Sallie Robertson Bible

Mary Kerr Motz of Yanceyville, North Carolina, died 11 November 2005. Included in her books was the Bible of Sarah A. (Sallie) Robertson (1833-1923). This Bible apparently was an 1860 present to Sallie Robertson by her friend Harriet Graves. Over the next several decades, Sallie Robertson used this Bible as a diary or journal, recording wherever there was space the happenings of the day and her feelings about them.

This fascinating journal was sold at auction in 2006. The auction house was kind enough to allow Karen Avants of the Caswell County Historical Association to capture the information Sallie Robertson so carefully preserved. Set forth below are excerpts from this journal. A chronological order is attempted, which often differs from the page numbers cited.

Sarah A. (Sallie) Robertson the daughter of Dr. George Robertson (c.1807-1855) and Sarah Allen Robertson (1803-1871) of Yanceyville, Caswell County, North Carolina. Sallie was born June 1833 and died 27 November1923. She was the third child in a family of eight children.

Sallie Robertson never married and lived with her sisters in the family home until her death in 1923 at 90 years of age. When Sallie was 27 years old her friend Harriet Graves gave her a small Bible June 1, 1860. Sallie recorded Civil War events as they touched her family, friends, and community. She wrote brief notes about births, deaths, and events for over 50 years. Sallie writes; “I wonder when this awful war will cease!! The blood, the blood that has been spent for our confederacy. I wish I could stop mourning for the dead, for I feel that I sin in so doing, I try to be resigned to thy will O Lord.”
Here are additional entries:

Inside Front Cover

My bible
With thoughts for no eyes but my own
I hope no one will intrude
upon the silent musings
of a heart ever too sad
for a glad favor? S.R.

“Faults are often
thick where love is thin.”

Alex & family here
Oct 11, 1865

All but poor “W” here June 1871

Next Page

Sallie A Robertson
From her friend
Harriet Graves
June 1st 1860

God is not willing
that any should perish
but that all should come
to repentance 2nd Peter
3rd C-9-V
One day is with the
Lord as a 1000 yrs &
a 1000 yrs as one day
2nd Peter 3rd C 8 verse

Next Page

Sallie A. Robertson
Yanceyville
No. Carolina

The Yanceyville Greys
left for Raleigh
Monday May
13th 1861

My dear Willie
was killed June 27th
1862 at Gaines’ Mill, Va.
I am miserable, miserable!
1862

Next Page

My road has been filled
with thorns, but I trust,
by obedience to the com-
mands of a holy God,
to come out a smiling
conqueror at the last
great day when in
shall all appear before
God to give accounts
of ourselves while living
in this world.
1870
I am disobedient &
sinful. I feel it &
pray the Lord will
have mercy on me
or I am lost!
Sept. 1877

Title Page

No one knows how much
I miss my dear Pa,
Ma & Brothers
I am miserable
April 20th 1873
I almost give up at times
& think there is no love of
Jesus in my heart or
wouldn’t be so sinful.
I have a great many
trials no one knows of
except myself but I should
cast my burdens upon
a willing Jesus & trust
God will help me to do so.
Nov. 8th 1874

We are here all alone no
parents or brothers. Such
are the afflictions of the
Lord & we should be contented
Oct.6th 1872
I feel sad today, so
many trials & so little
faith Sept 23rd 1877

I trust I am one of
the Lords servants. I
want to be & He said
believe on the Lord Jesus

I am surely tried by the
impositions of those who call
themselves my friends.
May 25th 1873

1861

"Mr. Billie Roswell & Martha Womack were married 29th July 1861 aged 76 & 26/Mr.R died 1866 at Piedmont Springs Mrs. R married Mr. Cardswell January 8th 1868." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 376. Could "Roswell" be "Boswell"?

"Bart born 19th OCT 1861 Nicey's 3rd son." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 324-325.

"Marshall and Jennie got here Thursday July 18th 1861 from New Mexico." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 334-335.

"Nannie Graves? givens? died Thursday Sept 5th 1861." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 344-345.

"Mrs. Shelton died Friday 13th of Sept 1861./Mr. Shelton & Fanny Johnston married January 1863." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 348-349.

1862

"Willie started back to camp Thursday June 5th 1862 Joe came home may 22 1862 sick from exposure." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 88-89.

"Wallace brought Willie's remains home Thursday July 8th 1862/Felix Graves was killed Tuesday July 1st 1862 & buried July 5th at home." ("Wallace" Alexander husband of Mary "Mollie" Robertson oldest daughter of the Robertson family). Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, New Testament at 110-111.

"Mr. Mason preached our darling Willie's funeral from this text, July 8th 1862 (St. John, Chapter 12/13, verse 34-35 marked. 34. A new commandment I give unto you,
That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.)." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, New Testament at 90-91.

