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Copy of Rev. Abraham
Hagaman’s Diary
Born Oct 16 1807
Died February 4 1885
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Memoir +
Family Record
By
Abraham Hagaman
Dedicated to
his posterity
St. Louis Mo
June 1873
Property of
R L Hagaman Raymond Miss 1914
R L Hagaman Jr Jackson Miss 1989
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I was born Oct 16th 1807
The place of my nativity is Lamington in Somerset Co New Jersey our the Culmstock (Indian) River One of the head waters of the Karitan river.
My father’s family consisted of four sons and one daughter, my sister Mary died in 1817 in the nineteenth year of her age. I was then 10 years old, she was no eminent Christian character. My three brothers, two of whom are older than myself and one younger are at this date loving in New Jersey.
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My father Francis Dyke Hagaman was born March 14th, 1776.
My mother Marth Beckman was born March 13th, 1776. There being but one day difference in their age.
They were married Nov 7th 1795, they were then 19 years old.
My father died Dec 21st 1817 aged 41 years
My mother died Dec 28 1863 aged 77 years
They were buried side by side in Lamington Church Yard
My father was by occupation a farmer as almost all my forefathers were. He owned and cultivated with his own hands, the farm on which he lived. There I was born. The old Homestead still continues in the family being owned and occupied at present by my brother, Christopher Beekman Hagaman and his family. To the old Homestead.
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I have made many a pilgrimage in the course of my life, having emigrated thence when 22 years old. It is a spot hallowed and greatly endeared to me by the associations of childhood and youth.
The home of my early life; how many tender recollections are garnered up in its fields, its hills, its woods and running brooks the cooling spring is there still, and trees growing that I planted when a boy.
My local attachment to it seems to grow with my age. Its situation is in itself, charming and romantic.
My parents were both eminently pious.
My father was regarded as a man of excalent judgment, his advice was often sought for by his neighbor, he lived peacibly and I believe never had a [gave suit].
My mother was remarkable for her quiet gentle character, never got into difficulties with her neighbors, never talked much, contemplative, devoted to her children, was faithful to instill unto their minds in early childhood
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sentiments of piety.
My brother Dennis was born June 11th 1797. May 28 1820 he married Catherine Voorhes of Middle Brook New Jersey.
Resides now at White House, Hunterdon Co NJ
Is at present married to his third wife.
By his first wife, had three children
Martha Beekman
Born June 17 1821
Sarah Maria
Born Nov 28 1823
Francis Van Dyke
Born Feb 23 1826
Marth married John Dilts and has several children at Readington
Hunterdon Co New Jersey
Sarah married Crusen, lives near Princeton, has several children, is now a widow.
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Francis Van Dyke graduated at Princeton about the year 1852 came to me, in the state of Louisiana, the following year. He married my wifes sister, has two sons by that marriage
Abram born in 1850
Frank born in 1856
His wife died while Frank was yet an infant. His is now married again, lives in West Feliciana Parish Louisiana. He is a man of standing, was a member of the st. Legislature, and is considered a model cotton planter.
All my nephews + nieces are married and have families except Beekman’s children.
Christopher Beekman, my second brother was born July 28 [or 23] 1803. he was a man of great bodily strength, a hard worker lived always on the old Homestead which he improved greatly. Mother lived with him until her death. He married at the age of 50, Emaline Finley. They have six children.
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Martha Beekman, Abraham Callie, Emma, Christopher, Robert.
Callie was named for my daughter at sixteen married a Mr. Ashberry aged about 66 years, with a handsome property was an old Bachelor, a man of erratic, if not unsound mind. He was I believe a cousin of her mother and instigated by her to so unequal a match.
Be ye not unequally yoked together.
My third brother, younger than I, born feb 17th 1810 lives in his farm near Lamington N. J. married Elsie Anne Largelier, Feb 22nd 1832.
Their Children were Mary, Martha, Nicholas, Frank, John, Abram- all married.
Mary married Martin Bleinhart lives on his farm near Pattersonville is a ruling elder in the church there. has four children.
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Martha married Welch has one daughter- widow- now wife of [VanDevear]
Nicholas married Hanna [Eide or Eick], had three children.
Frank married Susan McCullough; has two daughters- quit farming a few years and engaged in merchandize in St. Louis. Soon lost all his property then returned to his vocation on a rented farm in [WI]. He is a splendid farmer, makes magnificent crops and is recuperating his fortune. He lives in Scott Co WI. He is my favorite nephew, at least next to Frank.
I would here remark that in my family all the sons are farmers, and daughters married farmers. So with all kith + kin, they all, with very few exceptions have farmers. No tradesmen, nor professional men among them with but few exceptions. I have one or two cousin ministers.
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My Grand Parents
My paternal grandfather
Dennis Hagaman
My paternal grandmother
Pamela Van Dyke
She was born of Francis Van Dyke and Sophia Van Wrinkle
My Maternal grand parents
Christopher Beekman
+
Martha Vachton
Born of Garret [Livain]
My grandmother died over 70 years of age with measles. Her silver small box with her initials engraved is an heir loom, now held by my
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youngest daughter Martha.
Grandfather died 97 years of age on the same ground where he was born.
My Uncles and Aunts
My father bros. were
Andrew
Joseph
John
“ Sisters
Mary
Elizabeth
Anne
Sophia
My uncle Andrew married daughter of Cornelious Laydam of Lamington N. J. he removed to Ohio about the year 1815 and settled on the Big Prairie. It was there a frontier of his land became very valuable, his son Cornelious was educated at Oxford.
