Darden Diary

   Jefferson County, Mississippi

1855

Jan. 2: Mr. Darden took Laura to school; she will board at Mr. Montgomery’s & go to Miss Jane Mosely at the Baldwin house. Mrs. Robert Davenport buried in Fayette today—dropsy. Got a letter from Buckner; he got home safe, directs his Pa to send Noah & Washington up to Mary’s. Brother Buckner hires Emaline and Dorcas; Mr. Robertson Sarah & Mr. Darden, Major, George, Harry, Joe & Ad.

Jan. 3: Jackson & Willy Stampley came this morn; Jackson paid Mr. Darden as Treasurer of the school money $366.54.   Mr. Darden paid Coz. John Darden, Stephen Stampley, H. Hill & Coz Jack Burch their part of the school money. Olivia & Irene went to Anne Stuart’s to go to the party at Mrs. Torrey’s; the party is given to Mag Torrey as birthday party. Tom started with carriage to Robert Sillers to carry Matilda Sillers to Rodney tomorrow to take a boat to go home to Bolivar. Frank Montgomery moves to Bolivar tomorrow.

Jan 4: Matilda Sillers started to Bolivar today from Robt Sil1er The creek was so high that she could not cross it till 2 oc. in the evening; went as far as George Hunts, stayed all night.

Jan 5: Olivia went home with the Miss Gibsons to Mrs. Briscoe’s. Coz John Darden & Coz Jack Burch called this eve, to let Mr. Darden know he was a Commissioner to divide the property that belonged to Mrs. Dougherty, which was to go to the heirs of John I Stampley at her death. Robt Sillers had a fight in Fayette; was whipped. He was drinking. I hope it will help him to keep out of such scrapes.

Jan 11: Andy went to Natchez; sent 20 lbs butter got 25 cents a pound. Anne & Martha came back at sundown, they stayed last night with Mrs. Doniphan, met with Mrs. Bondurant, Mr. Clover, Mrs. Albert Bondurant & Mrs. Williams.

Jan 12: Martha & Olivia went to a party at Samuel Montgomery’s this eve. Mr. Darden went for Laura; Clara & Virginia Montgomery came home with her.

Jan 13: The girls got back from the party at 8 oc; they danced all night. Wash Burch & Mr. Hands called a few moments. Tully came for the girls to go to their Aunt Anne’s to see Miss Lizzy & Claudine Gibson.

Jan 14: We all went to church in Fayette. Mr. McDonald preached. Martha & Olivia went home with their Aunt Anne.

Jan 15: Sent the children back to school in carriage, Wash Burch is moving to Jim Miller’s place today.

Jan 16: Wat Burch horses ran away with his buggy, his family in it, upset the buggy, broke it to smash; hurt his wife badly & his second child. Jim Dixon has moved to Jalone Stampley’s place.

Jan 18: We went to Ebenezer today to hear Thanksgiving sermon; went by took dinner with Jeff Montgomery. His Ma & Pa, Mr. McDonald & family, Miss Jane Mosely, Mary Jane & Madison Darden & George Torrey, a house full. We had a pig & turkey, too.

Jan 19: We went to the circus in Fayette. Martha went with Mary Jane yesterday; they were at the circus. Anne Stuart went with the girls to Leonly Briscoe’s.

Jan 21: The girls came home from Anne’s; they went to church in Fayette, Jack & Henry came home with them, Mr. Darden went to Ebenezer. Mrs. Gibson took Lizzy home with her; left Claudy with Mrs. Briscoe. Mary Jane Darden went to Anne’s with the girls; went home Sunday.

Jan 22: Martha got a letter from Buckner & Mary Scott; they were all well. They packed 190 bales cotton. Agnes Smith a neighbor of Anne Briscoe, died in N. 0. with cholera last week.

Jan 23: We all spent the day with Cate & Jack, Fanny was there.

Jan 24: Martha & Olivia went to Anne Stuart’s. Martha is going to Port Gibson to visit Caroline Sillers with Anne. Martha got a letter from Anne Briscoe & Martha Skinner,

Jan 25: Naomi Stampley & Fed Chambliss was married at Jack Burch’s yesterday at ten oc. Did not have a wedding; went to his Pa as soon as the ceremony was performed. Mr. Forsythe married them.

Jan 26: Mr. Darden went after Laura; Annette Darden came home with her.

.Jan. 28: We went to church in Fayette; Mr. McDonald preached on predestination.

Jan. 29: Sent Laura and Annette to school in the carriage.

Feb 1: Mr. Darden & myself went to Fayette to sign a deed to land. Anne & Blount were there to sign the deed. Robert was in Fayette.

Feb 2: Mr. Darden went with Coz John Darden & Dr. Ives to survey the land bought from J. Miller.

Feb. 4: Mr. Darden & the girls went to church at Ebenezer; took dinner at Mr. Montgomery’s. Sarah Darden has another daughter born Monday night (Jan 29). Buckner was not at home, She is doing well.

Feb 5: Jim Miller’s house with everything in it was burnt last week; did not save any of their clothes; had not been out but a few minutes when it fell in. The kitchen & smoke house burnt also.

