Hannah Parker was the daughter of Isaiah Parker and Elizabeth "Betsy" Guyton. She married James Smith and had at least 11 children. There are two others listed in books who are not documented.
Hannah died at her son, Isaac Newton "Nute" Smith's home in Waco, McLennan County, Texas. He carried her to Henderson in a wagon in a box with ice so she could be buried next to her husband and some of her children in Smith Park, Texas.
Note: These next entries contain some of the the correspondence of James and Patience Crain Black during the Civil War (1862-1865). Patience Crain Black is the granddaughter of General James & Hannah Parker Smith.
Patience wrote quite few letters about her Grandmother's illnesses and death. She also wrote about her Uncle Birt Smith (son of James and Hannah Parker Smith) dying and her Uncle Isaac Newton [Nute] Smith losing an arm in the battle at Shiloh, etc..
South Bosque 20 July 1862: Margaret wrote that many of our friends had died near Corrinth lately and Uncle Nute was getting on finely; would be home soon as possible and that he did not regret the loss of his arm very much.
[Isaac Newton Smith, son of General James & Hannah Parker Smith, lost his arm in the Civil War Battle either April 6th or 7th, 1862 at Shiloh as it was called by the Confederates. (The Yankee Army called it Pittsburg Landing.) This was one of the bloodiest battles of the war.]
South Bosque 28 July 1862: Uncle Nute returned yesterday he looks rather old with but one arm his health is tolerably good. His arm is nearly cured. I saw a letter he has from Gen. Beauregard approving very highly his gallant and daring conduct. He did not see Rufe Childress after he was wounded though he left him sick.
Page 84 South Bosque, Dec 1862: We had a letter from Henderson this week. Uncle Birt is very bad off [Birt Smith died February 1863] also Uncle Jack's wife [Andrew Jackson Smith's wife, Mary Wadsworth Smith] and Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] has been very sick.
Page 89 & 90 Fort Hebert Dec. 26th, 1862 [James Black to Patience]: I received a letter from Mattie since I wrote you last. She wrote that Uncle Birt's [Smith] health was no better but on the decline. She also wrote that Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] had the rheumatics very bad.
Pages 102 & 103 South Bosque Jan 11 1863: We are looking for Uncle Mat [Henry Madison Smith] and Uncle Nute [Isaac Newton Smith] this evening.
Star [Lone Star Smith, age 10, son of Isaac Newton "Nute" Smith] has been playing truant for near two weeks. He has left the neighborhood. We do not know where he is. Nute is going to hunt him on station. He is bare footed and nearly naked. Such a boy. You need not be afraid [that] I will not take good care of Master Joel, for I could not slight him if I had an inclination to do so for he is such a pet that no one will allow him the privilege of crying. Pap says he is a very smart boy. He nurses him a good deal.
Page 107 South Bosque Jan 15 1863: We had a nice snow storm sleet and rain since I wrote you last. I thought of my Jimmie what if he was on guard those terrible nights it is raining now. Uncle Matt [Henry Madison Smith] and Nute [Isaac Newton Smith] have returned from Henderson. Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] is very bad health she has lost the use of her left arm. Uncle B. [Birt Smith] is very low. Mother [Sarah Elvina Smith Crain] speaks of going to see them very soon.
Page 118 Sunday Morning Feb 15th 1863: We received a letter from Henderson yesterday. Uncle Birt was very low. No life expected for him long. Grandma too was in very bad health; but was improving some. I believe she will never do well again for if she loses her earthly Idol she will soon follow him. [[Birt came home early from the Civil War from either injury or illness. He died sometime in February, shortly after this letter was written He is buried in the Smith Park gravesite in Henderson, Rusk County, Texas.]
Page 136 Henderson, Rusk May 1st 1863: Grandma's health is far from being good. She sends her love to you, Will and Jim and wishes she could see you.
Page 141 Henderson May 17th 1863: Grandma is confined to her bed most all the time. Aunt Mary [Mary Wadsworth Smith—the wife of Andrew Jackson Smith] is still sick.
Page 143 Henderson May 23rd 1863: Grandma is not improving any. She will be a long time getting well if she ever does. Uncle Nute bought two wagons and Loaded them with lumber and he did not get them off soon as he expected so we will not leave until the 25.
Page 147 South Bosque July 4th 1863: Mother got a letter from Aunt Barsh [Barsheba Smith Moorhead] a few days since. She wrote that Grandma's health was improving very slowly.
Pages 156 & 157 South Bosque August 1st 1863: We got a letter from Uncle Nute [Newton yesterday. He was at Henderson but would leave the next day for Jefferson. Grandma and Mary were not well.
Pages 167 - 170 South Bosque August 16th 1863: All my kindred are well except Grandma and Aunt Mary.
