John Jay Johns

“ I go to Presbytery at Olivet Church today. Peaches in bloom.
Apr. 21, 1877. I stayed at mr. Sheltiel Ball (at presbytery) .
Apr. 25, 1877. The long talked of war between Turkey and Russia has commenced.
May 1, 1877. Arthur commenced coming home every night for the summer.
May 7, 1877. Fred and Mattie came on the boat "Belle of St. Louis" about 9 o'clock this morning.
May 9, 1877. Glover comes home every night.
May 13, 1877. Sabbath. We have three of the large boys with us all this week. They are now young men. It is delightful to have so many of our children with us at one time. ”

“ We can hope to have such a pleasure very seldom again while we live. May the Lord bless them all and make them all his children and useful men and women.
May 24, 1877. I went to Mr. William Parks' and Mrs. Frayser's. He is much better in mind and health. ”

“ Johnnie was quite sick with tonsilitis.
Oct. 6, 1877. The County S. S. Convention met in our church last night and is in session today. Reverend William S. Paxson and Mr. Hayden, S. S. Missionary in Southwest Missouri are staying with us. Dr. Johnson came to see Johnnie yesterday evening. He is very sick with some form of croup or diphtheria. He is much worse today. I called in Dr. Overall too.
Oct. 7, 1877. Sabbath. Rain. Our little Johnnie died today at a quarter before two p.m. ”