Mary Catherine
This photo is identified by writing on back as "Mary Catherine Sarver, wife of George W. Stephens."Mary Catherine wears a key on a chain that looks like a Phi Beta Kappa key.
Women were not eligible for Phi Beta Kappa until 1875. Mary Catherine died January 4, 1874 in Whitesboro, Grayson County, Texas. The first PBK chapters to induct women were at the University of Vermont in 1875 and at Connecticut's Wesleyan University in 1876.Mary Catherine died young, age 32. Her only daughter, Mittie, was four and half years old when her mother died. Mittie enjoyed her years at Denison and Sherman, Texas Catholic academies. This was a rare opportunity for a young girl in the West in 1870s. Her father and step-mother encouraged her education. In her later years Mittie wrote about the value of an education, appreciating the educational opportunities of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Moccasins
1941: Rufus and I have nine living children, George, Jack, Randall and Mildred of California. Cecil of Butler, Oklahoma. Loys of Denver, Colorado. Frank, Fannie, and Mary of Arapaho, Oklahoma. We lived on our Homestead at Gip for fifteen years then moved to a farm adjoining Arapaho, Oklahoma. We run the Store at Gip for fifteen years and thirty-four years at Arapaho and also farmed and raised livestock at the two places.
The Indians were always friendly when they came to the Store. Little Wolf, a chief, ate many a time at our table. He gave us a very small pair of Moccasins, Leggins, and Head Band for little Rexie. He loved her and called her his little son's squaw. Said when Baby was grown they would be rich in stock and land and be a little princess when she married his son. Baby Rexie died July 2, 1893 age fifteen months. I heard later that Little Wolf's son died when he was about four years old.
The Squaws were more timid about visiting than the Bucks were, but many Indians traded with us at times. I never worried around them. They were friendly but we didn't understand each other's language very well. One time, an Indian boy gave me a pair of Red Birds to raise as pets.
When baby Rexie took sick at our Store, Little Wolf and his Squaw told me how to doctor her by their sign language and showing how to treat her for spasms. I have never had the opportunity to see Little Wolf's grave to place flowers there. I have told many of his kindness.
The Indians were always friendly when they came to the Store. Little Wolf, a chief, ate many a time at our table. He gave us a very small pair of Moccasins, Leggins, and Head Band for little Rexie. He loved her and called her his little son's squaw. Said when Baby was grown they would be rich in stock and land and be a little princess when she married his son. Baby Rexie died July 2, 1893 age fifteen months. I heard later that Little Wolf's son died when he was about four years old.
The Squaws were more timid about visiting than the Bucks were, but many Indians traded with us at times. I never worried around them. They were friendly but we didn't understand each other's language very well. One time, an Indian boy gave me a pair of Red Birds to raise as pets.
When baby Rexie took sick at our Store, Little Wolf and his Squaw told me how to doctor her by their sign language and showing how to treat her for spasms. I have never had the opportunity to see Little Wolf's grave to place flowers there. I have told many of his kindness.
The Hay Stack Fire
George was three and half years old and Cecil was two years old when the Cheyenne and Arapaho Country was opened for settlement. My husband, Rufus Cobb, my father, George Wesley Stephens, and my brothers, Bill and Jim, left our home on March 21, 1892 to make the Run of April 19, 1892. Our baby daughter, Rexie, was seven days old.
I felt so gloomy and lonely when they left. Reality was even gloomier and lonelier. The hired girl and hired hand had gone to a dance across the Red River and were water bound by flooding river for many days before they returned.
During that time my two little boys set a big hay stack afire near the house. Neighbors a mile away saw the stack burning. They knew I was alone. The hay fire would destroy much property and endanger their own lives if not stopped. Soon there were many people there with buckets of water fighting the fire. The boys could not be found anywhere.
One man said they may be in that hay stack if they tunneled into it and hay fell on top of them. Neighbors went to search the dampened hay. How gloomy my thoughts were.
Sure enough that is where the boys were found. The boys were coughing and blackened with smoke but not burned alive.
It was several months after the men folk left before they would be able to return. Not a word was heard from them. Not a written line was delivered of their well being or how they were getting along. There was nothing to give me hopes, but there were plenty of rumors of disasters, deaths of different kinds that had overtaken all.
One night I sat up late with sick baby girl Rexie getting her first tooth through her gums. She cried continually. I couldn't lay down to rest my own body.