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My uncle Joseph probably died young.
My Uncle John lived in Ill [Illinois?] and died
In his 86 year left one son
Dennis
Daughters Maria
Sarah
Maria married Peter Rea
Sarah married Wychoff.
My Aunt Mary married Mr. Luick has two sons, I believe in Dutch Reformed Church. She was a woman of extrodanary piety. I think the greatest part of her family settled in Michigan.
My Aunt Elizabeth married Mr. Stryker one of her sons married Eliza [LongSreet], my cousin by my mothers side Stillwell. One of her grand sons is a pres minister.
My Aunt Ann
Married Williamson. settled in Ohio
My aunt Sophia never married.
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My maternal Uncles and Aunts
Uncles Aunts
Garette Miss Luick
Geraidus Martha (My Mother)
John Mary Barkalow
Alrum Magdalin Longstreet
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Third Generation
My Great Grand Father
Andrew Hagaman
My Great Grand Mother
Mary [Tesburner]
Their sons
Joseph
Andrew
Dennis (My grand Pa)
John
Garette
Daughters
Mary
Fourth Generation
My Great, Great Grand Father
Joseph Hagaman
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Fore Fathers
Joseph Hagaman born in Holland A. D. 1650 emigrated to New York, took oath of allegiance to British government A. D. 1687 Kings Co. N Y.
Henricus and Jacobus (brothers) emigrated same time
Abrum Hagaman and Isac Hagaman were native americans, took oath of allegiance to British Jan 1687.
Adrian Hagaman appointed [Schout] of Brooklin A. D. 1660
Isac Hagaman ensign 1700
Leumis [Rapalye] married Susan daughter of Joseph Hagaman
Jacob Hagaman married Sarah Bessian
John Inydam married [Firmanitic] daughter of Bess Hagaman
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Noted Fore Fathers
Henricus Brunkerhoof married Elizabeth daughter of Ben Hagaman
Daniel Hagaman
Andrien “ “
Jacobus “ “
Married three sisters
Catherine
Dorathy
Gertrude daughter of
Andries Giderdonk 1706
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The name Hagaman
Its Etymology
+
Orthography
In the old county Holland, the name was spelled Hegeman and its etymology is expressed in English by Hedge.
Anglicized, the name would properly be Hedgeman. It means a man that keeps hedges other branches of the family still write the name of Hegeman. In my branch, it was changed a generation or two back to Hagaman for the reason that the letters expressed the pronunciation of the name in our language.
The pronunciation of Hegeman in the continent of Europe is rendered here by the spelling Hagaman, the vowels being there sounded as is in Hagaman.
This is the reason that justifies the spelling Hagaman in the country, instead of Hegeman as in Europe
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To spell + write the name in correspondence to the European pronunciation of Hegeman_
Hagaman
It would be much better to anglicise the name fully and make it Hadgeman.
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Beekmans
My grand father Christopher Beekman died in his 99th year in Harlington N. J. near Greggstown on the same ground where he was born, and in which locality he always lived had a numerous family five sons and five daughters all of whom are married, + all had large families, nearly every family having the same number of daughters (six) all were prosperous. My cheif recollection of him is in family worship taking the big clasped Bible and reading in Dutch praying in the same language. My mother often used the same language when conversing with her old cronies.
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William Beekman
The progenitor of the family in America was born in Hasset [Versel or Osersel] Holland in 1623. Came to New York, then New Amsterdam in 1647 in the same ship with Peter Stuyvesant, first governor of New Amsterdam, one of Beekman daughters married Stuyversants son in [Tn? Jn?] 1673 he was Burgomaster in 1679. Alderman of the City he had a Homestead and farm on East Riser, now in the heart of the City One of his decendants still own and occupy the old mansion. The portraits of the fore fathers still hand upon its walls.
Beekman st and William st two noted thoroughfares in the City, were named for him. They probably constituted boundaries of his property.
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Geradus Beekman
Son of Wm Beekman was born in this country, appears to have taken the oath of allegiance to British Gov in 1687.
In 1700 we find him a Colonial field officer Afterwards Lieutenant Governor of the Colony.
Flatbush Long Island,
seems to have been the chief home
both of the Hagamans + Beekmans
Kings Co. N. Y.
The head waters of the Raritan river Sumerset + Hunterdon Co. seems to have been early settled by the branch of the families born Hagaman + Beekman from which I derive decent. They were an agricultural people.
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At four years old, I was sent to school walking a mile across fields. My Father died when I was ten years old. Soon after went to a Latin school taught by our Pastor. Recd Horace Galpin walking three miles also a season at New Germantown.
Where 13 years old went to the academy at Basking Ridge, under Dr. Wm Brown Lee and his teachers under their tuition I was prepared for College I boarded at my uncle Barkelows, who lived a mile from town, became intimately associated with my cousin Dan Barkelow who became an eminent lawyer in Patterson N. J.
When 16 entered Princeton College, Junior class, half advanced, and graduated in two years.
I spent one year as tutor in the family of Col. Johnston in Verginia + six months in the family of MR. Longhorn.
Two years after I graduated I entered the Theological Seminary
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at Princeton and enjoyed the instructions of Drs Miller + Hodge two years.
I was a member of the Cliosophic Society still hold its diploma + gold medal. I took the fourth honor though I was in College only one year and a half, was the youngest in my class of 40.
It was at the instance of any mother, that amid many discouragements I should have a good education. My brothers had no education legend reading writing + arithmatic. They were all farmers by their industry accumulated a handsome property.
