January 1874
Columbus T., age 31, North Carolina
January 1, 1874
Had a pleasant drive from Franklinville in Randolph Co. to Mr. O. Palmer’s of said county, about 14 miles distant, in company with Mr. P. and two of his daughters, Misses Helen and Decie. Wrote a piece in Mrs. Curtis’ Album. She is a daughter of Geo. Makepeace, the founder of the cotton factories at that place. He died in 1872, and his son George now lives at the old homestead. Prevailed upon Miss Emma Taylor a modest young lady of about 18 [?] years to show me some of her original poems which were well conceived and well written. While stopping with Mr. Curtis, a very agreeable gentleman, we visited the factories near, which are on the Deep River, and also the Faith Rock: down which fearful steep Hunter of Revolutionary memory fled from Fanning — he and horse safely escaping. Closed the day at Mr. Oran Palmer’s, with his cheerful family & some 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
January 2, 1874
[top half of page illegible]…our adieus. Miss Decie played a good piece for me, and bidding the old people a kind farewell — after a short drive with Decie, started for Greensboro. It was cloudy with slight sprinkles of rain — mud abundant. 12 miles from G boys and girls were playing Town Ball — one girl was pitching balls and a big fat one catching “out.” Tabernacle Church and Academy are on this road about [torn] miles I think from G. Mr. P [torn] sat up till after midnight waiting for the train. Saw a Mr. Robertson of Rockingham with his newly invented tobacco pr. clamps [In right margin] good.
*(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
January 3, 1874
Took the train at Greensboro about 1 A.M. and had a good disposition for sleep when we reached Salisbury. Changed cars and arrived in Statesville about 6 A.M. Went to Simonton House now kept by Col. Sadler of S.C. Layed down to await breakfast, and barely slept. Engaged horse & buggy to carry me to Turnersburg but J.M. Turner an uncle coming up with me, said he was going there with his buggy and so I went with him. Had pleasant conversation on the way — roads very muddy — some rain and cool. Found my father and Offie and David Stimpson at the store — attending to business. Looked in the P.O. box and found three letters, one written Nov. 18th/72 — one from Geo. McCrindell and one from some of my constituents concerning the act of incorporation for Centre Church [torn] on the China Grove [torn] had dinner talked and J.M.T. went on his way home.
*(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
January 4, 1874
Did not go to church anywhere. Read some Texas Presbyterian Clergyman’s defense of Infant Baptism and Pouring and Sprinkling instead of immersion for Baptism. Phamflet some 80 pages, Usual arguments. This is a vexed question but it seems that the great learning of the age is unable to settle it. It may be on account of prejudices — human preferences and associations. One thing is settled beyond all dispute — the importance of piety. This all can agree upon. When the lust of the eye and the pride of life pass away it may be the same way with religious controversy that is acrimonious discussion. Wrote to Geo. McCrindell and the friends [HP] at Burnt Grove and replied to letter of Nov. 18, 72.
*(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
January 13, 1874
Packed my valise to start to Raleigh. Pa and I went through mud and rain to Statesville. Paid Dr. Campbell $77. Heard of a negro woman at the poor house who was taken there in a dying condition from starvation. Her husband Bill Nichols had deserted her and her baby, and her forlorn condition was not reported or known in time for her to be saved from hungering and starving. Sad neglect in a land of plenty I may say. It too often happens that the col[ore]d people neglect the feeble and suffering.
Took the train at 3 P.M. Met Dr. Ellis Senator from Catawba and Mr. Haynes Rep. from Haywood. Had pleasant converse. Stopped at Boyden House. Took train for Charlotte about 7 P.M. and arrived there about 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 31, North Carolina
January 14, 1874
Called upon Wittkowsky and Rintels to purchase me a neat suit of clothes and overcoat to celebrate my marriage anniversary in.
Obtained a nice suit and fit. Cost including overcoat and two kerchiefs, with Suspenders and cravat is $75.25.
Took meals at the Central Hotel. Highest price for best cotton 14 and 3/4. Called upon the Vances. Met there Rev. Mr. Davis of Gaston Co.
