This book belongs to:
Mrs. J. S. McCorkle (Elizabeth (Lizzie) O. Clements
Transcribed by her granddaughter Jessie Lee Childress Cockroft, who was in a nursing home at the time. It is not completed apparently because it became too much of a chore for Jessie. She started cutting out some visitor names, etc., while trying to complete it.
There are some added notes at the end by Lizzie’s great-granddaughter Natalie to point out specific items not included. The Diary was apparently lost later when the relative holding it died.
Friday, Jan 1 Rain all day
Lizzie McCorkle’s baby came.
Dr. In his office – sold one lot. I signed the deed . Iola and I washed, too wet to hang the clothes out. Velmer and Olie Mai spent the day at Bro Rodies. Iola read all the afternoon. Post office closed – could get no mail all day. Albert in St. Louis all this week. Ag Dickey sold his business to Mr Eole & Williams for $9,000. Dr. Wrote the deed – Ola Mai & Velmer spent the night as it rained too hard to come home.
Saturday, Jan 2
Dr. In his office – Bro Rody came in with Velmer and Olie Mai – Olie Mai took the train to Paducah Junction – then to McKenzie to spend the ______ with Mr. Will Blanks, her cousin --- Read a letter from Sallie saying whe would do light ________________________ a while. Rec’d a letter from Rufus Clement asking about Charlie Allen – Dr. Has crysipiles in his hand.
Sunday, Jan 3
Dr., Iola, Scott, and Willie’s folks went to S. S. I kept Charley – walks are slick with ice and I am afraid of falling --- the S. S. began a revival – Miss Thangs and Ellen are the captains --- Iola went out in the afternoon to work for new S.S. pupils -. We all went to sit with Mrs. Harris after supper – Walter McCorkle spent the night with us. – called on his girl.
Monday, Jan 4
Dr. went to Dyersburg to attend court – Iola went to the train with Velmer --- Annie McCorkle and Willie took dinner with us. Mrs. Glass and Mrs. Evens (Meth preacher’s wife) came to see us. I sent a letter of ten pages to Sallie in Texas – Iola wrote a letter to Nola Simmons of Shuma , Texas.
Tuesday, Jan 5
Allie Dickey Rodger’s baby boy cam – Dr. in his office – Iola went to Mrs. Arnett’s, Mrs. Grisham’s and Mrs. Pace’s looking after the sewing circle work. In the afternoon we put in a quilt for Willis and the sewing circle met here to quilt. Mattie Romine said she was going to have an operation --- Mrs. Grisham, Ollie Steel(?) and Iola went to see Lizzie McCorkle and her little baby girl. Mrs. Holt moved to East Newbern – Lilllie Hamilton moved home.
Wednesday, Jan 6
Dr. helped Mr. Harris invoice his grocery stock and make one dollar in his office. I had a talk with Mrs. Cotton over the phone about Lula’s things at Dyersburg.
Thursday, Jan 7
Dr. helped Mr. Harris to invoice – Willie has a very sore throat. Called in Dr. Cherry. Iola spent the morning with Willie. I worked on drawn work --- Received a letter from Lula and one from A.P. Johnson. Sent his picture – wants to come here to hold a meeting or lecture a few times. Iola went with Allie Steel to clean the church – they then went to see Lizzie McCorkle, Mr. Pace & Mrs Parks.
Friday, Jan 8
Dr. in his office. Iola spent the morning with Willie. I finished a letter to Lula and one to Olie Mai. Mrs. Chapman called – Iola wrote some copies of the new S.S. songs for the revival --- Jim Wesson’s house burned --- Bro Joe McCorkle took dinner with us. Looking for Mr Scobey to die --- Rec’d a letter from Bro Tilman – said the law suit could begin by ........
Saturday, Jan 9
Dr. in his office – made some money. I read the town papers and the Christian Standard. Mended some . Rec’d a letter from Sallie – She was keeping house in two rooms. Glen Moore called Virgie Pace to our farm(?) to have a talk --- Iola went to Willie’s and to Fannie Arnett’s --- Albert came home. Willie has a sore throat and very hoarse – Post Master Serbey died today.