The neighbors had gone to a big three day celebration at Ardmore. People passed by all hours seeing a light in the house stopped for a drink of water. Some were drunken stragglers swearing and talking loud.
About 4 o'clock in the morning the dog set to barking again. This was a different kind of bark. Listening I thought I could hear the sound of our own horses. I knew them well enough. The dog ran to the road and back again trying to tell me some news.
All at once all sounds died down for awhile. The dog returned to the house head down. Then long moments later the dog began his barking and leaping around like he was happy. I heard a voice singing, then whistling, drawing nearer.
Looking down I found the babe in my arms had fallen asleep. It was her father's voice I heard on the night wind a mile away. Tears of joy run across my face.
When Rufus walked into the house I told him the song I heard on the wind. He said the horses could not be held back as they neared home and he was so happy that he was shouting as loud as his lungs would let him. Singing over the hill tops the sound traveled far, notes making the dog so happy. Traveling through the valley the sounds were fainter to the home listener. We sat and talked as the Sun come up through the big forest trees. Baby woke up with a smile. She was happy because she saw my smiles. Rufus said, "Look she smiles. She knows me." I wondered back to him, "Do you think a seven day old baby can remember anyone she hasn't seen for many months?"
When Rexie was six months old we packed up ready to travel to the new lands of new opportunities, new hopes and a new home belonging solely to us and to be handed down to our children. October 1941 we have our Gip homestead staked 49 years since 1892.
I felt so gloomy and lonely when they left. Reality was even gloomier and lonelier. The hired girl and hired hand had gone to a dance across the Red River and were water bound by flooding river for many days before they returned.
During that time my two little boys set a big hay stack afire near the house. Neighbors a mile away saw the stack burning. They knew I was alone. The hay fire would destroy much property and endanger their own lives if not stopped. Soon there were many people there with buckets of water fighting the fire. The boys could not be found anywhere.
One man said they may be in that hay stack if they tunneled into it and hay fell on top of them. Neighbors went to search the dampened hay. How gloomy my thoughts were.
Sure enough that is where the boys were found. The boys were coughing and blackened with smoke but not burned alive.
It was several months after the men folk left before they would be able to return. Not a word was heard from them. Not a written line was delivered of their well being or how they were getting along. There was nothing to give me hopes, but there were plenty of rumors of disasters, deaths of different kinds that had overtaken all.
One night I sat up late with sick baby girl Rexie getting her first tooth through her gums. She cried continually. I couldn't lay down to rest my own body.
The neighbors had gone to a big three day celebration at Ardmore. People passed by all hours seeing a light in the house stopped for a drink of water. Some were drunken stragglers swearing and talking loud.
About 4 o'clock in the morning the dog set to barking again. This was a different kind of bark. Listening I thought I could hear the sound of our own horses. I knew them well enough. The dog ran to the road and back again trying to tell me some news.
All at once all sounds died down for awhile. The dog returned to the house head down. Then long moments later the dog began his barking and leaping around like he was happy. I heard a voice singing, then whistling, drawing nearer.
Looking down I found the babe in my arms had fallen asleep. It was her father's voice I heard on the night wind a mile away. Tears of joy run across my face.
When Rufus walked into the house I told him the song I heard on the wind. He said the horses could not be held back as they neared home and he was so happy that he was shouting as loud as his lungs would let him. Singing over the hill tops the sound traveled far, notes making the dog so happy. Traveling through the valley the sounds were fainter to the home listener. We sat and talked as the Sun come up through the big forest trees. Baby woke up with a smile. She was happy because she saw my smiles. Rufus said, "Look she smiles. She knows me." I wondered back to him, "Do you think a seven day old baby can remember anyone she hasn't seen for many months?"
When Rexie was six months old we packed up ready to travel to the new lands of new opportunities, new hopes and a new home belonging solely to us and to be handed down to our children. October 1941 we have our Gip homestead staked 49 years since 1892.
Red River quicksand
While Governor Leon C. Phillips is trying to stop work on the Red River dam where Texas and Oklahoma would be joined, I came near being drowned in this same River of Story and Song.
Note: In 1941 Mittie recorded in her journal a traveling day of October 1887. In 1938 Congress authorized the construction of a dam and reservoir north of Denison, Texas, to control the flooding of the Red River, generate electrical power, and provide irrigation. Lake Texoma, the reservoir, with a shoreline of 1,250 miles, would be developed by the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. Oklahoma Governor Leon C. Phillips 1939-1943 objected to the Texoma plans and started litigation. On June 2, 1941 the Supreme Court ruled the project was constitutional and the federal government was not invading state rights.