Page 183 &184 South Bosque Sept 6, 1863: We are expecting Uncle Nute, [Isaac Newton Smith], Aunt Mary [Mary Agness Childress Smith] and Grandma daily.
Page 188 South Bosque Sept 13th 1863: Uncle Nute, Grandma, Aunt Mary and Frank got in last Tuesday. Grandma stood the trip finely. She sends her compliments to you.
Page 191 from James Black Fort Point Sept 20th 1863: I am truly glad to hear Grandma is able to visit our Western Prairies. I think she will conclude it is a better country that old Rusk Co. and move to the prairies. I would like very much to see her before she returns home. Present her my kindest love and respects.
Pages 211 South Bosque November 29th1863: Grandma is not very well today, She sends much love to you and Will.
Page 212 – bottom half Dec 1st 1863: Grandma is poorly.
Page 226 Lonesome Home January 2nd, 1864: Grandma is growing worse continually. She has a severe cough. I fear she will not live through this winter.
Page 228 Lonesome Home January 16th, 1864: Grandma is growing worse. I fear she will never be well again. Uncle Nute and Aunt Mary came up with Papa this evening. All their folks are well. Uncle Nute will leave for Miss. Monday Morning.
Sunday Morning: Jimmie I will finish my letter before breakfast as Jim is going to Waco this morning for Dr. Oaks to come see Grandma.
Page 234 January 31, 1864: Grandma is improving
Page 235 South Bosque February 6th, 1864: Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] and Aunt Lizzie [Mary Elizabeth Wadsworth ] came up a few days since. Grandma will spend next week with us. Aunt Mary came up [from Waco] this evening.
Page 240 South Bosque 13 February 1864: Grandma is still improving. She sends her best love to you and Will. Mother said you and Will must swim out and not let the Yankees get you.
Page 246 South Bosque February 20th. 1864: Joel is quite well now, though he was very sick the first of this week with a sore mouth. He can beat a pig eating. He can call for anything he wants to eat.
Grandma generally has something to eat that is better than our common fare. He watches her plate and calls for whatever she has. I believe he is not quite so ill as usual, Grandma says he ought not to be whipped for he will get over his temper when he is a little older. She thinks he is the smartest boy alive. She says she misses him more than anyone when he is gone.
Page 267 South Bosque June 25th, 1864: Dear Jimmie, Grandma is very sick again. Mother is with her. Frank and Mat came up today. I will go to see Grandma tomorrow…
Jimmie, I do wish to go to Galveston. I do not know when I will have any one to go with me. Papa says he will go with me when Uncle Nute goes and comes from the pine mills. I don't know when he will leave, not until Grandma is better…
I am going to Bosqueville to attend an examination next week. If Grandma is not too sick.
Brazos Bottom June 27, 1864: Dear Jimmie, Grandma is a little better. Margaret will go home with me tomorrow All is well.
Pages 277 & 278 Brazos Bottom July 22nd, 1864: There is a great deal of sickness down here in the bottom. I don't think I will stay down here many days. The atmosphere feels impure. There are a great many watermelons and muskmelons here. Joel dearly loves them. He ate too many yesterday. He was sick last night. I will not let him eat any more muskmelons. I don't believe they are healthy.
Grandma is on gradual decline. Her back bone and one of her hip bones have cut through and have made bad and painful sores.
Pages 279-282 From James Black Fort Sulakowski August 2nd, 1864: Darling Patience, I am truly sorry for Grandma. She must suffer a great deal. I fear she will never be any better.
Page 283 South Bosque August 6th, 1864: My Dear Jimmie, I am seated this bright Saturday evening to write you a letter…My eyes are very weak today. So weak I cannot write without spectacles on my nose.
I can see a little better with than without them. I can see just as good when I have Grandpa Smith's [General James Smith] on as I could when I was young, but his is lost... Grandma is just living and that is all.
August 7, 1864, Dear Jimmie, We have just heard that Grandma was dying. She commenced having spasms last Evening. Mother sent for me to go down, but Joel is too unwell to go or to be left at home, so I will not go.
[Hannah Parker Smith died on 8 August 1864, the day after Patience wrote the note.]
Pages 284 & 285 South Bosque August 13th, 1864: Dear Jimmie,
I have just returned from Aunt Mary's. I am tired and have the backache so bad. I left all well save Hattie. She is very unwell.
Margaret would have come home with me but Frank is gone to Henderson and Aunt Mary is lonesome.
Grandma died on the 8th. inst. Uncle Nute carried her to Henderson for interment. I expect she is now sleeping by Grandpa's side [According to Crain family members, Hannah's body was put into a box and packed in ice so they could bury her next to General James Smith].
