A Guide to the Henry Smals Diaries, 1871-1891 SC 0096

A Guide to the Henry Smals Diaries, 1871-1891 SC 0096


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James Madison University Libraries Special Collections

880 Madison Drive
MSC 1704
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
Telephone: (540) 568-3612
library-special@jmu.edu
URL: https://www.lib.jmu.edu/special/

Chris Bolgiano, Tiffany Cole

Repository
James Madison University Libraries Special Collections
Identification
SC 0096
Title
Henry Smals Diaries 1871-1891
Quantity
0.7 cubic feet, 3 boxes
Creator
Smals, Henry, 1810-1892
source
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society
Language
English .
Abstract
The Henry Smals Diaries, 1871-1891, consist of three boxes containing eighteen volumes of diaries written by Henry Smals of Bridgewater, Virginia. The topics of diary entries are brief outlining day-to-day activities. A folder, located in Box 3, contains a partial index and a list of highlights for most volumes as well as an ad for "Henry Smals, Fashionable Barber! Main Street, Bridgewater, Va."

Administrative Information

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk. (library-special@jmu.edu).

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Provenance

The collection of diaries was first presented to George M. Hanger by Smals' grandson, Gal Miller, in 1910. The diaries were then given to George P. Furry in 1920, Edwina Furry in 1970, and Dorothy Merriefield in 1983.

Preferred Citation

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], Henry Smals Diaries, 1871-1891, SC 0096, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.

Acquisition Information

The collection is on deposit from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society.

Processing Notes

The diaries appear to have been rebound, perhaps several times, and some volumes have sections in them that are not in chronological order. In some places the ink has faded to illegibility. In the fall of 2002 and 2003, Peggy Dillard and Ken Hinkle respectively created partial indices for the Smals diaries. The entries transcribed as part of these partial indices are included under each diary's scope and content note.

In order to streamline the process of applying collection numbers, Special Collections staff completed a large-scale renumbering campaign in the spring of 2017. This collection was previously cataloged as SC 2059 .


Biographical Information

Henry Smals (1810-1892) is listed in the 1850 Rockingham County Census as a shoemaker with real estate value of $1,000 with a wife, Mary, and six children. There is an entry for Henry Smalts in the 1860 census and for Henry Smalls in the 1870 census that gives additional household details. He may also have been a barber sometime during the 1880s (ses Box 3, Folder 4). His surname appears as a variation of Smalz and Smaltz as well.

Scope and Content

The Henry Smals Papers, 1871-1891, consist of three boxes containing eighteen volumes of diaries written by Henry Smals of Bridgewater, Virginia. The topics of diary entries are brief outlining day-to-day activities. There are mentions of acquaintances that are ill, various business transactions conducted in town, the movement of livestock, and hay through town, ongoing town projects, church activities, marriages, births, deaths, and other details of town life. The activities of "colored people" are occasionally noted. Throughout the diaries, Smals made small drawings of people and animals and added illustrations clipped from newspapers. A folder, located in Box 3, contains printed copies of a partial index and a list of highlights for most volumes as well as an ad for "Henry Smals, Fashionable Barber! Main Street, Bridgewater, Va."

Arrangement

The diaries are arranged chronologically where possible, but due to variations in size are physically housed as follows in the Contents List. Volume 14 is filed in a separate container.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

  • African Americans -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century
  • Bridgewater (Va.) -- Economic customs -- 19th century
  • Bridgewater (Va.) -- History -- 19th century
  • Bridgewater (Va.) -- Social life and customs -- 19th century
  • Diaries
  • Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society
  • Rockingham County (Va.) -- History -- 19th century
  • Shoemakers -- Virginia -- Biography
  • Shoemakers -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century
  • Smalls family
  • Smals, Henry, 1810-1892
  • Virginia -- History, Local -- Genealogy
  • Weather diaries

Bibliography

United States Census Office, 7th census. 1850 U.S. Census, Rockingham County, Virginia. Wichita, Ks.: S-K Publications, 1987.

Significant Persons Associated With the Collection

  • Hotchkiss, Jedediah, 1828-1899
  • Smals, Henry, 1810-1892

Significant Places Associated With the Collection

  • Bridgewater (Va.) -- Economic customs -- 19th century
  • Bridgewater (Va.) -- History -- 19th century
  • Bridgewater (Va.) -- Social life and customs -- 19th century
  • Rockingham County (Va.) -- History -- 19th century
  • Virginia -- History, Local -- Genealogy

Container List

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 1
Volume 1
May 1871-June 1872
Scope and Content

July 9, 1871: Rev. Holland preached.

July 28, 1871: "Negro procession burying a black man, 27 numbers."

August 11, 1871: "Ingenears [sic] at work from Harrisonburg to Bridgewater." [sketch of surveyor's transit]

August 17, 1871: "Eingenears [sic] leveling the road through town."

October 10, 1871: [Described Chicago Fire giving damage figures and drew a sketch]

November 8, 1871: A man was fined.

March 31, 1872: "Charley Clark got his leg broke by the kick of a horse in the street near the Methodist Church." Rev. Engel [J.J.Eagle] was preaching at Mossy Creek

April 22, 1872:"Poor Peter Swisher, black, in town from the Poor House

April 28, 1872: "class as usual at Lutheran Church"

May 4, 1872: Preaching by Rev. Whitscarver at 3pm

May 8, 1872: "A Drove of cattle went through town today to West Virginia to graze." [sketch of cow skull] "A Load of corn to Staunton." [ear of corn sketch][during this period time small pox [drew symbolic dots] was raging at Tenth Legion and there is reference ot Tobias Swartz making barrels [sketch of barrel]]

May 27, 1872: "A Cow ate up a pocket book for Harry Soule with $140 in the book.

May 31, 1872: "Negro riot at Mrs. Woodleys."

June 1872: "Glade as dry as we had seen in 40 years."

June 23, 1872: "No class today, our church is under repairs. Prayer meeting at Lutheran Church

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 1
Volume 2
July 1872-December 1872
Scope and Content

July 13, 1872: "Black Peter and Black Tond [sp?] came here from the Poor House for a Quarterly meeting."

July 14, 1872: "A great many Black persons at their meeting at the orchard of Mrs. Brown's. Sabbath Morning. - "Preaching by Reverend Engel [Eagle]. Rev. Whitescarver preached in the Methodist Church. A very small congregation today."

August 4, 1872: [Henry Smals birthday.]

August 5, 1872: "Some Scoundrels went in T. Hites watermelon lot and cut and stole all his watermelons."

August 17, 1872: "2 droves of Fat Cattle went through our town today . . . Another drove of cattle and a drove of sheep. Another drove of cattle."

August 23, 1872: "A camp meeting commence at Lacey Springs for the United Brethren in Christ."

August 28, 1872: "A company of Gipseys went through our town."

September 2, 1872: "Two droves of cattle went through our town."

September 3, 1872: "Greely Club meeting this evening."

September 4, 1872: "25 wells gone dry."

September 5, 1872: "load of crocks from Mt. Sidney."

September 7, 1872: "Negro picnic at Mt. Solon today at 11 o'clock." [5 black heads drawn]

September 14, 1872: "A drove of cattle very fat came through our town today. Reverend Perry killed 23 squirrels."

September 21, 1872: "A drove of sheep from Hiland came through our town . . . A drove of cattle went through our town."

September 22, 1872: "A large crowd at the M. E. Church South."

September 24, 1872: "Joseph Byrd and Squire Whitsearver gone to try a Negro. He is a lunatick."

September 28, 1872: "Negro picnic in the woods near the town."

October 4, 1872: "A blind Negro playing on harp for a living . . . A Negro show in our town this evening at 8 o'clock."

October 11, 1872: "2 beaves killed this evening in our town."

October 15, 1872: "A drove of sheep, a drove of cattle went through our town today."

November 8, 1872: "1 drove of cattle went through our town to Faquire County."

November 14, 1872: "Horse disease [Epizooty] made its appearance in our midst. No fatal cases reported as yet. Chicken cholera also prevailing. The Devil has been at loose among the stock, poultry, etc."

