From Gauss and his Children

Journal, 1887

Contents 1 Journal, 1887 1.1 January 1.2 February 1.3 March 1.4 April 1.5 May 1.6 June 1.7 July 1.8 August 1.9 September 2 Source 3 Notes

John Jay Johns Journal, 1886<---->John Jay Johns Journal, 1888

January

Jan. 1, 1887. Here begins another stage in the journey of life and with me past 67 it is a down grade. And here I raise another memorial and say "Hitherto hath the Lord helped me, Forever blessed be His Name of the goodness and mercy to me all the time. During the past year the Lord has been exceedingly kind to us as a family. We have had almost uninterrupted health and a bountiful supply of all our wants. The only regrets is our own ingratitude and unprofitableness in His service. Our children are scattered far away, have been kept in good health and comfortable. The Lord's name be praised. May the Lord give us grace in the coming year to honor, love and serve Him more faithfully. And may it be a year of great prosperity for his cause and kingdom in the earth. Called in afternoon on Mrs. Watson, Mrs. Ross and the Martins.

Jan. 2, 1887. Sabbath. Shirley returned from Wentzville. I fear the peaches are killed again as they have been for four winters past. It is so unusual to have so many sever winters in succession. Fortunately, the wheat is well protected by the heavy snow. Another good thing for our town there is suffering among the poor, as the car shops give full employment to all that want work. May this first Sabbath be the beginning of good things to all God's people in this and all lands. We had a good sermon from Mr. Howison today on God the bearer of prayer. Today begins the week of prayer by all Christians in all lands. John Douglas called on us this p.m. greatly improved and they are doing well in St. Louis. Eleanor Martin came over and took tea with us.

Jan. 3, 1887. Eleanor Martin came over in afternoon to bid us goodbye, she leaves on the 9 p.m. train for Lexington, Mo. Shirley and I attended the union prayer meeting at Methodist Church this evening, good meeting. My wife has been a good deal troubled with rheumatism in right writst for several days. Received a letter from Mr. Gauss today and mattie and Calvert Johns. Old Dr. Pen, long an elder in Mispah Church, St. Louis, Co., was buried today, 78 years old.

Jan. 8, 1887. Jim Pourie and Lawrence Davis stayed all night with Shirley. Intense cold in northwest.

Jan. 11, 1887. Old Mr. Charles Johnson died this morning at 5 o'cl. aged 95 years. His mind, health and strength was wonderfully good until the last few months. He was an honest, high-minded, worthy man. My wife and I called at his house this p.m. and at Mr. William Parks. Mrs. Glenday has eczema.

Jan. 13, 1887. Attended the funeral of old Mr. Charles Johnson. I have known him for 40 years. Mr. and Mrs. Howison, Daisy and Aphra Martin took tea with us. Mrs. Wm. Parks called in afternoon.

Jan.15, 1887. We attended a church sociable this evening at Mr. Snyder's. At night attended a meeting of the Literary and Scientific Association at the St. Charles College. They propose a public library for the town and Mr. Alexander read an essay on the origin of written language.

Jan. 19, 1887. Received a letter from Louisa Morgan and Mattie. John Morgan has gone to the Indian Nation to stay till spring hoping the milder climate will help him. Called on Mrs. Alf Stonebraker in forenoon, called on Mrs. Frayser in afternoon. Tome Barron came on 6 o'cl train, he and Mr. Howison and myself were appointed a committee by the Presbytery to consider the Shotwell case.

Jan. 21, 1887. Received a letter from Mary Pearce, she has great trouble with Tom and Anna. The old horse in bad condition. Called on Mrs. Ross and Reverend Mr. Woods, Learned that Judge Barwise died yesterday morning at 2 o'cl, 96 years old od cancer - also that Wilson Fergerson died a few days ago in Arizona of consumption.

Jan. 25, 1887. Old Mr. Haigler died last night, aged 79. Had my pork jung up in smoke house. Went to the funeral of Mr. Haigler in afternoon. He has been a member of the Meghodist Church nearly 60 years. Shirley went over to the Martins to tea with Lawrence Davis who goes to Virginia tomorrow. We received a letter from Mattie today, she expects to go to Tezas 1st of March. We commenced buying milk of Sturmer yesterday evening, something new for us.

Jan. 27, 1887. This afternoon I went out to Lindenwood to attend a religious service in the order of prayer for schools and colleges. Reverend Dr. Martin of St. Louis made an address on christian growth. This is a matter of vital concern to the future of church and nation that our schools and colleges should be pervaded by a strong healthy religious influence. It is a happy thing that most of the colleges are religious institutions, even our state universitys are manned by chirstian men. Ober Kutter died, he has been very feeble for years. I have dealt with him as shoemaker for forty-on years, an honest man.

Jan 29, 1887. Attended the funeral of Mrs. Lock this afternoon. Shirley and some boys cut down an elm tree in the front meadow.

February

Feb. 1, 1887. Saw Lelia Garvin at church Sunday. Received letter from Eleanor Martin and Ellen Cowan. This is a dark cold morning, mercury 14°, before day it commenced sleeting a small white sleet and still continued, ground is covered -- 2 inches, fine for wheat. Papers full of war rumors in Europe. all the great nations arming to the teeth, each fearing the other -- the burden of supporting great armies equal to war itself. Mrs. Durfee sent by mail 2 pairs of shoes for Fred's little girls.

Feb. 4, 1887. Valentine Becker died today, he was an old citizen about 72 years old, wealthy but has been in decline for several years, mind affected.

Feb. 5, 1887. Received postals from George and Mattie and a letter from Henry Gauss about the troubles in the church with Dr. Niel's drinking. Mattie expects to be here on 13th of this month on her way to Texas. Franklin Becker called to ask me to act as pallberer for his father's funeral tomorrow at 10 o'cl. Called on Mrs. Watson in afternoon, she is a lonely old lady - nobody to live with her and cannot keep a servant for any length of time, she is so peculiar - plenty of money but don't know how to enjoy it. Mrs. Glenday thinks she felt an earthquake in the night.

