NEGenWeb Project
Resource Center
OLLibrary
 

April, 1848.]

GOVERNOR WALKER.

241

'Tis the home of content,
'Tis the wild Indian's home,
In his rude pitched tent
Is his time honor'd throne.
See him reclining beneath his shade tree,
         His eye wandering through the dark green wood,
He thinks of his foe, the lurking Pawnee,
     Vows vengeance upon him by Keesis his God.

     12 o'clock. Just finished extirpating all the stool grubs out of my orchard. Watered my shubbery in the garden.
     Wednesday, 12.--Awoke at the dawn of day, but alas! no rain! dry, dry. Wrote Joseph Ridgeway upon the subject of the Burlingame claim. 11 o'clock, "summer heat" weather, well calculated to give the lazy and indolent the spring fever. Made a hot bed for sweet potatoes. Mr. Noble commenced relaying the fence.
     Thursday, 13.--Cloudy, but no rain yet. Dry, dry, everything parched up, yet 'tis a beautiful day.

The spring is coming, delightful spring,
When the bright waves dance and the sweet birds sing,
Ten thousand notes from the forest trees,
Are wafted along in the gentle breeze,
And glittering insects here and there
Are humming their notes in the soft spring air.

I am tired, I will quit work for to-day.
     Friday, 14.--Severe hoar frost. I fear for the fruit. Received a letter from J. W. Garrett dated March 28, in reply to mine of the 28th of November. Further news from the French revolution. Mob reigns in Paris. It is utter nonsense for France to talk about a republican government. Nothing short of the iron rule of a Bonaparte will keep the French quiet and in subjection. They cannot appreciate a wholesome government. To-day Thom. H. Noble finished his job of clearing and fencing. Sold him my small wagon at $40.00 in work, trade, etc. Cold and cloudy. Wind from the north. Answered J. W. Garrett's letter.
     Saturday, 15.--Severe morning, heavy frost, cold, cold.

17

242

THE JOURNALS OF

[April, 1848.

Went out to hunt for my oxen. Hunted till one half past 11, but could find nothing of them. The rascals knew there was work on band, and have concealed themselves. Mrs W. and Harriet gone to Kansas. Everything in the vegetable line drying and wilting up. No prospect of rain. Looking for further news of the French revolution. Anxious to know what it will end in, what will be the finale of this uproar. Received the "Nat. Int." and Ohio "State Journal" but no news of importance. Received two letters from George Dickson of Wolftown. My curse upon those Wolverines who set the prairies on fire and burnt a part of my fence.
     Sunday, 16.--Frost again! Oh when are we to have warm, weather? Missouri rising. Went to Church.
     Monday, 17.--No frost this morning (please fortune) but warm and pleasant. Went in pursuit of my work cattle. Found them. Commenced plowing my old ground. Missouri booming up, rising, rising. Where does this water come from? Cloudy; prospect of rain. Send down the refreshing showers. At one half past 7 P. M. commenced raining.
     Tuesday, 18.--Stormy night. Froze. Cold. Wind from the north. Everything vegetable frozen stiff. The Council meets to-day, and I must lay my implements of husbandry aside, and attend to affairs of state. Proceeded to town. Convened the Council. Signed a memorial to the general conference praying that Rev. Body restore to the Wyandott Church the proceeds of the Wyandott Mission farm in Ohio, to aid in building our Church. Disposed of a multiplicity of business, and adjourned sine die. Came home and found Dr. L. Twyman1 at our house. He staid all night.
     Wednesday, 19.--Frosty morning. 30 below "freezing." Hauled in from the clearing the fire wood. Commenced


     1 Of Independence, Mo.


April, 1848.]

GOVERNOR WALKER.

