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Version 2, Chapter 7:  “Sallie Freeman”

                I will begin at the begining.  I first saw little Sallie Freeman in May, second Sunday 1877.  She and her mother were going into the north door of Decatur old Baptist church.  She was holding to her mothers dress, had white hair tied with ribon hanging down on her back.  She was then nine years old just six months from Monticello Georgia.  Nex time I saw her was 1st of January, 1878.  I was visiting  Midway school on Friday evening.  They had a program for the evening.  Miss Bettie Atkinson the teacher pointed little Sallie Freeman out to me said Shes the best speller in school.  There was a number of grown studants in school at that time.

                The summer following 1878 I attended the Midway school.  I noticed that little Sallie was leader in the sports of her associates and of her class.  One day on the playground we had a little spat.  She nocked my hat off.  Otherwise we were always good friends.  I noticed her mentally and physically as the years passed.  I thought her above her classmates and her playmates, for she was leader in nearly everything they did.  It was real noticable to me.  During Christmas 1880 the Freeman family visited in our home.  Sallie was 12 years old January 7th 1880.  The family was all in a waggon except Mrs Freeman was on horseback.  When time to go home I had Mrs. Free­man horse at the horse block.  She was going home before the wagon got ready to go and called Sallie to come go with her riding on the horse behind her mother.  Sallie wanted to go in the wagon with her sisters.  Came grudg­ingly when she made the spring to get on the horse.  She jumped to far.  Was going over the horse.  I caught her by the leg and pulled her back strait on the horse.  Mrs Freeman was scolding Sallie.  I said Mrs Freeman give her to me and let her stay.  Mrs Freeman said alright you may have her.  Then Sallie straightened up ready to go.

                When Sallie was 14 years old I was going horseback riding with her sister Georgia and Sallie was riding on the horse behind Georgia.  In the talk I asked Georgia how old girls had to be before they were grown.  She said they were considered grown at 16 years.  Then I said I would pul my mule back, and go with Sallie.  Georgia said Sallie is prettie two way, prettie ugly and pretty apt to stay that way.  I then told Sallie you are not ugly to me.  You will be a pretieer woman than your sister Georgia.  Sallie did not say anything while this was being talked.  Was afraid to say anything to me.  If she had said anything to me Georgia never would have quit teasing her.  If she had said anything to me.  She was verry very bashful. 

                Another time I was going with Georgia when Georgia began to wear a hoop skirt.  Hoop skirts was some­thing new at that time.  Sallie came out to the horse block to see Georgia get on the horse and to see what would happen when the hoop struck the saddle.  I saw that something was expected for it was funnie to Sallie.  Nothing happened.  Sallie was not catching beaus, but was thinking about the boys.  I staid at Freemans home one Sunday night on account of rainy night, was visiting Georgia.  The next morning before I got up I heard Sallie calling mama mama, where is my dress to wear today.  I thought it the sweetest toned voice I had heard.  In the fall of September 1882 I was in the Freeman home.  From where I was sitting I could  see one end of the dining table.  Sallie was setting the table for dinner as she would pass around the table she would look in the room at me.  And I would be looking and smiling at her.  And she would be blushing and biting her lip.  Biting her lip was common with her while she was in her early teens.  She was now passed 14 years and thinking of the boys.

                On November Thursday 16th 1882 Georgia got married.  Then Sallie came next.  At church November 18th 1882 when we on the church yard Mrs Freeman turned to me and said go home with us Willie and said I reckon you won’t come now since Georgia is married.  My mother said to her oh, Sallies his girl.  Mrs Freeman switched around and said I didant know that.  At this saying Sallie was hiding behind the other girls.  I did not say anything, did not know what I could say, so I kept quiet.  In December 1882 my cousin Sallie McMullan and Sallie Freeman cousin Jeff Smith got married.  They had a weding supper, and the families on both sides were invited.  We met on equal terms at this wedding.  Had some games and a general talk.  On this talk I said the McMullans had lost their only Sallie and it was now up to me to get another Sallie in the McMullan family name.  At this saying Sallie Freeman was hiding behind the other girls present, for she understood what it all really ment.  The next day we met casually at the A J Smith infare dinner. 

                About this time there were sociable parties being held in our community.  I would meet Miss Sallie at these parties.  There was a candly pulling party at my house.  I had Miss Sallie for my partner to pull candly.  She knew how to pull candy.  As we were pulling our candy I was going to tell her or to say something to her about how I felt towards her.  She left me at once, but came back right quick.  I did not say anything more about what I started to tell her.  We finished pulling our candy.  She knew how and was a fine hand at candy pulling.  We met at these parties.  We had a real jolly time.  She was 14 years old now.  She had a real jolly and bewitching laugh and was continually laughing to the delight of her associates.  I did really delight hearing her laugh. 

                In the Christmas 1882 Miss Sallie Freeman and Jennie Smith visited overnight in our home.  When they were going home I had their horse ready for them.  I was goin home with them.  This was her first company to catch a beaugh 1882.  I thought she enjoyed it.  Looked to be pleased.  January 25 1883 Milt Jones and Janie Cook­sey got married.  Miss Delia Cookey and I were their waiters.  They had a wedding supper.  Miss Sallie now 15 years was there.  I directed most of my talk to her, expecting to escort her home, half mile away.  Another boy beat me to her.  As she ran out the door going home he said she ran all the way home.  We met casually the next day at Jones infare and party at night.  The next we met at party at Billie Whites.  At this party she showed how she could dance by dancing a jig.  It was a delight to the partie. 

                At a party February 15 1883 she was a leading spirit in the party plays.  I had her company in nearly all of the plays. It rained.  We staid nearly all night.  As the party came to a stand still, we with her girlfriend Fannie Ga­loway sat on a bench on one side of the room.  She had her friend between us.  We talked about things in common.  I told them I loved all the girls but loved one better than all of the others.  Her friend asked if I really ment it.   I was wearing a nice finger ring.  They got my ring was trying it on their fingers and admiring it.  When they gave it back to me Miss Sallie looked at me and said I will wear your ring for you for three years and.  She stoped the sen­tance on the word and.  Fannie laughed.  I laughed and she blushed.  The party began at one.  We entered the play at once.  Nothing more said about the ring.  I have wandered what the remainder of her sentance would have been. 

                February Sunday we met at the Hammon family home on the Freeman farm.  We met visiting here some­times.  A good place to meet to have a good time.  It was just across the Freeman orchard from her home.  March 1st Tuesday met at Mitt Jones party met Miss Sallie had a fine time.  June 24th to Crossroad to church to Fred Russells to see Miss Sallie.  Shes staying at Russells going to school.  July 7th Saturday to Crossroads school in eve & night with Miss Sallie to Mr Crosses for the night.  Sunday July 8th home with Miss Sallie to Fred Russells.  Did not go in.  Went on to Decatur remainder of the day.  July 28 1883 to Choctaw Indian meeting.  F N McMul­lan, home with Miss Sallie.  August 1st Sunday home with Miss Sallie, to Fred Russells.  August 16th Decatur and to church, home with Miss Sallie F.  September 9th Sunday to W B Hammon to church, home with Miss Sallie.  September 19th Wednesday to Presbyterian meeting day and night.  Saw Miss Norah Ashmore.  While talking to Nora Ashmore Oxner, Miss Sallie Freeman came to meet Miss Nora.  After our talk I asked Miss Sallie if I could

escort her home.  I went home with Miss Sallie Freeman.  Dec 12 1883 To Charlie Smith marriage.  Saw Miss Sallie at a distance and the next day at Smiths infare.  December to Crossroads church.  Home with Miss Georgia Cross.  Called at Fred Russells.  Saw Miss Sallie.

                December 24 1883 To Crossroads Christmas tree.  Put nice box of stationry on tree for Miss Sallie Free­man.  December 26th to Dick Russells party to Fred Russells.  Saw Miss Sallie.  January 6th Miss Sallies birthday sweet 16.  Stoped as I was passing.  Verry cold day.  Did not appreciate my reception.  Did not stay to long.  Did not see her again for 5 months.  Skiped January Feb March April untill May 18th.  I spent some lonely days and months wandering what I could or what I should do.  There was not any other girl that I wanted to see.  So I staid at home most of the time.  I decided to try again on May 17th.  I wrote Miss Sallie my compliments, asking if I might call Sunday evening.  Put negro boy on mule, sent note to her.  Told him to wait for an answer.  This was the first scratch of pen between us.  I thought the sweetest note I had ever seen.  It simply said compliments re­turned, will accept a call from you Sabbath evening.  Sallie Freeman May 17th 1884.  This was verry nice indeed, but I wandered why she put in a call from you, wandered if there was someone in my way.  I saddled my mule go­ing on time, as I went out the door I told my sister her chum if there was not a change this would be my last visit to Freemans.  I hitched my mule went in.  She greeted me cordially.  We had pleasant evening in our talk she asked what would you have done if I had excepted your call.  Dont know what I said in answer to her question.  I did not stay to long, in two weeks I sent the secon note asking her permission to call.  Answer will accept your company Sabbath eve June 1st 1884.  In two weeks I sent 3rd note, answer will accept your company Sunday evening June 15th 1884 Sallie Freeman.  I did not see her after this visit for two months. 

                To go back a little, after school was out at Midway in 1883 she was sent to her sister Finnie Russells to go to school.  At Crossroads walking 3 miles to Crossroads school house, an old Methodis log church building, the teacher Frank McMullan just back from the State Universaty.  Thought to be a fine teacher.  He had a fine lot of students.  He had some grown young men and grown girls.  Miss Sallie Freeman then just 15 years old, when I saw Frank (He was 2nd cousin).  I asked him to take care of my little girl while in his school.  He told me verry bluntley saying you cant have her.  I did not say anything more thinking I had said to much already.  I did not visit her for some time.  I soon learned that the boys and several young men were wanting to visit her, and her teacher was one of that number. 

                I was to have attended a concert one Saturday night, but I had a rising boil where I could not set down.  My friend John Hamilton went and spent the night at Fred Russells.  Miss Sallie told him she kept looking, thought she would see her fellow.  I visited the school soon.  They were having a concert that evening, and a spelling match at night.  I had a fine time.  The professor gave out the spelling from a spelling book. The entire class missed the same word.  The professor gave a wrong pronunciation.  The word was souraye (ed. soiree).  Miss Sallie refused to try to spell the word.  Her teacher insisted that she try.  I noticed he spoke different kindly to her.  Diferent difer­ently from other students.  I asked Miss Sallie if I could escort her home.  She was to spend the night at Mr Crosses near by.  I was spending the night at Crosses.  We were setting on the front galery.  Miss Georgia went to see about sleeping places.  Miss Sallie and I left setting alone.  I thought to ask about the offer she made me the first of the year.  She left me at once.  I thought I new why.  She was afraid someone would hear it.  I never mentioned it to her again.  The next morning I accompanied her home.  I did not go in.  I went on to Decatur and joined the Deca­tur youngster in their Sunday evening sport. 

                August 1883 Sunday 5th from church, home with Miss Sallie, and August 16th called at A J Freeman to see Miss Sallie.  September 9th to church at night.  Saw Miss Nora Ashmore and went home with Miss Sallie Freeman.  September 23 Sunday to Crossroads.  Home with Miss Georgia Cross for dinner.  I told her of her pro­fessor going with Miss Sallie.  She said he was continually going to Fred Russells while she was there going to school to him at Crossroads school.  April Sunday 15th to A J Freeman to see Miss Sallie, home from school today.  October 7 1883 to singing at Midway, home with Miss Sallie.  Oct 20 to church, to W T Dunagin, and to see Miss Sallie.  Oct 28 to A J Smiths and Liberty hill singing F U McMullan with Miss Sallie.  Nov 6 Tuesday set up at Ducketts.  Sick child.  Miss Sallie there.  A pleasant time.  Nov 11th 1883 the Sunday at home.  A J Freeman fam­ily here.  Miss Sallie to.  Nov 22nd to W T Dunagin and to A J Freeman to see Miss Sallie.  Nov 29th to G A Park party in Decatur with Miss Sallie Freeman.  The night spend at Frank Barretts and home with Miss Sallie.  Next morning, she left the party to keep from dancing with Frank McMullan.  He told her he would dance with her next. 