Sunday, Jan 10
Willie’s baby girl was born. (Margaret?) We all went to S.S.; had a no. Of new pupils. Mr. Rube Scobey was buried by the Macaber lodge. We all went to Willie’s after dinner. Mrs. Copell was there. At 2:30 a ten pound baby girl was born. Iola staid all night, Dr came home. Margaret Rodgers spent the night with us.
Monday, Jan 11
Miss Sadie Starrett died today in Jonesboro, Ark. Dr. in Office. I spent the day with Willie to help her and take care of the little baby. Mrs. Grayse and Fannie Arnett went to see Willie. I worked on one of the little babe’s gown. Albert cooked dinner and had a good dinner. Rec’d a letter Bro. Rowe saying he would be here to begin preaching for us in February. Rec’d a letter telling that Miss Jodie Starrett died the 4th of this month. She was a dear good lady and a true friend of ours. A cousin of Aunt Zura., Annie and Eula Karns.
Tuesday, Jan 12
Dr. wrote some deeds and a letter to Lula telling here of Willis’s babe. I staid with Willie all day to wait on her and her little babe. Albert named his girl Ruth Hazel.. Mrs. Arnett called to see Willie, Iola painted in the morning and quilted in the afternoon. Allie Steel and Mrs Harris helped on the sewing circle work --- Rec’d a letter from Bro Myhr and Brs. Row Ludith worked at the mill at !1.00 per day. Mrs Copell --------
Wednesday, Jan 13
Dr in his office. I spent the day with Willie and little babe. Iola painted in the morning --- Walter Ridings is in Clinton, Ky jail for getting drunk and drawing his gun on a man. His poor mother is heart broken over his wickedness and disgrace --- Mrs Copell staid with Willie last night – Iola with her tonight – I wrote a letter Bro Johnson in answer to his to me.
Thursday, Jan 14
Bought a barrel of flour $5.25. I spent the day waiting on Willie and the babe. I read Matthew & the S.S. Lesson – Iola received a long letter from Mrs. Dr. Simmons --- Willie sent out several announcements of the babe’s birth. Dr., Scott, Mrs. Harris and Willie’s children went to the Opera House to see Ten Nights in a Bar Room played.
Friday, Jan 15
Dr. in his office – I spent the day at Willie’s --- Iola staid at home, painted and read some on a story in the Standard. Ludith and Mary went to the rehersal at the Opera House - both in the play gotten up by Miss Taylor. I wrote a letter to Bros. Johnson at Kimberland Heights.
Saturday, Jan 16
Dr in his office received a telegram that Johnie Wells of Union City died today --- I sent Willie a small chicken – she is in bed and wants a change – Mrs. Parker, Rose Blackwood and Miss Cornell came to see Willie.
Sunday, Jan 17
We all went to S.S. --- In the afternoon Drl took me to see Lesla Shofner at Mr. Rich Pace’s. I had never seen her babe – after she left I went to se Kate Pace, she had gone to the country. I then went to see Mrs. Plumer Shofner, an old friend of mine. Mr. Karnes came from Mo. And was sick. Albert and Mary came in and sat a while – I then wrote a letter to Sallie and read S.S. lesson.
Tuesday, Jan 19
Dr went to see Willie and then to his office – I spent the morning with Willie, then to Mrs. Pace to meet with sewing circle --- Mollie gave us a treat of apples and bananas – Dr. Cherry was called in to see Willie. Miss Frankie Dunivant and Miss Guss Dunivent called to see Willie. Callie Copell spent the night with here – we are all at home.
Wednesday, Jan 20
Spent the day at Willie’s – also the night. Dr. in his office --- Winny Hamilton is in a strange fix – she is 12 years old and been flooding eight weeks. All uneasy about her - Fannie Wheary’s folks have measles. Jessie in bad health – has lung trouble.
Thursday, Jan 21
Dr. sold a lot to a negro to build upon. Dr. Cherry came to see Willie – I spent the day with Willie and mended stockings all morning – I read in the afternoon. The Bible and S.S. lesson – Dr. came up to see us – then went to his office to attend to business – I wrote a letter to Velmer to go in Ludith’s and Mary’s.