Feb 7: Mary Jane & Madison came, stayed all night on their way from Natchez.

Feb. 8: Sister Maria & Mr. Montgomery called going to Natchez.

Feb. 9: Jack & Cate went to Rodney to see the show on the Floating Palace.

Feb. 10: Burch & Ogle had their store burnt last night; saved $l500 worth goods. Mr. Montgomery, Sister Maria, & Samuel their son called on their way from Natchez. Expected them to dinner, but they took dinner at Selsertown.

Feb 11: Mr. Darden & the girls went to Fayette to hear Mr. McDonald preach. Belle & Anne Stuart were at church.

Feb. 14: John Wade came to tell us that Anne Stuart would be here tomorrow.

Feb. 15: Anne Stuart, Leonly Briscoe, Miss Claudine Gibson, Coz. Margaret Darden, Mrs. Duvall & Cate Darden spent the day.

Feb 17: Mr. Darden & the girls went to church at Ebenezer; carried dinner. Feb 21: We all spent the day at Coz. John Darden’s. Anne & Blount Stuart were there also.

Feb. 23: Martha & Olivia were to spend the day at Lizzie Hicks. Olivia was sick, could not go.

March 2: Martha got a letter from Buckner; they were all well. He had 115 acres broke for corn Mary Adelia & ________ Clark are on a visit to Mr. Hicks. Coz John sent over to see if Manda did not take some money when I was there last week.

Mch 4: Mr. Darden & the girls went to Ebenezer to church. Coz John Darden was here this evening.

Mch. 6: Tully came down with an invitation to Lizzy Hick’s to a party Friday eve, The girls spent the day at Sam Montgomery $ with Mary Jane Darden

Mch 7: Got a letter from Mary Scott to Martha; they were well and doing very well. A dispatch came to J. Burch that Mr. Ogle was very sick in bed. He had a hemorrhage; lost great deal blood.

Mch 9: The girls & their Pa went to church in Fayette, Mr. Butler, McCallum & McDonald were the ministers.

Mch. 11: Went to church in Fayette; Mr. Butler preached. Mary Jane, Mrs. Chamberlain & Anne Eliza Clark was at church. Leonly Briscoe’s horse ran away with the carriage, broke it to pieces, hurt the driver. Claudine Gibson was in the carriage! had got out to open the gate when they started.

March 13: Miss Lizzy & Catty Whitney & S. Montgomery spent the day here.

Mch. 34 Dr Fox sent for Martha, Olivia and Claudine Gibson to meet Mary Adelia Clark at his house.

March 15: Mrs. Briscoe sent for Claudine Gibson. Martha & Olivia went home with her. Sister Maria came home Tuesday from Mary Bondurant’s. Mary has another son; She was doing very well.

March l Mr. Darden went to church at Ebenezer. The girls came by Mr. Montgomery’s to dinner. They stayed at their Uncle Buckner’s; Claudine Gibson stayed with them.

Mar. 20: The girls went to Mr. Hicks to meet Mary Jane Darden & Claudine Gibson there.

Mch. 24: Mr. Darden went to Jack’s this evening; had a letter from Virginia Green. They were all well.

Mch. 25: We went to church in Fayette. Martha & Olivia came from Robert Sillers to church. Anne Stuart, Claudine Gibson, Mary 3. Darden Martha & Olivia spent the day at Mr. Montgomery’s yesterday.

Mch. 26: Sam Montgomery, Arthur Mosely & Mr. Winston came half hour before sundown; stayed till 10 oc.

Mch. 30: Blount, Anne, Martha & Olivia started to Natchez this morn, at six o'clock.

March 31: Mr. Darden heard John Clarke was dead; brother to Matilda & Belle Sillers. Anne & Blount Stuart, Martha & Olivia came back from Natchez brought Julia home not to return again. Miss Sheddon raised the board to $20.

April 1: Mr. Darden went to Ebenezer to church ; took dinner at Mr. Montgomery’s.

April 2: Olivia is writing a letter to her brother Buckner now after 9 oc.; all in bed but her & me.

April 4: Martha got a letter from Anne Briscoe. Olivia got one from Angela Adams, Mr. Darden got a letter from Buckner. They are well.

April 6: Prosper Montgomery came home from Oakland to write his speech at exhibition in May.

April 7: Fed Chambliss & Omi were at Steve Stampley’s on Monday last.

Apr. 8: We went to church in Fayette; the Rev. Mr. Finney from Pine Ridge preached an excellent sermon.

April 9: Anna Darden & her sister Mrs. Green stayed with us tonight on their way to Natchez. Jack, Cate & Fanny Mayberry went to Natchez this morn. Cate sent Henry to stay with us until she came home.

Apr. 10: Robert sent for me to go & see Belle; she was quite sick when I got there. Dr. Fox was there. Her babe was born about 7 o'clock, a boy, a large child.

Apr. 11: Anne Stuart came to see Belle. I left Mrs. Yoe there; her father was there, too.

Apr, 12: Buckner & Sarah Darden passed at sundown on their way from Natchez. They will have a long dark ride.