                Dec 2nd 1883 to church to singing at W B Hammonds.  To see Miss Sallie there and the next day at A J Smith infare.  Met casually.  Dec 20 Jim Hardy & Matilda Chapman married.  I was best man.  Dec 21 to Cross­roads to Christmas tree.  Put box of nice stationary on Christmas tree for Miss Sallie Freeman.  Dec 25 to Newton to Crossroads to church & home with Miss Georgia Cross, and to Fred Russells to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  She was shy of me.  Dec 26 to Fred Russells jr to Dick Russell party and to Fred Russel, nice tim.  Started home from Fred Russells.  Stoped at Mitt Jones a while.  Dec 28 1883 to B F Normans to a party.  Escorted Miss Melia Plucket to and from the party.  January 6 1884 called in to see Miss Sallie Freeman as I was pasing a verry cold evening.  She had just gotten home from a visit and made a good fire.  Shes now sweet 16 years old.  I did not ap­preciate my reception.  Did not stay to long.  I thought she had been shy of me during the holiday.  Posibly it was only me.  I did not see her again untill May 18th as stated elsewhere.  May 17th I wrote her a card asking her permission to call Sunday evening.  Her answer to this card was I will accept a call from you Sabbath eve.  Sallie Freeman in answer to card 2 weeks later will accept of your company Sabbath eve June 1st Sallie Freeman’s an­swer to a 3rd call 2 weeks later will accept of your company Sabbath eve June 15th 1888 Sallie Freeman.  We had a pleasant talk at each and all of these visits.  I did not see her again untill in August 1884. 

                In August the Presbyterians were having meeting of days at Midway.  We were at the church Sunday.  Had not met.  We were sitting facing each other in church during the preaching service.  Our eyes met direct.  The look she gave me out of them blue eyes and the expression on her face I never can forget.  I recognised it to be the look of love, and so it really was.  I don’t know how I looked to her.  I never doubted her again.  I went over to her home early afternoon.  She met me kindly.  We had a pleasant evening.  When I should have been going home I asked if I might walk with her to church tonight.  She gladly accepted.  As we came from church I asked if I might come Tuesday morning & we would go to the Walker bridge picnick Tuesday.  It was agreeable.  I drove over to get her for the picknick & no one knew that I had a buggy.  It was the first time I had her out in it.  Was a surprise to her.  I thought she looked downcast or worse than I had seen her.  She had a nice well dun up dress on.  But a hat that was unbecoming to her.  It was the color of the hat that spoiled it all.  She was now 16 and I was 25 years old.  On our way home from the picnick I asked if I could take her to church tonight.  She said I have company.  Looked at me and said you had not asked me.  I then asked if I might come and we would go to wall bridge picknick Thursday.  I helped her from the buggy.  Escorted her to her door steps.  Bid her goodnight.  Her escort for the night was Ed Miner, a little jeweler from Newton.  I left her, turned and drove to Mr Mint Walkers.  Got Miss Ida Walker and Miss Mag Thompson, the 2 most talkative girls that had been at the picknick that day.  We went to hcurch and set just behind Miss Sallie and her little beaugh Ed Miner.  And these 2 girls talked and they talked.  I knew Miss Sallie had much rather been with me than with her little Ed.  Thursday morning I was at her home and she was ready to go to the picknick.  We had a fine trip and jolly day.  As we returned to her home I asked if I could carry her to her sister Kate fish fry Saturday.  As we came from Norman I asked if I could come and we would go to the Decatur big August meeting Sunday.  Sunday morning I drove near the gate.  She came out to go.  I helped her feet on & button her duster.  Helped her in the buggy.  Unhitched my mule.  As I turned to get in the buggy I looked to the house.  Mr. Freeman was standing in the door watching us get off.  I wandered if she thought that this will be another son-in-law.  Miss Sallie staid at Decatur for the weeks meeting.  Kame home.  Midway meeting began next week Sunday.  We would meet at the church, not specially togather. 

                P. S. Some time near when I was sending Miss Sallie cards asking if I could call to see her and she was accepting my visits punctually, I was told she got a letter one day and that she dried over this letter for some time.  Later from the same source I had word that Willie went to see Sallie one Sunday and that Frank went one Sunday, and at a later date I heard that Frank tried to have her to discard Willie.  She did not do it.  Went to her mother with his proposition.  Her mother told her never never do it.  Could not afford to do it.  We were family friends, neighbors and in the church togather.  It would cause trouble.  When her father heard it he told her if she married Willie McMullan she would have a home.  If she married Frank she would be pulled from place to place.  Miss Sallies sister in law Mrs Ida Freeman her brother Rosco wife told this.  She was closely and intimately associated with the family, and a friend of mine.  Miss Sallie never told any of this to me.  So when I had quit going with her she had time to reflect and I afterward believed Frank discarded or just left her off.  After this we became closer friends than ever before.  She visited in our home more.  And she and my sisters visited a neighbor with lots of girls togather.  And I escorted her to her home this same evening.  We attended a party togather.  Had a fine time.  I was her only beaugh sweetheart now and we knew how to appreciate each other as never before. 

                Nov 17 1884 I hired to the Grange store for balance of 1884.  Nov 19th Wednesday to F B Eubanks party.  Had a good time with Miss Sallie.  Lots of folks there.  All caught the measles.  Nov 23 Midway to church.  Visited Miss Sallie Freeman.  Dec 21 Midway to church.  To see Miss Sallie Freeman.  Dec 24th worked in store.  Sent Miss Sallie Christmas present by W B Hammon, the finest big orange that I ever saw.  Dec 23 Frank McMullan married Fannie Stamper.  Had to run away to marry.  This ends 1884.  Visits for 1884=25 times 1885=17 times 1885=29=23 times p. year (ed. given as WJM wrote it). 

                1885 July 19th Sunday to Decatur to convention to see donee Miss Sallie Freeman.  1885 July 19th Sun­day to see Miss Sallie Freeman now 17 years old.  August Sunday Midway to church to A J Freeman to see Miss Sallie.  August 29th Saturday with Miss Sallie to Fred Russells and to church at Crossroads, and 30th Sunday to church at Crossroads.  Monday to church to Crossroads with Miss Sallie Freeman.  Sept 1st Tuesday to church to­day with Miss Sallie Freeman.  Sept 2nd Wednesday to church with Miss Maud Russell.  Was setting by her when she went to join the church.  Mack Russell and I swaped girls today.  Mac with Miss Sallie and I with Miss Maud.  Mac thought he would be going with Miss Salllie Thursday but when we went out to start to church Miss Sallie ran to my buggy and got in the buggy at once and said to me she would not go with Mac Russell again.  September 3rd to church at Crossroads with Miss Sallie Freeman.  Sept 14th to church to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  Sept 16 Wednesday at home to A J Freemans in eve with Miss Sallie for awhile.  She offered to ride with me on coming back from the association next Monday from Harpervill.  Agreed to Sept Saturday and Sunday and Monday in the association.  Monday eve Sept 21st from Harperville with Miss Sallie to L. M. Murrells for the night.  We drove along behind the old preacher Clark and Freeman.  We listened to the old preachers yarns untill bedtime.  Tuesday with Miss Sallie to her home.  Taken dinner with her.  Sept 17 to P. F. Hamiltons.  Miss Sallie gone to Georgia.  Oct 11th Sunday at home in a. m. to see Miss Sallie.  Oct 16th to Newton.  Hired to Grange store for balance of year.  October 16th Sunday Midway to church to see Miss Sallie.

                October 28th Sunday asked to be excused.  Gone to sister Kate Norman stated there will be preaching at the school house down there Sunday.  Put a flower in this letter.  Nov 1st Sunday to Riser to church to see Miss Sallie in eve.  November 14th Saturday to church at Midway saw Miss Sallie.  Bought my 1st piece of land from H G Ledlow 80 acres for $130.00.  Nov 15 at home.  November 22nd Sunday at home.  In the morning to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  Asked her to marry me.  We were sitting in her mothers room before a good fire.  She was pulling her hands.  She said to me I told you once.  I accepted her answer.  She had offered to wear my ring for me when she was 15 years old & remembered it all very well.  After this agreement we seemed to be content and happy.  The next morning I got a ten dollar gold piece from my father.  He had gotton gold payment for a horse stolen from mother while he was away in the war 3 years.  I melted this gold and made it into a bar.  R. K. Spied a juler & sil­versmith was rooming with me in the building where I worked.  He made into a ring and I polished it.  I had my name and date carved in the ring.  The next Sunday December 6th I put the ring on Miss Sallies finger.  She was real proud of it.  It was the biggest ring I ever saw on a girls finger.  I told her the size of the ring represented the love I had for her and as the ring had no end my love for her would never end. 

                Dec 20 Sunday to church at Midway, to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  1886 Jan 1st Sunday Midway to church.  To see Miss Sallie Freeman.  Jan 21 Thursday to W B Hammon party and home with Miss Sallie F.  Jan 31st Sun­day to church in a.m. to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  Feb 4th Tuesday at P F Hamilton and to see Miss Sallie Free­man.  Feb 21st Sunday to church to see Miss Sallie Freeman in the eve and to Decatur with her on her way to school at Decatur.  She attended this school untill it closed in the summer of 1886.  Feb 28 Sunday to Crossroads church, home with Miss Georgia Cross for dinner then home.  March 8th to Newton, hired to Grange store at $20 per month for balence of the year 1886.  March 21st Sunday Midway to church home with Miss Sallie.  1886 April 10th Sunday Decatur to church, dined at Frank Barretts.  To singing with Miss Sallie Freeman, nice time.  April 25th Sunday Midway to church to R R Freeman with Miss Sallie and Lula Johnson.  May 2 Sunday R K Speed came home and we went to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  Taken dinner with her.  Afternoon went to A L Doolittles to see Miss Sallie Atkinson, Speeds girl.  Speed came had livery team.  We had  a fine day.  Speed the jeweler was rooming with me in the building that I worked in. 

                May 2nd with Miss Sallie my girl to the show the biggest circus even in Newton.  We had a nice lovely time .  We slipped away from her school mates and went in the show togather alone.  May 30th Sunday went to see my donee Miss Sallie Freeman.  June 1886 did not see Miss Sallie this month.  Had a letter on the 10th and on 25th had a letter from Miss Sallie.  July 12th Monday eve to see Miss Sallie at Dick Norman in Newton.  July 16 Friday to Will Caskies funeral and visited Miss Sallie while she was at Dick Normans in Newton.  July 22 to Pa­trons union.  Met Miss Sallie Freeman and her school mate chum Miss Lucy Harper.  Spent a pleasant fine day.  August 1st 1886 Sunday to church, carried Miss Sallie Freeman home.  Aug. 15 Sunday to church.  Carried Miss Sallie to church and to singing then carried her home.  Aug 17th Tuesday Midway to church, home with Miss Sallie.