November 25, 1872: "A large drove of cattle went through our town today."Dec. 11, 1872: [Writes in German.]

December 22, 1872: "Class at usual hour 9 o'clock, Sabbath School at 2 o'clock. Singing after class. Also singing at 6 ½ o'clock, Closed singing a 8 o'clock."

December 30, 1872: "Sinclair Lewis came to town this evening."

December 31, 1872: "Mr. Mason, Superintendent of Poor House, in town today."

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 1
Volume 3
January 1873-August 1873
Scope and Content

February 7, 1873: "Black people all gone to the railroad from Bridgewater."

March 8, 1873: "2 droves of cattle and 2 droves of sheep went through our town this evening. . . The black presiding elder's name is Harst."

March 9, 1873: "Singing by Professor Wartman at 10 o'clock."

March 10, 1873: "All the black boys from Bridgewater went to the railroad."

March 26, 1873: "A drove of cattle and hogs went through out town today-up the country."

March 27, 1873: "All the colored people gone to the railroad."

April 22, 1873 : "There are 11 preachers in town."

April 27, 1873: "Baptism by Immersion in the River near the Bridge."

May 12, 1873: "A drove of cattle went through our town to the mountains."

May 15, 1873: "A drove of cattle gone through our town to the mountains."

May 18, 1873: "Hattie Dinkel and Frank Perry baptized."

May 28, 1873: "Shifflet killed a black man dead in his tracks on the railroad between Sangersville and Harrisonburg."

June-August, 1873:[A lot of talk about many people being in town looking for work on the railroad and how much work was being done; a lot of railroad business.]

June 22, 1873: "Preaching by Reverend Nihiser."

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 2
Volume 4
August 1873-January 1875
Scope and Content

August 27, 1873: [District Conference commenced in Mt. Crawford.]

August 31 1873,- "Preaching at M.E.C.S by Reverend Waugh."

September 6, 1873: "Negroes have a Sabbath school picnic this evening."

September 20, 1873: "1 Drove of fat cattle gone through our town."

October 1, 1873: "Wages on the NGR Road is cut down to $1.25 per day and board themselves. Negroes would not work for that price."

October 2, 1873: "A great stampede with the Negroes striking for higher wages or work on the whole line on the Narrow Gauge RR. A great many Negroes gone to Staunton."

October 3, 1873: "A great many Negroes in town today looking for work."

October 5, 1873 - Reverend Weddell was to preach in Temperance Hall.

November 1, 1873: "A large drove of cattle came through our town."

November 15, 1873: "Negro Fair today at their schoolhouse on the bank of the river."

November 24, 1873: "Joseph Williams shot a negroman a convict from the penitentiary but did not kill him."

December 12, 1873: "Dr. McMarren came to our town to open a drug store." [mortar and pestle sketch]

December 16, 1873: "Finished work on the Broad Gauge RR this evening."

December 28, 1873: " Preaching by a Northern Methodist."

December 29, 1873: "A Negro frolick in our town tonight in the Odd fellows Hall lower room."

January 1, 1874: "John Allemong and Mack Aden leased the Band Mill of George Berlin for 3 years."

January 3, 1874: "A drove of cattle went through our town today. 2 droves more cattle went through our town."

January 4, 1874: "Preaching at Brethren Church by Rev Nihiser. Prayer mtg. 6 ½ o'clock in M. E. C. S."

January 11, 1874: Sabbath morning clear cool class at the usual hour of 9 oclock Preaching by Rev. Mr. Engel [Eagle] Sabbath School at 2 oclock Preaching by Rev. Whitescarver [Baptist?] Also Rev Mr. Weddell at 3 ½ oclock Rev Mr. Stuart preached at M. E. C. S. at 6 ½ oclock

January 17, 1874: "A drove of very fat cattle went through our town today."

February 1, 1874: "Singing by Professor Bucher at 11 o'clock. Black Liz had a child and carried it to the stable, child had a bunch of straw crammed in its mouth, found dead."

February 13, 1874: "A drove of cattle came through our town. 1 drove of hogs went through our town today."

February 17, 1874: "A large drove of cattle went through our town today."

February 22, 1874: "Sabbath Morning. Class at the usual hour at 9 o'clock. Preaching by Rev. Mr. Engel [Eagle]. Sabbath School at 2 o'clock. Preaching at 3 ½ o'clock by Rev. Mr. Whitscarver. Prayer meeting at the usual hour 6 ½ o'clock. Very warm mercury up to 82 degrees."

February 26, 1874: Two houses and lots were sold in Bridgewater for $375 each. [Smals always drew a house when one was sold and when people moved to another house].

March 8, 1874: "The old Methodist Church in Mt. Crawford Blown Down by wind today."

March 13, 1874: "Rev Engel [Eagle] came home from Conference this morning."

April 11, 1874: "A drove of cattle gone through our town to the mountains. Lovefeast at 9 o'clock. Preaching at 11 by John H. Marten."

May 18, 1874: "Charley Hottle and Jack Higgins were arrested for stealing a large iron pot of Davie Danner and put in the calaboose for 3 hours and there whipped on the bare back, Charley 8 lashes and Jack 4." [Doesn't say if these two were black or white.]

June 4, 1874: "This is Pention [sic] Day for the soldiers of the war."

June 9, 1874: "A great many persons in our town today for flowers for the soldiers graves."

June 10, 1874: "This is Memorial Day in Harrisonburg of Confederate Soldiers graves."

June 16, 1874: "A Negro strike on the Railroad today."

June 18, 1874: "President of NGRR and chief engineer in town today."

July 25, 1874: "Quarterly meeting commenced today by the Colored People in Bridgewater."

July 25, 1874: "The Normal Professors and Scholars gone on the Round Hill, a pleasure trip."

August 15, 1874: "Professors and Boys had a fine game of Bass Ball this afternoon."

October 2, 1874: "Colonel Osburn gone home and I suppose that is the end of the Broad Gauge RR."

November 2, 1874: "Adam Rader butchering today." [Adam Rader was the first mayor of Bridgewater, Virginia and organized the first Methodist church in that town in 1841. He is commemorated in a stained glass window in the Bridgewater United Methodist Church].

December 4, 1874: "This is Pention [sic] Day of the Soldiers of the War."

December 13, 1874: "Rev Haines buried in Port Republic. Requested that all people who had heard him preach come to see him buried."

December 28, 1874: "Negro frolick in our town tonight."

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 2
Volume 5
January 1875-November 1875
Scope and Content

March 1, 1875: "The Sivil [sic] Rights Bill passed both houses. Nigger can look to have his head broke."

April 28, 1875: "Dick Rogers killed 1 loon and 1 Night Heron." [accurate sketches of both birds]

May 24, 1875: "A panther attacked one of Wises boys this morning on Wises."

May 24, 1875: "A panther attacked one of Wises boys this morning on Wises."

June 9, 1875: "A Negro hung near Harrisonburg for insulting a white woman today without judge or jury."

August 13, 1875: "Methodist Camp Meeting commence today above Mt. Sidney. Rev. Mauzey [Mausee] gone to attend this meeting. Also a camp meeting near Lacey Springs commence to day held by United Brethren."

September 24, 1875: "A parsel of Negroes were blowed up on the Railroad in a cut near the Darah Coal mines."

September 25, 1875: "Severell droves of cattle, hogs and sheep went through our town today to market."

October 15, 1875: [Sketch of a steam sawmill.]

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 3
Volume 6
January 1876-April 1877
Scope and Content

January 2, 1876: Sabbath Morning. "A blind man by the name of Johnson addressed the Sunday School and children."

February 10, 1876: "A large supper and surprise party given at Rev. Mauzeys [Mausee], about 50 in number."

February 21, 1876: "Monday morning cloudy and rain. This is Court Day. A great many persons in town to day. A great many drunk. The Mite Society met at the Parsonage at 7 o'clock. Collected 6 dollars and some cents. Miss Player was indited before the grand jury for killing her child by sticking scissors in its neck, seven holes."