To defray the expenses of my education my patrimony was applied and exhausted, selling my undivided interest to my brother Christopher. This expended, my mother leaned money, which I afterwards repaid. Some hundred dollars were also advanced by Mr. Beekman a merchant in N. York without any security.
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All these advances mounting to $500. I was enabled to defray in one year.
I left the Seminary having as private tutor in the family of Frank Suyet, near Natchez for a salary of 700 a year. At the close of the year I [remilled] to N. Jersey $600 to repay these advances.
My mother persisted in her efforts to confer this education on me (as I said among many discouragements) solely I believe, with the view to my entering the ministry. It was two years after I left College, before I was enabled to decide the momentous question of devoting myself to the ministry feeling constrained to this choice, by what seemed to me duty and perhaps much in answer to the prayers of my mother.
While at Princeton Collegge, Dr. Green former president, passed the summer season there, and gave lectures; to which I listened to with much pleasure + profit. He dressed in the old style, knee buckles +c.
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In 1834 I being in Philadelphia as a commission to the General Assembly from the Presby. Of Miss, I saw him for the last time I was perhaps the youngest member of the Assembly, he then near the close of life. When he bade me goodbye, placed his hand on my head and gave me his blessing, with the manner + dignity of a Patrioch.
I remember his entry on the floor of the assembly, the whole house rose + stood before him he was well worth of the honor.
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Religious Experience
I was blessed with pious parentage father, mother, Grand Parents and ancestors as far back as I can trace were pious. Father died when I was young my mother was faithful in training her children for God. Never can I forget her tender admonitions, in all the course of my childhood + youth. she never ceased to inculcate sentiments of piety and instill in my mind the fear of God.
Among my schoolmates I was like others, exposed to much profanity and wickedness in every form, but so strong was the fear of God implanted in my heart that I shuddered at it, I never dared to commit sin. I never to the best of my recollection uttered profane language the fear of God was even before my eyes, I had to be surer a sinful heart, but conscience was very tender the restriction of a mothers tender warning and prayers were ever [present] to my mind.
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When 12 or 13 there was a revival of religion in our Church, and a great ingathering of souls. I was much impressed labored under conviction of sin and strove to enter into the Kingdom of God.
I can not refrain from mentioning a circumstance at the time that greatly tended to deepen my conviction. It was a dream I seemed to be lying down in my Fathers orchard, among the clover all was still, then a kind of music was in the air, then a voice as if from Heaven uttering there words, “Thou shalt not inherit the Kingdom of Hebrew.” The painful impression of these words distinctly announced, as if to awaken me from sleep, made me miserable, almost threw me into despare. The effect was to increase greatly an earnest seeking. For weeks and months my way was dark; the means of grace were not neglected, and one day while reading Pikes Cases of Conscience, a gleam hope broke into my mind, I seemed at once to be enabled to apprehend Christ as
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my savior a flood joy succeeded it was like life from the dead. The savior seemed infinitely infinitaly precious to me hardly able to contain myself, I went into the barn threw myself upon the hay, and broke out into prayer + praise in my 13 year.
My hope was not clean not without clouds + darkness. I was weak in faith, but resolved to throw myself on the misery of God. To go forward in closing so while sitting at the Lords table I received a sweet peace, in believing in Christ.
Since then I have had trials + temptations many, but looking back, I see the Lord delivering me out of them all. By his grace, I am what I am.
In the light of this period what shall I say more of personal religion? Has time attested the reality of this change? My experience has been varid.
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I have had in general peace, but there has been sad delusions, back sliding +c but still, I hope year to year, advancing in devine life. Was in my 66 year, I think I can with [Jobe]. “I know that my Redeemer liveth” “God is the strength of my hear, and my potion forever.”
God has led me, by a way I had not known, has chastened me, has striped me of fortune, but not reduced me to poverty, has removed stumbling block out of my way, has scourged me, when I had gone astray and brought me again in the way, and now I may say is my salvation nearer than when I first believed? I love the Bible more, I realize more the trouth and preciousness of Christ.
“All my spring are in thee” as a minister of Christ for 43 years I cannot boast of many seals of my ministry, as many others, yet I thank God I have not labored in vain or without fruits. “The day will declare.”
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Then if the evidence is full + clear, give it full authority. It teaches what we must believe and what we must do. It is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify + enjoy God.
Let it then be your counsel and “the guide of your faith”
Bring all questions to this test, what it approves is right, what it condemns is wrong.
It teaches us that mans greatest end is to glorify God + enjoy him forever.
It makes plain to us, the way of salvation.
It is the legacy of Christ, to his children.
His will + testament
Oh how, love I thy law, in it will I meditate day + night.
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I feel that I have greatly come short, and feel humble at the retrospect. But present, it seems as if my experience of the duties of the holy calling was to cease.
God grant I may yet serve Him by working in His vinyard, until he calls me home.
As to the distinctive systems of Faith or doctrine of Creed, I am heart + soul a Calvinist with my Bible I could not be any other faith, But as I grow older my charities for men of other creeds enlarge. I love the Bible more + more and believe that a Bible Christian is the highest style of Christian.
To my posterity let me say this, and impress on the heart of each- that the first and greatest question for all to settle, is this; Is the bible as it claims to be; the will of God? is it genuine + authentic, settle this question clearly in your own mind- I claim to believe this.
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Temptations
With humility and gratitude to God. I recur in memory to his deliverances in temptation. Two instances occur to me; in my youth I was induced in N York, to go to the theatre.