                Aug. 29th Sunday to R R Freeman, in eve home with Miss Sallie.  Sept 5 Sunday Decatur to church with Miss Sallie.  Dined with E Carleton and to church at night and home.  Had a nice time.  Sept 12th Sunday to church.  Dined at A J Freeman, to church with Sallie.  Sept 19th 1886 Sunday to Oakland to Mt Pisga Association and met Miss Sallie Freeman.  I rode a mule 15 miles there becaus Miss Sallie Freeman would be there.  I then rode home 15 miles that evening.  I enjoyed the day and the 30 mile ride to be with Miss Sallie having been en­gaged to marry for 10 months.  Oct 3rd Sunday to Riser church to see Miss Sallie in eve.  Oct 17th to church at Midway to see Miss Sallie Freeman in eve.  Oct 24th Sunday to Crossroads to church.  Hom with Georgia, came home.  Oct 31st Sunday Decatur to Gen. Association with Miss Sallie Freeman.  Nov 7th 1886 Sunday at home to see my girl Miss Sallie Freeman.  Nov 28 1886 Sunday with Miss Sallie to Crossroads.  Dined at Dug Russells.  Miss Laura Herd dined there.  Dec 12th Sunday at home a.m. to see Miss Sallie in the eve.  Dec 19 Sunday Mid­way to church.  Home with Miss Sallie.  Dec 26th Sunday Newton to church, home with Miss Pucket and to Dick Normans for dinner.  Miss Sallie there. 

                1887 Jan 2nd Sunday with Sallie F and Jennie S.  Spent the day.  January 16 Sunday Midway to church to see Miss Sallie F.  Jan 30th Sunday my birthday 28 years to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  1887 February I missed vis­iting Miss Sallie Freeman this month.  March 13 Sunday to Presbyterian meeting to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  April 3 Sunday to Riser to church, to see Miss Sallie Freeman in eve.  April 24th Sunday Newton to church.  To see Miss Sallie Freeman in eve.  1887 May 5th Tuesday to the triplet wedding in Newton Baptist church.  Ebb Blalack to Miss Viola Vale.  John C. McClinton to Miss Jennie Guthrie.  Andrew McAlpin to Miss Minnie Wat­kins.  A fine affair.  Things just so.  May 8 Sunday Decatur to church with Miss Sallie.  To Caroline McMillen for dinner.  Staid for night preaching.  On way home had my first kiss.  May 15th Saturday with A J Freeman to Aaron Pierch (ed.  Piesch? name uncertain) for the night on way to Garlanville to Maj. Tatum to marriage of Miss Sallie Tatum.  Then back to Midway preaching.  Home with Miss Sallie Freeman. 

                June 1887 5th Sunday to George Dunagin.  To church.  To see Miss Sallie F.  June 12th Sunday to Pen­ington with the girls.  Midway, home with Miss Sallie.  June 26th Sunday Newton SS.  Church.  To T J Doolittle.  To see Miss Sallie Freeman.  1887 July 17th Sunday Midway to church.  To see my girl Miss Sallie in eve.  July 24 Sunday at home in a. m., to church, home with Miss Sallie.  August 12 Friday Newton speeking miday.  To Miss Sallie school house with her.  A nice time.  Aug 14 Sunday Decatur to church to A J Smith for dinner to church with Miss Jennie S and Sallie F and home with Miss Sallie.  Aug 25 Thursday visited Miss Sallies school at Mid­way.  Sept 4th Sunday to church & SS, and home with Miss Sallie.  Sept 18th Sunday to association at Crossroads church, and with Miss Sallie F.  Oct 2nd Sunday to church at Midway, home with Miss Sallie Freeman.  Oct 9th Sunday to church at Midway, home with Miss Sallie Freeman.  November 6th Sunday to church and SS, home with Miss Sallie Freeman.  Nov 13th Sunday Decatur church with Miss Sallie Freeman, sweet time.  December 4th 1857 with Miss Sallie Freeman, sweet time.  Dec 25th Sunday to see Miss Sallie all day, a nice time with Miss Sallie.

                 January 7th Miss Sallie birthday 20 years.  Jan 8th at home, to see Miss Sallie in eve.  Jan 30 Monday my birhtday 29 years.  Feb 5 to SS, home with Miss Sallie F.  Feb 14 Thursday to W B Hammond party with Miss Sallie, little pet.  Feb 19 Sunday to SS, home had company, home with Jennie McClure to Hammond.  March 4th Sunday with Miss Sallie to & from SS with.  Staid all night nice time.  Mar 18th to church home, had company.  J D Norman, Alice.  1st to SS, home with Miss Sallie.  April 15th Sunday to church, home with Miss Sallie.  April 22nd to Grand P Dunagin old place to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  April 28th to A J Smiths to Chapel Hill in buggy with Jennie S and Sallie F to F. B. and home.  May 6th Sunday to Riser, home, to SS, home with Miss Sallie.  May 13th Sunday to Masadonia with Miss Sallie Freeman & her mother.  May 20th Sunday to church at Midway, home to see Miss Sallie in eve.  June 8 Sunday to SS to church home to see Miss Sallie in the eve.  June 12 Sunday to SS, church to see Miss Sallie. Nice lovely time.  July 1st Sunday to SS, and home to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  July 18 Sunday to church and home to see Miss Sallie.  Aug 5th Sunday R S H to church, to see Miss Sallie.  Aug 24th Friday Midway, to Miss Sallie Freemans School exercises, home with her.  September 11 Tuesday with Miss Sal­lie Freeman nice time. 

                Sept 16th Sunday Rock Branch to association, met Miss Sallie.  She was at Abneys home.  A boy was waiting for her to come out.  She would not come out for him.  He was Jim Greenlee, old neighbor and schoolmate.  I went to find her, then she came out and we went to preaching, stand.  She told me she would not go with that boy, left the boy standing.  We had a fine time untill I had to leave to go home on mule back 15 miles home.  Sept 30 Sunday to J A William & W T Dunagin, called to see Miss Sallie.  Oct 7th Sunday R. S. H. Midway to church & home with Miss Sallie F.  Oct 21st Sunday to church at Midway to A J Freeman after sister Arrette.  Nice time.  Oct 25th to Bill McDaniel on Sunday to get him help frame my house and to Amelia Doolittle funeral.  Nov 6th Sunday to church , home with Miss Sallie.  Nov 13 Sunday Decatur, church with Miss Sallie Freeman.  Dec 2nd Seunday to church Midway, home with Miss Sallie F.  Dec 18th Tuesday did jobs, to see Miss Sallie at 2 p.m., agreed on time to get married to bee January 17th Thursday 1889.  Dec 23rd Sunday to see Anderson Loper negro to get chimney put up, and to see Miss Sallie.  Dec 30th to N Doolittle & A Q Clay in a.m., they got shot.  Jan 6th at home, SS, home with Miss Sallie.  January 9th Wednesday to co. alliance, to see Miss Sallie, asked her parents consent to marrie Miss Sallie.  Jan 13 Sunday Decatur to church, got the preacher to R R Freeman home with Miss Sallie.  January to A J Freeman, got married 11 a.m. 17th 1889.

Version 1, Chapter 7:  “Sallie Freeman”

                I will begin at the beginning.  I first saw little Sallie Freeman in May second Sunday 1877.  She and her mother was going into Decatur Baptist old church in north door.  She was holding on to her mothers dress, had white hair hanging down on her back.  She was then nine years old, just six months from Monticello Georgia.  The next time I saw her was January 1878, at Midway school, then exactly ten years old January 7th, 1878.  I was visit­ing the Midway school on Friday evening.  They had a program for the evening.  Miss Bettie Atkinson the teacher pointed little Sallie out to me saying shes the best speller in school.  There was anumber of grown studants in school at that time.  The summer following 1878 I attended the Midway school.  I noticed that little Sallie was leader in the school sports of her associates.  One day on the play ground she and I had a little spat.  She nocked my hat off, and in the fray she tore the brim of my hat about six inches.  Otherwise we were always good friends.  I watched her progress mentally and physically. 

                As the years passed, I thought her above her classmates, and of her playmates, for she was leader in nearly every thing they did.  It was real noticable to me.  During Christmas the year 1880 the Freeman family visited our home.  Sallie was 12 years old Jan 7.  The family were all in a wagon, except Mrs Freeman was horseback.  When time to go home I had Mrs Freeman horse at the horse block.  She was going on before the waggon got ready to go, and called Sallie to come go with her on the horse riding behind her mother.  Sallie did not want to go.  Wanted to go in the waggon.  She came grudgingly, and made a jump to get behind her mother on the horse.  When she made the spring she jumped to far; was going over the horse, when I caught her by the leg, and pulled her back strait.  Her mother was lecturing her, when I said Mrs Freeman give her Sallie to me, and let her stay.  Mrs Freeman said all right you may have her.  Then Sallie straitened up ready to go.

                When she was 14 years old, I was going horseback riding with her sister Georgia, and Sallie was riding behind on the same horse.  In the talk as we rode along, I asked Georgia how old girls had to be before they were grown.  She said they were considered to be grown at 16 years.  I then told her I would pull my mule back, and go with Miss Sallie.  Georgia said Sallie was prettie two ways pretty ugly and prettie apt to stay that way.  I then told Sallie your not ugly to me, and you will be a prettier woman than your sister Georgia.  Sallie did not say anything while this was talked, was afraid to say anything to me, for Georgia never would have quit teasing her if she had said anything to me.  She was verry bashful.

                Another time I was going with Georgia when Georgia began to wear a hoop skirt.  Hoop skirts was some­thing new at that time.  Sallie came out to horse block to see Georgia get on the horse and to see what would hap­pen when the hoop struck the saddle.  I saw that something was expected, for it was funnie to Sallie.  Nothing hap­pened.  Sallie was not yet catching boughs, but was thinking about the boys.  I stayed at Freemans home one Sunday night on account of the weather, rain.  Was visiting Georgia.  The next morning before I got up, I heard Sallie calling mama, mama where is my dress to wear today.  I thought it was the sweetest toned voice I had ever heard.  In the fall of Sept 1882 I was in the Freeman home.  From where I was sitting I could see one end of the dining table.  Sallie was setting the table for dinner.  As she would pass around the table she would look in the room at me, and I would be looking, and smiling at her.  She would be blushing, and biting her lip.  Biting her lip was common with her while she was a girl in early teens.  She was now passed 14 and thinking of the boys.  On November 11th Thursday 1882 Georgia married, then Sallie came next.

                At church Saturday November 18th 1882 when we were on the church yard, Mrs Freeman turned to me and said go home with us Willie and said I recken you wont come now, since Georgia is married.  My mother said to her oh Sallies his girl.  Then Mrs Freeman switched around, and said I dident know that.  At this saying Sallie was hiding behind the other girls.  I did not say anything, did not know what I could say, so kept quiet.  In Decem­ber my cousin Sallie McMullan and Sallie Freemans cousin Jeff Smith got married.  They had a wedding and the families on both side invited so we met on equal terms at this wedding.  Had some games, and a general talk, and in the talk I said the McMullans had lost their only Sallie, and it was up to me to get another Sallie in the McMul­lan family name.  At this saying Sallie Freeman was hiding behind the other girls present.  For she understood what it all really ment.  The next day we met at A J Smith infare (met casually). 

                About this time there was so­ciable parties being held in our community.  I would meet Miss Sallie at these parties.  There was a candy pulling partie at my home.  I had Miss Sallie for my partner to pull candy.  She knew how to pull candy.  As we were pulling our candy I was going to tell her or to say something to her about how I felt towards her.  She left me at once, but came back right quick.  I did not say anything more about what I started to tell her.  We finished pulling our candy.  She knew how, and was a fine hand at candy pulling.  We met at these parties.  We had a real jolly time.  She was 14 years old now.  She had a real jolly, and bewitching laugh, and was continually laughing to the delight of her associates.  I did really delight hearing her laugh. 

