The Tiner Diary
One of the interesting manuscripts in the Sutherland Springs Historical Museum's collection is a copy of Mr. J. L. Tiner's Diary from February 15, 1886 to February 9, 1889. Mr. Tiner farmed and raised livestock in Sutherland Springs, and he was a contemporary of J. H. and Mary Polley. In fact, J. L. Tiner's wife, Connie, was the granddaughter of Joseph and Mary Polley. This dairy recounts the death of Mary Bailey Polley. The Tiner's house in Sutherland Springs still survives, although it is in need of restoration. This diary describes the addition of the "new house" to the existing kitchen and dining room. It also tells about a fire that started in the kitchen and would have destroyed the whole project, if it had not been detected and put out quickly. The diary provides a fascinating look into the culture of the time. Mr. Tiner was very involved in local government and kept up with the national and international news. The diary has many of his financial ac
