Fidelia Mayfield Diary 1892 
                                                 (b. Feb 16, 1877)
                                                submitted by John A. Scruggs

January 1, 1892. This is the first day of the year. It rained very hard all the
morning but cleared off about noon. Pearl went over to Miss Meties this evening. 
Clarence Stewart came & invited Pearl & Aurie to a party at Mr. Joe Stalling's.
Eugene carried me over to Bessie's on Mattie. I rode behind. Mattie got scared
and jumped and I slipped off, but didn't get hurt. Ben Thomas came & invited us
to a party at Mr. Dunlap's. ( Pollie's party ) Pearl, Aurie and Eugene went to
the party at Mr. Dunlap's. Had a pleasant time. Misses Carrie and Kittie Bledsoe
and Mr. Si Arnold spent the day yesterday at Bessie's. I had lots of fun playing
with Ralph and John. Eugene came after me about noon today. We staid until after
dinner at Bessie's. There is going to be a Leap Year party at Mr. Gib. Stallings'
tonight. The girls are all going to send word to the boys to come & carry them.
This is Friday. Pa went to Humboldt this evening. I begun the Bible last year
New Year, but I haven't quite read it through yet. 

Jan. 4, 1892. This is a beautiful day. Aurie, Eugene and I went to school today.
We have had two weeks vacation and now we are ready to begin our studies with
renewed energy. Pearl and Buddie went to Humboldt this evening. I guess they
will take supper with Cousin Mattie. We had a right full school today. Maggie
Dunlap is not going to start to school until next week. Several of the Sloan boys
came to school today. Gay, Ross & Lillian Campbell spent the day yesterday.
Buddie came home Saturday night.

Jan 5, 1892. We went to school today. Had several new scholars. Nina C. came to
school today. Bessie, Ralph and John spent the afternoon with us. The Dunlaps
and Estelle & Elsie got in late this morning and Mr. Hess gave a long lecture
about being late. He says all that are late hereafter must stay in at noon.

Jan. 6, Wed. We went to school today and all had quite a pleasant time. Elsie
was absent today. Pa and Buddie commenced getting out sills this morning for a
new wheat-house. Sam came over to Pa's to get some milk. Esquire Bennett married
his first couple last eve. It is supposed that we will know who they were, and so
if you can't guess I won't tell you, so I will not record the names here. When we
rose this morning we were a little surprised to find the ground almost covered
with a beautiful white coverlid of snow. It has been snowing almost all day, but
has melted almost as fast as it could fall. Pearl went up and took another music
lesson this morning. I think she is progressing rapidly. Supper is ready so I
will for tonight say ta-ta honey.

Jan. 7, 1892. Thursday. This is a beautiful day; clear and cold. We had a
pleasant time at school today. Estelle got sick and went up to Myrties today and
Aurie taught her pupils. She likes teaching school tolerably well. Mr. Hess
caught Charlie Bennett and Hamlet Powell idle this morning, so he called them up
on the rostum and told them he didn't think they were pleased with their seats.
He put Hamlet with Bettie Ann Woods, and Charlie by me as Elsie was absent again
today. Bettie Ann & Alice came over here this evening after school to borrow our
sausage grinder. As I have several Algebra problems to work I will stop writing.

NOTE:  Cy Arnold - Son of Eliza ( Johnson ) Arnold, grandson of Nimrod Johnson
__________________________

Page 8

This page was missing.

Page 9

but that didn't interfere with our skating. Pearl, Aurie, Eugene and I went down
to the branch and had lots of fun trying to skate. It would be hard to tell how
many falls we all got. Chessie Dunlap came to school today. Miss Irene, Estelle,
Mag, Pollie and Warner spent last night with Mr. Hess. They were late at school
this morning and Prof. told us all he would have gotten there sooner, but had
company last night and had to heat water this morning for them to wash their faces
in. We have jolly times at school these days. I will have to go to studying for
we haven't much wood up here ( upstairs ) for tonight.

Jan. 17, 1892. Sunday. This is a cloudy day. We had a spelling match Friday
evening. Elsie Bennett and Clate Powell chose. Clate's side beat. There was a
party at Mr. Will Scruggs' Fri. night. Pearl and Aurie went over there before
night. There was a nice little crowd. I think everybody there enjoyed it. Pearl
and Aurie went home with Annie Coleman & stayed all night. Zach came home with
them the next morning and staid all day. He and Eugene went to Fruitland that
eve., then Eugene with him and staid until this morning. He came to Sunday School
and Ralph Powell came home with him. Pearl and Aurie staid all night at Bessie's
last night. Ma and Pa went over there this morning to spend the day. They had a
party at Mr. Woods' last night but there didn't any of us go. Sam Bennett is very
sick with the Pneumonia. It looks like it might snow tonight. There didn't of us
but Eugene go to Sunday School this morning. He said there were not very many
there. Pearl and Aurie brought Ralph Dougan home with them this morning. There
are two Ralphs here now.

Jan. 18. Monday. We went to school today. Ralph Powell stayed with us last
night and went to school with us today. Estelle was sick and Elsie taught school
in her place today. Warner went to the train to meet Miss Irene this morning but
she was not there. He heard she was sick. Mattie Fitzgerald is very sick. They
think she has Pneumonia. Bessie and her family spent the day here today. Mr.
Dougan came over here and killed three of his hogs. We had a right full school
today. Annie Coleman came today. I have a very bad cold.

Jan. 19. Tuesday. Mr. Dougan and Bessie stayed over here all day today. There
were only eight girls at school today. Anna Bennett and I had lots of fun. Prof.
heard Johnny Woods laugh out in the other room today and called him in his room,
put Bettie Ann's cloak and toboggan on him & stood him on the stage. Estelle was
worse this morning and Elsie taught the little scholars again. Mr. Hess went up
to Hessie Senters' again at noon. Prof. didn't lock anyone out today, although
some were late. He locked Anna B. out yesterday & Warner too. Warner started
home & he called him back.

Jan. 25, 1892. Monday. Very clear. Pleasant. I went to school today for the
first time since last Tuesday. I have been sick. Mr. Hazzlewood died last Tues. 
Was sitting up by the fire and fell over dead. It was about five o'clock in the
morning. When Alex woke he found his father dead and his coat burnt, nearly burnt
off him. Prof. turned out his

Page 10

scholars and went to the funeral last Wednesday evening. Mr. Hessie Senter has
taken charge of Estelle's room since she has been sick. She is not any better
today. Miss Irene was sick all last week but was present today. Mattie
Fitzgerald is better today. Sam Bennett has gotten well, and came to school
today. We organized a Literary Society last Friday. Mr. Hess is Principal and
Clayton Powell is Secertary. Mr. Pratt Wood spent the day yesterday. We went to
Sunday School. Had a right good crowd. Lillie Ing and Miss Tilla Goodloe were
there. They had a party at Mr. Bennett's last Wednesday night. Pearl and Aurie,
Bessie & Mr. Dougan and Buddie went. Mr. Dougan came over here and killed hogs
last week. They stayed two days with us. I was glad to get back to school today.


Jan. 26. Tuesday. Very clear. We went to school. There were several absent
today. The Sloans for instance. They had a big turkey for dinner today and
stayed at home. Anna Bennett got in late and Prof. told her that we had about
decided that she had gone to the dining, and several of the girls were getting
very jealous. Estelle is a little better. We couldn't work our Algebra problems
today, and Mr. Hess started to get bonnets and hats to put on us, but he said he
didn't have enough to go around. We had a very pleasant day at school.

Jan. 28, Thursday. This is a review day. Today and tomorrow we will have our
monthly examinations. We had forgotten that this was the day for review and
didn't take our paper, pen and ink, so we had oral examination. Pa went to
Fruitland this afternoon.