Pages 284 & 285 South Bosque August 13th, 1864
Dear Jimmie,
I have just returned from Aunt Mary's [Isaac Newton Smith's wife]. Grandma died on the 8th. inst. Uncle Nute [Isaac Newton Smith] carried her to Henderson for interment. I expect she is now sleeping by Grandpa's side
Hannah died at her son, Isaac Newton "Nute" Smith's home in Waco, McLennan County, Texas. He carried her to Henderson in a wagon in a box with ice so she could be buried next to her husband and some of her children in Smith Park, Texas.
Note: These next entries contain some of the the correspondence of James and Patience Crain Black during the Civil War (1862-1865). Patience Crain Black is the granddaughter of General James & Hannah Parker Smith.
Patience wrote quite few letters about her Grandmother's illnesses and death. She also wrote about her Uncle Birt Smith (son of James and Hannah Parker Smith) dying and her Uncle Isaac Newton [Nute] Smith losing an arm in the battle at Shiloh, etc..
South Bosque 20 July 1862: Margaret wrote that many of our friends had died near Corrinth lately and Uncle Nute was getting on finely; would be home soon as possible and that he did not regret the loss of his arm very much.
[Isaac Newton Smith, son of General James & Hannah Parker Smith, lost his arm in the Civil War Battle either April 6th or 7th, 1862 at Shiloh as it was called by the Confederates. (The Yankee Army called it Pittsburg Landing.) This was one of the bloodiest battles of the war.]
South Bosque 28 July 1862: Uncle Nute returned yesterday he looks rather old with but one arm his health is tolerably good. His arm is nearly cured. I saw a letter he has from Gen. Beauregard approving very highly his gallant and daring conduct. He did not see Rufe Childress after he was wounded though he left him sick.
Page 84 South Bosque, Dec 1862: We had a letter from Henderson this week. Uncle Birt is very bad off [Birt Smith died February 1863] also Uncle Jack's wife [Andrew Jackson Smith's wife, Mary Wadsworth Smith] and Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] has been very sick.
Page 89 & 90 Fort Hebert Dec. 26th, 1862 [James Black to Patience]: I received a letter from Mattie since I wrote you last. She wrote that Uncle Birt's [Smith] health was no better but on the decline. She also wrote that Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] had the rheumatics very bad.
Pages 102 & 103 South Bosque Jan 11 1863: We are looking for Uncle Mat [Henry Madison Smith] and Uncle Nute [Isaac Newton Smith] this evening.
Star [Lone Star Smith, age 10, son of Isaac Newton "Nute" Smith] has been playing truant for near two weeks. He has left the neighborhood. We do not know where he is. Nute is going to hunt him on station. He is bare footed and nearly naked. Such a boy. You need not be afraid [that] I will not take good care of Master Joel, for I could not slight him if I had an inclination to do so for he is such a pet that no one will allow him the privilege of crying. Pap says he is a very smart boy. He nurses him a good deal.
Page 107 South Bosque Jan 15 1863: We had a nice snow storm sleet and rain since I wrote you last. I thought of my Jimmie what if he was on guard those terrible nights it is raining now. Uncle Matt [Henry Madison Smith] and Nute [Isaac Newton Smith] have returned from Henderson. Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] is very bad health she has lost the use of her left arm. Uncle B. [Birt Smith] is very low. Mother [Sarah Elvina Smith Crain] speaks of going to see them very soon.
Page 118 Sunday Morning Feb 15th 1863: We received a letter from Henderson yesterday. Uncle Birt was very low. No life expected for him long. Grandma too was in very bad health; but was improving some. I believe she will never do well again for if she loses her earthly Idol she will soon follow him. [[Birt came home early from the Civil War from either injury or illness. He died sometime in February, shortly after this letter was written He is buried in the Smith Park gravesite in Henderson, Rusk County, Texas.]
Page 136 Henderson, Rusk May 1st 1863: Grandma's health is far from being good. She sends her love to you, Will and Jim and wishes she could see you.
Page 141 Henderson May 17th 1863: Grandma is confined to her bed most all the time. Aunt Mary [Mary Wadsworth Smith—the wife of Andrew Jackson Smith] is still sick.
Page 143 Henderson May 23rd 1863: Grandma is not improving any. She will be a long time getting well if she ever does. Uncle Nute bought two wagons and Loaded them with lumber and he did not get them off soon as he expected so we will not leave until the 25.
Page 147 South Bosque July 4th 1863: Mother got a letter from Aunt Barsh [Barsheba Smith Moorhead] a few days since. She wrote that Grandma's health was improving very slowly.
Pages 156 & 157 South Bosque August 1st 1863: We got a letter from Uncle Nute [Newton yesterday. He was at Henderson but would leave the next day for Jefferson. Grandma and Mary were not well.
Pages 167 - 170 South Bosque August 16th 1863: All my kindred are well except Grandma and Aunt Mary.
Page 183 &184 South Bosque Sept 6, 1863: We are expecting Uncle Nute, [Isaac Newton Smith], Aunt Mary [Mary Agness Childress Smith] and Grandma daily.