While telling of it's glory and fame I shudder when thinking of what came near being my fate. The first year after our marriage we were moving and had to cross the Red River. One team was hitched to the front wagon which my husband was driving. I was laying on a mattress and springs and sick expecting to become a mother in a few months. The team stopped mid-way of Stream. They had struck a Bar of Quick Sand and the wagon was slowly sinking for the team couldn't pull the loaded wagon that sunk down to the Hubs.
Husband cut the lines of the harness loose then rode to landing. One of the drivers, an older man, was driving another wagon team. He had a gentler horse. He rode to our wagon, picked me up and placed me in front of him and rode for Shore where we spend the afternoon and night. The men worked laboriously at the stranded wagon until night, it was unloaded one article at a time until all things were out and empty wagon pulled by horse and lifted by men was then landed on the Bank.
All the household goods, bedding I used and three large trunks with fine quilts, blankets and coverlets and dresses were watersoaked with Red River stains that never left them. These highly treasured goods bearing memories of my dear deceased mother were ruined. I cried all afternoon from pain and heart sickness at loss. The three men were very kind and considerate. The bedding was dried by Campfire. They tried in every way to get me to eat something but my appetite was gone same as those treasures.
When morning come the Sun arose bright and clear, warming us up and putting Cheer and Courage into our hearts. I was asked if my aches and pains were over. We decided to begin loading up the wagon again as most things were dried out. My health remained delicate for two months until my baby boy was born in our new log house in Chickasaw Nation. There was no doctor to attend. I lay for three weeks before any strength returned to my body. The little Babe gave us much pleasure. We as parents worked hard and made many plans for improvements.
Journal, to be continued.
Rufus and Mittie Cobb with son, about 1888.
Note: In 1941 Mittie recorded in her journal a traveling day of October 1887. In 1938 Congress authorized the construction of a dam and reservoir north of Denison, Texas, to control the flooding of the Red River, generate electrical power, and provide irrigation. Lake Texoma, the reservoir, with a shoreline of 1,250 miles, would be developed by the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. Oklahoma Governor Leon C. Phillips 1939-1943 objected to the Texoma plans and started litigation. On June 2, 1941 the Supreme Court ruled the project was constitutional and the federal government was not invading state rights.
While telling of it's glory and fame I shudder when thinking of what came near being my fate. The first year after our marriage we were moving and had to cross the Red River. One team was hitched to the front wagon which my husband was driving. I was laying on a mattress and springs and sick expecting to become a mother in a few months. The team stopped mid-way of Stream. They had struck a Bar of Quick Sand and the wagon was slowly sinking for the team couldn't pull the loaded wagon that sunk down to the Hubs.
Husband cut the lines of the harness loose then rode to landing. One of the drivers, an older man, was driving another wagon team. He had a gentler horse. He rode to our wagon, picked me up and placed me in front of him and rode for Shore where we spend the afternoon and night. The men worked laboriously at the stranded wagon until night, it was unloaded one article at a time until all things were out and empty wagon pulled by horse and lifted by men was then landed on the Bank.
All the household goods, bedding I used and three large trunks with fine quilts, blankets and coverlets and dresses were watersoaked with Red River stains that never left them. These highly treasured goods bearing memories of my dear deceased mother were ruined. I cried all afternoon from pain and heart sickness at loss. The three men were very kind and considerate. The bedding was dried by Campfire. They tried in every way to get me to eat something but my appetite was gone same as those treasures.
When morning come the Sun arose bright and clear, warming us up and putting Cheer and Courage into our hearts. I was asked if my aches and pains were over. We decided to begin loading up the wagon again as most things were dried out. My health remained delicate for two months until my baby boy was born in our new log house in Chickasaw Nation. There was no doctor to attend. I lay for three weeks before any strength returned to my body. The little Babe gave us much pleasure. We as parents worked hard and made many plans for improvements.
Journal, to be continued.
Rufus and Mittie Cobb with son, about 1888.
R. R. Cobb, My Husband
I met my husband R. R. Cobb at a Big Camp Meeting at St. Joe Texas while my father's family was living at Jim Town Indian Territory near Red River. We were introduced and were going together for weeks during this Camp Meeting. He then took me home across the Big River. It then took almost a day in buggy, now the trip can be made in a few hours in Auto. We decided to marry so we could live on the same side of the River. Our marriage January 30, 1887 took place at Jim Town, a small trading post in Indian Territory near the Red River. The Marriage Certificate was issued at Gainesville, Texas while the Old River rolls between the two states the Certificate, the Words, and Prayers of Minister Creed F. Roberts have stayed good for holding the young couple, he age 21 and she 18 yrs, for 54 years strong, together.
