Julia Brumfield Diaries

A colde cloudy day. The boys got wood today. Nellie got dinner, fried potatoes and baked bread. Made ginger cakes I enjoyed with the dinner. This evening Nellie staid with Mabel. I went to Reynols. Walked up there and back. Johnson had gone to Danville. Mrs. Cook was there. I did enjoy my vist. While I was there, Mrs. Carr come home from Lynchburg. I was glad that she made the trip. So good we are glad for her to stay with us what she will. Mollie walked with me as far as Bookers Barn. Mrs. Carr brought the children some presents. (?)

A cloudy day. Ben and Jim hauled wood. Said they had hauled 42 two-horse loads here this winter. Nellie and I got dinner. The children went to school. All of the sick that we heard from was doing well as could be expected. Nellie had a letter from Evylin. She was not well. Wants Nell to come there as soon as she can. Lelia Ward come and got the clothes to iron. I commenced me a rug by ripping up an old garment. Hope I can work some. Mabel never went to sleep until after 8 oclock. Had to make [nothing written further]

A cloudy day. The men hauled wood all the morning. This evening they sawed wood. Ben says it has bin the longest month that he ever saw. We can't be surprised at that. It has bin a sad time. Josie and Alice both gone. 8 little children motherless children. God will take care of them some way. Nell is is worried most to death a bout her daughter. She can't help it. I am sorry for her and can't do any thing to help her. Nell has done most of the cooking to day. She made some cakes to day. They were fine. Mr. Mayhew is here tonight him and two of his children. They are playing games in the dining room.

A cloudy day. The boys finished sawing wood by twelve oclock. Cleaned out the stables this evening. Boy Barbers wife was buried this evening. No one from here did not go to the burial. Nellie got dinner. Then sewed on her quilt. I cut up the stair way carpet and will make rugs of it. Lelia sent the clothes home by John. They were done very good. The children went to school. Edna got a letter from Aunt Ella today. Mabel has been very good for her. Tonight she was running after a wheel and hurt her self. Did not any supper.[sic]

A cloudy day warmer. Ben washed up his room floor. He was nearly all day about it. Jim kept a good fire in the dining room and in the smoke house. Said he would not smoke the meat any more. Nellie done the most of the cooking. I have not done much of any thing. Ben went to see Denia. She is not well. Have not heard from Kate today. Wish I had heard. John did not go from Blairs until today. Henry and Edna went to school. Henry went to Mr. Bookers to say all night. Mr. Booker has gone to Less Bookers. They are all sick there. I want to hear from all of the sick folks about.