David Barr, a student at Columbus, Georgia, wrote this letter in 1868 to his teacher Sarah Chase. He discusses his studies taught by Miss Gayle and notes he lives two miles north of Columbus on a farm in Bealwood, Georgia. He refers to "the death of Mr. Ashburn" George Washington Ashburn (April 13, 1814 – March 31, 1868). Ashburn was a Radical Republican US Senate candidate and judge assassinated by the Ku Klux Klan in Columbus, Georgia, for his pro-African-American actions.
About David Barr
David Barr's death on January 1, 1869 is reported in a letter written by a friend, Jordan C. Johnson. He wrote: David Barr he is ded he went to Mobile last sept with his teacher Miss Mary A. Gayle to mobile with her and came Back on the on the 28th ist of december and was taking with fits a few days after and died January 1 1869.
Transcription
Columbus Ga, J. 29,1868 To Miss Sarah L. Chase
My Dear Teacher.
I take the present opportunity to write to you and you all informing you that we are all well at this time present and doing well. I go to school to Miss Gayle and are learning quite fast. I study 3d Geography, 3d Reader, 2 Arithmetic Webseters Dictionary Elementary spelling Book Miss Gayle has 33 scholars I live in Bealwood two miles north of Columbus on a large farm the time has expired again for our Northerned Teacher to leave us I suppose you heard of the Death of Mr Ashburn there is one good thing the Millitary has taken that Case in hand another good thing
our City is now under Millitary law. I don’t think our City has ever been in such condition before. We have not forgotten 2 times 1 are 2 and 5 times 5 are 25. We are going to a Singing School and Miss Gayle our Teacher also Mr Thornton our Teacher is going to give A Concerts and I wish tha[t] you and Miss Lucy Could Attend The colord people are very anxious for you all to come back
Miss G received A letter from you and was very glad <of hearing of> you to hear from you nor have I forgot that pretty little speller that you gave me before you went Away Miss Gayle say that she will write to you soon Miss Gayle say she would like to see you so would I
yours truly David Barr
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About David Barr
His death on January 1, 1869 is reported in a letter by Jordan C. Johnson.