Journal
Jane "Janie" Vardell Lawton Varn
Volume
IIIa
Û Oct. 29, 1899 - July 22, 1928
Ü
The "Third volume of Janie Lawton Varn's Journal begins here. It still
has a back and front cover (leather, I think), and it does not appear
that there are any missing pages. In addition to the regular Journal
entries, this Volume contains a number of quotations, comments on books
read, poems, etc. These are collected in a special section at the end of
Vol. III.
Beaufort S. C.
Oct. 29, 1899
The months roll on. Old Time is making sad havoc with us all. What a
long time it has been since I have taken you up, old journal. I must
tell you first of my best loved ones. Dear old John looks better and
happier than since our marriage. 'Tis true we see little of each other
as he is in business on Ladies Island, having to be over there from
Monday morning until Saturday night; but then if necessary I can
communicate with him every day.
Little Daisy is a ______. She started school the first of this month,
am glad to say she is ambitious, hope she will make a smart woman.
My darling boy, my little Rivers! How sweet he is. Now one year old,
he is so interesting and sweet. Pray to God I may raise him to be a man
worthy of the name.
"Miss Mary" has been with me for five weeks. Wish she would stay all
winter.
Beaufort S. C.
Feb. 23, 1900
I am glad to record that I have at last succeeded in putting a stone to
my darling's grave; I feel so disappointed though that it is such a
plain, common looking one. O my baby daughter.
Beaufort S. C.
July 22, 1900
My boy is being weaned, poor little man! It indeed goes hard with
him; for three nights he has cried so pitifully for his "mamie," I tell
you it was a hard task to withhold what I could have so easily give him,
but know it was for the best. It had to be done sometime and now seemed
that time.
John has gone to church.
Beaufort S. C.
Feb. - 1901
Such a horrid, rainy day. Daisy could not go to school, and she has
found it so hard to amuse herself, will persist in teasing the boy. John
went to the country yesterday, do not know when to look for him back.
Poor Verda Varn's baby died a week ago today, such a fat splendid
looking baby as he was; poor Miss Mary seems to mind it greatly.
Rivers grows such a big boy, is asking now for pants, says anything
he wants to now.
Smallpox is in Beaufort, hope we all escape.
Beaufort S. C.
March 24, 1901
'Tis Sunday, and I did not go to church; therefore, it has been such a
long day. It has been quite a rainy day, too. Daisy insisted on going to
S. School; it has been raining quite hard, and I am quite fearful that
she will be wet when she comes in.
Mr. Jim Varn has had smallpox for a month; he lives on the Bay. John
has been sick so much this winter; he seems to be feeling better now I
am thankful to say.
I am very much afraid bad times are ahead of me [i.e., she thinks she
is pregnant again.]. Oh, I hope not; it will be just dreadful if it is
so. John hates the prospect almost as much as I do.
J.L.V.
Beaufort S. C.
May — 1901
Lillian and Edna have gone off on a little visit, John is on the Island,
so the children and myself are alone with the exception of Mary, my
maid, who is staying with us tonight. It is really so about myself. John
says if it is a boy, he does not mind, but I do not want either. Suppose
I will be reconciled when the time comes.
Beaufort S. C.
July 6, 1901
Well we stay here alone, the children and myself, and a blessed relief
it is to feel so free. I had quite an amount of company the first of the
week. Cousin Min McLeod, Madie and Teddie. Lil went off Wednesday, the
3rd, expects to be gone 2 months, wish it was to be four. I want to be
over my trouble when she comes back. Cousin Min returned to Charleston
on Tuesday.
Beaufort S. C.
Sept. 4, 1901
I hope before this month has passed I will be a free woman again. Oh, I
am so tired of this long hiding. I know I should not get impatient for I
have been particularly blessed this summer; we have all kept so
remarkably well. God grant that it will be well with me and the little
one.
Mrs. Chadwick's little daughter arrived on the 22nd of August. a fine
baby. She is so proud to be over her trouble.
Sissie writes that she wants to come and be with us during my time of
trial, don't you know it will be a tremendous comfort to have her? And
yet I hate to see her sacrifice herself for me. One thing, though, I
know were she in my place and I in hers, I would be delighted to be of
service to her.