Rufus and Mittie Cobb, 1929
Journal, to be continued.
Rufus and Mittie Cobb, 1929Journal, to be continued.
My Father and Mother
Mittie Stephens Cobb pioneer journal: My Father, George W. Stephens, was a merchant and he followed the Rail Road as it advanced North & West. Father come to Ardmore in 1885, then moved to a farm 14 miles Southeast of there, and opened a Store and Post Office known as Stephens P.O. not far from Hewitt.
My Mother was a descendant of Pocahontas of historical fame. My Father was a cousin of Frank Yoakum, President of one of our Rail Roads that traversed this great and lovely state of Oklahoma. The Yoakums were Texas Pioneers. They were educators, founders of schools, coming from Tennessee. They were Scandinavians crossing the Ocean a few generations before.
Journal, to be continued.
Mittie Stephens Cobb told her family that her grandmother was kin to Pocahontas, related to the Rolfes. She spoke of her grandmother Eliza Matilda Harless, born 1820, daughter of Mary Broce and step daughter of Israel Harless of Montgomery County, Virginia. Eliza Matilda married James Sarver 9 October 1838, Montgomery County, Virginia, and died 7 November 1888 Lee County, Virginia.
My Mother was a descendant of Pocahontas of historical fame. My Father was a cousin of Frank Yoakum, President of one of our Rail Roads that traversed this great and lovely state of Oklahoma. The Yoakums were Texas Pioneers. They were educators, founders of schools, coming from Tennessee. They were Scandinavians crossing the Ocean a few generations before.
Journal, to be continued.
Mittie Stephens Cobb told her family that her grandmother was kin to Pocahontas, related to the Rolfes. She spoke of her grandmother Eliza Matilda Harless, born 1820, daughter of Mary Broce and step daughter of Israel Harless of Montgomery County, Virginia. Eliza Matilda married James Sarver 9 October 1838, Montgomery County, Virginia, and died 7 November 1888 Lee County, Virginia.
Is Mary Broce the Pocahontas descendant or the unknown father? This is unknown. There may not be evidence for these family legends. The resource list collected may help others.
Research included Pocahontas Trails, the quarterly newsletter of the Pocahontas Trails Genealogical Society 1983-1993, started by Carolyn Burke, Lakeport, CA. Many family tales recorded there began with "Grandmother said."Pocahontas Trails included research that Thomas Rolfe may have had other children than Jane, and accounts of descendant from Pocahontas' sister, Niketti.
Resources- Brown, Stuart.E. Jr.; Myers, L.F.; Chappel, E. M.; Pocahontas Descendants. A revision and enlargement of the list as set out by Wyndham Robertson in his book, Pocahontas & Her Descendants. The Pocahontas Foundation, P.O. Box 431, Berryville, VA 22611. 1985. 443 pages ($49.50)
- Brown, Myers & Chappel, Corrections & Additions to Pocahontas Descendants. The Pocahontas Foundation, 1992. 182 pages.
- Burns, M., Pocahontas Blood. Index to Wyndham Robertson's Pocahontas and her Descendants. The Virginia Tree, Silver Spring, MD, 1983. 16 pages.
- Moore, Elizabeth V. & Richard Slatten, "The Descendants of Pocahontas: An Unclosed Case", Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, August 1985, Vol 23 #4, pages 3-16.
- Pocahontas Trails Genealogical Society, Pocahontas Trails Quarterly. published January, April, July, October, 1983-1990 by PTGS. Editor, Carolyn Burns, Lakeport, CA 95453.
- Robertson, Wyndham, Pocahontas and Her Descendants. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, (1887) 1986.
Traveled by Covered Wagon
Mittie Stephens Cobb pioneer days: I came to G. County, Oklahoma Territory in a covered wagon. Or rather we had 3 wagons with our household goods, feed and farming implements after my husband gained our homestead in the Run, April 19, 1892. Our family of 5, three children ranging in age from 6 months to 4 years, husband and I with bedding and children in one wagon leading. It took 2 weeks for us to come from Stephens Post Office now discontinued between Healdton and Ardmore, Indian Territory on the main Highway.