March 6, 1876: "Great Disaster happened at the Narrow pass. Bridge broken, cars went down and killed 11 and wounded all of the crew and killed 96 cattle and tore everything to pieces."

March 11, 1876: "A Sons of Purity had a procession and fair today in Town Hall. A great many black folks present. They realized about $45 for their society."

March 20, 1876: "Black Amos gone to Montrey with his wagon with provisions for convicts." [Many entries about people taking provisions to convicts.]

April 20, 1876: "Black Peter died at the Poor House."

May 3, 1876: "Black Charley Teter got drunk and Mr. Simpson struck him in the mouth and Charley was put in the calaboose."

June 10, 1876: "Black folks have Picnick at Mt. Sidney today. The band is gone up to Sidney."

June 18, 1876: Sabbath Morning. "…the M. E. Church received a new library today, 125 volumes of good literature."

July 12, 1876: "Old Miller Campbell drown in a barrel of water in Daton this morning."

August 21, 1876: "Jedediah Hotchkiss of Staunton lectures geography of Virginia today at two o'clock."

August 31, 1876: "Convicts came off the road and gone near Rawley Springs to get out Railroad ties." [Convicts now working on the RR, not blacks]

September 19, 1876: "Adam Rader came to town today."

October 1, 1876: Sabbath -[Henry Smals attended Quarterly meeting at Naked Creek.]

October 24, 1876: "4 droves of cattle came through our town."

November 5, 1876: Sabbath-"John Allemong very sick"

November 6, 1876: "John Allemong still sick."

November 7, 1876: Declares Tilden and Hendricks as elected President and VP of the country

February 4, 1877: Sunday - "The colored Quarterly Meeting closed this evening about 9 o'clock."

February 5 1877: "A black man the name of R. Coffman went to John Hatfields and choked John's wife and hurt her face and arm, and went in pursuit of him and caught him at James Davis and brought him to Mr. Byrds and Mr. Byrd sent him to jail for further trial."

February 16, 1877: "Negroes have a dance in the lower room in Odfellow Hall tonight."

March 5, 1877: Notes inauguration day but doesn't mention names. Perhaps he's disappointed his candidates didn't win after all.

March 16, 1877: [Smals mentions Pastors Graechen and Kinzer who were both new ministers at the M. E. Church on the Bridgewater Circuit.]

March 19, 1877: "The trial of the black man comes off today for an attempt of rape, was condemned to the penitentiary for 10 years."

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 3
Volume 7
April 1877-September 1877; incl. December 1873, 1875; January and November 1875
Scope and Content

January 2, 1875: "S. Coffman was arrested for assault and battery." [a black man].

April 1, 1877: "Preaching at M. E. Church by Rev. Kinzer."

April 23, 1877: "Mr. Shifflett condemned to be hung by the neck till he is dead dead dead"

April 25, 1877: Shiffletts hanging to be done June 29.

June 12, 1877:"a new engine went through our town today."

June 23, 1877: "The Masons had a picknick below the bridge today. All the Masons in town were present."

June 24, 1877: Sabbath morning: "Preaching by Rev. Kinzer in M. E. Church. Preaching in the Brethren Church at 8 o'clock in the evening."

June 29, 1877: Hanging put off for further trial.

July 4, 1877: "This is Independence Day, great parade in Harrisonburg about 5,000 persons present. Fine day for a celebration in Harrisonburg. Several speeches made in the courtyard."

July 11, 1877: "Verdict brought in for Shifflett for murder in the first degree."

August 19, 1877: Sunday: "About 3,000 people at a Camp Meeting in Parnassus."

August 24, 1877: "A picnic at Harrisonburg by the Negroes"

August 25, 1877: A white picnic at Mt. Crawford.

September 1, 1877: "The [traveling] Centennial closed tonight for the White People."

September 2, 1877: "Preaching in M. E. Church by Rev. Graechen."

September 3, 1877: "Today Centennial opened for the Colored People. A good crowd present."

September 5, 1877: "Several drove of cattle came through our town."

September 9, 1877: "Preaching by Rev. Mausey [Mausee]."

Wednesday, September 12, 1877: "Rev. Roe preached in M. E. Church tonight on object of Bibles."

September 23, 1877: "I [Smals] delivered an address to the Sunday School Prayer Meeting tonight."

September 25, 1877: "Mr. Shiflett was hung in Harrisonburg today about 1 o'clock." [Sketch of a hangman's noose and gallows drawn]

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 3
Volume 8
October 1877-April 1878
Scope and Content

October 3, 1877: "Some fine stock went through our town today."

November 11, 1877: "Boat was built to cross the river; big rope extended to both sides." [draws picture of rope and boat crossing the river.]

November 14, 1877: Preaching by Rev. Graechen.

November 27, 1877: "…Jenkins nephew making boats to cross river."

December 8, 1877: "A boat sank today with a load of wood on the wagon belonging to Daniel Evans, supposed to weigh 6 tons."

December 14, 1877: "Commenced the bridge." [drew a picture of a stone bridge].

December 17, 1877: "Uncle Adam Rader paralyzed today."

December 18, 1877: Jacob Dinkel died [brother in law of Smals].

December 25, 1877: "Colored band has gone to Harrisonburg."

December 26, 1877: White band invited to play at a party.

January 1878: [ Work continues on the bridge.]

January 22, 1878: "Business very dull. John Allemong put his calico down to 5 cents per yard."

January 26, 1878: "Boys killed a red fox on Round Hill today. Shot by John Keaton."

January 31, 1878: "John Smith and Right Hartman had a fight today in the confectionaire [sic]."

February 1, 1878: Rev. Graechen came to town.

February 7, 1878: "Samuel S. Miller cut his hand in my shop."

February 9, 1878: "The Dunkards made arrangements to build a church out at the woods. Layed off the ground today. Joe Summerlance and Tailor Sheetz had a fight at the bridge today. Paid a fine of dollar apiece by decision of the Mayor."

February 13, 1878: [Smals took sick for 2 weeks; no entries.]

March 6, 1878:"Our annual Conference goes in session today in the City of Baltimore. Business looking up now."

March 7, 1878: "Black woman linched [sic] and hung for burning a barn." [drew picture of gallows]

March 19, 1878: "Great Elocution in M. E. Church to night by Rev. Ross. A failure. Ross sick."

March 22, 1878: "Henry Smals fell in the river today."

March 28, 1878: "Trussels finished on the bridge." [Children and ladies crossed first]

April 9, 1878: [Bridgewater Enterprise, first paper printed in Bridgewater; J.H. Smals bought the first paper off the press.]

April 12, 1878: "Bridge finished; first wagon and cart driven over."

April 30, 1878: [Notes Dr. doing "obstetricks" [sic]; 316 cases; lost only 1 mother.]

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 4
Volume 9
May 1878-January 1879
Scope and Content

May 18, 1878: "Colored People have their first Quarterly meeting in this town."

May 20, 1878: "Commenced putting on shingles on Bridge roof today."

May 21, 1878: "Black Jack Higgins and Black Sam Williams had a fight on the road."

May 31, 1878: "Peter Miller started to Baltimore to purchase stock for his factory."

June 3, 1878: "John Hatfield and Gallice Miller finished the bridge today. Gallice Miller drove the last nail."

June 5, 1878: "Commenced painting the bridge. . . . Bridge finished today." [Sketch of the finished bridge]

June 10, 1878: "Presbyterians organized their church today. Rev. Price preached in the Lutheran Church." "Spits of snow with 3 ½ inches on Mountain."

June 14, 1878: "Great decoration of soldier's graves; amount of persons present about 12,000; a good many went from Bridgewater."

June 20, 1878: "Perry Meace crossed the Bridge with a steam boiler weighing 9200 pounds."

June 22, 1878: "2 Beef Wagons in town today."

June 23, 1878: "Preaching in M. E. Church today by Reverend Kinzer. Mr. Kiracofe married to Miss McWilliams. Some of the Negroes had a fuss in their church."

June 28, 1878: "2 hundred pounds of butter came to town today."

June 29, 1878: "A great deal of butter came to town today."

