We were on our way to Little Rock, Arkansas, on Wednesday, August 14 on the five o’clock train, after I had telegraphed to Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Little Rock. On August 6 I had asked the voter’s assembly for a leave of absence to include the ninth and tenth Sunday after Trinity, because I had been asked to preach the dedication sermon at the new Negro Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, and also wish to attend the Conference at Fort Smith, Arkansas.

I had hoped to leave Memphis on Friday, August 16, and originally planed to leave Pauline at home. Then, on August 13 the Health Department of Memphis announced that there were several cases of yellow fever in Memphis.

On the 14th Dr. Hewing, our family physician, came to see me, greatly concerned, saying that there were already forty more cases reported and advised making immediate preparations for my wife and me to leave.

Inasmuch as I had not been in the best of health for the past several weeks, he was fearful that I would therefore more readily contract this dread disease, no doubt having been exposed to it again and again while visiting at the bedside of ill parishioners who had recently passed away! Also, he believed that my wife, who was pregnant, would in all likelihood be vulnerable to the yellow fever, inasmuch as it was so highly contagious and also, because she harbored a great fear of it! Were she to be stricken, it would mean certain death because of her condition.

Dr. Boecher was also at the house and argued to the contrary – that preachers and doctors should NOT leave at this time. To which Dr. Hewing replied: “ I am leaving tonight with my family, to save them, and Mr. Sieck should do the same. Why should he stay? He can’t do anything!”

Indignantly Dr. Boecher retorted: “ Why, he can talk to the sick and give them consolation.”

Dr. Hewing's reply was: “ Oh sure, consolation! Give a man consolation while he is already unconscious with yellow fever! Mr. Sieck, you HAVE to go!”

I was undecided at first what I SHOULD do. My first thought was to see that Pauline be taken out of the city into the country somewhere. Then I remembered that on this very morning I received a free railroad pass to Little Rock, Arkansas for my preaching engagement there. Perhaps this was the way our Lord was trying to direct me, telling me what to do. I decided to leave immediately for Little Rock. Went to the railroad station to purchase another ticket for Pauline and also one for Mrs. Heidelburg, who also wished to flee.

Hurriedly, in God’s name, we boarded the Ferry to get to the depot. There were already so many people at the depot that it was most exhausting even to check the baggage. The train, too, was very crowded.

No sooner were we on the way than the conductor came through the train to tell us all the train would be halted about ten to fifteen miles this side of Little Rock, and would be kept there in QUARANTINE! How shameful of the railroad company to tell us AFTER we were on our way! I had even inquired at the ticket office that very afternoon, at three o’clock, whether there’d be any interference and they answered me: “NO!”

We were now committed, and on our way as we crossed the Mississippi River. It was a beautiful moonlight night and the traveling as fair. We were indeed fortunate in getting a whole berth for ourselves in the “sleeper” – for four dollars.

When we awoke the next morning, the train was standing still! I went out, only to see that the train was standing in a very isolated, rather wild area. A single dwelling was located to the right, and to the left a platform of sorts and a store, in the distance one could see an old farmhouse and a sort of “picnic” area.

Upon inquiring, I was informed that we were in Galloway, only eleven miles from Little Rock! As for the train – under no circumstances was the train to travel any farther. The passengers of course, were also forced to stay. So – here we sat in the wilderness, a mere hundred yards or so from a large swamp!

The hot sun beat down on the railroad cars. The children were crying for food and drink and there was not even good water available. Hungry and thirsty passengers were milling about.

A little later, as the sun rose higher, Pauline and I started out to find out way to the nearest farmhouse to see about getting something to eat. At the entrance of the farmhouse a guard was standing near the glass-topped door and refused to let us enter. He told us that another family was being served breakfast which they had prepared for them – could we, perhaps, come back another time? We wandered around and then saw more passengers coming – presumably for the same reason. Each group offered the farmers a generous sum, but to no avail, they continued to stand form in their refusal to admit anyone as well as prepare anything in the way of a meal for any one of us!

Pauline and I walked on for quite a stretch and met a colored girl. We asked her where she lived and whether her mother had coffee in the house. She asked us to ride with her in her old wagon to where she lived. The stench and filth in the shack were awful but we sat down and were soon served with coffee and burnt cornbread. I am sure this colored woman was kept busy the entire day – because she was the only person who was unafraid to admit us into her home at the mention of Memphis, and helped us appease our hunger. She was generously paid for this by all. We continued to walk on for several more miles in the hope we could see another house and perchance obtain something a bit more substantial. But, all in vain.

A larger wagon came along and gave us a lift back to the train. A sad state of affairs indeed – the Little Rock Health Department had deserted us, leaving us with nary a crust of bread or a drop of water ’way out in the wilderness and quite likely the most unhealthy place along the railroad right of way!