243

breaking up my new ground. Failing to get a hired hand, I resolved to do it myself. Got Mr Peery's black boy Elijah to drive, and I held the plough, and a mammoth one at that; plowed till sunset. Tired enough.
     Thursday, 20.--Resumed the plough and finished at 2 O'clock P. M. Went to M. R. W.'s for a load of corn. Weary as a hound after a long fox chase. Beautiful evening, but rather cool and chilly.
     Friday, 21.--Beautiful morning, no frost, glad of it. Harrowing my field preparatory to planting corn. Fine day for work. Moderately cool. Planted some beans, cucumbers, and beets. Elijah furrowing out the corn ground. Weather getting warm. Thermometer 85o.
     Saturday, 22.--Ready to plant my corn. Dry weather. Repaired some fence. 12 o'clock. This being Saturday, I have after mature consideration, come to the conclusion I would work no more to-day. For verily the outward man begins to feel the effects of earning my bread "by the sweat of my brow." Blistered hands and crippled back, aching bones and a sunburned face. Ah me! Martha and Sophia gone to Kansas on a visit. Got no mail. Snakes and Scorpions! This is too bad. Miss Lucy Jane returned home.
     Sunday, 23.--Cool morning, but no frost. Dry, dry weather. Went to Church; heard a sermon from the Deacon. This evening it is reported the Doctor has returned home, bringing with him the semi-annuity.
     Monday, 24.--Phoebus! but it is cold! Cloudy, looks like a snow storm was approaching. And yet I am ready to plant corn; but here I am, roasting my corporeality before a blazing fire. Plant corn indeed. No I will wait till summer. From the National Intelligencer it appears that Senator Atchison has reported a bill confirming the land purchased by the Wyandotts from the Delawares.1 Went


     1 This bill was passed and became a law.


244

THE JOURNALS OF

[April, 1848.

to town. Called upon Dr. H. Had a conversation upon the approaching payment. Council to convene to-morrow. Cold all day. Cloudy, dark and lowering--Occasionally a few drops of snow falling. In the evening commenced planting corn.
     Tuesday, 25.--As usual cold and dreary. Commenced operations upon my pigs. Planted more corn. At last the sun has made its appearance. Attended Council. Appointed next Monday for the payment of the semi- annuity.
     Wednesday, 26.--Cloudy, dark and uninviting. Planted more corn. Harriet set out for Lexington. [She has] gone back to school again. Sent some shrubbery to the seminary. Sent the memorial to general conference to the care of Rev. J. B. Finley to be presented by him.
     Thursday, 27.--Fine morning. Sent my oxen to Guthrie's to plow his field, by Mr Hightower. Continued planting corn. Council met and proceeded to make out the pay-roll for payment of the semi-annuity and finished [it]. Adjourned till Monday. Joel Walker returned from New York. Strong signs of rain.
     Friday, 28.--Raining; welcome, welcome, a hearty welcome to these refreshing showers. Finished planting corn in the evening.
     Saturday, 29.--Went to Kansas. Got no news by mail. Came home at 1 o'clock. After dark three weary travelers from Fort Leavenworth, having got lost, called for lodgings, which we afforded them. They were a Mr Childs, a Doctor from Dover and an Indian trader.
     Sunday, 30.--Our guests left after breakfast. Cloudy;--staid at home. Wrote to A. Trager; J. Walker called.
MAY, 1848.

     Monday, 1.--May-day, and such a day! Cloudy, dark, and cold, threatening rain. The rain would truly be accept-


May, 1848.]

GOVERNOR WALKER.

245

able, but weather so cold should give way to the more genial warmth of summer. The semi-annual payment commenced to-day. Paid out two boxes, $2,000. At 8 o'clock at night it rained for a half or three-fourths of an hour, and stopped.
     Tuesday, 2.--Beautiful morning! Everything glittering like silver spangles in the sun. Last evening's shower has caused nature to put on her most pleasing smiles. Resumed the annuity payment and closed in the evening. Adjourned to meet on Thursday.
     Wednesday, 3.--Clear and warm morning. Planted some Indian corn, watermelons and cucumbers. Settled with Mr Goodyear for lumber got for the use of the ferry by the Council, $27.50. Thermometer 86o. Cloudy all day. In the evening strong threats of rain. At 8 o'clock rain set in accompanied with a hard wind. Occasional showers through the night.
     Thursday, 4.--Bright and clear. Windy. Blowing a continual gale. This day two years ago war broke out between the U. S. and Mexico and the finale "is not yet." Council met and proceeded to pay off the public liabilities. Paid our own noble selves, and our clerks, sheriffs, and ferryman. Transacted a variety of business and adjourned till Tuesday next. Mrs W. went to Kansas and returned.
     Friday, 5.--This day 21 years ago Napoleon Bonaparte breathed his last in the Isle of St. Helena. Went to Kansas and paid off B. F. Barstow, schoolmaster. Came home at 3 o'clock P. M. Found one of my young sows with six young pigs.
     Saturday, 6.--Cool, but beautiful morning. Heavy dew. Growing, time. Have a severe nervous headache. Staid in the house all day. Wrote a letter to Harriet. Got no mail. I am in want of news in these exciting times when Europe is all in convulsions and spasms. Thrones crumbling and falling. Kings abdicating and becoming suppliants to their

