return to previous section - 5

[1927]

(18) A few remarks of my sons and daughters, who entered wedlock and their surviving offspring to the present [1927] in regular order:

(19) To Eugene B. Arnett and Julia were born two girls and one son, their names respectively are Helen, J. Oakley, and Ruth, now all of age and J. Oakley with a consort, Fay Arnett (nee Caudill) [Oaks' first wife] and Helen and Ruth who both are graduates of Georgetown College receiving the A.B. degree and now teachers in the high schools of this state, Helen at Salyersville for a term of nine months at $125.00 per mo and Ruth at Campbellsville, Taylor Co for a term of nine months at $100 per mo. Both single with bright futures.

(19) and to Eugene and Lucy were born two sons and one daughter, Paul, Wendell, and Bernice, the "baby sweet." Paul and Wendell now in their mature teens the proper age to learn fast and retain permanently, imbued with industrious (20) habits with close economy will reach their goal if they continue their pursuit. J. Oakley Arnett was of wise and mature years when he took unto himself a wife and was fortunate to find an accomplished young lady of like both well equipped for their future lives struggles.. So seldom you find a couple of their ages so well fit for a start in life to make a lively hood which deserves warm congratulations from all their relatives and friends.


(20) To Dury M. Arnett and wife, were born three girls, before he died April 23, 1904, all are living. Their names are, Myrtle Manera, born May 11, 1896, Gertrude, born August 29, 1899, and Hettgarn Arnett, born January 27, 1902, whom I took into my home and cared for, supported, educated after the death of their father and abandonment (21) of their mother Dora, and became much attached to them as they all seemed like my own children.
(20) Myrtle M. intermarried to a young Scotsman from Scotland by name, John Rennie, a granite cutter by trade and an expert in monumental works of all kinds. Their home is now at Mount Olive, Ill. They are now both Chiropractor doctors after completing a full course at Davenport, Iowa, two years ago. They have two girls born to them now, and one survives. Her name is Helen Gertrude, 8 years of age.
(20) Gertrude married to John Hardy Patrick of Salyersville, Ky, and there are born to them now one daughter and two sons. Their names are respectively viz. Mary Majorie, Henry Gerald, and Robert Patrick at this time.
(20) Hetgarn intermarried with Thomas (21) L. King and now resides in "Cleves", Ohio near her mother, Dora.


(22) To Erin M. Howard and her husband were born two sons and one daughter, to wit: Max Lowy, Fordyce and Miss Ollie. Only Max L. survives. Max L. Howard has arrived at his maturity well informed with unlimited experience and excellent habits and well fitted for almost any vocation in life.


(22) To Loulie Sublett and her husband D. Glenn Sublett were born were born four sons, names in their order, viz.: Daniel Voorhees, Rex, Dee D., and Ed Romine, all now nearly young men in their teens, except D.V. Sublett who is now of mature age and will finish up a full and complete, 8 years course in the medical College at Louisville, KY June 1, 1927 and receive his diploma, "M.D." degree.


(23) There were born to F.[Fritz] E. Arnett and wife Loulie one daughter, Erin M. and one son, Lansing Ray Arnett.


(23) This completes the legitimate pedigree record of our family to this date 1-1-1927.

[On page 73 of his journal, H.G. lists again in tabular form all of his "legitimate" grandchildren, and then at the bottom of the page lists his "illegitimate" grandchildren:]

(73) 1. Daisy Oney (nee Patrick), 2. Orion Henry (nee Patrick). [The mother of these children was most likely Josephine Patrick who later married Jim Henry. Daisy and Orion were born before Eugene married Julia Sublett and are presumed to be Eugene's first children.]

[On page 74, H.G. lists his "legitimate" great grandchildren above and then "illegitimate" great grandchildren: and their ages as of 10-8-1927]

From Orion Henry & wife: Myrell Henry (14), Harold Henry (10), Garland Henry (12), and Durzell Ray Henry (7);
from Daisy Oney and Kelly Oney: Elmer Clyde Oney (17), Stanley Oney (11), Mabel Oney (9), and Ivagene Oney


(61) The following are actual losses sustained by H. G. Arnett, as a "Beneficiary" in Oil and gas leases, Contracted, and made by said H. G. Arnett and all the interested heirs in the G. C. Arnett "Will" except...E.M. Howard and husband refused to sign [oil and gas] leases, thereby depriving me of incomes of an amount equal to $800.
The first lease was to Mr. Roberts of Lexington through Mr. B. F. Holbrooks. I was offered cash of $400 paid down and $400 annually for five years. That was October 1922.

