This journal was kept by Lavinia Murray (1818-1896), the daughter of William W. Murray (1784-1865) and Mary Crawford (1800-1853) of Middletown, Monmouth county, New Jersey. Lavinia commenced her journal on 24 May 1834 when she was 15 years old. Her last entry, on the last page of the journal, was dated in 1842 when she 23. She married James M. Hoagland (1818-1857), a New York Merchant, on 26 August 1847 and resided in New Jersey or New York City the remainder of her life, leaving no children. She died in 1896.

Lavinia was the oldest of three children. Her siblings were Eleanor Crawford Murray (1821-1858) and George Crawford Murray (1827-1884). George graduated from Yale in 1845, studied law in New York City and was admitted to the bar in 1849 but gave up law to manage two family farms. [Source: The Scott Family of Shrewsbury, page 20]

I could find no images of Lavinia; the woodcut depiction of a young woman standing on the outskirts of Middleton, New Jersey, in the 1830s in purely conjectural.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

1834 May, Private Journal, Middletown, N. J.

What woman has done, woman may do.

24th Saturday. A delightful day. Spent it principally at home. Finished reading “The Family at Home” which is written by Mr. G[orham D.] Abbott. It is a very interesting work and contains many good precepts and maxims which if they are well followed may prove of lasting benefit. In the afternoon heard of the death of Mrs. [Julia Anne Conover] Schureman who left this world at two o’clock in the morning. She died up at Mr. [Nathaniel S.] Wyckoff’s [in Freehold, N. J.] so I have not yet heard the particulars of her death. Oh! may her death be a solemn warning to her neighbors saying to each be ye also ready. In the evening it rained very fast indeed. This week has passed away very quickly yet I have no reason to complain of the shriftness of time, when recollecting the saying of Mr. [Mr. John] Newton in The Family at Home, “A sinner has no right to complain and a saint has no reason.” Upon the whole, time is long enough to perform the work given us to do if well employed.

25th Sabbath. Attended the Dutch Reformed Church. Mr. Beekman, the pastor of it preached from John, 6th Verse, 38th Chapter. It was communion Sabbath. Mr. Austin accompanied us to church.

Middletown, N. J. May 26, 1845, Monday. Very rainy in the morning. Spent the day at home. In the morning, Mama went with Mr. and Mrs. Van Doren to Mrs. Schureman’s funeral which was held at Mr. Vanvranken’s church. It is said he preached an excellent sermon. Her three daughters grieved so much respecting her death that they were unable to attend her funeral. I have heard the particulars of her death from Aunt A. C. H. She was a sincere christian and died rejoicing, her mind was perfectly composed until the last. All her children were called to her bedside for her to bid them farewell. She said the only tie which bound her to the earth was her children, but if it was the Lord’s will, she was perfectly willing to go. What a happy death is that of a christian, and what a bright picture of God’s mercy when contrasted with that of an infidel.

In the afternoon an old Mrs. Morrison from Tom’s River came here a begging for money to build her a house. She was an utter stranger to my sister and myself as she had not been to Middletown before in fourteen years, When Mama returned, she knew her. She tarried all night with us.

Middletown, N. J. May 27, 1834, Tuesday. Rainy and unpleasant in the morning. The before mentioned lady stayed with us until after twelve o’clock and during that time she amused Mama and myself (as she’s a great talker) in telling about those days in which she lived in affluence and wealth, and about her many beaus. Lastly about the manner is which some of her rich connections in New York had used her since she became poor. One thing she said her aunt had taught her, and which had through life proved and important lesson to her—viz. that when her rich connections used her unkindly when she was poor, not to attempt revenge. It (as she said was her disposition to do), but let it pass unnoticed, for probably she would have to go a second or third time to ask the same favor, and which she said had been frequently the case. Cleared off very pleasant in the afternoon. Uncle and aunt Beekman and the baby called here to see us a few moments and to give me an invitation to Uncle C. Burrowes’ and home with them. I went accordingly. The ride there was pleasant. Mary and aunt E. B. had in the morning gone to New York; aunt Ester B. was quite indisposed and Pollo Tilton was keeping house. We stayed there only a few moments and returned to Grand papa’s where I spent the afternoon. Aunt A. E. H. was there also. Grandpapa’s health is no better. Had a pleasant visit and returned home with aunt A. E. H. Shecalled sometime at our house.

