Alice Kipp?s diary 1874 YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS SASSY, PRECOCIOUS 12 YEAR OLD WITH FLAME RED HAIR AND FLASH BACK IN TIME TO 1874 HERE ON THE GALVESTON BAY, KEMAH, TEXAS AND THE GALVESTON BAY AREA. HOPE YOU ENJOY ALICE KIPP AND HER DIARY. PAGE TWO

Alice Kipp?s Record

Kemah.Net
Proudly Presents
Page Two of
12 Year Old Alice Kipp's
Diary of 1874-1875
Kemah/Galveston County.

The Diary Comes to us from
Karen Thompson Webb

"My mother is Grace Kipp Thompson.
Her father is John Lee Kipp.
His father is John Henry Kipp, Jr.
His father is John Henry Kipp, Sr.,
Alice's half brother.
John Henry Kipp, Sr. husband of
Mary Elizabeth Justice Kipp,
Alice's half sister."
(Kipp Ave. in Kemah is named for founder)
We will add an entry here every week day.

January 31th 1875 A D

Well this month came in like a lion and is going like a lamb today is the last day. I have been reading all day. O dear I have been making pictures. Mr Palmer has not got back yet from Galveston City and Jennie has not got back from the brazos either. Mr Cole was here yesterday but nobody but Pa was here at the house. Ma and Florence and me were planting potatoes and oh I forgot to tell you the school is broken up. I dont hardly know whether to be glad or sorry but I rather think I am sorry. But I am a little glad Because I havent been to school. all the scholars is ahead of Jennie, Laura and me. Well well Mr Cole has gone anyhow I believe today. he was about as good a teacher as one finds now adays. I dont know whether we are to be driven from our home or not. I think I told you about the Muldoon Claim. our house is situated on it. We have lived here about 22 years and now some heirs have come on from Mexico. I believe old Muldoon?s sister and another one and I guess we?ll have to move onto another piece of that belongs to Ma, called I believe the Galrich and Labor (?). Oh dear oh dear I am tired.

Jennie was on the Brazos and what about this land deal.

Feb 1st 1875 A D
Mr Palmer came home last night. he has sold two fiddles but didnt get any money for them and the store they had on the lake has broken up. Mr Babcock?s family are moving to town and then I will have nobody to visit or play with as Carrie will go to. Ma said we should go to see Mrs Babcock before she moves away. if Florence was here now we would go today. My Arithmetic is up there anyhow.
Karen Webb

This evening as I came home I seen 9 boats in the Bay. The surface of the bay was Silvered by the Setting Sun and so many Boats. I made me a little strawberry Bed and set out_______________________

Karen Webb

Febuary 2nd
I went up to Mrs Babcock?s today. Carrie has got a swing and her and me had a nice swing then she walked a ways home with me.

Febuary 3rd
O dear I ought to sew my quilt piece but I dont feel a bit like doing any thing at present. that Jackanapes Mr P is gone. I dont know or care where.

Jackanapes is a cheeky or impertinent person.

(Reguler viewers to FOX NEWS' Bill O'Reilly on "The O'Reilly Factor" will recognize Jackanapes as a tag line he uses "don't be a Jackanapes" Claire JBT))

IN HONOR OF FATHERS DAY WE PRESENT THE FOUNDING FATHERS.DOC
Must have Microsoft Word to view this page!

Feb 5^th 1875

Mr Coffey was here today with Brother Henry. Jennie has not come home yet. it will soon be three months since she went away. the 20^th of this month it will be three months I think. I?ll go to Mrs Babcock?s if nothing happens. it sleeted this morning but only a little. I have finished my quilt I told you about. well I am tired and hungry. I believe I will go and get something to eat.

Karen Webb

Febuary 6^th

I havent got a letter from Rosa in so long I am afraid She has forgotten me. I went up to Sis?s yesterday. Mr Palmer has gone to town again. I think I?ll go up to Mrs Babcock?s tomorrow. O dear I hope Mr Palmer will get the ledger. I love to (read) the ledger

Karen Webb

Feb 8^th 1875

White frost this morning. had ice too. Steal Arrow hasent come up yet. Mr P has not got home. neither has Jennie. Think Mr Harmon Platzer came up yesterday evening and Mr Laribee to.
Karen Webb

Feb 9^th

Rain today. Mr P hasnt got back yet. I dont care when he does get back unless he brings something to eat and something to read.

