File contributed for use on USGenWeb/MOGenWeb Lincoln County Heritage Page by Thomas J. Mudd, 10 March 2002. Link change or update: 16 Mar 2002
Diary of Judge Henry Thomas Mudd, written 1875-1890
Diary Page 205
.Letter to my sister Ann at Mount Carmel Monastery at Baltimore Maryland
Millwood, Mo.
Oct 10th, 1889
Dear Sister Ann
I think I wrote you soon after my return from the Hot Springs in Arkansas in June, but have received one or two letters from you since that have not been answered.
Indeed, I am now doing but little work or writing either. Mary is often telling me that I should write more in my Diary of the passing events around us that might be of interest here after, but I am really doing but little of good for one of my age now in 74th year. I can pretty clearly see that my working days are about over.
We have a pretty good store and lumber yard at Silex on the R.R., 31/4 miles of Millwood, and also buy grain there, but am leaving it mainly to be conducted by our son John Pearce who I think is quite a good business man of his age, now 24 years.
There is a good path from our house to the store at Millwood, and plank walk from the store to the Church and Convent Scholl, each about 200 yards.
Diary Page 206
and I am very much inclined to think that in the waning of life as the sun goes down that these two short walks will comprise the most of my travels through the short remainder of life until the sun is fully obscured from our sight.
This you will the more readily suppose when I tell you that I have been to Silex to see after our business there but once in a month past. I think you will conclude I have said quite enough of myself, and will now tell you something of our convent school, that you doubtless feel a lively interest in as well as ourselves. We have it now quite comfortably furnished, which together with cost of building is somewhere about $3,000.
We have four Ursuline sisters here now, and the school is progressing finely. We pay them $400 to teach the district school, and the high school will no doubt pay as much or more.
And if we could have made the building a little more commodious (perhaps as it is) the high school could and perhaps will be fully self-supporting without the district school.
We are well please with the start and outlook for the sisters and their success, and perhaps none are more justly proud of it than old Father Cleary and myself.
This has been so far quite a dull year in our business, both at Silex and Millwood, our sales
Diary Page 207and profits owing (I might say) excessive competition, has not been as good as the past several years.
I received a very nice letter a few days ago from George’s daughter Annie at the Georgetown convent, which I will answer soon. She tells what I had already learned from the Portobacco Times that George1 has accepted a nomination for the Legislature, and I suppose will have the misfortune to be elected, which I think at least financially will be a loss to him.
The Ursulines as you know is something of a German institution, but the nativity of the sisters is as follows – Sister Dominic formerly Miss Meyers, born in St. Louis, her father German and mother Irish – Sister Leona formerly Miss Green born in Ireland – Sister Martha like the Martha of old not only serves at the table and wash tub, but the general management of their household affairs, was born of German parents.Our late school law requires quite a high grade of qualification to teach the public or state schools. Sisters Hildegard and Dominic were examined in Troy by our school commissioner and were given certificates of qualification far above any
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of the ninety teachers of our county who managed to pass while quite a number were rejected, and when their certificates were sent them a most highly complimentary letter accompanied them from the commissioner, of course, I had to go down to Troy with them.
Our family, relatives and neighbors are generally in very good health, and no deaths or changes have occurred that I need speak to you of, unless it be Sister Dominic, now teaching the district school. She has bad cough and already some hemorrhage which we very much regret, as we consider her a woman of very fine ability and elegance. She seems to have consumption or lung disease contracted, as I understand from teaching for some length of time in a basement or lower floor of a large brick church at Louisiana.
Sunday evening 13th
Notwithstanding this letter dates the 20th, it is not yet gone. Quite a number of our neighboring women, as well as men went to the great Fair and Exposition at St. Louis the past week but have all returned home. None of our family went but the day before yesterday Mary kicked up her heels and started for Montgomery City taking with her Dory and Albert, also Etty and her baby, Andrews’s wife, we are expecting them back after Mass at that place today. You are aware that Lee and Kate live there
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now – it is a nice town of some three thousand inhabitants, and fine large Catholic church, with Father Casey pastor, a priest of fine ability who is a connection of Mary’s mother, who was also a Casey. Montgomery City is thirty miles from Millwood, fine roads, and pleasant drive of five hours.
I am sorry to tell you that our sister Dominic is much worse. Mrs. Lowery her married sister from St. Louis is here and will not return until some change for better or worse. She has much sympathy and solicitude felt for her here, and I am sure the children’s prayer in her behalf, I sincerely hope she will soon be better.
15th
I spent a very busy day yesterday in Silex, but am none the better for it today. Mary and the rest are back from their visit and all well. Sister Dominic no better.
Mr. Lee, Kate and their eight children are well and much pleased with their location.