I went once and was fascinated- went again, and a third time to a performance of a celebrated damsel, she made such a display of her person + limbs as brought thunderings of applause. Saten had overreached himself in bringing me here, while the house was thundering applause, a still louder voice than these thunders, the voice of Conscience smote my ears. What doest thou here Eliza [or Elija]: as soon as the curtain fell, I rose from my seat, left the house and went to my room + wept bitterly this proved a cure to my theatre going.
Again a year or two after, when in Verginia, far from religious influence I was tempted to go to a race course
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To see the races, I became excited, was induced to bet a small sum of money—I lost—piqued I bet again—then again rose up Conscience. What doest though here Eliza [or Elija]?
I left the race course and my companions and repented bitterly—I never went back.
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Launching out into the world
After graduating at College in my 18th year I entered into an engagement with Mr. Johnston N.Y. to Verginia as Tutor in the family of Charles Johnston Salery $310 a year, I embarked on a Schooner at N. York for Richmond. It was a great novelty to me, to go to sea. We reached the Capes of the Chesapeaks, Capes Henry + Charles on Sunday morning and entered the Bay, There was a heavy fog—a lookout was set in the bow, to descry the approach of Old Point Comfort, where ships can sail close under the walls of the Fort.
The lookout saw ahead the fortification on the RipRaps + mistaking them for Old Point Comfort, in the fog, reported it. The schooner was steared accordingly and we struck on the RipRap shoals. The waves would lift us up then down we would thump- [were] in great danger of wreck. A distress signal half mast was raised, hoping we might
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be seen from old Point Comfort and receive assistance. The fog however was too thick. Fortunately by the help of the kedge anchor and wind lass, we got off. The Capt. was glad enough to cut the cable and leave the anchor.
Ascending James River, I had pointed out to [scene?] at Jamestown the ruins of the first Church built in North America Stopping a day or two at Richmond, I visited the Capital and the monumental Church. I then took stage for Lynchburg and so to Botetourt Springs my destination, was well received and spent one year very pleasantly. My pupils were James—Julias—Frederic—and Frances Duchuquet—and Martha. All advanced scholars. My duties were very plesant, and my position an excellent one. A few years after when I was settled in the Ministry near Natchez, James came to me- soon afterwards married and intimate + beloved found + settled there.
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Martha who when a pupil was 13 years of age, and for whom I conceived a great affection (that was never told), came also to Natchez to visit her brother.
I received a letter from her, proposing to return Verginia under my escort but a very serious illness occurred to me at the time, and when I recovered, was informed of her death a few miles from where I resided. At the end of the year I closed my engagement and returned to N. J. having however, made a new engagement to come back + teach in the family of Mr. Wm Longhorn at Big Lick on the Roanoake. I journed home, to N.J. on horseback [610?] miles riding down the Valley of Vergina visiting the natural bridge + Harper’s Ferry, passing through Lexington Stanton and Winchester, stopping at Shepherdstown to visit an old schoolmate at Basking Ridge, so through Maryland and Pennsylvania. It was seeing the world. After visiting home a few weeks, I returned via Phild, Baltimore and
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Washington City. I also visited Charlottesville, the university then lately founded and made a pilgrimage to the graves of Jefferson. Monticello who had died a few years before, whose grave was then unmarked by any stone. I remained at Big Lick 6 or 8 months, then gave up teaching and returned home.
I had given offence to Mr. Langhorn by exercising what he regarded by exercising what he regarded, a too strict discipline towards one of his children. The school was a very successful one among my pupils was a McLanaham whom I afterwards met, as Capt of a steamboat on the Ohio in which I was traveling.
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Choice of Profession
On my return from N. Jersey, being then 20 years old it required that I should determine on what profession I should choose.
A liberal education almost assured that I should enter one of three professions The Ministry, Law or medicine.
My mothers hopes + expectations were along that I should be a minister. My own inclination was to it. but I hesitated long in view of its solem duties, my insufficiency and a doubt as to my call.
I considered + prayed merit for months I occupied myself in reading Paleys Theology, when such wonders of Gods goodness + wisdom + prayer were disclosed in the study of the Book, that I considered, if the study of God in his works be so sublime, how much more the study of his revealed will__ of God in Christ I further considered, that as the present life was only preparatory to a future life, what subject should so engross our study in the present life as mortal beings as
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the study of Theology. Divinity as a science then was immeasurably more interesting + important than medical or legal science, both of which were limited in their aims to the present life.
It seemed to me that the science of God his word + his works had paramount claims. Especially to a minister to the glorious gospel of the Son of God, in the redemption of fallen man. To this would I devote my life.
In the autumn of 1827 accordingly entered the seminary at Princeton where I continued two years.
Drs. Miller + Hodge + Alexander were the professors, Dr. Nevin teacher of Hebrew.
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When a boy I had very robust health excelled most other boys in athletic sports even during the course of my academic education, walked from one to three miles to school entering college in an advanced class, the second term of the junior class. I studied hard, neglected precautions for my health, took little exercise. The result was a severe shock to my vital system__ profuse + repeated hemorage from the lungs + pectoral disorder.
[Yes] this was the principal reason for my going South after I graduated. Indeed, the change of climate from the Atlantic slope of N. J. to the head of the vally of Virginia between the Alleghanies, and from the waters of the Raritan to those Roanoke residence at B___ Springs of excellent mineral qualities were highly recommended in my case + at the end of two years, I was sufficiently restored to center on my professional studies, but often I had been at the seminary nearly two years, had a return of the hemorahge. I became discouraged
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And did not remain to complete my course. In a third year having found a residence in the South very salutary to my health before, in Verginia, and having been applied to by the Revd J. D. Taylor on behalf of Dr. Stephen Duncan of Natchez, then in Philada to go to Natchez + take charge of F. Suzetts [or Suyett] son + daughter, as pupils, with a salary of $750.