Apr. 13: Mr. Darden went for Laura; saw Mr. Montgomery shingle machine in operation.

April 15: Mr. Darden went to church in Fayette; Mr. Forsythe preached. Martha & Olivia came to Belle Sillers from Anne Stuart s. Belle is not so well; her babe is right cross.

April 16: Daniel Cameron lost his youngest child with pneumonia.

April 18: Mr. Darden went to Fayette this eve., saw Charles Clark there; they are all well in Bolivar. Wat Burch came over to trade a horse to Mr. Darden. Willie Stampley was with him. Sam Montgomery came, stayed all night to go with Martha & Olivia.

Apr. 19: Martha, Olivia & Sam Montgomery started to Louisiana at 6 oc. This morn; they will have a dusty ride.

Apr 20: Olivia got a letter from Buckner; they are all well.. Said his grandma would start to Tennessee on the 13th April.

Apr 21: 0. S. Miles called going to Fayette; Mr. Darden went to Fayette with him.

April 22: We went to church in Fayette; Mr. McDonald preached. Anne Stuart took Julia back to school in Natchez on Friday

April 27: Sam Montgomery came from the Swamp yesterday; they had fine fun fishing while he was there.

Apr. 23: Mr. Darden went to Mr. Montgomery’s to seine; they caught a good many; some right large ones. Sister Maria sent me & Cate some. Sister Maria got a letter from Sister Betsy; they were well. George & Martha Darden have another daughter; they call it Minerva. They have 5 children quite a large family; their oldest is not 8 years old. Cicero Stampley has ground his corn here two Saturday’s.

April 29: There was preaching at Ebenezer today, but Mr. Darden did not know it.

April 30: Susan Burch sent for mustard to make a plaster, Wat Burch was quite sick with fever & vomiting.

May 1: Got a letter from Buckner; they are all well; complaining dry weather.

May 2: Cate & Jack went by going to Oakland to hear the young men speak.

May 6: I went to church in Fayette; there was quarterly meeting. Mr. Darden went to Ebenezer. Sarah & Buckner Darden had their babe baptized, Buckner.

May 10: Anne Stuart came this morn at 9 cc; Dr Fox & family came in company with her; called at the gate on their way to Natchez. Sam & Pros Montgomery went into the swamp to attend a fish fry. Sam went with Sallie Chambliss..

May 11: Mr. Montgomery got back from Jackson on Wednesday. He stayed at Mary Bondurant’s The girls were with Anne Briscoe, Had a letter from Virginia Green; they were well and her Ma had got there safe.

May 13: Went to church in Fayette. Professor Doremus preached. Coz John & Margaret Darden were here this evening; stayed till sundown.

May 14: Mr. Darden took Laura to school. Sam & Prosper Montgomery had not got back.

May l:6: Mr. Darden saw Jeff Whitney; he was at a party with the girls last night at Will Watson’s. There is to be one at Isaac Harrison’s Friday.

May 21: Pros Montgomery got hone last night. The girls got home today from John Bondurant’s; been gone 4 1/2 weeks.

May 22: Pros Montgomery came & stayed all night. We heard Uncle Peter Chambliss was dead.

May 23: Pros went at 10 oc. He came to invite the girls to fish fry at Sam Darden’s. Mr. Darden went to Fayette, saw Jack Chambliss, having his trial for drawing a gun on his brother-in-law Dr. Richardson. Calvin Chambliss was there also. It is a pity to have such a difficulty in the family.

May 25: Mrs. Whitney & Catty, Mrs. Hugh Montgomery, Mary Montgomery & Mrs. Jane Torrey were spending the day at Mr. Montgomery’s.

May 2 Mr. Darden, Martha & Olivia went to the fish fry near Samuel’s . The girls stayed all night with Sister Maria.

 May 27: We went to church in Fayette. Rev. Mr. Price of Rodney preached an excellent sermon. Anne Stuart came home with us. Cicero Stampley came after dark to borrow our buggy. They had sent for Jalone Stampley’s wife; that Solomon Stampley her father was very bad with cholera.

May 29: Cicero Stampley was here this evening. Solomon Stampley was better; thought he would recover.

May 30 Mr. Darden went to Fayette, saw Coz John Darden; he was at Wes Whitney’s.

June 2: Mr. Darden,. Anne Stuart, Tully, Martha & Olivia went to the Wild Wood Springs to spend the day. There was about 60 persons there. They had a very nice dinner. Mr. Brown charged 50 cts. a meal. They enjoyed the visit very much; danced, rolled ten pens and got back 6:30. Martha got a letter from Buckner; he is very much discouraged about his crop on account of the dry weather.

June 3: Mr. Darden & the girls want to church to Ebenezer today. There was a good Congregation. The church is not finished.

June 3: Caleb Hall a brother of Tom Hall died very suddenly on Thursday last at Daniel Smith’s. He was telling Mr. Smith about the rain they had at Kingston, when he put his hand to his head and died right off.

June 4: Mr. Watson, Mr. Tu1lis, Mr. Bondurant & Mr. Alexander came just at dark, They had been to visit Miss Sallie Chambliss.