Our [Chickasaw Nation] permit for 5 years was obtained from Indian Governor Parker. We were allowed all our improvements of 3 room log house, barns, cribs and there was plenty of timber for these and fence rails and posts, which my husband and hands cut and split. Also the logs for all buildings. There was talk of Oklahoma Territory coming in for settlement soon. We raised lots of cotton, wheat and oats. Thousands of bushels at 15 cents a bushel, 18 bales cotton at 6 and 7 cents. The year's produce netted about 3 thousand dollars - horses & stock, chickens, ducks, and furniture with carpets.
My mother had left me her marble top furniture, which was valuable then as well as now, and 3 trunks of fine quilts, blankets and counterpanes that were made on hand loom.
to be continued
Our [Chickasaw Nation] permit for 5 years was obtained from Indian Governor Parker. We were allowed all our improvements of 3 room log house, barns, cribs and there was plenty of timber for these and fence rails and posts, which my husband and hands cut and split. Also the logs for all buildings. There was talk of Oklahoma Territory coming in for settlement soon. We raised lots of cotton, wheat and oats. Thousands of bushels at 15 cents a bushel, 18 bales cotton at 6 and 7 cents. The year's produce netted about 3 thousand dollars - horses & stock, chickens, ducks, and furniture with carpets.
My mother had left me her marble top furniture, which was valuable then as well as now, and 3 trunks of fine quilts, blankets and counterpanes that were made on hand loom.
to be continued
Mittie's Early Years
Mittie wrote: I was born at Whitesboro, TX, June 19, 1868 and was educated at Catholic Academies at Denison and Sherman, TX. The building at Denison stands as a beautiful monument of those days of 1884. I visited it fifty years afterwards and recalled many memories of those kind dear teachers, the nuns of the Catholic Church.Mittie attended St. Joseph's Academy at Sherman and finished school at St. Xavier's Academy at Dennison, TX. The photo is from History of Grayson County, Texas, Volume I.
Mittie's mother Mary Catherine Sarver was raised in Catholic church in New River area, Montgomery County, Virginia. Mary married Pearis Olinger, May 12, 1859 Montgomery County, Virginia. Mary and Pearis were living in Gainsville, Cooke County Texas in June 1860 living next door to Mary's half-sisters Luemma Poff, and Liona Souder and their families. Pearis died during Civil War at unknown location.
Mary married George Wesley Stephens, November 11, 1864 in Grayson County, Texas. George Stephens was a store clerk in Whitesboro, Grayson County, TX. Mittie had two brothers, William, born 1865, and James, born 1870. Mary died January 4, 1874, age 32. George then married Fannie (Fairchild) Edsall on May 7, 1874. Fannie was a widow of a Union soldier with six children, Bart, Henry, C. W., Ben, Icy and Sarah. Mittie was delighted to have new sisters. Sarah was Mittie's age, born August 1868. In 1941, Mittie writes letters and visits with Sarah's daughter Essa Pafford Simmons.
December 31, 1941, Wednesday
Very cold - ice freezing hard and a Heavy Fog that is frozen hangs over us excluding the Sunshine. My pains are worse this morning and haven't been able to put on dress but have an over Robe to cover me while sitting up. This is the last day of 1941. Year has been very Eventful! Much Sorrow over Our Boys being killed by the Japs in Honolulu. War was declared December 9 to fight Japs and Germany and their Allies. Premier Churchill of England with Other High Officials are planning Our Side of War. It is horrible to read accounts of Battles and Slaying of humanity. And money invested in War Planes and Ships with huge far reaching guns is extremely immense expense. Taxes getting higher and Prices so exorbitant. Much sickness and Epidemics will abound before we see End of War. Scripture reading Psalm 90.
Nora Flint come in to see me. I was glad to have her talk about Jack. She is a dear sweet girl and has a Big Influence for good over Jack. She brought me a lump of magnesium like the Wings of Airplanes are covered over with. Very pretty ornament to have and it is interesting to talk about.
Receved a nice sweet letter from Estelle Harper thanking me for getting a Birth Certificate for her and telling of her children growing and how they enjoyed their Christmas. Mary told me about them Invoicing the Store Stock beginning today.
Tonight the Weather is very cold with Icy Sleet covering the Road, making traveling over it very dangerous. Nora Flint wanted to start back to California tomorrow with Sister and Bro-in-law Dave Hansen but will have to wait until Weather moderates again.