Friday, Jan 22
Dr in his office – I stayed all day with Willie – Willie much better today – she received a telegram of congratulations on the little baby Ruth from Mr. Selby, on of Albert’s best friends in Ohio – Iola went to Willie’s – Dr. and I are alone. Scott gone.
Saturday, Jan 23
Dr. paid his taxes and worked to get some negro to go to the Blanks farm to work the land – news came that Dr. Jessie Wills was not expected to live ----- Allie Steel came in for a while – Ellen came working for new S.S. students.
Sunday, Jan 24
All went to S.S. – a good full school – Dr. and I wrote to Bro. And Sister Phares – Rec’d a letter from Sallie & some of Gladys’ pictures. Dr., Iola and Scott went to Willie’s. Mrs. Harris and I went to Mr. Rooks to see Mrs. Wilson and hear about Dr. Wells as he is not expected to live ------.
Monday, Jan 25
Willie bought a barrel of flour. Dr. went to the country to write two deeds for Mrs. Karns as he had sold his land at Milan. I went to Willie’s, etc d- Ludith was expelled from school – Albert was mad and made threats on Ludith. Albert bought a bill of groceries – I wrote a letter to Sallie and three link letters for a church. ------.
Tuesday, Jan 26
Dr. in his office – After dinner I went to Mrs. Ridings to meet with sewing circle --- read several chapters in Mark. Kept Charlie, Kittie Arnett came to invite the circle to meet with her mother – also to use the phone – The thermometer stood at zero while the sun was shining. Scott received a letter from Frank today.
Wednesday, Jan 27
Dr. make $2.00 in his office by dinner. Iola painted a sofa pillow – went to see Mrs. Pace and Willie. I cut quilt pieces and carpet rags – I was sick and took a course of calomel. After four o’clock, I read my bible and Memphis daily. Dr. was called to town to write up some papers then went to prayer meeting – Iola stayed at home and helped Scott with his lessons.
Thursday, Jan 28
Dr. in his office – Iola painted a pillow – I cut quilt pieces until dinner – then cut a calicl wrapper for Iola – fitted it on. Mrs. Guy Parks came – Vergie Pace and Mollie were hers. I rec’d a nice letter from Mrs. Lowrey --- Iola drawn work and helped Scott with lessons – wrote letters to Lula and Sallie.
Friday, Jan 29
Iola painting -------- reading Bible and Newbern paper --- rose Blackwood came to return a book --- Iola to see Willie – Mrs. Y Smith(?) called – I sent a letter to Beatrice Mullens and Ashly Johnson – Dr. and Iola go to Opera House – Ludith and Mary in play --.
Saturday, Jan 30
Dr. did good business in his office today – I finished Iola’s dress – Iola washed and ironed some – I baked ginger cookies for Scott. Read a letter from Lula and Rufus. Sold a pound of butter to get my glasses mended – Scott was a good boy to work today – carrying wood and water --.
Sunday, Jan 31
Dr., Iola, Scott and I went to S.S. in snow storm --- after dinner Iola and Dr. went to Mr. Grishens -- I staid alone and read my bible – wrote a letter to Sallie. Rec’d a long letter from Sallie and one from Bro. Brown saying Obion will take our preacher one Sunday – Willie rec’d a long sweet letter from sister Phares(?).
Monday, Feb 1
Dr. in office – collects some rents – I worked on drawn work and piecing quilts – wrote a letter to Sallie – spent afternoon with Willie – bro. Dun leaves on early train to go to Texas for a few months – we hate to lose him from our church – Rose came to see Willie – Iola went to Mrs. Pace’s awhile.
Tuesday, Feb 2
Dr. had a long talk with Dr. Etherly about the church. Iola went to see Will McCorkle – sick child – then went to see Mrs. Beech and Mrs. Fiding --- In the afternoon we went to Mrs Arnett’s sewing circle. Iola rec’d a letter from Vennie Blanks – Dr. phoned Dyersburg about preacher Bro. Rowe.
Wednesday, Feb 3
Dr. did but little in his office – Iola at Willie’s – Willie not at all well. ----Mr. Rowlet came for his things – Rec’d a letter from Bro Joe about the Blanks farm---.