July 4, 1878: "This is Independence Day. A fourth of July Celebration held at Edinburg today. A good many persons gone to the celebration at Edinburg from this town."

July 6, 1878: "A big trial with the niggers for misdemeanor at their church. Jane Bookers, Nels Lee and Addel Johnston were fined 50 cents each and cast and bound over the peace for 12 months."

July 19, 1878: "Picnic by the colored people at their schoolhouse tonight also tomorrow night."

July 21, 1878: Preaching by Rev. Daniel [David] Bush at Church. "Meeting at M. E. Church to pass a Resolution to have a festival on the 9 and 10 of August for the benefit of the M. E. Church."

July 25, 1878: "Editor Delaney is taking the origin of our town from year 1826." [This was apparently a history of Bridgewater].

July 27, 1878: Rev. Rosenbough at M. E. Church.

August 1, 1878: "A picnic of the Colored people at Coonrods Store today. Our Colored Band went to play for them."

August 3, 1878: Iron safe weighing 5110 pounds installed in Bank of Bridgewater.

August 4, 1878: [Smals birthday. Preaching by Rev. Graechen in M. E. Church.]

August 9, 1878: Camp Meetings at Parnassus and Fort Defiance.

Sunday, August 11, 1878: "No class today in consequence of church being out of order." [Repairs?]

August 20, 1878: Frank Miller got 15 years in penitentiary for stealing horses.

August 25, 1878: Meeting at the new Dunkard Church.

August 28, 1878: "Dr. Brown got his printing press."

August 30, 1878: "Colored People's Camp Meeting commenced tonight near George Kerekoff's, on his land."

September 6, 1878: "A Colored man preached tonight at camp meeting near our town." [The meeting closed on the 8th.]

September 20, 1878: "Great parade with the Negroes in Harrisonburg celebrating their freedom." [drew 4 black heads]

October 24, 1878: "Rod and balls for church put on." [The legibility is unclear for this entry but from the accompanying sketch, it appears a lighting rod was installed on the church].

October 27, 1878: Rev. Green preached in M. E. Church.

November 3, 1878: Rev. Rosebough preached in M. E. Church.

December 1, 1878: Rev. Hat preached in M. E. Church.

December 25, 1878: "Colored had a fair in Town Hall. Realized $8."

January 16, 1879: "Black Nels Lee got married to Black Allard. Rev. Mauzy married them."

January 23, 1879: "Nels Lee moved into the house at the end of the Plank Walk. Colored people working on their church."

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 4
Volume 10
February 1879-October 1879
Scope and Content

February 15, 1879: Rev. Grachen preaching.

February 17, 1879: "A Grand Supper gave by the Band of Bridgewater. Cornet Band to night."

February 20, 1879: "Charles Furry's wife had twins to night."

February 28, 1879: "Mr. McClouds House burnt up about 11 o'clock to night."

March 1, 1879: "A fine Revival going on in Harrisonburg. About 76 conversions up to this date."

March 5, 1879: "Our Annual Conference goes in session at Salem, Roanoke County."

March 6, 1879: "Commenced work again on the African church in rear of our church. George White bought 5 hogs of Mrs. Ward for $20."

March 8, 1879: Four day conference. [likely M. E. Church]

March 12, 1879: Eight day conference adjourned. Brother Kinzer returns to our Sircuit [sic] and Rev Holcomb [Homan?] moved to Jesse Frys house in our town.

March 14, 1879: "Negro Exhibition at old Town Hall tonight."

March 19, 1879: "Dr. Brown moved his drug store to Armstrongs store room and also the printing press upstairs in Browns Store. Samuel Miller upset his buggy and broke the top off it."

March 22, 1879: "Lute Swartz killed a Sandhill Crane this morning." [sketch of crane]

March 30, 1879: "Quarterly meeting going on at Crawford."

April 13, 1879: "Preaching by Kummingham [R. S Cunningham] at M. E. Church."

April 14, 1879: Henry Smals got sick on his way to Richmond Odd Fellows Conference.

April 29, 1879: "A. Hollins brought a load of agricultural implements to the Old Town Hall."

May 10, 1879: "Quarterly meeting with the colored people today. Presiding elder present."

May 29, 1879: "Peter Miller's stable burnt down. Supposed to have caught from the engine of Mr. Sheetz."

June 9, 1879: "This is Memorial Day at Staunton to decorate the soldiers graves. A good many persons gone from Bridgewater." [June 6-at Winchester-Memorial of the Dead-estimates 25,000 present]

Thursday, June 12, 1879: "This is the day the Lawn Festival commences in church yard at M. E. Church. No festival on account of rain." [sketch]

June 23, 1879: "Willie Bradburn got his arms in the carding machine, tore off the flesh of half the arm." [Smals always drew a sketch of injured arms and legs] "about 2500 black bass put in the dam above the woolen factory."

June 27, 1879: "A great many cherries in our town to day at from 11 to 20 cents per gallon. Mr. Mefall got his buggy and harness broken near Allemongs by hoisting an umbrella, horse got frightened."

July 4, 1879: "Day of Celebration in Harrisonburg, about 15,000 people present, 6 bands and 6 military companies, a powerful turnout. 98 degrees for 3 hours and one hour 100 degrees, awful dust. It was supposed that $10,000 dollars was left in Harrisonburg today."

July 13, 1879: Rev. Rosbrown [?] preached.

July 21, 1879: "J.H. Smals at court, made 2 indictments on assault and battery, the other a rape on a small Negro child."

August 15, 1879: "Rev. Boothe, Colored preacher, in United Brethren Church tonight."

August 25, 1879: "Oliver L. Rhodes made me a present of a fine hat this shape." [sketch of the hat].

August 31, 1879: "Also dedication by the colored people of their church in our town. Realized $72. Their presiding elder present. Had good order."

September 1, 1879: Rev. Cunningham had gone to District Conference at "Wainsborough." [Waynesboro].

September 4, 1879: "The first issue of the Bridgewater Journal out."

September 5, 1879: First issue of the Bridgewater Journal published. [sketch]

September 6, 1879: Dr. Brown had gone to Rawley Springs to bottle water.

September 14, 1879: Rev Kemper preached in PM.

September 22, 1879: "This is Mansipation [sic] Day for the Negroes." [Writes this in big letters and draws four black heads.]

October 2, 1879: "A blind black man sung in the African church this evening."

October 13, 1879: "Cars ran off the track and smashed 11 cars all to pieces, hurt a good many." [Smals does not tell where this happened].

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 6
Volume 11
October 1879-May 1880
Scope and Contents

October 28, 1879: "The winter meeting in the M. E. S. Church still in progress. Herschel Young professed religion tonight"

October 29, 1879: "547 cattle passed through town today."

November 1879-January 1880: Mentions a lot of religious meetings and conversions.

November 2, 1879: "56 for church service. Protracted meeting still going on in M. E. Church." [This revival continued for the first week or two of November]

November 6, 1879: "Mr. Sheetz plank mill burnt down with 7,000 feet of lumber."

November 8, 1879: "Several drummers in town today selling goods."

November 9, 1879: "Wofered Vancant struck Joe William with a club at our church door." [sketch of club with word club written on it] "John Myers was converted to night about 9 o'clock."

November 11, 1879: "Moffett Miller, Dr. Bucher and Thrush Sellers were all converted." [Moffett Miller is commemorated in a stained glass window in Bridgewater United Methodist Church].

November 21, 1879: "I H. Smals heard a great noise to night in the skyes about 12 o'clock. The Noise was as Distant Thunder." [He noted that the temperature was 8 degrees the next morning.]

December 8, 1879: "Miss Rosenbaum came to our town to teach music on the piano from Staunton."

December 13, 1879: "The Tunkard Brethren had quite a revival. 15 were baptized by immersion. Old man Marshall killed a 568 ¼ pound hog." [Sketch of hog, Smals always reported who all was butchering this time of year]

December 24, 1879: "Christmas tree in the M.E. Church. A large attendance on the occasion. In Shiffletts Hollow, Shifflett killed his brother Shifflett."