Toward afternoon the cries of the children were becoming almost heartbreaking. An almost barbaric situation! And this was called QUARANTINE?

By two o’clock the pangs of hunger really “knawed”, so I walked back to the shack were the colored family lived, intending to ask if they would prepare some food for my wife. But as I approached I could see a great number of passengers had already arrived and virtually surrounded the house. A number of men had walked several miles into the country and had obtained quite a few chickens, which the colored woman was in the midst of preparing. After a long wait, it was finally our turn, and we were served two ears of cooked corn, two pieces of fried chicken, a few biscuits and a cup of coffee. We sat down in the grass and enjoyed every morsel of this – including the “petrified” biscuits!

Fortunately for us I had the foresight to take along a bottle of cognac when we left Memphis – a swallow of which did quite a bit towards lifting our spirits.

As we were approaching the train, we could see – in the far distance – another train approaching from Little Rock. Necks were craning and happiness was reflected on faces everywhere, while everyone shouted: “They’ve come to take us to Little Rock!” The train was greeted with loud hurrahs as it stopped alongside of ours.

But, what bewilderment for us all, when five minutes later we were told that under NO circumstances dares ANY passengers from our train leave for Little Rock! “Why?” Because we had all boarded the train AFTER having been told of the quarantine and were bound for Little Rock INSPITE of this! However, all those who would care to return to Memphis could change over to the other train and ride back. The others had to remain in quarantine!

What an unfair order – inasmuch as none of us had been told of the quarantine BEFORE we left Memphis. I expressly asked at the ticket office at three o’clock yesterday afternoon and they told me distinctly–THERE WAS NO QUARANTINE DELCARED AT THAT TIME! All these people were told the same thing, and the VERY first word anyone had was right after the train pulled out of Memphis!

This was a hard decision to make. But, after Pauline and I talked it over, we decided to return to Memphis and so we hurriedly transferred our luggage to the Memphis-bound train.

Then Pauline began to cry – because of misgivings.

We realized that we would reach Memphis late at night. (Fear indulging persons are prone to reach the peak of whatever the fear is, at night). On top of all of this, one piece of our luggage had disappeared! To comfort Pauline, I suggested that perhaps we had better NOT return to Memphis after all, That, with God’s help, we had better stay here.

So—we hurriedly gathered our luggage and had hardly stepped from the train, when the train pulled out! We dragged our baggage back to our vacated place on the Little Rock- bound train where I tried to settle my wife next to it when she promptly proceeded to cry her heart out! Meanwhile I went out of doors to appraise the situation and we what could be don’t about it.

The rule that all passengers remain and not go on to Little Rock was still being enforced.

WHAT NOW??? Should we stay in Galloway to starve and thirst? Why, we were not even given permission to make use of the picnic place!

When all this excitement had abated somewhat, I returned to Pauline and attempted once more to console her by suggesting that we would make an attempt to get to the town of Argenta. THIS HELPED!

At six o’clock I offered a colored man three and a half-dollars to take us to Argenta. Mr. Bartels, with his wife and child were charged five dollars plus everyone’s luggage. Thus we left Galloway, happy indeed to leave that place behind us! It held nothing but keen disappointments, suffering and heartache.

The ride in the wagon was pretty rough. Fallen branches and many stones covered much of the deeply rutted road. Pauline was certainly most thoroughly shaken up.

We arrived at ten o’clock in front of the Mohr Hotel in Argents. Whenever we said: “From Galloway”, people’s faces took on a sharper expression. We soon realized that if and when Argents people would get the full story, things would really be rough for us.

I noticed a young man standing near by who appealed to me. He looked like an intelligent type of person so I confided in him, telling him we were looking for a room. Inasmuch as the Hotel continued to be reluctant to admit us because of coming from Galloway, this young man suggested that I accompany him to talk to the owner of the place where he was staying to get a room there. We were given a room on the first floor and Mr. Bartels a room on the second floor. As I was leaving to return to the hotel to get our luggage I overheard Mr. Bartels telling our landlady that I had been asked to preach at the dedication of a church in Little Rock.

I had great difficulty sleeping that night. After all it was a rather upsetting day! I felt very ill the next morning and Pauline did not feel much better. Mr. Bartels came to say goodbye and left on the seven o’clock train for Van Buren. Close to eight o’clock a man from the Argenta Health Department arrived, declaring that we would have to leave town within twenty-four hours.

Now then. How could one sleep well after hearing this? I felt increasingly worse, in fact, for a while my head seemed to have forsaken me.