The Last Day of 1941 has been filled with many pleasures for me even tho too sick to get outside my room. So I bid you Farewell old 1941 for in an hour it will be the New Year 1942. 1941 will be "Gone With the Wind" very shortly and numbered with the Past. Good Bye to the Old Year and All Hail the New Year! Wonder what it will bring to this World. We are Very Thankful dear God for Thy Great Love and Protection.
Nora Flint come in to see me. I was glad to have her talk about Jack. She is a dear sweet girl and has a Big Influence for good over Jack. She brought me a lump of magnesium like the Wings of Airplanes are covered over with. Very pretty ornament to have and it is interesting to talk about.
Receved a nice sweet letter from Estelle Harper thanking me for getting a Birth Certificate for her and telling of her children growing and how they enjoyed their Christmas. Mary told me about them Invoicing the Store Stock beginning today.
Tonight the Weather is very cold with Icy Sleet covering the Road, making traveling over it very dangerous. Nora Flint wanted to start back to California tomorrow with Sister and Bro-in-law Dave Hansen but will have to wait until Weather moderates again.
The Last Day of 1941 has been filled with many pleasures for me even tho too sick to get outside my room. So I bid you Farewell old 1941 for in an hour it will be the New Year 1942. 1941 will be "Gone With the Wind" very shortly and numbered with the Past. Good Bye to the Old Year and All Hail the New Year! Wonder what it will bring to this World. We are Very Thankful dear God for Thy Great Love and Protection.
December 30, 1941, Tuesday
Wind to the West and not so cold, more pleasant with Sunshine and calm breezes. Scripture reading Num. 14:1-10. Grace and little Billie Jean were here early. She is having a pit dug for butane tank at her new home. God Bless and Direct her aright and may She be a God fearing and God loving Mother to instruct her children to be good honest citizens. Mary hurried to town. There is so many things to attend to as the Year ends and the Gip farms are to be evacuated by our possessions. I had a bad day of suffering yesterday and last night, am now able to eat solid food as my throat is still very sore. The Gifts that Loys sent us are all so Very Nice and fine. Am so proud and thankful for them. Dorothy Reed wrote me a letter of Thanks for their Birth Certificates I had recorded. Mary took the laundry to Clinton and got fresh fruit and produce for the Store. I went along for the Ride as I've been in the house since Thursday night with my suffering. Thelma Marvin and friend had Mary to take them to Butler as Mrs. Brown, Thelma's mother is sick. The weather has moderated and is very pleasant and Sunny this afternoon. I felt some better. Another cold spell of Weather ahead of us according to Radio.
December 29, 1941, Monday
Cold South wind, Icy cold, cloudy. I'm still rather feeble. The cold change of weather affects me badly. Scripture reading Matthew 6:34, Psalm 91, Luke 12:32. I was made to rejoice when Frank come with a letter from Jack, as I've lain awake night after night praying to hear he was better and I could hear from him. Loys Christmas package was late because it was delayed at Post Office. It was well insured and had to be inspected as well as protected by Federal Gov. I sorrow so for Jack's misfortune in getting hurt and having Hospital bills to meet and will not be able to work for a month or more and all the time his expenses multiply. Loys sent me one of the prettiest Ornaments to wear on coat lapel I ever saw. It is an enameled Eagle with Ruby eye and is flying with Wings outstretched and looking above and around on the Alert to fight and Protect. Also a costly box of candied fruits, pretty too. I made hot biscuits for Dad and Frank at Noon. Mrs. Blakely not doing so well today.
December 28, 1941, Sunday
Weather is cold, Bright & Beautiful, calm and serene. Scripture reading I Peter 5th chapter, Luke 12:22-34. There is so much Sorrow, Wickedness and Suffering and the Horrors of War in many Countries. It causes Waves of Sorrowing Grief to sweep over me and my eyes fill with tears for the Anguish of Body and Souls Others are Bearing because of War and it's horrible sufferings. God hasten the Day when there will be No More War. God Bless Our President and All of Our Official Statesmen and Ambassadors of Peace.
The girls took Dad to Church after that Mary and Josephine will go on toward Okema either in our Car or the Bus. I can get a Great Comfort by reading the Bible and being alone to Commune with my Heavenly Father.
Girls left at 11 A.M. to go by Essa Simmons. I sent E. a nice card of Thanks and Happy New Year Wishes. I managed to wash that large stack of dishes that had collected. Mary returned home at 7 P.M. The girls met Essa and Sewall before they reached their house. They were going to Red Cross meeting at Yukon and the girls went on to El Reno for Josephine to take Bus to Okema. Dad called on the sick, Mrs. Blakely and Mr. Casey.
