The Diary of Louisa C. Warren Hall - Part 1

This is a memoir of my Great, Great, Great Grandma who began her journaling on January 20, 1866, over 143 years ago. The following excerpts are all from the year 1866.

Here is some background information. Louisa was married to Nelson Chittenden Hall at 18 years of age, when this was written. The journey started in Deerfield, Illinois. She writes “Deerfield is a queer place – that’s a fact.” (January 29, 1866) She worked in the post office and noted, “Some of the Irish give me a little trouble about the mail. How I detest an ignorant, stubborn Irishman. In fact, any stubborn person. I think as a general thing the German people or Dutch are a better class of people than the Irish.” (November 3) This is comical because my stubborn grandfather was a Dutch Irishman, McCarthy by last name and my father’s relatives are German, Mock by last name.

Nelson and Louisa had Ernest and Eda. Ernest lived almost 14 years before passing away. She writes, “The baby they say looks like me. His eyes and hair seem to be the same color as mine. He weighed 10 pounds the day he was born. Was born at half past eleven. Seems to be an unusually healthy baby” (December 3)

“How much care and responsibility a baby is yet I would not part with my dear little boy for anything in the world. It seems strange how much love the little ones bring with them. I pray that the Lord may guide his feet all through his life, be it long or short. I almost dread to think of my baby growing up and having troubles and cares that must come to all. Oh may he grow up pure and good and may he be a Christian early in life, if he lives. My daily prayer for him shall be that he may grow up to be a good man. My God give us grace and strength to bring him up right and in the fear of the Lord. I hope he may be as good a man as his father.” (December 14)

“It is mother’s birthday. 48 years of changes and sorrows and joys have passed over her head.” (December 26)

“I never knew mother’s feelings, of course, till I myself became a mother. I never dreamed of loving a child as I do my own. When I look at Earny I can scarcely think it possible that he is my own. Me, who only a few years ago, was a child myself, be a mother. Why only a few, very, very short years have passed, since I was running and romping everywhere – for I was a great romp – and now a steady married woman with a mother’s and wife’s cares.” (December 28)

One thing is certain, “life is real.” Louisa experienced joy, pain, adventure and trials of all kinds. Next week I further explore the days of yesteryear and share more wisdom and stories from Louisa’s life.

“Another week is entered upon. No telling what a week may bring for it. May my kind, Heavenly Father give me grace and strength to bear all that is to come, what must come soon, and may my trust be in Him. Oh I am so glad I ever learned to trust and love God. I often feel that without this confidence in the Lord I were without a guide, and like the ‘lost mariner on the sea.’ Oh that every one in need would only put their confidence in the blessed Redeemer. Not only the afflicted (for all are needy) but those whose life seems all bright, for I think the love of Jesus helps us to better enjoy the blessings of earthly joys.” (October 14)

Note: (revised 8/3/09) It was not my grandfather, Ralph McCarthy (step father’s last name), that was Dutch Irish but my grandmother Clara McCarthy’s side of the family that was. Her father, John Matthews, was a Dutch Irishman. Grandpa McCarthy was French (biological father)/English (mother).

Word of the Week: Each week I add a word that I have come across in my reading for which I did not know the definition. After looking it up I try to use it in my future columns. Last week’s word was pangs, meaning sudden, sharp pains, physical or emotional.”