Feb. 4. Thursday. Cloudy. This is a pleasant day. We went to school today.
Pearl went to see Mrs. Lou Campbell this evening. She is sick, but was sitting up
a little. Mrs. Jennie Campbell spent the day with Myrtie today and came by the
school-house and left Lillian there. Estelle is able to teach school this week.

Feb. 5, 1892. Friday. We went to school. We have a right full school now.
Hassie Bennett came to the school-house this afternoon, and she and Elsie went to
Mr. Hockaday's. Estelle's pupils and the anti-society entertained us this aft.
Bob Fitzgerald and Jim Sloane had a debate. 'Twas: Resolved that a Sheep is More
Useful than a Dog. Jim had the affirmative and Bob the negative. Bob beat Jim.
Bessie came over here this evening and spent the evening. Our society will meet
again next Friday. Pollie, Elsie, Jim Dunlap, Ira Fitzgerald and I made out the
Programs.

Feb. 7. Sunday. Pearl and Aurie stayed at Bessie's last night and Bessie and her
family came home with them this morning. We all went to preaching in the wagon as
it was too muddy to walk. There were a good many at preaching.

Feb. 8. Monday. We went to school today. Elsie was absent. They are fixing to
move and she stayed home to pack up the things. Annie Coleman and Nell came home
with us from preaching yesterday. Eugene and Nell went to Mrs. Tuggle's in the
aft.

Page 11

Feb. 9, 1892. Tuesday. Snip is dead. Buddie shot him strictly at 9 o'clock P.M.
The school took a nice little march at noon and went by Salem. Aunt Sookey came
nearly to the school-house today and sat down on a log and several of the girls
went down there to see if she could tell their fortunes. She didn't tell any of
their fortunes, only that Pollie is going to marry at eighteen. Mrs. Edington
came this aft. to buy some onion cloves.

Feb. 10. Wednesday. This is a clear and beautiful day. We went to school.
Elsie came at noon and took her music lesson, then stayed the rest of the evening
with us. Pa went to Humboldt this afternoon and sent for a new machine for us.
Snip was buried this evening at 5 o'clock. We buried him in a nice box. Buddie
dug the grave. Pearl went over to see Miss Metie this evening. Mrs. Kate Bennett
moved yesterday. We are going to have a lecture Friday night. Mr. Forde is going
to lecture.

Feb. 16, 1892. Tuesday. This is Pearl's and my birthday. Pearl is twenty and I
am fifteen. Miss Irene, Estelle, Pollie and Mag stayed here last night.
Yesterday was Nina Coleman's birthday, she was 15 too. Mattie Ing stayed all
night Saturday night with us. Pearl, Aurie, Buddie and Mattie went to Oak Grove
Sunday. Eugene and I went to Sunday School.

Feb. 19, 1892. Friday. It rained this morning and we didn't have a very full
school today. Had a meeting of Our Society this afternoon. Aurie and Eugene
spoke and I read a composition. My subject was self-confidence. Elsie came at
noon. The boys helped us clear off a nice ball ground on the west side of the
school-house. After we got it finished Prof. let the boys play a game with us.
We had a right lively time, but of course, the boys could beat the girls. Pa and
Buddie worked on the wheat-house while it was raining this morning, and soon as it
quit raining they went to some other kind of work. Since Mrs. Kate Bennett has
moved, Estelle stays at Mr. Willis' and comes to school. Elsie comes horse-back
from home.

Feb. 23. Tuesday. Hugh came last Saturday morning and stayed until Sunday
morning. Mattie Ing came over here Saturday eve, and Aurie went home with her and
stayed all night and came home Sunday evening. Johnnie and Dell Barnett and Mattie
and Della Ing came home with her. Mr. Pratt Wood came Saturday eve and stayed all
night. Bessie and family spent Saturday night with us. Our new machine came
yesterday, on the 22nd of Feb. 1892. Yesterday was Washington's birthday.
Clayton Powell read us a sketch of his life, George's I mean, which was very
interesting. Prof. read a piece in the paper about Washington. We intended going
out in the woods and spreading dinner, but it was such a damp, cool day we didn't.
Miss Irene brought Ma several different kinds of Chrysanthemuns yesterday.
Several of the school-boys have stopped school to work. Alice, Fanny & Wylie
Prince & Charles Eddington came Saturday evening to bring Ma's soft soap home.
Mrs. Eddington made some soap on the shares for Ma. Anna Bennett has a little
niece. It is three days old. We went to Sunday School Sunday.

NOTE:  Snip - their dog. He must have been sick or very old ; Aunt Sookey - an elderly
Negro woman
_______________________
Page 12

Feb. 29, 1892. Monday. Four years ago tonight Bessie was married. We had a big
party tonight. Had a nice little crowd and I think all enjoyed it. Anna B.
didn't get to come tonight. Mr. Hess went to a big party at Humboldt tonight.
Bessie & Mr. Dougan are over here. I finished reading the Bible through this
morning. Anna & Chessie Dunlap were here tonight.

March 2, 1892. Wednesday. This is a clear day. We went to school. Ma went to
Bessie's and Eugene went to Fruitland this evening. Mr. Hess is talking about
having a party at the close of school, which is three weeks from Friday, but I
don't know for certain what we will have.

March 5. Saturday. Mrs. Coleman and Mrs. Mollie Scruggs spent the day with us
today. It rained a little today. Eugene went to Fruitland this evening. Aurie
and I pasted some pictures and poetry in scrap-books. Mollie brought a little
sewing to do for the baby - Leslie on the new machine. We got a letter from Inie.
We three girls got a little frightened in the parlor after dark, but the scare did
not last long. Good night Sweety for this time. Ta-ta.

March 6. Sunday. Pearl, Aurie, Eugene and I went to preaching at New Shiloh this
morning. Had a very good sermon. I took a long nap this evening, and then got up
and read several chapters in "Jessie A Pilgrim" to Mama. Buddie went off
somewhere after supper.

March 7. Monday. We went to school today. Ma went to see Mrs. Nelson and spent
the day. Bessie and John came over here. Eugene went to Fruitland this evening. 
I finished reading "Jessie A Pilgrim" through to Ma tonight. It is a very
interesting little book. Mattie Fitzgerald came to school today. This is the
first time she has been in a long time. She has been sick. She started in a
cart, but the cart broke down. She had to walk the rest of the way. Willie took
the horse back home and didn't come to school at all. Ma brought some rose
cuttings home with her this evening and Pearl, Aurie and I helped her set them
out.

March 12, 1892. This is Pa's birthday. He is fifty-eight years old. Eugene went
to mill at Fruitland this morn. Pearl and I went to preaching at Eldad. Ma and
Eugene went over to Mrs. Powell's this eve, and Eugene stayed all night. Pearl &
Annie C. went to Mr. Dunlap's Tuesday night.

March 16, 1892. This is Buddie's birthday. He is twenty-two years old. We went
to school today, but had only a very few scholars. None of the Dunlaps were
there. Estelle came, but got sick and had to go up to Myrtie's before school.
Anna and I had lots of fun. We went to school yesterday, but there was no one
there but Mr. Hess so we didn't have any school. The ground was covered with snow
yesterday, but it nearly all melted off today. It began to snow after we got home
from school this evening and covered the ground directly. I think it is still
snowing. Elsie hasn't been to school this week. Ma and Pa went to preaching at
Eldad Sunday in Buddie's buggy and Aurie and I went horseback. Pearl went to
Sunday School and Mr. Wallace Wade came up there and took her on to Oak Grove.
Hamlet Powell came home with Eugene from Sunday School and stayed all day.

Page 13


Pearl and Aurie went over to Bessie's Sunday eve and brought Ralph home with them.
It was cold Monday evening. They didn't carry him home and he is here yet.
School will be out in one more week, and won't I be glad!