June 7: Martha got a letter from Mary Scott; says her poultry is not doing very well; Martha Skinner writes they have not had any rain. Their crop is not good.

June 8: Made cake & pies to carry to the picnic.

June 9: We all went to the picnic near Mr. Harper's It was a pleasant party. The young people went to Mr. Hicks and spent the evening. After the company broke up Mr Hicks was sleeping up stairs; he got up as he thought to walk out at the door, when he went out at the window. Lizzy saw him in the window, spoke, and he fell on his face on the ground. Martha, Olivia, Sallie Chambliss & Eugenia Calhoun, Mr. Walton & Mr. Bondurant; they were all very much frightened, thought he would die; did not speak for some time. He was badly bruised. Martha says she never heard such groans.

June 10: We went to church in Fayette. Mr. McDonald preached,

Juno 13: Martha & Olivia spent the day at Mr. West’s with Anne & Blount, Mr. Read & family, Tom West & family, Mr. Forman & Mrs. Harper. They spent a pleasant day. Mr. Hicks was able to go to Fayette this morning.

June 14: Julia & Tully came this evening, The girls went to hunt blackberries.

June 15: Samuel & Anna Darden came at ten oc., stayed till in the evening; Jack stayed all night.

June 17: Joseph Sillers has lost one of his best women with cholera. Joseph so unfortunate with servants since he went to Bolivar. Blount will take Julia back to school in Natchez on Tuesday.

June 23: Martha & Olivia started to Mrs. Torrey’s. When they got to Fayette they heard she was gone to see Anna Darden. They went & spent the day at Mr. Montgomery’s.

June 28: Martha got a letter from Anne Briscoe; she expects to be at Cooper’s. Wells on the 4th July.

June 29: Anne Stuart came at 8 oc. This is Miss Jane Mosley’s last school day. She went home at 12 oc., The children were sorry to see her go, Mr. Darden went for Laura, Clara & Ginnie came home with her. Robert & Belle Sillers came this evening.

June 30: Belle & Robert went home this morning. Clara, Ginnie & Laura went to see Cate. Henry came home with the children stayed all night.

July 1: Mr. Darden, Martha & Olivia went to church at Ebenezer.

July 3: Cate & Jack came by, went to Anne Stuarts in the evening to stay all night. Took Clara & Gennie home with us. Mr. Darden stayed at Robert’s all night; he has never been to Robert’s before.

July 4 We all went from Blount’s to the celebration near Beech Hill; there was a large collection. George & Martha Darden were there. Mr. William Harper read the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Peter Alexander made the speech; they danced; had a splendid place to dance. There was a celebration at Wild Wood. Mr. Montgomery went there. Dr. Fox read the Declaration of Independence and Mr. Baker made a fine speech. W all. stayed all night at Anne’s.

July 6: Mr. Montgomery, Sister Maria, Sam Montgomery & Jack spent the day.

July 8: We went to church in Fayette. Mr. McDonald preached. Mr. Stowers got home from Cooper’s Wells on Friday. Left Anne Eliza Clark there very sick. Emma had been very sick. They thought at one time she would not recover.

July l0: We spent the day at Jack’s with sister Maria & Mr. Montgomery. Martha & Olivia came home this eve Tully & Jimmy came with them.

July 12: Martha sent word to Mrs. Ned Miller she was going there tomorrow. Martha & Olivia went with Cate to Mrs. Miller’s.

July 14: Mary Jane wrote for the girls to meet her at Wild Wood Spring today. Mr. Tom Hall sent a boy around with a notice that there would be preaching at Greenwood near Selsertown tomorrow at 11 o’clock, by Rev, Mr. Purviance.

July 15: Mr. Darden, Martha & Olivia went to church at the new church near Selsertown.

July 17: Mr. Darden & Jack went to Samuel’s to look at his crop; he has a fine crop. Louisa Chamberlain is staying there. Mary Jane & Darden & Miss Walker with several young men got to Anna Darden’s just as supper was ready. They were the only ladies at Wild Wood Springs on Saturday.

July 1 Got a letter for Martha from Newton Young.

July 19: It is 23 years today since we were married. Jack came up this evening. Wiley Burk called out of the rain; he was on his way from Natchez. Everything very high; corn $1.00 a barrel; meat $20.00; Flour $14.00 a barrel.

July 20: Mr. Stuart came by going to make a trade with Jack Burch for a negro woman.

July 21: We went to church in Fayette; Rev. Mr. Butler from Port Gibson preached an excellent sermon.

July 22: We went to church in Fayette; Mr. Butler preached. The girls went home with Mrs. Torrey. Dr. Archibald Torrey was buried today. He went to bed well, was a corpse at 2 oc. He leaves a large & very helpless family. Mrs. Torrey just returned from Coopers Wells. Mary Jane Darden had got to the Wells before she left.

July 25: Anne Stuart started this morning half after 1 oc. to Natchez for Julia. Olivia went with her. They got to Selsertown by daylight. Prosper Montgomery came, stayed till in the evening. Martha sent to know if Josephine Darden was going to the picnic. She is not going. Martha will be disappointed; she will not have any female friend to go with her.