Page 188 South Bosque Sept 13th 1863: Uncle Nute, Grandma, Aunt Mary and Frank got in last Tuesday. Grandma stood the trip finely. She sends her compliments to you.
Page 191 from James Black Fort Point Sept 20th 1863: I am truly glad to hear Grandma is able to visit our Western Prairies. I think she will conclude it is a better country that old Rusk Co. and move to the prairies. I would like very much to see her before she returns home. Present her my kindest love and respects.
Pages 211 South Bosque November 29th1863: Grandma is not very well today, She sends much love to you and Will.
Page 212 – bottom half Dec 1st 1863: Grandma is poorly.
Page 226 Lonesome Home January 2nd, 1864: Grandma is growing worse continually. She has a severe cough. I fear she will not live through this winter.
Page 228 Lonesome Home January 16th, 1864: Grandma is growing worse. I fear she will never be well again. Uncle Nute and Aunt Mary came up with Papa this evening. All their folks are well. Uncle Nute will leave for Miss. Monday Morning.
Sunday Morning: Jimmie I will finish my letter before breakfast as Jim is going to Waco this morning for Dr. Oaks to come see Grandma.
Page 234 January 31, 1864: Grandma is improving
Page 235 South Bosque February 6th, 1864: Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] and Aunt Lizzie [Mary Elizabeth Wadsworth ] came up a few days since. Grandma will spend next week with us. Aunt Mary came up [from Waco] this evening.
Page 240 South Bosque 13 February 1864: Grandma is still improving. She sends her best love to you and Will. Mother said you and Will must swim out and not let the Yankees get you.
Page 246 South Bosque February 20th. 1864: Joel is quite well now, though he was very sick the first of this week with a sore mouth. He can beat a pig eating. He can call for anything he wants to eat.
Grandma generally has something to eat that is better than our common fare. He watches her plate and calls for whatever she has. I believe he is not quite so ill as usual, Grandma says he ought not to be whipped for he will get over his temper when he is a little older. She thinks he is the smartest boy alive. She says she misses him more than anyone when he is gone.
Page 267 South Bosque June 25th, 1864: Dear Jimmie, Grandma is very sick again. Mother is with her. Frank and Mat came up today. I will go to see Grandma tomorrow…
Jimmie, I do wish to go to Galveston. I do not know when I will have any one to go with me. Papa says he will go with me when Uncle Nute goes and comes from the pine mills. I don't know when he will leave, not until Grandma is better…
I am going to Bosqueville to attend an examination next week. If Grandma is not too sick.
Brazos Bottom June 27, 1864: Dear Jimmie, Grandma is a little better. Margaret will go home with me tomorrow All is well.
Pages 277 & 278 Brazos Bottom July 22nd, 1864: There is a great deal of sickness down here in the bottom. I don't think I will stay down here many days. The atmosphere feels impure. There are a great many watermelons and muskmelons here. Joel dearly loves them. He ate too many yesterday. He was sick last night. I will not let him eat any more muskmelons. I don't believe they are healthy.
Grandma is on gradual decline. Her back bone and one of her hip bones have cut through and have made bad and painful sores.
Pages 279-282 From James Black Fort Sulakowski August 2nd, 1864: Darling Patience, I am truly sorry for Grandma. She must suffer a great deal. I fear she will never be any better.
Page 283 South Bosque August 6th, 1864: My Dear Jimmie, I am seated this bright Saturday evening to write you a letter…My eyes are very weak today. So weak I cannot write without spectacles on my nose.
I can see a little better with than without them. I can see just as good when I have Grandpa Smith's [General James Smith] on as I could when I was young, but his is lost... Grandma is just living and that is all.
August 7, 1864, Dear Jimmie, We have just heard that Grandma was dying. She commenced having spasms last Evening. Mother sent for me to go down, but Joel is too unwell to go or to be left at home, so I will not go.
[Hannah Parker Smith died on 8 August 1864, the day after Patience wrote the note.]
Pages 284 & 285 South Bosque August 13th, 1864: Dear Jimmie,
I have just returned from Aunt Mary's. I am tired and have the backache so bad. I left all well save Hattie. She is very unwell.
Margaret would have come home with me but Frank is gone to Henderson and Aunt Mary is lonesome.
Grandma died on the 8th. inst. Uncle Nute carried her to Henderson for interment. I expect she is now sleeping by Grandpa's side [According to Crain family members, Hannah's body was put into a box and packed in ice so they could bury her next to General James Smith].
Pages 284 & 285 South Bosque August 13th, 1864
Dear Jimmie,
I have just returned from Aunt Mary's [Isaac Newton Smith's wife]. Grandma died on the 8th. inst. Uncle Nute [Isaac Newton Smith] carried her to Henderson for interment. I expect she is now sleeping by Grandpa's side
Hannah Parker was the daughter of Isaiah Parker and Elizabeth "Betsy" Guyton. She married James Smith and had at least 11 children. There are two others listed in books who are not documented.