The girls took Dad to Church after that Mary and Josephine will go on toward Okema either in our Car or the Bus. I can get a Great Comfort by reading the Bible and being alone to Commune with my Heavenly Father.
Girls left at 11 A.M. to go by Essa Simmons. I sent E. a nice card of Thanks and Happy New Year Wishes. I managed to wash that large stack of dishes that had collected. Mary returned home at 7 P.M. The girls met Essa and Sewall before they reached their house. They were going to Red Cross meeting at Yukon and the girls went on to El Reno for Josephine to take Bus to Okema. Dad called on the sick, Mrs. Blakely and Mr. Casey.
December 27, 1941, Saturday
Partly cloudy and Icy cold frosted Window panes. I'm still feeling sick, but will get up and stir around, not too much for my strength. The girls arose and took Dad to town, then lay down until Noon while I tidied up the kitchen and my room. Scripture reading Phil. 4:1-13. Girls have gone to Clinton. I will spend the time in my room by the fire. Am still weak to go anywhere. Girls brought more Cards. Josephine made a batch of fried pies to last several days. Mary and Jo got many delicious eatables, among them Jello salad and whipped cream. They spent the evening at Clinton
December 26, 1941, Friday
Bright Sunny morning, calm & icy cold. Mary and Josephine are cleaning the rooms and will go to the Store to help Dad. The house looked like a cyclone had passed through it, but the girls with broom, mop and duster made quick work of cleaning everything spick & span. Scripture reading Isaiah 9 & 48 chapters, Eph. 6:12.
Had a bad siege of heart weakness and neuralgia that lasted for hours. These spells unnerve me for days after. While I am alone and everything quiet will be a good time to meditate, read, paste cards in lovely scrap book Mildred sent and work the large puzzle that Richard gave me and if there is time it will be used in looking over Card and Letters from my children. The Quietude is good for my nerves, hope it will continue during the day.
Josephine gathered me Glass dish of Violets from the yard and came bringing them as a morning offering. Violets are so sweet, modest and pretty in their simplicity. I was too sick to go anywhere with the girls but sat near the fire in my room.
Frank is at Clinton until first of week. The girls cooked Dad a nice warm Supper then made a batch of Candy, played games of Cards and then retired at reasonable hour. I read newspaper, cut out clippings until 11:30 P.M. then retired but could not get sleepy.
Had a bad siege of heart weakness and neuralgia that lasted for hours. These spells unnerve me for days after. While I am alone and everything quiet will be a good time to meditate, read, paste cards in lovely scrap book Mildred sent and work the large puzzle that Richard gave me and if there is time it will be used in looking over Card and Letters from my children. The Quietude is good for my nerves, hope it will continue during the day.
Josephine gathered me Glass dish of Violets from the yard and came bringing them as a morning offering. Violets are so sweet, modest and pretty in their simplicity. I was too sick to go anywhere with the girls but sat near the fire in my room.
Frank is at Clinton until first of week. The girls cooked Dad a nice warm Supper then made a batch of Candy, played games of Cards and then retired at reasonable hour. I read newspaper, cut out clippings until 11:30 P.M. then retired but could not get sleepy.
December 25, 1941, Christmas Day
Bright sunshine but strong south wind is a little disagreeable for me to get around in. Fanny come at 10:30 A.M. and is helping Josephine and Mary cook Turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The Gas stoves are burning in all the downstairs rooms making a Cheerful glow with their warm rays. Dad, Frank, Dick and Richard are down town waiting to be called for Dinner. I am sick but have a joyous Spirit to greet others even if I am not able to do any manual labor. Fanny brought a load of gifts and lots of her home produced and canned vegetables, a quart of strawberry preserves and for me a lovely bottle of perfume. Grace is here with the children. She is helping the girls with dinner. A beautiful card from Essa saying she wished me to be well again and that Sewell was safe. She was happy that he is at Honolulu. Mildred's card was joyously written about her Christmas blessings. A card from Guy Pafford with a lovely costly lace handkerchief. Cecil and Lena come with a armload of gifts and supply of canned and cooked foods for dinner, money gift for Mary and a nice handbag for me. I'm like Mildred rejoicing receipt of tokens of love and friendship. The girls all spent the evening at Clinton after they brought the children and I home from a good matinee. The girls of Grace's stayed here all night. Richard and the girls played games until they were tired and sleepy and then I sent them upstairs to bed. Fanny called for Richard as they returned from Clinton at midnight. The night was freezing cold but beautiful. The stars sang in their glorified beauty of a Heavenly Creator and Giver of All Good Things. I retired after Mary and Josephine returned after midnight. Thus Christmas Day ended at the Cobb ranch 1941.