March 17, 1892. Thursday. When we got up this morning the ground was covered
with snow. It was about a foot deep. It snowed hard until about dinner. I don't
guess there was any school today. Willie Dougan spent the eve with us.

March 18, 1892. Friday. The snow was so deep that there was no school today.
Pearl rode up to the school house on Laura to take her music lesson, but there was
no one there. Buddie and Eugene went rabbit hunting and caught three rabbits.
Buddie went to Fruitland last night and got lots of mail, so Pa sat up and read
his Memphis Appeal Avalance nearly all day. Buddie has subscribed for the "Home
and Farm" this year. I read in that a little today. I read a good deal today.
Buddie went to Humboldt after flour this evening. Mr. Dock Bennett's house got
burned down last night about nine o'clock. They didn't get anything saved, not
even the children's clothes. The children had gone to bed. I don't know how it
caught. Pearl, Aurie and I made us some "shoulder braces" this evening. Ralph is
here yet. We have so much fun with him. I know we will miss him when he goes
home.

March 24. Thursday. This is a pleasant day. All the snow is gone. We went to
school. Tomorrow is the last day. I guess we will have a long vacation. Anna
nor Elsie neither have been to school this week. I have had a lonesome time.
Anna Belle Harper stayed here last night. Annie and Sudie Coleman spent Tuesday
night with us, as it rained so hard that evening. Bessie and family came over
Sunday evening. They took Ralph home. We miss him lots. Nina Coleman was at
school today. This is the first time she has been this week. Pearl and Anna
Belle went to Mr. Bob Barnett's tonight. Annie C. and Aurie went to see Mrs.
Mollie Scruggs. Buddie has gone somewhere, I don't know where. Today and
tomorrow are review days. We are having oral examination.

March 25, 1892. Friday. School is out. Ha! Ha! Anna was not there today. We
had a few speeches this aft. The boys and girls played ball together today. Sula
Dunlap and Jack Campbell and Warner Dunlap came today. Anna Belle, Jodie and Josh
came this evening. Eugene didnt go to school today. Buddie got back about noon. 
Eugene is plowing with a two horse plow. Oh my! Anna & Dee are partners.

March 28, 1892. Monday. Ma has gone up to Inie's to stay a week or two. We miss
her so much. Bro. Jesse came yesterday eve and she went home with him this morn. 
Ella and Minnie Barnett spent the evening with us. Pearl and Aurie did a big
washing today. I picked a dead sheep this afternoon. Eugene and Buddie plowed,
and Pa harrowed today. We are very lonesome without Mama here.

NOTE: Bro Jesse - Jessie Sykes married Eoline Mayfield
_______________________
Page 14

March 29. Pa planted some corn today. Pearl went to Bessie's. Aurie and I
ironed. Buddie and Eugene plowed.

March 30. Wed. Pa planted corn again today. Pearl went over to Mrs. Metie
Stallings' this evening, and Aurie and I went to Bessie's. Had a fine time, and
got us some fishing poles and brush brooms. Emma Lee has a pretty little colt.
It is iron-gray. We set a hen today. We have fifteen little chicks.

March 31. Thursday. Mr. Sam Wood came today. Eugene went to Fruitland. Aurie
and I went to Mrs. Barnett's. Ella, Minnie, Aurie and I went fishing. Aurie and
Minnie each caught a fish, but Ella and I caught none. Minnie and Ella came home
with us. Pa sent on for some fine corn and it came today. Cousin Sam Woods'
little boy ( Sidney ) got killed in February. He was in a cart and the horse got
scared and ran away. He died in a few hours. ( Texas )

April 1st 1892. Friday. This has been a raining evening. I took my second music
lesson today. Ella and Minnie went home tolerably early this morning to set out
tomato plants. Buddie raked the dead weeds off the strawberry patch this evening.
Nora Darling ran away and broke the rake this morning, but Buddie mended it. We
finished getting the wheat out of the side room. I read a good deal.

April 5. This is a clear, pretty day. It rained harder yesterday and last night
than it has before this year. Buddie went to Trenton yesterday and it rained so
he didn't get back last night. I took my third music lesson yesterday. We went
to preaching Sunday. Prof. Hess carried Miss Mattie Preston. Alex. Hazlewood and
his bride were at preaching.

April 8. Friday. We got a letter from Ma today. Pearl and Aurie washed clothes. 
Pearl and I went to Mr. Penn's Wednesday. The next morning it was raining so we
didn't get to come home until Thursday evening. Corrie went off to school and I
got sorta homesick. We came by to see Mrs. Lou C. as we came home. Eugene went
to Fruitland. May Bennett came home this eve to stay until Monday.

April 10. Sunday. Ma has come home. Pa went after her yesterday and brought her
back today. Pearl and Aurie went to Eldad. Buddie went to Oak Grove, I reckon.
Mr. Joe Stallings, Miss Metie, May ( the baby ) and Miss Powell came over and
spent the evening with us. Ma and Pa went over to Bessie's tonight. Pearl and I
went to Eldad yesterday. We went by and took dinner with Callie, Lillie and Nina
Coleman. I had a very pleasant time. Nina is as good and pleasant as ever. We
have about twenty little chicks.

April 11. Monday. Pa came home this morning and sent Buddie, in the buggy, after
Ma as it was raining. Ralph came home with them. Pa and Buddie done some
fencing.

NOTE: Cousin Sam Woods - Son of Eudora ( Booth ) Woods, grandson of Samuel Booth
__________________________-

Page 15

April 12. Tuesday. Pa and Buddie are building a new hen-house. Mr. Ted Price
came. He is a book agent. Some negro women came to get a dress cut. Miss
Estelle Powell came over and got Pearl to go with her to see Mrs. Powell. I
started a quilt. Aurie and Pearl went home with Miss Estie and got to see Nannie
and Jinnie Marshal. It is raining now. It looks like we are going to have
another rainy day. I took another music lesson. 

April 15, 1892. Friday. Mr. Dougan came over and carried Ralph home. We caught
all the hens and put them in the new hen-house. Eugene broke up part of the
"truck patch". Miss Estie Powell came over and got Pearl to go to Mr. Jim B.
Stallings' with her. Aurie and Buddie went to Humboldt to hear Mr. Ing preach
tonight. I pieced a little on my new quilt. We made some molasses candy.

April 18. Monday. We set out strawerries all day. Bessie and family and Ella,
Gertie and Lena Blankenship spent yesterday with us. Buddie and Aurie went to
preaching at Humboldt. They took dinner at Cousin Mattie's and stayed until night
meeting.

April 22. Friday. Pearl and I went to Cousin Mattie's Wednesday and attended the
meeting. We came back this morning. The meeting broke last evening. Mr. Inge is
a good preacher I think. Aurie and Buddie went last night. Pearl stayed at
Cousin Sam's last night. Pa and Buddie had a log rolling this aft. Ma and Eugene
went to Bessie's. Eugene brought Ralph home with him. Blacksy has a pretty
little calf. We haven't named him yet. Well ta ta for tonight.

April 25. Monday. We set out strawberry slips. Bessie, Ralph and John came
tonight. We went to Sunday School yesterday. Ada, Ida and Alice Bledsoe and Gene
Blankenship came yesterday eve. Mr. Dougan has gone to Mr. Borrams'. Ma set out
some carrots this eve. Prof. Hess wants the Society to meet next Thursday night. 
There is going to be two sermons and dinner on the ground next Sunday at Shiloh.

April 28. Thurs. Buddie and Eugene made over sixty crates. Aurie and I filled
ten crates with boxes. It rained this evening. Ma sewed on her dress.