246

THE JOURNALS OF

[May, 1848.

subjects, some ingloriously retreating from their excited and infuriated subjects and seeking asylums in foreign countries.
     Sunday, 7.--Mr Hightower brought my oxen back, having finished ploughing Esau's field. Went to Church. A Tuscarora preached.
     Monday, 8.--Went into the upper settlement. Saw John Cotter, who had been assaulted by Milton Karraho and John Williams, and severely beat. Got the particulars of the scrape. Came home. In the evening Mr G. brought our mail. Ira Hunter moved to-day.
     Tuesday, 9.--Cold and cloudy. Went to Council. Tried a case. Widow Charloe vs. Estate of H. Jacquis; claim of plaintiff rejected. At 2 o'clock P. M. a cold rain set in. Adjourned, 4 o'clock. Came home.
     Wednesday, 10.--Rose at daylight, and Phoebus! what, a frost. Sophia commenced her school to-day in the basement story of the Church. In the afternoon a stranger called upon us who proved to be an American German from Philadelphia, a professor of music, a pianist. Tuned our piano. Gave the girls a few lessons on music. Staid all night, and in the morning "put out."
     Thursday, 11.--Cold morning but no frost. Our German set out for the fort. Chilly and cold all day.
     Friday, 12.--Some frost. Fine day. Staid at home, did small work about the house. Wrote to H. Barrett. Warm and pleasant day.
     Saturday, 13.--Clear and beautiful morning. Went to Kansas in company with M. R. Walker, Joel Walker, Dr. Hewitt, C. Graham. Staid till the mail came in. Received a letter from H. Barrett. J. Walker opening a large stock of goods in Kansas. Came home in the evening, 8 o'clock at night. Beautiful moonlight night! "Oh, 'tis my delight of a shiny night, to ramble o'er the grassy lea."
     Sunday, 14.--Fine morning. Went to church. M. R.

May, 1848.]

GOVERNOR WALKER.

247

Walker and Adam Hunt set out for the Pottawatomie payment. Sometime after midnight it rained a heavy shower. What could have come more opportunely? 9 o'clock, showery. All nature seems to have put on her best array, her "best bib and tucker." How beautiful is the forest! M. R. W. and Adam Hunt did not go further than Westport, learning [there] that the payment did not take place till next week.
     Monday, 15.--2 o'clock in the afternoon, another rain and [it] continued till night.
     Tuesday, 16.--Clear and beautiful morning. I must attend the Council to-day. An assault and battery case must be tried. John Cotter vs. Milton Karahoo and John Williams. The parties not appearing, the case was postponed. Declared Smith Nichols of age and released him from his guardian.
     Wednesday, 17.--Wrote to Miss Jane R. Long and inclosed $40.00 in Missouri paper, viz.: one twenty dollar bill and two tens, to go by to-morrow's mail. Gave a turkey roast to our neighbors. Dined at half past three. Had a pleasant party.
     Thursday, 18.--Dark, foggy morning. Prospects of rain to-day. Staid about home all day, not feeling very well.
     Worked some in my garden. Shut up Barnabas Barebones to fatten for a particular occasion, for a select dinner party.
     Friday, 19.--A small shower at 9 o'clock A. M. Mr Noble called, chatted awhile. Engaged him to do some more work. Worked in my garden.
     Saturday, 20.--Warm morning. Mr Hunter called and brought a letter from Jesse Stern which informs me that he has had an offer of ten dollars an acre for the whole tract.
     Sunday, 21.--Staid at home all day. Warm day. Dr. Hewitt called to see Dorcas. Bled her. In the evening C. Graham called.

248

THE JOURNALS OF

[May, 1848.