                In the Christmast 1882 Miss Sallie Freeman and Jennie Smith visited overnight in our home.  As they were going home, I had their horse ready for them.  I was going home with them.  This was her first company to catch a beaugh.  I thought she enjoyed it, looked to be pleased.  Jan 25 1883 Mitt Jones and Janie Cooksey married.  Miss Delia Cooksey and I were their waiters.  They had a supper.  Miss Sallie then just 15 years old was there.  I directed most of my talk at her, expecting to escort her home, half mile away.  Another boy beat me to her as she ran out the door going home he said she ran all way home.  We met casually at Jones infare next day and party at night.  The next week we met at a party at Billie Whites.  At this party she was a leading spirit for she showed how she could dance by dancing a jig.  It was a delight to the party.  At a party February 15th she was a leader in the party plays.  I had her company in nearly all plays.  As it rained we stayed nearly all night.  As the party came to a stand still, we with a girl friend Fannie Galloway set on a bench on one side of the house.  She had her friend be­tween us.  We talked about things in common.  When I told them I loved all the girls, but loved one more than all the others, her friend Fannie asked if I really ment it.  I was wearing a nice finger ring.  They got my ring, was trying it on their fingers, and admiring it.  When they gave it back to me Miss Sallie looked at me and said I will wear your ring for you for three years and.  Stoped the sentence on the word and.  Fannie and I laughed, and she blushed.  I have wandered what the remainder of the sentence would have been.  Nothing more said.  As the party started, we entered the play at once. 

                1883 Feb Sunday we met at the Hammond family home, on the Freeman farm.  We met visiting here sometimes, a good place to meet to have a good lively time.  It was just across the Freeman orchard from her home.  March 1st Tuesday met at Mit Jones party, met Miss Sallie had a fine time.  June 24 Crossroads to church to Fred Russells to see Sallie.  July 7 Saturday to Crossroads school to Crosses with Miss Sallie for the night.  Sunday home with Miss Sallie to Fred Russells did not go in.  Went on to Decatur remainder of day.  July 28 to Chocktaw meet­ing, F N Mc, home with Miss Sallie.  Aug 1st Sunday home with Miss Sallie, to Fred Russells.  Aug 16 Decatur and to church, home with Miss Sallie.  Sept 9 Sunday to Hammond, to church, home with Miss Sallie.  Sept 19 Wednesday to Presbyterian meeting day and night.  Sept 19th 1883 saw Nora Ashmore Oxner.  Miss Sallie Free­man came to meet Miss Nora.  After our talk I asked Miss Sallie if I could escort her home.  I went home with Miss Sallie Freeman.  December 12th to Charlie Smiths marriage.  Saw Miss Sallie at a distance.  13th at Chas Smith infare saw Miss Sallie at a distance.  Dec 23 to Crossroads, hom with Miss Georgia, call at F R,  Sallie saw me.  Dec 24th Crossroad Christmas tree, nice box stationary for Miss Sallie Freeman.  Dec 26th to Dick Russells party, to Fred Russells, saw Miss Sallie.  Jan 6 was Miss Sallies birthday, sweet 16.  Stoped as I was passing, verry cold day.  Did not appreciate my reception.  Did not see her again for 5 months untill May 18th.  I spent some lonely days and months, wandering what I could, or what I should do, then was not any other girl that I wanted to see so I staid at home most of the time.  I decided to try again. 

                May 17th I wrote Miss Sallie my compliments, asking if I might call call Sunday evening.  Sent this note by negro boy to Miss Sallie.  Told him to wait for her reply.  Answer, this was the first scratch of pen between us.  I thought this the sweetest note I had ever seen.  It simply said compliments returned, will accept a call from you Sabbath evening May 17th 1884 Sallie Freeman.  This was very nice indeed, but I wandered why see put in a call from you, wandered if there was someone in my way.  I saddled my mule going on time as Iwent out the door my sister her chum was watching me get off.  I turned to my sister and said if theres not a change, this will be my last visit to Freemans.  I hitched to my regular hitching place, went in.  She greeted me cordially, we had a pleasant time.  In our talk during the evening, she asked me May 18 1884 what would you have done if I had excepted your call.  I don’t know what I said in answer to her question.  I did not stay to long.  In just two weeks I sent the second note asking her permission to call.  Her answer was I will accept of your company Sabbath eve June 1st Sallie Freeman.  I sent the third note in two weeks.  Later her answer I will accept your company Sabbath eve June 15th 1884 yours Sallie Freeman.  After this visit I did not see her again for more than two month.

                To go back a little, after school was out in 1883 at Midway, she was sent to her sister Fannie Russels to go to school at Crossroads, walking 3 miles from Russels to school house (an old Methodis log church building).  The teacher, Frank McMullan, just back from State University, thought to be a fine teacher.  He had a fine lot of stu­dents, some grown young men, and grown girls.  Miss Sallie Freeman then just 15 years.  When I saw Frank Mc, he was 2nd cousin, I asked him to take care of my little girl while in his school.  He told me verry bluntley, saying you cant have her.  I did not say anything more, not thinking that I had said to much already.  I did not visit her for some time, knowing it was not right to visit girls while they were in school.  I soon learned that the boys, and several young me were after her, visiting continually, and her teacher was one of that number.  I was to have at­tended a concert at the school one Saturday night, but I had a rising boil where I could not set down.  My friend John D H went and spent the night at Russells.  Miss Sallie told him I kept looking, thought she would see her fellow.  She knew that John new who she called her fellow.

                I visited the school soon.  They were having a concert that evening, and a spelling match at night.  I had a fine time.  The professor gave out the spelling from a spelling book.  The entire class missed the same word.  The professor gave a rong pronunseation.  The word was souray (ed:  soiree).  Miss Sallie refused to try to spell the word.  Her teacher insisted that she try.  I noticed he spok diferent kindly to her, diferently from other students.  I asked Miss Sallie if I could escort her home.  She was to spend the night at Mr Crosses near by.  I was spending the night at Crosses.  We were sitting in the front galery.  Miss Georgia went to see about sleeping place.  Miss Sallie and I left alone.  I thought to ask about the offer she mad me the 1st of the year.  She left me at once.  I thought I new why.  She was afraid some one would hear it.  I never mentioned it to her again.  The next morning I accompanyed her home.  I did not go in with her.  I rode on to Decatur, and joined the Decatur youngsters in their Sunday evening sports.  August 5 Sunday from church, home with Miss Sallie, and Aug 16 called at A J Freeman to see Miss Sallie.  Sept 9 to church at night, saw Miss Nora Ashmore home, with Miss Sallie.  1883 Sept 23 Sunday to Crossroads, home with Miss Georgia for dinner.  I told her of her professor going with Miss Sallie.  She said he was continually going to Fred Russells while she was there going to school to him at Crossroads school.  April 15 Sunday to A J Freemans to see Miss Sallie, home today from school.  Oct 7 1883 to singing at Midway, home with Miss Sallie F.  Oct 21 to church to W T Dunagin and to A J Freeman to see Miss Sallie.  Nov 29 to G A Parks party Decatur with Miss Sallie Freeman.  The night spent at Frank Barrettes and home with Miss Sallie next morning.  She left the party to keep from dansing with Frank McMullan.  He told her he would dance with her next.  1883 Dec 2nd to church, to singing at Hammonds, to see Miss Sallie.  Dec 12 Wednesday to Pat McMullan.  Charlie Smith and Georgia Adams married.  Saw Miss Sallie there and the next day at the A J Smith infare.  Only met casually.

                1883 Dec 20 Jim Hardy and Matilda married.  I was best man.  Dec 24 Crossroads Christmas tree, put box of nice stationary on Christmas tree for Miss Sallie Freeman.  Dec 25 to Newton, to Crossroads, to church, home with Miss Georgia Cross, and to Fred Russells to see Miss Sallie.  She was shy of me.  Dec 26 to Fred Russells jr, to Dick Russells party, & to Fred Russells.  Nice time.  Started home from Fred Russells.  Stoped at Mit Jones for a while.  Dec 28 B F Norman to a party.  Escorted Miss Melia Pucket to and from the party.  Jan 6 1884 called in to see Miss Sallie as I was pasing very cold evening.  She had just gotten home from a visit, and mad a good fire.  Shes now sweet 16 years.  I did not appreciate my reception, did not stay to long.  I thought she had been shy of me during the hollidays.  Possibly it was only me.  I did not see her again untill May 18th as stated elsewhere.

                May 17th I wrote her a card asking if I could call Sunday evening.  Her answer to this card was I will ac­cept a call from you Sabbath eve Sallie F.  Answer to a card two weeks later was will accept of your company Sab­bath eve June 15 1884 Sallie Freeman.  We had a pleasant talk at each and all of the visits.  I did not see her again untill in August 3rd 1884.  In August the Presbyterians was having meeting of days at Midway.  We were at church Sunday.  Had not met, but during the meeting we were sitting facing each other in church.  During the preaching service our eyes met direct, and we recognnised that we were caught looking directly at each other and the look she gave me out of them blue eyes and the expression on her face I never can forget.  It completely gave her away.  I recognised it to be the look of love, and so it really was.  (ed. in the margin “a womans eyes are the windows of her soul”)  I dont know how I looked to her.  I never doubted her again.  I went over to her home early afternoon.  She met me kindly.   We had a pleasant evening, and when I should have ben going home I asked her if I might stay, and walk with her to church tonight.  She gladly time 8 accepted the offer.  As we were returning from church I asked her if I might come Tuesday morning, and we would go to picknick at the Walker Bridge.  It was agreeable so I drove over to get her for the picknick.  No one new that I had a buggy.  It was the first time I had been out in it.  It was possibly a surprise to her.  Aug 1884 I thought she looked downcast or worse than I had ever seen her.  She had a nice well dun up dress on and a hat that was verry unbecoming to her.  It was the color of the hat, a well made hat but yellow material that spoiled it all.  She was now 16 and I was 25, but we never talked about that.  On our way home from picknick I asked if I could escort her to church tonight.  She said I have company, and looking at me said said you had not asked me.  I then asked her if I could come, and we would go to Wall Bridge picknick Thursday.  I helped her from the buggy, and escorted her to her door step, bid her good night.  Her escort for the night to church was a little jeweler from Newton named Ed Miner.  When I left her I turned, and drove to Mr Mint Walkers, and got Miss Ida Walker, and Miss Mag Thompson, the two most talkative girls that had been at the picknick.  We went to church at Midway and set just behind Miss Sallie and her beaugh and these two girls talked and they talked.  I new Miss Sallie had much rather been with me than with her little Ed.     

                Thursday morn­ing I was at her home, and she was ready to go to picnick.  We had a fine trip, and a jolly day.  As we returned to her home, I asked if I might go with her to Decatur Sunday to the big August meeting.  Sunday, I drove near the gate.  She came out to go.  I helped her put on, and button her duster, helped her in the buggy.  Unhitched my mule as I turned to get in the buggy.  I looked to the house.  Mrs Freeman was standing in the door watching us get off.  I wandered if she thought this will be another son in law.  Miss Sallie staid at Decatur for the weeks meeting.  I came home.  Midway meeting began the next Sunday, and we would meet at the church during the week, not spe­cially togather. 

                P. S. Sometime near when I was sending Miss Sallie cards asking if I could call to see her, and she was accepting my visits punctually, I was told she got a letter one day, and that she cried over this letter for some time.  Later, from the same source I had word that Willie went to see Sallie one Sunday and Frank went one Sunday, and at a later date I heard that Frank tried to have her to discard me to get me out of the way.  She didnt do it, went to her mother with his proposition, and her mother told her never never do it, could not afford to do it.  We were family neighbors, friends, and in the church togather.  Would cause trouble.  When her father new about it he told her if she married Willie McMullan she would have a home, if she married Frank she would be pulled from place to place.  Miss Sallies sister in law Mrs Ida Freeman her brother Roscoe wife, told this.  She was closely and inti­mately associated with the family, and was a friend of mine.  Miss Sallie never told any of this to me, so when I had quit going to see her she had time to reflect and I afterwards believed F discarded her or just left her off.  After this we became closer friends than ever before. 

