Missouri Memories

John A. Rich (1855-1944), Diaries, 1884-1943

John A. Rich was born in Liberty, Missouri, on July 12, 1855, to George W. Rich and Susan Ann Roberts Rich. The family resided in Ashland, Bloomington, Fayette, and Sturgeon, Missouri. Rich graduated from Central College, Fayette, Missouri, and began his career as a seminary teacher. He was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1878 and the following year he started a law practice in Slater, Saline County, Missouri. On August 23, 1882, Rich married Jennie L. Reynolds, and they would later have three children.

1890

November 23rd 6 p.m.

Bus. good last- Preaching every night at the Meth. Ch. by Bro. Downing pastor at Higginsville- his sermons were above ordinary but very little apparent results. I think he is a spiritual man- he & Bro. Cobb dined with us yesterday- socially he is very agreeable. Q.M. today- P.E. Clark preached and administered Sacrament of Lord's Supper and dined with us. Profitable love feast at 3p.m. 13 brick buildings are now being built. So we say Slater is improving. Lodge A.F. & A.M. last night & I conferred 2nd & 3rd degrees- got through about 11 o'clock but that did not prevent me from getting to S.S. on time. Weather beautiful and pleasant.

Nov. 29th 8 p.m.

Last Wednesday morning at 4:30 I took wife and babies to depot- boarded local freight for Steinmetz having the day before wired Prof. Warren to send carriage from Fayette to meet us at S. at 7 o'clock. Called for return tickets but when I got in Caboose found I had straight tickets & while I was in depot getting tickets corrected the train pulled out with wife and babies leaving me behind. Wired Jennie that I would come on next train. Upon arrival at S. found J & babies there o.k. but no carriage so we went on by Higbee to Fayette. The telegram that Prof W. rec'd read four instead of seven o'clock. So the carriage had come & gone before the local reached S.- mistake of some operator. Ate Thanksgiving turkey with Lula- attended revival services Wed. night- Went to Pa's grave- spent very pleasant time in Fayette- drove to S. Thursday evening & home on 4:30p.m. train. Business fair this week- Protracted meeting closed our church last night- visible results very small- Baptists are still trying but there seems very little interest. Mary is sick- vomiting- seems billious.