Feb. 7, 1887. Received a delightful letter from Arthur today, he was elected Deacon in the church at San Antonio recently. Their business has been good last year, they cleared $5,000.00. Dr. Neil is giving the church trouble. Received a letter from Tom Morgan, Will Morgan left John in the Indian Nation with his uncles. He has greatly improved. Mrs. Luther Robinson died yesterday.

Feb. 10, 1887. In afternoon I went to appraise the personal property of Charles Johns with others. Mrs. Shore will return to Wentzville. The Ladies Sewing Society met here this p.m. They accomplish a great deal for the church. My wife and Shirley went to the Mite Society at Mr. Wm. Parks' tonight. Called in afternoon on some poor families who children come to our Sunday School.

Feb. 13, 1887. Sabbath. We gave up services at our church this morning and went to the Jefferson Street Church to hear Dr. Brookes and in the evening he preached in our church. His morning sermon was based on the conduct of Queen Estehr in her interposition with the king to save her people, the Jews from destruction. He drew from the great doctrine of grace in the death of Christ for his people. It was a very powerful sermon. The sermon at night was drawn from an incident in the life of King Ahab "He was busy here and there and he was gone". It was grand. George and Minnie came to McDearmon's. George came home with us to dinner from church and spent afternoon. Minnis is to remain all week and he will come up occasionally.

Feb. 15, 1887. Received letters from Mattie and Lizzie, Lizzie's folks have made up their minds not to come to Missouri next summeer on account of the expense. I was appointed Curator of Mary Pearce's children by Probate Court and have an order of sale of their interest in the Pearce land. Mr. John Redmon is quite sick with a carbunckle on back of neck. William Parks is sick with fever. Called at Mr. Alderson's in afternoon, he has written a paper on the liquor laws of the state -- the high license laws, its effects in reducing dram shops and in increasing the revenue. Mrs. Shore and daughter called here in afternoon.

Feb. 19, 1887. Mattie came this forenoon, George came on the early train.

Feb. 22, 1887. This is a memorable day in the national annals -- the birthday of Washington, a name preeminently above all other earthly names. The Martin girls called, also Minnie Bruere. Called on Mrs. Ross. The German elections reported favorable to the government which means Bismark's measure to increase the army and is considered to mean peace with France. Mattie and Mary Pearce left, Mattie goes to San Antonio, Texas. She is a little body, but so full of life and energy -- Mary's is an unhappy life, such a poor trifling, lazy, ill-tempered husband. How different the lot of the same family.

Feb. 25, 1887. I am reading "Creoles of New Orleans" by Cable. The creoles are the descendants of old French settlers of New Orleans. New Orleans and that part of Louisiana was first settled about 1685 by French from Canada and France and some Spanish. They had great difficulties to encounter with Indians, floods and the changes of government from France to Spain and back and then England. This continued for 80 years. Wrote to John Pearce and Mr. Ezra Overall.

Feb. 28, 1887. I went to the Methodist Church wher Reverend Mysonhiemer is conducting a meeting. He is quite young and certainly the most nervous and excitable man I ever saw. He does everything to create excitement. Received a postal from Mary Pearce, they expect to move tomorrow.

March

Mar. 2, 1887. Helped to appraise the personal property of Mr. Jesse Haigler's extate. Received a letter from Mattie and postal from Arthur who met her at the same place he met us, 50 miles this side of San Antonio. Mrs. Capt. Woodson, sister of Mrs. Frayser, was buried yesterday, 80 yrs, he is 90. Received a postal from Mary Johns, they saw Mattie as she passed through Austin, Texas.

Mar. 7, 1887. Court is in session today. Mrs. Ross and C. Shaw called in afternoon. I called at Mrs. Frayser's in afternoon. Henry Ward Beecher reported dying of apoplexy. He has been a very prominent man for 30 years in this country, somewhat erratic as a theologian, some clouds over his moral character -- but great power as an orator. We attended the funeral of Mamie Overall, a daughter of Dr. Overall, aged 19 -- she died in Kansas City, was buried here. Reverend John Robinson, her uncle, conducted the services. It was a very solemn and impressive service, she was raised here. Received a letter from Mary Pearce, they are at their new home in Lincoln County.

Mar. 11, 1887. Mrs. Howison returned from Arkansas. John Cunningham and I sold 46 acres of E. C. Cunningham's land to Max Lang for $4,300.00. Professor Meyers came out to see Mrs. Durfee to talk with her about old Mrs. Collier, the founder of St. Charles College. I planted a small patch of early Ohio potatoes in garden, I put a little ashed in the hill and then put mixed straw and manure on top with some earth over it. Plowed the patch behind stable and planted it in early Ohio potatoes, put some straw on part of them. These are raised on shares with colored man, Curtis -- give him one-third. Bads, the great engineer is reported dead. Went to Lindenwood to an entertainment of music, recitations and essays.

Mar. 14, 1887. Received a letter from Mattie, she had a note from Fred saying his baby, Eleanor, was dangerously ill. The San Antonio people all well. Mrs. Howison took tea with us. Mrs. Alderson quite sick again. Called on William Parks in afternoon.

Mar. 17, 1887. Mrs. Alderson is much worse today and the doctors think she is dangerously ill. I attended a meeting at St. Charles College this afternoon to celebrate the birthday of George Collier who aided liberally in endowing the college, - his mother founded the college first. The calisthenics drill of the boys was fine. Saw Dr. John Pitman today, his mother is dying.

