February 1874
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 1, 1874
Went to Sunday School at Edenton St. Methodist Church. Some of the blind carry a piece for the Children. Mr. Best former Secretary of this State has a base voice equal it would seem to about half dozen ordinary voices. He appears to be about 6 ft. 6 in. high and said to be the smallest of 5 brothers. His daughter seems to be 6 ft.
Went to the Presbyterian Chruch for the first time this session. Heard Mr. Whaley of Va. from the words “What hast thou done — behold the voice of thy brothers blood cry unto me from the ground.” A sensib[l]e practicable sermon in which he depicted the different kinds of murderer. A good preacher, but seems to crack his voice rather much.
Went to Baptist Sunday School Singing and Prayer Meeting. A number of new converts spoke asking prayer in behalf of comrades &c. Prayer offered in behalf of Mr. Armstrong [In left margin] who is one of their earnest members, and is very sick. Have remembrance.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 2, 1874
Some peculiar but pleasant dreams. Day opened cloudy and rainy which continued all day with accumulation of ice on the trees &c. The Revenue bill was passed on its second reading. Many little amendments were offered which were either adopted or rejected.
Letter from C.A. Carlton recd concerning school law and more especially the usury law, which he thinks would not be beneficial if adopted. If it is the true interest of the majority of the people of N.C. to have a law and fixed rate of interest, I am for it notwithstanding it may be my individual interest to leave it open to contract as I am more apt to loan than to borrow. Slept after dinner. At Supper Huston found a birthday present at his plate which he was afraid to exhibit. It proved to be a baby’s garment. Jokes and small talk till bed time. [In left margin] 12:15 I had better go to bed. Good night Sis.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 3, 1874
Received a remarkable letter with a remarkable proposition coming from the source it did. Recd also a letter from my father which I answered and one from A. Holman and a petition from colored citizens near Catawba Church asking the prohibition of the sale of spirituous liquors within one mile of said church and complaining that there was a grocery or grog shop within a few hundred yards. This was recommended by Isaac Harris and other prominent white citizens. The Revenue bill was passed after numerous amendments which were either adopted or rejected. Offered one which recd large majority and failed only because no quorum voted. Took a walk by the the R. and G. RR works and on the rail road. Called upon M.L. McCorkle who was rooming with Houston of Catawba here attending on Supreme Court.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 4, 1874
House adjourned shortly after 2 P.M. Ate a moderate dinner and took an immoderate nap for daytime. Only a small contribution for M.E.C. Sunday S. Library to Mrs. Evans. Dickey of Cherokee and myself went to church at Edenton St. Methodist. Several gentlemen were called upon for their experience. A Mr. Falls in an humble manner regretted the cold way of singing, depending upon the quire. In room of Dickey and Anderson had some revival singing. [In left margin] Answered C.A. Carlton’s letter & wrote to W. Turner.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 5, 1874
The Senate finally agreed up a bill to adjust the State Debt. […] Bill in favor of Contractors on Marion and Asheville Turnpike adopted. Pays half. February 18th fixed for meeting of University Trustees. Went down street bought some figs for a purpose — had a shave and hair cutting — on return found some married ladies and boys of our house playing croquet and had a game with six. On the prevailing side. My first game in 6 mos. At Marlers room with Armfield and Bryan discussing usury. [In left margin] Met Mr. Alston of Warren.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 6, 1874
First to breakfast. Postal Card from Julia (sister) wondering why I had not recently put in an appearance at her house. Passed Consolidation bill with requiring conformity to N.C. gauge […] Had suspended rules and got up my bill to incorporate Harmony Hill camp ground. Passed. […] Wrote to sister Julia and sent letters of Pa, Ellie & N.A. Holman. […] Dickey B.K. has come to sleep with me as a Mr. McCoombs [In right margin] of Cherokee occupies his place tonight. [In left margin] Recollections of departed. Night 12 o’clock. We ought to be abed Sis.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 8, 1874
Not in good spirits. Remained in my room all day until five o’clock when I walked by the Post Office and depot. Went to Prayer Meeting at Baptist Church about 8 and a half having remained in Dickey & Andersons room singing for Welch and Blackwell in company with former. Recd a request from room below to sing “There is a fountain filled with blood” signed Stafford & Co. I tell them that Mr. Dickey is pretty good on “storming the skies.” His song begins “we’ll storm the skies — we will anchor by and by, by and by.” Had a lonely time with sad thoughts and actions and retired late.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 9, 1874
First sight was the cheerful face of Mr Dickey looking through the door to know “how is Bro. Turner this morning.” We have got up quite a fashion at this house of entitling each other Bro. especially upon the upper floor. Resolution in regard to night sessions adopted amended so as to require a meeting every night, as Senate resolution to adjourn sine die on the 16th Inst. had just been concurred in. By invitation I took tea at Mrs. Fentress’ with Capt Haynes of Haywood and Bryson of Jackson. Heard music on piano & guitar by Miss Blanche. Met Mr Gudger a lawyer from Haywood attending Supreme Court. Effie Fentress seems to be a sprightly little girl. Went to the meeting of House 8 P.M. Many bills passed and more layed on table. Horton and I walked to Yarboro and saw different friends.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 13, 1874