(61) Also a like refusal was made Sept. 1, 1926, when I was the sole and only beneficiary of an oil and gas lease, I made to the Louisville Gas and Electric Company for 20 years at $200 per year through Mr. Thomas Hagins and E.B. Dyer
making in all my loss to this date, Jan 1, 1927, $1000.
[on page 63 he detailed "a few more losses" from 1914 - 1920 for an additional $1446 lost]

See "Will" of G. C. Arnett of date Nov. 24, 1909
Recorded, Dec 31, 1909 in Will Book No. One. Pages 195-196, Magoffin Co. Clerk's Office

April 1st, 1927 - My loss to this date, R. J. Graf $150.00
---------------------------------------------------------------------
John Rennie & wife Myrtle M. Rennie graduated in Davenport, Iowa. [1927]

I also lost $800 on John B. Thompson by the manipulation of D.D. Sublett, atty. for Thompson and also $200 in the D.M. Arnett matter , said Sublett charging usury on a note, in favor of B. Frank Gardner, said Sublett being his legal Committee. Feb. 23, 1927 ---H.G. Arnett


[1922 - 1927]

(59) For the last five years [1922-27] we have been laboring and ruminating under a handicap with no source of permanent income whatever and nearly impossible to secure farm labor at any price. While the "renter" wants all he makes on the farm and must have large garden, potato patch, pasture for cow, horse, hog, etc. free of charge and a good house, so nothing left for the landlord. Results are lands all been worn out and depleted and soils washed off. Dwellings, Barns, and all out buildings becoming roofless and foundations all decaying and giving away and all in dilapidated condition while the fences on a large farm are continually rotting, falling, and being blown down unless repairs are constantly and vigilantly kept up, depreciation will set in and the value of the whole farm go down to naught. Chiefly, on account of no set income, no market for our products, insufficient labor at fair prices. With high taxes to cap it. Our taxes for year 1926 were $100.50.

[This note was presumably written at beginning of 1927. This was before the Stock Market Crash of October 1929 and the "Great Depression." H.G. never mentioned these two events in his journal. Perhaps life was already grim enough on the mountain farms.]


(66) Erin Mavorneen Arnett age 16 years, 3 months and 23 days, intermarried to Beckham Arnett, July 7, 1927. [Beckham (1906-1997) was likely named for the youngest Ky Governor to that date, Gov. J.C.W. Beckham.]


(75) A Quit Claim Deed executed to
H.G. Arnett, September 1st and 7th, 1927 by
1. Lula Sublett and D. G. Sublett, her husband
2. E. B. Arnett and Lucy Arnett, his wife
3. E. M. Howard and Calloway Howard, her husband
4. Gertrude Patrick and J. Hardy Patrick, her husband
For the purpose of correcting a defect or error found or discovered in the Deed made by Loulie Arnett, March 1902, to E. M. Howard, G. C. Arnett and F. E. Arnett, in which there was a "Reservation" in "Fee Simple" set apart for Rebecca Arnett and H. G. Arnett, so intended to include all the buildings, to wit: - Barn, Residence, Store-house, and all the other outbuilding, embraced in the metes and bounds, of about 1 1/2 acre of land - which is more fully set out and explained in this Book on Pages 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30 and which is now completely settled and made satisfactory by the said Deed placed on record, Sept 12th, 1927 in Deed Book, No. 49, Page 168 - Magoffin County Records, State of Kentucky ==


(58) On this date October the 8th, [1927] 79 years ago, I was born being October the 8th at noon, 1848, that memorable year that "Gold" was first discovered in the state of Calafornia [sic].
I subscribe my name, H.G. Arnett This starts me on to my eightieth year.


(73) 10-8-27 Grand Children
legitimate. . . . . . . .born
Eugene B. & wife Julia
1. Helen Arnett " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..8-5-1900
2. J. Oakley Arnett " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4-1901 . . . ."Caudill" married
3. Ruth Arnett " . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-25-1904
4. Paul Arnett_J Lucy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2-1911
5. Wendell Arnett _W ". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5-1912
6. Bernice Arnett ". . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4-1919

Erin M. Howard & Callie [Calloway Howard, b. 1862; pg. 348 Howard Albums]
1. Max L. Howard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-29-1900

Loulie Sublett & Glenn
1. D. Voorhees Sublett, M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .age 25
2. Rex Sublett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. D. Glenn Sublett, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. G. Romine Sublett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dury Mylne Arnett & Dora Thompson
1. Myrtle M. Rennie (nee Arnett). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 31, married
2. Gertrude Patrick. . . " . . . ". . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 28,. . "
3. Hettgarn King . . . . " . . . ". . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 25 . . "