Madie dined with me last Wednesday. I was so charmed to have her. I
look to be sick any day now. It will be so bad if I am taken with no one
here to help me. Well, I must not worry. The Lord will provide.
Beaufort S. C.
Sept. 24, 1901
What lovely weather we are having, makes me wish so to be out and going
around. As it is can only sit around; even walking in the house is
painful to me. Oh, how I wish my trial was over. Mrs. Cunningham's boy
came a week ago today. I am looking for Sissie either today or tomorrow.
Will be so delighted when she comes.
Beaufort S. C.
Oct. 4, 1901
Here I still sit and wait; no prospect of the coming event. Sissie has
been with me since the 24th of Sept. — nearly two weeks. I think she and
everybody is getting disgusted with me. Well I can't help it, am sure
[I] will be glad when it is over.
Nov. 1, 1901
Here I am big as a house and still going around. When will it be over? I
ask myself hourly. Don't you know I just have to pray for patience. I
went to see Mrs. Smith and her tiny boy. He is really getting on nicely.
Mrs. Lomberg lost her four months old baby last Saturday night.
Beaufort S. C.
Jan. 25, 1903
Not a single record for 1902! How strange that I should have neglected
you, old journal. Well, my little girl is nearly fifteen months old,
such a smart child as she is, too; she is very dark, a regular gypsy,
but has very light hair, almost white. My boy is growing tall, but he is
still very babyish, I am sorry to say.
Daisy is a great girl, so bright with her studies, but not fond of her
needle; nor does she care much for keeping house.
Sunday, Feb. 8, 1903
More than I can tell I feel my years upon me. Oh, my God, help me to
feel nearer to Thee.
Beaufort S. C.
March 8, 1903
Sunday. Such a warm day! Why the sun was as hot as summer. I went to
church with Daisy. Mr. Githers preached about David and Absolom. The
singing was very good.
John thinks he has a good crop of peas; do hope he will make
something. Connell Cassidy came here Friday evening. Such a big man. He
weighs one hundred and eighty-odd.
Beaufort S. C.
May 24, 1903
This is my mother's birthday. Dear mother, God grant that one day I may
see you. We have been living in the Lea house since the 19th of March;
like it much better than Read's shanty, so much more room. Only trouble,
when it rains, one of the rooms leaks perfectly outrageously. Nothing
can stop it they say.
Mary Lise is cutting her last bad teeth, eye and stomach. She keeps
remarkably well; she is certainly the best baby I ever saw.
John made a good pea crop, but did not make as much as he expected,
money I mean.
Rivers is still a crybaby, don't know how to break him. It worries me
so to see him fret over little things the way he does.
Nov. 1, 1903
I have been sick so much ever since the latter part of August, have now
a dreadful cold, which seems to be hanging on so.
Darling Baby will be two years old tomorrow. Daisy called her a bad
girl the other night. She answered right up, "I no girl. I a baby."
Rivers has gone with Daisy to Sunday School. The little fellow looked so
nice. I think I have extra good-looking children; they do not lack
brains either.
Darling Rena, mother thinks of you all the time. What a sweet
companion she would be for Daisy. I know that it is best that You have
her, but I still want my baby. I often wonder who she would have looked
like, if her disposition would have been bright and cheerful. It will
soon be seven years since God took her.
Beaufort, S. C.
Dec. 6, 1903
Well, the year is drawing to a close. God grant the New Year will see us
all here. Daisy had her left upper front tooth partly knocked out by
Newton Dorset. Don't you know I hate it? It happened on the 16th of last
month. The following Friday the old woman I had, Celia Watson, went to
take up Mary Lise and twisted her arm out of joint, also breaking two
ligaments.
Jan. 24, 1904
Into a year now and bright with future prospects. John is planting
heavily, hopes to make some money this year. I am afraid that we think
almost too much about it.
Dear Mrs. Benton has gone to her last home. She died on the 8th
inst.; oh, I miss my friend. Such is life, made up of partings.
May 29, 1904
My Daisy is to be confirmed tonight; my heart rejoices. May the Good
Lord ever keep her at his side.
One month from today, Lou Muller will be married. Ah, Lou I hope you
will be a happy, happy wife. I want to go to the wedding if I can
possibly get off.