Hannah died at her son, Isaac Newton "Nute" Smith's home in Waco, McLennan County, Texas. He carried her to Henderson in a wagon in a box with ice so she could be buried next to her husband and some of her children in Smith Park, Texas.
Note: These next entries contain some of the the correspondence of James and Patience Crain Black during the Civil War (1862-1865). Patience Crain Black is the granddaughter of General James & Hannah Parker Smith.
Patience wrote quite few letters about her Grandmother's illnesses and death. She also wrote about her Uncle Birt Smith (son of James and Hannah Parker Smith) dying and her Uncle Isaac Newton [Nute] Smith losing an arm in the battle at Shiloh, etc..
South Bosque 20 July 1862: Margaret wrote that many of our friends had died near Corrinth lately and Uncle Nute was getting on finely; would be home soon as possible and that he did not regret the loss of his arm very much.
[Isaac Newton Smith, son of General James & Hannah Parker Smith, lost his arm in the Civil War Battle either April 6th or 7th, 1862 at Shiloh as it was called by the Confederates. (The Yankee Army called it Pittsburg Landing.) This was one of the bloodiest battles of the war.]
South Bosque 28 July 1862: Uncle Nute returned yesterday he looks rather old with but one arm his health is tolerably good. His arm is nearly cured. I saw a letter he has from Gen. Beauregard approving very highly his gallant and daring conduct. He did not see Rufe Childress after he was wounded though he left him sick.
Page 84 South Bosque, Dec 1862: We had a letter from Henderson this week. Uncle Birt is very bad off [Birt Smith died February 1863] also Uncle Jack's wife [Andrew Jackson Smith's wife, Mary Wadsworth Smith] and Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] has been very sick.
Page 89 & 90 Fort Hebert Dec. 26th, 1862 [James Black to Patience]: I received a letter from Mattie since I wrote you last. She wrote that Uncle Birt's [Smith] health was no better but on the decline. She also wrote that Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] had the rheumatics very bad.
Pages 102 & 103 South Bosque Jan 11 1863: We are looking for Uncle Mat [Henry Madison Smith] and Uncle Nute [Isaac Newton Smith] this evening.
Star [Lone Star Smith, age 10, son of Isaac Newton "Nute" Smith] has been playing truant for near two weeks. He has left the neighborhood. We do not know where he is. Nute is going to hunt him on station. He is bare footed and nearly naked. Such a boy. You need not be afraid [that] I will not take good care of Master Joel, for I could not slight him if I had an inclination to do so for he is such a pet that no one will allow him the privilege of crying. Pap says he is a very smart boy. He nurses him a good deal.
Page 107 South Bosque Jan 15 1863: We had a nice snow storm sleet and rain since I wrote you last. I thought of my Jimmie what if he was on guard those terrible nights it is raining now. Uncle Matt [Henry Madison Smith] and Nute [Isaac Newton Smith] have returned from Henderson. Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] is very bad health she has lost the use of her left arm. Uncle B. [Birt Smith] is very low. Mother [Sarah Elvina Smith Crain] speaks of going to see them very soon.
Page 118 Sunday Morning Feb 15th 1863: We received a letter from Henderson yesterday. Uncle Birt was very low. No life expected for him long. Grandma too was in very bad health; but was improving some. I believe she will never do well again for if she loses her earthly Idol she will soon follow him. [[Birt came home early from the Civil War from either injury or illness. He died sometime in February, shortly after this letter was written He is buried in the Smith Park gravesite in Henderson, Rusk County, Texas.]
Page 136 Henderson, Rusk May 1st 1863: Grandma's health is far from being good. She sends her love to you, Will and Jim and wishes she could see you.
Page 141 Henderson May 17th 1863: Grandma is confined to her bed most all the time. Aunt Mary [Mary Wadsworth Smith—the wife of Andrew Jackson Smith] is still sick.
Page 143 Henderson May 23rd 1863: Grandma is not improving any. She will be a long time getting well if she ever does. Uncle Nute bought two wagons and Loaded them with lumber and he did not get them off soon as he expected so we will not leave until the 25.
Page 147 South Bosque July 4th 1863: Mother got a letter from Aunt Barsh [Barsheba Smith Moorhead] a few days since. She wrote that Grandma's health was improving very slowly.
Pages 156 & 157 South Bosque August 1st 1863: We got a letter from Uncle Nute [Newton yesterday. He was at Henderson but would leave the next day for Jefferson. Grandma and Mary were not well.
Pages 167 - 170 South Bosque August 16th 1863: All my kindred are well except Grandma and Aunt Mary.
Page 183 &184 South Bosque Sept 6, 1863: We are expecting Uncle Nute, [Isaac Newton Smith], Aunt Mary [Mary Agness Childress Smith] and Grandma daily.