Mar. 19, 1887. Mrs. Alderson better this morning. Mrs. David K. Pitman died this morning at O'Fallen;

Mar. 21, 1887. Mr. Howison preached on the values and influence of the Bible yesterday. St. Charles County Bible Society met last night. Received a letter from Leakey from Mattie, she and Arthur went out there last Tuesday. Fred's Baby very ill with braonchial pneumonia. I sent $25.00 today to J. B. Gabaniss, Huntsville, Ala., Register in Chancery, as costs in the Mary P. Rice will case which we are contesting in the Chancery Court. Called on Mrs. Frayser in forenoon.

Mar. 22, 1887. I attended a meeting of the Literary and Scientific Society at St. Charles College this evening. Mr. Alexander read his paper on the origin of the Cherokee Indian Alphabet. It was invented by an untutored Indian. Syllables instead of letters -- 86 of them, and is so simple that a boy can learn to read in two days. We received letters from Arthur, Mary and Eugene Gauss. Arthur wrote the day after he returned from Fred's, says the baby was better -- very dry there. In afternoon I called on Mrs. Salveter and Mrs. Ross, and Mrs. Watkins.

Mar. 25, 1887. In afternoon I distributed some cards for Dr. Wells' evangelistic work in our church to begin Sunday Night. Called on Mrs. Alf Stonebraker.

Mar. 26, 1887. We expect Dr. Wells, our synodical evangelist tonight. I walked with Shirley through the car shops this afternoon. It is a big thing, especially since the addition of passengers car building. A letter from Mattie today, the baby was decidedly better.

Mar. 27, 1887. Sunday. Dr. Wells came last night at 10 o'cl. He preached at night, Mr. Howison in morning. Had a large audience, he is a clear strong preacher and very conservative in his methods, no excitement.

Mar. 30, 1887. Dr. Wells is preaching very able and powerful sermons to large audiences. May the Lord save the people. Commenced snowing in the morning and continued all day and in the evening the snow was 4 inches deep -- something rare for this season. Getting to church was difficult but the audiences were good under the circumstances. Madge Martin and Shirley stood up, expressing concern for their souls. May the Lord enable them to accept the Savior.

April

Apr. 1, 1887. Dr. Wells preached a great sermon last night on the General Judgment. A great many people attend from all classes -- Germans too. Two young men called to see Dr. Wells in afternoon to tlk on religion. There is a good deal of interest on the subject.

Apr. 4, 1887. Dr. Wells preached a great sermon last night on the way made plain. He preaches with power and is mighty in the scriptures. The meetings are good and greatly to the edification of Christian.

Apr. 7, 1887. Dr. Gurgerson and wife and Mr. Alderson called to see Dr. Wells. Saw Colonel Hutton today. Mr. and Mrs. Howison took dinner with us today. Dr. Well is getting ready to leave tomorrow. I gave him a sprout from the wild olive tree of Syria to send home.

Apr. 9, 1887. Dr. Wells closed his series of mettings last night, large audiences -- everybody parted with great reluctance, he made friends of everybody that heard him -- his sermons made a powerful impression on all who heard him. A great and lasting impression was made on Christians. He is the most thoroughly equipped, most conservative and the wisest Evangelist I ever saw, he is a warm-hearted, general man. Dr. Wells left us this morning for Ketesville, Missouri. There is a scheme talked of and urged by Dr. Wells that the two churches employ one pastor -- worship together alternately in the two churches. Some oppose it -- it might do well if fairly tried. The two congregations are small and it would save the labor of one minister.

Apr. 12, 1887. Received letters from Mary Johns at Waco, Texas, and Louisa Morgan. Morgan is thinking of selling out and going to Howell County, Southeast, Missouri. John is still in Indian Nation and is better. William Johns and his wife are in Mississippi.

Apr. 15, 1887. Received a letter from Mary Pearce. In afternoon rode out to Mrs. Durfee's farm. The Wheat looks fine but the ground is dry as powder. Dierker has made a good bit of wire fence on the place this spring. Called at John Lindsay's, saw Mrs. James Lindsay and Mary Lindsay rode in with me. The papers report good rains in Texas, great relief to drought sticken state. Letters from Mattie and Henry Gauss saying that Lizzie had a fine boy. Married expect to start home next Monday, and probably stop over at Austin a day and night. Cleaning house yesterday and today. Had some cinders and sand put on the walk in front yard.

Apr. 19, 1887. Some white frost and some thin ice in low places, mercury 40°. John Pearce came about 2 o'cl p.m., he looks very well and gives a very favorable account of things at home -- oats up, 30 acres sowed and a good deal of corn land plowed, horses in good condition. Called on Mrs. Bacon today.

Apr. 25, 1887. Old Mrs. Sheppard and Miss Lizzie Kirkpatrick called. Having wood shed covered today by Mr. Bates, John Lon mending fences. Received a letter from Henry Gauss saying that Lizzie and baby getting along very well and named the baby Mathew after Mattie. Wrote Rutherford Douglas asking him to come on when the Assembly meets in St. Louis next month.

May

May 1, 1887. Sabbath. We had communion in our church today in which the Jefferson Street Church joined. Mrs. Bacon's child baptized and several members received on profession. The little pigs I got of John Lindsay got out of the pen yesterday evening, recovered three of them this afternoon, one missing yet.

May 2, 1887. In afternoon I put my horse in the buggy for the first time and he worked finely. Had scraped the old paper off the kitchen walls so as to whitewash them and Kertendolf whitewashed it today.

May. 7, 1887. My wife and I called at Mrs. Salveter, our horse and buggy is a great comfort to us. Attended the sociable at Mrs. Alexander's tonight. George came up and brought his little boy, George, with him on early train. He is a bright little fellow, good natured, just as friendly with us all as if he knew us intimately, only about 15 months old. He slept with his Aunt Mattie as quietly as with his mother.

May 10, 1887. Went to Lindenwood last night to hear a lecture by Reverend J. Addison Smith on trip half way round the world -- England, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey and the Holy Land and Egypt and pyramids. He has a great deal of imagination and verbosity, a wonderful memory and very nervous manner.