My Mary Lise is very sweet, but, oh, I don't want any more; there is
a prospect, I hate to say.
Mr. Benton and Nellie dined with us today. Nellie still here, staying
for Decoration tomorrow.
Beaufort, S. C.
Dec. 7, 1904
The year nearly to a close. Before it is out I guess we will have
another member added to our family.
Hattie Croker is to be married today.
We have all kept well and happy this year; how much we have to be
grateful for. If John would not worry so much and take more pleasure out
of life, but I suppose worrying has become natural with him.
Beaufort, S. C.
July 23, 1905
My baby is nearly 7 months old, born New Years Day. Dear little soul,
she had a hard time for two months with cholera infantum, but I am glad
to say she is quite well now. Her name is Francis Hazel. She is a dear
little soul. May God let me keep her for I feel she will always be a
blessing. Lou Adams will have hers next month. I hope all will be well
with her.
Poor John has had such losses this year. Truck crop a complete
failure, one mule died June 21, and another June 28. Now Nellie, his
mare has broken her leg. Well, well, I must not despair. We all keep
well, so hope is bright still.
Daisy has been away for nearly a month and 1/2, look for her home
next week.
Sept. 27, 1905
Annie's birthday. May she live to see many more. My baby is lovely.
Children going to school.
Feb. 4, 1906
Communion Sunday, Daisy, Rivers, and self went to the Episcopal church;
John and Mary Lise to Methodist. Little Hazel at home with Sarah Green.
April 12, 1906
My old John is so complaining. I do not know what can be the matter with
him. Truck season now; John shipped first peas yesterday.
Tomorrow is Good Friday. I have not attended a single Lenten service.
Ah, well, I wonder if those who go are so much better than I am.
April 29, 1906
I went to Willie Adams' funeral last Sunday. He died on the 18th. Poor
Lou! Poor child, what a life she will have. She is young, tho', and a
good father, mother, and brother to take care of her. She came to see us
Monday night.
Little ones getting on well. Hazel will be 16 months old on the first
of May. She has out only 8 teeth. Mary Lise was brushing and combing her
hair. I asked her what she was doing. She said just making myself
pretty. She is a little case, such a tom-boy!
Beaufort, S. C.
May 15, 1906
I must set down this day. John got up early and went to the farm. I got
up about 7 A.M., dressed Hazel and self, then went down and helped Sarah
with breakfast. After eating breakfast and fixing children's lunch, put
Mary Lise to rights. She went over to Mrs. Colcock's. I then fixed room,
also sweeping Daisy's. Had Hazel to look after; she was not very bad. I
made up my bread dough just after breakfast. Had to mind Hazel until 11
o'clock; then got Florence, Mrs. C's girl, to look after her until I
made out bread. Then cooked four eggs after bringing Hazel home. Lil and
Lise Buckner came in, chatted until 'til twelve. Hazel went to sleep
while we were talking. I started fire in stove, took up ashes, then Mrs.
Rice came in. We talked until one, then Hazel woke. I gave Sarah the
dinner, cut out Daisy's drill dress, stitched some, had dinner, got at
the dress again. Spanked Mary Lise because she cut up old jack over a
scratch that bled a drop. Mrs. Walker, agent for perfumes, etc., came
and begged for an order. Gave her one for vanilla extract, shaving soap,
tooth wash. She said she is a window with six girls, alas! alas! Washed
and dressed Mary Lise for the evening, scolded Daisy for reading while
fixing hair, slapped Rivers for letting a crowd of boys play in the
house, dressed myself, took Hazel, whom I had washed and dressed for
Sarah to take out at 4 o'clock. She came back after six. To Mrs. Rice to
carry bread. Miss Fannie went walking with Hazel and me. Saw
Capt.Chadwick come from milking his fine cow, calf 5 days old. Chatted
with him. Old Mrs. Burn called us in for some pansies, gave us generous
bunches, lovely flowers! Shared mine with Mrs. Colcock. Was nursing
Hazel, in walk the three teachers, Misses Brooker, Peacock, and
Creighten, to consult about Daisy's drill dress. Had supper. Now in bed.
Beaufort, S. C.