Thursday, Feb 4
Mr. Rowlet packed his things --- Miss Alice Vanecton(?) took dinner with us – she brought a dresser scarf for the sewing circle. Iola went to see Mrs. Guy Parks and Lizzie Hoskins, then to see Allie Steel and Esther Inman. Mr. Rowlet sent his things to the train – paid me $4.00 for the use of room to keep his furniture. Mrs. Parks and Virginia Pace came.-
Friday, Feb 5
Dr. still trying to get some one to go to the farm at Trezevant to work the land --- went to see the Will McCorkles --- after supper I read the Newbern papers and Christian Standard.
Saturday, Feb 6
Prof Greys baby came. Dr. bought butter and eggs to take to Lula at Memphis. The big flour mill burned. I make a big fire – Dr. getting ready to go to Memphis – Bro Joe sick this week. Fannie Wherry has the measles.
Sunday, Feb 7
Dr. went to see Lula’s folks at Memphis – carried eggs, butter, parsnips, shrubs, and popcorn. Iola Scott and I went to S.S. – Iola went to the Baptist church to hear Bro. Martin, the new preacher. Visiting ------------------ Lula came home with Dr.
Monday, Feb 8
Dr. made two dollars in a short time in his office. Lula went over to see Willie ----- Had a letter from Sallie ---- Esther Inman called to see us ---- all well --- Lula and Iola went shopping.
Tuesday, Feb 9
Joe McCorkle 61st Birthday – Dr. helped in the store and worked in his office – I cut a mapper for Lula – Lula did the stitching. Mrs. Selloms was buried today. Bro Scott preached her funeral – buried at Poplar Grove Cemetery.
Wednesday, Feb 10
Dr. in his office – no money made – Lula at Willies – Lula to see the sick – Mrs. Romine and Sara Akers. –
Thursday, Feb 11
Lula and 2 children – Thelma and William, Willie Rodgers, Ludith and Bro Rody Clement took dinner with us – helped Lula on her mapper – Iola received orders for six more pillows from Ark – This is Willie’s first visit since Baby Ruth came – Ludith cut wood at home. Dr. in his office, but no money made – Lula with us tonight.
Friday, Feb 12
Lula cut a dress for Thelma --- we all ironed all afternoon --- I am not well at all – back pains me an my head hurts also –
Saturday, Feb 13
I am not well – we ironed some, cooked a cake, Rc’d a letter from Sallie. Lula is with us – Dr. in his office – tried to swap his horse Bailey but failed. Daisy Rodgers wrote she would come to spend the day with Willie – Lula made (???) for me.
Sunday, Feb 14
We all went to S.S. – Lula staid with little William as she had a bad cold. Daissi(?) came from Memphis – spent the day at Willie’s – Mr. & Mrs. Capelle also – Ludith’s fifteenth birthday was celebrated by two or three boys taking dinner with her ---- all tolerable well today.
Monday, Feb 15
Dr. looking after getting the coal shoot at Newbern. Bro. Joe sick --- Bro Rody and his girls took dinner with us. I cut Bro Rody’s hair --- helped Lula on Thelma’s dress --- I read after supper as long as my eyes would let me – Iola helped Scott.
Tuesday, Feb 16
All took dinner with Willie --- Dr. in his office – no work done --- Mrs. Grey very sick – Dr. Cheery going 2 or 3 times per day –
Wednesday, Feb 17
Dr. called to Mr. Clay Porter’s to do writing – Lula sewing --- weather too be for prayer meeting --- free delivery of the country mail – the first ever in this country.
Thursday, Feb 18
Dr. took depositions at Clay Porter’s – Mrs. Grey some better, Mr. Gresham and Allie Steel came to sign a deed to some lots they had sold. Dr. being the Notary Public here --- Mary came to get Lula to help on arithmentic.
Friday, Feb 19
Dr. worked for Bank and Pitt closing up their invoice – was on a committee to see the R.R. agent to get this to be middle and stopping pace for trains, coal chute, etc. ---
Saturday, Feb 20
Dr. working on invoice – Lula spent the day with Willie – Scott went to Mayors office to give evidence about the burning of school privy ---------
Sunday, Feb 21 Rain & Cold
Dr. Sola, Scott and Mrs. Harris went to S.S. in the rain – I wrote to Beatrice and Sallie --- Dr. took dinner with Mattie Brown’s folks and Dr. McConnelle cam home with him – Lula spent the day with Willie and the night with us.