May 12, 1887. My wife, Shirley, Mattie and Mrs. Glenday went to St. Louis this morning on early train to do some shopping. I rode out to Mrs. Durfee's place and then down to my place on Marias Croche. Our golks didn't get back till 9:30 o'cl train, they were detained by Dr. Spencer who examined my wife's ears -- says she has catarrh and he can help her. George is in Jefferson City reporting the proceedings of the call session of Legislature to make laws to regulate railroads in the state.

May 15, 1887. Sabbath. Mr. Howison preached a missionary sermon -- showing the duty Christ's command -- the great success of modern missions, the great number offering to go and the backwardness of the church to furnish the means.

May 16, 1887. My wife and mattie went to St. Louis on 11 o'cl train to see Dr. Spencer. Received letters from Fred, Arthur -- they report fine rains in that region, a great blessing to them. My wife and Mattie returned on evening train. They took lunch at George's.

May 19, 1887. Great number of hands and teams and tents and carts arrived here yesterday to begin work on the Central Railroad. My wife and I went to St. Louis this morning on early train. Went first to Dr. Spencer's and then to the opening of General Assembly. Sermon by former Moderator, Dr. Bryson of Alabama. Text: "When I am lifted up I will draw all men to Me." Dr. Strickler was elected moderator. I saw a good many old friends -- Dr. W. W. Robertson, Uncas McCluer, Mrs. Strother, Dr. Rutherford, Dr. Smoot, Dr. Logan and wife and Mrs. Cayes. We took dinner with Minnie.

May 22, 1887. Sabbath. This morning, Reverend Mr. Moffet of Kentucky, a commisioner to the General Assembly preached for us, Text: "Now there is no condemation to them who are in Christ Jesus", a very fine sermon. At night, Reverend Mr. Shaw of Louisiana, A Commissioner to the Assembly preached a good sermon on text: "Whosoever keepth the whole law and affends in one point is guilty of all".

May 24, 1887. My wife, Shirley and I went to St. Louis on the early train this morning, called at Dr. Spencer's who is treating my wife for catarrh. Shirley went on the George's with a basket of strawberries. We then went to the General Assembly at Grand Avenue Church. Dr. Smoot of Texas, commenced the discussion of the question of the organic union with the northern Assembly -- taking strong ground against it. The argument was that they construe the standards of the church differently from us. 2d-Boards unconstitutional and outside the church and dangerous. He spoke 2-1/2 hours ably. Took dinner at George's went to the Natatorium with Shirley.

May 25, 1887. We returned home yesterday evening on the accommodation train. Heard part of Judge Livingston's reply to Dr. Smoot yesterday. Heard him with difficulty. The question is whether a commission whall be appointed to confer with a committee from the Norther church on organic union, the committee instructed to insist on our interpretation of the standards and the separation of the colored churches from the white churches. My wife and I called on Reverend Mr. Wilson and family at Mrs. Frayser's. He is Mrs. Frayser's brother.

May 27, 1887. The General Assembly voted to send a committee to confer with a like committee of the Northern Assembly on organic or cooperative union, 81-59. They will discuss the standards, the Boards and the colored church matter. My wife and Mattie went to St. Louis today. Mrs. Durfee, Julia Martin and I went to see the Art Exhibition at Lindenwood in afternoon. My wife returned on early train.

May 29, 1887. Sabbath. Our church people and the Methodist attended the Baccalaureate services of Lindenwood College at the Jefferson Street Church, Dr. Irwin. Twelve graduates, Reverend Mr. Wilson of Arkansas is here and will preach tonight. He has two daughters at Lindenwood. The Martin girls called after tea and also Mr. and Mrs. Howison.

June

June 1, 1887. We went out to the commencement exercises at Lindenwood. The school is very flourishing as to numbers. Ellen and her Aunt Ellen Cowan came on early train. Dr. King of Waco, Texas, preached for us tonight. A most delightful sermon. "This night the Angel of Good whom I am and whom I serve stood by me. " 1 Romans. God always gives his people help in their time of need. Aunt Ellen is now 71 years old, it is 14 years since she was here. They return to St. Louis tomorrow.

June 3, 1887. George's little boy, George, was brought up yesterday evening by the McDearmon's. Minnie was sick and George sent him up to stay with us, under the special care of Mattie. He is delighted here. Received a postal from George this a.m., saying Minnie had a boy at 7 o'cl p.m. yesterday and also a postal from Arthur reporting the arrival of a little girl in his house. This is four grandchildren in six months. Called on Mrs. Ross in afternoon. My wife went to St. Louis to see Dr. Spencer, returned on early train.

June 5, 1887. Sabbath. The St. Charles College had their Baccalaureate sermon in our church today, sermon by Dr. Lewis. His text: Not by night, not by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord. It was a very able sermon, showing the spiritual nature of the church and no earthly powers, wealth, learning or political influences helped it without the Holy Spirit. In afternoon my wife had an attack of something like Cholera Morbus. Had Dr. Bruere to see her.

June 6, 1887. Received a letter from Mary Johns in Mississippi. she is among her old friends in Jacson and at Alf's in Madison County. I attended the examination at the College this forenoon. My wife is better, rode out this morning. Received a letter from Ellen Cowan. Attended the St. Charles College Exhibition at the Opera House, some of the essays and declamations and orations were very good. This afternoon, by invitation, we went to take tea at Lindenwood with the elders and their wives of the two churches and Mr. Howison and wife.

June 11, 1887. Received letters from Mary Pearce, Lizzie and George. My wife better after a slight attack. I saw Mr. John Booth of St. Louis, who when a boy, 34 years ago, was at my house with his grandfather, old Mr. Naylor. His mother was an intimate friend of Mrs. Durfee and Mr. Durfee married his father and mother.