April 30. The last day of April. Aurie and I re-planted corn. Pearl went to
see Estelle last night. Annie Coleman came over here last evening and Eugene went
home with her and stayed the night. Mr. Robertson ( Bud ) took supper here and
went with Buddie to Edison. Bessie, Ralph and John came over. Pa went to
Humboldt yesterday and got him a new hat. A brown one.

May 6. Friday. We ( Pearl, Aurie and I ) picked strawberries at Mr. Cromars'.
Aurie and I stayed at Mr. Coleman's the other night. Mrs. More of Humboldt is
visiting Annie C. She is very lively. Pearl and Aurie went to Bessie's. Misses
Lena Shelton and Annie Arnold are visiting Bessie and Pearl and Aurie have gone
over there. Hassie Barnett and Ella Barnett came over and stayed until after
supper. Lee Craig came and he and Buddie walked home with the girls.

NOTE: Cousin Sam - Think this was Sam Waddell, son of America Jane Mayfield and Seth Q.
Waddell Lena Shelton - daughter of Mollie ( Dougan ) Shelton, granddaughter of
John Dougan Annie Arnold - daughter of Eliza ( Johnson ) Arnold, granddaughter of
Nimrod Johnson
_____________________________

Page 16

May 10. Tuesday. Pearl, Buddie, Aurie and I picked strawberries at Mr. Cromar's.
I got 25 quarts. Pearl and Aurie went to Bessie's to see Miss Ellen White. Ma
sheared sheep. I read a little in "Heroines of History". Excuse writing. My pen
is very bad. Mrs. Nancy Turner died Saturday morning. Was buried at Eldad
Sunday. Pa went to preaching Sat. evening and brought Brother Hearn home with
him. We had communion Sunday. Elsie and Anna were at preaching. Pearl and Aurie
carried Ralph home this eve.

May 16, 1892. Monday. Aurie is sick. She came home from the berry patch
Saturday sick. Has been sick every since. Buddie, Pearl, Eugene and I picked
strawberries. I got 30 quarts. Bessie, John, Lena Shelton and Miss Ellen White
stayed Sat. night. We went to Sunday School. Messrs. Tom Bradford and Wat
McClary came to see the girls. Jim Coleman came last night. Mr. Dougan & Ralph
went to Obion Co. Sat. to see Mr. D's father. He is sick.

May 29, 1892. Sun. Ma and Pa stayed all night at Bessie's last night. They came
over this morning and spent the day here. Aurie, Eugene and I went to Sunday
School. Hugh came home with Eugene. Jim Coleman is here tonight. We had another
party last Friday night week ago, the 20th of May. Dr. Inman is going to give us
a lecture next Fri. night. Prof. Hess wants the "Society" to meet tomorrow night
and practice a little. Clarence Steward came twice last Friday and invited Pearl
and Aurie to a strawberry Supper at Mr. Knox's. He begged Ma to let them go, but
she would not.

June 7. Tuesday. Brother Inman lectured at High Hill last Friday night. His
subject was education. It was a splendid lecture. Anna and Elsie Bennett
recited. Cousins Julia and Vic came Saturday. We went to Preaching at New Shiloh
Sun. Gay and Rose Campbell came home with us and spent the day. The rest of that
family went to Mr. Fitzgerald's. Pearl went with Cousins to Humboldt yesterday to
visit the kin. They came back this morning and went to Bessie's. Aurie and I
hoed corn. Ma made soap. A dark cloud came over this aft. and it thundered and
lightened, but didn't rain until nearly dark. The wind was very strong.

June 15, 1892. Wed. Pearl, Aurie and Buddie have gone to a Phantom party tonight
at Mr. Will Scruggs'. Pearl, Aurie and I hoed the truck patches. Pa plowed the
peas in the orchard. Buddie and Eugene broke up ground. They are not through
planting corn yet, but have some ready to lay-by. It is nearly ten o'clock, so I
must retire.

July 8, 1892. Anna Bennett and Willie May Adams had a pound party at Mr. Hessie
Senters Tuesday night June 28th. I went and enjoyed it very much. I went home
with Anna Bennett and stayed all night. Elsie, Anna and Willie May had escorts
home. Clayton Powell, Jim Dunlap and Tom Ing went with them. I rode in the
surrey with Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. Tom Ing is from La. Pollie, Mag and Tom spent
the next day with Anna and Willie May. Elsie and I returned to our homes next
morning. Willie May came with me as far as Myrtie's, then Pollie, Mag and tom
came along and she rode to Mr. Bennett's with them. Miss Prudie came on with me
to the school house


NOTE:  Cousins Julia and Vic - daughters of Joseph Green Mayfield Mr. Dougan's father -
John Dougan
_________________________

Page 17

and I came from there by myself. Willie May lives in Humboldt, and is a little
kin to Anna. Mrs. Ruth Bennett has a little boy. May Bennett returned from
Brownsville some time ago. Mr. Dougan was kicked by Ella, his horse, last Tuesday,
July 5th. It made a long gash just above his left eye. Mr. Blankenship came over
here and told Pa to go after the Doctor. He got Dr. Kilmer. Ma stayed over there
that night. Buddie has been off working at the thresher, but it rained and he
came home yesterday. This has been a rainy day. Ma went over to see how Mr.
Dougan was this eve. Eugene went to Mill. Ralph and John are over here. We got
a letter from Inie July 9th. Sat. Aurie and I went to Bessie's to get some apples
for Sunday. Bessie and Mr. Dougan went to Humboldt to see Dr. Kilmer and then go
on to Cousin Mattie's. Mr. Dougan's eye is better. Ralph and John are with us.
Mr. Will Scruggs came to see Pa about the thresher. It rained this morning and
this evening. Blacksy ( our cow ) got out with her calf yesterday, and Eugene
hunted her up today. 

July 11. Monday. Pa, Buddie, Aurie, Eugene and I hoed corn in the "Mill-field." 
Eugene went to Mr. McHaneys' to get a bushel of peas. Pa, Aurie and I went to
Eldad Sunday. Pearl, Ralph and Eugene went to Sunday School. Bessie and family
spent the day here. This has been a warm, clear day, but very muddy after so much
rain. Mr. Dougan came after lumber.

July 12, 1892. Tuesday. Mr. Dougan and Archie Dougan came over to help Pa haul
wheat, but it was too wet to stack. Buddie went off to thresh wheat at noon.
Aurie and Pearl went to Mr. Blankenship's to get some tomatoes. Bessie is packing
tomatoes for Mrs. Syntha Bradford. John and Ralph are here.

July 13. Wed. Pa and Eugene worked in the stawberries. We washed clothes.
Planted beets. Aurie and I hunted up 11 geese, and Pearl helped us pick them.
Bessie came and took the children home. Pearl and Aurie went home with her. Very
warm.

July 14. Thursday. It rained nearly all the morning. Clarence Steward and
another boy came this morning to get some water for the rest of the thresher men. 
They are threshing wheat right over here in the field for Mr. Bennett. Pearl and
Aurie came home after dinner. Buddie got back also. Went to Fruitland after some
oil. Eugene and I hoed weeds out of the strawberry middles. Pearl and Aurie went
by to see Nannie and Jinnie Marshal as they came on home. There was a party at
Mr. Andrew McLary's last night. We cooked some molasses candy. Buddie told us
lots of news.

July 15. Friday. Buddie helped hoe corn until noon and them went off to thresh
wheat again. Pa loaned Clarence his overcoat the other day, and he brought it
back this evening. It rained, Jean Blankenship stopped until the shower was over.
We got wet.

July 16. Sat. Buddie has gotten home. Clarence S. and Mr. McLamore are here
tonight. About half a dozen boys came and serenaded us about ten o'clock. They
played on the harp and fiddle. It was just splendid. Eleven o'clock, so I must
retire.