Jan. 28, 1907
Just to think! I have not put down a thing since last May. My poor Daisy
was so sick just before and after Christmas. I was terribly worried
about her, but she seems so much better. Will let her start school
tomorrow. I will tell of the fire tomorrow.
Beaufort, S. C.
Jan. 17, 1912
Little Rena's birthday. She would have been 17 years old.
My dear old friend Mrs. Rice left us on the 15th of last month. I
cannot express how I miss her. Poor Miss Fannie is completely broken up;
she prays she will not live long. I am looking for her to stay with me
awhile. She is with Mrs. Holmes for the present. Daisy is getting along
well at Winthrop, was home for Christmas. She is not exactly beautiful,
but at times she is very pretty, such a good girl. Mary Lise is a case!
What I will ever do with her is a mystery. Hazel is the best child in
the house.
What terrible weather. Snow on the ground since the 7th of the month.
Feb. 5, 1912
Miss Fannie stayed with me a week last month. She said she enjoyed every
minute of her visit; poor soul; it looks like she hated to go back to
Mrs. Holmes. She was up here today. She and I carried some things to a
poor family by the name of Buntting who lost everything in the storm
last August. They have 8 children, live on the Point opposite Dr. Guffin.
Beaufort, S. C.
Jan. 19, 1913
A month of the new year half gone. Enjoyed Daisy's visit home; to think
that is her last Christmas to come from Winthrop. She is most anxious to
get through so she will make some money.
Lillian Haynsworth came from Sav. last Wednesday; stayed until
Saturday. I took her out on the Jericho road. She certainly seemed to
enjoy it.
Nimmie is going into the hardware business in Columbia; hope he will
succeed.
So glad Mr. Clift has decided not to leave us. He preached a most
excellent sermon this morning. "Whatever your hands find to do, do it
with your might," that was the text. Miss Fannie was here yesterday. She
made some candy for me to send to Benefit sale for S.S. Mary and Hazel
are growing fast. My baby surely loves her dolls, possesses four.
Beaufort, S. C.
Oct. 12, 1915
The older one gets, the higher the plain from which he views life. I
certainly enjoy the small things that make up life more than I did when
I was younger. Youth is constantly looking forward to something larger
than it has experienced, whereas middle age is satisfied with the small
pleasures which it finds in the passing days.
Dined at Shell Point with Mrs. Lake. Met her mother, Mrs. Henderson,
had a most enjoyable day. John took me with him to the farm. Then I
drove through the beautiful country all alone. A perfect autumnal day,
the air, flowers, lovely changing foliage, the view of the winding river
were all uplifting. God be thanked for life. May I live so as to make it
more beautiful each day I am given here on earth.
Beaufort, S. C.
Aug. 18, 1918
Had such a busy day. Mary went to Nellie Fripp's, so Hazel and I put the
house to rights. Then I cooked dinner. After eating some, I took 7
ladies in the Cadillac to Port Royal where we boarded the Kite, which
took us to Paris Island. We visited the boys in the hospital; some
seemed most glad to see us. Went to a double wedding tonight; it was a
military affair.
Beaufort, S. C.
Aug. 30, 1919
Quite warm but a beautiful evening. I am all alone. John has gone to
Colleton in Daisy's car, wanted me to go, said he would never ask me to
go with him again. I said, "Who wants to up into that God forsaken
country?" He did not like that, so would not tell me goodbye.
The girls are at the courthouse dance, Rivers gone to Olive Walpole's
party; took Hannah Jones. My boy finished at Clemson in June, was so
pleased I was able to go up in the car and attend the exercises.
The awful war is over. All the town boys are back.
Beaufort, S. C.
July 28, 1920
Nearly two years since I have written a line. Here I am all alone. Daisy
is in Spartanburg taking a Red Cross course; Mary in Charleston, a
stenographer in the Bank of Charleston. Hazel went on a visit to
Charleston last Saturday with Mrs. Booker, her husband, and three girls.
Mary and Nimmie started for N.Y. on the 20th, Sissie went to Charleston
last Friday 23, will go to N. Y. with Mrs. Gailland on Aug. 6. Rivers
went to Charlotte, N.C. to bring back the Jeffrey, which has been made
over. I spent the day yesterday with Nellie. Took Miss Frannie, her aunt
Mrs. Rush, and cousin with me. We had a nice day.