June 13, 1887. Received letters from Arthur and Fred, all well and report abundant rains which means prosperity for Texas. Mr. Borden and Shirley expect to reach here Friday morning. Attended the examination at Public School this forenoon, Moehlenchamp's room, where Shirley is very good.

June 14, 1887. Shirley went out with a large party over to Creve Coeur Lake today. My wife goes to St. Louis to see Dr. Spencer. Shirley did not get back until 9 o'cl.

June 16, 1887. Mr. Borden and Shirley came to breakfast, they look well, sunburnt. Shirley is large and inclined to flesh. They have been absent nearly four months in Sandwish Islands. The Islanders are not very promising, they do not take lead in anything -- foreigners control business. Great many Chinese and Portugese there as laborers. Islanders lack energy and on the decrease, not many children. They have their own separate congregatioins in religious matters and the whites have theirs, something like our negroes and whites in this country -- sugar is the principal production, some rice and bananas. We rode to Mrs. Durfee's and my farm in the forenoon.

June 17, 1887. Spent most of the forenoon with Mr. Borden, he is very much concerned about getting a new pastor for his church in Philadelphia. Mattie has been with us two months, we will miss her very much. Wheat took a terrible tumble in Chicago a few days ago. It dropped 18 cents in one day, certain parties had been cornering it for 2 months and could not hold out any longer -- a crash came and broke a great many -- the ill effect of grain gambling. Shirley concluded to work in the cob-pipe factory for a while at 25¢ per day. He has to be there at 7 o'cl a.m., from 12 to 1 o'cl -- dinner and then till 6 o'cl p.m. I fear it will be too confining for the hot weather. The great New York World and Post-Dispatch balloon went up from St. Louis yesterday afternoon at 4:30 o'cl pm.m, -- thousands witnessed it. Four persons went in it. Lieutenant Macon of the Weather Bureau, one of them. They propose to move east to New England. The papers this a.m. report it going through Ohio, Michigan during the night. The balloon came down in Illinois.

June 21, 1887. I rode out to John Cunningham's in afternoon, he is harvesting wheat. Robert Pourie came in afternoon. My wife went to St. Louis to see Dr. Spencer. We called on Mrs. Salveter on way to Depot. The old lady is very low and Mr. Salveter is suffering greatly with insomnia and his old head disease. Learned today that Mr. Vardeman of Wentzville is very low with kidney trouble. Received a postal from Mattie, arrived safely home, George is going to give up his house and board in the country near city.

June 26, 1887. The Ladies Sewing Society had a picnic this afternoon at Mr. R. H. Parks. We had a delightful time, though confined to the house by rain.

June 27, 1887. Had my hay put in barn in afternoon. Called at Mr. Howison in afternoon. Mrs. J. K. McDearmon and Mrs. Gorden called in afternoon. I am 68 years old today. I can truly say, goodness and mercy have followed ma all my days -- Jesus is all in all. George is here spending a week's vacation, he and Shirley went out to Cole's Creek to shoot frogs and got ten. My wife went to St. Louis to see Dr. Spencer. Mrs. Vardeman is better. Papers report the death of Mrs. Bredill of St. Louis.

June 29, 1887. George and Shirley went with a party down to Wauch's Lake to fish. My tenants finished threshing wheat yesterday. Called to see Mr. Wm. Parks in afternoon. George and Shriley caught no fish.

June 30, 1887. Letters from Dollie and Mattie. Saw Robert Gauss this morning, he will take tea with us this evening, he looks well, fleshy -- has been gone 7 years in Colorado. He is delighted with Denver, he is assistant editor of the Denver Republican. He spent a week with his father's family near Columbia.

July

July 2, 1887. Saw Colonel Hutton, our congressman, this morning. Robere Pourie is anxious to have his son, Jim, appointed to Annapolis Naval Academy. Colonel Hutton gave the appointment. I dined at Pourie's with Colonel Hutton, Mr. & Mrs. Howison. Dr. Witherspoon of New Orleans will speak tomorrow night at church on work for the salvation of seamen.

July 4, 1887. The Nation is 111 years old today and what a wonderful history it has, -- in its youth and yet a might giant in size, strength, numbers and wealth. We have great privileges, civil and religious and abound in vast resources of wealth and power. While there is a great deal of true religion and intelligence, there is a great deal of ignorance and wickedness. Our foreign population have crowded us too fast, we are threatened by a dangerous class of socialists and Intemperance and Sabbath breaking and lawlessness are fearful. The restlessness of the labor class under the influence of demagogy is another dangerous element. Nothing but the Gospel, under God, can save us. George went back to work or to resume his work, Minnie and the children went to her father's in forenoon. Received a letter from Mary Pearce today. Great many picnics and barbecues through the country today. I expect to put my oats in the barn tomorrow.

July 7, 1887. Shirley and I went up on the 6 o'cl a.m. train to Owen's Station in Lincoln County to see Mary Pearce and family. We borrowed a horse from a Mr. McCoy and went several miles out one way and got there about 8 o'cl. Found them all well but greatly troubled about the old horse, Tom, who was in a dying condition. It was the first time I ever was there. They live in an old fashioned log house with a great fireplace at one end. It is a good looking and rich country called Highland Prairie about 10 miles east of Troy. They have a very good crop of oats and corn. Wheat crop in that section very fine - 25 to 30 bu. per acre. I spent next day there and went over in afternoon to see Judge Walker, an old man and an old settler. He is very well fixed -- have good deal of property. He is a kinsman of mine, his mother was a Johns of Campbell County, Va. and a first cousin of my father. John and Shirley came with me to Owen's Station this morning and I came down on train at 11 o'cl a.m. I saw Mrs. Motly, nee Miss McCarty there. I crossed Quinn River at Owen's Station, it is quite a stream and very rich bottom lands on each side of it.

July 9, 1887. Called with my wife in Mrs. Ross, she is sick. Received a letter from Fred today, all well. Wrote to Mary Pearce, called on Mrs. Watson and Dr. Johnson's -- saw old Mr. B----? Johnson, now about 85 years old.