Page 188 South Bosque Sept 13th 1863: Uncle Nute, Grandma, Aunt Mary and Frank got in last Tuesday. Grandma stood the trip finely. She sends her compliments to you.
Page 191 from James Black Fort Point Sept 20th 1863: I am truly glad to hear Grandma is able to visit our Western Prairies. I think she will conclude it is a better country that old Rusk Co. and move to the prairies. I would like very much to see her before she returns home. Present her my kindest love and respects.
Pages 211 South Bosque November 29th1863: Grandma is not very well today, She sends much love to you and Will.
Page 212 – bottom half Dec 1st 1863: Grandma is poorly.
Page 226 Lonesome Home January 2nd, 1864: Grandma is growing worse continually. She has a severe cough. I fear she will not live through this winter.
Page 228 Lonesome Home January 16th, 1864: Grandma is growing worse. I fear she will never be well again. Uncle Nute and Aunt Mary came up with Papa this evening. All their folks are well. Uncle Nute will leave for Miss. Monday Morning.
Sunday Morning: Jimmie I will finish my letter before breakfast as Jim is going to Waco this morning for Dr. Oaks to come see Grandma.
Page 234 January 31, 1864: Grandma is improving
Page 235 South Bosque February 6th, 1864: Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] and Aunt Lizzie [Mary Elizabeth Wadsworth ] came up a few days since. Grandma will spend next week with us. Aunt Mary came up [from Waco] this evening.
Page 240 South Bosque 13 February 1864: Grandma is still improving. She sends her best love to you and Will. Mother said you and Will must swim out and not let the Yankees get you.
Page 246 South Bosque February 20th. 1864: Joel is quite well now, though he was very sick the first of this week with a sore mouth. He can beat a pig eating. He can call for anything he wants to eat.
Grandma generally has something to eat that is better than our common fare. He watches her plate and calls for whatever she has. I believe he is not quite so ill as usual, Grandma says he ought not to be whipped for he will get over his temper when he is a little older. She thinks he is the smartest boy alive. She says she misses him more than anyone when he is gone.
Page 267 South Bosque June 25th, 1864: Dear Jimmie, Grandma is very sick again. Mother is with her. Frank and Mat came up today. I will go to see Grandma tomorrow…
Jimmie, I do wish to go to Galveston. I do not know when I will have any one to go with me. Papa says he will go with me when Uncle Nute goes and comes from the pine mills. I don't know when he will leave, not until Grandma is better…
I am going to Bosqueville to attend an examination next week. If Grandma is not too sick.
Brazos Bottom June 27, 1864: Dear Jimmie, Grandma is a little better. Margaret will go home with me tomorrow All is well.
Pages 277 & 278 Brazos Bottom July 22nd, 1864: There is a great deal of sickness down here in the bottom. I don't think I will stay down here many days. The atmosphere feels impure. There are a great many watermelons and muskmelons here. Joel dearly loves them. He ate too many yesterday. He was sick last night. I will not let him eat any more muskmelons. I don't believe they are healthy.
Grandma is on gradual decline. Her back bone and one of her hip bones have cut through and have made bad and painful sores.
Pages 279-282 From James Black Fort Sulakowski August 2nd, 1864: Darling Patience, I am truly sorry for Grandma. She must suffer a great deal. I fear she will never be any better.
Page 283 South Bosque August 6th, 1864: My Dear Jimmie, I am seated this bright Saturday evening to write you a letter…My eyes are very weak today. So weak I cannot write without spectacles on my nose.
I can see a little better with than without them. I can see just as good when I have Grandpa Smith's [General James Smith] on as I could when I was young, but his is lost... Grandma is just living and that is all.
August 7, 1864, Dear Jimmie, We have just heard that Grandma was dying. She commenced having spasms last Evening. Mother sent for me to go down, but Joel is too unwell to go or to be left at home, so I will not go.
[Hannah Parker Smith died on 8 August 1864, the day after Patience wrote the note.]
Pages 284 & 285 South Bosque August 13th, 1864: Dear Jimmie,
I have just returned from Aunt Mary's. I am tired and have the backache so bad. I left all well save Hattie. She is very unwell.
Margaret would have come home with me but Frank is gone to Henderson and Aunt Mary is lonesome.
Grandma died on the 8th. inst. Uncle Nute carried her to Henderson for interment. I expect she is now sleeping by Grandpa's side [According to Crain family members, Hannah's body was put into a box and packed in ice so they could bury her next to General James Smith].