An hour or so later the young man who had helped us yesterday, came to tell us he was leaving for Little Rock, and could he carry a message to some one for us? I immediately wrote a note to Mr. Pentzel, informing him why I was in Argenta and would he please notify me when and how I could get to Little Rock. The young man informed me, upon his return, that Mr. Pentzel had not been home, and that another man had suggested to the young man that I accompany him into Little Rock, inasmuch as he wished to speak to me directly. Because there were no trains that night, I was advised to go with him, crossing by way of the Ferry. Also, this would avoid being questioned.

Ill as I felt I went with him into Arkansas. My heart was pounding faster than I would walk! We finally arrived at Pentzel's store. Here I saw Mr. Reichert who in turn took me to Mr. Geyer, where Missionary Berg was to tell me where I should stay.

Thinking it would help me, because I felt so ill, I took a pretty stiff drink of cognac. Pastor Berg's eyes spoke volumes, and I am certain that he though I should join a Methodist Anti-Drink group!

Pastor Obermeyer arrived and it was decided I should go back to Argenta to get my wife while Pastor Berg hired a carriage to drive us to a place in the country where we’d feel safer. I called for my wife, and thank God, everything went off fine.

But, just as we were leaving the Argenta Hotel with our luggage, the man from the Board of Health arrived, saying that we should come with him inasmuch as the twenty-four hours had expired. He wanted to get us out of town, to be sure! He planned to put us on the Iron Mountain Train. He went on to explain that he had been in Little Rock and had spoken to the Board of Health officials there and had gotten nowhere! When I told him that I, too, had just been in Little Rock his eyes opened pretty wide. I then added that I was here to get my wife and luggage and that we were both going out into the country to stay. Quite likely he was overjoyed to be rid of us!

While on the Ferry, I began to experience terrific pains and had to bite my lips and try to bear them. Pastor Obermeyer, told us something about the Marklems and while saying goodbye suggested that we should start walking, that he and the wagon would soon follow – to avoid further suspicion. Many people looked at us askance and with suspicion – but it wasn’t long and Pastor Obermeyer and his rig picked us up and we arrived at his home without further incident.

By this time the pains had increased to the extent that I no longer could conceal my suffering. I could not control my moaning and groaning.

Pauline prepared and applied hot compresses. These pains were the same as those I had in Memphis August 7, which the doctor than diagnosed as kidney stones. But this time I truly thought it was the end for me! We knew that we dared not call a doctor under the circumstances, because Pastor Berg and Pastor Obermeyer would only get into trouble because of this. They to did not know what to do.

Finally they decided to send Pastor Obermeyer's brother to another city to bring back another doctor from there. The brother was hardly out of the house and on his way when the terrific pains abated somewhat. Later Mr. Geyer arrived with his young two year-old and I improved still more while visiting with him. I marveled at this miracle of God! The other time – August 7, the doctor gave me morphine to withstand the pain, and this time, without medication, the pain left me so much sooner.

Later, a doctor arrived with Pastor Obermeyer's brother and urged that we leave in our wagon immediately! Pastor Berg went with us. We thanked God from the bottom of our hearts as we left Little Rock behind us.

We drove on thru hills and valleys for seven miles, arriving at the Cristof Reichart’s farm in the early evening. Mr. Reichart welcomed us without fear or misgivings. Before leaving, Pastor Berg asked me if I’d be able to preach the next Sunday?

Mr. Reichart drove me into town that Sunday, and as soon as we arrived and entered Obermeyer's house, we learned that people had already been inquiring about us the day before as well as late into that night!

Arrest of yellow fever refugees, Memphis, 1879.

© Tennessee Historical Society & UT Press

While Pastor Berg was helping the church members decorate the church, two police officers approached him, ordering Pastor Berg to hand me over to them (as though he had me concealed somewhere on the premises).

Mr. Geyer came, advising that I stay right there in Obermeyer's house and that, towards evening he would drive me out of the city.

Mrs. Obermeyer, fearful that some official might come to the house unexpectedly, showed me the trapdoor in the floor under the kitchen table. The trapdoor was covered with a rag rug. This door was the entrance to the cellar where they stored fruits and vegetables and was nothing more than a hole in the ground – earthen floors and walls! She advised that I use it for safety in the event some government official would come to “get me.” Then Pastor Berg arrived, breathless, saying that I was not safe, not even for a moment, that the officials could very well be right over at the church this very minute and would then naturally come right over here to look for me! EVERY SECOND MUST COUNT FROM NOW ON!!

Pastor Berg prevailed upon Rev. Germain, who had come from Fort Smith, to preach in my stead at the dedication service that night. Dr. Hampstein, from my area in Tennessee, was also there so Pastor Berg also asked him to help as well.

It behooved me to act quickly and get under way immediately to return to the Reichart farm. Before reaching the bridge on the Pine Bluff Road I stopped at the first town to have some gingerbread at the “First & Last Chance” roadhouse or “Inn.” It behooved me to eat and drink very quickly in order to be on the way again – making me feel as though I were a criminal with bloodhounds in pursuit.