Three oclock- Rain rain desmal rain. I dont feel a bit like sewing and as we have not got much to eat I cant eat. Got nothing to read and that?s worse.

Karen Webb

Feb 10^th

Dismal rain yet. Every place chuck full of water. O yes by the way heard some news from town. I believe the tug is going to bring some boats to dig out Clear Creek Bar. You know Brother Henry owns a sand bank and they want sand to pave the streets at Galveston City. Mr Coffey and the Steal Arrow will be up today so Mr Harmon Platzer says. he got up Monday night. I believe Mr Palmer has sold his Boat for a hundred and fifty dollars and is going up the country. I do hope Mr Coffey will bring up the Ledger.

Karen Webb

Feb 11^th
Mr Palmer and Old Parson Felder came yesterday evening. Mr Palmer gave me a Pencil and some writing paper and envelopes. he gave Pa and Ma and Fennie (Jennie) a pencil too. it is perfectly calm and sunshiney today. Mr P is goin up the country. O dear I am tired.

EI must have thought it said Fennie, but she meant Jennie, but since Jennie wasn?t home, I think she may have meant Fonnie.
Karen Webb

Feb 19^th 1875

Mr P and Parson F have gone up the Country or started at any event. Ben is scrubing the floor. I use to do it But I am not exactly well so Ben scrubs it. O dear nothing to write nothing nothing at all. O dear I?ll study some in the Dictionary and Geography.

Karen Webb

Febuary 13^th 1875

Rained last night. Pa caught some fish this evening. O dear I dont know what to do. I went up to Sis?s today and Laura and I went hunting for Turkeys nests but didnt find any. I do hope Mr Coffey will bring up the Ledger. O dear I dont see why I love the ledger so much. We have been shelling peas. I am going to stop.

She sounds so bored and that was her life all the time.

Karen Webb

Feb 16^th 1875 A D

it commenced raining so on sunday and has rained nearly ever since and today is tuesday.

Well we went up to the Babcock?s in the forenoon and it commenced raining in the afternoon. Carrie brought us home in the dray (?) and Mrs Babcock gave us some geranium and some moss roses. that was day before yesterday. Laura came down here yesterday, Brother Henry got his eye hurt and shelled the last of the peas today. O dear wish Mr coffey would bring the Ledgers. Brother Henry was here a few minutes ago.
Karen Webb

Feb 17^th

All the gullies and water holes are full as they can be it is raining today through evening. Uncle Mike and Ben had a scuffle out by the wood pile. I was in the Bedroom a song by the window and Uncle Mike told Ben to do something I dont exactly remember and Ben wouldnt do it. Uncle Mike took a stick to him and struck him several licks. Ben grabbed Uncle Mike by the hair and then they had a little hand to hand struggle and Ben took to his heels and has run up the Shell Bank. You know I mention it in the description of our home. Uncle Mike has gone after Ben.

I have no idea who Uncle Mike and Ben are, but they could be Scobeys. I think she means she was sewing by the window.

Karen Webb

Feb 18^th

Ben has not got home yet.
Karen Webb

Feb 19^th 1875

Every place is full of water yet. I dont know when it ever will be dry. Brother H was here this morning. I do wish Mr Coffey would bring the ledgers
Karen Webb

Febuary 13th 1875
Rained last night. Pa caught some fish this evening. O dear I dont know what to do. I went up to Sis?s today and Laura and I went hunting for Turkeys nests but didnt find any. I do hope Mr Coffey will bring up the Ledger. O dear I dont see why I love the ledger so much. We have been shelling peas. I am going to stop.

She sounds so bored and that was her life all the time.

Feb 16th 1875 A D
it commenced raining so on sunday and has rained nearly ever since and today is tuesday.
Well we went up to the Babcock?s in the forenoon and it commenced raining in the afternoon. Carrie brought us home in the dray (?) and Mrs Babcock gave us some geranium and some moss roses. that was day before yesterday. Laura came down here yesterday, Brother Henry got his eye hurt and shelled the last of the peas today. O dear wish Mr coffey would bring the Ledgers. Brother Henry was here a few minutes ago.

Feb 17th
All the gullies and water holes are full as they can be it is raining today through evening. Uncle Mike and Ben had a scuffle out by the wood pile. I was in the Bedroom a song by the window and Uncle Mike told Ben to do something I dont exactly remember and Ben wouldnt do it. Uncle Mike took a stick to him and struck him several licks. Ben grabbed Uncle Mike by the hair and then they had a little hand to hand struggle and Ben took to his heels and has run up the Shell Bank. You know I mention it in the description of our home. Uncle Mike has gone after Ben.