Monday, Feb 22 Bright & Pleasant
Willie received a barrel of sugar today. Dr. did good work in his office today. I had the blues for the first time in a long time. I realized I fell short of what I wanted to be and was a little discouraged. Willie came to see us and brought Dr. two new shirts. I cut a calicl dress for Lula. ------ I sent a letter to Sallie and Beatrice. Sola and Lula went shopping.
Tuesday, Feb 23
Dr. had much work in the office ---------- Cora Towner came to see Lula while we were gone – I stopped to see Mrs. Hammel and she gave me some nice apples. – Rec’d a letter from Bro Joe saying Aunt Zura broke her arm.
Wednesday, Feb 24
Dr. and Lula went to Dyersburg to look after Lula’s things --- sewing ,etc. Took car or William and Ruth in the afternoon. Iola and Willie went to town -- Willie’s first trip since Ruth came. I went to see Mrs. Pace a little while. Mrs. Banks moved to the country – Several men were arrested for selling whiskey without license. Lula went to Willie’s to spend the night – Iola and Dr. went to prayer meeting. – I stayed to help Scott.
Thursday, Feb 25
There is a great excitement in town over so many men being arrested for selling whiskey -- some mad, some glad ----- Miss Nannie Glass came to revive the cemetery association. We think Charlie has the measles – Will came a while ---
Friday, Feb 26
Dr in his office writes up several deeds – Lula ironed most all day. I worked on sewing circle bonnets – Mrs. Calwell and Miss Sallie came. I read the papers of our town and the Memphis daily. Ludith went to Dyersburg for Mr. Shafner and brought Lula’s things to our house. Lula talked to Beatrice over the phone (from here to Memphis) about coming home Willie took dinner with us – had the little baby Ruth.
Saturday, Feb 27
Burnett Prichard was killed by the train last night. Lula went to Memphis – I helped Lula mend and get ready to go home. Willie came to see her off. After Lula left I worked on bonnets, churned and cleaned my machine, studied S.S. lesson.
Sunday, Feb 28
We all went to S.S. Albert and Willie were there ---we all went to Burnie Richards burial --- a large crowd out --- Lena Atkins died today – we talked to Dyersburg over the phone about our preacher.
Monday, Feb 29
Lena Atkins funeral was preached at the Baptist Church today. Dr. wrote several papers taking in several dollars. Iola sent off 8 painted pillows to Jonesboro ---- I sent a letter to Sallie and read several chapters in John.
Tuesday, Mar 1
Bettie McCorkle and Allie came – Dr. went to the country to try to swap his horse ------- Rec’d a letter from Bro Rowe saying he would come by the 15th of this month to begin preaching for this church and Dyersburg. Dr. went to town after supper.
Wednesday, Mar 2
Dr. and Ludith planted Irish potatoes for Willie and also in our yard ----- In the afternoon I sent Lula a letter ----- Iola, Mrs. Harris and Dr. went to prayer meeting. I stayed alone and read and wrote -----
Thursday,.Mar 3
Set our first hen. – Dr trying hard to get a hand to go to the Blanks farm --- I read most of the day, and worked on drawn work, sent a letter to Sallie. Dr. took cold from being on cold ground too much. Scott is being examined in third grade – Ludith hauling manure – Iola reading a book after supper, Nature’s Heart – Mrs Buch very sick.
Friday, Mar 4
Dr. has a very bad cold from standing on cold ground planting potatoes. I read and worked on drawn work and a bonnet --- I was not well at all. Mrs. Harris went to town trading and bought a nice rocker – Ludith sick todayd. Bro Rody and Vergin Pace came – The cemetery association was reorganized today – Letter from Sallie.
Saturday, Mar 5
Dr. sick on bed part of the time – I am 61 years old today. Willie and Albert gave me a set of silver spoons. Mary some sugar, Ludith some domestic, Iola a waist. Dr. a silver dollar. Bro Rody took dinner with us. Iola cooked a cake. We paid 75 cts. To have washing done. I am not well. Took medicine. Dr. not able to go to his office. Albert came to see Dr.