22nd
You will find I have been very slow in sending you the letter, but will try to finish this evening with few additions. Mary has kicked up her heels again today and gone by special invitation to Thomas Jachmans with few other invited friends. You will think her quite lively for a two hundred pounder in her 63rd year of age.
I am now suffering from quite a bad
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cold and have not been out of the house for about a week, and no better today.
I see from the Portobacco Times\Democratic, that George is using some very big words in his speeches and has been taken by some of his colored folks to be a Frenchman.
I think the Republicans have the best or ablest men on their ticket and will all be elected with George in the lead of the ticket.
Sidney (I think) stands but little or no chance for the seat in Congress which I much regret after his able and I may say very successful canvass against so strong a man as Mr. Compton. I hope he will find some other way to get along all the same.
With best regards for yourself and all friends at the old home.
I am yours sincerely
Henry T. MuddP.S. As II have not written to George or Sylvester for some time back, and have written at some length to you – suppose you send this letter to them and save me the trouble of writing further at present.
H.T.M.
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Bargains
On account of the continued inability of the senior member of our firm, we have concluded to sell out our stock of merchandise at Silex at greatly reduced figures.
Our commodious and well arranged store room 83 feet deep, with 40 feet wareroom attached – two small warehouses for the storage of grain – and new Fairbanks Grain and Stock Scales, adjoining the stock pens, together with a fresh and seasonable stock of goods of over $4,000.00, are offered for sale to any one desiring to purchase the same.
This offers are inducements to any person desiring to go into the mercantile business at a point where an established trade has been built up.
Until a sale has been made to some person purchasing the entire property, we will offer, and continue to sell at retail for cash or produce bargains not to be had elsewhere.
Come one and all with your cash and produce while bargains are to be had.
Respectfully
H. T. Mudd & SonJanuary 20th 1890
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Millwood Mo. February the 1st 1890
Having written nothing in this Diary for some time back, and Mary reminding me to do so – I will write a little of the passing event now.
It will be seen from the foregoing advertisement, we had published in two of the county papers at Troy, and by handbills that we are closing out a part of our mercantile business at Silex – partly on account of my failing health – and partly that it did not pay a fair profit on its outlay and expenses to conduct it.
As a maximum it is ever wise or safe to undertake more business of any kind than a proper personal attention can be given. And we should watch well as to details of what we do undertake, if we wish to secure even a reasonable degree of success.
I have been confined almost continuously up the present time of the present winter – as also in part for the past several winters to my comfortable quarters at home, where I am quite well cared for by Mary and the rest of the family, enjoying n the Providence of God all the comforts, I think, I am entitled to. Indeed more than my share.
One of my greatest comforts is that no sheriff or constable can come to my house only as a friend.
And of the things I may think I want, I have only to ask for or order them. Whether I am sufficiently thankful to our Father in Heaven for all these blessing, I may well fear, for how can I be -----
His
End Diary Page 215JUDGE HENRY T. MUDD
BORN SEPT 23, 1816 (from Troy Free Press, April 18th, 1890) EDITOR FREE PRESS: In your issue of April 4th, I read the announcement of the death of Judge Henry T. Mudd of Millwood. It has probably never fallen to your lot to chronicle the death of a most highly respected and honorable citizen. While sorrowing at his death, it affords me pleasure to be allowed to express my admiration of him as a man and high regard for him as a friend. Presuming on your generosity in regard to space in your paper, I will give a few facts and incidents of his life, which I feel will be read with interest by all who knew him well. From his diary, which I have had the pleasure of reading, I learn that the Mudd family came from England. Three brothers by that name came with Lord Baltimore to America in the year 1634 and settled up9on land which is now included in the state of Maryland; in which state the subject of this sketch was born on the 23rd day of September, 1816, being the oldest son of Theodore and Dorothy (Dyer) Mudd. Raised on a farm, at an early date, his education was necessarily limited to the common school branches. At the age of 17 he went to Washington City and clerked for a firm, one of the members of which was the father of Capt. Raphael Semmes of Confederate fame. He remained in Washington only eighteen months, when he returned to his father’s plantation and began farming and in the year 1837 was married to Miss Elizabeth Ellen Dyer. In the spring of 1839 he came to Missouri and lived one year on a farm near St. Charles. The following spring, having bought land near where the village of Millwood now stands, he moved to Lincoln county and made that community his home to the time of his death. From this time on the story of his life is most intimately connected with the history of his county. As an evidence of the high regard in which he was held by his early neighbors, he was elected to the office county assessor in the year 1842, after having lived in the county only two years. He was re-elected to |