I have no idea who Uncle Mike and Ben are, but they could be Scobeys. I think she means she was sewing by the window.

Feb 18th
Ben has not got home yet.

Feb 19th 1875
Every place is full of water yet. I dont know when it ever will be dry. Brother H was here this morning. I do wish Mr Coffey would bring the ledgers

Feb 27th 1875
I have been working in the garden this week. Ma has give me Grandmother?s bible. And O by the way Mr Harmon Platzer came up last night. I do hope he has got the ledgers. I am going to take a walk in the Prarie to hunt for Flowers. Do you love Flowers? I do. The Birds the Flowers and the paper are my friends as I dont qurrel with them. they are about the only ones I dont.

March 2d 1875
I stayed all night up to Mrs Babcock?s day before yesterday. Mr Coffey hasnt come up yet nor sent the Ledgers either. O dear nobody dont care to read but I and I allmost wish I didnt too.

March 3d
We had some ice this morning and a little frost too. Mr Coffey has not come yet. I wish he would iether (that is her spelling) come and bring the Ledger or send it on. Do you know Reader, I think I?ll try to study french some. Mr Palmer?s given me a Dictionary and it has some But of course there aint one third of the language in it, no not that. O well I suppose I can learn a few words at all events. I am tired. Good evening.

March 5th
Laura came down this morning to get the mule to drag a bush of the corn and to haul a load of wood. I planted some flower seed this morning. Viz (?) Headache Plant, Sweet Bazil. Jack Beans. And Sword Beans. Sword Beans is a hugh red Bean the hull is shaped like a Sword. I planted some Flowering Lettuce yesterday and some Blue Flags too. We have Blue White and Purple Flags. I have some violets, some Yarrow, White Water lilies and a tree of all sorts of Roses. Velvet White, Pink, Red Yellow Running and I dont know how many more all in one Bush in my garden. You know the way these roses came together? Jennie had a pet Mocking Bird and he died. Jennie cried like everything. Well she planted them there in a bunch so they grew up together and when they are in Bloom it looks just like a Bush of all different kinds of Roses. I dearly love the Flowers, Birds and Books. Birds and Flowers particularly. All though I fairly devour any kind of reading ? Good Bad or What not. Somehow I am not like other children. I have some kind of a desease. my ears are always sore and if I dont keep out of the Cold and Wind and wash with Castile soap every morning they will swell and get all the skin off them and if I read long at a time my head will get dizzy and heavy and feel like a Ball of lead in it and my eyes are weak too. hurts them to read nights. Well, Well God willed so and his will be done. good evening.

Viz headache plant is kin to the Iris family. Yarrow is used for colds and fever and also has pretty white flowers.

March 8th
Had frost yesterday and this morning. I made two Stars for my rag quilt his morning. Steal Arrow hasent come up yet. I dont see what is the matter with Mr. Coffey that he dont send or bring the ledgers. Ma got fifteen eggs yesterday that is a good deal because we have only a few hens. Well I must stop as I have to wash the dishes now.
Later
JH Kipp got Uncle Mike to take Fishman Charlie to the Rail Road today. Fishman Charlie is A fishman who fishes Round the mouth of Clear Creek.

March 9th 1875
Jennie has got home today. Cousin Andrew come with her too. She wears a large Gold Ring on her finger. I dare say some young Gentleman put it there and I expect the same somebody gave her that little _____ too. she is going to send a Bouguet to a Mr Galt. I dare say he is the (one)

There are Andrews in the Scobey clan and Benjamins in the Fulshears. I will have to find out about the Galts.

March 11
I done forgot what I was going to say when I was stopped. I have got a letter from Mr Palmer yesterday. there is to be a party tonight in Dickinson. I believe Andrew and Jennie and Laura are going in spite of the Rain. There is to be another party at Mr Ross?s upon the Lake. I went to Mrs Babcock?s yesterday or day before yesterday I forgot which. Jennie, Andrew and Laura went up the same evening too. Guess I?ll write to Mr P today.

