EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the ninth and last article in a series of articles from an old Apalachicola diary.
Samuel E. Floyd, a log and timber inspector of Franklin County, continues:
Aug. 20th — weather is excessively hot. Mrs. Goodlet’s grapes are nearly gone.
29th — Bought a powder flask system and ordered a shot pouch through John Ruge. Lew is much improved. Cribbage is the most popular game for evening pastimes just now. It will probably die out in a week or so. Received nothing by mail.
Received a pair of embroidered slippers. Miserable shoot, killed 3. My health is much better improved lately. Had dinner yesterday; Miss Fannie was saying she disliked to whip Sam Hamilton (her nephew). Sam screams so that all the neighbors think he is being half killed when he is not being touched. “What is the hell so you care what your neighbors think?” asked old Goodlet. I heard Sam, lad of about 12, say “I’ll be dog gone if I don’t” without being rebuked. August farewell! Unanimously hot. Mosquitoes, grapes and prickly heat are the staple products.
September 1872
Sept. 1 — Hail September, month of breezes, cooler nights and leaf scarred trees, bluer skies, bright gleaming flowers. Alas! Alas!
15th — first recording since 1st. Went up Sircey’s aboard the Ella on Wednesday. Returned Thursday p.m. had a very disagreeable time — shot a few alligators. Cut my hand badly yesterday with a jack plain. I am building a boat. Daniels & Co. went down to St. Vincent’s Island last night to search for smuggled goods. Unsuccessful.
22nd — Will be three weeks since last mail owing to a great hole made in the St. Clair ‘s bottom by a snag. The Farley came down on Thursday morning 19th bringing Messers. Call, Jones, Balston, Night, Hall and Purnall. Political questions were discussed in the a.m.
October 1872
October — fairest month of all the year. Leaf, fruit, flowers, grass and blossoms are dead, dying all around. What rhymes with blossoms? Aha? Opossums — in greatest member here abound. The presidential campaign absorbs all minor topics of interest and is the prevailing theme of talk. Much time spent on my boat.
12th — went over to Cat Point a day or two since, killing nothing worth mentioning. Went out about 11 o’c and got five doves and two thrush. They are yet quite scarce.
13th — I christened the Fanny my boat this a.m. and was entirely set off satisfied with her performance. She is 26 feet long with the widest part 6 feet, 18 inches wide at bottom and 30 inches at gunwales, has a skeg on bow and stern. I painted (it) green on bottom and sides with red stripe around molding red. Lead color. Deck light pink inside. Named in honor of Miss Fannie Goodlet. Escorted Miss Fannie to mill to see her namesake perform.
14th — Dr. Lewis came over via St. Marks last eve. Reports that Pennsylvania and Ohio for Grant. We had our first cold snap today in the business. Pleasant and everything looks responsible with a perfect glory of sunlight.
29th — Have been very ill for several days. Weather is fine — cool and clear. Tripler and his hands are busy at work making a foundation to build this mill. Florence King has returned from St. George’s Light whither she has been for several days.
Cottrell left on Sunday morning for Chipola River aboard the tug Ella to negotiate with
partner for logs for the coming season. Wentworth made me a very good fit on the last boots.
31St — the tug Ella returned today. I am still feeling badly from the effects of recent illness. November
Nov. 6th — yesterday we had the election for president and various state officers. I believe I have mentioned elsewhere that I was appointed as one of the inspectors — William Baker and Emanual Smith being the other two. The election was conducted with impartial fairness and good order. There was not a single case of intoxication about the polls. The Democrats carried.
22nd — Received letter from Jim Bourke and also my wedding suit. On Thursday Eve ensuing (28th) is to be the time. It will be a very matter-of-fact affair. Thursday is set aside by the government for general Thanksgiving. I became engaged on the 15th day of Nov. 1871 to Miss Theresa Pohlman. I shall not soon forget that cheerless, bitter cold afternoon. It was nearly dark and we had nearly reached her uncle’s house when I asked and was accepted.
25th — Last night while at Mrs. Pohlman’s I heard her dog barking in the back yard and was requested to ascertain the cause — I went back and discovered that it was under the steps of the back piazza — I soon pulled away the steps and there stood a huge old boar opossum at bay. Got Murat’s dog and between the two dogs, the possum was soon brought to quarters under the front porch where he was soon captured. I expect to have a grand feast upon him. Madam had 8 or 10 of her finest hens captured by him.
29th — a glorious day, bright and warm. It is now 5 o/c p.m. and I am about to prepare for that all important/occasion to take place this eve. Have been busy all the forenoon attending to my duties about the mill. Mill not working, being Thanksgiving.
The 1880 Federal Decennial Census for Franklin County showed the Floyds living in Apalachicola: Samuel A. Floyd, 34, Theresa, 25, Augusta R., 8, Charles H, 5, and Carolina, 1.
The 1900 federal Decennial Census showed the Floyds living in Apalachicola: Samuel A. Floyd, 54, Teresa N., 45, Harry B. Floyd, 24, Carrie B. Floyd, 21, Mordina C., 17, and Teresa, 14.