F. E. Arnett & wife, Lula Dyer
1. Erin M. Arnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 16, married [July 1927]
2. Lansing Ray Arnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 11


1. Daisy Oney (nee Patrick) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [8-4-1893]
2. Orion Henry ( " . . ." ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [3-25-1895]
= Illegitimates=
[3. Hazel Henry -- the "legitimate" daughter of Josephine (Patrick) and J.W. Henry --
was born 10-18-1907]


(74) Great Grand Children
10-8-1927
legitimate
Myrtle M. & Jack Rennie
1. Helen Gertrude Rennie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 10

Gertrude & Jno. Hardy Patrick
1. Mary Majorie Patrick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 7
2. Henry Gerald Patrick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 5
3. Robert Patrick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 4


Illegitimate
Orion Henry & wife [Rissie Gullett]
1. Myrell Henry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 14
2. Harold Henry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 10
3. Garland Henry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 12
4. Durzell Ray Henry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 7

Daisy Oney & Kelly Oney
1. Elmer Clyde Oney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 17
2. Stanley Oney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 11
3. Waldo Oney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . age 9
4. Ivagene Oney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


[In the H.G.'s Journal there was an attempt by J.Oakley Arnett to removed the names of the illegitimate grandchildren and great grandchildren by using lemon juice. Although this was effective in removing much of the ink pigment, the original copy shows through clearly. As noted elsewhere, Eugene had a relationship with Josephine Patrick (1875-1933) before he married Julia Sublett. Josephine's two "illegitimate" children, Daisy and Orion (or Oron), were given the last name of Henry after she married James W. Henry (1850-1930) about 1906/7. This Patrick genealogy may be found in Appendix C.]


[1928]

(75) On August 8, 1928, Helen's "birth anniversary," her father, Eugene, made me a "present" of $10.00 celebrating Helen's 28th year.
The "Gift" was much appreciated. . . . . . . . . . . .H. G. Arnett


(58) On this date, October 8, 1928. noon =
I am 80 years of age today and an octogenarian now. I am indeed very thankful with good health and eye sights.
I write and subscribe my own name below.
Very Truly,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .- H.G. Arnett

(58) On my eightieth anniversary, my oldest daughter, Erin M. Howard made to me a present of $10.00 cash.
I much appreciated it. 10-8-28 H. G. Arnett

(58) On Dec. 21st, 1928, my second daughter Loula Sublett made me a X gift of $10.00 cash. Indeed I was much delighted and will never forget this favor.
H. G. Arnett


[1929]

(59) All Honor to whom Honor is due.
It is true that I did complain about Calloway and Erin Howard's refusal to sign oil and gas leases for B.F. Holbrooks and Higgins and E.B. Dyer during the years 1922 and 1923 but now I confess they were right and I was in the wrong and now have the utmost confidence by their acts in using their best efforts in procuring through Max a much better and more lucrative contract in the Oil and Gas proposition with more liberal terms. Now rest assured we are all now satisfied in my old declining days. . . . July 13, 1929 . . . .- H.G. Arnett

(66) Helen Arnett age 27 years 8 months and 26 days was intermarried to William Clyde Donaldson [called "Don"], 37 years old, August 3, 1929. [Helen, like Ruth and Beckham, also became a school teacher, but only until she met Don. Don worked for Koppers of Pittsburgh and spent several years working at Weeksbury, KY.]


(77) On September 1st, 1929, I was the recipient of a fine "wheel chair" specially made for me contributed by E.B. Arnett, Erin M. and Calloway Howard. I will always hold them in profound veneration and close remembrance the remainder of my days for giving my contorted sore feet so much relief from excruciating pains. I also feel exceedingly grateful to all my children for the gift.
This seems an appropriate occasion for a memorial for myself: Remembering that my father, Ambrose Arnett Sr. died on the first day of September, 1854, 75 years ago and my "blessed" mother Susan Arnett died on September 30, 1873, 56 years ago. I am now 80 years, 11 months, 22 days old. 9-1-1929 H.G. Arnett

(77) Phil H. Arnett was born October 6th, 1852 (79-5-24) [sic] [This note was written in margin by H.G. A.]

[At the bottom of this 1929 entry on page 77 of H.G.A.'s journal is a print of the University of Louisville School of Medicine and a list of the 1927 Candidates for the Degree of Doctor of Medicine with D.V. Sublett being among those listed. [Among those in VO's class of '27 were J. Willis Demarest, C.B. Gettelfinger, Russell B. Howard, John W. Miller, Frank J. O'Brien, T. J. Overstreet, Frank Simon and H. M. Weeter.]