March 14th 1875
O dear what a Contemptible hipocrit I am. the longer I live the more I learn. poor Ma is just killing herself for us girls. No wonder everybody hates me. why I hate myself. everybody must see what a silly fool I am. I read all the novels and every thing I can lay my hands on Good Bad or what not. I dont know what to do. I am afraid the Devil will get me yet I really (try) to be good but my outrageous temper. I am all fire fury and I dont know what. I am mad enough to do anything one second and the next all good humor. I hate work and Idleness is sin. I intend to try and do better henceforth. I cant write good at all. I cant spell good and sometimes and very often too I dont talk grammatically. Andrew says Cousin Willie or Nat as he is called is going to write to me. Mr P wants me to write to him and Andrew wants me to write to him and Rosa too.

Don?t know who Willie or Nat is. This poor girl has difficulties.

March 16th
I went up to Mrs Babcock?s today to carry some papers I had borrowed.

March 17th 1875
O dear what an unlucky tongue I have and temper. I had a spat with Mamma just now. I dont see what makes me do that way. I try hard to curb my unlucky temper but Ma says I dont do no such thing. And when I am angry Satan just fairly gets ahold of me and I cant shake him off easily either. I dont want anybody to know that such a mean little wetch (?) as me does want to do good. Well Well it doesnt matter much what comes of me only I would like to keep out of Satan?s Clutches.
Afternoon- Had a frost on Dickerson this morning. didnt have any here only five miles distant.

March 18th
O dear me I do wish Mr Coffey would send the Ledgers up here. I have learned two new Songs. one is the Sailor?s Bride. the other is Barbara Allen. The White Flag Bushes are perfectly white with them. the Rose bushes are full of Roses. every thing is nice and green. the birds are singing too. well I guess I?ll stop. good evening.

White Flags are Iris?s. Mother says her grandmother Kipp used to sing Barbara Allen all the time. Everyone has done Barbara Allen, but here is the Sailor?s Bride;

THE SAILORS BRIDE.

When first I told my granny old
That Id be Donals bride,
She took my face between her hands,
Then turned away and sighed.
The Southern Star has fetched the bar,
Shes signalled from the land.
Quick, little Donal, to my arms!
Now on my shoulder stand.
See, there she sails, hes at the rails
Hes waving to the shore!
Wave back, my lad, to your own dad
Ay, tis himself once more!

March 20th
Jennie and I have been sewing all day nearly. Pa has got the bottom on his Boat.

March 22th
I stayed all day with Sissy and nursed Ida. Sis asked me to hunt her Guinia?s nest. I found her turkeys nest and I got hold of one of Sir Walter Scot?s novels and held Ida and read part (of it). O yes Jennie was there too. Sis?s quilting her quilt and Jennie is helping her.

March 24th 1875
What a Fool I am. a no count little Jackdaw, confound myself. Mamma hates me, sisters hate me, friends or pretended Friends hold me in contempt and I am greatly afraid the Friend of all has allready given me to Satan all though I try hard to get away. Whenever I dare speak one word in favor of Pa, Ma fairly rages. She is jealous of everybody and if I so much as open my mouth against Uncle Mike Ma is nearly ready to bite my head off. She allways preaching about we wouldnt get this or we wouldnt get that if Mike didnt get it for us. I use to like him very well but lately I am getting to dislike him. the more he does favors to us the more I hate him and I know he dislikesme. I just believe he?ll ruin us yet. O well we?ll leave the future to God. Good Gracious if Ma was to see this.

A Jackdaw is a small Irish crow. Uncle Mike must be one of Ma?s relatives.

March 25th
Staid all day at Sissy. Found the Guinie?s nest. aint finished the quilt yet.

March 26th
I went out a hunting Flowers today. I went out to the little Pond and got some water Lilies and then I went around the Field and got some Berbenias Violets and Sweet Williams and some yellow flowers. And while I was getting the VerBenias I had picked nearly all of them when suddenly a hugh Black Moccasson snake. I leaped Back about three feet back and Fairly shrieked aloud with terror for I am terrably afraid of snakes and after that I took to my heels and left that place quicker than I went there you may be sure. Ma said I ought to have killed it but to tell the fact I was to Badly scared and besides I had no stick. I guess I?ll give Laura some of my Flowers. Jennie has not been home for two or three days. She is helping Sis quilt.