Have learned today that a few drops of any perfumed oil will secure [ ] from mould and damp. Russian leather, which is perfumed by the tar of the birch tree, never moulders, and merchants suffer large bales of this leather to remain in the London docks knowing it cannot sustain injury from damp. It was known to the ancients the Romans used oil of cedar to preserve valuable M. C. L. Retured early.

Wednesday 28th. Rained very fast all day. Remained at home all day.

Thursday 29th. Again a rainy day. E & G. [Eleanor & George] did not attend school as the weather prevented.

Friday 30th. Clear and pleasant, and it is the first day we have had so this week. It is truly delightful to have pleasant weather again after a long storm. Spent the day at home, principally in sewing and doing little errands about the house for we are now engaged in that unpleasant occupation cleaning house, but hope to finish tomorrow.

Middletown, N. J. May 31, 1834, Saturday. A pleasant day. Spent the morning in practicing my music. I have made a resolution to practice it much more that I have done formerly and hope I will have perseverance enough to follow it. At ten o’clock, Mama went up to Grand Papa’s and spent the day there. His health does not continue to amend. In the afternoon, Aunt E. Laten and her son called here for the purpose of carrying home some potatoes and a variety of old articles which I designate by the name of trumpery and which came from the other house, I was much rejoiced to see her take them away.

Sabbath, June 1st 1834. Very rainy all day. Did not attend church. Heard in the afternoon that grandpapa’s health remains the same.

Monday 2nd. A very pleasant day. This day is designated by the name of Training Day. The soldiers marched down as far as here followed by nearly all the small boys of the village. The number of soldiers were few compared to what it has been formally. I have eaten some strawberries for the first time this year. E. P. A. Hendrickson spent the afternoon here. Mr. Austin also called to inform the little girls there would be no school this week as his presence was requisite in New York City to sign a paper respecting his expected fortune which is coming from England. Walked nearly home with E. & A.H. Retired early.

Tuesday 3rd. A warm and pleasant day. The weather now really beginning to feel like summer. Mrs. [Rachel Bowne] Winter who died on Sabbath last was buried today.

Wednesday 4th. Received in the afternoon calls from Uncle Timothy and Aunt H. White, Catharine, Morford, and Aunt A. C. Hendrickson. Just at evening there fell a delightful shower of rain.

Thursday 5th. Rainy all day.

Friday 6th. Spent the morning in reading. Uncle Beekman and Miss C. D. spent the afternoon here.

Saturday 7th. Very warm. Have read today a description of Mr. Wort’s [?] death written in two long letters by his third daughter. They were very beautifully written. Mr. Austin who has returned from New York spent part of the afternoon here.

Sabbath 8th. A pleasant day. Went in the morning with Papa and the other members of the family up to Baptisttown [Later called Holmdel Village] to what is called Great June Meeting. The multitude was so great as to prevent our obtaining a seat in the church [the Upper Meeting House of the Baptist Church], so we all sat in our carriage by the side of the church where we could hear very distinctly what the preacher said. The Rev. Mr. James, a Welshman, preached. The text was Hebrews, third chapter, first verse. “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus. The sermon was a very good one. It was communion Sabbath: there were three who became members of the church, viz—Rachel Stout, a widow; the others’ names I forget. The journey was six miles going and returning.