Pages 284 & 285 South Bosque August 13th, 1864
Dear Jimmie,
I have just returned from Aunt Mary's [Isaac Newton Smith's wife]. Grandma died on the 8th. inst. Uncle Nute [Isaac Newton Smith] carried her to Henderson for interment. I expect she is now sleeping by Grandpa's side
Hannah died at her son, Isaac Newton "Nute" Smith's home in Waco, McLennan County, Texas. He carried her to Henderson in a wagon in a box with ice so she could be buried next to her husband and some of her children in Smith Park, Texas.
Note: These next entries contain some of the the correspondence of James and Patience Crain Black during the Civil War (1862-1865). Patience Crain Black is the granddaughter of General James & Hannah Parker Smith.
Patience wrote quite few letters about her Grandmother's illnesses and death. She also wrote about her Uncle Birt Smith (son of James and Hannah Parker Smith) dying and her Uncle Isaac Newton [Nute] Smith losing an arm in the battle at Shiloh, etc..
South Bosque 20 July 1862: Margaret wrote that many of our friends had died near Corrinth lately and Uncle Nute was getting on finely; would be home soon as possible and that he did not regret the loss of his arm very much.
[Isaac Newton Smith, son of General James & Hannah Parker Smith, lost his arm in the Civil War Battle either April 6th or 7th, 1862 at Shiloh as it was called by the Confederates. (The Yankee Army called it Pittsburg Landing.) This was one of the bloodiest battles of the war.]
South Bosque 28 July 1862: Uncle Nute returned yesterday he looks rather old with but one arm his health is tolerably good. His arm is nearly cured. I saw a letter he has from Gen. Beauregard approving very highly his gallant and daring conduct. He did not see Rufe Childress after he was wounded though he left him sick.
Page 84 South Bosque, Dec 1862: We had a letter from Henderson this week. Uncle Birt is very bad off [Birt Smith died February 1863] also Uncle Jack's wife [Andrew Jackson Smith's wife, Mary Wadsworth Smith] and Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] has been very sick.
Page 89 & 90 Fort Hebert Dec. 26th, 1862 [James Black to Patience]: I received a letter from Mattie since I wrote you last. She wrote that Uncle Birt's [Smith] health was no better but on the decline. She also wrote that Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] had the rheumatics very bad.
Pages 102 & 103 South Bosque Jan 11 1863: We are looking for Uncle Mat [Henry Madison Smith] and Uncle Nute [Isaac Newton Smith] this evening.
Star [Lone Star Smith, age 10, son of Isaac Newton "Nute" Smith] has been playing truant for near two weeks. He has left the neighborhood. We do not know where he is. Nute is going to hunt him on station. He is bare footed and nearly naked. Such a boy. You need not be afraid [that] I will not take good care of Master Joel, for I could not slight him if I had an inclination to do so for he is such a pet that no one will allow him the privilege of crying. Pap says he is a very smart boy. He nurses him a good deal.
Page 107 South Bosque Jan 15 1863: We had a nice snow storm sleet and rain since I wrote you last. I thought of my Jimmie what if he was on guard those terrible nights it is raining now. Uncle Matt [Henry Madison Smith] and Nute [Isaac Newton Smith] have returned from Henderson. Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] is very bad health she has lost the use of her left arm. Uncle B. [Birt Smith] is very low. Mother [Sarah Elvina Smith Crain] speaks of going to see them very soon.
Page 118 Sunday Morning Feb 15th 1863: We received a letter from Henderson yesterday. Uncle Birt was very low. No life expected for him long. Grandma too was in very bad health; but was improving some. I believe she will never do well again for if she loses her earthly Idol she will soon follow him. [[Birt came home early from the Civil War from either injury or illness. He died sometime in February, shortly after this letter was written He is buried in the Smith Park gravesite in Henderson, Rusk County, Texas.]
Page 136 Henderson, Rusk May 1st 1863: Grandma's health is far from being good. She sends her love to you, Will and Jim and wishes she could see you.
Page 141 Henderson May 17th 1863: Grandma is confined to her bed most all the time. Aunt Mary [Mary Wadsworth Smith—the wife of Andrew Jackson Smith] is still sick.
Page 143 Henderson May 23rd 1863: Grandma is not improving any. She will be a long time getting well if she ever does. Uncle Nute bought two wagons and Loaded them with lumber and he did not get them off soon as he expected so we will not leave until the 25.
Page 147 South Bosque July 4th 1863: Mother got a letter from Aunt Barsh [Barsheba Smith Moorhead] a few days since. She wrote that Grandma's health was improving very slowly.
Pages 156 & 157 South Bosque August 1st 1863: We got a letter from Uncle Nute [Newton yesterday. He was at Henderson but would leave the next day for Jefferson. Grandma and Mary were not well.
Pages 167 - 170 South Bosque August 16th 1863: All my kindred are well except Grandma and Aunt Mary.
Page 183 &184 South Bosque Sept 6, 1863: We are expecting Uncle Nute, [Isaac Newton Smith], Aunt Mary [Mary Agness Childress Smith] and Grandma daily.