Sunday, Mar 6
Dr. too sick to go to S.S. too rainy for me to go. Iola, Scott, Mr. & Mrs. Harris went. I kept Charlie, ------ Dr McConnell came to see Dr. Dr. got up and wrote a letter to Beatrice.
Monday, Mar 7
Dr. still has a bad cold with some fever – went to his office and made three dollars --- Iola and I ironed --- read and mended --- churned – sold 3 gallons of milk. We sent a letter to Sallie, Beatrice, Bro Joe and Bro Mc___ for the second Sunday School revival plan. We are giving Dr a course of Calomel.
Tuesday, Mar 8
Dr. in bed all day -- fever and bad cold. Bro Joe came to see Dr. ----- Willies little baby Ruth is sick. Rec’d a letter from Verlmer C-----
Wednesday, Mar 9
Dr. McCorkle grew worse at three o’clock – Iola was painting at Mrs. Parks. I sent for her and two doctors came at once – he suffered all night. Mr. Spencer, Iola and I set up to wait on him – he said to me don’t think I am afraid to die, My way is bright. Mr Spencer read two books while sitting up, yet he helped us when he could. This was a bad night for Dr. was so very sick all night. Cherry and Sherril were both called in to wait on him.
Thursday, Mar 10
Dr. was still sick worse and said telephone for Sallie and Lula, I can’t live. I did and phoned for Bro Joe and sister Sue to come which they did. We did all we could to relieve him, but all in vain – in the night he suffered very very much with cramp which results in his right side being paralyzed – At twelve thirty Sallie came – he knew her, but could not talk. At 4 he breathed his last.
Friday, Mar 11 Dr. died today.
I have things mixed as I am so bothered. This is the day Sallie came and Dr died. This the darkest day of my life when all is gone. Sister Sue was not here when he died but all of the children and grandchildren except Cicero and Iola May. Cicero came by night and my two brothers Henry(?) and Rufus who loved Dr so much, but doctor .......................
Saturday, Mar 12
Sister Sue, Eula, Eudora and many others came to Dr’s funeral. Bro Brown and Cousin Ellie conducted the service. Bro Evans also led in prayer and talked. Mr. Flora Wilson played the funeral march, Asleep in Jesus, and All is Well With My Soul was sung. The house was crowded with people – crepe was draped beautifully in the church. There were many beautiful flowers brought and place on the grave.
Sunday, Mar 13
All of us staid at home. Bro Henry and Bro Rufus went home at 10:00. George and Little Maurine left on the twelve train. All of Lula’s family spent the day with us. After dinner we all went to see Willie and spent the afternoon. Elie McCorkle & Hiel came to see us. This is the first time we have all missed goint to S.S. in a long time. All of Lula’s folks spent the night and we all studied the will left by Dr. making me the executor of the will.
Monday, Mar 14
Mr. Cockroft and Albert helped me to read Dr.’s will and look over his papers. I am appointed to wind up Dr.’s business – Mrs Mattie Brown, Dr McConnell ----- etc came to see us. Mrs Cockroft and family went to Memphis, Beatrice staid. Cicero applied for a position in our bank so as to stay with us for company – Cicero bought some groceries for me, paid some of our debts, was very good indeed to us. Cicero is a fine boy. Beatrice gave me a black calico dress – all of my children were here – all are well today.
Tuesday, Mar 15
Rec’d letters of sympathy one from sister Phares, cousin Mamie McCorkle, of Eminence, KY. We rented our three rooms to Mr Harris for $5.50 -------- (visitors named) ... Sallie and Beatrice are with us. Little Gladys is a sweet interesting little girl, just three years and three months old when her grandfather died.
Wednesday, Mar 16
Iola and Sallie busy cleaning, varnishing and changing things to give Mrs Harris room ------- visitors (one named) Mrs. Jane Grayson – she was indeed good to Dr. when he was so very bad and until he died.
Thursday, Mar 17
Details given regarding getting house in order – letter of sympathy from Bro. Rowe.
Friday, Mar 18
Neighbors bringing vegetables – Robert McCorkle on his way to Camel, Mo. His present place of business – Sallie and Gladys sick – Beatrice applied for our school.