Monday 9th. A very pleasant day. Church in the Baptist Meeting House in the afternoon. Several ladies who came before the church was opened called here, viz—the two Miss Johnsons and Mrs. F. Morford. Mama and myself attended church. Mr. James preached. The text was the 52nd Chapter of Isiah, 13th Verse. “Behold my servant shall deal prudently. He shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.” There was a great deal of repetition in the sermon which made it rather dull to the ear, yet notwithstanding what he said was very true. When we came home, could not get in the house for some time as Mama had not the key & it was locked. As the day has been so exceedingly warm, you [know] the evening is the most pleasant part of it as it is cool.

Tuesday 10th. Have been quite weary all day with the heat of the weather which was very great. The cool of evening restored vigor again to boost mind and body, and which nothing is as proper to restore as the operation of nature and our observations of it. A lovely summer’s evening is almost beyond the power of [unfinished thought; remainder of page blank]

Friday 13th. Much cooler than usual. Spent the day at home principally in sewing. Brother George came home in the afternoon with his eye very badly hurt. Mr. Austin called in the afternoon. There also fell a fine shower of rain.

Saturday 14th. Nothing particular occurred.

Sabbath 15th. Rainy in the afternoon.

Tuesday 17th. Arose quite early, Rainy all day. In the afternoon, Papa left home for the purpose of going to New York City.

Wednesday 18th. Exceedingly pleasant in the morning. The bees have swarmed again today. This was quite an interesting sight to me who had only witnessed it once before. Delightful showers in the afternoon accompanied by unusually heavy thunder which may be called rather sublime than delightful. Retired later than usual.

Thursday 19th. Have today had the honor of holding that very important office of being housekeeper as Mama has spent the day at Grand Papa’s house. His health continues rather to decline than amend. In the afternoon as usual, showers accompanied with thunder and lightning. Mr. Austin’s pupils on their way home from school in the afternoon were caught in the shower and I had the pleasure of having those who pass by hereto go home, calling in to remain until it was over. The following is the names of those who called—viz. E. A. & G. Hendrickson, M. and D. Willet, C. Truex who is Mr. Austin’s assistant in teaching the young idea how to shoot, and Edgar Henrickson. I was quite amused with their conversation. I have learnt that a bee hive should be rubbed with cream and sugar, or with molasses, salt, & peach tree leaves before the bees are put in it.

Friday 20th. As usual, showers accompanied with thunder and lightning. the bees swarmed again which makes four swarms we have had from the hive that came from the other house. In the afternoon papa returned home from New York. Learnt the melancholy news of the death of the illustrious General Lafayette, which news was received at the city on yesterday. He died at a quarter of five o’clock on the morning of May 20th 1834. The venerable general was born September 1st 1757 and was nearly 77 years old when he died. In him America loses an early, faithful, and disinterested friend and champion of her independence, and her children may well weep for a great man is departed.

Saturday 21st. The first perfectly clear day we have had this week. Papa had his new articles carted up from the sloop. To mu great joy he brought me a note from my dear friend Amelia. She enjoys very good health. I would like very much to have the pleasure of seeing her again. How true it is—“absence makes the heart grow fonder.” So would I all the girls, or rather all my schoolmates and dear teachers. Mr. Austin called at eight o’clock this morning for the purpose of reading us a letter he had just received from his friend in New York respecting that fortune. Aunt A. E. H. called in the afternoon. Retired late.

Sabbath 22nd. A very warm day. Attended the Episcopalian church in the afternoon. The Rev. Mr. Finch delivered an excellent sermon. The text was in Corinthians. The congregation was much larger than it usually is for that church.

Monday 23rd. Exceedingly warm. Spent the morning at home in various employments. In the afternoon went to visit my Aunt Adaline Hendrickson. I found her much engaged in covering the knobs on her clock with paper. Spent the afternoon pleasantly engaged in talking all kind of nonsense. After school was dismissed, my sister Eleanor came with her cousins down there also. Returned home at eight o’clock. On the way met my little brother [George] who had come to accompany us home. The walk home was pleasant as the moon was just rising and was “throwing her silvery mantle over the darkness of night. Arrived home at nine o’clock.