July 12, 1887. Shirley came home from Mary Pearce's. A letter from Eugene Gauss and Eleanor Martin took tea with us. Minnie and children, who came up with George on Sunday, returned to St. Louis to-day. They went out to Mrs. Morris' this evening to board. Met Reverend Samuel Watson at Mr. Howison's today. I rode to the bottom and across the bridge on Marias Croche to my farm. The corn on my bottom land is very small and needs rain very badly. The wheat is in the shok waiting the threshing machine. The corn on my place in prairie looks well but mush have rain to do well. They are stacking oats and hauling wheat. I never sold wheat as low before -- 68¢ per bu. My part of the wheat amounts to about 900 bushels.

July 14, 1887. Received a letter today from Mrs. Mary Johns who is visiting in Jackson, Miss. She says Will has bought a plantation in Madison Co., near Alf's. She has seen Cousin Betty Henry who lives in Brandon, Mississippi.

July 16, 1887. After tea my wife and I rode out beyond the cemetery. I wrote to John J. Walker, my cousin, in Farmville, Virginia. My wife and I rode up the river along the new Central Railroad embankment. Received postal from George, saying they were pleased with their new Home (Mrs Morris') in St. Louis County. I wrote to Ellen Cowan. The Martin girls took tea with us and we had ice cream. Received a letter today from Mattie at Fall River, Massachusetts.

July 19, 1887. The first rail was laid on the Central Missouri railroad today. My wife and Shirley and I rode out avter tea and then to prayer metting.

July 23, 1887. My wife and I called on Mrs. Watkins after tead. Received letters from Lizzie, Fred, Tom Johns and John J. Walker, both cousins and of my age living in Virginia. Tom Johns has lost one eye and John J. Walker is in poor health. We were boys together 57 years ago in ol Virginia. Called on Reverend Mr. Wilson at Mrs. Frayser's this forenoon.

July 24, 1887. Mr. Howison preached yesterday on the text in Timothy, God willeth that all men should be saved, expressing His benevolent feeling for all men, not in the sense of decreeing that all men shall be saved only those who accept of the Lord Jesus Christ are saved according to the Bible. Called on Mr. Howison early this morning. They leave this a.m. for Fulton, Missouri to spend a month. Received a Farmville Paper from John J. Walker giving account of Andrew Cowan's death. Received a letter from Mary Pearce, they they expect to get a farm near Moscow on Cuiver River. Called on William Park's in afternoon. He has had his speech before the General Assembly on organic union published in pamphlet form.

July 27, 1887. Went to the Episcopal Church last night to Bishop Tuttle preach. He preached a good sermon, on godly living every day. He is a large burly man with a good deal of evangelical spirit and strong common sense. Another hot burning day. How ungrateful we are for the many blessings from God continually that we fret and murmur when Providence affliction comes. Heard today that August Kruse's wife, my tenant, was very ill with spinal meningitis.

August

Aug. 2, 1887. I went down to my farm this morning to see Kruse's wife. I heard down town that she was dead. I found the family in great distress, She was sick only 3 days. The son, 17 years old, deaf and dumb, is in deep distress, he will miss her so much. She left 3 little girls beside. It is a sad thing when the mother and wife is taken away -- mysterious and afflictive Providence. I rode through the corn fields, most look green but not moist enough to mature the ears. The dust, the dust is terrible on the roads.

Aug. 3, 1887. I attended the funeral of Mrs. Kruse at the Catholic Church at 9 o'cl. I plowed a piece of late corn (golden dent) behind barn, itis about 2 ft high and green -- ground very loose. This is the day of election in Texas on Prohibition.

Aug. 5, 1887. Professor Rice of Westminster College, came yesterday evening -- remained all night with us. He is out looking up students for the College. I called at Lindenwood with him. He left on the 11 o'cl train for Fergurson. The election in Texas went against Prohibition large, probably 70,000. Saw Mr. Salveter, he is better, he has bought the Atkinson house. I called on MRs. Ross, she looks badly. The Ladies Missionary Society and Sewing Society met here this afternoon. Wheat has come down to an unprecedently low price, 69¢ in St. Louis. The drought keeps corn up, the farmers interest are greatly depressed, the cattle business in Texas in the same low condition.

Aug. 8, 1887. Young Wilbur Jones, a licensee of the Baptist Church preached for us yesterday. It was a good seremon. Nettie McCluer spent the day with us. John Cunningham and I made our first settlement in Probate Court today, we have sold land enough to pay most of the debts. Took my buggy to Schubert to be repaired and repainted. Met Mr. David Pitman in town. He is a very young looking man for 83. His wife died recently and he has to break up and leave the old home where he was born and raised and live with son, John, in Kirkwood.

Aug. 11, 1887. This is the hottest day of the summer, mercury 103° at 2 o'cl p.m. We had a dash of rain and southwest wind that blew down a cherry and old peach tree. The papers report the terrible railroad disaster on record, from 100 to 200 people killed on Train in Ilolinois, caused by a bridge giving away -- an excursion train with 900 passengers. Wrote to Fred, Arthur and Mattie.

Aug. 14, 1887. Sabbath. We have no preaching in our church today, Reverend Mr. Miller, a young man, preached in the Jefferson Street Church -- very good sermon, subject: man unfinished work. David collected the materials for the temple but Solomon built it.

Aug. 16, 1887. I rode out to Mr. Mountman's sale with William Kirkpatrick. He died a few weeks ago, insolvent. Great many people at the sale. I knew his father 43 years ago when I came here. He was a hard-working old German, a Lutheran. I had Sunday School every Sunday afternoon near the Mammals[Mountmans ??] and I taught him to read the New Testament in English. received a letter from Mary Pearce this p.m. She says they have rented a farm near them, had little rain but thinks their corn good. Mr. Fergerson called in forenoon with Reverend Mr. Miller. Eleanor Martin spent afternoon with us.