NOTE:  Archie Dougan - brother of Samuel P. Dougan
___________________

Page 18 

July 18. Monday. Bessie and family spent the day here yesterday. I went home
with her and stayed all night. Uncle Sam Wood stayed all night here. He was sick
this morning. Mr. Dougan helped Pa haul wheat. Bessie spent the day. Pearl went
to Fruitland this morn and to Mr. Penns' this aft.

July 19. Uncle Sam Wood went home this morning. We hoed strawberries. It rained
a little this evening. 

July 20. Wed. Pa and Eugene plowed. Pearl, Aurie and I hoed. Ma went to
Bessie's. This has been a very warm day. We hoed some in the new-gound, and
finished the middles of Pa's strawberries. Aurie helped me make my new lawn
dress. Didn't quite finish it.

July 21. Bessie came over here. A hen hatched under the bee hives. The bees
stung them very badly, and I put Pa's pants and a cloth over my head and got them
away. Two chicks died. There are 5 left. Only three chickens out of the seven
are living now.

July 22. Fri. Ma and Pearl went to Mrs. Barnett's. Annie came home with them.
Lonzy helped Pa plow today. We hoed cotton until dinner. Pa plowed strawberries.
I sewed a little. Ta Ta.

July 23. Sat. Pa went to help Mr. Dougan haul wheat, and Ma went over there with
him. Pearl went to Fruitland. Old Jersey has the prettiest little yellow calf.
She liked to have hooked Aurie and me this evening. Buddie has gotten home again.
We gathered our second mess of roasting-ears this aft. for Sunday. We finished
hoeing Pearl's and Aurie's cotton this morning, and I guess we are through hoeing.

July 26. Tuesday. Ma and Aurie went to Mr. Coleman's yesterday and spent the
day. Pearl and I washed clothes. Today Ma and I went to Humboldt. Pearl and
Aurie ironed. I got a wire brush, dress, a pair of shoes, Cuticura Soap, and
several other things. School will start next Monday. Oh, how I dread it. 'Twill
be so hot.

July 27. Wed. Pearl, Aurie and I hoed a little new-ground corn. Didn't take us
long. Mr. Dougan came over here and said Bessie had the "Palpitation" of the
heart. Ma went over there. She came home and brought the children, and went back
this afternoon to stay all night. The week goes by so very fast. Aurie and I
carried Aunt Lucy's irons home. Aunt "Sookey" was real merry and talked to us
lots.

July 29. Friday. Ma got back this morn. Bessie is better. Ma went to Mrs.
Campbell's to see Mrs. Braidy and Thomas. Mrs. Lou Campell was over there. Ma
went to Bessie's to stay tonight. The thresher came tonight.

NOTE:  Uncle Sam Wood - 
_________________-
Page 19

July 31. Sun. We, Eugene and I, went to Sunday School. Pearl and Aurie went to
Obion yesterday afternoon on the five o'clock train. Bessie and family and Willie
Dougan stayed here last night. Pa had his wheat threshed Friday. He make about
one hundred and fifty-four bushels. They got through directly after dinner, then
went to Mr. Dougan's. Pearl and Aurie went over there to help Bessie cook.
Clarence Steward came Friday night, but as Pearl and Aurie were not here, he
didn't stay long. He said he was going to "Business College" at Humboldt before
long.

August 1, 1892. Monday. We had a big rain this morning. Buddie went off to
thresh wheat this afternoon, but they didn't thresh so he came home. Eugene went
to Mr. Dougan's to get a turning plow, and they went off to plow, but found 'twas
entirely too wet. I pieced on a quilt that I intend to give to Buddie. 

August 2nd. Tuesday. Mr. McKee came after his well auger. Mr. Bill Simmons came
to buy some sheep, but he and Pa couldn't make the trade. Buddie went to Humboldt
and got some coal-oil. Eugene hoed corn. It is still too wet to plough. Good
night.

August 3rd. Wed. Pearl and Aurie came home this morning on the ten o'clock
train. They enjoyed their visit greatly. Mr. Shelton gave them a party last
night. Mr. Dougan cut Pa's grass. Ma went to see Bessie this aft. She is sick. 
Ralph and John came home with her.

August 4th. Thursday. Buddie came home from working at the thresher. He is
through for this year. Aurie went to Bessie's.

August 5. Friday. Aurie, Buddie and Pearl have gone to a party at Mr. George
Bennett's. Buddie helped work the road in front of our house. We washed clothes.
Pearl and Aurie sewed on Ma's two dresses. Gene Blankenship took dinner here. Pa
laid-by some corn.

August 7. Sunday. All of us went to preaching at New Shiloh today but Buddie.
Bessie and family spent the day. Aurie and I went home with her and brought some
cider home.

August 9. Pearl and Ma went to Mr. Joe Stalling's in the evening; had a pleasant
trip of course. That was yesterday. Today Pearl & Aurie made my pink calico
dress round yoke. It looks just lovely. We hoed in the garden this morning. It
is raining now. We milked in the rain and Old Jersey wouldn't stand good. Bill
was contrary also. I milked this morning as usual.

August 10. Wed. Buddie finished plowing and cut some clover with Mr. Dougan's
mower. Eugene went to the Humboldt mill with a sack of wheat. We are glad to get
flour again, as we had been out some time. Pearl and Aurie have gone to Mrs.
Barnett's to stay the night. I worked the buttonholes and sewed the buttons on my
new dress. Ma helped Pa turn broomcorn down late this eve, so I had the supper to
get and the cows to milk too, and I'll tell you it kept me busy. It is cloudy and
sprinkled a little while ago. Good night.

Page 20

August 12. Friday. Buddie went to get toll wheat and hasn't returned yet. Pa
got some of the wheat close around. Estelle, Elsie and Anna came and stayed
awhile. Shortly after they left Ella and Minnie Barnett came and stayed until
about sundown. We did a big ironing. Pa, Ma and Pearl washed wool. Pa carried
Mr. Dougan's wagon home and Ma went to see Bessie. The pigeons can fly a little.

August 13. Sat. We got all the wheat out of the dining room. Aurie and I
scoured the front and back halls, Ma's room, Buddie's room, the dining room and
closet by noon. Annie Coleman came and spent the evening, so I had to scour the
kitchen by myself. Pa and Eugene hauled hay and we helped unload everytime.
Buddie cut clover. As I want to rise soon in the morn, I will quit.

August 15. Monday. First day of school. I went. Eugene has to haul hay. Aurie
will not go until next week. All went to preaching yesterday. Pearl went home
with Annie Coleman. Annie came home with her today. She and Aurie went to
Bessie's. Mr. Coleman gave them a fine watermelon to bring home with them.
Buddie went to preaching with us tonight. Ma, Pa and Eugene didn't go. 34
scholars today.

August 17. Wed. All went to preaching but Buddie. Pearl went home with Miss
Mary Tharp. Aurie went with Annie. Prof. Hess has graded his school. I am in
the sixth and seventh grades. We have to get five new books, and can't do much
until we get them. So I went to preaching instead of school. Brother Norton
preached an excellent sermon. We didn't go to preaching tonight.

August 18. Thurs. Ma and I wanted to go to preaching, but it rained about the
time we started to get ready. Mr. Dougan came over and brought us some mutton.
We ate the watermelon that Mr. Coleman gave us. Sent Bessie part of it. Buddie
went to Humboldt.

August 23. Tuesday. Pa and Buddie helped Mr. Dougan plow. Ma spent the day with
Bessie. Pearl and Aurie washed clothes. I went to school. Elsie is sick. It is
thundering and lightening a great deal now. We had a little shower just now. I
have not got my new books yet. Hassie and Ella Barnett came and stayed a short
while. Sam Scruggs married last Saturday. His bride lived in Carroll Co. The
sheriff's daughter. Meeting is going on at Center. Pearl and Aurie went
yesterday. They went to Oak Grove Sunday.