Took the train for Raleigh [from Charlotte] at 7 P.M. Met Bryson Rep. from Jackson, which county he represented as being great for cabbages, having raised a large quantity himself that weighed each 1, 5lbs. Good for grazing. Settled down to a restless sleep.
*(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
January 16, 1874
To day seven years ago at 1 oclock P.M. I led a delicate loving amiable sprightly Virginia lady to the nuptial altar in St. James Church Richmond Va. She lived happily – crossed the river of death Sept. 11th/73 and is now I trust happier. We always celebrated our marriage anniversary, and tho. I am alone, I wished to honor the day in some cheerful way. Am sorry we are too crowded at this our boarding house for me to have had a dining all together with invited guests. I wore for the first time to day a fine black cass suit, and looked as neat as I could – having shaved and had my hair trimmed – wore my boots smoked a few cigars with some friends, and will don my every day apparel tomorrow. This was in memory of my wifes tidiness, and particularly as to my dress. It happened that we had plenty of turkey for dinner. Wrote the report of Sub. Com. on Insane Asylum. To day began this diary. Rec’d a strange letter. [In left margin] Letter to Mr. & Mrs. Lacy & Mrs. C. & W.D. Turner Day pleasant and cool. Showed Mollie’s scrap book and obituary.
*(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
January 18, 1874
Up earlier than usual. Took a long walk before breakfast. Read the morning paper containing an account of the Ex-President Johnson-Holt controversy as to where the guilt lies in the execution of Mrs. Surrat said to be an innocent woman. One blames the other, but the article in question heaps the guilt upon both — and I believe both are blameable and very likely feel the lashings of conscience.
Visited the Baptist Sunday School, for the purpose of going into the Infant Department presided over by Mr. & Mrs. Dodd. Exercises creditable to themselves and children. The children are up or down promptly at the sound of the words “one, two.” Have been finishing up this diary to date, not having begun until the month was half gone. Visited Cowles & Nicholson Anderson. [In left margin] Day beautiful and not quite so cold. 11:15 P.M. Must retire.
*(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
January 19, 1874
In the House to day the bills passed were of a local character such as the laying off and construction of a road from Wilkesboro to Taylorsville, and bills of incorporation. In the Senate bill preventing the selling of cotton between sunset and sunrise in quantities less than a bale passed without a dissenting vote.
Took the train at 4 P.M. for Haywood to see Sister Julia and husband, — observed the form of a lady in front of me which seemed to be familiar and noticed a gentleman walk in and take a seat by her, when it was settled in my mind that it was Miss Emma Taylor and her Curtis whom I met at Franklinville in Randolph Co. Had a pleasant chat until passing through the bridge over Deep River. I was reminded that I was at Haywood and must get off. Hasty leave. Found sister and family quite well. Reported all changes and news from home & 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
January 22, 1874
The bill appropriating $46,500, to institutions for Deaf, Dumb & Blind was taken up and provoked much discussion. Last session $5000 were appropriated to build an institution for Col’d Dep’t. The Board had gone as far as to require the amount above $40,000, to complete it. Amendments were offered to reduce, which I opposed stating that no plans or specifications for the building were to be found in any act of this Gen. Assembly, and whilst I depricated and earnestly condemned, exceeding powers granted, I believed in the establishment of a building that would answer the purpose, be satisfactory, and creditable to the State, and advised members offering amendment to reduce the appropriation, to back such with informative facts and figures, based upon investigation and would [In left margin] move to postpone such to give all objectors opportunity to make investigation and be prepared to act knowingly.
*(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
January 26, 1874
Received Intelligencer containing an account of sister Ella’s marriage by L.S.G. This paper ought to be sent to me regularly but Editor seems to neglect it. Why is this.
