1833 —
— Third journey to Illinois. Cholera in Jacksonville. Their son St. Clair recovered from it "due to skill of Dr. Reed and nursing of Mr. Duncan." They built a small frame house.
May — Dr. Truman N. Post in letter describes the roof raising.
Fall (?) — The family returned to Washington.
Nov. 9 — Foundations of present house, Elm Grove, were being laid. Letter of Robert C. Finley, a cousin, in charge of Mr. Duncan's affairs.
1834 —
April 10 — Ann Elizabeth Duncan born in Washington. Mrs. Duncan ill all summer.
Aug. — General Duncan elected Governor of Illinois.
Fall — Fourth journey to Illinois. Mrs. Duncan traveled on a spring bed in a closed carriage. "Another carriage followed with my three children, a cousin Anna Maria Caldwell, an English nurse, and John McClusky for driver."
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1835 —
Summer — Moved into "Elm Grove." "It had been over a year being built. The plan was drawn from Mrs. M. St. Clair Clarke's house in Washington, only made smaller." The entrance door and vestibule are similar to Major Duncan's house in Paris, Ky.
1835 —
Oct. 19 — Joseph Duncan born at Elm Grove.
Nov. 5 — Joseph Duncan baptized. "Gave him his father's name. His father united with the First Presbyterian Church, the same day."
1836 —
April — Governor Duncan in New York to secure money for bonds for state improvements.
July — Work on Illinois and Michigan Canal begun.
1837 —
May 28 — Julia Smith Duncan born at Elm Grove.
June — Daniel Webster, his wife and niece, entertained at a barbecue in the Grove adjoining the house.
1838 —
April 10 — Governor Duncan writes from Philadelphia, visit with Ex-Governor Cole.
Aug. 5 — Henry St. Clair Duncan died, aged 8 years.
Nov. 8 — First locomotive from Meredosia to Jacksonville.
Dec. 11 — Smith Duncan born at Elm Grove.
1840 —
Feb. 27 — Hannah Caldwell Duncan born at Elm Grove.
June — Governor Duncan in New York.
1841 —
Oct. 10 — Ellen Marian Duncan born in Elm Grove.
Nov. — Governor Duncan in Washington.
Dec. — Governor Duncan in New York.
1843 —
Jan. — Governor Duncan in Washington.
Feb. 4 — Governor Duncan returned to Jacksonville.
Aug. 10 — Catherine Clay Duncan born at Elm Grove.
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1843 —
Sept. — Governor Duncan in Washington.
1844 —
Jan. 2 — Governor Duncan returned from trip to St. Louis with heavy cold.
Jan. 15 — Governor Duncan died, aged 49 years.
Nov. 1 — Catherine Clay Duncan died at Elm Grove aged 2 years.
1845 —
June 30 — Smith Duncan died at Elm Grove, aged 7 years.
1846 —
March 30 — Mrs. Duncan left for Washington with her daughter, Mary.
April 6 — Arrived Washington.
July 1 — Returned to Jacksonville.
1847 —
April 21 — Mrs. Duncan again in Washington and Bladensburg with daughter Mary.
1850 —
March 30 — Daughter Mary visiting Caldwell cousins in New Orleans.
1851 —
Sept. 23 — Mrs. Duncan with daughter Mary in Chicago. Letters describe life in Chicago at the time.
1852 —
July 18 — Ann Elizabeth Duncan died at Elm Grove, aged 18 years.
July 25 — Hannah Duncan died at Elm Grove, aged 12 years.
1853 —
April — Mrs. Duncan went east with her three children, Mary, Joseph and Julia.
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1854 —
Dec. 9 — Mary Louisa Duncan married to Charles E. Putnam, an attorney, from Saratoga, New York, settled in Davenport, Iowa.
1858 —
Mrs. Duncan and daughter Julia visited Paris and Lexington, Kentucky.
1859 —
Oct. 5 — Mrs. Duncan in New York with daughter Julia, at St. Nicholas Hotel.
1862 —
Oct. 28 — Julia Duncan married to Edward P. Kirby, of Jacksonville.
1865 —
Spring (?) — Rented Elm Grove to State of Illinois for asylum for idiot children.
1876 —
May 22 — Mrs. Joseph Duncan died in Jacksonville, aged 68 years.
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Family Tree.
Married 1763
HANNAH OGDEN, 1737-1780
| Children | ||||||
| 1 | Margaret P., 1764-1831. m. Isaac Canfield. |
|||||
| 2 | John Dickinson, 1765-1766. | |||||
| 3 | Hannah Ray, 1767-1825. m., 1790, James R. Smith, 1761-1817 |
|||||
| 4 | John Edward, 1769-1819. m. 1st Louise. 2nd Mrs. VanMyck. |
Jeanette m. John X. Clarke |
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| Anna m. Matthew St. Clair Clarke |
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| James m. Julia Halsey |
||||||
| Elizabeth C. m. Joseph Duncan |
1 | James Caldwell | ||||
| 2 | Henry St. Clair | |||||
| 3 | Mary Louisa m. Charles E. Putnam |
1 | Joseph Duncan | |||
| 2 | Charles Morgan | |||||
| 3 | John Caldwell | |||||
| 4 | Henry St. Clair | |||||
| 5 | William Clement | |||||
| 6 | George Rockwell | |||||
| 7 | Elizabeth Duncan | |||||
| 8 | Edward Kirby | |||||
| 9 | Hamilton | |||||
| 10 | Benjamin Risley | |||||
| 11 | James Berthored | |||||
| 4 | Ann Elizabeth | |||||
| 5 | Joseph m. Harriet Stevens |
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| 6 | Julia Smith m. Edward P. Kirby |
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| 7 | Hannah Caldwell | |||||
| 8 | Smith | |||||
| 9 | Ellen Marian | |||||
| 10 | Catharine Clay | |||||
| 5 | James Baxter, 1771-1826. m. 1st Henrietta Gill. 2nd Nancy Bevan. |
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| 6 | Esther Flint, 1772-1844. m. Rev. Robert Finley. |
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| 7 | Josiah Flint, 1774-1844. m. Margaret H. Magruder. |
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| 8 | Elias Bondinot, 1776-1825. m. 1st Elizabeth Boyd. 2nd Ann Lingan. |
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| 9 | Sarah, 1778-1828. m. Rev. John S. Vredenburgh |
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| 10 | Maria, 1779-1852. m. Robert S. Robertson. |