Aug. 21, 1887. Sabbath. Had a letter from Mattie in the White Mountains, yesterday. Mr. Alderson called in afternoon. Mr. Miller preached in morning at Jefferson Street Church. He extolled old John Brown as the great abolition apostle and denounced slavery from the text: "It is finished". It spoiled the sermon for me.

Aug 23, 1887. Mercury 62°, we have real cold wave, we need fire, it got colder all forenoon, seems wintry. Letter from Eugene and Annie Gauss, all well and they have had rain.

Aug. 28, 1887. Sabbath. Dr. Thomas Gallaher of Fulton preached for us morning and evening, both sermons were veryh fine and very instructive. George and Minnie and the children are in fine health, they came today, went in afternoon to the McDearmon's.

Aug. 30, 1887. Got a letter from Mattie at Fall River. Old Mr. Jefferson Borden is dead. Mr. Howison and John E. Stonebraker went to Presbytery at Dardenne Church today. Received letter from Ellen Cowan. Mrs. Glenday seems to be partially paralyzed today. It came on yesterday evening as I noticed some little trouble in talking, it is much more manifest today. She walks unsteadily, talks badly and her right hand is affected. Her family are subject to apoplexy. Dr. Johnson called to see Mrs. Glenday in afternoon, he says she is partially paralyzed -- her tongue and her right hand but thinks she will get over it. She talks with great difficulty and mind confused at times. Will Parks and Nora Salveter were married in the church tonight.

September

Sept. 1, 1887. Mrs. Glenday about the same this morining, she is quite nervous, complains of her head. It is a sad sight to see a person in her condition -- a wreck -- trying to talk with so much difficulty and conscious of her condition and so helpless. I wrote Mattie and Fred today. Called at Wm. Parks in afternoon. Mrs. Glenday has a great many warm friends among the ladies who are very anxious about her. Doctor called this afternoon and says she is no better. Mr. William Parks and wife, Mrs. Ross and Miss Charlotte Shaw and Eleanor Martin called after tea. Mrs. Watkins and her daughters, Laura and Eugenia called in afternoon and Cora Hoelkke and Bettie Watkins (Alderson). Shirley starts to the St. Charles College today.

Sept. 3, 1887. Mrs. Glenday is a little better though lies helpless, she is always helpless and despondent when sick. She may be disabled for a long time. Mr. and Mrs. Howison called and Mrs. Pourie. Eleanor Martin took tea and bade us farewell as she leave[s] for Lexington in the morning. wrote to Will Cowan. Mrs. Glenday told me last night that she wanted to be buried in City Cemetery and wanted the dead taken from the old Lindsay graveyard and put there too. She insists that she will not recover. Received a letter from Arthur and 2 letters from Mattie, she is back home in Phila.

Sept. 7, 1887. Mrs. Glenday continues about the same. My wife quite unwell with rheumatism. This was concert night for Foreign Missions at our church prayer meeting. We considered Greece especially. The Gospel was preached 1800 years ago by Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles. She is now held in spiritual thrallion by the corrupt Greek Church, the church is the state. Missionaries have labored there for fifty years with very little results. After 18 centuries this new countrey where the church is free and untrammeled, is sending the Gospel back to those old countries where the Apostles established the first churches.

Sept. 9, 1887. Mrs. Glenday is a little better. Yesterday Daisy Martin sat with her in forenoon to relieve Mrs. Durfee and today Bettie Watkins sat with her this a.m. Mr. & Mrs. Parks called after tea.

Sept. 10, 1887. No letter from Fred, it is now two months. Received a postal from Mary Pearce, she has had chills. They move next week to a place in the bottom near Moscow. Mr. and Mrs. Parks called after tea. Wrote George. Received a letter from Eleanor Martin, the school flourishing. Received a letter from Fred finally, he is downhearted on account of the drought, short crop, low price of cattle. Mary Johns writes from Will's in Madison County, Mississippi, gives an encouraging account of things there. Thomas Wharton and Ramsey are old, poor and deaf.

Sept. 13, 1887. The St. Charles Fair opens today. Received postal from Lizzie, letter from Mattie. I went out to the Fair. The samples of vegetables, fruits and grains are very good for so dry a season. I wrote to Fred today.

Sept. 14, 1887. Went out to the Fair, gread crows [sic], warm and dusty. We went to see the Trades Procession tonight. Qite a fine affair for our town. The Car Shops made a grand display.

Sept. 15, 1887. Took Mrs. Durfee to Fair in morning and my wife in afternoon. Mrs. Glenday is better of her paralysis but she complains and cries a great deal of some trouble in lower bowels. She is very nervous. Mrs. Allen and Fanny called in afternoon.

Sept. 17, 1887. Reverend Mr. McCarty preached for us last night and preaches this p.m. at 4 o'cl preparatory to communion tomorrow. He preached on the power of the Holy Spirit in regeneration and sanctification -- nothing less than His Power has enabled the church to survive opposition and the Christian to grow in grace, be useful and bear trouble. I wrote to Lou and Will Morgan on Miss Charlotte land business in Carroll County, Missouri. Mrs. Glenday is better.

Sept. 18, 1887. Sabbath. In afternoon the young people of our and other churches met to consider the formation of Society of Christian Endeavor. The matter was discussed and favorably entertained and adjourned to next Sunday to take definite action. Robert Pourie called in afternoon. Mr. McCarty preached another delightful sermon at night on the faith of the Centurion who ask our Saviour to heal his servant.

Sept. 20, 1887. Daisy Martin called this morning. I wrote a letter from Mrs. Glenday to her sister in Scotland telling her of her illness and asking her for some assistance. There is a serious trouble between Mr. and Mrs. Alderson and Bettie Watkins, the trouble grew out of Bettie's children and she left and went to her cousin, Mrs. Rhodes -- bad, bad all around. Letter today from Annie and Eugene Gauss. Called at Wm. Parks in afternoon. No signs of equinocal storms as yet.