Aug. 24. Wed. Eugene and I went school. This was Eugene's first day this
session. Bettie Ann Woods sent us an invitation to come up to their house and eat
watermelon. So, Prof., Pollie, Mag, Elsie, Anna B., Nina and I went. We cut two
fine watermelons and had just as much watermelon as we wanted for once. 'Twas
certainly a treat. Buddie and Pa helped Mr. Dougan plow. Ma spent the day with
Bessie. Pearl and Aurie went to preaching at Center. They heard an excellent
sermon. It rained a right smart this aft.

Page 21

Aug. 26. Friday. Eugene and I went to school. Mrs. Mollie Scruggs and Annie
Coleman came this aft. Aurie and Annie came to the school house. May Bennett and
a friend of her's came also. We had a spelling match. The school sang two songs.
Then Mr. Sam Sheaf sang us two German songs. We couldn't understand the words,
but 'twas real entertaining to hear him sing. He came at noon and sang some for
us then. Pearl went home with Annie and is going to stay with her tomorrow while
her father and mother go to Trenton. Buddie went to Trenton today. Buddie and
Aurie have gone to preaching at Center. We all ( but Buddie ) went in the wagon
last night. Buddie went in his buggy and took his girl.

Aug. 27. Sat. Pa went to town to get our new books, but they had just sold out,
so we were disappointed. Annie and Pearl came by in a wagon with Mr. George
Coleman. They went home with him and are going to see Aunt Malissi too.

Aug. 29. Mon. Pa went to Trenton with a load of wheat and got our new books. I
have five. Eugene went to school. I stayed home and helped Aurie wash. Ma
scoured her room and the side room. Aurie and I washed off the upstairs floor.
Buddie went to Humboldt.

Sept. 4. Sunday. The Presbytary began at New Shiloh last Wednesday night. Pearl
didn't get home until Friday. Prof. dismissed school Fri. evening. Miss Mollie
Hoover came home with Pearl that eve. Eugene went with them to preaching that
night at High Hill. All the rest of us went to Center, but there was no preaching
there. We were greatly disappointed. Mr. Hoover came yesterday morning and is
here now.

Sept. 5. Monday. Aurie started to school. Mr. Edd Nelson died last night about
twelve o'clock. Was buried at Zion at four o'clock this aft. Prof. dismissed
school at noon. Pearl, Aurie and Buddie went to the funeral ( burial, I mean ).
Miss Mollie and her Pa went home this morn. We had several new scholars. Mattie
Fitzgerald's cousin having died, they sent to school after Mattie.

Sept. 7, 1892. Wed. Pa went to the Political Convention at Humboldt. Bessie,
Ralph and John spent the day. Buddie went off yesterday, and hasn't returned yet.
Tom Ing came to school again today and Prof. Hess told him there was no room for
vistors, so he went home. Andrew Bennett stayed with Jim Dunlap last night, and
Mr. Hess gave them a big lecture about it, and said he didn't want to hear of any
more visiting in school. Myrtie's baby has the croup and is very sick. Miss
Irene came to school this morning. The piano got there at noon. She will begin
her music class tomorrow. I must go to studying.

Sept. 9. Friday. We went to school. Have a right full school. Several of us
girls and Miss Irene also, went to see Betty Ann Woods at noon. She is sick, has
been having chills. The Society convened this

NOTE:  Aunt Malissi - Melissa, wife of Joseph Green Mayfield, who was the son of Elias
Mayfield Gibson County, Tenn. Marriages show "Joseph G. Mayfield to Rebecca Bowman
- 13 Oct. 1850."
_________________________
Page 22

aft. No one was prepared, so a new Programme was made out for next Friday. Anna
Bennett is Vice President and I am Secretary. Buddie came home and brought Cuz.
Ina with him. Aurie and I were in the orchard getting apples and Ella Barnett
came over and chatted with us a little while.

Sept.12. Monday. We went to school. Pa went after Inie Saturday and did not get
here with her until today. May was sick, the reason they couldn't come yesterday.
We were very glad to see Inie, 'twas the first I had seen her for over a year.
All of the children are well except May. Pearl and Ina went to see Annie Coleman
this afternoon. She said she was going to Dyersburg tomorrow. 'Tis raining now. 
Bessie and her children came, but I, being at school, did not get to see them.
Pearl took her music lesson. Nina came to school today for the first time in a
week. Callie Wallsmith's baby died last Monday night. I must study some more.
Good night.

Sept. 16. Friday. Hassie Barnett spent the day at school with us. Andrew
Barnett and I each read a piece this morning at the opening exercises. Mrs. Sue
and Willie Dunlap and Mrs. Jennie Campbell and Cousin Mattie and Cousin John
Campbell all spent the day here. Pa and Buddie killed a mutton. Yesterday Pa and
Buddie went to Uncle Sam Wood who was very low. He died about five o'clock. Pa
and Buddie helped dress him. Buddie has gone back again today to his burial.

Sept. 17. Sat. Brother Jessie came. Pearl and Ina went to Gibson to let Dr.
Parker know how May was, but did not get to see him. Buddie hasn't come back yet.
Bessie spent the day here. Rowdy came and as Snip is dead, he has no partner.

Sept. 18. Sunday. Inie and her family, Julian excepted, went home this morn.
Julian is staying here to go to school. Buddie carried Cousin Ina home this
afternoon. We all went to Sunday School.

Sept. 20. Tuesday. Yesterday was Julian's first day in school. He is sick and
didn't go today. "Estelle & Shorty" are going to marry tomorrow. Elsie went home
at noon today and won't come to school anymore this week. Mr. Dougan has bought
Mr. Steve Oliver's part of the sorghum mill and he and Pa started it this morning.
They are making Mr. Wood's molasses. Jean Blankenship is going to run Pa's part. 
Eugene went to Fruitland.

Sept. 21, 1892. Wednesday. Mr. Tribble and Estelle Bennett married this
afternoon at four o'clock. Prof. shortened our recesses and playtime and got
through in time to go. Aurie came home at noon, and she and

NOTE:  Cousin Ina - daughter of Joseph Green and Melissa Mayfield Inie - Eoline Mayfield
married Jessie Sykes May and Julian - children of Eoline and Jessie Sykes Cousin
Mattie and Cousin John Campbell - Mattie, daughter of Polly Ann Mayfield &
_________ Campbell of Mattoon, Ill., married John Campbell, her cousin and they
lived in Humboldt.
_____________________
Page 23

Pearl went and rode horseback. Brother Norton said the ceremony. They took a
Bridal Tour. Started on the 5 o'clock train. Elsie went with them. They were
going to Union City, Burkley, Ky., Cairo, Ill., and to Memphis. Elsie won't go to
Memphis.

Sept. 22. Thurs. Julian is able to be up. Eugene went to Gibson, after he got
back from school, to get a tonic from Dr. Parker for Julian. He wasn't there.
Eugene did not get back until nearly nine o'clock. Aurie had a chill just now.
Gay Campbell and Bob Powell read this morning in the opening exercises. Gay's
piece was about Politeness. Bob Powell read a very funny piece "Uncle Simon's
Bream."

Oct. 2, 1892. Sunday. A beautiful day. We went to preaching at New Shiloh. Ma
and Pa took Julian to Dr. Parker's and haven't come back yet. It is now bed-time,
and all are asleep but me. Buddie has gone off somewhere, so Pearl, Aurie, Eugene
and me are here by ourselves. I have been reading in Pilgrim's Progress. It is
very interesting indeed. Aurie and I were sick all the week and didn't go to
school any. We went to Dr. Kilmer Saturday before last and got some medicine to
stop our chills. I went back yesterday and got me some more. Hugh Bennett came
home with Eugene from preaching and spent the day. Thirteen negroes were baptized
in John Ragan's pond this aft. Buddie, Eugene and Hugh went. Aurie and I went to
Bessie's and borrowed some flour. Mr. Blankenship, Lena, Ella, "Girdy" and Warner
picked peas here Friday and Saturday. Ta ta.