I went there in 1829 and after fulfilling my engagement to Mr. Suzett, in the fall of 1830 I was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presb of Mississippi having been transferred as a candidate to the presb from the presbytery of Newton N. J.
My residence in the family of Mr. Suzett [or Suyett] on Second Creek Adams Co. was very plesant. Mr. [Luyett] was accounted a hard man to live with + embittered towards religious people. I was warned had it predicted that I would not stay there a month, but by a judicious course gained his confidence.
My association with him was very pleasant.
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I was in social intercourse with him an hour or two everyday we regarded each other with mutual respect + esteem I faithfully discharded my duty, even giving religious instructions to my pupils constituting them into a Bible class, every Sunday at the supper table in precence of their Parents, giving me an opportunity to bring to them the Gospel of Christ. He even requested me to take his son with me to church every Sunday.
Catherine his daughter, was a bright scholar, married Gabriel Shields a cousin of my wifes, and has a large family. We parted at the end of the year, he testified his appreciation of my servaces by paying me $110 in addition to my stipulated salery. The society in the neighborhood, to which I had access, was the most refined + cultivated I visited these families on intimate turns having a saddle horse at my service.
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Ordination
Immediately after my license in 1830 in company with her chase I traveled through the two lowertiers of counties from the Miss to the Pascagoula rivers in the service of the Bible Societies and arranging for the supply of every family destititute with copy of the Holy Scriptures.
We traveled on horseback, on my return I preached at Pine Ridge Adams Co. received call from the church and was ordained Pastor in the spring. The church was small only 13 members, but when I resigned the pastoral office, five years afterwards the membership was 60 – I preached also at Washington riding there in the afternoon, also supplied the church at Harmony near Fayette once a month. Samuel Marchall was the only elder when I was ordained pastor of the church, I ordained to the eldership Wm Bisland Thas Grafton + James NoCable.
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Ministry
In 1830 I was licenced to preach by the Presbytery of Miss.
At this date the Presb of Miss was embraced in the limits of the Synod of Kentucky, and covered the whole territory of the Southwest, except the Indian nation, Choctau + Chickasau where the Tombigbee Presbytery was constituted that fall composed of the presb of Mississippi Tombigbee + South Alabama. In 1831 it met in Port Gibson and I, sat as a member.
In 1835 the Synod of Alabama was constituted and the name of our Synod was changed to the Synod of Miss. + met at Natchez it was embraced by the Presb of Mississippi Tombigbee Clinton Arkansas + Amite. The Pres. Of Amite was organized 1834 and its name was afterwards changed to Louisiana, Among the names of the ministers comprising the old Pres of Miss at the time of my ordination in 1831 were those of Wm Montgomery Ths [Lanylie], L Butler Hugh Blain Peter Donan, J B Hutchinson.
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The synod of Mississippi in 1860 numbered 85 ministers of the original members, I only remain.
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Marriage
April 10th 1834 I married Mrs Louisia Collins daughter of Saml Dunbar of Adams Co. Miss.
I had organized a Bible class in Washington of which she was a member this was our first acquaintance.
I was again this year appointed commissioner to the Genl Assembly in Philad. My wife accompanied me, and we spent the summer in N Jersey and traveling through the Eastern states.
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Jackson, La
In 1836 I resigned the pastoral office in Pine Ridge Church, in consequence of failing health, and removed to Jackson, where my wifes grand mother Marbury lived. Her mothers family went with us that became the home of the family for 23 year. I found a languishing disorganized church of about a doz members, who requested me to become their Pastor. I took charge, my labours were prospered till at the time of my resignation 1848. I had gathered a large congregation, had 60 members and well organized branch of Elders + Deacons. All this time I labored without any salery securing only from time to time voluntary contributions amounting to about $200 a year.
I had of course to engage in some secular buisness for a support. I established a book and Drug store in 1837 and continued the buisness till 1858, which yielded me
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a living. I was much devoted all this time to the work of the ministry.
The interest of the Church was very clear to me. There was scarcely a dwelling within 8 or 10 miles of the church where I had not been called to minister in the office of the church. I had babtised children, celebrated marriages + buried ther dead so that the whole community was endeared. But discontent arose in certain quarters. They wanted a minister whom they could pay $1000 salery. I resigned in 1848 it was a trial to me indeed I had served so long since 1836.
By a coincidence, I preached the first sermon after my licence in the church 1830 on my return from Pres. At Friendship Church where I recd licence. On alternate sabbaths I preached to Plains Church. Here too the church was week + disorganized.
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Plains Church
A very small membership. I ordained Elders – Mr Bogan + Geo [or c] Lilly.
The Church grew + strengthened until 1839 or 40 it was able to support a Pastor for his whole time and Revd Woodbridge was called.
Under his ministry and that of Mr. Earnest + Geary succeeding pastors, it became a very strong church.
Revd Mr Ogden who came South under my influence had been a classmate + neighbor in Lamington, also preached in this church. He died 1832 [or 9]. At his dying request, I preached his funeral sermon the text of his own selection.
“Thy will be done”
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Comit Church
Relieved form my duty at Plains Church I had an alternate sabath to ocupy elsewhere. While I continued to preach in Jackson, I built a church in 1840 at Pomite 18 miles west of Jackson and organized a societ there. The number of members were very small at first, but in the course of 12 years, that I labored there the church grew + increased – has now become strong.