July 26: Anne, Olivia and Julia got home half after 12 oc.; they were much fatigued. They were pleased with the exercises at Miss Shedden’s examination. They saw Mary Bondurant in Natchez.

July 28: Martha,. Olivia & myself spent the day at Mrs. Torrey’s with Anne Stuart, Mrs. Shackelford, Miss Mills, Minerva Collier, Blount Stuart, Mr. Dixon, Charley Duncan and William Collier. Joe Darden & Mrs. Duvall came over this evening; we were not at home.

July 29: Jack & Cate went to Belle Grove; there is a 3 days meeting there.

August 1: Mr. Darden went to Fayette; there was a very herd rain while he was at Cousin John Darden’s.

Aug. 5: Mr. Darden & the girls went to Ebenezer to church. Mr. Wilson preached an excellent sermon; dined at Mr. Montgomery’s.

Aug 7: We got. a letter from Buckner; Amelia Scott was quite sick with fever. He has a fine prospect for a crop. Mr. Darden went to Fayette, got a letter from Virginia Green; they were very well. Martha got a letter from Mary Bondurant; she had gone back home, lost her trunk going upon the boat with all her clothes & her children's clothes. She did not know when she would come to her Ma’s.

Aug. 9: Putnam Darden came over this morning to invite us to a picnic to be at Cane Ridge on Saturday. He went before dinner. Tally came for Julia. Mr. Hicks goes to Mrs. John Clark’s today for Mary Adelia Clark to come & spend some time in the neighborhood.

Anne received a letter from Matilda Sillers. Sam Lee had accidentally shot himself in the leg. It would be some time before he could walk. Mr. Charles Clark has taken his old residence near Fayette back,

Aug. 10: Jack Darden, Willie Stampley & Mr. Rusk from Louisiana came to call on the girls. Martha & Olivia went to Mr. Briscoe’s this evening to go to a picnic at Cane Ridge. The Miss Valentine’s have been to Mrs. McGee’s this week.

Aug 12: We went to church in Fayette. Martha & Susan Chambliss were at church. The girls came to church from Mrs. Briscoe’s; stayed there last night with their Aunt Anne. Very heavy rain at Frank Whitney’s.

Aug 14: Rev. Mr. Wilson came late this evening; stayed all night. He lives in the Swamp at Mr. Lambdin place; preaches to Mr. Lambdin & Henderson servants.

Aug 15: Mr. lsaac Rubel died in Fayette—typhoid fever; sick 3 weeks.

Aug 17: Martha West & Mary Adelia Clark stayed all night at Anne’s.

Aug l8: Mr. Darden went to church in Fayette; there is 3 days meeting there.

Aug 19: Mr. Darden went to church at Ebenezer Robert Torrey joined the church today. Martha & Olivia went to Fayette to church. Mr. Watkins preached. The house was crowded. Cate & Jack came by to dinner. I got a letter from Matilda Sillers. Ann E. Clark have been sick. Mr. Lee is not able to move in bed.

Aug. 20: Mary Adelia Clark, Minerva Collier, Josephine Darden & Charlotte Reed spent the day here. Put Darden came in the evening. I expected Belle Sillers and Augusta Clark this evening; did not come.

Aug. 21: Cate called going to see Henry Mayberry’s wife; she lost her baby; it was a girl.

Aug. 22: We all went to the picnic at Mr. Clark’s place. There was a great many there; had a nice dinner, plenty ice cream; danced till late in the evening. Edgar Wood & Mrs. Abijah Hunt was married in the Episcopal church in Church Hill this morn.

Aug 24: Anne Stuart came here this morning, Mary Bondurant came over yesterday; sent for the girls to come to see her at her Pa’s. Put Darden & Hiram Chambliss come this evening; stayed a little while. Hiram went to Mr. Montgomery’s.

Aug. 25: We all went to church. Martha & Olivia came from Mr. Montgomery’s this morning & went to church; Anne went with us to church. We had got to the hill. this side Coz John Darden’s creek when it commenced pouring down rain. When we got to the road that goes to Wat Burch’s house, the wind blowed very hard. We went to the house till it held up.

Aug 27: The girls went to Judge Whitney’s to spend the day. Put Darden came to pay Mr. Darden some money for the Miller land, the amount $100.40.

Aug 28: Mary, Mr. Bondurant, Clara, Virginia, Frank & Sam came this morning. Mr. Bondurant, Mary & little girls stayed all night. Frank went home; Sam stayed all night at Jacks.

Aug 29: Mr. Bondurant, Mary & the girls spent the day with Cate. Got a letter for Martha from Anne Briscoe; she was at home. Mary Jane Darden & Sallie Chambliss were with her. They came home from Coopers Wells with her.

Sept. 1: Mr. Darden and the girls went to church at Ebenezer; called at Mr. Montgomery's out of shower Martha Olivia went home with Mary Jane. Cate went by at daylight going to Henry Mayberry’s.. His wife went to bed well, was taken very sick. She called him told him she was very sick. They bathed her feet, put mustard on her stomach. She said she could not get her breath, she was going to die. There was no person there but Mildred Scott. She says Cate did not 1ive more than 15 minutes after she got in the room. She was dead when Dr. Fox got there. They did not know what was the matter with her. She had been complaining difficulty of breathing for several days. I went & helped Mrs. McGinty to fix her shroud. The family were very much distressed. She was buried at Mr. Hill’s where Henry’s parents were buried.