"My dear Willie been dead 3 weeks July 5th 1862. One year ago today he was at home with me." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 194.

"Bud had been in Raleigh where he had been to take his substitute August 6th (Wed) 1862 brought Geo ?ylander with him. Oh! If only dearest Willie had taken a substitute." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 130-131.

"Poor Nat Kerr was killed Sunday Sept. 14 1862 & Henry Fowler Wed Sept 17th 1862. Two good boys. Jim Poteat, Felix Neal & Vaden dangerously wounded. Mr. Vaden has since died. Felix Neal married and died." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 154-155.

"Poor old True Our faithful dog "True" died 19th -Feb 1862- Wednesday evening ¼ past 2 dear Willie's dog"

"Sallie Poteat's (Lindsay) son born Jan. 15th 1862/ Sallie Bets name "James Carter." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 292-293.

"Addie McLan? had her 1st child (son) 25th Dec 1861 named George 2nd son born 25th Oct 1868." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 292-293.

1863

"My dear Bud died March 9th 1863 with congestion of the brain. He was only sick 4 days how suddenly he was taken. My darling Bud. My heart has grieved sorely for you." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 430-431.

"Ellen Bell born Oct. 26 1863 The day Mr. Lindsay was baptized." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 294-295.

"Hon. John Kerr married Miss Royal Oct 14th (wed morn) 1863. He aged 52 she 26 years" Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 298-299.

"Marshall died March 1863." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 334-335. Marshall apparently was the husband of Jennie, both of whom remain unidentified.

"Mrs. Shelton died Friday 13th of Sept 1861./Mr. Shelton & Fanny Johnston married January 1863." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 348-349.

1864

"Our negroes have chicken pox in a dreadful form July 3rd 1864. Small pox it was." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 308-309.

1865

"Poor Pollie died Sunday Oct.8th 1865. I hope she is in Heaven." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 485-486. Pollie/Polly is a nickname for Mary.

"Emma Linsay Poteat had a babe Sunday Oct 15th Ellen and children left Oct 16th 1865." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 485-486. This reference to Emma Linsay Poteat is difficult to understand. It could not be a reference to Emma Lindsay Poteat, daughter of James Poteat and Julia Annes McNeil because that Emma Lindsay Poteat was born 16 October 1865. This could, however, be a reference to that birth.

"Mary Joyner is very sick, & I am very very sorry for it , for I love her very much & want her to be well August 6th 1865 1st Sunday/ I fret dreadfully and hope I may meet her in Heaven." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 318-319.

"My darling Mary Joyner died with Typhoid fever Thursday eve Aug. 10th 1865. Oh! how sorry I am she was a dear good soul, & how sadly I shall miss her in everything, I loved her dearly. Sallie" Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 332-333.

"Mary Joyner's funeral text preached by Mr.?oll (T or F?) at the B. Church Friday eve August 11th 1865 (Job Chapter 13 verses 13-23)." Source: Bible of
Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 401.

1866

"Old Dr. Allen Gunn’s first child (son) born April 1866 Sterling Gunn." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 84-85.

1867

"Mr. Grasty preaches in town 1st Sunday in April 1867." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 306-307.

1870

Sallie Robertson made the following entry in her Bible (Title Page) 8 March 1870:

"My noble, good & Brave brother Willie Was killed by the Yankees June 27th 1862. While trying to take a battery. The color barer fell & my brother seized the Flag & said " he would stand by it til he died". He was very soon afterwards shot in the head & died instantly after coming out of the battle. He was twenty years old & a better boy never lived, very affectionate to his Mother & sisters. Would deny himself for their comfort always attended S-School & preaching read his Bible daily Never kept bad company & was remarkably kind to the poor Oh! He was a noble boy. He was very kind to the slaves. My dear Willie never swore, or took God's name in vain. He would have died before he would've said a bad word in the presence of his sisters or mother. Oh! can we ever stop grieving for such a kind good brother? I pray to be reconciled to God's will & trust now I am though I sinned greatly when my brother was first taken by rebelling against His holy will." Thy will O, Lord & not mine" I trust now is my hearts desire." March 8th 1870

"The Yanks are in town Sept. 1870/ Kirk has left Aug. 1870/ Marshall and Jennie got here Thursday July 18th 1861 from New Mexico/Marshall died March 1863." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 334-335.

"How many tears I have shed since the war, our Heavenly Father only knows-My heart knows its own sorrow. Oct. 29th 1870." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 340-341.

"Eliza Cal Yancey & John Kerr married in the B. Church Dec 18th 1870." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 296-297.

