1900 :: Death of P.J. Kirtley

On this date in our family history . . . 116 years ago . . . the following news clipping announced the death of our 1st cousin four times removed . . . 

P.J. Kirtley, a veteran of the Orphan Brigade, died at Russellville from blood poisoning, caused by a wound received in battle in 1864. Mount Vernon Signal, December 21, 1900

1935 :: Natal Day

On this date in our family history . . . the 18th day of June . . . in the year 1935 . . . which would have been her 53rd birthday . . . Emma Patience Muston nee Nettles was probably remembering with fondness the gathering on the previous Sentimental Sunday which was held in honor of her upcoming "natal day" . . . the report of that birthday celebration is copied below . . . this Emma is the paternal great-grandma of the Keeper of this family history blog (who is being held by Emma in the following heritage collage) . . . 

The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger (Rockdale, Tex.), Vol. 63, No. 19, Ed. 1 Thursday, June 20, 1935

Cole Springs, June. 17. -- Mr. and Mrs. B. Hickman and children, of Austin, spent the week end with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.F. Moore, the occasion being the natal day of Mrs. Emma Muston. Her daughters entertained in her honor Sunday, June 16, at the Muston home.

The date falling upon Father's Day seemed fitting as Mrs. Muston has been both father and mother to her family. She was left a widow by the death of her husband with seven little girls, the youngest a tiny infant. By frugality and perseverance she has reared this family, giving them both school and social advantages. She is one of the fortunate mothers who enjoy the complete devotion of her children as they are constantly planning to make life fuller and sweeter for her. A beautiful cake decorated with fifty three candles, adorned the festal board, which contained an abundance of choice viands.
 
The children attending were:

• Mrs. Emma Rodgers and children, Audrey, Charlie and Eleane, and
• Mr. and Mrs. Jake Pounder and children,
• Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Jones and baby, of Pleasant Hill,
• Mr. and Mrs. Dean Quinney and children,
• Mr. and Mrs. Bernice Taylor and family, of Lexington, and
• Miss Gladys Muston.

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Beynolds of Houston were unable to attend.

Mrs. Muston's mother, Mrs. M.A. Nettles, a brother, J.A. Nettles, wife and daughter, Carrie Belle of Lexington, and Mr. John Taylor were the other guests who attended.

1864 :: Nellie miscarries while Sam is in jail

On this date in our family history . . . the 16th day of January . . . in the year 1864 . . . in Houston County, Texas . . . Mary Alexandrien (Nellie) SHARP nee LEMAIRE (my 2nd great-grandma) has a miscarriage while her husband, Sam, is still in jail (see yesterday's post) . . . this is one of those facts of life that would be completely unknown to those of us who are Nellie's descendants were it not for the following entry from the daily Journal of Nellie's husband's step-brother / brother-in-law, James Madison Hall (1819-1866) . . .

Saturday, January 16th, 1864. Today I am still in Crockett and Sam is still in confinement and as I said in yesterday's notes on no charge but mere suspicion that he is liable to conscription. The reign of Military despotican is now complete, and a man not in the Army dares not say that his life is his own or that he owned one dollars worth of property. I left Crockett late in the evening after having failed to obtain Sam's release. upon my arrival at home I found as I have previously expected that Nellie had miscarried. this catastrophy was hastened by the cruel and hostal arrest of her husband.

If the agents of the Government think this is the proper way to make good soldiers for its armies by dragging husbands from wives who are almost at the point of death, I must humbly beg leave to differ with them.

Dr. Murchison and Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] were in attendance upon Nellie. at night Sam came home to see his wife having been released upon his parole to return on Monday night. Dr. Murchison & Mother remained all night. . . .