(81) October 8th [1929] is my "Eighty First" birthday. I am hale and hearty and only a cripple in both feet. Still I am moving around in my "wheel chair" on this old mundane sphere enjoying the happy reflections consequent on a well spent life, with the hope of a most glorious immortality. was born October 8, 1848 == -- H. G. Arnett
[This note by H.G.A. was written on page 81 of his Journal, probably by design.
Bold emphasis added by me to phrase that is source of title of this document.]


[1930]

(66) Gene Arnett Donaldson (a son) was born June 8th, 1930, A great grand son of H.G. Arnett, now 81 years and 8 months old. The above Gene Arnett Donaldson is the first and only legitimately great grand son and grandson of my oldest son.

[The photo to left shows Four Generations: H.G. in chair (note the feet), Helen Arnett Donaldson (dau of Eugene) holding Gene Donaldson, and Eugene to the right. The photo is taken at the side of the 1885 house with some of the orchard seen in the background.]


(80) The anatomical malformation of my feet and ankles from my birth and aided by my hearing in both ears alike being impaired at the age of six by scarlet fever which have given me much trouble and embarrassment in all my business affairs of all kinds=Being extraordinarily healthy physically and of a courageous and determined disposition with a view of great accomplishments, I did work diligently early and late to reach the goal of a handsome, honest, and good living in peace and quietude. But I was handicapped in my last efforts.

[Wendell Arnett recalled, "He was a genius in math and he had a great knowledge of people, affairs of state and the nation. He loved tomato soup and whenever he came over to our house for a visit, my mother would always have a big kettle of soup waiting for him on the stove. I guess I get my taste for tomato soup from him." --Wendell interviews.]

[Skid Minix recalled his father, Blair's telling the story about how Fritz assisted H.G. in getting his dad's pension approved. In his later years H.G. continued to have a sharp mind and was sought out for his legal opinions. When his writing ability started to wane some, he would dictate a legal opinion to Fritz who apparently had a beautiful hand. From such a dictated legal opinion, Minix got his pension approved. -- conversation with Skid.]


(back face) [On 19 Aug 1930, Larkin Howard died in Magoffin Co at the age of 98. (actually 94 --b. Aug 1836--according to the Howard genealogy, pg. 328.) He was the brother of Rebecca (Higgins) Arnett's mother, Phoebe Howard, and thus H.G. Arnett's uncle. According to the Howard genealogy, he was intelligent and an entertaining conversationalist. He had served in the Civil War and especially after his wife died in 1908 probably enjoyed conversations with H.G. Lark lived in Royalton. H.G. Arnett thought enough of him to paste a copy of his obituary on the back cover page of his Journal. The obituary is copied at the end of this transcription.]


(80) Erin M. Arnett was 19 years, 8 months, and 23 days old, when her first babe was born, luckily a boy and we all christened him, Harris G. Arnett, II. Born on Sunday, the 7th day of Dec, 1930. Dr. W.C. Conley officiated "A day light son"


[1931]

(62) Lula (Dyer) Arnett was born January 2, 1888 --by H.G. Arnett, June 25, 1931. [Lula died in 1962 at age 74, while Fritz died in 1990 at age 101.]

[Thomas Edison died October 18, 1931 at age 84 with a span of years similar to H.G.'s.]

(65) Closing Page giving my vocations in life [1927 & 1931] [This "Closing Page" is page 65, and the Journal goes on to total of 82 numbered and about ten un-numbered pages.]

I was born Oct 8, 1848
My father died Sept 1st, 1854
My mother died Sept 30th, 1873
I was raised on the farm where I now reside
I was educated in the Common Schools and at home
I was taught in schools for 13 years beginning July 1868
I was examiner for school teachers for 10 years
I served six years as County School Supt. for Magoffin Co.
I received Law License, Oct 11, 1899. See Records B.13 P 81
I was Postmaster at Hendricks Ky for 13 years together
I was Deputy Co. Court Clerk for 4 years. Hon W. P. Taulbee
I was a Country Merchant for 14 years.
I was engaged in extensive saw-logging for 14 years.
I was in the "Real Estate" business for 10 years
I am and have been a "Notary Public" for 24 years 5-9-27
I am " " " " " " " 28 "
I had Law License issue and approved by Judge D.B. Redwine Oct 12, 1899.
Recorded Book 13 P. 81
I was re-appointed a Notary Public on Nov 14, 1931, being 83 years old on Oct 8th and had served 28 years - May 17, 1931.
H. G. Arnett was Reappointed "Notary Public" May 17, 1927
My Commission will expire - May 17, 1931
My New Commission expires Nov 14, 1935

[written initially May 1927 with the Nov 1931 addition made later]

[At the bottom of page 65 on which he listed his "vocations in life" is a clipping from what appears to be a newspaper or magazine article. There is no date or author's name listed. This clipping is copied in the "End Notes" section under title "Overcoming Obstacles."]