In the Senate H.B. to pay contractors on Marion and Asheville Turnpike 50 cents on the dollar was after discussion and opposition adopted […] Made an appointment with old Mr. Dickey to call on two of the lady teachers at the Deaf, Dumb & Blind Asylum, and have some nice music from the Blind. He wanted me to sing “Over there,” so I took [him] where he could hear it better rendered. Miss Bremley & Miss Shanks were the leading blind singers. Mr Gay and Mr. ______ sang bass. Saw also Miss Narcissa Dupree a blind teacher. Miss Ballinger and Mrs. Ayer two friends are teachers of the dumb. Mr Miller Senator from Cleaveland enjoying it hugely. Miss started for Durham. [In left margin] Horton called to go somewhere else, but let him go alone to see Miss A. Boylan.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 15, 1874
Went with Mr Dickey to Sunday school at Baptist Church. Joined Strangers class and heard them on Genesis 35th Chap. My object was to visit Infant Department presided over by Mr. & Mrs. Dodd. We were invited in after they were duly organized. The little ones sing in very good time. It seems they have organized a class of young men, who are not users of tobacco, and who will quit it in all its forms. Superintendent J.M. Heck condemned the use of it, saying that all drunkards or nearly so have preceded this condition by the use of tobacco. Another evil quite as great he thought was the chewing gum. Dr Prichard preached concerning importance of showing fruit of late revival. Baptism announced for 4 P.M. Called with Horton on Miss Boylan & Miss Thompson. Dr Jordan & Med [?] Leach called. [In left margin] Pleasant weather.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 16, 1874
Fine weather. Mild and bright. My resolution to change time of adjournment from 12 to 2 P.M. adopted by making it 3 P.M. Much hurry & confusion. Morings bill failed […] Tryed to get up from the table a bill appropriating money to Orphan Asylum and reminded the house that whilst they were free to appropriate extra to certain officers and employees this Orphan House should not be neglected — a laudable object but failed. $1.00 to colporteur towards present for Speaker. A Contribution was taken up, which resulted in seventy five dollar tea service formally presented by Jones of Caldwell and responded to Speaches on adjournment by presiding [In right margin] officers. Some weeping as well as hand shaking. [In left margin] To my room with many many sad thoughts and feelings. [Crosshatched] No wife of children to go home to. Alone. Tea at Prof. Kerr’s.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 17, 1874
Only two members at breakfast table. Mr Dickey and myself. Went down town to get the morning papers. Found Joe Turner as ready as ever to talk about rings and impeachment. The Legislature has adjourned and now he appeals to the people. Violent card in paper from Dr. Grissom against Senator Ransom or Tyrrel — the result of certain investigations into the expenditures of Insane Asylum and some stricture on Dr. G. Ransom and myself made first investigation. Dr. G. wrote me a week ago, to know how errors occurred. I did not write him, but wrote to day and think of not sending yet, as errors were perhaps made by others. Mr Dickey as he did last night so again to day, wished me to repeatedly sing Over there and Dont reject Him or Come to Jesus so that he might learn. In my room pretty much all day. [In left margin] Dickey gone to call on Mrs Gov. Swain. He will leave to night. [Crosshatched] Walked to depot with Dickey. Went to Concert at Peace Institute at night.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 18, 1874
What have I done to day worthy of record? — Scarcely any thing. Rather unwell and slept so late in the evening as to miss Chatham train and guess Sister Julia will wonder what is the matter with me. Expect to make the trip to Haywood to morrow. What a forlorn fellow I am.
Met Dr. Grissom and Tim Lee down street. Gave G. the letter concerning investigation of Insane Asylum affairs. Told him I guessed it would not be of much service to him.
Took an evening walk to the depot and back.
Had a chat on general subjects with Mrs. Smith several hours.
Have been sitting here with mind running at large. Would I were settled. Have a free pass to Morehead City, but am so little disposed to use it. 20 min. to 12 M. Good Night. [In right margin] Called at P.O. and got wrappers and stamps. [In left margin] Some snow — Cloudy all day. Falling.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 19, 1874
Sent off to various portions of the County of Iredell and some places in Alexander and Wilkes about fifty copies of Sentinel, News, Examiner and Herald, considering it better to do that than to throw them away.
Took a walk until room could be cleaned up. Numerous Grangers have been pouring into the city. Met P.C. Carlton. They meet to day in convention.
Took the train for Haywood, Chatham Co. at 4 P.M. They day has been cloudy & drizzly.
Had a long conversation concerning house matters — composed letter &c. Dr. Wyche’s talks with me on piety, religious disputations, the future state and meekness, brought us to 10:30 P.M. when after prayers by the Dr. and a little further conversation retired to my lonely couch to dream &c.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 20, 1874
Began a little cloudy but soon became a bright pleasant day. Dreamed I was in Paris. Had much talk with sister concerning “Mollie dear” and home matters. Heard a few pieces from her on the piano, vizt “Lone rock by the Sea” and “Pass under the Rod.” Good old pieces.