Just finished my dinner: egg fried in butter, butter beans from my
garden, toasted bread, then bread and fig preserves. It was all good,
but I hate to stay by myself.
Beaufort, S. C.
Aug. 25, 1921
Just four months before Christmas. Looking for Daisy home on the 6th of
Sept. Miss Scott will come with her. Mr. Whitney has the cow, Lady, so I
do not have the job of milking. Happy me! We are having a new fence put
round the yard. John went to Columbia; bought two mules from Camp
Jackson.
C
June 7, 1923
Daisy has been married since last July 18 — to Thomas Cathcart to
whom she is devoted. Daisy was with me for two weeks, left today for her
home in St. George where she moved from Kingstree April 1st. She is
going to have a baby; poor little girl, she hardly finds life worth
living with the dreadful weariness and nausea. She is very patient. God
grant that all will be well with her and the child. Mary Lise went to
St. George with D. and T. Oh! my Mary, be happy and your mother will
rejoice.
My boy is to marry Eleanor Hook in October. I hate to give him up,
but she is a good girl.
Beaufort, S. C.
Jan. 2, 1924
The New Year finds me with a a little grandson, John Varn Cathcart, and
a new daughter in law. Eleanor is a dear girl; I will learn to love her
very devotedly. God grant her and Rivers a happy and prosperous life
together.
Mary Lise left yesterday to go to St. George, will start teaching
again at Reevesville this morning. Hazel has just left to go back to
Winthrop. Well, I will be more alone than ever, am hoping to rent rooms
upstairs.
Beaufort, S. C.
June 29, 1924
I spent two weeks with Daisy and Thomas. They were lovely to me. When I
went over there, I was feeling very badly; Thomas got some medicine from
Dr. J. B. Johnson which helped me greatly. John and the girls went to
St. George for me; we had a nice trip home. Now I am going to Dr.
Butler. He is taking out all my teeth, a terrible job. No telling when
he will be through.
My little grandson was 7 months old yesterday; he is growing a big
boy, is very knowing and cunning.
John and the girls have gone to church.
"How to Catch a man" And the dreadful thing is as if the mere
possession of anything in the shape of a man were so unquestionably
desirable that no scruple must be raised regarding his family and social
position, his religion and principles of personal conduct, his property
and prospects, and professional standing. We are becoming absurd in our
carelessness about such matters. from My Dear Cornelia.
Beaufort, S. C.
Aug. 20th, 1924
Hazel went off for a visit on Saturday. Daisy and litle John came
Monday. I took the Cadillac and went to Yemassee to meet her. Mary
Lawton and Sissie went with me. Yesterday we went to Nellie's for
dinner; they all treated us finely. Was tired out so was glad to stay at
home today.
Little John is a dear, but my! he gets into a lot of trouble, cannot
walk but wants to be on his feet all the time; crawls around into
everything.
Beaufort, S. C.
April 8, 1925
This is John's birthday. Lillian Rice kindly remembered it and brought
him a lovely basket of strawberries; we certainly enjoyed them. Hazel
came for her Spring holiday Mar. 26th, went back April 5th. Not long now
before she graduates. Leroy was very attentive to her while here.
"What hath God wrought?" First telegraphic message.
Am reading Remembered Yesterdays by Robert Underwood Johnson.
May 21, 1925
Read In a Shantung Garden by Louise Jordan Miln. A story of China.
Who ordered that their longing's fire
Should be, as soon as kindled, cooled?
Who renders vain their deep desire?
Aloud, a God their severance ruled.
And bade betwixt their shores to be
The unplumb'd salt estranging sea.
Beaufort, S. C.
July 6, 1925
My darling Daisy and her dear boy stayed with me for 2 weeks. My! I
hated to see them go home this morning. The baby is so smart. He learns
very quickly. He calls me "Nammie."
My poor brother has had a time with blood poisoning. The Doctor
feared he would lose his leg. The worst is now over. Do hope he will
soon regain his strength.
Eleanor still up, dear child. I hope that all will be well with her
and the expected little one.
Beaufort, S. C.