March 27, 1875
Jennie got home this evening. She brought Two Bits with her. Two Bits is her horse. He is a nice little Fellow. Sisy got her quilt done. Finished it this evening. I sent some Poetry to Laura. Jen carried it and a jar of molasses and some ledgers too. Got a new Ledger. Jen is reading it now. Pa said Flowers made a person unhealthy by staying in the house all night. O dear how dull and stupid everything is here. Jennie is reading, Pa is asleep. Ma and Fonnie are laying down and I am writing or scribbling I should say. And oh by the way I got a letter from Rosa at last. Jennie forgot to bring it home. O dear I am tired out.

I think she may think Pa is stupid for making the remark about unhealthy flowers.

March 28th
Carrie B was here today. I fell down on my shoulder and hurt it.

Carrie Babcock.

March 31th
I got a letter and answered it and Jennie put it in her letter to Rosa. Raining today and dull and stupid as usual. Jennie gone up to Sissy. The Flowers and everything in bloom. Birds are singing too.

April 1st
Jennie has not got home yet. It is cold this morning. Brother H down here this morning. Had a new hoe. Uncle Mike plowing Ma sewing. Florence playing. Pa working on his Boat. Ben hoeing. Jennie up to Sissy?s and I been sewing reading and writing by turns. Stupid and dull. Had hail today big as rice.

April 2sd 1875
Sewed some and read some today. I dug up some Flowers today. Red yellow and purple wild Flowers and went home.

April 3d
We had a general Cleaning out today. I cleaned and scrubbed out the sitting room. Ma and Ben did the rest. Uncle Mike baked some Cakes. Pa worked on his Boat. In the afternoon I went up to Sissy?s and taken some Boquet of Flowers. Havent heard from Rosa. Havent heard from Mr P either. Havent got any ledgers either. Put some new paper on the shelves.

April 4th
White Back (that is my old cow) has a wee little Whiteheaded and White Backed Calf. the cunningest little thing you ever seen. I have not named it. Florence and I went to Mrs Babcocks?s last Sunday.

April 7th
White Back?s Calf is getting along finely.

April 9th
Jane and I went afishing and we caught a Cat Fish a Mullet and five or six Crabs. Sometime about ten oclock Jane and I went to the house to get something to eat and as we were eating in came three Visitors. Misses Lizzie Nettleton and Tiba Long and Mr Ed Long. After while I came home. I left my Crab Net gig and Fishing line up there. I guess Jennie will bring them home. Oh by the way I forgot to put White Back?s Calf?s name down. It is Amy and old Stars calf?s name is Lizzie Jane named after Ma and herself. Ma?s middle name is Lizzie and Jane?s middle name is the same. Florence?s middle name is Sofelia and Sissy?s name is Mary Eliza. Ma calls her Eliza and Brother H calls her Mollie. Laura?s full name is Laura Manaden Justice. Rosa?s is Sarah Rosanna Baggett, it used to be Justice. my full name is Alice Frances Kipp. Ma has been married twice. She had four children by Mr Justice. That was Mary Rosa Louise and Laura (Louise is dead) and then she married (Kipp) and had four by him. that is Jennie, Florence and a little boy that died before he was named and me (Alice). Rosa married first and did not have any child until Four years after she was married and she calls him William and Sis married in 1869 and she has three children allready. Rosa was married in 1869 also. Sissy?s children are named respectively John Henry, Mary Ophelia and Ida Irene.

Laura?s middle name is Manadue which was her paternal grandmother?s maiden name. I didn?t know that Elizabeth Scobey Justice Kipp had a son that died as an infant.

April 12th
Brother Henry went to Galveston to settle some Business with Mr. Hooker owner of the Schooner Minnie Sanders. Uncle Mike carried some fish to the Rail Road today. Jennie went up to Sissy?s to stay with her and Laura. Ma washed and Pa worked at his Boat. Johnnie came to see Florence. I sewed awhile, read awhile and helped Ma a little and in the afternoon I went to look for White Back. I went first to the Andrew?s house a mile below here and then went out in the prairie and then went over toward Jarbow and then I seen White Back out back of the field and then I drove her home and milked her.

Anyone heard of Jarbow?

April 13th
Three Lambs killed this morning by wolves.

April 15th
Sun shining brightly and I wanting to go to sleep when I ought to be sewing. Brother H has not come home yet. Jennie is staying up to Sis?s yet. Two Bits tried to jump the fence and stuck a picket in about ___ inches or so. Sis?s old mare has a little Colt. Romeo has a swelled back.

April 16th
Nellie has a little Calf. a little tiny red thing. White Back?s is red with a white head, Back and Breast. Nellie is such a little cow.