Wm Sullivan man of great wealth, without heirs, became a member under my ministry and an Elder. He left large legacies in his will to educational + religious objects and appointed me his executor befor his death. I came to Missouri which necessitated a substitute for me. He died a few years since, was a good friend.
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Census
In 1840 the U. S. Marshall for the district proposed to me to be deputy. To take the census of the Parish of East Feliciana which I accepted as it served an opportunity to extend my acquaintance.
I visited every house + made the census ac.
Found one man living in the same house with two wives.
Found a lady, aged 14 who was a mother + a widow
Found the total population to be 11,903
of whom their were
Whites 4005
Free Blacks 30
Slaves 7868
In town of Jackson
Whites 602
Free Blacks 14
Slaves 316
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In town of Clinton
Whites 342
Free Blacks 1
Slaves 11
Cotton Bales 21,105
Corn Bushels 290,540
Horses 2960
Cows 11,399
Hogs 24,520
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Gen. Assembly
I have been four times commissioner to the Genl. Assembly Pres. Ch.
1832 from the Pres. Of Mississippi to Philad
1834 “ “ “ “
1846 from the Presbytery of Louisiana to Cinti
1855 from La to the General Ass in N. York
The two former of these assemblies were held before the separation of the Church, into the old + new school which division occurred in 1838.
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Pecuniary Embarres
In 1840 occurred a crisis in my affairs in which my fortune was overwhelmed all my estate real + personal was sold by the sheriff for debt.
My mother in law being a large creditor for many, loaned bought at sheriff sale most of my property and allowed me the privilage of returning its use + management, by paying her 10 % til I redeemed it. After its redemption, acting as her agent therein the property was conveyed to my wife and I have administered it ever since in her name.
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Store
I conducted the affairs of the Doug + Book Store 23 years in the town of Jackson from this business cheifly, I derived a support for my family all these years transacted all the Business myself with the help only of an old servant, who did drudgery, besides gaining a living by this business, I gradually accumulated some property.
The net proceeds of the business being perhaps $2000 per annum, realizing at the same time, year by year a few hundred dollars form preaching at Jackson + Comite + from marriage fees. I invested these accumulations from time to time in the purchase of servants and in 1850 bought a plantation on Thompson’s Creek (Bever Dam) five miles from Jackson and with an oversees began to carry on the planting of cotton + corn and one year sugar.
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Post Office
In 1854 I received the appointment of Post Master in Jackson and Conducted the business of the office in the store for 5 years. In 1859 when I sold the store. I resigned the office.
The net proceeds of the office were about $700 dollars a year. The P. Office was always closed on the sabbath, I conducted its affairs its afairs with great fidelity. Satisfactory to the community as well as the government. I was succeeded by Dr. Gourley purchaser of the store.
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Busy Years
For a number of years, I was in charge of two churches Jackson + Comite preaching every Sunday, attending all calls to visit the sick- preached funeral celebrated marriages, and is general cultivated the churches to a healthy growth. At the same time I had my family cares, carried on the business of the store keeping my books, purchasing stock + selling usually from 8 to $10,000.
At the same time keeping P. Office recovering + putting up daily mails and settling accounts quarterly with the P. M. General. At the same time carrying on a plantation + superintending it. These were busy years, nor do I think any of my affairs clerical or secular private or official, mercantile or farming suffered from neglect or want of attention. I was in good health, happy in my family, happy in my ministry, and happy in my labors. Supporting my family + prospering in my affairs
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Midst it all however God visited me with a great domestic affliction in 1854 my youngest child, and only son died.
In Dec 1856, I sold my plantation on Thompson’s Creek and purchased the one in Carroll Parish on the bank of the Miss River one mile below Lake Providence 400 achers price paid $22,300. I made a crop there is 1854 successfully but in 1858 in the month of June there was a crevass in the Levee in front of my place inundating it with water three feet deep on every acre. Some of the cabins were washed away, the crop of cotton + corn that was most flourishing, all distroyed and the whole place a picture of desolation.
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Lake Providence
I had not one dollar of revenue that year from the the place but a great expenditure in restoring things, and a debt of $21,266.
This immense debt, I have by arduous efforts extinguished + paid at this date.
In 1859 having sold out my property in Jackson, I bought the Chambliss house of Dr Waddell Lake Providence for $3636 and I’ve moved there.
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Concord Church
Before my removal to L. Providence in reminiscences of my ministerial life. I should have noted Concord in West Felicianna.
As in 1840 when I resigned the charge of Plains Church in East Baton Rouge, I supplied its place by building + organizing Comite Church to which I preached 12 years alternate with the church in Jackson so when I resigned the case of Jackson Church which I supplied 13 years I built by subscription + organized a Church + named it Concord. It was a missionary enterprise amid a poor population this church I supplied for 10 years is course of which it grew to number 20 members. There too I commenced a burying ground. The surrounding population was largely Methodist and when I moved to L. Providence, there being [so] visible supply of Presbyterian minister for it. I accepted an offer from the Methodist + sold the
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church to them for $310 and paid over the money to the Presbyterian Church extension fund.
Turnbull
For a number of years I do a preached once a month to Danl Turnbull servants near Bayou Sara in a Chapel he erected. I labored here some years successfully, a very interesting charge, I organized an informal church among them, ordained an elder.
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Lake Providence
When I moved to Lake Providence the church there was vacant and I accepted a call + was installed Pastor in 1860.