Aug. 7, 1925
Eleanor's baby came at 1:45 A. M. on the 21st of July. She had a
tough time. She and Rivers wanted a son, but are now quite in love with
their daughters. She is a fine baby, weighed 73/4 lbs. at birth; now
weighs 81/2 lbs.
Mary Lise returned from summer school held at Newberry, S.C.
yesterday. Rivers and I went to Fairfax to meet her.
Aug. 7, 1925
If Bonaparte had had Charles G. Daws feeding and supplying his men and
his horses, there wouldn't have been any retreat from Moscow. From A
Woman of Fifty.
Women have broken into the human race, but it will be a long time
before men admit it. From A Woman of Fifty by Rheta Childe Dorr.
Beaufort, S. C.
Sept. 22, 1925
The very hottest summer I have ever felt. 4 P.M. and the thermometer
stands at 96°; for three weeks it has been that way. No rain, I do not
know what will become of us.
Mary Lise went to Kingstree Sunday to start teaching a school out in the
country with a Miss Vanse. Hazel has been in St. George more than two
weeks. Oh! so hot. Oh, so hot! Just have to stop; water running down on
both sides of my face.
Beaufort, S. C.
Sept. 27, 1925
Had a nice day with Annie. It is her
birthday. Nimmie carried John and me out there in Mary's sedan.
Beaufort, S. C.
Dec. 13, 1925
The year nearly gone. John and I went to St. George to see the children.
When we got there, they were all at church to hear the new Methodist
preacher, Mr. Glennan. My grandson is fine, the darling! I carried two
suits for his Christmas. It was a joy seeing him trying them on. When we
were getting ready to come home, he was all ready to accompany us, so we
took him in. Thomas and Daisy followed in their car. By the time we got
to the Edisto Bridge, he was fast asleep. His parents then took him
home. So we had a very pleasant day. Now two lonely people are keeping
the house warm for the young things when they come Christmas.
Beaufort, S. C.
March 31, 1926
The sun rose behind a cloud this morning. The cloud was topped with
wonderful gold; it was a beautiful sight.
After midnight there was a most terrible crash. I was asleep, felt a
tingling sensation. Lightening had struck the big pecan tree in the
Colcock's yard. It is gone this time, I fear. It was struck a few years
ago but kept on bearing.
Had Daisy and little John for a visit last week. Thomas came for them
Thursday; hated to see them go.
Pleasant Farm
July 22, 1928
Darling granddaughter Anne had her third birthday yesterday. Eleanor
lost her father on the 25th of last month, so she did not have Anne's
party in Beaufort, came out here and we had a nice little party for her.
They came again this afternoon, Mrs. Hook with them. Laurie was also
here with her baby, Isabel Colcock. She is a cute looking child. William
is a dear boy. He and Mrs. Colcock and A. were also here.
Miscellaneous Commentary
July 19th, 1885[?]
A little of a sermon heard from Mr. Wells:
Before Paul's conversion, he was one of the greatest of sinners;
after his conversion he was one of the greatest of saints. Paul's
conversion manifested the devine power of God. That one so sinful should
almost immediately turn to God as soon as the state of his heart was
shown him, was indeed a tremendous miracle. A converted man once said,
"I know there is a God because I have the evidence of him in my heart. I
know the Bible is the word of God because I have the evidence of it in
my heart. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God because I have the
evidence for it in my heart." We cannot pray to God as a spirit. When we
pray, we must think of Jesus Christ in his human form while here on
earth and then think of the Great God as being in Jesus. How many church
members are there who never give as much to the church in a year as they
spend on their tobacco.
Micah 6 - 8
"And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, love mercy,
and walk humbly with thy God" Beaufort, S. C. May 30, 1926
"Only those are poor in spirit, who lack courage, can be really poor.
From Jim the Conqueror by Peter B. Kind.
Where is Eternity?
Where are the dearest wishes of your heart, the noblest thought of
your mind? Where are your loves, your hopes, your affections, above all,
your memories? Where is the whole better part of your nature, your
remorse for evil, your aspirations after good, your speculation on the
future, your convictions of the reality of the past? Where these are,
there is that other world. You cannot see it, you cannot hear it, yet
you know that it must be. Is any man's happiness complete? Is any one's
misery when it reaches him so overwhelming as it seemed at a distance?