After, what seemed to be hours, I arrived at Ermentown. Here I had to take a long rest for an hour or longer, during which time I had a bit of milk and bread. I finally arrived at the Reicharts about four o’clock, to the surprise of Pauline and others there. Surely, it was God who shielded me from being overcome from being exposed so long to the hot sun and the heat while hurrying along this treeless area.

In the wee hours of the night our host drove to Little Rock to pick up our trunk and things, which Pastor Obermeyer had hauled from Argenta the day before!

It did not take Pauline and me long to get out things put away and in order, and feel more or less “settled” at the hospitable Reichart home.

How we did appreciate the clear, cool spring, water remembering the hours spent at Calloway! THIS place of quarantine – how different from that nightmare at Galloway!

Mr. Reichart and I went hunting today. Later Pastor provided us with newspapers so that I could keep abreast of what was happening in Memphis. One day we were visited by Dr. Conference, who drove into the yard loudly singing the first lines of the well-known song “Freedom, This I Want!”

A certain measure of “Freedom” did come! Pastor Berg obtained a “pass” for us Thursday evening, and in the joy over this he even hired a carriage that same evening at eight o’clock to bring it over to us! He drove all night, through thickly wooded areas and finally arrived around five o’clock in the morning. He overlooked all his troubles on the way, such as getting stuck and having to literally climb and crawl over a rocky terrain to seek help in the dark. Yes, he forgot all this in his eagerness to bring us that “pass!” Our joy at seeing him, receiving that pass and even the convenience of the carriage was compensation enough, he said, for all the problems en-route.

After breakfast we thanked the dear people who so kindly gave us lodging and treated us so well. Our weak words could not possibly convey what was in our hearts.

We were soon on our way to Little Rock, where we could appear without fear because of the pass in our possession!

We arrived at Obermeyer's where we parked our “Quarantine.”

Another reason Berg came right away was that he wanted to take me to the conference at Ft. Smith the very next day.

It was suggested early in the week to have the conference take place at Reicharts, out of doors under the trees, because they did not know how long quarantine would last. But the Ft. Smithers were not in agreement with this. Great preparations had been made in Ft. Smith – the church had just been painted and it worried some of the members that there might be trouble if the conference were not held in Ft. Smith. Added to this, the church anniversary was to be celebrated on the twenty-fifth. We agreed with the Ft. Smithers.

After Pastor Obermeyer sent along conference greetings to Little Rock and Ft. Smith, we started walking early in the morning and took the ferry over to Argenta, where I could not help but recall all the troubles I experienced at the hotel. We boarded the train at Argenta, which pulled out promptly at seven o’clock.

All delegates had to register at the conference, and all were accounted for but Obermeyer and Schum, who for some reason or other, (and somewhat reluctantly) remained on the train. It was terrifically hot. We traveled in the baggage car in order to get more air, to smoke and take off our vests.

It was well, that, although they wanted to come along, we did not take the women with us – they would not have been able to stand the heat!

We passed through beautiful country and had glimpses of the Arkansas River in the distance. High banks and hills were along the railroad tracks, and one of unusual height caught our attention because of a large plateau on top of it.

Somewhere along this area two Negroes were taken on the train but shortly after that they got off again. We arrived at Russelville for a short stop where we were able to have a fair lunch for twenty-five cents. Later, in Alma, we had a bottle of beer.

While traveling along, suddenly a large roast was thrown into the baggage car! Approximately twenty miles later it was thrown out again into the sand and dirt along the railroad tracks. No explanation for this incident, it will always remain a mystery!

We arrived in Van Buren around six thirty and then traveled about ten miles through Indian territory to Cherokee. The very first building was named “Lime City Saloon.”

We were to meet Pastor Germain at Cherokee. With him was the mayor of the town, Mr. Brizzolara and a man from the Board of Health, who asked to see my pass!

From here to the river we had to go by stage. The Arkansas River is nearly a mile wide at Ft. Smith but at this point it was very low. In the middle of the river was a sizable sand bank and we were told that we would not be able to take the “Steam Transfer” because of the river being so low.

The ride down the bank to the river was at breakneck speed, and for several minutes I feared the rear of the vehicle would crash through the front part of it!

A very primitive ferry, operated by Negroes and Indians agreed to take us, but only as far as the sand bar. What a laborious task it was working our way through the loose sand on that sand bar! I could not help but wonder what it would be like crossing the Sahara Desert.

On the other side of the sand bar a similar ferry transported us to the opposite shore, where we were shortly rejoined with Germain, Markworth and Berg, who had taken a different route.

Having arrived at our destination we greeted our hostesses who invited us to partake of a refreshing drink served in the garden house, which looked most inviting because of the soft glow of the lamplight.