Christmas Day: "a ladder at the Methodist Church with presents for the children."[This must have been a structure erected for the children's presents].

December 30, 1879: "Lutherans locked the Baptist out of their church this evening."

January 1, 1880: "Rev. Grennan preached in the Dunkard Church on the subject of baptism by immersion-3 times face down."

January 13, 1880: "Miss Mulley Robinson gone home to Harrisonburg with mail wagon."

January 18, 1880: "Preaching at 11 o'clock by Dr. John S. Martin in the M. E. Church. Quarterly meeting."

January 20, 1880: "John Allemong elected president of our Narrow Gauge Rail Road."

January 21, 1880: "A cave discovered on Blosser's Farm by Bud Peterson close to Pike about 2 ½ miles this side of Harrisonburg."

January 22, 1880: "The U. B. trustees sold the church to the Baptists for $400."

January 24, 1880: "Some scoundrel stopped my shop chimney up and smoked me powerful."

January 28, 1880: "One hundred cases of smallpox at Culpeper."

February 3, 1880: "The organ for the M. E. Church came this evening." [sketch]

February 9, 1880: "Campbell killed Smith at the Warm Springs today."

February 11, 1880: Rev. Grachen preached at M. E. Church.

February 23, 1880: Big fire in Bridgewater. Destroyed Mr. Byrd's House and stable and burned the houses and out buildings of Mrs. Covington and Mrs. Arey. $10,000 loss.

March 2, 1880: "The chimneys of the burnt houses were thrown down today. M. E. Church broken into and the organ injured."

March 3, 1880: "The Baltimore Conference met this morning at Front Royal, Warren County."

March 4, 1880: "Wild geese over river today near bridge."

March 5, 1880: "Mr. Ehrman the Beef man in town today settling with his customers."

March 6, 1880: "A man here today measured 6'7" high. He was a monster."

March 22, 1880: "John Hatfield puts a roof on Mrs. Covington's dairy. Commenced this morning for $5. High winds-could hardly stay on the building."

March 31, 1880: "The negroes had a fight at Lowman's stable last night."

April 2, 1880: "A great negro trial at our courthouse. About 90 persons present. Jos. Higgins and John Bundy paid a fine of $3.90 each for fighting at the corporation [of Bridgewater.]"

April 28, 1880: "George Dinkel and A. H. Smals commence making brick back of the school house."

May 6, 1880: "George Jenkins wife had a child cut from her womb and saved the woman."

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 5
Volume 12
May 1880-January 1881
Scope and Content

May 17, 1880: "Old Black Aunt Dasha died this evening about 10:00 at Miss May Areys."

May 23, 1880: Preaching by Rev. King.

June 3, 1880: "Mr. Jacobs wife and others gone to Harrisonburg to see the decorations of the soldiers graves. A very small crowd present."

June 5, 1880: "A great Memorial Day at Winchester. A great many persons present."

June 10, 1880: "A lawn party at Harrisonburg by the Colored People and the Colored Band attended the party."

June 14, 1880: "Allemong gone to Staunton to close of female school of the M. E. C. South."

June 17, 1880: "Mrs. Goldsmith buried to day in our grave yard and Brother Cunningham preached text Revelation."

June 19, 1880: "Colored Band went to Newmarket to the Cave."

July 2, 1880: "The colored people had a festival tonight at their church. Realized $7.30."

July 3, 1880: "Hopewell was elected Sargent [sic] for the Corporation Bridgewater colored people."

July 3, 1880: "Colored people had another festival. Realized $10.18." [White lawn parties Smals mentions raise anywhere from $40-$70].

July 6, 1880: Smith stole George Milstead's watch and about ten dollars in money. [He got it back in the next day or so].[Smals records that Bridgewater had a population of 400 people in July 1880]

July 8, 1880: "The amount of population of the encorporation of Bridgewater is 400 white and colored."

July 20, 1880: "T. P. Humphreys gone to Sunday School Convention at Valley Grove between Baltimore and Washington City."

July 30, 1880: "The Sons of Purity [colored] have a great parade today in Harrisonburg."

July 31, 1880: "The colored band gone to Pleasant Valley to a picnic."

August 6, 1880: "Rev Bush and Rev. Wolfe came down the street in a Rockaway and spindle broke and one jumped out the other fell out of the Rockaway and neither got hurt."

August 9, 1880: "Henry Hocks and T. Sheets had a fight. Sheets struck H. Hocks with a piece of iron. It is supposed that Hocks was in fault."

August 21, 1880: "A good many cattle and sheep gone through our town today."

August 22, 1880: Sabbath: "Preaching by the Tunkards at the far end of town."

September 3, 1880: "A big watermelon trial between Joseph Nisewander and the Kerecoofs."

September 25, 1880: "The negroes had a picnic at Mt. Solon today. The Nigger Band played for them."

September 30, 1880: "Colored People Village Camp commenced this evening in this place. A negro show at the River schoolhouse."

October 1, 1880: "Old Uncle Adam Rader has come over to our town at the age of 90 years old."

Octpber 19, 1880: "A big show in Harrisonburg today, a great many persons present. Some drunk and some sober." [sketch of circus tent]

November 11, 1880: "Peter Miller gone to West Va. on a preaching ture [sic] today."

November 29, 1880: "I H. Smals killed my hog today."

December 1, 1880: "Some scoundrel cut the guts of Charley Teters horse this morning. Mat Barber was arrested for gutting the horse, his trial comes off next Saturday in this place."

December 4, 1880: Mat Barber trial commence in old Town Hall. [Smals implies that others were implemented, but the trial outcome is not clear]

December 24, 1880: "Coldest weather I ever felt or saw."

December 31, 1880: "25 degrees below zero. Frank Erwin and Dewit Brown froze their ears stiff."

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Volume 13
January 1881-November 1881
Scope and Content

[A note in the back of this book says 32 snows fell in the winter of 1880-81].

January 3, 1881: "8 degrees below zero, wood getting very scarce. E. B. Simpson went to Harrisonburg today with snow shoes, they are about six feet long and six inches wide. Oh this is fearful weather, a great deal of slaying going on."

January 6, 1881: "Professor Geason gave a Grand Free Exhibition of Scientific Horsemanship today and commenced a class with 20 or more pupils at $2.00 per pupil."

January 21, 1881: "the horse tamer is in our town today."

February 6, 1881: "Niggers had a fight in African Church tonight." [Drew 3 black heads]

February 7, 1881: "I H. Smals made a pair of boots for a Mr. Stokes that he wore for 25 years, please beat that. There were 26 persons at the young mens prayer meeting in M.E.C. to night."

February 12, 1881: Sam Williams was fined $10 and bound over the Peace for 12 months. Jos. Williams the same and Oliver Failer was fined $5 and bound over for 12 months for fighting in the African Church last Sunday in Bridgewater, VA."

February 17, 1881: "Allemony's Cattle Sale today. His yearlings sold at $16 per head."

March 2, 1881: Stuart Lindsey lead union prayer meeting in M. E. Church at 5 o'clock.

March 6, 1881: "Mr. McNeal came to our town to see his sweet [sketch of heart] and I tell you she is very Handsome. he lives in Hardy County."

March 7, 1881: "Engineers and Simpson gone on the route of the railroad." [sketch of surveyor's level] Rev. Mr. Whisner came to Marg Areys. A good many preachers went through our town to Harrisonburg to Conference."

March 27, 1881: Rev. Bush had his first sermon in M. E. Church.

March 28, 1881: "Joseph Williams taken to jail by Hopewell for fighting in Methodist Church, Colored."

March 29, 1881: "Joseph Williams taken to jail for fighting in Methodist Church, colored. The Engineers Simpson and Bell came home from their Byrds Eye Survey."

April 1, 1881: Preaching at M. E. Church by Rev. Deans.

April 14, 1881: "F. K. Speck went after Uncle Adam Rader who died on the 7 of the present month at Culpeper County near Brandy Station."

April 16, 1881: "Uncle Adam Rader has been brought to this town to be buried in our grave yard this evening."

April 23, 1881: Jesse Fry shot Dr. Jones cow in his wheatfield with small shot."