And why is it not? Because something tells him that the present life is
but a small segment in the complete circle of a soul's existence. And
the circle, you have not lived in Rome without learning, is the symbol
of infinity. From The Gladiators by G. J. Whyte Melville ...March 8,
1900
April 30, 1906
To live or to die apart is beyond the scope of an individual destiny,
for in the eye of God each man that lives is the keeper, not of his own,
but his brother's soul. From The Wheel of Life by Ellen Glasgow.
"Two Shall be Born
by
Marie Conway Oemler
1922
June 7, 1923
Miss Honora Kelly, 59 years old. She gave the effect of early evening in
the woods, with a late bird singing and an early star rising over the
trees from whose tops the sunset has not yet departed, and a vesper bell
ringing in the distance.
Ladies Island, 5-9-1896
Happiness has nothing to do with our outward circumstances. Each man
possesses the hidden germs in his own heart. A contented patient mind,
rejoicing much in all that is great and beautiful, and yet despising not
the day of small things; bearing sorrow without a murmur and sweetening
it by calling to remembrance former joy; moderation in all things; a
firm trust in the favor of the gods and a conviction that, all things
being subject to change, so with us, too, the worst must pass in due
season; all this helps to mature the germ of happiness, and gives us
power to smile when the man undisciplined by fate might yield to despair
and fear.
Croesus, King of Lydia to Amasis, King of Egypt in The Egyptian
Princess by George Ebers.
Oct. 10, 1925
A man never needs alcohol in his being. After all has been said of it,
for and against, it is the chief man-trap in the world. From Twice
Thirty by Edward Bok.
Jan. 24, 1926
Marriage is a one way street. The only return is through the sewer. From
Nina by Ertz.
3/21/12
From Rantledge Rides Alone by Will Livington Comfort
Of Rander: He serves blindly, constantly, among the dregs, and has mercy
for all men but himself! The living spirit of the Christ seems to be in
him, and nothing of sex or earthly desire. He is close to God.
June 13, 1924
Life would be so much simpler if we'd make up our minds that what other
people think of us does not signify in the least. It is only permitting
it to signify that permits it to exist. From Black Oxen by Gertrude
Atherton.
[No date given. ]
The highest cultivation is that which brings us into the closest
sympathy with every form of human life. Days are but as many leaflets
from God's chronicle of human life, wherever we place our mark, good or
bad, for the just and exact summing up of our thoughts and deeds
hereafter. From The Sorrows of Satan by Corelli.
Books read in 1904
The Vultures by Henry Seton Merriman.
The Poles make an effort to free Poland from the yoke of Russia, but
fail. Czar Alexander II is murdered.
Captain Macklin by Richard Harding Davis. War in Honduras. Lagurn
with a handful of men called The Foreign Legion tries to free the
country from commercial tyranny; for instance the Isthmean Line cheated
the people out of much money.
Kate Bonnet by Frank R. Stockton. About piracy: Kate's father, Stede
Bonnet leaves a _____ planter's life and becomes a pirate, is finally
executed for his many bad deeds in Charles Town. Dickory
The One Woman by Dixon. Hero: Frank Gorden. Heroines: Kate Ransom,
Ruth Spottswood.
Breakneck Farm by Evelyn Raymond. The twins: Kirk and Faith Merriman
are the hero and heroine.
The Sherods by George Barr McCutchen. Young Dudly Sherrod marries
Justine Van; while she is still living, he marries Celeste Wood.
The Mettle of thePasture by James Lane Allen. Heroine Isabel Conyers
will not marry Hero Rowan Meridith because he tells her before she
engages herself to him that he is the father of a child.
The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come by James Fox, Jr. Hero; Chadwick
Buford. Heroine: Margaret Dearre. Scenes laid in Cumberland Mountains
and Blue Grass region. Brings in a good deal of the Conflict between the
states. Chad espouses the side of the Yankees.
The Maids of Paradise by Robert Chambers.
Scene laid in France.
Round Anvil Rock by ______. Hero: Paul; heroine: Ruth. Scene laid in
Kentucky.