On Sunday it was again extremely hot.

Pastor Obermeyer preached the sermon, warning us of the dangerous times and the falling away from the Truth. To be more alert and to sun all worldly and sinful ways, and put them aside. Then God’s Kingdom here on earth would grow and flourish. Holy Communion was distributed. Obermeyer and I assisted.

After the sermon when we tried to stand up, we literally had to “tear” our clothing from the pews, which were so recently and lovingly re-varnished! We spent the afternoon with many others gathered at the Germain home.

I delivered the sermon at the evening service, which was poorly attended because of a heavy downpour of rain.

The conference opened at nine o’clock this morning in the school building, which was not as hot as it was in the church yesterday, but still a far cry from being comfortable!

The minutes of the last conference, held in Little Rock, were read. Several members of the congregation were present and seemingly very much interested in the meeting’s procedure.

View of Fort Smith AK, circa 1853, seat of the court house and legal authority for the Indian Territory. Artist unknown.

Fort Smith National Historic Site.

Through the afternoon the work of schoolteachers was discussed as well as criticized in connection with the fourth commandment and school discipline in general. This promoted a very lively discussion.

After adjournment Mr. Rentzel showed us through the town of Ft. Smith. There are surprisingly few buildings on the main street, which is quite wide.

We then toured the prison. One prisoner, an Indian, was wrapped snugly in his blanket (despite the heat) evidently sleeping out his sentence! In the prison proper it surprised us the see that white, black, and red prisoners occupied the same cells.

Another Indian (they said he was a “wild” Indian) stood in front of us like a statue, wrapped in his blanket, gazing at us continually without blinking an eye! On the second floor of the courthouse we had an interesting visit with a reporter.

We stopped in to see Dr. Fischer on the way back, who treated us with cigars and a drink while he spoke at length about the yellow fever epidemic.

We had supper at Rentzels, where conversation flowed freely – not a moment of silence.

Tuesday morning there were many more congregation members present at the conference.

Pastor Berg led the discussion on the difference between the sins committed by man and inherited sin.

I was asked to read my last year’s Reformation sermon in the afternoon. It was kindly received, whereupon the conference voted to have it printed for the benefit of the Memphis Church Association. They went on to say, that, because of the way the sermon handled some of the important association’s questions, it would be of great benefit for others to read it as well. In the name of God I agreed. May the Lord bless this humble report of mine.

On Wednesday the Thesis on the First Article was concluded. I did not get quite everything on the last three points, but will acquire further information to complete this part of it.

Early Thursday morning, at five thirty, the president of the conference called out in such a loud voice that it penetrated the corridors of the whole dormitory where we were lodging, that it was high time to get going!! Oddly enough, Pastor Germain heard, but misunderstood, the call as the announcement that the vehicle he had ordered had arrived! However, the solders, who billeted downstairs, got the message straight and so gaily trumpeted the signal for rising. But, alas, we arose too early, because it was announced that breakfast would not be served for another hour!

Hardly had we seated ourselves at the breakfast table when the vehicle, which Germain had hired, arrived and was at the door. The “vehicle” turned out to be an ambulance, the only thing available just at that time.

Hurriedly we gulped down our coffee, called our “goodbye” and climbed into the ambulance. There was a feeling of sadness among us as we left, and we saw a similar feeling reflected in the faces f those who watched us depart. There had been a generous supply of cigars at the dormitory for us, so we remembered in time to take a supply with us as we left – for our return trip home.

Seated closely together in the ambulance we passed the time unraveling one yarn after another.

Arriving at the railroad station without incident we boarded a train to Haddoxburg, where we obtained a newspaper. I was shocked to read that Alice Schaefer was now ill with yellow fever!

It rained all the way to Argenta where we arrived at seven o’clock. Here a large omnibus awaited us and as soon as it was filled we drove off towards the ferry with the ambulance following partway.

Everything was happening so quickly that it was only natural to glimpse a few anxious faces. Because of all the rush it followed that a few purses were missing perhaps lost in the shuffle!

The Hertigers of Galloway, who had stayed in Conway during this time, were in the omnibus with us. Pastor Berg and his family wished to go on to St. Louis, so did not accompany us.

At Galloway the ladies welcomed us enthusiastically and led us into supper, which they had prepared for us.

It was good to be back. Thank God, everything we had lost had meanwhile been found. Two letters had arrived, even while we were at Reicharts. Papa Stutz had telegraphed, asking us how things were going. Pastor Obermeyer answered for us: “Rusticating seven miles from Little Rock in the country. Well.”

While at Reicharts I had written to Papa Stutz and to my mother. Pauline, too, had written a letter to her parents. One of the letters from Papa Stutz had twenty dollars enclosed. The other letter was from Lou.