Sept. 22, 1887. Received letters from Mattie and Louisa Morgan. John gone to Kansas to get some land for John. Excessively dry there. Mattie's letter gives an account of the great Centennial Celebration of Federal Constitution. Shirley wrote a letter to Mattie today, Mrs. Ross called and I called at Mr. Salveter's. Shirley and I went to St. Louis this morning. Called at the Post Dispatch office the see George. For ten days he has been writing a book for some man (extra work) for which he receives $200.00. We went to the great Exposition, it is a grand affair -- heard Gilmore's celebrated Band of 65 musicians. Saw the great picture of Christ before Pilate. Saw Dr. Farris and had a talk with him on church matters. Got a first rate dinner at Hotel Moser Restaurant for 25¢. Grand preparations going on in the city for the meeting of Grand Army of the Republic and the reception of President Cleveland, 1st of October at the opening of the Fair. I bought a suit, clothes and hats.

Sept. 25, 1887. Sabbath. No preaching in our church today, Mr. Howison sick. Dr. Irwin preached in the Jefferson Street Church. In afternoon went with Mrs. Durfee to see a very poor sick (whites family.

Sept. 29, 1887. The G.A.R. paraded in St. Louis yesterday in mud and rain. Called on Mrs. Ross in afternoon. Mr. Ezra Overall returned to town after two months absence. Saw Dan Overall, his nephew from California. After 3 months of extreme drought the ground is now wet again. I called at Robert Parks' in afternoon. Mrs. Parks has been quite sick for many weeks -- nervous prostration. Mrs. Fred Gallaher is there on a visit.

Source

Location of handwritten original unknown. Transcription and excerption by Florence Johns. Transcribed to softcopy by Susan D. Chambless, 2001.

Notes

• JJJ is my short-cut for my great great grandfather, John Jay Johns, who kept this journal for more than 40 years (18?? to 1899). He lived in St. Charles, Missouri. This is one page of a typed transcription done by his granddaughter, Florence Johns of San Antonio, Texas in the 1960s.
• Mr. Gauss is Eugene Gauss, father of JJJ's son-in-law, Charles Henry Gauss, and a long time neighbor. He had a son, also named Eugene
• Mattie was a daughter of JJJ and Jane Amanda Durfee. Shirley was a son of the same.
• Calvert Johns is JJJ's nephew, son of his brother, Alfred Johns
• Mrs. Glenday was the wife of Jane Amanda Durfee Johns' uncle, James Glenday. She was from Forfar, Angus, Scotland, and her birth name was Mary Thom.
• Louisa Morgan was the daughter of JJJ and Catherine Woodruff.
• Arthur was JJJ's son. His wife was Laura (Dolly) Tutt.
• Mary Pearce was JJJ's daughter. Her husband was Tom Pearce.
• Mary Johns was the wife (widow at this time) of JJJ's brother, Alfred Johns.
• Fred was JJJ's son.
• George and Mattie were JJJ's children, Henry Gauss was his son-in-law, husband of JJJ's daughter Charlotte Elizabeth (Lizzie).
• JJJ is my short-cut for my great great grandfather, John Jay Johns, who kept this journal for more than 40 years (18?? to 1899). He lived in St. Charles, Missouri. This is one page of a typed transcription done by his granddaughter, Florence Johns of San Antonio, Texas in the 1960s. See the rest of the journal I have typed so far at:

http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~schmblss/home/JohnsJournal/journal.htm Thanks to Skip & Winston Johns, there are now photos of some of these folks on my web site. Look for "The Virginia Stash".

• George and Mattie were JJJ's children, Henry Gauss was his son-in-law, husband of JJJ's daughter Charlotte Elizabeth (Lizzie). Little George would be George McDearmon Johns.
• Mrs. Glenday was the wife of Jane Amanda Durfee Johns' uncle, James Glenday. She was from Forfar, Angus, Scotland, and her birth name was Mary Thom.
• Arthur was JJJ's son.
• Mary Pearce was JJJ's daughter. Her husband was Tom Pearce.
• Mary Johns was the wife (widow at this time) of JJJ's brother, Alfred Johns.
• Fred was JJJ's son.
• Mrs. Durfee was JJJ's mother-in-law, mother of his wife, Jane Amanda Durfee. Mr. Durfee was Thomas Russell Durfee, a Presbyterian minister from Massachusetts.
• Louisa Morgan was JJJ's daughter from his first marriage to Catherine Woodruff.
• At least some of the Lindsays may have been relatives; Jane's grandmother was Anne Lindsay.
• Cholera Morbus - Acute gastroenteritis occurring in summer and autumn and marked by severe cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. No longer in scientific use. American Heritage Dictionary http://www.bartleby.com/am/
• Mr. Borden was Edmund Borden. He had been married to Jane Amanda Durfee's sister, Margaret, who died rather young. Shirley Borden was their son. JJJ's daughter, Mattie, went to Philadelphia to care for Shirley, after his mother died
• Thanks to Skip & Winston Johns, there are now photos of some of these folks on my web site. Look for "The Virginia Stash".
• Mary Pearce was JJJ's daughter. Her husband was Tom Pearce.
• Mary Johns was the wife (widow at this time) of JJJ's brother, Alfred Johns. Alf was probably Alfred Johns, Jr., her son.
• Fred was JJJ's son.
• Mrs. Durfee was JJJ's mother-in-law, mother of his wife, Jane Amanda Durfee. Mr. Durfee was Thomas Russell Durfee, a Presbyterian minister from Massachusetts.
• Louisa Morgan was JJJ's daughter from his first marriage to Catherine Woodruff.
• On the Missouri Central Railroad

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John Jay Johns Journal, 1886<---->John Jay Johns Journal, 1888