A Bill asking or rather incorporating a colored lodge of Masons, was strongly opposed by some of the whites, saying they had never been recognized and that it was clandestine. Gudger opposed, and stated that he preferred the institution of Masonry to any other on earth, the Church not excepted, to which he belongs. Dudley col[ore]d only excepted the Church. A call for Ayes and Noes being sustained the bill passed by only 2 Maj. 38 to 36. Although a large Maj. in fact nearly all of my party voted against it — those who did vote, yet I voted for it, because Masons must settle the question of recognition among themselves, and it is one act of Incor. among a hundred, and if so good a thing its benefits should extend to all races. Took dinner at Mrs Pullens and exercised along the streets with Horton & Anderson of Davie.
*(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
January 27, 1874
Dickey of Cherokee and myself rose in ample time this morning having slept better because of a free communication of ideas feelings and faults. I had occasion to recount many things concerning the dear departed[.] Bill concerning voting on the question of liquor prohibition in townships, reported favorably by Judiciary Committee with slight amendments. The bill to amend an act concerning the Consolidation of Central N.C. R. R. and others — called forth many amendments and much discussion and feeling. Gudger made a wild speech. Passed several readings but was reconsidered and will come up as unfinished business. Much might be here said — Myself and Capt Horton were invited by Mr. Huston to ride with him to Insane Asylum — also Mr. Mitchell. Went for the ride. Dr. Grissolm showed us through some of the wards. Was cheerfully greeted and recognized by three of Insane ladies. Went to Caucus. Public debt discussed that is all. Mr. Lines of Clay frd of Rep. Anderson has just invited me to his ‘room.’ Here I go in compliance.
*(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
January 28, 1874
To day the bill of Waugh of Surry came up — to abolish the office of State Geologist. He took the floor and amused the House for some time by his peculiar style — grimaces twitches and turns. He is an old Representative of the old school, and much opposed to new words of many letters and odd pronunciations. He used to say in common with other people “Mu’seum,” but now it was “Musee’um,” and as to a proposed classification of quadrupeds and reptiles it did not matter with his constituents whether a bullfrog was a quadruped, reptile or of a stuffed owl, bullfrog, and a petrified monkey foot was too much expense, he thought. A young doctor said to him one time the wind blows very acute and actuatingly, and the inquired for cat Aye de sulpha luntum when he felt [In right margin] like hallooing “Table him off.” Waugh’s bill failed notwithstanding. [In left margin] Went to tea at F’s according to invitation.
*(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
January 30, 1874
After taking my seat Rev Mr. Culbreth informed me that my sister Mrs. Wyche was down street shopping, and that she wanted me to come, and would find her somewhere on Fayetteville St. After a search came up behind her wending her way along the St. leading little Bertha. Tapped her on the shoulder when she looked around frightened and ready to scream out or fight. After leaving her to finish her shopping, returned to my seat, when soon the Revenue bill came up. Much discussion took place on amount of exemptions. This I was anxious to secure in a way that would be to the interest of, and satisfactory to the poor and the farming interest but much exemption would be impolitic, and wrong under the ad valorem system, when a small one would meet the case of the poor. Joined Sister Julia at Mrs. Fentress where was her frd. Miss Blanche F. Took dinner there as Miss B. was not willing for me to take her away. After a hasty walk the omnibus [In right margin] having left we reached the train and I jumped off when the train was pretty well under weigh but being active kept on my feet. [In left margin] Went to Quire meeting at Methodist Church, instead of Ball at Yarboro Hotel. Recd letter from Will D. 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
January 31, 1874
Began the day as usual. Read the morning papers. Senate worked on their new consolidation bill. The House passed the Machinery act for raising revenue. Brown of Mecklenburg had put in a resolution to raise a joint committee on adjournment, which he called up. This was similar to mine introduced before, and action on it was deferred, so that the Public Debt might first be adjusted when a committee could better determine the time of adjournment. It was know[n] too that there was already on hand this resolution, but he as some others, was anxious for a record in this matter, and I gave him opportunity, as it was or amended as to be like mine and would not therefore press the postponement to take it up. “Looks like stealing somebody else’s thunder.” Wrote to Mr. & Mrs. M.K. Steele. Went with Horton and Marler and called upon Simonton at the Yarboro, & McLeod 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.)