"Mollie Graves & Bernie Mebane married June 23rd 1870. Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 300-301.

"How many tears I have shed since the war, our Heavenly Father only knows-My heart knows its own sorrow. Oct. 29th 1870" Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 340-341.

"The last- co. of Yanks left Sun Oct. 2nd, 1870." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, New Testament at 596-597.

1971

"My dear darling Ma died Friday morning at 7 o’clock July 14th. Mr. Mason read from 13th to 18th verses 15th day of July 1871. The day my precious ma was buried. (Thessalonians)." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 168-169. Her mother was Sarah F. Allen Robertson (1803-1871).

1872

"Dear Wallace died Sat morning at 6 O’CLOCK June 1st 1872 I hope he is now an angel with our heavenly father. Dear Frank died Tues pm 1-15 Sept 4th 1888 He was a good boy." Source: Sallie Robertson Bible at 173. Frank is believed to be Frank Alexander, who died 4 September 1888. He was the son of Wallace H. Alexander and Mary R. Robertson and would have been a nephew of Sallie Robertson.

"Wallace Alexander died June 1st 1872. Was sick one year." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 208. Wallace H. Alexander was the brother-in-law of Sallie Robertson.

"Battle fought near Richmond McClennan & Johnston com. June 1st May 31st 1862." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 82-83.

"My dear little Hattie was taken from earth to heaven Sept 9th 1872 She was a happy little angel Blessed are they who die in the Lord." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 160-161.

1873

"Sallie Bets Lindsey very sick with consumption January 9th 1873." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 191.

"Sallie Bets Lindsays funeral text preached by Mr. James? Thursday January 16th 1873 (St.John Chapter11 verse 25." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 88-89.

"Mr. Hoyle preached Mrs. Yancey Jones Funeral Text 7th vrs XII Chap. in Ecc Wed. May 21 1873." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 489.

1871

"Pa been dead 16 long years Feb 3rd 1871. Bud eight March 9th 1871 Willie 9 June 27th 1871 The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 171-172.

1877

"Ms. Eliza Hubbard died Wed. Aug. 1st 1877." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 346-347.

1878

"Bob Cobb died Tues. Sept. 24th 1878 from a hurt caused by his horse throwing him the Sun. before, coming from Harrison's meeting house." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 290-291.

"Willie Royall & Cynthia Waytte married Thurs. Dec. 12th 1878/Jennie Wilson & Joe Cresos? Graves? married Wed. morn 8 o'clock in the B- church Dec 18th 1878." Source: Bible of Sallie Graves, Old Testament at 364-365.

"The house filled with a cloud/Hattie Gunn 15 yrs old Nov. 1878 refers to 2nd Chronicles c13, v14." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 342-343.

"Mary Lily Poteat born Sun. March 10th 1878/Hattie Slade born 1878."

1879

"Dr. Roan died Sat. Jan'y 18th 1879." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 346-347.

"Dr. Roans funeral was preached by Mr. Darrell Mon. Jan 20th 1879 1 C 10V (Timothy)." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 174.

"Mr. Kerr died Sept. 6 1879 in Reidsville." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 298-299.

"Hattie Slade born 1878."

1880

"Addie Winson died in Texas April 1st 1880." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 294-295.

"Mr. Hutson preaching here April 1880 com 4th Sun. in Mar." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 310-311.

1882

"Nat Johnston killed by Felix Roan 1882" Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 294-295.

"Chalmers, Nat & Preston died 1882." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 346-347.

1885

"Charlie Yancey died of pneumonia June 1885." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 379.

1886

"Earthquake felt here for 3 minutes Tues. PM Aug 31st 1886 just before 10 o'clock." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 181.

1888

"Mrs EA Richmond died Mon am Aug 20th 1888." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 184.

1889

"My dear darling Frank was most dead one year ago. Sun. Sept. 1st 1889. My dear darling boy." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 198. This person is believed to be Frank Alexander, who died 4 September 1888. He was the son of Wallace H. Alexander and Mary R. Robertson and would have been a nephew of Sallie Robertson.

1896

"Mrs. Roan [died] Jan. 1896." Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson, Old Testament at 346-347.


Date Uncertain

"My 'dearest brother' Willie is no more Oh! how my heart grieves for him for I loved him 'too well' I fear. I almost 'idolized' him he was so amiable, kind & good. (I hope to meet him in heaven.)" Source: Bible of Sallie Robertson at 34-35.

Grant 1.He that being often reproved hardenth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bearth rule, the people mourn. (Grant's name is written beside this marked scripture Proverbs 29th Chapter verse 1-2)

Pa 27. He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.28. When the wicked rise, men , hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase (written beside marked scripture Proverbs 28th Chapter verse 27 & 28)