                She visited in our home more and we all visited a neighbor with lots of girls togather and I went home with her, Miss Sallie.  This same evening, we attended a partie at Eubanks togather , had a fine time, lots of folks there.  All caught the measles.  I was her only beaugh (sweetheart) now, and we new how to appreciate each other as never before.  Nov 17 1884 I hired to the Newton Cooperative store for balance of 1884.  Nov 19 Wednesday to Eubank partie, had a good time with Miss Sallie.  A big croud all caught the measels.  Nov 23 Sunday Midway to church, visited Miss Sallie Freeman..  1884 Dec 21 Sunday Midway to church and saw Miss Sallie F.  Dec 24 worked in store, sent Miss Sallie a present by W B Hammon.  Dec (ed. date unclear) Frank McMullan married Fannie Stamper.  Had to runaway to marry.  This ends 1884.  Visits for the year 1883=25 times, 1884=17 times, 1885=29 times, to­tal=71 times=23-2/3 per year. 

                1885 Feb 13 Sunday Midway saw Miss Sallie, Conehatta to school.  March 29 came home Sunday, went to see Miss Sallie F.  April 19 Sunday Midway to church, to see Miss Sallie my girl.  May 17 Sunday Midway to church, set Miss Sallie Freeman.  May 31 Sunday to W B Hammond to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  June 21 Sunday Decatur to convention, to see donee Miss Sallie Freeman.  1885 July 19 Sunday to see Miss Sallie now 17 year old.  Aug 27 Midway to church Sunday, to Freemans to see Miss Sallie.  1885 Aug 29 Saturday with Miss Sallie to Fred Russels and to church.  Aug 30 Sunday Crossroad to church with Miss Sallie.  Monday Crossroads, to church with Miss Sallie.  Sept 1st Tuesday Crossroads to church with Miss Sallie Freeman.  Sept 2 Wenesday Crossroads to church with Maud Russell, was sitting by her when she went to join the church.  Mac Russell and I swaped girls today, Mac with Miss Sallie and I with Miss Maud.  Mac thought he woul be going with Miss Sallie Thursday but when we went out to go Miss Sallie ran and got in my buggy and told me she would not go with Mac Russell again.  Sep 3 Friday to church at Crossroad with Miss Sallie Freeman.  Sep 14 Sunday to church, to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  Sept 16 Wednes at home, to A J Freeman in eve, and with Miss Sallie for awhile.  She offered to ride with me on coming back from the association next Monday.  Agreed to.  Sept (ed. no date given) Saturday and Sunday in Mt Pisgah Ass. at Harperville.  Sept 21 Monday from Harperville with Miss Sallie to L M Murrells for the night.  We drove along behind bro.’s Clark and Freeman, and listened to the old preachers yarns till bed time.  Sept 22 Tuesday with Miss Sallie to her home & taken dinner there.  Sept 27 Sunday to P F Hamiltons.  Miss Sal­lie excused, gone to Georgias.  1885 Oct 11 Sunday at home in morning to see Miss Sallie in eve.  Oct 16 Thurs­day to Newton hired to Grange store balance of year.  Oct 18 Sunday Midway to church to see Miss Sallie Free­man.  Oct 28 Sunday asked to be excused, gone to sister Kate Normans.  Stated there would be preaching at school house down there.  Put flowers in this letter.  Sallie Freeman. 

                1885 Nov 1st Sunday to church at Riser, to see Miss Sallie in eve.  Nov 14th Saturday to church at Mid­way.  Saw Miss Sallie F.  Bought my 1st pice land from H G Ledlow 80 acres for $130.00.  Nov 15 Sunday at home.  Nov 22 1883 Sunday at home in a.m., to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  Asked her if she would marry me.  We were setting in her mothers room before a good fire, she was pulling her hands.  I accepted her answer.  She had offered to wear my ring for me, 3 years for me, when she was just 15 years old.  I remembered it all well.  After this agreement, we seemed to be content and happy.  The next morning I got a $10.00 gold piece from my father.  He had gotten gold payment on a horse stolen from mother while he was in the war.  I melted it , ran it into a mold bar.  Speed, a jeweler, made it into a ring and I polished it real nice, had my name and date carved in it.  The next Sunday Dec 6 1885 I put it on Miss Sallies finger.  She was real proud of it.  It was the biggest ring I ever saw on a girls finer.  I told her the size of the ring represented the love I had for her, and as the ring had no end, my love for her would have no end.  Dec 20 Sunday to church at Midway, to see Miss Sallie Freeman. 

                1886 Jan 1st Sunday Midway to church, to see Miss Sallie Freeman eve.  Jan 21 Thursday W B Hammond party, home with little pet Miss Sallie F.  Jan 31 Sunday to church in a.m., to see Miss Sallie Freeman eve.  Feb 14 Tuesday at P F Hamilton and to see Miss Sallie Freeman in eve.  Feb 21 Sunday to church to see Miss Sallie Freeman in eve and to Decatur with her on her way to school.  She attended this Decatur school untill it closed in the summer 1886.  Feb 28 Sunday Crossroads, home with Georgia for dinner.  Mar 8th Monday to Newton, hired to Grange store at $20.00 for year.  March 21st Sunday Midway to church, home with little pet Miss Sallie.  1886 April 10 Sunday Decatur to church dinner at Frank Barrette and to singing with Miss Sallie Freeman, nice time.  April 25 Sunday Midway to church, to R R Freeman with Miss Sallie & Lula Johnson.  May 2 Sunday R K Speed came home and we went to see Miss Sallie Freeman and taken dinner with her.  Afternoon we went to G L Doolit­tles to see Miss Sallie Atkin, Speeds girl.  Speed came, had livery team.  We had a fine day.  Speed the jeweler was rooming with me in the building that I worked in.  May 7 Friday with Miss Sallie my girl to the show, the biggest circus ever in Newton.  We had a nice lively time.  We sliped away from her classmates, went in the show by our­selves.  May 30 Sunday went to see my donee Miss Sallie Freeman. 

                June 1886 did not see Miss Salllie this month.  Had letter on the 10th and on 25 had letter from Miss Sal­lie.  July 12th Monday eve to see Miss Sallie at Dick Norman in Newton.  July 16 Friday to Will Caskey funderal and visited Miss Sallie Freeman while she was at Norman in Newton.  July 22 Thursday to Patrons Union.  Met Miss Sallie Freeman and her schoolmate chum Lucy Harper, spent a plesant fine day.  Aug 1 1886 Sunday to church, carried my pet Miss Sallie F home.  Aug 15 Sunday to church, carried Miss Sallie to church and to singing then carried her home.  Aug 17 Tuesday Midway to church, home with my girl Miss Sallie.  Aug 29 Sunday to R R Freeman in eve, home with little one Sallie.  Sept 5 Sunday Decatur to church with Miss Sallie, dined with E Car­leton adn to church at night and home a nice time.  Sep 22nd Sunday to church, dined at A J F, to church with Miss Sallie.  Sept 19 1886 Sunday to Oakland to Mt Pisgah association, and met Miss Sallie Freeman.  I rode a mule 15 miles there becas Miss Sallie Freeman would be there.  I then rode back home 15 miles that evening.  I enjoyed the day and the 30 mile ride to be with Miss Sallie, having been engaged 10 months.  October 1886 Sun­day 3 Riser church, to see Miss Sallie in eve.  Oct 17 Sunday to church at Midway to see Miss Sallie in eve.  Oct 24 Sunday Crossroad to church, home with Georgia Crosses & home.  Oct 31 Sunday Decatur to Gen Association with little girl Miss Sallie, nice time.  Nov 7 1886 Sunday at home, to see my donee in eve Miss Sallie.  Nov 28 Sunday with Miss Sallie to Crossroads to church, dined at Dug Russell.  Miss Laura Hurd dined there.  Dec 12 Sunday at home in a.m.  to see donee Miss Sallie in eve.  Dec 19 Sunday Midway to church, home with donee Miss Sallie, nice time.  Dec 26 Sunday Newton to church, home with Miss Pucket, Norman for dinner, donee.                

                1887 Jan 2nd Sunday home with Miss Sallie F & Jennie S, spent the day.  Jan 16 Sunday Midway to church, home, to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  Jan 30 Sunday my birthday 28 years, to see my pet Miss Sallie Free­man.  February 1887 I missed visiting Miss Sallie this month.  Mar 13 Sunday to Presbyterian preaching at Mid­way, to see Miss Sallie F.  April 3.  Sunday Riser to church, to see Miss Sallie Freeman in eve.  April 24 Sunday Newton to church, to see my pet Miss Sallie F.  1887 May 5 Tuesday to the triplet wedding in Newton Baptist church.  Ebb Blalack to Miss Viola Vail.  John C McClinton to Miss Jennie Guthrie.  Andrew McAlpin to Miss Minnie Watkins.  A fine affair, everything fine and just up date (ed. up to date?) just so.  May 8th Sunday Decatur church with Miss Sallie to Caroline McMullan for dinner.  A nice time.  Staid for night preaching.  On the way home from night preaching, had my 1st kill. (ed. that’s definitely what he wrote; did he mean to write “kiss”?)  May 15 Saturday with A J Freeman to Jason Pierce all night on way to Garlanville to major Tatum to Miss Sallie Tatum marriage to... 16 Sunday direct back to Midway preaching, home with Miss Sallie, nice time. 

                June 1887.  June 5 Sunday to George Dunagin, to church, home, to see Miss Sallie little pet.  June 12 Sunday to Pennington with the girls, to Midway with Miss Sallie pet.  Nice time.  2nd time.  June 26 Sunday New­ton SS, to church, to T J Doolittle, to see Miss Sallie little pet.  July 1887.  July 17 Sunday Midway to church, to see my girl in eve, Miss Sallie F.  Nice time.  July 24 Sunday at home, in a.m. to church, home with Miss Sallie, nice time.  August 1887.  Aug 12 Friday Newton speaking, Midway Miss Sallie school, home with Miss Sallie.  Aug 14 Sunday Decatur to church to A J Smith for dinner, church with Miss Jennie and Sallie and home with my pet Miss Sallie.  Aug 25 Thursday night.  Visited Miss Sallie Freemans school.  September 1887.  Sept 4 Sunday to church & SS, and home, little pet Miss Sallie Freeman.  Sept 18 Sunday to association at Crossroads, to church with Miss Sallie Freeman.  October 1887 Oct 2nd Sunday to church, & home with Miss Sallie Freeman pet.  Oct 9 Sunday Midway to church, home with Miss Sallie, nice time.  November 1887 Nov 6 Sunday to church, SS, home with Miss Sallie Freeman my pet.  Nov 13 Sunday Decatur church with Miss Sallie sweet time.  December 1887 Dec 4 Sunday with my pet Miss Sallie Freeman sweet time.  Dec 11 Sunday Decatur to church with Miss Sallie Freeman, a nice time.  Dec 25 Sunday to see my little pet all day.  A nice time with Miss Sallie Freeman.              