Sabbath 29th. Rainy and unpleasant. Did not attend church but stayed home to nurse my sister and brother who were both very sick.

Tuesday 31st. My sister and brother’s health grew better. Mama spent the day at Grandpapa’s house. His health is not any better. In the afternoon Aunt M. Murray came to see us and tarried with us all night.

Wednesday, July 2nd 1834. Very warm. Miss Mary Burrowes came and spent the afternoon with us. Towards evening I went with her to call to Grandpapa’s. We returned home to tea, after which Aunt M. left purposing to go to New York tomorrow. Mary Burrowes, my sister, and myself accompanied her nearly down to Mr. Willet’s. Mary B. stayed all night with us and it is the first time in her life she has ever done so. I have learnt that another name for Roses of Sharon is Althea.

Thursday 3rd. Mary Burrowes left here in the afternoon as all our persuasions were not sufficient to prevail upon her to remain with us longer. I accompanied her half of the way home, but on our way there called upon Aunt Adaline Hendrickson. I returned home quite fatigued by so long a walk.

Friday 4th [of July 1834]. I am again permitted to see this great day on which 58 years past our forefathers declared themselves independent. What happy emotions rise in our breasts by taking a retrospective view of such a noble action, and also by keeping this day in remembrance of the fourth of July 1776. In the afternoon attended a Temperance Meeting held at the Baptist church. It was a meeting of the different societies meet together, which belong to our township of Middletown. There was an address delivered by J. Patterson, Esq., Rev. Mr Woodhull, and Mr. Goble. The latter was from Chesapeakes. He delivered a very good address. It was proposed by our pastor, the Rev. Mr. [Thomas] Roberts [pastor of the Lower Congregation Baptist Church in Middletown, N. J.], that every person belonging to the society would endeavor to induce one person at least to join between this and the first of January next, and bring an account of it to the Temperance Meeting which is held on that day. I think this is an very good proposition and hope every member will use their utmost influence in complying with it. It was also proposed there would be another meeting held on the 3rd Tuesday in August for the purpose of forming out of the different societies of the townships, a township society. There are 446 persons belonging to the different societies of the township. I hope the Temperance cause will continue to succeed.

Saturday 12th. Attended the funeral of my dear Grandfather who immortal soul left its earthly habitation on yesterday to land, we hope, on that fair shore where tempests never beat, nor billows roar. During his last sickness his bodily sufferings were very excruciating, but they were ended by death. Oh! what a destroying Angel he is, but we ought all to feel the “Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be His name.” Our dear departed had been a resident with us eighty years and we feel it is hard—very hard, to part. But may we from it take warning and be ready. The Rev. Mr. Roberts preached from Job, “If I am wicked, woe unto me. If I am righteous, I shall not hold up my head.”

Wednesday 17th [16th]. Received an account by our New York paper of a dreadful riot occasioned by a mob who have risen in that city to put down the doctrine of amalgamation which is supported by the Rev. Dr. [Samuel Hanson] Cox, Rev. Mr. [Henry Gilbert] Ludlow, the Tappans [Arthur & Lewis Tappan] and others. The two first mentioned persons have had their churches demolished by the mob and have been obliged to leave the city. They have also demolished many of the African churches. The idea of a mob is dreadful yet I think they act from right motives. It is hoped the above mentioned opinions will soon be abolished in our country.

Middletown, N. J. August 8, 1834, Friday. Went with the family down to the shore to bathe. It was high water. I think I never enjoyed this exercise more than at the present time. On our return home, I heard of the death of Mrs. Mary Lawrence who died with the small pox which disease is quite prevalent at Upper Freehold. I have seen the following lines upon her death—viz:

Lines. On the death of the much lamented Mrs. Mary Lawrence, wife of James S. Lawrence of Upper Freehold.

Tis come, tis come, the hour of peace…

[Much more to come]