Walked with Dr. and Bertha to Mr Farrar’s store to weigh. Bertha weighed 39 lbs and Dr. W and I each weighed 156 — more than I have since 1865.
Met Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Pitman a lady 70 years old. Sewing machine man called with one of Wheelers and Wilsons. Price $90. Swapped with Julia allowing her $30 for her old machine a 2d handed one for which she paid $35.
The Dr. is fonder of talking on Scripture subjects than any thing else. Had our usual comparison of ideas on Lertinity [?], church differences &c.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 21, 1874
Up at 6 to eat an early breakfast which sister J had ready, a good meal prepared by herself. She acts independent of her servant, who if not on hand when she wants something done, goes ahead. Reached Raleigh about 9 overcoat in hand too warm for use.
Called on the Auditor. Expected to have seen Dr. Prichard. He invited me early in the session to call on him for the purpose of talking over differences and hindrances in religious matters, but I have had so many talks with different people that I have gotten to think it is useless, so far as being a satisfied Baptist, Methodist or Episcopalian is concerned, or really it seems any other. There are some things among all I like and some I dislike but piety wherever found I admire. Dr. Burrows of Richmond had written to him on the subject.
[In left margin] Dr. Mason Rector of Ep. Church here died of Pneumonia.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 21, 1874
Went to Tucker Hall to see how the new congregation of Episcopalians are getting on. Cabinet organ music good. Pastor a Mr. Rich of Md. Text “Get thee behind me Satan, for &c.” Day bright and very warm for this time [of] year. Sat out on pizza much of the time. Wrote three notes on postal card 1 for home 1 to R. and 1 to Willie. Took evening walk to P. Office.
Went to Christs Church at night service read by Bishop Lyman. Sermon by Mr. Rich. The Church is hung with the drapery of mo[u]rning for Dr. Mason descd. Funeral service put off to Tuesday morning at 11.
On return stopped in at Baptist Church and Mr Ivey was concluding long talk in behalf pf Wake Forest College. Then next Dr. P. lead a little boy and young lady down into the baptistery and immersed them.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 23, 1874
Called at Mrs Pullens to see Mrs. Dodd. Day was too pretty to find her at home. Bright and rather warm for Feb.
Visited institution of Deaf Dumb & Blind. Saw Mrs. Ayer one of the teachers, and on my return met Mr Gay and Mr Costner, two blind men who sing well, and after expressing a desire to hear them and the other blind sing, was cordially invited to come at 8 P.M. and they would sing until 9 o’clock. I went and had the class of blind singers to myself. They were very kind and seemed to think a great deal of me pressing me to come again. Names as follows — Misses Brumley, Shank, T.C. Dettmering, Lilly McCarson, Annie E. Huneycutt, Mary Royall, Master Jackson Massey, and Messrs. Gay J.W., J.M. Costner & J.N. Royall. A.M. Page was not in.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
February 24, 1874
Hurried up arrangements to leave Raleigh. Made several calls. Attended the funeral of Rev Dr Mason at 11 Oclock. Dr Smedes read the service Bishop Lyman read the scripture lessons, and Bishop Atkinson pronounced the eulogium, drawing lessons from his exemplary life. The church was crowded to overflowing. Many were on the side walks. Numerous places of business were closed. Clergy attended burial with surplices on.
Went home and packed up my scattered baggage before the dinner bell rang. Ate my dinner took a few strolls, and on return supper was not ready but omnibus was — So I hastily bid good bye and took train at 6.40. Had a broken uneasy slumber part of the way to Greensboro.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 32, North Carolina
February 25, 1874
About 1:30 A.M. got off train at Greensboro to take coffee and a snack. Mr. Woodward of a paper published in New York called The South came up with me, and insisted on paying for coffee & eggs, which I took, he having feasted on oysters.
So began my birthday.
Reached Statesville about 7 intending to go to the Simonton House but the inevitable Shields who always seems to be so good a fellow, insisted on me stopping at the St. Charles. So I let him have my valise & check. At this latter place young Elliot had killed a Mr Neal formerly of Richmond about a week before, and that was my only reason for going to the other House. Habeas Corpus case to day. Hope bail will not be allowed. Expected _____ to send me out. He did not look me up as usual. Slushed through mud & snow in a 2 H Carry all. [In right margin] Reached home about 12 M. Went to bed at Statesville till 10.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)
Columbus T., age 32, North Carolina
February 26, 1874
Away from Legislative duties now I must think of my own affairs — which very much need attention. Having stayed at China Grove during the night after conversation. Pa and I went over to the Mill. I took dinner at Cottage Home my former happy home. The things that we used — so many here and there. I hate to arrange and dispose of. Yet I wish they were all except precious souvenirs and articles immediately those of the dear departed were disposed of effectively. Pa and Mother went to W.T. Gaithers this evening. Jennie and I will be happy at China Grove. Miss Drucilla Ward stayed with Jennie.
*(Worthy of Record: The Civil War and Reconstruction Diaries of Columbus Lafayette Turner, Ed. Kenrick N. Simpson, courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.)