Saturday, Mar 19
Visitors named – other sick neighbors mentioned – sold a matting for 2.50 collected some rent on a cabin.
Sunday, Mar 20
S.S. – some went – consoling visitors later in the day.
Monday, Mar 21
Details of rearranging house, etc --- visitors – "Home is not the same to me now, too sad." Albert came to help me settle with a negro on a land note.
Tuesday, Mar 22
"We wrote our first deed today as administratrix of the estate. Too sad to think I must take up this responsibility in my old age." --- sewed and mended – "letter from cousin Quincy’s wife" (sympathy).
Albert came to help us in measuring land, writing deed, etc.
Wednesday, Mar 23
Routine sewing, painting, etc – visitors, letters – "helped Scott with lessons."
Thursday, Mar 24
"finished my dress – Beatrice headache, injection of Morphine. Vanlier came – Iola read letter of sympathy from Mrs. Dr. Simmons – usual household routine and visitors.
Friday, Mar 25
Tonight it is raining again. Too bad to think Dr. is lying in a watery grave."
Saturday, Mar 26
Usual routine housework, sewing, painting. "Cousin Ellie Scott came to see us --- Beatrice is well today, all the rest well. Praise the Lord".
Sunday, Mar 27
"Sallie, Scott, Gladys & I to S.S. ---- the girls took down the mourning in the church. --- all to Willie’s for dinner --- Beatrice went to Baptist Church --- a letter from Mrs Copeland and Vennie Blanks."
Monday, Mar 28
"Albert arranged to have water works put in Sycamore(?) house --- Sallie, Beatrice, Gladys and I went to the cemetery – my first visit to Dr.’s grave" ----- "I made a deed tonight."
Tuesday, Mar 29
Sewing – fancy work – "sold 2 bonnets for 40 cents each" – visitors – "a letter from Lula saying she had been taking osteopathic treatment".
Wednesday, Mar 30
"Bonnets for sewing circle – sent $6.00 to foreign missions for the church – letter of sympathy from Mrs Iola Jones – "Oh how my heart aches over the loss of my dear husband who has been my kind companion for 42 years."
Thursday, Mar 31
"Iwas sick could not go" (the others had gone to Mattie Brown’s to spend the day). "Margaret not well and staid with me" – "mended stockings, bought a box of mourning paper" – several visitors.
Friday, April 1
"Cousin Finis came on his way to Texas to see his sons gentry and Homer" "Beatrice packing to go home on the early morning train."
Saturday, April 2
"finished two bonnets and made one out & out" --- Iola, Sallie and Ludith went to Bro Rodies’ after my Jersey cow ---- paid six dollars for livery rigs for Dr. McCorkle’s funeral – bought feed for horse and cow" -------
Sunday, April 3
To S.S. – Albert Rodgers and Mr Harris elected elders to fill Dr. McCorkle’s place ----- Iola read and helped Scott".
Monday, April 4
"had Sam a colored man to clean & plant garden. Visitors cousin Mary McCorkle and Sofa Hine – visitor cousin Finis McCorkle.
Tuesday, April 5
--------- Annie came from Yorkville, Sallie went home with her ----- letter writing to members of family.
Wednesday, April 6
----- "sewing on a black dress for myself" --- letters & visits. Agent for marbles for graves came to get us to buy one for Dr.’s grave ------ Paid Mr. Kid for putting water in our house on Sycamore street --- Iola too sick to go to prayermeeting.
Thursday, April 7
To see Mrs; Pace --- quite sick & despondent – sent a notice to discontinue the state gazette ---
Friday, April 8
----- Mr Radford came to look at our house, wanted to buy it for himself. --- Iola not well – has a cough.
Saturday, April 9
Routine housework, sewing, mending, etc – usual visiting to sick --- Albert came to see after our wants and looked after sick cow. – A letter from Lula planning for a stone for Dr.’s grave. ----
Sunday, April 10
All to S.S. --- Cousin Ellie Scott wrote Dr. McCorkle’s obituary – sent it to me to be printed -----.
Monday, April 11
Iola and Scott to Yorkville to meet Sallie and bring her home. One month today since Dr. died. A am all alone save God who has promised to hear and answer prayers.