The Litle Lady of the Fort by ______. Heroine: Louise
March 8, 1904
The Horse-Leich's Daughters by Margaret Doyle Jackson. Hero: Irving
Cleworth: first marries Leone who deserts him for Paul Elsmen. Leone is
killed by Paul's sweetheart Clara Manning; she also kills Paul. Her
insanity is caused by Paul forsaking her for Leone. Irving Cleworth
afterwards marries Belle Werner, who always loved him.
Feb. 1906
The Man on the Box by Harold Mac Garth. Robert Warburton assumes the
name of James Osborne, becomes Miss Bettie Annesley's coachman. He is
very much in love with her. Scene laid in New York and Washington.
At the Sign of the Fox. Heroine: Brooke Lawton. Hero: Marte Lorenz.
Scenes laid in New York.
Prate not to me of weaklings who
Lament this life and nought achieve.
I hymn the vast and valiant crew
Of those who have scant time to grieve.
Firm set their fortunes to retrieve,
They sing for luck a lusty stave,
The world's staunch workers, by your leave
This is the Ballad of the brave.
Richard Burton
Beaufort, S. C., Sept. 27, 1925
"The beautiful valley in Carniola, in the very bosom of the Dolomites,
is nearer to being an ideal dreamland than any other spot in Europe."
From Immigrant to Mentor by Michael Pupkin
October, 1889
Just finished reading Thelma. Have enjoyed it immensely. Some of the
descriptions of the scenery of Norway, the Land of the Midnight Sun, are
grand. They took me right there in imagination. Oh! what I would not
give to be able to write like that. The portrayal of the death scene of
old Olaf Gulamar is something sublimely grand.
JVL
Sept. 8th 1910
The Garden of Eden by Blanche Willis Howard. The heroine, Monica Randolf,
loves first a Doctor who is a married man, Keith Lowell. Her mother will
not approve; sends her to Germany. After inspiring many men with love
for her, there is much mutual love between Dr. Aurel Arenberg and
Monica. He also a married man. Strange book. Some good.
JVL
Let the road be rough and dreary,
And its end far out of sight.
Front it bravely — strong or weary;
Trust in God and do the right.
When things don't go to suit you
and the world seems upside down,
Don't waste your time in fretting,
But drive away the frown.
If a body ask a body
In a book to write,
If a body refuse a body,
Need a body fight?
All the lasses and the laddies
Write sweet things herein.
If a body write less sweetly,
Does a body sin?
Guard all thy thoughts.
Our thoughts are heard in Heaven.
In the gloaming oh my darling!
When the lights are dim and low,
And the quiet shadows falling,
Softly come and swiftly go;
When the winds are sobbing faintly
Whist [?] a gentle, unknown woe,
Will you think of me and love me
As you once did long ago?
In the gloaming, oh, my darling,
Think not bitterly of me.
Tho' I passed away in silence,
Left you lonely — set you free,
For my heart was crushed with longing;
What had been could never be.
It was best to leave you darling,
Best for you and best for me.
On this page of your album I scribble,
Now, remember, no critic must see,
But once in awhile peek at it yourself.
Then remember, 'twas scribbled by me.
May there be just clouds enough over your life to cause a glorious
sunset.
"Patriotism is to a man's community life what religion is to his moral
life." From Forbidden Trail by by Honoré Willsie.
"Death is the breaking of eternal daylight and a birthday of the soul."
Edwin Booth
Lay me low, my work is done.
I am weary, lay me low.
Where the wild flowers woo the sun,
Where the balmy breezes blow,
Where the butterfly takes wing,
Where the aspens, drooping low,
Where the young birds chirp and sing.
I am weary, let me go.
I have striven hard and long.
Volume 2 -- July 17, 1889 - October 29, 1899
Volume 3b -- September 1, 1939 – March 15, 1941
Volume 1 -- March 19, 1886
to June 19, 1889/a>
Volume 2 -- July 17, 1889
- October 29, 1899
Volume 3a -- October 29, 1899 - July
22, 1928
Volume 3b -- September 1, 1939 – March 15, 1941
Volume 4 -- August 17,
1941 - August 22, 1943
Volume 5 -- October 1, 1943 -
June 13, 1947
Volume 6 -- July 5, 1947 - May
2, 1955