Sept 3: Frank Montgomery came to go with the girls to spend the day at Coz. Margaret’s.

Sept. 5: Pros Montgomery came for the girls to go to Mrs. Harper’s to a party. Mary Jane Darden got here half after 7 oc.

Sept.6: We all went to the barbecue. John Whitney spoke. We beds fine dinner; plenty ice & lemonade. After dinner Dr. White spoke, and then Willie Harper spoke. There was only one sett danced. The company were invited to James Dixon’s to dance. There was not many ladies went to the party. Blount Stuart, Julia, Tully & Jimmy stayed all night. Sam Montgomery & Jeff Whitney took supper. Mary Jane & Annette stayed also.

Sept. 7: Mary Jane, Martha & 0livia went to Mrs. Torrey’s to a party, Put Darden went with them. Left at 11 0c. to go to Rodney take a boat on his way to Oxford to school. Joe left Thursday going to Whitestown to school.

Sept 11:. Buckner wrote they are all well. Had out 3225 bales packed. The yellow fever is in Rodney; everybody has left that can do so. Mary Bondurant was at Anne Stuart’s.

Sept 12: Anne & the girls spent the day with Sister Maria. There was a large barbecue at Wild Wood Springs; a ball at night. Cousin John Darden got back from Wilkinson; his horses did not work well, he was troubled getting there.

Sept 16: The girls went to church at Ebenezer.

Sept. 17: Martha, Olivia, Laura & Irene went to spend the day with Cate.

Sept 18: The girls went to Mrs. Harper’s to a party; they went by Mr. Hicks. Mary Adelia Clark went with them in the carriage. Mr. Alexander came today, put up lightening rod to the double chimney.

Sept. 19: The girls got home quarter after 11 o’clock; they danced all night. Came to Lizzy Hicks to breakfast. Mr. Darden went to Fayette; he heard Fed Chambliss was worse. Mrs. Truly is very sick with dropsy. Coz. John Darden does not think she will live many days. Coz John stayed with Mr. Sibley when he took Jo to school.

Sept 20: Cate spent the day; Jack came to dinner. 4. expected Martha West, Pros Montgomery & John Cerault; but they did not come.

Sept 21: Pros Montgomery & John Cerault came at 11 o'clock, stayed till evening.

Sept. 22: Mr. Clark came for 4 Mary Adelia Thursday.

They went as far as Dr. New’s place where they will take a boat. They were all well in Bolivar.

Sept 23: We went to church in Fayette. Mr. McDonald preached a sermon on the Yellow Fever being sent as a judgment to humble us

Sept. 24: John & Mary Bondurant came this evening. Got a dispatch from Natchez; there was 15 deaths in the city the two last days.

Sept. 25: Mr. Clark sold his place near Fayette to Judge Duncan for $4,500.

Sept. 26: Tom Jenkins called to give the girls some tickets to a party to be given at Brad Truly a 2 Oct. (married then to 2nd wife, Sarah Minerva Stampley) Mr. Darden went to Fayette, took a letter from Martha to Virginia Green; he brought one to Martha from Agnes Scott. They were all well at Mary’s.

Sept. 27: Mr. Montgomery wrote to Mr. Darden there would not be any church at Ebenezer. Mr. McDonald is going to assist at Communion meeting at Union Church.

Sept. 30: Mr. Darden & the girls went to church in Fayette, Mr. Booth preached. There is 24 cases fever in Rodney.

Oct. 1: Mr. Darden went to Fayette. They had a dispatch that Mr. Fly the Methodist preacher in Natchez died this morning with yellow fever. Good deal sickness in Fayette, Dr Fox had the fever today; his little boy had fever last night.

Oct. 2: Mr. Darden. went to Fayette to a barbecue given to Gen. Quitman & Mr. Hillyer both of Natchez. There was a very large crowd there and fine speeches; -- the ground at the woods near Judge Whitney’s gate.

Oct. 3: Mr. Darden went to Fayette saw Mary Jane Darden & Amelia Green; they dined at Mr. Montgomery’s, were going to Mrs. Chamberlain’s.

The Rev. Mr. Williams that lived on Pine Ridge, but now pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg died last Wednesday with Yellow Fever. I was so sorry to hear of his death; he was such a good Christian, an excellent preacher.

Oct. 4: Dick came back from Blount’s this morning; he called at Mr. Stowers to tell Coz. Sarah that we were going to spend the day there Saturday.

Oct. 6: I was to go to Mr. Stowers, but Jesse is not well enough. Jim Miller died Friday 28; poor man has run his course soon. Leaves a young widow & two little girls. (Eliza Ann Burch, 1. Makel Miller, 2. Barbary Miller)

Oct. 9: John Fleming eat dinner here; says they have all got well in Fayette. He met John Collier, told him that Dr Baldwin’s wife was buried yesterday; died with yellow fever. Mary Bondurant went home Thurs; crossed in a skiff at Bruinsburg.

