Missouri Memories

John G. Dryden (1835-1890), Diary, 1875-1883

Diaries of a farmer, Justice of the Peace, and teacher who lived near Metz, Vernon County, Missouri. John G. Dryden was born in Jefferson County, Indiana, on February 2, 1835, and migrated to Missouri as a young child. On August 6, 1857, he married Louisa Meeks and they had three children: Pearl, Lizzie, and Nannie. He died on December 25, 1890, and was buried in the Little Osage (now Balltown) Cemetery.

July 4-5, 1876

July 4, 1876

The centennial anniversary of our independence has rolled around and no doubt it has been celebrated in a becoming (?) style. That is, there has been no end of speech making and flying of the Stars and Stripes, firing of artillery by old America and fire crackers by the young man. A hundred years! A long time and yet how short! A hundred years hence, what then? Who can predict the changes that will occur in that time? Nations like the individuals of which they are composed have their birth, infancy, youth and manhood so to speak, old age, decline and decay. "The wreck of empires heave but like some passing waves"

I did not celebrate. I was at home all day about half sick. Lizzie went to New Home The day has been all pleasure seekers could ask. It was windy in the morning with some prospect of rain. Then the ceased and it clouded up but in the evening the wind raised and scattered the clouds and it clear and nearly calm now-- sun set.

July 5, 1876 Six o'oclock P.M. It is partially cloudy and very warm the rain crows are hollowing and have been all day and the sign is good for rain. Yes; it is sprinkling now from a passing cloud. Another big rain would about ruin the corn. It is very grassy and some of it is yellow... I cloud plow to morrow if it did not rain any more to night. I have been "doncy" to day. I took a big dose of pills last night and was quite sick through the night. We had a mess of string beans for dinner and I had one yesterday for the first of the season.