~~~

After paying for the said plantation, which time I as well as my brother Newton labored in the fields for years, during the year 1848 we walked from home to Bastrop Academy. Then taught by J.C. Murray, a Canadian, and a first class school teacher he was principal, and John Wiseman a young man who bore the reputation of a Christian in the true sense of the word. Murray was a teacher well up in the latest improvements in teaching,, and made it a success. Murray taught one or 2 sessions in Bastrop and then he left John Wiseman {_________} went from to merchandising & continued in that business from time to time until the present day. He finally drifted away back to Missouri his birthplace; to the old homestead and now there waiting until the final is made and no one is better prepared to make the exchange may God watch over him until{___________}. During the year 1848, my only sister died, a young wife, her husband C.C. Henderson, a lawyer by profession & Colonel in the Army. My sister died, happy calling all to the bed bidding them all farewell and to meet her in heaven. This was the second day of August, 1848. In October, 1830, Lawrence Moore, James Pride, Brother Newton & Myself with about 250.00 a piece left Bastrop and came to Lake Providence, a place on the Mississippi River and there remained until a St.Louis boat came along, then we left for that place. we were some 10 days getting to St. Louis a slow boat, from St.Louis to Providence on the Missouri River we were some time getting up the Missouri River to a small .. called Providence where we landed, went from that place to Columbia the seat of the University of the State of Missouri. We entered the University taking a regular classical 4 years course. There we remained having the usual troubles that occurs to all students. the Presiding Spirit of the University was James Shannon a learne lace then had many schools & a female college was conducted by Augustus William called the Christian Female College. the baptist female college and the High Schools all well represented with pupils. The town since has the city ordinance at this time and can boast of many of the latest city embellishments or improvements. There I formed many acquaintances that I feel a grateful feelings for. The churches were 4 denominations well represented by citizens and pupils belonging to the different schools. Several sad occurances happened. One was one of the students was shot and killed by another student. One that was killed was from Kentucky his name was Handy. The young man who killed him was from Illinois named Thornton. Another incident was a young man named Clarkson was reprimanded by one of the professors, or reported to the President. A faculty meeting called & Clarkson was either reprimanded or given so many marks of demerit. At any rate, that which was done caused Clarkson to suspect Prof. Grant and threatened th cowhide him, Grant was advised of the fact and prepared himself and Clarkson attacked him with pistol and cowhide and Grant shot him and killed him, on the street. He was tried and come clear, but it created a great sensation. Prof Grant left the University at the end of the term of session. Married and went to California and is teaching still I think.

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C. Preston Guice