May 5, 1881: "Adam Smals commence the brick church at Mossy Creek today with 6 hands."

May 7, 1881: Colored people's 1st Quarterly meeting held in this place."

May 8, 1881: "Preaching by Rev. Price in M. E. Church at 7 ½ oclock. Mrs. Stickler lost 2 $5 Dollar Notes some where between the M.E. Church and home."

May 24, 1881: "This is the most powerful year for Locus Blooms I ever saw. I hope will get a good corncrop."

June 15, 1881: Mr. Wm. S. Perry sold a calf 10 days old for $5.75 to Frank and Will Ervin."

June 21, 1881: "Thrush Sellers finished Mrs. Covington's fence today at $8.00." [sketch of iron fence] "He finished a lattice fence the next day." [sketch of lattice fence]

July 1, 1881: "John Carpenter Brought an Engine Thresher to Bridgewater. Daily mail commences between Bridgewater and Stribling Springs."

July 2, 1881: "Quarterly meeting commences this morning at Sangerville. Presiding elder is I. S. Martin. President Garfield was Shot in the City of Washington, District of Columbia."

July 8, 1881: "A Colored Festival in Mt. Sidney today and night. Realized $50."

July 13, 1881: "Dr. Brown tapped Mrs. Showalter near Mt. Solon, 10 pints of water from her abdomen." [Dr. Brown was often noted being present at births].

July 18, 1881: "Dr. Brown had the first Roastnears in our town." [sketched ear of corn] "GrandMaster Crowder from Staunton will be with us in our lodge tonight as Odfellows." [Belongs to Ancient Odfellows of Bridgewater Lodge. Frequently writes in some kind of "lodge code"]

July 21, 1881: "The Negro Band gone 4 miles above Staunton today to a lawn party. They get $10 for the trip."

July 24, 1881: "Mr. Looses, Mr. Hartman's, Mr. Minoss, and Mr. Allemony's cows died from eating molasses cane today."

July 26, 1881: "John Allemony's other cow is very sick. A Negro shot himself near Mt. Solon today with a pistol accidental."

July 29, 1881: "The Colored People have a Lawn Party in our Odfellow Hall tonight and tomorrow night." [Aug. 10 and 11-White lawn party held on school grounds]

August 20, 1881: "Cora Crickenberger cut her throat and stabbed her self in the head two or three times."

August 23, 1881: "This day District Conference commence 2 oclock in M. E. Church. Preachers present. Conference organized at 3 oclock this evening, John S. Martin in the chair, a good many preachers present and a large Lay Delegation Present. Preaching at 8 oclock this evening by Rev. A Weller. Conference lasted all week."

August 29, 1881: "all the preachers gone home today."

September 2, 1881: "Mrs. B. Kyles lamp exploded this evening but did not hurt any one."

September 4, 1881: Rev. Tailor had prayer meeting at M. E. Church.

September 9, 1881: "A Lawn Festival held in M. E. Church lot to night, Realised about $25."

September 10, 1881: "Festival Lawn Party tonight in churchyard. Colored People have a picknick [sic] today at their church."

September 20, 1881: "Shef Lewis and Wise fought a duel today. Neither of them hurt."

September 22, 1881: "Henry Smals I appoint you as Stuart for the Corporation of Bridgewater Council given under my hand for the sum of two Dollars for Services Commencing on the first of July 1881 and Closing July 1, 1882." _ M. Stickler, Mayor

September 24, 1881: "A Lawn Party at Mt. Solon by the colored people."

September 25, 1881: Rev. Hildebrand preached at M. E. Church.

October 1, 1881: "Colored band gone out to play for a picknick near Pleasant Valley in Rockingham County."

October 5, 1881: "James Clary open his Degarian [?] Saloon at Robert Funks."

October 6-7, 1881: "Colored at Allemony's this evening at 8:00. . . .Colored meeting still going on in this town."

Mixed Materials [1000886549] box: 2 folder: 1
Volume 14
November 1881-May 1883
Scope and Content

November 13, 1881: "Mrs. Arey came home today. Sabbath morning class at the usual hour 9 oclock, Sabbath school at 2 ½ oclock. Prayer meeting at M. E. Church 7 oclock."

November 18, 1881: "Clear and Warm. A Great Republican procession in Harrisonburg to night, Governor Walker came to our town."

November 19, 1881: "Rev Perrys children all have the Hooping Cough. Some of them very poorly tonight."

November 20, 1881: "Preaching at 11 oclock by Rev Hildebrand."

November 21, 1881: Court Day. "Professor Steel commence his Wrighting School today." [sketch of quill] "N. Marion Miller gone to Het Smals to do sowing for them."

November 22, 1881: Cloudy and cool. "Stuart Lindsay has gone to Monterey to see his sick wife."

November 27, 1881: "No preaching in town today. Mrs. J Lindsey and T Lindsey came from Monterey this evening. Stuart Lindseys wife some better."

December 1, 1881: "Dr. T. H. Brown gone to Moorefield Hardy County to see his daughter Verdie Mcneal [McNeil]… Mr. Jos Byrd move to his new house today." [sketch of 2 story house with 2 chimneys, Smals sketches of houses that people bought and sold often show details which were probably characteristic to the particular house]

December 4, 1881: Preaching at 11 o'clock by Rev. Bush.

December 6, 1881: "Stuart Lindseys wife some better."

December 10, 1881: "P. Miller gone to Broadway to see about the schoolhouse to be built here or at Broadway."

December 11, 1881: "No preaching in town today."

December 12, 1881: "Cloudy and threaten for snow cold weather."

December 14, 1881: "Snowed through the night one inch in depth." [drew a one inch purple line]

December 16, 1881: "Stuart Lindsey and wife came home from her Father's at Monterey, She is right peart."

December 25, 1881: Sabbath morning clear and cold this is Christmas Day. Prayer Meeting at 5 oclock, Class meeting at 9 oclock , No preaching at 11 oclock, Sabbath school at 2 oclock, Preaching at 6 ½ oclock by Rev D. Bush.

December 26, 1881: "Professor Hull commenced his singing school today."

December 27, 1881: "Peter Miller is receiving contribution of the German Baptist Formal School to be established at this place."

December 28, 1881: Clear and warm. "the Baptist members are moving their church back 6 feet today. D. John Allemong sick."

January 4, 1882: "John Allemong very sick. Allemong has Nierulalgia of the Bowels. 8 inches of snow."

January 5, 1882: "Allemong no better."

January 6, 1882: "J.W. F. Allemong no better"

January 10, 1882: "Street Lamps made for the Corporation, they will be put in a short time." [sketch of lamp]

January 11, 1882: "John W. F. Allemong some better."

January 17, 1882: "Allemong still improving, able to get up and be shaved."

January 18, 1882: "the Ladies are holding a Missionary metng this afternoon in M. E. Church at 3 ½ oclock."

January 20, 1882: "John W. F. Allemong improving very fast"

January 24, 1882: "Allemong has gotten well"

January 27, 1882: Jury brought in a verdict, that Guitttoes [sic] committed Murder in first Degree for killing President Garfield."

February 2, 1882: "groundhog day: He saw his shadow." [Smals drew a sketch of a ground hog every year, but his drawings resembled a cat more than a ground hog] "Allemong hauling ice from Factory and Robert Wrights Ponds."

February 10, 1882: "Charley Schenk fell in the Creek"

February 12, 1882: Preaching at 11 oclock by Rev. Hildebrand.

February 15, 1882: "Miss Ryan buried in our graveyard today at 3 oclock Funeral preached by Rev Hildebrand."

February 17, 1882: "Oyster supper this evening for the Benefit of the M. E. Church, realized $21.50 Dollars. John Allemong Enlarged his office to day."

February 18, 1882: "Adjourned Quarterly meeting met in Allemong's Office today. Oyster supper this evening for the Benefit of the M. E. Church. Realized [?] Dollars."

February 19, 1882: "Preaching by Rev Rosebrow in M. E. Church at 7 oclock. Mrs. McNeil of Hardy County Dr. Browns Daughter had a son born today at Dr. Browns."