Oct 10: Mr. Darden went to Fayette, got the Natchez paper. There is 30 deaths reported last week with yellow fever. Mrs. Bullen & Mrs. Stewart went to Cate’s today.

Oct. 12: Gate & Fanny went to see Uncle Sam Bolls.

Oct. 13: Olivia got a letter from Virginia Torrey; they are well at Jeff Briscoe’s, She wants the girls to go home with her to Bolivar. There have been 6 deaths with yellow fever in Rodney this week.

Oct. 14: Mr. Darden, Martha, Olivia & Laura went to Church in Fayette. Mr. McDonald has had the Dangue. The girls want by to dinner with Coz. Margaret Darden. She had two letters from Put. There was plenty yellow fever on the boat he went on to Oxford.

Oct 15: Mr. Darden sent Major to help clean off the yard at the new church in Fayette. George Torrey, Prosper Montgomery & Blount Stuart were the only persons sent hands to clean it off. There was a boy went by at nine o'clock after Daniel Smith to see his sister, Aunt Patsy Truly die. (Mrs. James Bennett Truly-nee Martha Smith) Major says she was not dead when he left Fayette this evening. Mrs. Mundy had black vomit yesterday; thought she would die, sent for Dr. Brandon. The Baptist preacher (Vaughan) died with (yellow fever); took it from going to Mrs. Mundy’s. They buried by torch light.

Oct 16: Mrs. Truly is not dead but very low.

Oct 17: Mr. Darden went to Fayette; Presbytery met there in the new church. Rev. Mr. Price of Rodney preached the opening sermon. There was but few ladies, good many gentlemen. The Presbytery adjourned till the 2nd Wednesday in Nov. on account of yellow fever. The preachers could not attend. Mr. Darden went in to see Mrs. Truly; she is gradually sinking. She is very much reduced. She was coughing, did not notice anything, She is at Bradford Truly’s in Fayette. Dr. Sanderson of Watches died with yellow fever.

Oct. 18:. Mrs. Truly died last night at 11 oc. They sent us a ticket. Mr. Darden, Martha & Olivia went. She was buried at the grave yard in Fayette; there was a very large procession. Rev. Mr. Baxter made some remarks. She said a few weeks ago that she was perfectly resigned to die. She does not leave any young children.

Oct. 19: The yellow fever is on Mr. Batchelor’s place near Rodney.

Oct 21: Mr. Darden went to Ebenezer to church; there was a small congregation; they had not heard that Presbytery had adjourned. Anne & the girls went to church in Fayette.

Oct 22: Mr. Darden worked the road from tha gravelly hill to the corner of Mr. Stowers field.

Oct 28: We went to church in Fayette. Mr. McDonald preached in new Presbyterian church.

Oct 30: The candidates for governor McCrae and Fountaine spoke in Fayette yesterday.

Nov. 1: Sister Maria, Mr. Montgomery & the little girls spent the day here. Mr. Montgomery has bought 7 negroes, 4 for Jeff & Sam and 3 for himself Cos. Sarah Stowers has been very sick with dengue.

Nov. 2: Martha & Olivia went to their Uncle Buckner’s this evening to stay till Sunday.

Nov. 4: Mr. Darden went to Ebenezer to church. The girls came from Buckner’s to church; took dinner at Mr. Montgomery’s. I sent the carriage to Sister Maria’s for Laura; Clara & Ginney came home with her.

Nov. 6: Mr. Darden went to Fayette to the election, got a letter for Olivia from Virginia Torrey. She wants her & Martha to go to Bolivar with her. Mr. Darden bought 4 barrels pork from Coz. John Darden at $20.00 a barrel, That is lower than it is selling for in market.

Nov. 8: Dr Noland beat John Whitney for Representative; Robert McGinty beat John Fleming for Sheriff; Joseph Davenport was elected Assessor; Minor Dixon beat Isaac Carothers for Clerk Circuit Court. There was a telegraph dispatch came to Fayette this evening that Dr. Greenfield had shot a man named Higgins & then cut his throat. The Sheriff & Coroner went to Rodney to act in the case.

Nov. 12: The girls were in the buggy to go to see Cate, Jeff Briscoe’s boy came with a letter from Virginia Torrey to go to Anne Briscoe’s take a boat to go to Bolivar.

Nov 13: Mr. Darden & Olivia went to Fayette; they heard the fever has been worse in Rodney. There is a case black vomit in St Joseph, La. They have given out going. The fever has become worse in town. There has been 8 deaths in Port Gibson.

Nov. 14: We all went to the Masonic celebration. Col. Hillyer was to speak, but did not come. Mr. McDonald preached a sermon after that dinner was prepared on the ground. Martha got a letter from Buckner, the first since 1st. Sept. He has 180 bales; sold 32; made fine corn crop. Thinks he will make 250 bales.