                January 1888.  Jan 7 Miss Sallie birthday 20 years.  Jan 8 Sunday at home in a.m., to see Miss Sallie F in eve.  Little pet, nice time.  Jan 30 Monday my birthday 29 years.  February 1888.  Feb 5 Sunday to SS, home with Miss Sallie Freeman little pet.  Feb 14 Tuesday W B Hammond party with little pet Miss Sallie Freeman.  Feb 19 Sunday to SS, home, had company, home with Jennie McCune to Hammonds.  March 1888.  March 4 Sunday to see Miss Sallie to & from SS with her.  Staid all night.  Nice time.  March 18 Sunday to church, home, had company J D Norman.  April 1888.  April 1st Sunday to SS, in eve home with Miss Sallie little pet sweet time.  April 15 Sunday to church, home with Miss Sallie F in eve, nice time.  April 22 Sunday at home to Grandpa D. old place to see Miss Sallie F, sweet time.  Apr 28 Sunday to A J Smiths to Chapel Hill in buggy with Jennie S & Sallie F to F. B. & home.  May 1888.  May 6 Sunday to Riser church, to SS, home with Miss Sallie F, nice time.  May 13 Sunday to Masadonia with Miss Sallie & home with Miss Sallie & home with her.  Nice, sweet time.  May 20 Sunday to church SS, to see Miss Sallie F little pet.  Nice, lovely time. 

                July 1888.  July 1 Sunday to SS, and home with Miss Sallie.  Nice, sweet time.  July 18 Sunday to church & home to see Miss Sallie in eve.  Nice time.  Aug 5 Sunday R. S. H. to church, to see Miss Sallie little pet.  Sweet time.  Aug 24 Friday Midway to close of Miss Sallie Freeman school exercises, and home with little pet.  Nice, sweet time.  September 1888.  Sept 11 Tuesday with Miss Sallie F, sweet time.  Sept 16 Sunday Rock Branch as­sociation, set Miss Sallie Freeman.  She was at Abneys home, and a boy was waiting for her to come out.  She would not come out for him.  He was Jim Greenlee, an old neighbor and schoolmate.  I learned where she was and went to find her.  Then she came out, and we went to the preaching stand.  She left the boy standing.  She said to me she would not go with that boy.  We had a fine time untill I had to leave to go home, on mule back 15 miles home. 

                Sept 30 Sunday to J A William & W T Dunagin, called to see Miss Sallie, my girl.  Oct 1888.  Oct 7 Sun­day to R. S. H. Midway to church, home with Miss Sallie F.  Oct 21 Sunday Midway SS church to A J F for sister Arrette with Miss Sallie F.  Oct 28 Sunday to Bill McDaniels to get him frame my house, to Amelia Doolittle bur­ial.  November 1888.  Nov 6 Sunday to church, home with little pet Miss Sallie Freeman, to Frank Barretts for dinner & home.  December 1888.  Dec 2 Sunday R. S. H. Midway home with Miss Sallie, to cookies with little pet, nice sweet time.  Dec 16 Sunday to church, home with Miss Sallie, little pet, sweet time.  1888 Dec 18 Tuesday did jobs to see Miss Sallie at 2 p.m., agreed on the time to marry, sweet time.  Dec 23 Sunday to see to get chimney put up, to see Miss Sallie, sweet time u bet.  Dec 30 Sunday to see Doolittle & Clay.  They got a hot a.m., to see Miss Sallie in eve.  Jan 6 Sunday at home to SS, home with Miss Sallie, sweet little pet ten times.  Jan 9 Wedner to co. alliance to see Miss Sallie.  Asked her parents consent.  Jan 13 Sunday Decatur to church, got the preacher to R R F, home with Miss Sallie.

                January 17th Thursday to A J Freeman, married Miss Sallie at 11 a.m., Elder N L Clark said the words that mad us one.  When we joined arms and started to the alter Miss Sallie gave a shudder and said oh.  I said to her if you ever expect to quit now is the time.  I am doing this for keeps.  We had a real nice dinner.  We went to my fathers home for supper, and for the night.  Next morning I carried my belongings to newly erected home.  That night (Friday) we went to her home and the next morning we carried her things home.  She had good bed and nice beadstead, a bureau and organ trunk and rocking chair.  We did not go home to stay untill Monday morning January 21st.  Was our first night at home.  We did not feel lonely.  Had a fine time, a real feast the first day and night.  Miss Anna McDowell and W N Wilson were our escort.

Version 1b, Chapter 7: “Sallie Freeman”

(ed. this version was found clipped together, resting in the front of the Version 1 notebook)

                I will begin at the beginning.  I first saw little Sallie Freeman in June, second Sunday 1877.  She and her mother was going into Decatur Baptist church and she was holding on to her mothers dress.  She was then nine years old, and just six months from Monticello Georgia.  The next time I saw her was January 1888 at Midway school, then exactly ten years old Jan 7.  I was visiting the Midway school on Friday evening.  They had a program for the evening.  Miss Bettie Atkinson the teacher pointed her, little Sallie, out to me saying shes the best speller in school.  There was a number of grown students in school at that time.  The summer following I attended the Mid­way school.  I noticed that little Sallie was leader in the school sports of her associates.  One day on the play­grounds she and I had a little spat.  She nocked my hat off, and in the fray she tore the brim on my hat about six inches.  Otherwise we were allways good friends.  I watched her progress mentally, and physically, as the years passed.  I thought her above her classmates, and of her playmates, for she was leader in nearly everything they did.  It was real noticable to me. 

                During Christmas holliday in 1880 the Freeman family visited our home.  She was twelve years old Janu­ary 7.  They were all in a wagon except Mrs Freeman.  She was horse back.  When Mrs Freeman came to go home, I had Mrs Freeman horse at the horse block.  She was going on before the wagon got ready and called Sallie to come go with her on the horse behind her mother.  Sallie did not want to go, wanted to go in the wagon.  She came grudgingly, and made a jump to get behind her mother on the horse.  When she made the spring, she jumped to far, wsa going over the horse.  When I caught her by the leg, and pulled her back strait, her mother was lecturing her for the act.  When I said Mrs Freeman give her to me, and let her stay, she said alright you may have her.  Then she straitened up ready to go. 

                When she was in her 14th year I was going horseback riding with Miss Georgia, her sister, and Miss Sal­lie was riding behind Georgia.  In the talk as we were going along, I ask Georgia how old girls had to be before they were grown.  She said they were considered grown at 16 years.  I told her that I was going to pull my mule back, and go with Miss Sallie.  Georgia said Sallie was prettie two ways, prettie ugly, and prettie apt to stay that way.  I then told Sallie she was not ugly to me and that you will make a prettier woman than your sister Georgia.  Sallie did not say anything while this was talked.  Was afraid to say anything to me, for Georgia never would have quit teasing her if she should have said anything to me.  Another time I was going with Georgia when Georgia started to wear a hoop skirt.  It was something new.  Sallie came out to see what the hoop would do when Georgia got on the saddle.  I saw there was something expected.  It was funnie to Sallie watching to see if the hoopskirt would fly up.  Nothing happened.  I stayed at Freemans one knight on account of the weather.  Was visiting Geor­gia.  The next morning before I got up, I heard Sallie calling mama, mama where is my dress to put on today.  I thought it was the sweetest toned voice I had ever heard. 

                In the fall September 1882 I was in the Freeman home and from where I was sitting I could see one end of the dining table.  Sallie was setting the table for dinner.  As she would pass around the table she would look in at me, and I would always be looking and smiling at her, and she would be blushing, and biting her lip.  Biting her lip was common with her.  She was now passed 14, and thinking of the boys.  On November 16th 1882 Thursday Georgia married.  Then Sallie was next.  At church Saturday November the 18th when we came out on the church yard, Mrs Freeman turned to me and said go home with us Willie.  I reckon you wont come now since Georgias married.  My mother said to her oh, Sallies his girl.  Then Mrs Freeman switched around, said I didnt know that.  At this saying Sallie was hiding behind the other girls.  I did not say anything.  Dident know what I could say, so kept silent. 

                In December my cousin Sallie McMullan and Sallie Freeman cousin Jeff Smith married.  They had a wedding, and the families on each side was invited.  So we met on equal terms at this wedding, had some games, and a general talk, and in the talk I said the McMullans had lost their only Sallie, now it was up to me to get an­other Sallie in the McMullan family name.  At this saying Sallie Freeman hid behind the other girls present.  She understood what it really ment.  The next day we met at the A J Smiths infare dinner (met casually).  About this time there were sociable parties being held in our community.  We would meet at these parties.  There was a candy pulling partie at my home, and I had Miss Sallie for my partner to pull candy.  She new how to pull candy.  As we were pulling our candy I was going to say something to her about how I felt towards her.  She left me at once, but came back right quick.  I did not say anything more about what I started to tell her.  We finished pulling our candy.  She knew how, and was a fine hand at candy pulling.  We met at these parties, and we had a jolly time.  She was now about 14 years.  She had a real jolly and bewitching laugh, and was continually laughing to the delight of her associates.  I did really enjoy her laugh.  January 25th 1883 Mitt Jones and Janie Cooksey was married.  Miss Delie Cooksy, and I were their waiters.  They had a supper.  Miss Sallie then 15 years old was there, and I directed most of my talk at her, expecting to escort her home 1/2 mile away, but another boy, Jim Park, beat me to her as she ran out the door starting home.  He said she almost ran all the way home.  We met the next day at Jones family infare, just a casual meeting, and a partie that night at Joneses.  The next week met at a partie at Mr Billie Whites.  At this party she was a leading spirit, for she showed how she could dance, by dancing a jig for Freem (ed. name uncertain) Jones.  It was a delight to the party.

                At a partie in February 15th she was a leader in the party plays.  I had her company in nearly all plays, and it rained.  We had to stay nearly all night, as the party came to a standstill.  We with her girl chum Fannie G. sat on a bench on one side of the room.  She had her friend between us.  And talked about things.  When I told them that I loved all of the girls, but loved one more than all the others, her friend Fannie Galloway asked if I really ment it.  I was wearing a nice ring.  They got my ring, and was trying it on their fingers and admiring it.  After they gave it back to me Miss Sallie looked around the girl between us and said I will wear your ring for you for three years and... stoped on the word and.  Then Fannie and I laughed and she blushed.  Nothing more said.  As the party began again we entered the play at once.

                February (ed. no date given) Sunday we met at Hammond on the Freeman farm.  March 1st Tuesday met Jones partie, saw Miss Sallie, a good time.  June 24th Crossroads to church, to Fred Russells, saw Miss Sallie.  July 7 Saturday to Crossroads school, to Crosses with little one.  Sunday home with little one Sallie, to Fred Russells & to Decatur the day.  July 28 Sunday to Choctaw meeting F N Mc, home with Miss Sallie F.  August 1st Sunday home with Miss Sallie F, to Fred R, to church at Midway, called at F. B., to church and home.  Aug 16 Decatur to church A J F home with little one S J F.  Sept 9th Sunday to Hammond home, to church and home with S J F.  Sept 19 Wednesday to Presbyterian meeting day & night, saw Nora Ashmore, home with Sallie F.  Dec 12 to Charlie Smith weding, saw little Sallie at distance, Dec 22 to Charlie Smith infare at A J Smiths, saw little Sallie at distance.  Dec 23 Crossroads, home with Miss Georgia.  Called at F R.  Saw Miss Sallie.  Dec 24 Crossroads to Christmas tree, put nice box stationary on for Miss Sallie Freeman.  Dec 26 to Dick Russells party & F Russells saw Miss Sallie F. 

                January 1884 Jan 6 was Miss Sallies sweet 16th birthday.  Stoped as I was passing late , verry cold even­ing.  Did not appreciate the reception.  Did not stay long.  Did not see her again for 5 months.  Skip January 25, days February March April, and until 18th of May.  P. S.  I spent some verry lonely days and month wandering what I could or what I should do.  There was not any other girl that I wanted to see, so I stayed at home most of the time.