February 21, 1882: "Uncommon windy and Storm and uncommon muddy… Rev. Kinzer came to our town today."

February 22, 1882: "Rev. Kinzer preached for us. Click Miller, Ad Hollum, Walter Davis and John Allemong bought the wood factory and Foundrey for the sum of $9000 Dollars."

February 25, 1882: "A Great many Deprecations acted tonight by the Boys, Shooting, Cursing, Swearing and being Drunk."

February 26, 1882: "Preaching in M.E. Church by Rev Bush and Sacrament of the Lords Supper. Hopewell shot a chicken for Salley Fitchew. Laurence fired a pistol also on the Sabbath."

March 2, 1882: "Queen Victoria was shot and mist her."

March 6, 1882: "Preachers all fixing to go to Conference."

March 8, 1882: "Sheets sold his Hartman Lot and house to J. W. F. Allemong for the sum of $200 dollars."

March 14, 1882: "Stuart Lindseys wife very poorly."

March 16, 1882: "Rev. Hildebrand came back from Conference today to our town."

March 17, 1882: "Joseph Attaffer died this morning at 1 oclock."

March 18, 1882: "Saturday morning cloudy sleet and Rain Rained all day long, Joseph Attaffer buried today."

March 22, 1882: "Dog bit Eugene Ervin in the hand this morning very badly."

March 26, 1882: "David Bush preached."

April 2, 1882: Rev. Whitescarver preached.

April 7, 1882: "Widow John Arey died this morning."

April 16, 1882: "Preaching by Rev. Tailor at Barbees Office."

April 17, 1882: "Jacob Wynant's Horse Run off. It went home and never Broke his Buggy."

April 20, 1882: "Joseph Beery Hung himself in his grainery this morning about 5 oclock on Linville Creek the cause not known. Jack Thuma killed a large loon." [sketch] [Smals wrote of at least four horse-runoff episodes during April].

April 24, 1882: "Mrs. Stuart Lindsey Died at Jacob Lindseys House…"

May 4, 1882: "The smallest Baby Born to day in the world some where in the north, it weighed 8 ounces and was perfect child."

May 5, 1882: "The Mossy Creek folks settled with Allemong to day for the church."

May 6, 1882: "A waggon Run over G. Claude Smals to day and Did not Break any of his Limbs."

May 11, 1882: "The Presbyterian Church was dedicated to Day."

May 18, 1882: "A fish and meat house opened here to day."

May 28, 1882: "Rev. Armstrong preached the Dedicatory sermon for the Mt. Solon Church to day and Realized money enough to the pay the Deposit on the Church which was $300."

June 6, 1882: "Jack Dooms finished the Parsonage House today."

June 15, 1882: "Jack Dooms finished the Parsonage Stable today."

June 18, 1882: Rev. Bush preached.

June 19, 1882: "Isac Marshall Bought a Cow of Mr. Brown for a price of $45.00 She is a full Jersey."

July 24, 1882: "11 Wagons went through town for Blackberries to Parnassus, 50 bushels to town"

August 1, 1882: "A new Barbershop by Barber and John Collbert commenced to day."

August 8, 1882: "I H. Smals had the pleasure of shaving Francis O'ferell the Colonels Brother from Minnesota, he came to our town to see his Mother."

August 17, 1882: Commenced laying Brick on the Bank to day."

September 9, 1882: "Overseer of the Poor took Peachy Hoak to the Poorhouse to day"

September 12, 1882: "I H. Smals was Disfranchised as Sexton and P. Hartman was put in my place." [This undoubtedly pertains to the Methodist Church].

September 14, 1882: "Scaffold at Bank fell and hurt 3."

September 23, 1882: "Meinars Jim Dog died to day."

October 2, 1882: "the Great Comet made its appearance this morning in the East."

October 4, 1882: "H. Dice sold a lot to Casper Earheart for $100, 1 ¼ acre. Thrush Sellers Bilds Mrs. Williams a house for $600 on High Street."

October 22, 1882: Preaching by Rev. Hildebrand.

October 23, 1882: "Humphreys Loose got his new engine this evening, it cost about $1200."

December 25, 1882: "Jack Higgins and Jack Jones were tried and convicted for stealing and sent to jail."

December 26, 1882: "A Christmas tree for benefit of the Sabbath School Children. Speech from Rev. D. Bush." [sketch of Christmas Arch]Jan 24: "Old Brother John Altaffer Died in this Place this evening about 4 oclock at age of 84 ½ years old, he has been a Methodist for 65 year and over." [Commemorated in stained glass window in Bridgewater United Methodist Church.]

January 26, 1883: Rev Bush preached Altaffer's funeral.

April 6, 1883: "Our young Preacher Waters came to town this evening from Maeraland [Maryland]."

Mixed Materials [1000886548] box: 1 folder: 7
Volume 15
May 1883-July 1885
Scope and Content

June 1, 1883: "Colored boy died of scarlet fever [age 16] and buried in colored graveyard."

June 24, 1883: Dr. Folensher preached.

June 25, 1883: "A great many persons harvesting today-wheat very good."

June 30, 1883: "Burn and Elam fought a duel near Wainsborough. Elam got a flesh wound; the other was not touched."

July 1, 1883: Preaching by Rev. Waters

July 8, 1883: "Our choir sung for the colored people today at 11:00. Rev. B. Smith preached-a colored man." [Sunday]

July 11, 1883: "The Wizard men came to our town this evening and will stay until next Sabbath."

July 12, 1883: "Mr. Allemong and family gone to White Sulphur Springs to stay for 3 weeks."

July 14, 1883: Talks about a "wizard man" being in town for the week selling medicine.

July 25, 1883: "Hanger and wife joined the M.E. Church to night."

July 29, 1883: Henry Smals granddaughter Sallie Miller married Samuel Boselmen.

August 4, 1883: "My Birth day. I H. Smals was born on the 4 August 1810 Saturday in afternoon at 3 oclock near the head of Muddy Creek about 2 miles of the head of Linville Creek and Bowmans Mill."

August 20, 1883: "George E. Dunnell killed a Negro. Shot him in self-defense."

September 20, 1883: "Mr. George Murry's ondley daughter [age 11] got killed at a cane mill. The shaft caught her clothes and thread her around and beat her head soft."

November 8, 1883: "Dr. Brown and Robert Whitescarver have a Quarrel in our Shop this morning, but Did not come to blows."

November 12, 1883: "Dock Van Pelt moved to Sangersville, he has moved 18 times in 6 years."

December 28, 1883: "A black man from Rockbridge County came to our town and married Black Maria Huldey yesterday in the African Church."

December 31, 1883: "Watch meting to night in M. E. Church. Oyster supper by the colored people in Odfellows Hall."

January 1, 1884: "Oyster supper by the Odfellows tonight in Odfellows Hall. Everybody invited. Uncommonly cold; scarlet fever very bad in the area; ice 6" frozen."

February 4, 1884: "Mrs. Young was laying out a woman who had died and got some gastric juices on a sore on her hand and now suffers very much in consequence of it." [She was sick for about a week; Smals doesn't mention her after that.]

February 26, 1884: "Dr. Jones Drugstore caught on fire and burt up all his drugs and medcane [sic]. Did not burn the store house."

May 11, 1884: "Colored people had their first Quarterly meeting at this place today."

May 24, 1884: "William Fishback and a black man had a fight. Fishback struck the negro in the head with a rock and Fishback had to pay a fine and cost which was $4.45."

May 31, 1884: A great "bass ball" game. Bridgewater 28 Harrisonburg 25 and 2 whitewashes.

June 11, 1884: "David Hooks whipped his sister with a yardstick this morning and left marks on her boddie."

June 13, 1884: "Brady and Wine killed their first beef this evening. Going to butcher all summer."

June 15, 1884 : "Lighting struck Rev. Raley [Lutheran] near Mt. Crawford and knocked his horse down but did not kill either of them."

June 18, 1884: "All the presses and other tools to Bridgewater this evening to make cigars." [sketch of cigar]

July 19, 1884: "Nute Fry commenced butchering and selling beef in Bridgewater this morning."