When I settled here, I opened a school in my house for girls, and employed Missers Wircester + Waters to teach. The school was very successful besides providing an education for my daughters. These were halcyon days for my family.
Having in charge an interesting Church, my daughter Callie presiding over the music. In the bosome of a refined society with the school in charge a plantation in sight. Faithful servants [an] overseer a mansion for a home. We were almost too plesant, in our surroundings. But clouds soon arose – health failed- I resigned the pastorship – War broke out- Our nest was broken up.
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War
In Feb 1863 a devision of the Federal Armory occupied the town, and camped about my house, in March was crumpled by them, to vacate my house, in March was compelled by them, to vacate my house. It was used by them as general hospital. Genl McAuthor who was in command of the division, gave the order. In my distress, I appealed to as a minister of the Gospel – a non combatant + finally, I appealed to him as a [mayson] for relief, I think the last ground of appeal made an impression, at this suggestion I sat down at his writing desk, headquarters and drew up a memorial to Genl Grant then in Vicksburg representing to him, the condition of my family deprived of a home, requesting from him a permit to go to St. Louis with my family a potion of my household goods + crop of cotton – 60 bales.
This memorial Gen McAuthor endorsed and forwarded to Genl Grant and is a week, to my surprise + joy
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the return came with permit.
My cotton crop had been in part concealed in the swamp, no sooner had the army landed than a squad of men had gone to the Plantation, and at the point of the Bayonet compelled the Overseer to reveal this cotton, which was seized and hauled into the river bank to wait for shipment as confiscated, another potion a lot of 25 bls. I had hauled out six miles back + stored in H Chambliss Gin this was outside the army lines, another potion housed in the back part of the feild, not ginned. I received the favor + assistance of the army officers, so far as to get this cotton all collected prepared for shipment + sorted out, at the landing, and by force of Grants permit I was able to carry with us to Memphis, where I sold it for 75/2 cts a lb realizing over $1800 in green backs.
With this for subsistence we proceeded to St. Louis where we arrived St. Patricks day 1863 after boarding in the City.
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six weeks purchased the house + lot where we now live.
Our slaves 40 in number which were emancipated by the Fed. government remained faithful to me, to the end, none deserted to the Federal Army, but all remained on the plantation except four men who had been forced to serve in the Fed. Army, they had increased in number greatly, by natural generation + few deaths; but it was a trying + momentous crisis in their condition. They seemed to think the Plantation would become their own, so strong was this feeling, that when we left not one of them would come with us. Sad indeed was the result, oweing to a change in their made of life. Diseases brought among them and missing the care + missing of master + mistress in six months after we left them, one half of the number were dead.
One man Isac who lost his wife + four children (out of six) came with
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his two remaining children to us here in St. Louis advertised for me in the papers and was overjoyed to fund us nearly a year, then went back to the old Plantation.
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St. Louis
When we reached St. Louis 1863, the war being still in progress, I reported to the Provost Marshal and was parolled. I was restricted under this Paroll to St. Louis Co. until close of the war a parolled prisoner.
I was called upon in Memphis to take the Oath of allegiance to Gov. This, I declined to do. avowing my sympathies with the Confederacy but was ready to [promis] to abstain from any disloyalty in speech or action while I lived here.
It was many months before we could communicate with our three married daughters in the South. After we fell into the Federal Lines at Lake Providence and they were long in ignorance of our whereabouts or condition.
At that time I was laboring under a disease (Polypus in the nostril) Before the fall of New Orleans I had gone to
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Dr. Stone for surgical relief, temporarily relevied effectually by Dr. Pope of St. Louis, both eminent surgeons. Both were very kind to me. This ailment affected my speach + disqualified me from preaching.
I also had restrictions imposed by the state government forbidding under penalty of imprisonment , the exercise of the ministry without an oath taken to ________ from disloyalty, because also of the local inconvenience of my home I remained without ministerial charge. In 1865 at the close of the war we revisited the South and would have remained there, but found things so disorganized that we have our since made this our home. Through I have made a visit there every hunter in looking after our affairs.
My sons in law Thos McAllister and Hirum Chambliss both died. My widowed daughters with their and children require my support.
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Oak Hill Church
In 1864 toger with Mr. Parks organized a church on the Gravois had preached there every Sunday until the fall 1868 when from the removed of many of the members + concequent failure of support, the enterprise was dropped. Since then have been without ministered charge, preaching only occasionally.
When my family was large, often preaching in my own house.
Ivory Station
In addition to preaching last summer, in one + a very interesting occasion, we celebrated the ordenance of the Lords Supper, by the church in my house. Consisting of myself, my wife and five oldest daughters. A season to be long remembered by us all.
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In 1867 I was transferred from my connection with the Pres. Central [Mi] to the Pres. of St. Louis old school.
Last year was moderator of Pres. and opened the meeting with a sermon at Bonhomme Church.
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Many year ago I received into the Church a youth John Alexande (Comite Church) he is now living in St. Charles mo elder of the church.
Revd J. D. Lanny whom I received into the church at Jackson appeared here last year- lectured on Italy.
Wm Parks was a member of Comite Church under my ministry and I gave him a letter for admission in a church in Ohio, meet him in 1865 then a Presbyterian Minister.
Revd G. W. [Vancost]
Was the only acquaintance to meet + greet me on my arrival in St. Louis. There has been some parallelism in [britory] we were both graduates of Princeton College + Seminary both spent a year or two in Vaginia, both went to Natchez and both married there he was one of the presbyters of Miss that ordained me both eventually moved to St. Louis.