Select Paragraphs

"By the going up of the fire we are taught to ascend to Heaven, by fervent and hot
desires; and by the sun sending his heat, beams and sweet influences downwards, we
are taught that the Saviour of the world, though high, reacheth down with His
grace and love to us below."

"The cock's crowing shows that the day is coming on. Let then the crowing of the
cock put thee in mind of that last and terrible day of judgment."

"The rainbow is caused by the sun, to show that the covenant of God's grace is
confirmed to us in Christ." "God the Father saves us by His grace; God the Son by
His righteousness and blood and death and life; and God the Holy Ghost by His
illumination, by His renovation, and by His preservation."

Isa. 7:15 "Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil
and choose the good."

"Fun, bright and sparkling, pure and sweet, is a very wholesome element in life,
but the wise lover of the good and true will shun all triffling with graver facts
of existance."

"Worrying about things we can't help, is as foolish as throwing stones at the sun
when its shining doesn't suit us."

Page 24

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."

Oct. 9, 1892. Sunday. Ma and Pa spent the day with Cousin Mattie Campbell.
Julian and I went to Sunday School. Pearl and Aurie went to Dr. Parker's with
Julian, but he wasn't at home.

Oct. 14. Friday. We all went to the fair Wednesday. Annie Coleman came home
with us from school Tuesday evening and went with us to the Fair. Ma and Pearl
went yesterday. Julian spent the day at Bessie's.

Oct. 15. Sat. Pa went to see Mrs. Wood about what she owes him. She paid him
sixteen dollars. Buddie went to Humboldt this afternoon. Buddie and Eugene
hauled corn until noon. Andrew Bennett and Bob and Hamlet Powell came and got
Eugene to go grape hunting with them. Brother Jesse came. Julian and I got up
some walnuts. Pearl and Aurie picked cotton.

Oct. 16. Sunday. Brother Julian carried Julian home this morning. Oh! how we
miss him. Eugene and I went to Sunday School. I came back in the hack with Mr.
Penn's folks. I got acquainted with Miss Mattie Butler. Pearl, Aurie and Buddie
went to Oak Grove. Elmer and Johnnie Barnett and Dick Nelson came over to see
Eugene this afternoon. Eugene's little dog got his leg badly cut by the mower
about a week ago. Its leg never would have grown back together, so they cut it
off tonight. He is "peart."

Oct. 19. Wed. Eugene went to school today. He stayed at home all last week to
pull corn. Pearl has quit taking music lessons. New desks came yesterday for Mr.
Center's room. Mr. Bennett and a colored man put some os them up today. They
didn't get through. We will have new recitation benches. "Lonzy" helped haul
corn.

Oct. 20. Thursday. We went to school. Mr. Penn came and got some of the desks
for their school-house, and took all the recitation benches. There were 4. We
were disappointed aout not getting some of them.

Oct. 22. Sat. Buddie went off this morning. Pa plowed. Eugene stripped
sorghum. Pearl and Aurie picked their cotton. Ma and I cooked some for Sunday.
Eugene went to Fruitland. Yesterday was Columbus Day. Our school celebrated it. 
About eleven o'clock the Patrons of the school came. We all went down to the
church and marched to the school house. Then gave three cheers for the "Red,
White & Blue" flag. Had five flags. The song "America" was sung by the school.
James Dunlap recited. Mag Dunlap sang. I read a piece about "Columbus." Pollie,
Mag Dunlap and Anna & Elsie Bennett sang "Uncle Sam." Annie Coleman recited.
Elsie read a piece. Chessie Dunlap recited. Prof. called on some of the old men
to make us a speech, but Esq. Dunlap said that he would have to mark that off his
programme. Mag, Anna and Aurie had a dialogue. Anna represented Italy, Mag
America and Aurie Spain. School sang Yankee Doodle. Moses Roseinbloom gave us a
speech in German. We couldn't understand a word of it. Prof. Hess then read it
to us in English. Pollie, Mag, Anna and Elsie sang "Home, Sweet Home." School
sang "Dixie." Then we all went to 

Page 25. 

a nice place close to the church and spread dinner. Some said that was the best
thing we had. All went back to the school house and Miss Irene, Pollie, Mag, Anna
& Elsie sang several songs, then all company left. The girls challenged the boys
for a game of ball, but no one there had a ball. We played "Base" and "Fox in the
Wall." The boys went and got us some grapes. We found several good grape vine
swings and Oh! the fun we did have! We all went to the school house and sang
several songs, and so closed a day long to be remembered by me. Ta! Ta!

Oct. 23, '92. Sunday. We went to Sunday School. Ma and Pa went to Bessie's.
Cousin Sam Waddill and family came and Eugene went after Ma and Pa. They stayed a
very short while. 'Twas four o'clock when they got here. 

Oct. 28. They are making molasses here today. Bessie's little girl is two days
old. Ma is staying with Bessie. Elsie was absent from school today on account of
sickness.

Oct. 30, 1892. Sunday. We all went to Sunday School. Aurie and Pearl went to
Dr. Kilmer's to get some medicine for chills. Aurie had a chill last night. Ma
and Pa went to Bessie's. Anna and Chessie Dunlap, Mamie Campbell and Mattie
Fitzgerald came. They didn't come in, just stopped and talked a few minutes and
got some Chrysanthemums.

Oct. 31. Tuesday. We had a good rain last night. It rained some yesterday
afternoon. Elsie is better, but not able to be in school yet. I guess Aurie had
a chill tonight. She is right sick. They are running the sorghum mill in the
night awhile tonight, trying to get through. We miss Ma "awfully."

Nov. 2. Aurie was not able to go to school today. I missed two words in the
spelling lesson and had to stay in. Pearl went to Bessie's this afternoon and Ma
came home. They finished making Pa's molasses by noon, and are making for some
darkey now. 

Nov. 7. Monday. Eugene and I went to school. Aurie had another chill tonight.
Tomorrow is Election Day and there will be no school. Ralph fell down and struck
his head against the dining-room door and raised a bump on his forehead. Ma came
home yesterday morning and stayed until this morning. We have selected several
dialogues for our concert.

Nov. 10. Thursday. Eugene and I went to school. Aurie is having another chill. 
Ma stayed with us last night, but went to Bessie's again this afternoon and took
Ralph with her. It snowed yesterday evening, but it wouldn't lay on the ground.
We came home from school while it was snowing very fast. I believe they were the
largest flakes I ever saw. We are preparing for a big concert Christmas. I am
going to act an old lady, won't I get there though! They have heard from nearly
all the states, and Cleveland is ahead. Hurrah for Cleveland! We had a freeze
last night, but the Chrysanthemums are not hurt.

NOTE:  Bessie's little girl - Sarah Vesta Dougan, born October 26, 1892. Cousin Sam
Waddill - son of America Jane Mayfield and Seth Q. Waddill ( Waddell )
_____________________
Page 26

Nov. 11. Cleveland is eleced. Halleujah! Yes, Hurrah for Cleveland. Pearl and
Aurie went to Humboldt this evening and had a fess. Got some more chill medicine.
Ma did not come home today. Mag Dunlap has decided to act the old lady in the
concert and let me be the girl. Everybody is happy and excited over the election.
We got 3 lamp chimneys today. Aura got a calico dress red and black. The
chrysanthemums are nearly gone up now. They are so pretty.

Nov. 12. Sat. I saw my little niece today for the 1st time. I went to Bessie's
after Ma. Ma and I went to Eldad. Pearl and Aurie picked cotton. Eugene went to
Fruitland. Good night.