[Following the "Closing page" entry on page 65, there is a page 66 which contains a few family notes: Erin Arnett's marriage to Beckham Arnett, Calloway Howard's birth in 1861, Helen Arnett's marriage to William Clyde Donaldson, and the birth of Gene Arnett Donaldson in June 1930. Following these there is a magazine or newspaper article about William Jennings Bryan and a photo of the famed Senator, obviously held in high esteem by H.G.A. The article is copied at the end of this Journal transcript.]


(82) H.G. Arnett, Jr, Died Aug. 16, 1932 [The handwriting of this note may be that of E.B.A.]

[The Arnett Album, Vol I, 1983 contains a copy of a letter written by H.G. Arnett in Feb 9, 1932 to Philip Arnett, son of H.G.'s uncle Reuben, Jr. This letter was originally reproduced in the Salyersville Independent March 11, 1932. It was not part of the journal but is included in Appendix E.]


[1933]

(75) Carolyn Jean Arnett,
born Nov. 16, 1933
[this was written on page (75) by someone other than H.G.A., possibly Eugene B. Arnett. Carolyn Jean is the daughter of Beckham and Erin Arnett. ]


[1934]

[Paul Jones Arnett married Georgia Ruth Gillum on May 20, 1934. Their first child was Alvin, born in 1935.]

H.G. Arnett died October 23, 1934 [actually Oct 22]

[written in the journal by son Eugene Britton Arnett.]

[Harrison Gregory Arnett was 84 years, 14 days old when he died. The death certificate lists the cause of his death as "old age" and gives the date of death as Oct 22, 1934. Since he was buried on Oct 23 according to the certificate, the Oct 22 is likely correct, and the "Oct 23" written in the Journal an understandable error. The certificate was signed by Dr. Sr. C. Connelly of Salyersville. Fritz E. Arnett was the informant for the certificate and listed H.G.'s parents as "Ambers Arnett" and "Plina Ray" The funeral was at Patrick & Prater of Salyersville, and he was buried 10-23-34 next to Rebecca on the John Higgins Hill overlooking the "homestead" on the Middle Fork at Hendricks.]

[In his will drawn up November 19, 1921, H.G. directed that all his estate should pass to his son, Fritz Earl Arnett, stating that because Fritz had "unfortunately lost his left eye, while very young, thus depriving him of much of the comforts and pleasures of this life, besides lessening his opportunities for accumulation, I am constrained to believe it my duty to give him this advantage over our other children,, he surviving my wife and I." The will was written seven months after his wife, Rebecca, had her stroke and the prospects for her survival were poor. See Appendix D.]



[Epilogue]

[Following H.G.'s death in 1934, Fritz and Lula (Dyer) Arnett continued to live in the house and take care of the farm. Fritz was a good farmer and took his cattle over to the hill adjoining the Levi Arnett (later Lester Patrick) property to graze. His wife, Lula, took care of the books and helped with the administration of the "homestead." Fritz's daughter, Erin, and her husband Beckham lived in the HGA house after their marriage in 1927, and their daughter, Carolyn, has many fond memories of the house and barn. When Carolyn married Skid Minix in 1956, they stayed for their first year in the upper bedroom on the right, and Skid later helped Fritz enclose a room on the side porch.

Erin and Beckham later moved to a house just up the road next to the Hendricks School where Beckham taught for many years. They were close enough to help out at the house, and when Lula died in 1962, Erin essentially took care of the property. Fritz continued to do some farming but eventually had to move to a nursing home about 1970, and he continued to live on for another twenty years dying at the age of 101. Erin couldn't find any members of the family to live in the house and didn't want to rent it out to "strangers." Although the H.G.A. house made its way to the Historic Register during the administation of Gov. Wendell Ford (1971-74), its physical condition gradually declined, and its fate at this time--1998--is still in doubt.

Erin and Beckham Arnett's three children continue to manage the farm and each year strike a contract with a farmer for the next season's crop. Currently the bottom land has been employed in the cultivation of tobacco while the hillside across the highway has returned to natural vegetation. Carolyn and Skid took John Arnett and his video camera on a tour of the house and barn in September 1998, and John and Carolyn Arnett returned to the "homestead" on October 8, 1998 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Harrison Gregory Arnett's birth and presented a copy of this annotated Journal to Connie Wireman and Todd Preston (below) at the Magoffin County Historical Society.]



John and Carolyn at the HGA homestead

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