I telegraphed to Schaper in Memphis “Been Quarantined. Relatives tell me to stay. What says congregation? Answer.”

In the afternoon I wrote a letter to Boecher that I would not come unless it was absolutely necessary. All day I was in very low spirits. The trip made even our very bones ache. Pauline cried and cried.

Spent all day Saturday catching up on reading all the newspapers. The news from Memphis had become increasingly alarming. Drs, Fruzgart and Thomas also on the sick list!

Had a ride into town in the afternoon and bought a hat for three and a half dollars and some underwear for fifty cents each.

Today I preached for Pastor Obermeyer, delivering the same sermon this evening at the Negroe Church in English. On the way home we stopped in to visit the Rolans. We had a large meeting at Rolans home in his study in the afternoon. Ermentrout, Geyer and Stein were also there.

Had a letter from my mother. Started working on the reformation sermon, getting it ready for the printer. Wrote to Lou and also to Papa Stutz. Pastor Berg went to town with me to get the mail. Purchased this tablet for fifteen cents, envelopes for twenty cents and twenty-five post cards at the post office for twenty-five cents. Felt very depressed all day.

Wrote postcards to Fred Hammer, Prof. Diederich, Sehoenrich and a letter to Prof. Walter and my mother. Pauline wrote to Lottie. Began writing this diary and a bit more of my reformation sermon. Spent an enjoyable evening on the porch together with the rest of the family. Even had some “Three Crows!”

Finished sermon for printer. Wrote a letter to Fred Stutz and a card toPanetti. Then repaired shoes for the rest of the afternoon. In the evening I obtained a gun from Mr. Litzky and ammunition from Roland. News of Memphis most fearful! Flippin, Droescher and even Schaper are ill now, and good Mrs. Gottershalt died.

At five o’clock I took a walk through the dew-drenched fields. In the Globe of St. Louis newspaper I read that Mrs. Schreiber and George Frick are on the sick lists.

Wrote to my mother and reread sermon, then telegraphed to Mr. Schaper: “we pray for you daily. Rely on your Savior.”

Preached at the Negro Church for Pastor Berg in the evening on “Religious Education.”

Had many things to do today. We read in the morning paper the alarming news that Pastor Eirich in Algiers had died of the yellow fever.

Wrote letters to Papa Stutz, Klote and George. Then Pastor Berg and I went to town to pick up the mail among which was a card from Schoenrich. Read Fair Harvard for a bit in the afternoon. Had supper and spent the evening with the Markworths.

Early this morning (at four o’clock) Markworth and I hiked over the Pine Bluff Bridge and along the Foorshe River. The exercise was stimulating and certainly made us feel good. But the rest of the day I lay around the house and studied my sermon for tomorrow night. In town we heard that there were more than one hundred who had died in Memphis due to the yellow fever!

Went to church with Obermeyer, who preached.

(Review of sermon in original transcript)

Today we received a letter from Papa Stutz with an order to send Pauline home to Washington D. C.

I started reading Eritis Sicut Deus after having finished Fair Harvard.

Sent letters today to Bunger and Panetti from whom I received a message yesterday. Pauline received a letter from her sister Lottie, yesterday. A card came today from Diederich.

This morning, while we were hunting, it turned cooler. If it pleases God, I hope Memphis will have frost soon. I read in the Evening Post that H.W. Pleitz of Cincinnati died of yellow fever. Conditions are growing more frightening daily in hard hit Memphis!

Spent the evening with the Markworths.

We received the very sad news today that Schapers had died. God in His wisdom saw fit to call to Him the soul of this staunch supporter and untiring worker in His kingdom! He was a pillar in our church, a comforter of wisdom and orphans, no task was too heavy or too large or too small for him!

It seems almost too hard to accept that I shall never see him again on this earth! I prayed that God would spare him, but only if He saw fit to do so. My dear Savior, Thou hast taken him to Thee for all Eternity!

Wrote at length to Otto, then read for a while, but in and through it all I thought repeatedly of my dear departed friend Schaper.

Yesterday I accompanied Markworth on a short trip going south.

While he was in the vicinity of the Foorshe Bridge Fishing area, I walked along the river towards Piles, where I stopped and had breakfast. This area is not nearly as scenic as the country near the Reicharts . At Piles there are clay cliffs and some springs. I was given a friendly welcome and someone took me to see a cotton gin. After this I walked on for quite some distance, returning home about two o’clock.

Today I preached for Pastor Obermeyer and helped with the distribution of the Lord’s supper, as well as conducting the confessional part of the service.

Visted the Rolands in the afternoon and that evening read several more chapters of Eritis.

Last evening Roland presented me with a flask of “fire water!” How friendly this was of him. The people around here are all so friendly and kind.