Nov. 15: We all went to Fayette to Presbytery. Mr. Roan, Mr. Baldwin. Mr. McDonald, & Mr. Price preached an excellent sermon. There was a Fair held in Providence church near George Darden’s for the benefit of the church. There was a fight on the ground between Jack Chambliss & Dr. Richardson, an old difficulty. Jack struck him first, the Dr. gave him a good whipping.

Nov.16: Mr. Roan preached at the Presbytery today. Mr. Butler & Mr. Stratton came today. Mr. Stratton will preach tonight. Mr. Darden went by John Whitney’s to dinner, The church session met at Dr Fox’s to receive Dr Fox & Sarah his wife into the church. Mr. Pardon says Mr. Stratton did talk so kindly to Mrs. Fox. (Sarah Truly)

Nov. 17: We went to church in Fayette. Rev. Mr. Stratton preached the dedication sermon, It was really a most excellent sermon. I never heard a better sermon. Mr Butler aide some remarks that were very appropriate. Mr Darden, Martha, Olivia & Cate went by  to dinner with John Whitney. Mr Montgomery is sick He has not been at the Presbytery at all.

Nov. 18: We all went to church, Rev. Mr. McCallum preached; a large congregation. Dr. Fox, Sarah & their little son was baptized. Eliza Jane Miller joined the church; and Mr. Swarb & wife joined by certificate. Wilson Wade & wife joined by certificate.

Nov. 19: Wesley Whitney has given up his place he bought of Coz. John Darden; he thinks he cannot pay for it. Martha & Olivia got home at 12 oc. The Fair brought $50.00. Guilford Torrey bought a good deal, made Martha Darden’s children presents. Prosper Montgomery rode his Pa’s carriage horses up to the Fair.

Nov. 20: James Wiggington came today to tell us good bye; he leaves for Texas Thursday to make his home there. Jeff Whitney came at sundown, stayed all night.

Nov. 21: The girls & myself spent the day with Mrs. George Baldwin. Belle Sillers was there, Coz. Sarah & Mr. Stowers called in the evening. Coz. Sarah is to let the girls know when she goes to Bolivar. Mr. Darden went to see Mr. Montgomery; he has been sick a week, is worse this morning. Dr. Fox is visiting him. Anne & Blount Stuart came at 3 o’clock this evening. There has been 2 deaths of yellow fever in Rodney this week.

Nov. 25: Mr. Darden went to see Mr. Montgomery; he is better. Sister Maria is sick in bed.

Nov. 26: Mabella Stampley & Vic Jenkins both have dengue.

Nov. 27: Coz. Sarah Stowers sent the girls word she would start to Bolivar on Thursday.

Nov. 28: Lizzy Hicks wrote to Martha to stay & go with them to Bolivar, but they concluded to go Mr. Stowers.

Nov. 29: Th girls started at 6 oc. to Bolivar. Coz. Jack Burch came by for me to acknowledge a deed given to Coz. John Darden for part of the Miller land he bought of Mr. Darden.

Dec. 4: I went to Robert Sillers; the creek was up, spent the day there & went to Anne Stuart’s in the evening.

Dec. 5: Blount started to Warren County Monday.

Dee, 7: Jack brought us some venison; stayed to dinner, He said Henry had the fever.

Dec. 9: Blount got back from Warren yesterday evening. Mr. Stowers came home today. I got a letter from Martha; they got to Mr. Clark’s at ten oc. Saturday night. Guilford Torrey was there when she wrote, for them to go to his house. She had not seen Matilda, she was waiting on her brother Will. He is at Frank Montgomery’s very sick with pneumonia. They spent the day with Mary Miles.

Dec. 11: Mr. McDonald has made arrangements to take charge of a Female school in Clinton, La. He expects to leave in January. We will be without a preacher.

Dec. 12: I sent Dick with a letter to Robert’s, they will go to Bolivar tomorrow.

Dec 16: Mr. Darden went to church at Ebenezer; they are to give Mr. Price a call at Ebenezer & Fayette churches; salary of $1000. a year. Have offered to buy the Hughes place (?) for a parsonage at $2000. Mr. Darden & George Torrey went to dinner to Mr. Montgomery’s.

Dec. 17: Mr. Darden brought a letter for Martha from Buckner, He has out 250 bales, ten more to pick. Says he cannot leave as Mary Scott is going to visit Amelia; she is at school at Holly Springs. Her trunk with all her clothes was lost going up on the boat. Ma will spend Christmas with Anne Briscoe and then come to Jefferson.

Dec 18: Blount & Anne, Mr. Darden & Laura started to Natchez at daylight this morning.

Dec. 23: Mr. Darden & Irene went to church; Mr. McDonald preached his farewell sermon. Mr. Darden got medicine from Dr. Fox for Jesse; he is vomiting yet.

Dec. 26: Got a barrel of flour from Jack Burch; gave $9.00 for it. Buckner wrote to his Pa that Mary Scott would go to see Amelia this week; he & Charley would be at home; little Mary would go with her Grandma to spend Christmas with Anne Briscoe. Made 264 bales, weighing 400 lbs; over ten bales to the hand. A fair crop.

Dec. 31: A dispatch came from Mr. Hicks at Vicksburg to send the carriage immediately for the girls.