Page 188 South Bosque Sept 13th 1863: Uncle Nute, Grandma, Aunt Mary and Frank got in last Tuesday. Grandma stood the trip finely. She sends her compliments to you.
Page 191 from James Black Fort Point Sept 20th 1863: I am truly glad to hear Grandma is able to visit our Western Prairies. I think she will conclude it is a better country that old Rusk Co. and move to the prairies. I would like very much to see her before she returns home. Present her my kindest love and respects.
Pages 211 South Bosque November 29th1863: Grandma is not very well today, She sends much love to you and Will.
Page 212 – bottom half Dec 1st 1863: Grandma is poorly.
Page 226 Lonesome Home January 2nd, 1864: Grandma is growing worse continually. She has a severe cough. I fear she will not live through this winter.
Page 228 Lonesome Home January 16th, 1864: Grandma is growing worse. I fear she will never be well again. Uncle Nute and Aunt Mary came up with Papa this evening. All their folks are well. Uncle Nute will leave for Miss. Monday Morning.
Sunday Morning: Jimmie I will finish my letter before breakfast as Jim is going to Waco this morning for Dr. Oaks to come see Grandma.
Page 234 January 31, 1864: Grandma is improving
Page 235 South Bosque February 6th, 1864: Grandma [Hannah Parker Smith] and Aunt Lizzie [Mary Elizabeth Wadsworth ] came up a few days since. Grandma will spend next week with us. Aunt Mary came up [from Waco] this evening.
Page 240 South Bosque 13 February 1864: Grandma is still improving. She sends her best love to you and Will. Mother said you and Will must swim out and not let the Yankees get you.
Page 246 South Bosque February 20th. 1864: Joel is quite well now, though he was very sick the first of this week with a sore mouth. He can beat a pig eating. He can call for anything he wants to eat.
Grandma generally has something to eat that is better than our common fare. He watches her plate and calls for whatever she has. I believe he is not quite so ill as usual, Grandma says he ought not to be whipped for he will get over his temper when he is a little older. She thinks he is the smartest boy alive. She says she misses him more than anyone when he is gone.
Page 267 South Bosque June 25th, 1864: Dear Jimmie, Grandma is very sick again. Mother is with her. Frank and Mat came up today. I will go to see Grandma tomorrow…
Jimmie, I do wish to go to Galveston. I do not know when I will have any one to go with me. Papa says he will go with me when Uncle Nute goes and comes from the pine mills. I don't know when he will leave, not until Grandma is better…
I am going to Bosqueville to attend an examination next week. If Grandma is not too sick.
Brazos Bottom June 27, 1864: Dear Jimmie, Grandma is a little better. Margaret will go home with me tomorrow All is well.
Pages 277 & 278 Brazos Bottom July 22nd, 1864: There is a great deal of sickness down here in the bottom. I don't think I will stay down here many days. The atmosphere feels impure. There are a great many watermelons and muskmelons here. Joel dearly loves them. He ate too many yesterday. He was sick last night. I will not let him eat any more muskmelons. I don't believe they are healthy.
Grandma is on gradual decline. Her back bone and one of her hip bones have cut through and have made bad and painful sores.
Pages 279-282 From James Black Fort Sulakowski August 2nd, 1864: Darling Patience, I am truly sorry for Grandma. She must suffer a great deal. I fear she will never be any better.
Page 283 South Bosque August 6th, 1864: My Dear Jimmie, I am seated this bright Saturday evening to write you a letter…My eyes are very weak today. So weak I cannot write without spectacles on my nose.
I can see a little better with than without them. I can see just as good when I have Grandpa Smith's [General James Smith] on as I could when I was young, but his is lost... Grandma is just living and that is all.
August 7, 1864, Dear Jimmie, We have just heard that Grandma was dying. She commenced having spasms last Evening. Mother sent for me to go down, but Joel is too unwell to go or to be left at home, so I will not go.
[Hannah Parker Smith died on 8 August 1864, the day after Patience wrote the note.]
Pages 284 & 285 South Bosque August 13th, 1864: Dear Jimmie,
I have just returned from Aunt Mary's. I am tired and have the backache so bad. I left all well save Hattie. She is very unwell.
Margaret would have come home with me but Frank is gone to Henderson and Aunt Mary is lonesome.
Grandma died on the 8th. inst. Uncle Nute carried her to Henderson for interment. I expect she is now sleeping by Grandpa's side [According to Crain family members, Hannah's body was put into a box and packed in ice so they could bury her next to General James Smith].
Pages 284 & 285 South Bosque August 13th, 1864
Dear Jimmie,
I have just returned from Aunt Mary's [Isaac Newton Smith's wife]. Grandma died on the 8th. inst. Uncle Nute [Isaac Newton Smith] carried her to Henderson for interment. I expect she is now sleeping by Grandpa's side
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