     Monday, 22.--Daylight, raining furiously. Rained till one o'clock and held up. Set out some sweet potatoes, [and] some cabbages. About 9 o'clock at night it resumed raining most furiously, and stopped about 10 or 11 [o'clock].
     Tuesday, 23.--Answered J. Stern's letter. Sophia unable to get to school owing to high water. Got her "dander up" and returned determined to cross the Jarsey at all hazards. Deacon gone to Kansas. Showery. Set out some more cabbage.
     Wednesday, 24.--Rain, rain, the rainy season set in. Sticking peas to-day. Dull times, no company.
     Thursday, 25.--Dreary, cold, and cloudy morning. If it does not rain I shall go to Kansas to mail some letters and get some if any come, and learn the news. Returned from K. Our mail was a complete "water-haul." Nothing for our place. John Garrett from Ohio landed last evening. Warm and sultry. Look out for more rain.
     Friday, 26.--Clear and beautiful morning, but oh 'twill be a warm day. Wrote a communication to J. Shrunk for publication. John and C. B. Garrett came over and spent the evening.
     Saturday, 27.--Mrs W. went to Kansas. Received a letter from Mrs Nancy Garrett. Warm and sultry day. Pruned my trees.
     Sunday, 28.--Cloudy. Warm. M. R. W. returned from Pottawattomie last evening. In the afternoon a violent rain set in which lasted two hours. Curly Head and John Solomon called and staid for dinner. Mr G. from Independence staid all night.
     Monday, 29.--Clear and fine, though cool. At 10 o'clock went to Kansas. Got my mail. Received a letter from J. Ridgeway, jr. Jesse Stern and his father arrived at Joel's. Dined with them. George Dickson from Wolftown arrived. Set out some more sweet potatoes.

June, 1848.]

GOVERNOR WALKER.

249

     Tuesday, 30.--Prepared for the session of the Council. John Cotter vs. Milton Kayrahoo, postponed. Adjourned to two weeks from to-day.
     Wednesday, 31.--Mr. Stern called upon us, and staid till evening. Went to J. M. A.'s.
JUNE, 1848.

     Thursday, 1.--Went to Kansas. Bought two bushels of corn meal, one-half ream of letter paper, and some rat poison. Sent another communication to the telegraph.
     Friday, 2.--Cloudy morning. Prospect of rain. Weeded my garden. Went for a bag of corn. Mr Noble ploughing my corn. It looks fine and thrifty. Sent Dorcas to Kansas. In the evening a heavy rain fell.
     Saturday, 3.--Clear, cool and pleasant morning. Caught a tartar! Stept into the garden and found that that most troublesome of all "warmints" had been ploughing up my beds again, and thanks to my lucky stars I caught Mr ground-mole upheaving the earth. By the dextrous use of the hoe I brought the digger out of his tunnel. Mrs W. took him in her hand and held him till he died for the purpose of testing the truth of the saying that it will cure the rheumatism. She held him about an hour before be died. Set out fifty cabbage plants. Went to Kansas in company with Jesse Stern. Called at the P. 0., got my papers and a letter from John T. Walker. J. Stern returned home on board the steamer "Kansas." I came home. In the evening rained furiously.
     Sunday, 4.--Clear and beautiful morning. Mrs W. and Sophia went to Kansas to Church. I staid "te hum." Warm day. Mrs W. and Sophia state that on their return from K. they found at the ferry a dozen or more people waiting to cross, and among them was John Charloe, very drunk, and had been severely beat. His face appeared to


250

THE JOURNALS OF

[June, 1848.

be very much bruised and mangled up. Perhaps his upper jaw broke.
     Monday, 5.--Moses Peacock commenced working in our corn. Mr Noble commenced staking and ridering the fence. Hauled the stakes and riders. Finished the f----bah! mistake.
     Tuesday, 6.--Mr Noble finished the fence. Now I will bid defiance to breachy stock. If they should break through this fence, they then ought to be killed. Finished planting our sweet potatoes.
     Wednesday, 7.--Clear and fine weather, cool and pleasant. Finished another No. for the Telegraph. Moses finished dressing out my corn field. "Old White" commenced the process of incubation of thirteen eggs. So we may have one and one-twelfth dozen of chicks if old white has good luck.
     Thursday, 8.--Rainy day. Went to Kansas. Got a soaking. Called at the P. 0. No newspapers. No news. "It's a botheration." Hunted for my dog Carlo. Some rascally dog thief has decoyed him off. I shall deplore my loss if I never get him again. Came home at 5 o'clock P. M. Rained again. C'est egal.
     Friday, 9.--Pleasant day. Staid at home, mowing in my fence corners.
     Saturday, 10.--Went to K. on a mule. Called at P. 0. No letters. Came home. Read my newspapers. Nothing special from Europe.
     Sunday, 11.--Charming morning. Clear and bright. A very heavy dew. Went to church in the evening. Messrs. Tebbs and Donahoe called upon us and staid an hour.
     Monday, 12.--Warm day. J. Walker afflicted with sore eyes. In the afternoon an unexpected visitor called upon us in the person of John S. Young of Perry county, Ohio, he being an old acquaintance of Mrs W., the latter was de

Prior pageSpacerTOCSpacerNext page

© 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 for the NEGenWeb Project by Pam Rietsch, Ted & Carole Miller