MISSING PAGES FROM APRIL 11 TO JUNE 2 –
June 2
Bro. Joe very sick – may not live.
June 3
So sad without Dr. McCorkle –
June 5
Scott has whooping cough –
June 10
Iola & I papered the dining room – Lizzie McCorkle came – Later Beatrice – Drs Dulaney & Brewer (mentioned seeing some sick) --- Scott getting along well with whooping cough.
June 12
Gentry McCorkle and his wife came --- on their way to the St. Louis Fair and to cousin Quincy’s.
June 14
Went to Willie’s – phoned for Mrs. Fuller – she came and we talked over the cemetery business --- had the wood shed torn down an cleaned the back yard.
June 16
Iola painted a pillow (frequent mention of this) – Some of the Scott kin phoned they would be at Willie’s to spend the day --- Scott sold some ripe peaches – Rec’d a letter from Ira Jones about the cemetery.
June 17
Cousin Sallie Scott came to see us --- sold some peaches and eggs - & gathered our cherries.
June 18
Ironed – baked – tied up tomatoes – mended clothes.
June 19
Albert (Rogers) came to talk a while – Iola promised to go to Memphis & spend a week with Lula --- letter from Cicero asking Iola to come to Memphis to spend some time.
June 20
Sewing --- hoed in garden --- Scott sold 2 buckets of peaches at 10 cts per bucket – I collected $5.50 – Iola $2.00 on pillows – Scott 20 cts on peaches.
June 21
Rec’d a dun given by Acy Dickey to a Chicago collecting agency – which gave me much trouble – I sent for Acy to see me at once.
June 22
I hear the Anti Christians meet tonite to see about building a church home – Iola and Scott went to Memphis on the early morning train --- sold some peaches, butter and mild ---
THAT IS THE LAST ENTRY MADE BY JESSIE FROM THE DIARY
THE FOLLOWING ARE NOTES OF PARTICULAR INTEREST MADE BY LIZZIE’S GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER NATALIE COCKROFT RAGON PRIOR TO THE DIARY BEING LOST.
March 11th – Dr. Died.
Read March 14th & 15th
March 24th – Beatrice has headache, I gave her an injection of morphine with the hyperermic.
March 26th – We made two bonnetts to sell to day for fifty cents each.
March 29th – Received a letter from Lula saying she had been taking osteopath treatments.
Special to Rosa – May 1 – Lonne was baptised this afternoon at the 7th St. Baptist Church.
May 6th – William, Lula’s babe ran to the car line several times. She whipped him to brake him but it seemed to do no good for he continued to run away.
Sunday, May 8th – Mr Cockroft & Lizzie went to the first Baptist Church to S.S. Lula & the little ones went to the 7th St. Church. I staid at the house with Little William and the nurse.
Tuesday, May 17th – Martin the Baptist preacher called to see Beatrice.
May 15th and 16th refers to Bro Martin and Beatrice
Additional note by editor, Harry Martin. July 4th – Bro. Martin proposed to Beatrice.
July 25th – Iola went to the train to see Lula, Beatrice, Cicero and Lonnie went to St. Louis to attend the Worlds Fair.
July 27th – We are all well. Lizzie and the little children spent the day with me. Iola and I canned tomatoes. Hemstitched some handkerchiefs. Iola, Lizzie and the little boys Robert and Scott went to prayer meeting. I staid (stayed) and kept Thelma and William. They both cried for awhile. I read and wrote some for the paper cronicle of Newbern. Willie and her children came for peaches.
See July 28th – Lizzie V. And William spent the day with Willie.
Nov 28th – "A good days work in my opinion" N.R.
I put a quilt together for the circle, had 2 hogs killed, Iola painted a pillow for Willie. In the afternoon, Iola went to Mattie Brown’s and other places. I wrote a Business letter to brother Joe and one to Mr. Cockroft. Frid (fried) the intrals of the hogs and cooked dinner. I read the papers some. We bought 50 cts for nails on the new house. After supper Iola and I worked on the circle quilt.
Dec 7th – Scott stoped on the way from school and Iola whiped him.
Dec 19th – State & County tax $24.00
Last updated -- Friday, 16-Apr-99 18:16:34 PST