December 24, 1941, Wednesday
Christmas Eve! Bright and windy. I went to bed feeling so sick, was up many times during the night. Mary got alarmed over hearing me up so often and came downstairs to see if she could be of any assistance. A siege of indigestion and heart weakness come over me and no sleep I got until about 6 A.M. and slept until 8 and then arose and went to work addressing cards to mail. Mary and Jo did the kitchen work and hurried to the Store so Frank could take Dad out to Gip to see if feeding of stock and work was well done. Scripture reading Luke 1:26-35.
Every thing in my room looks so pretty and cheerful with bright red Poinsettias, green Ferns and trailing vines and Begonias in bloom. The girls and I went to Clinton to get more Cards and gifts. I bought things for the house. They got presents for each other and me.
Every thing in my room looks so pretty and cheerful with bright red Poinsettias, green Ferns and trailing vines and Begonias in bloom. The girls and I went to Clinton to get more Cards and gifts. I bought things for the house. They got presents for each other and me.
December 23, 1941, Tuesday
Weather colder and partly cloudy. I can't go to town, am not able to was sick all night, but will address Cards for Mary to mail out. Working hours are short, but are rushed and crammed with duties that we must not neglect. Scripture reading Matthew 5 & 6 chapters. Received a package from George and Lela with Gifts for Dad, Frank, Mary and I. Each mail brings more cards from friends and relatives. Josephine came today and Lena came by from Clinton. She had taken Cecil to see the Doctor. Cecil was in run down condition and had a cold but will be all right in a few days if he takes care of himself. Dad and I have given each of our children 25 dollars for Christmas, also their married companions. Mary got an 18 pound turkey for our Christmas dinner Thursday. A nice tender one that will cook in a few hours. Mary was so tired she and Josephine retired early.
December 22, 1941, Monday
Rained lightly last night and early morning. Wind is a little brisk but not cold yet. Mary and Dad went to Clinton for Groceries and Extras. I had one of my bad spells of suffering with Blood Pressure and couldn't get about for several minutes. Neuralgia pains passed all over me and a heavy coat of perspiration covered face and body. No one was about me at the time and I was glad they never witnessed it for I don't wish their Christmas Cheer to be broken. We saw Essa and Walter Blakely. Scripture reading Romans 13 chapter.
I was disappointed when Jack couldn't come for Christmas. Two large boxes from Mildred arrived filled with Gifts for All of Us. A hand made Scrap Book with beaten brass panel of deer and covers of Red Sequoia wood, also hand made basket of Raffia Reed of California, a Pin for Coat of beaten brass, two fruit cakes, all for me, made by Mildred, my baby girl. To all the others were gifts from her, also a box of oranges and lemons from her Acreage Rancho. Mary received many gifts and cards thru the mail. Dad, Mary and I went to Clinton for Christmas candies also lettuce and celery for Trade. We bought more Cards after running out a time or two and still we find more messages unanswered when we return home. Richard gave me a large picture puzzle. Bless his heart! One of the first things he can remember was he and I putting puzzles together in his baby days when I was sick. I must address more Cards for it seems we can never catch up with what have come to us.
I was disappointed when Jack couldn't come for Christmas. Two large boxes from Mildred arrived filled with Gifts for All of Us. A hand made Scrap Book with beaten brass panel of deer and covers of Red Sequoia wood, also hand made basket of Raffia Reed of California, a Pin for Coat of beaten brass, two fruit cakes, all for me, made by Mildred, my baby girl. To all the others were gifts from her, also a box of oranges and lemons from her Acreage Rancho. Mary received many gifts and cards thru the mail. Dad, Mary and I went to Clinton for Christmas candies also lettuce and celery for Trade. We bought more Cards after running out a time or two and still we find more messages unanswered when we return home. Richard gave me a large picture puzzle. Bless his heart! One of the first things he can remember was he and I putting puzzles together in his baby days when I was sick. I must address more Cards for it seems we can never catch up with what have come to us.
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January 1941
Mittie used "scrapbooking" on daily journal entry.
February 1941
March 1941
April 1941
May 1941
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September 1941
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November 1941