                May 17th 1884 I decided to try again so on May 17 I wrote her my compliment, asking if I might call Sunday eve.  I put negro boy on my pacing mule I had been riding for some time, years.  Told him to wait for an answer.  This was the first writing between us, and I thought it the sweetest answer note I had ever seen.  It simply said compliments returned, will accept a call from you Sabbath evening May 17th 1884 Sallie Freeman.  This was verry nice indeed, but I wandered why she put in call from you, wandered if there was someone in my way.  I saddled my mule going on time.  As I went out the door my sister, her chum was watching me get off.  I turned to my sister, said if there was not a change, this would be my last visit to Freemans.  I hitched to my regular hitching place, went in.  She greeted me cordially.  We had nice pleasant evening.  In our talk during the evening she asked what would you have done if I had excepted your call.  I dont know what, I said.  I did not stay to long.  In just two weeks I sent the second note, asking her permission to call.  Her answer was I will accept of your company Sabbath eve June 1st Sallie Freeman.  I sent the 3rd note in two week, answer, will accep your company Sabbath eve June 15th 1884 your Sallie Freeman.  Again I did not see her in more than 2 months.

                To go back a little, after school was out 1883 at Midway she was sent to her sister Finnie Russells to go to school at Crossroads, walking 3 miles from Russells.  The school house an old time log Methodist meeting house.  The teacher Frank McMullan, just back from State University, thought to be a fine teacher.  He had a fine lot of stu­dents.  Some grown young men, and grown girls.  When I saw Frank Mc, he was 1st cousin 1st removed, I asked him to take care of my little girl while in his school.  He told me verry bluntley saying you cant have her.  I dident say anything more, not thinking that I had said to much already.  I did not visit her for some time, knowing it was not right to visit girls while in school.  I soon learned that the boys and several young men were after her continually and her teacher was one of the number.  I was to have visited a concert one Saturday night, but had a bad risin boil where I could not set down.  My friend John D went, and spent the night at Russells, and she told him she kept looking for her fellow, saw him.  She new that John new who she called her fellow. 

                I visited the school soon.  They were having a spelling match and concert.  I had a verry god time.  The professor gave out the spelling.  They all failed on spelling one and the same word.  The word was souray (ed:  soi­ree).  He gave a rong pronunciation.  Miss Sallie wouldent try to spell the word.  He tried, insisted she try.  I noticed he spoke kindly to her, diferent to the others.  I asked if I could go with her home.  She was going to Mr Crosses to spend the night, so I was staying at Crosses for the night.  We were setting in the front gallery when Miss Georgia went to see about room to sleep.  We were left alone.  As I was going to mention what she told me the 1st of the year she got up, and left me.  I thought I knew why.  She was afraid some one would hear it.  The next morning I accompanied her home.  I did not go in.  Rode on to Decatur and joined the Decatur youngsters in their Sunday evening sport. 

                August 15 1883 Sunday home with Miss Sallie F from church and on 16th called at Freemans to see Miss Sallie.  September 9th to church, to church at night with Miss Sallie F and September 19 to church at night.  Saw Miss Nora Ashmore, home with Miss Sallie.  Sept 23rd Sunday to Crossroads, home with Miss Georgia for dinner.  I told her of her professor going with Miss Sallie.  She said he was continually going down to Russells while she was there going to school to him.  Sunday April 15th 1883 to A J Freemans.  Miss Sallie at home from school for the day.  October 7 1883 to singing and home with Miss Sallie Freeman.  October 21st to church to W T Dunagin, back to A J Freeman to see Miss Sallie.  Oct 28th to A J Smith to Liberty Hill singing F N Mc with Miss Sallie F.  November 6th Tuesday set up at Ducketts.  Sick child.  Miss Sallie there, had pleasant time.  November 11 Sunday at home, the A J Freeman family here, Miss Sallie.  Nov 22 to W T Dunagin & to Freemans.  Nov 29 to party at G A Park in Decatur with Miss Sallie Freeman.  1883 spent the night at Frank Burretts and home with Miss Sallie 30th the next morning.  She left the party to keep from dancing with Frank McMullan.  He told her he dance with her next. 

                December 2nd 1883 to church, to singing at Ham, to see Sallie F.  Dec 12th 1883 Wednesday to Pat McMullan.  Charlie Smith married to Georgia Adams.  Saw Sallie there, and saw her at infare.  Dec 20 to Jim Hardy and Matilda Chapman weding, I was best man.  Dec 23 to Christmast tree.  Put box fancy stationary on for Miss Sallie F.  Dec 25 to Newton Crossroads to church, home with Miss Georgia, to Russels to see Miss Sallie.  Dec 26th to Fred R jr, to Dick Russels party, to Fred Russels, nice time.  Started home from Fred Russells, stoped at Mitt Jones a while.  Dec 28 to B F Norman to party at night.  Escorted Miss Melia Puckett to & from party.  1884 Jan 6th called in as passing to see Miss Sallie F.  It verry cold eve.  She had just gotten home from a visit.  Had a good fire.  I did not appreciate the reception.  Dident stay to long.  I thought she had ben shy of me during the holiday.  Possibly it was only me.  Did not see her again untill May 18th as I stated elsewhere.  May 17th I wrote her a card asking if I could call Sunday eve.  Answer was yes, will accept a call from you Sabbath eve Sallie F.  Answer to a card 2 weeks later was will accept of your company Sabbath eve June 15 1884 Sallie Freeman.  We had a pleasant talk at each and all of these visits.  Did not see her again untill in August 3rd 1884. 

                In August 1st the Presbyterian was having meeting of days.  We were at church Sunday, had not met, but during the meeting we were setting facing each other in church.  During the preaching service our eyes met direct and we recognised that we were caught looking at each other and the look out of them blue eyes and the expression on her face, I never can forget.  It completely gave her away.  I recognized it.  The look of love.  And so it really was.  I never doubted her again.  I went over to her home early afternoon.  She met me kindly.  We had a pleasant evening, and when I should have been going home I asked if I might stay and walk with her to church tonight.  She glady accepted the offer.  As we were returning from church I asked if I might come Tuesday morning and we would go to picknick at Walker Bridge.  It was agreeable so I drove over to get her for the picknick.  No one knew that I had a buggy.  This was the first time I had ever gone out in it.  It was possibly a surprise to her.  I thought she looked downcast, worse than I had ever seen her.  She had on a nice done up dress, a hat that was very unbe­coming to her.  It was the coler of the hat that spoiled it all.  She was just 16 years now, and I was 25.  We never talked about that.  On our way home I asked if I could escort her to church tonight.  She said I have company, look (ed. looked)  at me and said you had not asked me.  I then asked if I could come and we would go to Walls Bridge Picknick Thursday.  I helped her out of buggy and escorted her to her door step, her escort for the night to chruch.  Was a little jeweler from Newton named Ed Miner.  When I left her I turned and drove to Mr Mint Walkers, got Miss Ida Walkers and Miss Maud (ed. WJM may have written over the name to indicate “Mag”) Thompson, two of the talkative girls that had been at the picknick.  We went in the church at Midway.  Sat just behind Miss Sallie & her beau.  And these two girls talked and talked.  I knew Miss Sallie had much rather been with me than her Ed. 

                Thursday a.m. I was thare at her home and she was ready to go, and we had a real good day.  As we re­turned to her home I asked if I could carry her to her sister Normans fish fry Saturday.  And as we came home from Normans I asked if I might go with her to the big August meeting at Decatur church Sunday.  Sunday I drove near the gate.  She came out to go.  I helped her to put on her duster, and to get in the buggy.  I taken the mule from the hitch, turned to get in the buggy.  I looked back to the house.  Mrs Freeman was standing in the door seeing us get off, and I thought do you now think this will be another son in law.  She staid at Decatur for the weeks meeting.  Midway meeting began the next Sunday, and we would meet at the church during the meeting week.  Not specially togather. 

                Sometime near when I was sending Miss Sallie cards asking if I could call to see her, and she was accept­ing my visits punctually, I was told she got a letter one day, and that she cried over this letter for some time.  From the same source I had word that Willie went to see Sallie one Sunday and Frank went one Sunday, and at a later date I herd that he Frank tried to have her to discard me to get me out of his way.  She dident do it, went to her mother with his proposal, and her mother told her never, never do it, could not afford to do it.  The families were neighbors, friends, and in the church.  It would cause trouble.  When her father new about about it, he told her if she married Willie McMullan she would always have a home.  If she married Frank, she would be pulled from place to place.  Miss Sallies sister in law Ida Freeman I learned told this.  She was verry intimate with the family.  My friend Miss Sallie never did tell me any of this, so when I had quit going to see her she had time to reflect, and I afterwards believed Frank discarded her, or just left her off. 

                After this we became closer friends than ever before.  She visited in our home and we all visited a neigh­bor family with lot of girls.  I went home with her in the evening this same day.  We attended a party at Eubank.  He was going to Texas.  A big crowd.  We all caught the measels at this party.  I was the only bough she had now.  We new how to appreciate each other now, as not before.  November 17th 1884 I hired to Grange store.  To Eubank party Wednesday Nov 19th.  Had a grand time with Miss Sallie.  A big croud.  We all caught the measels at that party.  Nov 23 Sunday Midway to church, visited Miss Sallie F.  Dec 21 1884 Sunday Midway to church, saw Miss Sallie F.  Dec 24th working in store, sent Miss Sallie nice present by W B Hammond.  Dec 23rd Frank McMullan married Fannie Stamper, had to run away to get married.  This ends 1884 visits.  Visited total for the year 1884= 17 times.  Visits for year 1883, 25 times.  Visits for year 1885, 27 times.  Total number of visits for years 1883-1884 & 1885 equal 69 visits. 

                February 13 1885 Sunday Midway to church, saw Miss Sallie F, to Conehatta school.  March 29th Sunday came home, went to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  April 19th Sunday Midway to church, to see my girl Miss Sallie F.  May 17th Sunday Midway to church.  Set Miss Sallie Freeman.  May 31st Sunday to W B Hammond and to see my donee, Sallie Freeman.  June 21st Sunday to Decatur to convention and to see donee, Miss Sallie Freeman.  July 19 Sunday Midway to church, called to see donee, Miss Sallie Freeman.  August 10th 1885.  Sallie now 17 years.  Aug 18th Midway church and to Freemans.  Aug 29 Saturday with Miss Sallie to Fred Russells and to church.  Aug 30 Sunday with Miss Sallie to church at Crossroads.  Aug 31 Monday with Miss Sallie to church at Cross­roads.  September 2nd to church at Crossroads with Maud Russell.  P. S. Mac Russel and I swaped girls this day.  Miss Sallie went with Mac, and I went with Maud.  The next morning Mac thought he would be going with Miss Sallie again.  When Tom to start, Miss Sallie ran and got in my buggy. 

                Sept 3rd Thursday to church at Crossroads with little pet Sallie Freeman.  Sept 14 Sunday to church, to see Miss Sallie F.  Sept 16th Wednesday at home to A J Freeman in eve to see Sallie.  Sept 21st Monday from Harpervill association with Sallie to Murrells for the night.  Sept 22 Tuesday with Miss Sallie Freeman, home.  Taken dinner there.  Sept 27th Sunday to P F Hamilton.  Miss Sallie excused, gone to Georgia.  October 11 1885 at home in morning, to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  October 1st Thursday to Newton, hired to Grange store balance of year.  October 18th Sunday Midway to church to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  October 25th Sunday asked to be ex­cused, gone to sister Kates.  Stated there would be preaching at school house down there. 

                November 1885.  November 1st to church at Riser school house, to see Miss Sallie F.  November 14 Sat­urday to church.  Bought my first piece of land $130 for 80 acres.  Nov 22nd 1885 Sunday at home in morning, to see Miss Sallie Freeman.  Got her promise to be my wife.  After three years we was in her mothers room by the fire.  I asked her if she would be my wife.  Her answer was I told you once, as she was pulling her hands.  I ac­cepted her answer.  I remembered what she told, or the offer she made to me to wear my ring for me.  The next morning I got a $10 gold piece from father.  It was a piece he got on a stolen horse.  I was rooming with a jeweler.  He worked in the same building I did.  I melted the gold $10.00 and ran it into a bar.  R K Speed the jeweler made the piece into a ring.  Welded it, and I polished it up.  It was bigest plain ring I ever saw.  I wore this ring untill I saw Miss Sallie two weeks later. 