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Names Remembered
Pine Ridge Church
Wm Bisland
Thas Grafton
James McCaleb
Saml Marshall
Mrs Shields
Miss Brooks
Mrs Pickes
Plains Church
Jas Lilly
Jno Bogan
Mrs Grun
Mrs Young
Mr London
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Jackson Church
Parsons Carter
Allt Penny
J. Chapman
L. Nichols
Mrs Vick
M. W. Hughes
Wm King
Thas Scott
Wm Stewart
Mrs Christmas
Mrs Fishburn
Mrs Atchinson
Mrs Badger
Harmony Church
Thas Grafton
Dr. Duncan
Mrs. Hughes
Mrs. Darden
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Comite Church
Peter Wilson
Wm Sulivan
H. Duncan
David Pipes
B Grases
Major Woodward
L. Boatnis
Mr Winters
Wm Liscomb
John James
Pancord Church
Norman Campbell
Mrs. McElivay
Mrs Skillman
Ok Hill
John Russel
Mr Till
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This little book is nearly [loved or lived] is nearly finished a few more pages will being its records to a close. So with my life. By far the larger potion has been lived. A few more [leases or leaves] turned over will bring [fines] having dwelt in eleven locatives I will next come to.
Moralizing
It seems a fitting occation to moralize list to my ministerial life + its results. I can not boast of so many converts as fruits + seals of my ministry. I have been in the ministry 43 years until a short time since have laboured in the Lords vinyard preaching at least, every lords day. Have built up several church that were feeble, made them self supporting in some laying the foundation, in rebuilding until they acquired strength. I mourn that I have accomplished so little but what it has been the great day will declare.
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Moralizing
I have lived the ministerial work and had I [son], should have endeavored to train him for the same Holy office. It is the highest held on earth. Highest both in honor + responsibility I have from time to time sought + made efforts for reserved active employment Put the increasing infermities of age and the taste [or trust] of the people eschewing the old style and enclosing to young men in the ministry and situation of my home renders it probable that I shall not again assume, active work. I have rather to look forward now, to rendering up the account of my stewardship to the Cheif Shephard.
As to my financial condition + history it has partaken both the aspect of Adversity + Prosperity. I have never known want but since the callamities of the war my circumstances are reduced under heavy taxation.
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My property in Louisiana has greatly depreciated the emancipation of the slaves in which a large potion of my own wealth and the estates of my Cousin Law (deceased) were involved has reduced [kas] to comparative poverty.
With the blessing of God and use of economy, I hope to have a sufficient support for my family, while I live am carrying on a life policy of insurance on my life for their conflict.
I owe no debt, except mortgage on my residence given to some the [Lisburn] property, from sacrafice.
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Moral Reflections
I am now nearing the period usually assigned to the natural terminous of human life and naturally reflect on the subject of death.
The reflection is not painful to me I have some anxiety about provisions for my family, but can safely leave them in the hands of the Lord.
In prospect of the great change, when it comes I think I can repose with confidence on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus my Lord. I will say
“I know in whom I have believed” In his righteousness alone do I ground my trust
“Who gave himself for us”
So strong is my faith in the gospel plan of salvation that sinful as I am, yet believing in + loving him death will be stripped of his [terror or terrow] to me.
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I think Christ + his love and precious promises have become dearer to me year by year.
I am more + more uniformed in my belief of revealed truth.
I am more + more satisfied to refer every question, as to morals + dogmas to the decision of the Holy Spirit and I would say to all satisfy yourself.
The Bible becomes more + more to me the book of [Books].
First as to the main question to the bible what it claims to be a revelation from God? When you bare settled the point then give it your whole soul. Let it be the man of your council + your guide
Be the your standard
The foundation of Christ on which I stand is a firm foundation.
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Slavery
Such odium has a fate attached to this institution, that it seems proper that I should upon record my sentiments on the subject.
At the time of emancipation I owned 40 slaves most of whom were born on my own place. Others bought with my own money.
With my Bible for my guide I had no conscientious scruples on the subject, if I had not thought it right I should not have been a slaveholder.
I thought and still think it right. I have never repented. My slaves were happy in their condition, I sought faithfully to perform my duty to them. It was a heavy responsibility, I never sold one without his or her concent, or bought without the same consent. They adheared to me to a man, when they might have taken refuge with the liberating army, even sought my advice.
Their liberation was a great loss
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Responsibility + care of them was equally great, it was a system very liable to be abused. My views were that it was my duty to be faithful in my relation to them so long as in the Providence of God, that relation was mantained. That God would in his own time would bring about their liberation and as soon as war broke out, I believed the time had come so expressed myself- I hailed it.
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Secession
In the great conflict between the North + South, I believed and still believe that the South was right in their cause, it had my hearty aspousal
When secession peacible failed, I was a rebel. The cause of the North prevailed I yelded the cause under strong arm.
The cause succeeded and I submitted, but the principles and politics for which the South contended had my full sympathy under what I believed to be the true Construction of Federal Constitution.
I am now a loyal citizen of the United States
But impenitent.
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I am now 66 year of age.
My wife 61, have been married 39 years.
Our union has been loving and happy. Our mutual attachment and confidence has increased with age. We have six daughters living, two deceased.
The Pleiades
Or constellation of the seven stars
Of this seven stars only six remain.
So my daughters, seven there were
But six remains.
Hallie my Pride
Ludie “ Comfort
Mary “ Faith
Callie “ Joy
Alma “ Hope
Lida “ Help
Mattie “ Crown