this office in 1844 and elected sheriff in 1846. He says in his diary "I felt somewhat elated at the confidence shown by the people in comparatively a new comer amongst them, and on so young as myself, being only in my 24th year when first elected." In 1853 he laid out the town of Millwood and embarked in the mercantile business, with which he was continuously connected at the same place until his death. On the 21st day of August 1855, his wife died and on the 12th of June 1856, he was married to his second wife, Miss Mary O’Brien of St. Louis. In 1872 he was elected judge of the county court for a term of six years, which covered a period of greatest perplexity in the financial affairs of our county, it being at that time that our county bonds were repudiated. Judge Mudd’s views on this subject differed from the majority view, and feeling that the people in their desperation were about to make a great mistake, he was ever ready to defend his views orally and in the county papers. At the expiration of his term of office as county judge, he retired from public life, though he always manifested deep interest in the welfare of his county, state and nation. As a citizen, Judge Mudd was progressive and public sprinted, favoring all public enterprises which he though would advance the welfare of our county, looking always to due economy in the accomplishment of the same. In his private business, we find the same characteristics. Coming to Missouri at an early date with but limited means, he, by close attention to business, judicious management and due economy, acquired quite an estate. During this time, however, he had not lived for himself, but had been open-handed in his charities where his judgment dictated they could be wisely bestowed. He was a friend to the widow and orphan, as many still living can testify. As a writer, Judge Mudd was far above the average, as many who have read articles from his pen, published in our county papers from time to time during the last fifteen or twenty years, can testify. Notable among these is his letter on our county bonds, published in the Troy Herald March 26th, 1879, and other articles on the same subject following that one; also several articles published |
in the Troy Free Press, entitled, "Around the County", descriptive of a trip he made through Lincoln county about the summer of 1881. In religion, Judge Mudd was of the Roman Catholic faith and at the time of his death, a devoted member of the Millwood congregation, and may well be called the "Father of the Catholic Church at Millwood." He was the first person of Catholic faith to own a farm in the Forks of Cuiver. It was at his home that the services of that church were held for a number of years. Quoting from his diary; "Father Walters, for the first two years, gave church at my house about every two or three months, at which every member of the church (being in all about eight or ten families) old and young, black and white, would attend, for which a fat mutton or young porker was killed and a bountiful dinner prepared by my kind wife for all hands; and after mass and sermon and dinner were over, the evenings and perhaps the next day were generally spent in jumping, leaping, foot-racing and other innocent amusements, good Father Walters and only enjoying it, but taking an active part in it himself." He helped build the first Catholic church at Millwood, a hewn log structure; was also the largest contributor and most active member in the building of the brick church, which was destroyed by a storm March 20th, 1876. In speaking of the brick church, in his diary, he says: "We are beginning to need a larger and better church, and I hope to live long enough and be able to write in this book of having assisted in the building of such a church at this place as will be sufficient not only for the present congregation, but for our after we are gone." His work was realized and the new church house he aided so materially in building was not doubt a source of great pleasure to him in his declining years. His life-work is ended. If he had faults – which no doubt he had, being human – they were so overshadowed by his many good qualities as to pass for naught with his many friends. We all feel that we have sustained a great loss – the county, his immediate neighborhood, and most especially his family. To the latter however he has left a goodly inheritance, not only of this world’s goods, but a name and character which should lead his sons to strive to deserve the appellation "worthy sons of illustrious ancestors." |
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AN OLD CITIZEN GONE (From Troy Free Press, April 4th 1890) MUDD. Died at his home in Millwood, Lincoln County, Missouri, March 31st, 1890, Judge HENRY T. MUDD, aged 73 years, 6 months and 8 days. Judge Mudd had been in poor health for some time, but his death was quite unexpected to his many relatives and dear friends. He had been unable to attend to business at his store (except to plan and direct by his wise counsel and advice) since Christmas, and had been at the store but three times since New Year’s day. He was taken with a chill Friday morning about four 0’clock, and, although the family did not anticipate any serious results from it, he never rallied and sank rapidly. With the care and forethought that have always characterized him in the management of his affairs, he was full prepare to meet death, and often spoke of the few remaining days that he had to spend with his family and friends on earth. He had the happiness to receive the last sacraments of the Catholic church (of which he was a zealous member) only a short time before his death. Rev. Father Cleary, who had learned to love and respect him, was kind and attentive to him in his last sickness, coming to see him at two o’clock at night through snow and cold weather. His death was a calm and peaceful; surrounded by his children and kind friends, he passed from life to death more like a child that had lain down to sleep. A touching scene was witnessed when the orphan children whom he had raised and cared for so kindly came to see him in his last sickness. Not one was absent and all seemed deeply affected. The mortal remains were lain to rest in Millwood cemetery Tuesday in the presence of a vast assemblage of mourning relatives and citizens. The above are – briefly stated the facts connected with the last sickness and death of one of our pioneer citizens. We shall, in a week or two, publish an extended sketch of Judge Mudd’s active and useful life from the pen of a gentleman who knew him well and who is able to preserve his memory such as it deserves . |