April 18th
Had a letter from Rosa day before yesterday. Havent got any ledgers yet. Cant see whats the matter with Mr Coffey.

April 20th
Had a heavy south wind with hail and rain last night. Fence blowed down. Cows got inside all but Nellie. Oh yes Nellie?s calf?s name is Daisy. I am getting some Flowers planted in my garden now.

April 25th
I guess I?ll go up to Sis?s and get Jane to put my letter in hers. We have lost our envelopes. Old Pide has a calf. White Backs calf is two weeks old and its name is Amy.

May 3d
Oh I do wish something would happen to break the horrible monotamy of the life we lead here. I think I shall go mad if something does not happen soon. nothing to read. nothing to do. Confound Mr Coffey I could pull his ears. he seems to have forgotten to send the Ledgers at all. Men isnt worth two pence not one in a thousand. I have changed White Back?s Calf?s name to Ellie.

May 4th
I have lost my Dictionary and cant find it.

May 6th
There was a Miss Mary here Last Night. got a letter from Rosa. got five ledgers.

May 7th Marioh (?) and a lot of her children were here last night. Grand party tonight.

May 8th
Jane Laura and I went to the party last night. Dan Felder was there. we thought he was in Sabine or Houston when he suddenly came up to the party. Harmon Platzer carried us up to the party in his big new schooner, the Lily Larree(?). There were lots of people. I danced six sets. Ada and Ettie Menard were there. they had lots of things for supper. I do wish I could find my Dictionary.

May 9th
Mr and Mrs Babcock and Carrie was her today. Carrie is called a varity of names, her parents call her Haddy (?) and Pa calls her Clara and I call her Carrie.

May 12th
It rained a little last night and this morning. Ma washed today. Dan Felder, Harmon Platzer, Brother Henry and CharleyDon ________

June 19th
Four men were here today and wanted something to eat. Pa?s Boat is done and Launched too. I am going up to Mrs Babcock?s in the morning.

June 2nd
Laura, Jennie and I went over to Jarbow to wash today.

July 4th
Cousins Fred and Matt came over here last night.

Ma has a brother named Matt. I will have to check the census.

July 7th
Fred and Matt went home yesterday. Mrs Coffey is going to wash today.

July 27th
Pa and Mr Katum (?) went to Galveston yesterday. Had a big rain last Saturday.

August 8th
We went down to Edwards Point. A heavy blow and rain came and wet us dreadfully.

Mother has never heard of Edwards Point, has anyone else.

Sept 28 1875
Mr Palmer came down about a month ago. has been here ever since. Spurge Felder has got back too. Janie has come home from the Brazos. Dan Felder is engaged to a lady on Cedar Bayou. We have had a dreadful storm. the highest water ever known on the bay of Galveston. All of Siss?s family has to come down here. their kitchen blowed down. Ida and Brother Henry are sick, so is Florence. Cousin Andrew was here a short time ago. Laura Ma and I went down the beech and Pa killed and alagator. a mud flat washed ashore near Henry?s. A tug washed ashore near the Andrew?s House. some Steamers and sail boats went ashore near Highland Station. Dan was here not long ago. Mr P went away yesterday. he made Jane Laura and I a crochet net (?). Storm blowed half of Ma?s fence and washed the other half away. they are going kill a beef today. Mr P went away in an ill humor. I treated him pretty roughly this time. he came in the kitchen and I beat him out with the broom stick. Steal Arrow washed ashore. punched a hole in Little Duck. Smashed to pieces Rip Roarer, turned bottom side upwards, masts tore out of her, hole punched in her too. trurly the Storm has been disastrous to us.

I had been having difficulty finding any information about this storm, but I found this;