In Memphis, the recent cool spell seemed to make matters worse. Over one hundred are dying every day. I felt terribly depressed – being so far from those I could comfort!

Read the second volume of Eritis, which was less philosophical than the first.

In the afternoon we visited the Eichholzes and enjoyed their birds.

Yesterday I wrote letters to my mother and to Papa Stutz. Pastor Obermeyer and I took a long ride in Gyer's buggy, visiting the scattered members of his congregation: in the country. I went along to Ermentrauts, then from here to Reicharts. Walt stayed overnight. Pastor Obermeyer came back towards evening.

Early today I walked a bit through the woods, after which Mr. Reichart drove us to the bottomlands near Piles. We returned around seven o’clock to find that letters arrived from Mother and Baumann, who is in St. Louis. Also a notice from Barthel that the sermon had been printed.

Yesterday I struggled and worried over the letter to Doesler. He reproached me for not staying on in Memphis. I answered him in no uncertain terms. Pastor Berg also wrote a long letter to him explaining the reasons WHY I had to stay.

Today is Obermeyer's birthday and it is being celebrated. A letter came today from Lou. Started studying my sermon today. Sent post card to Karen. Yesterday finished reading the third volume of Eritis.

Pastor Obermeyer preached today. The services was beautified by the talented playing of the organ by Prof. Waljer, who composed many of the “Zwischen-Spiel’ which our church organists use.

I delivered a sermon at the Negro Church in the evening.

Yesterday and the day before Pastor Berg and I taught school in the mornings. The blacks are very unruly! We have fifty-three children attending school.

Monday afternoon I visited with Chas. McEissen, Land Commissioner at Iron Mountain Road, who had a pass to Poinsett Country, Newport, where he was to preach on Sunday. Wrote to Postmaster in Memphis about my letters. Had postcard today from Sohoenrich.

Yesterday I went to get the mail and heard from Baumann and Krueger (from school). There was terrifying news in Baumann's letter. So many of my congregation in Memphis had died! Schaper, Alice, Mrs. Gotteshal, Charles Erk, The Hattie's and Mayer's whole family. In Louisville Carl Fischer and his mother and Plietz. Please look down there and help, dear Lord!

Yesterday I wrote a letter to John. Today I wrote to Baumann and also to Krueger and Lou, to whom I sent the speech I wrote yesterday afternoon.

Thank God, it had turned cold again! Papers state there is a possibility of frost soon – in the north. Wrote a letter to mother and Pauline wrote to Lottie. Charles left today for Princett Country.

Today it is just a year ago that God took our dear Lottie to Him in Heaven.

Received a letter from Mother today with two dollars enclosed. From Griebel and Karen each a letter. Griebel's letter informed us that Weis had died and that F. Boecker is sick now! Frank Karen wrote that Bill Kerner in Chicago also had yellow fever – but recovered!

In the forenoon I studied my sermon and in the afternoon teacher Markworth and I took a brisk walk into the country.

Conducted Sunday School and preached for Pastor Obermeyer. Baptized Lippert's child after church. Wrote to Griebel and to Karen. Then outlined article for Lutheraner.

Taught school again this week, and stayed for the whole day yesterday. We now have sixty-three children on the list. Wrote to Dr. Walther to inquire whether my article sent to the Lutheraner was accepted. Also sent cards to Panetti and to Papa Stutz. Was surprised that Obermeyer returned home so early after preaching four times and serving Holy Communion yesterday in West Prairie.

Had another letter from Doescher which set me against him still more! Also heard from Diederich. The printed sermons arrived yesterday. Wrote to Diederich.

Today I received a fine letter from Dr. Walther (dear old Long Legs!). He wrote that Laura is very ill. It started to rain today and I hope this will lead to a good frost. Please protect us dear Lord! It was through His love and grace that I was spared that awful pestilence. He led me in His wonderful way. Now I am fairly well again and have had word that quite a number of members of my congregation stayed there. I shall go back – in God’s name Lord, Thy power is great! Though canst protect me so that I can work without falling ill!

I am not going there with the hope of being spared while I’m there. I am certainly not worthy that you, Lord, should spare me above all others. Also I am not returning to rescue my horse nor to collect money! I am going back to serve my neighbors and to stand by the side of my forsaken congregation members, and If need be, die with them! Before God’s throne I shall find all my beloved Christians again who, without my spiritual help and comfort died in the Lord – cleansed from all their sins thru Jesus blood and death. Together we shall praise and magnify our almighty God into all Eternity!

Time and again I have troubled doubts and thoughts as to whether or not I should go. Oh Lord. Please speak to me, Thy servant waits!

Mrs. George stopped by today to call our attention to the children of Mrs. Dunn (next door to Knox’s Drug Store) who have not as yet been confirmed/ Their name is Meyer — “Dunn” is their stepfather.