Nov. 13. Pa, Pearl and Aurie went to Eldad. Eugene and I went to Sunday School.
Ma went to Bessie's, but did not stay long. Mr. Dougan came over here after a
letter that Eugene brought from Fruitland. This has been a beautiful day. Aurie
is having another chill now.

Nov. 16. Wednesday. Pa dug potatoes. Mr. Dougan came over and helped him this
afternoon. I got up some more of the 'goober-peas' when I got back from school.
Aurie has another chill. Prof. Hess got hold of a letter that Annie had written
to someone. He also got hold of the verse "Leaves may wither, trees may die, Some
may forget thee, but never will I," that Bob had written to Elsie. A wasp stung
Anna twice in time of school and Elsie got some tobacco from Mr. Center to put on
the stings.

Nov. 18. Friday. Aurie went to school today. It was the first time she had been
for over a week. We practiced our dialogues for the concert. Pearl went to
Bessie's this afternoon. Ira Fitzgerald came home with Eugene from school to get
some sage.

Nov. 20. Sunday. Pearl, Eugene and I went to Sunday School. There were but few
present. Aurie and Pearl went to Dr. Kilmer's. Aurie missed her chill last
night. Dr. Kilmer is going off soon to have his ears treated. He can't hear
good. This has been a beautiful day.

Nov. 21. Monday. We went to school. Ma and Pearl picked cotton this afternoon. 
Mrs. Simpson came over and stayed a short while. She is going to live on Mrs.
Barnett's place next year.

Nov. 22. Tuesday. Buddie got back this eve. He has been gone two weeks. Pearl
has gone to stay all night with Mrs. Myrtie Senter tonight. Willie, Charlie and
Myrtie Simpson came over. Ma gave them a Rooster. Pa sold six hogs last Friday. 
He sold them on foot at four cents a pound gross. They weighed seventeen hundred
and forty two ( 1742 ) pounds. They drove them to Fruitland and weighed them on
the new "Fair Bank" scales.

Nov. 23. Wednesday. We all went to school. Pearl came by the school house and
stayed a little while. Buddie went to Trenton. The stars are falling tonight.

NOTE:  Aura - Aurora Mayfield ( Aurie ) "goober peas" - peanuts
_______________________
Page 27

Nov. 24, 1892. Thursday. This is Thanksgiving day. Mr. Hess and nearly all the
scholars saw the stars falling last night. Mr. Craig, a boy that is hired at Mr.
John Wallsmiths, came to school today to visit. He left at noon. Buddie and
Minnie married tonight at eight o'clock. Mr. Robertson came and took supper here
and took Buddie over to Mrs. Barnett's. Pearl, Aurie, Eugene and I went. Mr.
Dougan was there. Esq. Prewett said the ceremony. Mr. Bob Barnett's folks,
except Hassie, were there. Howard Bennett, Mr. Newt Bledsoe and Mr. & Mrs. Nelson
were present.

Dec. 7, 1892. Wednesday. We all decided to stay at the school house last night
and practice for our concert. When it was nearly night it began to sprinkle, so
we all went home. Nina Coleman came home with me. Buddie and Minnie came and
moved Monday, Dec. 5. Pearl went to Mrs. Chatham's yesterday and got her "Blazer"
cut.

Dec. 11. Sunday. Pearl and Aurie went to Eldad. Eugene and I went to Sunday
School. Friday I stayed at home and sewed on my dress until noon, then I went to
school. Mr. Hess and the large boys were putting the curtains. The seventh and
eighth grade girls stayed in the music room. We had a jolly time. Aurie and Ma
went to Humboldt Saturday morning. Bessie came and helped me paint some flowers
for the yoke of my new dress.

Dec. 20. Tuesday. It snowed a little last night. Pa and Eugene drove four hogs
down to Humboldt this morning and sold them for fifty-two and a half dollars.
They weighed ten hundred and fifty pounds gross. Pearl and Aurie are making Ma a
dress. I am making a dress for myself. Prof. Hess is going to marry Miss Mattie
Preston tomorrow afternoon at four o'clock. Mrs. Campbell came over here this eve
to get two of us girls to stay with her children while she is gone. I expect
Pearl and I will go. Pa bought an overcoat and vest for himself and a suit for
Eugene for only Eight dollars and a half. Eugene's is a lovely black suit. We
practiced for the concert last Thursday night. Pearl went and helped us all get
ready for our pieces. We came home in the rain. Friday was a bad day, and we put
the concert off until Monday night. Monday was a very rainy day also, so we all
met and decided to put it off until Thursday night.

Dec. 23, 1892. Mr. Hess married on the 21st of Dec. Pearl and I went to Mrs.
Campbell's and stayed with the children while she went to Mrs. Hess'es. Prof. had
a big supper that night. Mrs. Campbell bought some cake, candy, oranges and
bananas home with her. She gave Pearl and I a very fine, large orange. We have
not eaten it yet. Messers Right and Preston came home with Mr. Campbell and
stayed all night. Aunt Belle Oliver ( a colored woman ) came and stayed until Mr.
and Mrs. Campbell got back. They came about half past nine. We enjoyed the visit
very much. We had our concert last night, 22 of Dec. Thursday. We made two
dollars and sixty cents. That lacks about six dollars of paying expenses. We had
chairs for reserved seats. Got about a half dozen from nearly every house in the
neighborhood. We had to sit on benches most of the time while our chairs were
gone. Mr. Hess and most of the large girls and boys met at the school-house and
took the curtains and stage down. ( We had to raise the stage for the concert. ) 
Eugene and Aurie went in the wagon after our's and Mr. Dougan's chairs this

NOTE:  Buddie and Minnie - Green Elias Mayfield and Minnie Barnett
____________________
Page 28

eve. Then Pearl and Aurie rode in the wagon on over to Bessie's to stay all
night. Eugene drove the wagon back by himself. Pa is sick, has been in bed most
all day. I have been sewing. 

Dec. 24. Saturday. Bessie and family came home with Pearl and Aurie this
morning. Mr. Dougan went on to Humboldt and Eugene went with him. Pearl and
Aurie went to Fruitland. They went to a pound party at Mr. Wallsmiths. Bessie
made Ralph a coat.

Dec. 28, 1892. Wed. Sunday was Christmas day. Willie Dougan spent the day.
Eugene and I went home with Bessie and stayed all night. Had lots of fun. Next
morning the ground was covered with snow and it was very cold. The wind was in
the North. There was a party at Mr. Willis Bennett's that night, but it was so
cold didn't any of us go. We heard since there were only two girls there. ( Anna
& Elsie ). Aurie, Eugene and I went to a party at Mr. Hardison's last night,
enjoyed it very much. Pearl and Aurie went to see Buddie and Inie this morning on
the ten o'clock train. Pa went to Fruitland with them. Pa went to Humboldt this
afternoon. Altie and Fannie Prince came. May Bennett came home last Friday to
spend a week. She was at the party the other night. She is going back to Dixon
next week. 

Dec. 29 Thursday. It was beautifully clear this morning, but it is very cloudy
now and looks like we might have another snow. I have no news at all. I had a
trip planned off to go to see Anna and Chessie Dunlap, but was disappointed. Pa
needed Eugene, and said it was too cold for me to ride.

Dec. 31, 1892. Saturday. This is a very rainy day. Frank Campbell came to see
if he could sell Pa a cart. Thursday night, Ma was sewing on Eugene's coat, Pa
was shelling peas and I was reading aloud, when we heard some one holler, Eugene
went to the door and it was Ira Fitzgerald came after Eugene and me to take us to
a party at Mr. J. E. Campbell's. We went and enjoyed it. We walked home. They
were to have a party at Mr. Fitzgerald's last night but it rained so I don't
expect anyone got there. This is the last day of this year. Bid farewell to
1892. Going by! Going by!

1893