?The residents of that summer of 1900 thought they knew about hurricanes because they had endured a mighty one in 1875.?
"That had been the worst hurricane to that point in time," MacDonald said. "And so, because it had survived, there was also this feeling: 'Well, we went through the one of 1875, you know, we don't need a sea wall.' "
http:abcnews.go.comNightlineHurricaneRitastory?id=1149181&page=1
?SEPTEMBER 16, 1875: Another huge storm. Drainage was spread out over 300 miles, indicting that winds were probably in excess of 140 miles an hour. The worst damage was to buildings in Galveston and Houston. The thriving seaport of Indianola, on Matagorda Bay, was totally annihilated. Over 200 persons drowned there, but a nucleus of survivors remained to rebuild from scratch. It was a task of sheer futility, however, for eleven years later, the rebuilt community would be washed away again for all time.?
Sept 30th
Killed a beef today. Jane got a fever, Ida got Chills and fever. Henry getting well. Mr Babcock here this evening. Havent heard from Pa yet. Went up to Siss?s today. I am making a quilt. Sold Spurge Felder some meat at six cents a pound. he growled about it. he is a regular Jew. I would hate to be his servant. he aint got enough sense to fill a thimble. Dan is a real good fellow and I like him. Mr P is good and kind to us girls but he has not got an over amount of sense and I dont like him. I wonder where Mr Cole is? Oh I forgot. The name of the Lady Dan is to marry is Theodosia Rabb. I never seen her. I have seen her brother though. he is a hideous monkey of a fellow. he sells books. he dont know what politeness means. I think if she is like her brother Dan has made a poor choice.

I suppose the reason she never married was because she really set her sites high. Because of her hasty temper and unlucky tongue I would imagine she might not be strong in the politeness suit.

October 3d
It is raining, drizzling ____________ properly. Looks like this storm isnt any better, neither is Ida. Carrie is sick too. Mrs McCabe is at Sissys. Dan Felder was here today. Oh how I do wish Pa would come home and bring the Ledgers. I dont see what Mr Clark is doing.

Sept 5th (she really means Oct)
It is raining today. I finished my quilt today.
            The ring is round and has no end
            So is my love for you my friend.

Oct 6th
The Steal Arrow came last night.

She said it ran aground in the big storm. I wonder how it was pulled out.

Oct 10th
Steal Arrow is gone. Ida is not any better. Steamboat came in here today. the weather is real pleasant now. I have not got a letter in a long time.

Oct 28
Mrs McCabe came here today and wanted Ma to let her have that Little Shanty in the grove. But Ma politely refused to comply with her request and she went away in a rage. She is the ugliest old woman I ever seen.

November 24
We had a heavy rain last night. I went to a party last Friday. I am learning to Waltz. I think it looks so pretty. Jennie and Laura are teaching me. Oh I forgot Mr Cole was at the party. Jennie and I rode on Two Bits and he nearly fell down in crossing Jarbo. I have not received a letter in a long time and I wish Captain Kellerman would bring up the ledgers. The other morning in the kitchen my chair leg got caught in a hole in the floor and (I) fell down on the floor.

December 11th
We got home from Galveston yesterday. I was thirteen.

February 21th 1876
Peter died last night from getting wet.

Who or what is Peter?

March 13th 1876
Mr Palmer is a fool I do believe. Stupid old dunce. He is going home next Tuesday. I am glad of it. Laura came home from Galveston on the 10th. Pa?s hand is getting well again.

March 14th
Mr Palmer is a fool, a dunce, a wretch. he has not gone yet, plague seize him. I wish he was in purgatory or some other place than here. he is about the biggest fool I ever seen in my life. the silly stupid donkey.

March 15th
Mr P is gone at last. thank goodness he went.

March 18th 1876
The wind is howling about the house like fifty demons and raining too, I fear we will have another storm.
Later
The wind blew dreadfully until about 2 oclock p.m. from the east or southeast then it changed to west and lulled somewhat but it rained and thundered. Oh my goodness it scared me nearly out of my wits. It is raining now. I have been staying up at Sis?s to make my new dress. I came home yesterday.

April 13th 1876
The sun is shining today. A thing which has not happened lately. Henry will move soon to Cedar Bayou. We have nine cows to milk now.

May 28th 1876
________________ not come home for a long time. We have 10 cows to milk now. I had a letter from Mr Palmer. The silly fool. I would like to choke him, the dunce. When I came home from Sis?s, Ma said What brought you home. My feet replied I. Oh you have been eating razor soup, have you? Said Ma. Oh no but I ate some beef soup for dinner. Ella Lawrence was here today. Maggie Chubb and Georgia Pendelton were here yesterday.

June 11th
Made two shell frames. Figs are not ripe yet.

June 16th
Mrs Hooker is here. I know she will worry me to death before she leaves. I wish Mr Hooker had been in _________ when he asked Ma to let him have that old Shanty.

I guess this is the 3rd family wanting the Shanty.

June 19th
I wish Mrs Hooker was in the north sea. I don?t see what possessed her fool of a husband when he sent her here. I wish he would take her away. I am worried half to death now and I?ll be whole dead if he dont take her away soon. When I go to writing she peers over my shoulder.