Saturday afternoon I consulted Dr. Hooper and another doctor to obtain reassurance and support that I could return to Memphis. They declared I would be a martyr if I went now, and tried to impress upon me that I should stay on for a while longer.

Today Pastor Obermeyer preached and I delivered a sermon to the negroes in the evening. Wrote to Dr. Walther and told him what the Health Department doctors had said.

Pauline caught a very bad cold!

Today Pauline seems very much improved. I did not teach school yesterday because of feeling very tired and exhausted the entire day. Wrote cards to Karen and Baumann.

It is beginning to clear and turning much colder. I hope the Lord will send us a hard frost for the next several nights.

Letters came from Baumann and Schoenrich. Answered Baumann’s today. Newspapers came also from Briebel up to, and including, October tenth. A letter from Schuricht of St. Louis with fifty dollars enclosed.

Day before yesterday, after I taught school in the morning and worked on my sermon, I walked out to the cliffs and springs at Piles. Continued walking over the Foorshe Bridge and into the bottomlands, coming within two miles of the Arkansas River. Quite a number of negroes live in this area and are very friendly people. I reached a swamp where fallen trees were heaped high, consequently this hindered me from going on any farther. Saw a large lake in the distance.

Saturday Obermeyer, Markworth and I went to the Foorshe River area as far as Daniels equipped with a net and two guns. Our hunting and fishing yielded exactly nothing, so we spent most of the time “nutting.” We were able to fill two sacks which we took home together with persimmons, two yellowhammers and a black squirrel. Markworth tried so hard to get just one yellowhammer – but ended the day by getting only a sap-sucker.

Yesterday Charles preached about the Sabbath Gospel. In the evening I preached to about thirty to forty, and also baptized a negro woman. Mail the last several days brought cards from Grieve and A. Brecker. Letter from Papa Stutz with twenty-five dollars enclosed. More newspapers from Baumann together with his letter. Wrote four letters today – to Papa Stutz, Schoenrich, A Brecker and Gottchalk.

Last Sunday the elders voted that we go on a collection tour, so I did just that in the afternoon, Roland, five dollars, Reichart, ten, Mrs. Eichholz five, Geiger, ten, Holzen, one, George, one, Received twenty-five dollars by mail – also thirty cents worth of stamps.

God be praised and thanked that it is really turning cold.

Sunday there was freezing weather in Memphis, but the epidemic still continues, in spite of this!

This morning I wrote the first part of my sermon and went in to town to get the mail. Purchased a pair of rubber boots at Stratmann’s for five dollars and some cork soles for thirty-five cents. In the afternoon Obermeyer and I continued the collection tour. Ergebeis, one dollar, Eicholz, one, Reichart, one, Roper, one Stratmann, two-fifty, Markworth and Witt one, Penzel five. Mene promised to bring five to church on Sunday.

Last night it rained and later froze!

Yesterday I bought a ring for Charlie for one dollar and seventy-five cents.

Prof Wundermann is in town and told me that Boecher in St. Louis said to tell me that I should not be in such a hurry to return to Memphis!

Today the Board of Health told me that: “If judicious, the quarantine would end in a week.” God willing, I wish I could get back to Memphis within the next few days!

Letter today from Prod. Kretzmann.

Have been feeling ill again for the past few days, Yesterday morning I preached. There were about seven pastors in church. Several from the Canadian–Oregon division of Synod. Some of them had purchased land near Lumpond's farm to start a colony there.

The county sheriff informed me today that the quarantine was ended and that the first train had already left for Memphis.

Day after tomorrow, God Willing, we too, shall leave!

Last evening, together with Pastor Obermeyer, I went to the meeting of the “yellow fever refugees.” It seems I arrived just in time to be voted a member of the “begging committee!”

Today, at eleven o’clock, the committee ( Caro, Gastenberg and Happek) went to the ticket office and spoke first to Cotton and then to Williams. Litzern spoke up, saying it was no more than our right to obtain a reduction in train fare–in view of the way we had been tricked on August fourteenth, after leaving Memphis. We talked to them again in the afternoon.

A card arrived from John Sieck and a letter from my mother which informed me that Pastor Botke had died. Also, that Renkert was again seriously questioned about Herman Lippolo.

Tomorrow, God willing, we shall be on our way.

Yesterday Charles Obermeyer brought my mail to Adams, who tried to change the date of Pauline’s departure – advising that she should stay on for a while longer. This morning I went to see Pengels but the mail is still not in order. Pengel advised me to wait, or at least not to take Pauline along at this time. I finally convinced Pauline to stay here!

SO, NOW I SHALL FINALLY BE FREE TO GO ON TO MEMPHIS!!!