August 1884: [Several mentions of a cigar/tobacco factory.]

August 6, 1884: "Old Jimmie Coakley, colored, died today near Rushville at the age of 110 years old."

August 10, 1884: "Sabbath Morning, Warm Cloudy. Rained some last night. This is Childrens Day with the M.E.C.S. The collection amounted to 10 dollars. Preaching by Rev. Waters at 11 oclock. Exercises at 2 oclock, also at night."

August 16, 1884: "Professor Hoover and Professor Hulvey came to our town. Spoke in the Old Town Hall as Democrats." [At this time Rev. Campbell was preaching in the Lutheran Church and Rev. Clark in the Baptist Church. Smals usually mentioned the services in Lutheran and Baptist Churches].

August 30, 1884: Cigar boys played and beat Bridgewater boys in baseball.

September 3, 1884: "Uncle Jake Hesberger raised a watermelon that weighed 47 ¾ pounds."

September 7, 1884: Rev. Linch preached in M.E.C.S Church.

September 13, 1884: "A fellow going to walk on a Rope started from J. Dinkles to the top of the old Tavern."

September 20, 1884: "The colored people have a local Preachers Convention here-will continue over Sunday."

September 21, 1884: "Preaching at colored church by colored preacher. Fifteen local preachers present at the Convention. Large crowd of colored people present. Collected $30."

September 22, 1884: "Jacob Bierly and son were killed in the well by foul air."

October 5, 1884: Rev. Ross preaching at M. E. C.

November 1, 1884: "Mrs. Showalter Beat a little child today Black and Blue. She was arrested and had her trial. Paid the Corporation $5.00 and $25.00 to the County Court."

December 6, 1884: "A negro shot another negro in Harrisonburg last night. He was caught and lodged in jail to await trial."

December 25, 1884: Thursday Morning Clear. "Very cold this Christmas Day, Plenty of ice on the River Boys skating and shooting."

December 26, 1884: "I H. Smals Eat a fine Dinner at George Hangers."

December 27, 1884: "Oyster supper to night by the Masons at Will Areys."

January 12, 1885: "The Cigar Boys commence making cigars today." [Smals makes frequent references to the "cigar boys" working in the cigar factory in Bridgewater]

January 18, 1885: "Old Mr. Hailman fell through the Bridge and Caught himself before he got to the water." [Smals had been writing regularly of work on the bridge]

January 24, 1885: "William H. Grove finished the Bridge today. Got $56 for his 16 days work."

February 21, 1885: "21 below zero."

March 11, 1885: "Nuten Smals came here from Hampshire County. Brown Smals and Thomas Smals came to my house to day from Berkley County near Williamsport W.Va. to purchase cattle."

March 18, 1885: "Our Preachers have come from Conference to day. Rev Dice the Presiding Elder and Rev Lynch and Prettiman [Prettyman] the Senior and Junior Preacher for one Year."

March 21, 1885: "Dam frozen over to night, never was known to freeze over in March before."

March 22, 1885: Preaching by Rev. Reade [Reid?]

March 24, 1885: "Old Miller Areys sale today on Muddy Creek."

March 25, 1885: "Hales engine went through our town this morning."

March 27, 1885: "A Degarion [?] car came to town today." [sketch of train car, maybe an early photo studio?]

March 28, 1885: "The dogs killed a parse of sheep for John Allemong this morning. John Allemong discharged 6 of his cigar men. Only 4 rollers left and 2 packers."

April 3, 1885: [Good Friday.] "This is the day our Savior was crucified nearly 1900 years ago." [sketch of cross]

April 10, 1885: "The old Brick Shop that I Built 1840, 44 years ago, they are taring down to Build Drivers House."

April 12, 1885: "Bettie Brown joined the M. E. Church South."

April 16, 1885: "John Fisher rented the Lower Room of the Odd Fellows for the sum of Two Dollars per month…"

April 18, 1885: "The first Quarterly Conference held in this place. Presiding Elder present and both of the preachers on the Sircuit present and a good many of the Official Body present. Brother Lynch gone to Spring Hill to hold a Quarterly meeting for the presiding Elders. Brother Prettyman preached at night at 7 ½ oclock."

April 21, 1885: "Burk Sellers cow had twin calves."

April 22, 1885: Moses Stickler had been recommended as Post Master in Bridgewater.

April 26, 1885: "Two bysicles in our town. Came from Harrisonburg in 52 minutes."

April 28, 1885: "J.W.S. commenced getting new milk of Mrs. Jenkins today at 6 cents per quart."

May 6, 1885: "Dinkel hired a bisicle in Harrisonburg to learn to ride on."

May 15, 1885: "My Daughter Annie Died to night at 10 oclock. She was 42 years and some month old."

May 20, 1885: "Richard Berlin put a whistle on his engine today."

June 8, 1885: "Shifflett stabbedd Riddle 2 times in the side. The one stab is supposed to be fatal."

June 13, 1885: "Dr. Johnson's cow had 2 calves this morning."

July 1, 1885: Post Office opened and first day of mail service in Bridgewater area. Carriers going to Stribling Springs and Harrisonburg.

Mixed Materials [1000886550] box: 3 folder: 1
Volume 16
July 1885- April 1887
Scope and Content

July 24, 1885: "2 Negroes broke open wines at Funkhouser store and stole 2 suit of clothing, coffee and sugar, and other articles. A black woman found under a hay stack with her throat cut from ear to ear in Augusta County, VA."

August 7, 1885: "Colored people had a Festival tonight at the Old Town Hall" [3 sketches of black heads].

August 8. 1885: "Colored people continue their festival tonight. Colored people have a Quarterly meeting on Crawford's farm today and tomorrow."

March 8, 1886: "The Colored Minstrel Singers came to our town today and sing tonight in the M.E. Church. Colored in this town a perfect Humbug."

April 15, 1886: "The colored Preacher came here on his circuit today."

May 7, 1886: Notes marriage of 2 coloreds with a squiggly circle drawing. "Wm. Branson to Allace Brookins"

May 26, 1886: "Charley Stuart moved in Berlintown in Joseph Nielwanders house. He is a colored man." [sketch of black man's head].

June 1, 1886: "Mat Barber's child buried today in the Colored Graveyard in this town today at 11 o'clock. Colored boy Joseph Riggle came to our town today to work in the factory."

June 11, 1886: "John Wine's wife had twins and two days afterward his cow had twin calves." [sketch of twin calves]

June 14, 1886: "The Colored people have a Picknick tonight for the benefit of their Preacher."

Summer of 1886: Talks a lot about farmers harvesting their wheat all over and in July "people are thrashing all over."

August 1, 1886: "The Colored People had a Bush meeting near Mt. Crawford."

August 2, 1886: "A great show at the African church tonight by the colored folks." [Pasted a picture of black musicians surrounded by violins, banjos and other instruments]

August 30, 1886: "Jackson Doomer's cow died this morning."

September 4, 1886: "Another bucher shop opened near Allemony's store."

September 18, 1886: "Mr. Isaac Marshall weighed his big hog today at 705 pounds."

October 16, 1886: "Colored Quarterly meeting commenced today in Bridgewater."

October 19, 1886: "Henry Dice and Frank Irvin came home from Pokehunters to bring his cattle home."

November 22, 1886: "Sanger Brothers started a Creamery today in Bridgewater."

February 15, 1887: Josie Wise, colored, buried in the Colored Graveyard today at 11 o'clock. A great many colored persons present."

Mixed Materials [1000886550] box: 3 folder: 2
Volume 17
April 1887-April 1890
Mixed Materials [1000886550] box: 3 folder: 3
Volume 18
April 1890-October 1891
Mixed Materials [1000886550] box: 3 folder: 4
Index and Highlights
2002-2003
Scope and Content

On speech: [Smals spells the railroad president's name "Auther Vandabilt"]

On blacks: [Frequently mentions when they are born, married, and died and usually draws head sketches.]

On travel: [In 1877 a trip to Harrisonburg took 4 hours.]