                December 6 1885 Sunday with Miss Sallie Freeman, my little pet.  Gave her my ring.  The bigest ring I ever saw on a girls finger.  She was verry proud of this ring.  I told her the size of the ring represented my love for her, and as it had no end, my love would have no end for her.  December 20 Sunday to church, to see my girl Miss Sallie Freeman.  1886 January 17th Sunday Midway to church, to see Miss Sallie Freeman in eve.  Jan 21st Thurs­day to W B H party, home with little pet Miss Sallie Freeman.  Jan 31 Sunday at home a.m., to see Miss Sallie Freeman in eve.  February 14th Tuesday at P F Hamilton, to see Miss Sallie F in eve.  Feb 21st Sunday to church in a.m., to see Miss Sallie Freeman in eve, and to Decatur with her on her way to school.  She attended this Decatur school untill it closed in summer 1886.  Feb 28 1886 Sunday Crossroads to church, diner with Georgia Cross, stoped at F R.  March 8th Monday to Newton, hired to Grange store for year at $20.00 month.  March 21st Sunday Midway to church, home with my pet Miss Sallie F.  1886 April 10th Sunday Decatur church dinner with Frank Barrette & to singing with Miss Sallie Freeman, nice time.  April 25 Sunday Midway to church to R R Freeman, with Sallie F.  May 1886 May 2 Sunday R K Speed came, we went to see Miss Sallie F for dinner.  Afterwards to G L Doolittle to see Sallie Atkinson, Speed girl.  Speed brought livery team.  We had a fine time this day.  Speed the jeweler was rooming with me in store where I worked. 

                May 2nd 1886 Friday with Miss Sallie F, my girl, to the show.  A big circus, the biggest ever in Newton.  We enjoyed fine time.  May 30 Sunday, went to see my donee Miss Sallie Freeman, nice time.  June 1886.  Did not see Miss Sallie this month.  Had on the 10th a letter, on 25- had letter from Miss Sallie.  1886 July 12th Monday to see Miss Sallie F at Dick Normans.  July 16th Friday to Willie Caskies funeral, and visited Miss Sallie Freeman, while at Normans in Newton.  July 22 Thursday to the Patrons Union.  Met Miss Sallie Freeman and Miss Lucy Harper, her school friend, a verry nice time.  August 1st 1886 church, carried Miss Sallie Freeman home, nice time.  Aug 15 Sunday to church, carried my pet to church and to singing then home with Miss Sallie Freeman.  August 17 Tuesday Midway to church, home with my girl Miss Sallie F.  August 29th Sunday to R R Freeman in eve, home with little donee Sallie.  September 1886 5th Sunday Decatur to church with pet Sallie F, dined with Eugene Carleton, and to church at night and home, a nice time.  Sept 12th Sunday to church, dined at A J F, to church with Miss Sallie.  Sept 19th Sunday Oakland association, met Miss Sallie Freeman.  Rode a mule there be­cause Miss Sallie would be there.  I then rode back home 15 miles that evening.  Enjoyed the day, and the 30 miles ride to be with Miss Sallie, having been engaged 10 months. 

                October 1886 Sunday 3rd Riser church to see Miss Sallie in eve.  Oct 17th Sunday to church at MIdway to see Miss Sallie in eve.  Oct 24th Sunday church at Crossroads, home with Georgia, & home.  Oct 31st Sunday De­catur to Gen Ass. with my little girl Miss Sallie F.  November 1886.  Nov 7th Sunday at home to see my donee in eve Miss Sallie Freeman.  November 1886.  Nov 7th Sunday at home, to see my donee in eve Miss Sallie Freeman.  Nov 28th Sunday with Miss Sallie to Crossroads to church, dined with Dug Russell.  Laura Hurd was there to.  A nice time.  December 1886.  December 12 Sunday at home in a.m. to see donee in eve.  Miss Sallie Freeman.  Dec 19th Sunday Midway to church, home with donee Miss Sallie Freeman, nice time.  Dec 26 Sunday Newton to church, home with Miss Puckett to Norman for dinner, see donee. 

                January 1887.  January 2nd Sunday home with Miss Sallie F & Jennie Smith, spent the day.  Jan 16th Sunday to church at Midway, home.  To see my donee & honey Miss Sallie Freeman.  Jan 30 Sunday my birthday 28 years, to see my pet Miss Sallie Freeman.  February 1887.  I missed visiting Miss Sallie this month.  March 1887.  March 13th Sunday to Presbyterian preeching at Midway to see Sallie F.  April 1887.  April 3 Sunday Riser to church, to see Miss Sallie Freeman donee.  April 24 Sunday Newton to church, to see my pet Miss Sallie Free­man in eve.  May 1887.  May 5 Thursday to the triplet wedding Newton Baptist church at night.  E B Blalack to Viola Vale, John McClinton to Jennie Guthrie, Andrew McAlpin to Minnie Watkins.  A real fine affair.  May 8th Sunday Decatur church with Miss Sallie F to Catline McMullan for dinner, a nice time.  On the way home from church, had 1st kiss.  May 15th Saturday with A J Freeman to Aron Pierce all night on way to Garlanville.  May 16th Garlansville to major Tatums to marriage of (ed. illegible) and directly back to Midway preaching, home with Miss Sallie F, good time. 

                June 1887.  June 5 Sunday to George Dunagin & church & home to see Miss Sallie Freeman little pet.  June 12 Sunday to Peningtons with the girls and to Midway with Miss Sallie pet, nice time.  June 26th Sunday Newton to SS & church, to T D and to see Miss Sallie little pet.  July 1887.  July 17 Sunday Midway church to see my girl in eve nice time Miss Sallie F.  July 24 Sunday at home in a.m. church, home with Miss Sallie nice time.  August 1887.  Aug 12 Friday Newton speaking Midway school, home with Miss Sallie Freeman.  Aug 14th Sun­day to church at Decatur to A J Smiths for dinner, church with Miss Jennie and Sallie F and home with my pet Miss Sallie F, nice time.  Aug 25 Thursday to church day & night.  Visited Miss Sallie Freemans school.  Aug 26 Friday to Midway church baptism, to Miss Sallie F school & home.  September 1887.  Sept 4th Sunday to church and home with Miss Sallie Freeman little pet nice time.  Oct 9 Sunday Midway to church, home with Miss Sallie F little pet, nice time.  November 6 Sunday to church, SS, home with Miss Sallie Freeman my pet.  Nov 13 Sunday Decatur to church with Miss Sallie Freeman little pet sweet time. 

                December 1887.  December 4 Sunday with my pet Miss Sallie Freeman sweet time.  December 11 Sunday Decatur to church with Miss Sallie Freeman a nice time.  Dec 25 Sunday to see my little pet all day a nice time Miss Sallie Freeman.  January 1888= visits for 1887= 26 times.  Jan 7 Miss Sallie Freeman birthday 20 years.  Jan 8th Sunday at hom in a.m. to see Miss Sallie F in eve.  Little pet, nice time.  Jan 30 Monday my birthday 29th year.  February 1888.  Feb 5 Sunday to SS, and home with Miss Sallie Freeman little pet.  Feb 14 Tuesday, W B Hammond to party, with little pet Miss Sallie Freeman.  Feb 19 Sunday to SS & home, had company.  Home with Jennie McCune at Hammonds.  March 1888.  March 4 Sunday to see Miss Sallie to & from SS with her, stayed all night, nice time.  March 18 Sunday to church and home, had company Jeff Norman.  April 1888.  April 1st Sun­day to SS, in eve home with Miss Sallie little pet sweet time.  April 15 Sunday to church home to see Miss Sallie F in eve, a nice time.  April 22 Sunday at home to Grandpa D.’s old place, to see Mis Sallie F sweet time.  April 28 to A J Smiths to Chapel Hill in buggy with Jennie S & Sallie F to F. B., home by myself, a nice time. 

                May 1888.  May 6 Sunday to Riser church to SS, home with Miss Sallie F nice time.  May 13 Sunday to Masadonie with my girl & hom Miss Sallie F nice sweet time.  May 20 Sunday to church, home.  To see Miss Sal­lie Freeman little pet nice time.  June 3 Sunday home to SS, to see Miss Sallie Freeman pet sweet time.  June 12 Sunday to church & SS, to see Miss Sallie F, little pet, nice lovely time.  July 1888.  July 1 Sunday to Sunday school, home with Miss Sallie F, a nice sweet time.  July 18 Sunday to church, home to see Miss Sallie F little pet in eve, a nice time.  August 1888.  August 5 Sunday R. S. H. to church, to see Miss Sallie, little pet, sweet time.  Aug 24 Friday to Midway to close of Miss Sallie Freemans school exercises, home with little pet, nice sweet time. 

                Sept 11 Tuesday Midway to baptism with Miss Sallie F, weet time.  Sept 16 Sunday Rock Branch to Mt Pisga association, set Miss Sallie F.  She was at Abneys and the old boy was there waiting to go with her.  She would not come out for him.  He was Jim Green, an old neighbor and school mate.  I learned where she was, and went to find her, then she came out.  She said she would not go with that boy.  And we went out to the preaching stand, so she left the boy standing.  We had a fine time untill I had to leave for home, 15 miles.  Sept 30 Sunday to J A William, W T Dunagin, called to see Miss Sallie F.  Oct 1888.  Oct 7 Sunday to R. S. H., Midway to church, home with Miss Sallie F little pet, sweet time.  Oct 21 Sunday Midway SS church to A. J. F. for sister Anette with Sallie F.  Oct 28 Sunday to Bill McDaniels to get him to frame my home, to Amelia D. burial.  November 1888.  Nov 6 Sunday to church, home with my little pet Miss Sallie F, sweet time.  Nov 13 Sunday Decatur to church with my little pet Sallie F sweet time, to Frank Barretts for dinner & home.  December 1888.  December 2 Sunday R S H church, Midway Sunday School, home with Miss Sallie F little pet, to Cooksey with pet, nice time sweet time.  Dec 16 Sunday, to church, home with Miss Sallie little pet sweet time.  Dec 18 Tuesday did jobs, to see little pet Miss Sallie F at 2 p. m., agreed on times, sweet time.  Dec 23 Sunday to see to get chimney put up, to see Miss Sallie F sweet time u bet.  Dec 30 Sunday to see Doolittle Clay in a. m. & to see Miss Sallie F pet nice time. 

                1889 January 6 Sunday at home, to SS, home with Miss Sallie F sweet little pet, a sweet time, about to times over.  Jan 9 Wednesday to County Alliance, to see Miss Sallie little pet, asked old folks consent.  Jan 13 Sun­day to Decatur got the preacher to R. R. F., home with Miss Sallie F, sweet little pet nice sweet time thrice.  Jan 17 Thursday to A. J. F. married Miss Sallie had nice dinner.  Elder N L Clarke said the words that made us one.  When we joined arms, and started to the alter Miss Sallie gave a shiver said oh.  I said to her if you ever expect to quit now is the time.  I am doing this not for quits.  We went to my home fathers, for supper and the night.  Next morning I carried my belongings to my newly erected home.  We then went back to her former home.  We moved her things home.  She had good bed & nice stead, a beauroe, an organ trunk and rocking chair.  We did not go home to stay untill Monday, Jan 21st.  Monday was our first night at home.  We did not feel lonely, had a fine time, a real feast the first night.  Miss Annie McDowell and Bud Wilson was our escort.