Banning to the north sea for being noisy is a bit extreme.

June 25th 1876
We have had a regular storm. Mr Palmer went in Jennie?s room before she got out of bed but he cleared out. I would have liked to have given him a beating. If I had been Henry I would have beat him and kicked him out of doors in the bargain. Henry has not got the spirit of a flea.

April 15th 1877
My poor old book. I had nearly forgotten you. Henry moved to Cedar Bayou last July. Sis has another baby. It was born on the 16th of November and its name is Emma. Mr Palmer is on Cedar Bayou now. Dan Felder is a clerk in Galveston now. We have sent off strawberries twice. We had a shortcake yesterday. Laura is staying here now. She is going to the May fest. I have made me two new dresses, 4 basques, 4 chemise and 4 pairs of drawers. The Violas moved away before December last.

A Basque creates a layer look and is worn over a shirt or dress and is similar to a long jacket with tight bodice. A chemise is a kind of slip or gown type thing. Drawers were long.

April 21th
My nose has been bleeding today. it was walking up to Mrs Babcock?s I guess, the sun was so hot I thought I would roast before I got there. Pa came from Cedar Bayou today. There is to be a wedding over there next week. Jennie is to be brides maid. I dare say she will be bride next for Captain Bradford is certainly paying her very marked attention and she seems to receive it very favorably. planted six bachelor buttons white- 7 red and one bacherlor tooth brush. sent 29 quarts of strawberries to Galveston.

I wonder who got married.

May 6
Mercy what a row we have had.

Oct 19th 1877
I wonder what I was going to say when I stopped last. I have been to Cedar Bayou. Jennie and I had a nice time. I like Jennie better than I do Laura _____ Oh lord there comes Laura.

I think this would make a great production of some sort. My niece Christy?s daughter is the right age to be Alice, but she would need a wig because she isn?t even close to being blond.

We could have Alice writing the diary and other scenes going on behind a scrim of some sort. What an opinionated kid?

We are pretty sure Alice died at 24.

This is the daughter of John Henry Kipp, Sr. and Mary Ophelia Kipp. Alice's niece refers to her as May in the diary. She was 2 when Alice began the diary. She died Oct 24, 1891. This picture is the one that hangs in the Cedar Bayou Masonic Lodge.

Karen Webb

MAP OF KEMAH
SHOWING KIPP AVE.
YES PART OF THE KEMAH
BOARDWALK IS ON KIPP AVE. NOW WOULDN'T ALICE HAVE LOVED THAT!
KEMAH BOARDWALK RELATED HISTORY

KEMAH SCHOOL
Old Kemah School

John Henry Kipp, Sr started the school for his grandchildren. Of course the tallest girl is the teacher and I was told her name was Bradford, but I am not sure who. I guess we could check the census and see who lists teacher as their profession.
The girl next to the teacher is Mary Ella Kipp, the boy next to the teacher is Henry Willis Kipp. In front of Henry is Alice Leota Kipp and next to Henry is Norah Elva Kipp (Elvie) and next to her in the back is Amanda Rosanda Kipp and next to her is John Lee Kipp (Lee) my grandfather.
These children's father is mentioned in the diary.
Karen Webb

Alice Kipp's sister Jane

I got this from my sister-in-law today. Jane is the full sister of Alice Kipp, the writer of the diary. She is the half-sister of John Henry Kipp, Sr and also of Mary Elizabeth Justice Kipp, the parents of John Henry, Jr.

060606

Karen Thompson Webb

JARBO BAYOU. Jarbo Bayou rises two miles northeast of League City in northern Galveston County (at 29°31' N, 95°03' W) and flows northeast for two miles to its mouth on Clear Lake, just east of Clear Lake Shores and west of Kemah (at 29°33' N, 95°02' W). Some sources report that at an earlier time the bayou flowed for five miles. It traverses flat to rolling terrain, surfaced by dark, commonly calcareous clays that support mesquite, grasses, cacti, and some hardwoods and pines.
Source:The Handbook of Texas Online

Look for This ad in Changes Magazine!

Photo by Mark Reiff

JBT Paparazzi, Claire Worthington EditorPhotographer catches up with Ollie North. at an event in Galveston. We try to catch all the action whenever the action is in our Galveston County and Bay Area Houston, TX area. TIP NUMBER Call