TO JUDGE MUDD’S MEMORY Dr. J. B. Wommack in Free Press, April 11, 1890 Henry T. Mudd departed this life at his residence in Millwood on the 31st of March 1890. On the following day, he was laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery by those who knew and loved him. He was born in Charles county, Maryland, on the 23rd of September 1816, and came to Missouri in 1840. Since that date he had been actively and intimately interested in Lincoln count’s welfare in the broadest sense of the word. Possessed of an active temperament and in indomitable energy, he soon assumed his natural position among his associates – that of a leader. In 1842 he was chosen as assessor of the county, which position he held for four years. From 1847 to 1849 he held the office of sheriff, and in1875 he was elected county court judge, which position he held for six years with marked ability. In the various positions of life he never failed to discharge his duty faithfully and well. His opinions and advice were often sought by his fellow man. The writer of this humble tribute can truthfully say that his judgment seldom erred. By energy, industry and honesty he accumulated a goodly share of this world’s goods. He had and he gave: he was generous and charitable: he was a man of decided and positive character and if he committed any indiscretions – who has not? – They sink into utter insignificance when compared with the good that he did. His works will live after him to honor his memory. By his death a great void is produced in our community: another landmark is gone and it will be many a day before his equal shall stand in our midst to point the way of an hones, upright and Christian life.May those whom he left behind emulate his example and be consoled by the recollection of the pure and upright life he lived while here on earth. May he rest in peace. W. SOME LETTERS Among many letters received by Mr. Dan H. Mudd expressing sympathy at the death of Judge Mudd, a few are compiled below: HANNIBAL, MISSOURI, April 3, 1890 DAN H. MUDD: We regret – how much these lines cannot tell – the death of your father. He was a good man. He was a faithful patron of ours. Your community must feel his loss deeply – your family much, very much, more. I beg leave to extend to you my hearty sympathy in this severe affliction that has befallen you. I had counted on the Judge as a possible stockholder in our concern, in case we had thought it wise – later on – to incorporate as a company. He was so wise, so safe; that I deemed his advice and countenance would be valuable and beneficial. It was a little thing, but it shows the esteem and respect that are had for him. He had passed the allotted "three score years and ten." And he died "full of years and honors."
Sincerely
yours, |
Diary Page 216 (Continued)
MONTGOMERY CITY,
Mo., April 10, 1890 I well remember the grand old gentleman, Judge H. T. Mudd, and am very sorry I did not enjoy much more of his pleasant acquaintance. His long years spent in honorable pursuits and strict devotion to holy church, make even his family name dear to the heart of all of us, though we had but a partial glance, through outward appearances, of the grand, noble soul which actuated al his great, clever actions in support and defense of holy religion. In the history of his county his name shall ever be revered and held in the highest esteem by all classes. Because we trust in God the many great things he has done and the bold living example of true greatness he has left us shall not be interred with his blessed remains. The Holy Masses you directed us to offer for the repose o his soul shall be announced offered at our very earliest convenience, and in this hour of much bereavement we offer the family, one and all, our heartfelt sympathy; and remain in Christ Your devoted servant Troy, Missouri, April 2, 1890 Mr. DAN MUDD Millwood, Mo. DEAR FRIEND: I have just learned of the death of my old and true friend, which I very much regret to hear. You will please accept and present to Mrs. Mudd and each member of the family my sympathy and condolence. Judge Mudd was on of my oldest and best friends, and no man ever was more true and honest and manly in every respect that Judge H T. Mudd, both officially and every other way.
Your
friend and well-wisher |
Troy, Missouri, April 3, 1890 FRIEND DAN: I have just read with much regret the sad event of the death of your father and my good friend. Judge Mudd: had been very busy all week and was shocked to read of this, to me, unexpected news. I appreciated the friendship of your father more than I can express, and can with his very best friends sympathized deeply with the community at large in the loss of so good a citizen and with his family in particular in their great loss of a kind and good father and husband.
I
am truly, your friend
FULTON, MISSOURI, April 24, 1890 MR. DAN MUDD: I noticed a few days ago, copied in some paper, the death of your good father. I was very sorry to see it. I always liked the old gentleman very much. Well, I can sympathized with you, as I lost my father years ago. Had I known of your father’s death in time I should have come up to the funeral. I recon the notice was in the St. Louis papers, though I never notice those places in papers often. We can only live, hoping to meet them on the other side where there will be no more parting. Lind regards to Mrs. Mudd.
With
best wishes, your friend |
File contributed for use on USGenWeb/MOGenWeb Lincoln County Heritage Page by Thomas J. Mudd, 10 March 2002. Link change or update: 16 Mar 2002
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